Volume 7, Issue 7 — July 22, 2016
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Editorial Editorial Aeiforia Technos
- I’m Just a Bill…
Raymond Kent : Managing Principal, Sustainable Technologies Group
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Five Things We Should Stop Doing
By Jennifer Davis Chief Marketing Officer, Leyard
Often we get obsessed with new ideas, new technologies, and new initiatives that we can forget that a key part of strategy is what you are going to say “no” to. This applies to us individually, in our companies and as an industry.
So, what are five things that I think the AV industry should stop doing?
1. Holding onto the past
Those of us who have been in the industry for a while like to attend the InfoComm trade show and reconnect with old friends and colleagues. This is great and useful. However, we should avoid reminiscing to the point of distraction. We should not romanticize the “good old days.” There are a lot of exciting things going on today in the industry and in order to maintain our enthusiasm, we have to make sure we are not looking backward. We must contain our cynicism, approach innovation with open minds and be constantly advocating for our customers, who may not have our experience, but whose needs are real and fresh.
2. Caring more about the technology than our customers
All the manufacturers and brands in the AV industry are proud of their innovations. The news feed around InfoComm is always crowded with “new,” “never before,” “biggest,” “brightest” and “best.” But all of the speeds-and-feeds don’t matter at all if we are not solving problems for our customers and providing them real value. They don’t care about what adjectives we use to describe our innovations or our business. They care about their own business and they care that we care about their business.
3. Treating every customer the same
Most of us in the AV industry sell to multiple vertical markets and applications. For instance, in the display space customers’ needs for large-format displays or videowalls can span multiple vertical markets. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t provide tailored solutions for different market segments. Although some high-level specifications are applicable everywhere (for instance, inches diagonal, brightness, etc.), other features are uniquely suited for particular uses. As an example, our Planar UltraRes Series UHD/4K display has features that make it perfect for executive offices and conference rooms, where there is a need to switch between full-screen presentations and the view of multiple sources at once. I love to see customers stretching a desktop across the bottom two quadrants of the display and two other sources in the top two quadrants, like a broadcast news feed or a real-time corporate performance dashboard.
4. Hiring people who fit a stereotypical “AV” profile, instead of the profile of our customers
Closely related to #2 and #3, we have a real opportunity to be increasingly relevant to our clients. I mean no offense against the exceptional professionals in the market who are white, male and highly-technical, but the market is changing and the profile of the buyers is changing and we must adapt. Those making AV decisions are increasingly diverse teams. They want partners with technical capabilities, of course. They want partners with experience, naturally. And they want more. They want teamwork, exceptional communication, a willingness to partner with the design community, the ability to speak other languages (literally and figuratively) and a deep understanding of the needs they bring to the table. Our customers want the benefits of diversity, in background and perspective. People buy from people and having a diverse workforce is increasingly important. The work that the Women of InfoComm Network council is doing is a strong step in this direction. We all have a responsibility to think about this as we make hiring decisions and as we develop our employees.
5. Assuming that the pipeline of talent is someone else’s responsibility
We all know that the key to a successful enterprise is the quality of our employees, especially in a service-dominated industry like the AV integration space. They must have the winning balance of technical chops and customer empathy. It’s a hard combination to find and some of the necessary curiosities and abilities are difficult to teach. Most integrators have developed their own hiring practices over time (starting with friends and family, advertising in local communities, poaching from other local firms, etc). There is a huge on-the-job element to most jobs in the field, which is why CTS certification and other tools from InfoComm can prove useful as we develop employees. But taking this further, we all have a responsibility to not just provide job opportunities for those who are already qualified for the work, but to develop the pipeline of talent. This could include partnerships with placement offices at local community colleges and technical schools. This could include offering an internship program for college or high school students interested in display experience. This could include participating actively in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education in the local schools in your area (where your future employees are currently studying). It’s a responsibility we all share, to ensure that the talent pipeline for your business and the AV industry is strong into the future.
This column was reprinted with permission from InfoComm International and originally appeared here. Leave a Comment
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Building a Service Using the Lean Startup Model
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
I recently read The Lean Startup by Eric Ries and could not help but think about how IT and AV could benefit from the processes Ries defines. I particularly found myself thinking of the AV integrators and the struggle that some of them have right now with the small margins they are receiving on equipment. As these companies continue to try and find ways to create new revenue, the Lean Startup is a process they should be familiar with. Firms from the large multi-city designers all the way to the small family-owned integrators may not think of themselves as entrepreneurs — they figure they have a defined product, customers and understand their revenue flow. But the business world is constantly changing — and you need to constantly change as well.
The basic concept of the Lean Startup is when creating a new service or product, you need to take risks, make assumptions and then test those assumptions. Additionally, and maybe most importantly, you don’t spend months building products (or services). Why? Because chances are that what you are building will not be right for your customers. At this point you are probably saying, but I asked my customers what they wanted. Perhaps your customer has even been taking part in helping you build your service. Surprisingly, you don’t need to always listen to your customers. It is likely that your customers don’t even know what service they may be interested in. If they are helping you build a product, they are likely helping you make incremental improvements on a service that already exists. This service is likely provided by many other integrators and therefore provides you very little differentiation, and therefore brings little value to the customer. Instead, you need to build what Ries calls a Minimum Viable Product. That is a product or service that does the absolute basic of what is needed. Then you take the next steps in testing, measuring and adapting.
Ries spends a lot of the book discussing the need for testing and measuring what you are building. This is a critical piece of developing new products. The problem that most companies run into during this process is that they are measuring the wrong things. For example, many firms will measure customer growth and revenue growth. However, they may be missing out on measuring indicators such as repeat customers, or the increase in customers who go from a trial service to a full fledged subscription service. Revenue growth is nice (and important) but overall, continued growth and acceptance of the product is even more important.
A quick example of a Lean Startup process would be how we developed our video conferencing service at Bates. Had we asked what people wanted and built a system around that, we would have a very expensive system that was never used. Rather, we saw a need for conferencing. Typically, these are for job interviews. We started with a webcam connected to the dedicated computer in a conference room. Feedback told us our customers wanted to be able to get more people in the image than the webcam allowed. So, we added an inexpensive PTZ camera. We were using Skype as the software, because that is what most people knew. Again, we measured and received feedback and learned that there were issues with Skype. We made a move to Zoom as the software for video conferencing. Other small changes over time also took place. When we heard issues with audio, we added some different microphones. Now we are hearing feedback that indicates people are interested in high definition cameras. Through this process we developed a system that is used several hundred times per year at a very reasonable cost.
While a book on entrepreneurship may not exactly be on your beach blanket reading list this summer, this particular book would be a great addition. It will help reshape the way you think about developing new products and services for your customers, providing them with more value and you with more business. Leave a Comment
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I’m Just a Bill…
By Raymond Kent Managing Principal, Sustainable Technologies Group
As I sit here in Cleveland during the Republican National Convention, I’m thinking about something I did not ever expect to happen in this current political climate — a recent bipartisan bill was introduced into the House of Representatives [Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) and Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA)] that aims to stop the flow of e-waste out of the United States to China and other developing countries. Called the Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act (SEERA), it requires all un-tested electronics to be recycled within the United States.
There are a few good reasons for the measure that have merit. The obvious is to better manage how e-waste is recycled. Quite often our stuff heads off to very poor regions of the world where adults and children will be paid pennies to do what can be a nasty job of reclaiming components of our electronics for reuse and sale. Often this happens by openly burning the components in an effort to extract the gold, platinum, copper and other valuable metals with no physical protections whatsoever and many times is the only source of money these villages have. Not only is this a disaster for the environment by releasing toxic chemicals into the air such as heavy metals, chlorides and sulfur (among many more), but it also directly affects the health of these individuals doing the task of burning in countries who have little regard for employees safety. The World Health Organization has recognized the dangers and are working with various organizations to put a stop to the practices which would result in an increase of costs associated with recycling of e-waste as Governments would be required to provide protections and would be monitored by the WHO through its E-Waste and Child Health Initiative.
A second reason for this bill is to make sure that we can reclaim high quality materials back into the manufacturing stream. Often the materials reclaimed overseas are mixed with poorer quality from other nations resulting in the need and expense to further refine recycled material to ensure that the manufacturer’s standards and the EPA’s standards are met. This provides financial incentive to American companies to offer e-cycling as part of their life cycle product handling as well as business opportunities for start-ups to get into the e-cycling business as the bill would outline the guidelines in conjunction with EPA regulations as to what is expected.
Lastly and probable most importantly is thwarting a security risk. As we send our used electronics overseas to be recycled we often have not completely erased data from these devices which is susceptible to hackers who are looking to steal this data. This includes everything from credit card information and passwords to corporate proprietary information. Additionally, many components are being reverse engineered from discarded components and showing back up in the market place as counterfeit and poor quality knock offs. In 2012 the Senate Armed Services Committee found over 1,800 cases of bogus parts in their military technology as a direct result of e-waste resulting in over 1 million counterfeit parts in critical defense systems.
One of the drivers for this bill even coming forward stems from an investigation by the watchdog group Basel Action Network reporting that Dell Electronics was violating their own policies and illegally exporting its e-waste to unregulated facilities in developing nations. It was discovered that 65% of the devices slated to be recycled actually wound up in shipping containers to be exported overseas into less-than-secure hands. Dell is internally investigating the claims and continues to dispute them.
Whether or not his legislation actually gets debated, passed and signed into law is still up for debate and the upcoming election will play a big role in its future I am certain of that but at least it is a good start. Leave a Comment
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Extron Shipping the AV Industry’s First 4K/60 @ 4:4:4 HDMI Scalers Extron is already shipping the DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A and DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A xi, the AV industry’s first scalers that can process single-path 4K/60 video signals at 4:4:4. HDCP 2.2 compliant HDMI 2.0 inputs and outputs support data rates up to 18 Gbps. The scalers incorporate Extron’s Vector 4K scaling engine, developed internally by Extron’s team of signal processing engineers. The DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A xi provides the added flexibility of scaling and managing 4K/60 as a dual path signal. Integrator-friendly features include on-screen display, stereo audio embedding and de-embedding, internal test patterns, and the ability to display custom on-screen images and logos.
The DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A has a single HDMI input and output that support resolutions up to 4096×2160 at 60 Hz. The DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A xi features a pair of HDMI inputs and outputs. The additional input and output allow integration with source devices and displays that support 4K as two columns. The DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A xi can also accept two matched-resolution inputs for side-by-side display on a single screen, or provide duplicate outputs for driving a pair of displays.
In addition to 4K signal integration and processing capabilities, these scalers offer several features that enhance and simplify AV system integration. Custom images can be displayed as a screen saver, HDCP notification or corporate branding. An image can also be displayed as a logo with full position and keying control. The DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A and DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A xi also feature essential audio integration capabilities, including discrete, selectable analog and digital audio muting, input gain and attenuation, and output volume control.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Audio-Technica Intros ATUC-50 Digital Wired Discussion System Audio-Technica has introduced the ATUC-50 Digital Wired Discussion System – including the ATUC-50CU control unit, ATUC-50DU discussion units and the ATUC-M43H and ATUC-M58H gooseneck microphones. The ATUC-50 system provides 24-bit/48 kHz uncompressed digital audio, multi-mode operation, a 12-band feedback suppressor, ability to record a meeting directly to a mass storage device on the front of the control unit and interpretation channels. And a choice of two gooseneck lengths is available: the ATUC-M43H at 17″ (430 mm) and ATUC-M58H at 23″ (580 mm).
Using standard Cat5, 6 or 7 cables, a complete system can support up to three ATUC-50CU control units and 150 ATUC-50DU discussion units can be connected in either daisy chain or ring topology (for added redundancy) and controlled from any web browser with no need for additional software installation. Audio-Technica says that configuration via Web Remote Control is simple and quick, with settings able to be stored as presets for easy recall.
The Audio-Technica ATUC-50 Wired Digital Discussion System ii shipping and all the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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beyerdynamic Adds New Quinta TB Wireless Boundary MicrophoneThe beyerdynamic Quinta TB wireless boundary microphones act as a multi-channel receiver, in which case a maximum of four Quinta TBs (depending on the size of the room and the number of participants) can be operated simultaneously. In this mode, the software can be used to connect up to 9 central control units. In conference mode the Quinta TB acts as a delegate microphone unit and can be used for any traditional conference application.
beyerdynamic claims that the Quinta Triple Band technology ensures uninterrupted transmission. The system operates at 128 bit encryption and a 24-bit PIN code guarantee protection against eavesdropping. The system has a quick recharging time and a long operating time of at least 14 hours. Three-colored backlit buttons, with tactile feedback and Braille, makes the device ADA compliant and accessible and it shows all participants the status of the microphone and enables use of the global mute, push-to-talk and push-to-mute modes. The Quinta TB wireless boundary microphone is designed for use in meeting rooms and video conferences.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Digital Projection Adds Two New High-Brightness Budget Laser Projectors to E-Vision Series Digital Projection International (DPI) recently launched two new high-lumen, budget-oriented E-Vision laser projectors. Building on the success of the E-Vision Laser 8500, DPI debuted an E-Vision Laser 6500 and 7500. These displays bring a variety of price points, capabilities and installation flexibility to the already recognized E-Vision series.
The E-Vision Laser 6500 is specified at 6,500 lumens, a 5,000:1 contrast ratio and includes a DICOM simulation mode. A key differentiator for the E-Vision Laser 6500 rests in its quiet operation. Inputs include DVI, HDMI and an HDBaseT interface with built-in support for transmission of uncompressed high definition video over standard CAT5e/6 LAN cable. This also allows the projector to be placed up to 100m from the source with a low-cable cost. For ease of use, the E-Vision Laser 6500 also contains built-in compatibility with Crestron RoomView Connected, PJLink – AMX SSDP and LAN.
Built on the same electronics and functionality as the E-Vision Laser 8500, the E-Vision Laser 7500 delivers a wealth of features: incredible brightness at 7,500 lumens, geometry correction and edge blending, Lens Memory presets, and advanced capabilities such as DICOM simulation mode. With features galore and brightness to spare, the E-Vision Laser 7500 thrives in most any commercial application needing a bright, consistent and reliable imaging solution. For applications needing an ultra short throw solution, the E-Vision Laser 7500 can be paired with DPI’s newly launched 0.38:1 Ultra Short Throw (UST) lens. This projector/lens combo is capable of creating an image width between 6.9’ to approximately 24’ and offers ultimate flexibility of projector positioning. Inputs include Displayport, DVI, HDMI and an HDBaseT interface with built-in support for transmission of uncompressed high definition video over standard CAT5e/6 LAN cable. For ease of use, the E-Vision Laser 7500 also contains built-in compatibility with Crestron RoomView Connected, PJLink – AMX SSDP and LAN.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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BenQ’s InstaShow is Wireless Presentation System — But Requires BOTH HDMI and USB ConnectionsBenQ America today announced its InstaShow WDC10, a presentation system that wirelessly connects a user’s computer to a central display or projector. With the touch of a button, the meeting collaboration system allows up to eight participants to share their laptop on a connected projector.
The InstaShow WDC10 is compatible with all operating systems and any display with an HDMI port including projectors, flat panels and monitors. Sharing via WLAN standard 802.11ac networks, the WDC10 requires both an HDMI and USB 3.0 connection to the user’s device and the screen.
The InstaShow WDC10 kit consists of two transmitters, which connect via HDMI and USB 3.0 to the participants’ laptop or tablet device, and a receiver that connects via HDMI to the room’s display or projection device. Up to eight transmitters can simultaneously connect wirelessly to the receiver. Featuring latency of less than 0.1 seconds, the InstaShow WDC10 transmits content and audio from a participant’s device to the display.
More details are here. Leave a Comment
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rAVe Founder Gary Kayye to Keynote Integrate 2016 Show in AustraliaThe 2016 version of Integrate, Australia’s version of the ISE show — combining both ProAV and HomeAV into one event — will feature the debut of Gary Kayye’s latest keynote — The Future of AV: It’s Revolutionary, sponsored by Crestron. The show is held 23-25 August, 2016 at the Sydney Showgrounds, Olympic Park, Sydney Australia.
There have been been many evolutions in AV over the past 30-years, but no revolutions. But, we are getting ready to experience the first true AV revolution. Are you ready for it?
Some would argue that the movement from analog to digital was revolutionary in AV, but not Integrate’s 2016 keynote speaker for Day 2, Gary Kayye. Kayye says that, although that shift could be labeled as disruptive, it wasn’t revolutionary. In fact, Kayye says we’ve never seen anything as disruptive as we’re about to see — and it’ll happen by the end of this decade.
Kayye’s keynote, “The Future of AV: It’s Revolutionary” won’t just be about where we’re going to be five years from now. In fact, he’ll take you through the journey (step-by-step) we’re going to experience to get there. Then, he will tell you the four things you need to do to prepare your business for the Future of AV.
This will be a session you won’t want to miss. Kayye is a lively, entertaining and detailed speaker who promises to tell you what you need to know about this AV revolution, how you can prepare for this AV revolution and why this is the Future of AV.
To learn more about Integrate Australia, go here. You can actually register to attend here. Leave a Comment
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Biamp Adds New Features to Oreno SuiteBiamp Systems today announced the release of Oreno 1.1, the latest version of its groundbreaking mobile control software for Tesira-equipped rooms. The new features and improvements include Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) integration, the ability to automatically assign room access to new users, and removal of the requirement to have a dialer in every room.
Oreno 1.1 supports optional integration with LDAP for enhanced user access management. With this capability, administrators can assign room access permissions and roles based upon LDAP groups, rather than manually entering each person individually into Oreno Manager. As user subscriptions and assignments change in LDAP, those updates are also reflected in Oreno permissions. Oreno 1.1 also introduces the concept of “default rooms” that are accessible to all Oreno users. As users are added in Oreno Manager, they will immediately be granted access to designated default rooms.
Integration with LDAP allows users to log into Oreno using their network credentials. Optionally, administrators can configure Oreno to run under SSL, preventing login information from being transmitted in clear text. Oreno offers read-only access to LDAP and cannot be used to update employee data, nor will it store network credentials.
Lastly, a dialer is no longer required as part of the room control, allowing Oreno to better address use cases where a dialer is not needed. Users also now have the option to populate speed dial with contacts from an LDAP directory, as well as enable user lookups for initiating calls.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Extron Adds SMP 352 to Series of H.264 Streaming Products Extron has introduced the SMP 352 Dual Recording H.264 Streaming Media Processor, the latest addition to Extron’s SMP 300 Series of H.264 Streaming Media Processors. The SMP 352 is a high performance streaming and recording processor for capturing and distributing AV sources and presentations as live streaming or recorded media. It can create independent recordings from two different sources, and incorporates Extron’s FlexOS, a flexible platform for automating system operation. The SMP 352 accepts HDMI, component, composite and optional 3G-SDI signals and applies two-window processing to selected sources. It can record and stream simultaneously and can stream at two different resolutions and bit rates concurrently using a range of transport protocols and session management options. With no licensing fees and comprehensive control and configuration features, the SMP 352 is a cost-effective, integration-friendly solution for delivering presentations to a larger audience.
SMP 352 processors are ideal for use in virtually any professional environment where AV sources can be streamed live or recorded for future reference, especially when combining multiple AV sources will enhance the message. Streaming and recording AV presentations allows an organization to communicate and train employees and students that cannot be present at an event. Event recording provides everyone with the opportunity to review and gain insight into the live experience. SMP 352 processors can be adapted to many applications, documenting virtually any meeting or conference. They are ideal for use in corporate, education, government, healthcare, courtroom, house of worship and rental and staging applications.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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New BenQ Entry-Level Projectors Aimed at Home and Small BusinessBenQ America today introduced new additions to its M5 Series – the MS527E, MX528E and MW529E projectors. All three are spec’d at 3,300 lumens, have two HDMI ports, and are also integrated with BenQ’s Colorific image technology and SmartEco technology. The MS527E is SVGA (800×600) resolution, the MX528E is XGA (1024×768) resolution and the MW529E is WXGA (1280×800) resolution.
The projectors feature BenQ’s SmartEco technology, which automatically adjusts lamp power to deliver bright, vibrant images with up to 10,000 hours of lamp life as well as energy savings of up to 70 percent without any compromise in picture quality. To further reduce power consumption, an “Eco Blank” mode allows users to blank out the screen whenever projection isn’t needed, while a “No Source Detected” mode automatically reduces power consumption to 30 percent when no source has been detected for more than three minutes. With the “Auto Power Off” function, the projectors automatically shut down when not in use for 30 minutes. When inactive, they keep power consumption to a minimum, <0.5-W standby power, for even more energy savings.
The BenQ M5 Series MS527E, MX528E and MW529E are available now at a retail price of $489, $529 and $749, respectively, and here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Eiki Adds Three New DLP Projectors to Conference Series — the EK-610U, EK-611W, and EK-612XEiki introduces the EK-610U, EK-611W, and EK-612X are part of Eiki’s Conference Series Projectors – all single-chip DLP’s. The EK-610U is spec’d at 6,500 ANSI lumens and WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution, the EK-611W is a 6,500 ANSI lumens at WXGA (1280×800) resolution and the EK-612X offers 7,000 ANSI lumens with XGA (1024×768) resolution. All three models can be outfitted with five available interchangeable lenses and display both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios and all three are aimed at conference rooms, lecture halls, worship facilities and large auditoriums.
Eiki says all three projectors deliver 90 percent uniformity and a 4400:1 contrast ratio with 24-bit color reproduction for 16.7 million colors. Inputs include HDBaseT, HDMI and DVI-D.
The new EK-610U, EK-611W, and EK-612X Conference Series Projectors also include a mechanical shutter, auto input selection, and support both analog and digital video input in all color standards up-to 1080p. To ensure seamless integration into a wide range of environments that utilize control automation, all three projectors include support for Crestron RoomView and AMX Device Discovery Technology. The Eiki EK-610U, EK-611W and EK-612X are priced at $5995, $4295 and $4295, respectively.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Launches SoundField XD Ceiling SpeakersExtron just introduced the new SoundField XD Series SF 3C LP and SF 3CT LP full-range ceiling speakers featuring a low profile composite back can for use in plenum rated ceiling environments. With the industry’s first UL 2043 listed composite speaker enclosure, the SF 3C LP and SF 3CT LP meet stringent UL requirements for smoke and heat release in plenum air spaces.
The redesigned 3″ (7.6 cm) full-range driver features a wider and smoother frequency range of 65 Hz to 20 kHz and is engineered with an extremely wide conical dispersion of 165°. The SF 3C LP is designed for 8 ohm direct connection to power amplifiers, and provides a simple means to wire speakers in parallel for 4 ohm amplifier operation. The SF 3CT LP allows both direct 8 ohm or 70/100 volt operation with a behind-the-grille, six position power selector switch. The 4″ (10.2 cm) low profile back can makes these speakers an ideal choice for ceiling installations with tight above-the-ceiling tile space issues, such as air handling units installed close to the ceiling.
Designed with the integrator in mind, the SF 3C LP and SF 3CT LP are constructed using a two-piece modular design with a separable back can and baffle, which simplifies installation in both single-trade and division of labor installations. These speakers include a cable/conduit access plate that can be oriented for side mount, for low clearance ceilings, or for top mount for blind-mounting into drywall ceilings. Exclusive Opti-Torque indicator rings provide a visual indication when the locking arm screws have been sufficiently tightened, preventing damage to the speaker caused by overtightening. Both models feature a thin-edged round bezel and magnetic grille for a refined appearance on the ceiling.
With a composite construction and redesigned mounting kits, the SF 3C LP and SF 3CT LP are delivered in significantly smaller and lighter weight packaging, resulting in lower overall storage and shipping costs. Here are the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ProAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
Don’t like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.
To send me feedback, don’t reply to this newsletter. Instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas, Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue, which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe [Publications] has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
Everything we publish is Opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship ePublication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA and launched in February 2004, is, by far, the largest ePub in the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
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