Volume 15, Issue 6 — March 21, 2017
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Editorial Editorial Editorial
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Industry News Projection Audio Unified Collaborative Conferencing Displays Control & Signal Processing Cables, Cases, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens & Accessories Lighting
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Updated: Is ZOOM Your Next Competitor?
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
Update: I spoke to ZOOM CEO Eric Yuan this morning. He told me that it’s correct that they do try to establish relationships directly with the clients. But, he says that ZOOM’s policy about this is very specifically defined: If an AV integrator has an existing client relationship, all they need to do is register that client and ZOOM will not go or talk directly to the client without the integrator’s assistance. But, if ZOOM establishes the relationship directly, they will potentially sell the ZOOM system directly. Yuan says, “We do have a PSO team and sometimes customers can count on Zoom to set up/install Zoom rooms system per their requests. But customers will purchase hardware by themselves or via CDW, etc.” He also stated unequivocally that ZOOM would never give away the hardware to a client for free to get the ZOOM sale. I asked him if he’d ever done that and he said, “No, and I will stake my personal reputation in this claim.”
We just got confirmation of a multi-million dollar AV integration job that was designed by an AV consultant and bid on by reputable AV integration firms but, the job was awarded to ZOOM — yes, ZOOM, the videoconferencing manufacturer, directly.
Yes, the same ZOOM soft-codec, video- and web-conferencing services — the same one you, as an integrator, are specifying to your clients.
But here’s the kicker — we have a source that says ZOOM agreed to put in all the AV gear for FREE — yes, free. All they wanted was a long-term licensing deal for the ZOOM software. So, they’re going to install the hardware for free, apparently, to get the software licensing fee.
But ZOOM is also actively promoting (and still recruiting) their AV partners. Look here.
When we first heard about this, we were skeptical that it was true. But now we know it’s true. ZOOM actually isn’t really making it a secret that they are doing this. Check this out; they’re actually, actively advertising to hire AV installers: https://zoom.us/careers (scroll down to Professional Services). And, just in case they take these job postings down, you can see the screen shots I took of the ads here and here.
It gets even more interesting — they’re even advertising to the end user clients that they do AV Integration — open this PDF and scroll down to the section on “Deployment.” Again, in case ZOOM takes this down, I grabbed it and you can see it here.
So are you selling and integrating ZOOM? If so, does this concern you?
I reached out the ZOOM President, Eric Yuan himself yesterday, to find out what the plan was within ZOOM: Are they planning to go completely direct in the future of do they still want to support the AV integration channel? I suspect that, once you’ve had this happen once, you’re unlikely to continue to support a manufacturer that sells direct (and even actually competes with you) — especially since you can get soft-codecs from others who aren’t selling direct or installing the hardware for free to get the software seat-license contract. Leave a Comment
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Corporate Culture and The AVL Industry
By Anthony Coppedge House of Worship Technology Consultant
There’s a pattern of overworked teams in the audio, video and lighting industry. From the manufacturers to systems integrators, the lunch conversations at industry trade shows is almost universally the same: too many projects, not enough time, too many quotas, not enough qualified leads. Some of this is certainly due to a business-as-usual approach that hasn’t shifted to the new digital marketplace, but much of it is because the expectations and deliverables of projects are not well aligned.
If culture is a set by the top of an organization and molded from the bottom up through employees, then the corporate cultural failures that have been well-known for years are most evidenced in the job-hopping of talent across the industry.
Ultimately, the end-user — such as churches in the faith market — experiences the brunt of this swing-and-a-miss in the form of projects coming in late and over-budget. For the most part, this is avoidable.
Telling It Like It Is
Issue #1: AVL industry employees are feeling overwhelmed by the diversity, complexity and poor time management prioritization of their current project workloads. They’re burdened to the point where they’re willing to either verbalize their situation to management or find a new place to work. No doubt, you’ve seen a lot of this over the last decade!
Issue #2: Key team members in management and leadership positions are unable to sustain high levels of performance on existing workloads when additional projects are added without additional resources to get the new work done. These additions are a combination of requests coming from managers and peers, as well as personally taking on more as projects span across multiple teams, wherein the proverbial left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing.
These issues actually define pain points that are indicative of the symptoms experienced by stressed-out and over-burdened staff. From my perspective, the causality is one of culture more than it is of task/time management. This is likely not noticeable by most of those impacted or the high-level managers who have oversight over large businesses. That does not say a culture is therefore “good” or “bad” — rather, it is a reflection of management’s goal setting practices and how/if feedback loops are present.
The phrase “culture always wins” is true — a healthy culture will be oriented towards clear boundaries, consistent communication, retrospective feedback loops and relational equity. An unhealthy culture will be task- or project-oriented with limited clarity around goals, defined outcomes or milestone progress. Whatever culture is exampled or allowed, wins.
This industry-wide cultural phenomenon I’m noticing is one of overburdened employees. However, that does not say a firm may have a “bad” culture, as these are often staffed by willing, highly engaged, empowered people largely enjoying their work and their teammates. One cannot simply define Issues #1 and #2 above as problems without clear solutions; they are opportunities to objectively – and subjectively – look at why people may be feeling overburdened.
How to Know If You Have a Problem
Are high-level managers surprised when they are receiving this kind of feedback? If so, it would align with what I’ve described. If not, then there clearly has been no progress made on identifying the issue and taking healthy steps to bring resolution and empowerment to team members — and you’re hearing about it again and again. If so, that would be indicative of an even bigger problem signaling a disconnect between senior management and the average AVL worker.
However, let’s assume this is a “new” (or previously lacked awareness at the higher management levels) issue. How does each person understand their role and purpose within their team/unit? There’s only one way: their boss told them. Any other definition of their role may be true, but irrelevant to their measurement/review by their boss — or it’s not true at all.
Insert your business unit or team name below and work through this exercise:
INSERT YOUR BUSINESS UNIT OR TEAM NAME – What is the purpose of this specific business unit or team? Against what metrics is it measured? What goals exist beyond performance metrics?
It is common to have multiple teams and individuals working on specific goals. It is unlikely that any one team can fulfill the metrics for the entire business. Instead, they are part of an organization that has influence, reach and authority to ensure business goals are met. Whether or not each person on a team knows they have the influence, reach and authority of that organization behind them is reflective of how they’re managed.
To help with making the purpose, goals and metrics visible and understandable, we can use the following statements as methods for articulating it in such a way that it is easily understood by each team member:
We are here to…
This is the mission statement for your business unit or team. It is described only as “defining the why.”
We define success as…
Both through qualified and quantified metrics and analysis, we use this by then goals that are attainable and measurable.
We are better when…
These are the shared values. This goes beyond the data and speaks into the culture we want to create so that our team members are engaged, empowered, and fulfilled in their work.
Unless and until any business, business unit, department, team and individual can apply those statements, management will potentially be measuring the right things the wrong way, only some of the right things or the wrong things altogether. It is when these questions are answered that leaders can re-frame the conversation and put the right framework in place for a healthy culture that revels in clearly defined outcomes (not just roles) and easily manageable feedback loops through consistent communication.
Correcting Cultural Drift
Using the mission, objectives, goals, strategies and actions methodology, I would recommend reviewing all projects and having each employee re-prioritize their workload. I’d then have their managers review their revised workload and identify (to themselves) where there is a disconnect between what the manager expects and what the employee thinks they need to do.
Finally, it’s important that addressing systemic cultural issues should never be about pointing any fingers. It is what it is, but that doesn’t mean that’s the way it has to be. Culture is made to be molded, and will in fact be shaped either because of intentional effort or from being left alone. The absence of intentionality is an automatic contributor to frustration, apathy and dysfunction. At the end of the day, this has led to a low repeat business cycle in the house of worship market, where churches are reticent to experience the angst of a firm’s dissonance in a future technology installation.
Beyond the scope of this article, there’s a very powerful model for understanding why employees choose their projects and priorities – it’s called “The Expectancy Theory” (read about it here – it’s fascinating).
Is your organization’s culture building unity or bleeding out talent? Share your views and opinions in the comments below. Leave a Comment
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Is SiliconCore About to Kick Everyone’s Ass in LED?
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
At ISE, I had a chance to get a behind-the-scenes, top-secret look at the new SiliconCore LISA technology. LISA is basically an LED video-wall material (modular, like all the others) where the electronics and board drivers use Chip On Board (COB) manufacturing technology. So, on one side of the PCB is the LED array and on the other are the processing and video chips as well as all the power electronics driving it.
No big deal?
WRONG. LISA is a big, big deal — and nearly every LED company I spoke to at ISE, the big mega-AV show held last month in Amsterdam, asked me my thought about it. In fact, I hadn’t even planned to go by the SiliconCore booth until I was asked about LISA for the fourth or fifth time in a matter of a few hours after the show opened the first day.
So, what is Chip On Board (COB) LED LISA?
LISA could be a disruptive technology in the LED display markets. The individual Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are directly bonded to the PCB — eliminating the use of traditional Surface Mount Diodes (SMDs) on the board — to make the module mechanically more rigid, increasing its durability. And, it’s all one board — not two separate boards inside a housing (like nearly every other LED company). LISA debuted at ISE in a 1.9-millimeter format. But, SiliconCore told me that they will have it down to 1.2 millimeters later this year and even smaller in 2018.
Here’s an EXCLUSIVE look at the actual PCB in my hand at the show — I snuck a photo! On one side you see the LEDs and on the other is the electronics — this is all one PCB (PC Board).
And, although SiliconCore wouldn’t confirm this, at least three LED manufacturers told me they will be OEM’ing this from SiliconCore so you will see if from a plethora of companies.
So, the benefit?
Thin, thin LED displays that can be attached via magnets and/or Velcro — and not limited in size as this, in my hand in the photo above, is a PCB LED module. You can use it to build a display as large as you want or need! Oh, and they can be indoor or outdoor!
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Samsung Electronics Completes Acquisition of HARMAN — And Now, Even Harman President Only References the Automotive Connection
Samsung Electronics Friday announced it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Harman International. Under the terms of the merger agreement, HARMAN stockholders will receive $112.00 per share in cash. The completion follows the satisfaction of all conditions to the closing of the transaction, including approval of the transaction by HARMAN stockholders and receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals in the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions.
“Today is a historic moment for us. The close of this transaction opens the door to create substantial growth opportunities and deliver greater benefits for customers worldwide,” said Young Sohn, president and chief strategy officer of Samsung Electronics and chairman of the board, HARMAN. “We see transformative opportunities in the car – and a future which seamlessly connects lifestyle across automotive, home, mobile and work. Samsung’s and HARMAN’s leadership in these spaces perfectly positions Samsung to be the preferred partner to our OEM customers. In addition, bringing together HARMAN’s iconic audio brands and capabilities paired with Samsung’s leading display technologies will deliver enhanced audio and video experiences to consumers and professional end markets. And most importantly, we are enthusiastic about our common vision, the similarities in our culture of innovation, and the added value we can create for customers. We look forward to working with all of HARMAN’s employees to execute on our vision.”
Quotes for press releases are written, re-written and then edited over and over. Well, this one speaks volumes — this is the president of Harman — and he ONLY references the automotive aspects of this acquisition. He could have added a small, short statement about the ProAV stuff but, he specifically did NOT. This was not by accident.
“We are excited to have completed the transaction, which provides compelling cash value to our stockholders, benefits our customers and provides new opportunities for our employees,” said Dinesh Paliwal, HARMAN president and CEO. “Samsung shares our commitment to our customers and our culture of speed, innovation and execution. Samsung provides HARMAN with the scale, platform and complementary technologies to accelerate growth and extend our global market leadership in automotive, smart audio and connected technologies. Recognizing the importance of partnerships in an increasingly connected world, particularly in automotive, we are poised to leverage our combined teams and resources to produce even greater value for our customers. Working closely with automakers and other technology companies, Samsung and HARMAN will define — and drive — the future of automotive.”
Clearly, there is a desire to leverage the high-end home audio brands — which Harman has always done via the automotive partnerships but, the commercial AV brands, it seems, will likely be spun-off or sold.
In connection with the completion of the transaction, HARMAN’s common stock will cease trading prior to market open on March 13, 2017 and will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. HARMAN will operate as a standalone Samsung subsidiary, overseen by a Board of Directors led by Mr. Sohn. Mr. Paliwal will remain CEO of HARMAN, leading the Company with his management team, and will continue to serve as a member of its Board. Samsung is retaining HARMAN’s work force, headquarters and facilities, as well as all of its consumer and professional audio brands.
I hope I am wrong, but this release clearly defines the Samsung acquisition in terms of the automotive group by everyone. With all the uncertainty and concerns inside Harman itself as well as throughout the ProAV community, this was an opportunity to state, unequivocally, that the ProAV brands will stay.
But they didn’t. Let’s not pretend the 800-pound gorilla isn’t standing in the room. In fact, he’s locked the door. Leave a Comment
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The Global LED Display Market Now $5.4 Billion MarketAccording to the latest report from Futuresource Consulting, the global LED display market closed 2016 with a mounting value of $4.5 billion, up 7 percent from $4.2 billion the previous year.
Meanwhile, 2016 saw the value of the monochrome/tri-colour LED display market value fall, year-on-year by 5 percent, now contributing less than 25 percent of market value. Much of the decline can be attributed to falling pricing of LED package, coupled with wider market saturation for this more basic option.
“Several sectors dominated the LED video display market in 2016, including media/advertising, stadiums/venues and retail,” commented Chris Mcintyre-Brown, Associate Director of Professional Equipment at Futuresource Consulting. “These segments delivered over half the market value in the video display category. Notably, 2016 experienced a further drive into the retail space and a growing trend toward indoor applications. These included corporate, transport, and control room, which grew in value by 62 percent comfortably surpassing $1 billion. Much of this growth was driven by narrow pixel pitch (NPP) LED which has been hugely disruptive in the commercial display space, challenging LCD and projection platforms,” added Mcintyre-Brown.
This professional displays report maps out the LED market in terms of geography, reaffirming that the LED video display market continues to be dominated by APAC, where over half of all sales originate, largely dominated by China. Whilst not entirely surprising given its ascendancy in global production, the APAC region is regularly overlooked as large, headline grabbing ‘spectaculars’ are often found in key western markets.
According to this latest Futuresource ongoing tracking report, the LED video display competitive landscape continues to remain fragmented. Contribution from 1st and 2nd tier brands accounted for well over two thirds of total sales value in 2016, the remainder being formed of 3rd tier Chinese brands. Over 400 LED display manufacturers are located in China with many currently focused in international expansion, benefiting from driving scale in the large domestic market. “In the main, these vendors have been focused on price driven volume strategies, with incumbent LED specialists still able to hold share in key verticals via long established service and support operations,” says Mcintyre-Brown.
“Product quality is of course another key differentiator against Chinese brands but as acceptance of LED grows and new technologies open up opportunities in volume verticals, the mix of high price and high quality becomes a harder proposition to take to market. Indeed, the disruptive impact of Chinese vendors has never been more keenly felt, forcing some established vendors to exit key LED segments and others to transition more rapidly toward ‘value’ lines, something which requires a completely different operational approach,” comments Mcintyre-Brown.
“The LED space is incredibly fluid at present,” continued Mcintyre-Brown. “We expect to see a shakeout in the competitive landscape, either through vendors exiting the category, increased M&A or completely failing in the face of increasingly pressured trading conditions. The days of high margins and huge profits, at least in the key value NPP LED category, are still with us but very much numbered.”
Futuresource is here. Leave a Comment
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CASIO to Release 4K, 5,000-Lumen Projector This MonthThe industry is about to see a new 4K projector from Casio America, which will ship the XJ-L8300HN lamp-free projector in June of this year. Featuring native 4K (UHD) resolution (3840×2160) and a brightness spec. of 5,000 lumens, the new projector uses a new 4K DLP chip and will include a 1.5:1 zoom lens.
Spec’d to last over 20,000 hours, the light source is an all-laser solid-state design. Inputs include VGA, two HDMI ports, one HDBaseT, component video and RS232 control as well as network control. It’s not a small projector — it weighs over 40 pounds, but it’s aimed at rental/staging or fixed install for large meeting rooms and classrooms. Lens shift for the XJ-L8300HN is ± 60 percent up or down, ± 25 percent left or right. Here is a PDF with the detailed specs available or you can see it here on their website. Leave a Comment
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Hitachi Introduces Its First 3,500 Lumen LED ProjectorHitachi America just launched the LP-WU3500, a 3,500-lumen, WUXGA (1920×1200) LED projector. The High Lumen Density (HLD) technology works by channeling blue LED light through a phosphor rod, where it is discharged as bright green light. Working in tandem with high brightness red and blue LED lights, it achieves maximum brightness and a 30,000:1 contrast ratio. LED technology delivers enhanced image quality with a wider color gamut which results better color.
Hitachi says the LP-WU3500 operates at a much lower noise level than other projectors thus they are aiming it for use in a classrooms, conference rooms, art galleries, museums and digital signage. The dust resistant structure applied to the optical engine reduces the effect of dust and particles in the air and enables the projector to be used in an array of environments without overheating and creating unnecessary noise.
Here are the details: http://www.hitachi-america.us/projectors Leave a Comment
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NEC Display Intros World’s First Filter-Free LCD Laser Projectors NEC Display just announced the NP-PA653UL and NP-PA803UL installation projectors – and they are the world’s first filter-free LCD laser models. The projectors’ laser light sources and sealed optical engines prevent the accumulation of dust particles and give users 20,000 hours of maintenance-free performance. Spec’d at 6,500 lumens and 8,000 lumens, respectively, the PA Series projectors are aimed at schools, museums, corporations, retailers and other places where there is high ambient lit rooms.
NEC Display’s filter-less operation represents both a technical design and an industry breakthrough. Facing less projector downtime and fewer service repairs, users can maximize their technology investments and the applications available to them.
Both of the current projectors in the PA Series are WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution projectors and can handle inputs up to 4K/60p. Factory-st with the Rec2020 color conversion technology, they are both capable of handling 10-bit color processing and have an 8,000:1 contrast ratio. Input include two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort with HDCP and an HDBaseT inout with HDCP.
The NP-PA653UL projector will be available in April 2017 and list for $7,779 and the NP-PA803UL projector will be available in August 2017 and will list for $6,499. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Dante Compatibility Added to Amate Audio’s DSP608A new version of Amate Audio’s DSP608 digital loudspeaker management system has debuted — and it now features on-board support for Dante AoIP (audio over IP) multi-channel streaming signals. The six-in / eight-out, 1U 19” rackmount unit now additionally features a two-channel Dante input, via its RJ45 Ethernet port.
Dante enables streaming of multiple channels (over a thousand per link) of high-resolution digital audio (up to 32 bit / 192 kHz), with near-zero latency and synchronization, with a single low cost commodity CAT5e, CAT6 or fibre optic cable. Dante integrates digital audio transport and control data transmission for an entire sound installation system over a standard Ethernet based IP network. Dante based systems can readily scale from a simple pairing of a console to a computer, to large capacity networks running thousands of audio channels. Because Dante uses logical routes instead of physical point-to-point connections, networks can be expanded and reconfigured at any time with just a few mouse clicks. The DSP608Dis an ideal tool for upgrading and protecting any sound reinforcement system.
Specs include a 64-bit DSP architecture, 24 bit AD/DA convertors and 118 dB input dynamic range. With four balanced XLR analogue inputs, two channels of AES/EBU and dual Dante input channels. Four inputs (two fixed analogue, two selectable between analogue, AES/EBU or Dante) can be routed to the unit’s eight balanced XLR outputs. Features include 1 Hz frequency resolution, 10 parametric EQs for each I/O, two crossovers (multiple types) per output, an independent limiter for each output and delay line up to 2 seconds (680 m) per I/O. Four LED per I/O provide for signal monitoring (level, clip and limiter), while a two 16 EBTN black backlit LCD and keypad enable comprehensive operation of the unit. Additionally, the unit can be connected via USB (front panel input) or Ethernet to a PC (Windows and Mac OS) for remote operation via the DSPLink control software, which provides a logical Graphical User Interface and the ability to simultaneously control multiple units.
There is on-board Memory storage for 80 pre-sets and password protected security lock.The universal switch mode power supply enables operation with any mains condition between 90 and 264 V AC. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Audio-Technica Adds Interpretation Unit for ATUC-50 Digital Discussion SystemAudio-Technica has added the ATUC-50INT simultaneous interpretation unit to the functionality of the ATUC-50 Digital Wired Discussion System. Designed use with up to three languages, the ATUC-50INT places control in the hands of interpreters, thanks to the system’s web remote-based conference management software application.
The unit’s control panel allows easy selection of headphone volume level as well as the choice of floor or relayed language – and two ATUC-50INTs may be linked to deliver each language for hardware redundancy. Discussion participants can select between the three interpretation channels on their ATUC-50DU discussion units, or the languages can be transferred to an existing wireless language distribution system via the ATUC-50CU control unit. Multi-language discussion recording is also made simple with the ATUC-50CU’s on-board four-channel recorder.
The ATUC-50INT is now available. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Sharp Launches New PN-L401C AQUOS BOARD Interactive DisplayThe latest addition to Sharp’s AQUOS BOARD family is the new Sharp 40″ PN-L401C — capable of being used in landscape, portrait or face-up orientation. For digital signage applications, the PN-L401C serves as an interactive sign and for SMB offices it enables interactive collaboration is a “huddle space” environment.
The PN-L401C interactive display shares some great features of other models in the AQUOS BOARD display line incluing the Sharp Pen-on-Paper user experience, which resists fingerprints and scratches, as well as providing an anti-glare surface. It a native HD LCD (1920×1080) resolution, 10-point multi-touch display with a detachable tabletop stand so it can either sit at the end of a table or hang on the wall like a picture — it’s even light enough to be attached using Velcro as it weighs less than 25 pounds.
It includes an expansion slot compatible with the Intel Mini Open Pluggable Specification (Mini OPS) system, cab receive content via wireless connectivity or via an HDBaseT input. It lists for $2,295.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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1 Beyond Introduces the Collaborate AVS Videoconferencing System
1 Beyond has announced it’s shipping its Collaborate AVS videoconferencing solution. Collaborate AVS is designed to automatically focus the camera on the active speaker. Designed for larger meeting rooms, classrooms, courtrooms and panel discussions, Collaborate AVS gives a close-up view of the person talking and can be used for video conferencing as well as recording, streaming or IMAG (Image Magnification). No camera operator is required as switching is automatic.
Up to eight cameras and 250 microphones can be placed anywhere, even accommodating rooms where the presenter and audience face different directions. The system is configured with a browser-based interface. Other features include side-by-side Conversation Mode when two people are in conversation and integration with the 1 Beyond AutoTracker camera which follows a mobile presenter.
Collaborate AVS supports the newest push-to-talk or voice-activated table-top mics or ceiling arrays, including Shure Microflex Advance, Shure DDS 5900, Shure DCS 6000 and 1 Beyond AVS Wireless Microphone systems. In addition to standard codecs from Polycom and Cisco, Collaborate AVS works with software conferencing solutions like Skype, Zoom, BlueJeans and GoToMeeting. 1 Beyond says the software can run on the Collaborate AVS system so a separate computer is not needed.
Standard Collaborate AVS packages include two or four 1 Beyond PTZ-S20 cameras and start at $12,995. Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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NEC Display Launches New V and P Series Commercial Grade LCD Displays NEC Display Solutions of America announced today the latest generation of its flagship V and P Series commercial grade displays. Each series consists of three different sizes ranging from 40 inches to 55 inches and features a lighter chassis with a new thin bezel and a flush surface with a removable logo. They also contain a new anti-glare surface coating that further scatters incidental light to allow clear and concise messaging. All of them are native 1080p.
Designed with a display brightness of 500 cd/m2, the V Series is suitable for commercial customers that need professional 24/7 quality under the common ambient lighting conditions found in education, retail, entertainment and quick service restaurants. The P Series, on the other hand, is designed with a brightness of 700 cd/m2 to ensure easy readability at the same 24/7 quality for the higher ambient lighting conditions found in transportation, financial, broadcast and corporate environments.
All six monitors have two HDMI 2.0 ports and one DisplayPort 1.2 with daisy chain capability, but each display now has modular expansion options that allow for flexibility in content distribution and internal processing. The displays have an integrated media player that enables users to load content via USB or over the Ethernet connection, useful for simple signage integration. In addition to this, the V and P Series maintain the OPS slot of previous generation products, which allows for the seamless integration of more complex computing options.
NEC has introduced the ability to integrate a Raspberry Pi Computer Module directly into the displays via a simple card slot. The new displays also feature enhanced imaging performance via the SpectraView Engine, a chipset that allows for complete color control, including luminance, gamma, color and uniformity (P Series only) control.
Other features include:
- LED edge-lit backlight technology for reduced power consumption and a thinner overall depth
- NFC capabilities, which allow a smart phone or tablet to communicate with displays for setup and servicing
- Improved daisy chain capabilities allowing for UHD daisy chain for video wall purposes and LAN daisy chain for control signals, reducing overall cable requirements
- Multi Picture Mode capabilities, allowing for up to 4 simultaneous images to be displayed at once on the screen.
- 12-bit Look Up Tables (LUT) to provide accurate, stable and repeatable color calibrations
- Auto-ID and Auto IP Address functionality, minimizing setup times
- IR lock capability, which allows the end user to control only certain parts of the display while protecting other important settings from inadvertent adjustment
- CEC control through HDMI, allowing control capabilities with other HDMI CEC compatible devices
- L-shaped terminal interface and bottom OPS slot, which allow for easier access to connectivity in both landscape and portrait orientation
- Face up and face down orientation support for specialized applications
The V404, V484, V554, P404 and P484 displays will be available in late March at a list price of $1,049, $1,299, $1,799, $1,299 and $1,579, respectively. The P554 display will be available in April. Here are all the specs.
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Sony Electronics Announces Pricing and Availability For BRAVIA OLED 4K HDR TV Line Sony Electronics announced pre-sales begin today on its XBR-A1E BRAVIA OLED 4K HDR TV line up from authorized Sony dealers. The BRAVIA OLED 4K HDR TV (3840×2160 resolution) will be available in stores beginning in April 2017 and will be on display starting today at Sony Square NYC, a showplace for the latest in Sony entertainment and technology located in New York.
The XBR-A1E is an OLED using Sony’s 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme with an Acoustic Surface sound system and an edge-to-edge stand-less form factor. The 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme’s Acoustic Surface means that audio comes from the screen itself. Thanks to an interesting design, audio comes from the entire screen — not just from the bottom or sides. Additionally, Sony says the Acoustic Surface technology produces a wide sound and image synchronization from all angles, even off to the sides. The Acoustic Surface technology makes possible the edge-to-edge design of the A1E series by doing away with conventional speakers usually located to the sides or below the TV. The A1E’s design eliminates any visible stand or speakers- and the easel support conceals a sub-woofer and cable management system which can be folded in, against the TV, for wall mounting.
The new BRAVIA OLED 4K HDR TV line of televisions support HDR (High Dynamic Range) as well as has support for HDR10, HLGi, and Dolby Vision. And, all new BRAVIA OLED 4K HDR TVs are powered by Android TV and inputs include four HDMI and one component video. Control can be either LAN or RS232.
BRAVIA OLED 4K HDR TV models and prices are:
- XBR-77A1E 77” pricing is TBD
- XBR-65A1E 65” is $6,499.99
- XBR-55A1E 55” is $4,999.99
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Extron’s Existing XTP II CrossPoint Series Is World’s First AV Platform to Support HDMI 2.1Extron’s XTP II CrossPoint Series is currently the only AV technology platform in the industry to support the recently announced HDMI 2.1 specification, as well as DisplayPort 1.4. Extron says that it’s because of its 50 Gbps digital backplane — so no upgrades of existing installs are required. The XTP II already supports the HDMI 2.1 specification’s range of higher video resolutions and refresh rates, including 8K@60 Hz and 4K@120 Hz with HDR. Extron also says that the XTP II frames are the only AV switching platform that supports the 48 Gbps data rate of HDMI 2.1 — meaning that it can even be used with 8K in the future.
XTP II CrossPoint matrix switchers are engineered to exceed the bandwidth required by HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 signals. Three modular frames are available for 16×16, 32×32 and 64×64 I/O configurations and feature Extron’s EverLast power supplies.
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Neets Debuts Touch Panel and QueBec Pro ControlNeets A/S has introduced two new products: the Neets Touch Panel and QueBec Pro control system. The Neets 7” Touch Panel can be customized using Neets software and is designed to be mounted in the wall or placed on a tabletop. It has a built-in proximity sensor that provides instant-on activation when movement is sensed nearby. It’s powered via PoE (Power over Ethernet) and all the specs are here.
The new QueBec Pro is designed for control in small and medium-sized meeting rooms or classrooms with single displays (it’s a control system and switcher combo). QueBec Pro senses the presence of image signal and automatically initiates room functions via relay and it auto-switches between VGA and HDMI sources by responding to the active signal. It has two bi-directional RS-232/IR ports, two GPIO ports, a relay output, VGA loop-through, HDMI switch with signal sensing (3×1) and a LAN port. The QueBec Pro is also PoE (Power over Ethernet) and all the specs are here.Leave a Comment
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Atlona Ships 4K HDR EDID Emulator Atlona is now shipping its Etude Sync (AT-ETU-SYNC) EDID Emulator, specifically for video format compatibility, signal integrity and EDID communication in commercial and residential AV systems. It supports HDR (high dynamic range) video as well as 4K/UHD @ 60 Hz with 4:4:4 chroma sampling and provides EDID emulation and Hot Plug Detect communication between HDMI sink and source devices.
In addition to addressing HDMI signal and device-related issues, the Etude Sync reports HDCP compliance at the source and sink and supports HDMI 2.0 data rates up to 18 Gbps (so 4K@60 8-bit color). It can manage EDID communication with the source by delivering EDID from the display or the Etude Sync’s internal memory.
The Etude Sync is designed for AV system troubleshooting and can be powered via USB by an included power supply, a laptop, or any available USB port nearby.
The Etude Sync is lists for $249.99. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Altinex Debuts CNK600 Cable Nook Customizable Interconnect Plates Altinex just launched a new CNK600 Cable Nook interconnect box with SP2116SC and SP2117SC customizable interconnect plates. Designed for use in boardrooms and conference rooms, the CNK600 Cable Nook provides a means of hiding/storing cables and connectors when not in use. The SP2116SC and SP2117SC interconnect plates include HDMI, VGA, USB, network access, USB charging, AC power and more.
Designed for installation into a meeting room tabletop, the Altinex CNK600 features a black, brushed aluminum finish and to access the cables or connectors, you lift the lid and pull the desired cable end out. After the presentation, the cable ends are retracted to the Cable-Nook for storage. Alternatively, the user might also plug cables into the fixed connectors, such as patching a notebook into an RJ-45 Ethernet connector for network access.
The Altinex SP2116SC interconnect plate is designed for use in North America. The SP2116SC includes the UL/cUL listed CNK-IP-200 single gang dual AC power and dual USB charging module, plus 12 blank snap-in locations that can be customized using a variety of Altinex CM cables. The SP2116SC is also designed to accommodate up to 4 of Altinex’s RT300 Series retractable cables. The SP2116SC is mounted directly to the CNK600 chassis and has mounting holes for retractable cables.
The Altinex SP2117SC interconnect plate is similar to the SP2116SC, but is intended for use in international markets due to the difference in AC power connectors. These markets include Australia, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. There is also an available universal AC power connector.
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Extron’s new HDMI 4K/60 @ 4:4:4 Cable Equalizer ShipsExtron is shipping its new HD 4K 101 Plus, an HDMI cable equalizer supporting video signals at resolutions up to 4K@60Hz with 4:4:4 chroma sampling. Used at the destination end of a long cable run, the HD 4K 101 Plus actively equalizes poor or marginal source signals, reduces jitter and skew and adds output pre-emphasis to reliably extend the HDMI signal. Extron says that when paired with an Extron HDMI Pro Series cable, longer distances of up to 75 feet and 35 feet can be attained for 4K@30Hz and 4K@60Hz signals, respectively. The HDCP 2.2-compliant equalizer supports HDMI 2.0b specification features, including data rates up to 18 Gbps, HDR, Deep Color up to 12-bit, 3D, HD lossless audio formats, and CEC. To streamline integration, the 1/8 rack wide unit can be powered by the connected HDMI source or an optional external power supply.
The HD 4K 101 Plus compensates for poor HDMI source signals and low-quality cabling. It can be used in conjunction with products such as the Extron HD 4K 110 Series to provide a cost effective solution for extending 4K video signals between the source and the display. DDC channels are actively buffered, allowing pass-through of EDID and HDCP information between source and display. EDID pass-through ensures that the source video is at the optimal resolution for the display, and HDCP 2.2 compliance enables extension of encrypted content from Blu-ray players, satellite and cable TV tuners, DVRs, laptop computers, and other HDCP-enabled sources. These capabilities and other features such as a compact enclosure and ability to be powered by the source device make the HD 4K 101 Plus an indispensable addition to AV designs and existing systems with 4K video requirements.
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In a Great Move, FSR Adds Surge Protection to Ceiling BoxesFSR is now providing surge protection for its popular line of ceiling boxes as an option.
This latest development offers type2 permanently connected UL/cUL Listed Surge Protective Devices to protect branch circuits against transients in all three modes — line to line, line to neutral, and neutral to ground, serving as the initial line of defense against unwanted power surges by absorbing the energy before it makes its way into the ceiling boxes.
FSR’s CB Ceiling Box series comprises various units aimed at applications ranging from classrooms to conference and meeting rooms, hospitals and hotels, or any venue needing projectors or other equipment installed in ceilings. Sizes range from a 1’ x 2’ enclosure that easily installs into any standard drop ceiling and provides electrical connections, AV equipment installation and AV and Data signal routing, to deeper box cages capable of mounting two full rack or four half rack pieces of equipment above the ceiling.
More information on FSR’s ceiling boxes is here. Leave a Comment
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GLP Shipsf GT-1 440W Discharge Lamp GLP’s GT-1 hybrid fixture is now shipping. Working as a beam, spot and wash fixture and using a new 440-watt Osram discharge lamp, it improves the output with a 22:1 ratio zoom range from 3.5° to 57° and no optical lens changes are required. The GT-1 offers a wide range of effects, including CMY color mixing, eight rotating gobos, 14 fixed pattern gobos, additional beam reduction gobos and a variable speed animation wheel that can be repositioned and continuously rotated, within the beam. The GT-1 also features three rotating prisms and a fixed color wheel with color correction filters, further widening the color pallet.
In its narrowest beam mode, the GT-1 produces a near parallel beam of light at 3.5° through its large 145-millimeter diameter front lens, which remains bright and consistent over long distances. As there are no physical changes, full functionality remains in the GT-1 while delivering these superior beam effects. In its widest wash mode, the GT-1 produces a soft-edged beam from a variable filter that can be inserted into the beam to give the desired level of wash required.
The GLP GT-1 also features the company’s baseless design, full 16-bit pan and tilt movement, full range dimming and shuttering capability, an in-built battery for fixture setup, an auto sensing power supply and a low weight of just 55 pounds. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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