SMART Launches Ecosystem Taking a page directly from the Apple playbook, SMART debuted the SMART Ecosystem Network (SEN), a so-called “global community” designed specifically to support companies and individuals by providing technical resources, accreditation programs and marketing support to its members. The SMART Ecosystem Network accredits whole organizations, products and developers under one of three specialized accreditation programs. The CAP offers formal accreditation to organizations engaged in a strategic relationship with SMART. The SCAP accredits content and software products that are compatible with SMART products. Finally, the DAP grants accreditation to individuals who have proven technical proficiency with one or more SMART products. According to SMART, receiving accreditation from the SEN ensures that approved software and content are of a high quality and are compatible with the SMART Board interactive whiteboard and other SMART products. For more information on the SMART Ecosystem Network and accreditation programs, or to apply for membership, go to www.smarttech.com/ecosystem.
With products/services that have depth in complexity comes the need for depth in knowledge of same. It makes sense that for benefit of those providing, as well as those receiving, such products/services that appropriate “accreditation” is met.
–GB Back to Top Using the iPad Yet? Premier Can Mount It Dubbed the IPM-200, Premier’s new iPad mount basically frames it so that the iPad is capable of being attached to any VESA-100 mounting system – making it possible to wall mount, desk mount or even swivel mount an iPad anywhere. Because the IPM-200 wraps the corners of the iPad, you have access to all the ports and the Home button.
It will deliver this fall and you can see all the specs here.
Considering the capabilities of the iPad, it’s not hard to imagine a need to integrate it into an AV system. Let’s hope there is also a way to secure it from theft.
–GB Back to Top Thinking about Digital Signage on Your Campus? Consider 3D Noxel has launched what they say is the world’s first 3D digital signage (DS) player in the form of the NXDS600. Using a 500 MHz processor, the PC-less DS player outputs video as MPEG, H.264, WMV9 and a handful of other video formats at 1920×1080 resolution (via HDMI). Using IR, network or RS232 control, the NXDS660 can store content locally (in flash memory) as a media player or it can stream HD content via the network in real-time. For complete specs, go to: http://www.noxelxtream.com/products-nxcm600.php
3D does seem to have real potential in digital signage where, often, the first and foremost goal is how to get passerby’s attention.
–GB Back to Top dnp Relaunches 80" Pull-Up, Portable Screen Due to ship this month, dnp redesigned its 80” Supernova mobile screen in what they say is an all-new version that’s better and cheaper. How does it work? Supernova screens use an active optical system that’s seven layers thick and are designed to reflect projected light while absorbing and filtering out ambient light from the room. Hmm, literally reads like every screen spec sheet ever, huh? dnp says they add a neutral black tint to the screen material that results in deeper blacks, which again, sounds very familiar. Anyway, if you want to read more about it, go to: http://www.dnp-screens.com/DNP08/Products/Front-projection/Portable-screens/dnp-Supernova-Mobile.aspx Of course, Da-Lite has this type of screen too: http://www.da-lite.com/products/product.php?cID=19&pID=92 And, Draper: http://www.draperinc.com/ProjectionScreens/portable_pullup.asp
Back to Top Extron Ships XTRA Series Power Amplifiers Extron announced this week the immediate availability of the XPA 2002-70V, XPA 2003C-70V, and XPA 2004 power amplifiers. These compact 1U, convection-cooled, high-power two, three, and four channel amplifiers offer 200 watts rms per channel and up to 800 watts rms total power output. They feature an Extron exclusive advanced Class D design with patented CDRS – Class D Ripple Suppression technology that provides a smooth, clean audio waveform and an improvement in signal fidelity over conventional Class D amplifier designs.
These amplifiers are ENERGY STAR qualified, are housed in a 1U, convection cooled, full rack width enclosure, and do not require fans for cooling. They feature an auto power-down feature that automatically places each amplifier into standby after a period of inactivity, and consume 28 watts or less when idle and less than 1 watt in standby mode. They also have an ultra low inrush current draw to prevent power circuit overload that occurs when multiple amplifiers are switched on simultaneously. Extron says this feature eliminates the need for power sequencing to be built into systems designed with multiple amplifiers in large centralized equipment racks, and prevents other equipment from experiencing power interruption from associated power surges. Additionally, XTRA Series amplifiers feature very low thermal dissipation under full load, which keeps racks and equipment cabinets cool.
For more information, go to http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=xtraseriesad
Some interesting (and important) audio amp specs and features are listed here. Some are more traditional (watts rms power output) and some less traditional (watts consumption in standby). Gotta know — and have — ‘em all in this day and age!
–GB Back to Top Kramer Intros Series of Computer Graphics Video and Audio Twisted Pair Transmitters Last week Kramer introduced the TP-121/123/125EDID twisted pair transmitters. They are HDTV compatible and support resolutions up to WUXGA or 1080p, and Kramer says has a range of up to 300 feet. All three models are computer graphics video and audio line transmitters, but the TP-123EDID also transmits unidirectional RS-232 commands over twisted pair, and the TP-125EDID transmits and processes bidirectional RS-232 control command signals between the source and display. For more information, go to http://www.kramermatrix.com
Which brings to mind, does it make sense to run coax wiring in ProAV anymore… or should it be UTP all the way?
–GB Back to Top |