Volume 7, Issue 6 — June 6, 2014
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Build It and They Will Use It
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
As you are walking the cavernous hallways of the Las Vegas Convention Center this year, and you hear a voice whisper “build it and they will use it,” don’t worry, others are hearing the same voice. The amazing gadgets we see at InfoComm and other tradeshows and in publications, are so exciting, they get us thinking about how we can put these to use in our own environments, or sell them to our customers. Beware though, just because you can hear the whispers, and others may hear it as well, does not make what they are saying to be right.
Recently, I heard someone tell a group that 10 years ago the “smart classroom” was all the rage. Now, a decade later, all we have are really expensive dumb classrooms. I hope that in my institution, and yours, that is not the case. Yet, I do know that even at my institution we have run into the “build it and they will come” trap. About 15 years ago we built a new academic building and hired a top of the line consultant to design the AV. Although I was not here at the time, my observation is that the end user did not have enough of a say in what was getting built. So, our consultant put every possible option in the room, and every possible option for expansion. Unfortunately, it was just too confusing and difficult to use. Because the rooms were built for EVERY purpose, it did not work perfectly for any purpose.
A second example is a video conferencing facility we built in the early 2000s. It was a grant funded room that cost over $90,000 to build. Several other colleges in Maine were given matching grants, so that the schools could all be connected by professional video conferencing equipment. Great right? Except for one big problem. There was not a clear need or demand for the technology. The room was used periodically for years (maybe 10 times per year), and often those uses were purely exploratory. During that time period the technology in the room did not serve any clear business or academic purpose. We built it, but they did not come.
Years later, we started getting requests for video conferencing. Faculty wanted to speak with colleagues around the globe. Staff wanted to interview potential employees. By this time, the video conferencing codecs were obsolete. They did not work with other codecs, and many of the places we were trying to contact did not have hardware codecs. Through discussions with our end users, we understood what they were trying to achieve. They wanted a room that provided good audio, both sending and receiving. They wanted a camera with pan/tilt/zoom so that several people could be in the meeting without moving a webcam around. We took these desires and re-vamped the video conference room to work with the basic web conferencing tools. We also put in a small Polycom based system for the few faculty who did use it to conference with colleagues at other hardware equipped locations. In two years, the room went from a room used 10 times per year to one which is used at least 10 times per week.
Why the sudden change? I believe it is due to the fact that we really listened to what our customers needed and delivered it to them when they needed it. Perhaps, if we had built a room for web conferencing even two years earlier, it too would have laid dormant. People are ready for things, when they are ready for them. Sometimes, forcing the technology on them scares them away. Or, they don’t use it immediately, and when they are ready for it, it is too old for them to use with current technologies.
The days of ‘build it and they will use it” are, in my opinion, gone. We no longer have the money in our budgets to afford that type of experimentation and failure. At the same time, we can not afford to sit back and not be ready for the future. What do we do?
First, you educate yourself. It is no coincidence that this article is being printed at InfoComm time. Whether you attend InfoComm or not, this is your opportunity to educate and prepare. Watch for the trends in products. Talk to colleagues if you are a tech manager, if you are an integrator, find some of the tech managers from your area and tour the floor with them. Listen to what stands out to them.
We have been very successful at Bates College, by educating ourselves, and then listening carefully to our faculty. When they start to discuss technologies they are interested in, we are able to gauge what solution would be best for them, and we are ready to provide the solutions. Our users, the faculty, get exactly what they want because we are not pushing technology on them, or trying to force them into a box that we built several years ago, even though it does not work anymore.
Enjoy InfoComm, and make sure you take advantage of all that is there, but most importantly make sure it prepares you for what may be coming your way over the next year. Leave a Comment
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Harman Buys AMXIn a surprise move, today Harman announced that it will acquire control company AMX for $365 million, pending regulatory approvals. AMX was previously owned by The Duchossois Group, a privately held investment firm. HARMAN already owns many well-known AV brands, including JBL, Crown, dbx and others, though most were primarily focused on audio. The purchase of one of the biggest three home and commercial control companies is a big move into the rest of the market — a sign that Harman wants to be in more than just audio.
rAVe founder Gary Kayye says, “This is the largest acquisition in our market in a couple years. This is a good marriage between two companies the probably need each other and will be complementary to each other. HARMAN has a great distribution channel and fills out what AMX doesn’t have — an audio side — and likewise AMX gives HARMAN access to switching, routing, room control and new collaboration technologies. One interesting thing that should be noted from this is how much HARMAN paid for AMX. I think most people believe AMX was much larger than it really was. Based on this purchase amount, it appears that AMX is about 25 percent the size of Crestron and likely doing 1/6th of the amount of business Extron is doing.”
Below is the complete press release from HARMAN:
Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE:HAR), the premier infotainment and audio group, today announced it has signed an agreement with The Duchossois Group, Inc. and its affiliates to acquire AMX LLC for US$365 million. AMX is the leading provider of enterprise control and automation systems and audio and video switching and distributing solutions. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals.
“The sale to HARMAN fulfills one of our fundamental objectives, which was to position this business with a leading entity that will take AMX to an even higher level of performance and success.”
“HARMAN is the leader in smart connectivity. Our vision is to extend our reach beyond the car into the enterprise, where we already have a substantial audio presence,” said Dinesh C. Paliwal, Chairman, President and CEO of HARMAN. “AMX is the global technology leader in enterprise control and automation as well as audio and video switching and distribution. With the addition of AMX, HARMAN will be uniquely positioned to provide complete audio, video, lighting and automation solutions to our customers globally.”
Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Richardson, Texas, AMX’s hardware and proprietary software solutions simplify the way people interact with technology and are implemented worldwide throughout a variety of enterprises and venues such as conference rooms, hotels, classrooms, network operation / command centers, entertainment venues and broadcast facilities. AMX employs more than 600 people across its operations in 19 locations worldwide.
“Starting with the acquisition of Martin lighting last year, HARMAN has set forth a clear strategy to add visual solutions to our legacy of audio offerings” said Blake Augsburger, President, HARMAN Professional division. “AMX’s strong portfolio of video distribution hardware and software is a significant step into the video domain, reinforcing HARMAN’s commitment to expand our professional portfolio with industry-leading technologies and brands in adjacent and complementary markets.”
“HARMAN is a world-class company, and this transaction will provide additional opportunities to grow the AMX business,” said Robert L. Fealy, President and Chief Operating Officer, the Duchossois Group, and Chairman of AMX. “The sale to HARMAN fulfills one of our fundamental objectives, which was to position this business with a leading entity that will take AMX to an even higher level of performance and success.”
AMX will be integrated into HARMAN’s Professional division, a leading professional audio and lighting business, featuring legendary brands like AKG® Acoustics, BSS Audio®, Crown® amplifiers, dbx®, JBL ® Professional, Lexicon®, Soundcraft®, Studer® and Martin ® lighting. HARMAN’s Professional division designs, manufactures and markets leading professional audio and lighting products for recording and broadcast, musicians, cinema, touring sound, commercial applications like airports, stadiums, hotels and concert halls. HARMAN systems are installed in world renowned entertainment and hospitality complexes, transportation centers, and cultural and academic institutions around the globe.
Update:
The following message was sent out to AMX employees and dealers from AMX President and CEO Rashid Skaf:
AMX Partners,
I have some very exciting news that I want to share with you and your team. Earlier this morning, Harman International signed an agreement with The Duchossois Group, Inc. to acquire AMX. While the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, I want to let you know about the announcement and what it means for AMX. As you know, AMX is the global technology leader in enterprise control and automation as well as audio and video switching and distribution. HARMAN is known for smart connectivity in the car, as well as superior acoustics in the studio, on the stage, at home and in the car. With the addition of AMX to the HARMAN portfolio, we can now provide audio, video, lighting and automation solutions to our combined customers. I realize you may have a few questions for me about potential changes, the timing of those changes and other logistical issues. For now, it’s business as usual. We have a few weeks until we close the deal and there are many details to discuss with the team from HARMAN. I can tell you that AMX will be integrated into HARMAN’s Professional Division, where we will join other legendary brands like AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown amplifiers, dbx, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, Studer and Martin lighting. In addition, I will be joining HARMAN, working for Blake Augsburger, who heads up HARMAN’s Professional Division. In the meantime, I want to thank you as always for your partnership and support of AMX and look forward to working with you during the transition and beyond as AMX finds a new home within HARMAN. Best Regards, Rashid Skaf President & CEO AMX Leave a Comment
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HARMAN’s JBL Professional Enters Paging Horn Market with CSS-H15 and CSS-H30 Models HARMAN’s JBL Professional has launched its new CSS-H15 (15-watt) and CSS-H30 (30-watt) paging horns — the first products from JBL specifically designed for the commercial sound paging horn market.
Constructed of ABS with corrosion‐resistant all-stainless-steel mounting bracket and hardware, both models include a built‐in UL registered multi‐tap transformer (15‐watt for the H15, 30‐watt for the H30) for use with 70V and 100V distributed speaker lines, with a screwdriver adjustable tap switch, and a bypass position for direct 8-ohm operation.
The CSS-H paging horns further expand JBL Professional’s CSS Commercial Solutions Speakers, adding to the collection that already includes CSS-8000 Series ceiling speakers, CSS-1S/T surface-mount speaker, and the JBL Commercial-branded CSM mixers, CSR remotes, CSPM paging microphones, CSA amplifier, the new CSMA mixer-amplifiers and other products that are all designed for the needs of a wide range of commercial applications.
The JBL CSS-H paging horns are also highly weather-resistant (IP-65 rated) for outdoor applications and are rated for 100-hour continuous full-power test.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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BTX Intros Solstice-Enabled Collaboration ApplianceDistributor BTX Technologies announced this week that it has released a Mersive-approved appliance solution for Solstice collaboration software. Solstice enables multiple presenters to connect simultaneously to a shared display using a range of devices over an existing Wi-Fi or Ethernet network. With a Solstice-enabled display in a meeting room, any number of presenters can connect, share and control the display. Enterprise customers can use the Solstice Dashboard to centrally manage all of their Solstice displays across their corporate network.
Two versions of the BTX Solstice Appliance for collaboration are available — one for unlimited presenters and one for up to four presenters. Each comes with an option for an extended software maintenance period. The appliance solution includes a Windows operating system, keyboard, mouse, power supply and the Solstice by Mersive software.
More information is here. BTX will also show the device at InfoComm next month in Las Vegas.
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Extron Ships Two Channel Balanced and Unbalanced Audio Converter Extron’s BUC 202 is now shipping. The two-channel audio converter and audio line driver features two balanced or unbalanced inputs and outputs, both on captive screw connectors. The BUC 202 provides two independent channels of signal matching between unbalanced and balanced audio equipment. Two rotary switches provide trim adjustment from -21 to +21 dB in clearly-labeled 3 dB steps. In addition to serving as an interface from consumer products to professional AV systems, the BUC 202 is what Extron says is a high-quality line driver for sending and receiving audio signals up to 1,000 feet (300 meters). The 1U, quarter rack width enclosure, together with the included patented ZipClip 200 mounting bracket, allows integrators to install the BUC 202 in locations such as on a rack rail, beneath a table or within a lectern.
The BUC 202 is ideal for typical applications where a laptop is connected at the lectern and the audio needs to reach a remote equipment rack. The BUC 202 can be easily hidden by mounting the ZipClip 200 to any surface inside the lectern, while the unique form factor of the audio converter allows installers to snap it securely onto the mount. Detented level controls on the BUC 202 enable precise source input matching and gain structure.
To watch a product introduction video, click here. Leave a Comment
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Revolabs Ships Executive Elite Wireless Microphone Systems Revolabs is now shipping its Executive Elite four- and eight-channel wireless microphone systems that use a new distributed architecture. Featuring AES-256 encryption with dynamic key updates every three minutes, Revolabs’ Executive Elite includes all connections types: AVB, analog and USB. And the system’s distributed architecture allows the remote antenna receiver and base units to connect via a standard Cat6 cable with power over Ethernet (PoE) support — allowing the remote antenna receiver to be placed in the same room as wireless microphones to improve wireless connectivity and simplify setups.
And, new for Revolabs, the Executive Elite adds a gooseneck mic to the omnidirectional and directional tabletop series, wearable microphones, and XLR/mini-XLR adapters and the microphones are spec’d to allow up to 20 hours of talk time and 72 standby hours, even with receivers up to 300 feet away.
For larger applications than the system’s standard four or eight microphone channels, multiple Executive Elite receivers can be linked to utilize up to 44 (Americas) or 76 (rest-of-world) microphones in a single room. Administrators can monitor and control all microphones via USB, RS232 or Ethernet interfaces locally, or use a new cloud-based management environment for remote command and control capabilities including third-party managed installations.
Here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Planar Rolls Out Clarity Matrix Video Wall Calculator Planar Systems has introduced the Clarity Matrix Video Wall Calculator, a free, online tool that they say simplifies the video wall selection process by simulating for users what their Clarity Matrix LCD Video Wall will look like even before they make the purchase by enabling users to configure a LCD video wall for their project, preview it with their own content and download the results — complete with specification data, installation diagrams and custom renderings.
Clarity says the Matrix Calculator was built for Planar’s recent launch of the Clarity Matrix LCD Video Wall System. Users can compare different display models side-by-side on the same wall. They can also upload and preview their own content, while exporting detailed images, schematics and data straight into their sales proposal or project specification.
Features include the ability for users to:
- Create a graphical rendering of the video wall by choosing the model and orientation of the displays and entering the desired display configuration. The rendering can be previewed online or exported as an image to include in product proposals or to share with clients.
- Configure a room by defining the size of the room, choosing one of several custom room environments and selecting a wall color to customize the conceptual design.
- Visualize custom content by uploading their own image or video or selecting from a preset list of content options to make the video wall come to life.
- Compare models and configurations by selecting two models or display configurations and viewing a side-by-side comparison of specification data.
- Generate schematics by previewing a mechanical drawing of the mounting array for the video wall that shows dimensions, drill hole patterns and cable details that can be exported.
- Obtain a quote by clicking on a link directly from within the calculator.
Full details are here. Leave a Comment
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Fusion Research Intros Single-Zone Music ServerFusion Research announced this month that it is shipping a new single-zone audio streamer called Signature.
The Signature is priced very competitively at $499 retail and has an integrated DAC that allows the Signature to output at 24-bit/192KHz and is the first Ovation product to ship with Apple AirPlay capability. The Signature can be expanded to two discrete music sources with the use of the also new Ovation Wireless Player (OWP2). It also uses the existing Ovation drivers for automation and has compatibility with Control4, AMX, Crestron, Extron, etc.
Other features include:
- Burr Brown DAC
- Full 192 kHz — 24 bit HD Audio
- Runs on less than 1 watt of power
- Two-way drivers for virtually all control systems
- Free two-way drivers for iOS and Android devices
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships Cable Cubby Series/2 Enclosures and Power Modules Extron is now shipping all four new Extron Cable Cubby Series/2 enclosures — the next generation of Cable Cubby cable access enclosures for AV connectivity and AC power. Cable Cubby Series/2 includes the compact Cable Cubby 500, the mid-size Cable Cubby 700, the slim, low profile Cable Cubby 1200 and the unique double-sided, Cable Cubby 1400. These modular enclosures claim to offer the AV industry’s broadest range of AV connectivity and AC power options, including Extron Retractor cable retraction modules, AAP — Architectural Adapter Plates and AV cables. AC and AC+USB power modules are available for the U.S., Europe and other major world markets. Cable Cubby Series/2 enclosures are available in a black anodized or brushed aluminum finish to blend in seamlessly with modern furniture and room decor.
All Cable Cubby Series/2 enclosures are designed for fast assembly and installation on the job site. An integrated clamp system secures the Cable Cubby Series/2 enclosures to the furniture surface and a patent-pending, modular design allows installation AV cables or AAPs from the top of the enclosure, after it’s installed. The Cable Pass-Through Plate features 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 and most AC 100 Series Power Modules provide two unswitched AC outlets.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Kramer Purchases 50 Percent Stake in WOW Vision Kramer announced today that it has acquired 50 percent of WOW Vision, a Singapore-based manufacturer of wireless and collaboration products for the corporate, hospitality meeting spaces and education markets. Its products enable wireless connection to, and the sharing of, large screen displays from laptops and mobile devices, offering efficient two-way collaboration.
rAVe founder Gary Kayye says, “This investment into WOW Vision instantly puts Kramer into the wireless collaboration business head-on with Barco’s ClickShare and Christie’ Brio as well as with systems OEM systems from AMX and Crestron that are wireless room systems. This is a good investment for Kramer. The WOW Vision Collab8 is probably the most powerful systems-oriented wireless room system on the market. I suspect you’ll soon see smaller, easier-to-use versions come from this Kramer/WowVision marriage.”
Kramer will now be responsible for worldwide branding and distribution of Wow Vision’s products, though Wow Vision will continue to conceive and develop industry products.
Bill Mullin, president of Starin, WOW Vision’s current distributor says, “As the current WOW Vision distributor, Starin views this as a very positive move. This will validate WOW Vision’s advanced collaboration solution, Collab8, by having a world-wide significant name in AV behind it. This will facilitate growth for development, as well as reaching market potential. What our current channel partners know as a true ahead-of the-curve platform will be assured of greater capabilities. Starin has an excellent relationship already with Kramer and there are talks with management for a highly coordinated and effective go-to-market that will help new and existing resellers reach greater income and profits with the tools to satisfy customers.”
Kramer will be launching its first two products as part of the new venture at InfoComm next month in Las Vegas — the Kramer VIA Collage and the Kramer VIA Connect.
The BYOD oriented Kramer VIA Collage can do all of the following:
- wirelessly allow up to six participants to show their screens on one display, with the possibility of using two displays and allowing up to twelve participants to be simultaneously displayed;
- allows collaboration from any mix of devices — PCs, Macs, tablets, smart phones and so forth;
- enables meeting participants to simultaneously create and edit a common document through their individual device;
- provides the ability for documents to be shared and saved instantaneously by all team participants utilizing the VIA Collage;
- through its interactive whiteboard function, offers multiple users the ability to annotate, edit or highlight any image on the screen via their touch enabled device;
The compact VIA Connect is a wireless presentation hub that provides quick and easy wireless connection to, and sharing of, a large screen device by several users. Multiple meeting participants can display their images, or at any time one individual presenter can easily choose to have their device be the only image displayed. As with the VIA Collage, the VIA Connect can accommodate any PC, Mac, iOS or Android device.
Kramer is here and WOWVision is here. More information on the VIA Connect and VIA Collage should be here on Kramer’s new products page soon.
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Extron Adds Compact Two Channel Amplifiers for High Impedance SystemsExtron has introduced the Extron XTRA Series XPA 1002-70V and XPA 1002-100V, half rack 1U, convection cooled power amplifiers delivering two channels of 100 watts rms for 70-volt and 100-volt distributed speakers. These professional grade amplifiers feature a 100 dB signal-to-noise ratio with 0.1 percent THD+N specifications.
Features include:
- ENERGY STAR qualification
- Advanced Class D amplifier design
- Patented CDRS – Class D Ripple Suppression
- 1U, half-rack width metal enclosures
- 2.5-pound weight
- Energy-efficient design generates little heat
- UL 2043 plenum rated when used with the optional Flexible Conduit Adapter Kit
They include 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. Extron says each amplifier 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.
For more information on the these amplifiers, click here. Leave a Comment
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Chief Adds Height Extenders for Select Fusion Video Wall MountsChief has designed new height extender accessories to allow higher sight-lines on all Fusion bolt-down video wall mounts.
“Almost immediately after we released the bolt-down video wall mounts, we were getting requests from customers for the option to raise the height of the walls,” said Kathryn Gaskell, product manager. “These accessories will meet that demand without compromising the safety of the installation.”
The extenders come in two lengths and are designed to safely raise the height of the lowest display row of bolt down mounts by 18 or 36″ (457 or 914 millimeters). Larger configurations like the 3×3 landscape and 3×2 portrait are limited to 18″ (457 millimeters) of height extension.
More information is available here and here. Leave a Comment
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Steve Thorburn to Teach His Last InfoCommInfoComm is losing one if its best educators ever as Steve Thorburn, PE, LEED-AP, CTS-D, CTS-I has announced that 2014 will be his last year teaching at InfoComm, successfully completing 20 years of educational sessions. “As Fred Dixon said when I started teaching, it’s time to let the next generation take the lead in providing education to the attendees,” said Thorburn.
Steve’s last day of teaching will be Thurs., June 19, 2014 when he leads two sessions. The first is “AV Integration for Owners and Facility Managers” (8 to 10 a.m.); the second is “Advanced Acoustics” (2:30 to 4:30 p.m.). With over 40,000 student hours, Thorburn said, “I enjoy teaching because I like helping others understand the principles of acoustics and audiovisual technology. Teaching is not about filling people’s heads with facts; it’s about learning new ways to think about fundamental principles. In that sense, I get as much out of teaching as the students.”
His dual degrees in electrical engineering and technical theater give Steve a balanced left brain/right brain approach to project solutions. As a founding principal of Thorburn Associates, he is a licensed engineer with over 30 years experience in the architectural application of acoustics and technology solutions. A noted author and teacher, Steve has worked on more than 2,900 different projects.
In 2011, Steve was named InfoComm Educator of the Year because of “his ability to grasp complex technical concepts and explain them to audiovisual and building professionals,” said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., past Executive Director and CEO, InfoComm International. “He has improved the industry’s base of knowledge, and has improved the communications experience and satisfaction for countless customers.”
Thorburn is a member of InfoComm Academy senior faculty and served on the InfoComm Professional Education and Training Committee (PETC). He was a founder and former chair of the InfoComm Independent Consultants in Audiovisual Technology (ICAT) Council.
“Even though I’m retiring from teaching, I will still be engaged with InfoComm” stated Thorburn. “I’m happy to assist in whatever capacity I’m needed.”
Thorburn Associates is a top-tier design consulting firm and you can find them here. Leave a Comment
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Audinate Announces Dante HC Audinate has introduced the Dante HC, a high-capacity networked audio solution for commercial AV systems. Dante HC supports up to 512×512 redundant bi-directional uncompressed audio channels on a single Xilinx FPGA.
Dante is an audio-over-IP networking solution offering what the company calls “virtually perfect synchronization, ultra-low deterministic latency and plug-and-play configuration management.” Dante’s real-time streaming is designed for live broadcast, commercial installation, live sound, public address, intercoms and transportation communications deployments.
Dante HC expands Audinate’s broad portfolio of audio networking choices, which OEMs may build upon, to create cost effective AV products. The Dante HC reference design is ideal for AV equipment products requiring high channel capacity, such as audio matrix routers, large format consoles, public address and evacuation systems and large scale DSPs.
“Audinate is the only company that offers OEMs simple-to-deploy audio networking solutions to cover their complete product range, beginning from 2 x 2 channel Dante Ultimo chips, through mid-range Dante Brooklyn modules, which operate up to 64 x 64 channels, to 128 x 128 channel Dante PCIe Cards,” said Gary Southwell, Audinate’s vice president of product management. “The launch of Dante HC, which quadruples the maximum channel count for a single device to 512 x 512 channels, enables our OEMs to design a new generation of highly scalable networked products.”
Dante HC offers a wide selection of interface options including SPI, I2C, RS232 and configurable GPIO. A powerful onboard microprocessor allows local control and management without the need for any additional CPU. Dante HC benefits from the same advanced robust feature support that is included across Audinate’s portfolio of Dante-enabled solutions, as well as future support for the AES67 standard.
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Extron Introduces New Compact Four Input Scaler Extron’s new IN1604 HD is an HDCP-compliant four-input scaler that features three HDMI inputs, a universal analog video input, and an HDMI output. It is designed for installation under conference tables and in lecterns to provide localized switching support for sources.
The IN1604 HD features a scaling engine that can scale HDMI and analog video signals to a common high resolution output. It provides high performance 1080i deinterlacing and Deep Color processing to deliver optimal image quality. With Extron EDID Minder, Key Minder, and SpeedSwitch, integrators can easily connect sources and a display with plug-and-play simplicity, automatic device negotiation, and nearly instantaneous switching.
The IN1604 HD delivers audio integration capabilities that include HDMI audio embedding and de-embedding, flexible audio switching with two individually assignable analog audio inputs, switching transitions, gain and attenuation adjustments for each analog input, output volume control, and selectable audio muting. The IN1604 HD also features options for remote control and operation, including front panel controls and on-screen menus, USB, RS232 and even a contact closure with tally output.
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Contemporary Research to Debut New Modulator/IPTV Encoders at InfoComm Contemporary Research’s new QMOD-SDI 2, QMOD-HDMI 2 and QMOD-YPB2 HD Modulator/IPTV Encoders will officially debut at InfoComm. Integrated scaling can accept 1080p and 3G SDI, 59.94/60 Hz video as well as international 50 and 25 Hz formats. An optional upgrade key adds the ability to cross-convert resolutions, such as scaling all input formats to 720p or 1080i.
The QMOD-SDI 2 HD Modulator-IPTV Encoder converts inputs from two SDI sources for distribution as HD in-house cable channels. Supports up to 3G 1080p, embedded AC-3 audio, 708/608 captions, and dual language audio tracks. Audio can be inserted from analog and SPDIF inputs, as well as Line 21 captioning data.
The QMOD-HDMI 2 HD Modulator-IPTV Encoder converts two HDMI (non-HDCP) sources into HD in-house cable channels. Perfect for DirecTV receivers, the unit outputs two sub-channels with AC-3 audio and Line 21 captioning, audio from HDMI, SPDIF and analog stereo inputs.
The QMOD-YPB2 HD Modulator-IPTV Encoder converts inputs from two Component sources into HD in-house cable channels. Perfect for integration with satellite/cable boxes, the unit outputs two sub-channels with AC-3 audio and Line 21 captioning, audio from SPDIF and analog stereo inputs.
For all three encoders, setup and monitoring are done via Ethernet, and the encoders can also output an IP video stream.
The specs on all three are here. Leave a Comment
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Kramer Adds Four-Input Multi-Format HDBaseT Transmitter Kramer Electronics is introducing the SID-X2N, an HDBaseT four-in-one twisted pair transmitter from the Digital Step-in Family, a multi-format input group of products. The unit includes four input types: computer graphics video, HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort. In addition, the SID-X2N includes an unbalanced stereo audio input and output.
The SID-X2N works as a stand-alone unit together with an HDBaseT receiver (such as the TP-580RXR/WP-580RXR) using RS232 commands over a twisted pair cable. A single twisted pair cable carries both data and control and a local ‘Step-in’ switching button allows the user to take control of the main display. Switching between inputs is available when working with a HDBaseT receiver using RS232 commands.
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Christie’s Marketing Genius Has Hit with New Book of Transformations Christie has published and released The Book of Transformations — a “coffee table” style book that explores and celebrates how artists and technicians are using powerful projection display technologies to visually transform familiar structures and objects.
The Book of Transformations provides key visuals, core plans and technical details on scores of projection mapping projects done around the world using Christie projectors and complementary enabling technologies. It is available as a free downloadable app across multiple platforms, a PDF file and as a limited release hard copy publication.
Through more than 70 case studies, readers learn how giant office buildings, ancient temples and churches, landmark towers, bridges, performance stages and even athletic playing surfaces have been re-imagined and truly transformed using “light paint” and the creative genius of event producers and artists.
Projection mapping involves creating an accurate, virtual version of a structure, and then using powerful professional-grade projectors to transform the characteristics of that structure using painted light and motion graphics.
The tablet version of The Book of Transformations includes images, embedded video and detailed narratives of how various structures and surfaces were mapped, recreated in software, and then given entirely new appearances using powerful projected light. The Book of Transformations also traces the history of the art form, provides an extensive primer on how projects are conceived and executed, and looks at the future of the technology and medium.
The free tablet app is available on Apple’s App Store for iPads and Google’s Play Store for Android tablets.
The book follows the early 2013 release of Christie’s ‘The Book of Shapes,’ which explored the projects and possibilities of the Christie’s groundbreaking Christie MicroTiles modular displays.
Featured projection mapping displays in The Book of Transformations include iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, St. Basil’s Cathedral domes in Moscow’s Red Square and the La Scala opera house in Milan. There are also Middle East mosques and temples, grain silos along Canada’s St. Lawrence River, and an old courthouse in Chile — all brought to life with projection mapping.
The book also shows how motion graphic artists and technical producers push the boundaries of projection such as in South Korea and Singapore where water vapor has served as the digital canvas. In the U.S. and Spain, new motor vehicles have been tightly wrapped in fabric and magically transformed through multiple projections and the imagination.
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