Welcome to another edition of rAVe! We've got some early info about what manufacturers will be doing at InfoComm! Check out the news below. This issue, I talk about something we know about HDMI that very few others even suspect. Sometimes, it sucks. You will also want to read NSCA's Chuck Wilson's article about how to manage cash flow. Your business's health depends on it. Finally, a big thank you and congratulations to Electrograph and InfoComm, the two winners of our Swim for Smiles charity auction! Electrograph and InfoComm both made generous donations to my favorite charity, winning two banners each in rAVe Pro. To find out more about the Swim for Smiles foundation, which benefits the North Carolina Children's Hospital, go to www.swimforsmiles.org. Thanks again to these two companies for supporting a great cause. Enjoy the issue! –Gary Kayye, CTS
Special Announcement Join Gary Kayye as he Moderates the Fourth Annual InfoComm Manufacturers Forum! If you're interested in candid, insightful opinions about the current and future state of the AV industry, it's an event not to be missed! And, it's free to all attendees! To read about last year's forum, go to http://www.ravepro.com/issues/2006/07/vol4_iss13/index.html#d2 For registration information, go to http://www.infocommshow.org/html/842_2572.htm Click above for more information Charity Auction Special thanks to Electrograph, the winner of our Swim for Smiles rAVe banner auction! Electrograph made a generous donation to Gary's favorite charity, Swim for Smiles, winning two rAVe ad banners. For more information on the Swim for Smiles Foundation, please go to http://www.swimforsmiles.org Electrograph's free banner appears below. InfoComm's will appear in future issues. Thanks to our sponsor D-Tools, worldwide leader in easy-to-use, highly accurate system design software. System Integration just got easier!
rAVe — the most widely-read eNewsletter in the ProAV industry — is offering a way to extend the life of your application stories. Within the newsletter, we will link to your case study in a special section called AV in Action – the Case Study Quarterly. The entire rAVe subscriber list can read YOUR case study/application story for three whole months. Space is limited. Contact Sara Abrons at sabrons@kayye.com.
Editorial HDMI's Dirty Little Secret It's on HD-DVD players, Blu-ray Disc players, HD DirecTV set-top boxes, Explorer 8300 HD Cable TV boxes, HD-flat panel TV's, Sony's PlayStation 3 – everywhere you see HD content. But, it's also on progressive-scan DVD player. And, that's where it sucks! Look, unless you're outputting HD content that's truly digital and high-resolution (not the crappy cheaply scaled progressive scan DVD player HD-like output) then don't assume that HDMI is better than any other connector. In fact, it's actually worse – in EVERY CASE of progressive scan DVD player I've tested. Every single one. Obviously. Hopefully everyone reading this already knows this – we're in the AV industry. Progressive scan is the consumer code marketing term for what we know as scaling. What's inside a progressive scan DVD player is, in almost every case, the cheapest possible scaler chip-set on the planet that will take NTSC or PAL video and scale it up to VGA, XGA, etc. (or in this case, 720p or 1080i resolutions). So, although the manufacturers are converting the video coming from a DVD (natively encoded at 480i) to 720p, 1080i and even just 480p, their “scaler” chip-set isn't doing much to improve the signal at all – in fact, our tests showed that they were actually adding in noise that made the picture look worse! But, more importantly, you need to know the facts. Why connect DVD players in a system via HDMI just because it's there? Go Component Video or, better yet, S-Video. I know you must think I am nuts, but think carefully about what I am saying and w3hat I have presented you here. Obviously the native resolution of most projectors we are installing is at least 1280 x 720 in the HomeAV market and 1024 x 768 in the ProAV market. And, the video coming from a DVD player must be scaled somewhere – in one of the two pieces of gear (the DVD player or the projector/flat-panel). So, where do you think the better scaler resides – the $100 DVD player or the $3000 display? Special Announcement rAVe eNewsletters Sponsoring Digital Signage Pavilion at InfoComm Digital signage is one of the fastest growing components in the AV industry and is one more factor driving the convergence of the worlds of AV and IT. InfoComm's Market Reseach forecasts digital signage to reach over 1 million displays by 2009 and industry players estimate that digital signage orders are growing by 10% each month. Digital signage is bringing AV into supermarkets, car dealerships, retail stores and other places where AV has never appeared before. rAVe is the media sponsor for the Digital Signage Pavilion at InfoComm. Here are some of the events you won't want to miss. Experience the most dynamic digital signage applications presented by more than 100 companies demonstrating their newest products and technologies. The pavilion features displays by the top companies in the field, including Accordent, Ingram Micro, Matrox, Omnivex, Scala, Stampede, Wireless Ronin and X2O Media. Gold Sponsor: Sony Media Sponsor: rAVe Supporting Organization POPAI, the global association for marketing at-retail Experience applications for environments ranging from airport terminals to casinos and office buildings in the Digital Signage Application Showcase in Hall E. Sponsored by Sony and integrated by Spinitar, the showcase will feature fully functional signage applications deployed around the world and impacting your everyday life. Part of the display area will focus on where the digital signage industry is moving. Dynamic Digital Signage Super Monday Session Manufacturers Training Choose from nearly a dozen Manufacturers Training courses, June 18-21 – all focused on digital signage. Subjects range from Design, Specification and Installation to Fast and Easy Mounting Technologies, as well as How to Webcast Live Video and Media Successfully over the Internet and Fiber Optic Applications and Products for AV. Learn from the experts at Avocent, Chief Manufacturing, Communications Specialties, OmniMount Systems, Peerless Industries, Roku and VBrick Systems. The modest fee is only $25 to attend each product- and service-course by InfoComm exhibitors. And you receive a $25 coupon to spend at the InfoComm Show Store on books, market surveys, software, hats, shirts and much more! Use the TRAINING SEARCH at www.infocommshow.org to see the complete list of offerings. Interested in Exhibiting? The Show floor is nearly sold-out. Contact EXHIBITSALES@ INFOCOMMSHOW.ORG to secure your booth today. Back to TopClick above for more information Click above for more information NSCA's “What Keeps Us Up at Night” Cash Flow: Likely The Biggest Issue Facing Your Business But there's also another reality. The vast majority of systems integrators operate as small businesses and one of the biggest—if not the biggest—issues facing a small business is cash flow. And it's of particular concern in light of the aforementioned passion for systems and technology, where “more mundane” business matters can get pushed to the side. Sadly, I've seen this trip up far too many smart people in our industry. Do you understand how your business's cash comes and goes? Sure, cash comes in via payment for your services, and hopefully, this happens at a relatively steady level. If not, you're probably experiencing cash flow problems, because cash outflow is constant: payroll, payments for large shipments of inventory, facilities, transportation, a seemingly endless list of “minor” expenses, taxes, travel – the list goes on and on. The best advice on the subject is to work with a qualified financial professional, usually an accountant. Sure, you're adding another expense, but a good accountant (or bookkeeper) will save the business more money in the long run, in addition to helping it operate as smoothly from a financial standpoint as possible. And this leaves you free to focus on the actual productive work of successful systems projects and serving your customers. Still, it's wise to develop a working understanding of your business finances so that you can speak intelligently with your accountant and also make appropriate decisions on your own. After all, no one should be more interested in your money than you! There are a wide range of factors in play when it comes to cash flow, with an equally wide range of educational materials accessible in print form and online (often free). Therefore, my goal here is not to get into the specifics better left to business experts, but rather, to point out that your livelihood is at risk if this issue is ignored. As an overview, the essence of good cash flow management comes down to cash forecasting (also called budgeting). As the name implies, this is simply a forecast of cash results based upon assumptions about conditions and actions you expect during a set period of time. Usually these time periods are defined as long-term (a year or longer), medium-term (a month to a year), and short-term (a week to a month). To set up a forecast, you'll need your financial statements—an income statement and a balance sheet. The most important thing is that these statements be accurate, whether prepared internally by you/someone at your business or by an outside resource such as an accountant. Get comfortable with reading and understanding these statements—it might be painful at first, but it's the only real way to understand your finances. One of the biggest problems I've seen with systems integration firms (and other small businesses as well) is what's called a cash flow “gap”—simply, this is when the money that's coming in verses the money that's going out don't match up, leading to shortfalls. All kinds of expenses, from purchasing materials necessary to do the work, through all sorts of fees, often must be paid before you get paid. This is where you must keep a close eye on cash flow, forecast potential problems, and be prepared to deal with them. An easy way to do this, on a monthly basis, is comparing unpaid purchases to your sales that are due at the end of each month. If purchases are greater than sales due, you're probably looking at a cash flow problem. Therefore, money needs to come in faster. There are a lot of ways to help this along; for example, don't wait to invoice at the end of the month, rather, send customer invoices immediately after delivery of your work. Think about it—you might save as much as 30 days in your cash flow process. Another tactic that's often effective is to offer customers a discount for early payment of invoices. It doesn't have to be a huge amount, say, one to two percent for payment within two weeks. (And if you're offered these types of deals by your suppliers, by all means, take advantage. The savings can add up pretty quickly.) Further, while most of us tend to be sensitive to our customers, we can't afford to be too sensitive. Don't be too generous in allowing credit, and keep a particularly close eye on customer credit issues and terms. Something particularly valuable to deploy for systems projects that are going to span a decent length of time is to arrange for the customer to make payments along the way. And, you can also set up a policy where the customer pays a certain percentage of the total invoice up front, before work even starts. Finally, you must actively pursue collections of past-due invoices. This cannot slip! Stay on top of it, and don't let the prospect of collecting what you're rightly owed be intimidating. After all, you're the good guy in the scenario, presumably providing work, products and services of high quality, and the least that should happen is to be paid the amount as agreed. Many business software programs help in tracking past-due accounts, and it's also vital to have a strategy for collections in place. This might include regularly sending letters to the customer regarding account status, phone calls to the people responsible for accounts payable, and if all efforts of this type fail, identifying and employing the services of a collection agency. This is just a brief overview of a critical aspect of your business. Again, I urge you to take cash flow seriously and devote the necessary time and effort in becoming educated on the issue. The bottom line? It's your bottom line that's at stake. Planar Acquires Runco This is THE biggest projector news in at least two years, and maybe the biggest projector news – ever — in the HomeAV market. For more information, go to http://phx.corporate-ir.net
Insight Media and McLaughlin Consulting Announce Final Agenda for Projection Summit The final agenda was announced for the sixth annual Projection Summit, to be held June 17-18, 2007, Anaheim, Calif. just before InfoComm 2007 begins. The Summit will be held at the Anaheim Marriott. The main InfoComm'07 Exhibition begins on June 19.The subjects range from different projection technologies to explorations of market opportunities. For more information, go to http://www.projectionsummit.com/agenda.htm
Microsoft Still Wants in Our Business This is actually a nifty little product. Microsoft imagines that pub customers can press the icon of the drinks and sandwiches they want. The order is sent from the computer, then the service staff can make and deliver the order. Interestingly, two or more people can use it at once and it can handle the multiple commands. Vacationers can use it to load digital pictures and email them to friends. Restaurant or bar patrons can create a music play list and listen to their choices. It does anything a computer does, only it uses touch technology for making selections as well as for opening, dragging, and resizing windows. But what is different from other computers is this gadget has a physical object recognition feature. One example is, when a customer simply sets a wine glass on the surface of a table, a restaurant could provide them with information about the wine they're ordering, pictures of the vineyard it came from and suggested food pairings tailored to that evening's menu. That recognition could also apply to personal electronics, such as PDAs, MP3 players and digital cameras. Microsoft says they can wirelessly communicate, so Surface can grab data just by setting the device on the surface. For more information, go to http://www.microsoft.com/surface/
Christie's Bright New Single-Lamp 3LCD Projector, New Integrator Tools The new Christie RoadTools are software programs designed to let you set up systems faster, manage their projectors better and increase productivity. The programs let you use, command and control any Christie projectors that use a 10-bit image processing electronics module. From initial set-up of your projector, to customizing the displays, Christie RoadTools help minimize set-up time. They also help with ongoing control of Christie projectors. These tools are provided free to Christie customers. For more information, go to http://www.christiedigital.com
DPI's New 1080p Projectors Using Latest TI Technology Previously, DP's LIGHTNING Pro HD projectors were engineered around Texas Instruments' 2K (2048×1080) DMD. The new LIGHTNING 1080p series uses TI's latest 10 micron 1920×1080 DMD's. The LIGHTNING 30-1080p is specified at 15,000 ANSI lumens and 2000:1 contrast at a list price of $79,995. The LIGHTNING 40-1080p is specified at 20,000 lumens and 2000:1 contrast and is priced at $89,995. DP lists all kinds of image enhancement technologies in these projectors. They also use the company's RapidRig staging system- a self-stacking flying frame featuring tool-less pitch, roll and yaw adjustments. For more information, go to http://www.digitalprojection.com/ Gary Kayye, Barco to Demo Latest Network-Centric Products, Including New iCon Model Other network-centric products on exhibit include the MegaWall with an XDS-1000 display management system. Barco says this is the only system on the market known to scale to the desired display wall size and project each source in its native resolution, without loss of framerates. The new 1080p HD iCon H250 projector uses the same interface and networking capabilities, but uses single-chip DLP technology with BrilliantColor and an RGBRGB color wheel. And the iD NR-6, the latest offering in the iD series, now has a fully sealed optical engine and improved color rendering. The iD LR-6 is designed for 24/7 applications in environments with lots of ambient light. Barco will also show its LC-5621 flat panel with QHD resolution. Gary Kayye will give live demonstrations of this new technology in Barco's booth as it applies to board rooms, exhibition halls, remote meeting locations, and other presentation environments. For more information, go to http://www.barco.com/
Sharp Introduces Portable DLP Projector Series The XR-40X and XR-30X have a native XGA (1024 x 768) resolution and the XR-30S has a native SVGA (800 x 600) resolution. The units have contrast ratios ranging from 2200:1 (XR-40X and XR-30X) to 2000:1 (XR-30S) and they are specified at 2600 ANSI Lumens on the XR-40X and 2300 ANSI Lumens on the XR-30X and XR-30S. These weigh just over six pounds. For more information, go to http://www.sharpusa.com/SharpHome/1,1959,,00.html Kramer Ships New Remote Control Panel for VP-727 The VP-727T console mimics the front panel design of Kramer Electronics' VP-727, while offering standard push-buttons for wipe and direction control, as well as transition speed selection, and a T-Bar lever has been added for the manual execution of takes and transitions. The VP-727T uses dedicated single button controls for special effect selection, image freezing and blanking, PIP display, and choice of wipe direction. The buttons have removable caps for convenient labeling. A menu button on the console allows the user to conduct setup operations for the VP-727 Seamless Switcher via an on-screen menu on the Preview monitor. Four RS-485 ports allow the VP-727T to control up to four VP-727 Seamless Switcher units. Additionally, the panel is outfitted with an RS-232 port for firmware upgrades. For more information, go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com/news_full_story.asp?iNews=206
Da-Lite Introduces 16:10 Wide Format Screens This new format will maintain the height of the previous 4:3 format and provide the much wider screen size to allow the display of more content to the audience, says Da-Lite. This new Wide Format will be available on Da-Lite's Cosmopolitan, Tensioned Cosmopolitan, Advantage, Tensioned Advantage, Advantage Deluxe, Tensioned Advantage Deluxe, Cinema Contour, Da-Snap, Advantage Manual with Controlled Screen Return and Model C with Controlled Screen Return in sizes from 94” to 164” diagonal. Da-Lite also announced that the Heavy Duty Fast-Fold Deluxe Screen is now using a foldable black backed material for improved image quality and opacity. For more information, go to http://www.da-lite.com/whats_hot/index.php?wID=151 Kaltman to Introduce Handheld Motorized Cable Coiler at InfoComm Kaltman claims that besides the ten-to-one speed advantage over hand coiling, the “perfect coil” also means no stress on the cable's internal conductors and no twisted tangles when uncoiling the cable for the next use. Originally designed for any environment where microphone, light-weight speaker, lighting control, and electrical power cables are used, the Kaltman Cable Coiler will also work for CAT5, fiber optic, coax and video cables as well as rope. Kaltman will also show its patent pending Cable Slap Ties which literally, in one motion, slap onto the cable, eliminating Velcro straps, tie line, taping, or cable knot tying. For more information, go to http://www.kaltmancreationsllc.com/
New ProAV Furniture From Bretford The digital kiosks are the FPDK01, for public areas, and the FPDK02, which includes a CPU holder and can be used for critical access to information from a secure data system, such as in a hospital or corporate office. List prices start at $520.00. The new carts let users store, share and move flat panels, projectors, laptops and other technology tools from a single device and they com with a variety of shelf, cabinet and rack options. The carts are available at list prices starting at $475. The flush mounts include the FPLM-FFP, for monitors ranging from 30”-46” and up to 120 lbs, and the FPLM-FFP2 for 46”-61” monitors up to 200 lbs. Both mounts include a tilt adjust of +/- 15 degrees, which can be done by a one-handed adjustment without tools or knobs. The new mounts are shipping now at list prices starting at $169.00. Finally, the three new tables can be used individually for training applications or positioned together into conference room or small meeting room configurations. All three feature grommet holes and a perforated modesty panel that doubles as a cord management bin. The new tables fold flat and lock in the folded position. These will be available in Q3 2007 at list prices starting at $650.00. For more information, go to http://www.bretford.com/news/
Gefen to Demo Three Wireless Solutions at InfoComm The Component Audio Extender uses small sender and receiver units to deliver high definition video in resolutions from 480i to 720p up to 60 feet. It supports two channels of RCA stereo audio to accompany the video for a true HDTV experience using the IEEE 802.11a/g/e protocol. The Wireless for HDMI Extender uses ultra wideband technology to deliver high definition resolutions up to 1080i to any HDMI display or projector located 60 feet from the source. Sender and receiver are HDCP-compliant and operate with a high-speed transmission rate so there is no delay or signal loss. The Wireless USB Extender supports the connection of hi-speed USB 2.0 devices up to 100 feet from the computer. It works with Apple (OSX) and PC (Windows, Linux, Unix) systems using Icron Technologies' ExtremeUSB based on 802.11g technologies. The receiver is a four-port USB 2.0 hub that can support additional devices by adding additional hubs. It boasts a high transfer rate of video, audio and data streams wirelessly. For more information, go to http://www.gefen.com/
Magenta Exhibiting New Cat5 Transmitters at InfoComm The second new Cat5 transmitter is the MultiView STx, a lower-cost model that combined with MultiView Series receivers, hubs and switchers, distributes high-resolution video plus audio, 1 to 1500 feet (457 meters) from the source. For more details, go to http://www.magenta-research.com/index.htm
TV One Sending Cat5 to 1,000 Feet The unit consists of a transmitter that takes in the Stereo Audio and VGA signal and the receiver which outputs the same Stereo Audio and VGA Signal. This makes it possible to send both signals to a remote location and maintain the Stereo Audio. A VGA loop-thru is provided and there are gain and equalization adjustments at each receiver. MSRP is $495 and is available now. For more information, go to http://www.tvone.com/articles/news05242007.shtml
Polycom to Introduce Installed Voice Products For more information, go to http://www.polycom.com/usa/en/home/index.html
How to Mount Your Crestron TPMC-8X WiFi Touchpanel For more information, go to http://www.crestron.com/
Mitsubishi Announces New 42-Inch' WXGA Commercial LCD Monitor The LDT421V is available in May for a suggested price of $3,995. For more information, go to http://www.mitsubishi-presentations.com/products/monitors/LDT421V.html
New RGB MediaWall 1500 Displays up to Six Video, Computer Signals Simultaneously The new MediaWall 1500 displays up to six video and computer signals simultaneously on two screens. Images can be displayed any size, anywhere, within or across screens, in correct aspect ratio or stretched to fit, in whole or zoomed to emphasize details. The system offers plug-and-play compatibility with a range of inputs at up to 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution, including non-interlaced and interlaced, RGB/DVI, HD 720p/1080i/1080p, radar, sonar, X-Ray, YUV component, S-Video, and composite NTSC/PAL. Background images, up to the aggregate resolution of the display wall, can be loaded from compact flash cards or via network connection. RGB says the MediaWall has no limits on display alternatives; the two-screen array forms a virtual screen in which any display of windows is possible. MediaWall 1500 also has dynamic window sizing and positioning, enhanced image zoom capability, custom borders, window titling, 24 user programmable display arrangement presets and colored and shaded backgrounds. For more information, go to http://www.rgb.com/en/News/ViewNews.asp?page=News%2FProductAnnouncements%2FMwall1500
Chyron Delivering Web-Based Content Distribution Service The web-based design means no Network Operations Center is required for creating an enterprise signage system. For more information, go to http://www.chyron.com/
X2O Media to Show Single-Panel Signage System Xpresenter XE has the same capabilities as Xpresenter 2.0 platform, such as running all scheduling and playout from a single system. The Xpresenter XE supports any type of display, and portrait and landscape orientations. Xpresenter XE also includes pre-built and customizable templates designed by X2O Media's broadcast graphic artists. For more information, go to http://www.x2omedia.com/
Listen Up: Free Hearing Screenings at InfoComm The Institute's booth will open 30 minutes before the show and a certified health technician will conduct pure-tone hearing screenings based on guidelines established by OSHA. A House Ear Institute audiologist conducts the Hearing In Noise Test (HINT) and OAE test for those who wish to take part in an Institute research study. Free information on hearing health will also be provided. For more information, go to http://www.infocomm.org Click above for more information AV Historian Recording Booth Debuts at InfoComm 07 AV industry veterans will discuss the paths that led them to pursue AV careers as systems integrators and dealers, rental and staging technicians, design consultants, presentation professionals and programmers. They will also recount their most interesting experiences, whether working on deadlines to complete an AV installation for a television studio or classroom or the set for a concert or presidential debate. Following its appearance at InfoComm 07, June 19-21 in Anaheim, California, the booth will continue to travel throughout 2007-08 to capture stories from around the world. The preliminary schedule includes stops in San Francisco, August 8, 2007; Seattle, October 25, 2007; Washington, DC, November 14; and Amsterdam, January 29-31, 2008. When the booth is not traveling, it will be located in InfoComm's Fairfax, VA offices and available for local members, visitors and students in the InfoComm Academy to record their experiences and memories. For more information, go to http://www.infocommshow.org/html/852_4420.htm Audio Visual Innovations announced industry Helene Andersen, formerly of Crimson Tech and ADTECH, is joining AVI as General Manager for a new Boston office. She is currently setting up the new office, which will serve greater New England, then will manage all external and internal operations… Christie promoted Sean James to Vice President, Managed Services, heading 150 people in the Network Operations Center in Cypress, CA as well as Factory Service Centers, Customer Service Engineers and Technical Systems Installers across North America… Christie also appointed Bob Rushby to the position of Chief Technology Officer. He's been with the company since 1999… AMX announced that Alan Stoddard joined the company as its new vice president of sales. He comes from Nortel… SMART Technologies says the company has grown to more than 1,000 employees worldwide. SMART shipped its first interactive whiteboard in 1991.
Well, that's it for this edition of rAVe! Thank you for spending time with me as we muse the industry's happenings. To continue getting my newsletter, or to sign up a friend, click the link below. To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter – instead, write to me at gkayye@kayye.com or for editorial: Denise Harrison at dharrison@kayye.com A little about me: Gary Kayye, CTS, founder of 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. Gary Kayye's rAVe was launched in February 2003. rAVe Home Edition co-sponsored by CEDIA launched in February, 2004. To read more about my background, our staff, and what we do, go to http://www.kayye.com Copyright 2007 – Kayye Consulting – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact Kayye Consulting, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Suite 425 – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – 919/969-7501. Email: dharrison@kayye.com Gary Kayye's rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |