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Volume 5, Issue 4 — April 12, 2012
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Foolproof AV
By Greg Bronson
rAVe Columnist What a month March was for big announcements, with jaw dropping trade show revelations and pioneering new product announcements. But that news pales in comparison to what you are about to read here as an AV Club exclusive. In fact, we've hastened to bring this scoop to you, only just learning of it earlier this month ourselves. And, as if the new protocol/standard you're about to read about is not amazing enough, we're passing along to our AV Club members an offer for an unlocked full free trial. All it will cost you is a modest time commitment to get up to speed and a willingness to rethink how AV systems are fundamentally built and used (like I said this is really big)!
OK — here it is. The AV Display Jockey (AVDJ) is a new open source, cloud-based, AV presentation application. Big deal? You bet: think in terms of how Adobe PDF impacted printing and uniform file exchange. In this case, what makes AVDJ so pivotal is how the real end user's ease of use (i.e., foolproof) will have them clamoring over each other to "connect" to the best looking and sounding AV systems you put in. Finally, with this protocol, one can display and manipulate their content completely wirelessly, and — without any need to change technical settings on their device regardless of where they are!
By supporting both cloud-based user content, as well as content on the local device, the end user can now either use legacy presentation files/packages or simply tap the AVDJ icon at any point they want to share his screen. When he does, a popup lists four (default setting) of the geographically closest displays (listed in green text when they are not already displaying another AVDJ user's content) as well as one available recording server (default is their own designated cloud service). They simply select the one(s) they want to display to and hit "send." When they do, the display powers on and displays a "Now Connecting to [end users' device name] Presentation" message. At the same time, a popup of third-party AV and room control panel launches (Dashboard for Controls compliant, of course) so they can make any desired basic adjustments. Basic help is available via the AVDJ website link as well as links to local technical assistance (if available).
From the end user standpoint, getting started is as easy as downloading the App on their laptop and/or mobile device and answering some basic questions. Licensing is simple. A consumer license, with basic function, including ability to broadcast up to four flat panels, 48" and under, is free. A pro (one time fee) license is just $2.99 and 100 percent of proceeds go to the AV DisplayJockey Consortium (which maintains and distributes the active software versions and acts as liaison to all commercial products supported). The pro version allows content to display to any projectors and flat panels larger than 49" and adds various "mix" (this is where the DJ part really kicks in) features, which are akin to what we now know as routing switcher features (audio breakaway, multiple assignable windows on each display, etc). Lastly there is an organizational annual subscription which is prorated at $0.50 per employee (a 1,000-employee company or institution pays $500). This includes a "support" pack that uses the organization's authentication application and various equipment discovery modules to populate the venue/device database. There are cool AVDJ logo stickers supplied that can be applied to displays/venues. Other features include admin ability to "lock out" certain displays based on the user authentication level and some collaboration tools like whiteboard, markup/annotation, etc.
In all cases, a somewhat hidden cost is that which is associated with putting displays on the network (but you're already doing that now anyway, right?). And as the techies amongst us may be wondering, several manufacturers are ready to ship AVDJ "inside" equipped displays by InfoComm. Lastly, it is rumored that several others are preparing for fourth quarter release of stand-alone AVDJ compatible media players for retrofitting any display that has an HDMI input. And, no, there will not be any (legitimate, anyway) that adapt old analog video input only devices.
Which brings us to noting that HDCP is fully supported, with a very interesting enhancement. If the combination of displays and/or recording devices (aka “sinks") cannot be validated based on the most liberal allowance of "keys" available/required, the screen(s) don't go black, distort or force a lower resolution. Rather, they will display a message that reads something to the effect: "This content has been prevented from displaying to err on the side of caution that it might be pirated for unauthorized use. If you believe this is a legitimate use please feel free to call 1-800-555-1212 to request a temporary passcode authorization." If/when the user does, a third party vendor remotes into the connection and identifies the content (including an almost instant license clearinghouse lookup) as well as all display/venue metadata. After which, an override (enable display) is given if use is deemed OK, or the operator will relay on a cost for a temporary presentation permit.
And it works… that is, if it was a real protocol. For those that have not yet suspected, AV Display Jockey is, (after all, I wrote this on April 1st) a belated April Fools' joke. However, the need, expectation and desire of the real end user for such a system is no joke at all. And I'd be laughing at those in the AV Club that "went for it" if I wasn't so bummed that, to my knowledge, all the high level technology exists today to make this happen at the kind of scale I talked about.
So are there fools, here, after all?
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
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Epson Debuts New Projector Aimed at Education Market Epson introduced this week the EPSON PowerLite X15, a $599 replacement for the PowerLite 92. This projector is specified at 3,000-lumen brightness with a 1024×768 (XGA) resolution, using 3LCD technology. In addition to VGA and HDMI connectivity, the X15 includes RS232 control, plus IP control and IR control. It offers built-in closed-captioning, both 1.2x optical and digital zoom, 30-degree keystone offset adjustments, instant ON/OFF and uses a 5000-hour lamp.
This projector is aimed at the K-12 market. Details are here: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/Product.do?sku=V11H518020&BV_UseBVCookie=yes
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Share Article Back to Top AmpliVox Introduces Expanded Line of Illuminating Acrylic Lecterns AmpliVox has expanded its acrylic lectern offerings to include 14 different styles for corporate events, religious settings, hotels, meeting rooms and board rooms. These lecterns are cut from thick acrylic sheets for durability. They're available in a variety of styles and wood and metal accents including: - "H", "V" and "X" designed styles available in clear acrylic in a variety of wood panel finishes
- Smoke Acrylic
- Two- and four-aluminum column acrylic floor lecterns
- Table top
The lecterns have a reading surface of 27x16x1.5" (WxDxH) with a 42" back and 47" front. They ship assembled and can have custom-etched logos.
To see all the specs, click here [PDF]: https://www.ravepubs.com/utility/documents/amplivox-spec-acrylic.pdf |
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Share Article Back to Top Premier Announces Line of Plenum Rater Ceiling Storage Boxes Premier Mounts announced a line of false ceiling equipment storage boxes, the GB-AVSTOR series, which are plenum-rated and permitted to be installed within environmental air spaces with UL 2043 certified safety recognition.
Equipment installed in air-handling spaces, or plenums, must meet installation code requirements for smoke and flammability performance. The UL 2043 certification is a fire test for heat and visible smoke release for discrete products and their accessories installed in air-handling spaces. Equipment installed in plenums must meet specific requirements, making it beneficial for manufacturers to test for UL 2043 compliance. UL has more than 100 years of fire testing and certification expertise, making them the leading resource on fire safety and testing to meet requirements.
The GB-AVSTOR series of false ceiling storage equipment boxes provides discreet storage for A/V and IT components. The GB-AVSTOR3 and GB-AVSTOR5 replace a standard 2×2 ft. ceiling tile, while the GB-AVSTOR4 replace a half of standard 2×4 ft. ceiling tile. For more information, click here: http://www.mounts.com/gearbox
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projectiondesign Ships Entry-Level F21 projectiondesign just started shipping its entry-level F21 install projector this week. The F21 is a single-chip DLP that's native 1080p, includes lens shift and zoom with a 1.60 – 2.21 throw ratio, uses a 220-watt UHP lamp and has inputs for DVI, VGA and HDMI signals. The network-controllable F21 weighs about 8 pounds and claims 3,000 ANSI lumens in brightness and a 2500:1 contrast ratio. It's aimed a small classrooms and meeting rooms.
Complete specs are here: http://www.projectiondesign.com/products/f21-series
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Share Article Back to Top SMART Launches Freestorm Yesterday, SMART Technologies launched a new product called Freestorm, which is basically a pre-configured system package that includes the new SMART Board 8055i interactive flat panel (a new large-format interactive display offering presence detection), SMART Meeting Pro 3.0 software with new SMART Ink and Bridgit 4.5 conferencing software. Each Freestorm system is designed to work with a variety of third-party remote collaboration tools (other manufacturers' interactive projectors and displays). It also includes training resources, services and support to ensure organizations get the most from their SMART products. SMART says this product being targeted specifically at the corporate market, but we think it still has applications in the education market as well.
To learn more about Freestorm, go here: http://www.smarttech.com/freestorm
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Share Article Back to Top BenQ Ships Two New Short Throw Laser Projectors BenQ announced it's now shipping the next-generation LX60ST and LW61ST, which are the first short-throw education projectors to feature the company's cutting-edge blue core light engine.
The LX60ST (VGA resolution – 1024×768) and LW61ST (WXGA resolution – 1280×768) projectors claim an average of 20,000 hours of usage before the light source decreases and an 80,000:1 contrast ratio. They feature instant on/off, have VGA and HDMI inputs, and also includes a so-called "SmartEco Advanced" mode that automatically determines the optimal brightness level based on the input source, while a "no source detected" mode automatically lowers brightness to 10 percent when no display has been detected for more than three minutes. With "eco blank" mode, teachers can blank out the LX60ST and LW61ST's screens when not in use to redirect students' focus, while also lowering light source power consumption to only 10 percent.
Complete specs are here: http://www.benq.us/product/projector/lx60st
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Premier Debuts Security NOC Mounts for Smaller Monitors Premier Mounts recently launched a series of security center mounts that are designed to set up small NOCs (Network Operation Centers) on a desktop. The multi-monitor mounts come with a variety of mounting bases, arms and mounting heads and fit any multi-monitor project design. Up to nine displays can be mounted on to a single pole, allowing for multiple arrangements depending on installation requirements and number of displays.
Premier says the multi-monitor mounts have more than 50 pre-configured combinations.
You can see them all here: http://www.mounts.com/flat-panel-mounts/multi-monitor
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Share Article Back to Top NEC Adds New Touch Screen to V Series NEC Display today introduced a touch-integrated 65-inch display, the V651-TOUCH, to its commercial-grade V Series of large-screen displays. This one is integrated with four-camera, optical-imaging technology that allows for up to six simultaneous touches. The V651-TOUCH is a 1920×1080 native LCD using a commercial/public display-grade panel that protects against permanent image retention. It includes a built-in expansion slot for NEC accessories, third party components and Open Pluggable Specification (OPS-based) products and also integrates low-profile 10-watt speakers with digital loop-through.
Spec'd at 400 cd/m2 and a 500:1 contrast ratio, the V651-TOUCH uses double-sided AR glass that eliminates the mirroring effect you usually see with touch-screens. It also offers DisplayPort, HDMI and DVI ports, includes RS232, network and DDC-CI control and lists for $8,699.
Here are all the details: http://www.necdisplay.com/p/v651-touch
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Share Article Back to Top Dukane Debuts New Visualizer Dukane's latest document camera, the DVP508, features a 720p video camera and 1600×1200 image capture on a moveable extendable arm positioned over a large, backlit stage. Sidelights on arms provide additional illumination. Objects or documents can be shown via a projector or recorded when using the internal memory or the USB port and a computer.
Features of the DVP 508 include: - 1600×1200 camera
- SXGA/XGA computer output
- Auto focus and 720p video recording
- 240 picture memory
- Optical 16x and digital 6x zoom
- HDMI output
- Dual LED lamps and back light
- Wireless remote control
- Built-in microphone
- Switched, two VGA and two audio input ports
- Time lapse image capture
It's not on the company's website yet, but when it is, it'll be here: http://www.dukane.com/av/products/VisualizersCameras.asp
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Share Article Back to Top Middle Atlantic Debuts Nearly Silent Component Fan Middle Atlantic just launched two new quiet options for effective thermal management of heat-producing equipment and the smaller spaces they occupy. Built to remove heat from credenzas, lecterns and entertainment centers, the new 50 CFM Cabinet Cooler is, according to Middle Atlantic, the first blower-style option available to the market that provides a free air rating as high as 50 CFM.
Designed to pull hot air up out of a component and direct it where desired, the new 50 CFM Component Cooler removes heat from system components on open shelving or in racks. It is now available in a stand-alone version to directly cool a single component, as well as a platform model that is ideal for cooling multiple stacked components.
Both the Cabinet Cooler and Component Cooler maintain quiet operation, emitting a maximum of 29 decibels, while providing high static pressure to overcome airflow restrictions.
Go here for all the specs: http://www.middleatlantic.com/rackac/cooling/qcool.htm |
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Share Article Back to Top Wohler Extends DVM Line of MPEG Video Monitors Wohler Technologies has just expanded the company's DVM line with three new MPEG video monitors: the new DVM-5210, a five-RU system with two 10-inch screens; the DVM-4290, a four-RU unit with two 9-inch screens; and the DVM-3270, a three-RU system with two 7-inch screens. All of the DVM MPEG monitors provide advanced test and measurement features for convenient at-a-glance monitoring of program content from 3G/HD/SD-SDI inputs and MPEG-2/4 ASI streams.
Wohler says the DVM series offers broadcast-quality, decoding and displaying MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 signals via BNC input while giving users the ability to browse the PAT, PMT and PID tables for each selected stream. In addition to MPEG ASI and dual-input 3G/HD/SD-SDI with loop-thru, the DVM monitors also accommodate DVI, component and composite video with audio level meters, GPI and tally. Each monitor is capable of displaying in-picture audio level metering, video waveform and vectorscope with classic CRT-style image calibration controls.
All the specs are here: http://www.wohler.com/default.aspx
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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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To read more about my background, our staff, and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top Copyright 2012 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – (919) 969-7501. Email: sara@ravepubs.com
rAVe Ed [Education] contains the opinions of the authors only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors.
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