Volume 7, Issue 12 — December 13, 2016
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Aeiforia Technos
- Pass It On
Raymond Kent : Director of the Innovative Technology Design Group, DLR Group/Westlake Reed Leskosky Editorial
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Pass It On
By Raymond Kent Director of the Innovative Technology Design Group, DLR Group/Westlake Reed Leskosky
Very recently, my father passed away. I was fortunate to be able to spend time with him in the weeks prior to his death in a way that I had not done before. I think subconsciously he knew he was coming to the end after a long battle with congestive heart problems combined with 85 years of a full life. In that time we had he shared many stories of his life, some I knew, others were facets of a man I thought I knew.
Growing up just after the Great Depression in a large working class family, he learned the value of making use of everything, treating the environment well and helping his fellow neighbor. As a child it was survival but as an adult it was a way forward in life. These habits and his attitude were passed down to us, his children, to either continue on or abandon as we are often products of our environment and parentage.
It is easy to paint a mental picture of him as a stogy old-timer who was technology challenged, but he was quite the opposite, often composing digital artwork which he donated to the local PBS affiliate for their annual fundraiser or laboring away on his computer. He loved surfing the Internet, his movies and HDTV particularly as it became harder for him to get around. He was not only the perpetual learner, but also a perpetual teacher. He was always interested in what I was doing in my technology designs on various projects and would often research products that we talked about. Our conversations in those last few weeks centered on what I was doing in technology and sustainability and how much he wished that many of the devices today would have been around when he was young. He pondered that we might not be facing a warming planet.
What I have realized in our recent conversations was that I had latched on most to his attitude about the environment and how to not be wasteful. As I now transition into “becoming my father,” I look to instill these same values in my son in the hope that he too will look after the environment especially as the world has become more complex and technologically driven. I strive to do this in my workplace as well leading by example and mentoring my charges to the value of designing a sustainable and efficient technology solution.
Often we don’t realize just how much of our attitudes and the way we approach things really is a reflection of the influence of important people on our life whether a father, mother, uncle, teacher, employer or friend. Hopefully you are paying attention when you are mentored and paying it forward to others. This is even more important regarding sustainability as we approach what is shaping up to be an administration that is doing everything it can to undermine green technology, energy and agreements that are working to combat climate change. In order to try to keep the ground gained it will then fall to the individual to make better choices. Hopefully there are enough people who have listened. As this year wraps up and we head into uncharted waters of a radically different Presidency, only time will tell. Just don’t forget to pass it on. Leave a Comment
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Creating Conference Room Standards for AV
By Pete Kolak Juniper Networks
In an era of self-driving cars, self-lacing shoes (thanks, Marty) and privatized space travel, shouldn’t we be farther along with corporate communication tools?
Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of great stuff out there but in our corporate search to meet basic needs, sometimes it appears there are few reliable options.
Take for example streaming media. There are a couple of great companies out there, but they force you to the cloud, in some cases, or they are missing vast areas of features. There are limitations on options and worries about sustainability. Then in the world of videoconferencing you have a few choices, some are innovative and others have a clear goal to take over the world by dumping their products in the corporate world for practically free. Just buy their switches 😉
In all this chaos, trying to define room standards for a corporation can be daunting and difficult to achieve. I have the belief that a company should adopt a standard that is implemented to create ease of use, service and a reliable experience for the end user.
Having been in this industry for over 19 years, it’s become obvious that the products have changed, but the same asks and needs are virtually the same. There are several things that need to be considered when defining these standards.
First, you have to define how often you will update your standards once they have been defined. This needs to be decided from the outset or every time a shiny object shows up, you’ll be putting your standards into chaos.
Once your standards are defined, you must set guidelines as to the scenario’s to justify a change.
- Significant feature improvement outside your current offerings. Swapping like features for a different like features does not justify a standard change. There’s complexities and support concerns to just swap for the sake of swapping.
- Significant cost reduction without feature loss. Changing a standard to save a little money is not worth the change if features that are important are lost.
- Consistent technology designs. Staying with the same brands such as Samsung/Sony/LG, Polycom/Cisco, Crestron/Extron, Apple/Android, etc. will allow you to maintain smaller spares count, and provide simpler support for contracts and personnel on the ground.
- Having a goal to eliminate a product or company from your portfolio should only be driven by the company’s stability and relevance in the market place, not because someone somewhere doesn’t “like” a vendor or company.
Set standards update to semi-annually or annually. Updating too frequently creates deployments of different era equipment and becomes a support nightmare.
Supportability is paramount. Any standard’s highest test should be in its ability to be remotely supportable. Most companies don’t have the staff to support AV on the ground. Can you remotely connect, modify and update the system without deploying a technician?
Application based vs. OS based products are always a question. Personally, I am not a fan of OS-based systems and prefer application-based products. Microsoft and other OS makers tend to push updates that can turn a working system into a paper weight or at the very least, missing a few key features. It’s happened to me on several occasions, and I can tell you, it takes weeks, if not months to undo the damage.
I also recommend steering clear of recommending stand-alone products to solve a specific request as it is less manageable and harder to support. This applies to digital white-boarding primarily. There are few options out there, and it is difficult to find one that fits with your standards. Picking a standalone product should be a last resort to meet a customers need, and you should work to design equipment that is integrated with similar products in various experience types.
Avoid consumer grade solutions. If I had a dollar for every time someone demanded Apple TV, I’d be retired. I’ve also heard the age old adage, “Let’s just get a monitor from Costco. We can buy three and still be cheaper.” Those will dog you for eternity, but you simply cite the fact for ease of remote support, the cost of install doesn’t go away and most consumer grade products update software to the point that any control or monitoring becomes useless after the first couple of software patches.
Consider the cost of bandwidth. If you take for example a Lync room system and compare it to a Polycom/Cisco codec, you’ll find that the Lync Room System actually consumes approximately 15 megs in a call. Now, Microsoft will tell you 4 to 5 megs (still, that’s a lot, and the quality is usually far worse), but our internal testing shows anything less than 11 megs and the call would not transmit video in both directions.
If you calculate the cost of bandwidth retail, it will cost about $10/MB per month. Using working days and working hours, you can calculate a 15 meg call to cost about $0.22/hour. That same call using 2 megs on a Polycom/Cisco system will only cost about $0.01/hour. That’s 22 times more expensive for the call. Keep in mind this isn’t actual costs, that’s nearly impossible to factor, but it’s a guide to consider when choosing a conferencing solution.
R&D Efforts should also be focused on the most effective improvements. Several groups get bogged down by what’s the latest and the greatest. Instead, figure out what’s the biggest pain points for your end users. Here’s what I’ve found is an area of focus that should be looked at:
- Auto Camera tracking, to increase visual interaction, and remove user controls. People really don’t want to use the technology, they just “want it to work.” Either that of fixed camera’s with smaller conference rooms.
- Auto mic tracking, like the Shure ceiling and table mic (MXA910 and MXA310) to increase verbal clarity and ease.
- Wireless content share is a common ask, there are solutions, but some companies have network constraints, such as different networks for customers and employees, and the problem of bridging that connection comes down to your information security group.
In conclusion, defining standards for a corporation is a multifaceted approach. You must consider support first, and then pair that with feature sets that meet customer needs.
You will encounter resistance to maintain a standard. Your facilities team will complain about costs, higher ups outside your organization will complain about features, nearly everyone will complain that you’re not using the latest consumer grade product, but, don’t be daunted, you are standing on the right side of the problem if you’re support focused in your solution set. Remember, it costs thousands of dollars per minute (man hours) across a company for people to be bogged down engaging your solution and problems that can’t be solved quickly. So keep it simple, keep it supportable, and don’t be afraid to stand up and voice your concerns.
This column was reprinted with permission from Pete Kolak and originally appeared here. Leave a Comment
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Gary Brings Back His Future Predictions ColumnFor more than 10 years, rAVe founder Gary Kayye wrote a annual AV predictions article for Sound & Communications magazine called Kayye’s Krystal Ball. It was their most popular annual column and we fielded hundreds of comments on it annually.
Now it’s back!
For Australia-based INTEGRATE, in association with InfoComm and CEDIA, Gary has written a column with his 2017 predictions. We hope you enjoy it. You can read it here. Leave a Comment
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Sescom Intros Small, Light Pro Audio VU MeterNeed to check your levels but there’s no more room in your Equipment Rack? Can’t imagine squeezing one more unit into the monitor wall? Then you need to check out the Sescom SES-VUA-1RU Pro Audio VU Meter. This controlled ballistic 40-LED per channel display is super small and light, great for tight spaces.
Ruggedly constructed in a powder coated steel enclosure with Phoenix connectors to provide secure and fast hard wiring of balanced stereo audio signals the SES-VUA-1RU takes up only 1 RU, is less than 1″ deep and weighs only 2 pounds. You get control over features like LED brightness, left and right channel sensitivities and a selectable Display Mode. This pro broadcast audio reference VU Meter has a scale of -25db to +14db and displays loudness, loudness and peak, loudness and peak hold or sum and difference.
Features:
- Balanced Stereo Analog Signals
- Phoenix-Style Connectors
- User Controls: LED Brightness, Channel R and L Sensitivities, Mode
- Display Mode: Loudness, Loudness + Peak, Loudness +Peak Hold, Sum/Diff
- Compact Design: 1RU, < 1-inch deep
- Rugged, powder-coated steel metal enclosure
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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$299 WAVE Turns Any TV or Monitor Into an Interactive TouchScreen DisplayYes, you read that right. For $299 (well, $249 for a limited time), a company called TouchJet out of Singapore (with an office in San Francisco) has invented (and is shipping) a product they are calling WAVE. WAVE is a small camera you place at the top of a display and it has an extension with an IR lens that is calibrated to size (20″ to 65″) of monitor you are using. It connects to the display via an HDMI port and turns any monitor out TV into a touch-screen. And, it actually works!
The WAVE is a bit more than just a camera — I over-simplified it above. It’s like a small set-top box that contains a 2.0GHz Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A9 chip, a built-in optical touch sensor, support four simultaneous touch points (or you can use the included stylus if you’d prefer not to use your fingers) and uses an Android 4.4 OS. Set-up takes less than 10 minutes and it connects via Wi-Fi to any network.
It’s targeted towards the consumer market for people who want to turn their TV’s into touch-screens but, schools are already spec’ing the product as a cheap way to turn anything in to a touch-screen. And, for $299, you can understand why.
The hitch? you have to use the built-in Android player (yes, the WAVE is like a giant Android tablet) so you can’t use your own computer. But, the Android App store (aka Google Play store) has over 2.2 million apps so that includes Skype, PowerPoint, Maps, Word, Excel, etc.
Here are more details.
Check out this video from David Danto, in which he “unboxes” the TouchJet Wave.
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Extron Launches New SMB 210 Low Profile Surface Mount Boxes for Extron Flex55 and EU Products Extron SMB 210 Series Low Profile Surface Mount Boxes are two-gang to four-gang enclosures for external mounting of Flex55 products, including active EU modules such as EBP eBUS button panels, DTP transmitters, and a wide variety of blank and pass‑through connectivity modules. SMB 210 Series surface mount boxes have a stylish, contoured, low profile design that complements any environment, bringing convenient access to power, connectors and control to lecterns, tabletops, and other flat surfaces. The optional Table Clamp Kit secures SMB 210 boxes to table edges without marring the surface. SMB 210 Series surface mount boxes are compatible with Extron’s Flex55 and EU products.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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JVC Debuts Native 4K D-ILA Projector Aimed at the Simulation Market JVC Visual Systems today announced the DLA-VS4500 Visualization Series projector, which combines native 4K resolution and JVC’s BLU-Escent illumination system that’s specifically for the simulation market.
With three native 4K DCI (4096×2160) D-ILA imagers, the DLA-VS4500 is capable of displaying 12-bit color, is spec’d at 3,000 ANSI lumens and supports 120Hz refresh rates. A full range of high MTF fixed and zoom lens options will be available to meet various throw ratio requirements.
JVC’s BLU-Escent laser/phosphor technology is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional lamp-based illumination. JVC says it is ideally suited for the simulation market because it provides high reliability over extended operating hours, maintains stable brightness and color, delivers very high contrast and dynamic range and allows flexible mounting orientations. The DLA-VS4500 has an estimated 20,000-hour light source life, utilizing JVC’s second generation BLU-Escent technology.
The DLA-VS4500 will be available in spring 2017 but no price has been set yet. Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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Sennheiser Creates SC 660 TC High Performance Headset for Special Hearing Needs Sennheiser has created the SC 660 TC, a premium double-sided wired headset for office professionals that use hearing aids. The latest addition to Sennheiser’s high quality Century wired headset series, the SC 660 TC is compatible with all standard, telecoil-equipped hearing aids. The durable and brilliantly comfortable headset brings all the benefits of the range to users with special hearing needs, improving their communication experience and productivity.
With Sennheiser Voice Clarity wideband sound and its ultra noise canceling microphone, the SC 660 TC delivers a natural voice experience that makes conversations clear — optimizing speech intelligibility even in noisy contact center and office environments. In addition to the speaker, SC 660 TC is equipped with a hearing aid-compatible telecoil transmitter on each side of the headset, resulting in a better sound experience and offering the user the greater flexibility of a double-sided solution. The transmitters send a magnetic field that can be picked up directly by the hearing aid, making it easy for users to focus on a conversation without the distractions of background noise.
As a Century series headset, the SC 660 TC uses a high-quality neodymium speaker for outstanding HD sound quality. This can work alongside the enhanced listening experience offered by the telecoil. The headset features Sennheiser ActiveGard technology that protects users from acoustic shock and sudden sound bursts.
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Barco’s Newest 4K UHD Laser Phosphor Is Aimed at Simulation Barco announced the introduction of its new laser phosphor-based F70 Series specially built for the simulation market. With 4K UHD resolution (3840×2160 resolution), the F70 family of simulation projectors are fitted with protective metal encasing the entire projector, making it a choice for motion platform mounting. With a lifetime of up to 60,000 hours (depending on the mode of operation), the F70 is one of the most durable projectors on the market and is ready for service in the most demanding simulation environments — including 24/7 mode.
The F70 has Constant Light Output (CLO) functionality where the projector produces constant brightness and color over an extended period of time. Using Barco’s proprietary Single Step Processing (SSP) technology, all image processing for 4K UHD — including warp, blend, gamma and color — is calculated in a single operation. Performing this procedure in just a single step produces a much higher overall image quality, with a sharper image and fewer artifacts and less latency.
The design of the F70 also takes into account the mounting requirements and suite of lenses of their F3x series — including the FL and FS models — making the F70 the upgrade easier and cheaper.
With brightness levels in simulation configurations of up to 5,000 lumens, the F70 is one of the brightest single-chip DLP projectors on the market with 4K UHD resolution. Features especially designed for simulation include smear reduction (improving the image in a high-speed setting), and the dual input WQXGA @120 Hz (allowing either 3D stereoscopy, High Frame Rate or dual input IR and RGB content). In addition to the F70, there is also the dedicated FS70, which features enhanced IR goggle stimulation through a dedicated IR illumination source.
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Studio Technologies Releases Model 44D Dante Audio Interface Studio Technologies just introduced the new Model 44D, an audio interface that takes two channels of analog line-level audio to and from applications that utilize Dante audio-over-Ethernet media networking technology. Two Model 44D units can also provide one-to-one signal paths, two in each direction, over a standard local area network (LAN).
Dante audio-over-Ethernet provides an easy-to-use, high-quality audio “backbone” for a variety of fixed and field audio infrastructures, with deployment increasing dramatically over recent years. The Model 44D is a general-purpose tool that helps to expand Dante’s capabilities to facilities and equipment that primarily support signals in the analog domain and its key features reflect this. The Model 44D also supports transport of contact closures or status signals between Model 44Ds and other compatible products. Each unit provides two general-purpose inputs (GPIs) and two general-purpose outputs (GPOs). In-band audio signals (20 kHz tones) are used to transport the signals through the Dante paths.
Two line-level audio inputs use standard three-pin female XLR connectors for easy interfacing with balanced and unbalanced sources. The input audio signals are converted to 24-bit digital and then transported via the Dante interface. Two digital audio signals arrive via the Model 44D’s Dante interface and are then converted to analog. Two three-pin male XLR connectors on the unit’s back panel provide balanced line-level outputs. A nine-pin D-subminiature connector, also located on the back panel, is used to interface with the GPI and GPO signals.
For compatibility with SMPTE and EBU applications, a configuration choice allows the nominal level of the input signals to be +4 or 0 dBu. The unit provides two analog line-level output channels, which can also be set to +4 or 0 dBu. Both inputs and outputs are electronically balanced, capacitor coupled and ESD (static) protected.
The Model 44D provides four 5-segment LED meters located on the front panel. These display the level of the audio signals associated with the two line inputs and two line outputs. At the time of installation and setup, the meters are invaluable in helping to confirm correct operation. During normal operation the meters offer direct confirmation of the unit’s audio signal levels, helping to ensure optimal audio quality.
The Model 44D’s operating power can be provided by way of the Ethernet interface using the Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) standard. The unit can also be powered using an external source of 12 volts DC. The Model 44D connects to a data network using a standard 100 Mb/s twisted-pair Ethernet interface, with the physical interconnection made by way of a Neutrik etherCON RJ45 connector. The compact, lightweight enclosure is applicable for tabletop or portable applications. To support rack-mounting optional front panels are also available.
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The Founder of projectiondesign Debuts New Projector Company Dubbed norxeUsing all lower-case letter again, the founder of projectiondesign, Jorn Eriksen, launched another projector company in the form of norxe. norxe is debuting on the market first with a lineup of projectors aimed at simulation but have plans to expand the line by ISE.
Located in Fredrikstad, Norway, where projectiondesign was started, Eriksen has assembled many of the originals from projectiondesign to launch the company and says that they are aiming for high-end projection including simulation, VR (virtual reality), control rooms and medical applications — all above 4,000 lumens.
The first model, launched this week, is the P1. The norxe P1 projector is spec’d at 4,000 ANSI lumens using solid-state LED illumination. ISE in Amsterdam will be their big roll-out and they are looking for dealers.
Norxe is here. Leave a Comment
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Arthur Holm Debuts New DB2 Retractable Monitor Arthur Holm’s DB2 is a new retractable monitor range that creates minimum impact on the furniture design as it’s only 20 mm thin (0.78”). Designed to be easy to integrate, intuitive to use (one aligned aluminum button) and almost invisible (no cover plate) when not in operation, the DB2 are purpose-built to be discreetly integrated into the meeting room table, disappearing within the desk with a completely silent drive motor.
Completely designed and furnished in anodized aluminum, the range offers a minimal and contemporary look. Aluminum is a durable surface; it is extremely resilient and it also serves to dissipate heat, plus the anodized finish provides a soft, silky effect. Arthur Holm says that the front double anti-reflection glass protects the screen, reduces the “mirror” effect, increases the contrast and allows for natural transparent colors.
DB2 is powered with a low consumption video controller and has a new easy to read Interactive Set-Up Display (ISD) 2.2” LCD. This allows local and remote configuration, operation and troubleshooting without having to remove the monitor from the furniture. The AHnet (RS-422) communication protocol has been updated and now includes the remote control of the monitor’s brightness, contrast and backlight.
When connected to the AH ERT interface the assisted addressing system enables address configuration (by simply pressing a button). It includes an Autocheck feature for auto diagnostic and internal protection functions as well as embedded speed and protection pre-sets (enabling a rapid reset to factory values if required) and a USB port for local firmware upgrade.
This new product range is available in 17.3” and in 21.5” both with 1920×1080 resolution with two DVI HDCP-compliant inputs. Detailed specs are here. Leave a Comment
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BREAKFAST Offers Old-School Flip-Disc Display SystemFor companies looking for an inexpensive alternative to covering a wall in LED screens, the so-called Flip-Disc Display System from BREAKFAST is an interesting product. The Flip-Disc Display System is a kinetic screen that’s been built to be fast and easy, not requiring a team of engineers and developers to get up and running. Basically discs flip (back and forth) to form an image using colored discs (in a variety of off-the-shelf colors and finishes). The casing are available in satin-black or white. In fact, it’s sort of like a GIANT version of a DMD (digital mirror device) from Texas Instruments’ DLP technology in that the discs actually flip (as individual pixels) close to 30 times a second.
This video helps explain what we’re talking about.
The BREAKFAST software is capable of displaying video files along with static images and text (and text can be interacted with via the included 3D depth camera). It includes a built-in scheduler that allows programing of content by time of day or via sequence and developers can use the API to push any custom content directly to the screen.
The mounting bar provides a flexible way to hang the panels. It can be flush mounted to a wall, hung from cables or a wall stud, attached to scaffolding, and many others. The support bar also features threaded holes on the front face, allowing for a custom facade to be placed overtop. And butterfly brackets are also available for attaching to a support structure from behind.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Eiki Debuts 6500 Lumen EK- 620U/621W Laser Projectors Eiki just announced the new EK-620U WUXGA (1920×1200) and EK-621W WXGA (1280×800) laser-phosphor projectors; both 6,500 lumen of brightness, a spec of a 100,000:1 contrast ratio. Both are also IP6X dust ingress test rated and include the ability to send content via a LAN (Local Area Network), HDBaseT, DVI-D, VGA and HDMI. Control can be network-based, RS232 or, of course, IR. In addition, the projectors have a USB Type A connector — enabling them to operate over the network using a Wi-Fi dongle.
Eiki’s EK-620U/621W laser projectors offers horizontal and vertical lens shift as well as corner keystone correction. There are six optional lenses available for use with throw/width ratios from 0.75-8.4 and the lenses also are interchangeable with the EK-810U/811W and EK-610U/611W/612X.
Both of the EIKI EK-620U and 621W projectors list at $11,995 and $8,995 without the lens and all the detailed specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Zytronic Adds Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass to Touch Screens Zytronic today announced the option of Corning’s Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass to help prevent the spread of stain and odor-causing bacteria on self-service kiosks and other public-use touchscreens.
The announcement follows the conclusion of an agreement between Zytronic Displays Ltd. and Corning Incorporated covering the supply of Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass to Zytronic for incorporation in automated teller machines, point of sale systems, digital signage systems, medical devices and point of information touchscreens.
Zytronic has collaborated with Corning, to use their unique Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass, the first antimicrobial cover glass registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as a safe and non-toxic material for display cover glass in kiosks, wayfinders, touch tables and other applications. This glass contains an ionic silver component which serves as an agent greatly reducing the ability of bacteria to proliferate, helping to keep the glass clean. Furthermore, Gorilla Glass is tough and scratch resistant, so is unlikely to develop cracks in which bacteria can multiply. The anti-microbial agent does not affect the excellent optical clarity of the glass. For external or unattended touchscreen applications, where added rigidity and impact resistance may be needed, Zytronic can laminate the chemically strengthened Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass cover layer with a thicker, thermally tempered rear glass, to create an incredibly impact resistant ZyTouch sensor.
Combining the renowned benefits of damage resistance, optical clarity and touch sensitivity, the Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass is formulated with antimicrobial properties to help keep touch surfaces clean of stain and odour causing bacteria, with a performance that will last the lifetime of the display. The combination of this unique glass and Zytronic’s award-winning Projected Capacitive Technology (PCT) will provide manufacturers of high use, self-service touchscreen terminals with a solution that helps to address concern of stain and odour-causing bacteria.
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AmpliVox Intros New Collaboration Huddle Table AmpliVox Sound Systems has launched the Collaboration Huddle Table CT4880 for conference rooms and other meeting space. Included with built-in power receptacles as well as an optional table-mount stand for monitors, the Collaboration Huddle Table is ADA compliant and is constructed of scratchproof, impact-resistant high pressure laminate in a maple finish and black vinyl edges. The workspace includes two USB and AC power receptacles, each with two AC power outlets, two USB power ports, and one USB network plug. An optional mount for monitors measuring 32” to 52” attaches to one end of the table. The table provides room for six standard chairs or three ADA-compliant seating positions.
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Crestron Now Shipping Full Line of Avia DSPs Crestron is now shipping five new Avia DSP models that all use the Avia Audio Tool software. The Avia DSP-1283 is 12-channel DSP designed for use in meeting spaces and collaboration environments. It supports audio conferencing via VoIP and POTS, and USB connectivity for video conferencing via a Crestron RL2 Skype for Business solution, or BYOD presentation using Crestron AirMedia wireless gateway. I/O expansion with amplifiers and DigitalMedia blade-based switchers is supported via the Dante audio network. Additional models include DSP-1282, DSP-1281, DSP-1280 and DSP-860.
The Avia Audio Tool provides a workspace that streamlines audio programming. The channel-strip architecture is designed to simplify configuration, with a library of preconfigured strips for the most popular microphones and Crestron speakers. Built-in tools include a real-time analyzer (RTA), virtual mixer, EQ editor and AEC processor. Avia DSPs connect directly to Crestron touch screens without a central control system. Crestron says there’s no code to write or GUIs to design; just drag and drop channel strip objects for control and to generate a touch screen UI, including VU meters for visual confirmation that audio is passing through the system without needing special test equipment.
The new DSPs are a part of the new Crestron suite of Avia Audio Solutions, which also includes a companion line of network-controlled and monitored multichannel amplifiers. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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DPA Microphones Changes Their Base DPA Microphones has introduced a new Microphone Base; a new stand for its d:screet SC4098 Podium Microphone. The DPA d:screet Podium Microphone, which features a miniature d:screet supercardioid capsule that combines controlled directionality with rejection of background noise through its linear frequency response, now as a new Microphone Base that’s designed to be a more versatile stand for the mic.
Designed to be placed on a table or podium, or attached to the ceiling or even the wall, the Microphone Base is available in two colors — black and white — and comes with either a MicroDot connector, an XLR connector or unterminated leads for connections to Phoenix blocks. The d:screet capsule is mounted on a sleek boom that, for the tabletop version, has a gooseneck at the top and the bottom, thus allowing users to position the mic exactly where they want it. The ceiling version consists of one gooseneck. In both versions, the cable can exit to the side of, or beneath the unit.
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QSC Q-SYS Platform Software Release to Support AES67QSC just told rAVe that the entire Q-SYS Platform will support AES67, an interoperability standard for audio-over-IP between various networking solutions. This new feature will be added to the Q-SYS Platform as part of the upcoming Q-SYS Designer v5.3 software release.
AES67 allows high performance audio streaming between Q-SYS and third-party products supporting different native networked audio technology such as Dante, RAVENNA and Livewire without requiring any additional hardware or license costs.
AES67 is a standard for audio-over-IP interoperability and was published by the Audio Engineering Society (AES) in 2013. AES67 is a Layer-3 protocol suite and is designed to allow audio interoperability between any networked audio solution based on Layer-3 technology. Owing to its base on Layer-3 technology, AES67 is fully routable and scalable, like any common modern IT network.
Here’s a video explaining this. Leave a Comment
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Extron Shows New Audio Control Panels for Use with DMP 128 Plus Audio Processors Extron has just introduced the ACP Series of configurable audio control panels that interface directly with the DMP 128 Plus audio processors. Four models in the series provide volume adjustments for mixing and zone control, plus preset or macro recall for room configuration. Multiple ACP Series control panels can be installed around a meeting space and linked together. Each panel can be used for independent control of a specific area or to adjust audio settings for the entire combined space. The ACP Series is ideal for use in applications that require a simple and cost-effective means to control basic audio functions. Used with or without a control system, the ACP Series button panels can be configured using Extron DSP Configurator Software.
Four models are available: The two-gang ACP 100 features six dual-colored backlit buttons for easy operation in low-light environments with a volume knob for smooth, precise volume adjustments. Three additional models feature six customizable, backlit soft-touch buttons: The one-gang ACP 106 D Decora wallplate, the one-gang ACP 106 MK for MK boxes and enclosures used in the UK, Middle East, Singapore and other regions using MK-type enclosures, and the one-gang ACP 106 EU compatible with Flex55 modules, mounting kits and enclosures, as well as EU junction boxes.
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Extron Intros More Powerful DMP 128 Plus Series Digital Matrix Processors with VoIP Extron just launched the new DMP 128 Plus Series, which is what the company is calling its next generation of Digital Matrix Processors featuring Extron ProDSP 64-bit “floating point” technology. DMP 128 Plus Series processors are equipped with 12 analog mic/line inputs, eight analog outputs, up to four channels of digital audio input and output via USB, up to eight audio file players, and new configurable multi-device macros. An ACP bus makes it easy to connect one or more ACP Series audio control panels, offering an economical solution for audio system control. DMP 128 Plus V models also include eight independent channels of VoIP, supporting Session Initiation Protocol – SIP 2.0. The DMP 128 Plus AT models provide Dante audio networking technology with connectivity for up to 48 digital audio inputs and 24 digital audio outputs. Configurable using Extron DSP Configurator Software, the DMP 128 Plus Series processors feature an expanded mix matrix, up to 84×48. DMP 128 Plus Series processors can be used anywhere from a credenza-based system to a large multi-rack system, and even in a large, complex, decentralized multi-building system.
The DMP 128 Plus C, DMP 128 Plus C AT, DMP 128 Plus C V and DMP 128 Plus C V AT models include Extron AEC for conferencing applications. AEC is essential for effective remote room-to-room conversations, ensuring clear, natural communication for all participants. These models include eight independent channels of high performance AEC, as well as selectable noise cancellation. Typical AEC processing can be challenged by conditions such as double-talk, when talkers from both ends are speaking simultaneously, and when near end talkers use wireless microphones. Extron AEC features advanced algorithms that deliver fast echo canceler convergence for optimal intelligibility, even in challenging conditions.
DMP 128 Plus AT models are equipped with Dante audio networking technology and provide scalable audio transport over a local area network using standard Internet protocols. Each DMP 128 Plus AT sends out 24 channels of digital audio and can receive 48 channels over the network. Dante technology can support up to 512×512 audio channels at 24-bit/48 kHz over a single Gigabit Ethernet link, or 48×48 audio channels at 24-bit/48 kHz over a single 100 Mbps Ethernet link with extremely low latency. Additionally, the DMP 128 Plus AT can be configured to support primary and redundant Dante audio networks.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Adoption of Latest Bluetooth Specification (Bluetooth 5) Finally Happened The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) officially adopted Bluetooth 5 as the latest version of the Bluetooth core specification this week. Key updates to Bluetooth 5 include longer range, faster speed, and larger bandwidth, as well as what the SIG says will be “improved interoperability and coexistence with other wireless technologies.”
There is no doubt that Bluetooth has revolutionized how people experience wireless connectivity, and the eventual IoT (Internet of Things). But, does Bluetooth 5 mean anything for AV?
Key feature updates include four times range (that means 400 feet), two times speed (that means 2 Mbps) and eight times broadcast message capacity (data packet of up to 255 octets). Longer range powers whole home and building coverage, for more reliable connections. Higher speed enables more responsive, high-performance devices. Increased broadcast message size increases the data sent for improved and more context relevant solutions.
So, to translate, the Barco ClickShare could be totally wireless via Bluetooth now. This would mean that future wireless collaboration systems could leverage Bluetooth for connectivity (and sending video and audio) and still be connected to Wi-Fi therefore you could be using a ClickShare-like product and still browse the Internet.
In the home, virtually everything you are networking today via Wi-Fi could be done with Bluetooth 5. So, this will certainly boost and simplify app-based home controllers.
Bluetooth 5 also includes updates that help reduce potential interference with other wireless technologies to ensure Bluetooth devices can coexist. And, Bluetooth is downwardly compatible.
Consumers can expect to see products built with Bluetooth 5 within two to six months of today’s release. If you’re into all the tech specs of Bluetooth 5, go here. Leave a Comment
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PK Sound Debuts Gravity 30, a 30″ SubwooferThe Gravity 30 by PK Sound is its largest subwoofer and the first product released in the Gravity family. The 30” Gravity 30 claims to set a new standard for low frequency reproduction with unprecedented output capability and exceptional transient accuracy. With a very high output-to-size ratio, PK Sound says the Gravity 30 replaces three conventional dual 18” subwoofers, significantly reducing truck pack and weight.
A 15,000-watt class-D amplifier with differential pressure loop technology provides efficient, high output power to the 30” moving magnet linear motor M-Force transducer. The dual reflex bandpass enclosure provides high, symmetric loading to the cone increasing efficiency, dramatically improving transient response, reducing distortion and maximizing low frequency extension. A precision-engineered steel alloy motor mount provides a rigid connecting assembly which acts as large heatsink for the transducer and as a grill for the high frequency chamber, additional cooling dramatically increases power handling and reduces power compression.
The Gravity 30 is cardioid arrayable, providing the maximum amount of flexibility when creating large subwoofer arrays especially when a high amount of directionality is required. The subwoofer is available in both touring and installation versions. Both models integrate seamlessly with PK’s Kontrol software providing access to key DSP features and real time monitoring. The touring (for live events) model incorporates an integrated rigging assembly, allowing up to 12 cabinets to be suspended, and features automatic array detection allowing quick and seamless set up of subwoofer arrays.
The Gravity 30 and Gravity family of products are here. Leave a Comment
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Harman Debuts Six New Products In DecemberHere are the six newest Harman family of products launched in December:
Crown DriveCore Install DA Series Amplifiers: A new line of amplifiers that feature Dante networked audio transport. In addition to being able to send and receive Dante audio, the DCi-DA Series includes many of the same features as the DCi-Network Series, such as the inclusion of a high-level DSP with JBL tunings, network control/monitoring, highly efficient design, and the ability to drive 2/4/8 ohm, 70V and 100V speaker loads out of each channel without the need for an external transformer. Pricing is $6,500 for the DCi 8|300DA, $9198 for the DCi 8|600DA and $6598 for the DCi 4|1250DA. Here are all the specs.
JBL Commercial CSA Series 1300Z / 2300Z Amplifiers: The CSA Series provides a DriveCore-based sound solution, replacing up to 500 parts with one small chip, reducing the part count and increasing reliability while maintaining superb performance. Available with one or two channels and powerful 300 W output, these amplifiers support 70V and 100V installations out of the box. The are priced at CSA 1300Z: $698 and the CSA 2300Z is $898 list. Here are all the specs.
Martin Exterior Wash 100/200/300 Series Architainment LED Light Fixtures: The Exterior Wash 100/200/300 Series is designed for narrow beam applications with separate LED’s for red, green, blue and white. The three models illuminate various sized architectural and landscape features with the 100 model being used for small elements and the 300 model for larger building features with up to 10,000 lumen at full output. The product lines feature 6 beam angle options starting from a tight 7-degree beam angle and a compact and rugged IP66 housing, rated for permanent outdoor use. Here are all their specs.
Martin Exterior Wash 120/220/320 Series Architainment LED Light Fixtures: The Exterior Wash 120/220/320 Series is designed for variable color temperature applications ranging from 2700K – 6500K. The three models illuminate various sized architectural and landscape features with the 100 model being used for small elements and the 300 model for larger building features with up to 14,700 lumen at full output. Both of the product lines feature six beam angle options starting from a tight 7-degree beam angle and a compact and rugged IP66 housing, rated for permanent outdoor use. Here are all the options.
AMX N-Control Touch Panels (SVSI): The NT-SD-701 (Wall) and NT-ST-701 (Tabletop) N-Touch Panels allow a control interface to be added to an SVSI system. Each touch panel combines a high-quality user interface and controller into a single unit. The NT-SD-701 can be mounted on any flat surface (including glass). Key features include control of network-based devices, a brilliant 24-color depth, and PoE connectivity Priced at NT-SD-701 (Wall): $1,900 NT-ST-701 (Tabletop): $1,995 and here are the specs.
JBL Professional Intellivox HP-DS170 Active Beam Shaping, Self Powered Column Loudspeaker Array: A self-contained, especially high-power and high-output, 2-way, wide-bandwidth beam-shaping powered column loudspeaker with a high degree of outdoor capability. Capable of delivering up to 106 dB SPL at 30 meters (100 ft) and has a horizontal dispersion of 100°. Enclosing ten, high efficiency, 6.5” loudspeakers and two coaxially mounted 1” compression drivers, each with dedicated amplification, the Intellivox HP-DS170 is capable of covering a substantial audience area while maintaining an even sound pressure level throughout. All the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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BlueJeans Debuts BlueJeans Huddle to Take on ClickShare and Skype BlueJeans Network today unveiled BlueJeans Huddle, a cloud-connected video system that they say is designed to simplify video connectivity. BlueJeans Huddle system is a combination of standard hardware and BlueJeans proprietary software that can turn any room into an interactive meeting space for what they claim is a fraction of the cost of legacy in-room systems. Currently an average of eight to 15 minutes of every video meeting is wasted getting participants connected — I think we’d all agree with that claim! That’s what they say this solves.
BlueJeans says their Huddle system eliminates the hassles of set up, dial in, connection, and meeting management as users are automatically recognized and can initiate live video conversations simply by walking into a room an the room already knows who they are by using the BlueJeans Enterprise Video Cloud. The system is also integrated with wireless content sharing (think ClickShare) as well as MS Outlook and Google Calendar for scheduling and automation. So, in short, this is Skype with a Barco ClickShare, in one. We haven’t tested it yet, but when we do, we’ll tell you if it’s as simple as they claim.
All the specifics are here. Leave a Comment
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Avlex Corporation Announces MIPRO Digital Wireless Tour Guide and Language Interpretation Systems Avlex Corporation introduces the MIPRO MTG-100 Digital Wireless Tour Guide System and the MTS-100 Digital Wireless Language Interpretation System. Designed to be ultra-compact, lightweight, durable, and easy to use, the MTG-100 and MTS-100 systems deliver true digital performance that provides crystal-clear audio quality, secure and reliable transmission, and are interference free — making them exceptional choices for guided tour use, assistive listening and language interpretation applications.
The MIPRO MTG-100 and MTS-100 systems both operate in the 900MHz band and are designed to be easy to set up and provide intuitive operation. Both systems are frequency agile and digitally encrypted — ensuring true digital, crystal clear audio performance. With 16 preset channels to choose from, both the MTG-100 and MTS-100 facilitate up to four simultaneous tours or the ability for four tour guides to communicate with their patrons in four different languages on the same tour, each experiencing trouble-free operation at the same venue.
Featuring Lithium rechargeable battery and AA battery-powered components, both the MTG-100 and MTS-100 systems are designed for maximum flexibility and ease-of-use. These systems provide an outdoor operating range upwards of 100 meters (330 feet) line-of-sight. Equally notable, both systems offer switchable RF output, with settings for low, medium and high.
The new MIPRO MTG-100 and MTS-100 systems offer a comprehensive assortment of components designed to enable any organization to select those items best suited to their specific requirements. These include both stationary and portable digital receivers and transmitters. Stationary systems also offer a choice of three antennas. Microphone choices include gooseneck, headset, and lavaliere in addition to the availability of an adapter that enables the use of condenser microphones. Monitoring choices include both stereo and single earphones as well as stereo earbuds.
Optional charging bays are available in four-slot configurations that can be conveniently mounted in a charging rack. For the utmost convenience and security, MIPRO also provides a choice of storage and charger carrying cases designed to accommodate either 12- or 28-slot configurations. These cases enable the facility to store and charge the transmitters and receivers in one all-inclusive case that not only features charging bays and storage for headsets and earbuds, but also incorporates a Sync button to coordinate the frequency of the components.
Here are more specs. Leave a Comment
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Biamp Systems and Shure Announce Tesira-Microflex Compatibility Biamp Systems and Shure announced today integrated compatibility between Biamp Tesira audio processors and software and Shure Microflex Advance array microphones with Steerable Coverage. With the release of Biamp’s new Tesira software and hardware at ISE in February 2017, it will be possible to interact with the Dante-enabled Shure MXA910 ceiling array microphone and control signal levels within the Tesira software. The companies say this new compatability will enable system integrators to deliver flexible, fully-digital audio solutions that meet the complex needs of their clients while reducing installation and setup time.
More information about Biamp is here and Shure, here. Leave a Comment
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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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