Volume 12, Issue 14 — July 28, 2015
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Editorial Editorial Editorial
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Industry News Audio TVs Cables, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens and Accessories
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Forget Netflix – The Fifth Generation of Wireless Is About Connecting Everything
By Christopher Jaynes CTO and Founder, Mersive
I was on the phone last night with a colleague (who prefers to remain nameless) from the computer networking world. He’s both a scientist and an engineer I respect, so when the conversation turned to the future of wireless media and the wireless network in general, I grabbed a pen.
We discussed the implications of next generation of wireless technologies as they are deployed around the world. The fifth generation of wireless represents a dramatic upgrade from the already impressive 4G networks of today. A 4G network can provide 100 Mbps (Megabits per second) — plenty of bandwidth to download video, stream application data, and upload your latest Vine. Wireless has encircled most of civilization and 4G is fast becoming the standard. By 2020, 85 percent of the world will have at least a 3G connection, while 60 percent of the world will be on a 4G network. 4G has already changed how we interact with our computational environments and the media we store. For instance, Subaru has plans to introduce 4G LTE connections in select 2016 model cars. Pervasive and fast, 4G was transformational. It helped usher in cloud storage, the rise of the tablet, and the end of the video cable — which is why we built Solstice in the anticipation that wireless would transform how we access and use displays.
It’s interesting to consider then, what will 5G mean? What paradigms will it challenge? What technologies will rise with 5G connectivity and what new applications will we have access to that don’t exist today? I have to admit, it was an interesting conversation and there are parts of it that I promised I’d keep to myself. However, there are some interesting implications that I and others have already discussed. Of course, there will be obvious implications related to the ability to download data faster. The ability to download at the peak bandwidth of 4G’s 150 megabits per second will increase to about 10 Gigabits per second. That’s fast enough to reduce 10+ minutes of downloading movies to less than 10 seconds — very cool, but hardly revolutionary.
A more important implication will be how 5G can be leveraged to enable the Internet of Things (IoT). In short, the IoT is the concept that devices can produce interesting data about themselves and communicate directly with one another over wireless networks, enabling a new class of valuable applications. For example, objects could communicate their name and position to cars that are driving-by, enabling augmented reality windshields that we only dreamed about ten years ago. Apparently, there are some analysts that are predicting the IoT means the introduction of 25 billion new connected devices by the year 2020. These devices will be generating tremendous amounts of data and communications traffic — they’ll be sharing real-time biometrics to your treadmill, positional information from a dog collar, security status from your in-home devices… the list goes on. As these devices come online they’ll drive demand for 5G networks, after all, carriers will not deploy 5G until they see demand. There will be a synchronous cycle between the growth of the IoT and the spread of 5G networks.
In our much smaller world we’ll continue to watch the IoT to determine what it means for our more specific interests — the future of audio/video systems. We’ve already seen emerging technologies shift industry paradigms. After all, our wireless media streaming technology was there at the beginning of the end of the video cable, which changed how people share media to their displays. We are also witnessing the rise of 5G and the resulting phenomena of the Internet of Things, which will have similar implications. Although it’s too early to go into detail on what 5G will mean for wireless collaboration specifically, I do think it’ll introduce a new era of A/V – one I like to call the “Internet of Screens.” Leave a Comment
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Owner-Furnished Equipment Isn’t An After-Thought — Don’t Treat It as Such
By Leonard Suskin Pixel and Ink-Stained Wretch
Earlier this year I had a client ask the specifications of the “PC – OFE” (Personal Computer – Owner Furnished Equipment) in one of their conference rooms. This was a series of near-identical videoconferencing rooms designed quite a few years ago and now approaching the completion of installation. What followed was a discussion both frustrating and confusing for all involved; I explained that requirements were dependent on the needs of individual user groups (about only a few of which I’d ever been told enough to offer comments) and that, from the perspective of the AV system, the PC was merely a source. So long as it had an HDMI, DVI-D or DisplayPort output it would be viewable through the AV system, and if said output had a resolution of 1920×1080 it would be viewable with no scaling or other manipulation.
This has, for quite some time, been the answer. It was the answer when PCs would have VGA outputs and be use for PowerPoint, it was the answer yesterday when PCs have HDMI outputs and may be use to stream videos. Is it the answer today or tomorrow? Have we reached the point at which we need to start looking at “OFE” in a different way? The answer is an unqualified “yes.”
On Specifications
What is a PC today in the world of AV? For years various manufacturers have tried — with varying levels of success — to deliver a “conference room in a box”: a single device to handle conferencing, video routing, audio mixing and control. In a smallish conference room today the very best single tool for a space’s complete AV needs is, without question, a PC. A dedicated room computer is more flexible than standard AV hardware, is already something IT teams expect to have on their network and are both able and willing to support, and can be upgraded as software updates become available. Displays, amplifiers and microphones have now been reduced to a series of peripherals. As AV professionals this means that we can no longer shrug and write “OFE.”
The PC has become the heart of the AV system; in fact, in a trend which will only grow, I’ve argued that PCs can replace many aspects of traditional AV systems. In several current projects I am looking at software solutions for collaboration, for recording and streaming of content, and for aspects of control. I expect to add DSP to that in the near future as echo cancellation, mixing and audio routing move out of dedicated boxes and onto servers. What does that mean for us?
First, as room PCs go from being a source to becoming AV processing devices, we need to take as much care in specifying them as we do with, say, a video switcher. Is there sufficient processing speed to decode or encode streaming video? Is a dual NIC needed to access an AV control VLAN? Are USB 3 ports required for a camera input?
On Coordination
Traditional AV systems have always been tested in-house, often without the benefits of network connectivity and with, at best, a video test generator filling the role of the PC. Then came network-based systems and with them the need to mock-up at least some level of connectivity, even if it is as simple as a standalone network switch. I’ve even seen these “test switches” built into AV racks and retired in place during install. The presence of a switch gives the AV contractor a hedge against incomplete IT systems installation holding up on-site installation.
What happens now with a PC-centric system? The good news is that such systems require significantly fewer devices, and, therefore, less AV cabling than a more hardware based system. This diminishes the need to verify physical connectivity, but adds new requirements for testing the interaction between various hardware and software components. Are there multiple acoustic echo cancellation algorithms fighting each other, or no echo cancellation at all? Do the user’s choices of soft codec, recording application and scheduling platform work together with each other and with dedicated AV hardware? If the AV control system is intended to execute a batch file on the PC does it always work, or do some conditions cause failures? Are there security features and settings which would prevent the AV system from interacting with the PC in the manner intended and, if so, can these be changed without violating the users’ security policies?
This means that the in-house toolkit needs to look much different than it once did. About five years ago, one could at the very least test even the most complex systems with not much more than video sources, audio sources and perhaps a phone line. Today such a kit could include computers running various operating systems (or a series of virtual machines on a server), software licenses, and a managed network switch.
The best — and hardest — solution is to change our relationship with owner-furnished equipment. No longer is OFE limited to CATV receivers and a PC used as a mere source; today it can often be a very central part of an AV system on which AV professionals will have to work alongside traditional IT staff to properly configure, install and test.
Take Nothing For Granted
One theme to which I keep returning is that, as commodification and consumerization continue to take stronger hold, our scope has to broaden beyond those beloved proprietary AV boxes. We need to look at more, to understand more, and to interact with more. And, most importantly, we need to educate our clients more deeply.
In the above example, it was OK for me to not know for what a computer would be used — this time. For newer projects? It’s increasingly difficult for me to do my job well without having that answer. It’s time for us to start paying more attention to “OFE” and stop thinking that “by others” means we needn’t care. Leave a Comment
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Daily Productivity Management For AV Pros
By Lee Distad rAVe Columnist
Although it’s not my focus these days, I still frequently get asked to coach and train salespeople. It’s not always sales skills that I’m asked to coach either. Personal growth means working on your weaknesses, and not every salesperson needs more sales training.
A little while ago I was asked to provide some coaching for a sales team that focused on improving their organizational skills and productivity. It’s a scenario that some readers will be familiar with: Having salespeople who are charming, great with clients and can close deals, but they just don’t have their act together.
Since I’m told that I’m very organized, I teach salespeople the template I use to structure my activities.
Daily Organization
Use a calendar app. Outlook, Gmail, it doesn’t matter which — just use one.
On your calendar, maintain a running “to do list.” It will include emails you have to send, phone calls you have to make, and people you have to meet. The single reason for this is so that none of the people you interact with, your leads, prospects or clients falls through the cracks.
Whether they’re big clients or small, none of them should ever be neglected, all of them should feel like you’re on top of their needs. No one can afford to let prospective business slip through your fingers because you “forgot” to call them back.
Here’s where the rubber hits the road with how I use my calendar. On a given day you may not get done everything you wanted to achieve. That’s life. Move things over from your “to do” list to the next day if you didn’t get through them today.
Every day, evaluate your list, perform triage on it and determine who needs immediate attention, and determine which is urgent and which is important (they’re not always the same thing).
In my case, the tasks which get pushed back to the day after, and the day after that get completed because I feel guilty letting them go so long, and I’m compelled to finish my tasks.
It’s important to plan your time long term; organize your calendar so you have a clear idea of what you’re doing and who you’re dealing with for the foreseeable future; tomorrow, next week, next month and three months from now.
Cold Call Management
Few people genuinely enjoy cold calling, yet it has to be done. Take the time to strategize who you’re targeting, what sector and what companies, and build a list of potential prospects.
Then, learn everything you can about your potential prospects. For example, go online to your regional Home Builders Association and seek out the contact information for every desirable prospect on your list. Thanks to Google and LinkedIn, it’s simple to get further details about your prospects. Do the homework and you may find some leverage to make cold calls less chilly.
Building on that, take advantage of your personal network (through LinkedIn again, for example) to gather more information about potential prospects; you’re not limited to the phonebook and internet when gathering information, odds are you my know someone who knows someone.
Put your prospects in your calendar, and start reaching out to them.
Meetings
It’s not a case of there being a right way and a wrong way to organize yourself before and after meetings. It’s more like you either organize yourself or you don’t.
Double check items on your calendar for accuracy; make sure you know the name of the person you’re meeting and the address you’re meeting them at. While you’re meeting take detailed notes; write down everything. I’ll emphasize that: write down everything. Write down the who, what, when, where, why and how. Write down the deliverables, yours and theirs, and everything you need to follow up on after.
Then, update the contact info of the people you met as soon as you return to the office; if you get someone’s business card input the info immediately, not four days later when you see their card lying on your desk.
None of this is rocket science, nor is it fancy advanced skills. It’s the basics. But as any sports coach will tell you, mastery of the basics will take you a long way. Leave a Comment
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HomeAV Networking Training from CEDIAWith the average number of internet-connected devices growing each year – in 2013 the national average per household was 5.7 – the demand for a secure home network grows; and so does the demand for home technology professionals with advanced networking skills.
To ensure you have a thorough understanding of networking and systems integration, CEDIA is now offering more home networking hands-on training than ever before.
Five-Day Networking Boot Camp
The next CEDIA Advanced Networking & Systems Integration Boot Camp takes place August 17 – 21 at CEDIA headquarters in Indianapolis. During this boot camp, you will install, configure, and program multiple residential electronics subsystems into a unified home automation platform – all using a mobile device as both an entertainment source and system controller.
Subsystems include:
- A/V
- HVAC
- Lighting
- Closed-circuit cameras
- Shades
- Wireless door locks
All the details on the five-day course are here.
One-Day Networking Workshops in California and Las Vegas
CEDIA has partnered with Volutone to offer a series of networking workshops throughout 2015. The second workshop in the series, covering intermediate networking and advanced wireless networking, is coming to Volutone locations in the following cities:
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Genelec Ships 7040A Ultra-Compact SubwooferGenelec is now shipping the new 7040A, an ultra-compact subwoofer. Designed to be used with Genelec’s 8010, 8020 and M030 active monitors, the 7040A features Genelec’s Laminar Spiral Enclosure (LSE) technology. This enclosure design claims a high sound pressure level (an essential property for a subwoofer) and move high volumes of air without distortion.
Small rooms have limited floor space, and Genelec engineers have optimized the 7040 subwoofer enclosure with this in mind. With external dimensions of 16.125 x 13.75 x 8.125-inch (410 x 350 x 205 mm), the 7040A has a footprint that is smaller than that of a small practice guitar amplifier. It is also narrow enough to fit in a 19-inch rack and weighs 25 pounds (11.3 kg).
Calibration of the Genelec 7040A subwoofer to the listening environment is done using DIP switches located on the subwoofer connector panel. These controls address typical monitoring placement configurations.
The 7040A is spec’d to produce 100 dB of sound pressure level (SPL) using a 6 ½-inch woofer and a powerful Genelec-designed Class D amplifier. At the lowest frequencies this SPL is radiated from the bass reflex port by channeling large volumes of air movement through it. The LSE enclosure is made from a spiral-shaped strip of steel, providing maximal mechanical stability for the large pressures generated inside the subwoofer. The spiral forms the bass reflex port as well, enabling linear airflow also at the SPL outputs. Genelec says this flow-optimized construction provides extended low frequency capacity and low distortion resulting in precise bass articulation.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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Séura Launches Storm Ultra Bright 65 inch Outdoor TVSéura has added a 65 inch TV to its Storm Ultra Bright line of outdoor televisions. The 65 inch Séura Storm Ultra Bright, their brightest outdoor TV for direct sunlight viewing, is a 4K UHD screen integrated with their LuminOptics technology. Spec’d to output 630-nit screen brightness is is built with a dual-layer anti-reflective screen coating as well as UV coated glass that they say prevents screen washout. The Activ Airflow system keeps the electronics operating smoothly regardless of the extreme heat from the sun.
Built for the outdoors, the Séura Storm Ultra Bright is rated for all seasons with a multi-climate temperate range from -30°F to 140°F and has an IP56 weatherproof design that survives rain and snow. Designed and tested in the summer heat and frigid winters in Wisconsin, Storm Ultra Bright claims to be tough. Séura’s outdoor TVs feature a Triple Lock Seal that provides three barriers of protection against outdoor elements, including: moisture, ice, dust, insects, etc. Séura outdoor TVs are tested and certified for safe outdoor usage.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Blue Line Innovations Launches EnergyCloud Web Platform and Mobile AppBlue Line Innovations just launched its EnergyCloud web-based energy portal and mobile app, designed to help users of the PowerCost Monitor understand their electricity usage through a secure platform that collects electricity readings from connected homes via the PowerCost Wi-Fi Bridge device.
The EnergyCloud mobile app allows you to view electricity usage in real-time, receive alerts that require attention, such as a low sensor battery condition, and allow users to subscribe to and share their electricity data to advanced third party analytics apps. You can also view your “Right Now” power as well as this month and last month totals including your “phantom load” or “always on” power usage. The iOS version is available for iPhone 4S and later, with an Android version coming soon.
The Wi-Fi Bridge device can be purchased as an add-on for the PowerCost Monitor or as a stand-alone product bundled with the patented Blue Line optical sensor. The PowerCost Monitor along with the Wi-Fi Bridge is a wireless, portable, real-time energy reporting system for the home and small business. The PowerCost Monitor is available here. Leave a Comment
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Screen Innovations’ Updates Zero Edge Flex, Adds Maestro Acoustically Transparent WeaveScreen Innovations (SI) has updated its Zero Edge FLEX frame style and added the company’s Maestro White and Maestro Gray acoustically transparent, woven, screens.
SI claims the Zero Edge design has broken the rigidity barrier with a new frame that has made on-site assembly easier than ever for custom installers. Zero Edge FLEX easily breaks down and assembles on-site, making it cost effective to ship AND navigate tight spaces, elevators and stairways.
Zero Edge FLEX Slate, ambient-light rejecting screen material, can be configured to a massive 390-inches (measured diagonally in 16:9). Maestro tops out at a maximum of 185-inches. Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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Multibrackets Adds Motorized Swing Arm MountThe M Motorized Swing Mount allows you to use your TV’s remote control buttons to move the mount, even allowing for the mount to move the TV up to 90 degrees left or right. Giving the same TV multiple viewing angles in the room. Just push your pre-programmed memory button (whichever button you choose to use on your remote) and your TV automatically moves into the position you want.
The M Motorized Swing Mount includes standard VESA mounting connections (up to 600×400 millimeters). It can accept TV sizes up to 55” for most TVs and even larger for some LED TVs (max weight is 35 kilograms or 77 pounds).
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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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 Back to Top |
Copyright 2015 – 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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