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By Greg Bronson, CTS-D
rAVe Columnist One of the more important skills in our line of work is the ability to recognize nuances in the human experience as it intersects with technology. Further, one kicks that skill level up a notch by making correct correlations of that experience to technical determinations that ultimately resolve a particular need. The inverse is also true — evaluate a range of technical solutions and help folks adopt them for a better experience. Nowadays this skill has less to do with finding options to consider and more to do with sorting through the vast variety of data that should be considered.
While the "data" (digital information, if you will) part is a significant emerging part of AV, the concept of the various forms it takes is not. It's the modern day version of content in a library of videotapes, with metadata for each tape on index cards and a way to manage those cards in the form of a master file drawer sorted by title. AV technology managers helped users in that era by selecting the appropriate VTR equipment, directing them to content sources and working through logistics of using it all in the classroom. But that was then, and this is the now.
Encoded AV: Remember through the encoding process of sight and sound, the resulting data is a representation of the original analog forms. Unless, of course, the native content sources are truly digital, like PowerPoint slides. Either way, these data sets tend to be large and thus are fodder for technical compression schemes. Add to that the vast array of methods (and not natively compatible) of doing that encoding and the result is an alphabet soup of file types. So there’s plenty here to get a handle on in advising the optimum end user case.
AV Metadata: This AV data is the important glue that takes the sometimes very large AV content data sets and provides uniform cataloging for quick access. Going considerably further than the index card per video of old, it’s becoming more common place to have the metadata down to the chapter, if not frame, level. Also, keep in mind the metadata fields will vary with the format of the content (e.g., is it a simple video or rich media with synchronized slides and video?). As all things video move online, the options here will grow exponentially.
Management Data: Perhaps the data we techies most characteristically associate with the term ‘data,’ these fall into a range as broad as the field of AV itself. Whether it's a remote management tool for a specific category of product (say a brand of CODEC) or an equipment inventory/maintenance log, there is a long list of such tools to of which to avail oneself. In fact, there’s been an emergence of specialized online portals that bundle these through a central management page. And it's a good thing they are, as it's not just the data that is getting centralized, but job tasks as well.
Through the process of applied human interface of audiovisual technology, the practitioner regularly handles various forms of AV data. Some of this data is related to the encoded end user's content, whether it’s prepared in advance or live. And, a different kind of AV data is used to categorize metadata for that content, through input by the user and/or technology manager. Lastly, data is generated through various AV management tools to optimize the growing number of backend systems. Here’s the take away for the AV Club: AV data is not AV data, which is also not AV data!
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 Leave a Comment
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A Comparison of Loop, FM and IR Technologies For Assistive Listening
By Russell Gentner
President, Listen Technologies There are many options for assistive listening technologies. This blog post provides a comparison between the three technologies used in assistive listening.
There’s been a lot of discussion about loop technology for use in assistive listening. The recent New York Times article “A Hearing Aid That Cuts Out All The Clatter” points to the many benefits of using induction loops in theaters, places of worship and other venues. Thus, the purpose of this blog is to provide a comparison between the three technologies used in assistive listening.
RF (Radio) Technology – This uses the same technology used by a radio station or a two-way radio to wirelessly deliver audio to your ears using an RF receiver and earphones. The system uses a small transmitter with an antenna to cover an entire theater or stadium.
IR (Infrared) Technology – This uses infrared light (yes, the same IR technology as in your TV remote control) to transmit audio to your ears using an IR receiver and earphones. These systems uses IR radiators (it’s like a headlight on a car) to flood IR light into the facility. Most facilities require about four radiators to be installed throughout the venue.
Induction (Loop) Technology – Loop technology uses a magnetic field to wirelessly transmit audio to your ears using either a hearing aid with a built in “T” switch or a loop receiver with earphones. These systems use a wire or loop that is typically installed in the floor of the entire venue. This is the reason that loop systems cost so much more than RF or IR system, especially in retrofit installations.
If you’re like 10 percent of the population and you struggle to hear, assistive listening systems like these can dramatically improve your ability to enjoy the content delivered by the venue. All three of these technologies offer this advantage whether you have a hearing aid or not.
The “Magic” Of Loop Systems
Now, if you do have a hearing aid and it has a “T” switch, a loop system makes it very simple to use. You simply walk into the venue, set your “T” switch and presto you hear audio right in your ears. You don’t need a receiver or earphones. It’s magic! In fact, no one even knows you are hearing the venue audio. This is why loop systems have such a wide appeal for people who have “T” switch hearing aids.
In North America, many people who have hearing aids don’t have a “T” switch where in Europe most hearing aid users do have a “T” switch. My hearing aid does NOT have a “T” switch, and thus, no matter what type of technology a facility might have, I have to get a receiver and earphones to hear the audio. Maybe my next hearing aid will have a “T” switch.
Thus, the “magic” of a loop system can only be enjoyed by those individuals who have a hearing aid with a “T” switch. Everyone else must use a receiver and earphones. The fact is that the majority of people who are hearing impaired do not even own a hearing aid.
Advantages of RF And IR Systems
RF and IR technology assistive listening systems offer two main advantages:
- Low cost
- Ability to deliver multiple audio sources
The cost of a typical RF system is less than $5,000 and the cost of an IR system is less than $10,000 for an average venue. Loop systems are much more. The lower cost of RF and IR is because of building does not need to be modified to be installed. In loop system systems, the loop must be installed over the entire floor of the venue and it must be carefully designed and installed to ensure complete coverage and no interference to equipment within the facility.
Additionally RF and IR systems can also be used for multiple audio sources. For example, at the Kennedy Center they use their IR system not only for assistive listening but they also use it for audio description and audio instruction.
While the New York Times article “A Hearing Aid That Cuts Out All The Clatter” referenced this facility, the Kennedy Center does not use loop technology* because of their requirement to transmit multiple audio sources.
If a person does have “T” switch hearing aid, they can still use an RF or IR system to connect directly to their hearing aid. This is done by plugging a neck loop into an IR or RF receiver (it’s worn around the neck). The neck loop inductively connects to the hearing aid.
It is great to hear the enthusiasm and the interest in loop system for assistive listening. Loop systems offer a great convenience and “magic” factor people with “T” switch hearing aids. And no matter what technology a venue chooses, anyone can use and benefit from the system.
When you consider 10 percent of the population is hearing impaired (just like me…) it’s important that we have the ability to enjoy a play or enjoy the music.
This chart offers a side by side comparison of some of the considerations for each type of technology: Consideration | RF Technology | Infrared Technology | Induction Loop Technology | Can be used with a hearing aid that has a "T" switch without ANY other equipment | No | No | Yes | Can be used with a hearing aid that has a "T" switch but requires a neck loop plugged in to an FM or IR receiver | Yes | Yes | Not Applicable | Relative convenience level for individuals with a hearing aid that has a "T" switch | Medium | Medium | Very High | Relative convenience level for individuals with a hearing aid that DON'T have a "T" switch | Medium | Medium | Medium | Relative cost of installation for a new building | Low | Medium | High | Can be used for applications beyond assistive listening such as audio description, language interpretation, etc. | Yes | Yes | No | Maximum number of simultaneous channels | 6 | 32 | 1 | Secure. Signal does not travel outside the room | No | Yes | Yes (if designed properly) | Relative audio quality | High | High | Low | May interfere with equipment within the facility (such as a mixing console) | No | No | Yes |
* The NY Times article was reference a one-time event that had a temporary loop system installed.
This was reprinted with permission from Listen Technologies and originally appeared here. Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Black Box Updates Wireless Meeting Room Content Receiver Black Box yesterday launched an 802.11n-based system for sharing PC video (VGA) wirelessly in meeting rooms, dubbed the Wireless Video Presentation System III (AC1132A). Like the previous version, this third iteration enables a room full of PC or Mac laptop users to project video and audio wirelessly via an ad-hoc style network connected directly to the projector's VGA port. But with this version, up to 254 Wi-Fi users can log in to the system and take turns projecting video wirelessly.
In addition, the Wireless VPS III supports 4-to-1 split-screen projection, so four users can project video at the same time or enable a single user to show his/her screen on four separate screens simultaneously, even if the screens are in different rooms (of course, four AC1132A units are required — one for each room).
You can see more details on how this system works here: http://www.blackbox.com/Store/Results.aspx/Digital-Signage-Multimedia/Presentation-Tools/n-4294967199/p-0 Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Altinex Intros New HDMI to Cat6 Transmitters Altinex has launched a new Cat6 transmitter/receiver that's designed to route 1080p HDMI signals in ProAV installs. The TP115-352 converts the HDMI video and audio signals into a digital format for transmission over the Cat6 cable and sends it to the TP115-352 receiver to convert the digital signal back into the standard HDMI (1.4a, HDMI 1.3, 3D, 2Kx4K, DVI 1.1, plus HDCP 2.0). The TP115-352 is specified to handle PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) two-channel audio, 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound, with support for signals encoded using DTS-HD, Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus.
In addition to HDMI transmission, the TP115-352 pair allow for IR signals to pass from the receiver back to the transmitter in order to control the HDMI source.
Full specs are here: http://www.altinex.com/index.php?q=TP115-352 Leave a Comment
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Extron Now Shipping Newly-Designed 7-inch Configurable TouchLink Touchpanels Extron's newly designed 7-inch configurable touchpanels, the TLP 710MV, TLP 710TV, and TLP 710CV are now shipping. Each TLP 710 Series touchpanel has an 800×480 resolution touch screen, incorporates PoE (Power over Ethernet) and has a built-in MTP (Twisted Pair receiver), which accepts either S-video or composite video signals over standard CAT 5 cable. They mount on a wall, lectern or other flat surface, while The TLP 710TV is designed to sit on a tabletop or install on a VESA mount. The TLP 710CV is the industry's first flip-up 7-inch touchpanel and can be mounted into a tabletop, lectern or other flat surface.
Extron's GUI Configurator software makes touchpanel configuration easy, without the need for additional graphics programs, and ready-to-use templates for single display rooms, dual display rooms, divisible rooms, multi-image systems and videoconferencing suites. These designs may be used as is or customized for the application by changing individual graphic elements.
The TLP 710 Series works in conjunction with any Extron IP Link control processor, such as the Extron IPCP 505 Control Processor. You can see all the specs here: http://www.extron.com/product/listbytype.aspx?subtype=296&s=3 Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Epson Debuts iProjection iOS Mobile App Yesterday Epson debuted a new iOS (iPhone, iTouch and iPad) App called iProjection that allows for wirelessly displaying documents and photos to any wireless Epson projector. iProjection is cloud-ready, supporting cloud files services such as Dropbox and various email applications.
iProjection is aimed at the classroom environment, allowing teachers the flexibility to move about the classroom while simultaneously sharing content from Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Apple Keynote, Adobe PDF documents, and JPEG and PNG image files, as well as cloud services such as Dropbox and Google Docs.
iProjection is currently available for free download in the App Store here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/epson-iprojection/id488048021?mt=8 Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Chief Adds New Interactive Mounts Chief has expanded its line of interactive projector mounts (e.g., whiteboarding, touch screen, etc.) to include flat panel and ceiling-mounted projector solutions. Chief originally launched its Interactive Short Throw Projector Mount in April 2011.
Integrated with eBeam technology from Luidia and with a receiver built into the mount, any standard flat panel or projector can be turned into an interactive solution. Each mount includes a lightweight, ergonomic stylus featuring exceptional, real-time rendering capabilities. Three interactive accessories are available for use with most Chief flat panel mounts and one additional accessory is included with any ceiling-mounted projector installation.
All the details are here. Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top 3D Projection Technology in the Classroom The BETT show was the perfect occasion for makers to show new 3D DLP models combining cost effective, lamp-free illumination with 3D teaching.
Texas Instruments DLP announced at BETT Show 2012 the availability of all new, lamp-free projection solutions from BenQ and Optoma, each powered by DLP technology. With lamp-free illumination versus traditional bulbs, the BenQ LW61ST (WXGA)/LX60ST (XGA) and Optoma ZW210ST (WXGA)/ZX210ST (XGA) projectors can each offer approximately 2000 lumens to light up today's classrooms, while increasing the lifespan of the projectors and reducing long-term maintenance costs.
These new models join exciting solid state illumination projector models from Casio, incorporating other in-demand features, such as 3D-readiness, connectivity and interactivity to best fit current as well as future teaching demands.
In addition to being lamp-free, the new BenQ and Optoma are also part of the group of DLP projectors that are 3D-ready. Known for its use in today's movie theaters, video games and elsewhere, now 3D has been demonstrated to have a positive impact on students' potential at school.
Recently Professor Anne Bamford, director of the International Research Agency, released findings from the LiFE research project, which aimed to measure the value and impact of 3D experiences on student learning and achievement and determine the most effective types of 3D experiences.
The study was undertaken between Oct. 2010 and May 2011 across seven European countries and revealed that students' comprehension, information retention and overall behavior all improved with the addition of 3D projection in the teaching/learning environment.
Measured by comparing the pre- and post-test results of 2D and 3D sample groups, the study found that:
• On average 86 percent of students improved from the pre-test to the post-test in the 3D classes, compared to 52 percent who improved in the 2D classes.
• Individuals improved test scores by an average of 17 percent in the 3D classes, compared to an 8 percent improvement in the 2D classes between pre-test and post-test.
• 92 percent of students on average were attentive during 3D lessons, while only 46 percent were actively paying attention during non-3D lessons.
Whatever criticism 3D faces from cinema and residential markets, this research gives 3D a passing grade in education markets. Leave a Comment
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Dukane Debuts iPad Cart with Built-in Charging With a white cabinet design and a gray powdered coated top, the new iPad Cart (MCC1) from Dukane is a 38”h x 22”d x 20”w cart with 5” locking casters. The cart has two shelves with wire separators and a charging cable management system. Two 16-outlet, switched power strips are available for up to 15 iPads per shelf, all of it wired to a single power cord. The cabinet includes a 20 CFM cooling fan and an access point mount. Dukane says there's plenty of room for extra tablets or even a projector. Although the back is secured in place with security bolts, it completely removes for added device installation and service. A 6-foot power cord that's UL Rated at 15 amps connects the cart to the external power outlet. This sturdy cart is ADA rated, weighs 78 pounds and does not require assembly.
Get the specs here. Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Extron and Middle Atlantic Partner to Invent New Rack Mount Standard Middle Atlantic Products, in conjunction with Extron Electronics, is initiating and supporting the establishment of a new standard for half-width rack systems for AV integration. Working in cooperation with the Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA), Extron and Middle Atlantic are seeking to establish and maintain a specific ECIA standard for what has typically been offered as a custom rack offering until now. To further strengthen the quality and application of the standard, the two companies are inviting manufacturers of compact-format devices to join a communication and working group for this effort. Both manufacturers have recently developed product families — the Extron Half Rack Shelf System and Middle Atlantic’s new HR Series Half Racks — which both fit within and incorporate the proposed 10 5/8” overall width defined in the proposed new standard. Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Chief Adds More Short Throw Mounts Chief has added more options to its Short Throw Projector Mount Series with the all-new WP2 Series. These mounts use a precision adjustment via micro leveling and lateral shift capabilities, and variable extension allows the mount to slide along the arm for infinite projector placement. Adding to the level of flexibility, the WP2 Series can be mounted to a variety of surfaces — concrete, block wall, brick, dual wood or dual steel studs. Its integrated inlay-style cable management conceals and protects cables for a clean finish. You can also customize an install by replacing the removable logo card on the end cap of the mount with personalized information. The WP2 Series is compatible with Chief’s RPA, Elite, RPA Mini and Elite Mini Series projector mounts, and also supports wall-mounted long throw projectors. Three length options are available. The 24" (61 cm) model is now shipping; the 40" (102 cm) and 56" (142 cm) versions will be available at the end of the month. You can see all the specs here Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top WolfVision Debuts iPhone App WolfVision has launched a control App for iPhones for its Visualizer series of image cameras. Dubbed the WVRemot2, it is now available from the iTunes App Store and is free. When connected to a WLAN router, WolfVision Visualizers can be remote controlled directly from an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Live Image Preview, pinch gesture zooming and easy image source switching using swipe gestures are just a few highlights of the new App, which features a completely redesigned and easy-to-use graphical user interface. Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Vaddio Debuts AutoTrak 2.0 Camera Tracking System The new Vaddio AutoTrak 2.0 with SmoothTrak and AutoTilt technology is an HD classroom camera tracking system where the instructor wears an IR lanyard belt pack that emits infrared light received by an IR PTZ camera. Video is then sent from the IR PTZ camera to the Tracking Camera. In addition to moving from side-to-side (SmoothTrak), the new AutoTilt motion follows the instructor as they move closer or farther away from the camera, allowing her to be centrally framed no matter where she is standing. The new AutoTrakPOD allows the presenter to quickly switch between three tracking camera presets. An additional “Rescan” button on the AutoTrakPOD instantly activates IR lanyard reacquisition.
An upgrade kit is available for existing AutoTrak installs. The kit includes two software upgrades, one for the AutoTrak CPU and one for the HD-18 cameras. Hardware upgrades include the new EasyTALK professional-grade Wireless Audio Interface, an AutoTrak 2.0 belt pack with rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a new lanyard with an integrated unidirectional microphone. Also included is telephone technical support with an AutoTrak 2.0-qualified Vaddio Tech Support staff member. List price for an upgrade kit is $2,500.
More specs can be found here: http://www.vaddio.com/press/autotrak_2.0 Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Extron Debuts Eight-Port Fiber Optic Audio Extractor Extron this month launched the new FOX AEX 108, an eight-port fiber optic audio extractor for independent processing and routing of audio signals in a fiber optic AV distribution system. Each port accepts signals from a FOX Series transmitter to extract a two-channel analog audio signal for processing, and then re-transmits the original signal to a FOX Series receiver. To simplify integration with mixers, DSP devices and audio amplifiers, the FOX AEX 108 provides both balanced and unbalanced stereo. Buffered loop-throughs feature output reclocking and full transmitter power levels to ensure signal integrity. Available in multi-mode and single-mode models, the FOX AEX 108 is ideal for use in FOX Matrix system applications that require extraction of audio signals for local processing and independent distribution.
The FOX AEX 108 is part of the larger, expansive FOX Series of fiber optic products from Extron. It is compatible with FOX Series matrix switchers, switchers, distribution amplifiers, plus HDMI, DVI, VGA, VGA/YUV and AV transmitters and receivers. Housed in a compact 1U, half-rack width metal enclosure, the FOX AEX 108 is designed to provide convenient access for audio signal processing and routing from an equipment room.
All the detailed specs are here: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=foxaex108 Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top WolfVision Adds Dry-Erase Surface to Visualizers At ISE last week, WolfVision demonstrated a new dry-erase working surface for its range of Visualizers. When fixed to the working surface of any Visualizer, a presenter can write onto, and erase directly from the Visualizer working surface using special whiteboard markers and erasers. This enables the Visualizer to be used as a whiteboard or ”digital flip chart” during a presentation. The new working surface is easily cleaned using a dry-erase wiper and is suitable for both current and older Visualizer models.
Want more information? Go here: http://www.wolfvision.com/visualizer/index.php/en Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Barix Announces Wi-Fi Voice Paging App for iOS Devices Barix AG brings voice paging to the iPhone and iPad via the Barix Wi-Fi Paging App — the first open-standards IP and multicast voice announcer application for mobile iOS devices.
The Barix Wi-Fi Paging App, now available in the iTunes App Store, enables zoned voice paging from iOS devices on commercial, public and residential properties. Barix’s open-standards approach turns nearly any VoIP or IP audio receiving device into a simple IP paging/announcement system. Besides the full range of Barix IP Audio devices, many IP phones are supported, as well as third-party IP Paging gateways and speakers. A one-time configuration process ensures that users can quickly set up a paging solution for immediate and ongoing use without hassle.
Ease of use is central to the Barix Paging App. Upon download, users add existing paging receivers such as IP phones, IP speakers or VoIP paging gateways in the setup part of the application. Multicast addresses can be used to set up zones with multiple receiving devices. Configurations are stored within the App or an optional location device, ensuring a one-time setup process per site. For existing Barix customers, the configuration process can automatically discover Barix IP Audio devices.
Users can assign photos to each device or zone to create clear visuals for the paging targets. Once setup is complete, users can make announcements to one, many or all configured targets by simply touching the appropriate zone icons and initiating audio with the “push-to-talk” soft-button.
More information can be found at http://www.wifi-paging.com Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top WolfVision Debuts Gen2 of Prototype 3D Visualizer WolfVision has developed a new version of its 3D Ceiling Visualizer prototype. WolfVision sees potential for professional Visualizer applications in 3D, in a diverse range of applications such as science and education, product design and engineering, medicine and telemedicine and videoconferencing/telepresence.
The prototype 3D Visualizer is equipped with two high precision premium quality lenses, which generate high quality images that in turn are converted to 3D format in realtime using the on-board stereoscopic mixer.
12x optical zoom capability ensures that items of all sizes can be picked up quickly and easily, and the synchronized lightfield that is projected onto the working surface means that it’s also easy to find correct positioning for display materials.
3D images are output via HDMI 1.4a in the following formats: - 1080p60 side by side/line alternative/page flip
- 1080p24
- 1080p30 frame packing/top-bottom
Go here for more info: http://www.wolfvision.com/visualizer/index.php/en Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Epson Launches Even More BrightLink Projectors Epson's new short throw and ultra-short throw interactive BrightLink projectors include six models, which are all interactive projector plus pen combinations for projecting onto any existing whiteboard, wall or other smooth, light-colored, hard surface. The projectors offer dual pen interactivity and built-in annotation that allow teachers and students to instantly interact directly with a projected image from a PC, including tablets, Blu-ray players, VCRs and document cameras. The six BrightLink projectors have both VGA and HDMI inputs and include the following models: - BrightLink 425Wi, a 2,500 lumen WXGA (1280×768) resolution projector for $1,299
- BrightLink 430i is a 3,000 lumen VGA (1024×768) resolution projector for $1,299
- BrightLink 435Wi is a 3,000 lumen WXGA (1280×768) resolution projector for $1,399
- BrightLink 475Wi is a 2,600 lumen WXGA (1280×768) resolution projector for $1,599
- BrightLink 480i is a 3,000 lumen XGA (1024×768) resolution projector for $1,599
- BrightLink 485Wi is a 3,100 lumen WXGA (1280×768) resolution projector for $1,699
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top BenQ Intros Two New Interactive Projectors Today BenQ launched two new ultra short-throw projectors in the form of the MW860USTi and MP780 ST+, which offer throw ratios of 0.37 and 0.49, respectively. Designed for education applications, they both integrate BenQ's second-generation PointDraw interactive projection technology with dual pen support, including the new Pen 2.0, which features a faster response time to support remote interactivity up to 25 feet away from the board or projected surface. Dual pen control is supported by the newly designed QDraw 2.0 interactive software, enabling collaboration through simultaneous teacher-student interaction. Both projectors are single-chip DLP WXGA resolution (1280×768) and have a 20-watt speaker integrated with a mic input, IP control and capability for wireless projection. The MW860USTi and MP780 ST+ are already shipping and list for $2,499 and $2,099 respectively. Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top AMX Launches Emergency Services System for K-12 AMX has launched a new emergency services system for K-12 called the AMX ResQ system for its Unified Campus Solution. AMX says the ResQ delivers a new approach to school safety by giving teachers a small, classroom-audio pendant with a built-in panic-button to address the sudden conditions of a classroom threat or other emergency. The solution also addresses another significant classroom problem — that of students’ ability to hear the teacher’s voice from any location in the room. With a teacher-worn pendant that integrates a quick-response transmitter and microphone, plus a small, ceiling-mounted infrared sensor, AMX ResQ is a solution that keeps kids safe and sound. In addition to the teardrop microphone pendant, AMX ResQ includes a receiver/amplifier unit and monitoring station as well as a network adapter that allows it to not only alert campus administration, but also local authorities as well. Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top BenQ Launches Next-Generation ED Projectors with Mercury-Free Blue Core Light Engine BenQ last week introduced two new short-throw projectors aimed at the education market featuring a mercury-free blue core light engine — the LX60ST and LW61ST. Blue core light gives off whites like a laser light source rather than a bluish-hue like a traditional mercury lamp. Effeciency-wise, the projectors use up to 90 percent less light source power consumption. BenQ also claims their blue core light engine uses a so-called SmartEco Advanced technology that optimizes the units' light source systems to deliver 20,000 hours of lamp use (similar to the life of an LED) and 2,000 ANSI lumens brightness. They are both single-chip DLP projectors.
Spec'd at an 80,000:1 contrast ratio (hmm…), the LX60ST projector is XGA (1024×768), while the LW61ST projector is WXGA (1280×800). Both have a 0.6/0.49 short-throw projection lens, use less than a half-watt of power in stand-by mode and 250 watts of power when on, and offer VGA and HDMI inputs.
Full details are here: http://www.benq.us/product/projector/lx60st/specifications Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top 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 atgary@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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