Volume 12, Issue 20 — October 22, 2014
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Editorial Editorial Editorial
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Industry News Control & Signal Processing Audio Unified Collaborative Conferencing Projection Displays Cables, Cases, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens & Accessories
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AV People: Chuck Wilson of NSCA
By Molly Stillman rAVe Director of Marketing & New Business Development
Chuck Wilson’s story of how he got into AV is a little different than, well, a lot of people. Not many people can say that they’ve only held two jobs their entire life. Chuck, executive director of NSCA, however, can.
“I started out in the AV industry in the late ‘70s,” said Chuck. “I came in as a very young electronic engineering intern student into a company called Communications Engineering Company (CEC) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. That same company is one I became a partner in after many years of working there.”
By the time Chuck went to college, he already had two years of electronic training through DeVry University that he had taken in high school. So, he already had a two-year associates degree before he ever got out of high school.
When he graduated college, he had three job possibilities: one with a large government avionics company, one in the banking industry, and one with this very small company called CEC that did AV systems and wireless technology. Chuck chose the small company. He saw opportunity. He saw entrepreneurship. He knew it was the right thing for him.
“I started out installing AV systems and then worked my way into design and more of the system layout and then eventually made my way into sales and sales management,” Chuck said. “Then later, I became a partner in the company in the ‘80s and ‘90s. That’s the only thing I’ve ever done. I’ve been in the AV industry my entire life. Right out of college to where I’m sitting today. It’s been quite a blessing to be able to do what I do.”
By the time CEC matured, they had over 100 employees, six branch offices and more. They had turned a small mom and pop kind of company into a large system integration company.
In 1996, the company was sold to a much larger family business and, at the time, Chuck was on the board at NSCA. He came to the conclusion that they really needed to do more and he knew that his calling was to work at NSCA to see if they could make a real organization out of it. So, Chuck officially became the first full time employee of NSCA and started in his second job.
Chuck has truly lived the American dream. At the age of 39, he was able to sell his business and focus on what his passions were in terms of giving back to the AV industry. He spent years learning from others and, when the time was right, turned the tables and now spends his time mentoring others and working with business people on methods and ways to become more successful in what they’re doing. He’s now able to apply what he learned in the first 21 years of his career.
“Along the way I have had some magnificent mentors,” said Chuck. “CEC had some of the best and brightest people as my mentors — some of the board members at NSCA were incredibly giving of their time and really bright. I really honed my skills as a result of NSCA and now the association does that for many others.”
Being the first employee of NSCA was humbling and an honor for Chuck, because he was able to be in a position and authority in an organization that really helped guide his career. It’s where they looked to for all their best practices and advice and one day he suddenly found himself in a leadership role within that organization. It was a powerful moment for him.
And today, Chuck gets a tremendous amount of satisfaction in helping people.
“Along the way, you know. We don’t often realize it, but people are often struggling mightily to run businesses today in the industry we love so much,” explained Chuck. “It is becoming increasingly harder to make money and to show a profit year in and year out doing what we love to do.
“My job, every day, is I have the privilege of helping companies who seek my advice on things like what to do when they’re challenged by cash flow, low margins, competition, jobs that go wrong, challenges with employees, etc. I think my greatest accomplishments have been to help these small, struggling companies to stay in business and show growth and help them with things I’ve learned along the way to apply that to their businesses.”
In addition to all his work with NSCA and helping others in the industry, Chuck is extremely involved at home, too. For the last 20 years, every Sunday, when he is in town, he runs the sound system and video system at his church, Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He loves giving back in this way because he’s passionate about keeping up with the technology in our industry and by using it and learning it hands on at his church, he’s able to see some of what NSCA’s members are experiencing and using.
“We have a responsibility, people who have been blessed with time, treasure or talent, to give back by doing the things you’re capable of at doing,” Chuck said. “I make it a point to actually buy the technology, donate it, and install it myself so that I’m able to really keep up with what’s going on and so that I know what I’m talking about.”
In addition to giving back to his church, Chuck also gives of his time in the form of mentoring and working with young people helping them get off on the right good. He works with them on things like situational awareness, behaviors, building the soft skills around their technical background or training.
“What I’ve noticed in this last generation is that our educational system is, in some cases, letting them down in terms of teaching them the soft skills such as conflict resolution, managing themselves, and other communication skills,” Chuck explained. “I’ve taken it upon myself to author a book, Under the Social Influence, on that subject and make myself available to help mentor them and position them to get off well in their first real job.” 100 percent of the proceeds of the book go to the association.
Because of his passion for young people and the education system, Chuck also served for six years as the school board chairman in his community and is currently the chairman of ESPA, a group focused on helping students get educated and certified in the AV industry.
Another fun fact about Chuck is he is an extremely devout Iowa Hawkeye football fan. In fact, he has not missed a home Iowa football home game (except for five) since 1977. According to Chuck, “If I can help it, you’ll never see an NSCA event scheduled on the same day as an Iowa football game in the fall.”
Chuck is married to his lovely wife Pam and they have a son, Austin, who is a junior at the University of Iowa. Chuck also happens to be the promoter, manager, mascot and biggest fan of the industry rock band the Drunk Unkles.
“I’m grateful for my family — especially my wife having to raise our son with me being out around 125 days a year,” said Chuck. “When I’m out helping our members run their business better, my wife was able to do for our family.” Chuck loves his family and this industry, he is passionate about helping others, giving back where he can, and helping the industry grow.
He says, “I have the best job in the industry and I really feel that way.” Leave a Comment
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AV Buddy Pro: An In Depth Review
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
How many of you are still walking into your site surveys with a bag full of tools? You have your light meter, your SPL meter and, most importantly, your clipboard. Just please tell me that you don’t have a pocket protector. While all those tools served us very well in the past, and have their uses in certain places, they limit collaboration between you, your customers and your colleagues.
AV Buddy Pro is a top notch tool that will allow you to get rid of most of that equipment and carry around only your phone and/or your tablet. The app starts out with a fill-in site survey form. The form includes all the basic information on client identification, but goes into detail in what you find at the site. You can enter parking information, loading dock information and whether you need special access to get into buildings. It has spots for your room details, such as wall and ceiling construction along with room dimensions. The survey allows for you to enter pictures taken on site with the built in camera of your device.
The other strong feature of AV Buddy is the calculations that it can perform. The basic calculation is throw distance. While this is certainly not difficult to figure out, it is often something that people want to know on the spot. If you know what type of projector you are using in a project, AV Buddy may have the model built into the app. Currently, it can calculate the throw distance of Barco, Christie, Epson, Mitsubishi, NEC, Sanyo, Sony and Viewsonic. If you don’t use one of those models, you can manually enter the ratios and it will give you the throw distance.
The app also includes calculators for several other very common needed measurements: Image Height, Closest Viewer, Farthest Viewer, Viewer Text, Diagonal of a Screen and Aspect Ratio. Each one of these calculators allow you to simply plug in the appropriate numbers. The really cool aspect of the calculators is that they can automatically enter the data back into the site survey you originally completed.
The app also includes several audio calculators, that are important, but not something that you would usually pull out on a job site or site survey, such as Impedance and PAG/NAG. Those are typically calculations you would do back at the office with your own tools. A few other misc calculators are helpful, such as the converter (for those of us who still don’t understand the metric system), rack unit measurement, and the heat load of a rack. Some of these calculations are helpful at the site, if we are trying to decide where a rack will fit, or the like. An added in tool, that helps during the initial site survey is the SPL meter. In retro-fit applications, it is critical to understand the base amount of noise in a space, before you start planning the audio system.
Finally, there are a few other tools that come in very handy during the installation. The app has a built in set of 24 test patterns. Each test pattern lets you specify what aspect ratio you want to see it in. There are several frequencies for audio testing. Several of these frequencies also allow you to test the L/C/R channels of audio independently.
I use AV Buddy Pro on a regular basis in the course of my job. However, as much as I do like it and use it, I think there are some quirks that need to be worked out. In particular, I sometimes wonder if the inventor (Chris Wright) tried to make too much out of the application. We are missing a standard, electronic site survey form for AV installations. While this app starts to get there, there is too much else weighing it down, which makes it seem cumbersome. If the inventor reads this (and I know he will) perhaps he could consider releasing a version of an app that is just the site survey, with calculators built into the form. An editable form (maybe in Google Docs?) that gets mailed to the user at the end of the survey would be a great start. Right now, the ability to capture an image of the form is nice, but that is not editable.
Finally, I also have to wonder about all the video, audio and control sections of the app. Again, these are very intimidating for a first time user. I believe that pulling these out into a separate tool, perhaps AV Buddy’s Little BlackBook, would be a wise idea. The final set of tools, such as test patterns and audio testing could be put into a third app. This approach would lighten up the app and it would not be so overwhelming the first several times it is used.
In the end, AV Buddy Pro is worth a buy. The app is $4.99 and that’s a steal for what it provides. The AV sales guy who still has a flip phone is not going to buy into using this app, but that may be for the better. It would only frustrate them. For those of us who are daring, and ready to jump into the future and work more easily with our designers and engineers will start using this app, and benefit from the rewards as the quality improves. Leave a Comment
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InfoComm: The Value Proposition of Videoconferencing May Have Been a Little Off, But That’s OK
By Brad Grimes InfoComm International
Have you seen the new TV advertisements for GoToMeeting, the online collaboration tool that most of us have probably used at one time or another? The company is highlighting videoconferencing integration and touting reduced travel as a top benefit.
Been there? Done that? I probably don’t need to remind you that post-9/11, extensive travel seemed unattractive. And when the economy went in the tank, paying for extensive travel also seemed unattractive. So many AV companies similarly touted videoconferencing as a way to reduce travel.
Totally understandable, but did that come to pass? Did people really want/need to travel less? Is that really the value proposition of videoconferencing, and by extension everything we consider under the umbrella of unified communications and collaboration (UCC)? Since the Great Recession, both spending on business travel in the U.S. and the number of business trips per year have steadily risen, according to the Global Business Travel Association (though the volume of trips this year looks to be up very modestly).
I’ve had several conversations recently that got me thinking, maybe reduced travel is not necessarily one of UCC’s top business benefits. A couple took place with InfoComm volunteers here at headquarters — somewhere they graciously traveled to in order to contribute their time. We were talking about UCC and its value proposition and the notion of reduced travel came up. These volunteers, who had just traveled, said, in essence, that they use UCC tools, including videoconferencing, but they don’t really travel less. If anything, they “meet” more.
Thanks to UCC, in between normal travel, which professionals of all stripes still find very necessary — whether to maintain human relationships, see things firsthand that don’t fit in a huddle room, etc. — many say they hold many more ad hoc, online meetings. This is in addition to travel, not instead of. Maybe consider it the equivalent of meeting in a colleague’s office down the hall — if the hall spanned states, countries or continents. It’s a richer experience than sitting around a desk and patching in, for example, a system designer via speakerphone. Integration of video, audio, collaboration tools, and other UCC elements promises to make such virtual experiences more productive. And the fact that such capabilities can be integrated using standard, ubiquitous networking protocols should make these meetings, which happen in between in-person meetings, easier to pull off.
So how are more meetings a good thing? If videoconferencing and UCC don’t dramatically reduce travel, but rather boost the amount of time people spend meeting (in this case online), what is the value proposition in that? If I learned anything at last month’s AV Executive Conference, it’s that companies must constantly re-evaluate and re-imagine the value proposition of the services and solutions they offer. If UCC won’t reduce travel (and to be fair, in some cases it may), then what will it do for clients?
Videoconferencing and UCC make companies — including AV companies — more agile. They support change, adaptation, and the rapid deployment of ideas in an ever-changing, fast-moving world. Sounds like so much rhetoric? Not to many.
In some of the same and other conversations I’ve had recently, AV pros have emphasized that (surprise!) projects are moving faster these days. Clients — probably because they feel a need to move quickly to compete in their respective markets — are putting demands on AV companies to move faster themselves. The time between RFP to system design to deployment is shorter. Designers and integrators need to collaborate more quickly and, as necessary, pivot on a dime and revise their solutions to meet demand.
Such maneuvering by an AV/IT design/integration team takes rapid consultation; such rapid consultation requires easily deployed, rich collaboration experiences; such experiences can be realized through the UCC and videoconferencing tools that AV professionals know so well. It’s a lot easier to say “videoconferencing reduces travel,” but enabling agility can also resonate in users’ minds as a legit value proposition.
Many clients already understand agile development. It has its roots in the IT industry, wherein large projects — applications development, Web systems integration — are achieved in smaller, incremental, rapidly deployed pieces. Projects aren’t delivered in one big solution at the end of a process. They’re rolled out in constantly tested, perpetually improved-upon pieces. Which is best enabled by close collaboration and frequent “face-to-face” meetings.
Videoconferencing and UCC promote agility. More (and different) meetings, not less help companies launch solutions faster. And more successfully. Ask some of your government customers what it’s like to award a big contract, wait years for a solution to deploy, only to find out it doesn’t work as required (if at all). It’s not necessarily that organizations embrace agile development because it’s better (although many argue it is); they also embrace agile development because they can. Because by using modern AV/IT collaboration tools, they can deploy rapidly, troubleshoot on-the-fly, improve/enhance without pause, and more.
Which begs the question (and fodder for future posts): How will the spirit of agile development affect the business of AV design and integration? How might processes change? For example, what would continual systems performance verification be like? Which is to say, constant commissioning? Can a large-scale AV systems integration project fit the agile model?
Are you incorporating agile principles into your solutions? More importantly, do UCC tools help? Join the conversation below.
This column was reprinted with permission from InfoComm International and originally appeared here. Leave a Comment
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Smart Building Conference Adds Four New Events
The Smart Building Conference — a joint venture of InfoComm International and CEDIA — will expand significantly in the coming months with the staging of four events addressing some of Europe’s most energetic markets for audiovisual technology and systems integration.
Conference organizer Integrated Systems Events, the company responsible for the globally acclaimed ISE trade show, has announced a schedule that will see the SBC stop off in London, Berlin and Milan this coming autumn, before returning to Amsterdam for ISE 2015 next February.
Mike Blackman, managing director, Integrated Systems Events, says, “After successfully staging SBC events at the last two ISE shows and in London last October, we believe the time is right to roll out the Smart Building Conference brand across Europe. Our strategy will be for our three events this autumn to have local content tailored to each country’s regional market, while next year’s Amsterdam SBC will serve as the brand’s international meeting point.”
To this end, content for the SBC events in London, Berlin and Milan is being produced in close consultation with local partners in each country, while Conference proceedings in the three cities will be conducted in English, German and Italian, respectively. As in previous years, the Amsterdam program will be conducted in English.
Content for all four events is being managed by Agata Pawlik, newly recruited conference manager at Integrated Systems Events. Fluent in four languages including German and Italian, Pawlik has over a decade of experience in B2B conference production in Europe, the Middle East and beyond.
Pawlik is to be supported by ISE’s International Sales Manager Elisabeth Kondakow, who will look after sponsorship sales, and by new recruit Ilona Jacobi, who will assist with marketing and logistics in addition to performing similar duties for the Amsterdam show.
Bob Snyder, editor-in-chief of Channel Media Europe, Publisher of rAVe Europe and the moderator at all three SBC events so far, will continue in the role in London and Amsterdam, with local-market MCs being sought for Berlin and Milan.
The full SBC schedule and venue listing is as follows:
- Tuesday 7 October 2014 – Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London
- Thursday 6 November 2014 – Mövenpick Hotel, Berlin
- Tuesday 18 November 2014 – nhow Hotel, Milan
- Monday 9 February 2015 – RAI, Amsterdam
The London, Berlin and Amsterdam events will both feature parallel tracks for residential and commercial building applications, with the first two also offering the option of full-day workshops at additional cost — the day after the SBC in London, the day before in Berlin. The Milan event takes place in the same week as the SIEC industry gathering at which both CEDIA and InfoComm are expected to offer additional industry training and networking opportunities.
“In all cases, the Smart Building Conference will focus on content of the highest quality and integrity, with best-practice presentations and panel discussions giving delegates the insight they need to make the most of the intelligent building revolution,” Blackman continues.
“Our venues have been carefully selected to offer a comfortable, businesslike environment in which speakers, partners, sponsors and delegates alike can enjoy networking and the exchange of information. With our joint-venture owners CEDIA and InfoComm International both contributing their expertise to the program in all four of our locations, we are confident that the Smart Building Conference brand is set for a year of substantial growth.”
More information on the SBC 2014-15 schedule is available here. Leave a Comment
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CEDIA Executive Director Plans To Step Down By End of 2015The executive director of CEDIA, Don Gilpin, will step down as leader of the home technology industry association by the end of 2015. Gilpin has been with CEDIA since 1998 and became executive director and COO in 2006.
Chairman Larry Pexton and the board of directors will search for Gilpin’s replacement immediately. Gilpin will assist the board of directors in this search process and he is expected to remain on board for a transitional period after his successor is named.
“After considerable thought and discussions with CEDIA’s Executive Committee, I felt next year would be the right time to leave,” said Gilpin. “When I came to CEDIA, seventeen years ago as the Director of CEDIA EXPO, I could not have imagined the incredible run I would have and the wonderful people I met over the years.”
Gilpin said that CEDIA has had three solid years of recovery after the recession and he expects CEDIA to continue to experience growth next year.
“We have a solid management team at CEDIA and I am confident in their ability to continue CEDIA’s success story,” said Gilpin.
“We respect Gilpin’s decision and praise him for his loyalty, leadership, and strategic guidance through challenging financial times and key initiatives over the last seventeen years,” said Larry Pexton CEDIA chairman of the board. “CEDIA is well-positioned for future growth thanks to the hard work and oversight of CEDIA goods and services under Gilpin’s leadership.”
During Gilpin’s management, CEDIA EXPO has grown to be a top 100 tradeshow in America. The association’s footprint also expanded into numerous countries outside of the United States, and Gilpin successfully guided CEDIA financially through the housing market collapse and industry challenges during 2008-2011. In addition, membership has recovered and maintains record-breaking new member growth. Leave a Comment
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Registration for DSE is OPENThe world’s largest digital signage show — the Digital Signage Expo (DSE) — has already opened registration for its 2015 event to be held March 11-12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
DSE is the world’s longest running conference and trade show exclusively dedicated to showcasing digital communications and interactive technology solutions for customer- and employee-facing organizations. Launched in 2004, DSE was the first event dedicated to the digital signage market and has been a significant contributor to the growth of this fast-paced industry. Professional end user attendance represents decision-makers from key industry categories such as retail, restaurant, healthcare, education, hospitality and transportation, as well as other key stakeholders, including advertising executives, brand marketers and systems integrators.
Here is where to register. Leave a Comment
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Registration Opens for ISEThe Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show has officially opened registration for the 2015 event, being held in Amsterdam Feb. 10-12, 2015. Over 50,000 people are expected to attend as it’s truly a mega-AV show with both HomeAV and ProAV technology, products and companies exhibiting. There is no doubt the 2015 event will be a lot bigger than the 2014 event as this past month’s CEDIA Expo was one of the best HomeAV show in 10 years and InfoComm set attendance records too. Plus, we expect that more North American attendees will attend than ever before — making it truly a world-show — not just a European or EMEA show.
Here’s our ISE 2014 MicroSite with over 1,300 videos of products launched at the 2014 event in Amsterdam.
To register for the 2015 event, go here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Now Shipping MediaLink Controllers with Sleek New Designs Extron is shipping its new MLC 55 RS and MLC 55 RS VC MediaLink controllers with functions such as power, input selection, and volume in single-display applications. They feature a new look, with redesigned back-lit buttons and magnetically-attached face plates that hide the mounting screws and configuration ports, giving the controllers a refined, uncluttered appearance. Both models include unidirectional RS232 and IR display control, as well as discrete ON and OFF display power controls. The MLC 55 RS VC model features a newly-designed, larger volume knob for smooth, precise volume control of Extron MPA Series and select XTRA Series amplifiers. Flexible mounting options allow the controllers to be installed virtually anywhere, including walls, lecterns or tables.
Extron’s easy-to-use MLC 55,62,64 Series configuration software provides fast and simple setup via USB when combined with one of many ready-to-use RS232 or IR device drivers available on the Extron website. The configuration program and these two controllers also support IR Learning for creating new IR drivers from the handheld remote of a source or display device.
For more information on the MLC 55 RS and MLC 55 VC, go here. Leave a Comment
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Zigen Launches New PoE ExtenderThe Zigen POE-70 is a 70-meter (230′) HDMI extender (using HDBaseT) over single UTP/STP, with IR and RS232 and POE (48V). Zigen claims that the POE-70 is for 24/7 operation.
The ZIG-POE-70-TX provides a complete solution for detection and powering of POE IEEE 802.3af devices such as the ZIG-POE-70-RX. The ZIG-POE-70-TX POE solution will safely detect, classify, and provide 48V up to 13W power to RX device connected to the HDBaseT port. The TX unit will first read a signature from the TX and only enable power delivery if all constraints are met. During the power delivery the link is continuously monitored for any fault or overloading conditions and the current is limited to avoid hazardous conditions.
The ZIG-POE-70-TX senses the removal of a powered device and turns off 48V power immediately when the RX is disconnected.
Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Now Shipping Single-Gang DTP Wallplate Transmitters for HDMI Extron is already shipping its DTP T HWP 231 D and DTP T HWP 331 D single-gang, Decora-style transmitters for sending HDMI, audio and bi-directional RS232 and IR signals over a shielded CATx cable to Extron DTP-enabled products. The DTP T HWP 231 D extends signals up to 230 feet (70 meters), while the DTP T HWP 331 D extends signals up to 330 feet (100 meters). The one-gang form factor provides maximum space efficiency in wall mount, floor box and furniture mount applications. The transmitters support computer video up to 2560×1600, HDTV 1080p/60 Deep Color and 4K resolutions. Both models also accept analog stereo audio signals for simultaneous transmission over the same shielded twisted pair cable. They feature remote power capability, plus bidirectional RS232 and IR pass-through for remote AV device control.
The DTP T HWP 231 D and DTP T HWP 331 D support 12-bit Deep Color, CEC pass-through and embedded HD lossless audio formats. Both transmitters maintain DDC communication of EDID and HDCP between a source and display for reliable operation. To streamline installation, they can be remotely powered by Extron DTP CrossPoint 84 matrix switchers or other DTP-enabled products over the twisted pair cable. The transmitters also offer an HDBaseT output mode that provides the additional integration convenience of a twisted pair output that is compatible with any HDBaseT-enabled display. The DTP T HWP 231 D and DTP T HWP 331 D mount in an included Decora-style wall plate designed for installation in one-gang U.S. wall boxes.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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Aurora Multimedia Intros New 4K HDMI Matrix SwitcherThe new Aspyre Series ASP-88-4K is an 8×8 HDMI matrix switcher that Aurora says is 4K compatible. Capable of multi-channel digital audio (up to 7.1 channel) from any of the eight HDMI inputs to the any of the eight HDMI outputs, the ASP has web-based control, front panel button control as well as RS232. Other features include:
- Resolutions up to 4096×2160@30Hz
- HDMI 3D compliant
- HDCP compliant
- Allows any source to be displayed on multiple displays at the same time
- Allows any HDMI display to view any HDMI source at any time
- Supports default HDMI EDID and learns the EDID of displays if necessary
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Announces New Fiber Optic USB Extender Extron has a new fiber extender line in the FOX USB Extender Plus, which extends signals from USB peripheral devices extreme distances over fiber optic cabling. The extender supports USB 3.0, 2.0, 1.1, and 1.0 devices with data rates up to 480 Mbps. Used in conjunction with an Extron FOX Series DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI or VGA extender, the FOX USB Extender Plus is capable of transmitting Keyboard-Video-Mouse — KVM signals very long distances over a fiber optic infrastructure. Direct connection of USB peripherals to a remote host eliminates the need for additional IP network drops, equipment, software or drivers. For streamlined integration, the transmitter includes USB peripheral emulation that supports trouble-free booting of the host. Also, the receiver features an integrated four port hub with 5 Volts, 500 mA available on each port to power attached devices.
The FOX USB Extender Plus streamlines integration by avoiding IT-specific design criteria that may be in conflict with the need to extend USB signals in professional AV installations. For increased system reliability, peripheral emulation mimics continuous connection of device to host. Real-time status LED indicators provide visual confirmation of port activity between an active host and each connected peripheral device. The 1” (2.5 cm) high, quarter rack width enclosure of both the FOX USB Extender Plus transmitter and receiver allow rack mounting or discreet installation beneath a table or inside a lectern.
Complete specs can be found here. Leave a Comment
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TASCAM Debuts Wireless Linear Recorder TASCAM’s DR-10C series recorders connect to your lavaliere microphone to create a compact recording system that fits on a belt pack. Two versions are available: the DR-10CL for Lectrosonics mics and DR-10CS for Sennheiser microphones. Additionally, option kits are available for Shure (AK-DR10CH) and Sony/RAMSA (AK-DR10CR).
The DR-10CL & CS recorders have both inputs and outputs, so they can either be used stand-alone or with a wireless transmitter. When used with a transmitter, the DR-10C acts as a backup to protect against wireless dropouts during recording. For lectures or worship services, the DR-10C can record the entire program before it gets to the front of house system. And for events like weddings and reality TV production, the DR-10C is a compact recording system for body mics.
The DR-10C runs for hours on a single AAA battery. It records to standard microSD media. Recording features include auto-gain and a low-cut filter for simple setup. Its dual recording feature records a safety track of your audio at a lower level, so in case of distortion you have a non-clipped backup. When multiple units are used, an infrared signal can synchronize settings between recorders.
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Neumann Debuts Midfield Monitor Neumann is expanding its KH line with its first midfield monitor, the KH 420. The active three-way system (10″+3″+1″) designed for larger 5.1 and 7.1 configurations and listening distances of up to 11 meters.
With a corner frequency of 52 Hz, the KH 420 uses something they call Mathematically Modeled Dispersion Waveguide (MMD), acoustical controls for matching the speakers to the listening room, a highly flexible input section, and a wide range of mounting hardware make the KH 420 a versatile monitoring tool for the audio professional. The KH 420 has been designed to provide optimum dispersion regardless of the orientation of the cabinet. This is possible thanks to the rotatable waveguide section which contains both the high frequency and mid-range drivers.
An optional Digital Input Module (DIM 1) will be available for the KH 420, which provides the monitor with digital AES3 and S/P-DIF inputs and a delay function. This feature, which is available on both the digital and analog inputs, may be used for audio/video lip synchronization and to compensate for non-equidistant speaker placement. Maximum delay time is 409.5 ms with a minimum resolution of 0.1 ms.
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PreSonus Adds Dante Networking to StudioLive AI Loudspeakers PreSonus has introduced the SL-Dante-SPK, an optional input card that adds Dante networking to the company’s StudioLive AI-series Active Integration loudspeakers, making StudioLive AI-series the first Dante-enabled active loudspeakers on the market. The SL-Dante-SPK card houses one network port for Dante audio networking and remote control via the free SL Room Control application for StudioLive AI-series loudspeakers.
Dante-enabled StudioLive AI-series three-way active loudspeakers allow users to create a complete, networked audio system with any Dante-enabled mixer using a standard 1Gbps Ethernet switch and Audinate’s Dante digital-media networking technology, which offers self-configuring digital audio networking. Dante is the audio networking standard of choice for more than 130 manufacturers.
Users can also connect non-Dante mixers to the analog inputs of a Dante-equipped AI loudspeaker and then broadcast the signal over the Dante network using standard Cat5 cables.
The Dante upgrade works with StudioLive 312AI, 315AI, 328AI and 328i loudspeakers and the StudioLive 18sAI subwoofer. It lists for $199 and details are here. Leave a Comment
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Mackie Launches DL32R Digital Live Sound Mixer Mackie launched a new 32-channel digital mixing system controlled wirelessly from Mackie’s intuitive Master Fader iPad app.
The Mackie DL32R features a mix of flexible, professional I/O in a 3U rackmount design. Each of the 32 inputs (24 XLR, 8 XLR/TRS combo) feature Mackie’s all-new Onyx+ recallable mic pre-amps, with remote control over preamp gain and phantom power. The new Onyx+ pre-amps outperform the industry-proven Onyx design, which has garnered rave reviews for its boutique-quality sound and performance.
Fully-assignable using the Master Fader control app, there are 14 XLR outputs great for anything from stage monitors to matrix outputs. The front panel also features a stereo AES digital output for connecting gear like speaker processors. A dedicated stereo monitor output is ideal for connecting an in-ear monitor system for detailed listening from anywhere in the venue.
With complete wireless control of the system using Mackie’s Master Fader iPad app, a new world of mixing possibilities opens up. There is no longer any need for a fixed FOH position. Place the mixer where it works best – be it next to the stage, backstage or even tucked away in a utility closet. This can also eliminate the need for an expensive, bulky analog snake.The DL32R does away with troublesome FOH positions such as under a balcony, behind a pillar, etc. The user can tune the room right from the problem spots and get on stage to ring out monitors or work with the band to dial in the perfect monitor mix.
Multiple engineers can work wirelessly from a single DL32R mixer using their own iOS device, including monitor engineers and performers who wish to control their own monitor mixes. The lead engineer can apply access limiting to additional control devices, keeping the user from making unwanted changes.
Multi-track recording and playback are critical for professional applications and the DL32R features two flexible methods for multi-track recording and playback. The first of these is direct to USB hard drive, which is currently a 48 kHz, 24-bit, 24 input by 24 output platform. This will be expanded soon to 32×32 via a free firmware update. The direct-to-disk option delivers unprecedented wireless control over your multi-track recording and playback
An additional USB 2.0 computer audio interface is available for 32×32 recording and playback that can directly connect with any DAW, great for studio applications and rehearsal spaces. Both methods provide the ability to record the band and perform a virtual soundcheck at the next show.
The DL32R is loaded with powerful DSP that eliminates the need for racks of expensive outboard processing. Each of the 32 inputs features a 4-band parametric EQ with a separate high-pass filter plus gating and compression. Four return channels feature dedicated EQ and compression. Each of the 14 aux sends, six matrix busses and main L/R busses feature a 4-band parametric EQ, 31-band GEQ, a compressor limiter and alignment delay. Six subgroups feature EQ and compression. Each processor features Modern and Vintage voicing options, delivering sonic choice to the user. Three separate effects processors with dedicated sends allow for two reverbs and one delay with tap control. Six VCAs and six Mute Groups round out the processing.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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ClearOne’s New Digital Wireless Microphone Systems Specifically for the European MarketClearOne has released five new models of digital wireless microphones for use within the member countries of the European Union. These new mics comply with new European telecommunications regulations.
ClearOne’s digital wireless microphones are ideal for both conferencing and live performance applications with any DSP mixer. They are optimized to work with ClearOne CONVERGE Pro and INTERACT Pro products and perfectly complement ClearOne professionally installed audio conferencing systems. All microphones use radio-frequency digital wireless signal transmission technology with highly secure encryption to preserve privacy, and come equipped with convenient field-replaceable batteries and USB charging options. Five models of wireless microphones and transmitters are available: wireless tabletop, wireless gooseneck, wireless hand-held, wireless belt-pack lavalier and a single-ear headset option.
The product will ship in November 2014 and details are here. Leave a Comment
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InFocus LiteShow 4 Offers BYOD With USB Inputs InFocus Corporation has launched LiteShow 4, its latest adapter that wirelessly connects digital content from computers and mobile devices to nearly any projector or display. LiteShow 4 adds 1080p compatibility, HDMI connectivity and presentation from mobile devices with the MirrorOp app.
You can connect LiteShow 4 to any projector or display with a VGA or HDMI input, which creates a 150 Mbps wireless access point with a 300-foot reach. Windows, Mac and mobile devices connect to the adapter’s wireless access point and share content for presentation.
Like many other systems using the AWIND chipset, LiteShow 4’s QuadView feature enables up to four different devices to concurrently share content wirelessly. And, you can connect intent via USB port, too.
Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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InFocus Intros Three Low-Cost 1080p Projectors InFocus has launched three new projectors aimed at the small conference room market with its new IN118HDa, short-throw IN118HDSTa and networkable IN2128HDa. The IN118HDa is specified with a brightness of 3,000 lumens while the IN118HDSTa is 2,700 lumens, and the IN2128HDa offers 3,500 lumens.
Features for all three include:
- 1920×1080 native resolution
- HDMI, VGA, S-video and composite video
- LED light source with 10,000-hour lifetime rating
- 15,000:1 contrast ratio
- 3D ready
The IN118HDSTa has a short throw lens, while the IN2128HDa adds network connectivity through a LAN port, a USB port for presenting directly from a thumb drive, optional wireless connectivity and Miracast support for wireless display from mobile devices.
Here are the specs and MSRPs:
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Planar Adds Two New Ultra-Narrow Bezel Models Planar Systems today announced two new “ultra-narrow” bezel LCD models in its line of Clarity Matrix LCD Video Wall System with G2 Architecture: a 46” model with 800 nits brightness and a 55” model with 500 nits brightness. The new models feature a tiled bezel width of just 3.7 millimeter (0.15 inches) between adjacent LCD displays and also includes an extended video and power transmission system to video wall for distances of up to 500 feet (150 meters).
Thus, the Clarity Matrix video wall system design eliminates the need for AC power outlets behind the displays. With the electronics and power supply off-board, the weight, depth, heat and potential points of failure can be placed in a convenient location for easy maintenance. Built-in video extension capabilities have been expanded so electronics can be co-located with the source up to 500 feet (150 meters) away from the video wall. A single remote power supply module can power up to six displays.
The new Clarity Matrix MX46HDU and LX55HDU models will be available Q4 2014 and here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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DVIGear Launches DisplayPort Cables Supporting 4K / 60Hz DVIGear’s new line of High Resolution DisplayPort Copper Cables transport DisplayPort signals with bit rates up to 21.6 Gbps. over cable lengths of up to 15 meters (approximately 50 feet). These cables support uncompressed DisplayPort resolutions up to 4096×2160 / 60 Hz.
Long distance transport of high resolution DisplayPort signals over copper cables must overcome several challenges, such as insertion loss, differential skew and jitter. Insertion loss is caused by cable capacitance, which acts as a low-pass filter, blocking higher frequency signal components from passing. Skew occurs when the differential DisplayPort signals get delayed and become out of phase as they pass over a long cable. Both factors contribute to increased digital jitter, which degrades the performance of the cable. This jitter becomes more severe with higher resolutions, higher bit rates and longer cable distances. Conventional cables that support lower resolutions at short distances are often unable to support the data rates required by higher resolutions at longer distances. The resulting video can be disrupted by visual artifacts or may not be visible at all.
To overcome these challenges, DVIGear says its HR Series DisplayPort Cables are constructed using heavy gauge 24AWG copper wires that provide ruggedness and durability. The heavier wire gauge has increased cross-sectional cable area, as well as decreased capacitance and lower differential skew, which allows high speed signals to pass with minimal jitter. These features enable cable lengths of up to 15 meters with full compliance with DisplayPort 1.2 signal parameters.
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New Free-Standing Whiteboard-Projection Screen from Elite Elite Screens has debuted a free-standing 4’H x 10’W whiteboard and projection screen – the WB4X10HW. It is designed for use with short throw projectors while serving a dual purpose as a magnetic dry-erase instructional whiteboard. Its mobile (on casters) with a free-standing mount (ZWBMS-4X10) attaches quickly to form a stable upright display. Of course, Elite claims that there is no glossy sheen or glaring hot spots — as everyone who makes whiteboard screens does nowadays.
Using a VersaWhite 1.1 gain magnetic projection surface, the WB4X10HW is spec’d to have a 180º viewing angle and is GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold (UL2818) Certified for safe indoor air quality emissions. And, the material is coated with an optical “nanotech” resin that claims to give the screen its dry-erase function while eliminating the “glare” effect on the projection surface. Dry erase markers and erasers are included. Elite also says they have a 5’H x 10’W version coming as well.
Here are the specs.
Here is a video we shot of it at InfoComm. Leave a Comment
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