Volume 13, Issue 1 — January 9, 2015
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Industry News Projection Control & Signal Processing Audio Media Players, Recording & Distribution
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Make it a Good New Year
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
As I write this column, we are on the cusp of a new year. Many times, people will write about predictions for the new year, or their resolutions. I am writing to ask you to think about your resolution and make one with me. This request comes from a couple of recent articles that I have read. The first is from Joshua Kim, who writes for Inside Higher Ed: Dedicated GPS Devices and Classroom AV Control Systems. The second is from right here at rAVe, written by Mario Porto: This System Sucks.
I want you to read Mario’s article first. He looks at a problem we often see and hear from customers. That’s the exclamation, “this system sucks.” Fortunately, at Bates College we don’t have many of the issues that Mario points out in his article. I write luckily, because I know MANY of my colleagues that do indeed deal with these exact issues. In a nutshell, rooms are designed without the input of the people who are going to be using them. There are a lot of factors that cause this to happen and I think that Mario is correct in his assessment of many of those factors.
So, my challenge to you and my hope for your first New Year’s Resolution, is to find ways around the challenges that Mario points out. Yes, often we are somewhere in the middle between an architect, a facilities person, a consultant and the end user. As a technology manager, one person in that mix matters, and that’s the end user: your customer. It is your responsibility to see that the needs of that person is best served. How do you that? First, you don’t start fights with architects, facilities persons, etc. All that will do is get you shut out of the process even further. I have talked with too many technology managers who have horrible relationships with the people they need on their side to get the right technology in place. A good portion of this is the fault of the technology manager. You can’t be stubborn, demand on a certain budget or else, or bad mouth a project in process or when it is done. Rather, you work with them. Try to understand their budget constraints. Try to show them some of the current spaces that similar customers use. Show them the budgets for those spaces. Become a partner with them, and over time they WILL start to invite you in much earlier on projects.
Now, let’s talk about Joshua Kim’s column. This one really frustrates me, not because of what Dr. Kim wrote, rather because of the experiences that cause him to write it. Dr. Kim and I have communicated in the past about similar columns, and I understand that he has a very valid point. In fact, look at the comments on his column. Clearly, he is not alone with his frustration.
As a tech manager, I have to ask: Why is he experiencing some of these things? Why is it that he feels that every interface he uses is different? Don’t other tech managers remember the Dashboard for Controls? Why is tech support needed for him to hook his laptop up and show a PowerPoint? Isn’t that something that he could be shown one time, and then it would work the same across all rooms? Apparently not, and that is a problem.
Our schools have hundreds of thousands of dollars of technology in our classrooms. If the faculty feel that they would rather have knobs and switches, then obviously we are doing something wrong. I can’t predict whether that is a training, design or programming issue, but there is something wrong. So, my second request that you make for a New Year’s resolution is to listen to your customers. Spend some time with them. Rather than just training them in a new room, follow up with them every few weeks. Find out what is working well and what is not. Customize what you need to for them. Make a system that is simple for them to use. Make sure that they are telling you it is simple to use, and that you are not determining that it is simple to use. Follow some of the basic rules of the industry, like the Dashboard for Controls. If you don’t know about this, then learn!
The beauty of these two resolutions is that they will help your institution. They will make your customers happy. Both of these situations together will make your life much easier and much happier!
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Let’s Hope IEEE Votes NO on the HDBaseT Adoption
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
Last week, I received an embargoed press release that the HDBaseT Alliance has submitted its so-called standard to be adopted by IEEE, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
IEEE adoption is a big deal — not only is the IEEE the world’s largest association of technical professionals with more than 400,000 members in chapters around the world, but it’s also the governing body of “standards.” And, they’re all standards you’ve heard of and use daily.
Bluetooth? Them. Wi-Fi? Them. Ethernet? Them.
HDBaseT? Good God, I hope not!
Why hate on HDBaseT? You are mistaken if you think I don’t love HDBaseT. HDBaseT is awesome — when followed by the so-called “adopters” and when we, as users, know what the heck is on that CATx cable — which is seldom.
What do I mean? Well, I’ll hold-off rehashing my biggest complaint by simply pointing you to a blog I wrote 14-months ago all but BEGGING the HDBaseT Alliance to do something about the lack of interoperability between HDBaseT devices.
So, how are things going now? Well, not much better.
At CEDIA last year I sat down with Sandra Welfeld, the HDBaseT Alliances’ communications director, and asked them to update me on the progress they’d made getting their own “adopters” of their “standard” to follow their own standard. She said they have been so busy growing that they hadn’t had time to send out the HDBaseT police to penalize or chastise the violators — those not properly labeling what part of the HDBaseT 5Play they are playing with/in.
What is 5Play? Well, assuming you do what the HDBaseT Alliance says to do, you have a connector going either into or out of your box, TV, projector, switcher, processor, etc., which has HD (or better) video, audio, control, Ethernet and Power. But the problem is, some have video and audio, but no power. Or, control, video and audio, but no Ethernet. Or, video but no audio. And so on.
Again, I am not going to rehash the problem with this, technically, in this blog as you an read my blog from 2012 on that. However, the fact that manufacturers are claiming HDBaseT and not following the standard — well, that’s a problem. But, a bigger problem, to be honest, is that the HDBaseT seems to have no ability to enforce their own standard — or, won’t.
Look, I totally get the business model here — the HDBaseT isn’t doing us a favor — it’s business. It was all created by a chip-manufacturer called Valens with an incredibly great idea — let’s take RGBHV, audio, the plethora of control standards, Ethernet and power and put it all on a chip that can be sent down one piece of CATx cable — and simplify signal routing and distribution for both the HomeAV and ProAV markets. And, it’s an awesome concept. Valens realized they couldn’t do it alone — as they were a chip company, so they enlisted some heavy-hitting names: Samsung, LG and Sony — three companies that, normally, don’t play in the same sand-box — and created the HDBaseT Alliance as a non-profit in 2010. Business model solidified — best part about it for Valens, oh by the way, is that they are the only HDBaseT chip manufacturer — follow the money!
I think Valens is run by geniuses! They had a great idea, made it happen and, when it works, it works perfectly!
But, they aren’t helping us make sure the “standard” that is HDBaseT is followed.
Can you imagine someone building a laptop that’s specified to be 802.11g and, oops, didn’t hop on an 802.11b, or 802.11c network — only worked with “g” networks? No downward compatibility.
So, NO, they don’t deserve to be IEEE certified.
Until they fix their awesome standard, that is!
Note: The HDBaseT Alliance has released a white paper this month about HDBaseT interoperability, which you can download here.
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Samsung, Oculus and the Other “Rift” Oculus (the Facebook-owned virtual reality company) has teamed up with Samsung to create the Gear VR Innovator Edition, a development kit for mobile virtual reality.
Leveraging only the Samsung GALAXY Note 4 (Samsung will have to do additional engineering work to make the new Innovator Edition work with other phones), the Gear VR Innovator Edition allows developers to build mobile VR experiences.
Users would click-snap the phone into the VR headset to enter virtual reality — anytime, anywhere, any place.
The Innovator Edition isn’t for the general public. It targets developers who want to make virtual reality games and apps. It leverages Samsung’s brand and marketing to bring Oculus VR to a wider, more mobile audience.
More importantly, at $199 the Gear VR Innovator Edition will attract developers by the score. And apps are what VR needs to drive it forward.
We could mention that this is a consumer effort (about 20 apps are available for the Gear VR, most of them games). We could tell you how it operates at 60Hz (it shows you 60 images in one second). We might add the Samsung Gear VR can put 100,000 polygons on a screen at a time.
But it’s more important to talk about the other Oculus “Rift.”
First, we have the product Oculus Rift (Oculus for PCs newest developer edition, dubbed Crescent Bay will be out soon with 100,000 polygons on a screen at a time). The “other” Oculus Rift is the fissure between those who believe Oculus is a world-changer — and those who don’t.
Those who believe Oculus will rock the world include Facebook that acquired the year-old Oculus for $700 million plus a fortune in Facebook stock this past March. The gaming world also certainly thinks Oculus will change their industry. Based on a comment by Oculus founder, Palmer Luckey (yes, Luckey is his real last name) that Oculus might donate VR headsets to schools, education is poised to see the impact on remote learning.
Retail is another that might be affected by virtual showrooms. Fitness. Architecture with its 3D modeling. Corporate training. Medicine. Tourism. Even art. Museums. Live concerts.
Think this is a stretch? Zurich University of the Arts uses the Oculus Rift to create a realistic flying experience. The device, called Birdly, uses its motor to translate hand movements from a simulator into the flapping of virtual wings.
Researchers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab created a device that would allow the user to see through the eyes of a robot avatar.
A group of university scientists at UCSD and UCSF have collaborated with a video game developer to create a platform that can show your brain’s reaction to stimuli in real time. The project, called Glass Brain.
The Norwegian military is testing a new system that utilize the Oculus Rift to get a full view of the battlefield from inside the tank (photo shown at right).
Parrot’s newest quadcopter drone, the Bebop, is compatible with the Oculus Rift. This means you’ll be able to see exactly what you’re drone sees through its 180-degree fish-eye lens.
Arch Virtual, an architecture-focused firm that creates augmented reality apps for the Oculus Rift, has a handful of apps that help designers and architects create buildings virtually. In this particular River Home project in Europe, a client provided Arch Virtual with a virtual model of the building, which is then converted to be compatible with a gaming engine called Unity3D. Using the Rift, designers, architects and contractors can explore the virtual home to get a more immersive feel for the space.
OK, we made our point. Now you get to decide which side of “the Rift” you are on. Will Oculus change the world?
Here are the details.
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What do AV’ers Get Paid? You’ve got to love America for the transparency to answer questions like this one: What do AV staff get paid?
Tech directors are the winners with average salaries around $100,000 and the top of the range getting $140,000.
The average pay in USA (Source: PayScale.com dated Sept 2014) for an Audio/Video Equipment Technician is $17.73 per hour, although some make as low $12 and as high as $25.
Some can count on an extra overtime pay at $19-$45 more per hour. Sometimes the techs get up to $2,000 in bonuses or up to $4,700 in profit sharing.
More experience can add 12 percent to your base and by growing older (and wiser, presumably) adds another 17%.
AV staff are normally highly satisfied with their careers and 94 percent are men. We salute the brave 6 percent — women!
And yes, salaries in America do vary from region to region. You can see them all for yourself here.
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Christie Buys coolux Christie just announced today that it has acquired German company coolux, a developer and supplier of 3D compositing and rendering systems. coolux will be integrated into Christie’s Global Market Solutions team, maintaining its office in Cologne, Germany.
coolux is best known for the Pandoras Box media and show control system, a high performance link between projection and digital image composition. A turn-key solution, it offers real-time rendering and compositing in 3D and allows projection onto any shape or surface.
Christie, a manufacturer primarily of high-end commercial projection systems, is based in Kitchener, Canada. It also owns Vista Control Systems, producer of the Vista Spyder video processor, and Arsenal Media (now Christie Creative Media Services), a digital signage content company.
More detail on the announcement will be provided at the biennial coolux Connect Conference, to be held Jan. 8-9 in Cologne, Germany.
coolux and Christie will exhibit at ISE in Amsterdam next month.
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Audinate Announces New Capabilities for Dante Ultimo Chipsets Audinate today announced new enhancements to the Dante Ultimo low-channel chipsets that incorporates support for Marvell 88E6320 gigabit switch, enabling robust daisy chaining of Dante devices with multicast filtering capability.
Audinate has also released new Ultimo 2.1 firmware, adding several new features for Audio Video (AV) equipment manufacturers building low channel-count products with Dante Ultimo. The new Release 2.1 firmware adds device control capabilities enabled by the Dante Device Protocol (DDP). DDP allows Ultimo messages and commands to be sent via SPI/UART from the host processor, accessing parameters such as channel subscriptions, clock status and more. DDP is ideal for integration of routing pre-sets and front panel displays in Ultimo products. Additionally, Ultimo now supports 16-, 24- and 32-bit PCM audio, selected globally or per-channel as needed.
Ultimo is part of Audinate’s portfolio of high performance Dante devices and is a family of complete, fully featured, ready-to-use, single-chip Dante solutions for low channel-count networked audio products. The Ultimo family incorporates all the differentiated Dante features such as automatic device discovery, plug-and-play networking, custom device names and channel labels, and network-based firmware updates. Ultimo is a perfect choice for networking powered speakers, microphones, AV wall plates, speakerphones, amplifiers, paging stations, personal monitoring systems, recording interfaces, intercoms, and analog/digital break-in/break out interfaces.
The Ultimo chips and Release 2.1 firmware are available immediately for AV equipment manufacturers. The new parts are fully backwards compatible with existing Ultimo products. Ultimo is available in 2×2 channel (ULT-01-002) and 4×4 channel (ULT-01-004) configurations. Audinate details are here.
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Ten Years: Pro AV Integrators in a Networked World
By Bob Snyder
Editor, rAVe Europe
Editor’s Note: This story was taken from our European publication (rAVe Europe) from last week’s issue.
Wow, it doesn’t seem long ago but rAVe EUROPE is finishing 10 years of publishing with its original tagline still in place: pro AV integrators in a networked world.
Ten years on and we are still coming to grips with that “networked world.” The IP protocol changed everything and the digital transformation keeps on rolling…
Hard to believe but there still are naysayers, companies that reject that IT networks are the growing backbone of what we do. Yet others have embraced IT more than could have been expected with name changes, new skills and the business units which reflect the added expertise.
Recently I met with another editor in the business who accepts the IT connection but just can’t see how Smart Building has anything to do with us in Pro AV integration.
Smart Building revolves around an IP network that connects all the technology that runs a building. Our relationship as an industry with Smart Building hinges of the fact that the new definition of a smart building includes enabling the occupants in a digital (“networked world”) life.
It doesn’t mean AV integrators are expected to enter the HVAC business; it does mean we are well suited to understand the integration of the many technologies on the building network. That might buy us an earlier entre into the process of building or retrofitting.
We may be the unique “fish” we think we are in AV but we still swim in a lake. The same IP environment that connects Pro AV to IT networks and buildings will soon connect everything to everything…and you can hear more about that at the Internet of Things (IoT) session at the Smart Building Conference at ISE 2015.
It’s no longer simply AV/IT networks…the impact of mobile on Pro AV is one of the trends that exploded in the 10 years we have been publishing rAVe EUROPE. And the IoT is the next wave of mobile transformation that will change our business.
Does anyone else notice the coincidence that the number “10” also contains the simple binary code that computers use to create networks?
If you’d like to register for the Smart Building Conference at ISE in Amsterdam, go here.
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Christie Partners With Dolby Vision Projection SystemsChristie will co-develop, supply, install and service proprietary Dolby Vision projection systems for Dolby Cinema, a branded premium cinema offering for exhibitors and movie-goers.
Dolby Cinema will feature the Dolby Vision projection system using state-of-the-art optics and image processing to deliver high dynamic range (HDR) with enhanced color technology. Outfitted with Dolby Atmos, a Dolby Cinema transports audiences into the movie with breathtakingly real sound that fills the cinema and flows all around them.
Praised by some filmmakers for its contrast, high brightness and color range that more closely matches what the human eye can see, this new proprietary HDR technology with enhanced color uses two newly designed high-frame-rate (HFR) capable Christie 4K laser projection heads that feature a highly customized and unique light path.
Combined with Christie’s 6P modular laser light sources, this technology delivers the high-contrast images and ultra-brightness which will define the visual experience of Dolby Cinema.
Dolby Vision content will be available in 2015 to coincide with the deployment of the first Dolby Vision projection systems in Dolby Cinema locations.
The newly constructed JT Eindhoven cineplex in the Netherlands, opening in December 2014, will be among the first Dolby Cinema locations to install a Dolby Vision projector. The Dolby Cinema will also deliver to audiences the best in immersive audio, with a combination of Dolby Atmos sound and Christie Vive audio speakers and Class D amplifiers, many of which were specially designed for this application. Dolby Atmos moves audio around the cinema, even overhead, with richness and depth. The lifelike sounds of music, people, and things flow all around the cinema in sync with the action to create a more immersive and moving experience.
More details are here.
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Audinate to Hold AV Networking World Conference Again at ISEDante AV Networking World is taking place Feb. 9 at the Amsterdam Holiday Inn starting at 9 a.m. This event will feature panel discussions, presentations and workshops showing Dante in action. The interactive panel discussions and presentations will be conducted by leading industry design consultants, AV installation contractors, IT networking experts, and well-known professional audio equipment manufacturers.
Dante AV Networking World 2015 has been approved by InfoComm International as a CTS accredited training program. Certified Technology Specialists (CTS) who participate in this informative networking training will be eligible to receive 4 RU credits upon completion of the class.
In addition to the broad spectrum of informative panel discussions and presentations, a major interoperability networking demonstration will be conducted. At the end of the seminar a hosted cocktail hour will follow.
Below is a snap shot of the agenda that is planned for the all-day seminar.
- Market trends in AV networking
- Challenges in electro-acoustic integration
- Dante Networking 101
- Dante in retail application
- Conference and lecture facilities and
- How Dante is making it easy
- Workflow benefit of networked media
- Dante integration in a large Stadium install
- Common control of AV networks
Due to the space limitation, pre-registration is highly advised early. Lunch will be provided in the day and cocktails will served following the seminars. The event will be held at the Amsterdam Holiday Inn located at De Boelelaan 2, 1083 HJ Amsterdam, Netherlands. Badges can be picked up starting at 8:30 a.m. and the seminar will start promptly at 9:00 a.m.
You can register for free here.
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ATSC 3.0: Next Generation of TV AudioAs part of the move to a next-generation TV standard, the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) is working on a comprehensive audio system for the emerging ATSC 3.0 standard, offering a more immersive audio experience for living room and mobile viewers.
With membership by America’s most important stakeholders, ATSC members represent the broadcast, broadcast equipment, motion picture, consumer electronics, computer, cable, satellite, and semiconductor industries. International adopters of the ATSC standard include Canada, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and South Korea.
These are the folks who recently won an Emmy for their work in controlling loud commercials.
The audio subsystem for ATSC 3.0 will feature an enhanced feature set to provide the listener with both a personalized and an immersive experience.
“Personalization includes enhancement to the control of dialog, use of alternate audio tracks and mixing of assistive audio services, other-language dialog, special commentary, and music and effects. Plus, the system will support both the normalization of content loudness and contouring of dynamic range, based on the specific capabilities of a user’s fixed or mobile device and its unique sound environment,” says ATSC.
ATSC 3.0 audio is expected to work with home theater AV systems, with TV sets (both with and without “soundbar” audio systems), and also with personal audio systems such as tablets, smartphones and other handheld devices used both with and without headphones.
Initial responses to the call for ATSC 3.0 audio proposals are due Jan. 12, 2015. Details on the ATSC 3.0 Call for Proposals can be found here.
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Plugfest Shows AES67 Is “Not Vaporware”We know what you’re thinking: What’s AES67? AES67, a standard for audio over IP, promises interoperability between previously competing audio-over-IP systems and could solve network interoperation between systems.
AES67 is a “Switzerland” of standards so the different IP based audio networking products currently fighting it out in the market, such as Dante, Livewire, Q-LAN and RAVENNA, can actually co-exist and cooperate on a standard network.
Consider it a Rosetta Stone for audio on IP networks, operating over standard Layer 3 Ethernet. If you are running AES67, you can put a variety of audio devices onto a participating network.
The AES, working with the European Broadcast Union (EBU), recently held a ‘Plugfest’ at the Institut für Rundfunktechnik (IRT) in Munich with equipment from 10 manufacturers, to demonstrate functional compatibility — or interoperability — between a number of different implementations of the AES67-2013 standard.
The participating makers were ALC NetworX GmbH, Archwave AG, Axia Audio, Digigram SA, DirectOut GmbH, Georg Neumann GmbH, Lawo AG, Merging Technologies S.A., SOUND4 and Telos Systems Inc. Technical personnel from IRT, Swedish Radio and the BBC assisted in the tests and observed the outcomes on behalf of the EBU.
All products tested are currently available networked-audio products with AES67-specific extensions. Implementations varied from software implementations on a PC to hardware-based FPGA solutions. Tests were chosen to demonstrate audio streaming interoperability (linear PCM coding, 24 bits per sample, 48 kHz sampling frequency, two channels) between each device as a transmitter, and all other units as receivers. All devices were used to test synchronization and primary interoperability. A number of smaller groups were then formed to test specific optional details.
The recently-formed Media Network Alliance (MNA) promotes the adoption of (and the support of early adopters) of this newly ratified standard.
Stefan Ledergerber, director of R&D for the Lawo Group and member of the MNA steering committee, says: “The Plugfest proved that AES67 is not vaporware, it works. It is the ideal form of making the various existing technologies talk to each other and giving the users the possibility to interconnect a huge variety of equipment, based on open standards. There is still enough room for differentiation between the various technologies out there, allowing for healthy competition between them, and continuing to drive industry innovation forward. The fact that we are all based on IP layer 3 ensures full scalability of installations and maximum leverage of IT industry advancements.”
Here are the details.
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Christie’s New Twist for Blending and WarpingAt the Live Design International (LDI) show in Las Vegas, Christie launched three upgraded versions of its Christie Twist technology. The Christie Twist solution delivers full image warping and advanced edge blending in Christie 3-chip DLP projectors using software that controls and edge-blends multiple curved images seamlessly on any surface.
Easier to use and with better, more precise pixel-to-pixel alignment than ever, the upgraded Christie Twist product family includes three tiers of specialized Twist software — each for different application requirements. Christie Twist software is a free download from the Christie website. Christie Twist Premium and Christie Twist Pro are paid upgrades and provide additional functionality.
Christie Twist and Christie Twist Premium are for live theater and events, projection mapping, trade shows, large classrooms, corporate boardrooms, museums, house of worship, casinos and entertainments facilities and more. For more intricate projects such as flight simulators, virtual caves and domes, Christie Twist Pro delivers unlimited arbitrary placement points for greater accuracy. When purchasing Pro or Premium, customers can buy a dongle to attach to a PC running Twist software or license individual projectors and eliminate the need for a dongle.
Christie Twist technology also provides networked projector control by allowing the user to launch a virtual remote from within the twist software with all the functionality of standard Infrared remotes.
More details are here.
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Thinklogical Intros Direct Fiber-Optic Input Card for Entero HB Video Wall Cube Thinklogical has co-developed a fiber optic input card for the Christie Entero HB video wall display cubes.
The Thinklogical VelocityDVI 3 Direct Fiber-Optic Input Card installs directly into the Christie Entero HB cube, providing fiber-optic video signal extension capability at 6.25 Gbps bandwidth without the use of external receivers, power supplies and copper cabling, resulting in fewer points of failure and simpler, cleaner installations.
The new direct fiber input card leverages Thinklogical’s patented Multi-Rate Transmission System (MRTS) technology. MRTS enables multiple data streams of uncompressed video, audio and peripheral signals to be multiplexed and transmitted over a single fiber optic cable to receivers at distances up to 80 km (nearly 50 miles) at an industry-leading 6.25 Gbps bandwidth. This allows for a highly-scalable architecture that delivers video content, digital and analog signals and data with no latency or degradation associated from limited bandwidth, compression or copper cables.
The card is compatible with all Thinklogical MX and VX matrix switches and video routers for applications requiring the distribution of content from multiple video and data sources to multiple displays and user destinations.
Here are all the specs.
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Extron Ships Two New IP Link Pro Control Processors The new Extron IPL Pro CR88 and IPL Pro IRS8 control processors are now shipping. The IPL Pro CR88 features eight contact closure inputs and eight relay ports, while the IPL Pro IRS8 features eight one-way IR/serial ports. These compact, high-performance IP Link Pro control processors are loaded with features inherent to the IP Link Pro family, including more power, speed and memory, as well as Ethernet control and enhanced security. They are compatible with TouchLink Pro touch panels and are designed to take advantage of the advanced configuration options within Extron’s Global Configurator Plus and Global Configurator Professional.
The IPL Pro CR88 and IPL Pro IRS8 are compatible with GlobalViewer Enterprise software for complete, centralized AV resource monitoring, management and control over a computer network. They are ideal for use as either primary control processors in smaller AV systems or as secondary control processors in AV applications that require control for multiple devices.
Here they are.
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Gefen Unveils Syner-G SuiteIn a new foray into the software side of signal management, Gefen has launched its Syner-G software suite, a signal management solution that Gefen claims is “indicative of its belief that the future will be IP connected products.”
The new Gefen Syner-G suite can discover, control, monitor, manage and upgrade Gefen products over a local IP infrastructure and through direct connections using USB. Included are advanced EDID management tools, IP product management, an automated firmware update engine and remote product configuration options.
With the Manage feature, Gefen’s EDID tools control what EDID is presented to equipment connected to select Gefen products. The EDID stored in Gefen devices can be remotely manipulated and users can build their own EDIDs from scratch using the EDID Generator, as well as upload/download unique EDIDs, store them for later use and modify any EDID in the program for unique installation scenarios.
The Configuration aspect of Gefen Syner-G suite gives convenient access to settings on Gefen hardware that does not already incorporate a web GUI, allowing product settings to be changed on the fly.
According to Gefen, the Discovery tool lists all connected Gefen equipment on an IP network, enabling a simple way to view and control select Gefen hardware from anywhere on the network. This makes adding new Gefen products to an existing network very easy. In the past, integrators needed both familiarity with and access to network administration settings in order to add new devices to a network. Generally, it required changing network configuration settings on connected PCs in order to access the device, remember and then return settings to their original values afterwards — a challenging task for inexperienced network professionals. Plus, if multiple devices were added to a network with overlapping IP addresses, it was basically impossible to access any of them. With the Discovery tool, integrators can connect new Gefen devices directly to the network, as well as access, configure and change IP settings, all from a PC, laptop or smartphone.
The mobile Gefen Syner-G Discovery Apps are available on iTunes and Google Play. All are free of charge. Currently available on select models, all functionalities and features of Gefen Syner-G suite will be included on all Gefen hardware beginning in 2015.
Here are all the details.
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Extron Shipping MediaLink Plus Controller with Ethernet Device Control Extron is already shipping its new MLC Plus 84 D — a two-gang Ethernet controller used for controlling common AV functions such as power, input switching and volume. As part of the new MediaLink Plus Series, it is designed with more powerful features, enhanced security and Ethernet control. It has eleven back-lit soft touch buttons and a variety of ports and inputs, including a remote volume control port for use with select Extron amplifiers. Power over Ethernet — PoE allows the controller to receive power and communications over a single Ethernet cable. It is ideal for use in single display applications or anywhere that centralized, push-button AV control is needed.
The MLC Plus 84 D is configured using Extron Global Configurator Plus or Global Configurator Professional software. It also integrates seamlessly with Extron’s award-winning GlobalViewer Enterprise software for complete AV resource monitoring, management and control over a computer network.
Here are all the detailed specs.
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DENON Intros Six New Products Aimed at ProAV Market Denon Professional today introduced a new line called the Solution Series — a line of six wireless solutions for custom signal management and signal transmission routing in ProAV installations.
They include the:
DN-200PM Connected Presentation Manager — This functions as the central hub for distributing presentation/meeting content in conference rooms and classrooms. It features a Quad Core processor and 8GB of onboard storage and also supports DLNA, AirPlay, Miracast, Bluetooth and UPnP for simple connection to source and input devices. The DN-200PM has three USB ports, an HDMI out, RJ-45 Ethernet port, optical and 1/8” audio outs. It will be available in late Spring 2015 for $199.95.
DN-200AZB Bluetooth Receiver with Zone Amplifier —The DN-200AZB receives Bluetooth audio content and powers local speakers with its built-in 70V/100V digital Class D amplifier. Stream audio wirelessly from any Bluetooth enabled smartphone, tablet, or computer and the 200AZB receives it and powers connected speakers and the DN-200AZB will be available for $199.99 in late Spring 2015.
DN-200BR Bluetooth Audio Receiver — The DN-200BR interface acts as a central hub of Bluetooth signals for a professional audio system for sound reinforcement, event, or retail applications. It receives Bluetooth signals wirelessly, then routes the audio to balanced XLR or ¼-inch outputs for integration with mixers and amplification systems. The DN-200BR will be available in Spring 2015 for $99.99.
DN-200WS Wi-Fi Audio Streamer — The DN-200WS allows DLNA and AirPlay support to an audio system by receiving signals over 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and sends audio output via its XLR or balanced ¼-inch outputs. A maximum 28Mbps data connection speed ensures an optimum connection with support for 24-bit audio at up to 192kHz sampling rates. The DN-200WS will be available for $149.99 in Spring 2015.
DN-202WT/DN-202WR Wireless Audio Transmitter and Receiver — The DN-202 series is ideal for getting stereo audio from point A to B. The DN-202WT is a wireless audio transmitter with balanced XLR and ¼-inch inputs, enabling users to send audio from a professional audio mixer or source through walls and ceilings up to 200 feet (60m) away. The DN-202WR is the companion receiver, featuring balanced XLR and ¼-inch outputs for connection to loudspeakers or amplification systems. Multiple DN-202WR’s may be used with a single DN-202WT to optimize sound coverage at an event or split indoor/outdoor/multi-level venues. Both the DN-202WT and DN-202WR will be available in Spring 2015 for $99.99 and $69.99, respectively.
More details are here.
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Symetrix Announces Integration with Shure, Audio-Technica Products in SymNet Composer 3.0 Symetrix has launched SymNet Composer 3.0, an update to its open architecture design software. Version 3.0 has built upon the native support of Audinate’s Dante media networking technology for select third-party devices in earlier releases, and extends support to Shure Inc. and Audio-Technica.
Now, integrators can streamline their set-up procedures and achieve network discovery, Dante signal routing, and audio set-up of supported third-party devices from the two new manufacturers alongside Attero Tech and Stewart Audio with a single piece of software.
For Shure users, SymNet Composer 3.0 brings the MXWAPT4 and MXWAPT8 access point transceivers from Shure’s Microflex Wireless range into the SymNet fold.
SymNet Composer 3.0 also adds native Dante configuration for two leading products from another prominent microphone manufacturer, Audio-Technica. The two supported items are the ATND971 Dante-enabled cardioid condenser boundary microphone and the ATND8677 Dante-enabled microphone desk stand, which can be used with any gooseneck microphone sporting a three-pin XLRM-type output connector.
The new version of SymNet Composer also includes a number of Window Management (Composer UI) Framework improvements, giving the user greater freedom to move pallets to any side of the screen they desire, resize them in place and nest them into tabbed pallets. It is also possible to create specific menu bars for frequently accessed commands and customize toolbars to keep preferred shortcuts at hand.
Alongside the introduction of SymNet Composer 3.0, Symetrix also launched the SymNet Radius 12×8 EX. An upgrade to the popular SymNet Radius 12×8 DSP, the new version features the addition of an expansion slot which, when utilized, increases the total audio input/output count from 20 to 24 in the same 1U format.
In a development that boosts the future-proofing of an installation by allowing for subsequent expansion by simple I/O card addition, SymNet Radius 12×8 EX supports an array of optional SymNet cards, including analog, digital, AEC and telephone. A dedicated Migration Tool allows those with previous designs or work-in-progress using Radius 12×8 to easily convert their files to use the Radius 12×8 EX hardware without any further modifications or extra work.
Also available is the 2 Line VoIP Interface Card, which is an Asterisk– and Cisco-compatible plug-in card for the SymNet Edge and Radius DSPs that natively integrates with SIP-based call platforms and unified communications environments. Designed to be easy to deploy and manage, the 2 Line VoIP Interface Card is suited for a variety of conferencing, paging, remote monitoring and broadcast applications.
Here are the details.
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Audinate Enhances Dante Virtual Soundcard and Dante Controller Audinate, inventor of Dante, announced new updates to its Dante Virtual Soundcard (Release 3.7) as well as the Dante Controller. Both releases support the latest Apple Mac OS X10.10 Yosemite and Microsoft Windows 8 operating systems.
Dante Virtual Soundcard is a simple, easy-to-use software application that turns your Windows PC, Windows Server or Mac OS X computer into a Dante-enabled device, allowing you to instantly connect to any Dante network. No special hardware is required — Dante Virtual Soundcard uses your computer’s Ethernet port to send or receive audio from Dante-enabled devices on the network.
Dante Controller is a free software application for PC and Mac that enables you to route audio and configure devices on a Dante network. In addition, Dante Controller provides essential device status information and powerful real-time network monitoring, including device-level latency and clock stability stats, multicast bandwidth usage, and customized event logging.
The Dante Virtual Soundcard Release 3.7 features include:
- New improved user interface
- Support for sample rates from 44.1 to 192kHz, for both ASIO and Core audio
- Support for 176kHz and 192kHz sample rates — for tuned, dedicated computers
- Increase of WDM channels to 16 channels (8 pairs)
- Support for Window Driver Model (WDM) sample rates from 44.1 to 96Khz
- Support for 16-bit and 32-bit depth audio formats in addition to 24-bit.
- Sample rate pull-up and pull-down in ASIO and Core Audio
In addition, Dante Virtual Soundcard will report latency stats, late packet stats and signal presence indicators via the latest release of Dante Controller, Release 3.5.6. This provides end-users with useful health and monitoring information of the network status. A further benefit is that Dante Virtual Soundcard will now run on Microsoft Windows Server versions 2012 and 2008, allowing for wider use in traditional IT environments. Upgrade to Release 3.7 is free of charge to current license holders.
More information is here:
Dante Virtual Soundcard Release 3.7 Dante Controller Release 3.5.6
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DENON Intros DN-304SAM Powered Speaker System Denon Pro today announced its compact high-performance powered speaker system, the DN-304SAM. The DN-304SAM system is comprised of two acoustically-inert MDF speaker cabinets, each containing a 4-inch polypropylene-coated woofer and a 1-inch ferrofluid-cooled tweeter mounted to a proprietary waveguide. The left speaker contains the system’s stereo amplifier, rated at 20 dynamic watts per channel. The amplifier utilizes class A/B architecture providing exceptional clipping headroom compared to conventional powered speakers and contributes to the outstanding sound quality of the DN-304SAM. A 1/8-inch (3.5 millimeters) stereo input jack lets users quickly connect auxiliary audio sources, while a headphone output allows private listening.
The DN-304SAM will be available in spring 2015 for $149.99. More information will be here.
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Artcoustic Launches Performance Series The Performance Series is a stacked design of speakers that are capable of 140 dB sound pressure level. It’s designed for applications such as medium to large size cinema rooms, fixed installation public address systems and extending even further towards the demanding club stack market. The Performance Series includes two models:
Performance P12-6 mid-high array speaker: This model can be used as a single sound reinforcement speaker, or mounted as multiples with adjustable angles. It is also ideal either wall mounted or ceiling mounted as surround and overhead speaker in larger sound pressure level demanding cinema applications. Here are it’s specs:
Transducer:
- LF-MF 12 x 3 inch cone, Symmetric Phase Aligned
- HF 6 x 1 inch Dual Ring Radiator, Symmetric Phase Aligned
Performance:
- Operating Range 55 Hz (-3dB) to 20 kHz
- Nominal Beam width Horizontal 80° Vertical 45°
- Axial Sensitivity (half space SPL) LF/MF-HF 106 dB
- Calculated Axial Output Limit (half space SPL) Average Peak LF/MF-HF 126dB @ 40watt
- Dimensions H: 250 W: 700 D: 100 mm
Performance Subwoofer PS6: The PS6 is a multi-drive unit coupled, high sound pressure level and very low f3 point (15Hz) subwoofer, making it suitable for the most demanding applications. The PS6 can be used as a single subwoofer for typical sub-sat applications, or as a more powerful stackable solution, catering for larger cinema installations and the demanding high output club and public address scene.
Here are its specs:
Transducer:
Performance:
- Operating Range 20 Hz (-6dB) to 400Hz
- Axial Sensitivity (Half space SPL) LF/MF-HF 108 dB
- Calculated Axial Output Limit (half space SPL) Average Peak LF 136dB @ 370watt
- Dimensions H: 900 W: 700 D: 700 mm
Here are more details.
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HARMAN’s JBL Intros New Intellivox 380 Series Loudspeakers HARMAN’s JBL Professional group is launching its Intellivox 380 Series in the form of three loudspeaker models: the DC380, DS380 and DSX380.
The flagship model in the Intellivox 380 Series is the DSX380, which features complex room-molding DDS Beam Shaping. This technology molds the coverage to match the requirements of rooms that have multi-faceted listening planes, while providing not only consistent SPL but also consistent frequency response throughout the listening space. In addition to its ability to deliver clear and intelligible speech the DSX380 units also feature extended HF bandwidth, so they sound great with music especially when you add a subwoofer. The DS380 also features DDS Beam Shaping, with a longer acoustic array length.
The DC380 offers parametric DDC Beam Steering technology and is ideal for speech applications in rooms with a less complex listening plane. Both the Opening Angle and Aiming Angle are adjustable in very fine 0.1 degree increments. This is the highest aiming resolution available on the market, allowing these speakers to meet the exact aiming and coverage requirements of the space, for best direct to reverberant performance.
Typical throw distance for the 380 Series models is 45 meters (150 feet). Idle power consumption is very low at 0.5A @ 115V, providing lower cost of ownership for a facility and greatly reducing the size requirements for UPS systems, when required.
All units include a 16-channel amp/DSP module and eight presets that can be recalled and/or locked for security purposes. Each model has two inputs each with a 4-band parametric EQ, volume control and delay. Output processing includes an 8-band parametric EQ, volume control and delay. An ambient noise-sensing microphone and control software are built-in, as are redundant internal monitoring features to ensure reliability. Featuring the smallest depth and width footprint in the industry, Intellivox 380 Series models are especially thin and unobtrusive, and can be easily recessed into walls.
Specs are here.
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AURALiC Upgrades Media Player AURALiC just launched a new Wi-Fi-based music streaming box in the form of the DSD256 [Quad-Rate DSD]. Although this technology is not available yet commercially, it’s apparently four times the rate of DSD and doubles the resolution of DSD128 (Double-Rate DSD).
The upgrade, available via firmware, is the latest in a series of ongoing improvements to AURALiC’s Lightning DS Control Software, introduced at last year’s CES, and its ARIES Hi-Res Steaming Bridge, which connects to a consumer’s DAC via USB and continues to be the industry’s only system able to stream DSD, Double-Rate DSD and DXD wirelessly.
The addition of DSD256 capability follows AURALiC’s recent integration of TIDAL full-resolution music streaming to ARIES, thereby eliminating the need for a computer connection to access the service. USB playback is another function recently added to AURALiC’s streaming platform. AURALiC will continue to support its customers by adding more functionality to the ARIES Wireless Bridge in the future.
Here are the details.
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ProAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
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