Volume 15, Issue 4.2 — February 27, 2017
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Editorial Editorial Editorial
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Industry News Audio Control & Signal Processing Projection Unified Collaborative Conferencing Media Players, Recording & Distribution
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We Have a Plan But It Doesn’t Work!
By Frederick Ampel President & Principal, Technology Visions Analytics
Suppose you were one of the United States largest businesses, with your estimated net valuation exceeding 63 billion dollars, with gross revenue over 9 billion. Your 32 divisions average over $300 million in gross profit every year, and your divisional COO’s average salary is over 8 million, without considering anything but cash compensation. Who would you be? Have you figured it out yet?
You are the NFL!
Now, you choose to deploy new technology to each and every COO (head coach), in a 400 million dollar endorsement deal with Microsoft. By mandate every coaching staff WILL use Microsoft Surface tablets for every game. There is no option, and there is no pre-deployment discussion on how this is being implemented. It is simply a fait-accompli by direct orders from NFL headquarters in New York City, period.
There Is No Pre-Deployment Discussion
This plan, or lack of one, depending on your perspective, is not unique to the NFL, or for that matter thousands of companies, enterprises and educational institutions across the country and around the world.
A decision is made to implement, deploy, require, mandate or otherwise force technology and devices into the hands of users with little if any consultation with those users or any evaluation of whether what is being planned actually makes any sense or is even practical. Forget about in-field testing and debugging, just ship the stuff out and make it work, if you can, later — the AV system version of the old recording adage “we’ll fix it in the mix.” Yeah! Right! Sure you will!
Too many of the folks that technology is intended to help end up actually resenting the technology.
In the AV integration industry, this is nothing new. How often have we heard stories about how long it takes to launch a video call or meeting?
The AV industry is battling negative stereotypes. “AV — that’s the stuff that doesn’t work,” is practically a mantra in the corporate world, especially among the IT-based purchasers of today.
But you, dear reader, who are probably one of the folks who work for the integration firms that are actually responsible for providing audio, video, communications and automation solutions for organizations shouldn’t be laughing. You should be afraid, very afraid, and if you’re not already doing so, paying VERY close attention to this seemingly built-in perception of your customer base.
All of these issues have been a problem forever it seems. But recently they achieved front-page, lead story, breaking news status, when one of the COO’s who just happens to be the head coach of the New England Patriots delivered a VERY public rant, which exploded in every media format you can think of.
All of These Issues Have Been a Problem Forever It Seems
You may have caught bits and pieces, but it is worth looking at precisely what was said, and why.
What Coach Belichick actually said in his rant was: “As you probably noticed, I’m done with the tablets. I’ve given them as much time as I can give them. They’re just too undependable for me. I’m going to stick with pictures … because there just isn’t enough consistency in the performance of the tablets, so I just can’t take it anymore. The many other critical in-game (emphasis added) communication systems, including the press box to the coaches on the field, the coach on the field to the signal caller or the coach-to-quarterback, coach-to-signal caller system, all have repeatedly failed for us on a regular basis.” (This was a sentiment supported by about half the league’s coaching staffs, according to multiple ESPN on air and online reports aired after the Belichick comments).
He added, “There are very few games that we play, home or away, day, night, cold, hot, preseason, regular season, postseason — it doesn’t make any difference — where there aren’t issues in some form or fashion with the communications or computer equipment.” (Based on the data reported by ESPN, USA Today, and others, that means that out of the total of 512 in-season games played by the league’s 32 teams, about 15 percent have no major issues — which means that 85 percent of the games or roughly 430 games per season have some major communications- or Surface tablet-related problems.)
What Belichick was referring to is the seemingly randomly selected mishmash of headsets in the helmets, wireless belt packs, the league proscribed Internet service connections, all of which are controlled by, approved for in-game use by, selected by and provided by the league from multiple manufacturers, including a well known major audio company in New England, whose logo is on coaching headsets. The various systems (from multiple vendors) are of course using an assortment of RF frequencies or wireless mic bands (the belt packs Belichick mentioned), without, it seems, anyone having done what every knowledgeable live sound company would do automatically — check every system for interference and channel availability at each game location of each game day.
Compounding the issue, Belichick and multiple other coaching staffs noted (again based on reports aired by ESPN and others) the fact that ‘this is all league equipment so we don’t have it during the week.’
I don’t know about you but logically speaking, is it remotely sensible given the HUGE dollars at stake in every game, every week, for every team, that they would have no opportunity to work with these systems all the time and be able to find the guaranteed problems and troubleshoot and correct them for each game BEFORE game day?
Is It Remotely Sensible That Users Have No Chance to Work With the Hardware Before It’s Critical?
But no — the teams only get the equipment a few hours before the game. Belichick pointed out “that’s the first chance our staff (and of course the opponents’ staff as well) has to test it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. We hope that by game time it is working but more often it is not.”
That’s bad enough but he also pointed out that “during the game… (it is almost a sure bet that) something will happen and it has to be fixed.” That means every team’s tech coordinator and the venue staffs have to figure out, in real time, on national television, is it a battery, the particular player’s helmet, the battery on the coach’s pack or any one of perhaps 15 or 20 other failure options? Doesn’t that sound like a cardiac event-inducing situation — and add in the league’s equity rule that mandates that if one team’s gear drops dead, then the other team’s system has to be shut down to maintain “a level playing field.” This rule affects some but not all systems.
How that particular concept was created remains a mystery to the teams and their staffs, but it is ‘league policy,’ without any explanation. It just is.
Are you wondering by this point just what incredibly naive rules committee or league executive approved this idea and continues to allow this situation to exist? I sure am! (For the full Belichick rant video, go here.)
Did anyone at the top ask the people who have to use these systems to test them out in advance or work with the multiple vendors to insure compatibility, reliability and user functionality? Doesn’t seem that they did, does it?
Unfortunately, this scenario is all too familiar to buyers and end users in the corporate, commercial and hospitality worlds, and our industry is, in many ways, responsible. We don’t determine if what we are providing will work for the people it is intended to serve. This is why so many of the folks that all our glossy digital technology is intended to help end up resenting it at best and hating it all too often.
So Many of the Folks That All Our Glossy Digital Technology Is Intended to Help End Up Resenting It
Think about for a moment, or perhaps have a sleepless night digesting the ramifications. How often have you heard stories about how long it takes to launch a video call or meeting, or the educator who can’t figure out how to use the slick new lectern AV control touch panel with multiple soft keys, or the sales presenter whose 2016 laptop won’t interface with the 2014 presentation system, because the connectors don’t match up?
We are creating a whole generation of users/buyers/decision makers who come into the process with significant doubts and a huge lack of trust in what we say or do. Why? Because we fail to do something so basic, it should be blatantly obvious. ASK the user/buyer about the design and hardware upfront. Provide them a hands-on demonstration to find out if what you propose will actually work for them in their specific situation. Is that educator or company CEO comfortable with that touch panel controller or confused and uneasy enough to not want to use it?
No one running or managing an organization wants to be or can afford to be apprehensive about their infrastructure.
Belichick represents essentially every customer. He might not be the person you’re selling to or the person you’re training. But he’s the person behind the scenes who’s angry when the system isn’t intuitive enough for him to use — or when it simply doesn’t work.
While that infamous quote about AV, that it’s “the stuff that doesn’t work,” is simply not true, it is the stuff that requires ongoing support. The NFL, based on Belichick’s description, is doing its teams a disservice by not providing embedded service technicians to quickly address potential issues with systems that, for them, are mission critical. Are you making the same mistake with your customers, by not offering ongoing service and support up-front as part of the whole project package?
Too many AV integration firms are doing their customers a disservice when they take “no” for an answer when it comes to service contracts. You know, and the customer will rapidly discover, how mission-critical video communication is for most organizations. The powerful folks behind the scenes that depend on it, like Coach Belichick, will be more than willing to pay for that peace of mind.
And just one more thing… it should be pointed out that Microsoft, which generates on average 85 billion in annual revenue, has committed a tiny fraction of its earnings, a reported $400 million over five years, to have its tablets featured in the NFL. Even so, the company can’t be amused to hear Belichick’s stoic condemnation.
Perhaps, though, Redmond should look on the bright side. At least they haven’t blown up. Leave a Comment
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Is My Favorite ISE Product Good or Bad for ProAV?
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
You’ll read a lot about ISE over the next few months. It was the biggest ProAV and HomeAV show ever. Over 73,400 people attended in Amsterdam and it is NO LONGER A EUROPEAN SHOW. ISE is truly an international show.
And, you’ll read about all the 4K stuff, all the new software codecs, all the new wireless stuff, all the new AV-over-IP stuff and how the industry is heading towards a collision with IT — even though IT doesn’t even give a shit about AV.
But, my favorite product from ISE wasn’t any of those — not even close. Mine was the emergence of what I am calling the Collaboration Board.
No, it’s not new. In fact, Prysm (then called Anacore) invented the category some six years ago with this debut and then InFocus about four years ago with the debut of the Mondopad. And, although InFocus has sold some, they are about to see explosive growth as that category is now been “validated” with the introduction of some big-named brands entering the category — Google, Cisco, NEC — just to name a few (and, of course, Microsoft entered it last year with the Surface HUB).
But, at ISE, it was the break-out product — with over 20 manufacturers entering that product category (some new brands and some old brands).
And, yes, InFocus will benefit, big-time from these companies. And, for those of you who think that NEC, Cisco and the like will eat InFocus’ lunch, did you know that Wainhouse Research is about to report that the Collaboration Board category is going to be a $1.5 Billion market next year? So, if I were InFocus, I’d be perfectly content with 5 or 10 percent of that market.
But, is the Collaboration Board market good for ProAV?
Let’s take a look:
1. It’s an all-in-one product: All the Collaboration Boards are all-in-one products with a display, sources, switching, routing, control, video and audio (even conferencing) integrated into one solution that you put in a meeting room. No projectors to add, no touch-screen overlays to add. No control system to add — thus, no programming — and no in-room AV system to add. It’s a hang-and-bang that’s, in most cases, on wheels. No integration required.
2. No integration required: Most of the Collaboration Boards are wheel-in-and-use experiences. Sure, some can be hung on a wall, but all you do is connect it to their (the customer’s) network and, voila, it’s ready to use. No integrator required.
3. No integrator required: Since it’s all pre-assembled and pre-integrated by each manufacturer, there’s nothing left to integrate — the IT department can take it from here…
So, it’s TERRIBLE for ProAV!
Actually, wrong — this is actually a gift from the AV gods.
The Collaboration Board is the equivalent to the good-ole-days of AV when AV integration companies basically became an in-house department of their clients’, offering on-site rental departments. In fact, it was a strategy — a business and marketing strategy. Maybe most of you reading this are too young to know this, but there was a time when an AV integration firm started a rental company/division to “own” the client/customer. In other words, they actually placed in-house rental staff, inexpensively, into their largest clients to offer in-house services to the customer — thus, by default, any time said client/customer needed to buy AV company, they’d yell down the hall to their in-house rental department (remember, staffed by rental techs form AV installers) and ask for it. Then, it appeared. No price haggling and barely a needs analysis.
And, some rental companies started AV integration firms because of this — so it worked both ways.
This is the same. So, we’re going to sell $1.5 Billion worth of Collaboration Boards with a walk-up-and-use experience and we will be able to use this as a “foot-in-the-door” piece to sell everything else. It’s like selling the customer a hand-held remote and then they realize they need a giant TV to control with it.
So, no, the Collaboration Board market is nothing but good news for the ProAV community. Embrace it. Don’t over-engineer it by adding crap the customer doesn’t need on to it. Make the experience what it should be (and is designed to be) — simple, plug-and-play and consumer-like.
Then, use it as a way to get in the door and tell them what else we can do — how we can make every single room they have work this well. Easy. Leave a Comment
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On Biamp and Baseball: Second Thoughts on the TesiraFORTÉ DAN
By Leonard Suskin Pixel and Ink-Stained Wretch
Last week, I wrote about Biamp and the announcement that Dante will now be an option in their smaller TesiraFORTÉ DSP units. While it is an interesting story and the TesiraFORTÉ DAN units do fill a niche, it might not be as important as it appeared to me at first reading. I’ll tell you why not and relate a nice chat I had with the good folks from Biamp, but first we really should talk about baseball.
With pitchers and catchers due to report this week, baseball season is upon us — even with snow remaining on the ground. What I want to bring up isn’t the upcoming rite of summer, but the player trade and acquisition side of the game. Two years ago, for example, my beloved New York Mets traded Robert Allen Dickey who was, at the time, the best pitcher in the game. Their return was a number of younger players who wouldn’t be ready for another year or more. Last year the New York Yankees traded closer Aroldis Chapman (with whom I have other issues – to be discussed in an upcoming post on my personal blog) at the trade deadline. Both clubs likely lost more games than they won in the short term, but in the long term the teams were made better by enacting a longer-term plan.
Why am I talking about baseball and what does this have to do with Biamp, AVB or Dante? The first point is that as a fan, we’re conditioned to want to see our team have the best players and win the most games. As an AV systems designer, I want solutions that fit the needs of my immediate and near-future clients. A manufacturer is more like the front office of the baseball team; yes, they want to win games and yes, they want to see their gear specified into as many products as possible. They also have a long-term roadmap in mind, and what makes the most sense short-term does not always fit their longer-term vision.
I had a discussion with Graeme Harrison, executive VP of marketing from Biamp, following my initial comments on the introduction of the new TesiraFORTÉ DAN units. While acknowledging that Biamp lost some projects because of their choice of AVB over Dante, Harrison contends that it was the right choice for their roadmap and if given the option to do it again, they’d still make the same same decision. It’s because that, like a smart general manager, Biamp’s eyes were not on the next year or the next RFP, but on long-term, sustainable success.
Why do they see AVB as long-term success while Dante is more questionable? The first reasons are technical: AVB does allow more robust time-synchronization than is available with any other protocols. To create a network-based audio and video ecosystem requires an answer to the question of synchronization, and Biamp believes this to be the best answer in the long term. The second reason is more of an organizational and philosophical reason, and one with which I have sympathy: Dante looks like a standard, but it is not a standard; it is a product, wholly owned by Audinate. As such, development of Dante is out of Biamp’s hands in the way that application of an open standard — such as AVB — is not. To rely on Dante as the backbone of their architecture would leave the entire future roadmap dependent on another company developing the required features at the required times, in near-perfect sync with Biamp’s development team. This was, in their mind, not a reasonable goal.
The alternative to AVB was not, in fact, Dante. The alternative would have been to make the choice QSC made and create a new proprietary standard. This would allow control of the roadmap without being beholden to a third party. Harrison noted that one of the strengths of the Dante technology is also its weakness: ease of implementation. A manufacturer can purchase Brooklyn II modules from Audinate and integrate them with other hardware without developing a strong understanding of how the network protocols work. They leave some of us ignorant of the broader language of IT and allow us to implement technologies without fully understanding them. At best, it’s a nice shortcut allowing those with expertise in audio ingress to the world of networked transport. At worst, it’s a crutch. For a manufacturer of endpoint devices, this kind of shortcut makes sense. For those building an entire ecosystem it might not.
So where do the TesiraFORTÉ DAN units fit in all of this? I’ll go back to my baseball analogy to the Mets bringing in an aging but still capable Daisuke Matsuzaka for parts of the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Matsuzaka was not going to be part of the team’s long-term future plans, but did fill an immediate need for the team. That is more akin to what happened with the Dante models of the TesiraFORTÉ; this isn’t a move away from AVB or even towards Dante, but an answer to an immediate need from their customer base to use the Shure MX910 ceiling microphones in small, standalone spaces. In the on-going story of Biamp’s AV platform, Dante products are a footnote.
So what does this mean overall? In practical, immediate terms, it doesn’t mean all that much. The new Dante units are available and will fill certain needs. In a broader sense, thinking about it in a different way changes the story. Biamp is building an ecosystem based on open standards and the long-term direction in which they see the industry moving. We need to learn, to understand and to build our systems around IT best-practices as well as AV practices. For my part, I should remind myself that while one can look at new products with the same breathless anticipation as tomorrow night’s game, we need to look at choices of technologies with an eye towards the season, the next season and the season after that.
Aroldis Chapman image via Wikipedia Leave a Comment
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The Numbers Are In: ISE Was HUGE!
By the time the show closed its doors last Friday, Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) had proven unequivocally why it is the international destination of choice for AV and systems integration professionals.
ISE 2017 saw 1,192 of the world’s leading AV equipment vendors and service suppliers showcase the latest technology for the digital signage, unified communications, audio, smart building, residential and education sectors.
On the show floor the atmosphere was decidedly upbeat. Exhibitors, including 202 making their ISE debuts, were seen increasingly to present their products and solutions in ‘real world’ scenarios, designed to meet the needs of the increasing numbers of end users visiting the show.
Registered visitor attendees to ISE 2017 were at an all-time high at 73,413. This represents an 11.7% increase over the 2016 edition. Attendees came from 150 different countries, reflecting the show’s global reach and influence, while almost 600 registered attendees were from the press and media.
Integrated Systems Events Managing Director Mike Blackman commented on the event’s continued success: “We listen to the industry and we listen to our exhibitors. We invest in the show and, importantly, we have the people in place to produce the type of exhibition that they tell us they need. It’s a real collaborative effort and I’d like to thank everyone that’s been involved.”
The exhibition began and ended with two inspirational keynote addresses. These came from award winning architect Ole Scheeren and Cirque du Soleil President and CEO Daniel Lamarre. Both speakers respectively explored how creative thinking and innovative technological development is needed to drive forward architectural design and live event production.
Across 14 halls in the RAI Amsterdam, ISE 2017 delivered four record-breaking days of product launches, press briefings, awards, conferences, seminars and networking opportunities. ISE co-owners CEDIA and InfoComm International produced two packed education programmes for the residential and commercial installation market sectors. These proved to be both their most comprehensive and successful European professional development programmes to date.
“ISE2017 has been the biggest and best year yet for CEDIA. We expanded our education offering and doubled bookings to more than 800,” said Vin Bruno, CEDIA CEO. “ISE 2017 also gave us a great opportunity to connect with so many of our members from around the globe. Our booth was continuously busy especially during the CEDIA Talks. The show was a huge success and we can’t wait for next year.”
Numerous exhibitors used the show to launch hundreds of new products and services and many also took the opportunity to present their exhibition stands in the most innovative and dramatic manner possible. The results were both eye-catching and inspirational.
“It was a fantastic ISE 2017 for InfoComm, but more importantly, it was an industry-affirming show for the AV industry as a whole,” said David Labuskes, CTS, CAE, RCDD, executive director and CEO of InfoComm International. “As ISE and all our InfoComm shows worldwide demonstrate, this is a vibrant, growing, global community. We’re committed to being a catalyst for market growth, and this week has shown we’re on the right track.”
ISE 2018 will take place at the RAI Amsterdam from 6-9 February. It will feature one more additional hall to accommodate new business.
To see all of our LIVE ISE coverage, go here. Leave a Comment
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Barco Legally Seizes KanexPro’s New MyTurn Products at ISE, Plans to Sue KanexPro for Patent InfringementLike a scene form a legal drama on TV, a Dutch judge has granted Barco’s petition to seize all wireless presentation systems of the US-based company KanexPro (marketed as the MyTurn Presentation System), at Integrated Systems Expo in Amsterdam, today, the opening day of ISE. But, that’s not the big story here. What happened next is: A bailiff approached the KanexPro booth at ISE today with the order to seize all infringing materials present at the show to be used as evidence in a patent infringement lawsuit — right in front of everyone in the booth at KanexPro.
As everyone in the AV industry likely knows by now, in April 2012, Barco launched ClickShare, the industry’s first wireless collaboration (aka BYOD) presentation system. It allows for wireless presentation and collaboration via the use of what Barco calls ClickShare “buttons.”
Barco alleges that KanexPro copied parts of the ClickShare patented technologies. And, a Dutch judge agreed and KanexPro is here at ISE without one of their flagship products to demo.
Since 2012, Barco has expanded the ClickShare into a handful of models that include everything from a portable, traveling-presenter unit to an installable, business-focused model for large meeting rooms. ClickShare has been praised by users, resellers and the press, and has won several industry awards including our own Readers’ Choice Awards (2014, 2015 and 2016). And today Barco used ISE to launch a new ClickShare in the form of the CSE-800 – an enterprise version of ClickShare with two 4K outputs, leader moderation, black boarding and annotation. Barco told rAVe that to “protect the efforts put in the research, development and marketing of Barco’s innovative technology, Barco has secured a strong portfolio of both utility and model patents and registered ClickShare as a trademark in various jurisdictions.” Barco also told us tonight that they will now use the units seized (from the KanexPro booth at ISE) as evidence for patent infringement lawsuits against KanexPro in the Netherlands, the U.S. and any other jurisdictions where KanexPro commercializes its wireless presentation system. Barco is also closely monitoring other potential infringers in Europe, the Americas and APAC and will take the necessary steps to prevent others from copying Barco’s patented technology.
The story we wrote announcing the KanexPro MyTurn system back last month is here.
The story we wrote recently on the new Barco CSE-800 is here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Launches ProAV Access PointThe Extron WAP 100AC is a ceiling mounted dual-band wireless access point that they say is engineered for heavy network traffic. It supports the latest wireless technologies, including dual-band frequency operation with Band Steering, high-transmit power, enhanced receive sensitivity MIMO and four internal high-gain antennas that all help maximize network performance and expand device network connectivity. The WAP 100AC also supports the latest PoE+ standards, allowing it to receive power and communication over a single Ethernet cable. The WAP 100AC is designed for providing wireless access to devices running the Extron Control App.
Features
- Supports both IEEE 802.11a/n/ac on 5 GHz and IEEE 802.11b/g/n on 2.4 GHz standards
- Four internal 5 dBi omni-directional antennas
- LED indicators for WPS, WLAN 5G, WLAN 2.4G, Ethernet port, and Power
- Enhanced network security
- Band steering
- Supports Power over Ethernet Plus or PoE+, reducing the cable drops to the wireless access point
- SSID-to-VLAN Tagging allows administrators to tag and assign packet destination of wireless clients
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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AptoVision Debuts New BlueRiver NT1000 Chip-set DesignThe BlueRiver NT1000 from AptoVision is the newest AV-Over-IP chipset reference redesign — we wanted to be technically accurate and everyone else in the press is reporting it as a chip, but it’s not. Expanding the BlueRiver NT+ Series it is able to transport uncompressed, zero-latency Ultra HD/4K HDR over Ethernet. AptoVision says that the NT1000 can reduce material costs for AV over IP encoders and decoders by up to 50%. AptoVision’s existing BlueRiver NT+ chipset is now renamed BlueRiver NT2000. This new design is specifically for AV/KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switching and extension applications, the HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 compliant BlueRiver NT1000 can transmit true 4K/60Hz (4:4:4) at 8-bit color video with near-zero frame latency over 100m of CatX or 30 kilometers of fiber. The design includes audio, GbE, USB 2.0, RS232 and IR, all of which can be routed independently. Audio can be extracted from or injected into any HDMI stream within the network.
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AMX Debuts Acendo Vibe Conferencing Sound BarsHARMAN Professional Solutions today announced AMX Acendo Vibe, a new line of premium conferencing sound bars. The line includes JBL speakers with far-field microphones and they are integrated with a wide-angle camera.
Featuring an interesting industrial design, Acendo Vibe is designed to work in small meeting spaces or huddle rooms and it’s an all-in-one solution that requires no programming or installation of additional equipment. Acendo Vibe comes in three colors and features softened materials and finishes to augment the interior design of the office environment.
Acendo Vibe 5100 and 2100 series models incorporate advanced JBL technologies, including far-field microphones and integrated AEC. USB and Bluetooth connectivity allows for BYOD (bring your own device) conference applications by allowing users to easily connect laptops, phones and tablets. Dedicated audio inputs and outputs allow users to integrate Acendo Vibe with other AV systems, such as assistive listening systems and more.
Acendo Vibe 5100 Series models include a 120-degree field-of-view (FoV) camera that allows everyone in the room to be seen, including individuals sitting close to the display. The 5100 Series also includes HDMI connections that enable users to route video to the display, and automatically turn the display on when a laptop is connected. In addition, when paired with the new Acendo Core meeting room system, the Vibe 5100 series can also provide visual room availability and end-of-meeting alerts to room participants.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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Powersoft Launches New Quattrocanali Series at ISE Powersoft has again chosen ISE to launch its new four-channel Quattrocanali Series, with three different models: the Quattrocanali 4804 is 1200 watts per channel @ 8 ohm, 1500 watts per channel @ 2 ohm, 3000 W bridged @ 4 ohms; the Quattrocanali 2404 is 600 watts per channel @ 8 ohm, 800 W per channel @ 2 ohm, 1200 W bridged @ 4 ohms; and the Quattrocanali 1204 is 300 watts per channel @ 8 ohm, 500 watts per channel @ 2 ohm, 1000 watts bridged @ 4 ohms. This completes the Powersoft Installation Series that includes Duecanali (two-channel) and Ottocanali (eight-channel) series.
This new 1RU four-channel amplifier platform claims to have sustained output volume and they are aiming it for applications such as bars, restaurants, retail outlets and fitness centres. It features a switch-mode power supply with power factor correction, smart rail management and bridgeable switch mode fixed frequency Class D output circuit topology.
Quattrocanali is available in both DSP and non-DSP versions, both fully remote controllable via standard GPI/O connections on the back panel, Powersoft’s proprietary Armonìa software, dedicated web app, or third party application. Remote operation on the Quattrocanali is available via the web app and Armonìa, enabling the user to access all the amplifier’s functions from a decentralized location, further reducing the need for personnel on station. It seamlessly integrates within a networking environment, making monitoring and operation capabilities remotely accessible.
Remote access to the Quattrocanali is available both through standard CatX cabled and Wi-Fi networks. Quattrocanali may be integrated within high impedance 70V-100V distributed line systems.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Yamaha Debuts Small Install Speakers
Yamaha has launched the VXS1ML and VXS3S at ISE. Part of Yamaha’s Commercial Installation Solutions (CIS) range, the speakers are designed for background music applications in restaurants, retail outlets, hotel lobbies and other situations where loudspeakers need to be heard but not seen.
Measuring 62x62x82mm and weighing just 0.16kg, the VXS1ML mini satellite Lo-Z (8-ohms) speaker features a major innovation in the marrying of a brand new, specifically-developed large diameter voice coil and ultra-compact 1.5-inch full-range driver, which deliver a frequency response of 180Hz – 20kHz and uniform dispersion of 170-degress, both horizontally and vertically.
A circular mount allows for free angle installation and up to 30° of vertical adjustment. The VXS1ML can be surface mounted, alternatively the optional CMA1MB/CMA1MW allows for in-ceiling installation and the optional RMA1MB/RMA1MW for hanging from a lighting rail. Available in black or white models, the enclosure is also paintable to ensure the loudspeaker unobtrusively blends into any environment.
Complementing the VXS1ML is the VXS3S compact subwoofer, which delivers a rich low-mid sound. Featuring a 3.5-inch driver, switchable Lo-Z (8Ω)/Hi-Z (70V/100V) inputs and Yamaha’s Dual SR-Bass technology the VXS3S measures 320x160x110mm, weighs only 2.4kg and has a frequency range of 65Hz – 180Hz. Also featuring built-in satellite connectors, it can be surface mounted or (with the optional CMA3SB/CMA3SW) mounted within the ceiling. Like the VXS1ML, it is available in black or white and has a paintable enclosure.
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Denon Debuts the DN-700AV Receiver for Commercial AV InstallsThe DN-700AV is an AV receiver aimed at the commercial AV market. Having six HDMI inputs, component/composite ins/outs, XLR balanced 7.1 pre-outs and RS232C and IP control, the 700AV is designed to be placed in commercial AV installations.
The unit is compatible with many of today’s multi-channel formats, including TrueHD/Dolby Digital Plus/Dolby Digital/ DTS-HD/MasterAudio/DTS ES. Plus, it’s HDCP-compatible and has network streaming via DLNA. A powerful seven-channel, 75-watt amplifier with high-current design drives even low-efficiency speakers to loud levels.
The DN-700AV has Euroblock amplifier outputs and balanced, XLR preamplifier outputs. A balanced XLR stereo input rounds off the feature set aimed at the professional installer.
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Aurora Debuts IPBaseT IPX-TC2 TransceiverAurora Multimedia just introduced a 4K60Hz 4:4:4 (8-bit color) AV over IP signal transceiver, utilizing their IPBaseT technology. Aurora says the IPX-TC2 Series is the world’s first 10Gbps IPBaseT transceiver capable of 4K60Hz 4:4:4 with extremely low 1.3:1 real time compression and zero frame latency. That includes scaling, windowing and videowall modes up to 16×16, over copper or fiber.
Aurora’s says the IPX-TC2 is uncompressed video with zero-latency (4K30Hz 4:4:4), visually lossless video with low latency (4K60Hz 4:4:4 with 100us latency), seamless switching, videowall and multi-viewer modes, digital audio, USB 2.0 (480Mbps), Dante option, 1Gbps Ethernet, and control are some of the core capabilities of IPBaseT. Utilizing the bandwidth of a standard 10Gbps copper or fiber (IPX Series), IPBaseT supports large scalable audio/video matrixing, and it does so while replacing multiple technologies and products with a “single-box” distributed platform.
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Barco Launches Software-Based AV Control system
Barco just launched a new version of their Overture software-based AV control solution. Any network-connected device with a browser can use Overture to control and monitor equipment.
As you likely know, Overture is an IP-based software system that can be connected via an IP network. To add a network-enabled device (projector, display, audio system, blinds, retractable projector screen) you connect it to the network and configure Overture with a web-based interface. Overture can work with any device from any brand (as long as the protocol is available).
Nearly every publication in the AV market will just re-print the press release that Barco sent out about this. However, we are going to give you context. Read this carefully and read it keeping the Barco ClickShare CSE-800 in mind. There is NO DOUBT that the Overture is being positioned to be a big part of Barco’s future and will eventually be integrated into the ClickShare – making the ClickShare the hub for Overture – not requiring a network server. Barco is clearly going after the traditional AV control market.
Overture is a centralized system. So, a server is required to run it but that server can operate in multiple locations/rooms – no matter where they are around the world. In each location, software on a simple computer handles local device communication. By adding alerts, the support team can be warned when certain events occur – an overheating projector, for example – so they can take immediate action. And because Overture monitors AV equipment centrally, the technical staff can troubleshoot and correct issues for the entire company remotely, using Overture’s Help Desk interface.
As it is completely HTML 5-based, the in-room user interface, which is used to control all the connected devices in the meeting room, can be deployed on any device that has a network connection and a web browser. Barco says this eliminates the need for proprietary controllers and touch panels.
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AMX Debuts N7142 AV-Over-IP Presentation Switcher HARMAN Pro today unveiled the AMX N7142 Presentation Switcher, an all-in-one presentation switcher that incorporates low-latency Networked AV video distribution. It’s aimed at classrooms and conference rooms.
The N7142 Presentation Switcher distributes up to 4K UHD (3840×2160) content from 4K sources (4K @60Hz 4:2:0) HDMI 2.0 and two VGA inputs that can be independently switched between two HDMI 2.0 outputs. Each output has a mirrored HDMI port for connecting to an additional display, encoder card or other video distribution equipment. Two available Networked AV slots and an integrated Gigabit Ethernet switch make distributing classroom presentations to overflow seating as easy and immediate as a single LAN connection.
In addition to audio from the HDMI inputs, the switcher supports multiple high-quality audio sources with powerful built-in DSP and a 60-watt stereo amplifier. The N7142 Presentation Switcher includes two microphone inputs with phantom power, as well as six independent stereo inputs that can be used to incorporate different audio sources into presentations, including digital devices like smartphones or tablets.
The audio amplifier can also operate in 4Ω/8Ω, 70V, or 100V modes via a user-selectable switch, making it easy to integrate the N7142 Presentation Switcher with existing AV infrastructures.
The AMX N7142 switcher is available in two configurations: the NMX-PRS-N7142 and the NMX-PRS-N7142-23, which adds an AMX N2312 Encoder and an AMX N2322 Decoder to the base configuration. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Crestron Debuts DigitalMedia NVX Series, a 4K60 4:4:4 HDR 1Gb AV-Over-IP SystemCrestron today introduced its next generation DigitalMedia in the form of the DM NVX Series, which is designed to transmit 4K60 4:4:4 HDR video over standard 1 Gigabit Ethernet. Crestron says that built-in software makes everything easy to configure, commission and control from the web.
DM NVX Series is an infinitely scalable software-defined matrix that provides the ability to share 4K60 4:4:4 HDR HDCP 2.2 compliant content anywhere over a dedicated 1Gb network (and Crestron is claiming with no latency). It’s also spec’d to be able to be combined with existing Crestron HDBaseT connectivity and network AV products for content delivery to displays, laptops, tablets, and phones.
DM NVX Series is made up of DM NVX Encoder/Decoder Boxes (DM-NVX-350, DM-NVX-351), DM NVX Encoder/Decoder Cards (DM-NVX-350C, DM-NVX-351C), and the DM NVX Card Chassis (DM-CI8). DM NVX Encoders/Decoders provide auto-switching and support Ethernet natively, as well as fiber, with optional SPF modules.
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Aquantia New FPGA Programmable PHY Means We Will See Smaller Video-Over-IP Products Using AptoVision Technology
Aquantia is a high-speed Ethernet connectivity chip company and they have partnered with AptoVision to build a single-chip solution for video-over-IP on a 10GBASE-T infrastructure. The combination of Aquantia’s AQcite FPGA-programmable Multi-Gigabit Ethernet PHY with AptoVision’s BlueRiver technology means that we will soon see smaller products for sending video and audio over Ethernet. Right now, the only option for manufacturers is to take a programmable Xilinx chip and use the AptoVision IP and program a video-over-IP system — resulting in a system where most companies using the AptoVision technology (like ZeeVee and DVIGear) have two chips in their processors — now this single-chip solution will be smaller. The AQcite product line, and specifically the AQLX107 can be used to transmit true 4K60 (4:4:4 at 8-bit video with some compression) video across off-the-shelf 10G Ethernet networks and standard CatX cable.
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Gefen Debuts New 4K Video-Over-IP Products at ISE
Gefen just launched a new Video-over-IP system that includes both a Transmitter/Sender and Receiver set. The new Sender and Receiver KVM units (the EXT-UHDV-KA-LANS-TX and EXT-UHDV-KA-LANS-RX) are 4K@60Hz (4:2:0) at 8-bit color and have a built-in scaler, Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) and digital/analog audio break-out.
Spec’d to handle 3840×2160 at 60 Hz and 4:2:0 chroma subsampling and uses a 1 Gigabit network switch. Both products support HDMI 4K 30Hz 4:4:4, 4K @60Hz (4:2:0), HDCP 2.2 and 1.4, and 7.1 channels of HBR (High Bit Rate) lossless and LPCM digital audio up to 330 feet (100 meters).
Additionally, both the sender and receiver units support the concurrent connection of a VGA and HDMI device. The Sender acts as a switcher, allowing the user to select either the analog VGA input or digital HDMI input as a source for the video over IP network. A local VGA output is also available to monitor either selected signal. On the receiver, the VGA and HDMI outputs are both active and essentially function as a video splitter, providing analog and digital outputs for nearly any display present. The VGA input and output support VESA resolutions up to 1920×1200 at 60Hz (WUXGA). This product also provides RS232 and two-way IR routing between the Sender and the Receiver units, allowing the transfer of IR commands and RS232 communications among all sources and the displays.
The sender and receiver can be used as KVM extenders in a one-to-one system, or as nodes in a virtual matrix environment where any source can be routed to any or all displays. The sender features a 1U tall and half-rack-width enclosure, perfect for rack mounting using the Gefen EXT-RACK-1U-GRY rack tray (sold separately). It can also be surface mounted or be placed on a shelf. The Receiver can be surface-mounted or placed on a shelf. It is also rack mountable using the rack tray, but features a low profile enclosure that can fit in tight places when hiding the receiver is not an option. When using a Gefen IR Extender module, this Receiver can be hidden away behind a display or in the equipment closet while still retaining IR access.
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DVIGear Introduces Next Generation of DisplayNet at ISEDVIGear showed its next generation DisplayNet — their AptoVision-based 10GbE Ethernet AV-over-IP product line. The DisplayNet DN-200 Series supports sending up to 4K /60p (4:4:4) with 8-bit color, or 4K /60p (4:2:0) with 10-bit color (HDR) via a 10 Gbps network. Also, the DN-200 Series includes an HDMI 2.0 input that fully supports HDCP 2.2, plus a DisplayPort 1.2 input as well as support for High Speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbps.). The DN-200 Series is available in two models that support either CAT-X twisted pair cables or signal distribution over fiber optic media using industry standard SFP+ optical modules. Both models will be available in Q2 2017.
According to DVIGear, the DisplayNet Manager Software was rebuilt from the ground up to be a completely web-based client. The software communicates with the DisplayNet Server (DNS-200) via a built-in API, which then distributes commands to the DisplayNet devices on the network. This new architecture dramatically enhances user experience and flexibility, plus allows new features to be rolled out much more rapidly in order to support customer needs.
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Sony Debuts E-Series Projectors Sony expanded its line of 3LCD portable projectors with seven new E-series models, 4300 lumens to 3100 lumens with a choice of XGA and WXGA resolutions for the education and corporate markets. The new projectors are designed for applications including mid-sized classrooms and meeting rooms.
The new E-series includes the following seven models: VPL-EW578, VPL-EW575, VPL-EW455, VPL-EW435, VPL-EX575, VPL-EX455 and VPL-EX435.
The new models feature a 20,000:1 contrast ratio spec and Sony’s 3LCD BrightEra technology and all of them have a compact design and an array of functions, such as low fan noise, wireless connectivity and auto power on, to ensure smooth, quiet and reliable ease of use.
The new E-series models are an ideal partner for today’s integrated AV/IT environments. They expand customers’ connectivity options with dual HDMI ports for laptops, Chromecast and Miracast connections and an IP Control function to easily operate multiple projectors in one room at the same time, making them ideal for shared spaces. The Wi-Fi option enables presenters to share content wirelessly directly from laptops and the VPL-EW578 even comes with an HDBaseT connection.
The VPL-EX575, VPL-EX455 and VPL-EX435 are planned to be available in April, while the VPL-EW578, VPL-EW575, VPL-EW455 and VPL-EW435 are planned to be available in May. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Epson Launches New Pro L-Series Laser Projectors at ISEEpson has announced the latest Pro L-Series large venue laser projectors. The Pro L-Series come in five new models ranging from 12,000 to 15,000 lumens of color brightness and white brightness plus WUXGA and SXGA+ resolution. Leveraging 3LCD technology, the Pro L-Series integrate a laser-light source with an inorganic phosphor wheel in combination with inorganic LCD panels.
Designed for rental and staging, as well as permanent large venue installations, the expanded Pro L-Series feature a new remote image capture with a built-in camera for diagnostic purposes, flexible connection options, high native contrast ratio and 360-degree installation and projection at any angle. With Epson’s 4K Enhancement technology, which shifts each pixel diagonally by 0.5 pixels to double the resolution, the projectors accept 4K input and enhance a 1080p signal to surpass Full HD image quality. The new Pro L-Series is also compatible with Epson’s selection of lenses, which is expanding to include a new ultra-short throw option.
The Epson Pro L-Series will be available in fall 2017, with pricing announced prior to launch. The projectors come with a limited warranty of three years or 20,000 hours. All the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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NEC Intros PA803UL and PA653UL LCD Laser-Based Installation Projectors at ISE
NEC Display Solutions Europe today announced two laser-based additions to its PA Series of LCD projectors, taking low-maintenance operation to a new level. The new additions, the PA803UL and PA653UL models leverage a filter-free design, eliminating one of the biggest operational overheads normally found in installed projectors.
Both projectors are WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution, have 360 degree positioning support in any direction and also feature motorized zoom and focus, interchangeable lens options. The PA803UL is 8,000 ANSI lumens and the PA653UL is 6,500 ANSI lumens.
The new PA653UL laser projector will be available in April 2017 and the PA803UL in August 2017 and here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Crestron Unveils Mercury Tabletop All-in-One Meeting Room System at ISE Crestron just launched an all-in-one meeting solution called Crestron Mercury for small and huddle collaboration spaces. Mercury enables users to securely present content wirelessly on the room display from a laptop, smartphone, or tablet using built-in Crestron AirMedia. In addition, you can use it to make phone calls from mobile devices or standard SIP phone systems using the built-in speaker and microphones.
Workers can collaborate with colleagues via Crestron Mercury from a laptop or dedicated in-room PC using any soft phone, web conferencing or UC application, such as Skype for Business, Cisco WebEx, GotoMeeting or Slack. A built-in occupancy sensor on Crestron Mercury allows facility managers to collect usage data to drive efficient room utilization.
Available Mercury collaboration spaces can be located quickly due to the built-in PinPoint proximity beacon on each console. Seamless integration with Microsoft Exchange allows users to reserve a room using Mercury’s onscreen calendar.
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Prysm Debuts New Digital Collaboration Capabilities at ISE 2017 Prysm today announced at ISE 2017 a new set of capabilities for smarter visual collaboration across the enterprise. Live Source Streaming, Quick Start and Wireless Screen Sharing are being added to Prysm Visual Workplace. The company is also demonstrating third-party display compatibility in its stand for the first time, alongside Prysm displays.
Today’s announcement includes these new features:
- Live Source Streaming allows all participants using Prysm Visual Workplace, no matter where they are located or what device they are using, to view and edit device-centric content displayed in a Prysm workspace. Any device displaying content, such as, laptops, mobile devices, in-room PCs, videoconference systems, Apple TVs, document cameras, security cameras, etc., can be integrated into a meeting, while changes and edits can be viewed in real-time by Prysm meeting participants.
- Prysm Quick Start enables employees to access Prysm Visual Workplace without logging in, providing a fast and convenient tool that enables teams and individuals to quickly brainstorm or capture thoughts from an ad-hoc meeting. Using Quick Start, participants can pair devices, via a wired connection or wireless sharing, engaging with content or sketching and capturing ideas using Prysm’s digital-whiteboard capabilities.
- Wireless Screen Sharing permits users to wirelessly and securely display a laptop, tablet or mobile device to a Prysm display. Prysm users can annotate, take screenshots, and manipulate content displayed by these devices. During multi-location team meetings, a Prysm user can ensure that all actions within a workspace are mirrored in real time to all participants in the meeting.
Live Source Streaming, Quick Start and Wireless Screen Sharing are expected to be available by the end of Q1 2017.
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SMART Shows New Line of Interactive Displays and Software SMART Technologies has launched three new lines of interactive displays — all aimed at education. Two of the new panel series are integrated with their iQ. The new products are:
- The SMART Board 7000 is a 4K resolution display with iQ technology that enables the display to act as the central hub of classrooms as well as meetings, room displays, software, content and personal devices into one experience. It also features HyPr Touch (Hybrid Precision Touch) writing performance and touch accuracy, as well as the ability to recognize commands from an array of different interactive tools. This display enables four users to write simultaneously in the pen color of their choice (Pen ID). SMART says the display can distinguish between different commands, allowing users to write with the pens, select content with their fingers and use their palms to erase (aka: Object awareness). It supports up to 16 simultaneous touch, writing and erase points for maximum ease of use. These are available in 75” and 86”.
- The 4K resolution SMART Board 6000 series has had iQ technology added as a standard feature that allows for one-touch access to software and applications. The 6000 includes their Silktouch, Object awareness, Pen IDTM (supports two users writing simultaneously in the pen color of their choice), SMART ink, and are available in 65” and 75”.
- The SMART Board 2000 series is a non-touch display integrated with wireless screen sharing. It’s also 4K resolution but i sonly available in 75”.
All SMART educational displays are optimized and include SMART Learning Suite software.
More information is here.
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Kramer Launches VIAware Software-Based Wireless Collaboration Aimed at Small Room and Classrooms
VIAware is a software-only wireless collaboration system that can show up to six user screens on one display or up to 12 screens on two displays (hardware-dependent) via Wi-Fi. Capable of iOS mirroring for MacBook, iPad and iPhone as well as native mirroring for Chromebook, Android (Lollipop OS 5.0 or newer) and Windows phone.
In a school application, remote students can join a class and collaborate in real time with embedded 3rd-party video conferencing and office apps. VIAware has the same security offered by all VIA devices and can be installed on any computer running Windows 10, providing IT managers the versatility they need. The software works with existing VIA clients and VIA Site Management and offers support for all VIA Quick Connect features, such as QR Code, NFC Tag and VIA Pad.
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Extron Introduces New StudioStation One Touch Recording SolutionExtron just launched the simplest, but coolest, ProAv product in a while — it’s called StudioStation. If you can’t sell this, you shouldn’t be in ProAV — this will be EASY to sell!
StudioStation is literally a one-touch recording of HD video and audio presentations. To turn the system on, insert a USB stick and press the record button to begin recording. Systems are customizable to support any installation. StudioStation solutions are ideal for flipped classroom recordings, lecture capture, student assessments, rehearsal spaces, moot courts or any other application where making a recording by pressing only one button is desired.
StudioStation uses Extron’s scaling and flexible signal processing for superior recording of nearly all HDMI source resolutions. The default recording setup is configured for 720p at 5 Mbps, producing an MP4 media file which is compatible with virtually any media player or editing software. Using the embedded web page, it is easy to customize the default configuration to meet the needs of many applications.
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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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