|
 |
Volume 6, Issue 5 – March 6, 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Introduction Welcome to rAVe ProAV Edition – Volume 6, Issue 5
Special Announcement
Special Announcement
Feature Article Series
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Click above for more information
The Digital Signage Expo just ended and there is plenty of signage news in this issue and the next. A significant announcement came from (no shocker here) Cisco. Cisco is making as aggressive a push into signage as it has in videoconferencing (it’s the network, stupid!) This time, Cisco announced its own digital signage certification program. You can read it about it below. Are your proposals getting you jobs or losing you business? NSCA’s Chuck Wilson has an excellent article today about improving that very important first impression of your company. Enjoy the issue! –Gary Kayye, CTS
Click above for more information
Special Announcement
Gary asks: What will you be doing in 2011? We have all heard the buzz words — convergence, integration, networking, digital. No matter which word you use, the reality is that we live in an IP-based world and an ever-changing workplace. Not only does the technology constantly change, but the skill sets required to work in this industry are always changing, too. In this new world, what do next-generation technologists need to know as they navigate the A/V and IT integrated environment? Ensuring that your staff is as advanced as the technology is more that just a stop along the information highway; it is a complete change in the navigation of your business. Detouring from the recommend route could have serious implications. Join Gary Kayye as he explores the latest technologies and advances in our industry. He will also discuss the skill sets employees need to meet the demands of more complex software. Plan the roadmap for your employees now to ensure their future success. This session will help you prepare the best route for your business with five key steps toward A/V and IT integration. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about becoming a skilled, knowledgeable and trusted service partner in this new age of technology driven by networked devices. It’s free! For the full agenda and to register, go to http://www.electrographdte.com/anaheim/registration.aspx
Click above for more information
Special Announcement Gary Kayye to Present Convergence of AV/IT at Sapphire Event
Gary Kayye is the special featured speaker at Sapphire Marketing’s Boston Road Show 08. The event takes place March 13 and 14 at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Waltham, Mass. RSVP to Lainie Mataras, Lainie@sapphiremarketing.com or (201) 576-9490.
Click above for more information
Feature Article Series Feature Article Series Decent Proposals
NSCA has been busy preparing educational courses, events and activities for NSCA at InfoComm 08 and the new NSCA TechWeek, sponsored by InfoComm, set to debut this fall. As we were working on the course lineup for NSCA University™ at the InfoComm show, I began thinking about the importance of proposals in our industry. Just as a network is the backbone of an electronic system, a proposal is the basis of a project. Proposals provide internal guidelines on a system’s design and execution as well as communicate to customers how project goals will be met. Every systems integration firm should have a proposal template as a starting point. Templates are available through NSCA Essentials online. Documents, like those found in Essentials, should be easy to modify based on each client’s unique requirements. A proposal template is much like an insurance policy: everyone starts out with the same basic elements, but components change depending on the customer’s specific situation and variables. To determine these variables, it’s important to conduct a thorough needs analysis to understand the functionality customers want in their new system. Systems contractors then have the information necessary to devise a workable solution. The operative word here is ”solution.” In the past, we may have offered clients too many specifics; today’s customers, while more technologically savvy, don’t want to hear every detail about every device. Rather, they are interested in what overall solutions we can offer and how these solutions will help their company be more profitable. Consequently, proposals should not list specific products by brand name and model number; this gives clients a list for comparison shopping. Instead, proposals should break down the entire system, subsystem by subsystem, and answer the following questions: By clearly explaining the overall system and how it will form an integrated solution, systems contractors demonstrate that installed technology is much more sophisticated than simple, plug-and-play commodities. It’s a great opportunity to emphasize that specialized expertise is critical for a successful installation. Systems contractors may shortchange themselves when they create their own value proposition — the part of the proposal that explains why the customer should do business with them. Following is a common example: We have been in business for 25 years, and during that time, have gathered a wealth of experience. While this value statement may be meaningful to those working in the company, bland and generic facts about years of service or particular brands likely means little to customers who want technology to help streamline their operations. As systems contractors analyze their clients’ needs; they must also have a firm grasp on their own businesses. One way to do this is to perform a SWOT analysis for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. This exercise might include an examination of SG&A (sales, general and administrative expenses). If your SG&A is 18 to 20 percent and a salesman proposes selling product at 15 percent above cost, you must recuperate somewhere else in the proposal the three to five percent lost on the sale of the product. If you receive net 30-day financing from suppliers, but invoice the project on a 60-day basis, you need to factor in the cost of the credit that will carry you for the additional 30 days. Expenses should appear in the line item dedicated to design and engineering. Contractors could draft a separate preliminary agreement with potential customers to cover a thorough needs analysis. Many projects could potentially incorporate items that might be overlooked, such as digital signage. A comprehensive needs analysis and value proposition allows systems contractors to offer a relevant proposal that boosts their chances of winning the bid…and getting the project started off on the right foot.
Click above for more information Pioneer Plasma Rumors
For years, rAVe’s been predicting that 2010 would be the last year we’d see plasma, and with an impending announcement from Pioneer, it appears the death of plasma is on the horizon. Although no one at Pioneer will “officially” confirm what we’ve learned, but Pioneer will inform their employees tomorrow that they will be phasing out plasma production and focusing on LCD and LED development and production! Watch for this announcement Friday! You may have seen the media reports. They started with a Reuters story out of Japan is quoting an unnamed source saying that Pioneer will stop producing its own plasma panels and instead, will buy them from another manufacturer, most likely from Panasonic parent Matsushita. It seems likely that the Pioneer would continue to market its Kuro series of plasmas, which debuted last year as high-end TVs (and look fantastic!). The Reuters story: http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUST22772520080304 But Pioneer calls the reports inaccurate and as we mentioned, an official announcement will be issued tomorrow. http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2008/03/pioneer_calls_plasma_biz_reports_inaccurate-2.html
InfoComm Registration Opens
InfoComm announced that registration is now open for the show. The exhibition includes three halls, two shows (InfoComm and NXTcomm08 networking) and the integration of the NSCA Systems Integration Expo. InfoComm takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center June 14-20. And don’t forget: Projection Summit, EduComm and Digital Signage Technology Summit '08 conferences require separate registrations! Gary Kayye will deliver the keynote at EduComm this year. To register, go to https://registration.expoexchange.com/ShowINF081/Default.aspx?HTTPSProxyDetectIteration=4
NSCA Announces Plans for InfoComm 08
The National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) announced the organization’s plans for June when, for the first time, their show will be integrated with InfoComm. NSCA University will feature more than 80 courses, including Eight Steps to Increased Profitability, Hiring the Right People – Sales, Techs, Admins, etc., and Project Management for Owners. Any industry professional who attends InfoComm 08 may take NSCA continuing education classes. Visit http://www.nscaatinfocomm.org to read about courses and link to online registration. The NSCA Zone on the show floor will showcase how NSCA is protecting your business and boosting your profits. NSCA partners will be there, including SystemsPlus Insurance Solutions and National City Media Finance, to explain how NSCA membership can save you thousands on insurance premiums and finance charges. Pick up Market Intelligence Briefings — worth hundreds of dollars each — to access industry-specific research. Government affairs staffers will also be there to talk about what NSCA is doing to protect your business. Other events include a charity golf tournament at Rhodes Ranch, a membership breakfast, the ExpoJam! and the Drunk Unkles concert. For more information, go to http://www.nsca.org/nscaatinfocomm/
NEC Announces Widescreen Installation Projector
NEC has a new installation projector specifically for widescreen presentations. The NP3151W is specified at 4000 lumens and 1280 x 800 WXGA resolution, and weighs just over 16 pounds. This is an LCD model. The projector can connect to wireless networks, and with optional quick-mount bayonet style lenses, can project an image from 40-500 inches. It includes HQV video processing. Interestingly, it makes use of the Windows Network Projector functionality within Windows Vista via the wireless adapter or integrated RJ45 without the need for additional proprietary software. And USB connection for a mouse and keyboard allow desktop control when using the NP3151W to connect to a remote desktop via a wired/wireless network connection. That’s a lot of features, especially for a price tag of $4,999. The NP3151W ships this month. For more information, go to http://www.necdisplay.com/cms/documents/PressReleases/NP3151W%20release%20FINAL.pdf
New Networked Interactive Portable Document Camera From AVerMedia
AVerMedia just introduced a new document camera that can be hooked up to the network, then live image display and control can be done from anywhere on a school campus. Also, it has new interactive software as well as enhanced image quality. The CP300 lets users display documents, 3-D objects, microscopic images, and more through virtually any multimedia projector, monitor or TV. The ability to connect all document cameras in one campus together through the existing Local Area Network now provides the ability for multiple classrooms, or even the entire school to view and share live document camera lessons and demonstrations. AVerMedia gave the example of a science lab that can conduct a dissection for all 6th grade students, without having to group them in one room. Each classroom can access and view the live demonstration, and they can even control the document camera from their location. Annotation, image capture, video recording, zoom, and more can be controlled by each classroom accessing the demonstration on the network. Features of the new software include annotation, video recording with audio, document camera controls, etc. all accessed whether using individually or networked together. Other improvements include a new FlexArm design with a head locking mechanism for safer portability and an enhanced 3.2 mega pixel camera sensor with AutoFocus. It comes with presentation features such as AVerBox and AVerVisor provide additional demonstration tools, and it has 16X total zoom and pan, a fast 24 fps video frame rate, and compatibility with both PC and Mac. The AVerVision CP300 is shipping now with MSRP of $799.99. For more information, go to http://www.avermedia-usa.com/presentation/product_cp300.asp
Aligning Multiple Screens Made Easier With Chief ENS
Chief Manufacturing announced a product that makes it easier to align multiple screens when setting up menu boards, digital signage and more. The ENS Lateral Shift Extrusions are available in custom lengths for forming video walls by mounting multiple Chief fixed and tilt mounts side-by-side. The accessory is compatible with Chief's PSM and PST fixed mounts, or the PRO and PLP tilt mounts. You can order per inch up to 108" (274.3 cm). For added length, order multiple extrusions. For more information, go to http://www.imakenews.com/chiefmfg/index000241447.cfm
Rotating Outlets on New Tributaries Power Strip Organize Power Cords
Tributaries Cable has a new power strip, the T12, that smoothes those installations where you have a lot of power cords. The T12 has 12 outlets, eight of which can rotate up to 90 degrees. It provides 4320 joules of surge suppression and noise filtering for AC power, and signal-line protection for telecomm (RJ-11), network (RJ-45), and cable, antenna, and satellite (F-connector) signals. The T12 has two status LEDs. The blue “Grounded” LED will illuminate when the electrical system is properly grounded; the red “Protected” LED, when lit, shows the AC surge protection is operating properly. The T12 is rated for heavy duty use at 15 amps for up to 1875 watts of load. The T12 is available now with an MSRP of $120. For more information, go to http://www.tributariescable.com/products/sheets/HNP_T12.pdf
New Avocent Serial Products Add VGA Over CAT 5
In time for demonstration at the Digital Signage Expo, Avocent introduced the Avocent Emerge EMS series of VGA over CAT 5 extenders. The company says these new AV extenders deliver high resolution video and CD quality stereo across installations up to 1,000 feet away. With the newly added RS232 support, video display panels can be controlled and interrogated remotely, making it especially useful for signage. The Avocent Emerge EMS2100T transmitter and EMS2100R receiver deliver point-to-point VGA video, audio, and serial data over standard CAT 5, says Avocent, and video performance up to 1600×1200 resolution. Each individual EMS2100R receiver supports two displays and two audio devices. The Avocent Emerge EMS2110R VGA over CAT 5 receiver product has integrated skew correction with a 300MHz bandwidth. The Avocent Emerge EMS2400T extends a single high-resolution video, high fidelity audio and RS232 signals to 4 different receivers. The EMS2400T also has support for a local port to connect a local screen, speakers and serial device, and it supports cascading for linking multiple transmitters together for enterprise expansion. For more information, go to http://www.avocent.com/NewsRoom/NewsRoom.aspx?id=9499
Crestron Introduces Lighting Expansion Modules
Crestron introduced the CLS-EXP line of lighting expansion modules to be used with Crestron dimmers and lighting solutions. These new modules enable the Crestron iLux integrated lighting system and other Crestron lighting dimmers to handle more load types, a wider range of voltages, and larger loads. There are four models in the line. The CLS-EXP-DIM model allows each output channel of the iLux system to dim a fully loaded circuit of incandescent, magnetic low-voltage, neon/cold cathode, or dimmable 2-wire fluorescent lighting loads up to 16 Amps. Residential integrators will welcome the CLS-EXP-DIMU Universal Dimmer model, which supports electronic low voltage (ELV) commonly found in recessed lighting. Additional models support 3 and 4-wire dimmable fluorescents, as well as switching for non-dimmable lighting and motors. CLS-EXP modules support a wider range of voltages, from 120 to 277 Volts. Also, with the ability to support a greater number of loads, CLS-EXP modules enable integrators to add up to five expansion modules to each iLux output for a maximum of 80 Amps per zone. iLux units feature six independent outputs and can support up to 8 additional units, expanding a system to 54 lighting zones. For more information, go to http://www.crestron.com/press_room/press_releases/show_release.asp?press_release_id=1310
Sierra Video Expands Ponderosa Multi-Format Routing Switcher Line
Sierra Video announced a major expansion to its line of Ponderosa Multi-Format Routing Switchers. You can now get I/O sizes up to 128×128, digital-to-analog conversion boards, and analog and digital audio options. The HD-SDI/SDI video routing switcher family is designed to be modular and with features especially suited to critical broadcast, production, and post-production facilities. The routing switchers can be built up to 64 x 64 in a 4RU frame and now up to 128×128 in 8RU. Populated in increments of 8 inputs or 8 outputs, digital-to-analog (D-to-A) conversion boards may now be used on the frames’ outputs allowing HD-SDI/SDI video routing and SDI signal conversion in a single frame. Internal D-to-A conversion means that, while users can output high quality HD or SDI signal to its ultimate destination, an SDI signal can also be converted, and then output, to less expensive analog displays used for monitoring the outgoing video. These are shipping now. For more details, go to http://www.sierravideo.com/en_news_2k8Feb27-1.html
Student Wins Award for Developing New LED
A Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute student developed a new type of LED that could allow for their widespread use as light sources for liquid crystal displays (LCDs) on everything from televisions and computers to cell phones and cameras, according to the prize committee that handed him first place in a recent contest. Martin Schubert, a doctoral student in electrical, computer, and systems engineering, has developed what they claim is “the first polarized LED, an innovation that could vastly improve LCD screens, conserve energy, and usher in the next generation of ultra-efficient LEDs.” Schubert's innovation has earned him the $30,000 Lemelson-Rensselaer Student Prize. Here is how they describe they new technology:
New Commercial 52-Inch HD LCD From NEC
NEC brought a new commercial LCD display to the Digital Signage Expo. The LCD5220 supports 1080p, is 52 inches in size and is specified at 2000:1 contrast ratio and 8 ms response time. It also comes with the SpectraView II color calibration kit, which gives you color uniformity and fidelity across individual and multiple screens and giving a matched image in tiled environments. Also for tiling and videowall applications, it comes with a very thin bezel of 19 millimeters / 0.7 inches. It uses TileMatrix, which enables video walls (up to 25 displays in a 5×5 matrix equaling almost 20-ft. diagonal) and improved CableComp+ technology, which equalizes the video signal. There is a built-in expansion slot for integrating future third-party components, and there are various input options. Estimated street price is $8,149.99. For more information, go to http://www.necdisplay.com/Products/Product/?product=7883160c-3faa-4c13-9e55-607499059de2
New Indoor, Outdoor LED Products From Barco
Barco introduced two new LEDs, one for outdoor and one for indoor. The T-20, specifically for rental and staging, is a 20mm outdoor display with high brightness and contrast. It has a new geometric shader design that improves the black levels in all daylight conditions which, together with the increased brightness, deliver the improved contrast ratios. The T-20 also incorporates new generation LEDs which give a much higher fill factor impression, and a new mechanical design for easier build up and tear down and servicing. For more information, go to http://www.barco.com/events/en/pressreleases/show.asp?index=2033 The NX-6 is a brand new 6mm indoor LED display based on the same black LED platform as the 4mm NX-4. The NX series is designed for deep blacks and are specified with brightness of 2,000 Nit and contrast ratio of 4000:1 for the NX-4 and 4200:1 for the NX-6. The ILite 6 BK is a new 6mm black LED display that has redesigned shaders and is specified at a contrast ratio of 3000:1 and a 2000 Nit brightness output. For more information, go to http://www.barco.com/events/en/pressreleases/show.asp?index=2032
Yes, You Too Can be a Cisco Qualified Digital Signage Media Professional
At the Digital Signage Expo, Cisco announced a new training and certification program specifically for digital signage pros. The Cisco Academy of Digital Signage (ADS) will offer a specialized curriculum focusing on the three areas of digital signage: content creation, content management and content distribution. Cisco says that enrollees are expected to include media professionals looking to add a marketable credential to their skill set, staff members of companies interested in creating digital signage content, and employees of Cisco channel partners planning to expand their digital signage solution capabilities. Current Cisco content partners in North America with a focus on digital signage include Spinitar, PlayNetwork, PresentationPro and X-Factor Communications. Globally, partners such as MediaZest, Incidium, Dagobert and BlueFox have signed up for the academy. After completing a three-day training program and passing the required tests, media professionals will receive a Cisco Qualified Digital Signage Media Professional (CQ DSMP) credential. For more information, go to http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2008/prod_022708.html
Symon’s “Digital Signage Solution in a Box”
Symon’s new digital signage product is a media player called the Symon Integrated Appliance (SIA). Symon says this is an entry level digital signage solution – a multimedia box pre-loaded with Symon software for deployment and direct playback to a flat panel display. The system in a box is actually called LobbyView. This is a new bundle including an integrated 42inch LCD monitor, the new SIA media player, and Symon digital software packaged as an all-in-one application. The company says this is especially suited for deployment in remote areas that are far away from the main signage systems, or for small businesses. Both offerings include pre-loaded software licenses for Symon Enterprise Software (SES), one copy of Symon Design Studio (content management and data control software), and Symon Digital Appliance (SDA) media player software. Additional copies of Design Studio as well as SDA media players can be added. As with other Symon media player implementations, one SDA provides content to one or many flat panel displays delivering the same channel. The SIA and LobbyView are delivered with Design Studio standard layouts and several additional "skins" to help the customer build their own custom shows. For more information, go to http://www.symon.com/  Well, that's it for this edition of rAVe! Thank you for spending time with me as we muse the industry's happenings. To continue getting my newsletter, or to sign up a friend, click the link below. To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter – instead, write to me at gkayye@kayye.com or for editorial: Denise Harrison at dharrison@kayye.com A little about me: Gary Kayye, CTS, founder of Kayye Consulting. Gary Kayye, an audiovisual veteran and columnist, began the widely-read KNews, a premier industry newsletter, in the late 1990s, and created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which later became InfoComm IQ. Kayye Consulting is a company that is committed to furthering the interests and success of dealers, manufacturers, and other companies within the professional audiovisual industry. rAVe ProAV Edition was launched in February 2003. rAVe HomeAV Edition co-sponsored by CEDIA launched in February 2004. rAVe Rental [and Staging] launched in November 2007. To read more about my background, our staff, and what we do, go to http://www.kayye.com Copyright 2008 – Kayye Consulting – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact Kayye Consulting, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Suite 425 – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – 919/969-7501. Email: dharrison@kayye.com rAVe ProAV Edition contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. | |||||||||||||||||||||
