Volume 7, Issue 2 — February 18, 2014
|
Tiner’s Take Editorial Editorial
|
|
|
Is 4K In Your Future?
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
It has been about 18 months since the AV world was officially introduced to 4K. Many of us in the AV industry take major changes like 4K with a grain of salt. I think it tends to be because we have seen technologies (think 3D) have a groundswell, and then fall flat. So, we are cautious of “new” and “groundbreaking” technology. Especially when that technology has a major disruptive capability for our systems. As an integrator or designer, you need to walk a very careful line when deciding how and when to introduce these new technologies. Your clients probably don’t want the $15,000 4K projector proposed to them quite yet. However, they also do not want to find out in the next couple of years that their infrastructure won’t support 4K. So, what do you do?
I think there are two things you can do in situations like this. First, you need to educate yourself and your client. Second, take an educated guess as to what the future will bring and share that with your clients.
4K is a new higher resolution format for video sources and displays. As you would expect in our industry, there is almost a standard for these resolutions and almost a common terminology. However, the various terms of Ultra HD, 4K and Quad HD promise to confuse people. In a nutshell, a resolution of at least 3840×2160 is considered 4K. Of course, if you really want to get out there and confuse yourself, just Google 4K. Your head will soon be spinning. Crestron has a new white paper out titled “Challenges of Distributing 4K Video.” It is excellent and I highly recommend it. There is a little bit of sales that happens in the paper, but a lot of important information. We have all been working with computers for years, and are aware that resolutions exist that are higher than the 1080p available for consumer devices. Apple has the “Retina” display on several of its products today. The current MacBook Pro has a resolution of 2,880×1,800. Crestron refers to these resolutions as “tweener” resolutions, somewhere between 2K and 4K.
My take on 4K is that it will have value for higher education. The two things I have recently learned that have driven me to this conclusion is that 4K is higher than the resolution of today’s x-ray, and comparable to that of the 35 millimeter slide projector. The x-ray comparison is important for those people who work in the sciences, in particular the medical field. The ability to transition from film-based technologies to all digital has a host of benefits, both from the practitioner’s point of view and from the teacher’s. The slide projector comparison may be the thing that pushes our very detailed faculty to make the move to digital. Let me be clear about both of these examples: People were not simply “slow” to make the transition, rather, the technology did not serve their needs. Now, that may change.
The other real potential for 4K is in the digital signage world. I can see 4K monitors being very useful for those applications that require a user to be very close to the monitor, such as interactive digital signs. Even with 1080p, large screens tend to be pixelated when viewed close up.
Clearly, I think there is a value and need for 4K in higher education. So, my concern about the future of 4K comes from the consumer applications. It is the consumer side, TV and movies, that often drives vendors to make technologies and drives the prices to drop. I don’t see a huge wave of consumers moving towards 4K. There is very little consumer content available in this format, and I don’t see that changing in the next 18 months or so. I also find it interesting that manufacturers are looking at 4K as the future, while consumers are content with YouTube quality video, and Netflix on their tablets. Despite the fact that Netflix is putting out Season 2 of House of Cards in 4K, I am not sure how the two trends collide. For consumers, content is more valuable than quality.
So, what is the takeaway for those of us working in and around higher ed? You need to stay abreast of the 4K technologies. You need to pay attention to sites like rAVe and their coverage of trade shows. As I write this Gary and team are in Amsterdam covering ISE. Pay attention to that coverage. Are more content providers coming out and announcing a shift to 4K? How about device manufacturers, particularly computer and tablet manufacturers — are they shifting towards higher native resolutions? As you begin to watch and learn more about 4K, think about the locations of where it would be of particular value in your installs, or where your customers could benefit from it. Then, in those locations, you should pay careful attention to putting equipment in that will support 4K in two or three years. Otherwise, it is my guess that 4K will move at a pace that allows us to gradually grow into it.
What are thoughts about 4K and the future? Tweet me, leave a comment below or email me and let me know your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
|
The 3D Educator
By Len Scrogan Display Central
There are a lot of good things happening with educational 3D across the country, yet I find that most of the great stories about 3D in classrooms somehow seem to fly under the radar. Yes, good things are in fact happening, but often no one knows about them. That’s because educators rarely toot their own horn; it’s also because the education industry is highly isolated and successful programs are often geographically pigeonholed. Rarely do successes get the broad recognition they deserve. It’s for that reason that I am continuing our Display Central 3D School Success Stories theme by highlighting someone who I think may well be the best 3D educator in the U.S.
*****
In my first article of this series, “3D Heats Up in Minnesota,” I introduced our readers to the pilot project underway in the St. Francis area schools for the last two years. In the second article, “What the 3D Kids Say,” I shifted the spotlight to what the children have to say about learning in 3D in this intriguing Minnesota pilot project. In this month’s article, I focus on the effective and varied teaching strategies used by the project leader, fourth-grade teacher Holli Hillman. What she does—and how she does it—is of great importance for those of us trying to understand how to best advantage 3D classroom instruction.
Texas Instruments uses the term “3D educator” to describe those brave innovators who push the power of 3D visualization in learning to its instructional limits.
Holli Hillman is a 3D educator in every sense of the term. And by the time I am done, you may learn why I consider Holli Hillman to be the best elementary school 3D educator in the country.
Great 3D instruction certainly depends on good equipment and well-crafted content. But the effectiveness of 3D in learning also hinges on creative teaching strategies used by talented educators.
As I have stated many times, we simply don’t show 3D movies in classrooms. Not ever. To the contrary, 3D educators add value. Some of the important value-added practices employed by Hillman in her successful 3D pilot project include:
- using only parts of the 3D simulation that are age appropriate
- muting the narrator because vocabulary might be too advanced
- providing the teacher’s own narration in order to simplify the content for the learner
- pausing the 3D simulation for discussion, allowing for questions or further explanation of the topic
- watching, discussing, then watching again – repeating as needed (repetition encourages mastery and comprehension)
- previewing a topic in 3D before the chapter/unit begins
- creating a KWL chart together with the students, after showing a 3D simulation or animation
- using 3D as a form of enrichment and/or expansion on a topic for those students who are ready for more
- using the 3D simulation AS the lesson (Holli explains: “the visualization is often so rich that it provides an experience unlike anything one can offer through lecture or even hands-on; of course, the teacher can still provide elaboration, clarification, and guide discussion, since a 1-4 minute 3D simulation will never replace the teacher.”)
- taking a virtual field trip (Holli notes: “3D can take students places they would never otherwise be able to go—and the color, imagery and depth are attractive and captivating!”)
In her own words, Holli Hillman hopes to “step outside of the box and implement [3D as an] innovative instructional approach.” Her enthusiasm is palpable and each of the above strategies helps us understand what a gifted 3D educator actually does with this powerful new medium of instruction. She is not afraid of sharing her insight and enthusiasm both with interested visitors and questioning skeptics alike. “I can’t wait to watch it all unfold,” she declares, as she makes plans to explore even more creative teaching angles in the months to come. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
|
ISE Becomes World’s Largest AV Trade Show & Has Three Clear Tech Themes
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
Before the doors closed on the 2014 edition of the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) last week in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, nearly every exhibitor already knew it was a record show. NEC reported to us on Day 2 of the show that they’d seen a 40 percent increase on leads on Day 1 over 2013’s totals. Barco reported similar stats. Same for Sony, Panasonic, Cisco, AOpen, Lighthouse, Peerless-AV and Control4. All reported at least 40 percent increases in leads year over year. Final attendance was 51,003.
ISE is a combo-show in that it combines the best of InfoComm and CEDIA, thus it’s a showing of ProAV and HomeAV products in one giant show venue. But, it also includes an entire hall and a half dedicated to digital signage, one dedicated to nothing but videoconferencing and unified communications providers, one that houses over 40 manufacturers of giant LED screens and one hall that’s nearly exclusively staging rigs, gear and lighting. It’s like a half a dozen shows in one.
What was most interesting to me that, in over 20 years of exhibiting or covering international AV trade shows all over the world, I’ve never seen so many North American-based dealers and integrators walking a show outside of the USA. This may seem like a minor point, but, if you think about it, for years — well for over 20 years, international integrators have been coming over to the U.S. to attend AV shows like InfoComm and CEDIA Expo and now the tables are turned. And, as ISE falls right after CES and a full four months before InfoComm and seven months before CEDIA, it makes sense that ISE will just continue to grow. And, I’ll bet that more U.S. integrators will attend as 2014 marked a record number of product introductions at ISE. And, we know this for sure as we actually shot videos of all of them and posted them all on this site. Well over 1,000 new products.
And, for 2014, there were a few clear themes that you should know about as, not only will they be themes at InfoComm, but the will change integration of AV forever:
1. 4K isn’t 3D: A few years ago, 3D was all the rage. But, alas, it was hype. Not 4K. 4K is the real deal and will, in fact, have a huge impact on ProAV faster than any new display technological evolution in the last 15-years. And, no, not because of image quality. Yes, for the HomeAV market, the impact of image quality will drive 4K. But, the adoption curve will be way slower. Where 3D was driven by the consumer market and trickled up to ProAV, 4K will be driven by the ProAV market and will trickle down to the HomeAV market — when content is available. That will be a year or two away for most of us.
But, with 4K in ProAV systems, the impact will be quick and by InfoComm, some of you will have actually already integrated 4K systems in to meeting rooms and classrooms. Why? Well, 4K makes multi-imaging awesome. And, as you’ll see from theme number two (see #2 below), multi-imaging content, presentations and video is something we will all find very easy to do and something clients will ask us to do as fast as we can. Currently, using a 1080p projector or even a WUXGA resolution one and then sharing the screen between a videoconference an a Powerpoint presentation leaves a lot to be desired. The shrunk-down images and resolution, make the content quality poor. But, imaging building rooms where the screen is filled with native 1080p content (not scaled down) and a Powerpoint shown side by side and both in native resolutions — wow!
But, you’re only thinking short term if you see that as the wow’ing solution for your clients. Here’s where 4K will be big. Imagine replacing the entire (or most of it, anyway) with a giant projection screen and filling the front of the room with native content. You see, for years, we’ve designed rooms with the projection screen size based on the least-favored viewer (the guy sitting at the back of the room). And, with a single image projected on a screen, this makes sense as that image fills the screen. But, the trend in “collaboration” (that word being used for sharing multiple types of content on the same screen (e.g., a Powerpoint presentation and a website at the same time), with 4K you don’t need to lose resolution. And, in that case, both images should be considered — size wise — when sizing the screen for the least favored viewer. Thus, the screens need to be gigantic. Yes, it’s sort of like changing the way we envision a screen into more of the way an IMAX theater is built. And this makes sense. Shrinking down images to display them side by side means that people in the room can’t see the content being displayed. But, keeping the content the same size as specified by room design criteria, means that you need a much bigger screen when displaying two things (or more) at the same time. Think Barco ClickShare, WOW Vision and Christie Brio sharing on the screen you now have in most rooms you designed versus what I am proposing and envisioning. Do it my way and you’ll see all the detail of all four images being displayed no matter where you sit in the room.
So, Da-Lite, Draper, DNP, Projecta, et al. you need to start making larger screens as standard sizes — not custom orders!
2. Collaboration: Collaboration means different things in different markets. In the ProAV market, however, it means sharing multiple pieces of content on the screen simultaneously. So, while making a Powerpoint presentation, you can bring up a website or a spreadsheet and display both of them at their native resolution — so everyone can see everything. Well, at ISE 0214, there were a half-dozen new versions of this from companies like Christie, Sony, WOW Vision, Cisco, Panasonic and a couple I can’t talk about as they were shown to me privately — but, know they are BIG companies.
Sharing content this way is being made possible via two technological advances: the network and the devices. The network (wired or wireless) is capable of delivering any type of content to us without it ever getting on a VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort or DVI connector. And, it’s only a matter of time before projectors and LCDs have built-in network ports that play all types of content without a media player. Did you know that Barco’s already building its ClickShare wireless system into a few lines of projectors? You think we’re far from Sony, Christie and companies like Extron and Crestron doing it? Sure, there’s no way this concept of building systems will be the majority of the market over the next five years, but it will be a significant chunk of it — thus, the devices.
3. Cloud-Based Conferencing: On done form or another, every VTC and UC company that exhibited at ISE showed cloud-connectivity. Some are actually moving towards placing the entire codec in the cloud (like Pexip and Blue Jeans) or are allowing cloud connectivity (connectivity in to a video call via a browser) like the way Cisco and Polycom are doing it. And, then you have Skype (Microsoft will make its AV debut at InfoComm) and Lync and a few other competing “standards” on the horizon. However you do it, you will ALL be integrating Videoconferencing and/or (hopefully or as it’s better) unified communications as the network and the gear is way easier to do this (and fully integrate it in to an AV system) than it ever has been. In the 1990s when this stuff debuted, the phone companies couldn’t deliver on ISDN and T-1s as promised. Then, in the 2000s, the network wasn’t reliable or fast enough. Now, it all just works. And, the gear is easy to integrate and use.
4. Social Media Monitoring NOCs: Yes, the future of network operations centers (NOCs) and command and control systems is not limited to utilities, cities, governments and oil and gas. In fact, the real growth is in social media marketing. No other application is as data intensive as monitoring the thousands of daily mentions on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Vine, WeChat and the handful of other social media tools currently being used to mention company names, complain about customer service or ask for help for big brands. And, brands will be wanting to monitor it all just like a city monitors security and a gas company monitors all their assets. This will be huge and integrators will be integrating thousands of these command centers this year. This market will dwarf the current NOC market within three years. I guarantee it!
5. Digital Signage Simplicity: ISE brought more digital signage products than I’ve ever seen — way more than at the annual DSE — Digital Signage Expo. But DSE is in Las Vegas so the two don’t really compete as DSE is mostly a U.S. show. Most digital signage manufacturers were heading to DSE this week – directly from ISE – and so are we. We have a dedicated DSE MicroSite here (where we’ll post all the show videos we shoot, blogs and news too: www.ravepubs.com/dse2104. But, what’s happened at DSE was the simplicity of the DS system – thanks to the new generation of media players, was evident. Digital signage is for more than IT and HomeAV integrators now – ProAV is getting it.
6. Dante Dominates Networked Audio: There isn’t a single audio manufacturer that matters not using Audinate’s Dante for networking audio. Every company is doing it now — with Extron, Atlas Sound and Crestron being the latest two to announce it. You will be integrating all your audio on the network by the end of 2015. All of it.
Certainly, this doesn’t cover everything that my team saw at ISE. We had 17 reporters at ISE and we shot over 1200 videos, 1000 photos, 15 podcasts and 300 news stories and blogs and you can see it all here. I hope it helps you find the new products you’re looking for. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
Epson Introduces EX5230 Pro Portable Projector With 3,500 LumensEpson’s new EX5230 Pro projector offers 3,500 lumens of color light output (and 3,500 lumens of white light output), automatic vertical keystone correction and a horizontal slide control bar for image correction. The 3LCD projector also has HDMI connectivity, wireless projection (PC and MAC) and instant on and off (with no cool down time).
The native XGA resolution (1024×768) projector includes a 6,000-hour lamp (using a 200-watt UHE) and includes a throw ratio of 1.48 – 1.77:1 (zoom). Inputs include HDMI, VGA and component, as well as the company’s wireless projection technology (iProjection), which can project via Android, iOS, Windows PC or a Mac.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Digital Projection Intros 12,000 Lumen Laser ProjectorDigital Projection will launch a new 12,000-lumen laser version of its HIGHLite line of projectors at the Integrated Systems Europe trade show in Amsterdam next month. Like most solid-state lighting devices, it’s spec’d at 20,000 hours and offers WUXGA resolution (1920×1200).
This is only the industry’s third laser projector — the other two are from Barco and Sony.
Features will include edge blending, 3D capability, refresh rates up to 144Hz, two HDMI 1.4 inputs, a DVI and a 3G-SDI inputs, as well as HDBaseT connectivity and lens options range from 0.77:1 to 6.76:1.
DPI will show the projector in Stand C88 at ISE 2014 and more details will be here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
Extron Adds HDCP-Compliant Annotator with DTP ExtensionExtron’s new Annotator 300 is a hardware-based annotation processor that allows a presenter to draw, point or type over live presentations using a touch display, graphics tablet or a keyboard and mouse. The HDCP-compliant Annotator 300 includes HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, a universal analog video input and three simultaneous outputs including two HDMI and a DTP 230 twisted pair output. It also offers Extron video signal processing with a high performance scaling engine and fast, reliable switching. The DTP 230 twisted pair output extends HDMI and bidirectional control signals to a DTP 230 receiver over a single CATx cable up to 230 feet (70 meters).
The Annotator 300 is compatible with a wide variety of popular touch displays and graphics tablets. User-friendly graphical icons and menus provide quick access to essential annotation tools for drawing freehand or lines, adding rectangular or elliptical shapes, typing text, highlighting an area of the presentation and more. Additional annotation functions include the ability to use a touch flat-panel display as a whiteboard, zoom and pan within the image, and freeze a live image. Annotated images can be captured and saved to internal memory, a removable USB flash drive, or a network location; images can also be sent to a network printer.
The scaling engine in the device scales HDMI, DisplayPort, RGB, component and standard definition video to a common high resolution output. It provides high performance 1080i deinterlacing and Deep Color processing to deliver optimal image quality. It also offers Extron-specific technology such as EDID Minder, Key Minder and SpeedSwitch. In order to offer integrators flexibility, the outputs of the Annotator 300 can be configured as separate Main and Confidence outputs so that the presenter can access the annotation GUI on a local monitor, while the audience sees only the annotated presentation.
The DTP 230 twisted pair output can be used to extend HDMI, audio and control to a DTP 230 receiver behind a flat-panel display on a wall or above a ceiling-mounted projector, with the receiver powered over the same CATx cable. This output can also be used for sending video and embedded audio to any HDBaseT-enabled display.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Top Projector Brands Named in TFCinfo’s Annual Projector Brand Perception And Preference Research TFCinfo today announced the completion of its “Projector Brand Customer Perception and Preference Study 2014.” This report marks the 13th year that this annual projector brand benchmarking study has been conducted. Results of TFCinfo’s new report reveal significant movement among projector competitors in the three measurable areas of brand strength: awareness, image and intent. These areas are analyzed across the five most important market segments in the projector industry: large corporations, SMB, SOHU (small office/home user), education and government.
Many brands are solidifying their position; some are moving up in rankings and expanding their dominance from other markets, while others remain stationary. While many brands were researched in-depth and each show significant strengths and weaknesses in certain areas, a few brands stand out above the rest in this year’s research. Some of the general brand highlights from this research include:
Epson: Epson again has a stellar performance this year among those in the education market, however it is their improvements in other markets this year that make the brand stand out. Epson shows great improvement this year in the more business oriented segments, and has especially strong results coming in from the SOHU market. Epson improved their unaided and aided awareness scores, as well as their purchase consideration, in four of the five market segments surveyed (a 6 percent gain in consideration among SOHU alone). Epson also has one of the strongest and most clear brand profiles compared to their competitors in the Brand Image Index analysis. Epson is in a great position being viewed as a high quality, reliable brand that is considered both an excellent investment and a good value for the money.
NEC: In our examination and comparison of the key market segments, TFCinfo found that while NEC continues to be driven by large business the brand is beginning to successfully transfer their positive image and reputation to other market segments. This year NEC’s most notable improvements come from the education market where the brand improves upon their unaided free recall, aided brand recognition, and purchase consideration. NEC is considered to be a high quality, reliable brand by experienced projector end users.
Sharp: In previous years Sharp had posted gains in some segments and losses in others, leaving the brand in relatively the same position. This year Sharp has turned this around and is showing some really positive momentum. Sharp posts gains in every single market segment on unaided awareness, and posts aided brand recognition gains in four of the five segments surveyed. While Sharp does have an advantage in SOHU, as the brand has a strong retail presence and various other consumer product offerings, these research results are showing that brand is improving in other segments. The most positive improvements this year for Sharp come from those in large corporations. Sharp is also beginning to be viewed as not only a value, but an investment.
Panasonic: Our brand association and use analysis shows that Panasonic is one of the most considered brands for purchase (tying with Epson). Being a strong name in the consumer market continues to help the brand to be named one of the top brands associated with home theater projection, and this supports their strong scoring in SOHU throughout this year. Panasonic is also one of the top performers in the Brand Image Index and has one of the clearest profiles of all the brands surveyed.
InFocus: Considering all of the changes at InFocus over the years, the brand continues to do well. InFocus posts gains in unaided free recall and aided brand awareness in three of the five segments surveyed this year, and remains one of the most recognized brands in the projector industry. InFocus is clearly seen as an inexpensive, mobile projector, and continues to be easily identifiable as a brand that specializes in projectors and projector technology. Considering their long history in the category, this image is not likely to change for some time regardless of changes with the company.
Sony: Despite some setbacks over the past few years in this annual tracking research, Sony’s strong brand strength continues to be clearly evident in the projector category. Sony is one of the top four most recognized projector brands overall and is the #1 brand on unaided free recall in SOHU this year (tying with Panasonic) and also the #1 brand on aided brand recognition in SOHU as well. Sony performs very well on important affinity attributes, placing in the top three for the majority of important purchasing factors surveyed (such as quality, reliability, price as an investment and ease of use).
Dell: While Dell has not been a top performer in this research over the years, and the brand continues to appear under recognized compared to their current market share, they have shown continuous improvements year over year. Dell posts gains in unaided free recall and aided brand recognition in four of the five market segments surveyed this year. Dell also improves upon their purchase consideration as well. Experienced users and purchasers clearly view Dell as an affordable, easy to use mobile projector.
Brands that are analyzed in depth include: 3M, Dell, Dukane, Eiki, Epson, Hitachi, InFocus, Mitsubishi, NEC, Optoma, Panasonic, Runco, Sharp and Sony.
This extensive 350+ page report reveals detailed customer insights and analysis that will help manufacturers to build and sustain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. This report will give your company the tools it needs to successfully measure the effectiveness of your brand investments and marketing, and will aide a manager’s ability to guide business decisions over the long term.
The entire report is here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Did Extron Just Get Into Digital Signage Media Player Market with New H.264 Streaming SME 100? Extron’s new SMD 101 is a compact H.264 streaming media decoder used with Extron SME 100 encoders to provide complete end-to-end AV streaming systems. The SMD 101 is designed specifically for use in professional AV applications to decode live streamed content from SME 100 encoders or play back AV media files accessible from network shares. It accepts streaming resolutions up to 1080p/60 and outputs a variety of resolutions, from 640×480 up to 1920×1200. Fill/Follow/Fit aspect ratio controls manage disparities between the streaming video and display format. This compact, energy-efficient decoder is an ideal counterpart to the SME 100 encoder to deploy in simple overflow and monitoring applications or multi-channel streaming systems and digital signage systems.
The SMD 101 supports use of both push and pull streaming configurations, making it adaptable to a variety of network conditions and streaming requirements. Stereo analog audio and HDMI-embedded audio signals are both supported, providing compatibility with embedded display speakers or existing audio systems. The SMD 101 offers integration-friendly control capabilities including an optional handheld IR remote, wired IR, RS232 or Ethernet. An easy-to-navigate Web interface provides simple, flexible, management and control. Advanced AV signal processing and control features, in addition to a variety of networking and streaming protocols, come together to make the SMD 101 an ideal streaming solution in corporate, government and educational environments.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Extron Expands New Cable Cubby Series/2 LineupExtron has introduced the Cable Cubby 500 and the Cable Cubby 700, which are two all-new Cable Cubby Series/2 line of cable access enclosures for AV connectivity and AC power. Extron also offers the existing Cable Cubby 1200 low-profile enclosure and Cable Cubby 1400 double-sided enclosure. These modular enclosures support a broad range of available AV connectivity and AC power options, including Extron Retractor cable retraction modules, AAP — Architectural Adapter Plates and AV cables. AC power modules are available for the U.S., Europe, and other major world markets.
All Cable Cubby Series/2 enclosures are engineered for fast assembly and installation on the job site. An integrated clamp system secures the Cable Cubby Series/2 enclosures to the furniture surface. The modular design allows convenient installation or replacement of cables or AAPs from the top of the enclosure, after it’s installed. The Cable Pass-Through Plate utilizes a split-ring design that facilitates cable installation while eliminating the need for separate cable grommets. The AAP Plate can be pre-populated and cabled before installation within the enclosure. Most AC 100 Series AC Power Modules provide two unswitched AC outlets. To support the charging of smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices in AV presentation environments, the optional AC+USB 200 Series Power Modules provide one or two AC power outlets, plus two 5 VDC USB power outlets with 2.1A / 10.5 watts of total power.
The Cable Cubby 500 is here. The Cable Cubby 700 is here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
BenQ Takes Aim at EPSON’s Brighter Futures Program with New Ed-Based Market Support ProgramBenQ America this week unveiled the BenQ Education Solutions in Technology (BEST) program. Created to provide educational partners across North America with dedicated sales and support initiatives, the program, at first glance, seems to be an EPSON Brighter Futures knock-off.
Available to members across the United States and Canada, BenQ’s BEST program provides educational partners with planning, pricing and customer support benefits. But, the announcement today had no specific details about pricing or program benefits — only a contact (Patti Postel at Patti.Postel@BenQ.com) to reach out to if you are interested in joining.
The EPSON Brighter Futures program is well established and is more than simply better pricing for Educational institutions and integrators selling to them. In addition to educational white papers and case studies about using EPSON product sin ED-specific applications, the program includes training videos, scholarships and a dedicated sales team — not a person who’s part-time ED and part time house of worship.
BenQ has an uphill battle in this arena as EPSON is dominating ED projector sales for the fourth year in a row. But, if you want to see to education, you do need a dedicated program like this so BenQ is on the right track.
BenQ’s ED program is here and its ClassroomIQ program is here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
EPSON’s BrightLink Pro Gets Boardroom Makeover, Thanks to ChiefEPSON and Chief Manufacturing have partnered to debut what it will call BrightLink for Boardrooms — although the official name for it is the Epson Brightlink Pro 1410Wi.
In case you don’t know, the BrightLink Pro is like a SmartBoard on steroids — it’s an interactive whiteboard with an integrated short-throw projector (PowerLite 1410Wi). The BrightLink Pro also includes a much simpler interface than a SmartBoard and you can use either a wall or an actual whiteboard surface to project on. It’s included with a Chief-designed 82″, framed whiteboard that’s available in three finishes: cherry wood, aluminum or teak wood.
In addition to the standard interactive white-boarding features like multi-color virtual annotation, image capturing via the network or memory stick, image printing and PC and Mac compatibility for connectivity, the BrightLink Pro includes BYOD functionality so that you can wirelessly connect a tablet and present and annotate that way (on either the tablet or the whiteboard).
Here are all the details on EPSON’s site. Here is Chief’s frame option. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Extron Announces 4K and Ultra HD SupportExtron has announced 4K (3840×2160 and 4096×2160) and Ultra HD (3840×2160) support in its signal processing and distribution products. Solutions include:
- Extending 4K and UHD video over a single twisted pair cable
- Videowall processors to leverage the high pixel density of the newest generation of displays
- Streaming encoders and decoders to extend 4K video over traditional network infrastructure
- Media players for playback of 4K content
- Fiber optic distribution systems when pixel-for-pixel signal extension and switching are required in mission critical environments
Extron has a 4K/UHD logo that will appear on select 4K and UHD capable products on both the company’s website and compatible products themselves. The company also says it will help integrators with systems design of both 4K or UHD AV systems.
For more information about Extron 4K Systems, click here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
HARMAN’s AKG Launches WMS420 Wireless Microphone System HARMAN’s AKG today launched the WMS420 wireless system, a single-channel wireless system designed for smaller venues such as schools, town halls and houses of worship. There are four targeted product packages: Vocal Set with AKG D5 handheld microphone, Head-worn Set with AKG C555L, Lavalier Set with AKG C417 and Instrument Set with AKG MKG L cable. Also, the WMS420 is rack-mountable in addition to having detachable extended antennas that attach to the back of the receiver.
The WMS420 system includes the SR420 UHF stationary receiver with two external and detachable antennas on the rear side, as well as BNC connectors at standard 50 ohms. The HT420 handheld transmitter’s and PT420 pocket transmitter’s charging contacts, like the AKG WMS470, are compatible with the AKG CU400 charging station.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more |
WolfVision Launches New vSolution Line WolfVision’s new vSolution line includes the VZ‐ 9.4F and VZ‐9.4L Desktop Visualizers, as well as the VZ‐C6 Ceiling Visualizer. In addition to the ability to display both ‘live’ and external sources, they feature onboard HD video capture with audio, enabling the recording of complete multimedia presentations and lectures.
WolfVision says that recordings are not limited to just the Visualizer’s own camera, but also external display material from connected PCs or tablets, such as digital images, PowerPoint, PDFs, or webpages. These can all be easily captured, including audio. Presentations can be streamed to computers, tablets or smartphones, either on an internal network or over the internet.
The VZ‐ 9.4 Series and VZ‐ C6 Visualizers offer integrated WLAN, 8GB internal memory plus additional USB stick memory expansion, and HDMI input and output. The VZ‐ 9.4L and VZ‐ C6 Visualizers feature WolfVision’s Synchronized Lasermarkers and a Synchronized Lightfield, respectively, for easier positioning of objects. The VZ‐ 9.4F has a native 1080p HD camera with up to 60 frames per second; the VZ‐ 9.4L comes with a native 720p HD /WXGA camera at 30 fps; and the VZ‐ C6 has a native 1080p HD camera with 30 fps.
All three Visualizers are compatible with WolfVision’s new vConnect for iPad software that enables it to be used as a multimedia control dashboard. Presentations can be stored either locally on the iPad or in Dropbox and can be displayed on screen to audiences or via the in‐app Web browser.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Extron Takes On Crestron DMPS and Enova with New DTP CrossPoint 84 Extron hasn’t had a complete answer to either Crestron’s DMPS-300 Series or AMX’s Enova line — until today! Extron hasn’t officially announced it, but I found the DTP CrossPoint 84 Series on the company’s website and immediately called Casey Hall, Extron’s vice president of sales and marketing. Although the official announcement isn’t until Thursday, it’s real.
When I asked Casey to comment on this switcher being positioned against the Crestron and AMX models, he wouldn’t mention them by name, but did say this: “It’s an 8×4 matrix with built-in scaling that blows away anything currently on the market.” Well, let’s look at it:
The DTP CrossPoint 84 is housed only in a 2U rack-mount enclosure but, like the DMPS and Enova, is billed as a complete AV system in one box: an 8×4 matrix switcher (two DTP inputs and six HDMI inputs, plus two HDMI outputs and two independently scaled DTP outputs) that has 4K inputs and outputs, two built-in independent scalers, integrated DTP and XTP transmitters and receivers, a mono or stereo 100-watt amp with an integrated audio DSP. And, it’s HDBaseT-capable (even though Extron doesn’t specifically say HDBaseT, I confirmed it was) so signals can output up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a single CATx cable.
With this, I think the company’s one-upped Crestron and AMX. Here’s why: First, as the DTP CrossPoint 84 has integrated DTP and XTP transmitters AND receivers. The second advantage is obvious — it’s 4K capable. The third may not seem like a big deal, but integrators will agree that it being only 2U high, is an advantage.
From what I have seen, the DTP CrossPoint 84 is the AV industry’s first digital media switcher that includes a 4K matrix. The DTP twisted pair inputs and outputs are compatible with any of Extron’s digital twisted pair transmitters and receivers and, of course, can also be used to connect to any display with an HDBaseT input (e.g., Christie, Panasonic, Epson, Barco, etc) or tie into a centralized, facility-wide XTP System to add local room-based AV systems.
Extron told me that that each scaler is paired to one of the two DTP outputs and because everything can be scaled, you get virtually instantaneous switching. Also, they’re configured with Extron EDID Minder, Key Minder and SpeedSwitch.
Extron labels its DSP as “professional-grade.” Apparently, it has the exact same 64-bit ProDSP as the DMP 128 digital matrix processors and that means that integrators can customize system designs and mixes including a configurable EQ, filters, dynamics and matrix mixing options. Casey told me that if a large number of microphones or speaker destinations are needed, the DTP CrossPoint 84 has a unique digital audio expansion port links the internal DSP to a DMP 128 for additional inputs and outputs, or to add AEC to a conferencing system. Or, the DTP CrossPoint 84 can be linked into a DMP 128 on a Dante network. In addition, there’s a built-in mono or stereo 100-watt amplifier that’s the exact same one as their ENERGY STAR qualified XTRA Series.
Extron says it will be available in May. Here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Turbosound Intros TLX Compact Line Arrays Turbosound has launched its brand-new TLX Series compact and sub-compact line arrays, which are designed for small and medium scale sound reinforcement use in houses of worship, live music venues, retail and themed environments, theaters and corporate applications. These line arrays feature weather resistant low-frequency drivers and titanium-dome, high-frequency compression drivers.
Two bi-amped line array modules are available: the 8″-based TLX84 and the 4″-based TLX43; both are fitted with neodymium drive units for low weight, and the intuitive integrated fly ware ensures ease of rigging with a 12 to 1 safety factor. Their wide horizontal dispersion make TLX Series line arrays ideally suited to the majority of indoor and outdoor front of house, side fill and delay applications.
The complementary TLX215S dual 15″ and TLX212S dual 12″ subwoofers come in a reflex-loaded format and are fly-ready with integrated hardware. Optionally, they can be ground stacked for low-frequency support with mounting adapters for the TLX43 or TLX84 full-range tops.
The TLX43, TLX84, TLX215S, and TLX212S list for $599.99, $1,149.99, $1,149.99, $1,499.99 USD, respectively. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Extron Adds DisplayPort to TeamWork SystemsExtron has two new DisplayPort SM “Show Me” Cables for the company’s popular TeamWork Collaboration System. The cables, available with full-size or mini DisplayPort input connectors, actively convert DisplayPort signals to HDMI for use with TeamWork-compatible digital switchers. The cables meet Section 508 accessibility standards and are certified for use with Extron Cable Cubby enclosures. To simplify the process of planning, configuring, and ordering custom TeamWork systems, the new TeamWork System Builder is now available online. The TeamWork System Builder allows users to select from a wide range of Extron switchers, control processors, and cable management enclosures or other architectural connectivity to create a system that fits precise collaboration requirements, for up to eight users.
“Since its introduction early last year, TeamWork has set the benchmark for simple, intuitive, and reliable AV collaboration systems,” says Casey Hall, vice president of sales and marketing for Extron. “These new ‘Show Me’ cables and the TeamWork System Builder provide AV industry consultants, system designers, and integrators with unprecedented flexibility in creating fully custom TeamWork systems for any collaboration application.”
DisplayPort SM “Show Me” Cables allow transmission of digital signals from dual-mode DisplayPort enabled sources. Built-in active circuitry converts DisplayPort into HDMI signals for use with a TeamWork system switcher. The DisplayPort “Show Me” Cable is available in two models: the DP-HDMI SM for sources with full-size DisplayPort outputs, and the MDP-HDMI SM for sources with Mini DisplayPort outputs. These cables are available in six-foot (1.8 m) and twelve-foot (3.6 m) lengths.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
Almo Announces 2014 E4 AV Tour: First Stop in Dallas March 11 Almo Professional A/V has announced the 2014 series of f E4 AV Tours, starting with “Navigate to New Horizons” in Dallas on March 11. E4 Dallas will include a first-run keynote address focused on pre-engineering AV into smart buildings, and new courses led by some of the biggest names in the industry, including Tom Stimson, past president of InfoComm International. E4 Dallas will also feature a dynamic array of more than 35 manufacturing partners and infinite networking opportunities with business colleagues and other AV professionals.
Now in its fifth year, the E4 tour continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of AV resellers, integrators and consultants. Credited as the industry’s most specialized one-day dealer event, E4 has traveled to countless cities to serve the product, technical and business training needs of thousands of resellers and installers while creating the ideal forum for professional networking. New products from Samsung, Sharp Aquos, Planar, Canon and BrightSign will be shown at the event.
According to keynote speaker Gary Kayye, rAVe founder and chief visionary at Kayye Consulting, “AV has finally hit the mainstream, crossing the chasm from early adopter to early majority and we’re about to be specified by every architect and facility manager on the planet. And if you want to be part of the impending explosive growth that’s about to occur with pre-engineering AV into every room in new construction, you’ll need to learn all about Smart Building technology yourself so that you can become a preferred provider to the architect or facility manager.”
E4 Dallas will include the following courses, worth a total of nine valuable InfoComm Renewal Units:
- Audio Gain Structure, Andre LeJeune, InfoComm International, Learn two easy methods for setting gain structure in an audio system
- Demystifying Media Players for Digital Signage, Jonathan Brawn, Brawn Consulting (Sponsored by Samsung),Demystify the concepts and specifications of media players, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type and understand the emerging technologies that can change the deployment of digital signage
- Don’t Be a Commodity: Dealing with RFPs (Highlighted E4 AV Tour Addition), Tom Stimson, Stimson Group, LLC, Discover how to turn price shoppers into value customers
- Assessing Network Readiness for AV Systems, Andre LeJeune, InfoComm International, Review documentation, demo a free network planning tool and discuss what to do when an unexpected error occurs
- How to Compete Against Old-School AV Dealers (Highlighted E4 AV Tour Addition), Tom Stimson, Stimson Group, LLC, Discusses how to modernize the basic business model to include services with the product sale
- The Ins and Outs of Projector Edge Blending Technology, Dave Arnott, NEC, Demonstrates how to complete a proper edge blend technique to display a single, high-resolution image
- Five Technologies that Will Impact AV, Joe Cornwall, C2G, Explores the five wired/wireless technologies that will deliver the greatest effect on deployment of digital video infrastructure over the next five years
- Metrics and Analytics for ROI in Digital Signage, Jonathan Brawn, Brawn Consulting, Focuses on understanding digital signage analytics and measurement tools and technologies for realistic expectations and a positive outcome for a project
E4 Dallas Details: E4 Dallas is on March 11, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas and runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is an entirely free event, including parking, for Almo Pro A/V’s reseller, integrator and consultant partners. To register, click here. OnDemand coverage will once again be provided by rAVe. Past coverage of E4 AV Tours can be found here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Draper Intros TecVision, New Engineered Screen TechnologyAt ISE 2014 in Amsterdam this week, screen manufacturer Draper debuted a new engineered screen technology called TecVision, which took them two and a half years, and more than $1,000,000 to develop. While available in five default configurations, this new material can also be custom specified, if a designer needs something specific for an application, such as contrast ratio or ambient light reflective value. The screens can also be manufactured up to 15′ in height.
TecVision features white surfaces with gains ranging from 1.3 to 1.9 — all of which have virtually no half gain angle, according to Draper, aside from the 1.3 gain material, for which it is greater than 75 degrees. All the screen materials are “4K ready.”
Draper says TecVision stands out for its quality, consistency and uniformity. Default configurations include:
- TecVision XT1300X White: A white surface featuring 1.3 gain and a half gain angle greater than 75 degrees. Best where ambient light will hit the screen surface and projector is brightness is not quite enough.
- TecVision XT1600X White: A white surface featuring 1.6 gain. Best where little ambient light will hit the screen surface and projector brightness is too low.
- TecVision XT1800X White: A white surface featuring 1.8 gain. Best where little ambient light will hit the screen surface and projector brightness is very low, active 3D is used or color combining passive 3D is used.
- TecVision XH900X Grey: A grey surface featuring 0.9 gain and a half gain angle greater than 60 degrees. Features an ambient light reflectance value of 48% or less. Best where moderate ambient light will hit the screen surface.
- TecVision XT1000X White: A dark grey surface featuring a gain of 1.0 and a half gain angle greater than 35 degrees. Features an ambient light reflectance value of 27 percent or less. Best where too much off-axis ambient light will hit the screen surface.
See a video interview with rAVe reporter Joel Rollins to learn more.
“There are few companies in the world who are experts in designing projection screen surfaces,” said to Draper company president John Pidgeon. “Most screen fabrics are made by firms whose primary business is manufacturing textiles for other purposes. We’ve made a major investment in equipment, expert personnel and research time specifically to offer this line of revolutionary new surfaces unmatched by any other screen manufacturer in the world.”
TecVision also offers a departure from typical screen production, according to Bob Mathes, AV market manager for Draper. “Utilizing technologically advanced manufacturing methods, proprietary scientific formulations and establishing the highest quality standard, we are prepared to meet the rigorous demands of today’s projectors and the environments in which screens are and will be used,” Mathes says. “Rather than using “mass-production” methods in order to minimize costs, TecVision screens are individually produced; each and every screen surface is individually formulated, programmed, and manufactured with multiple checks for quality, consistency and uniformity from start to finish.”
More information about TecVision can be found on the Draper website. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Extron Introduces New Compact Two Channel Amplifier with More Power Extron has launched the new XPA 1002 Plus, a half rack 1U, convection cooled power amplifier delivering two channels of 100 watts into 4 or 8 ohms. This professional grade amplifier offers more power than the original XPA 1002, but features the same 105 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 0.05 percent THD+N specifications. The XPA 1002 Plus is an ENERGY STAR qualified amplifier with an Extron exclusive highly efficient, advanced Class D amplifier design. It also features patented CDRS – Class D Ripple Suppression technology that provides a smooth, clean audio waveform and an improvement in signal fidelity over conventional Class D amplifiers. The XPA 1002 Plus is housed in a half rack width metal enclosure, conserving rack space and weighing only 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg).
The XPA 1002 Plus amplifier is an energy efficient product that conserves energy, conserving costs. It includes an auto power-down feature that automatically places the amplifier into standby after a period of inactivity, and consumes just 10 watts when idle and less than 1 watt in standby mode. It also has an ultra low inrush current draw to prevent power circuit overload that occurs when multiple amplifiers are switched on simultaneously. This feature eliminates the need for power sequencing in systems with multiple amplifiers in large centralized equipment racks, and prevents other equipment from experiencing power interruption from associated power surges. The XPA 1002 Plus is housed in a compact 1U, half rack width enclosure and is UL 2043 plenum rated, which allows for a concealed installation above a drop ceiling to prevent theft while providing convenient placement of AV equipment.
Here are all the product details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Hitachi Intros Four New Ultra Short-Throw ProjectorsHitachi America today introduced its CP-AX2503, CP-AX3503, CP-AW2503 and CP-AW3003 Ultra Short Throw LCD projectors.
The CP-AX2503 and CP-AW2503 claim 2,700 color and white light ouput with XGA and WXGA resolution, respectively. The CP-AX3503 and CP-AW3003 are spec’d at 3,300 and 3,600 color and white light output with XGA and WXGA resolution, respectively. All four projectors include Hitachi’s High Dynamic Contrast Range feature that provides the ability to alter contrast when ambient light is present. Additionally, Hitachi’s Accentualizer technology enhances sharpness, gloss and shadow detail for more realistic image quality while providing greater depth of field.
All four models can be used in tabletop mode, or wall mounted. They include two HDMI inputs, two VGA inputs, three USB inputs — for use with a USB memory stick, wireless adapter or mouse plus component, composite video, audio and mic A/V jacks. Control is via RS-232C or RJ-45 Ethernet ports and an optional wireless adapter lets users connect their computer to the projectors via a wireless network.
All the complete specs are here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Flipbox Intelligent Interactive DisplayPolymedia is exhibiting its latest software solutions: Flipbox intelligent interactive display and Polywall data visualization management software.
The Flipbox is an an all-in-one solution for a meeting room in that they hope replaces interactive display, computer, sound system, videoconferencing endpoint and a flipchart.
- Native Ultra HD 3840×2160
- LED edge-lit LCD display
- Surface Light Wave interactive technology provides support for 4 touch, low-latency interaction
- Features Corning Gorilla Glass; a durable and scratch resistant cover solution with superior optical clarity
- Easy-to-replace integrated computer based on Intel i7 Haswell CPU and fully supporting Intel OPS specification
- Full HD PTZ camera for perfect videoconferencing experience
- Software now features the compatibility mode that can be used run native Windows applications on Flipbox
- AirPlay Mirroring native support is available
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Blonder Tongue and Monroe Electronics Collaborate on Emergency Alert Management Solution Blonder Tongue and Monroe Electronics have teamed up to create an emergency alert information and distribution platform for the campus environment — whether it be university, government, enterprise, retail or stadium — without requiring a set-top box (STB). Monroe Electronics’ One-Net SE emergency alert system (EAS) has been integrated with the EQAM-420B EdgeQAM with EAS from Blonder Tongue, allowing cable operators to deliver customized, local emergency alert information to viewers in a manner that is easy, cost-effective, and scalable.
After receiving emergency alert information from national, local, and private agencies, Monroe Electronics’ One-Net SE generates a customized EAS message and transmits the information to the EQAM-420B with EAS for distribution into the television system. The EQAM-420B with EAS features a dual Gigabit Ethernet input and a QAM coaxial output with a separate Ethernet management port, simplifying network connections. The EdgeQAM aggregates multiple SD and HD programs received in IP format and delivers them over a standard coaxial distribution network. Standard programming is replaced with full-screen text, video, and accompanying audio to ensure an impactful reception on the viewer. Since no STBs are needed at viewing locations, it’s easy to reach every viewer at the lowest possible cost.
Based on a modular design, the EQAM-420B with EAS can be scaled to support anywhere between one to hundreds of channels, providing operators with a flexible, cost-effective solution that is perfect for a wide variety of markets, including education, enterprise, healthcare, and hospitality. An intuitive Web-based interface simplifies setup and operation, lowering the learning curve for operators and eliminating the need for IT support. Remote monitoring and control can be performed via a comprehensive user interface that is compatible with standard Web browsers.
Controlled by a simple web browser interface, the Monroe Electronics’ One-Net SE is FCC-certified and IPAWS conformant, ensuring EAS messages are properly formatted and understood by the viewing audience. Optional AM/FM/NOAA internal receivers allow radio inputs for monitoring any standard over-the-air EAS alerts. Using tiered security enables multiple, simultaneous users, and a unique text-to-speech functionality automatically creates a consistent voice to accompany text messages, saving time and eliminating errors.
Blonder Tongue’s next-generation EQAM-420B with EAS supports up to 64 MPEG-2/H.264 single program transport streams (SPTS) or 16 multi-program transport streams (MPTS). Each program can maintain up to one video and two audio elementary streams. The IGMPv3-capable solution can be configured with one to four modules, each with four adjacent QAM channels for a total of 16 QAM channels (40 dBmV). PMT and PID values are passed through without changes to ensure accurate program information. The EdgeQAM solution also features a soft, IP-enabled EAS trigger and SNMPv2 support for product and network management.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Extron Debuts Five Input Audio Expansion Processor with AEC and DanteExtron’s new AXP 50 C AT is a five-input audio expansion processor with Extron ProDSP for integrating remote microphones and other sources onto a Dante-enabled Extron DMP 128 audio system. A single Ethernet cable to a central equipment rack can link multiple AXP 50 C AT units, avoiding the effort and expense of pulling one cable for each mic. The AXP 50 C AT provides 48 volt phantom power to its mic/line inputs. Dedicated signal processing is available for each input, including gain, filtering, dynamics, and AEC — acoustic echo cancellation.
In an installation with a large number of mics, the AXP 50 C AT audio expansion processor places audio signals onto the Dante audio network using standard IP networking. Signals are received as expansion inputs at one or more DMP 128 AT processors. A sound system designer can incorporate several AXP 50 C AT input expanders to create large mixing matrixes of remote inputs for DMP 128 AT processors using the built-in four-port Gigabit switch. This greatly simplifies scalability and the audio cabling infrastructure by avoiding long analog mic cable runs. The compact 1U, half rack width enclosure enables convenient installation underneath a conference table, inside a credenza, or anywhere microphones or other sources may be situated.
All the detailed specs are here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
VUE Audiotechnik h-8 Is Smallest Speaker in VUE Line VUE Audiotechnik today unveiled the h-8 speaker, which uses an 8-inch transducer with a neodymium compression driver that’s capable of high frequency performance thanks to the Truextent beryllium diaphragm at its core. VUE’s SystemVUE networking technology is standard in the h-8 and that makes it possible to connect one or more h-8′s with any VUE DSP-enabled system via a wired or wireless Ethernet connection to a computer. Once connected, SystemVUE Software provides access to a selection of network and device-level control and monitoring functions.
The h-8′s drivers and electronics are housed in a birch enclosure that includes M10 rigging points and an integrated pole-mount for both portable and fixed installation applications. The h-Class grill and handle surrounds receive a two-part finish that lays a coat of transparent candy-apple red over a black base for a deep hue that’s uniquely VUE. The signature h-Class look is completed with a heavy aluminum rear panel that features a machined “VUE” logo integrated into the heat sinks.
You can see all the h-8 specs here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ED [Education] 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).
Don’t like us? Then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.
To send us feedback, don’t reply to this newsletter. Instead, write directly to founder Gary at gary@ravepubs.com or Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
Everything we publish is opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship publication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition is co-published with CEDIA, covering 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
To read more about rAVe’s team and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top |
Copyright 2014 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – (919) 969-7501. Email: Sara@rAVePubs.com
rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |
|
|
|