Volume 11, Issue 24 — December 30, 2014
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Industry News
rAVe BlogSquad Audio
Lighting Control & Signal Processing
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Mobile Charging Bags For Traveling AV Pros
By Lee Distad rAVe Columnist
The secret to not just surviving but thriving on business travel is to take care of both yourself and your equipment.
Just like we need adequate rest, food and hydration to enjoy traveling, our gear needs to stay charged. For AV pros who find themselves constantly on the go, there are plenty of options.
The Freedom is a second-generation smart handbag from Dutch company Phorce. Phorce’s first smart handbag was the Pro, and was specifically designed for business travel. The Freedom is smaller and more lightweight, and is designed for everyday use.
The Freedom incorporates a 15,000 mAh battery that is able to charge two devices (phone and tablet, for example) simultaneously for up to a week on a single charge. The internal battery can be recharged from any USB power source, eliminating the need for a wall charger.
Despite being over 25 percent lighter than the Pro, the Freedom claims the same premium quality and performance as well as enough power for demanding users. “Our goal has always been to make people truly mobile,” said Marijn Berk, founder of Phorce. “We started with Pro, a professional-grade product. Business travelers rave about it and they’re an especially tough crowd to please. We use modern design and technology to rethink what a bag can be and do. Our bags are as refined, intelligent and powerful as the devices you carry inside them.”
Phorce describes the Freedom’s design as “shape shifting.” It can configured into a backpack, messenger bag or briefcase, depending on the preferences of the user. It’s pockets are linked with microfiber, what Phorce dubs “display cleaning” to keep mobile electronics scuff and dust free.
Multiple pockets and the interior of the Freedom are able to accommodate documents, files and a laptop, while only weighing 3.5 pounds and coming in at 3 inches thick when unloaded. The Phorce sells for $199.
Taking a completely different tack, the Packr from solar power company Enerplex is a backpack that incorporates a patented flexible, durable 3-watt solar panel able to charge mobile devices. Enerplex claims that you can drop them, run them over with a car, and even get them wet and they will continue to function.
What makes the Packr solar panels flexible and durable are the CIGS (copper, iridium, gallium, selenide) solar technology that is used to make them. While most solar cells are placed on a glass substrate which makes the units heavy, rigid and breakable, CIGS cells can be mounted on a plastic backing. This allows the panels to be flexible, lightweight and rugged.
The Packr can charge a variety of USB-enabled devices, including tablets. Like all solar chargers, the more panels that are exposed to the sun, the more power the charger can provide.
It’s important to remember that the Packr is a direct solar charger. Lacking a battery it will not hold or collect power for later. Enerplex recommends connecting their Packr and other solar chargers to their family of lithium-ion portable batteries to collect a charge to power your devices for when you need them. While Packr’s can charge devices directly, that leaves you at the mercy of the availability of sunlight.
Enerplex describe the Packr as “water resistant” by which they mean that the panels are sealed in plastic and the USB ports have been waterproofed with rubber plugs, so they can be submerged in water and still work afterwards. However, the interior compartments aren’t waterproof. Just bear that in mind when carrying your gear around.
In addition, the Packr has 30-liter interior capacity (in other words, it’s a medium-sized backpack, and also features standard amenities like outboard water bottle holders, reflective stripes and a laptop pouch within the bag. It’s available in three styles, and sells for between $99 and $129.
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Streaming Media Stick Wars
By Curt Robbins rAVe Blogger
It began in August 2013 when Google introduced the Chromecast. A small, Rubenesque HDMI dongle that allows you to stream music and video to your TV or home theater, the $35 Chromecast was an instant hit. This groovy petite player allows popular media services like Pandora, YouTube, and Netflix to easily be sent to your home theater from any Android or Apple smartphone or tablet — and even laptops and desktop computers.
Then, in the spring of 2014, Roku introduced the $49 Streaming Stick, a slick little purple dongle that, like Chromecast, plugs into a TV or AV receiver’s HDMI port to bring you music and video streaming from the Internet. Roku likes to tout how its dongle is “perfect for wall mounted TVs,” as are all of these svelt mini-streamers. Although slightly more expensive than its competition from Google, Roku’s streaming stick offers a dedicated remote control and so many more channels it isn’t even funny (like, um, 1,700 more, something Roku fans love).
Recently, the market for these mini-streamers got more crowded when Amazon announced the Fire TV Stick, the $39 dongle that falls between Chromecast and Roku in terms of price. Like Roku’s Streaming Stick, it features a nice, ergonomic remote. Unlike its competitors, Amazon sells a $40 game controller for the Fire TV Stick that allows you to play more than 200 different games. If you’re a casual gamer (as opposed to someone who needs an Xbox or Playstation to engage in their favorite first-person shoot out), the Fire TV Stick, with optional game controller, is a unique solution. It’s also pretty much the least expensive way — at $70 total — to get gaming into your living room.
For the most part, these inexpensive media streaming devices are more similar than different. They all plug into HDMI ports and require a dedicated power supply (they can’t get their juice from the HDMI port), so you’ll need a spare outlet around your TV or home theater gear. They all use Wi-Fi to ride on your broadband connection and suck down their audio or video stream from the internet. And they all offer major streaming services like Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube and a handful of streaming music services.
One thing all three of these streaming dongles have in common is being the little brothers to full-fledged “set-top box” media streamers from each company. Google’s new Nexus Player, the Roku 3, and Amazon Fire TV, all priced at $99, take streaming media to the next level, offering more robust features and functionality. Apple is the standout in offering a similar ($99) set-top streamer called Apple TV, but no HDMI dongle variant. One of the biggest advantages of these full-fledged media streamers — with the glaring and inexcusable exception of Google’s new Nexus Player — is their ability to connect to your home network and the internet via Ethernet hard cabling, eliminating the interference and connectivity problems inherent in Wi-Fi.
Google’s Chromecast is the odd man out in terms of bundling no dedicated remote. Not that there isn’t one: It’s your mobile device. Because this trend-setting device is platform agnostic, it matters not if you use an iPhone, Android smartphone, Samsung tablet, or the venerable iPad. Any Android or Apple smartphone or tablet works with Chromecast.
But let’s be realistic, it’s all about the content. As sexy as the candy wrapper might be, what we really care about is the chocolate. Roku’s Streaming Stick offers all 1,800+ channels that its more robust sibling Roku devices deliver. This is, hands down, the largest selection of content offered by any company selling streaming devices. If you’re one of those consumers who blows away the average four hours of television programming consumption per day and desires the largest availability of channels possible: Stop reading this, look up the Roku Streaming Stick on Amazon, and click Add to Cart.
However, this plethora of channels isn’t all peaches and cream. Roku’s lineup offers hundreds of arguably crappy and often obscure channels, many of which are foreign language-based. According to PC Magazine’s review, “…individual channels are still a mish-mash and many aren’t integrated into the search feature, so you have to wade through a lot of things you might not want.” However, Roku wins the agnostic award for not twisting your arm to rent or purchase content from a particular ecosystem, unlike Amazon’s Fire TV Stick.
Speaking of the Fire TV Stick: This newcomer is perfect if you’re a subscriber to Amazon Prime and love to get your entertainment from Prime Instant Video. Like Apple TV, both Apple and Amazon do their best to push you into their respective iTunes and Prime Instant Video ecosystems.
Google’s Chromecast differs in terms of channel availability. Instead of serving up a canned set of channels, Google has created a platform on which other media streaming services can jump in if they choose. Thus, the Netflix and Hulu Plus mobile apps have been updated to support Chromecast. When running these apps, you simply tap the Chromecast icon and, voila, you’re watching it on your TV or home theater. The only problem — especially compared to Roku and Amazon — is that only about 35 streaming apps currently support Chromecast. However, if you’re like my cord cutting family and consume most of your entertainment from Netflix, Hulu Plus, Crackle, and Pandora, these major services all support Chromecast (in addition to Watch ESPN, HBO GO, Songza for music, Vevo for music videos, and, of course, iTunes wannabe Google Play Movies & TV).
So there you have it. Unfortunately, the game-friendly Fire TV Stick won’t be available until January 2015, so forget Santa leaving you one in your stocking (smooth timing, Amazon; what are you smoking out there in Seattle?). It’s nice to see the market for uber-affordable streaming media devices getting competitive and catering to different entertainment ecosystems.
And it’s only going to get better.
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Pakedge Intros RE-2 Enterprise Grade Router for AV Market Pakedge Device & Software is introducing a new addition to its RE router series dubbed the RE-2 — an enterprise grade four-port router. The RE-series of routers is designed for smaller commercial and residential networks where high performance is required at a cost effective price.
The RE-2 is built around a powerful chipset and processor designed specifically to manage simultaneous streams of high bandwidth, low latency multimedia traffic including high definition video and uncompressed audio, running Voice over IP (VOIP) telephones services, streaming video camera feeds and supporting other automation control system applications.
Six preconfigured Pakedge Zones allow installers to segment voice, video and data traffic onto distinct sub-networks. This enables diverse traffic types to co-exist, be processed more efficiently, and eliminate system conflicts. This makes network set up and installation quicker and easier and enables installers to improve network performance and prevent broadcast storms and other problems on media streaming devices and security cameras. It also means that installers can add more media streaming devices onto the network quickly and easily when required in the future.
The RE-2 Router also incorporates other multimedia traffic management features. These include Pakedge TruStream technology that distinguishes and prioritizes the processing of latency-sensitive traffic (e.g., VoIP traffic, streaming video) from other traffic and IGMP snooping that facilitates the proper operation of multicast media streaming devices within the network.
For security, the RE-2 router includes:
- Virtual Private Network (VPN) that allows secure access into the network remotely
- Virtual DMZ (demilitarized zone) that allows the placement of a server outside the firewall
- Internet Pass-through Port that allows guest access to the internet but not the internal network
- Access control that blocks traffic to user specified devices, ports and IP addresses
- Website access controls blocks access to user specified websites
Router features include:
- Network access through free Pakedge DNS service that allows the user to access the network by typing in a user defined name instead of the IP address
- UPnP (Universal Play and Play) enables the automated discovery and integration of devices connected to the router
- Easy network file sharing through the high speed USB 3.0 port
- Secure remote access enables offsite troubleshooting while onboard network utility tools (e.g. Ping, traceroute and NSLookup, etc) assist in network problem resolution
- The RE-2 is fully compatible with the BakPak Cloud Management System, a Pakedge hardware-and-app combo that lets integrators monitor and manage their clients’ networks remotely
Here are all the specs.
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CEDIA Releases Details for Inaugural Business Xchange CEDIA has finalized the format and presenters for the first CEDIA Business Xchange set to take place at the Hilton NASA in Houston April 29 – May 1, 2015. The event will center around two half-day workshops and unconference sessions.
“The Business Xchange is not about sitting and listening to a presenter and seeing a few sales demonstrations it’s about walking away with the resources to keep your business successful,” said Larry Pexton, CEDIA chairman and Business Xchange Task Force member. “We’ve been intentional in the format so anyone in the home technology industry can learn and work on their business with experts, facilitators and peers.”
One of the new concepts that will be rolled out at Business Xchange is the “unconference,” sessions that provide a time for attendees to drive the discussion on hot button issues that are important to their business. Five rooms will host different discussions and attendees are encouraged to bring their specific questions, challenges, and solutions to the appropriate room. Facilitators and experienced professionals will be available to provide insight and help as needed.
“I regularly turn to my colleagues for business advice and guidance. These relationships have been so critical to my success, yet the opportunities to network and meet new people in the industry are limited. That is why we created the Business Xchange with a huge focus on the peer-to-peer aspect,” said Patrick Harman, A/V operations manager for diversified systems international and co-chair of the Business Xchange Task Force.
In addition to the business discussions in the unconference sessions, attendees will get to take deep dives into business concepts used by Fortune 500 companies. Two interactive half-day workshops have been developed to apply these concepts to small businesses.
The Advantage Workshop facilitated by Michael Lorsch and Kristine Kern of the Table Group will focus on organizational health and the four steps to getting healthy including building and maintaining a cohesive leadership team and creating organizational clarity.
The Trusted Advisor Workshop facilitated by David Chow of Trusted Advisor Associates will explore the impact that trust has on your bottom line. The workshop will provide a framework for evaluating trust and tools to improve your trustworthiness with customers.
Registration for the Business Xchange will open on February 11. Go here for more information.
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Parasound Ships New ZoneMaster 1250 Parasound’s new 12-channel amplifier is designed for custom installers building multi-room audio and modular home theater systems integrating with Dolby Atmos. Dubbed the Parasound ZoneMaster 1250, it’s spec’d to be unconditionally stabile into 2-ohm loads enabling total output power in excess of 1200 watts RMS with all channels driven. Each channel is rated at 50 watts into 8 ohms, or 90 watts into 4 ohms, and channel pairs can be bridged to provide 6 x 160 watts or 6 x 200 watts with 8- or 4-ohm speakers. It has the potential to bi-amp speakers for up to 400 watts per speaker. The combination of high power and low impedance stability allows for A and B speaker outputs for each channel providing easy connection of up to 24 speakers, and its 2U chassis saves precious rack space and the cost of additional amplifiers.
For applications throughout a home, the Parasound ZoneMaster 1250 can easily drive three stereo systems with 200 watts per channel, six stereo zones or 24 in-wall or ceiling speakers for music in every room of the house.
There are independent line inputs and level controls for each channel. There are two Bus inputs with looping outputs, plus a speaker-level input that can be routed to any zone. There are independent 12-volt and audio triggers with looping 12-volt trigger outputs for each zone, and a global 12-volt trigger.
Detachable Phoenix-style speaker connectors accept up to 12-gauge wire. Rack mounting hardware is included in the box and it’s “green” as power consumption is 0.5 watts standby power consumption to meet Energy Star and European Union specifications.
The Parasound ZoneMaster Model 1250 lists for $1,995 and you can find it here.
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Atlantic Technology Launches New In-ceiling Speakers Atlantic Technology has announced the first in-ceiling speaker specifically designed to reproduce “object based” elevation channels. In the last several months, Dolby and Auro (soon to be joined by DTS) have introduced algorithms designed to envelop the home theater listener with a bubble of sound coming from above. All of these formats are modeled on the latest “object-based” sound systems and sound tracks that have been developed to provide the audience with a totally immersive sound field.
The IC-6-OBA contains a high dynamic range 6-inch woofer coupled with a pair of one-inch tweeters designed to produce a “wide scatter.” Most other in-ceiling designs tend to have a narrow dispersion and can create audible “hot spots” to listeners directly the below the speakers. According to Atlantic, the IC-6-OBA spreads out the sound field similar to what is actually heard in movie theaters where elevation speakers are usually 30 to 40 feet above the listener.
With the IC-6-OBA, sounds above will move in specific directions without calling attention to themselves as “speakers above your head.”
The IC-6-OBA speakers enter the market in January and will list at $325 each. Here are the specs.
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FX Luminaire Intros New MO LED Wall Fixture FX Luminaire announced the release of the new MO, a LED wall fixture that complements both commercial and residential landscapes.
The MO is available in a choice of four metal finishes, and 10 powder coat finishes made of die cast brass with one or three LEDs for any application. Like other FX Luminaire fixtures, it includes four colored filters (amber, blue, green, and frosted) for color temperature customization. The MO is available with zoning and dimming capability using ZD Technology with the Luxor controller.
More details are here.
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AptoVision Claims World’s First AVB Capable Chipset for Uncompressed AV Signal Distribution AptoVision has announced Ethernet AVB protocol support for its new BlueRiver NT chipset, which AptoVision says is the first and only AVB capable chipset for distribution of uncompressed AV signals over 10GbE switches.
In addition to having an AVB capable transport layer, the BlueRiver NT chipset delivers a complete end-to-end solution for professional audio-video (ProAV) applications. Such applications require long distance transmission and switching of 4K HDMI video, analog & digital audio, RS232, IR, GbE and USB signals while expecting plug-and-play, interoperable operation between device types, signal types and video resolutions.
In installations requiring traffic shaping and bandwidth reservation, AVB (Audio-Video Bridging) enables a platform where uncompressed video data and non-video data can be transmitted over a LAN environment with predictable performance.
You can learn more here.
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe HomeAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100% opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the high-end HomeAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
Don’t like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.
To send me feedback, don’t reply to this newsletter – instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas: Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe Publications has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA, launched in February, 2004.
To read more about my background, our team, and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com
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Copyright 2014 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – 919/969-7501. Email: sara@ravepubs.com
rAVe HomeAV Edition contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors.
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