Volume 3, Issue 9 — September 14, 2010

Click here to read rAVe Education online
Click here to subscribe now!

Click above for more information

How's My AV?

By Greg Bronson, CTS-D

Now almost commonplace, fleet trucks have bumper stickers inviting other drivers to call with feedback on their driver’s performance. In today’s instant communication (gratification?) society, one can easily imagine the typical nature of those calls. “Hey! I’m driving on I-95 and your &#^$ driver just cut me off!” Granted, the bumper stickers’ generic wording leaves the door open to positive feedback as well. However, I kind of doubt there are many that go like this: “I just wanted to use some of my remaining wireless minutes to call and thank your fine driver for flashing his lights to acknowledge a lane change.” In either case, such an open ended question (How’s My Driving?) can’t really be expected to provide much more than anecdotal driver performance feedback and indirect PR for at least asking the question.

So beyond taking solace in having the least number of nasty calls, is there constructive feedback that actually helps truck drivers (or AV providers) improve performance? Or, more relevant to the AV Club, do we do enough to solicit actionable feedback on installed AV systems? What are the right questions to ask and what to do with the information once it’s obtained?

Fortunately, the end users of ProAV installed systems typically don’t have to look far to track down who’s responsible for the AV system they are driving. Many integrators’ standard rack builds include engraved rack panels with company name and phone number as a signature to their completed work. Touch panels may have whole pages that say “Programmed by” or “Installed by” with contact information. Meanwhile, many technology managers provide signage on the teaching station (or some other prominent location in the classroom) that provides contact department name and phone number, for assistance.

Especially this time of year, after a summer of upgrades that may have changed system operation and/or performance, we’re all intimately aware the real end user is going to have some impressions on the effectiveness one way or another — not to mention those upgrades that didn’t happen (for one reason or another) and how that impacted ongoing needs. Rest assured – we’ll surely get that feedback. And it needs to be known (and our good PR contact info made sure we got it), the “I’m in Fargo 125 and your &#^$ touch panel just turned off on me!” category is not what we’re really trying to get at here.

With “How’s My AV?” the AV Club is really looking for: “What would make this room AV more effective in helping you communicate subject content with your students?”  Or further, “Are the AV controls easy enough to navigate?”; “Did the equipment work as expected?”; “Did the sound and video make the same impression on the students as it did you when previewed at home or in your office?”; or “Is the technology accessible and/or interactive with the students as well as instructor?” The list goes on. But, now it starts to feel like a survey that no one is going to take time to fill out. Perhaps the 65 mph short version is not so bad after all?

Hopefully it goes without saying — the AV Club is not suggesting putting yellow bumper stickers with 1-800 numbers on teaching stations. But short of a better solution, perhaps some actionable feedback might be gained with getting a broad, and public, question like “How’s My AV?” out there.
 
Whatever the means, let’s try and keep the real end user as part of the solution and not just the problem. 10-4, good buddy?

The views expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the authors’ employer(s), past or present.

Greg Bronson, CTS-D, applies AV technologies in the development of innovative learning spaces for higher education. Greg spent the first 10 years of his career as AV technician and service manager, with the past 12+ years as an AV system designer and project manager. Bronson currently works for Cornell University and has also worked for two SUNY (State University of New York) campuses as well as a regional secondary education service depot. Bronson is the originator of concept for Infocomm’s Dashboard for Controls and has had completed projects featured in industry publications. You can reach Greg at gregthetechie@netscape.net
 

Back to Top

Click above for more information

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

Click above for more information

Well, that's it for this edition of rAVe! Thank you for spending time with us as we muse the industry's happenings. To continue getting my newsletter, or to sign up a friend, click the link below. To send feedback, don't reply to this newsletter – instead, write to Contributing Editor Greg Bronson at gregthetechie@netscape.net, Publisher Gary Kayye at gary@ravepubs.com or Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com

A little about Gary Kayye, CTS, founder of rAVe and Kayye Consulting. Gary Kayye, an audiovisual veteran and columnist, began the widely-read KNews, a premier industry newsletter, in the late 1990s, and created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which later became InfoComm IQ. Kayye Consulting is a company that is committed to furthering the interests and success of dealers, manufacturers, and other companies within the professional audiovisual industry.

rAVe Pro Edition launched in February 2003. rAVe Home Edition, co-sponsored by CEDIA, launched in February 2004. rAVe Rental [and Staging] launched in November 2007. rAVe Ed [Education] began publication in May 2008.

Subscribe to our newsletters!
https://www.ravepubs.com

To read more about my background, our staff, and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com

Back to Top

Copyright 2010 – 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 Ed [Education] contains the opinions of the authors only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors.