Volume 5, Issue 8 — August 29, 2014
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brAVe New World Aeiforia Technos
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How To Be a Heavy Metal Rock Star: eWaste and You
By Midori Connolly AVGirl Productions
Got your attention, didn’t I? Well, Mr. Hiding-pictures-of-the-high school-mullet and Ms. Fingerless-lace-gloves-still-in-the-bottom-of-the-drawer, I’m not talking about your penchant for swinging your hair in tempo to Metallica. Rather, this month is a little education on the severity of e-waste (including heavy metals) and how we must address this issue as an industry.
Let’s chat first about the current situation, which always serves as a little awakening to why it matters that we do something about our electronics and how to manage the heavy metals, which we are generating on a huge scale.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2012 report on Municipal Solid Waste, we disposed of over five billion pounds of Consumer Electronics per year (taking into account the 1 billion being recycled). But what might be most concerning is that this is only CE equipment — not professional AV equipment! EPA numbers include only a few components we work with, such as CD and DVD players. There is zero mention of projectors, video switchers, audio amplifiers, microphones and the like. These materials are totally unaccounted for or considered in any way. Since a bulk of the 29 percent of CE being recycled are printers/monitors/computers, figuring out how to deal with audiovisual equipment is probably the biggest issue in preventing hazardous waste.
Look, I’ll be totally honest here. This month’s column came up because with a new house came the inheritance of an obsolete control system. It dawned on me that I, the so-called Green AV Goddess, had no idea how to recycle the system components. And this control system manages millions of homes and businesses across the country. I knew the local Goodwill would take our audio rack and DVD player, but how was I going to manage this situation? While they supply plenty of information on “green” and how their products help, there was no mention on the site anywhere about a take-back or recycling program. Talk about a wake up call for me!
So what do we do? Here are a few ideas for manufacturers, dealers and consultants to start: If you are looking for more of a DIY approach to developing an in-house recycling and waste management solution, you might start with the U.S. EPA’s WasteWise program. They offer a wealth of information, planning guides and access to their own experts to help you implement the program.
You could also follow the lead of AVI-SPL, which has committed to the recycling of audiovisual products. The company has a very clear statement on its website about the process it follows and what it offers. Turning to a partner like AVI-SPL’s, MPC, may be a strategic path to implementing a program. Or, follow the lead of manfucturer QSC Audio and establish a very clear Green Policy and take-back program. (You can also listen to an awesome podcast I did with their green team leader.)
Finally, you might also find a donation outlet for some products such as projectors and other useful products. One such organization is the National Cristina Foundation.
One tool that could ultimately come in handy is the AV-iQ database of products and services. Unfortunately, as of now there really are only two manufacturers I could find that offered information in the filters for take-back programs. Plus it would be great if there were searchable fields that corresponded to Green AV applications.
So, for now, I’ll see if I can offload some of these electronics to the local recycler or Goodwill. I’ll continue to hope for the day where I just look at the back of the product and read off a phone number for the recycling instructions. Ahhhh, I guess an AVGirl can always dream. Leave a Comment
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Sustainability and the ICT Industry
By Raymond Kent Managing Principal, Sustainable Technologies Group
Many of my previous articles, especially the last one on manufacturing and green labels, revolve around the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry. What I have noticed is the number of comments revolving around just what the ICT industry is comprised of and how that specifically relates to the common use of the word sustainability.
First, some definitions: The ICT industry is comprised of mainly those industries that foster the transfer of information. Commonly it is synonymous with the IT industry but relates more to what has been dubbed Unified Communications including IT, telecommunications, audiovisual, and allied solutions that help a user to access, store, transmit, and manipulate information. Sustainability’s real meaning is meeting the needs of current generations without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It just has become synonymous with environmentally friendly, eco-friendly, or green.
As previously written about in this column, the impact of the ICT industry on the built environment has been steadily on the rise. This is both a blessing and a curse. On the positive side technology application can foster greater efficiencies within an environment through intercommunication of building wide systems. It can provide a mountain of data points that can either be evaluated or acted upon (or not) by either a human operator or through machine to machine communication. These systems can include HVAC, lighting, audiovisual, power demand, security and the like. As new challenges and ideas are generated we have the potential to increase the use of ICT solutions to manage and solve problems. Take projection systems for instance. By having control of and feedback from these systems many users now can better manage those assets, reduce operating costs, deploy systems as needed, and manage power demand increasing productivity of the users and providing a seamless technology based solution for communication of ideas.
This aspect of using ICT solutions to manage, maintain, and drive the work environment has moved into the C-suites and boardrooms globally. The key driver is the rapid increase in operating costs associated with an ever growing population of devices such as cell phones, lap tops, tablets, interactive displays, and teleconferencing systems to name a few. Outward, corporations see the positive benefits of the social responsibility aspects of a good corporate sustainability plan including ICT. Just to tick off some statistics that are prevalent in corporate thinking of sustainability strategies:
- The total contribution in 2012 (most recent available figures) to GHG emissions of the ICT industry is 2-3 percent and growing exponentially
- By 2020 the expected GHG contribution is 4-6 percent with even greater increases in economies such as China, India, Indonesia, Brazil, and other emerging markets
- The current Internet power demand is 30 gigawatts which is equivalent of 30 nuclear plants.
- By 2020 the estimated number of Internet connected devices is expected to exceed 50 billion.
- Data centers globally account for 280 terawatt hours and are in general 90 percent inefficient with their power use. Google, Apple, and others are looking at strategies to change this.
- Excluding ICT related emissions 97 percent of total global emissions could be reduced by up to 18 percent using ICT solutions we currently have available today.
The challenge in ICT sustainability lies in ensuring the ICT systems are designed, managed, and used in a way that minimizes the impact on the environment while meeting the needs and goals of the user. As described in last month’s article, sustainability goes into the manufacturing and sourcing of materials for ICT solutions as well as deep into supply chains to be as successful as possible. This is because, like most building materials, every stage of the ICT lifecycle impacts the environment in some way. Transportation, material outsourcing, green house gas (GHG) emission in the production process, and packaging are just a few examples of how ICT lifecycle can have a measurable impact on the environment. Little thought about other areas that can have huge implications can include even the construction of new facilities which may destroy habitat of various species or further degradation and deletion of local natural resources such as timber and water. The key four fundamental areas for the ICT industry are energy, GHG, e-waste, and water. Looking at cradle to cradle aspects of ICT technologies and conversion into the waste stream, recycling, repurposing, or reuse all become factors in the evaluation of the process.
Materials acquisition for instance require energy to either extract from nature which can produce toxic results or sourced upstream from another vendor from recycled materials. In some cases such as aluminum or glass which have been widely recycled for decades, this is a relatively easier process however; the materials at some point had to come from the earth.
Production of products can require large amounts of energy especially in the ICT industry with many components being manufactured by others often continents away using fuel in the process. This also incorporates the distribution of durable goods and the efficient of the selected mode of transportation or combination of modes such as truck to train to boat to truck to end user.
Even in the end users hands, embodied energy is required to operate and maintain equipment including the human factor of service technicians who operate help desks or do on-site repairs and maintenance. Additionally, end-of-life consideration for ICT solutions play a major role as often more energy is consumed to recycle than in the manufacturing process with an ever increasing stream of non-recyclable material reaching over crowded landfills.
While there are many good example of ICT solution providers who have stepped up and lead the pack in sustainability one outstanding manufacture is Dallas-based AMX. Michael Carter, director of the company’s Integrated Building Solutions group provided me with some examples of how AMX works within the ICT industry towards sustainability. His points are as follows:
- AMX was one of the first ICT manufacturer to adopt RoHS compliancy within their product line (2005)
- Their products are based on energy efficient design and components. For example, their latest touch panel controls use 30 percent less power than previous generations and most of their core product line has low-power sleep or standby modes to significantly reduce power consumption when not in use minimizing vampire power draw.
- Their product line is developed around an infrastructure mentality being either card based or firmware based architecture to minimize disposable products and maximize upgradability.
- AMX has plans to move to Power of Ethernet for its devices to have greater efficiencies in power management.
- Their multi-function systems such as the Enova DVX line work to greatly reduce the power requirements for an entire ICT system.
- The company’s RMS and the NXD-PDU device are based on providing energy management and reduction.
- Packaging materials for their products are minimalistic, lightweight, made from recycled materials, and are 100 percent recyclable.
- AMX will gladly accept e-waste for recycling.
These are few ways one company is forward thinking and has embraced the notion that you can act responsibly in ICT manufacturing and be profitable. And as Michael indicated, there is always room to improve and he and his group are always striving to do that. Leave a Comment
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Sharp Ships 24” 10-Point Touchscreen LCD Sharp’s new LL-S242A-W is a 24” LED-lit LCD touch screen that offers 1,920×1,080 resolution monitor with a viewing angle of 178 degrees, both horizontally and vertically. It includes 10-point multi-touch capability that also features handwriting support via a fine-tipped touch pen. One cool feature is that a palm cancelation function prioritizes pen recognition, so you can write with the touch pen even if your palm is resting on the screen.
The LL-S242A-W connects with Sharp’s interactive whiteboards and Sharp video walls and is aimed for use in meetings, presentations, seminars and lectures held in large venues. Content on the LL-S242A-W, including the presenter’s handwritten annotations, can be mirrored in real-time on the interactive whiteboard or video wall for all participants to see. Sharp says the bundled touch pen allows smooth onscreen writing of both text and lines as it uses a 2 millimeter tip.
Here are all the specs [PDF]. Leave a Comment
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Extron Intros SpeedMount Ceiling Speaker System Extron just launched the CS 123T SpeedMount Ceiling Speaker System, a patented low profile, plenum rated two-piece speaker system that offers a wide 165° conical dispersion for flexibility in speaker spacing. The system is designed for applications where high intelligibility and maximum coverage is desired in paging applications and low ceiling installations. The innovative system consists of the CS 120P plenum rated enclosure and a CS 3T full-range speaker cartridge. The enclosure installs quickly into 2′x2′ (61 cm x 61 cm) or 600×600-millimeter suspended ceilings. The speaker cartridge features a 3″ (7.6 cm) full-range driver, and can be used in 70/100 volt or 8 ohm operation. The CS 123T is available as a complete assembly, or the CS 120P and CS 3T can be purchased separately to accommodate division-of-labor installations.
The CS 123T is available as a complete assembly including a pair of CS 120P enclosures and a pair of CS 3T full-range speaker cartridges. The enclosures and speaker cartridges can also be purchased in pairs separately, so they can be delivered to low-voltage and AV system contractors.
The CS 120P plenum enclosure installs quickly into 2′x2′ or metric 600×600-millimeter suspended ceiling grids. It features a shallow 5″ (12.7 cm) profile, which simplifies installation into congested ceiling spaces around piping and ducts. The integrated tile bridge of the enclosure rests on the ceiling tile above the grid, evenly distributing the weight of the CS 120P and the CS 3T speaker cartridge. This avoids the need to assemble V-rails and C-rings, greatly reducing the number of installation steps and the chances of losing installation hardware.
The CS 3T speaker cartridge features a 3″ (7.6 centimeters) full-range driver, and can be used in 70/100 volt or 8 ohm operation with a behind-the-grille, six position power selector switch. The cartridge installs quickly and easily into the CS 120P enclosure. The CS 3T delivers full-range audio reproduction and a wide conical dispersion of 165 degrees for vocal clarity and broad coverage. The CS 3T is optimized for voice reproduction and paging applications. It features a power rating of 16 watts continuous pink noise and 32 watts continuous program capacity. The CS 3T features a magnetically attached grille and a thin-edged bezel for a refined appearance on the ceiling.
For more information, click here. Leave a Comment
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Kramer Intros Wire Optimized for HDBaseT Transmission Kramer’s new BC-HDKat6a cable is designed to work with its DGKat twisted pair products that output HDBaseT signals. Kramer says that in testing 4K signals sent via HDBaseT transmitters and receivers at InfoComm, Kramer’s cable achieved the best performance registering measurements of 0.362, 0.482 and 0.362 errors per billion in three successive tests utilizing a Quantum Data 980 test generator. Utilizing the same set up, competitor’s cables measured from 0.845 to 14.468 errors per billion. The cable contains four shielded twisted pairs (U/FTP) of 23AWG solid copper conductors are cabled together in an unshielded outer jacket.
Kramer’s BC-HDKat6a cable is available in bulk spools of 1,000 feet (305 meters) and here are the details. Leave a Comment
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EPSON Intros New WideScreen ProAV Projector LineEpson today introduced two new EX Pro series projectors with built-in wireless projection and integrated with the new Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) connector. The new EX7235 Pro (list for $649) and EX7230 Pro (list for $599) are meeting rooms projectors that both have 3,000 lumens of color light output and 3,000 lumens of white light output and are native 1366×768.
The EX7235 Pro includes a Wi-Fi module and a new quick connect on-screen QR code feature for easy wireless setup. To present wirelessly from mobile devices, users can take advantage of Epson’s iProjection App. In addition, supporting the latest in wired connectivity, both the EX7235 Pro and EX7230 Pro include an HDMI port, which supports MHL, to display content from MHL-enabled smartphones and tablets.
The detailed specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Kramer Intros VS-62H Ultra HD Matrix SwitcherKramer’s new VS-62H is a 6×2 HDMI matrix switcher that is 4K capable at 2.97Gbps per channel.
The VS-62H is in a small desktop form-factor and includes embedded webpage control, RS232, IP and front panel controls. The system features three levels of automation per output (Last Connection, Priority and Manual Override) that could even allow for a controller-free operation (automated switching). The video detection for automation is based on actual video clock signal recognition.
The two independently buffered outputs are geared towards dual-screen or video-conferencing applications with resolutions of up to Ultra HD (4K). As part of the automation support, there is also a display standby feature that automatically turns off an output to which no input is routed.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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DVIGear Launches Line of HDBaseT Extenders DVIGear just launched two new HDBaseT extenders in the DVI-7520 and DVI-7525 aimed at the commercial AV and rental markets.
DVIGear says both the DVI-7520 and DVI-7525 extend uncompressed HDMI or DVI, embedded audio, bidirectional RS232 and IR and Ethernet (DVI-7525 only) using a single twisted-pair CATx cable. They claim that both these extenders support HDBaseT 5Play, route resolutions up to 4K / 30p (UHD) resolution, bidirectional IR, POH (see below) and long range operation:
- DVI-7520: 4K / 30p up to 130 ft. (~ 40 m), 1080p up to 230 ft. (~ 70 m)
- DVI-7525: 4K / 30p up to 230 ft. (~ 70 m), 1080p up to 330 ft. (~ 100 m)
Using “Power over HDBaseT” (POH), this uses a standardized 48 VDC power as well as a handshake feature that prevents power exchange with incompatible devices. As you know — and about which we have written extensively — today there are many HDBaseT products on the market that utilize non-standard implementations of power over the HDBaseT link. This problem has created numerous interoperability challenges for system integrators who are faced with HDBaseT products that do not work with each other or in some cases actually cause equipment failures. Kudos to DVIGear for doing HDBaseT right.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Intros New USB Extender That Supports Everything Extron’s new USB Extender Plus extends signals from USB peripheral devices located up to 330 feet (100 meters) away from the host computer using a single CATx cable. The extender supports USB 3.0, 2.0, 1.1, and 1.0 devices with data rates up to 480 Mbps. Direct connection of USB peripherals to a remote host eliminates the need for additional IP network drops, equipment, software or drivers. For streamlined integration, the transmitter includes USB peripheral emulation that supports trouble-free booting of the host. Also, the receiver features an integrated four port hub with 5 Volts, 500 mA available on each port to power attached devices.
The USB Extender Plus streamlines integration by avoiding IT-specific design criteria that may be in conflict with the need to extend KVM in professional AV installations. Extron says that for increased system reliability, peripheral emulation mimics continuous connection of device to host. Real-time status LED indicators provide visual confirmation of port activity between an active host and each connected peripheral device. The 1” (2.5 cm) high, quarter rack width enclosure of both the USB Extender Plus transmitter and receiver allow rack mounting or discreet installation beneath a table or inside a lectern.
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BenQ Ships New M6 Series WXGA Projector BenQ is shipping the latest in its M6 series, the MW665 projector, which is aimed at houses of worship, classrooms and boardrooms. It offers 3,200 ANSI lumens of brightness, a 13,000:1 contrast ratio and is integrated with SmartEco energy-saving features to lower the projector’s total cost of ownership (TCO).
Featuring BenQ’s Colorific technology and using native WXGA (1280×800) resolution DLP chip, the MW665 includes HDMI, VGA, wired LAN display and control, in addition to wireless connectivity. When paired with the BenQ QPresenter Pro app, participants can collaborate and share documents, photos, and Web content directly from their mobile devices or laptops. And, the MW665 also provides support for AMX, Crestron and PJLink systems.
When using the projector’s SmartEco mode, BenQ says the MW665 automatically adjusts lamp power by up to 70 percent. For environments where the projector has to remain powered on, BenQ’s LumenCare setting enables the unit to maintain constant brightness for the first 2,100 hours of lamp life. To further reduce power consumption, an “Eco Blank” mode allows presenters to blank out the screen whenever projection isn’t needed, while a “No Source Detected” mode automatically lowers brightness to 30 percent when no signal has been detected for more than three minutes. In “Standby” mode, the projector will lower power consumption to less than 0.5 watts during periods of inactivity, providing even greater energy savings and further lowering TCO.
The MW665 is already shipping with a list price of $999 and here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Middle Atlantic Takes Aim at Chief and Peerless-AV with Debut of Display CartsThe new FlexView Series from Middle Atlantic is a collection of display stands and carts aimed at ProAV applications like hospitality and education.
Middle Atlantic claims that their FlexView solutions feature the lowest profile display mount in the industry as well as a smaller base for unimpeded, up close display interaction. In addition, it enables mounting of larger displays than competitively-priced solutions currently available in the market, including most 90” screens with VESA 800 mounting or smaller.
Models are available with electric or manual display height adjustment for ADA compliance and versions are also available in stationary or mobile configurations with rugged casters.
FlexView options enable integrators to do more within a slim profile with features like the Lever Lock system for small component mounting and a locking easy-access door for quick maintenance. All carts and stands are integrator and end-user friendly with storage where it’s needed and useful options and accessories to provide more flexibility in customizing the solution to the application.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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FSR Expands Infrastructure Line of Wall Box Solutions with Introduction of PWB-353FSR has expand its infrastructure line of Wall Box solutions with the introduction of the PWB-353 Wall Box. It features an open face design with a white interior and white extended trim ring, rather than a closed cover, which facilitates quick access to cables and connectors without cover removal.
The PWB-353 features multiple knockouts for power and openings for up to six single IPS connector plates. At 3-inches deep, it is designed for use in 3-inch or 4-inch stud walls. The extended trim ring provides a clean appearance while covering rough cuts in the drywall created during installation.
Key features of the PWB-353 Wall Box include a rugged 16-gauge steel back box, simple installation features, quick access to cables and connectors, multiple knockouts in a variety of sizes and included hardware.
The PWB-353 is shipping now and all the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Introduces Six-Input, Four-Output Audio Expansion Processor With AEC and Dante Extron has introduced the AXP 64 C AT, an audio expansion processor with six mic/line inputs and four line outputs for remote connectivity to a Dante-enabled DMP 128 audio system. It is used to place six mic/line sources onto a Dante audio network and route any four Dante channels from the network to an amplifier or other destination. The AXP 64 C AT features Extron ProDSP with gain, filtering and dynamics processing for all inputs and outputs. Four of the inputs also include AEC, 48 volt phantom power, and control ports. FlexInputs offer the additional capability to process Dante channels in place of the first four local inputs. A single Ethernet cable from one AXP 64 C AT, or several linked units, to a central equipment rack greatly reduces the effort and expense of pulling one cable for each endpoint.
The AXP 64 C AT includes four independent channels of AEC with advanced algorithms for fast convergence and optimal intelligibility in conferencing applications. The AEC-enabled inputs also offer FlexInput capability to route a Dante channel through the processor in place of a local mic/line input. The flexible input selection enables the AXP 64 C AT to process audio from remote wireless microphones, wall plates, and other sources from anywhere on the Dante network.
In an installation with a large number of mics, the AXP 64 C AT audio expansion processor places audio signals onto the Dante audio network using standard IP networking. Signals are received as expansion inputs at one or more DMP 128 AT processors. A sound system designer can incorporate several AXP 64 C AT or Extron AXP 50 C AT audio expansion processors to create a large mixing matrix with up to 56 remote inputs and 24 outputs per DMP 128 AT using the built-in four-port Gigabit switch. This greatly simplifies scalability and the audio cabling infrastructure by avoiding long analog mic cable runs. To further simplify the audio cabling infrastructure, the AXP 64 C AT converts four channels from the Dante network to line level audio signals, processes them, and routes the optimized audio to local sound reinforcement systems.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Clary Icon Adds Screen Skills Guru Button For OneScreen, On-Demand SupportClary Icon OneScreen users will have immediate access to live technical support via video. Once a user touches the Screen Skills Guru button, they are instantly connected to a live tech support person who can answer product usage questions, teach users new screen skills, or help diagnose any product issues.
For teams and students working together via video, audio, web and interactive whiteboard tools, on-demand support, answers and diagnoses are essential in effectively facilitating workflow and productivity. OneScreen provides corporate teams and university students the benefits of instant access to expert assistance with the Screen Skills Guru button. Additionally, because OneScreen manages its own user questions, IT help desk burden is minimized.
As you likely know, the Clary Icon OneScreen is an all-in-one, collaboration hub (think SMARTBoard and MondoPad in one) available as a stand-alone, multi-touch screen for the conference or classroom and as a cloud-based service for remote device deployment. OneScreen includes video, web, and audio conferencing combined with Hitachi Starboard interactive whiteboard software so teams and students have all of their productivity tools instantly available from one screen. Internet integration, full screen Android tablet functionality and real-time annotation features make it more useful than a standard SMARTBoard
Screen Skills Guru services are currently available for OneScreen customers from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST and will expand to 24 hours a day, seven days a week in 2015. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships New Cable Cubby 202Extron Electronics is now shipping the all-new Cable Cubby 202, a new edition to the Cable Cubby Series/2 line of cable access enclosures for AV connectivity and AC power. The compact Cable Cubby 202 is equipped with one fixed, unswitched AC outlet. The removable Cable Pass-Through Bracket accommodates up to four AV cables, allowing cables to be installed or serviced from the top of the enclosure, after it’s installed in the furniture surface. The Cable Cubby 202 also features a hidden, integrated clamp system that quickly secures the enclosure with common hand tools.
The Cable Cubby 202 is available with AC outlets for the U.S., Europe, and other world markets. The U.S. model also includes an opening for one MAAP (Mini Architectural Adapter Plate), such as a momentary switch or USB pass-through connector. The enclosure’s tilt-up lid is held open by a small magnetic catch, facilitating the use of the Cable Cubby 202 in both horizontal and vertical mounting orientations. When closed, the lid provides a single, full width cable pass-through. The Cable Cubby 202 is available in a durable black powder coat finish. Optional bracket kits are available to support up to three Extron Retractor cable retraction modules or two single-space AAPs (Architectural Adapter Plates) for alternate connectivity needs.
More information is available here. Leave a Comment
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eyevis Introduces New Touch Roundtable via PartnershipVirtual Sensitive’s interactive touch roundtable, dubbed Coconote, is now integrated with eyevis DLP projectors. The round display table with a 100-point multi-touch system is designed for digital signage, conference room collaboration and product demos. Projected on to a circular screen area with a 76-centimeter diameter (30 inches), the Coconote uses an OEM version of the ESP-LHD projector. It offers 1920x1080p resolution and an LED light source that the company claims is capable of 24/7 operation for up to seven years.
The touch table features six USB 3.0 ports, one HDMI port and is capable of connectivity of content via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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BenQ Adds Two 6,000-Lumen Projectors to Lineup BenQ America has just launched its brightest projectors yet with the SH963 and TH963. Both are specified at 6,000 lumens using a two-lamp system. Using native 1080p DLP chips, they’re both integrated with the Hollywood Quality Video (HQV) processing technology from Qualcomm, have optional long- and short-throw lenses and they are both categorized as large venue projectors. They also have a spec of a contrast ratio of 8300:1.
They offer 1.5x zoom capabilities, horizontal/vertical lens shifting, 2D keystone correction, and an embedded test pattern and the TH963 offers optional short-throw or long-throw lenses. Inputs include HDMI, VGA, five BNC and network posts. Also, with a LAN control feature, the projectors also provide support for Crestron, SNMP, PJLink, and AMX systems, Extron for enabling remote management and control in addition to projector maintenance from workstations.
Using Colorific technology, both projectors also include power-saving features such as an “Eco Blank Mode” that allows presenters to blank out the projection screen whenever the projector is not in use and a standby mode, where users can lower power consumption to less than 0.5W while the units are inactive. Lamp replacement is via access from the side or top of the projector and BenQ says a filter-free optical system further reduces the TCO of the devices.
The SH963 and TH963 projectors are now shipping and specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships New Five Input Audio Expansion Processor with AEC and Dante Extron is now shipping its née AXP 50 C AT, a five input audio expansion processor with Extron ProDSP for integrating remote microphones and other sources into a Dante-enabled Extron DMP 128 audio system. A single Ethernet cable from one AXP 50 C AT, or several linked units, to a central equipment rack significantly reduces the effort and expense of pulling one cable for each mic. The AXP 50 C AT provides 48 volt phantom power and a digital control port to all mic/line inputs. Dedicated signal processing is available for each input, including gain, filtering, dynamics, and AEC – acoustic echo cancellation. FlexInputs offer the additional capability to process a Dante channel in place of a local input. The intuitive DSP Configurator Software makes it quick and easy to set up DSP parameters and AEC on the AXP 50 C AT.
In an installation with a large number of mics, the AXP 50 C AT audio expansion processor places audio signals onto the Dante audio network using standard IP networking. Signals are received as expansion inputs at one or more DMP 128 AT processors. A sound system designer can incorporate several AXP 50 C AT input expanders to create large mixing matrices of remote inputs for DMP 128 AT processors using the built-in four-port Gigabit switch. This simplifies scalability and the audio cabling infrastructure by avoiding long analog mic cable runs. The 1U, half rack width enclosure enables installation underneath a conference table, inside a credenza, or anywhere microphones or other sources may be situated.
All the specs on the AXP 50 C AT are here. Leave a Comment
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Peerless-AV Adds New Line of Ceiling Mounts for Displays, ProjectorsPeerless-AV this month announced a new line of ceiling mounts for flat panel displays and projectors. Aimed at both residential and commercial applications, the line consists of three products:
- ST940-EXA/B/C: Three extension lengths (A, B, or C) of a flat panel ceiling mount for 22″-40″ displays that have a combined extension range of 13″-43″. Mounts are available in black or white finish.
- PJF3-UNV (Flush Mount) and PJF3-EXA/B/C: Four extension lengths (Flush, A, B, or C) with a combined extension range of 13″-43″ and a ball-and-socket-style projector mount for projectors up to 50 pounds. Mounts are available in black or white finish.
- PRG3-EXA/B/C: Three extension lengths (A, B, or C) with a combined extension range of 13″-43″ and a precision gear style projector mount for projectors up to 50 pounds. Mounts are available in black or white finish.
With a column comprised of aluminum, the mounts are 60 percent lighter than traditional steel designs, further simplifying the installation process. Plus, the column acts as an internal cable management system, concealing the cables for a seamless look that can blend into most architectural designs. A cosmetic cover for the ceiling plate completes the look.
Peerless-AV’s new line of ceiling mounts feature tool-less display height and tilt adjustment as well as a combined extension range from 13″ to 43″. The mounts are OSHPD approved and UL/CUL certified. They will be available later this month. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Blonder Tongue Intros HDE-HVC-PRO Blonder Tongue announced the HDE-HVC-PRO, a new MPEG-2 SD/HD professional series encoder designed to deliver motion optimization for fast-paced programming, including live sports events. In addition, the company announced enhancements to its SDE-4AV-QAM MPEG-2 SD encoder, which enables operators to deliver more SD channels at lower bit rates. Both the HDE-HVC-PRO and SDE-4AV-QAM encoders bring increased levels of video quality and bandwidth efficiency to the broadcast, cable and hospitality markets.
Aimed at local distribution and retail applications, Blonder Tongue’s HDE-HVC-PRO encoder allows operators to accept SD and HD programming from a variety of sources and deliver video content streamed across a network. Using the encoder, operators can accept either one HD program from an unencrypted HDMI, VGA or component input, or up to four SD programs in NTSC baseband AV format. Each AV input program is digitized, MPEG-2 encoded and multiplexed into one multiprogram transport stream (MPTS), then simultaneously delivered as a single QAM, ASI or IP output.
The recent upgrade to Blonder Tongue’s SDE-4AV-QAM encoder offers enhancements to customers. The MPEG-2 SD encoder now features the same fast-motion estimation capabilities available in the company’s new HDE-4S-PRO encoder as well as improved SD performance. By encoding SD programs at lower bit rates, the SDE-4AV-QAM Blonder Tongue says it allows operators to deliver more SD channels per QAM without impacting video quality. This allows operators to cost-effectively expand their channel lineup and increase viewer satisfaction. With the optional HD-PRO software upgrade, the unit is configurable in either HD or SD mode via Web interface. Through a simple firmware update, existing customers can take advantage of the new motion optimization capabilities.
Both the HDE-HVC-PRO and SDE-4AV-QAM encoders support real-time Dolby Digital audio encoding. The details are here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships Compact Four Input Scaler with DTP Extension Extron is now shipping its DLP version of its 1604 Switcher, the IN1604 DTP — an HDCP-compliant scaler with three HDMI inputs, a universal analog video input and a DTP output, in a compact 1U, half rack enclosure. The IN1604 DTP is designed for installation beneath conference tables and in lecterns to provide localized switching support for sources such as presenter devices, as well as signal extension up to 330 feet (100 meters) over shielded CATx cable to reach a wall or ceiling-mounted display. The IN1604 DTP provides the convenience of fast and reliable switching, along with a high performance scaling engine for HDMI and analog video sources.
The IN1604 DTP includes a DTP twisted pair output that can be used to extend video, audio, and control to a DTP receiver behind a flat-panel display on a wall or above a ceiling-mounted projector, with the receiver powered over the same shielded CATx cable. Integrators can choose from a complete line of DTP 230 receivers for signal extension up to 230 feet (70 meters) or DTP 330 receivers for signal extension up to 330 feet, to accommodate distance requirements of specific applications. The DTP output can also be used for sending video and embedded audio, plus bidirectional control signals to any HDBaseT-enabled display. The IN1604 DTP features an advanced scaling engine that can scale HDMI and analog video signals to a common high resolution output. It provides high performance 1080i de-interlacing and Deep Color processing to deliver optimal image quality. With Extron EDID Minder, Key Minder and SpeedSwitch, integrators can easily connect sources and a display with plug-and-play simplicity, automatic device negotiation and nearly instantaneous switching.
The IN1604 DTP integration-aimed features include HDMI audio embedding and de-embedding, flexible audio switching with two individually assignable analog audio inputs, switching transitions, gain and attenuation adjustments for each analog input, output volume control, and selectable audio muting. The IN1604 DTP also features convenient options for remote control and operation, including front panel controls and on-screen menus, USB, RS232 and contact closure with tally output.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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FSR Launches New Matrix Switcher FSR’s newest matrix switcher is the DV-HMSW4K-88, an 8×8 switcher for routing HD sources to any eight HDTV displays. Capable of routing up to 4K resolution content, the DV-HMSW4K-88 also manages multichannel digital audio formats such as PCM, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio and control is accomplished via front-panel push buttons, IR remote control, RS232 or via the network.
FSR says the DV-HMSW4K-88 supports resolutions up to 1080p@60Hz, 48-bit deep color, 4k@30Hz; allows any source to be displayed on multiple displays at the same time; allows any HDMI display to view any HDMI source at any time; allows PCM, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD as well having a master audio pass through HDMI output. This HDCP-compliant matrix switch is built with integrated rack-mounting ears and offers full 3D pass through. (EDID management is on all inputs and outputs.) It includes nine IR receivers, eight IR transmitters a handheld IR Remote Control and power supply.
It’s not on FSR’s website yet, but should be soon. Leave a Comment
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