Volume 6, Issue 11 — November 24, 2015
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brAVe New World Aeiforia Technos
- Rock the Cradle!
Raymond Kent : Managing Principal, Sustainable Technologies Group Editorial
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Whether Freelancer, Integrator or Multinational: What Story Are You Telling?
By Midori Connolly AVGirl Productions
Coming from an Irish family, there is one pastime that we enjoy probably more than any other. And as the holidays approach, I know we will be doing this activity extensively over the next couple of months. No, no, I know what you’re thinking, and it’s not knocking back a cold pint or a slug of good whiskey. Rather, it’s the art and joy of story telling. Granted, after said pint, the stories can get richer and funnier… but, regardless of the drink, the act of sitting for hours and listening and sharing stories from our life is how we bond. Through this storytelling, we learn about the hopes and fears and unique characteristics of our friends and families.
There is no more effective (and certainly enjoyable) way to learn about history or life lessons than hearing a great story. And this translates equally to the work that we do – to developing our professional identities, whether an individual or massive corporation.
Think of it this way…
I provide a piece of paper to you that lists my skills with designing and operating a live event webcast. It says something along the lines of: “Extensive knowledge of best platforms for live events. Can integrate social media into the live stream. Establish communication systems for onsite and offsite audience.”
Or, instead, I could tell you the story about the time I had three monitors, an iPad and a phone line to communicate with all the attendees who were at the event, whether there in the room or not. I was monitoring the technical quality of the feed; doing Q&A via Twitter, email and the webcasting platform; texting those questions to an in-room tech moderator so he could interface with the presenter; on the fly, creating a Google doc for our offsite AND on-site audience to be able to take notes and chat together; at the end, compiling a consolidated transcript of all conversation so the event organizer and speaker could gain intel into what the audience was really interested in.
You tell me – did the image of a girl scrambling to keep up with 200 concurrent conversations and a gaggle of devices passing through her hands come to mind? Were you inspired at the idea of how a Google doc could maybe become a cool live communications tool you use on your next event? Ahhh, yes, the power of a narrative.
Let me ask you – are you (or your organization) words on a piece of paper? Or are you a rich canvas of images and sounds and ideas? In a digital culture comprised of tech-savvy buyers, where our services have lost some of their mystique, can you differentiate yourself with a story? As I browse hundreds of freelancer profiles on LinkedIn, they are almost exact duplicates of one another. Do I pick one because I like their name? Where is the welcome video? Why don’t you tell me your funniest story at an event? The time you were an event superhero? C’mon, let’s hear about YOU!
Again, this isn’t just about the individuals out there. I have been to many sites of globally recognized AV companies where there weren’t even executive bios or pictures of projects from the last decade. So, for a little inspiration, I share with you a really fun video I found from a large rental and staging company, Alford Media. Watch the video, be inspired and go forth, share your own story and let the good times roll! Leave a Comment
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Rock the Cradle!
By Raymond Kent Managing Principal, Sustainable Technologies Group
Most often when design professional think about creating solutions that help improve the intended environment’s energy efficiency or work to reduce the overall carbon footprint of a space it is often just the immediate cause and reaction that is considered — if I use this product or solution than I reduce emissions by “X” amount. In the Information Communications Technology world we have the opportunity to go beyond that immediacy and look at the lifecycle of the technology as a whole.
As I have written about many times before, electronic waste, or e-waste, is an ever expanding world problem and often times it is a team effort to combat. That team includes the technology systems designer, the integrator, and the owner/operator who can work together to create a solid cradle-to-grave plan for the technology systems implemented into a project. The STEP rating system included a pathway to accomplish this. Work was even being done to have a STEP rating for manufacturers and their products. Unfortunately this process is (hopefully) temporarily on hiatus.
Fortunately there is an organization that can help in the process. The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (c2cPII). administers the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard which has been around since 2010. The process came out of research and publications by William McDonough and Dr. Michael Braungart who in 1992 wrote The Hanover Principles: Design for Sustainability and Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things published in 2002. This helped them create the framework for the Cradle to Cradle Certified Products Program.
The Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard gives designers and consumers an opportunity to select products that are verified by c2cPII to incorporate into their projects and environments. The process for manufacturers and industrial designers includes a vetting process that looks at five quality categories which include material health, material re-utilization, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship and social fairness. After an assessment and plan of action the product receives a level for each of the five categories ranging from Basic to Platinum with the overall rating being equal to the lowest rating in each of the categories. The product evaluation is performed by qualified independent organization trained by the institute and then the findings are reviewed by c2cPII who issues the final determination of whether the product meets the Standard requirements. Additionally the certification is reviewed every two years and the manufacturer must demonstrate a good-faith effort to improve their products to be recertified.
Quite often current manufacturers in the ICT community are already doing many of these things without the certification. Unfortunately there are also those who claim to be but are not really following a prescribed program that can be verified by a third party. Our industry is already accustomed to this type of process when complying with Underwriters Laboratories compliance or RoHS. As these certifications provide a level of confidence around specific aspects of product’s compliance with standards and regulations, the c2cPII program adds another level of green certification that can help to push a product into the forefront of a design teams design choice when they are looking to achieve their client’s goals of sustainability.
In looking deeper into the five quality categories it becomes pretty clear that the process is achievable and fair to manufacturers and consumers alike. Material Health looks at the actual materials and chemicals that are used in the manufacturing of goods and products and seeks ways to prevent likely exposure of humans and the environment not only during manufacturing but during ownership and eventual end-of-life. Materials Reutilization examines how products and processes can be developed in ways where everything from manufacture waste to reuse of the product as a whole or at the component level can be recycled, upcycled, ore safely returned to nature. Renewable Energy & Carbon management focuses on incorporating clean renewable energy into the manufacturing process and even the operation of the product. Water Stewardship takes into account water usage during manufacturing and its impact on the local environment in addition to any process involved with the deconstruction of the product at end-of-life. Lastly, Social Fairness assesses the commitment to honoring all people and natural resources regardless of location or geography in the creation, use, and disposal of the product. Basically — don’t ship your e-waste to third world country to be disassembled in an unenvironmentally sound way so the pollution doesn’t affect your local geography.
I would urge ICT industry manufacturers that have not explored this certification to look at the impact it will have on their core business as the built environment where the ICT systems live is ever increasingly more critical of how products impact the natural resources we share and live in. Leave a Comment
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Say Cheese! The Past and Future of the Videoconference Room Camera
By David Danto Director Emerging Technologies, IMCCA
This article originally ran in my my Network World column “Workspaces for Tomorrow” earlier in the year.
Enterprise videoconferencing has been around in one form or another for decades. The space has been – and continues to be — owned by many diverse silos (facilities, AV, IT, UC) which is one of the key reasons it is still “seeking its potential” all these years later. While the latest thinking has videoconference room systems playing a much smaller role in the world of Unified Communications (smaller both in importance and the size of the typical room) it is still an essential tool in an organization’s collaboration ecosystem. All of which makes one wonder why the approach to these systems is still so confusing and… well… FUBAR is really the only term to describe it. In this first of a few bogs where I’ll address this space, I’ll focus on the videoconference room camera.
The first videoconference room systems used cameras on top of carts that could move around and zoom-in on whatever the users wanted. This style of camera – the PTZ (for Pan-Tilt-Zoom) is still in use, and represents the bare minimum that should be used in a videoconference room of any size. Regrettably there are a number of manufacturers — from start-ups to major players — that ignore this minimum and try to get away with fixed-focal-length cameras (webcams) in videoconference rooms.
The webcam is meant to work on a personal device. You’re reading this on a PC, tablet or similar device. Can you touch the camera? If you can then the webcam is perfect to use for videoconferencing. That “arms-length” is the maximum distance where a webcam can convey body language, facial expressions, and all the important non-verbal communication that visual collaboration can provide. However, stick it in the front of the room and it’s just a joke.
The hierarchy of cameras for room videoconferencing starts with those two, takes us into better solutions available now, and then peeks into the future:
- Webcams — Great for personal devices, maybe on the edge of acceptable for small “huddle rooms” that have a handful of people at arms-length from it, but a poor choice absolutely everywhere else. You can look at manufacturers’ claim of how many “room systems” they’ve sold with these poor fixed-focal-length cameras and debunk those claims by analyzing how infrequently they are used for videoconferencing. People hate the experience.
- PTZ Cameras — The bare minimum that can be used for room based videoconferencing systems. While these systems can get images close enough to a person to convey the expressions and body language required for effective visual collaboration, they’re often a pain-in-the-neck to operate. Users frequently don’t take the time to set-up the needed shot correctly and/or move the camera around as various people in the room take turns speaking. While they are still the bare minimum, they are quickly being obsoleted by the next level.
- Dual Tracking Cameras — Two camera auto-switching systems that follow the conversation. A space begun by Polycom and its Eagle Eye Director, followed by Cisco and its SpeakerTrack system, this represents current best practice in all conference rooms that aren’t huddle rooms. These systems automatically “hear” who is speaking, move a camera to get a good shot, switch to that camera, and get the other camera ready to get the next person speaking. If everyone starts speaking over everyone else it takes a wide-shot and waits ’till one or two people become the focus again.
People who use these systems experience just about the same level of quality and communication that used to require expensive immersive telepresence – at a fraction of the cost and with no special rooms needed. The first camera manufacturer that builds one of these dual tracking systems that is manufacturer and codec agnostic will severely disrupt the industry.
- Electronically Tracking Cameras — Representing the next era in visual collaboration, these systems use one or more high resolution image capture devices and process the images to look like individual camera shots. A new company — Array Telepresence — uses a nascent version of this by placing small cameras between two displays and assembling an immersive telepresence type image in a processing box that connects between the cameras and the codec device. They are able to digitally manipulate the picture and resize the participants to their liking.Cisco also does an early form of this on their immersive IX5000 system, using 4K cameras and electronically manipulating the combined images. In the future, videoconference rooms will use a camera or cameras with a very high resolution (8K or higher sensor) and electronically “zoom” and “switch” just like the dual tracking cameras above do.
- Invisible Cameras — Taking the above concept to the next level, imaging systems in the future will be able to be comprised of an array of cameras (ranging in size from what we have on smartphones now to the size of fiber-optics) embedded around the bezel of room displays. These camera images will be connected to a processor that can create close-up images of anyone in the room — either seated in at a table or standing in front of the display. These advances will allow for room collaboration systems to become “electronic windows” with two locations able to use them as if they are standing on opposite sides of a big piece of clear glass.
As room collaboration systems continue to evolve they will still have an important place is the expanding world of unified communication. Selecting appropriate cameras for these rooms is an important part of ensuring that they remain a useful part of any collaboration ecosystem.
This article was written by David Danto and contains solely his own, personal opinions. David has had over three decades of delivering successful business outcomes in media and collaboration technology for various firms in the corporate, broadcasting and academic worlds — including AT&T, Bloomberg LP, FNN, Morgan Stanley, NYU, Lehman Brothers and JP Morgan Chase. He now works with Dimension Data as their Principal Consultant for the collaboration, multimedia, video and AV disciplines. He is also the IMCCA’s Director of Emerging Technology. David can be reached at David.Danto@Dimensiondata.com or DDanto@imcca.org and his full bio and other blogs and articles can be seen at Danto.info. David is also the co-founder of Masters Of Communication. Please reach-out to David if you would like to discuss how he can help your organization solve problems, develop a future-proof collaboration strategy for internal use, or if you would like his help developing solid, user-focused go-to-market strategies for your collaboration product or service.
All images and links provided above as reference under prevailing fair use statutes. Leave a Comment
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Premier Ships AV Shelf for Dual-Pole CartsPremier’s new A/V Shelf for Dual Pole Carts and Stands, the PSD-SHLF, is now shipping. This new shelf is designed to mate with our PSD-HDCA adapter, allowing it to be quickly mounted directly to the dual poles, without the need to remove the display.
Other benefits of the PSD-SHLF include:
- Durable steel construction
- Easy to install & adjust along any length of a Premier Mounts dual pole cart or stand
- 25-lb. weight capacity
Here are all the mechanical specs. Leave a Comment
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BSS Audio Receives AVnu Alliance Certification for Soundweb London BLU-805 and BLU-325 ProcessorsHarman brand BSS Audio today announced the Soundweb London BLU-805 and BLU-325 Signal Processors have received AVnu certification for Audio Video Bridging (AVB) interoperability. The certification was attained from the AVnu Alliance, which is the professional audio industry’s only organization dedicated to driving open, standards-based AV networking through the certification of AVB products based on their interoperability. The certifications were announced today at the 139th international convention of the Audio Engineering Society (AES).
Both the BLU-805 and BLU-325 devices offer configurable inputs and outputs, compatibility with all Soundweb London input and output card options, logic processing capability, the 256-channel BLU link bus and GPIO. Each offers up to 16 inputs and outputs, configurable in banks of four. Card options include analog mic/line inputs with Phantom Power, analog outputs, digital inputs (AES/EBU and S/PDIF), digital outputs, the Soundweb London AEC Input Card and the Soundweb London Telephone Hybrid Card.
The BLU-805 and BLU-325 devices allow 64 incoming AVB channels and 64 outgoing AVB channels. Configuration, control and monitoring will be provided by a forthcoming release of HiQnet Audio Architect.
The BLU-805 and BLU-325 processors are not the first HARMAN Professional Solutions products to be recognized by AVnu. Last year, the Crown DCi Network Display Amplifiers became the first professional audio endpoints to receive AVnu certification for AVB interoperability.
HARMAN is here. Leave a Comment
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AGT Updates EncoreB2B Cloud Video Conferencing ServiceApplied Global Technologies (AGT) today announced an update to its cloud video conferencing service, EncoreB2B, which enables video collaboration and content sharing between standards-based video conferencing systems, desktops, web browsers and mobile devices. EncoreB2B is the core of AGT’s successful Video-as-a-Service Partner Program, which allows service providers to white-label and resell the service with their own brand identity.
Key features and enhancements of the latest release include:
- Background Branding Options – added ability for organizations to customize the video content background with a specific color or image.
- Info Bars – sleek “Info Bars” added below each meeting participant, listing the name of the participant. Info Bars can be enabled or disabled by meeting and can be customized.
- Enhanced Layout Options – additional meeting layout options are now available, including new individual layouts and several automatic options, which users can choose depending on the nature of their meeting. Layouts can also be customized.
The latest release of AGT’s cloud video conferencing service is now available. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Barco Enables Streaming Surgery in 4KHealthcare imaging is a focus for Barco and now they’ve announced a 4K end-to-end solution for the operating room, comprising a 4K 31” and 58” surgical display and its OR-over-IP management platform for streaming of 4K video and data.
Obviously, offering four times the resolution of HD, 4K imaging in the operating room is proving to offer significant benefits when performing a surgical procedure. In February 2015, Dr. Mathieu D’Hondt (AZ Groeninge hospital, Kortrijk) performed Belgium’s first liver laparoscopy in 4K using Barco’s display technology. “The resolution and level of detail enabled by 4K technology is truly amazing! Our original HD screens already offered excellent image quality, but with the 4K display, you get to see details you wouldn’t have seen before. Depth perception is better too — and contrast and differences in color are clearer. It’s as good as an open surgery,” Dr. D’Hondt concluded.
Like all of Barco’s surgical displays, the new 31” 4K display (MDSC-8232) has been designed and approved for use in a surgical environment. Advanced screen technology and color calibration allow for representation of 4K images without artifacts and enable flexible screen positioning during the procedure. Even when viewed from a wide viewing angle, the color accuracy is still superb.However, in order to get a good image, the whole chain – from camera through processing – has to be in the same quality — i.e., 4K. If there is any variation, the quality of the final image will be affected. That’s why Barco also offers Nexxis, an OR-over-IP management solution for end-to-end uncompressed streaming of 4K images, inside the operating room and between ORs.
The MDSC-8232 is also available with an integrated Nexxis 4K decoder to work perfectly together with Barco’s Nexxis platform for video-over-IP integration in the operating room.
Barco also offers a large-format 58” 4K screen (MDSC-8258) for display of multiple images.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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CASIO Adds 3K-Lumen Laser/LED Projector to EcoLite Line Casio America announced today that it will expand its EcoLite lineup of LampFree projectors with a new 3000-lumen laser/LED EcoLite XJ-V2.
CASIO says the XJ-V2 will be introduced at a price that is lower than the cost of a conventional mercury lamp projector of an equivalent brightness plus one replacement lamp. Furthermore, the Casio SSI light source — which uses both a laser and a LED — in the XJ-V2 has a lifespan of up to 20,000 hours, eliminating the need for lamp replacements, and is spec’d to offer electricity consumption that is approximately half that of a mercury lamp projector.
Casio also says they have improved the dust resistance of the XJ-V2 by structuring the internal components into three blocks to shield the optical block from dust. This helps ensure that dust does not lower projection brightness, enabling the XJ-V2 to operate dependably for a long time.
Additionally, the new EcoLite reaches maximum brightness in as fast as five seconds from the time the power is switched on. It can immediately power off with just a touch of the button and then be used again right away when powered back on without the need for a cool-down period. The XJ-V2 can project a 100” image from 10.1 ft to 11.2 ft away using a 1.54 – 1.71 lens.
Detailed specs will be here. Leave a Comment
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Extron AV to USB Scaling Bridge ShipsExtron Electronics is shipping the MediaPort 200, an HDMI to USB bridge for integrating pro AV sources or systems with software codec conferencing applications. It works seamlessly with a computer using generic USB video and audio drivers. The MediaPort 200 features an HDMI input with HDCP-compliant loop through, accepts signals up to 1920×1200, and scales video to a USB 2.0 output. Audio features include program and mic inputs, HDMI audio de-embedding, and USB bidirectional audio, plus AEC reference and line level outputs. The MediaPort 200 also includes DSP with EQ, filters, mixing, dynamics and ducking. This allows the MediaPort 200 to serve as a complete soft codec interface, with the added flexibility of integrating into larger hardware codec or DSP systems. The MediaPort 200 enables versatile integration of conferencing PCs into pro AV system designs.
The MediaPort 200 bridges the gap between simple Webcam-to-computer solutions and traditional hardware videoconferencing systems. For small meeting spaces with just a PC and display, the MediaPort 200 is ideal for enhancing audio and video quality by adding support for professional-grade equipment such as videoconferencing PTZ cameras, boundary microphones and sound reinforcement systems. In boardrooms and large conference rooms, the MediaPort 200 easily integrates a conferencing PC into a fully equipped AV system with video distribution and processing, control, DSP, microphones and full sound reinforcement.
To ensure an HDMI source is presented with the highest possible image quality to a soft codec, the MediaPort 200 incorporates Extron video processing technology, specifically engineered for high performance image scaling and frame rate conversion that preserves detail and legibility of source content. The DSP in the MediaPort 200 is ideal for optimizing mic and program source signals, as well as outgoing signals bound for the PC, sound reinforcement systems, or outboard DSPs. The MediaPort 200 can also deliver far-end audio as a dedicated AEC reference output to an AEC-equipped DSP, to provide distributed AEC processing for several microphones.
Here are the tech details. Leave a Comment
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Bose Professional Updates Panaray 802 and 402 Loudspeakers as Series IV Bose Professional announced updates to its Panaray 802 and Panaray 402 sound-reinforcement loudspeakers, as well as a name change to the Panaray “Series IV” models.
Introduced originally 25 years ago, the Panaray 802 and 402 loudspeakers achieved what Bose calls “an iconic status among A/V system integrators, design consultants and installers.” The Series IV models have been updated with new installation options that better suit indoor and outdoor installed applications.
All Bose Professional Panaray installed sound-reinforcement loudspeakers feature full-range driver arrays, eliminating the need for tweeters and crossovers, to provide unsurpassed reliability and natural vocal clarity. Additionally, a Bose Articulated Array design — where drivers are set at precise angles to provide wide, even coverage — is claimed to reduce the number of loudspeakers required for many installations.
The Panaray 802 Series IV loudspeaker features a 120°V x 100°H Articulated Array design, while the 52 Hz low-frequency response can eliminate the need for subwoofers, providing a cost-effective solution for many indoor and outdoor installed sound-reinforcement applications. The new Series IV model adds new side threaded inserts and optional accessory U-Bracket to make installations simple, fast, and cost effective. The Panaray 802 Series IV comes in a black finish, weighs 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms) and measures 13.3″ x 20.5″ x 13.2″ (338 x 520 x 335 mm).
The smaller Panaray 402 Series IV indoor/outdoor installed sound-reinforcement loudspeaker features a 120°V x 60°H Bose Articulated Array design, while the 73 Hz low- frequency response covers the entire vocal range to provide an even further cost-effective installed sound-reinforcement solution. The new Series IV model adds new rear threaded inserts with industry-standard mounting to accommodate optional pan-and-tilt brackets to enhance installation flexibility. The Panaray 402 Series IV comes in black and white finishes, weighs 16 pounds (7.3 kilograms) and measures 23.3″ x 8.1″ x 8.0″ (592 x 206 x 202 mm) and weighs 16 lbs.
The Panaray 502A, Panaray MA12 and Panaray MA12EX, remain unchanged.
The Panaray 802 Series IV loudspeaker is available now, while the Panaray 402 Series IV is scheduled to be available in early 2016. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Polycom Ships RealPresence Trio Aimed at HuddleRoomsThe Polycom RealPresence Trio 8800 is billed as a smart-hub for group collaboration — it looks like a three-point conference phone but adds voice to it for small spaces. Polycom says the RealPresence Trio is aimed at group collaboration as you can share voice (it’s a conference phone) HD content sharing (as you can use it like an iPhone and share apps and documents) and live video (as it has videoconferencing integrated into it’s 5” screen).
RealPresence Trio has a 20-foot pickup range and audio technology such as enhanced Polycom HD Voice and their patented Polycom NoiseBlock. And, you can connect a USB camera to it to make it capable of instant IP-based videoconferencing. With Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), it connects as easily as a phone and integrates directly with your call control platform. Native integration with Microsoft Lync 2013, Skype for Business client and support for all major SIP platforms.
Specs include:
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Martin Audio Debuts MA5.0Q AmplifierClaiming a new eco-friendly design, Martin Audio’s new MA5.0Q power amp is designed for both portable and installed systems and specified with four channels of 5,000 watts in a 1 RU enclosure. Minimum heat dissipation makes the MA5.0Q suitable for hot or otherwise challenging environments using a patented Class D output stage design.
The MA5.0Q is integrated with a switch-mode power supply, internally switchable 230/115 V nominal, a fixed frequency switch-mode amplifier and patented amplifier output filters with ripple cancellation network (Optimized for 4 Ω loads) thus, AC protection (shuts down power supply when AC mains voltage is outside operating range) and a Clip limiter (prevents severely clipped waveforms from reaching loudspeakers) makes it capable of being used in any environment on earth.
The MA5.0Q is scheduled to start shipping from mid-November. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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VITEC Unveils MGW Pico TOUGH HD ISR EncoderVITEC today unveiled MGW Pico TOUGH — what the company is claiming as the world’s smallest dual-channel H.264 HD/SD encoder. Weighing less than a pound, the MGW Pico TOUGH is designed for manned and unmanned airborne platforms (aka drones), military vehicles and ground units. The MGW Pico TOUGH consumes less than seven watts of power for 1080p encoding with KLV/STANAG metadata.
MGW Pico TOUGH features simultaneous, low-latency streaming of two sources from HD-SDI and analog composite signals, JITC-compliant metadata processing AES encryption, forward error correction technology, real-time resolution scaling and image cropping. The credit-card-sized, rugged enclosure uses MIL-DTL-38999 connectors and is certified for extreme environmental conditions.
Details on the MGW Pico TOUGH are here. Leave a Comment
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Planar Brings Transparent OLED Display to Market, LookThru Now Available for Pre-OrdersThis morning Planar announced the new Planar LookThru OLED transparent display, based on a prototype display first shown at ISE 2015 (and which earned a rAVe Best of ISE 2015 award for Best Overall New Product). The product will first be available in one size, a 55″ 1080p display, and available with and without touch technology.
The Planar LookThru OLED transparent display allows users to view video content, digital images and text on a virtually frameless glass display while enabling designers to overlay this content onto real objects or scenes that sit behind the glass. Planar has previously manufactured transparent LCD displays, but moving to OLED display technology signifies a significant advancement. Since OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) is self-emissive, the displays do not require a backlight the way LCD panels do. This means that an OLED transparent display offers better picture quality, higher contrast and wider viewing angles, in addition to essentially being “more transparent” — Planar says this new OLED display offers 45 percent light transmissivity, compared to transparent LCD displays that typically offer 5 to 17 percent light transmissivity.
The display, which offers a five-millimeter bezel on the top and sides (there’s a three inch bezel at the bottom where the electronics are housed), can be tiled into a video wall — you could stack two displays on top of each other by turning the top display upside down and theoretically go as many displays wide as you wanted using off-board electronics. It can also be used in portrait or landscape mode, and is available as a table-top display, in a ceiling-mounted configuration or flush-mounted on a wall.
The display offers Planar’s Extended Ruggedness and Optics, which uses damage-resistant and optically-clear Corning Gorilla Glass bonded to the front surface of the display — particularly useful in museum or retail applications using touch technology where a display may be touched by thousands of fingers.
The LookThru is available with optional touch technology, available with 32-point simultaneous touch points.
Planar is now accepting pre-orders for the LookThru Transparent OLED Display. MSRP will start just under $15,000 for a display without touch added. It is expected to begin shipping in February 2016. More information is available on the display here. Here’s a video from Planar about the display.
Here’s a rAVe video from ISE 2015 of the prototype transparent OLED in action (not the final LookThru product, but an early iteration of it). Leave a Comment
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Extron Introduces New Scaling Technology called Vector 4KExtron has been using Vector 4K in their products for a few months now — we started noticing it mentioned in their release in September when they launched the DTP CrossPoint 108 4K, but now it’s officially been explained. Vector 4K is the company’s latest generation of Extron scaling engines (that apparently will be used in a plethora of new products to debut over the coming months, that they say has been specifically engineered for 4K signal processing — not just modified from an old 1080p engine. For over 20 years, Extron has been engineering their own scaling and signal processing and they have become an industry leader in scaling technology.
Extron says that Vector 4K was developed internally by signal processing engineers that have crafted patented image processing technologies that they say “set the industry benchmark for visual performance.” Features such as bicubic scaling, 30-bit color depth, and 4:4:4 chroma sampling ensure very high image quality while preserving detail present in the original source material. With scaling technology developed in-house, Extron says they can design to exacting specifications and have absolute control over the end product.
In addition to advanced video processing, Extron says that Vector 4K delivers consistent, reliable performance that takes the guesswork out of signal capture and source management. Featuring the industry’s most accurate source capture technology, and the ability to manually adjust image parameters with fine precision, even the most unique signal formats are displayed with speed and dependability. Additionally, scalers and video processors with Vector 4K scaling include a variety of convenient, user-friendly features, such as EDID and HDCP management that streamline integration and optimize system performance.
Vector 4K scaling technology is featured in the Extron DTP CrossPoint 4K Series of scaling presentation matrix switchers, as well as the Extron XTP SFR HD 4K fiber optic scaling receiver.
Here are the technology details. Leave a Comment
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Hall Research UH2X-P1 Extender Handles Uncompressed HDMI, USB & LAN SignalsHall Research has introduced the UH2X-P1 extender for HDBaseT 2.0 that they say sends uncompressed HDMI, USB 2.0, Ethernet, RS232, IR and PoE over a single CAT5e/6 cable. The extender kit includes a transmitter and receiver.
The extender is spec’d to support all PC and HDTV resolutions including 4K (UHD) and can extend video along with IR, RS232, USB, and IP using a single run of CAT5e/6 cable up to 100 meters (330 feet) — however, no color bit depth specification is listed. The PoH/PoE compliant extender includes a power supply that plugs to the transmitter end. The receiver gets its power through the Cat6 cable per IEEE802.3af standard as required by HDBaseT Alliance. The receiver includes an integrated two-port USB 2.0 Hub, making it perfect for remote KVM applications. The USB extension is transparent to the PC Host and requires no drivers or software.
In addition, the UH2X-P1 features audio return from receiver to the sender. The source for the independent audio return path is user selectable. It can be either from the ARC pin of the HDMI output connector (ARC signal from the connected TV) or from a separate SPDIF audio input connector available on the Receiver.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Altinex Debuts TNP530 Retractable BoxAltinex’s new TNP530 Tilt ‘N Plug retractable tabletop interconnect box is designed for mounting into tables, podiums, or other furniture. The new TNP530 includes dual 12 Amp U.S. power receptacles, two USB ports, retractable VGA and HDMI video ports / cables, one RJ-45 network connector, and a 3.5 mm audio connector. The TNP530 incorporates Altinex’s RT300 Series retractable cable systems for both VGA (RT300-121) and HDMI (RT300-125) video connections.
The TNP530 interconnect box’s input plate is accessed by pushing down on the top cover. The unit then auto-tilts open with assistance from an internal spring. Once open, the input plate remains securely in place. The input plate is hidden, or closed, by pressing down on the top cover until the latching mechanism engages. In its closed position, the top panel lies flush with the table’s top.
The Altinex TNP530 lists for $935.00. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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BTX Technologies and Visionary Solutions Collaborate on a New Line of Dante ProductsBTX Technologies and Visionary Solutions have announced a collaboration in which they will offer a new line of Dante enabled products (as you likely know, Dante is the networking standard for multi-channel digital media networking technology with near-zero latency and synchronization).
The first new product in the Dante offering is a PoE+ Network Amplifier. This subcompact 5 watts (4/8ohms) per channel network amplifier with Dante input is powered with PoE+, so no external power supply is required. It’s a robust unit suitable for industrial, commercial and Pro A/V installations. The amplifier is easily deployable and enables precise control of sound. Two independent channels can be sourced using any Dante audio on the network by using the Audinate Dante Controller or other third party software. It will list for $499.
Two additional products will be available in December. The first is a very small form factor 2-Channel Line Level On-Ramp and a 2-Channel Line Level Off-Ramp. The On-Ramp provides two channels of balanced line level audio inputs to Dante networks using XLR connections and the Off-Ramp provides two channels of line level balanced audio output from Dante networks using XLR connections. Because these units have such a small footprint, they can be used just about anywhere. Using these solutions is a quick and easy way to expand an existing installation or provide audio in constantly changing environments including hospitality or rental and staging settings. Both will list for $395.
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Epson Adds Two Portable Projectors to Its EX-SeriesEpson today introduced the EX5250 Pro and the EX5240 portable projectors — both aimed at small- to medium-sized businesses. The EX5250 Pro projector is an XGA resolution (1024×768) at 3,600 lumens, includes wireless connectivity while the EX5240 also XGA but is specified at 3,200 lumens. Both projectors include VGA and HDMI connectivity. Of course, they are both 3LCD projectors. The EX5250 Pro and EX5240 both support HDMI and the EX5250 Pro features wireless connectivity with Epson’s quick connect on-screen QR code, allowing users easy access to content from smartphones and tablets using Epson’s iProjection app to scan the on-screen QR code and instantly project content from an iOS or Android device.
The EX-Series offers features including image adjustment tools such as automatic vertical correction and Epson’s “Easy-Slide” horizontal image correction. The Epson EX5240 ($549) and EX5250 Pro ($599) are already shipping. Here is more information. Leave a Comment
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Exterity Launches AvediaStream g4415-lk TVgateway with Samsung LYNK EncryptionExterity today announced that it has launched its new AvediaStream g4415-lk TV gateway. The new g4415-lk includes support for Samsung LYNK encryption, enabling Exterity powered IP video systems deployed with Samsung SMART hospitality TVs to make the most of the efficient and cost-effective Samsung LYNK DRM solution.
The AvediaStream g4415-lk TV gateway captures content-protected live TV and radio from satellite sources and streams it securely across an IP network. With dual conditional access slots and built-in Samsung LYNK encryption, the g4415-lk meets the most stringent content protection requirements and delivers high value and broadcaster premium channels across an IP network .This is specifically designed for hospitality applications such as hotel TV and hospital TV.
Features of the AvediaStream g4415-lk include:
- Deliver complete content protection to meet broadcaster or content owner security requirements and protect video from illegal copying and distribution
- Compatible with Samsung SMART Hospitality TVs
- Integrated Samsung LYNK encryption, no external server required
- Future-proof IP video technology with support for 4K,Ultra HD and HEVC broadcast streams
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships DTP 4K Transmitters for DisplayPort and HDMI with Audio EmbeddingExtron has started shipping the DTP T DWP 4K D series of two input Decora-style transmitters for sending DisplayPort or HDMI, audio and control over a shielded CATx cable to Extron DTP-enabled products. The DTP T DWP 4K 232 D extends signals up to 230 feet (70 meters), while the DTP T DWP 4K 332 D extends signals up to 330 feet (100 meters). Both DTP T DWP 4K D models provide one HDMI input, one DisplayPort input, and independent analog stereo audio connections. They support video signals at resolutions up to 4K, including 2560×1600 and 1080p/60 Deep Color. Analog stereo audio embedding and RS-232 remote control facilitate integration in demanding professional environments. Integrator-friendly features include EDID Minder, auto-switching between inputs, remote power capability, and bidirectional RS-232 and IR pass-through for remote AV device control. The wall-mountable design provides the convenience of placing input connections precisely where they are needed.
The DTP T DWP 4K 232 D and DTP T DWP 4K 332 D help ensure optimal system performance by automatically adjusting color bit depth based on the display EDID, preventing color compatibility conflicts between the source and display. In addition to RS-232 input selection, these transmitters can be set up to automatically switch when they detect a source, making them ideal for automatic routing and unattended operation. They also feature independent connections for embedding stereo analog audio onto the DTP video output signal. For added installation flexibility, the DTP T DWP 4K D transmitters can be remotely powered by Extron DTP-enabled products over the twisted pair cable. They offer an HDBaseT output mode that provides the additional integration convenience of a twisted pair output that is compatible with any HDBaseT-enabled display.
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ProAV 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).
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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 GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] 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
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