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Volume 6, Issue 1 — January 21, 2012
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Rental and Staging Predictions for 2012
By Joel Rollins
rAVe Columnist Well, it's January, and time once again for me to exhibit the same holiday-induced lack of imagination as every other columnist, and write a predictions column. OK, OK, I'll do it. I'm as lazy as the next writer. But you'll have to listen to me whine about it a bit first, because its harder work for me than for most writers.
Now, in the world of columns in general, publications like newspapers or major magazines, this is really pretty easy. Pick out a couple of famous people who are particularly old, particularly ill, or have particularly self-destructive habits, and predict dire things for them. Or just predict that Lindsay Lohan will fail to complete her probation again. This takes about 20 minutes, and you can go back to sipping either eggnog or champagne, depending on when you actually get around to starting that January column.
And, not to belittle the holiday work of any of my compatriots, but in the AV/Video industry, it isn't much harder. To start with, just predict either side of the perennial truth — that Apple will continue to define the smart phone or tablet market, or that they will have new competition. That way, the columnists can pretend to disagree with each other while essentially all predicting the same thing. And, if you want to stay out of that one, you can always safely predict that Sony will restructure itself again.
But this column is about the rental and staging part of our business, a segment that is just as much about people as it is about electronics or media. So, I actually have to do a little thinking about HOW our clients will use what they, or we, buy. So, without further ado, here are a few of my thoughts about what effects some of the new technologies will have in our business:
The year of the cloud in presentations: For a few years now, we have witnessed the boom in mobile devices and cloud-based services. They have been useful in a lot of ways (Angry Birds, anyone?), but until recently, their presentation capabilities were fairly limited and not entirely compatible with our desktops, so in the presentation arena, while they may do some of the creation using portable devices, we have mostly come back to notebook or desktop computers for presentations. But the latest generation of hardware brings a lot of new capabilities, and coupled with cloud-based services, they will make their biggest mark yet on presentations this year. Tablet and phone devices can combine presentations, messaging, polling, whiteboarding, annotation — all with an easier-to-use interface than laptops, and they are less expensive for corporations to provide their personnel. Cloud-based materials also help organizational control of content and message. So be sure to have iPad video adapters in your jockey boxes. Beginning in 2012, you will see it become the rule rather than the exception for lots of meetings.
Walls of all kinds: The rental industry has another major change in progress. We’re working in a lot of new and smaller venues because of the move to greener buildings and lower energy costs. This trend, combined with cheaper wall-capable flat screens and new types of cubes, spells the video wall really coming into its own as a mainstream rental item rather than being primarily a higher-end staging display.
Presentation interactvity: I just spent half a day with a friend who is webmaster for a small corporation, working out some technical details for some pages on their intranet that use their company-issued smart phones as polling devices during meetings. Having spent a good deal of my career doing logistics and wiring for the old generation of polling systems, I was impressed at its flexibility, speed, ease of setup and results. Larger online meeting sites also seem to be introducing user-configurable polling and graphing using smart phones and tablets, so I think this one will also really begin its day in the sun this year.
Overall: As I’ve been shouting from my soapbox for years, higher product integration, less expensive electronics and rising cost of labor and benefits spell the need to shift business more and more toward knowledge-based billing. The last few years have done a lot to separate the sheep from the goats, the ones that can transform themselves into the rental companies of the future from the ones that won’t. And this year will continue that trend.
So, those are my thoughts, but I have to be sure of being right on at least one prediction.
It's really too bad about Lindsay Lohan, isn't it?
rAVe Rental [and Staging] contributor Joel R. Rollins, CTS-R, is General Manager of Everett Hall Associates, Inc. and is well known throughout the professional AV industry for his contributions to industry training and his extensive background in AV rental, staging and installation. Joel can be reached at joelrollins@mac.com Leave a Comment
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A Comparison of Loop, FM and IR Technologies For Assistive Listening
By Russell Gentner
President, Listen Technologies There are many options for assistive listening technologies. This blog post provides a comparison between the three technologies used in assistive listening.
There’s been a lot of discussion about loop technology for use in assistive listening. The recent New York Times article “A Hearing Aid That Cuts Out All The Clatter” points to the many benefits of using induction loops in theaters, places of worship and other venues. Thus, the purpose of this blog is to provide a comparison between the three technologies used in assistive listening.
RF (Radio) Technology – This uses the same technology used by a radio station or a two-way radio to wirelessly deliver audio to your ears using an RF receiver and earphones. The system uses a small transmitter with an antenna to cover an entire theater or stadium.
IR (Infrared) Technology – This uses infrared light (yes, the same IR technology as in your TV remote control) to transmit audio to your ears using an IR receiver and earphones. These systems uses IR radiators (it’s like a headlight on a car) to flood IR light into the facility. Most facilities require about four radiators to be installed throughout the venue.
Induction (Loop) Technology – Loop technology uses a magnetic field to wirelessly transmit audio to your ears using either a hearing aid with a built in “T” switch or a loop receiver with earphones. These systems use a wire or loop that is typically installed in the floor of the entire venue. This is the reason that loop systems cost so much more than RF or IR system, especially in retrofit installations.
If you’re like 10 percent of the population and you struggle to hear, assistive listening systems like these can dramatically improve your ability to enjoy the content delivered by the venue. All three of these technologies offer this advantage whether you have a hearing aid or not.
The “Magic” Of Loop Systems
Now, if you do have a hearing aid and it has a “T” switch, a loop system makes it very simple to use. You simply walk into the venue, set your “T” switch and presto you hear audio right in your ears. You don’t need a receiver or earphones. It’s magic! In fact, no one even knows you are hearing the venue audio. This is why loop systems have such a wide appeal for people who have “T” switch hearing aids.
In North America, many people who have hearing aids don’t have a “T” switch where in Europe most hearing aid users do have a “T” switch. My hearing aid does NOT have a “T” switch, and thus, no matter what type of technology a facility might have, I have to get a receiver and earphones to hear the audio. Maybe my next hearing aid will have a “T” switch.
Thus, the “magic” of a loop system can only be enjoyed by those individuals who have a hearing aid with a “T” switch. Everyone else must use a receiver and earphones. The fact is that the majority of people who are hearing impaired do not even own a hearing aid.
Advantages of RF And IR Systems
RF and IR technology assistive listening systems offer two main advantages:
- Low cost
- Ability to deliver multiple audio sources
The cost of a typical RF system is less than $5,000 and the cost of an IR system is less than $10,000 for an average venue. Loop systems are much more. The lower cost of RF and IR is because of building does not need to be modified to be installed. In loop system systems, the loop must be installed over the entire floor of the venue and it must be carefully designed and installed to ensure complete coverage and no interference to equipment within the facility.
Additionally RF and IR systems can also be used for multiple audio sources. For example, at the Kennedy Center they use their IR system not only for assistive listening but they also use it for audio description and audio instruction.
While the New York Times article “A Hearing Aid That Cuts Out All The Clatter” referenced this facility, the Kennedy Center does not use loop technology* because of their requirement to transmit multiple audio sources.
If a person does have “T” switch hearing aid, they can still use an RF or IR system to connect directly to their hearing aid. This is done by plugging a neck loop into an IR or RF receiver (it’s worn around the neck). The neck loop inductively connects to the hearing aid.
It is great to hear the enthusiasm and the interest in loop system for assistive listening. Loop systems offer a great convenience and “magic” factor people with “T” switch hearing aids. And no matter what technology a venue chooses, anyone can use and benefit from the system.
When you consider 10 percent of the population is hearing impaired (just like me…) it’s important that we have the ability to enjoy a play or enjoy the music.
This chart offers a side by side comparison of some of the considerations for each type of technology: Consideration | RF Technology | Infrared Technology | Induction Loop Technology | Can be used with a hearing aid that has a "T" switch without ANY other equipment | No | No | Yes | Can be used with a hearing aid that has a "T" switch but requires a neck loop plugged in to an FM or IR receiver | Yes | Yes | Not Applicable | Relative convenience level for individuals with a hearing aid that has a "T" switch | Medium | Medium | Very High | Relative convenience level for individuals with a hearing aid that DON'T have a "T" switch | Medium | Medium | Medium | Relative cost of installation for a new building | Low | Medium | High | Can be used for applications beyond assistive listening such as audio description, language interpretation, etc. | Yes | Yes | No | Maximum number of simultaneous channels | 6 | 32 | 1 | Secure. Signal does not travel outside the room | No | Yes | Yes (if designed properly) | Relative audio quality | High | High | Low | May interfere with equipment within the facility (such as a mixing console) | No | No | Yes |
* The NY Times article was reference a one-time event that had a temporary loop system installed.
This was reprinted with permission from Listen Technologies and originally appeared here. Leave a Comment
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EPSON Intros New 7K-10K Lumen Projectors with Edge Blending Today Epson expanded its PowerLite Pro Z-series projector line with five new LCD models aimed at specific markets like education, HOW, rental and digital signage applications. All models come with edge blending, split screen capability, DICOM Simulation mode2, built-in alignment, plus two HDMI inputs, HD-SDI and VGA ports. Because they are stackable and side-by-side blockable, edge blending is fairly simple. This range of projectors is the first at this performance level for EPSON.
The five models include: - PowerLite Pro Z8450WUNL spec'd at 7,000 lumens and with a native WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution LCD in a white enclosure
- PowerLite Pro Z8455WUNL also spec'd at 7,000 lumens, WUXGA but in a black enclosure
- PowerLite Pro Z8350WNL spec'd at 8,500 lumens and WXGA (1280×768) resolution in a white enclosure
- PowerLite Pro Z8250NL spec'd at 10,000 lumens and XGA (1024×768) resolution in a white enclosure
- PowerLite Pro Z8255NL is also spec'd 10,000 lumens with XGA resolution in a black enclosure
All five models have IP control, 10 memory blocks for set-up and display calibration, can be managed with EPSON's Easy Management network software (including copying set-up configuration for both install and rental/staging applications of many daisy-chained projectors) and are spec'd a a 5000:1 contrast ratio.
You can see all the details here: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/Landing/ProZ.do?iref=van_new-pro-z Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Sharp Offers Indoor Perimeter Advertising System Sharp’s indoor perimeter advertising system, consisting of the PN-V series of thin-bezel monitors, will debut at the ISE Show this month in Amsterdam.
The Sharp perimeter system can be quickly assembled and is also protected by safety glass, making it suitable for all indoor events. The displays can also be adapted locally to the lighting conditions of the hall, and their resolution ensures pan shots are displayed without any disruptive moiré effect.
The pre-mounted system for hall events has a been successfully used at various sports events in 2011, including the finals of the European Handball Federation (EHF) Champions League in Cologne.
Developed in partnership between EHF Marketing GmbH, the marketing arm of the European Handball Federation, the Sharp LCD Perimeter Advertising System let organizers integrate the LCD system into the event’s entertainment concept in the arena.
That system was made up of individual 152 cm diagonal (60”) screens with a strong 1366×768 pixel display. The bezel gap is only 6.5 mm.
Here are all the specs: http://www.sharppromonitors.com/pnv.html Leave a Comment
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PreSonus Ships BlueTube Preamps With two combo mic/instrument inputs, the half-rackspace BlueTube DP V2 is designed as a preamp for both guitars and vocals. Singer-songwriters can run their vocals through one channel and their guitar through the other, feeding both to the P.A. — no guitar amp needed. It also serves as a DI box, thanks to balanced XLR and unbalanced ¼" outputs, and is housed in a new, rugged, 1/2U case. Try the BlueTube DP V2 as a front end for a DAW too. The BlueTube DP V2 is available immediately; MAP/street price is expected to be $229.95.
Housed in a rugged, 1/3-rackspace case, the TubePre V2 rear panel sports separate unbalanced, ¼" instrument and balanced, XLR mic inputs and unbalanced ¼" and balanced XLR line outputs. The front panel offers controls for gain, 48V phantom power, 80 Hz high-pass filter and polarity-reverse, as well as a mic/instrument input switch. A lighted VU meter and a clip LED help you keep an eye on your levels. The TubePre V2 is available immediately; MAP/street price is expected to be $129.95.
Here are the detailed specs: http://www.presonus.com/products/Detail.aspx?ProductId=11 Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Rental and Staging Network Donates to Make-a-Wish Foundation The Rental and Staging Network (RSN), a network of geographically-diverse rental and staging companies with complete event capabilities, showed its commitment to charitable giving through in-kind and monetary donations totaling $646,413 in 2011.
RSN polled its members at the beginning of the year to see which charities have benefited the most from member pro bono audio/visual and staging services. It was determined that the Make-A-Wish Foundation was the greatest benefactor, with $111,000 of in-kind donations from a variety of members across the country. The association then contributed an additional monetary donation.
Since its inception in 2007, RSN has aimed to bring the industry’s best live event rental and staging companies together. This allows members to provide nationwide service with the benefit of local contacts, eliminating the need for clients to spend valuable time verifying the competence and capabilities of multiple companies. Additionally, RSN is a non-competitive forum for establishing best practices, enhancing professionalism and engaging in business referrals and cross-rental opportunities.
To find your local RSN provider, visit http://www.rentalandstaging.net Leave a Comment
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PreSonus Integrates Rational Acoustics Measurement Technology PreSonus has embedded Rational Acoustics' Smaart Measurement technology into the software used to control its StudioLive digital mixers. PreSonus' Virtual StudioLive (VSL) remote-control/editor/librarian software will now incorporate Smaart Spectra and Smaart Locator, both tools for sound-system analysis and optimization, as part of PreSonus Universal Control 1.6, expected to be available later this spring.
Smaart is not a single technology but a collection of audio measurement tools and techniques. It allows users to tap into the power of the StudioLive mixer's EQ to improve the sound of their P.A. system. With Smaart-enhanced VSL, users can view the spectral content of their mix in real time, and easily make changes. Clicking on the Graphic Equalizer button in Universal Control 1.6, Smaart Spectra's Real Time Analyzer activates Spectrograph's algorithms, displaying the spectral content of whatever is routed though a particular graphic EQ. Users can activate a Real Time Analyzer, much like the plug-in used in PreSonus' Studio One 2.
Smaart Spectra Spectrograph display itself supposedly allows users to easily tune their P.A. speakers to the room. Smaart Spectra graphs a continuous series of spectrum measurements, showing frequency on one axis, time on another and level indicated by colors — making it particularly useful for quickly identifying feedback frequencies, which can be easily addressed using StudioLive GEQs.
Get all the specs here: http://www.presonus.com/ Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe Rental [and Staging] 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% opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the rental and staging industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions — in this case, it’s industry-veteran Joel Rollins' 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).
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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
rAVe [Publications] has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA, launched in February, 2004. rAVe Rental [and Staging] launched in November 2007. rAVe Ed [Education] launched in May 2008. rAVe DS [Digital Signage] was launched in January of 2009.
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 Rental [and Staging] 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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