Volume 15, Issue 7 — April 6, 2017
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Displays Unified Collaborative Conferencing Control & Signal Processing Audio Projection Cables, Cases, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens & Accessories
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THE ISE 2017 Awards Are Announced
You can’t enter a product in them.
You can’t ask us to nominate you.
And, you can’t get an award by advertising or sponsoring us or paying for it.
We literally sent reporters to EVERY booth/stand at ISE 2017 and we selected the TOP products in every possible product category for our 2017 Best of ISE Awards. No other publication, or entity for that matter, literally goes to very booth at the ISE show and sees every new product demo’d or launched at ISE in Amsterdam annually – so these are THE BEST of THE BEST.
So, if you are wondering which products were the best at ISE and outperformed the others in their respective categories, this is it: the 2017 Best of ISE Awards. And, if you are a manufacturer who won an award, be proud as you were hand-selected by our editors and reporters after evaluating every new product shown at ISE in your product category. We didn’t just pick these “on the show floor” during the show or by using spec-sheets distributed prior to the show – we picked these by actually looking at each and every product and comparing them to the competition. In fact, this is why it took us en entire month to award these… You truly are the BEST of ISE!
Congratulations to all the winning companies and products!
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Become Multidisciplinary or Else
By Dr. Frederick Ampel President & Principal, Technology Visions Analytics
It’s time to fire up the legendary waaaay-back machine once again to go to the year 1982.
Why?
Because it was in that year that the National Sound Contractors Association was formed and held its first convention/meeting. (On a side note, that was also the year I launched Sound & Video Contractor Magazine (S&VC) and attended that first NSCA show). Three and a half decades ago what we call integrators today called themselves sound contractors, because AUDIO is what they did (by and large).
Within a decade, they became the National SYSTEMS Contactors Association, a name change that a bit belatedly reflected the substantial shift in kind of business the member companies were doing and the way it was being done. On the same timeline, InfoComm, which started much earlier, was undergoing its own adjustments to the changing business landscape. Just for reference here is a short timeline:
- 1939 – National Association of Visual Education Dealers (NAVED) was organized by a group of eight AV dealers
- 1949 – NAVED merged with the Allied Non-Theatrical Film Association to become the National Audio-Visual Association or NAVA
- 1983 – The name is changed to the International Communications Industries Association® (ICIA)
- 2005 – The association becomes InfoComm International, and its massive ( 40K attendees) trade show becomes simply InfoComm
NOTE: For a fascinating historical tour through the world of AV, go here.
A Name Change That Reflected the Substantial Shift in the Kind of Business the Member Companies Were Doing
If you take the 30,000 foot view of all of this, it rapidly becomes obvious that the changes in the market(s) and the evolution of the associated technologies’ led the changes in identity and focus for the associations and their member companies, often by quite a large span of time.
Or from the opposite side of the state of affairs, providers trailed the technologies and customer perceptions with their market identities, often leading to either confusion among the potential buyers of services and products or worse the slow failure of the companies because they did not re-identify themselves to match the changes taking place. (Want proof? Check out the membership list for NSCA 1990 and again in 2005 and see how many companies made the transition successfully.)
It’s pretty hard for a potential client to choose a company for a multi-disciplinary project (audio, video, control, etc.) if the company positions itself to them as a ‘sound contractor’ while the competition has re-branded as a ‘systems integrator.’ Think about it! If you were the potential buyer, which of those identities would you consider first?
Providers Trailed Customer Perceptions With Their Market Identities
Why does this branding/positioning matter? Because, as the markets we serve evolve and change, our services and capabilities mix MUST change with them. Don’t take the upheaval such transformation will cause lightly.
Change is hard and often exceedingly difficult for an entrepreneurially founded company (which would encompass the vast majority of our industry’s companies both ‘integrators’ and manufacturers) to implement or even attempt. It is natural for ownership to become comfortable with the way things were, and believe it is still the way things are, especially if business is still coming through the front door.
For a highly revealing example of what happens when change does not occur in sync with the customer base, look no further than the once massively dominant retail electronics and appliance chains. Remember Circuit City, or Tweeter, Federated, The Good Guys, Crazy Eddie, CompUSA, Incredible Universe and Ultimate Electronics? Add in more recent collapses like that of HH Gregg or Vanns. Those names are gone, but the shifting landscape has also produced massive shrinkage in once top-ranked household names like Sears (close to the edge at best), K-Mart (even closer if not falling off the edge), Radio Shack (“re-structured”), Macy’s, Kohl’s and dozens of smaller regional chains.
We’re talking billions of dollars in valuation and thousands of jobs that simply disappeared and uncountable numbers of broken leases, abandoned buildings and nearly vacant malls.
RJ Hottovy, a consumer equity strategist for the giant investment research and management firm Morningstar, said recently he’s expecting an increasing number of retailers to file for bankruptcy, in addition to mass store closures driven by losses from massive expansions which produced large numbers of unprofitable stores and the rise of e-commerce.
The statistics are staggering. According to 2015 federal statistical data, the US has 23.5 square feet of retail space per person, compared with 16.4 square feet in Canada and 11.1 square feet in Australia — the next two countries with the highest retail space per capita.
When an anchor store like Sears or Macy’s closes, it often triggers a “downward spiral in performance” for shopping malls, noted the same Morningstar analysts. The malls don’t only lose the income and shopper traffic from that store’s business. The closure often triggers “co-tenancy clauses” that allow the remaining mall tenants to exercise their right to terminate their leases, causing a cascading decline, and the eventual explosion of “vacant, for rent or lease” signs followed by the sound of heavy machinery (or more spectacularly, explosives) demolishing the locations.
Think about the last time you were driving around a once thriving retail core and the vast expanses of now vacant land or boarded up buildings that now occupy that location. Those colossal numbers of empty storefronts and vacant malls should serve as a powerful warning of what happens when businesses ignore change or fail to recognize evolutionary patterns.
Our industry is at a tipping point as well. Let’s look at the letters for a moment. Once we were A for audio, then we became AV for audio/video and more recently we are defining ourselves as AV/IT, for audio/video/information technology, and we should probably include AV/IT/IP, to represent the inevitable merging of portions of the ubiquitous ‘internet of things’ into our required capability portfolios. And let’s not forget the security/access control/VoIP technologies that many clients (or their IT department’s purchasing staff’s who increasingly control our destinies) assume are our responsibility as well.
If you haven’t looked at your business and its visible “branding” in a while, it’s essential that you do so. If you are not presenting your potential customers/clients/buyers with a clear and cogent statement of your core competencies and available expertise, you are automatically forcing them to look for someone who has.
You will never know about those folks in an IT department sitting at their desks looking out through their internet window at your website or your industry ID. If you don’t grab eyeballs when they are looking, you won’t get a second chance!
The need to present a multi-disciplinary face to the wide-wide world is no longer an option, it’s a survival technique. Vertically integrated purchasing is a strongly embedded mantra in the new generation of buyers and technology managers. They don’t want five suppliers/partners — they want ONE! They want single point responsibility and a solid primary point of contact for the entire project’s technology infrastructure. They don’t hire multiple contractors for anything else, so why should you expect them to divide up the required technology into comfortable for you sections?
It won’t happen!
If you and your business are to grow and prosper in the ever evolving integration market(s) you MUST evolve and expand to offer a full service capability to every client. Obviously, each client’s needs will differ, but if you do not explore WITH them what their entire project scope is and refine your offering to match their requirements, they will seek alternative partners who can.
The number and type of “disciplines” you will need to provide will have to flex with the market forces and your own internal resources, but, the necessity to become a ‘more than just’ type of supplier is critical to establishing long term profitable relationships with the complex and intricate changes within the client’s own businesses. You can absolutely guarantee that what they need today, will be vastly different from what they need next year or even next month in some cases. Your agility is your strength. Time to stretch those mental muscles and get growing.
So, if you’re not a multi-faceted, multi-capability provider now, it’s almost past time to become one. Look at yourself through the client’s eyes and see if you present the kind of ‘we got this!” statement they are looking for. Leave a Comment
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Will Microsoft Be Able to Continue to Rip People Off With Their Surface HUB?
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
With the deluge of new “Collaboration Boards” that will hit the market over the next six months (this was the most popular launch product at ISE this month), there’s no question that Microsoft will have to cut the price of their Surface Hub. They can’t keep ripping people off at $8,000 — $9,000 (55″) and $20,000 (84″) a pop — considering the limited functionality compared to the newbies on the market.
Although both are 4K resolution, the need for a 4K collaboration board at 55” is more of a novelty than a requirement. Even at 55” and standing next to the board, you can’t discern a technological advantage to a 3840×2160 resolution monitor versus a 1080p one. But, as most of the forthcoming collaboration boards that will hit the market will be 4K too, that presents an even bigger obstacle to Microsoft.
Most of the new collaboration boards launches at ISE that were in the 55” range (by the way, that’s where Microsoft sells more than 80 percent of them) too and nearly all of them carried a $5,000 price tag. That’s including Google’s Jamboard, which was hidden upstairs in the BenQ booth. And, it’s way, way simpler to use than Surface Hub as well as has a much nicer user interface. Maybe not as many features, however, but all the features everyone is asking about. And, then you still have a plethora of other companies with collaboration boards too — all aiming at Microsoft, companies like Avocor, Cisco, NEC Display, Newline, Sharp and Google.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not saying you can’t sell a collaboration board for $8,000. Not at all. But, look at the features of the Surface Hub. There’s nothing revolutionary there — and, if you’re in ProAV, why support them? They are selling most of them (yes, MOST OF THEM) through SaaS enterprise resellers — not AV resellers.
All the while, Cisco has invested heavily in the ProAV channel through exhibiting at ISE and InfoComm and set up an AV channel training and certification program; Avocor has set up Almo Pro A/V exclusively in the USA and distributors all over the world — choosing to sell primarily through commercial AV integrators rather than through IT resellers; NEC’s been in ProAV forever; Sharp has always aimed all its sales efforts at the AV-centric channel and Newline wouldn’t be in business without us.
OK, granted, Google is an unknown — but, they’re distributing through BenQ. And, it’s only $5,000.
So, all of these products are either cheaper than the Microsoft Surface Hub or have exclusively AV-focused sales channels. So why even support Microsoft when you have so many other choices? Leave a Comment
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BenQ Adds Curved Eye-Care Monitors to E-Series Lineup BenQ America today announced the EX3200R and EW2770QZ have joined the company’s E-Series entertainment monitor lineup. The new displays come equipped with BenQ’s Eye-Care technologies.
The BenQ EX3200R is a 31.5″ curved 1920×1080 resolution monitor with a curvature of 1800R to increase the field of view. It features a 144Hz refresh rate, a built-in Cinema Mode automatically changes the color settings in video footage, Video Format Support and their ZeroFlicker and Low Blue Light modes. It has a 1,000:1 contrast ratio.
The QHD resolution (2560×1440) EW2770QZ 27″ monitor features a four-sided ultra-slim bezel. With Rec.709 and 100 percent sRGB color space coverage, the EW2720QZ renders 16.7 million color shades simultaneously and has an interesting feature called Smart Focus that allows users to pinpoint an area on the screen and make it the focal point. It also has a 1000:1 contrast ratio.
Featuring BenQ’s Brightness Intelligence Plus Technology (B.I.+ Tech.), the EW2770QZ is specially designed to detect ambient light levels and the color temperature in the viewing environment and automatically adjust on-screen brightness and color temperature. And, for multi-monitor setups, the screen can be desktop-mounted or via its built-in VESA mount pattern, can be mounted on walls or mounts.
Both models are available now, the EX3200R retails for $449 and the EW2770QZ for $449. All the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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GPO Display Debuts Panoramic Display Line From 16″ to 48″
Creative display sizes and form-factors are hard to come by. Nearly every display manufacturer exclusively sells 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio monitors — with few other options.
But, GPO Display has a line of 16”, 19”, 24”, 28” and 48” monitors that are like the width of a panoramic photo taken with your smartphone. With the exception of the 1,366 horizontal pixel resolution 16” version, the horizontal pixel resolutions of the line are all 1920, with vertical resolutions varying between 260 pixels to 540 pixels. Plus, every single display can be customized with a choice of bezels, front and back cover as well as branding — yes, they will even brand them with your company’s or school’s logo.
In case you’re worried about creating content for the displays, all you have to do is create content that’s designed for a 1920×1080 monitor (or for 1366×768 for the 16” version) and have the area you want to be displayed on any of the panoramic displays in the top ½ or 1/3 of the screen.
In addition to standing out — since they aren’t the same-old 16:9 aspect ratio — they can be used in more places since they are smaller in height — for example, for display in transit applications, digital signage and gaming. But we can see these being used in a conference room or meeting room as a stock-ticker display or a world clock — perhaps even outside a room as a room scheduling display. In a call-center, this could be used as a call-queue display and in a restaurant, a menu board.
The idea is to get the integrator and the client to think outside the traditional rectangle and offer-up a creative display option. The brightness of each display ranges from 320 nits to 700 nits. The lifetime for the displays is spec’d to be 30,000 hours. Inputs include two HDMI, one VGA and one USB, plus there’s a built-in digital signage media player.
Here are all the specs.
Here’s a blog that GPO Display wrote that has a few examples for using the panoramic monitor.
GPO Displays will feature the Panoramic Display series at InfoComm in booth 2385. Leave a Comment
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LG Officially Adds Wallpaper Displays to Digital Signage Lineup — Stuns Everyone Looking At It LG Electronics USA Business Solutions has finally debuted the new lightweight LG OLED “Wallpaper” commercial display as well as new customizable open-frame LG OLED displays at the 2017 Digital Signage Expo (DSE). The Wallpaper isn’t totally new. In fact, we were the first publication to see the commercial version of it when it debuted in Australia last summer — here’s the video we shot there.
The LG OLED Wallpaper technology has literally created a new category of displays as it’s so thin. And, as you no doubt know, OLED technology has a unique ability to turn each pixel on or completely off, thus, black is black — and since white is the opposite of black in displays (and all color is made from everything between black and white), colorimetry is incredible.
So far, it’s the talk of the DSE — nearly everyone is talking about it.
This version of the LG OLED Wallpaper is specifically for commercial display applications and it’s in a 55-inch form-factor that weighs less than 13 pounds and has depth that is just 3.65 millimeters (0.14 inches). Yes, you read that right — barely more than 1/10th of an inch.
The Wallpaper display can be mounted either vertically or horizontally for a customizable display design. Ultra-slim mounting brackets with a magnetic mat create a truly seamless design that becomes one with the wall. Electronic components are housed in a separate control box connected to the display with a 2-meter (6-1/2-foot) cable.
The LG OLED Wallpaper commercial display is native HD (1920×1080) has 64 GB of internal memory, content mirroring capabilities, content scheduling and Wi-Fi connectivity. Future versions will include larger sizes (likely up to 80″) as well as 4K (3840×2160) resolution displays.
Also on display in the United States for the first time at DSE 2017 is the “In-Glass Wallpaper” LG OLED digital signage display. Designed with dual-sided ultra-slim OLED panels in a glass pane, the In-Glass Wallpaper LG OLED display is perfect for boutiques, art galleries and other businesses that want to add a sophisticated touch to their interior décor. The In-Glass Wallpaper LG OLED solution will be available in standing and hanging versions to provide businesses flexible options.
Here are the technical details. Leave a Comment
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CDS Launches Lineup of Touch Tables CDS has just launched a range of commercial-grade commercial touch tables available in 32″, 42″, 46″ and 55″, all 1920×1080 and a 65″ 4K 3840×2160 version. All are able to detect at least 12 touch points simultaneously.
All CDS tables include multi touch, a black border PCAP touchscreen overlay and come in various stand styles. The tables use an Intel Core i7-6500U 16GB (120GB SSD, Wi-Fi, Windows 10 Pro) as well as integrated touch software. They are designed to be used in applications such as retail, exhibitions, schools, museums, reception areas, signage and meeting rooms.
All of them can be found here. Leave a Comment
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Global Display Solutions Expands the Lite PLUS Series to 98″ 4K DisplaysGlobal Display Solutions (GDS) announced the introduction of its 98″ Lite Plus 4K (3840×2160) display, designed for use in retail and advertising networked systems, such as shopping malls, in-store windows and public venues. It’s being marketed as an alternative to using a 2×2 video wall.
GDS’s 98″ 4K uses optical bonding (which GDS says increases the contrast ratio by reducing reflections from ambient light and the LCD backlight so the display appears brighter and colors are more vivid, with no ‘washed out’ look) and the display has a narrow 17.2-millimeter bezel all around the edge.
Using LCD technology with an LED backlight, the 98″ 4K features include:
- An OPS Slot which increases flexibility for users of any digital signage application
- ARM Cortex — A9-Based engine with internal media player
- Can be used in portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) orientation
The new GDS 98″ Lite PLUS 4K display is available immediately and here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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ClearLED Launches Transparent LED-Lit Digital PostersClearLED just announced its newest suite of lightweight window posters at the Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas this month. ClearLED says that during pre-launch trials, these transparent LED posters have already demonstrated a 360 percent increase in sales for McDonald’s. ClearLED Posters were tested by a nine McDonald’s stores in Hattiesburg, Miss.
ClearLED Poster’s transparency permits daylight to filter through them allowing customers to easily see in and out of stores. ClearLED Posters can display static and video content and can be use din daylight or at night.
Available in three sizes, 42”, 55” and 63” and built using lightweight aluminum, ClearLED Posters are spec’d for 60 percent transparency with high resolution (>294 x 192 pixels and 45,895 dot m2), The brightness spec is 5,500 nits.
More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Google’s Jamboard Will Now List for $5,000 and Ship in MayWe have a new, lower, price ($5,000 and a $600 per board annual service contract) and a shipping date (May 20th) for the Google Jamboard.Want to save $300 on the service contract? Buy it now — as it will only be $300 if you buy one before the end of the summer.
As we reported last year, the Google Jamboard — to be sold, primarily, through BenQ in most of the world, is an interactive LCD is a portable (on four wheels), 55” 4K (3840×2160) resolution collaboration board that’s integrated with Google’s G Suite — email, videoconferencing, cloud collaboration of Google Docs, device management, file sharing, etc. Pull in work from Google Docs, Sheets and Slides or add photos stored in Drive. To capture ideas, Jamboard includes tools like sticky notes and stencils as well as intelligent features like handwriting and shape recognition. And, of course, videoconferencing.
This will likely force some other newbies in the collaboration board market to readjust their pricing — as Google previously announced it at $6,000. New collaboration board lines debuted at ISE from Newline, Avocor, Cisco, Sharp and NEC.
Jamboard is all Google, though. Unlike some of the others, it’s designed, made and integrated with Google G Suite and it’s basically just an electronic whiteboard without it. With it, however, you can do document collaboration — with all sites connected seeing the exact same thing on all their Jamboard (or anyone connected via G Suite via a laptop or tablet).
Here’s a YouTube video of the Jamboard in action.
Here are the detailed specs from the BenQ site. Leave a Comment
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Oblong Just Launched a Collaboration Board System Too, in New Mezzanine Teamwork Oblong Industries today announced the launch of Mezzanine Teamwork, a collaboration solution for huddle spaces and small meeting rooms. It’s a HUB that can be connected to any display – sort of like a cross between a Barco ClickShare and a Cisco Spark Board.
Using a 3D tracking system, the Mezzanine Teamwork uses the Oblong Mezzanine Appliance with screen-mounted IR tags, a bluetooth access point, and a wireless wand control device to control the room, the content on the display as well as track meeting participants (to auto-switch for far-site participants) to simplify all-room control. Teamwork includes built-in videoconferencing, wireless collaboration, far-site collaboration, whiteboarding and annotation as well as an endless digital canvas for content to be shared. This is all connected to the network as well as to a display (55” or larger).
Users can join via video, iOS device, Android device, Windows or MAC OS laptops and the Mezzanine Appliance (that’s the hub of the room) takes up to 10 total connections at the same time (four can be HDMI sources (1080p or 720p), one is an IP camera connection and the other five are simultaneous video-streams (via the network) for remote or local participants. The Appliance OS is Ubuntu 16.04 and has an integrated 512 GB solid-state drive for content storage and management. It is then connected to up to two things simultaneously — one output is HDMI and the other is USB-C and cab be anything from a whiteboard to an other display (up to 1080p).
Here’s more information. Leave a Comment
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Yamaha Debuts the CS-700 Video Sound Collaboration System for Huddle RoomsYamaha has announced the CS-700, an all-in-one collaboration solution with a big focus on audio. As you know, Yamaha entered the conferencing market in 2006 and they acquired Revolabs last year. Now, they’ve introduced the CS-700, an in wall-mounted system that includes Revolabs’ microphone technology, a beamforming microphone array, four speakers and through the integrated USB port, the CS-700 is ready to connect to nearly any software-based codec including Microsoft Skype for Business, Cisco Spark, GoToConference, Google Chromebox for Meetings, Vidyo, WebEx, Zoom, BlueJeans and many others. The unit’s wide-angle video camera captures all meeting participants in the room, even those close to the camera. And Yamaha says a special optical solution ensures the high “pixel-per-face” resolution (their term) necessary for participants to recognize nuanced facial expressions that are vital to effective meetings.
Over the same USB connection to their laptop or tablet, users can join a meeting. In addition, the CS-700’s integrated network management system allows IT staff to remotely manage each unit from one location.
The Yamaha CS-700 specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Vivitek Intros NovoTouch Collaboration BoardVivitek introduced at DSE 2017 this week a new 4K collaboration board designed for conference rooms, meeting areas and corporate lobbies. The NovoTouch is a native UHD 4K (3840×2160) LED display with up to 20 points of touch.
Utllizing the collaborative NovoConnect solution, the NovoTouch can connect up to 64 users at the same time as well as allow up to four people to present simultaneously on the same display. It offers wireless cross-platform mirroring from any device, moderation and on-screen annotation functions and polling and voting features for measuring audience participation. It’s also dual network with “ultra-secured” network support for separated or paralleled wired and wireless connections.
The NovoTouch is available in four sizes: 65″, 75″, 86″ and 98″. All the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Introduces High Performance HDMI Videowall Processor for Up to Six Displays Extron just introduced the newest addition to their Quantum Connect Series of HDCP-compliant videowall processors, the Quantum Connect 126. The Quantum Connect Series delivers the same high quality scaling and real-time performance as Extron’s Quantum Elite processors, producing superior quality images. The Quantum Connect 126 features 12 HDMI inputs, six HDMI outputs, a 6U chassis with solid-state storage drives, and dual-redundant power supplies. Two-output and four-output Quantum Connect models are also available.
Extron says the Quantum Connect Series maintains full frame rate performance with a high-speed, 10 Gbps RAPT – Real-Time Asymmetric Packetized Transfer video/graphic bus that allows all inputs to be processed simultaneously, while preserving real-time control response and optimal image performance. When used in conjunction with HDCP-compatible displays, the HDMI inputs and outputs allow the display of HDCP-encrypted content on the videowall. A green window with an alert message will be displayed if HDCP-encrypted content is sent to a non-HDCP compliant display. The Quantum Connect Series meets the input and output requirements of many popular configurations for small videowalls. For larger videowalls, as well as applications requiring greater scalability and the flexibility to expand over time, AV integrators, system designers, and consultants should consider the Quantum Elite and Quantum Ultra processors.
Here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Atlona Starts to Shop OmniStream AV-over-IP Products The Atlona OmniStream product line is their first foray into the its first line of AV-over-IP products. The OmniStream family consists of five products to integrate and distribute 4K/UHD video (@60Hz 4:2:0 Chroma Sub-sampling), audio, and RS-232 control over Gigabit Ethernet networks — albeit compressed. The OmniStream line has dual-channel encoding and decoding, redundant AV networks and streams, encrypted content distribution, broadcast-quality 4K video compression (if you consider compression broadcast-quality) with low latency and the ability to convey 4K video and Dante audio simultaneously over the same network.
The OmniStream line comprises the following products:
- OmniStream 111 (AT-OMNI-111) Single-Channel Networked AV Encoder
- OmniStream 112 (AT-OMNI-112) Two-Channel Networked AV Encoder
- OmniStream 121 (AT-OMNI-121) Single-Channel Networked AV Decoder
- OmniStream 122 (AT-OMNI-122) Two-Channel Networked AV Decoder
- OmniStream 232 (AT-OMNI-232) Two-Channel Dante Networked Audio Interface
From hat we can tell, this is the first AV-over-IP product that has dual-channel encoding and decoding — this allows each OmniStream 112 and OmniStream 122 to process two independent 4K/UHD video streams in a single, half-width rack enclosure.
The dual-channel components can also be configured for system redundancy, with each encoder and decoder handling two simultaneous streams of the same HDMI source. The two independent streams are encoded and decoded simultaneously, and when a physical or logical connection fault is detected in a primary stream, the decoder automatically switches over to the backup.
OmniStream uses SMPTE VC-2 video compression (SMPTE 2042), a visually lossless codec that Atlona says was originally developed by the BBC for high quality imagery in master control video distribution as well as post-production and archiving — the delay is a half a video frame or 9 millisecond delay for 60 Hz video signals.
OmniStream features SMPTE 2022 forward error correction for protection against packet loss and the resulting signal dropouts, which can occur in large-scale applications spanning several networks. It also features selectable AES-128 encryption for securing sensitive or protected content in government, military, healthcare and corporate environments.
All OmniStream AV encoders stream HDMI embedded audio, including Dolby and DTS multi-channel bitstream formats. In addition, the OmniStream 232 Dante network interface can be used for transmitting and receiving two-channel audio over the network. The OmniStream 232 also integrates sources such as microphones and PCs into a third-party audio DSP as well as a larger Dante system.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Crestron Ships DigitalMedia NVX 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 HDR Over 1Gb Network AV Solution Crestron is now shipping the DigitalMedia NVX Series, the AV-over-IP 1GB network product launched at ISE in February. The DigitalMedia NVX Series makes it possible to transmit stunning 4K60 4:4:4 HDR video over standard 1 Gigabit Ethernet, with what Crestron is marketing as “no latency” (their words).
DM NVX Series leverages 802.1X so that every DM NVX device is authorized, Active Directory credential management ensures that only authorized administrators gain access and Secure CIP protocol ensures secure connections between DM NVX and Crestron control systems.
DM NVX Series is an infinitely scalable software-defined matrix that provides the ability to share 4K60 4:4:4 HDR content securely anywhere over a dedicated 1Gb copper or fiber network, with no latency or limits — again, this is from their press release. Other network AV products that rely on 10 Gigabit Ethernet don’t scale beyond a single switch. By contrast, Crestron DM NVX Series leverages standard enterprise-grade 1Gb network infrastructure, which is 10 times more scalable at a fraction of the cost.
Typical network AV systems encode/decode and then scale sequentially, which results in additional latency. Crestron’s patent pending technology simultaneously encodes/decodes and scales, eliminating any latency incurred in transmitting video over the network. Software residing in the DM NVX Series Encoder/Decoder boxes and cards makes it capable to configure, deploy, and manage systems from the web.
DM NVX Series is comprised 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 (DMF-CI8). DM NVX Encoders/Decoders feature built-in USB 2.0 routing, DSP and breakaway audio, HDCP 2.2 support, auto-switching, all-in-one encoding/decoding, and support Ethernet natively, as well as fiber with optional SPF modules, all at price similar to competitor’s products that have less capability and are not secure.
We shot a video of this at ISE here.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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L-Acoustics Launches Its First Avnu-Certified SystemsToday, L-Acoustics announces that the LA12X amplified controller is the first L-Acoustics product to receive Avnu certification, the LA4X will also receive certification in the coming weeks.
The Avnu-certified LA12X and LA4X amplified controllers include built-in AVB bridge functionality. Apparently, they are the first Avnu-certified amplified controllers to be launched with both Bridge and Listener technology. To accompany LA12X and LA4X, LA Network Manager software is also updated with an AVB controller, which eases connection with other systems and integrates seamlessly via an easy and natural user interface.
The amplified controllers with new AVB-enabled firmware are currently in a pilot phase with select L-Acoustics partners and will be rolled out widely this spring. All LA4X amplified controllers manufactured since June 2015 and all LA12X ship AVB-ready, which means that L-Acoustics partners will benefit from AVB via a simple firmware update. LA4X manufactured before June 2015 will require an updated DSP card, available through L-Acoustics’ service team.
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Adamson Expands S-SERIES and Introduces New IS-SERIES Line Arrays Adamson Systems Engineering added the S10n line array cabinet to its S-SERIES and has introduced the integration-focused IS-SERIES family of loudspeakers this week. The S10n is a narrow-dispersion version of the S10 two-way, full-range line array cabinet. Having identical specs to the S10, the S10n has an 80° x 10° (H x V) dispersion pattern for applications with tighter horizontal coverage requirements.
The IS-SERIES made its debut with the IS7 and complementing IS118 subwoofer. The IS-SERIES uses Adamson’s tour-level technology into sleek, architecturally-friendly boxes with rugged but unobtrusive rigging solutions.
The IS7 is a two-way, full-range line array cabinet containing two ND7-X5, 7” Neodymium drivers and an NH3, 1.4” exit compression driver. It produces a slightly curved wavefront with a nominal dispersion pattern of 100° x 12.5° (H x V). According to Adamson, the waveguide’s efficiency allows for increased vertical dispersion without sacrificing high frequency presence in the far field while the patent-pending Controlled Summation Technology further eliminates the low-mid lobing normally associated with two-way line source systems.
The companion IS118 subwoofer is a lightweight, long excursion 18” ND18-S Kevlar Neodymium driver utilizing Adamson’s Advanced Cone Architecture and a 4” voice coil for power handling. It is mounted in a front-loaded enclosure.
The IS-SERIES cabinet construction uses marine-grade birch plywood and aircraft-grade steel. The IS7 is equipped with NL4 Connectors and screw terminals while the IS118 has screw terminals available on demand. A plate-and-screw rigging solution is recessed in the interior of the rear rigging fins for easy installation. The series is available in a standard black and white, with RAL colours available on demand.
The IS-SERIES is designed for a wide range of applications, including performing arts centers, live performance venues, sports venues, conference centers and houses of worship.
The IS7 and IS118 will begin shipping in late May 2017. The S10n will begin shipping in the summer of 2017. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Barco Intros UDX Platform Projectors Aimed at Install and Rental Market, All Specified at Minimum 20K LumensBarco is launching a new projector range that they literally claimed “will change the game for rental companies and AV integrators.” Hmmm, that’s s a lot of hype to live up to.
The UDX series consists of five 3-chip DLP models — all laser-phosphor based projectors — that all are identically spec’d at a 2000:1 contrast ratio but having various aspect ratios and brightness specs — but the minimum brightness is 21,000 lumens:
- UDX-W22: 1920×1200 resolution and spec’d at 22,000 lumens,
- UDX-4K22: 3840×2400 resolution and spec’s at 21,000 lumens.
- UDX-U32: 1600×1200 resolution spec’d at 30,000 lumens.
- UDX-W32: 1920×1200 resolution spec’d at 32,000 lumens.
- UDX-4K32: 3840×2400 resolution spec’d at 31,000 lumens.
All five models also share Barco’s Constant Light Output (CLO) functionality, which they say provides constant brightness and color over time and they are all spec’d to outperform the Rec. 709 color space. In addition, all of them have warping, blending and image mapping built-in and even though they aren’t all native 4K resolution, all of them can handle inputs up to 4K DCI signals (4,096×2,560). In addition all of them can use Barco’s TLD+ series of lenses with throws from 1.2:1 to 11.5:1. And like all laser-based projectors, all of them can be mounted in table, ceiling, side (portrait) and vertical (landscape) orientations while spec’d at a 20,000 hour lifetime. Inputs include HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 2.2); DP 1.2 (HDCP 1.3) and Quad SDI/HDSDI/dual HDSDI/6G/BarcoLink.
Here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Middle Atlantic Launches Modular Wall Mount Platform Middle Atlantic Products today introduced the VWM Series Vertical Wall Cabinet specifically aimed at mounting for security and AV applications. The VWM Series provides both vertical mounting of deep equipment as well as small devices. Available in pre-configured models or customizable to exact system specifications through the company’s online design department, the VWM Series utilizes a patent-pending modular systems approach to equipment mounting.
Within its low-profile design, the VWM offers multiple positions for vertical mounting and options include fixed and pivoting rackrail in a range of sizes that can be mounted where needed within the cabinet’s back pan design. The system also utilizes the company’s patented Lever Lock tool-free mounting system, providing the flexibility to integrate small devices such as extenders, power supplies, electronic door lock controllers, compact power solutions and more throughout the cabinet’s back pan or inside the front door.
The VWM Series is available in a variety of options and the system can offer access only to the integrator, or it can allow end-users to access controls, with some options that will even grant visibility via a plexiglass hinged top.
The VWM Series Wall Cabinets come pre-configured with all the options integrators need to quickly build out basic installations in a single box. Here are all the options.
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FSR Ships PWB-FR-450 Wall Box FSR is already shipping its PWB-FR-450 Wall Box. This larger-capacity expansion to the company’s PWB Wall Box family of products is the fire-rated and UL approved version of the company’s popular PWB-450.
Protected in 14-gauge steel, the PWB-FR-450 is the only fire-rated wall box in the infrastructure industry. It can accommodate Crestron DM-RMC-4K-SCALER-C receiver / room controller or four AC outlets and four single gang compartments. Additionally, it is designed for walls that require more opening than is allowed by code, and this unique wall box eliminates the need for constructing double walls. Complying with code, the PWB-FR-450 allows users to hang flat screens with plenty of room for all in-wall connections.
The PWB-FR-450 allows larger interfaces or equipment to be mounted behind a display or in any other custom installation. Integrated within the cover and its mounting frame is the proper Fire Resistive Intumescent Material, providing up to 60 minutes of protection. When closed, the PWB’s cover is flush to the wall allowing a display to be mounted as close as the surface will allow. The cover is ventilated top and bottom to provide convection cooling and there is a cable exit slot to pass cables from the interior of the box to a display. The covers are available in white and black.
Inside the PWB-FR-450 are three pre-wired AC outlets and four single gang-mounting brackets. These brackets can be removed to provide space to mount larger devices. Behind each bracket is a 3/4″ and a 1″ – 1 1⁄2″ concentric knockout which provides wiring flexibility. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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