Volume 4, Issue 6 — June 13, 2011

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AV Pop Quiz

By Greg Bronson, CTS-D

Well, as our ultimate end users in education are experiencing a battery of tests this time of year and yours truly is gearing up to teach “Essentials of AV Technology” at Infocomm’s IPD (Institute of Professional Development), it seemed the AV Club should share in the moment. So, here is a little pop quiz of our own. No sweat for experienced AV Pros — just a couple “day in the life” type questions.

So close all browser windows and open a clean email send file with “AV Pop Quiz” in subject header at top of the page.

No chatting please.

OK; question one: A non-technical representative from one of your customers (whom you just provided a turn-key AV package for their new building), sends this short email:  “The overhead projector in room XYZ is not working; please replace it before tomorrow at 8:00 am.” When you call to follow up with the individual, he is not available. By coincidence you have a tech heading in that direction; so you decide to have them stop and check it out. What service parts do you send with the tech (and why)?

A).  Overhead Transparency Projector
B).  Ceiling Mounted Data/Video Projector
C).  Ceiling Mounted PTZ Camera
D).  None of the above

Question Two: The technician calls you, from the room, at 4:40 pm. He tells you that he’s checked the system (a full blown DL interactive videoconferencing seminar room) and cannot find a problem. The tech, though, mentions in frustration that he can’t be sure because the “as built” docs have not been completed yet. You try the complainant, but not surprised with no answer, as his office hours are 8:00 to 4:30 pm.  You tell the tech to:

A).  Explain to you (in more detail) what he did test
B).  Conference call in the install project lead to provide some system background
C).  Check with a different local technical support person
D).  None of the above

OK. Please send your quizzes neatly to my inbox and quietly check your messages while others finish up.

So what does this “quiz” (cited scenario) test besides our patience?  Well, for one, and as discussed in the AV Club previously, the customer is not always right.  Secondly, that AV Pros are human too.  However (and much more importantly) the bottom line is that the onus is on the AV Pro to not only provide answers, but also to anticipate how to re-frame the question(s).

So if we could re-write these questions (scenario) what would we focus on?   Certainly proactively dealing with the key areas of ambiguity would go a long way to manage the circumstances. 
Here are some that come to mind:

• Educating those with support roles on basic terms and troubleshooting techniques commensurate with their roles (e.g., non-technical end-users have been known to use “overhead projector” to describe all three components in the AV Club quiz question one above).
• Define and “operationalize” service request processes proportionate to system complexity and up-time needs (e.g., in the questions above, there is specific time reference of urgency but not clear the complainant followed (or knew) a process to ensure the problem was logged and could be carried through to desired completion).
• Completing system commissioning in a timely manner (e.g., getting a system operational doesn’t always coincide with it being commissioned and the project being complete; the time between these milestones can become an AV Bermuda Triangle).

And, just to keep it interesting, we need to do the above when resources are limited (and/or reduced). Sure, we’re all being “tested” all the time. And as an AV Pro, you’re likely already dealing with these kinds of issues readily. It’s all straight-forward stuff, especially if we write the questions.

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. He 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. Greg is the originator of the concept for InfoComm’s Dashboard for Controls and has had completed projects featured in industry publications. You can reach Greg at gregthetechie@netscape.net

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Extron Ships Ships MLS 608 – Perfect as a Higher-Ed Classroom Switcher

Need an 8-input switcher that combines analog (4) and HDMI (4) sources and outputs it all as HDMI? Well, Extron just started shipping its MLS 608 D, a switcher that integrates digital and analog sources in a single product. The switcher enables AV system expansion when more inputs are required than what the projector can handle. The MLS 608 D offers digital video switching with four HDCP-compliant HDMI inputs and analog video switching with four universal inputs plus an Extron Universal MTP Twisted Pair input. It outputs HDMI and analog MTP Twisted Pair signals to the included MTP/HDMI U R twisted pair receiver, providing a complete digital and analog video and audio switching system. In addition, the MLS 608 D includes many integrator-friendly features such as HDMI audio de-embedding, Mic/line audio matrix mixing, and ProDSP, an Extron technology with an extensive array of easy-to-use digital audio processing tools for audio system set-up and fine-tuning.

Switcher control is provided via the front panel backlit buttons or through RS-232 for separate display and room control capabilities. It can also work seamlessly in conjunction with an Extron TouchLink touchpanel control system or a MediaLink Controller for enhanced display and room control.

See all the specs here: http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=mls608ad

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Vaddio Debuts PTZ Camera Lift that Hides in the Ceiling

Built for the Vaddio ClearVIEW HD 18/19/20 family of cameras, the CeilingVIEW HD HideAway Camera Lift provides an ideal mounting solution for concealing the camera above a ceiling when not in use. While in use, the camera is quietly lowered from the ceiling and when turned off, it will automatically retract back into the ceiling.

Check out all the details here: http://www.vaddio.com/product-detail.php?p=407

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ViewSonic Adds Two Projectors to ED Line

Last week ViewSonic added two new projectors to its PJL6 Series (the company’s education line) of LCD projectors — the PJL6243 and PJL6233. Both 3LCD projectors are 1024×768 XGA resolution, are spec’d to deliver 3000 (PJL6243) and 2600 (PJL6233) ANSI lumens, have automatic keystone correction and have 1.2 optical zoom lenses.

The ViewSonic PJL6243 and PJL6233 are available now for $699 and $599, respectively and can be found here: http://www.viewsonic.com/products/projectors/view-all-projectors/

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Califone to Launch 100 Percent Washable Headsets at InfoComm

Califone will launch a new series, dubbed Titanium, during InfoComm 2011 in Orlando next month. The Titanium Series will literally be the first headphones and headsets that can be submerged in water and washed after each use. How? Well, according to Califone, the Titanium Series are washable with the cords detached, thus they can be cleaned after each use without worrying about damaging the electronic components. As far as we can tell at rAVe, no other headphones or headsets on the market can be washed this way. 

The “rugged” new Titanium Series includes three headphones and three headsets, can limit the playback volume to 85dB via Sentinel technology, and offers a variety of cord options, allowing customers to choose from six different configurations. Availability includes a choice of USB or 3.5mm plug (without the Sentinel technology to limit the volume to 85dB), or not washable with a 3.5-mm plug. 

Check out all the specs here: http://www.califone.com/products/hpk1050.php

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AmpliVox and Da-Lite Collaborate on Amplifier System for Lecterns

To produce an updated line of sound-equipped lecterns, Da-Lite Screen Company turned to AmpliVox Sound Systems for a 100-watt amplifier system that includes an array of plug-in options. AmpliVox’s premium sound system can be added to all but one of the Da-Lite lectern lines. The system includes jacks for microphones, external speakers, audio feeds and other options. Volume and tonal balance can be easily controlled by knobs located just under the reading surface. The entire unit is designed for versatility, convenience, and dependability. 

To see them all, go here: http://www.da-lite.com/products/index.php?cID=17

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$250 Ruggedized HD Media Player Arrives

One of the smallest DS Media Players on the market just got some major competition from the D2Plug player — it’s cool looking, ruggedized and nearly half the price of similar players. It’s a 1080p media player specifically designed for the DS market that includes integrated 2D/3D graphics, USB 2.0, SD Card slot, HDMI and VGA ports, hardware acceleration for video decoding and a plethora of connectors for networking and storage. It has an ARM 1GHz processor and runs Linux (and is also rumored to run Android OS).

The price is $249.

If you want to see more, click here: http://www.globalscaletechnologies.com/c-8-d2plug.aspx

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Da-Lite Develops High-Contrast Screen for High Power Line

Meant for high ambient light conditions, Da-Lite’s new High Contrast version of its popular High Power screen surface provides a unique combination of high gain along with contrast enhancement that Da-Lite says is due to its grey base and highly reflective top surface. The result is a screen surface with moderate viewing angles (20 degrees) and the ability to reflect light back towards the source. These characteristics make this surface a good choice for environments with a moderate amount of ambient light and a projector that is placed on a table top or in the same horizontal viewing plane as the audience.  

High Contrast High Power is a washable surface with a gain of 2.4 and a 20-degree viewing half angle. The material is available immediately on Da-Lite’s electric, manual and fixed frame screen lines.  

Get all the details here: http://www.da-lite.com/whats_hot/

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Extron Ships 10-Input Presentation Scaler/Switcher

Extron just started shipping its DVS 510, a 10-input, multi-format Scaling Switcher that accepts and scales standard definition, HDTV, DVI, and RGB signals to a common, high-resolution output rate. The DVS 510 is HDCP-compliant and features simultaneous DVI and two analog RGB/YUV outputs. It is a true presentation switcher for professional environments, with audio switching for all video input sources, an available 50 watt stereo integrated amplifier, picture-in-picture, and glitch-free switching. The DVS 510 also offers flexible control options including front panel control, Ethernet, RS-232, USB, and IR.

The DVS 510 features a high performance 30-bit scaling engine with the ability to scale standard definition video, HDTV, and RGB signals up or down in resolution. It accepts computer-video signals up to 1920×1200 and HDTV 1080p/60, and outputs DVI and analog RGB or component video at selectable output rates up to 1920×1200 resolution, as well as HDTV up to 1080p/60.

Want all the specs? Go here: http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=dvs510ad

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NEC Launches ADA-Compliant LED-Based LCDs

NEC has finally officially launched its LED-based LCDs in the form of two models – a 46” (X461S) and a 55” (X551S) edge-lit monitor. Designed for 24/7 operation, both are integrated with Intel's Open Pluggable Specification (OPS), which is the first industry-wide standardization in option slots to simplify digital signage.  

The OPS option slot allows for easier installation, use and maintenance of digital signage. Using a native 1920×1080 LCD, both monitors offer up a 4000:1 contrast ratio, use less than two watts of power in stand-by mode and can be positioned in landscape or portrait mode. They have 10-bit HDMI ports, include closed-captioning decoding and have integrated 5-watt speakers. But one of the most interesting features is the carbon-footprint tracking, which calculates the conservation of green gas emissions.   

The X461S and X551S will be available in May and June 2011 at a minimum advertised price of $2,399 and $3,799, respectively, and can be found here (click on “NEW” on the left side of the screen): http://www.necdisplay.com/category/large-screen-displays

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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.

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