Volume 7, Issue 9 — September 22, 2016
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Editorial Aeiforia Technos
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Redefining an Industry
By Mark Coxon rAVe Blogger
I may be late to the party on this topic but I wanted to give my thoughts on a discussion started by CEDIA’s Vin Bruno when he stated that perhaps it was time we stopped calling ourselves “integrators” and started calling ourselves “technologists.”
There have been several takes on this to date. Some like the idea. Technologist is a fairly modern term that encompasses technology as a whole and could really apply to any discipline or specialty. On the down side, technologist is a broad term that could really apply to any discipline or specialty. Being a “technologist,” someone may approach you to discuss IP security cameras when your business focuses on high end collaboration, and then you would have to explain, “I am not that kind of technologist.”
This begs the question, “Do we need to add some type of descriptor before ‘technologist’?”
Then we get right back into the swamp of acronyms and terms we already use to describe the type of “integrators” we are. Would we have Unified Communication Technologists, Home Theater Technologists, Commercial Cinema Technologists, etc.? If so, is “technologist” really the important part of the term at all? It seems the qualifier is really the important part of that title.
Others like the idea of staying with the term integrator. They say it is a better descriptor of what they do, integrating different products into a complete system that works as an “integrated” whole. I don’t disagree with that sentiment in principle, but there is a growing problem with the term.
More and more, the devices we used to “integrate” are being pre-integrated by manufacturers. It is a common trend right now. Look at QSC creating USB integration for cameras in their DSP products. Look at systems like Mondopad and Surface Hub where the traditional flat panel, touch bezel, PC, microphone, and camera that needed to be “integrated” together now come in one SKU. Perhaps even look at Biamp, a company who has traditionally been known for audio. They are writing whitepapers on video transport and HDCP Pro specifications. Why would they be doing that? Is video being integrated into their DSP and audio distribution products soon? It seems like it’s coming.
The point is, that we actually do less integrating than we used to, and the trend may continue, making the term “integrator” even less descriptive of what we actually do for clients in the future.
Regardless of your preference and the reasons behind it, I have one reason that I think both terms fall severely short.
They both fail the Google test.
When people need help with VTC or their home theater they don’t google the word “integrator” or “technologist.”
I did a rudimentary poll of friends and family that work outside our industry. I asked them what they would search for online if they needed help setting up a system in their conference room or help with their TV and audio system set up. Overwhelmingly they said they would search for conference room or home theater “installation.”
Yes…”installation.”
I can FEEL you all bristling at me right now. How dare we be relegated to being installers? We do design and programming and extension of signals and UX design that an “installer” could never do. However, that doesn’t really matter. What matters most is how people who want to buy your services start searching for them when they need you.
Now when I asked the same people what they would search for when they were looking for someone to help select technology, the word “designer” came up almost every time. A lot of integrators describe themselves as “design-build” so it seems at least in part they are on the right track. I think the genesis of that comes from adopting the vernacular of construction companies that are design-build. It works, but most people don’t think of an AV system as being “built.” It seems design-install may be a better term just based on what people’s existing ideas of our services are.
Now is there an organization that uses Design and Installation in their title? It seems that CEDIA may be farther ahead than they thought when it comes to creating a description of our industry that our end users themselves understand. CEDIA is after all the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association.
I have also seen people suggest terms like “Communication Partner,” which could work as well and may be closer, but I’m not sure I’d search for one online when I need my speakers adjusted.
Now some of you are saying we shouldn’t let others define what we do and we should define it for them. That is fine, but know that this type of effort requires us to educate the market on the terminology that we want them to use. That takes a marketing effort and marketing dollars.
If we think of programs like CTS, we know that the initials are seldom recognized outside the AV beltway. Marketing that to end users has been slow, and I don’t expect redefining our industry would be any easier, especially if we don’t want to jump on the “design” and “installation” word associations that already exist in our clients minds. According to their reports, InfoComm spends between $400,000 and $500,000 on marketing each year, and some of that is marketing the organization internally to the members. It will take a larger commitment to redefine ourselves as an industry to the masses and I’m not sure the funds exist to do it.
It seems CEDIA may be on board to invest in that as well.
Remember it’s not cheap, so we really need to be sold on the term we pick. After all, we are paying to promote it at that point.
So do we need to redefine the industry as a whole or is it enough to just tackle the “What is an integrator?” question every time that it’s asked like we’ve done for the last decade?
I doubt we’ll get consensus on the matter as it would mean we have to agree on a standard term we all use, and as you know if you’ve been around AV for a while, standards really aren’t our thing…
Chime in below! What should we call ourselves and why? I’d love to hear your opinions.
Check out these other pieces to get more background on the conversation as well and some additional thoughts.
AV Futures?
MHO:10 What’s In a Name? Leave a Comment
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User-Centric-Design, Technology and Sustainability
By Raymond Kent Managing Principal, Sustainable Technologies Group
With the Internet of Things (IoT) encroaching further and further into the lives of the masses on a daily basis, one key element is becoming more important than ever — encounterability and controllability. This involves not only the macro scale of energy sources to power skyscrapers and corporate campuses, food and water resource management and transportation but the micro-human sized scale as well. How humans encounter and interact with their environment in this new landscape often gets overlooked from a design stand point which can have a huge impact on efficiency and scalability.
Where this can have the biggest impact is in the urban landscape, where cities make up over 70 percent of global carbon emissions. With countries around the globe setting aggressive climate goals, many as a result of this year’s Paris COP21 summit, managing this interaction at a human scale will have the greatest impact on reductions.
This is where technology comes in. How technology, including not only the sensors but the user interfaces as well, connects the macro to the micro and micro to micro requires a skill set that is still in its infancy. The technology on many levels already exits but the technical talent to make the dots connect is where the biggest growth is going to happen. Certainly the behemoths like GE, Phillips, Google and others are looking at the challenges but often don’t have the nimbleness and flexibility of many start-ups that can solve immediate challenges more quickly and efficiently. Training this talent and creating opportunity (and capital) for start-ups is a critical component to the success of the integration of technology in a way that is both user friendly and cost effective.
Another major factor in the success of this micro scale human interaction is how economics, political climates and governance structures in the various countries, regions and cities effect implementation of technology and its use. If one looks at lighting for example, having building wide control tied into a building management system to achieve a certain reduction in energy usage often has costs associated with it that may not be within a project budget. It may also be governed by local, state or national codes or standards (such as Title 24 in California or ASHRAE 189.1) which would make it part of the budget. But with technology costs being reduced to the point of ubiquity and the prevalence of personal devices, control now moves from totally controlled by the building management system to the user in an app driven environment. This gives the end user the ability to interact with their environment on a personal level that should ultimately work to reduce energy costs without breaking the bank.
This can work in shared environments as well. Imaging being in a theater with thermal sensors on each seat that not only can tell if the seat is occupied or not but what the thermal loading of the micro-region is and allow either the HVAC system to adjust on its own accordingly or have the person sitting in that seat adjust their own personal micro-climate. So rather than heat or cool an large volume such as an auditorium, we can now bring that control to the human experience level and reduce energy.
Designing this experience requires a study in how humans relate to their world which can be a very challenging thing with everyone having preferences that will impact the overall quality of the experience.
Look for example at any two people’s smart phones and how their apps are arranged on the device and what apps are actually installed. Developing an app store mentality but, as smart phone makers have figured out, define the parameters on to which the apps get overlaid into the technology provide the best possible parameters for success as long as a few key guidelines are followed. This includes simplicity, ease of use, scalability and flexibility. Not having an app that can control a million features but limiting it to the major ones with some minor customization goes a long way. Think of the universal remote for your entertainment system at home. Yes, it controls every device but may not cover every feature. These extras can be through user defined space on the keypad or touch screen.
It should be easy to use like an ATM with relative few well-defined steps to accomplish what you need to do in an intuitive way. Lastly, scalability and flexibility must be inherent and easy to integrate to adapt to next generation of tech or to couple things together. The AV industry in particular has been doing all of these for some time through room automation systems and is probably the best industry to lead the way. Where they comfort level needs to expand is in working in total environments with sensors and systems that may not be part of your sandbox.
Millennials seem to be the fastest in adapting this concept but more need to take on the challenge and more need to back the effort. In the meantime we may still have to rely on macro-based systems to control our world. Leave a Comment
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Extron Adds End-to-End 4K Twisted Pair to XTP Systems Extron has announced the expansion of the XTP Systems family with several new extender and I/O board models designed specifically to support video resolutions up to 4K. Each model is HDCP 2.2 compliant, and supports HDMI specification features that include data rates up to 10.2 Gbps, Deep Color up to 12-bit, 3D, and HD lossless audio formats. Common features across the line include signal extension up to 330 feet (100 meters) over one shielded CATx cable, bidirectional RS232 and IR for AV device control, Ethernet extension, remote power capability over CATx cable, and easy setup and commissioning with Extron XTP System Configuration Software.
The new XTP transmitters and receivers deliver convenient signal extension from the rack, wall, floor, or lectern. The XTP T FB 202 4K is compatible with floor boxes from OBO Bettermann, MK by Honeywell, Electraplan and PUK. Transmitters with multiple inputs, such as the XTP T USW 103 4K with connectors for HDMI, DisplayPort and VGA sources, feature automatic switching between inputs with selectable prioritization for operation in unmanaged locations. Each extender supports embedded digital audio, and most transmitters offer audio embedding as well.
The new receivers also provide a variety of capabilities for streamlined operation and integration. The XTP SR HD 4Kscaling receiver incorporates Extron Vector 4K scaling technology for uncompromised image quality, and the HDMI output connector on the XTP R HWP 201 4K Decora-style wallplate receiver is oriented upward at a 90° angle for easy installation behind a flat panel display. The rack-mountable receivers include audio de-embedding to digital S/PDIF or analog stereo audio outputs along with relays for room control. All receivers and most transmitters provide Ethernet extension and insertion of bidirectional RS232 and IR, allowing LAN access and AV device control at remote locations.
The Extron XTP CP 4K Input and Output Boards enable extension of video, audio, bidirectional control and Ethernet over a shielded CATx cable. These XTP I/O boards are also HDCP 2.2 compliant, and support video signals at resolutions up to 4K. For further flexibility, embedded digital audio signals can be routed independently for external systems. Ethernet extension along with RS232 and IR insertion provide LAN access and remote AV device control. Signals can be sent up to 330 feet (100 meters). Available in four-input and four-output models, each twisted pair port can supply remote power to a connected XTP endpoint.
Here they are. Leave a Comment
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Juice Goose Intros Multiple Circuit Power Distribution with RS232 and IP ControlThe new iP PD1-4 from Juice Goose has four 20-amp circuits for a total current capacity of 80 amps and each circuit is individually addressable via a browser connection to an on board web server. Remote access is also possible via RS232, UDP or TCP using text commands over Ethernet. Current load can be monitored for each of the four circuits.
The four foot wire harness includes a separate hot and neutral leg for each circuit plus a shared common ground line. The side mounting brackets have long openings. Mounting flexibility is increased further as the brackets can be relocated in various positions up and down the back of the chassis. The iP PD1-4 lists for $861. Here is more information. Leave a Comment
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Matrox Adds More H.264 4:2:2 10 Bit Codec Cards Matrox Video today unveiled two new additions to the M264 family of developer products, the M264 S2 and the M264 S3. With the capability for up to three channels of 4K XAVC encoding/decoding in a single slot card, the M264 family now enables OEMs to provide multi-channel 4K production servers on a PC platform.
The 3/4 length PCI Express Gen3 x16 Matrox M264 S2 and S3 provide an H.264 quality encode/decode up to three streams of 4Kp60 at 4:2:2 10-bit, 30 streams of HD long GOP at 4:2:2 10-bit or 48 streams of HD at 4:2:0 8-bit. .
With onboard multi-channel, motion-adaptive deinterlacing, and up/down/cross scaling, the M264 family can repurpose content into any resolution before encoding or after decoding, particularly beneficial for OTT workflows. Specifically designed for high-density encoding/decoding (Baseline Profile to High 10 Intra Profile up to Level 5.2), M264 cards provide the highest possible quality at the lowest power per stream (<1.5 W per HD stream).
Matrox M264 S2 and S3 will ship next month. Here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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New Prysm “Guest Mode” Expands Prysm Visual Workplace Prysm announced Guest Mode, a new feature within the Prysm Application Suite that enables Prysm customers to add outside participants, such as potential customers, partners or contractors, to a Prysm Visual Workplace meeting, contributing to a more collaborative relationship that can immediately improve partnership productivity and lead to additional revenue potential.
Prysm Visual Workplace offers unique features such as access through a web browser, no download required, and a secure cloud-based portal that offers real time collaboration across any device or location. It also offers persistent work spaces, enabling meeting participants to continue a previous meeting exactly where they left off, including immediate access to contents from the previous meeting.
With the Guest Mode feature, each licensed Prysm user can provide access to any third-party participant, inside or outside the host’s organization. Once inside, guests can collaborate in real time with the other meeting participants to share and edit content and brainstorm ideas for a rich collaboration experience in meetings.
With Guest Mode, hosts can:
- Invite non-licensed users outside the company to participate in a Prysm session
- Maintain content control, deciding when guests can access the project and what they can see
- Pick up where they last left off, finding comments and annotations exactly as they left them, due to workspaces and content being persistently stored in the cloud
Guests can:
- Log in with an access code or accept an email invite
- Access projects remotely when hosts are concurrently accessing the same project
- Actively participate in collaboration sessions or meetings by adding or manipulating content
Guest Mode enhances Prysm Visual Workplace by including anyone a team wishes to collaborate with, any time from any location. Guest Mode will be available this month.
In addition to Guest Mode, Prysm will demonstrate the full capabilities of Prysm Visual Workplace to show how unifying content and applications with cloud-based workspaces helps distributed teams brainstorm, create and solve problems in real time to accelerate the decisions that matter.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Kramer Launches Short-Range Wireless System for HDMI in KW-14The Kramer KW-14 is a pre-associated (pre-programmed to match) HDMI transmitter/receiver pair for short-range wireless AV distribution for presentation and multimedia environments such as meeting rooms, event spaces and classrooms. The KW-14T and KW-14R are a high−definition, wireless, HDMI transmitter/receiver pair for indoor use. Up to four KW-14R receivers can receive from one KW-14T transmitter and up to three KW-14T transmitters can be paired with one KW-14R receiver.
They both are spec’d to have a max. data rate of 6.75Gbps (2.25Gbps per graphic channel), Deep Color up to 12-bit and use AES-128 bit encryption. Up to four receivers can receive HDMI signals from one transmitter simultaneously; up to three transmitters associated with one receiver at any given time and they work short-range (30 meters/100 feet including through walls and furniture). Other features include EDID adjustment capabilities, IR remote control and are HDCP compliant.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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HDMI Releases Alternate Mode for USB Type-C Connector Enabling 4K HDMI Signals with No Adapters HDMI Licensing, LLC today announced that it is releasing the HDMI Alternate Mode (“Alt Mode”) developed by the HDMI Founders for the USB Type-C Specification. This will allow HDMI-enabled source devices to utilize a USB Type-C connector to directly connect to HDMI-enabled displays, and deliver native HDMI signals over a simple cable without the need for cumbersome protocol and connector adapters or dongles.
This enables two of the most popular solutions for connectivity to come together — the small form factor, reversible, and multi-purpose USB Type-C connector being adopted by smartphones, tablets and PC products, and HDMI, which is the leading display interface with an installed base of billions of displays. Almost 290 million HDMI-enabled display devices are expected to ship in 2016, including projectors, monitors and 100 percent of flat panel TVs.
HDMI Alt Mode will support the full range of HDMI 1.4b features such as: resolutions up to 4K, Audio Return Channel (ARC), 3D, HDMI Ethernet Channel, and Consumer Electronic Control (CEC). The HDMI cable will utilize the USB Type-C connector on the source side and any HDMI connector on the display side. Unlike the other Alt Mode display technologies which require various adapters or dongles to connect to HDMI displays, HDMI Alt Mode enables an easy connection via a simple USB Type-C to HDMI cable.
The HDMI 1.4b Alt-Mode on USB Type-C Specification is available to all HDMI Adopters here.
For more information on the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), or the USB Type-C specification, go here. Leave a Comment
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BenQ’s New Business Projector Offers Native 1080p, 4.5K LumensThe BenQ MH750 Colorific projector is a native HD (1920x1080p) resolution box with a 4,500 ANSI lumen and 10,000:1 high contrast ratio spec. It includes two HDMI inputs as well as MHL connectivity and built-in QCast for near-field communications (NFC) wireless streaming of content and LAN control.
BenQ’s SmartEco technology claims an energy savings of up to 70 percent and their “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 MH750 projector lists for $1,399. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Eiki’s New EK-300 Series is Aimed at Meeting Rooms Eiki International just debuted the EK-300 Meeting Room Series Projectors — all three models are 3LCD and include their new flagship EK-300U with 5,000 ANSI lumens (at WUXGA resolution) the EK-301W with 5,100 ANSI lumens (WXGA resolution) and the EK-302X with 5,600 ANSI lumens (XGA resolution).
Common to all three models in the EK-300 Series is their 8,000:1 contrast ratio and lens-shift capabilities, with manual adjustments of up to 45 percent vertical and 10 percent horizontal, as well as corner keystone correction. Inputs include VGA and HDMI as well as MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) and the the line includes a 1.29-2.11:1 throw to width manual zoom and focus lens.
Eiki’s new EK-300 Meeting Room Series Projectors are slated for Q4 2016 and list for:
- EK-300U: $3,395
- EK-301W: $2,195
- EK-302X: $2,095
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Crestron Ships 4K/60 Fiber Solutions DigitalMedia Crestron announced that it is now shipping 4K/60 fiber solutions across its DigitalMedia product line. Comprised of 4K/60 fiber transmitter and receiver endpoints in both box and card-based options, these are all HDMI HDCP 2.2 capable. The new two-rack-space (2RU) DigitalMedia Fiber Card Chassis (DMF-CI-8) accommodates up to eight of the new 4K/60 fiber cards and is typically located near a traditional DM matrix switcher. Not a matrix switch, the chassis serves as a power supply and consolidation point. It can be used with any DM solution, from the smallest HDMI switcher, to an 8×8 or even a 128×128 to extend 4K/60 over fiber.
The DigitalMedia Fiber Transmitter Card (DMCF-TX-4K-SFP) and DigitalMedia Fiber Receiver Card (DMCF-RX-4K-SFP) are independent and rely on the chassis for power only. Any combination of transmitter or receiver card can be loaded into the chassis to make custom configurations possible. The fiber transmitter and receiver cards can be thought of as extenders from and to DM 4K/60 HDMI inputs and outputs.
The DigitalMedia Fiber Transmitter (DMF-TX-4K-SFP) and companion DigitalMedia Fiber Receiver (DMF-RMC-4K-SFP) are endpoints that can be connected to each other on a one-to-one basis for simple extender applications — or they can be deployed as endpoints connected to cards in the chassis.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships 17″ Capacitive TouchLink Pro Touchpanels Extron Electronics just announced the immediate availability of the TLP Pro 1720MG and TLP Pro 1720TG, 17ʺ wall mount and tabletop TouchLink Pro touchpanels with capacitive, edge-to-edge glass touchscreens. These 1920×1080 capacitive touchscreens provide a more responsive control surface. As with all TouchLink Pro models, these new, customizable touchpanels feature faster processing and more memory and both touchpanels feature video preview inputs that support high resolution, HDCP-compliant video from HDMI sources and XTP devices. For convenience, the touchpanels can receive power and communication over a single Ethernet cable. The TLP Pro 1720MG and TLP Pro 1720TG have stylish designs and powerful features that make them ideal for control applications requiring fully-customizable touchpanels with large control surfaces and multi-source video preview.
The TLP Pro 1720MG and TLP Pro 1720TG work in conjunction with any Extron IP Link Pro control processor and are designed for use in AV system applications that require complete, interactive control of a broad range of devices. All TouchLink Pro touchpanels operate using standard network infrastructure and are easy to install with reliable and cost effective Ethernet cable. They are customized using Extron GUI Designer software. This powerful interface design software offers ready-to-use resource kits to help design a wide variety of interfaces for rooms and presentation environments. For mounting flexibility, the TLP Pro 1720TG can be removed from its base and mounted on any VESA standard mounting arm or bracket. The TLP Pro 1720MG and TLP Pro 1720TG can be programmed using Global Scripter, with support for Global Configurator Plus and Professional coming soon.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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NEC Launches Wireless Presentation StickNEC Display Solutions today launched the MultiPresenter Stick MP10RX, a wireless presenting solution for use with NEC’s projectors and large format displays that don’t already have a multipresenting functionality. The solution plugs directly into an HDMI port, adding wireless presentation capabilities to compatible displays and projectors. The stick is also compatible for use with non-NEC products.
Designed to work with multiple device platforms, the MultiPresenter supports workplace Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. It allows users to simultaneously collaborate and deliver wireless presentations from their personal devices, without the need for custom cabling or restrictions on support corporate devices.
From offices to classrooms, users can connect any personal Windows, OSx, Android or iOS device running the companion sender app to the MultiPresenter wirelessly. The app is free and available for download via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Users pair securely via a PIN in the app to instantly present and share content with other participants. The solution also allows to connect several mobile devices at once to one MultiPresenter as well as to connect to several displays from one device.
With the MultiPresenter, all wirelessly connected devices can mirror each other’s screen and share content while switching presenter on-the-fly,enhancing productivity and teamwork. Additionally, the stick can be powered through the USB port and doesn’t require an independent power supply or external adaptor.
Here are all the specifics. Leave a Comment
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Middle Atlantic Intros Value-Priced Select Series PDU with RackLinkMiddle Atlantic Products today announced the addition of new value-oriented IP solutions to its power hardware lineup. Ideal for small to large enclosures in residential, commercial and security applications, the Select Series PDU with RackLink offers versatile vertical, compact and traditional rackmount form factors that simplify installation and reduce the cost of service by providing intelligent power optimized for AV systems.
The series is comprised of five 15-amp models in wide-ranging form factors: two-outlet compact, four-outlet rackmount, nine-outlet rackmount, 10-outlet low-profile vertical and 16-outlet vertical. All form factors are enabled with RackLink technology, creating a simple and cost-effective solution that puts intelligent control of power distribution right at the integrator’s fingertips, anywhere in the world. Middle Atlantic says that with intuitive setup and operation, pre-emptive problem notification and automatic problem resolution, Select Series PDU with RackLink ensures system reliability and uptime. Integrators can choose to control locally or virtually, via third-party control system or cloud. Additional Select Series PDU with RackLink features include control start-up or shut-down with remote sequencing, multiple IP autoping functionality and MOV surge and spike protection.
More information is here. Leave a Comment
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dnp Debuts AV furniture for dnp LaserPanelsdnp denmark has teamed up with a Danish furniture company to create a projector cabinet for the dnp LaserPanel that keeps the projector out of sight. The projector cabinet can be combined with side cabinets, so customers can create unique integrated display and storage solutions in a clean Danish design.
The new projector cabinet is part of a range of accessories for the dnp 100” LaserPanel display, which was introduced in 2015. Optimized for standard ceiling heights and room for 8 to 12 people, the 100” dnp LaserPanel is ideal for medium-sized meeting rooms, classrooms and training facilities.
The projector cabinet houses the laser projector. It has an electric door for easy operation. With the push of a button, the projector slides into projection mode. All side cabinets are half the height of the projector cabinet, making two side cabinets stacked on top of each other perfectly aligned with the projector cabinet. dnp denmark offers side cabinets with one, two or three compartments. The side cabinets come with one shelf and no front door as standard. Drawers, extra shelves and front doors in different materials and finishes, including fabric that allows sound and IR signals to pass through, can be ordered separately.
Here are the complete details.
dnp has configured three standard cabinet solutions that will fit most needs. Details about the standard configurations are available in the product specification sheet here. Leave a Comment
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NEC Display Integrates T1V NEC Display Solutions and T1V have started bundling products that include an NEC touch-interactive 55-inch, 70- inch or 80-inch display combined with the choice of T1V software. The bundles include either ThinkHub Base software, which provides two wireless device connections over a LAN network, or ThinkHub Standard software, which provides unlimited wireless device connections over any network in the world.
T1V’s ThinkHub is a configurable workspace that enables users to protect their meetings with passwords, take notes, use multi-touch web browsers, convene video conferences, and connect a multitude of devices wirelessly to the NEC displays. ThinkHub supports laptops, tablets and smart phones across all major platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS and Android through its AirConnect App. In addition, its Auto-Present Mode lets users leverage their own devices as presentation tools on the NEC digital screens.
Here are more details. Leave a Comment
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Christie Intros Budget-Friendly Displays Christie has introduced two new LCD flat panels as part of a new series, the FHD492-XV and FHD552-XV, which are versatile and rated for 24/7 use in control rooms of government facilities, public utilities, security and surveillance, telecommunications and transportation. These displays offer a combined 13-millimeter (6.5 mm per side) bezel for use in video walls and command and control operations.
The panels can combine with Christie Phoenix EP, which is also launching at ASIS International September 12-15 in Orlando, Fla. Christie Phoenix EP is a network-distributed processor that installs directly into compatible Christie displays. It’s a compact, cost-effective and highly scalable solution for managing content on video walls and distributed displays and is ideal for control room and other applications.
Christie says the displays will ship this November. More information on the FHD492-XV is here and on the FHD552-XV, here. Leave a Comment
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New Christie Phoenix EP Extends Phoenix Product Family Christie is expanding the Phoenix family of products with the launch of the Phoenix EP (Embedded Processor) this week.
A compact, scalable solution for managing content on single or multiple panels, the Phoenix EP installs directly into compatible Christie displays – which also provide power – and connects directly to a network using CATx cable. One Phoenix EP processes networked sources, decodes and manages audiovisual and data sources on up to two Christie flat panels. Phoenix EP streamlines system designs, and eliminates requirements for AV extension and distribution equipment.
Christie Phoenix EP is a network distributed processor that installs directly into compatible Christie displays. It’s designed for managing content on video walls and distributed displays and also works for applications such as control rooms, presentation rooms and digital signage displays. Offering the same powerful processing features as Christie Phoenix, Phoenix EP enables seamless access and control of audiovisual data from virtually anywhere, through a single, robust system.
Each Christie Phoenix EP connects directly to the network using Category cable, significantly lowering the costs associated with traditional dedicated AV distribution products. Featuring an easy-to-use interface and on-screen status, Christie Phoenix EP streamlines workflow and tasks associated with integrating and managing AV systems by dramatically reducing cabling, rack space and installation complexity and costs.
Here are the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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BenQ Intros MU686 3,500 ANSI Lumen DLP Projector BenQ America’s latest is the MU686, an WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution DLP projector that’s spec’d at 3,500 ANSI lumens and operates at only 28dB in eco mode. Integrate with a QCast Wi-Fi dongle, it provides full HD (1080p) wireless streaming at the touch of a button on both the projector and remote control. The MU686’s 1.3x zoom ratio provides up to a 300-inch-wide image projection. Furthering setup ease and installation flexibility, the MU686 features manual vertical keystone correction and a short throw ratio of 1.15, which enables the projector to be placed closer to the screen for greater flexibility.
Providing a low total cost of ownership, the projector features BenQ’s world-leading SmartEco technology, which automatically adjusts lamp power to deliver bright, vibrant images to conserve the life of the lamp. 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. The “Auto Power Off” function automatically shuts down the projector when not in use for 30 minutes. When inactive, the projector keeps power consumption to a minimum, less than 0.5 watts standby power, for even more energy savings.
The BenQ MU686 lists for $1,199. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Leyard Breaks 1-Millimeter Pixel Pitch Barrier — New 0.9-Millimeter Leyard TWA Series LED Video Wall MonitorLeyard just launched a 0.9-millimeter TWA Series LED video wall display. As you likely know, the pixel pitch of an LED display is the distance from the center of an LED cluster to the center of the next LED cluster, measured in millimeters.
The Leyard TWA Series 0.9mm joins the existing Leyard TWA Series line of fine pitch LED video walls available in 1.2, 1.4, 1.8 and 2.5 millimeter pitches. Leyard TWA Series LED displays are spec’d to use 35 percent less power than conventional LED displays. When the display is in standby mode with a black screen, it consumes up to 60 percent less power than the most power-efficient LED video wall displays on the market today.
The Leyard TWA Series is the first LED video wall solution to feature an innovative “flat panel” design that includes a 16:9 form factor optimized for the most popular high resolution standards. Leyard TWA Series displays are self-contained units with standard HDMI inputs and looping, along with optional redundant configurations. The larger 54-inch cabinet means more of the video wall is factory-aligned, easing the time and cost of installation with fewer displays to align and seams to perfect. The larger units also mean that fewer displays are needed to create a video wall, reducing the potential points-of-service.
The 0.9-mm Leyard TWA Series display specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Middle Atlantic Targets Peerless-AV, Chief and Sanus with New Display Mounts Called Vision SeriesMiddle Atlantic Products today announced a new category to its wide selection of infrastructure products. The Vision Display Mount (VDM) series is a lineup of 17 professional-grade display mounts providing safe, reliable mounting with professional features that enable efficient installations. Available in a selection of styles and profiles, most models offer integrators the means for reliably supporting technology behind the display right out of the box with the included Proximity Series Integrated Mounting Plate.
The Vision Display Mounts are available in a range of sizes and in fixed, tilt, motion and low-profile options, accommodating VESA patterns up to 800 mm. The series comes standard with post-install leveling for quick horizontal micro-adjustments of the display, safety features that keep the display securely attached to the mount during and after installation, and all the hardware needed to ensure a professional installation. The series’ motion mounts feature a 15- to 24-inch reach (depending on the model), tilt adjustment, wall plate cover and cable management built into the arms. An integrated kickstand facilitates ease of accessibility for servicing of the low-profile models.
Here are all the specs on all 17. Leave a Comment
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A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue, which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe [Publications] has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
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