Volume 13, Issue 19 — October 7, 2015
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Editorial Editorial Editorial
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Industry News Projection Audio Control & Signal Processing Unified Collaborative Conferencing Displays Media Players, Recording & Distribution Security Cables, Cases, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens & Accessories
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DocuDrama
By Joel Rollins rAVe Columnist
Well, fall is upon us, and along with it comes the fall meeting season. For those of you in the rental and staging portion of the industry, this is a time of year when clients who have been away for the summer suddenly call in a panic to book a meeting for tomorrow (if you are lucky) or for this afternoon.
Along with a return to business in the autumn, we in the industry usually experience new requirements for those same sudden meetings. Not only are the manufacturers and distributors introducing new products that our clients will suddenly demand, mostly because they have seen them in airline magazines, but we usually also experience a wave of new government regulation. Here in beautiful southern Connecticut, our clients are mostly involved in the finance and banking worlds. Back in 2008, our industry was disturbed by simple government statements discouraging the financial industry from traveling for meetings.
(Side note: If you all remember, Las Vegas was a huge target of several senior government speeches even though, as we all know, Las Vegas is the least expensive city in the United States in which hold a large meeting.) Since then, although they have lightened up on our friends at the casinos, the federal government (in an effort to decrease the chances of another financial decline and to increase the legal compliance in other industries) has issued new compliance documentation requirements for many industries.
However, I was speaking yesterday with a colleague in Louisiana whose clients are mostly petroleum firms and they are experiencing the same autumn phenomenon this year that we are with regards to new government regulation. Most of this revolves around how we document a meeting.
Documentation of public events once had fairly light requirements. Often, simply making an audio recording, or at most a single camera videotape, fulfilled any requirements for compliance documentation.
However, today we face the challenge of the connected meeting. In other words, we are challenged by the fact that meeting content, and even meeting presenters, are not all in the same room or even in the same time zone. The location and time factor is complicated by the fact that there are also a number of ways people participate in these conferences. Besides those who are present (and can therefore easily be recorded), we can have participants via audio conference, video conference, email, instant messaging and collaboration software.
Whenever a change in regulation (or just accepted practices of an industry) occurs, it can, for a time, discourage people from undertaking the kind of activities that are regulated while they attempt to deal with the new requirement. So it behooves us as an industry to do some work to deal with it for them. And, since the term “AV professional” is generally used to refer to someone who gets paid for their efforts, it behooves us to go one step further than advance investigation, and to be prepared with a billable service offering.
So how does one offer comprehensive documentation of an event with these kind of multi-point characteristics? The answer to that will depend very much on your clients and their requirements, but the following are a few of my favorite thoughts to get you started:
Simple and inexpensive:
Remember, here, that we are talking about documentation and not production. So one easy and inexpensive method would be the use of a multi-track video recorder, such as a security recorder, where sources such as audio tracks, a camera, and the various computers that are used in a meeting for presentation and messaging purposes can all be plugged into a single recorder for the purposes of recording them in a single, time coherent recording. This can take some juggling of tracks and settings to produce a reasonable quality recording, and can be complicated by the fact that all the sources must become compatible with the inputs of the recording system (often now HDMI). However, if you are in the rental business, this can produce some additional hardware rentals and since it is for documentation purposes it can satisfy many clients needs to completely document the meeting in real time.
Slightly more difficult, more comprehensive:
As my readers will know, I am a big fan of collaboration software, with my personal favorite being Cisco’s WebEx. One of the virtues of these types of software packages (certainly not limited to WebEx; there are several alternatives) is that they can record in real time everything that happens during a meeting from video to graphics and from presentations to instant messages. So I have been experimenting lately with plugging everything into a WebEx client for documentation purposes, even those elements that are taking place in the room, and computers that are being used for presentation locally. This allows me to then send a link to the meeting to the meeting’s organizer, often fulfilling their documentation needs.
Really comprehensive while more expensive:
There are a number of comprehensive conference recording systems on the market that can produce outstanding documentation. One of these is Sonic Foundry’s Mediasite product, which can (with knowledgeable setup) produce recordings of all of the elements that we have talked about, producing documentation of extremely high quality, such that it can also be used for later educational purposes or even, in some cases, for post-production. There are a number of companies marketing recording products like this, and I mention the Sonic Foundry product simply because it is one that I have worked with and had excellent results. All of these systems require significant operator training for best results, but if your clients are in an industry type that requires that they comprehensively document strategic meetings, the investment in this type of product can be one that pays off well into the future.
One final caveat: All of these systems requires significant advance preparation, both on the part of the AV contractor and on the part of the client to ensure that on the day of the meeting all sources are compatible. A suggestion to those of you in the industry: This is labor you need to charge for, and a trial run should be done, because an offer to produce compliant documentation carries with it a responsibility to make sure that it is done right.
But that’s exactly what we are here for, isn’t it? Leave a Comment
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In Memory of Denise Harrison
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
I was saddened to learn of the passing of my first ever editor, Denise Harrison.
If you’ve been a long-time reader of mine, then you likely have read her work. Denise was the first person who made me sound better. I have always been what is considered a prolific writer — but that doesn’t mean a good one. There are some days when I can’t think of anything to write about and there are days where stuff just flows like a high-bandwidth internet connection streaming tons of stuff. Some days, I would send her four or five things to edit at once. And, they always came back making me sound better; thus, making them easier for you to read.
Denise worked just like me. There were no off-hours. I could send her something over a weekend and she’d send it back to me within a few hours, edited. Better.
Thank you, Denise. Thank you.
Denise loved to write, read and correct.
Denise finished out her AV career as the director of marketing for PSNI, the leading network of independent audiovisual and broadcast communications systems integrators.
She lost her battle with cancer yesterday. Leave a Comment
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Here Comes 8K
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
Sharp Electronics showed an 8K TV at CES. That’s 7,680×4,320 pixels (that’s 33 megapixels). But, they’ll never ship it.
Why?
Well, Sharp exited the consumer TV business earlier this year. But, the commercial AV version will be ready to ship next month — at least in the U.S. It will ship in Europe and Asia in early 2016.
So what good is it?
Well, although the first real 8K content won’t arrive until the 2020 Olympics from Tokyo (the 2020 games will be broadcast in 8K, actually), imagine the collaborative applications where you an display 1080p and 4K natively at the same time!
The 84” Sharp LV-85001 will debut next month will be about $135,000 and will be difficult to send signals to as no one actually makes 8K-capable signal distribution gear, or cables, for that matter.
And don’t think that LG, Samsung or Sony are sitting back watching Sharp take the resolution lead. All of them claim they’ll ship 8K next year, too. Leave a Comment
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Almo Pro A/V Makes Final E4 AV Tour 2015 Stop in New York, Now Sells BandwidthAlmo Professional A/V is wrapping up its 2015 “Fully Charged” E4 AV Tour next week in its most popular location, the New York Metro area. The event, which takes place at the Teaneck Marriott New Jersey on October 8, is also the official launching platform for Almo’s third service program: Almo Bandwidth Services and subsequent relationship with the newest E4 exhibitor, Comcast Cable.
“The E4 Tour only comes to this area every two years and it is an entirely different event in 2015 than it was in 2013 or will be in 2017 so it’s absolutely worth taking the day to come out and learn, network and experience the latest and greatest in the Pro AV world,” said Sam Taylor, executive vice president and COO for Almo Professional A/V.
In terms of the new Almo Bandwidth Services program, Taylor explained, “We are helping our integrators focus on recurring revenue streams to make their businesses more valuable. As the first distributor in the AV industry to offer bandwidth services with the top US providers — including Comcast Cable — our partners can now sell their end users long-term contracts for high-bandwidth connectivity as part of an overall installation. Their customers pay for this service on a monthly basis and the integrator makes a recurring monthly commission on those contracts.”
To view an interview rAVe Founder, Gary Kayye, did with Sam Taylor about the Almo Bandwidth Services Program is here.
The E4 New York Metro event also includes two new hands-on “E4 Experience” workshops focusing on Digital Signage Content & Distribution and BYOD & Collaboration. To view an interview about the E4 Experience workshops with Brian Rhatigan, director of business development for Almo Professional A/V, click here.
Another highlight is the return of the highly sought out 90-minute technical HDBaseT Installer Expert Program, which is designed for those who would like to learn more about HDBaseT technology, regardless of whether they are beginner or expert installers. You can register for those classes here. For a complete E4 New York Metro agenda or to register, go here. Leave a Comment
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Christie Debuts Solaria CP2208 Compact Digital Cinema Projector Christie today launched a value-priced digital cinema offering, the Christie CP2208, aimed at theaters with screen sizes less than 10.6 meters (35 feet) wide that require an affordable solution in a compact footprint. The latest in a line of Xenon-lamp based Christie Solaria projector solutions, the CP2208 was unveiled today at the Beijing International Radio, TV & Film Exhibition (BIRTV) at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing. Shipments of the units, to be available worldwide, are scheduled to begin in October. The system is 2K resolution.
The CP2208 can be ordered with a variety of lamp sizes and lenses, and gives customers the choice of adding an integrated media block — either the Christie IMB-S2 with its tightly-integrated Screen Management System (SMS) and high-performance storage — or other, popular Series-2 IMB system.While able to support various alternative content sources through dual HDMI ports via DVI connectors, the solution is DCI-compliant, based on Texas Instruments’ 3-chip, 0.69″ S2K DLP Cinema chipset. The CP2208 will deliver fully DCI-compliant images at 9,000 lumens within the DCI color space and up to 10,000 lumens when presenting alternative content.Here are the specs.
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VIVITEK Adds New Wireless Pocket Projector in Qumi Q6
Vivitek today introduced the LED HD Qumi Q6, a WXGA pocket projector with 800 ANSI lumens and capable of projecting an image up to 90’’ diagonal (in the dark). The Q6 also uses an LED light source that’s spec’d at 30,000 hours of use.
The Q6 uses the MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) connection port for video and audio content. From any MHL-enabled mobile device, such as smartphone or tablet, it is possible to reproduce its screen onto a large screen area while charging it with the MHL cable (included). For those who prefer to project directly from the Q6 (without connecting any device), an embedded media player can display documents, photos, videos and audio files.
Small, light and slim, the pocket sized Q6 is the perfect companion for sharing content from mobile devices. The size of a paperback book, and with a weight of only 475 grams and a thickness of 34 millimeters, the Q6 can be conveniently carried around in a purse, briefcase or backpack.
Other specs include:
- Native WXGA (1280×800) resolution with high definition 720p compatibility
- 800 ANSI lumens and 30,000:1 contrast ratio
- Wirelessly stream and all types of content
- Display contents directly from a USB flash drive or from the on board memory
- Advanced display connectivity including HDMI, USB and internal Wi-Fi
- 3D compatibility with DLP Link and HDMI 1.4b Blu-Ray support for dazzling and realistic life-like images
- Built-in 2 watt audio speaker with multiple audio ports for easy device connection
- Touch-sensitive keypad with illuminated back-lit controls
- Mobile remote control app (Andriod/iOS) for control of the projector’s functions and features
- Available in seven colors including black, white, light blue, red, orange, gold and charcoal gray
The new Qumi Q6 pocket projector will be available from September 2015 and here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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EIKI Debuts 12K Lumen EK-800U DLP Projector Capable of Projecting in Portrait Mode
Eiki International has just launched its new EK-800U single chip DLP projector specified at 12,000 ANSI Lumen brightness and a 5,000:1 (DA:ON) contrast ratio. The WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution EK-800U inputs include VGA, HDMI, HDBaseT and 3G HD-SDI.
Integrated with powered zoom and focus as well as vertical and horizontal lens shift (V: +- 60%, H: +/- 25%), the new model also has image blending, warping, color matching and it can be mounted to show content in portrait mode.
The EIKI EK-800U will ship in late October and will list for $19,995. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Bose F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker and F1 Subwoofer Both Ship Bose Professional announced the availability of the F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker and F1 Subwoofer, the latest additions to the company’s range of portable P.A. offerings. Designed to serve an even broader set of applications than L1 systems, the F1 Model 812 is the first powered portable loudspeaker that lets users optimize sound by creating up to four different vertical coverage patterns. Offering exceptional power and clarity, the F1 system provides versatility for a wide range of applications and venues, easy setup, aesthetically pleasing design, and rugged durability. The F1 system is an ideal choice for live music, DJ, corporate AV, house-of-worship, AV rental and general P.A. applications.
With the F1 system, sound can be optimized for playing at floor level, on stage or facing raked seats or bleachers. To control the vertical coverage pattern, users simply push or pull the array into position to create “Straight” (tightest vertical control, for floor-level audience coverage), “J” (adjust vertical splay down, when P.A. is placed on stage), “C” (adjust vertical splay up and down, to cover extreme raked seating), or “Reverse J” (adjust vertical splay up, e.g. for bleacher seating coverage) dispersion patterns. Once set, the system automatically adjusts the EQ to maintain optimum tonal balance for each coverage pattern.
Engineered with an array of eight Bose proprietary 2.25-inch drivers, 100-degree horizontal waveguides, a high-powered 12-inch woofer and a lower crossover point, the F1 Model 812 loudspeaker (26.1″ H x 13.1″ W x 14.6″ D; 44.5 lbs. [664.66 x 334.3 x 372.5 mm; 20.2 kg]) delivers high SPL performance while maintaining vocal and midrange clarity that’s dramatically better than conventional loudspeakers. For extended bass response, the optional Bose F1 Subwoofer (27″ H x 16.1″ W x 17.6″ D; 55 lbs. [688 x 410.16 x 448.5 mm; 24.9 kg]) packs all the power of a larger bass module into a more compact design. The loudspeaker and subwoofer have a combined 2,000 watts of power (1,000 watts each), able to fill nearly any venue with immersive sound. A Bose proprietary mounting stand for the loudspeaker is integrated right into the body of the subwoofer, making setup fast and easy. The stand even includes cable channels to neatly hide the wires. Additionally, the loudspeaker and subwoofer feature strategically placed handles for stress-free transportation (the system easily fits in a car), made with highly durable materials to ensure years of reliability.
In addition, the F1 Model 812 has been designed with features to facilitate fixed installations through threaded inserts and accessory pan and tilt and yoke brackets.
Here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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NUGEN Audio Debuts DSP Version of VisLM-H2 Loudness Meter
NUGEN Audio today introduced a new DSP option for its industry-leading VisLM-H2 visual loudness meter, targeted to users of Avid Pro Tools HDX systems. Leveraging advanced AAX DSP hybrid technology, VisLM-H2 DSP integrates seamlessly into the professional Avid HDX environment and optimally deploys Avid audio engine resources for the Pro Tools power user.
Joining ISL 2 DSP, NUGEN Audio’s true peak limiter for HDX, VisLM-H2 DSP enables users to take advantage of the full capability of their NUGEN Audio loudness tools within the context of a highly optimized HDX environment.
Existing VisLM-H2 users are eligible to upgrade to the DSP version for $99, and new users will be able to choose between the VisLM-H2 and the VisLM-H2 DSP versions (now available at $449 and $549, respectively). More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Primacoustic Paintables Clouds Now Shipping
Primacoustic as launched Paintables Clouds, a new series of acoustic panels you can paint on, and they are already shipping.
The new Paintables clouds include the circular Cirrus, the hexagonal Hexus and the square Altos. Each panel is made from 1-1/2″ thick high density 6lb glass wool for exceptionally even absorption and feature resin hardened edges with micromesh that together fully encapsulate the panel to prevent dusting. Paintables are factory painted on all sides in Absolute White latex and ready for mounting. Unique to their design is a proprietary surface than enables one to lightly spray paint the panels on-site to color-match the decor without affecting the acoustical performance.
Paintables clouds are designed as acoustic treatment for houses of worship, conference centers, restaurants, offices, boardrooms, educational facilities, community halls, hotel auditoriums, broadcast facilities, museums, retail, home theaters, recording studios, gymnasiums and performance halls.
Installation is easy. For larger spaces, a selection of hanging hardware allows the Paintable Clouds to be suspended horizontally or vertically from the ceiling, absorbing energy on both sides for maximum efficiency. The same panels may be wall-mounted using our proprietary Surface Impaler technology to create a distinctive wall treatment.
The Cirrus, Hexus and Altos are available in 36″ and 48″ diameters. As with all Primacoustic panels, Paintables have been independently tested for acoustic performance and fire-tested to achieve the most stringent Class-A ratings. This makes them safe for use in all types of installations.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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Transformative Engineering’s New Audio Injector Allows Substitution of Audio Signals in HDMI Signal Path
Transformative Engineering (TE) has introduced the HAI-1 Audio Injector, a patent-pending device that allows the user to substitute audio in an HDMI signal path. Typical applications include injecting the center channel information so a TV’s speakers can be used as the center channel. Another use may be injecting a local microphone pre-amp signal in an educational or corporate environment to utilize the TV’s internal amplifier and speakers. This eliminates the need and cost of another separate amplifier, speakers, and installation.
The HAI-1 has one HDMI input and one output, stereo RCA line-level inputs and speaker audio inputs. In center-channel applications, speaker input would be connected to an AV receiver’s center-channel output. The RCA jacks are used to inject line-level mono or stereo signals into the HDMI signal. They may be used to play independent audio sources such as a local microphone for narration or CD/MP3 player for background music through the TV’s audio system. The HAI-1 also has a USB port for firmware updates.
The Transformative Engineering HAI-1 will debut at CEDIA and lists for $199. The details will be posted here after CEDIA. Leave a Comment
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Renkus-Heinz Launches RHAON II for ICONYX Gen5
Renkus-Heinz has released RHAON II for Iconyx Gen5. With what the company is marketing as a new and intuitive, device-centric UI, streamlined workflow and more than 200 percent faster operation, Renkus-Heinz says that RHAON II makes faster and more intuitive setup.
The release from Renkus-Heinz says that the RHAON II System Manager has been completely redesigned from the ground up, using highly structured modular code for greater stability and expandability.
RHAON II’s new, network-agnostic interface has been designed to work with all networking protocols. Currently supporting AVDECC IEEE1722.1 and CobraNet, RHAON II has been structured to allow easy implementation of today’s and tomorrow’s emerging protocols. Support for multiple NICs, and wireless operation (where supported) makes RHAON II easy to integrate into existing network infrastructure.
RHAON II is fully integrated with Renkus-Heinz Iconyx and IC Live Gen5 technologies. Here are more details. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships New Two-Way SpeedMount Ceiling Speaker SystemExtron just introduced the CS 1226T Plus SpeedMount Ceiling Speaker System, a patented low profile, plenum rated two-piece speaker system delivering improved performance. It consists of the CS 120P plenum rated enclosure and a CS 26T Plus two-way speaker cartridge. The enclosure installs quickly into 2’x2′ (61 cm x 61 cm) or 600 mm x 600 mm suspended ceilings. The speaker cartridge features a 6.5″ (16.5 cm) woofer and a 3/4″ (1.9 cm) ferrofluid-cooled dome tweeter in a coaxial design, with a unique tweeter bridge that delivers smooth off-axis response. With a wide 112° coverage angle and an extended frequency range of 42 Hz to 20 kHz, the CS 1226T Plus offers exceptional voice intelligibility and natural sounding music reproduction. The CS 1226T Plus is available as a complete assembly, or the CS 120P enclosure and CS 26T Plus speaker cartridge can be purchased separately to accommodate division-of-labor installations, with the enclosures installed during rough-in and the speaker cartridges during final installation.
The CS 120P plenum enclosure installs quickly into 2′ x 2′ or metric 600×600 mm suspended ceiling grids. It features a shallow 5″ (12.7 cm) profile, which simplifies installation into congested ceiling spaces around piping and ducts. The integrated tile bridge of the enclosure rests with the ceiling tile on the grid, evenly distributing the weight of the enclosure and speaker cartridge. This avoids the need to assemble V-rails and C-rings, greatly reducing the number of installation steps and the chances of losing installation hardware.
The CS 26T Plus speaker cartridge can be used in 70/100 volt or 8 ohm operation with a behind-the-grille, six-position selector switch. It installs quickly and easily by itself or into the CS 120P enclosure. The CS 26T Plus is designed with wide, uniform coverage to eliminate hot spots and allow for greater flexibility in speaker spacing and placement. With an exceptional frequency range, this speaker is optimized for a wide range of paging and audio presentation applications for music, program, and voice. It also features a power rating of 60 watts continuous pink noise and 120 watts continuous program, and a tuned pass reflex port optimized for the CS 120P enclosure. The CS 26T Plus features a magnetically attached grille and a thin-edged bezel for a refined appearance on the ceiling.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Wisycom Unveils MTP41S Pocket Wireless Transmitter Wisycom has launched the MTP41S Pocket Wireless Transmitter – a pocket transmitter designed for professional wireless microphone applications. The biggest feature added to the MTP41S is the integrated hardware limiter. The limiter acts as a variable attenuator maintaining a distortion less than three percent, without lost quality. These features have been added to standardize performance in Wisycom’s body-pack transmitter product line.
The MTP41S presents users with up to 232 MHz bandwidth in 470/798 MHz range, offering a wide range of frequency options. Setup is easy and fast via an OLED display, a gain/frequency button and a ‘joggle’ selector. The miniature design of the MTP41S features flexible PCB (no connectors) for extended reliability, and an ultra-light metal alloy body. It also offers user-selectable multi-companding systems: ENR (noise optimized) or ENC (voice optimized). Power options include one AA Alkaline or rechargeable NiMH or Lithium battery.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Altinex Expands ShareTime LineAltinex has expanded the ShareTime collaboration product line with the ShareTime HDMI Cable (CB300-101), the ShareTime 4×1 HDMI switcher (UT260-041) and the ShareTime Collaboration Package (UT100-041).
The Altinex ShareTime HDMI Cable is marketed as a display controller that enables display control using a ShareTime controller and cable in a single assembly. Multiple ShareTime HDMI cables enable several users to connect to a single display and work together as they switch between sources.
The HDMI cable is flat, 10-feet in length, and Altinex says it contains a built-in amplifier to maintain HDMI signal integrity. In a typical application, users connect the flat HDMI cable to a monitor input and then connect the other end of the cable to the source, such as a laptop computer. Any number of ShareTime units can be used together to form a collaboration environment with a single multi-input video display.
The Altinex ShareTime under table 4×1 HDMI switcher is a four-input by one-output HDMI switcher with HDCP repeater functions. The system supports all 3D TV formats in addition to all HDTV formats up to 1080p 12-bit Deep Color. The switcher has four ways of switching inputs: auto-switching — last laptop plugged in gets the display, by input select button on the chassis itself, by IR remote control or in use with ShareTime controllers.
The ShareTime Collaboration Package is a system that includes four CB300-101 HDMI ShareTime Cables and one UT260-041 HDMI 4×1 switcher.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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Crestron Ships Wall-plate Tx/Rx for 4K HDMICrestron is shipping a new 4K wall plate transmitter (DM-TX-4K-100-C-1G) and receiver (DM-RMC-4K-100-C-1G) pair integrated with built-in serial and IR ports control. Both are direct replacements for the DM-TX1-C-1G and DM-RX1-C-1G and are HDBaseT compliant.
Available in black or white single-gang, decors-style plates, Crestron says they are low-cost 4K transmitters that can be powered using the included wall mount power pack, or via PoDM (Power over DigitalMedia). The DM-TX-4K-100-C-1G and DM-RMC-4K-100-C-1G can be mounted in the wall or in 4-inch deep floor boxes.
A single cable connects either device to a DM switcher, transmitting or receiving video, audio, control, networking and power signals all through one category cable. A single HDMI input (DM-TX-4K-100-C-1G) or output (DM-RMC-4K-100-C-1G) port is spec’d to support video at resolutions up to 4K (4096×2160). Crestron specs color-sampling compatibility up to 4:4:4 at 24-bit @30Hz and 4:2:0 at 24-bit color @60Hz.
The DM-TX-4K-100-C-1G and DM-RMC-4K-100-C-1G include built-in serial and IR control ports to allow programmable control of the connected display. They also support CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) as an alternative to conventional control methods.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Gefen Claims 4K Matrix with HDCP 2.2 Gefen has just announced its so-called “next generation” matrix switcher: the EXT-UHD-88 spec’d as a 4K capable 8×8 Matrix for HDMI w/ HDCP 2.2. Gefen specs it at resolutions of up to 4K Cinema-DCI (4096×2160 at 24 or 30 Hz 4:4:4) and 4K Ultra HD (3860×2160 at 60 Hz, 4:2:0 or 30Hz 4:4:4) and says that it’s compliant with HDCP 2.2 protocol as well as legacy HDCP 1.4.
The new matrix has been designed for use with the Gefen Syner-G software which allows for Discovery and Show Me features that automatically detect all installed units on a Local Area Network and configure their IP settings.
This product also features a web-served interface. In addition to basic end-user controls such as routing sources to displays, this powerful interface possesses the ability to upload, download and save EDID information from any connected display to the internal memory. These EDIDs can then be made available to any of the connected sources. In addition to the web interface, other control options include front-panel buttons, IR remote, RS-232, Telnet and UDP.
The EXT-UHD-88 lists for $3999 and here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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InFocus DigiEasel Whiteboard Aimed at Huddle SpacesInFocus Corporation has unveiled something they are calling DigiEasel – a line of interactive touchscreen displays designed for smaller meeting rooms and huddle spaces. The 40-inch, 1080p-resolution, 10-point touch DigiEasel has two models, which both feature built-in digital whiteboarding tools and give users display and touch control of their Windows, Mac and Chromebook devices. InFocus’ DigiEasel with LightCast technology has wireless casting abilities of another device’s screen, the ability to save and email notes and Internet browsing capabilities. InFocus is also launching DigiEasel Sign Manager, which enables DigiEasel to display an organization’s HTML5 interactive signage and stories.
InFocus is introducing two models, the DigiEasel with LightCast (INF4032) and DigiEasel (INF4030). The DigiEasel with LightCast supports casting content from Android, Windows, and Apple iOS and OSX wirelessly and has a built-in Internet Browser and can connect to a corporate network. Both models allow notebook display and control via HDMI or VGA and USB and have built-in digital whiteboarding software. Additionally, both models are edge-to-edge capacitive touchscreens that don’t require calibration, have 20-watt stereo speakers, a stylus and a tray.
When not being used for collaboration, DigiEasel owners can leverage the device as a digital interactive portrait or landscape sign (when using DigiEasel Sign Manager). The software enables customers to load and display their own customized HTML5-based content on either DigiEasel model.
DigiEasel will list for $999 and Sign Manager is $899. Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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Revolabs Announces Echo Cancellation for FLX UC Conference Phones
Revolabs today announced it has improved the acoustic echo canceller (AEC) technology in its FLX UC line of conference phones to support up to 16 kHz audio. The enhanced echo cancellation allows the microphones to match the performance of the dual-speaker system in the FLX UC product line, creating a robust, high-performance audio platform for UC that allows users to hear every word in a conference call.
AEC is the technology that allows bi-directional, full-duplex audio in conference phones, enabling natural communication among a call’s participants. Because of the significant processing power and complex algorithms required for using ultra-wideband frequencies, many conference phones cut audio at 8 kHz or below, which results in an artificial-sounding user experience. The new echo cancellation implementation supports up to 16 kHz audio for more natural sound.
The FLX UC 500, UC 1000 and UC 1500 conference phones are shipping now, with more information here. Leave a Comment
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New Christie Flat Panels Come in 55-inch, 84-inch and 98-inch Flavors
Christie just launched the Christie FHQ552-T, Christie FHQ842-T and Christie FHQ981-L flat panels. Previewed at InfoComm 2015, all three are designed for meeting rooms, offices, lobbies and architectural displays, and can be banded with Christie Brio, Christie Spyder and the Christie Pandoras Box media server.
Available in October, the Christie FHQ552-T is a native 1920×1080 display that features 10-point touch capabilities, built-in speakers and an Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) slot.
Replacing the FHQ841-T is the Christie FHQ842-T — a 1080p, 84-inch display designed for large-format presentation and collaboration applications. With built-in 10-point multi-touch capability, the Christie FHQ842-T can be used in interactive applications or whiteboard and meeting room scenarios.
The Christie FHQ981-L 98-inch is a 4K flat panel aimed at business, education, houses of worship, small control rooms and digital signage applications. Providing a seamless canvas and an alternative to traditional 2×2 tiled 46-inch displays, the versatile 98-inch flat panel is compatible with digital signage devices and media players including Christie Spyder and Christie Pandoras Box. The FHQ981-L is equipped with built-in speakers, multi-window capability, along with an OPS slot for compatibility with digital signage devices and pluggable media players.
Shipping in October 2015, all three Christie flat panels have a three-year warranty. Full tech specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Atomos Launches Ninja Assassin for 4K/HD Camera
In 2014, Atomos did actually revolutionize the HD to 4K transition with the announcement of Shogun. Now comes their Ninja Assassin – combining professional 4K/HD recording and a 7″ 1920×1080 monitor (with playback and editing) in a compact add-on to existing DSLR, mirrorless and video as well as cinema cameras.
The Ninja Assassin claims the screen size, screen resolution, advanced recording capability and scopes of the Shogun model, but forgoes the 12G/6G/3G-SDI connectivity, RAW recording functionality, in-built conversion, Genlock and balanced XLR audio connections. The main benefit – a 10% weight reduction to an incredible 430g and an incredible $1295 price point including Soft Case, SSD Caddy and AC Adaptor. This targets 4K DSLM (Digital Single Lens Mirrorless) cameras such as the Sony a7s and a7RII, Canon XC-10 and Panasonic GH4 bypassing their known limitations such as compressed MPEG/h.264 recording, 4:2:0 color compression, 30-minute time limits and the disadvantage of monitoring on a small 3″ screen.
The Ninja Assassin has HDMI focused audio/video connections and ships with a brand new vibrant red Armor Bumper for increased protection. The Shogun of course is still the flagship product for high-end production that require SDI Raw, Balanced XLR, Phantom 48V and HDMI/SDI conversion.
Ninja Assassin Key Features:
- Record more accurate, higher resolution colors (4:2:2, 10-bit) direct to visually lossless editing formats (the only brand to do both ProRes and DNxHR).
- No Record time limits – Recording externally to the camera puts an end to the traditional 30-minute recording barrier and allows larger media capacity.
- Professional shot setup you can trust on a calibrated high resolution 7″ monitor with over 320 pixels per inch.
- Anamorphic de-squeeze, the perfect companion for Panasonic’s GH4 and affordable Anamorphic lenses/adaptors.
- Easy to use professional monitoring tools including Focus Peaking Assist, 1:1 & 2:1 Zoom with silky smooth image pan & scan, False Color (skin tones), Zebra and Waveform/Vector Scopes for in-depth image analysis.
- Go back in time with Pre-Roll cache recording, up to 8 seconds of HD or 2-3 seconds of 4K so you’ll never miss that shot
- Video Time-lapse with up to 10 different sequences, speed ramp and scheduled start and end times over 24 hrs.
- 3D LUT’s allow you to create a specific signature look or even recreate classic film stock instantly, with 50:50 split / LUT on / LUT off view, you can compare effects and make creative decisions on the fly.
- Playback for instant review and editing on the fly with a choice of 10 tags in both record and playback mode. Our NLE support means that whether you are Mac, PC, Apple, Avid or Adobe we support you.
The Ninja Assassin is available now and here’s the list:
US: $ 1295 ex. TAX
EU: € 1295 ex. VAT
GBP: £ 899 ex. VAT
AUD: $ 1899 Inc. GST
Please view the fill list of resellers here. Leave a Comment
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Toshiba Introduces Its First 960H Video Surveillance Cameras
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
Toshiba Surveillance & IP Video Products has embraced new 960H analog technology alongside its IP network-focused product portfolio by introducing today its first 960H dome cameras.
Providing a thirty percent increase in resolution over comparatively priced D1 analog cameras, the new IKS-D207 (indoor) and IKS-R307 (outdoor) cameras incorporate a 960 x 640 CCD sensor to achieve a wide-screen picture that does not require stretching to fit HDTVs or monitors. Both provide insurance against risks such as property damage, vandalism, theft and burglary.
Incorporating similar dome designs and feature sets, both cameras deliver superior 700TVL (TV lines) for amazingly sharp, color accurate video plus 24 IR LEDs to accommodate night time conditions down to 0.05 lux. The domes also offer 4x zoom, 78° tilt and full 360° rotation to accurate track objects of interest. The more rugged of the pair, the outdoor IKS-R307, is IK10 vandal resistant and features a built-in heater that keeps the camera secure down to -49°F.
All the tech specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Premier Mounts’ Symmetry Series Ceiling AccessoriesPremier Mounts is shipping the SYM-PA Pipe Adapter that allows you to suspend displays from the ceiling, for single-side or back-to-back displays, and works with the SYM-PAC Pipe Adapter Cover to deliver an appealing aesthetic for ceiling applications.
The company’s Symmetry Series line is a configurable mounting solution that Premier says reduces installation time by over 40 percent compared to single display mounting solutions. It is designed for single and multi-site deployments where a repeatable installation is important (e.g., video walls, for example). Features include:
- Two component design using an interface bar and a set of display brackets
- Six-point (x,y,z) precise adjustment features for easy display alignment
- Built-in service kickstand for 9° of access
- Versatile for wall, stand and ceiling installations
In addition, Premier tells rAVe it’s also shipping its new Heavy Duty False Ceiling Plate, the PP-HDFCP, which is a ceiling adapter that can be used to mount flat panels or projectors from a drop ceiling.
According to Premier, the PP-HDFCP saves 62.5 percent in installation time vs. traditional custom cut unistrut and pipe mounting methods, with no need to perform pre-installation site walks.
PP-HDFCP features:
- Single-trip installs for single or multi-site projects
- Holds flat panels and projectors up to 125-lbs.
- Four 25′ steel braided cables included
- Includes escutcheon ring cutter and beauty ring for easy installation and a more appealing aesthetic
All the details on both are here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships New Edge Mount Enclosure for AV Connectivity, Data, and Power
Extron announced the immediate availability of the AVEdge 100, a cable access enclosure designed to mount onto the edge of a tabletop surface in semi-permanent installations where cutting the surface is not desirable. An integrated clamp system secures the enclosure to the tabletop surface without the need for tools or additional parts. The AVEdge 100 accommodates two double-space Architectural Adapter Plates – AAPs, Cable Pass-Through Brackets for up to eight AV cables, or three Retractor cable retraction modules.
AAP power modules are available to provide USB and/or AC power for mobile devices and laptops. The optional CableCover is available to minimize cable tangles and accidental disconnects, and the Extron ZipClip Series is available to mount products, such as the PS Series Desktop Power Supply, directly to the enclosure. The AVEdge 100 is available in a black powder coat finish.
For more information about the AVEdge 100, go here. Leave a Comment
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Do Some of Your Projectors Vibrate?
In projector or camera installations, poor image quality is often caused by vibrations from an external source, not just HVAC units installed on a roof but can be from foot traffic on an upper level when a projector or camera is installed on a lower floor.
As the weight of projectors and cameras are in suspension mode as opposed to compression, it is important to note that the requirements are different between the two methods. In suspended applications, it is necessary to take in the total suspended weight of the equipment and the frequency characteristics of the vibration source; otherwise the result can be worse than having used nothing at all.
Nigel B Design’s Anti-Vibration Mounts are designed for this exact niche.
As most causes of vibration is often equipment related to a HVAC unit attached to a building’s steel framework, or from an upper floor which results in vibrations between 0-30,000 Hertz being transmitted directly to the projector.
The AntiVibration Isolation Mount’s footprint is 4″ x 4″ with a height of 3.3″ and a weight of little over 2 pounds and can handle AV gear weighing up to 70 pounds. Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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BTX Announces Fiber-Based Plenum HDMI Assemblies for 4K Video Up to 100 MetersBTX Technologies announced today that it is introducing HDMI cables (fiber-based) for 4K applications in a variety of lengths from 5 meters to 100 meters.
These new fiber-based assemblies are considered lightweight and work in tight spaces, like floor boxes, and include EDID transmission. They support high definition (1080p) and ultra-high definition (4K) video, deep color (48-bit) 4:4:4, 3D and multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. Utilizing fiber optics, these plenum rated cables are specified to provide full signal integrity over the distance of the cable.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Fusion Menu Board Wall Mounts Launched from ChiefChief has launched the Fusion Menu Board Wall Mount, which joins a robust line of ceiling mounted solutions to execute any digital menu board application.
According to Chief, the new mounts offer perfect display positioning and flexible adjustments. The single horizontal extrusion with depth adjustment aligns displays quickly, even on irregular mounting surfaces. The mount allows for easy access behind the displays for servicing and storing media players.
Each menu board mount uses two or three wall plates to minimize drilling time, especially on difficult substrates.
Features include:
- ControlZone micro-height adjustment you can position above or below mount
- Centris tilt between +0 and -20 degrees, with set locking points at 0, 10 and 20 degrees
- Lateral shift to work around outlets and other obstructions
- Tool-free screen engagement
- Portrait and landscape options for 2×1 and 3×1 configurations
- Landscape for 4×1 and 5×1 configurations
- Integrated cable management for a clean installation
- Accommodate 40-55″ screens, or up to 60″ with the FCAX extension brackets
The LWM Menu Board Wall Mounts are already shipping and all the details are here. Leave a Comment
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Pakedge Debuts WX-1 Gigabit AC Wireless Access PointPakedge’s new gigabit wireless access point (AP), the WX-1, is an 802.11ac access point that features a 3×3 Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) radio configuration for what Pakedge claims is up to five times faster connection speed and four times more bandwidth. Supporting twice as many clients, the WX-1 offers a higher channel capacity than N based access points as it has channels up to 80Mhz and is capable of processing up to four times as many signals per channel.
Plenum rated for fire safety compliance, the WX-1 is aimed at ProAV integrators for corporate installation but Pakedge is hoping that it’s used in hospitals, schools, and MDUs. It also supports RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) servers, which centralize authentication, authorization, and account management for enhanced security. The WX also supports the more secure WPA Enterprise and WPA2 Enterprise signal encryption for those who use RADIUS servers.
Designed for bandwidth intensive multimedia traffic, the WX-1 features something called TruStream and Pakedge Zones which are able to recognize and prioritize latency sensitive voice and video traffic for seamless performance. It’s integrated with six internal antennas.
The WX-1 can be wall/ceiling surface mounted and the in-ceiling/in-wall mounting trays allows integrators to stock only one SKU that can be upgraded as needed. The WX-1 also includes t-bar brackets for drop-tile ceilings and there is even an outdoor version. Because the WX-1 is PoE+ powered, the placement of the AP is flexible and not contingent on whether or not an AC power outlet is available.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ProAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: We run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
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Everything we publish is opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship publication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition is co-published with CEDIA, covering the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
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