Welcome to another edition of rAVe! We’re just back from NSCA. This tradeshow has done well to keep its focus: the proportion of integrator tools and products was very high, as evidenced from our news coverage. Most attendees and exhibitors said the best thing about NSCA was that they got to spend more time with each other, doing deals and learning about products thoroughly. Many deals were done. Today we bring you most of the news we think is relevant to your business, and we’ll cover more in the next issue. Did you see that Cisco bought WebEx? rAVe Europe’s Bob Snyder gives us his take on the deal. Finally, thanks to the many of you who joined me at my classes during NSCA. I hope to see you in my classes at InfoComm, too! 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 — 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. Feature Article Conferencing Consolidation: Cisco Buys WebEx By Bob Snyder That confirms that the biggest buzz in conferencing is exactly what Gartner’s Peter Sondergaard, in his speech at the CeBIT Summit, called “the consumerization of I.T.” And here we are, only days after that speech, and I.T.’s biggest, most-feared maker of infrastructure shows you the “wallet-share” of Cisco strategy: the nuts-and-bolts of networking wants to redefine itself as a player in the consumer realm. And what Cisco wants, Cisco buys: earlier this year, Cisco agreed to acquire closely held Five Across in social-networking Web sites and previously Scientific Atlanta and Europe’s own KiSS Technology. Cisco says WebEx fits with their vision of offering service on top of its network. Cisco executives call the addition of the WebEx service “a key product for small and medium-size businesses.” But here’s what Charles Giancarlo, chief development officer for Cisco, told the press, "…it's a natural extension for Cisco's Unified Communication products to give users inside and outside the workplace a way to work and collaborate." The key phrase to ponder is “inside and outside the workplace.” Exactly Sondergaard’s point: today what happens inside the workplace cannot be firewalled from what happens outside. Those days are over: “Don’t even try to fight it,” recommends Sondergaard. What Cisco knows is that WebEX’s services to SMBs spill over now (and will simply POUR OVER in the future) into the lives of all those SMB owners and employees. For $3.3 million, Cisco is buying a two-for-one: SMB impact and another ramp to the consumer highway. Microsoft LiveMeeting, watch out! Apple watch out. The buzz is that the Cisco juggernaut is on the roll, rolling over any and all obstacles to its goal of becoming a consumer brand.
Texas Pacific Group Acquires Control of JVC Brand According to Reuters, “Although JVC enjoys brisk demand for hard disk drive-equipped camcorders, its rear-projection television sales have been hit by sharp falls in plasma TV prices. “It is also struggling to compete with industry titans such as Sony Corp. and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. in the liquid crystal display TV market. “JVC expects to post an operating loss of 1 billion yen for the year ending March 31 on sales of 764 billion yen.” For more info, go to http://www.reuters.com/article/fundsFundsNews/idUST9111820070316
New 17,000-Lumen DLP Cinema Projector From Christie 50 Percent Smaller The smaller chassis measures 42" x 25" x 16". Christie says this projector is not only smaller, it’s also more affordable. Pricing wasn’t announced but it is available upon request. By the way, it was just announced that Technicolor Digital Cinema business has selected the Christie CP2000-X digital cinema projector for deployment in the Technicolor North American beta test of end-to-end digital cinema services and equipment For more information, go to http://www.christiedigital.com/AMEN/Products/CP2000ZX.htm
User-Changeable Color Wheels, Changeable Bayonet Lenses Make for Unusually Versatile NEC Install Projector Also, it has motorized lens shift of up to 10% horizontally and 50% vertically for placement anywhere from 2.6 feet to 283 feet from the screen. Focus and zoom are also motorized. The NP4000 has a dual lamp configuration so one or both can be used at a time and, of course, the two lamps add to reliability. It comes with RJ45 and LAN connections. Other specs are XGA 1024 x 768 resolution and 2000:1 contrast ratio. MSRP is $5,999. For more information, go to http://www.necvisualsystems.com
Panasonic Introduces Three New Fixed-Installation LCD Projectors With Closed Captioning The PT-F100U and PT-F100NTU are specified at 3200 lumens; the PT-FW100NTU at 3000 lumens. All three models have the company’s Daylight View 3 functionality, that adjusts color, brightness and contrast according to the ambient light. The PT-FW100NTU uses a wide 1280 x 800 LCD panel and also a a side by side function that lets users project two large frames of 4:3 content at the same time from any two distinct sources, (except two computers). The projectors also come with closed caption for the hearing-impaired, or for use when you want to deliver program content without audio. The Panasonic PT-F100U and PT-F100NTU projectors will be available at the end of April, and the PT-FW100NTU is expected to ship in June. MSRP is expected to be $5,999 for PT-FW100NTU, $5,599 for PT- F100NTU, and $5,299 for PT-F100U. These projectors and the other Panasonic installation projectors are at http://catalog2.panasonic.com
Two New SXGA+ Projectors From projectiondesign The F30 sx+ adds TI’s BrilliantColor technology and uses the company’s RealColor calibration system, which is configured for the specific application before it leaves the projectiondesign factory. The company says they can also deliver this F30 projector with built-in passive 3D stereo imaging hardware. It also has a range of six user-replaceable bayonet mount lenses. The pricing for the F30 sx+ is $18,995. For more on this, go to http://www.projectiondesign.com/Default.asp?CatID=1532 Pricing on the F20 sx+ is $7,495. For more information, go to http://www.projectiondesign.com/Default.asp?CatID=1522
Sharp Introduces 3500-Lumen 3LCD Projector at NSCA In addition to the included standard zoom lens, the new projector offers four optional lenses (short throw, telephoto zoom 1.29x, telephoto zoom 1.52x and telephoto zoom 1.41x), all of which use the company’s rapid release lens mechanism, making lens changes quicker, easier. The new projector has a built-in carrying handle, “Notevision Lockdown” bolt for theft prevention when installed as well as key code activation and a ceiling mount cable lock system. It also has LAN, RJ-45 and RS232C. It’s not yet on the website, but check back at http://www.sharpusa.com/products/TypeLanding/0,1056,29,00.html
NEC Shows Mini-Projector, Pen Networking at CeBIT At only 8.5 cm wide, 15 cm long and 3.5 cm thin (that’s roughly 3.3” x 6” x 1.3”), this gadget fits inside any shirt pocket or handbag and weighs only 210 grams (less than half a pound). The NP1 mini-projector runs on rechargeable batteries (2 to 3 hours) or the power unit. Very bright LEDs illuminate three transparent LCDs in the primary colors of red, green and blue. These low energy-consuming LEDs emit less heat than other projector lamps, lasting up to 10,000 hours. The NP1 can easily handle any projection surface up to A3, and comes with integrated USB and mini-USB ports. Another interesting product: a Pen-style Personal Networking Gadget Package. NEC visualizes the connection between the latest technology and the human, as the form of a pen. P-ISM is a gadget package including five functions: a pen-style CPU, a cellular phone with a handwriting data input function, virtual keyboard, a very small projector, and camera scanner. P-ISMs are connected with one another through short-range wireless technology. The whole set is also connected to the Internet through the cellular phone function. For more info, go to http://www.nec-cebit.com/en/exhibits/display-solutions
Wireless Clocks Serve as Repeaters, Transmitters, for Accurate Times Both the analog (SAL series) and the digital (SBL series) act as both transmitters and repeaters to keep all the clocks on the system accurate. The battery clocks transmit and receive the signal once every four hours; the digital clocks transmit once a minute. The wireless system uses Sapling’s transceiver as a master clock, and it uses a TCP/IP internet connection to an atomic clock web site, and can interface with Sapling’s other systems. For more information, go to http://www.sapling-inc.com/Wireless%20Communication.html
Middle Atlantic Brings Temperature Control Solutions to NSCA The COMP-COOL Component Cooler removes heat right at the source, says the company. This is optimized for components on open shelving, and this quiet cooler turns on automatically when satellite/cable boxes, receivers and other heat-generating components get too hot. You place the component cooler directly on top of equipment vents. The COMP-COOL-3 is best suited for systems that require multiple components to be cooled. It is low-profile and fits beneath most equipment. Rubber discs are included to raise the height of stacked equipment if necessary. CAB-COOL Cabinet Cooler is for cooling components housed in smaller cabinets and entertainment centers. A nice feature is that it operates only when it detects dust. You can also paint it to match its environment. How it works: the internal fan activates automatically when temperatures generated by hot-running equipment reach damaging levels. For more information, go to http://www.middleatlantic.com/rackac/cooling/qcool.htm#cabcool This cooling solution also runs only when needed. It mounts to closet doors and is available with an active exhaust and passive intake for closets with gaps, or an active exhaust and active intake for tightly-sealed closets. For more information, go to http://www.middleatlantic.com/rackac/cooling/qcool.htm#clscool
StarTech Exhibits Analog Audio, Video Transfer to HDMI Cable This is a hardware-only solution. MSRP is $374.99. For more information, go to http://www.startech.com/Product/ItemDetail.aspx?productid=VID2HDMITV&c=US
Sansonic Shows Pro Audio Products at NSCA One focus of their marketing efforts is the company’s HNB Modular Mixer/Power Amplifier. The HNB digital amplifier series is a modular, pre-packaged and stand-alone system using familiar plug-in modules. It is compatible to all 4 and 8 ohm speakers and installs into common wall or ceiling using standard NEMA/UL electrical hardware. It is designed with a Decora-style faceplate, and it can be used in any multimedia environment, for use with projectors, DVD players, iPods, MP3 players and VHS players. The company mentions stadium skyboxes, museums, concession stands, locker rooms, tradeshow exhibits, retail showrooms, kiosks, and corporate lobbies as current install sites. Sansonic also has its AudioSuperVision AS24, a two-channel continuous monitoring device for critical PA systems BGM or noise masking systems. This works with anyone’s amp. The mission critical aspect is handled by providing an automatic "hot swap" of backup amplifiers. It also detects a system failure and immediately alarms key personnel to the problem via audible and/or visible alarm devices. It will also alarm in the case of speaker wiring failures such as opens, shorts and disconnects. For more information, go to http://www.systemdevices.com/
New HD Digital Video Processor from Crestron Crestron says the DVPHD-PRO has the same graphics capabilities as found in Crestron touchpanels, such as 24-bit color, dynamic graphics, dynamic text, full-motion animation and translucent objects. Dynamic text displays customized labels to automatically identify cameras, locations or sources. There is also a full set of dynamic transitions and effects such as fades, pans, reveals, slides and scales. This can be used as a stand-alone without an external control system for configuration or operation. Operation and system set-up can be done from the front panel LCD or from a web page. But it can also, using the built-in touchpanel interface, transform any third-party touch screen into a full-featured Crestron Isys touchpanel. For more information, go to http://www.crestron.com/press_room/press_releases/show_release.asp?press_release_id=1263
New Presentation Switching Products From TV One The C2-7110 Dual Channel Multi-format Presentation Switcher uses the CORIO EXP Front Panel, which gives the user 48-button functionality, multi-way navigation control and integrated LCD. It’s all located directly on the front of the unit for easier on-site control. The CORIO2 based C2-7110 has nine inputs, two independent video processing and scaling engines and two video mixers, handling Composite, YC (S-Video), YUV Component, YPbPr HD Component, DVI, and RGB. The C2-7110 will be available in May for $7,900. The C2-7110 operates in three different modes: Switcher Mode, Independent Mode and Dual PIP Mode. The Switcher Mode has program and preview channels that allow any function (Next Image, PIP, Keying, Logo, etc.) to be set up and previewed independent of the program output. Independent Mode provides the power of two completely independent scalers in one box, each with PIP, Keying, Transitions, etc. Dual PIP Mode allows any video input to be placed into either of two windows of any size and positioned anywhere on the screen, even overlapping. For more information, go to http://www.tvone.com/articles/news03142007_2.shtml The new range of Input Expansion Switchers are designed to work in conjunction with any C2-1000, C2-2000 and C2-7000 series Video Scaler/Seamless Switcher to provide additional inputs of a wide variety of signal types from standard video to PC, DVI and HD-SDI. The new series will be called S2 and consist of eight new units. Four of those the S2-105PC, S2-105PCA, S2-106AD and S2-105DVIA were shown at NSCA. An S2 model can be connected to a C2 Scaler's rear panel via an interconnect cable and become integrated into the control system of the C2 Scaler, supplying up to ten additional inputs of Stereo Audio (balanced or unbalanced), Composite Video, S-Video, DVI, RGB / YPbPr / YUV and HD-SDI. For more details, go to http://www.tvone.com/articles/news03142007.shtml
ITS Enclosures Provides Flat-Panel Safety Inside and Out The double-sided model actually comes WITH a pair of 42-inch LCD panels. It’s obviously designed for everywhere you want people to be able to view both sides of a display. It can be ceiling or custom mounted and has thermal management. The indoor includes thermostatically controlled filter fans and can hold a variety of sizes. It can be ceiling, wall, post, or custom mounted. The outdoor enclosure also accommodates a variety of sizes and can be ceiling, wall, post or custom mounted. Thermal management is available as an option. Finally, the Coverstation lets you customize the display with whatever colors you wish. Permanent brand placement is also an interesting option. It has a locking mount. For more information, go to http://www.itsenclosures.com/products.asp?producttypeid=49 New 57-Inch Professional LCD From Planar The m57L has Serial Digital Input (SDI) that is capable of accepting standard definition and high-definition SDI resolutions. The 1080p native resolution enables the multiple window display to create an active image area approximately equal to seventeen 14-inch CRT monitors, says Planar, a common configuration in broadcast control rooms (one of the target applications). The m57L is also preconfigured with presets for common color temperatures. It uses improved sharpness scaling and 10 bit gamma processing, can automatically synch with a variety of input signals and has a built-in real-time clock for scheduling events, such as power off, source switching, etc. Built-in tiling (Planar’s Big Picture), mullion compensation and digital loop through are provided for applications requiring multiple, tiled displays. The m57L is now shipping at an MSRP of $17,000 for the data version and $17,500 for the video-enabled model. For more information, go to http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=111133&p=irol-newsArticle&t=Regular&id=975050&
HD 50-Inch Pro Plasma From Pioneer Pioneer is targeting film studios, post and authoring houses as early adopters of this panel. The company says 15 years of development went into some of these newer technologies. The Deep Waffle Rib Structure “makes each cell deeper to increase overall phosphor area for a brighter image.” By casing each cell with horizontal ribs, light leakage is lessened from neighboring cells for sharper, more accurate images. A new T-shaped electrode prevents misfiring of individual cells despite the fact that each individual cell is half the size as previous generations, so Pioneer says the PDP-5000EX can maintain sharp, bright accurate images when reproducing at a native 1080p resolution. There is a Crystal Layer sandwiched between the plasma glass and the individual light cells, which the company says conducts energy more efficiently, so each cell is charged and discharged at a faster rate, improving contrast and brightness while using less energy, and giving you a smoother transition from color to black for deeper blacks and better detail in dark scenes. Other technologies include High Quality Up-Conversion to 1080p for minimizes interlacing motion artifacts, PURE Drive 2 HD Signal Processing for low noise, high contrast and natural color, and a Direct Color Filter reduces ambient light reflection. The PDP-5000EX will ship in the spring and pricing is TBA. For more details, go to http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/press/release/detail/0,,2076_310069589_425590066,00.html
Sharp Brings New 46-Inch Digital Signage LCD to NSCA, Shows Portrait 65-Inch The PN-465U monitor has a two-megapixel 1920 x 1080 HD resolution with more than six million pixels. Other specs include a 1700:1 contrast ratio and a 6ms response time. The 65-inch that Sharp exhibited wasn’t new, but it looked really great and you could just see it in a number of retail/signage settings. It’s just a hugely tall display, very eye-catching. For more on these, go to http://www.sharpusa.com/products/TypeLanding/0,1056,159,00.html
New Christie ACT Control and Automation System for Theaters The ACT system is managed via a web interface on any web browser on a networked computer (so handheld computers and laptops can also do the job). It has pre-defined scripts for supporting known devices, and eight user programmable buttons on the front panel. The Christie ACT uses an open architecture that can integrate fully with any end user application. It can be configured to control sequencing of all devices that it is connected to, as well as listen for server cues and perform user-specified actions. The input and output attachments include RS-232, RS-422, USB, and Ethernet connections on the front and back, and there is also an expansion port for future device support. For more information, go to http://www.christiedigital.com
Aviom Boasts Plug and Play for New “Pair Picker” Input Module for Audio Distribution Each AV-P2 receives a 16-channel A-Net stream originating at a Pro16 input module, console interface card, or Pro64 audio network (via the ASI A-Net Systems Interface module). The analog output level for each channel is set with front-panel DIP switches. AV-P2s can be connected in any combination of serial or parallel connections, using Pro16 A-Net Distributors. And there is no limit to the number of devices that can be daisy chained, or to the number of parallel splits in a single system. For more details, go to http://www.aviom.com/News/News-Stories-258/Aviom-Unveils-AV-M8-Input-Module-at-NSCA-2007.cfm
New Podcast Capabilities From Sonic Foundry Mediasite Podcast automatically converts any Mediasite presentation to MP3 audio, and then generates an email notification for potential listeners using an RSS feed link. Listeners use the RSS link to subscribe to the Mediasite podcast from iTunes or whatever other podcast software. They then automatically receive new podcasts in their playlist, and can play them back on their computers or download to their iPods or MP3 players. With Mediasite's new automated scheduling, users create a master schedule of recurring presentations, defining when to automatically start and stop presentation capture on Mediasite Recorders. Also, if the time that a presentation ends is variable, the presenter can hit a “stop” button when it’s over, to stop recording. For more information, go to http://www.sonicfoundry.com/newsroom/press_releases_item.aspx?id=790&year=current
Invite From InfoComm: Participate in the North American AV Market Survey! InfoComm International is conducting a study to define and size the North American AV market. Participants will have a chance to win products from Chief Manufacturing, QSC Audio and Shure. The study will support the AV industry's and your organization's awareness of the market in terms of size, growth, changing dynamics, opportunities, and threats. Please take the time to fill out the online survey by clicking on this link: http://infocomm.qualtrics.com/SE?SID=SV_5i2t0OTC6dhv8hu&SVID=Prod or copy and paste it into your browser. If you have any questions about this or other InfoComm market studies, email marketresearch@infocomm.org It’s Dallas for NSCA ‘08 The smaller space would hamper the association’s plans for specialized sections of the show, such as this year’s Connected Buildings Conference. The conference will also be a bit earlier in the year: February 19-23, 2008. NSCA plans to return to Las Vegas in 2009, and the show will return to its Orlando-Las Vegas rotation. For more information, go to http://www.nsca.org/
ISE Russia Announced The two shows will be held alongside one another at the Grostiny Dvor site in Moscow from November 7-10, with a day of training and seminars followed by three exhibition days. The combined exhibition is expected to attract over 300 exhibitors, with the Integrated Systems Events contingent adding displays, videoconferencing, streamed video, and control systems to the Hi-Tech House exhibitor list, which mainly includes home and commercial automation companies. ISE has decided to expand into Russia because of demand from exhibitors at its worldwide events and because of the market’s growth potential, executive director Mike Blackman told the launch press conference in Moscow’s President Hotel. For more information, go to http://www.isrussia.org
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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