Volume 5, Issue 8 — August 9, 2012


Volume 5, Issue 8 — August 9, 2012
 

 The Royal Treatment
Owning BYOD: Don’t Forget the PD
Ken Royal : rAVe Columnist

 Headline News
Premier's LCD Slider Finally Has a Part Number
Extron Debuts Less Expensive HDMI Twisted Pair Extenders
DPI Announces New 6000-Lumen Projector For $3,995
RGB Spectrum Debuts Secure KVM
Chief Ships Interactive Mount Accessories
Panasonic Debuts Brighter LCD Monitors
Extron Fiber Optic USB Extender Now Shipping
Pakedge Debuts 24-Port PoE Gigabit Switch
Extron Launches 12×8 Audio Mixer With DSP and Acoustic Echo Cancellation
BTX Launches DS Kit
BrightSign Adds Web-Based UI
Extron Intros Tiny DVI to Fiber Extender
Extron Ships DisplayPort Switcher and DA


Click here to read rAVe Education online
Click here to subscribe now!

 

Owning BYOD: Don’t Forget the PD

By Ken Royal
rAVe Columnist

The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) discussion continues. Some are in favor, some aren’t, and some are somewhere in the middle — or at different points along that journey. While most are looking to the clouds, classroom teachers still have four walls and close to 30 students. Teachers can’t be expected to know how to operate 15 or more different devices, but they do need a way to get what students do on those devices—into a seamless, compatible and useable format. I know that there are some online resources, such as Dropbox and Box that do that, but the more you add to the teacher, student, tech classroom equation the more difficult it becomes for teachers — other than those tech-savvy teaching pioneers.

The question to answer is this: as a classroom teacher, how do I get the work my students do to a common place, in a useable condition for classroom sharing? Here’s the point. All companies, especially those in the AV/Presentation education marketplace need to own BYOD. Remember that while most schools have a network with shared folders, different devices have proprietary ways of handling similar tasks. And also remember that many districts will not allow reaching out to resources such as Dropbox and box, which may or may not work inside the district/classroom walls.

If a device, whether display, audio or board can answer that usable-collection classroom teacher’s question, it will be in demand, and the company will own BYOD. Figure that out — so that a self-contained classroom teacher can teach and have students share audio and video easily, from different devices, within the classroom environment, without format headaches or heading to the clouds is something teachers, administrators and CTOs will understand. It may not be as future-tech as we’d like, but it sure addresses a problem using present tech in a classroom with kids for a teacher who may not be the most tech-savvy on the planet. Giving a teacher a way to work with a presentation device, where his/her students create and submit work from many, varied devices will help move educators along a less scary tech path.

Now, I know that BYOD has other challenges, but speaking as an educator who always had to figure out a way to technologically share what students technologically created inside the walls of a classroom, school, or district—simpler is better. Not many would take the time it took me to convert, even the simplest student created projects for presentation. While it was a kick for me, it may be a waste of time for most teachers. Figure that out for your presentation device and the BYOD education crowd will come knocking at YOUR door.

What do well-known digital education leaders think of BYOD?

Patrick Larkin, assistant superintendent for learning, Burlington Public Schools, Burlington, Mass. is a 2012 NASSP Digital Administrator Award Winner with an education blog at PatrickMLarkin.com. He says, “I think the biggest stumbling block is still to get all of the stakeholders convinced that BYOD can help us create more engaged learning environments for our students. It is tough for many to get away from the idea that these devices will be a massive distraction, which will hinder learning when we know the reality is that they can be incredible tools to enhance learning.

Many schools either do not allow BYOD technologies such as phones and others have recently lightened their stance on banning devices so we have a lot of work to do educating adults (staff and parents) as to how BYOD can help us create more engaged and relevant learning experiences for students.”

Steven Anderson, director of instructional technology for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools in North Carolina is well known in the Twittersphere as Web20Classroom and blogs at http://blog.web20classroom.org. He says, “There are several challenges with BYOD. Some would say the equity of access to devices is the biggest, however, for me, it is the shift in pedagogy needed for the classroom teacher. All students having access to information means that teaching has to change. It cannot be sit and get. There has to be higher levels of engagement, and more opportunities to create new knowledge. So BYOD isn't just making the school network available for student/staff access. There has to be a cultural shift in the way we teach.”

Arie Wels Teaches at Elde College in Schijndel, The Netherlands, and is head of the computer science department as well as an IT manager. Wels? is also co-founder and on the board of directors member for EduCloud Foundation. It pays to get an “over the pond” look. Wels says, “Encourage use of BYOD. Offer free Wi-Fi in your school building, depending on school policy, norms and values filter connection accordingly. Teach students how to setup their IMAP, POP, AGENDA and promote education apps. Offer training to teachers who would like to promote the use of BYOD in class and on excursions outside the class. Let BYOD start small and the adoption will happen.”

Eric Sheninger, principal of New Milford High School in New Jersey, is a NASSP Digital Principal Award Winner 2012 and blogs at http://ericsheninger.com/esheninger. Sheninger is at the forefront of digital learning nationwide. Sheniger says, “Many administrations and school leaders shy away from BYOD in fear of creating an inequitable environment (haves and have nots). However, this should not be used as an excuse to allow students to bring their own devices to school for learning purposes. It is up to education leaders to develop innovative ways to create the most equitable environment possible by leveraging available resources, cooperatively grouping students, and training staff.

These administrators bring up an important piece of the puzzle, beyond to BYOD or not, for no matter how simple or seamless the tech may appear, staff professional development will play a part. I do know that everyone can’t be a teaching tech superstar, but some basic training can help. This, too, has to be looked at through educators’ eyes — what do educators need? Look at that rather than what WE think they need or want to give them.

I have friends who only use smartphones for digital images, audio and video. While it can be done, making sure that the format is universal or classroom usable is important. By that I mean, usable without being a format magician. Some people get a kick out of reformatting and will spend hours doing it. For most, that’s crazy time spent and not worth the effort. Again, if a company could figure that out in a self-contained way for its classroom presentation devices — that would be something special for most teachers and students, especially those with an array of devices and handhelds in a BYOD environment. It’s not the device, it’s getting what you do on it off — and easily usable — that is the problem to solve.

Companies already thinking BYOD are still trying to get a handle on it. CEO and founder of Classlink Berj Akian was on the cutting edge of Cloud in education and is now tackling BYOD. According to a March 2012 Classlink survey 58 percent of districts are looking into BYOD, while the rest are either there or piloting in some fashion. “BYOD is a local matter for classroom teachers and building principals. To be successful, BYOD should not be thought of as a tech topic, it’s an improve student learning and engagement topic. BYOD breaks old norms in technology installation, too. More technology devices will come in during ‘back from the winter holiday breaks’ than ‘back to school’. Classroom pedagogy and wireless infrastructure should plan accordingly,” says Akian.

I recently video interviewed Qualcomm Director of Mobile Reach Kristin Atkins. Please watch and listen. The October Wireless EdTech Conference in Washington, D.C. may be a place you need to be this year. They will certainly be talking BYOD.

Now, talking BYOD won’t make any sense unless educators have a tech foundation for classroom use. Here are the four things I’d teach all educators, if I had the chance. They can all be done with free and easy-to-use software without scaring anyone away. And they make a great foundation for using tech in the classroom.  
  1. One word processing application. I don’t care what it is — MS Word or something online like Google Docs — if available. You may find this a crazy one to list, but I have been in professional development workshops, where the presenter was sharing incredible, way-out-there ideas, while teachers in front of computers couldn’t use a word processing software, even in the simplest way. Learning how to save documents to a location for future retrievable is a valuable learning aside as well. This is not a time for keyboarding lessons so don’t give any.
  2. How to take a digital photo using an inboard or attached camera. Most computing devices have at least one camera; using it/them is fundamental. Owning a cell phone doesn’t make anyone an expert. Later, as a follow-up, sharing a simple photo editing application would be great. First, capturing and image and saving it where it can be found, again, are the plan.
  3. How to record and save simple voice recordings. Again, no editing here. Whether it’s free Sound Recorder or Audacity, it doesn’t matter. The ability to record sound and voice in a classroom easily and quickly will inspire ideas.
  4. How to record a simple movie is a valuable goal. There is no reason it can’t be done by every teacher, so that it is a useful lesson extension, or integral daily teaching tool. Again, no editing required, and it can be easily done using onboard or attached cameras. This is as easy as clicking start and stop—and then saving to a searchable and retrievable location.
I dare say that if I knew the type of equipment, an initial professional development lesson like this would require an hour. It could certainly be done during an after school/before school gathering, or as part of a summer program before the new school year begins. While this may not be something for your pioneering app/device users, it is something for most teachers, even if it is presented as a refresher. You’d be amazed at how many of those so-called tech experts will learn something from these simple tech shows. Following up later with presentation ideas and devices will be easier next steps.

I know that Bring Your Own Device/Technology is far more multi-faceted than one column can share, and with more time, who knows how many different points of view there’d be on the same topic — and from as many educators/marketplace leaders. What I do know is that districts are looking at BYOD, most without a clue as to what it means or how to do it. More districts will follow. It is another place where the education marketplace can guide and lead. Owning education BYOD, Cloud, and Professional Development makes sense — customers will look to companies providing those things.

Ken Royal is a teacher/education and education technology blogger/reporter, video interviewer, podcaster, education event news commentator with 34 years of classroom/school and instructional technology experience. His teaching accomplishments include being four-time district teacher of the year, Connecticut Middle School Teacher of the Year and Bill and Melinda Gates award for Technology School of Excellence. Reach Ken at ken@ravepubs.com or on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/kenroyal


Leave a Comment


Share Article

Back to Top


Click here for more information


 

Premier's LCD Slider Finally Has a Part Number

It's official. Premier will build one of our favorite new products from InfoComm: the LCD Slider. This is something every K-12 and higher ed classroom will wish they had – buy this instead of a barely-ever-used document camera!

The concept of the design for the FPS-CPT LCD Slider mount is to provide a simple, stationary wall-mounted unit utilizing gas shocks to provide a steady resistance to help gently glide the display to the desired height. A great option for educational use in the classroom or training and information sessions, the concept mount uses steel channels to mount the display over the top of a chalkboard or whiteboard. The mount then easily glides the display across the whiteboard with movement accommodated by rubberized rollers to provide a smooth horizontal motion. Other options may be available for the slider including a motorized vertical capability.

Here's how to order it: http://www.mounts.com/product?product=FPS-CPT

Leave a Comment


Share Article

Back to Top

 

Extron Debuts Less Expensive HDMI Twisted Pair Extenders

Extron has launched the DTP HDMI 230 twisted pair extender for transmission of HDMI, audio and bidirectional RS-232 and IR control signals up to 230 feet (70 meters) over a single Cat5-type cable. It's priced at about 15 percent less than the company's other longer-distance models. The HDCP-compliant extender provides an economical means for extending HDMI with embedded multi-channel audio from HDMI-equipped devices. In addition, the DTP HDMI 230 accepts analog stereo audio signals and digitizes them for simultaneous transmission over the same single twisted pair cable.

The DTP HDMI 230 allows a direct connection from devices with an analog stereo audio output, such as desktop computers or laptops, and provides balanced and unbalanced audio output from the receiver. In addition, the DTP HDMI 230 continuously maintains DDC communication of EDID and HDCP between a source and display thus ensuring direct compatibility between devices.

The DTP HDMI 230 is compatible with Cat5, Cat6, and Cat7 twisted pair cable and can be used as a point-to-point solution or integrated with an HDMI matrix switcher to extend inputs or outputs to remote locations. It is compatible with signal resolutions up to 1080p/60 or 1920×1200 and supports HDMI specification features including data rates up to 6.75 Gbps, Deep Color up to 12-bit, 3D, HD lossless audio formats and CEC. For added flexibility, either the transmitter or receiver can be powered over the original twisted pair cable, allowing both devices to share one external power supply.

Details on the DTP HDMI 230 are here: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=dtphdmi230&s=0




Leave a Comment


Share Article

Back to Top

 

DPI Announces New 6000-Lumen Projector For $3,995

Digital Projection International announced today the new E-Vision WXGA 6000, the newest member of DPI's aggressively-priced E-Vision projector series. The WXGA (1280×800) projector offers up to 6,000 lumens in brightness and a specified contrast ratio of 2400:1, plus an array of lens options, a dual lamp set-up and advanced color controls.

Distinct to the new E-Vision WXGA 6000 is a new, lightweight and streamlined cabinet. It also offers two swappable color wheels, which allows integrators to install the color wheel that provides the best balance of lumens and color depth to complement their application. Additionally, a variety of fixed and zoom lens options give the E-Vision WXGA 6000 a flexible throw ratio range of .76:1 – 8.26:1. It also has six user-selectable inputs, including HDCP-compliant DVI.

The E-Vision WXGA 6000 will ship in October and has a list price of $3,995 (not including the lens).

For more information on this new projector, click here.


Leave a Comment


Share Article

Back to Top

 

RGB Spectrum Debuts Secure KVM

According to RGB Spectrum, secure KVM is now attainable through the use of its External Desktop Agent (EDA) in SinglePoint KvM and Multipoint Control Room Management System (MCMS) installations.

SinglePoint KvM enables a unified display space where users control the layout of the visual presentation as well as the operation of the computers displayed, all with a single mouse and keyboard.

MCMS expands on this functionality in multi-user environments, such as control rooms, through a simplified system of preferences and priorities. This mechanism determines which operators have access to data and provides a hierarchy among operators for controlling resources. RGB says the EDA functions as a remote keyboard and mouse emulator on any computer, obviating the need to install special software.

An EDA receives keyboard and mouse commands from the operator via its own IP address and relays them to a target computer over a PS/2 port. A PS/2 to USB adapter is provided, with the PS/2 connection remaining in-line. Since PS/2 is uni-directional, either arrangement ensures that keyboard/mouse commands are passed to the computer without allowing external access to computer files.

Get all the details here: http://www.rgb.com/


Leave a Comment


Share Article

Back to Top


Click here for more information


 

Chief Ships Interactive Mount Accessories

Chief is already shipping new interactive flat panel solutions designed to convert standard TVs into interactive surfaces. The FCI accessory installs with FUSION Series mounts, while the PACI adds interactivity to Click Connect Series swing arm mounts and mobile displays, installing with a design similar to Chief side speaker adapters. Basically, it transforms a flat screen display into an interactive platform powered by eBeam technology from Luidia Inc.

Each interactive solution includes a lightweight stylus featuring real-time rendering capabilities and works with 40-55" LED-backlit LCD displays with a rigid front panel. You add the accessory to the mount, install the interactive software and connect a PC or Mac to the receiver via USB. Another nail in the Smart Technologies coffin.

Here are all the details: http://www.chiefmfg.com/interactive










Leave a Comment


Share Article

Back to Top

 

Panasonic Debuts Brighter LCD Monitors

The new LF5 Series of LCD monitors from Panasonic are available in 42” and 47”. They carry a brightness spec of 500 cd/m2 as well as a number of GreenAV features including auto-off and ambient light detection called an Eco-Mode. When in Eco-Mode, the light sensor detects the ambient light level and controls the brightness of the backlight accordingly. This helps save energy by reducing the backlight power consumption. They are also specified to last for 50,000 hours.

Both are 1080p LED back-lit LCDs (18 millimeters thick) and can be mounted in landscape or portrait modes, using commercial-grade LCDs for 24/7/365 operation.

You can see all the specs here: http://www.panasonic.com/business-solutions/digital-signage.asp


Leave a Comment


Share Article

Back to Top


Click here for more information


 

Extron Fiber Optic USB Extender Now Shipping

Extron is shipping its new FOX USB Extender, a fiber optic transmitter and receiver set capable of extending USB 2.0 signals over very long distances. Peripheral devices can be located up to 10 km (6.25 miles) from the host computer. The FOX USB Extender is an efficient solution for professional AV system designs that require KVM – Keyboard/Video/Mouse support, reducing the need for additional IP network drops, equipment and software. To ensure proper system boot-up and operation in switching environments, the transmitter enables uninterrupted communication between the host computer and USB device.

The FOX USB Extender enables long haul transmission of USB 2.0, 1.1, and 1.0 compliant signals with data rates up to 480 Mbps, and peripheral emulation ensures reliable communication whether or not a tie is made to a connected device. Both the transmitter and receiver include front panel LED indicators for visual confirmation of system activity. As an added benefit that simplifies integration, the receiver provides an active four-port hub for simultaneous connection of multiple peripheral devices.

As part of the extensive FOX Series of fiber optic products from Extron, the FOX USB Extender can be used for simple point-to-point applications or in combination with FOX Series matrix switchers for support of signal distribution systems up to 1000×1000 and larger. Also, when used in conjunction with an Extron FOX Series HDMI, DVI, or VGA extender, the FOX USB Extender is capable of transmitting KVM signals very long distances over a fiber optic infrastructure.

Get all the specs here: http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=foxusbextenderad














Leave a Comment


Share Article

Back to Top

 

Pakedge Debuts 24-Port PoE Gigabit Switch

Pakedge Device & Software today announced the launch of its S24H, a 24-port gigabit switch with PoE+ (IEEE 802.3AT). Designed specifically for powering and switching AVB-based network AV products, the S24H delivers up to 25.5 watts-per-port for use with HDMI-over-IP transmitters, multi-radios wireless access points, high-definition IP cameras, home automation PoE+ controllers and other devices that require PoE+ operation and gigabit Ethernet connectivity (it uses a 500-watt power supply).

The S24H provides 25.5 watts of PoE+ power to up to 12 ports or 15.4 watts to all 24 ports simultaneously or a combination thereof. Each port can be individually and remotely power cycled via a variety of devices, including an iPad or iPhone. It also supports serial home automation protocols. The S24H offers high data throughput and enterprise-class reliability.

The Pakedge S24H has four fiber optic ports and can operate as a fiber hub with long-distance cable runs, making it ideal for connecting guest houses, pool houses or additional building on a property that are away from the main home installation.

Although this is designed for high-end home applications, it's perfectly capable of managing ProAV installs using AVB as well.

All the specs are available through this PDF: http://www.pakedge.com/docs/S24HBrochure.pdf


Leave a Comment


Share Article

Back to Top


Click here for more information


 

Extron Launches 12×8 Audio Mixer With DSP and Acoustic Echo Cancellation

Extron's new DMP 128 Digital Matrix Processor is a 12×8 audio mixer featuring Extron ProDSP, automixing, I/O expansion capabilities and available AEC (acoustic echo cancellation). AEC prevents audio at the near end from being returned to the far end as echo, ensuring clear, natural conversations for far end participants. The DMP 128 offers a configuration approach to DSP that simplifies mixing, routing, conferencing and room optimization. An intuitive configuration system using the DSP Configurator Software allows the DMP 128 to be programmed quickly with adjustments that can be heard in real-time. A digital audio expansion port allows two DMP 128 units to be linked together to expand input and output signal management and routing capabilities.

The DMP 128 C and DMP 128 C P models include Extron AEC for conferencing applications. These models include eight independent channels of AEC, as well as selectable noise cancellation. Extron says its AEC features advanced algorithms that deliver fast echo canceler convergence for optimal intelligibility, even when multiple people are talking at the same time. The DMP 128 C P model includes analog phone interfacing with POTS line and phone connections.

Extron's ProDSP is engineered from the ground up using a powerful 32/64-bit floating point DSP engine and studio grade 24-bit audio converters with 48 kHz sampling. It is managed by the DSP Configurator Software, a PC-based application featuring a GUI that allows for complete audio system visualization within a single window. Designers can quickly get a snapshot view of the entire audio system, including processing blocks and routing assignments, all at once.

For more specs, go here: http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=dmp128ad


















Leave a Comment


Share Article

Back to Top

 

BTX Launches DS Kit

BTX Technologies just launched a new product aimed at the DS market called the MediaMessenger Digital Signage Kit. The company says it includes everything needed to set up a digital signage system quickly in one package. Offered in three different versions — Gold, Silver, and Bronze — each level includes Net Display Systems' (NDS) PADS4 digital signage viewer software, a BTX MediaMessenger Media Player, a commercial-grade Philips flat-panel display, flat-panel wall mount and HDMI cables.

The PADS4 software is designed to integrate real-time data from sources including Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, content management systems, room reservation systems, queue management and social media. Interactivity can also be incorporated into signage systems using touchscreens, RFID, barcodes, QR codes and face recognition.

The Gold, Silver and Bronze Suites are all available with 32-inch, 42-inch or 55-inch displays, with the Silver and Gold Suites also offering 42-inch touchscreen displays. The Bronze Suite supports basic content including text and images. For more sophisticated presentations, the Silver Suite adds support for video and sound, web, interactivity, Flash and more. For the ultimate in multimedia, the Gold Suite is bolstered with support for presentation-in-presentation, television, charts, tables, PDFs and RS-232. To ensure proper set-up, the Silver and Gold Suites both include one hour of integrator training. An additional two hours of technical support from BTX's expert staff is included with the Gold Suite.

Get more details here: http://www.btx.com/default.aspx?page=Item%20Search%20Results


Leave a Comment


Share Article

Back to Top

 

BrightSign Adds Web-Based UI

BrightSign announced recently BrightSign Network now offers Web-based interface capabilities that allows for an entire DS network to be served and supported as well as remotely managed via a Web user interface (UI). The BrightSign Network Web UI gives users access to its BrightSign Network subscription from any Internet-connected Mac or PC from anywhere in the world. Through the Web UI, network administrators can create user accounts, assign roles and set account permissions. Account users can remotely access features based on their assigned roles to perform network monitoring and management, generate playback, event and diagnostic reports and even author, schedule and publish simple presentations.

Go here for more details: http://www.brightsign.biz/


Leave a Comment


Share Article

Back to Top

 

Extron Intros Tiny DVI to Fiber Extender

Extron's new DDX 102 Dual Link DVI Fiber Optic Extender is a tiny (only 1.5" x 2.8" x 0.6") transmitter and receiver set for long haul delivery of DVI signals over fiber optic cabling. Extron says it uses all-digital technology to deliver pixel-for-pixel transmission of video images up to 2560×1600 resolutions, including HDTV 1080p/60. The extender delivers dual link DVI-D signals up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) over two multimode cables or single link DVI signals over one fiber optic cable.

The DDX 102 transmitter and receiver feature industry standard LC-type connectors, and can be used for point-to-point fiber optic applications with dual link DVI requirements. The units connect directly to the DVI source and display devices, eliminating the need for additional mounting hardware. EDID Minder automatically manages EDID by maintaining continuous communication with the source, ensuring that it powers up properly and reliably outputs content for display. The transmitter also provides an EDID capture mode to store display EDID.

More specs are here: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=ddx102&s=0


Leave a Comment


Share Article

Back to Top

 

Extron Ships DisplayPort Switcher and DA

Extron has started shipping both the SW2 DP (two-input DisplayPort switcher) and the DP DA2 (two-output DisplayPort distribution amplifier). They are both HDCP-compliant, supporting data rates up to 10.8 Gbps and computer resolutions up to 2560×1600 @ 60 Hz, including HDTV 1080p/60. The SW2 DP and DP DA2 feature EDID Minder, an Extron-exclusive technology that maintains continuous EDID communication between connected devices for reliable video content display. The DP DA2 also features Key Minder, a technology that continuously authenticates HDCP encryption between all devices, ensuring the simultaneous distribution of source content to both displays. Additionally, dual-mode support on the DP DA2 allows source signals to be distributed to multiple HDMI, DVI or VGA display devices with appropriate adapters.

Complete specs on the SW2 DP are here: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=sw2dp&s=0

Specs on the DP DA2 are here: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=dpda2&s=0


Leave a Comment


Share Article

Back to Top

 

For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ED [Education] Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!

For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that's why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).

Don't like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.

To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter. Instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas, Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com

A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I've been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don't think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue, which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe [Publications] has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.

Everything we publish is Opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship ePublication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA and launched in February 2004, is, by far, the largest ePub in the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GreenAV in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com

To read more about my background, our team 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.