Volume 4, Issue 6 — June 21, 2018

One of the more unusual booths this year was not an AV manufacturer or distributor. AVIXA invited C2 Labs, creators of the C2 business conference in Montreal. C2 Labs has an interesting modality in that they use shifts in physical context to put participants in an open frame of mind for conversations. For this set of experiences they spoke with Avixa about what questions the organization wanted answered and chose two of their “labs” — The Sky and The Darkness — as venues for the discussion. Did it work? What was the experience like? I sampled both and have thoughts about what this really means and how it fits the idea of “experience.”

The two questions were as follows:

“How can you use technology as a tool to implement your creative ideas, rather than technology function as the driver of creativity?”

“What is holding you back from embracing technology and related opportunities?”

What was the experience? Each was fairly simple. Participants for the sky were seated in some swings and raised off the floor. A cylindrical projection screen surrounded the sky-meeting area, with Barco projectors displaying a semi-abstract skyscape. We’d then participate in a lightly moderated discussion, the focus of which was one of the above questions. The wraparound screen was sized to fill ones field of view, removing participants from any context. You would see the people with whom you were talking against an abstract background, removing most other stimulus. IT gave the discussion a different weight than it would have on the ground and the isolation forced us to focus.

For those curious, here are my answers to the two questions:

On what is holding us back from embracing technology:

Using existing technology is both safe and easy – safe in that nobody will reject something with which they are already comfortable, and easy in that old solutions fit the picture we already have in our heads. By stepping into the dark and unseeing what we think we know we can embrace new solutions.

And on creativity:

We need to forget our preconceptions and approach problems as a blank slate. A “standard” solution is a well-worn path through the wilderness; the more we travel it, the easier it becomes to stay on the path. Creativity comes when we step out into virgin territory.

And yes, those were very similar answers. I wonder if experiencing the two labs with similar questions back-to-back taints the experience somewhat

In some ways the C2 event struck me as the inverse of the Shared Studios “Portals” project, which was discussed at the TIDE conference by Shared Studios founder Amar Bakshi. For those who don’t know, each portal is a video-teleconference system built into an identical shipping container. The idea is for participants to visit a portal in their city and connect with a stranger elsewhere in the world for a conversation. Bakshi, a former international reporter, described some of his most cherished moments as long conversations with strangers on a bus ride someplace halfway around the world from his home. Portals was his attempt to recreate this experience through videoconferencing technology. Each portal is a shipping container, painted black on the inside and gold on the outside. It’s essentially a minimalist immersive telepresence experience — rather than the formal office furniture you’d find in a traditional telepresence room, this is a literal blank slate. Again, we take people from disparate spaces, remove them from their context and place them in an artificial, transitional space. This reduces barriers to communication and lets us see the world from another’s perspective.

What’s a pity is that so many of us — perhaps because of our day jobs working with hardware — tend towards concrete thinking. When I mentioned C2 on Twitter, more than one person responded, “Are they the sky chair people?” I suppose they are, in a sense, the “sky chair people,” but that’s a reductive way of looking at it. I’d rather see them as working towards the same goal as all of us in Avixa. Remember our motto: “Together we can change the way people experience the world.” That’s what C2 is doing, that’s what Shared Studios does.

That is, at our best, what all of us do. It is who we are.

It is the words by which we live.

In May, Bates College announced that we would be building a new science building over the next couple of years. Many of us on campus have been working on this project for over a year. As the building promises to be an amazing addition to the college, it also presented an interesting change as I observed the design phase. More than ever, I got the sense that the faculty who would be using the classrooms in the building wanted to use technology, but also did not want the technology to get in the way.

We see this more and more in the popular active learning classrooms. Faculty are migrating to such rooms, but technology people (not just internal, but also designers and manufacturers) are struggling with the fact that the faculty don’t view technology as the most important part of the new classrooms. In fact, technology seems to be a necessary addition, but one that should not get in the way. This is a change from previous construction projects where faculty were willing to make concessions about room layout, in order to ensure the technology was in place. The concept of active learning is driven largely by flexibility. Table and chairs all need wheels, the walls are covered with writing surfaces and fixed equipment is frowned upon. For example, we have been challenged to eliminate the traditional podium in the room. This is a design struggle as we (and most other institutions) have long used a podium as the place where all the AV equipment is stored. Now, that equipment is moving back to a rack, and is not expected to be seen in the room, or take up any floor space.

Computing is another issue that is a struggle for the new active learning rooms. IT has always been very happy setting up wired computer labs in rows. However, we are learning that these rooms do not provide an efficient service to classes. When we walk into a computer lab we often see the monitors flipped on their face, so that people in the room can see each other face to face. Also, the room provides for no flexibility due to the intense wiring of the room, and therefore the inability to move tables. The solution that non-technical people come up with for these problems is laptop carts. I refer to non-technical people, because I have never met a tech person who is in favor of laptop carts. We view them as unreliable and difficult to manage. However, we need to begin to adjust. Our customers (faculty, students and presenters) are demanding a different solution. Much like the image problem mentioned above, we need to move into areas that we are not comfortable with. We need to get together with our infrastructure teams and make sure that the wireless coverage in these spaces is robust. We need to work with our desktop operations team to ensure that there are solid solutions so that every time a laptop is booted, it starts quickly and is as reliable as a desktop computer. As AV people, we also need to understand how all of this works, because we are the ones who will be called into the room in an emergency. We need to become very familiar and comfortable with wireless technologies. Because of the need for flexibility, wires (including electrical) can not be run to the tables, as they would tie it in place.

All of these changes are why June is such an exciting month in our industry. It provides a combination of two excellent conferences. UBTech kicks off InfoComm week and gives you an opportunity to see others in the education world and hear what they may be doing to solve the problems. My suggestion is to find the sessions and the people who are looking at solving these problems in creative ways. Then, a couple days later you can visit the InfoComm show floor, and attend various sessions at InfoComm, to answer technical how to questions and find out about new products that can help solve problems.

Image via Swarthmore

We have so much coverage — and there’s so much information on this InfoComm MicroSite that it can be overwhelming. So, please take moment to read this so we can familiarize you with what’s here on the site that holds all our coverage.

First off, we’re an official media partner with InfoComm. This site is NOT intended to be a replacement for attending the show live — you can’t replace an experience like that. However, it’s meant to augment an attendance. And, we are hoping this helps bring the InfoComm show to the rest of the world! And, we hope you will want to attend next year’s event in Orlando, Florida, June 12-14, 2019

The first thing you will see — and the most popular thing we do at shows — is the VIDEO SEARCH. It’s right on the top left and allows you to search by product name, company name or any term you can think of.

But, at the top of the home page (or any page you navigate to), you will see tabs that all correspond to different places and posts on this InfoComm Microsite. The “home” page is sort of an aggregate of a little of each of the coverage in one place — sort of a “launch” page. To the right of the “InfoComm2018″ tab (where everything is aggregated — and where you’re possibly reading this story now — if you’re reading this inside one of our newsletters, go to the Microsite here you will see the NEWS & BLOGS page. This is where we post all the blogs and news stories that we write — as well as commentary — written by our team of reporters on-site at the show (and when you click on — or hover over with your mouse) the tab header NEWS & BLOGS, you’ll see a section called PRESS RELEASES — that is where you can, literally, see news stories on every single product launched at InfoComm — yes, all of them).

To the right of the NEWS tab is the VIDEOS section — this is where we post ALL the videos we shot at InfoComm — every single one — over 1,500. We have them broken out by both product category (14 categories based on product types) as well as PERSONAL interviews we conducted with an assortment of market leaders (those are under Personal Interviews category).

On the right of that is rAVe RADIO. These are all the PODCASTS we recorded at InfoComm (we recorded over 75 of them). Next to that we have over 2,000+ PHOTOS we shot during InfoComm — all of these were shot at 5760 x 3840 resolution). And, what’s nice about the photos section is that they are broken out by booth/exhibitor — just click on any company logo you see and it will take you to all the photos we shot in their booth!

We hope you find this InfoComm 2018 Microsite useful and productive. And, while using it, if you have ANY suggestions to make it better for future shows, just send us an email at pr@ravepubs.com — we do pay attention to your ideas!

At InfoComm 2018, Carousel Digital Signage, a division of Tightrope Media Systems, will emphasize the systems integration and IT management benefits of its new 7.3 software release for enterprise-class digital signage. The demonstrations will bring the cost and labor-reducing value proposition of Carousel Digital Signage to the forefront for systems integrators, consultants and dealers/distributors tasked with deploying, scaling and maintaining expansive digital signage networks.

Since first partnering with BrightSign several years ago, the Carousel Digital Signage team has focused on reducing the amount of time and labor required to configure, deploy and manage players across large corporate, higher education and other enterprise networks. The new 7.3 software release further strengthens the “zero-touch approach” of BrightSign player management introduced in Q1’s Carousel 7.1 release. Key auto-provisioning benefits include:

• Automatic, high-speed configuration of all BrightSign players, which removes the need to write SD cards for each player on the network
• Secure storage of player settings on the Carousel server, accelerating recall of players by serial number for management and troubleshooting
• Remote adjustment of settings and firmware updates by player, group, or enterprise-wide – all accomplished through Carousel’s responsive user interface
• Apple TV Management and Control

Carousel last year announced a new initiative to commission Apple TV consumer devices as media players for less expansive networks, where smaller IT departments are more typically tasked with managing their signage networks. First introduced for K-12 schools in a partnership with Jamf, a device management provider that specializes in helping IT departments work with Apple computers and devices, initial rollouts have since proven that the cost and simplicity of such deployments also translate to multi-site networks. This gives Carousel customers another cost and labor-efficient option for enterprise-scale content playout.

Carousel Digital Signage more recently developed a tvOS app to help AV integrators and IT departments streamline the configuration and deployment of Apple TV devices as digital signage players. The app even offers advanced management features, including manual disabling of AirPlay to prioritize delivery of important messages, such as weather or security bulletins.

Carousel is here.

While custom and made-to-order products are a cornerstone of the Da-Lite business, sometimes a customer needs a screen fast. The new Da-Lite Descender Pro will be the first product that Da-Lite stocks ready to ship same day.

The non-customizable electric screen will be available in 16:9 and 16:10 formats in sizes from 106”-164” diagonal with four surface options – HD Progressive 0.9, HD Progressive 1.1, Da-Mat and Matte White. The black drop for tensioned screens will be 12” visible and preset while the black drop for the non-tensioned will be 2” visible and preset with a total 12” built into the housing.

The Descender Pro will begin shipping mid-summer and all the details are here.

Eiki International has debuted the EK-306U and EK-307W 3LCD meeting room projectors. The EK-306U offers 5,000 ANSI-lumens brightness and WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution while the EK-307W delivers 5,100 ANSI-lumens and WXGA (1366×768) resolution.

Common to both the EK-306U and EK-307W, are the projectors’ 10,000:1 contrast ratio, lens shift capabilities, with manual adjustments of up to 45 percent vertical and 10 percent horizontal, as well as corner keystone correction. Inputs include HDMI with MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), two normal HDMIs, two VGA connectors, a 15-pin D-Sub connector for S-Video, plus one USB Type A connector (for Viewer) and a USB Type B port (for Display / Service). Audio In and Out are accessed via 3.5 mm mini-jack connectors as well as for the remote control In.

The EK-306U provides an X1.6 zoom lens with a short throw ratio of 1.07 – 1.75:1 while the EK-307W’s is 1.16 – 1.89:1.

All the specs can be found here.

Designed as a cable replacement, SimpleShare is device-agnostic and allows users to share high-definition video and sound wirelessly to any display with an HDMI input from any PC, Mac, DVD player, tablet, camcorder and other devices in real time. SimpleShare allows for a simple plug-and-play installation with no software, downloads or network management required, making it incredibly user-friendly for anyone to implement without burdening the IT department. Users can also switch between up to 254 presenters with the click of a button.

Want to see how easy this is to connect? We recorded a LIVE video demo you can watch here.

SimpleShare utilizes WPA2, a secure encryption method, developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Servicing a radius of 15 meters from the receiver, the AES-CCMP algorithm used is a cipher key encryption with variable key size and changes at varying intervals.

Here are all the tech specs and options.

The Vecta V240 uses cleverly designed brackets and a single point automatic connection system that allows them to be mounted horizontally or vertically. Installers fix the bracket to the wall, and then drop the speaker in place with a single screw.

The Vecta V240 is $475 and the mounts are $50 each. Here are all the specs.

The Impact On-Wall Kiosk maintains a nice aesthetic to complement a variety of environments. A 3-5” (76-127 mm) depth-adjustable exterior frame allows for a variety of display sizes. Reversible hinges help to avoid installation and service obstructions, and our exclusive design keeps the display mounted to the frame when opened, providing unparalleled service and maintenance access.

An integrated wall reveal compensates for uneven walls to keep the frame plumb and provide passive cooling. The on-wall kiosk is available in black or white finishes for 46-75” screen sizes.

Integrated engagement latches can be secured with tamperproof hardware to protect equipment. Middle Atlantic’s Lever Lock technology is integrated for on-wall component storage. Additional storage can be added either on-wall with Lever Lock or in-wall with Chief In-Wall Storage Boxes.

You can see them here.

The follow me feature is ideal for collaboration sessions involving distributed teams where there is a need for individual team members to lead the discussion and have others follow along. An example is status meetings for project teams, where each participant speaks to that individual’s part of the project using a certain area of the Span canvas to illustrate updates, changes and action items. Other scenarios include facilitated collaboration sessions where the facilitator needs to switch between brainstorming, sorting and presentation activities while maintaining the focus of the group on the most relevant content on the canvas. Follow me will be introduced to visitors to Nureva’s booth N1276 at InfoComm 2018.

The follow me feature will be available in Span Workspace in July 2018 at no additional charge to subscribers. Span details are here.

It was explained to us on this videocast last week with Nureva CEO, Nancy Knowlton.

Christie just announced the addition of four new 1DLP laser projection solutions. At 20,000 lumens, the Christie D20WU-HS/D20HD-HS claim to be the lightest and brightest 1DLP laser projectors available, and at 16,000 lumens, the Christie D16WU-HS/D16HD-HS are the lightest and brightest 1DLP laser projectors to operate at full brightness on a single 15A, 110V circuit.

All four projectors feature Christie’s patented BoldColor Technology, which offers bold and realistic images at high brightness levels, meeting the Rec. 709 standard for accurate color reproduction. Combined with HD/WUXGA resolution, these projectors bring clear, crisp images to life.

Christie D20WU-HS/D20HD-HS and D16WU-HS/D16HD-HS offer optional onboard Christie Twist warping and blending capabilities for quick and easy setup of irregular screens and multi-projector arrays, as well as omnidirectional capabilities so they can be installed in the orientation that best suits the design and space.

Shipping in August 2018, both models are here.

Chief will bring the over-the-whiteboard interactive display mount to InfoComm booth C3683. The mount allows for installation and adjustment of heavy interactive flat panel displays over existing chalkboards or whiteboards. By shipping largely pre-assembled with minimal hardware, Chief designed the OB1U to reduce installation time.

Height variability accommodates younger children or those seated at lower levels.

Other features include:

• Heavy-duty weight capacity of 310 pounds (140.6 kilograms)
• Display height adjustment range of 26” (660 millimeters)
• Interface brackets mount directly to display then hang on single rail-style cross bracket, eliminating the need to remove display from box prior to installation
• Flexible wall assembly anchoring points to accommodate 16 or 24” stud spacing
• Allows for a minimum of 4” (102 millimeters) clearance from wall
• Plumb adjustment up to 1.5 degrees compensates for uneven walls
• Integrated lateral shift

You can see all the specs here.

inLighten announced today the release of StudioPro, a design software with a specific focus on content creation for digital signage developed for universal compatibility with the digital signage systems of any manufacturer. Content creators simply download StudioPro onto any PC for access to a comprehensive suite of design tools and utilities for use with a variety of media assets and content resources. With an intuitive, easy-to-navigate and operate interface, StudioPro will streamline workflow, save time and enable users to get the most out of their current digital signage product.

StudioPro enables users to compose dynamic, full-motion video content using existing video, audio, images and fonts. Drawing, animation, layering and editing controls are available along with hundreds of effects and transitions that can be applied to media elements for emphasis and visual appeal.

inLighten is here.

Premier Mounts just introduced a new mounting solution for the Samsung FLIP digital flipchart — in three different mount types: the Fixed Floor Stand Kit, the Mobile Stand Kit and the Rotating Wall Mount. Key features include:

• Fixed Floor Stand Kit:
  • Rotates from landscape to portrait orientation or anywhere in between
  • 35° upward, 10° downward continuous crank tilt adjustment from center for optimum viewing angle
  • Heavy flat steel base minimizes potential “trip” hazard in heavy traffic areas
  • 60-inch poles include cable routing cutouts for power and signal cable management
  • Optional shelf (PSD-SHB) available for extra equipment space that mounts front or rear
• Mobile Stand Kit:
  • Rotates from landscape to portrait orientation or anywhere in between
  • 35° upward, 10° downward continuous crank tilt adjustment
  • Office door friendly mobile base allows ease of movement from room to room
  • 60-inch poles include cable routing cutouts for power and signal cable management
  • Optional shelf (PSD-SHB) available for extra equipment space that mounts front or rear
  • Locking casters
• Rotating Wall Mount:
  • 360° rotation to set in portrait or landscape configuration
  • Security screw on wall plate prevents flat panel removal
  • Signature design adds both aesthetics and rigidity
  • Time-saving components allow a quick, three-step installation
  • Patented washer “grips” mounting bracket for secure installation

The Fixed Floor Stand Kit and the Mobile Stand Kit are available at a list price of $1394.00. The Rotating Wall Mount is available for $520.00 and pairs with an optional Premier Mounts in-wall gearbox for $84.00. Here are all the details.

Salamander Designs announced its entry into ProAV by saying, “racks don’t have to be unattractive.” Its new line of Deep Profile Cabinets, full-blown technical rack solutions that look like furniture is aimed to help meeting rooms AV storage.

It’s real furniture, and it includes the look, feel, finish and exceptional quality of Salamander Designs furniture, but it’s also a real equipment rack that can house all audio, video and media technical equipment and accessories.

Features and options include:

• Gorgeous cabinets available in a wide array of finishes
• All aluminum chassis
• Equipped with optional rails front and back
• Handles all inside standard rack mounting and rack mount options (with optional rails)
• Removable cartridge for ongoing use, adjustments and future needs
• Saves time and money for all involved
• Can be pre-installed and then deployed ready for use
• Design Your Own services options, leveraging newly announced Design Services Team
• Optional active cooling prevents heat build-up with thermostatically controlled fans

Salamander Designs is at InfoComm in Booth #N1516 or you can go here.

Extron announced that it has teamed up with Zoom Video Communications to extend Extron control capabilities to any Zoom Room, providing a one-touch user experience for conferencing, collaboration, and now AV room control. There’s no more need to switch devices — a single user interface on your Apple iPad or Extron touchpanel is all you need to control every conferencing and audio/visual function. This partnership launches a new level of convenience, providing turn-key, centralized control of AV devices, shades, lighting, audio and more from the Zoom Rooms interface.

“Zoom is quickly becoming the defacto-standard in higher ed, not only in classrooms, but also in offices and meeting rooms across campus as well,” says Gary Kayye, Assistant Professor and Lecturer at the University of North Carolina. “At UNC, we are virtually an all-Extron campus now with control. So, this is perfect timing for us as we use Zoom nearly everywhere, too.”

Here are ether details.

Nureva has updated its Microphone Mist technology, which is available to all HDL300 audio conferencing system customers. This update includes new customizable audio settings, new auxiliary audio modes for interoperability with third-party systems and refinements to audio performance. HDL300 customers enable these enhancements by downloading the updated version of Nureva Room Manager software, which provides ongoing access to the latest firmware and functionality. Visitors to InfoComm in Las Vegas, June 6-8, 2018, can demo the HDL300 audio conferencing system at Nureva’s booth N1276.

Both the microphone and speakers can be set to stereo or mono sound, and customers can also adjust speaker bass and treble levels. The new auxiliary audio options on the HDL300 system provide more flexibility in connecting to in-room speakers, mixers, recording devices and hearing aid transmitters. The auxiliary output can be switched to send a microphone, speaker or a mixed signal at both microphone and line levels. Nureva says that together, with the enhancements in echo cancellation, the new customizable settings will enable HDL300 customers to not only have a better audio experience but also be in more control of their meeting room audio.

This next update to Microphone Mist technology is available now to HDL300 audio conferencing system customers at no additional charge. The HDL300 is here.

AVI-SPL today unveiled Rapid Rooms, a strategic system that optimizes meeting room deployment by intelligently recognizing organizational needs and matching them with the most suitable AV and UC technology, in ready-to-order bundles. With a first of its kind AV-as-a-service model for hardware, software, and managed service contract wrapped into one, fixed, monthly fee, AVI-SPL Rapid Rooms include planned refresh cycles to remedy lifecycle management and technology obsolescence.

Rapid Rooms allows for installation within 45 days. AVI-SPL says its Rapid Rooms resolve common interoperability challenges, have intuitive interfaces for easy adoption and provide quick on-boarding to AVI-SPL’s remote monitoring platform Symphony to ensure an optimal meeting experience at all times.

AVI-SPL’s Rapid Rooms’ ready-to-order, all-in-one bundle includes design, integration, installation and programming services, AVI-SPL’s Customer Care support, as well as all applicable AV and UC hardware and software from today’s leading manufacturers. Prior to deployment, Rapid Rooms offers quick quoting for standard room configurations and a functional drawings tool to help customers visualize their collaboration spaces.

The new Rapid Rooms are a subset of AVI-SPL’s suite of Smart Spaces is here.

Bosch has expanded the DICENTIS family with the DICENTIS interpreter desk. The DICENTIS interpreter desk is designed to speak the language of the interpreter. By observing and interviewing expert interpreters and technicians worldwide, the desk has been optimized to address their real-world needs. The ergonomic design with tactile buttons and knobs provides optimal control and facilitates operation without even looking at the interpreter desk. This way, the interpreter can better observe non-verbal communication of the speakers to ensure the best interpretation possible. The DICENTIS interpreter desk was also specifically tested and optimized for visually impaired interpreters.

The design of the DICENTIS interpreter desk logically separates the incoming and outgoing languages in two vertically aligned columns via a high-contrast screen for quick comprehension and intuitive operation. Three assignable buttons provide the interpreter with short-key functions for quick access to supporting functions such as “video select.” The HDMI output enables an external video screen to be added, so the interpreter can see the participant speaking or the participant’s presentation.

The DICENTIS interpreter desk is part of the DICENTIS conference system, which supports up to 100 interpreted languages. The conference system uses internationally recognized encryption standards for all audio and data. It offers protection against eavesdropping, unauthorized access and data tampering. High-quality real-time audio and control is ensured by OMNEO IP technology, which also allows for easy system integration with third-party solutions. OMNEO also enables the use of existing network infrastructure.

The DICENTIS interpreter desk is fully compatible with the DICENTIS platform and complies with the simultaneous interpreting equipment standard ISO 20109. It enables the creation of passive overflow rooms adjacent to the main meeting room in case there are more participants than can be accommodated at the main meeting location.

Here are more detailed specs.

Yamaha Unified Communications announced the debut of a professional audio conferencing solution specifically engineered for seamless and easy installation out of the box into boardrooms and large conference rooms utilizing UC applications. Available only in North America, the Yamaha YAI-1 Conference Ensemble is a preconfigured USB audio system.

The audio system comprises an eight-channel Executive Elite wireless microphone package, two VXL 1-16 PoE speaker arrays, a preconfigured digital signal processor, a five-port PoE switch, Dante AVIO USB adapter, and cabling. Once set up, the Yamaha YAI-1 Conference Ensemble is ready to connect to an organization’s chosen UC platform through a single USB cable, such as Skype for Business, Cisco Webex, GoToConference, Zoom, BlueJeans, Amazon Chime and many others. Yamaha says that ensuring that every participant can hear and be heard clearly, the bundle includes two 16-element PoE powered line array speakers that deliver high-quality audio throughout the room and a wireless microphone system. The system is available in two microphone options: an eight-gooseneck microphone package for boardrooms, or seven table-top microphones and one wearable microphone for presentation flexibility in conference rooms.

Here are all the specs.

NEC Display Solutions of America today announced that it has launched six new large-size UHD displays. The new models are the 75-inch C751Q and V754Q; the 86-inch C861Q and V864Q; and the 98-inch C981Q and V984Q. These C and V Series models offer customers an all-encompassing UHD experience at an affordable price.

These new models feature high haze panels that scatter reflected light to significantly reduce glare and improve screen readability. They also come equipped with SpectraView Engine, NEC’s proprietary color management and stabilization system that provides unrivaled and complete color control and uniformity correction.

All models went through focused mechanical upgrades, including having a smaller, even bezel, lighter overall weight and thinner depth than preceding models. Both the C and V series models can also be utilized in both landscape and portrait orientation, allowing for flexibility of installation when used for digital signage.

Additional key features include:

• Advanced connectivity, including three HDMI 2.0 and two DisplayPort 1.2 connections, plus one DisplayPort out powers a 60 Hz signal for UHD performance via a single cable
• SoC Powered by Raspberry Pi and OPS allow for modular expansion
• Full external control via LAN or RS232 interfaces
• Full scheduler functionality, including holiday mode
• First, last and custom input detect functionality
• Full metal chassis and convenient carrying handles for easier installation

The new C Series and V Series large-size display models can be ordered this month and here are the details.

Optoma at InfoComm 2018 today unveiled four new laser projectors for higher education, houses of worship, rental and staging and corporate environments. The Optoma ZW500T, ZH500T, ZU500T and ZH500TST deliver 20,000 hours of virtually maintenance-free operation.

• Optoma ZH500T and ZH500TST are 1080p HD projectors that feature an impressive 5,000 lumens of brightness and a 300,000:1 contrast ratio with ExtremeBlack enabled. The ZH500TST offers a short throw of 0:79:1 from just a few feet away. These projectors feature horizontal and vertical lens shift, 360-degree and 24/7 operation, and portrait mode for maximum usability at any angle. Both projectors are also equipped with several connectivity options, including HDBaseT and HDMI inputs to maximize convenience. They are available for an estimated street price of $2,999and $3,999 respectively.
• Optoma ZW500T and ZU500T, featuring WXGA and WUXGA resolution respectively, provide stunning projection with a 300,000:1 contrast ratio with ExtremeBlack enabled, a powerful laser light source and 1.6x zoom. The ZW500T and ZU500T project 5,000 lumens of brightness and feature extensive connectivity options, including HDBaseT and HDMI inputs. Both projectors offer built-in installation features, including horizontal and vertical lens shift, four corner correction, 360-degree and portrait mode operation to support professional installations at all difficulty levels. The ZW500T is available an estimated street price of $2,499, while the ZU500T is available for an estimated street price of $3,199.

The Optoma ZW500T, ZH500T, ZU500T and ZH500TST are here.

ClearOne announces its new, most affordable CONVERGE Huddle conferencing solution for huddle rooms and similarly sized meeting spaces. Derived from ClearOne’s latest CONVERGE Pro 2 line of DSP mixers, the CONVERGE Huddle comes with the latest Acoustic Echo Cancellation and Noise Cancellation audio processing algorithms. Using CONVERGE Huddle, audio and video collaboration applications are accomplished through a single cable connection to users’ Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD), such as laptops, tablets and smartphones that run applications such as Spontania, Skype, Skype for Business, GoToMeeting, WebEx, etc. The CONVERGE Huddle has an option to add a Bluetooth interface shortly after its release.

The new CONVERGE Huddle connects to ClearOne or all third-party peripheral devices, such as microphones, speakers, cameras, and display screens. It can be mounted under a conference table, behind a display on the wall, VESA mounted or located in a closet or rack.

The ClearOne CONVERGE Huddle will start shipping July 2018 and you can see it here.

NEC Display Solutions today announced a new global program initiative, NEC One. NEC One is a new program to deliver resources and services that enable multinational companies to realize maximum performance and value from their investment in NEC Display Solutions technology. As members of NEC One, end user customers will benefit from centralized purchasing, joint product strategy development, global pricing and commercial terms, single sales contact, world class support and after care, and an ever-expanding global network of peers and partners.

When businesses partner with NEC Display Solutions they are backed by a streamlined world class relationship that delivers more control and consistency, cost savings, efficiency and improved performance. NEC One is the single source for visual solutions, with seamless integration between suppliers, regions, product offerings and warranties, making it easy for multinational companies to transact business in all their international locations.

NEC Display Solutions – manufacturer of interactive and collaborative displays, dvLED, 4K laser projection solutions, as well as NEC’s large-screen display solutions, such as menu boards and digital signage – will be featured at InfoComm 2018, taking place this week through June 8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth #C1864.

NEC Display is here.

Leyard and Planar announced new integrated video processing at InfoComm 2018. The Leyard DirectLight X LED Video Wall System and the Clarity Matrix G3 LCD Video Wall System are video wall solutions that incorporate the latest in 4K video standards, advanced video processing and web-based control that enable dynamic, multi-source video walls, right out of the box.

Leyard DirectLight X and Clarity Matrix G3 build on the success of these LED and LCD product lines with the new, off-board Leyard Video Controller that takes built-in video processing to a new level. The Leyard Video Controller incorporates video wall scaling with Planar Big Picture Plus video wall processing, allowing users to display content across the entire video wall, a portion of the video wall or in custom recallable layouts.

The flagship LED and LCD video wall solutions aim to simplify installation and management with new Leyard WallDirector, a web-based user interface that streamlines video wall set-up, configuration, operation and monitoring. Both solutions also come with Leyard WallSync, a set of technologies that make it easy to deliver perfect video playback across entire video walls with perfect synchronization.

Their entire line now includes:

Leyard DirectLight X 0.7: This display breaks new ground as the finest pitch LED video wall display in the industry—offering a breakthrough pixel pitch of just 0.7 millimeters. Leyard DirectLight X 0.7 provides high resolution images at the closest viewing distance, and allows for 4K and 8K resolution video walls in smaller spaces, matching the pixel density seen in traditional control room video walls but with a completely seamless and
uniform image.

• Leyard TWS Series: A family of versatile ultra-fine pitch LED video wall displays available in 0.9, 1.2, 1.5 and 1.8 millimeter pixel pitches, the Leyard TWS Series features a convenient 27-inch diagonal size with an all-in-one design to fit a broad range of environments. The Leyard TWS Series is lightweight and easy to handle, making it an attractive solution for applications where traditional, hanging or curved video walls are required.
• Leyard TVF Series: The Leyard TVF Series is a family of fine pitch LED video wall displays available in 1.5, 1.8 and 2.5 millimeter pixel pitches. With a 27-inch, slim-profile display cabinet, the series features front serviceability and a creative, stackable design that eliminates cabinet-to-cabinet cabling and reduces the complexity of installation and vertical alignment.
• Leyard LED MultiTouch: The Leyard LED MultiTouch is the industry’s first completely seamless interactive LED video wall. This proprietary multi-touch solution revolutionizes interactivity for narrow pixel pitch LED video walls without the disadvantages of front glass. Available in 0.7, 0.9 and 1.2 millimeter pixel pitches, it offers a seamless, smooth, lightweight and durable LED touch surface that delivers superior visual performance.

Also featured at InfoComm 2018 will be Leyard and Planar’s growing portfolio of standard pitch LED display solutions for indoor and outdoor applications. Standard pitch LED displays at InfoComm 2018 include:

• Leyard VersaLight Series: This new, highly versatile family of LED video wall displays can turn even the most challenging environments into dramatic, inspirational video walls. With pixel pitches ranging from 2.5 to 8 millimeters, the modular line of indoor and outdoor LED digital signage displays offers stunning picture quality and ultra-reliable performance.
• Leyard CarbonLight CLI Series: This line of lightweight, flexible LED video wall displays is ideal for indoor rental, staging and flexible-fixed applications. The Leyard CarbonLight CLI Series has expanded to include a 1.9 millimeter pixel pitch option—extending the existing 2.6, 3.9 and 5.2 pixel pitch models. In addition, the series now offers easy front service to accommodate even swifter upkeep and maintenance.
• Leyard CarbonLight CLM Series: The Leyard CarbonLight CLM Series is a line of see- through mesh LED displays designed for rental, staging and flexible-fixed applications in indoor and outdoor environments. Available in 6.9, 10.4 and 15.6mm pixel pitches, it is lightweight with high transparency and low wind resistance.

Both companies are here and here.

ClearOne today unveiled COLLABORATE Space, a new video collaboration app that connects hundreds of users joining from any device at anytime. It includes messaging, calling and meeting functions.

COLLABORATE Space provides persistent space to store all sorts of media such as messages, documents, whiteboards, recordings, meeting minutes or anything else exchanged on a specific topic or project during a call or meeting at any time, and is accessible from any device, whether it be a mobile, desktop or room appliance.

Additionally, COLLABORATE Space allows users to create public or private channels organized by topic, where the owner can invite team members to join, or anyone can view a channel and join without invitation. The users can communicate and collaborate with their channel members.

Available on-cloud or on-premise, COLLABORATE Space includes a variety of collaboration tools such as screen sharing, document sharing, whiteboarding, co-annotation, meeting minutes, recording and chat, which are all accessible anytime during a call or meeting.

COLLABORATE Space will be here when it’s on their website here.

Middle Atlantic Products today announced the release of the company’s L7 Series adjustable-height lectern, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Designed with both integrators and educators in mind, the L7 Series Lectern provides a welded steel frame with modular rackmount and storage options; additional small device storage available below the worksurface on patented, removable Lever Lock mounting; integrated power, cable and thermal management for ultimate system reliability; and included popular AVIP plates for higher education applications. The L7 also offers instructors a generous 61-inch by 31-inch workspace to accommodate personal devices, a wireless charging pad to keep Qi cellular devices charged during class, ample USB and AC outlets, and storage for markers and microphones.

Middle Atlantic is here.