Volume 7, Issue 1 — January 9, 2014
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iPad Mini: A $400 Complete Tool Bag
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
In July of this year, I wrote about the uses we have found at Bates College for the iPad mini as a troubleshooting tool. In that article, I wrote mainly about using the iPad as a portable touch panel for a technician. We continue to build on that success and have found more new and exciting ways to use the iPad. My staff all uses the iPad mini. I feel that it is just the right size: bigger than the iPhone, but not as large as a full size iPad.
One of the first uses for the iPad, was introduced last month by Lee Distad, in his column “Never Going to Give Up My SPL Meter.” I have to admit, I saw the article and figured that Lee was going to write about an actual, old school SPL meter. I had already started working on this article, and thought it would be a good contrast with his article. However, if you read it, you know that Lee talks about using the iDevice as an SPL meter. My staff and I have been doing this for a few months and find it very useful. Lee covers the topic very well, and even teaches a little about how to use an SPL meter (although I would be open to even more instruction), so I am not going to cover that here. The only thing I will add to the column is a unique way that we try and use the meter. On occasion, we encounter a room that has a substantial amount of ambient noise. It could be HVAC systems, or other mechanical devices. Trying to describe to our facility folks that the room is “too noisy” is often difficult, and does not really make sense. However, if we put them in the room, with the iPad SPL meter and have them watch it, suddenly it makes sense. Some of these SPL meters even have dB “comparisons” on the meter. For example, it may show that 60dB is like a noisy restaurant. Pointing out to our colleagues that the room STARTS as noisy as a noisy restaurant before students even enter it, really hits home with them and gets them on the job.
An app that we discovered and really LOVE is called AV Buddy Pro. This application is like your secret little black book. It has just about every piece of information that you could ever need. When you look at it, your first thought will be: ‘If I’m sending out AV techs who need to know this stuff, I have hired the wrong people.’ I hear you, but ask you to give it a second look. First, it goes much deeper than the various quick pin outs, and explanation of how to crimp a BNC. Although, don’t discount that information. We have all had those days in the field where we can not remember the easiest thing, even though we have done it hundreds of times. It also has other information like audio interconnects (e.g., XLR to RCA, and ¼” to Male XLR). Our AV Engineer at Bates has a similar notebook that he has created over the years. However, who carries a 3 ring binder with them everywhere they go? iPad Minis are very easy to stick into your tool bag, especially if you take out all that junk they can replace.
Take a swipe down to the end of the app and check out the AV tools. It has an entire section on projection throws, closest viewer, farther viewer and on and on. It gives you tools for test patterns, audio testing and a SPL meter. It measures different aspect ratios for you, based on a single parameter, either height or width. Finally, it has a very neat site survey form that you can use when visiting a customer. The only knock I have on this product right now, is that the built-in SPL meter does not work on OS7. In my opinion, if you want a competitive piece of software, it needs to be compatible with an OS that has been out for several months. For the $5 or $6 that this app costs though, I guess you do get a lot for what you pay for.
Our next use of the iPad mini is for our drawings. We used to print out drawings and tape them into the sides of our racks. This is great for troubleshooting, but we all know that when you go in to fix something, and end up making a change, you never get back to putting the updated drawing in the rack. So, you end up with an outdated drawing that actually causes you problems next time you need to do troubleshooting. We now connect to all of our drawings electronically with our iPads. We use Visio for our drawings, and store them all into a shared Google Drive folder. We then use an app on the iPad called VSD viewer to view the actual drawing (not a copy of it). This is important because our other option would be to export the drawing as a PDF, every time a change is made. We all know that at some point someone would forget to do this, and the drawings would be wrong.
Two other smaller applications we have found for the iPad, include Ping and Remote Desktop. When I am in a classroom and trying to figure out whether a certain piece of equipment is properly connected to the network, I can simply ping it from my iPad. As a last resort, I can also remote to my computer. I really hate to do this, because it is simply a pain to try and navigate the computer on my little iPad screen. Yet, I have to admit, it has saved my bacon more than once.
Finally, you can not forget some of the apps that come built into the iPad. In particular, I use the camera constantly. I text images of classrooms to my vendors, I text images of problems to my techs. On occasion when I can’t easily see something, I will stick my iPad in the spot and run the video camera for a minute, then watch the video to see that blind spot. Obviously, the texting and e-mailing is a great way to stay in touch with techs on campus. Don’t forget the FaceTime app though. What to do when you are in a pinch and need to show someone something and see if they can tell you what is wrong? FaceTime them. I use the social media apps of Twitter and LinkedIn to connect with other colleagues and see if they may be able to assist with questions or problems. Although, I have to admit, the LinkedIn app has a lot to be desired.
In the end, I challenge you to find a more versatile tool for you and your technicians. I know that many in our organizations tend to think of the iPad as a toy. They roll their eyes when you suggest your techs need them. Show them this article! I bought iPad minis for all my staff about six months ago, and I don’t know that we have ever spent better money on a tool. How about you? Are you using iPads or other tablets or smart phones for your in-field techs? Tell me about it! I look forward to hearing from you. Leave a Comment
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Sharp Adds to the PN-U Series with New PN-U473The new PN-U473 from Sharp is a 47-inch LED backlit LCD monitor designed for commercial applications. It can run 24/7 and can be mounted in landscape or portrait configurations.
The 40-pound PN-U473 is 2″ deep and is both LEED and ADA compliant. It offers 1920×1080 resolution; VGA, HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort inputs; 700 cd/m2 brightness; and a 1,300:1 contrast ratio. It also has integrated audio via a 10-watt speaker and an optional media player for digital signage applications. It lists for $2,160 and all the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Introduces Two Input DTP Wallplate Transmitters for HDMI and VGAExtron has announced the DTP T HWP 232 D and the DTP T UWP 232 D two input Decora-style transmitters. The DTP T HWP 232 D transmits HDMI, audio and control, while the DTP T UWP 232 D transmits HDMI or analog video, audio and control. These signals are sent up to 230 feet (70 meters) over a single CATx cable to an Extron DTP 230 receiver. The DTP T UWP 232 D digitizes incoming analog video for reliable display on a variety of output devices. Both transmitters are HDCP compliant and include independent stereo audio connections. They also offer many integrator-friendly features such as EDID Minder, auto-switching between inputs, remote power capability and bidirectional RS-232 and IR pass-through for remote AV device control.
The DTP T HWP 232 D and DTP T UWP 232 D provide switching and transmission of HDMI signals, supporting Deep Color up to 12-bit, CEC pass-through and embedded HD lossless audio formats. For simplified operation, both transmitters can automatically switch between sources. For added installation flexibility, a single external power supply can be used to remotely power the transmitter or a DTP 230 receiver over the twisted pair cable. The DTP T HWP 232 D and DTP T UWP 232 D can be used as a point-to-point solution or integrated within HDMI switching environments, such as an IN1608 or MPS 602 system to support inputs at remote locations.
Here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Mersive Takes on Crestron (and Barco)In a challenge to Crestron’s AirMedia wireless room system and Barco’s ClickShare, Mersive has taken an aggressive approach to marketing its Solstice software-based solution. In calling the Crestron AirMedia a, “proprietary piece of hardware” and “difficult to update or maintain,” Mersive is pitting itself against a giant in room control and signal distribution. Mersive even claims in a recent product bulletin that Crestron’s AirMedia may become “obsolete” when the Wi-Fi standards change in 2014 with the introduction of 802.11ac.
Mersive claims that because Solstice is software, it can also be centrally managed with the Solstice Dashboard, which enables an IT administrator to centrally update all the Solstice displays throughout the entire enterprise.
But, truth is, our industry (AV) likes hardware solutions and it’s the reason Barco’s ClickShare is doing so well in this space (another solution that Mersive takes on in its latest product bulletin). Crestron’s AirMedia is similar to the ClickShare product in many ways.
Mersive has an uphill battle as we (the AV industry) don’t do software well. The company realizes this and is taking the approach that conceptually selling its software-based solution vs. the hardware AirMedia solution.
Here’s the comparison chart Mersive is using to sell against both the AirMedia and ClickShare solutions [PDF].
You can learn more about the Crestron AirMedia here. You can learn more about the Barco ClickShare here [PDF].
You can learn more about Mersive Solstice here. Leave a Comment
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Largest Q3 on Record for Interactive WhiteboardsSales of interactive whiteboards (IWBs) and interactive flat panel displays in the education and corporate sectors achieved close to 400,000 displays in Q3 2013, up 3 percent on last year and making it the largest Q3 on record, according to the latest quarterly research from Futuresource Consulting.
“The interactive whiteboard market has grown at a tremendous pace over the last decade. Initially finding a foothold in the UK, Mexico and the U.S., the technology is now used across the globe,” says Colin Messenger, senior market analyst at Futuresource Consulting. “Though as the technology has evolved over the last few years, interactive flat panels are moving centre stage and becoming the dominant future purchase in the overall interactive display market. Initially we’re only seeing a handful of countries use this technology, but this is accelerating and will encourage additional vendors into the marketplace.”
EMEA performed above target in the quarter, spurred on by strong performances from Russia and the UK.
“Phase 2 of FATIH (Turkey’s National Education Project) is expected to start in 2014 and Futuresource projections show that this will account for over half of all sales in EMEA,” says Messenger. “Without this tender the market would be level.
“However, FATIH could be a huge loss-making deal for any vendor. There are high risks with signs of instability in the country. The tender specs are very complicated, the investment is huge and the deal is priced in Turkish Lira which has recently devalued and the expected prices are extremely low.”
In the UK, interactive flat panel displays are starting to take market share from interactive whiteboards, and some of the first replacement boards are now being purchased. Twice as many IFPDs were sold this quarter than Q3 last year and by 2016 more IFPDs will be sold than IWBs, which in turn will create the faster value growth.
Futuresource forecasts show the total display technologies market of interactive whiteboards, interactive flat panels and interactive projectors will exceed 1 million devices by 2017. However, the adoption rates of the three products are very different by country and even by region (Futuresource has compared all three technologies in 67 countries).
“In 2012, over three million tablets were purchased by schools across the globe and this has definitely contributed to increased competition for education budgets.
“The scale of the corporate space presents a number of alternative opportunities, as there are over twice the number of meeting rooms than school classrooms. As a result, moving forward we see the corporate market as the fastest growing sector, increasing to 24 percent by 2017, with the growth coming from more developed markets like the U.S., UK, Germany and Sweden.”
Futuresource is here. Leave a Comment
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Peerless-AV Intros DS-VWM770 Universal Mosaic Video Wall Display MountToday Peerless-AV launched what it is calling AV’s first “universal mosaic video wall mount” with the DS-VWM770. The DS-VWM770 allows for video displays between 46″ to 70″ to be positioned at virtually every angle. Displays securely attach to the mount in 15° increments ranging from 0° to 360°, providing repeatability and adjustability from display to display. In addition to having ten points of micro adjustment provide precise video wall alignment, the DS-VWM770 accommodates VESA mounting patterns of 300×300, 400×200, 400×300, 400×400 and 600×400.
While on the universal wall mount, displays can be easily accessed and serviced with the option to extend the mount from the wall and rotate the display at up to 90° of swivel. Other features of the DS-VWM770 include a security lock out screw to eliminate pull out ability and ten points of micro adjustment, which delivers the fine-tuning necessary to create a seamless video wall appearance.
You can see all the specs of the DS-VWM770 here. Leave a Comment
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NEC’s V423-TM is a 42″ Aimed at Touch Screen Digital Signage NEC Display Solutions has just launched the V423-TM display to its Touch-Integrated V Series portfolio. Within the display’s bezel is an integrated, low-profile, four-camera optical-imaging technology that allows for up to four simultaneous touches. The native 1080p (1920×1080) LED-backlit LCD is spec’d at 430 cd/m2 (maximum brightness) and 1300:1 contrast ratio. Inputs include DisplayPort, HDMI and DVI-D.
Integrated with double-sided anti-reflective glass, which protects the LCD panels while minimizing reflectivity, the V423-TM has a built-in expansion slot, which allows for seamless integration of Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) devices. It lists at $2,399 and will ship in January 2014.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships Two Input XTP Wallplate Transmitter for HDMI and VGA SignalsExtron Electronics is now shipping the XTP T UWP 302, a two-input XTP wallplate transmitter that provides the convenience of connecting local source devices at a wall or other locations including a lectern or floor box. This XTP transmitter mounts into a standard three-gang junction box, and sends HDMI or RGBHV video, audio and control up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a single CATx cable. It is HDCP-compliant and supports computer-video to 1920×1200, including HDTV 1080p/60 Deep Color and 2K. For simplified integration, the XTP T UWP 302 features automatic switching between inputs with selectable prioritization, and can be powered over the same CATx cable. The XTP T UWP 302 is designed for use in XTP Systems for signal distribution and long-distance transmission between remote endpoints.
The XTP T UWP 302 can transmit HDMI with its embedded audio, or alternatively, embed audio from a separate analog stereo input prior to transmission. To further simplify integration with HDMI-equipped devices, this XTP transmitter features EDID Minder for ensuring continuous EDID communication between devices as well as Key Minder, which authenticates and maintains HDCP encryption.
For more information.about the XTP T UWP 302, click here. Leave a Comment
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Projecta Intros Elpro Concept Screen with Leaf-Shaped CasingEuropean screen manufacturer Projecta will introduce at ISE 2014 a new leaf-shaped case of the Elpro Concept, which replaces the square Elpro box design and offer a stylish solution for design-sensitive installations. This is an elegant solution for when the case of the projection screen cannot be installed into the ceiling.
The Elpro Concept is an electric projection screen for wall or ceiling installation, which is available in a tab-tensioned and a non-tensioned version up to a width of 340 centimeters. The Tensioned Elpro Concept has a tab-tensioning system for a perfectly flat screen surface with the new Smooth Roll Technology: A patent pending roller technology to keep your screen perfectly flat.
The new Elpro Concept features:
- New leaf shaped case design
- A clean installation without any visible screws
- Five-year limited warranty on the projection screen and motor
- Smooth roll technology for a perfectly flat viewing area
- Motor installed in rubber dampers for a silent operation
- Slim-Tab for an improved and more inconspicuous horizontal tensioning
- Extensive customization options and available in any RAL color to match the room
For complete product specifications, formats and sizes, click here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships Universal XTP Transmitter for Multi-Format Analog VideoExtron has announced the immediate availability of the XTP T VGA, a universal XTP transmitter that sends multi-format analog video, audio, bidirectional RS232 and IR control, as well as Ethernet up to 330 feet (100 meter) over a single CATx cable. The transmitter digitizes incoming analog formats, providing signal extension of RGBHV, HD component video, S-video and composite video signals from remote analog sources for high performance transmission. It supports computer-video to 1920×1200, including HDTV 1080p/60. To simplify integration, the XTP transmitter provides VGA loop-through for source monitoring and can be powered over the same CATx cable.
The XTP T VGA offers a range of audio transmission and control options. It has the capability of embedding separate analog stereo audio into the output stream, reducing the number of cable runs to the destination. The transmitter also features audio input gain and attenuation control plus volume adjustment, helping to minimize noticeable volume differences when switching between sources in XTP Systems. For managing control of source devices, an RS232 and IR insertion port on the transmitter simplifies integration with a control system.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Dukane Announces New Chrome/Net Book Charge CartThe Dukane MCC3 is a secure storage and charge cart for laptops and Chrome-books that can hold 36 devices and provide charging power to 12 devices at a time using a built-in sequenced power system. Power is supplied from the original power adapters that accompany the devices. The adapters are securely held in compartments located in the rear of the cart.
Other features of the $1,695 MCC3 cart include:
- Rugged steel construction
- Movable shelves for fast and easy loading
- Neat cable management
- Electronic surge protected
- Simple charging system with built-in timer
- Extra outlets for other computers or support devices
All the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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