Volume 7, Issue 11 — November 20, 2014

From the moment I turned on the Surface my experience was excellent. The screen is bright, large and renders colors nicely. The computer ran fast even with applications that typically drag down my two year old laptop computer. Note the language in the last paragraph. I did not call this device a tablet, because that would simply be a devaluation of it. It is a full fledged computer, but carries all the benefits of the tablet.

So, why am I writing about a computer in an AV publication? Well, first if you ask that question, you need to take a look around at your industry. However there are recent experiences that have given me a new perspective on technology in the educational market. Specifically, I am a student again. I have enrolled in an Executive MBA program and am beginning to look at everything from a different perspective.

In my accounting class, the instructor gives out his slides in advance, via the LMS. I download them onto my Surface, because I am running a full version of PowerPoint, and I can take notes directly on the slides. Oh, and I can sit with the device in my lap (comfortably) while taking the notes.

When I need to present in my organizational behavior class, I can grab just the surface, leave the keyboard behind and hold it like a piece of paper. I can then quickly refer to the display to read my notes.

The device has a DisplayPort output which is very handy. It also features a built in microphone and speakers. The speakers are excellent considering the small device they are contained within. The Microsoft dongle for the DisplayPort is surprisingly (because it comes from Microsoft) aesthetically pleasing. The case for the dongle is even angled so it matches the design of the Surface. It has a USB port, which other tablets will tell you is a waste of space, but I use it constantly. For web conferencing, I plug in a lapel mic and I use it to stick files on a USB drive.

Finally, for work purposes I have all my important apps installed on it. That includes all of the Crestron titles I use, from ToolBox to SIMPL Windows. They run flawlessly and fast. Having the surface with me at times, also makes troubleshooting and programming of spaces that much quicker and easier. Having Visio available at a moment’s notice allows me to review drawings with customers. Yes, this can all be done on a traditional laptop, but let’s face it, who wants to carry one of those around?

An AV tech’s biggest problem with the Surface will be the lack of an Ethernet port and the lack of a RS-232 port. The only use of the Ethernet port would be those systems that still require you to cross-connect in order to initially program. It seems like those systems are few and far between now, but we do have legacy systems to deal with. For the RS-232 port, I find it frustrating, but I blame it on manufacturers that did not start putting USB on their systems years ago. Just about no laptop has an RS-232 port today, so that can not really be a hit on the Surface.

My last note on the surface is the built in wireless video display. But, that is just a teaser. It is powerful enough to deserve its own column. Check in next month for that. In the meantime, drop me a tweet or comment on the article. Have you used the Surface? Are you surprised or disappointed?

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education includes over 1,000 members and over 600 schools that are using their sophisticated sustainability tracking assessment and rating system. Out of the 4,500 or so colleges and universities in the U.S., 75 percent are either signatories of the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment, submitted greenhouse gas inventories or indoctrinated climate action plans. These actions give academia a big boost in perceived improved image amongst perspective and current students especially those that couple their efforts with degree programs and academic opportunity for their student body and faculty. This directly correlates to higher enrollment numbers and larger alumni donations as the colleges and universities are leveraging these programs in massive PR campaigns to compete in any number of rankings including the EPA Green Power Partnership’s Top 30 College and University list. According the Princeton Review, schools that had solid commitments to sustainability attracted the attention of a greater number of prospective students by more than 60 percent over others in general due to the attitude of the millennials as described in one of my recent articles for rAVe. Just as that article described for the workplace, the same holds true for academic institutions. Millennials vote with their conscience and their wallets and since they have strong beliefs that climate change is real and caused by humans, they look to align themselves with institutions that share those beliefs.

This all makes academic environments ripe for opportunity for sustainability experts including services and products to help deliver on the expectations of these institutions. Out of the billions spent annually on products, projects, and services most have a green option and has become the norm for academic procurement priority. A 2013 study done by the National Association of Educational Procurement and SciQuest indicate that campuses have official sustainable product and service priority first initiatives by as much as 65 percent and often find themselves scrambling to meet these quotas due to a lack of registered service and product providers. Of all of the products and services reported, technology ranked the highest as the top priority alongside paper and plastics. This bodes well for the ICT industries that have the services and products to not only provide state-of-the-art solutions but in an energy efficient manner especially as technology are only going to continue its upward infiltration of the academic environment.

Another reason that the academic environment is vital to the sustainability movement is that many in the professional world feel the movement is on the decline as we have seen related to push-back of several green rating systems, LEED in particular as well as a lack of projects seeking these measures. It is arguable that based on the definition of what a social movement is will be the ultimate determining factor as to the true influence of academia and sustainability. Some of this is aligned with the recent decline and stagnation of the economy in which many felt pursuing sustainability solutions was cost prohibitive rightly or wrongly while others feels momentum may be lost due to normalization of the Green movement.

Based on a white paper by EBSCO Research Starters, there are four main stages of social movements in which the sustainability clear fits. These include emergence, coalescence, bureaucratization, and decline. Decline in this context does not indicate a negative, but instead can have four different meanings that include repression, co-optation, success and failure. I bring this up because many feel that academia may be the next leg of the movement coming out of emergence and into coalescence and landing in the formalization phase rather than at the decline stage.

As many in the professional world may have leapt into a grass roots effort towards sustainability giving the feeling of rapid advancement by forming many committees, programs, and rating systems including the EPA and Energy Star, USGBC with LEED, and the AIA launching the Committee on the Environment all stemming from the environmental social movements of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Where I think the difference is lies in the lessons learned and the maturity of the movement. As the professionals have laid out the path, it gave academia a method and platform to follow and also has encouraged the younger generation to pick up the cause.

Where this will wind up with when it does decline very well may be in the mainstreaming of sustainability where the movement will no longer be needed. This is the best of outcomes and hints as to why many may feel it is in decline today as only 12 percent of architecture firms are meeting industry targets for energy efficiency equating to only 1 percent of total square footage of available real estate. This is in stark contrast to the academic pursuits in green building design and mandates and points to a potential renaissance in future commercial green building growth as the economy continues to recover and students, have lived in proactive sustainable environments, move into the workforce and continue to demand greater accountability towards sustainability.

For now though, the service providers and manufacturers can lend that helping hand towards the academic world reaching its lofty goals of healthier, more sustainable places of learning setting the seeds for the successful decline of the sustainable movement.

The IN3136a is spec’d as a widescreen WXGA (1366×768) resolution with 4,500 lumens. The IN3134a is spec’d as an XGA (1024×768) with 4,200 lumens. The IN3138HDa is 1920x1080p HD projector spec’d at 4,000 lumens. They’re each portable at less than 7 pounds and have 1.5x optical zoom and large throw ratios, built-in 12v screen trigger, controls on the top of the device and an included IR remote control. The IT manager can connect the projectors to the network or install them for control with AMX Discovery and Crestron Roomview control systems built-in functionality.

In addition to dual HDMI ports — one with MHL support for HD display from mobile devices — the IN3130a series features two VGA inputs, s-video and composite video inputs.

Here are the specs on the IN3138HDa, IN3136a and IN3134a.

Using a VersaWhite 1.1 gain magnetic projection surface, the WB4X10HW is spec’d to have a 180º viewing angle and is GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold (UL2818) Certified for safe indoor air quality emissions. And, the material is coated with an optical “nanotech” resin that claims to give the screen its dry-erase function while eliminating the “glare” effect on the projection surface. Dry erase markers and erasers are included. Elite also says they have a 5’H x 10’W version coming as well.

Here are the specs.

Here is a video we shot of it at InfoComm.

With a corner frequency of 52 Hz, the KH 420 uses something they call Mathematically Modeled Dispersion Waveguide (MMD), acoustical controls for matching the speakers to the listening room, a highly flexible input section, and a wide range of mounting hardware make the KH 420 a versatile monitoring tool for the audio professional. The KH 420 has been designed to provide optimum dispersion regardless of the orientation of the cabinet. This is possible thanks to the rotatable waveguide section which contains both the high frequency and mid-range drivers.

An optional Digital Input Module (DIM 1) will be available for the KH 420, which provides the monitor with digital AES3 and S/P-DIF inputs and a delay function. This feature, which is available on both the digital and analog inputs, may be used for audio/video lip synchronization and to compensate for non-equidistant speaker placement. Maximum delay time is 409.5 ms with a minimum resolution of 0.1 ms.

Here are the specs.

The Kramer VP-427 receives an HDBaseT signal through an HDBaseT twisted pair cable and converts it back to HDMI, IR and RS−232 and a bidirectional RS-232 port lets users embed and de-embed control commands in the HDBaseT data stream. Infrared input and output ports let users control devices over the HDBaseT data stream. The unit includes embedded audio support.

The Kramer VP-427 up — or down-scales and includes a ProcAmp control for contrast, brightness and R, G, B level/gain.

Here are all the specs.

The ZIG-POE-70-TX provides a complete solution for detection and powering of POE IEEE 802.3af devices such as the ZIG-POE-70-RX. The ZIG-POE-70-TX POE solution will safely detect, classify, and provide 48V up to 13W power to RX device connected to the HDBaseT port. The TX unit will first read a signature from the TX and only enable power delivery if all constraints are met. During the power delivery the link is continuously monitored for any fault or overloading conditions and the current is limited to avoid hazardous conditions.

The ZIG-POE-70-TX senses the removal of a powered device and turns off 48V power immediately when the RX is disconnected.

Here are the specs.

Dante-enabled StudioLive AI-series three-way active loudspeakers allow users to create a complete, networked audio system with any Dante-enabled mixer using a standard 1Gbps Ethernet switch and Audinate’s Dante digital-media networking technology, which offers self-configuring digital audio networking. Dante is the audio networking standard of choice for more than 130 manufacturers.

Users can also connect non-Dante mixers to the analog inputs of a Dante-equipped AI loudspeaker and then broadcast the signal over the Dante network using standard Cat5 cables.

The Dante upgrade works with StudioLive 312AI, 315AI, 328AI and 328i loudspeakers and the StudioLive 18sAI subwoofer. It lists for $199 and details are here.

Features for all three include:

• 1920×1080 native resolution
• HDMI, VGA, S-video and composite video
• LED light source with 10,000-hour lifetime rating
• 15,000:1 contrast ratio
• 3D ready

The IN118HDSTa has a short throw lens, while the IN2128HDa adds network connectivity through a LAN port, a USB port for presenting directly from a thumb drive, optional wireless connectivity and Miracast support for wireless display from mobile devices.

Here are the specs and MSRPs:

• IN118HDa; list price of $699
• IN118HDSTa; list price of $899
• IN2128HDa; list price of $899

The FOX USB Extender Plus streamlines integration by avoiding IT-specific design criteria that may be in conflict with the need to extend USB signals in professional AV installations. For increased system reliability, peripheral emulation mimics continuous connection of device to host. Real-time status LED indicators provide visual confirmation of port activity between an active host and each connected peripheral device. The 1” (2.5 cm) high, quarter rack width enclosure of both the FOX USB Extender Plus transmitter and receiver allow rack mounting or discreet installation beneath a table or inside a lectern.

Complete specs can be found here.

• Resolutions up to 4096×2160@30Hz
• HDMI 3D compliant
• HDCP compliant
• Allows any source to be displayed on multiple displays at the same time
• Allows any HDMI display to view any HDMI source at any time
• Supports default HDMI EDID and learns the EDID of displays if necessary

Here are all the specs.

The DSC DP-HD A offers several features that enhance and simplify AV system integration. EDID Minder automatically manages EDID communication between the source and display to ensure reliable operation. The DSC DP-HD A includes a buffered DisplayPort input loop-through that provides an output signal for a local monitor. Additional audio capabilities include selectable audio muting and output volume control. The DSC DP-HD A includes a convenient analog two channel audio output for sending de-embedded audio to a sound system or other audio destination. This output can be set for stereo or dual mono.

Here are the details.

The original FlexMic models feature a 50Hz to 20kHz frequency response, while the new High Definition models have 50Hz to 40kHz response that the company says offers even greater clarity and intelligibility than the 20kHz models.

All FlexMic and HD FlexMic models feature a new slimmer 7 millimeter diameter gooseneck, and a shorter tip, providing an overall lower profile. The FM and FMHD models feature a fully flexible gooseneck, while the FMR and FMRHD models have a rigid center with flex at both ends. All FlexMic models are available with either cardioid or hyper-cardioid polar patterns in 13, 19, 23 and 27 inch overall lengths.

Every standard and HD FlexMic utilize Earthworks’ patented polar technology, which allows speakers to move as much as 90 degrees off-axis to either side, above or below the mic and still maintain the same sound quality with high intelligibility. All FlexMic and HD FlexMic models are currently shipping and specs are here.

You can connect LiteShow 4 to any projector or display with a VGA or HDMI input, which creates a 150 Mbps wireless access point with a 300-foot reach. Windows, Mac and mobile devices connect to the adapter’s wireless access point and share content for presentation.

Like many other systems using the AWIND chipset, LiteShow 4’s QuadView feature enables up to four different devices to concurrently share content wirelessly. And, you can connect intent via USB port, too.

Here are the specs.

Hosa Pro Breakouts are available in three configurations. The 3.5 mm TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) to dual RCA option—identified as the HMR-000Y Series—designed for DJ mixers or home stereo systems. The 3.5 mm TRS to dual 1/4-inch TS (tip/sleeve) breakout—identified as the HMP-000Y Series—can be plugged into patch bays or a mixer’s phone inputs. The third category, the 3.5 mm TRS to dual XLR3M breakout—known as the HMX-000Y Series—is for connecting into discrete channels on a professional mixer or similar interface.

All three configurations utilize nickel-plated REAN connectors (a brand of Neutrik AG) for efficient signal transfer and durability. Hola says these cables sport 24 AWG Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) conductors for enhanced signal clarity and 90 percent OFC spiral shields for a higher signal to noise ratio.

Here are all the details.

LvL Series mixers are designed for compact and portable applications, including rehearsals and small to mid-sized combos. Small broadcasters and podcasters will likely appreciate the LvL Series for voiceovers, interviews and webcasts.

LvL Series mixers include the 12-Channel L1202FX, 8-Channel L802 and 5-Channel L502 models. The most compact of the series, the L502, features five inputs including XLR mic preamp and dual 1/4-inch stereo inputs, along with 2-band LvL Series EQ and assignable Tape In routing. The mid-sized L802 offers dual XLR mic preamps and two dual 1/4-inch stereo inputs with +4/-10dB sensitivity selection, 3-Band LvL Series EQ, as well as unexpected features like assignable Tape In routing, separate Main and Control Room outputs, and a dedicated Aux Send/Return. The flagship L1202FX model packs even more features into its compact footprint, including four XLR mic preamps with 1/4-inch TRS balanced/ unbalanced line inputs, four more 1/4-inch balanced/unbalanced stereo inputs with +4/-10dB sensitivity selection, four channels of 3-Band LvL Series EQ, 75Hz high-pass filters on each mic input, dedicated Aux Send/Return, on-board digital FX including tap tempo delay and a full-sized master fader.

List price on the L502 is $44.99; the L802 sells for $64.99 and the L1202FX is $109.99. All are here.

The so-called high-power and lightweight 5628 is a front-loaded, vented subwoofer enclosure that houses two of JBL’s exclusive 2269H Ultra Long Excursion 18-inch Differential Drive woofers. This woofer features neodymium magnet, dual voice coils and dual gaps, JBL’s Vented Gap Cooling and a composite cone that the company says leads to a longer product life. The woofer is capable of a peak-to-peak maximum excursion of 89 millimeters (3.5 inches) and the 5628 offers 4,000 watts continuous pink noise and 16,000 watts peak power handling capacity.

Here are the detailed specs.

The IPCP Pro 250 is configured using Extron Global Configurator Plus or Global Configurator Professional software. This control processor will be compatible with GlobalViewer Enterprise 2.2 software for complete, centralized AV resource monitoring, management and control over a computer network.

Here are the details.

What’s interesting to me is to observe how integral a role digital signage is playing in bringing about this next generation of sporting venues. The economics of spectator sport complexes has changed dramatically. In these newer facilities, you would have a hard time going anywhere that wasn’t within eye-shot of a digital screen. Believe it or not, 30 years ago the Jumbotron next to the scoreboard was the only screen in the entire place. Now we have screens at the concession stands, in restaurants, in seat backs, in the causeway, in VIP hospitality suites and even in the bathrooms. And those grainy Jumbotrons have been replaced by LED screens measuring hundreds of feet across. This is clearly an enormous opportunity for the digital signage industry.

No doubt the proliferation of digital displays in sporting venues has revolutionized the spectator experience. But beyond this obvious development, I believe that digital signage has opened up a huge opportunity for stadium owners to generate additional revenue by hosting events outside their core sports. These new venues now host corporate functions, private receptions, other sporting events and even community events. A BIG reason this is now possible is that signage is no longer static. With the flip of a switch, every screen in the stadium can change over to reflect another corporate (or team) identity. The chameleon-like ability of these new venues to reinvent themselves to accommodate additional teams and organizations gives near-limitless possibilities to the number of and types of events a stadium can host.

There’s no turning back — every new sporting facility will be built for visual impact, and designed with digital signage at the core of the fan experience. Fans will enjoy a much richer experience in the stands, and stadium owners will enjoy new revenue streams with a dramatic increase in outside events they can host.

This column was reprinted with permission from the Digital Screenmedia Association and originally appeared here.

• Up to 75 percent greater transportation efficiency
• 25 percent warehouse storage space savings
• Reduced risk of injury for workers
• Easy maneuverability in standard elevators, trucks and especially in narrow passageways
• Protects and prolongs the life of your equipment
• Use this professional looking cart for your most discerning corporate accounts with strict appearance rules

The MTC is offered in black color at a list price of $2,723. In the near future, they say they will also offer optional personalization upgrades, such as a choice of seven standard colors and other branding options incorporating your logo. More information on the MTC can be found here.

AmpliVox Sound Systems

They’ve published a comparison guide here.

The eLink 100 Professional Wireless Extender for HDMI provides maximum throughput to enable uncompressed transmission of high resolution video with ultra-low latency. Features such as use of the 5 GHz spectrum, AES-128 encryption, and commercial-grade components ensure continuous, secure operation with real-time performance. To avoid interference from the facility’s WLAN, smartphones, tablets, additional eLink 100 extenders, or other wireless devices, Automatic Frequency Selection — AFS, including Dynamic Frequency Selection — DFS, actively monitors the RF spectrum to identify and select an available channel.

For connection stability within environments with multipath signals, the extender uses a multi-input and multi-output – MIMO communication technology. Extron eLink technology allows for operation of up to four eLink extender sets in the presence of the facility’s other wireless systems. Also, one transmitter can support multiple receivers, allowing an AV signal to be distributed to as many as four displays without disrupting other wireless devices. The compact eLink 100 T transmitter and eLink 100 R receiver may be concealed or mounted in separate areas to maintain the aesthetics of the facility.

Here are all the specs.

Here are all the detailed specs.

The sRGB standard ensures that each one of their HC1200 projectors has a set expectation of colorimetry right out of the box. This is an interesting move by BenQ and, to our knowledge, the only projector that pre-set to sRGB — not just having an sRGB “mode.” What this will appear to the average viewer is a brighter than spec’d lumens (as better colorimetry means better color accuracy and contrast ratio).

BenQ says that the HC1200’s sRGB color accuracy makes images that look as bright as 4,000-lumen projectors.

Aimed at the install market, the HC1200 projector has 1.5x zoom, 2D keystone correction and an embedded test pattern, both RJ45 (LAN) and RS232 control and connectivity options such as dual HDMI, USB and dual VGA.

Here are all the specs on the $1,399 projector.