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Welcome to another edition of rAVe! I’m just back from ISE in Amsterdam! Not only did I have the pleasure of speaking to an almost-full room, it was fantastic to see this show, which began as a boutique show only several years ago, grow to 16,000 attendees, 363 exhibitors from 28 countries and more than 40 conference and educational sessions! Clearly, this was a good idea and the ONLY place where attendees from around the world can get up to speed on products and educational sessions from ProAV AND HomeAV at the same time. We bring you some of the product news in today’s issue. Also in this issue is a product review by our own Matt Cooper, of the marketing staff at Kayye Consulting. He takes on the Sonos Multi-Zone Digital Music System and tells you why it’s not just for the home – it’s a perfectly capable commercial product as well. Be sure to check out our new cartoon series! Thanks to D-Tools for sponsoring this new section. Enjoy the issue! Gary Kayye, CTS
Thanks to our sponsor D-Tools, worldwide leader in easy-to-use, highly accurate system design software. System Integration just got easier!
rAVe http://www.ravepro.com — 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.
Review: Sonos Multi-Zone Digital Music System
Each ZonePlayer added to the system can simultaneously become both an input and an output for digital and analog music. For example, a ZonePlayer in a bedroom could be hooked up to an analog music source (even a vinyl record player), and the output can be streamed digitally to every other ZonePlayer in the house, or to just one other ZonePlayer in another room. This makes the system a kind of matrix switch. All players are connected to the others automatically though their own encrypted Sonos wireless network (SonosNet), or through your own wired Ethernet if you prefer. Every ZonePlayer added to the wireless network extends the reach of the network as a repeater. Once connected to a computer network with internet access, the system catalogs all the available digital music on the network for playback, and also can connect to several online music stores and any internet radio streaming station. Each ZonePlayer has an array of audio inputs and outputs. Two wired Ethernet jacks, digital coax and optical outputs, and RCA analog inputs and outputs. The ZonePlayer 100 is a slightly larger unit that includes an amplifier and two extra Ethernet jacks, and therefore only needs to be connected to speakers to play music.
The design of the exterior components is very simple and clean. The ZonePlayer 80s are tidy two-toned white cubes with only three buttons on the front (all volume functions). The ZonePlayer 100 is about twice as long with extra holes for cooling. All ZonePlayers are silent and passively air-cooled. The components also have enough weight to feel solid and high quality. The design of the components can be called very clean, simple and modern – although the more cynical observers of industrial deign will note the similarities to Apple Computer’s style.
It would also be nice if the system had better integration with the most popular electronic music and media online store – iTunes. Although the system can interface with music and playlists from local iTunes software on a computer, it cannot interface with the iTunes store directly. It can interface with Rhapsody® 3.0+ and downloads from AOL® Music Now, Audible.com®, eMusic®, Napster™, URGE™, Wal-Mart®, Yahoo! Music™ Unlimited, and Zune™ Marketplace. Another feature which would have be nice would be the integration of streaming video to the controller’s beautiful 3.5 inch screen – which also would be great in conjunction with the iTunes movie store. Overall, the Sonos is a great system with lots of potential. It still has a few technical hiccups which need to be ironed out, but it could be great for those looking for a simple and cheap solution for distributed and whole-house audio. rAVe Europe Reports: Gary Kayye’s Presentation at ISE: The Future of AV in Everything
Combine the chasm-jumping with I.T. and you can follow Gary’s logic to the impact of consumer technologies (iPOD, TiVO etc). A world where AV content is centrally located and pushed or pulled over a network. Home, office or away, the digital content is ubiquitously available. Gary also spent time visiting manufacturers who were interested in help to expand into the American market. On the humorous side, Gary Kayye flew in from USA to entertain an ISE crowd and ran into one problem: the AV didn’t work. There we were, in the middle of Europe’s largest AV exhibition, and the projector did not work. Someone plugged a cable into the wrong port and no one could get at the elevated projector without driving a high-rising “cherry-picker” over ISE attendees. Gary sat patiently while Plan B brought a makeshift system into place, then the presentation commenced. For all the ISE news, go to http://www.iseurope.org/2007/home.php?navi=x2
NEC Merges Display, Projection Businesses
It makes sense, since front projection and large flat-panel displays are viewed as equally viable solutions in many installs these days, so why have two different divisions working on the same business? For more information, go to http://www.nec.co.jp/press/en/0701/2603.html
DisplayPort: VESA’s Standard Sparks HDMI Controversy
"DisplayPort is not being positioned to compete with HDMI, but rather to complement it for PC and PC-based products," says a VESA newsletter…but not everybody is buying it. Joseph Lee, HDMI's "technology evangelist," was quoted as saying, "It's like saying 1394 is compatible with USB." HP's Bob Myers, chairman of VESA's board, insists, "They are aimed at different audiences … We see the two coexisting." A Dell spokesperson told a US trade paper, "The difference is that HDMI was designed purely as an HDTV interface." He says HDMI has a "pretty limited focus" and "the PC world needs a replacement for VGA.” HDMI Licensing's marketing VP Steve Venuti argues, "DisplayPort is functionally the same technology as HDMI." Venuti adds "clearly what we see in the future is more convergence between the PC and HDMI." He anticipates HDMI would implement some steps towards that end at some point this. There are no DisplayPort products on the market yet and HDMI is projecting more than 1 billion [HDMI compatible] products on the market by 2010. VESA is not licensing its format but rather making it freely available to anyone who would like to develop new generations of products that comply with the standard. For more info, go to http://www.vesa.org/
Christie Brings New Powerhouse Projectors to ISE
The two new DS+ DLP models are the DS+300 and DS+650. The DS+300, which weighs just a bit over 6 pounds, is specified at 3,300 ANSI lumens, SXGA+ resolution and 2500:1 contrast ratio. The Christie DS+650 is specified at 6,500 ANSI lumens, variable contrast ratio up to 7,500:1 and SXGA+ resolution with scaling to UXGA. These are the company’s first high resolution single-chip DLP projectors using TI’s BrilliantColor multi-primary image processing, The other two are in the family of 3-chip DLP HD projectors. They include the new Roadie HD+30K and Roadster HD18K. The HD+30K is unusually bright, specified at 30,000 ANSI lumens and 2K resolution (2048×1080). Contrast ratio is 1600-2000:1.
Pricing and ship dates were not included in the announcements.
Sharp Goes With DLP For New 5200-Lumen Installation Projector With Six Lens Options
And here’s a twist, so to speak: the XG-PH70X can be rotated 180 degrees, so you have a lot of flexibility in terms of how you use it. The projector uses what Sharp calls CV-IC II (Computer Video Integrated Composer) System for video processing to smooth jaggies. It also helps create a more perfect rectangular image with keystone corrections. This is network-enabled. The XG-PH70X (projector including standard lens) will be available in March through Sharp’s dealer channel for list price of $8,495. The XG-PH70XN (projector without lens) will be available in March for an MSLP of $7,995. The product isn’t yet up on the website, but for more on Sharp projectors, go to http://www.sharpusa.com/products/projectors/multimediaLanding/0,2109,,00.html NEC Delivers 3000 Lumens in 3.5-Pound Package, Phenomenal Pricing
Features include auto focus, auto vertical keystone correction, auto source selection, quick shut down and AutoSense technology, which syncs the projector with most computer signals and features one touch image optimization. For more information, go to http://www.necvisualsystems.com Kramer Adds CAD Drawing Library for AV Systems Design
The DXF Drawing Library gives designers product line drawings (of the front and back panel) for use in rack elevation illustrations. It also offers CAD blocks for use in signal flow and wiring diagrams. Each drawing is provided in a standardized CAD format and gives you detailed product information, including model number and description, indications of directional and bi-directional lines of communication, as well as input, output, and control connector types and wiring schemes. Kramer says that in addition to helping with the creation of CAD drawings, files in the DXF Drawing Library can be used to support sales and tech support by providing a visual representation of a product (such as the number and type of signal channels available and/or the necessary cabling requirements). Kramer is also making the DXF Drawing Library available to manufacturers of drawing programs for dealers and system integrators that might be using one of these off-the-shelf A/V CAD programs. For more information, go to the drop down list on the main downloads tab at http://www.kramerelectronics.com/downloads.asp Da-Lite Adds Large-Venue Fixed Screen up to Ninety Feet Wide
The Series 300 Lace and Grommet Frame has a black powder coated finish, or may be specified with the optional seven-inch wide Pro-Trim masking cover that conceals the screen binding and lacing cord. The Series 300 is also available as a curved model with any degree of single axis curve. The Series 300 Lace and Grommet Frame is recommended for use with any of Da-Lite’s vinyl front projection surfaces in sizes up to ninety feet wide and rear projection surfaces up to forty feet wide making it an excellent choice for auditoriums, theaters and other large venues. For more information, go to http://www.da-lite.com/products/product.php?cID=20&pID=380
Vogel’s Wall Support Holds Panels up to 103 Inches
Large screens for public use — like shopping malls, waiting rooms and airports — are becoming commercially available as technology drops the price level. As a result, there is a growing demand for wall supports (in business and in the home) that are capable of safely carrying these heavy, larger screens. PFW 185 was developed for the heaviest displays (safely fitting displays up to 103”) with a weight capacity of 300KG/660LBS KG TÜV tested (maximum weight capacity 1500KG/ 3300LBS). It uses two wall-mounting plates to ensure the fits, regardless the width of the screen. The PFW 185 comes fully assembled. For more information, go to http://www.vogels.com/ New Presentation Technology Carts From Bretford
These are designed to be as sleek as possible, to avoid the difficulty in rolling bulky carts around. All of the carts can accommodate a projector, but also offer an optional flat panel mount that supports up to a 42-inch monitor with a 200mm VESA hole pattern for any medium-sized display. The new carts include an aluminum extruded pole that extends up to 28” for flat panel viewing from further distances. The TC12 Series includes an open-shelf design, while the TC15 Series has a closed cabinet with locking doors for security and a 19” rack mount to house additional equipment. The TC35 Series has adjustable top and pull-out shelves that can be customized for a variety of uses. The TC12, TC15 and TC35 Series’ Presentation Technology Carts are currently available for order and will ship this month at list prices starting at $475. For more information, go to http://www.bretford.com TV One Introduces HD and PC to HDMI Video Scaler, HDMI Distribution Amplifiers and Switching Transitions
The 1T-AVPC-HDMI HD and PC to HDMI Video Scaler outputs resolutions up to 1080p. Analog PC inputs to WUXGA@60Hz are accepted along with analog YPbPr/YCbCr HDTV inputs to 1080p. The digital inputs accept HDMI & DVI-D signals up to 165 MHz plus digital PC RGB signals up to UXGA@60Hz. It has integrated DVI/HDCP/HDMI compliant receiver and 3-D motion adaptive de-interlacers. It also has 3:2 pull-down, 2:2 pull-down detection/recovery and 3-D noise reduction. The suggested retail price for the 1T-AVPC-HDMI is $595. The new HDMI Distribution Amplifiers are the 1T-HDMI-612, 1T-HDMI-614 and 1T-HDMI-618. Users can have two HDMI outputs with the 1T-HDMI-612, four outputs with the 1T-HDMI-614 and eight with the 1T-HDMI-618. All three are ATC Tested and Certified HDMI Compliant as well as HDCP Compliant. The distribution amps require no control or set up, says TV One, just connect to a source and multiple displays or other destinations. HDTV resolutions of 480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p are supported as well as 480i non-HDTV resolution. All products are RoHS compliant. The suggested retail prices for the units are $299 for the 1T-HDMI-612, $349 for the 1T-HDMI-614 and $599 for the 1T-HDMI-618. TV One also added special effect transitions to the C2-1000 series and C2-2000 series products. In addition to cuts, a wide variety of fades and transitions are now available. The new transitions will fade the first video source to reveal black then fade back to the newly selected video source. The default background is black, but you can choose any color. If the unit is set to Mix mode (like when keying or using PIP), the video is revealed during the fade out and fade in. The wipe transition has a choice of left to right, right to left, top to bottom, bottom to top, diagonal and diamond. The wipe size may be changed to create repeated versions of the transitions. This will give a “window blind” or diamond checkerboard effect. The first video source wipes off to reveal the background and then the newly selected source wipes on. The default background is black, but the color may be changed to any color. If the unit is set to Mix mode (like when keying or using PIP), the video is revealed during the fade out and fade in. Prices vary according to which unit you want to incorporate the effects. For more information, go to http://www.tvone.com/index.php
StarTech Extends AV Over Cat5
There are five models, which extend component, S-Video, composite or VGA and serial anywhere from 200 to 300 meters. Pricing ranges from $88.99 to $269.99. For more information, go to http://www.startech.com New CSI Product: DVI Over One Fiber System
For more information, go to http://www.commspecial.com/pr-2006-05_7500_dvi.html
MEDIALINE: Unique Modular Design LCD TV
At ISE, NBMI (those guys that bring you your free internet spaces at ISE) showed the MEDIALINE 2600MP, 26-inch in the M-series of modular LCD-TV. Based on MGI-versabus connectivity that allows modules to extend the LCD functionality, you can snap on modules for DVD, PVR, DVB-T, iPTV, WLAN and home security. Director Addy van Someren showed rAVe Europe staffers how easy it was to click on each module. The line comes in four sizes: 26, 32, 37 and 40 inch. The flexibility makes the M-series suitable for hotels, homes, holiday parks, and corporate digital signage. For more info, go to http://www.nbmi.nl/
PanelWorx Introduces 1080p Large Format LCD Touch Monitor
An optional modular integrated PC and power supply are designed for easy field replacements, and simple upgrades. This will be shown in the Electrograph booth. For more information, go to http://www.panelworx.com/
Grass Valley Shows Suite of ProAV Products
While tempting to bill it as a digital signage system, MediaEdge is actually a robust video distribution system. What’s interesting about this is that it has enough of a database to be used as a stand-alone distribution and VOD system wherever you need to install enterprise video, but it’s also designed as a VAR product for those who can value-add applications. A simple use is that at a prison, it delivers video and video on demand for prisoners who are continuing their educations. So it handles scheduling and specific distribution points. A more elaborate install is at a video store in Asia, where a store customer can swipe the bar code off a DVD box onto a kiosk then the system plays a trailer of that movie. The Edius system lets people edit video — including any mix of different formats — and ready it for broadcast pretty much on the fly and without having to wait for rendering. For more information, go to http://www.thomsongrassvalley.com/news/press/ ISE: AMX Offers Product Line Expansions
Also new is the Endeleo UDM-0102 Multi-Format Distribution Hub. This is a smaller-scale solution in the Endeleo Distributed Media product line. The UDM-0102 supports two high-resolution input ports and one UDM output port, and AMX says it’s especially suited to distributing A/V content to a classroom, conference room or other presentation room. The new Matrix Carbon XA Amplifier is a new series, and the Carbon XA2 and Carbon XA4 extend the number of speakers supported by each Matrix audio zone by as many as 12 additional speaker pairs. For more information, go to http://www.amx.com/ Playback Tracking, Export to Variety of Formats, Available in New Visix Software
It is available for immediate download from the company’s website. For a complete description of the new features, go to http://www.visix.com/products/axistv/users/upgrades.htm
HaiVision Announces TASMAN Digital H.264 MPEG-4 AVC Low Latency Video Encoder/Decoder Family
The TASMAN supports HaiVision’s TRUE H.264 video encoding, also known as MPEG-4 AVC, for point to point communications, video broadcast and streaming, and video backhaul. The TASMAN supports video bandwidths as low as 256 kbps and as high as 2 Mbps. Further, the company says TASMAN achieves below 200 milliseconds latency, for better high end bi-directional video communications as well as mission critical video streaming. The new TASMAN Digital products support composite video and analog audio in addition to the digital formats. This allows users to easily establish signal monitoring outside of the digital flows. All of the product configurations are housed in a robust 1RU chassis. These products are available immediately and start at $7,495. For more information, go to http://www.haivision.com
ILS: Lecterns Join the Digital Age
In line with the AV-IT convergence, ILS launched at ISE a series of compact intelligent lecterns varying in functionality and style but designed to fit virtually all customer needs right out of the box. These are hardware-software lecterns that automate the queuing of a series of speeches, that respond via touch screen, and that rise or lower to your preferred height and even transform into digital signage. As rAVe Europe editors said, it’s time conference centers and hotels get the point and stop dragging out cheap veneer lecterns that can barely fit a PC… the ones that wobble and shake when you lean on them… and the ones that are draped in wires, spider dens of electrical cords. For more info, go to http://www.intelligentlecterns.com/
QSC’s Compact Staging Speaker Outputs 500 Watts
This uses a plywood enclosure system but stays pretty light-weight. It is operable between 53 Hz and 20 kHz and has a 12-inch low frequency driver with three-inch voice coil and neodymium magnet structure. The two-way enclosure features a compression driver with a 1.4-inch diaphragm coupled to a 75-degree conical horn at the high end. It has handles for easier portability, and the cabinet's nine threaded M10 inserts allow a number of suspension options. Now shipping, estimated street price is $799. For more information, go to http://www.qscaudio.com/
A Triumph for ISE as Attendance Figures Break Through the 16,000 Barrier By Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) Attendance figure of 16,269 363 exhibitors from 28 countries Over 40 conference and educational sessions
A key aspect of the show was the positive response from the visitors and exhibitors alike. Many of the exhibitors were firm in the opinion that they would definitely be returning for the next edition of ISE. Plans are well underway to organize the 2008 edition which, as Mike Blackman, Managing Director ISE explains, will again be held at the Amsterdam RAI from 29-31 January. "ISE 2007 has been an outstanding success and the huge rise in visitor numbers has prompted an overwhelming response from exhibitors to rebook their booths for next year. Because of this, we have already secured an extra hall at the RAI, ensuring that ISE 2008 is set to be even bigger than this year's event. Almost without exception, everyone has commented favorably on the RAI as a venue which, due to its close proximity to Schiphol airport and major transport routes, is easy to access." Enthusiastic feedback from across the show floor Exhibitors were delighted with the quality and number of visitors who came to the show. Silvia Stuhm from HoloPro called ISE a great show. "At ISE, we came to source new dealers and already after just one day, we have made some very good contacts which has more than justified our attendance at the show. We will be returning in 2008." Steve Durkee from CHIEF was also very pleased with the 2007 event. "ISE 2007 show has really grown substantially; it seems to grow every year by at least one exhibition hall and has become a true international event. We have been extremely busy and the whole team is excited about the level of business generated." Visitors were equally delighted with the size and scale of the show. It was a first time for James MacDonald from MAC Audio, he was "visibly impressed by the scale of the event. Being able to see such a huge range of Digital Signage displays all under one roof made this show more than worthwhile to attend."Blackman expressed his thanks to the continuing support given to the show by the exhibitors, sponsors and the three associations and looks forward with anticipation to the next edition: "Improving on this years show to deliver ISE 2008 is going to be a real challenge. However, we are riding high on the success of this show. We thrive on such a challenge and with the dedicated support of CEDIA®, InfoComm International®, NSCA® and our exhibitors, we will build on this show to deliver to the industry an outstanding event in 2008." Complete 2007 audited attendance and demographic show statistics will be available in March. Integrated Systems Europe is a joint venture of CEDIA®, InfoComm International® and NSCA® ISE is jointly sponsored by the three leading electronic systems industry associations: the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association ® (CEDIA®), InfoComm International® and the National Systems Contractors Association® (NSCA®). All are international organizations serving a combined membership of more than 9,000 companies and individuals in over 70 countries. For more information and to register, visit http://www.iseurope.org Seven Organizations Dedicate Resources and Support for Universal Industry Gateway CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (February 6, 2007) — On the heals of announcing affiliate agreements with CompTIA and Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, the Electronic Systems Professional Alliance (ESPA) has gained two more affiliates in the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) and HDMI Licensing, LLC. ESPA Managing Director Deb Rolfes said the brand new organization is gaining momentum and that a buzz about ESPA is making its way around the industry.
SBCA, the national trade organization representing all segments of the satellite industry, and HDMI, the de facto industry standard for digitally connecting high definition CE components, join ESPA’s founding partners the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) and the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA), bringing the cooperative effort to seven major organizations to date. All seven organizations will participate in the development of the industry’s first universal education and certification program. The vision is for ESPA to serve as the foundation of a career-ready workforce for the electronic systems contracting industry. As HDMI Licensing recently reported over 500 HDMI adopters by the start of 2007, ESPA is pleased to significantly increase the number of potential beneficiaries from its efforts. ESPA Affiliates will help standardize the terms, definitions and best practices of the electronic systems industry, and ensure broad-based inclusion of critical concepts for entry-level technicians in both commercial and residential disciplines. Affiliates will also be included in ESPA promotional activities as recognized leaders who are uniting the industry and providing long-term, credible solutions for education and certification. “SBCA is committed to expanding the use of satellite technology and we believe that training the next generation of electronic systems technicians on satellite basics is a critical step for expansion,” said Patricia Sumler Executive Director of the SBCA. “As an ESPA Affiliate, SBCA will have the opportunity to influence newcomers to the industry and ensure that they can distinguish the myth from the fact regarding satellite broadcasting.” “HDMI is the de facto standard for connecting high-definition consumer electronics devices, and we want to broadly communicate HDMI’s one-cable simplicity and the superior digital audio and video capabilities of the HDMI 1.3 specification,” said Leslie Chard, president of HDMI Licensing, LLC. “By contributing to the industry’s first universal training and certification program, we ensure that there is an entire work force in the marketplace that knows the essentials of the HDMI standard and can distinguish fact from fiction.” ESPA anticipates rolling out its education/certification programs in the fourth quarter of 2007. For the latest news on ESPA developments visit www.espa.org. Organizations and businesses interested in becoming ESPA Affiliates should contact ESPA Managing Director Deb Rolfes at 319-861-8622 or deb.rolfes@espa.org. About SBCA The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) of America is the national trade organization representing all segments of the satellite industry. It is committed to expanding the utilization of satellite technology for the broadcast delivery of video, audio, data, music, voice, interactive and broadband services. SBCA is composed of DBS, C-band, broadband, satellite radio and other satellite services providers, content providers, equipment manufacturers, distributors, retailers, encryption vendors, national and regional distribution companies that make up the satellite services industry. Funding for the Association comes primarily from membership dues and proceeds from SBCA events. About HDMI HDMI is the first and only consumer electronics industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. By delivering crystal-clear, all-digital audio and video via a single cable, HDMI dramatically simplifies cabling and helps provide consumers with the highest-quality home theater experience. HDMI provides an interface between any audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, or A/V receiver and an audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV), over a single cable. About HDMI Licensing, LLC HDMI Licensing, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Silicon Image, Inc., is the agent responsible for licensing the HDMI specification, promoting the HDMI standard and providing education on the benefits of HDMI to retailers and consumers. The HDMI specification was developed by Hitachi, Matsushita (Panasonic), Philips, Silicon Image, Sony, Thomson and Toshiba as the digital interface standard for the consumer electronics market. The HDMI specification combines uncompressed high-definition video and multi-channel audio in a single digital interface to provide crystal-clear digital quality over a single cable. For more information about HDMI, please visit www.hdmi.org. The Commitments Bring the Sounds of Dublin to EXPO 2007 NSCA Announces that “The Saviours of Soul” will Play at NSCA ExpoJam
"We are pleased to announce that the Commitments will present their special blend of R&B and soul at NSCA ExpoJam 2007," said Chuck Wilson, NSCA Executive Director. "Every year, the Contractor Caper and ExpoJam proves to be a stellar event that brings members of our industry together for great music as well as a terrific networking opportunity." Paul Freudenberg, Vice President of Sales and marketing for NSCA ExpoJam 2007 sponsor L-Acoustics, was enthusiastic about the choice of bands for the event. "The Commitments are dedicated to the heart and soul of R&B just as L-Acoustics is dedicated to the craft of making fine-sounding loudspeakers," Freudenberg said. "Technically speaking, The Commitments' refined acoustical sound will really show off the capabilities of the sound system at ExpoJam, which is a big part of what this event is all about. ExpoJam gives L-Acoustics as a company the opportunity to show that we're more than just spec sheets and inventory, we're practitioners. We foster learning and the transfer of our technical know-how to other practitioners, and this is really in the spirit of that." Plan to attend NSCA ExpoJam 2007 and relive all the soul classics from The Commitments movie live in concert, featuring original stars Kenneth McCluskey (Derek “The Meatman” Scully) and Dick Massey (Billy “The Animal” Mooney), plus musicians from their multimillion-selling albums. The event is free for Expo attendees and will take place from 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., immediately following the Opening Night Contractor Caper also scheduled to be held in the Rosen Centre from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on March 14. For more information on NSCA Expo 2007, visit http://www.nsca.org/Expo/ About The Commitments Following the success of Alan Parker’s 1991 movie of Roddy Doyle’s acclaimed novel, The Commitments have toured the world as a real, working band. Their live concerts feature all the great soul classics from the film and multi-million selling soundtrack and live albums: "Mustang Sally", "Try A Little Tenderness", "Destination Anywhere", "Take Me To The River", "In The Midnight Hour" and many more. Visit www.thecommitments.net to find out more. About NSCA NSCA is the leading not-for-profit association representing the commercial electronic systems industry. With a slate of more than 2,500 member companies worldwide, the National Systems Contractors Association is a powerful advocate of all who work within the low-voltage industry, including systems contractors/integrators, product manufacturers, consultants, sales representatives, architects, specifying engineers and other allied professionals. For more information about NSCA Expo, visit www.nscaexpo.org. To learn more about NSCA, visit www.nsca.org or call 1.800.446.NSCA. NSCA Partners With BDMetics at EXPO 2007 “My NSCA Expo” personalizes trade show experience
My NSCA Expo will be released in time to support this year’s NSCA Expo 2007, the premier annual trade event for the commercial electronic systems industry. After attendees register, based upon information they provide they will receive an email with a personalized report detailing people they should meet, companies they should visit and conference sessions they should attend. My NSCA Expo utilizes BDMetrics’ You-Based™ relationship technology which continually matches the interests of an attendee to the event content. “My NSCA Expo will deliver focused, relevant information to all of our attendees based on their business needs and preferences,” explains Patty Voss, NSCA VP of Expositions. “Along with My NSCA Expo, we are also proud to introduce SmartBooth for exhibitors this year. SmartBooth is a suite of web-based prospecting tools that increases the value for our exhibitors. SmartBooth uses ‘push’ technology to let exhibitors know which registrants are actively searching for the products they are offering, and enables them to directly reach these prospects before, during, and after the event. SmartBooth is the exhibitor’s tool for tapping into My NSCA Expo, the active online buying community of NSCA Expo 2007 registrants.” BDMetrics Senior Vice President Paul Navarro remarked, “NSCA is a consistent innovator, seeking ways to further enhance the value received from attending NSCA Expo 2007. The creation of My NSCA Expo and SmartBooth makes the show one of the most valuable and efficient four days of the year.” For more information on NSCA Expo 2007, visit http://www.nsca.org/Expo/ About NSCA NSCA is the leading not-for-profit association representing the commercial electronic systems industry. With a slate of more than 2,500 member companies worldwide, the National Systems Contractors Association is a powerful advocate of all who work within the low-voltage industry, including systems contractors and integrators, product manufacturers, consultants, sales representatives, architects, specifying engineers and other allied professionals. To learn more about NSCA, visit www.nsca.org or call 1-800-446-NSCA. About BDMetrics BDMetrics (www.bdmetrics.com) develops You-Based™ relationship analytics technology that dynamically personalizes the event experience around the unique needs and interests of each active or prospective trade show attendee and exhibitor. Adopted by industry leaders, powerful You-Based technology drives attendance, increases exhibit sales, produces highly-qualified “in person” leads, and reveals critical market intelligence to improve event performance. BDMetrics is a privately-held company based in Baltimore, MD.
 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.
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