Volume 2, Issue 8 — September 6, 2016
|
Editorials Editorials Editorials
|
|
|
Creating Visual Experiences Through Sightlines — Part 1: The Need for Collaboration
By Tony Sprando Commercial AV Designer
In a recent article in Church Designer Magazine, author and design leader Chuck Hultstrand provides an excellent overview of the key elements required to create visual experiences through the use of integrated sightlines. With this article as our inspiration, we will use his writings as a launch pad for a series of upcoming blogs.
- The first, this post, will address the importance of sightlines and the need for architects and builders to collaborate with AV designers during the construction process.
- The second post will discuss how to use sightlines in Worship Centers to enhance the worship experience for church congregations.
- The third post will discuss how to use sightlines in classrooms and training rooms to ensure maximum learning opportunities.
So, just what are sightlines? Sightlines are hypothetical lines from someone’s eye to what is seen (used especially with reference to good or bad visibility). These are any of the lines of sight between the spectators and the stage or playing area in a theater, stadium, etc. And obviously, for any AV professional, they are extremely important consideration points in the AV design process.
The Need for Collaboration – In the 2005 “Audiovisual Best Practices” guide created by the International Communications Industry, the authors state on p. 18, “The mission for the AV professional is to create audiovisual environments that work — and work well. This is more difficult today than ever before. AV is no longer an add-on to the building project. AV communications systems are increasingly a part of today’s building types. They are critical to the workflow and success of the environments we hope to create. AV technology use varies from simple room signage to full mission-critical operation communications centers.”
The authors continue with, “In the days of overheads and slides, AV professionals dealt almost exclusively with other AV pros or end-users (who were also technicians). In a pro-AV integration project today, people from different disciplines are involved — many who are unfamiliar with AV “techies.” In addition to AV consultants, integrators, manufacturers and technicians, an AV project also combines the skills of architects, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, building facility managers and a variety of specialty consultants.”
AV design and integration requires teamwork. “The work of AV professionals during the course of an AV integration project has more impact than ever before on the other building industry designers and contractors. This dynamic requires teamwork. The creation of a technology-enhanced building requires a team made up of professionals from the AV industry and the other disciplines. A critical part of that team effort is learning about the different professions and the language they speak.”
AV integration is also project management. “In many ways, contemporary AV integration is really more about project management and procedure than it is about audio and video or design and construction. It is about ways in which a project is handled and how each of the various professionals performs a critical role in the implementation of an AV system. Most, in fact, are there from start to finish and, despite their various job functions, are members of the same team. The AV industry depends upon this teamwork, or collaborative project process, that results not only in satisfied clients (the owners and end-users), but also fosters the level of professional involvement that improves the industry as a whole.”
Next Steps – In our next blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Chuck Hultstrand’s insightful article about Worship Centers and how to work with a design team to enhance a worship experience and engage a congregation.
Hoping to expand your line of sight!
Tony, the AV guy Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
Accessibility for Everyone in a Virtual World
By Leonard Suskin Pixel and Ink-Stained Wretch
A great deal of digital ink has been spilled on the phenomenon of Pokémon Go, including on these very pages by Gary Kayye, on the AV Power Up! podcast and, of course, by yours truly. There is one more thought which I’d like to share before I wander off to talk about something else, which is that AR games such as Pokémon GO or Ingress can provide a cautionary tale about maintaining consistency of experience, and that we need to be make careful decisions so as not to leave anyone out.
You Have to Get There
As a game, access to Pokémon Go is not the most important thing in the world. As a part of contemporary culture, a lack of access can be profoundly isolating, especially for those interested in gamer subcultures. Who lacks access? First of all and most obviously are those with mobility impairments. Not only is there nothing in the Americans with Disabilities Act about the placement of Pokéstops, there is, to the best of my knowledge, no mechanism for making their placement accessible. Even for those that are within easy reach at level ground, there remains the issue that players are required to physically travel to them. GPS spoofing to virtually move oneself about the world is explicitly forbidden in the terms of service. The result is a barrier to entry for those without the physical ability to perambulate about their environs.
What does this mean to the rest of us? To me it’s a reminder that we need to plan, to build and to design for everyone. Pokémon Go was designed for the majority of able-bodied people with at least a minimal level of physical fitness. While I’d rather there be concessions to those with a lesser level of physical ability it still is, for all the cultural import, “just a game.” There might be some applications which are more important, which aren’t “just games.” I’d still argue that games are important in that cutting people out of them is cutting them away from culture and, in the case of the best experiences, art. As we design experiences, we have to remember that not everyone has the same abilities and we need to keep everything in mind.
Different Experience in Different Places
One striking thing about these AR games is how different the experience is in different environments. Look at the Pokemon maps from midtown Manhattan and from Suburbia; in the latter case, one would have to walk or drive a few miles from game element to game element. In the former, there are literally dozens of Pokestops within a two block radius. This means that the experience of the game is far, far different and far easier in an urban environment.
The Ingress map in Manhattan is similarly busy. It is, on one hand, very easy to find portals to “attack” and even to link portals into little triangles, each of which gives your team points in the game. What’s nigh impossible is getting some of the achievements the game asks for, such as keeping a portal from being captured for a number of days. Those achievements are best sought in less populated and less trafficked areas.
It also means that if you put an AR object in the middle of suburbia you might attract foot traffic from gamers, while if you put one in the middle of a dense city it might be too far lost in the thicket of other objects to be much of a draw.
Remember Those Without Devices
Another VR experience about which I wrote was a mixed VR/live performance of a piece called The Hubble Cantata in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. They handled the lack of broad adoption of VR headsets with the simple solution of handing them out; Google Cardboard provides a very low-cost way to turn a phone into a VR viewer, even if it is one of middling quality. For those without a phone capable of handling that or who couldn’t download the content there was a two-dimensional broadcast of the content onto a more traditional screen. My point here is that while there are many ways in which we can leverage users’ personal devices, it is still possible — and important — to allow some accommodation for those without such devices.
AR and VR are a new frontier, but one in which we’re not all arriving in the same time and the same way. As they are used for more applications we need to be mindful of ways in which we can leave people behind and avoid doing so. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
The Future of Development in AV and Collaboration
By Corey Moss rAVe Blogger
Some say the future is now. I say the future is now, as well as in the innovations that continue to present themselves for the end user, as well as the industry integrator.
In April 2013 I wrote one of my first rAVe blogs where I detailed the purchase of a new Windows laptop after my trusty Dell at the time started to finally sputter. I used that Dell as an integration sales account manager for years, really put it through the ringer. I purchased a Microsoft Surface Pro, the first one, which ran on the new Windows 8. Not long after, I purchased an iPad 4 (my first iOS device), at that point giving me more tech than I’d ever owned at one time before with a PC, laptop, iPad and my Windows phone.
Why the iPad? Not only did it become a seven-day companion (I actually traded the 4 in for a Mini) for on the go email, keeping up on social media, note taking and more, it became a piece of equipment I used for cloud video conferencing on the go as well. It was truly a wonder for video conferencing in that manner on such platforms as Acano, Zoom and more, set it up in no time and thus bring your device to the conference, from wherever you are.
I talked about multi-platform development in AV, not necessarily in terms of apps or software, I was targeting discussion more toward the capabilities of working on Windows and iOS devices at the time. I discussed device usage in the classroom as well as in business and healthcare, along with how the smartphone had begun to replace the PC and laptop in various instances. In fact, the day I picked up my new Android to replace the Windows phone, I got in touch with a good friend on the west coast who I did work with at the time and asked if he could set up a Vidyo conference to test it (the videoconferencing platform we were using at the time). The result was crystal clear video and voice transmission over the cloud, on a smartphone.
Over three years later, it’s clear that the tech world has truly progressed toward being mobile first, as well as one where collaboration can fully be achieved on devices as well. In a recent Denver Post article More small businesses are focusing on a mobile-first strategy, it specifies that more than half of Google searches take place on smartphones and tablets. People are no longer taking the time to go sit at a computer to do this, they’re taking these tasks more and more to mobile devices. Here in the article it talks about online searches, however if you consider the fact that this is being done more on devices, so are many tasks in business as well.
As consumers rely more heavily on mobile, especially younger people whose phones are never far away, experts say that strategy needs to be the priority.
Now while this article does hone in on the consumer, let’s extend this discussion to the working world, where it’s quite apparent that mobility needs to be a key when discussing further developments in AV and collaboration. What we are seeing today in terms of the many ways to communicate and collaborate is for sure moving the business, education and healthcare worlds in the right direction, and these pathways toward innovation must remain constant.
As I’ve said before, while the AV industry manufacturers continue to develop these applications, they must keep in mind the needs of the end user in certain environments. There is an absolute need, for the ever growing IT-managed environments, to continue to develop more cloud and software applications to go with certain hardware. The continued facilities driven mindset that so many integrators still lead with needs to migrate toward an IT-driven one (I still see reference to facilities, even with AV/IT). If you think that AV and IT have truly merged, and where those now even speak of IT/AV – it’s time to lead with more of a strategy that has been embodied by many corporate, education and healthcare environments – and that’s mobile-first to go along with cloud and software.
Such companies as InFocus have worked hard on building a full-fledged collaboration environment involving multi-platform, cloud and device usage. What I considered last year’s strongest collaboration solution at InfoComm – Jupiter Canvas – represented the now for Jupiter Systems at the time. Fast forward and it’s the now, and a bolder solution at InFocus. Here is my collaboration solutions video interview with InFocus at InfoComm 2016, which includes Canvas.
Yes, there will still be collaboration and ideation hardware display and projection solutions like the InFocus Mondopad (including the new Mondopad Ultra – more to come on that soon), Microsoft Surface Hub and Nureva Span, as well as products like Barco ClickShare and Kramer VIA, and even with this we need to take a focused look at the end user from the mobile device outward (along with cloud and software).
Taking this one step further, we look at applications like Slack and Cisco Spark and their collaboration capabilities on devices, as well as in integrated solutions like Slack with Blue Jeans and Ubiety Advanced Meetings for Spark.
You ask about my mobile technology today? A Lenovo Yoga laptop, iPad Air 2, new Samsung Note 7 and Samsung Gear S2 watch (to replace my original Gear watch). Yes, three years later, I’m still doing it on mobile – and the industry absolutely needs to focus on the device, as well as cloud and software-driven in the worlds of business and education that do it too.
Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
|
Draper’s New Profile Design Is Industry’s Biggest Thin Bezel Screen Draper’s completely redesigned Profile fixed screen has only a ½ inch thin bezel frame yet, is available in sizes up to 30 feet wide — this is perfect for HomeAV and digital signage applications as the Profile gives the projected image a “flat panel look.”
Draper says that size isn’t the Profile’s only advantage as they spec the redesigned frame to actually be 30% lighter. Thus, the frame is easier to assemble, and viewing surface attachment is simple with our new sliding hook-and-loop system. Optional LED lights frame the Profile with thousands of color possibilities. In addition, the Profile redesign also comes with a Zero Edge option—and, yes, at 30 feet wide.
Profile is available with all of our Optically Seamless, ISF certified, 8K-ready TecVision formulations and it can be wall mounted or flown.
It’s officially launched at CEDIA but you can see it here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
NEC Display Adds Two Video Wall Displays NEC Display today added two video wall displays, the MultiSync UN551S and MultiSync UN551VS, to its line-up of video wall solutions. The new 55-inch models feature the latest developments in reliability, homogeneous image playback and ease of installation.
The UN551S and UN551VS both feature a flat panel surface from edge to edge, enabling cohesive multi-screen alignment, and delivering a digital canvas without protruding borders. This allows for an extremely homogeneous image across the multiple screens, offering an unhindered viewing experience with very minimal image interruption of just 0.9mm per screen.
The two display models use S-IPS panel technology, which provides great picture quality and excellent colour reproduction in both landscape and portrait orientation, as well as at extreme viewing angles. The UN551VS features a display brightness of 500 cd/m² and is designed for controllable ambient light situations. The higher brightness level of 700 cd/m² featured in the UN551S serves the majority of applications where ambient light is high.
Other benefits of NEC’s new MultiSync UN551S and MultiSync UN551VS include:
- Ease of installation – easy setup and upgrade of the video wall solution using the fully integratable high-performance OPS Slot-in-PC, without the need for external cables or devices
- Reliable 24/7 performance – approved for 24/7 applications, the UN551S and UN551VS both deliver the highest operational security, providing continuous operation for mission critical applications
- Easy maintenance and operation – offering full remote monitoring to enable to continuously carry out preventive maintenance. With NaViSet Administrator 2, all connected display devices can be managed from a centralized location.
All the specs on the UN551S are here and the UN551VS is here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
BrightSign Announces New Tagging Capabilities within BrightSign Network BrightSign today unveiled new tagging capabilities for BrightSign Network – the company’s cloud-based digital signage network management service. These tagging features will be especially useful for customers with expansive digital signage networks, and also for marketing firms that manage digital signage networks for many customers. These new functionalities are available now as part of the latest BrightSign Network v4.3.
BrightSign Network is an affordable, secure, PCI-compliant service that delivers the complete infrastructure to serve, manage and support a customer’s digital signage network, freeing them from the complexities of hosting and maintaining the network on their own. BrightSign Network is user-accessible via BrightAuthor, a free PC software application, and the BrightSign Network Web UI, accessible from any browser.
The new tagging feature set available on BrightSign Network v4.3 includes the following functionalities:
- Media Tagging: tag video, image or audio files with unique designations such as holidays, individual departments within a large facility, or sales pertaining to a specific day of the week.
- Tagged Playlists: build a playlist using tag rules to add content based on media tags.
- Player Tagging: use a “match player tags” setting to achieve a secondary level of content filtering for highly targeted content delivery to specified groups of players.
- Matching Tags: the ability to match media and player tags to enable playback of a subset of content from a single tagged playlist.
Until now, tagging as described above required custom development work. With BrightSign Network v4.3, these new tagging capabilities are easy to implement and maintain, bringing powerful content management capabilities to digital signage networks. For more information about BrightSign Network, go here. For more information about BrightSign’s complete portfolio of digital signage solutions, go here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
HDMI Releases Alternate Mode for USB Type-C Connector Enabling 4K HDMI Signals with No Adapters HDMI Licensing, LLC today announced that it is releasing the HDMI Alternate Mode (“Alt Mode”) developed by the HDMI Founders for the USB Type-C Specification. This will allow HDMI-enabled source devices to utilize a USB Type-C connector to directly connect to HDMI-enabled displays, and deliver native HDMI signals over a simple cable without the need for cumbersome protocol and connector adapters or dongles.
This enables two of the most popular solutions for connectivity to come together — the small form factor, reversible, and multi-purpose USB Type-C connector being adopted by smartphones, tablets and PC products, and HDMI, which is the leading display interface with an installed base of billions of displays. Almost 290 million HDMI-enabled display devices are expected to ship in 2016, including projectors, monitors and 100 percent of flat panel TVs.
HDMI Alt Mode will support the full range of HDMI 1.4b features such as: resolutions up to 4K, Audio Return Channel (ARC), 3D, HDMI Ethernet Channel, and Consumer Electronic Control (CEC). The HDMI cable will utilize the USB Type-C connector on the source side and any HDMI connector on the display side. Unlike the other Alt Mode display technologies which require various adapters or dongles to connect to HDMI displays, HDMI Alt Mode enables an easy connection via a simple USB Type-C to HDMI cable.
The HDMI 1.4b Alt-Mode on USB Type-C Specification is available to all HDMI Adopters here.
For more information on the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), or the USB Type-C specification, go here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
BenQ’s New Business Projector Offers Native 1080p, 4.5K LumensThe BenQ MH750 Colorific projector is a native HD (1920x1080p) resolution box with a 4,500 ANSI lumen and 10,000:1 high contrast ratio spec. It includes two HDMI inputs as well as MHL connectivity and built-in QCast for near-field communications (NFC) wireless streaming of content and LAN control.
BenQ’s SmartEco technology claims an energy savings of up to 70 percent and their “Eco Blank” mode allows users to blank out the screen whenever projection isn’t needed, while a “No Source Detected” mode automatically reduces power consumption to 30 percent when no source has been detected for more than three minutes. With the “Auto Power Off” function, the projectors automatically shut down when not in use for 30 minutes. When inactive, they keep power consumption to a minimum, <0.5-W standby power, for even more energy savings.
The MH750 projector lists for $1,399. More information is here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Canon Unveils New REALiS 4K501ST 4K Projector Canon today unveiled the REALiS 4K501ST LCoS (reflective LCD) 4K resolution projector that includes two HDMI 2.0 inputs with HDCP 2.2 support. Using a native 4K LCoS chip at 4096×2400, the projector si spec’d at 5,000 lumens and is capable of displaying 4K content at 60Hz via a single HDMI cable (4:2:0 chroma sampling, however)
What is interesting about this 4K projector is that it’s using the Digital Cinema Initiative (DCI) standard for 4K cinema (4096×2160), which is denser than the QFHD (3840×2160) resolution that nearly every other 4K projector use using.
The 4K501ST projector comes equipped with a specially designed Canon 4K short focus wide zoom lens and throw ratio of 1.0 – 1.3:1, allowing it to project a 10-foot wide image from an approximate distance of only 10 feet. This projection lens possesses advanced spherical focus capabilities derived from Canon’s L-Series EF camera lenses which is distinguished by a bold red ring around the outer barrel. The lens delivers superb performance due to such sophisticated Canon optical technologies as ultra-low dispersion (UD) glass, aspherical lens elements and super spectra multi lens coatings. The lens also includes a Marginal Focus feature which helps ensure content projected on the peripheral portions of domed surfaces remains in focus.
The Canon REALiS 4K501ST projector also offers six different pre-set image modes, as well as three customizable image modes, to help optimize quality based on content type and projection environment. The projector’s DICOM Simulation Mode can be ideal for displaying monochrome digital X-rays, CAT scans and MRIs with superb grayscale gradation. This mode, which offers both clear and blue base color temperature presets, simulates the results of devices compliant with the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) Part 14 standard.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
RoseWater Energy Group Announces Enhancements to the Energy Management HUB Rosewater Energy Group is updating its RoseWater Energy Group HUB, which the company will show at CEDIA 2016. The Energy Management HUB has been re-engineered with an updated configuration featuring batteries with 14.4 kilowatt hours of useable storage, an increase from the 12 kilowatts of storage previously utilized. In conjunction with Alpha, RoseWater Energy Group has engineered the Extra Battery Pack (EBP), a supplemental battery for HUB owners looking for additional power. EBP, now a carbon based configuration, includes an extra battery pack that doubles the energy storage capability available in one HUB. In addition, RoseWater Energy has begun testing on a new ‘Time of Use’ algorithm which will allow HUB owners utilize a tiered power charging cycle. The new software will enable users to utilize the HUB’s power during the day, when energy prices have spiked, and recharge in the middle of the night, when energy prices are lower. The new algorithm is set to update in the cloud within the next six months.
The HUB offers a seamless total system integrated solution, using a dual inverter system with solar input that blends power conditioning, backup, and renewable energy management into one pre-assembled, configured and integrated industrial-grade platform. Since CEDIA 2015, the HUB has been updated with a new communications panel to unify communications and add code space for custom algorithms, allowing engineers at RoseWater Energy Group to directly reach the system and provide updates. By enabling remote access, HUB owners don’t have to worry about the hassle of scheduling in-home visits or programming a system on their own. In addition, the HUB features new inner-bay wiring with an added raceway and OpticsRW, additional software created to monitor the use and storage of the HUB.
RoseWater’s Energy Management HUB will be at CEDIA 2016. Get all the specs here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Eiki Debuts the EK-600U and EK-601W DLP Conference Series Projectors Eiki just launches the EK-600U and EK-601W Conference Series Projectors with support for HDBaseT, HDMI and DisplayPort. Both models provide two HDMI ports.
The Eiki EK-600U is spec’d at 6,000 ANSI lumens brightness with 85 percent uniformity and a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. It offers horizontal, vertical and corner keystone correction and its native resolution is WUXGA (1920×1200). The EK-600U’s specs include:
- Zoom Max: Min: 1.8:1
- Throw: Width 1.20-2.16:1
- Lens shift vertical is +100~120 percent (Manual)
- Len shift Horizontal: +/-10 percent (Manual)
The EK-601W projector is 5,500 ANSI lumens brightness with 80 percent uniformity and a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. Like the EK-600U, the EK-601W provides horizontal, vertical and corner keystone correction for superior image control. The projector’s native resolution is WXGA (1366×768). The projector’s estimated lamp life is 7,000 in eco mode or 4,000 hours in normal mode. Other EK-601W specs include:
- Zoom Max: Min: 1.8:1
- Throw: Width 1.20-2.16:1
- Lens Shift Vertical is +100~120 percent (Manual)
- Lens Shift Horizontal : +/-10 percent (Manual)
List price for the EK-600U is $4,195 and the EK-601W is $2,795. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
New Crestron DM Finally Supports Dante Audio Networking Crestron announced today that DigitalMedia now supports the Dante audio networking protocol with its new input and output blades for 64×64 and 128×128 DM matrix switchers. Now shipping, the 4K HDMI (4:2:0) and Dante Input Blade for DM Switchers (DMB-4K-I-HD-DNT) provides eight HDMI inputs, while the 4K HDMI and Dante Output Blade for DM Switchers (DMB-4K-O-HD-DNT) provides eight HDMI outputs with built-in 4K scaling. CEC embedded device control is possible with the addition of a control system.
Dante is the preferred industry networking protocol for transmitting HD audio over Ethernet, adopted by more pro audio AV manufacturers than any other networking technology.
A common application is for use with video conference systems. Send content from a source, a laptop for example, and connect it to the HDMI port of the DMB-4K-I-HD-DNT; internal processing extracts the HD audio and outputs as Dante over Ethernet through the LAN port on the DM CPU blade. The audio is then sent to a local DSP in a conference room, which mixes the program audio with the microphones. The mixed audio is then sent out to a codec.
Analog audio inputs and outputs are enabled by connecting the optional Analog Audio Breakout Box (AUD-BOB-1602) to the Dante blades in the DM switcher.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
InFocus Intros Mondopad Ultra InFocus today announced Mondopad Ultra — a new line of what InFocus is calling “premium” of high-end multi-touch collaboration displays. The Mondopad Ultra is available in 80-inch and 85-inch screen sizes.
The InFocus Mondopad offers both digital whiteboard and videoconferencing capabilities as well as it allows team members in multiple locations to see and hear each other while brainstorming on a shared whiteboard and to collaboratively edit documents and draw directly onscreen enabling real-time progress and more effective meetings. Documents can be saved to the Mondopad for future access and can be emailed to anyone directly from the device.
InFocus’ new 85-inch Mondopad Ultra joins the 80-inch Mondopad Ultra as the first in the Mondopad product line to employ 4K screen resolution (3840×2160 natively). In addition to 4K resolution, Mondopad Ultra has a standard Windows 10 Pro OS integrated on a premium computer. Offering a sixth-generation Intel Core i7-6700T processor and Q170 chipset with Intel vPro technology and 256 GB solid state hard drive, the Mondopad Ultra is seamlessly and securely integrated into existing enterprise infrastructure. Mondopad Ultra is compatible with legacy videoconferencing and display hardware and software, including Skype for Business, Office and OneNote, with cloud-based application support and advanced wireless casting, including AirPlay and Chrome. Mondopad Ultra offers the security features native to Windows 10 Pro and the robust collaboration features of SIP and H323. As conference rooms, classrooms and collaboration environments evolve and change, Mondopad offers the cross-platform, future-proof and legacy compatibility you’ll need.
The 4K 80-inch INF8022 Mondopad Ultra is available now in the US and the 85-inch INF8521 Mondopad Ultra will be available in September worldwide. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Extron Thinks Globally with New Flex55 System Featuring Worldwide AV Connectivity Extron’s new Flex55 series of connectivity mounting solutions is globally-focused in that it works to specify in any country in the world! Flex55 consists of modules, mounting frames, and enclosures that work with all standard EU mounting systems. Designed for global-compatibility, Flex55 modular, interchangeable components can be installed almost anywhere, including Europe, Asia, North America and all other world markets. The modules are available for a variety of active and passive functions, including XTP and DTP transmitters and receivers, eBus button panels and other AV connectivity solutions. A broad range of AV products are Flex55 compatible, just look for Flex55 and EU models that feature the Flex55-compatible logo.
The Flex55 Series includes a variety of products to create a custom solution. Flex55 SuperPlates offer HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, stereo audio and USB connectivity. Flex55 100 Series Power Modules are available with U.S., Europe, multi-region and USB outlets. The Flex55 AC 101 Multi-Region module is compatible with a variety of AC plug types. In addition, the Flex55 USB PowerPlate 102 provides two 5 VDC USB power outlets and up to 2.1 A / 10.5 watts of power for charging iOS devices and Android phones or tablets.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
BenQ Launches CH100 LED Projector Aimed at Meeting Room Market BenQ America today announced the availability of the 1080p resolution CH100, the company’s first portable LED projector and using single-chip DLP. Covering a wide color gamut of 90 percent NTSC, the CH100 reproduces the sRGB color standard and has five picture modes — Graphic sRGB, Motion Graphics, Lectures, Vivid Color and Cinema settings.
Powered by a 20,000-hour lamp-free LED light source, the CH100 is spec’d at 1,000 ANSI lumens. The CH100 is approximately the same size of a 13-inch laptop, making is small enough to easily slip into a portfolio. Inputs are three HDMI (with one doubling as an MHL port) and it turns on instantly (now power-up sequence) and features automatic aspect ratio, keystone and source detection.
The CH100 is equipped with short-throw capability to project large 81-inch images from just 6 feet away. Additionally, an optional QCast wireless full HD 1080p streaming dongle stows into a concealed compartment. The BenQ CH100 is now shipping and lists for $1,799. Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
James Loudspeaker Adds a High-Output Small Aperture Architectural Speaker James Loudspeaker has added to their lineup of Small Aperture (SA) architectural speakers with the introduction of the 63SA-7HO high-output in-ceiling loudspeaker. The 63SA-7HO is a three-way speaker system featuring greater sensitivity than prior models and a new 6.5-inch woofer capable of higher output.
The James Loudspeaker 63SA-7HO features what hey claim is “aircraft-grade” aluminum construction and a modular design, providing long life and easy service, while the built-in limiter offers the utmost in long term reliability. The 63SA-7HO’s compact footprint and 7-inch depth is best suited for in-ceiling applications. The SA series of speakers is available with an array of 3-inch round and square grilles and has also been designed to accept industry standard 3-inch and 4-inch lighting trim kits to allow seamless integration with similarly styled lighting products.
The James Loudspeaker 63SA-7HO utilizes proprietary drivers including a 6.5-inch aluminum woofer, a 2-inch midrange and a ¾-inch tweeter.
The 63SA-7HO is $1,400 and here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
TURBOSOUND Ships Flagship FLASHLINE Monitors TURBOSOUND has today announced the shipping of its flagship FLASHLINE MONITORS range of two-way loudspeakers. Designed primarily as stage monitors, they also accommodate a wide range of portable speech and music sound reinforcement applications. The flagship range consists of four models, two 12” and two 15” models, the TFM122M and TFM152M switchable passive/bi-amp loudspeakers, as well as the TFM122M-AN and TFM152M-AN powered loudspeakers.
The new two-way switchable passive/bi-amp TFM122M and TFM152M monitors feature 1,400 Watts of peak power designed to work in conjunction with LAB GRUPPEN amplification and loudspeaker management systems.
Specifically the TFM122M features a carbon fiber loaded 12” neodymium motor low frequency driver with a titanium dome 1.4” neodymium motor compression driver with the larger TFM152M featuring a carbon fiber loaded 15” neodymium motor low frequency driver with the titanium dome 1.4” neodymium motor compression driver.
The powered models in the range, the TFM122M-AN and TFM152M-AN, deliver 2,500 watts of peak power while featuring the same custom engineered driver technology as the switchable passive/bi-amp models in the range. These models are designed to work individually without a controller so feature an intuitive user interface via LCD display or remote control via TURBOSOUND PC Edit software.
You can see them here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Apogee Intros MiC 96K USB Microphone Apogee Electronics has announced the MiC 96k for Windows and Mac. MiC 96k is a professional 96kHz, 24-bit USB microphone that’s designed to capture vocals, voice overs, podcasts and acoustic musical instruments on a Windows or Mac computer. With MiC 96k and your laptop you can make studio-quality recordings anywhere.
Features:
- Cardioid condenser microphone
- Up to 96kHz, 24-bit analog-to-digital recording
- Works on Mac and Windows 10 computers (and iOS devices)
- Apogee engineered microphone preamp with up to 40dB of gain
- Control knob allows easy input level adjustment
- Multi-color LED for status indication and input level monitoring
The MiC 96K lists for $199 and here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Elite Screen’s Manual Grande Large-Venue Screens Debut Elite Screens believes there’s a strong demand for manual screens again — so they are launching a new line of them. The Manual Grande is designed to accommodate large group presentations and its operation incorporates a bead-chain-clutch system similar to the mechanism used in controlling large window drapes. Elite Screens claims this is important because it gives more versatility in the screen’s height settings.
Although lower pricing is an advantage, the Manual Grande fulfills a role in providing a retractable big-screen installation that does not require an electrical source. Various facilities may not be adequately wired to provide outlets for ceiling or near-ceiling attachments. This is especially true with precast concrete buildings and subterranean structures. A larger non-electric screen may also be more appropriate for use in thin-walled structures that have a limited weight tolerance and local code requirements may not permit the necessary wiring for this application. The Manual Grande is GREENGUARD / GREENGUARD Gold (UL 2818) certified.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
TASCAM MiNiSTUDIO Line ShipsInternet broadcasting and production are easier than ever with new TASCAM MiNiSTUDIO-series personal audio interfaces.
The TASCAM MiNiSTUDIO Personal US-32 is an easily affordable solution for Internet broadcasting, supplying the key tools you need, while delivering excellent audio quality. The MiNiSTUDIO Creator US-42 has all the podcasting features of the MiNiSTUDIO Personal and adds a number of features that are ideal for more advanced audio and video production.
Both TASCAM MiNiSTUDIOs provide high-resolution recording up to 24-bit, 96 kHz with Windows and Mac computers. The interfaces connect via USB 2.0 and can be USB bus-powered. You can also connect them to iOS devices using an Apple Camera Kit (not included). They are compatible with all major DAW software and work with all major streaming software and services.
TASCAM MiNiSTUDIOs also enable you to easily add sound effects on-the-fly, thanks to three self-lighting PON pads that trigger audio files from the Mac or PC. Three sounds are included, but can be easily replaced with by a .wav or .mp3 file of your choosing. A cool Voice Effects feature lets you alter the sound of your singing or speech, as well; it’s a fun effect that adds color to your podcasts.
At showtime, an illuminated On Air button confirms that you’re live on the air and busses audio to and from the computer by way of the MiNiSTUDIO’s powerful Broadcast mode. This ensures that you are hearing everything your audience hears, making the MiNiSTUDIO a well-integrated and easy-to-use interface that lets you focus on your podcast, rather than your equipment.
To complete the package, both models include free software for Mac, Windows, and iOS that provides extensive control of the MiNiSTUDIO’s features in one of two specially designed modes. In Easy mode, you get software control of most-used EQ, compression, and effects presets, while Expert mode lets you dig in deep to program the four-band parametric EQ, compressor and reverb parameters, as well as advanced parameters for triggered sounds.
The TASCAM MiNiSTUDIO Personal US-32 features a built-in microphone and a combo XLR mic/balanced ¼-inch TRS line input with high-quality mic preamp and 48V phantom power. A 1/8-inch input can connect to a smartphone, tablet, or other consumer audio device so you can fly in prerecorded music and dialog. Separate headphone and headset/mic connections are also available.
The MiNiSTUDIO Creator US-42 extends the features of the MiNiSTUDIO Personal by adding a powerful set of tools for producing, as well as broadcasting your podcasts. Instead of the built-in mic, the MiNiSTUDIO Creator adds a second XLR/TRS mic input so you can mic yourself and a guest with lavalieres or other external microphones and enjoy amazingly crisp and clear audio thanks to TASCAM’s professional-caliber HDDA microphone preamps. In addition to headphone outputs, the MiNiSTUDIO Creator offers stereo RCA line-level outputs with separate level controls for connection to powered monitors.
In addition to supporting the Broadcast mode of the MiNiSTUDIO Personal US-32, the US-42 can be switched into the aptly named Creator mode. In this mode, the MiNiSTUDIO Creator behaves like most USB audio interfaces. This mode is recommended for production with a DAW or video editing software. The loopback feature is turned off, and the mic inputs are routed separately to the computer.
The MiNiSTUDIO Personal US-32 and MiNiSTUDIO Creator US-42 list for $129.99 and $179.99, respectively. All the specs are here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe AVBuyers.Club out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV and HomeAV industries, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write or say anything good (or bad).
To send me feedback, don’t reply to this newsletter. Instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas, Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com.
A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue, which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe [Publications] has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship newsletter with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA and launched in February 2004, is, by far, the largest ePub in the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. rAVe Radio, our podcast network, was launched in 2012. AVBuyers.Club, our first publications targeted at end users, launched in May 2015. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
To read more about my background, our team and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com. Back to Top |
Copyright 2016 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – (919) 969-7501. Email: Sara@rAVePubs.com
rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |
|
|
|