| Boxlight Introduces Seattle Series Projector Line Boxlight has introduced a new line of projectors called the Seattle Series Projector line. The line has five new projectors ranging in brightness from 2200 to 3500 lumens. They have LAN connectivity for real time status updates via a network, side-changing lamps so the projectors don’t have to be dismantled to change them out, and an optional harsh environment filter for installations that will be in a particularly dusty or dirty location. Other features include anti-theft locks, password protection, and fast start and shut down. All the projectors are XGA except for the WX25N, which is WXGA. List prices range from $999.00 to $1699.00 For more information, go to http://www.boxlight.com/ 
Of course, the “traditional” metrics for selecting a projector (i.e. price, resolution, brightness, etc.) still apply… but today’s consumer is also looking at other value add; anti-theft features and startup/shutdown time being good examples.
–GHB Back to Top
Altinex Introduces Wireless Touchscreen Controller Altinex has introduced the CP451-008 Wireless Touchscreen Controller. The touch screen runs over wireless Ethernet or Bluetooth, and is capable of running on battery power. It runs an embedded Windows XP operating system and the company says it accurately senses touch from a finger, stylus, pen, pencil, or other tool. The touch screen comes preinstalled with AVSnap AV system integration tool to simplify integration. The software allows you to design a graphical user interface (GUI) using predesigned buttons, volume controls, progress bars, etc. An optional Altinex AC301-201 TCP/IP adapter is also available, which enables RS-232 communication through a standard LAN connection. For more information on this product, go to http://www.altinex.com/Products/MultiTasker/MultiTouch%20Panels/CP451-008/CP451-008.htm
I don’t see pricing/availability information; which is important for possible application(s) consideration. Aside from what looks to be a straight forward and technically current approach, I’ve long been reluctant to put wireless (almost anything) in classrooms due to ongoing theft and support problems.
–GHB Back to Top
Kramer Debuts VP-411DS On Christmas Eve, Kramer Electronics announced the release of its VP-411DS computer graphics video automatic standby switcher with user-selectable input priority assignment. The VP-411DS is aimed at presentation room, boardroom, training room or classroom applications with passive wall plate or desk-mounted inputs. The Kramer VP-411DS is basically a 4×1 VGA switcher that puts itself in stand-by when not being used (or it doesn’t see activity after a specified period of time). Read all about the 411DS at: http://www.kramer-us.com/indexes/item.asp?name=VP-411DS
Looks like one of those products you say ‘Cool! I’m so glad this type of box exists!’ when you run into circumstances that dictate this type of analog computer graphics switching (as well as control and configuration feature set described in the detailed specs).
–GHB Back to Top
Extron’s New Decora-Style VGA Cat5 Transmitter/Receiver Ships Are you routing via Cat5 yet? Well, if not, give this a try: Extron Electronics announced that the MTP R 15HD RSA D is now shipping. The new Decora mount twisted pair receiver accepts VGA, RS-232 control signals, and mono audio over a single UTP cable. It is compatible with resolutions up to 1920×1200, and will support cable runs of 600 feet (185 meters) or more with XGA signals, and 450 feet (135 meters) or more with UXGA signals. It also offers separate continuously variable level and peaking controls to compensate for signal loss over long cable runs. Extron specifies that the RGB bandwidth is 350 MHz (-3dB). It’s also got selectable gain and peaking, and active PC audio buffering. Selectable stereo or dual mono audio output allows for a choice of stereo audio or actively summed L+R mono audio on both outputs. All the details can be found at: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=mtpr15hdrsad&search=MTP%20R%2015HD%20RSA%20D
The product seems to pretty much addresses (and then some) sending analog VGA over TP. What also comes to mind is something that struck me about 6 years ago when using TP cabling and connects for non-network AV: making sure to label *and* color code connections to minimize erroneous cross connects
–GHB Back to Top
Da-Lite Shows New Da-Lift Pivot Models Da-Lite announced the new Da-Lift Pivot motorized projector lifts, which are engineered with a fixed pivot point to ensure proper alignment during and after installation. The Da-Lift Pivot comes complete with an Advance UPM-1 Universal Projector mount and a unique internally mounted low voltage control unit with switch to make installation adjustments easy. The Da-Lift Pivot is designed to mount in either suspended or drywall ceilings and features a trim flange for a professional appearance. The lifts are available in the Da-Lift Pivot 26P or the Da-Lift Pivot 33P, depending on your projector size. You can see all the sizes and specs at: http://www.dalite.com/products/product.php?cID=46&pID=464
"During project design phases, motorized lifts get spec'ed to address specific conditions or provide an effect. While meeting those needs, they can inadvertently add cost and maintenance in an otherwise minimal moving-parts AV system. If you must "lift," be sure to do it with a product that has the bases — like Da-Lite does here — covered .
–GHB Back to Top
Crestron Shows Power-Over-Ethernet Box Crestron adds a new series of network, Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) solutions to its product portfolio. The line of PoE devices now available includes the CEN-NVS100 MJPG encoder, which converts full motion video to streaming media, the CEN-SW-POE-5 and the CEN-WAP-ABG-1G wireless access point, which enables WiFi communication. The CEN-SW-POE-5 is a 5-port unmanaged Ethernet switch that also provides 802.3af compliant PoE on four of its ports to support devices such as the CEN-WAP-ABG-1G wireless access point. Standards-based PoE affords a one-wire solution for connecting Ethernet devices, delivering power and data over a single CAT5/6 network cable. The NVS100 is an MJPG encoder that converts high-res video to streaming media. It accepts full motion video up to D1 resolution and encodes the signals as either MJPG or MJPG4, and supports simultaneous video streams. The NVS-100 is ideal to view video on the Crestron TPMC-8X WiFi touch panel, which can display streaming media in a scalable video window on the touch screen. To see all Crestron’s Power-over-Ethernet colutions, go to: http://www.crestron.com/press_room/press_releases/show_release.asp?press_release_id=1340
Ok, so here is a perfect product for finding your inner IT geek! My inner IT geek didn’t understand where this product/news release was going until the WiFi touch panel application in last paragraph. If you don’t know what PoE is, you have more homework to do than I but if you already know what 802.3af is, maybe you’re available for tutoring?
–GHB Back to Top
SMART Adds a Mobile Stand for Smart Boards Last week, SMART Technologies announced its first mobile stand for its interactive displays. The SMART Mobile Stand for interactive displays is specifically designed to add mobility to SMART Board interactive displays measuring 50" to 65" and is aimed towards applications in education, business and government who must share limited numbers of interactive boards (in other words, if you can’t put one in every room, make them mobile!). The mobile stand has a height-adjustable range of 15" up or down, which, depending on audience configuration, can improve sightlines. It also accommodates use by people of different heights and is practical for any special needs users with limited reach. And, with theft at large schools being a problem, SMART addressed this as it can be wheeled into a small, lockable room for secure storage (no need for a custom closet). The stand includes a sturdy locking cabinet with solid cabinet doors so all AV gear can be housed inside the unit. The cabinet has space for a standard desktop computer and common peripherals, such as a DVD or VHS player. An optional laptop shelf is available for users who want to connect their own laptops. Once the SMART Mobile Stand for interactive displays is set up in the desired location, easy-to-control castors lock into place so the stand does not move while in use. It lists for $3199 and starts shipping in February 2009 and you can see it here: http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/About+Us/News+Room/Image+Gallery/Accessories/Mobile+floor+stand.htm
Having used versions of a mobile interactive rear projection cabinet as well as front whiteboards, including moving in/out of “small” closets, this is all about the height/width (doorways?) and the castors (floor material?)! But, in all seriousness, all the other interactive whiteboard criteria (ease of use, etc.) also apply. –GHB Back to Top
Company Launches Online Store Just for Document Cameras Well, we’ve seen specialized web stores for displays and even projector lamps, and now there’s a website that sells just document cameras. Document Camera Experts’ website has a plethora of educational material, a bunch of different manufacturers that you can compare and purchase, and volume discounts available. To check out the website, go to www.documentcameraexperts.com Back to Top | 
