Volume 2, Issue 1 — January 22, 2016
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Editorials Editorials Editorials Editorials
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The Year of Living (Working) Dangerously
By Christopher Jaynes CTO and Founder, Mersive
The world of audiovisual technology and software has been an exciting place to be over the past several years. Anyone who has seen the transition from analog to digital, to IP-based everything, and now to software can attest to that. It’s been both volatile (anyone remember Tweeter? How about Kodak?) and profitable for the right companies. It looks like 2016 will be even more-so. Workplace transformations that began a few years ago (and had their roots in early research like the Office of the Future Project) are poised to dramatically change how AV companies can, and should, support their customers. Here are three particularly large trends that can make 2016 a dangerous and exciting year.
Millennials become the Majority. According to Millennial Branding, a research and consulting firm, Millennials will outnumber both GenX’ers and Baby Boomers in the workforce in 2016. They’ll be the largest generational group in the workplace and will make up one in every four managers by the end of the year. If you haven’t been following how their approach to work will demand new approaches to AV, it may be too late. But here are the Cliffs notes: Informal instead of fixed/scheduled meetings, a focus on collaboration instead of presentation, and support for mobility and ad hoc work spaces are key. Companies that are embracing these trends are positioning themselves to aggressively recruit top, young talent, and they can gain a competitive edge by leveraging AV and IT technologies. AV consultants and resellers need to be aware of these trends and not be caught flatfooted. Here are a couple good reads if you find yourself behind the curve:
Social Networking Habits Enter the Workplace. The 2nd wave of social media technology – based on the 1st generation platforms of Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter – are set to make a real impact in the workplace. Enterprise and business-oriented social media platforms such as Jive and Yammer support new ways of interacting within the context of business. These technologies will enable peer-to-peer and non-hierarchical collaboration. Information sharing between team members and knowledge transfer will further transform the need for (and meaning of) more formal meetings. Of course, these platforms are a response to the interaction habits workers learned consumer (non-work) platforms like Facebook, Twitter, etc. But those forms of interaction have become so ingrained that to ask users to work differently isn’t realistic anymore. Pervasive, social networking and content sharing in the work environment removes barriers to effective communication and collaboration, and it promotes more direct interaction between colleagues who may never have had the opportunity in the past. Imagine a company CEO who can weigh in on a potential marketing slogan as easily as she/he could “like” a photo on Facebook.
New Collaborative Technologies will unmask Single Use, Single Source Meetings. Consumer wireless media streaming is very 2015. This year, corporate enterprise, education, and government are accelerating their adoption of enterprise wireless sharing for their meeting spaces. As businesses realize the gains to be had by meetings that are not constrained to a single presenter (who has the video cable) they have already been transforming their meeting spaces to support wireless collaboration. A secondary impact that I’ve started to note among some of our customers who use Solstice is that cable-driven meetings are universally dreaded. I’ve seen customers entice their employees to move into a new building by deploying Solstice into the meetings rooms, only to find that people from other buildings (and presumably left with wired conference rooms) abandon their own space for the new building and over-book the new spaces. Of course, if your in the business of helping meetings become more effective, this is a very good thing. It can be dangerous, because wireless collaboration acts like an accelerant for the transforming workplace. Once you pour collaboration into the mix, you’re accelerating the adoption of Millennial trends and social networking. Introducing a better meeting can’t really happen piecemeal. This means that AV consultants, designers, and resellers will need to support large, potentially enterprise-wide deployments of products that can support an infrastructural shift away from the video cable.
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A Digital Dining Experience
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
Several columns ago, I wrote about my experiences with digital signage in a restaurant. This experience included the use of an iPad with a credit card scanner attached. I thought the concept in an airport was very interesting. People are in a rush in airports and may not have time to wait for a waiter to get to them.
Recently, we stopped at the Olive Garden in Augusta, Maine. I was very surprised to see that each table had a digital ordering system. I was not surprised by the technology, I have written about it more than once. I was surprised that the technology was being used in Augusta. Typically, Maine is one of the last places to get new technologies. Also, I was surprised to see it being put to use at the Olive Garden.
Let’s start with the technology at Olive Garden. I understand that the Olive Garden is a chain restaurant, and not typically considered fine dining. Yet, it is not a fast food restaurant, nor is it a bar or pub style restaurant. When people go to the Olive Garden, it is often for a dining experience that is a little more quiet and upscale than say, Applebee’s. People at the Olive Garden go there for some level of experience. This experience is first ruined by having the technology sitting on the table. The tablet was approximately the size of a 9-inch touch panel and was on a restaurant table that sits four people. That takes up a lot of space. Once you get a bowl of salad, breadsticks and plates, there is really no room for the device. I left it on our table for just long enough to be able to play with it a bit. The device allows you to order, pay your bill and even prints out a receipt when you are done. Additionally, it provides games that you can play while you wait for your food. None of these uses were particularly appealing to me. At a restaurant like the Olive Garden, I like having a waiter take my order and serve us. Typically, the customers are not putting down several beers and trying to get the waiter’s attention in order to order another, like may happen in a typical bar or pub style restaurant.
Additionally, as I mentioned, the thing is just TOO big. I asked our waiter to take the device away because it was simply in the way. It is clear to me that the Olive Garden is rolling out the technology in order to cut costs, rather than to add value to the customer.
So, what can a restaurant do that wants to cut costs and do it in a way that the customer will embrace? They need to provide value to the customer. This technology does not provide any extra value to the customer. There is no incentive for me to keep that technology on the table, or interact with it. In fact, quite the opposite. I am incentivized to have it removed. My first suggestion for a place like the Olive Garden is to have them stop providing the technology. People who are going to use such technology already have some in their pockets, in the form of a smartphone. With location services enabled, smartphone users can easily be notified that they are at a location that has an app available. They can download the app, and interact with the restaurant in the same way as the tabletop device. Now, using their own devices they can interact with a menu, get detailed information on dishes. This would provide value, especially to the many customers who now suffer from food allergies. Additionally, the restaurant would be able to collect data on the users and push information to them that could benefit the customer and the restaurant. They may know the customers favorites appetizers and offer them a discount in order to encourage an order being placed. Additionally, they could offer the opportunity for the customer to summons a waiter to the table. This is perhaps one of the biggest frustrations in a restaurant. You just got your food dropped off and the waiter has left, but now you need something. You may not see the waiter for several minutes. An option to ask the restaurant to send someone over would add significant value. Finally, payment is another issue that would add value to such a system. If the smartphone app was used, you will be able to pay immediately when finished. No waiting on the bill and then waiting for it to be run.
In the end, it is always about the customer and adding value in some form for the customer. Wise customers know when a location is asking you to do “their job” for them. Creative restaurants will find ways to add value to the customer, and lower their costs. Leave a Comment
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Five Ways to Optimize Your Digital Signage
By Premier Mounts It’s no secret that digital signage is the best way to reach your target audience. However, if you’re not reaching the RIGHT people in the RIGHT place at the RIGHT time, all of your digital signage efforts may be wasted. Take a look at these 5 tips that will help you to optimize your content, and maximize your digital signage ROI.
1. Understand your digital signage goals.
The starting point for Digital Signage success is to have a clear vision of what you want to happen as a result of your investment. Then, you need to involve experts who can work backwards from there with the details that can bring those goals to fruition. Nobody expects you to know the newest in digital signage technology and equipment. But you do know your target audience, and you understand their wants and needs. This is the reason that it’s critical to participate in a Partnership conversation with someone who has a deep understanding of digital signage, thus creating a “dream team” in which you can target your audience with the best in messaging, technology, digital signage placement and customer safety.
2. Use digital signage to bring your customers into the conversation.
Consumers are faced with a huge amount of options, and they must decide which products and services are the most rewarding. Advertisements and paid endorsements don’t guarantee quality, which is why people don’t depend on them for accuracy. They turn to their most trusted sources, their friends and peers, to find out whatreally works. Social media is where consumers go for information they feel that they can depend on, which is why it’s a good idea to allow your customers to easily find, like, share, and review your brand through social media platforms.
Many companies are incorporating digital signage accessories like cameras and interactive screens, which can enable their customers to easily share a personal brand experience with friends. Restaurants and hotels can also maximize their exposure by displaying live social media feeds in high traffic areas of the business, encouraging customers to post details or photos of their experience and become part of the brand story. Working with a team of experts in digital signage content and delivery will allow you to gain an understanding of the newest social sharing concepts, therefore allowing you to grow your business with endorsements from your customer’s most trusted sources.
3. Keep design In mind.
Design is a critical part of digital content, starting with the mounting solution. It serves as the backbone of the structure, and it’s important to work with an expert who can make recommendations on optimal display placement. Things to consider when determining display placement include:
- Public safety
- Optimal viewing angles
- Accessibility for interactive displays
- ADA compliance for public spaces
- Placement in a suitable area for audibility (if using speakers)
- Glare from outside sunlight or overhead lighting
- Optimal placement for high traffic areas
- Equipment protection if placed in cooking areas of Quick Service Restaurants.
Aesthetics are also critical to ensure that viewers don’t miss out on content because visible wires or cords are distracting. Display enclosures can also allow both indoor and outdoor displays to feature brand logos and paint finishes, which can enhance the décor of the surrounding environment.
Of course, the design of the digital content itself must also have high priority. Going back to the fact that consumers are faced with a huge variety of options and distractions, maintaining their attention is more difficult than ever. They can’t just glance at the content; they have to engage in a content experience. It must be captivating enough to gain their attention, it must work seamlessly in order to hold that attention, and it must feature design characteristics to set your content apart from those of your competitors.
4. Use your digital signage to think outside the box. Digital signage experts are always looking for new and improved ways for our customers to reach their target audiences. We talk with fellow industry experts to learn about their emerging technologies, we meet with our design teams to brainstorm the possibilities, and we read industry publications in order to find out how far we can take our ideas. As a result, digital signage experts have a variety of options and ideas at our fingertips that many people may not even know exist. That knowledge allows us to suggest options that can increase sales, boost brand image, and allow your audience to participate in experiences that will convert them into loyal customers for life.
5. Take matters into your own hands.
The journey into the realm of digital signage doesn’t end when you power up your equipment. Understanding how to operate and update your digital signage is essential for long-term success. From deleting a seasonal menu boarditem to adding a social media feed, business owners must be able to update their digital content as often as necessary. This means two things: the equipment MUST be user-friendly, and the appropriate personnel MUST be properly trained on how to use it. This is just one more example of why engaging in a Partnership with a digital signage expert is your recipe for success. In order to maximize your investment into digital signage, these experts will include operational training, and offer full availability for you to seek assistance if you have any questions in the future.
Digital signage success can seem overwhelming, but the first step is to work with mounting solutions experts to develop the optimum solution that fits the application, the environment, and the best viewer experience to enable a premium digital experience. Take advantage of this step because often times your mounting solutions expert will be able to engineer features into the product that actually decrease installation time over traditional products. This is beneficial where there are many installations and the installer doesn’t want to haul extra materials such as uni-strut, all-thread, and abrasive saws around the job site thus, lowering TCO and maximizing profit opportunities. Contact Premier Mounts’ solutions group here for more information.
This blog was reprinted with permission from Premier Mounts and originally appeared here. Leave a Comment
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News Alert: Someone’s Buying Sharp, Or They’re Going Out of Business
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
One thing is clear — if Sharp doesn’t take one of the two competing offers to buy them, they won’t survive.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Taiwan’s Foxconn (known most famously for making the Microsoft Xbox and Apple’s iPhone and iPads) and Japan’s Innovation Network Corp. are in a bidding war for Sharp Corporation — most famous for making the AQUOS LCDs and IGZO ePaper and flexible displays.
Sharp is hemorrhaging money — and lots of it. In the last six months, they’ve lost over $220 million and over $1.8 billion in they fiscal year 2015. And, they owe banks over $4 billion in loans — loans that are rumored to be due in the next 90 days.
What is interesting about the two offers to buy Sharp is where they are coming from — both have some interesting issues. Foxconn isn’t a Japanese company; they’re Taiwanese and there are, no doubt, some politics in buying a Japanese company — especially a company as Japan-famous as Sharp. The other, Innovation Network Corp., is a Japanese company but their offer is lower than that of Foxconn’s. Plus, Foxconn has said, publicly, they won’t change the management structure of Sharp — something that Innovation Network Corp. won’t guarantee as they do make displays already and have a management team in place.
Also clouding the finality of this is that, according to public financial filings, Foxconn’s board chair, Terry Gou, actually already owns approximately 35 percent of Sharp’s display manufacturing company.
This will be an interesting one to follow but, one thing for sure, Sharp will have to make some major financial shifts to keep, or let itself be bought, to keep from collapsing this Spring.
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Antelope Audio Intros Two Thunderbolt-Compatible Devices: Orion32+ and Orion StudioAntelope Audio announced that Orion32+ and Orion Studio, are now compatible with Apple Thunderbolt technology — and both are shipping.
Orion32+ follows its predecessor, Orion32, which launched three years ago as a 32-channel interface solution in a 1U rack. Orion32+ is now Antelope’s flagship interface and features Thunderbolt compatibility, improved dynamic range, claiming zero latency monitoring and Antelope’s “signature uncompromising audio quality.”
The Orion32+ is 32 channels of I/O with a spa of zero latency monitoring and 32-simultaneous channels of 24-bit, 192 kHz audio performance. The unit also delivers a vast range of connectivity options including Thunderbolt, MADI and USB, making it suitable for use in commercial, home studio and live environments. The Orion32+ also incorporates ADAT and S/PDIF throughput, with I/O being handled by eight D-Sub 25 connectors and a pair of mastering grade monitor outputs — both capable of delivering 129 dB dynamic range.
Now with full Thunderbolt compatibility, Antelope’s Orion Studio is in a 1U form factor, is their lowest latency AD/DA converter in its class and USB compatibility.
Designed for both project studios, home recording environments and other applications, Orion Studio delivers professional grade audio quality and is capable of processing 32 channels of 192 kHz audio at dizzying speeds of 100μ round trip delay. With 12 commercial quality microphone pre-amplifiers, 16 analog outputs, two mastering grade monitor outputs and Thunderbolt compatibility, Orion Studio is the perfect companion to achieve the ultimate in sound quality.
Orion32+ is priced at $3,495 (U.S.) and Orion Studio is priced at $2,795 (U.S.) and all the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Nureva Announces the WhisperTek Surface for Its Span SystemNureva announces the WhisperTek surface, a high-performance bezel-less projection surface for the Nureva Span ideation system. The lightly textured surface can withstand the high-use demands of interactive surfaces and regular wear and tear from pen and finger touches over time. The WhisperTek surface has been designed to enhance projector brightness and color, while eliminating the hotspots and glare that are common with other off-the-shelf projection surfaces.
The WhisperTek surface has an aspect ratio of 16:6, which matches the displayed image of the Span system WM210i model, measuring 10′ (3.1 m) wide by 4′ (1.2 m) high. Two WhisperTek surfaces can be applied side-by-side for the 20′-wide (6.1 m) WM220i model. The product weighs only 20 lb. (9 kg) and ships rolled up inside a compact container, overcoming the shipping and handling challenges associated with large whiteboard and hardboard projection surfaces. Two people can easily apply the surface to a wall and have it ready for use in under 30 minutes.
Here are specific product details.
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dnp Ships Supernova BladeThe dnp Supernova Blade is a frameless front projection screen designed for use in meeting rooms, retail environments and residential applications to create a floating-like image. Only 3 millimeters thick and available in sizes 100”, 110” and 120” in 16:9, it’s also available in custom sizes. The screen has a clean look and slim-line format that suit modern architecture and interiors well.
Made with ISF-certified Supernova 08-85 or with 23-23 material, dnp Supernova Blade has a built-in optical filter which absorbs ambient light and boosts contrast. The result is vivid, sharp images with up to 7 times higher contrast than conventional front projection screens. The screen’s light- absorbing capabilities eliminate the need for a dedicated darkened room and thus extend the opportunities for quality viewing into a much broader range of environments.
The Supernova Blade is easy to install and can be mounted in two ways: either hung on the wall or suspended from the ceiling. When wall-mounted, its super-slim format gives the effect of a “window into the world.” When suspended from the ceiling by almost invisible wires, the effect is even more dramatic — it appears to be floating in mid-air. The screen design is also space-saving — an additional advantage in retail situations and other commercial applications where design aesthetics and space are important.
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Vivitek Takes Aim at Barco ClickShare With New Collaborative NovoPROVivitek Corporation today announced it’s shipping the $799 NovoPRO — taking aim at Barco’s ClickShare product. Vivitek’s NovoPRO collaborative and interactive wireless BYOD “system” offers the same advanced feature set as the bestselling NovoConnect, but on a Quad-Core processor. Equipped with UltraHD 4K support (Buyer Beware: no color bit-depth specified thus, it likely doesn’t do 4K @ 60Hz or 4:4:4) or 1080p @ 60 fps, the NovoPRO streams wireless video. In addition, the NovoPRO also features full Android and iOS mirroring.
The NovoPRO’s built-in Ethernet port and Wi-Fi module allow for standard dual network support so that both a wired and wireless connection can be accomplished to accommodate, for example, both guest and corporate networks. To make operation simple, the optional Launcher buttons allow for instantaneous screen sharing though this USB connected device. In a collaborative setting, the Launcher also has placement buttons for the four screen quadrants to provide an easy selection of multiple display devices. Lastly, the Launcher has the software preloaded, which makes it truly plug-n-plug to PCs or Macs. (No software installation is required.)
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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KanexPro Intros HDBaseT Switcher for 4KKanexPro has just launched the HDSC31D-4K HDMI and VGA Collaboration Switcher Scaler that uses HDBaseT (3×1) to send signals distances up to 230 feet.
Tthe HDSC31D-4K offers three inputs designed for sending DisplayPort, HDMI or VGA analog video as well as control up to 230 feet over a shielded CATx cable to an HDBaseT receiver supporting resolutions up to 4K@30Hz. (Buyer Beware: The company does NOT list a color bit sampling spec on their website). The programmable Collaboration Switcher Scaler allows the sender or receiver to be powered from either side requiring only one power supply supporting PoE and allows users to switch between the sources and upscale (720p, 1080p and 1600×1200@60Hz) or downscale resolutions (from 4K down to 720p). It also has auto-detection that automatically powers the display on and off
Transmission of DisplayPort, HDMI and analog video signals is possible with HDCP 2.2 compliance and it includes RS-232 and IR remote control. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Powersoft Announces New ArmonÃa Pro Audio Suite 2.7.0 ReleaseWith the release of the latest version of Armonía Pro Audio Suite 2.7.0, Powersoft’s digital signal monitoring and processing software, the company has unleashed further major features and DSP power in its continually evolving roadmap.
The update, now available for download, includes the new speaker preset v2 (.spk2) file format; this file can be copied directly onto X Series amplifiers with a USB stick, to be recalled later on desired channels via the WebApp interface.
X Series and Ottocanali DSP+D amplifiers are now able to act as configurable Dante sources, with the option to stream out eight processed or unprocessed signals. Standalone analog to Dante converters are therefore no longer necessary in complex installations, and direct monitoring of the DSP processing can be easily achieved in third party measurement software such as Smaart v7.
A higher degree of loudspeaker supervision is achievable with the new Live Impedance curve, calculated in real-time and storable/displayable against a reference curve in the new spk2 preset files.
New RMS and Peak limiters with side chain Frequency-Shaping are now available on X and Ottocanali DSP+D Series, allowing an even greater level of protection and performance. According to Powersoft, Frequency-Shaping, in conjunction with Live Impedance monitoring safely pushes the speakers even further in terms of overall SPL.
The communication protocol has been completely rewritten to achieve better performance. In conjunction with the latest firmware the response to Advanced Groups raised cosine equalization is faster than ever and synchronized across on all channels.
The new release of Armonía Pro Audio Suite 2.7.0 also coincides with the new official firmware for the X Series platform and Ottocanali DSP+D amplifiers.
Other features include:
- New Live Impedance tab in output section
- New internal Dante Output Routing feature (eight Dante output channels fully customizable from Armonìa)
- New Frequency-Shaping limiters feature for RMS and Peak limiters.
- New LED animation during boot and firmware upgrades
- Central ring LED shows the mains connection: Blue mono-phase, Red bi-phase, White three-phase
- WebApp re-style
- WebApp MAINS tab shows mains phases
- Improved performance and filtering responsiveness (now synchronized across all channels)
- Third party control protocol: Add “Save as” command
- Third party control protocol: Add Ottocanali DSP+D GPO status report
- Third party control protocol: Fix on X4 communication
PowerSoft is here. Leave a Comment
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Middle Atlantic’s New UTB Series Universal TechBox Allows Discreet Mounting of AV EquipmentMiddle Atlantic Products today announced the launch of the UTB Series Universal TechBox, a low-profile solution for discreetly mounting AV equipment underneath a table surface within meeting spaces. The UTB Series Universal TechBox is aimed at applications mounting equipment like small devices, switchers, and interface accessories for audio, video, and/or HDMI.
Available in two widths — traditional 19-inch rackmount and half-rack — the UTB Series Universal TechBox is field-configurable with all necessary hardware and accessories for both sizes. The unit can be mounted horizontally or vertically in three easy steps: mount the top to the chosen surface, integrate the equipment, and secure the bottom piece to the top — all without tools. It includes pairs of rackrail and front and rear covers for both 1RU and 2RU sizes, offering security for settings and cable connections and preventing users from tampering with equipment. Designed for both rackmount and non-rackmount equipment, the UTB Series’ patented pattern accommodates small device mounting, compact surge protection, and cable tie-down with a vent pattern designed to optimize cooling airflows. This will be officially launched at ISE in Amsterdam next month.
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Christie Launches Single-Chip DLP, 12,000-Lumen HS Projector SeriesChristie is launching a new single-chip DLP laser phosphor projector line — the Christie HS Series — which Christie says that at 10,000 lumens is the brightest 1-chip DLP laser-phosphor projector on the market. Featuring “BoldColor Technology” with three times the color wheel speed (of a normal one-chip DLP), the Christie D12HD-HS and Christie D12WU-HS are 1080p and WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution, respectively.
Aimed at rental stagers, large meeting rooms, hotels, public spaces and entertainment venues, the Christie HS Series is capable of 360-degree orientation and portrait mode with color matching and advanced blending, warping and stacking software built in, making it flexible. The Christie HS Series also offers a full six-lens suite covering 0.84:1 up to 7.2:1, 3GSDI and DVI-D loop through connections so signals can be daisy chained without external boxes and optional fog filters.
Christie HS Series at a glance:
- Brightest 1DLP laser phosphor projector on the market over 10K lumens
- Choice of WUXGA or HD resolution
- Laser phosphor illumination is spec’d with a 20,000 hour life
- Compact industrial design
- Lens memory to recall zoom, focus and lens offset settings
- Automatic and manual warps, blends and stacks
- 3D capable
- Bottom-side HDMI connection and rear input cover so ceiling mount installations can have a clean look
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Extron Shipping 4K HDMI Matrix Switchers in Three New SizesExtron is shipping its DXP 88 HD 4K, DXP 84 HD 4K, and DXP 44 HD 4K, the latest models in the DXP HD 4K Series of HDMI matrix switchers. These 4K, fixed I/O matrix switchers are HDCP compliant, and support data rates to 10.2 Gbps, Deep Color up to 12‑bit, 3D, and HD lossless audio formats (2096×2160 @ 30Hz 4:4:4 and 4096 x 2160 @ 60Hz 4:2:0). Extron technologies such as SpeedSwitch, Key Minder and EDID Minder ensure system operation with fast switching speeds and reliable communication between connected devices. To maintain signal integrity over long distances, the DXP HD 4K Series provides automatic cable equalization on all inputs, and output reclocking to reshape and restore video signal timing at each HDMI output. The 8×8, 8×4, and 4×4 matrix switchers also feature built‑in audio de‑embedding, enabling digital audio from any input to be assigned to the digital or analog stereo outputs for streamlined integration. The DXP HD 4K Series is designed for use in applications that require reliable, high performance routing of digital video and digital or analog audio signals in professional AV environments.
Extron says the technologies and capabilities built into the DXP HD 4K Series ensure high performance AV signal routing, with a fully digital pathway that maintains the highest possible audio and image quality for multiple sources and displays.
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Legrand Introduces Evolution Series 10-Inch Poke-Thru Connector ManagementLegrand today introduced its newest addition to the Wiremold product line: the Evolution Series 10-inch poke-thru device. Designed with a durable cover assembly, the device offers eight individual gangs of communication, A/V, and power capacity, and eliminates the need for junction boxes because of industry-first internally wired connections. Users can mix and match devices, ports and receptacles to configure each of the eight gangs to suit their individual requirements.
Legrand says they are the first manufacturer to offer wired connections inside a poke-thru device; that eliminates the need for a junction box. As a result, the device occupies much less vertical space or depth in the floor and is therefore less obtrusive when installed in open-ceiling buildings.
The Evolution 10-inch poke-thru installs easily, making it an ideal choice for both retrofit and new-construction applications. To make service additions and changes, users simply lift the unit out of its installed position in the floor.
The device’s die-cast aluminum covers are built to withstand up to 700 pounds of pressure as well as the heavy traffic encountered in open spaces. Covers are manufactured with a durable, self-aligning hinge assembly and swivel a full 180 degrees to open. When compared to traditional flip-top covers, the fully open cover is expected to reduce tripping incidents.
Evolution Series 10-inch poke-thru devices are designed with spring-loaded, patented slide egress doors that not only accommodate the space required for cables to exit the device, but also shut automatically when the user closes the cover. Aesthetically updated, the cover has a symmetrical design with a built-in handle for easy access and is available in eight finishes, enabling designers and specifiers to better coordinate it with a room’s decor.
The device is UL-listed and UL-fire-classified for up to two hours in accordance with U.S. and Canadian safety standards. It also meets all scrub water requirements.
Wiremold solutions are available through Middle Atlantic Products. The line is here. Leave a Comment
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Aurora Ships QXT Touch PanelAurora claims its QXT-700 is the world’s first platform “agnostic” Quad Core IP HD 7″ Touch Panel (QXT-700TS) / Control System (QXT-2). Designed for conference rooms, educational facilities and control over digital signage systems, it mounts into a standard two-gang box, and uses a 7-inch 1280×800 touch screen with 170 degree viewing angles. It also includes a 2D and 3D graphics engine with 1080p H.264 streaming.
The QXT-700 has stereo speakers, stereo digital microphones, light sensor, proximity sensor and IR Learner. Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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Crestron Ships 15″ Capacitive Touch Screen
Crestron is now shipping their new TS-1542, a 15.6” HD metal touch screen using capacitive touch. The TS-1542 is aimed at the entry-level of the control market and makes it possible to view security cameras and other video sources over the network on the touch screen. Native support for H.264 and MJPEG formats allows the display of live streaming video from IP cameras, a streaming server, or a DigitalMedia switcher.
One wire is all that is required for installation, with a standard Ethernet cable handling power, control, and media.
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Chief Launches New Suspended Ceiling Projector System
Chief is now shipping the new suspended ceiling projector system that they say is designed to cut install time by one-third. The new design incorporates an improved suspended ceiling plate, column system, mount and universal interface. The process began when Chief engineers went into the field to observe and interview installers about current systems and how they can be improved.
Problems included inconsistent ceiling grid systems, cable management, adjustment and cumbersome installation processes.
For speed and accuracy of adjustment, a new mount was created that builds upon the breakthrough successes of the RPA and RPM, Chief’s award-winning projector mounts. The RPT mount’s absolute image control adds Tool-Free Microzone adjustment with a positive drive system to keep adjustments in place – no need for set screws.
All the adjustment capabilities drastically reduce the need for digital adjustments in the projector, which can negatively affect image quality.
Features of the Suspended Ceiling Projector System include:
- System comes out of box in the order needed with mount and column preassembled
- Adjustable ceiling plate allows placement above or below tile and accommodates inconsistent T-grids
- Detachable electric plate for pre-wiring
- Tool-Free Microzone adjustment
- Centris Technology enables effortless fingertip positioning with new tool-free lock down
- Adjustable 0-12” (0-305 mm) column with separate inlay channels for high and low voltage cables
- Improved universal interface for easier lock/unlock at projector connection
- Quick-disconnect from interface to projector and interface to mount for easy access while maintaining registration
- Single SKU ordering and less packaging to recycle
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Grund Audio Design Announces New LC Series of SUBsGrund Audio Design announced three new subwoofers designed for use with the company’s LC Series column line arrays — completing the company’s offerings in this product class. The LC-2SA, LC-5SA and LC-8SA subwoofers are all powered systems that incorporate a 2.1 amplifier designed to drive both the subwoofers and stereo satellite column array loudspeakers. The LC-2SA uses a 12-inch LF transducer while the LC-5SA has a 15-inch transducer and the LC-8SA offers an 18-inch transducer.
The LC-2SA subwoofer features a 1200-watt Class D amplifier while the LC-5SA and the LC-8SA employ 1600 and 1800-watt Class D amplifiers respectively. Of particular note, all three subwoofers include on-board DSP capabilities that provide programmable loudspeaker management settings that optimize the column array / subwoofer combination for a variety of environments ranging from corporate presentation spaces and houses of worship to education and DJ.
The new LC Series subwoofers are built using 13-ply Baltic Birch wood for superior performance and cabinet rigidity. The combination of the LC Series column arrays and subwoofers is easily expandable from the basic 2.1 system to more elaborate setups, as the DSP / power module can be switched to accommodate larger systems as more loudspeakers are added.
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Crestron Ships Huddle Room PackageCrestron shipped a new HDMI switcher and extender pair that’s aimed at small meeting rooms, huddle rooms, and classrooms. Dubbed the HD Scaling Presentation Switcher & Extender (HD-MD-400-C-E) the package includes 3×1 switcher with an HD receiver that requires no programming. Mount the transmitter under a table or inside a podium and it hash two HDMI inputs, one VGA input (with one analog audio input) and that sends signals HDBaseT to the receiver mounted behind the room display or above the projector. The receiver features an additional HDMI input for a local source.
Additionally, Ethernet connectivity makes it possible to connect a Crestron Fusion enterprise management software to monitor, manage, and control technology the room.
Both the transmitter and receiver are compact enough to fit discreetly inside a presentation lectern, beneath a table, or mounted on a wall behind a flat-panel display, or on the ceiling above a projector. They can even be attached to a single rack rail in the back of an equipment cabinet. Both devices are powered together using a single wall mount power pack (included), which can be connected either at the receiver or at the transmitter location. Power is carried between the transmitter and receiver over the HDBaseT connection.
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Crestron Ships HDBaseT 4K Transmitter and ReceiverCrestron is shipping its 4K DigitalMedia Transmitter 202 (DM-TX-4K-202-C) and 4K DigitalMedia Transmitter 302 (DM-TX-4K-302-C) which are spec’d to transmit 4K (up to 4096×2160 @ 60 Hz with color sampling of 4:2:0 or 2560×1600 @ 60Hz with color sampling of 4:4:4) and HD AV signals long distance to a room display. Both products function as transmitters and 2X1 and 3X1 switchers, respectively, and are aimed at classrooms and meeting rooms.
Both the DM-TX-4K-202-C and DM-TX-4K-302-C provide two independent 4K HDMI inputs with resolutions up to UHD and DCI 4K. The DM-TX-4K-302-C adds VGA and analog audio inputs. All inputs feature auto-detection for plug-and-play simplicity, and can be configured to switch automatically or be controlled through a Crestron control system.
The DM-TX-4K-202-C and DM-TX-4K-302-C include a fully HDBaseT compatible DM output for long-distance transmission and direct connection to an HDBaseT certified display device. An HDMI output is provided for pass-through of the selected source to feed a local display, monitor or sound system.
With both host and device ports built in, the DM-TX-4K-202-C and DM-TX-4K-302-C can be used as a USB keyboard/mouse extender. This allows a computer (or other USB HID-compliant host) to be connected to them and controlled remotely by a USB HID keyboard and/or mouse located elsewhere. Alternatively, you can connect the keyboard/mouse locally and use it to control a remote computer.
The specs for the transmitter are here and the receiver’s specs are here. Leave a Comment
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