Volume 8, Issue 10 — October 16, 2017
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Editorial Editorial Aeiforia Technos
- Thumbs on a Scale
Raymond Kent : Director of the Innovative Technology Design Group, DLR Group/Westlake Reed Leskosky
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A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Software Revolution
By Leonard Suskin Pixel and Ink-Stained Wretch
I’ve written time and again about the rise of software as opposed to dedicated hardware. About AV as a Service (AVaaS). About how all of those black and grey boxes we’ve come to know and love will soon disappear, to be replaced by services running on virtual machines. It isn’t just a rule about audiovisual, but a broad principle: Software eats hardware. So the boxes can go away.
Goodbye Barco Clickshare, hello Mersive Solstice app.
Goodbye Crestron control, hello Utelogy.
Goodbye hardware, hello software.
Goodbye Capital expenditures, hello operational expenditures.
A funny thing happened on the way to the software revolution — nothing.
Not only are boxes not disappearing, but they also aren’t the first choice when either option is available. Given the choice of the Mersive Solstice Pod and the Mersive host software on a PC, for example, clients most often choose the little box.
Why? And does that mean that we were wrong?
As always, the answer is that “it depends.”
For one example, let’s look at a software-based huddle room.
The huddle room seems a natural place to replace a hardware-based system with software. Logitech has even created all-in-one conferencing kits for small rooms consisting of a camera, remote and small form-factor PC to hide behind a display. It’s inexpensive. It’s elegant.
It’s also a difficult solution that only fits some enterprise environments. There are benefits, but also issues recurring issues which might not be ours to solve.
The first issue — and this will become an issue later when we talk about the Mersive Solstice application — is login management. If one is using a large conference room for a scheduled meeting, that room might be built into Outlook as a shared resource and booked for a planned meeting. Huddle spaces are more often used for ad-hoc meetings, and therefore less likely to be scheduled in advance. This leaves the user with a choice of having to log into the machine themselves (easy enough to do with domain logins for those within the organization and useless for those outside of it) or having the room rather than the individual make a call. It also means needing to clutter a small conference table with a wireless keyboard/mouse and making certain that that keyboard mouse is not misplaced or carried to a different room. It ALSO means that each huddle room houses one more PC for an IT department to maintain.
It might also mean having to make an exception to IT policies on acceptable and supported PC builds. Most organizations have standards, and those standards are more likely to be tower-configurations or laptops than the kind of small form-factor machine which fits behind a display. Not only are we giving the IT group something extra to support, we’re giving them something that might not fit their overall technology plan. There are also obvious issues with invited guest speakers. Do guest logins need to be created for guests to present content? Do they need someone else to login for them? These present operational and potentially security concerns.
Suddenly the elegant and simple solution is revealed to have more costs than we might expect, and not one that fits every organization. There are, of course, some organizations which are very much PC-centric. For those, an in-room computer is probably an excellent solution that fits their operation quite well. We need to remember that this isn’t everyone, and it’s hard to change how an organization works simply for the sake of saving capital expenses on their AV systems.
So wireless collaboration software is replaced with hardware, the system works as an AV system.
Can we build a software-based huddle room as described above, with a PC and a webcam and not depend on user laptops and other AV hardware? Not only can we, but for some environments we absolutely should. What it means — and the bigger discussion regarding InfoComm’s rebranding to AVIXA is wrapped up in this — is that our first questions should not be about display sizes and content-sharing platforms and technological infrastructure. Our first questions need to be about workflow.
How does the organization work? Collaborate in real-time? Save things to a central server and share via PCs? Do employees who spend half of their time out of the office exclusively use laptops, or do they remotely log-in to central machines? Those are the questions we need to ask if we are to focus on experiences. Leave a Comment
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A Roadshow By Any Other Name
By Joel Rollins rAVe Columnist
Well, as you have probably heard, our international trade association has changed its name. I have heard a lot of opinions about it this week (or at least been sent a lot of emoticons about it).
Those of you who have been around a while may know that this is not the first time we have gone through this exercise. I came into the business as a young kid in the mid-80s, when our organization was in the middle of changing its name from the National Audio Visual Association (NAVA) to the International Communications Industries Association (ICIA). Even as someone new to the industry at the time, I questioned the wisdom of the name change because I thought the organizational name didn’t say enough about what we do. Being the kind of guy I am, even though I was new, I had no compunction about expressing an opinion on the matter. My opinion was that audiovisual was changing, and we were simply redefining what it meant. I thought the NAVA name actually described us better. Many of my friends who heard our organization’s new name thought that I was in the telephony business. (Of course, now we ARE in the telephony business, but nobody knew it at the time.)
Sometime after that organizational name change, we also wound up changing the name of our tradeshow a couple of times. Briefly, we called it COMTEX. Since at the time the world’s largest electronics tradeshow was called COMDEX, once again I questioned the wisdom of the name. On this one, I turned out to be right, and after significant pressure we changed the name of the tradeshow once again — this time to InfoComm. I gave in on this one quickly, since the tradeshow name didn’t really matter much to me at the time. However, I still whined a lot in committee meetings about wanting to change the name of the organization back to NAVA. Looking back, it must’ve been around this time that I acquired my reputation as a curmudgeon.
So a couple of years passed, the industry grew and our tradeshow grew with it. In fact, due to the entry of larger players into our growing industry, and to the association hiring some exceptional tradeshow people, the tradeshow grew even faster, in many ways, than the association. This put us in the position of being recognized around the world by our tradeshow name, InfoComm, rather than by our organizational name. A number of my closest friends went to work for the association during this period of time, and I recall well their frustration with it. So, once again we undertook to change our name (or at least our public brand). And we went ahead and became known by the nebulous moniker InfoComm.
Time has passed, and thanks to the hard work of a lot of very talented people, the name InfoComm isn’t nebulous anymore. We have shows all over the world, and the tradeshow staff alone is larger than the entire association staff was when I joined. We have educational people who have redefined instruction in our industry, and a global organization rather than the little North American group we had in the 1980s.
So if you have read this far down the page, you’re probably getting the impression that I disapproved of all the name changing, and in theory I guess I did. But while the organization (under any name) has grown and developed, I have been along for the ride, writing, teaching, staging shows and loving the business that we are in. And during that time, I haven’t been shy about giving all of you my opinion. So here it is:
I love the new name.
The statement from the Association reads as follows:
“InfoComm International has changed its name to the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA). The change reflects AVIXA’s broadening mission to be an industry hub, while also acting as a catalyst for market growth beyond what has been thought of traditionally as professional AV.”
When I read it, I laughingly thought “finally, the trade association we have always needed!”
But as I thought about it, I realized that I had finally gotten what I had always asked for — a name for our association that comes much closer to describing what we actually do. Especially in the staging portion of the industry, what we do is to create integrated experiences using audiovisual technology. In fact, with all due respect to the rest of the business, rental and staging people do more to create integrated experiences than any other vertical. We have traditionally experimented more than the rest of the business with the services that we offer, and with the way that we offer those services. And they have always been services (experiences), rather than product sales. This will be a logo I will be proud to wear on a t-shirt, and one that will be much easier to explain to my friends outside the industry. I look at it not as something new, but as acknowledgment of what always has been.
There are going to be issues. It will be years before people stop calling the association InfoComm, and maybe they never will, since so much of our public face is the tradeshow, whose name (at least for now) will not change. And it remains to be seen where the association’s idea of “market growth” will take us.
But for today, we are the same group, with a new name that I feel describes us more closely. So I will close this, and go back to creating integrated experiences.
And I will have to look for something new to gripe about at committee meetings, I guess. Leave a Comment
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Thumbs on a Scale
By Raymond Kent Director of the Innovative Technology Design Group, DLR Group/Westlake Reed Leskosky
As this current administration in the United States continues to scrap policies from the previous administration based solely on scoring political points for a diminishing base rather than on sound social, science and economic sense, we see a further decline in the United States standing on the global stage related to environmental, social and even financial metrics. The latest debacle is the head of the EPA, Scott Pruitt, issuing a recommended rescinding of the Clean Power Plan. This Obama-era policy instituted the largest clean-energy sector growth in U.S. history and was a major boost in terms of putting the US on track to not only meet our stated goals of a 30 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2020, but placed us as a world leader in this effort. Additionally, the CPP directly tied into our commitment to the Paris COP21 Agreement in getting to our promised goals of reducing global warming.
Now there are those who think this policy shift does not affect them or their business. This could not be further from the facts. Businesses can often fall into a sense of security or tunnel vision embracing the belief that policy makers always have their best interests in mind and that this will allow them to continue to grow their companies without wading into the morass of policy debate. This is extremely self-delusional and can often economically destroy a company, even those who don’t feel their business is connected to the cleantech Industry.
When policy change or new policy announcements are made by the government, it’s in the best interest of individual companies to take a serious look at whether or not the policy shift will impact in a positive or negative way their interests. Is the policy shift going to impact their shareholder value or other obligations to investors or their customers?
Take the CPP as an example. This policy sets standards on the reduction of carbon emissions from existing power plants by 30 percent, provides investment capital in renewables while requiring a reduction in energy use of new products or the replacement of outdated inefficient products. It also mandates off lining outdated fossil fuel based power plants to be replaced by clean energy generation technologies. This strategy outlined a path forward to serious job creation in the cleantech industry while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. While there are certainly coal miners who are out of work, it has very little to do with this policy and more to do with market demand. Even when coal mines are reopened, or existing ones continue to operate, miners are still losing jobs because of technology that can replace the need for human labor. If a mine collapse and you only have machines in the mine, then liability goes down. The machines don’t require breaks, vacation time, sick leave, or expensive medical insurance because of the potential for black lung disease.
Additionally, these displaced coal miners have the opportunity to be retrained in the clean tech industry and many have taken advantage of this program offering high paying jobs without the safety risks of being in a mine. The cleantech industry now out employs the coal mining industry by a factor of sixteen with over 3,000,000+ workers in the cleantech industry compared to a total of 183,306 (Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016) in the coal mining industry and falling. Cleantech is one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. economy and this policy change could become a negative growth factor in this market resulting in layoffs and stagnant wages.
So now if your company does not take a serious look at how this policy impacts its financial health, then you may not be around long. Because of this reversal, with a heavy thumb on the scale weighted towards a dying industry, energy costs will rise as it becomes more expensive to extract coal, transportation costs will increase as fuel costs increase, pollution will increase with a reduction in the funding to support cleantech initiatives and cleanup efforts — and this is potentially up and down your entire supply chain. Additionally, if you are like us and in the Information Communications Technology Industry, you very well will see a reduction in sales of your product in an IoT connected world as demand for product can decrease because of the financial loss. There is the social aspect of it to with customer demand and shareholder expectations of corporate responsibility. You may be at a disadvantage if one of your suppliers or someone you supply to is impacted in a significant way.
So what can you do? Well for starters, pay attention to these policy changes and get involved to advocate for your business. In the case of the CPP the EPA will be soliciting public comment about their intention to reverse direction. This gives you the opportunity to reach the EPA directly by email (a-and-r-docet@epa.gov with Docket ID# EPA_HQ_OAR_2017-0355 in the subject line) and tell then your opinion about their proposed policy change. Let them know how many jobs this policy has created and where they are if that has happened in your company. Let them know how many companies are impacted within your supply chain. Let them know the cost savings the Obama era policy provides to your customers or the public health benefits and nation’s energy security. If you ship products overseas, then it will have an even greater impact on you as the European Union, the Middle East and Asia are all proponents of the CPP and signers to COP21 which may impact your sales to these foreign customers who might chose a different product that adheres to the Cleantech tenets. If you don’t know where to start or feel you are a small fish in a big pond then join an advocacy group or form one with like-minded companies or even your supply chain. Walmart is a great example of this. This is not the time to sit on the sidelines while policy changes happen that impact your company and your customers. Your customers are relying on you to have a voice. They already have one when they use their wallet. Leave a Comment
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Extron DMP 128 Plus Audio DSP Processors with VoIP Now Shipping Extron just announced the immediate availability of two more DMP 128 Plus models, completing this line of audio DSP processors. The DMP 128 Plus C V and DMP 128 Plus C V AT include up to eight VoIP lines, with standard and wideband codec support, that can be configured as individual extensions or with multiple call appearance channels to support local conferencing applications. Utilizing SIP 2.0 for the widest possible of compatibility with existing and new VoIP installations, a single V model of the DMP 128 Plus Series can be used as a multiple-line device with conference calling support on a single VoIP line. The DMP 128 Plus C V and DMP 128 Plus C V AT models offer network-specific VoIP configuration managed through a dedicated web interface, where real-time SIP transaction logs eliminate the need for network capture software. This segregation of VoIP configuration allows IT and network administrators to manage the VoIP functions of DMP128 Plus devices without the need to develop a detailed knowledge of audio DSP configuration.
The DMP 128 Plus Series is the next generation of Digital Matrix Processors featuring Extron ProDSP 64-bit floating point technology. DMP 128 Plus Series processors are equipped with 12 analog mic/line inputs, eight analog outputs, up to four channels of digital audio input and output via USB, up to eight audio file players and new configurable multi-device macros. An ACP bus makes it easy to connect one or more ACP Series audio control panels, offering an economical solution for audio system control.
For detailed information on VoIP technology and compatibility, go here. For information about the DMP 128 Plus Series, go here. Leave a Comment
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Barco’s A/V Control Solution Gets Upgrade Barco announced an update to its A/V control solution Overture. New automation features that allow users to better schedule events and automate behaviors are now available to existing and new customers.
Released in February 2017, Overture created a revolution in A/V control solutions. Because it’s an IP-based software system where any network-connected device can be controlled via a browser.
By introducing new automation features, Overture allows users to get the most out of their A/V Control systems. Overture’s ‘Behaviors’ enable the automatic creation of a task associated to a specific point (device, room, location). For example, an administrator can set a task to automatically switch on or off all the devices on the same floor at the end of the workday — without any programming. Moreover, the detection of the state of a variable can be used as a trigger for automation. For example, the moment a ClickShare button is plugged into a laptop, the projector will automatically power on and switch to the ClickShare source.
The ‘Scheduler’ capability now enables users to set certain actions at pre-defined times, such as turning off all devices at night to save electricity. With the addition of the Behaviors and Scheduler functions, a facility or IT manager can easily configure the system to enable the entire enterprise to be controlled with the click of a button or even execute tasks automatically at specific times.
You can learn about Overture here. Leave a Comment
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Vaddio Launches ConferenceSHOT FX Fixed USB Camera Vaddio is now shipping its new ConferenceSHOT FX Fixed USB Camera. The ConferenceSHOT FX is an enterprise-level camera that plugs into a USB port and works with major UCC soft-clients.
Designed for small conference rooms and huddle spaces, the ConferenceSHOT FX has an extra-wide 88-degree field of view to capture everyone in the meeting room. Its USB 3.0 output sends uncompressed, high resolution video over USB and is capable of 1080p/60fps for the smoothest video available.
ConferenceSHOT FX has a web-based user interface for remote configuration, management, and control. Its offers a 3x optical zoom with configurable presets and manual pan/tilt operation. Users can automatically or manually adjust image color, shading, backlight and wide dynamic range to optimize color for different settings.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Prysm Builds Apps for Windows Devices and iPhones; Simplifying Collaboration for AV Integrators Prysm today announced two new native apps for its digital workplace platform: one for Microsoft Windows 10-based devices using the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) and the other for iPhones. The new apps can be used with Prysm’s existing room and web-access solutions to provide a single user experience tailored to how connected teams and individuals visualize and work with their preferred devices, applications and content. Using Prysm increases user engagement by allowing quick, easy access for all participants, regardless of location. By allowing all participants to interact simultaneously with content, it creates the desired collaborative experience in which every meeting participant is fully engaged from beginning to end.
Prysm Desktop features and benefits:
- Collaborate within native apps on a shared digital workplace, regardless of location—an industry first
- Flexibility to tailor access to each individual’s style or place of work
- Easy movement of content from the desktop to a Prysm project within existing Windows functionality
- Seamless transitions between individual productivity tasks and team-based project work
- Maximizes existing and mixed IT infrastructures and technology investments
Prysm for iPhone features and benefits:
- Touch ID from the iPhone offers immediate, secure access to projects
- iPhone recognizes and connects users to in-room Prysm experiences, using PIN-based display login
- All users, including mobile users, can engage in projects in order to speed decisions
- Easily add files, content found from websites, or other apps on an iPhone to a shared workspace
- Participants can view any file associated with a project directly from an iPhone, without disturbing the view for others in the workspace
Users of Prysm’s meeting room and web-access solutions can continue to expect the same experience they currently enjoy today, or switch between web and app access as needed for maximum productivity and ease of use.
At general availability, the desktop app will support Microsoft Windows 10-powered devices, including laptops, Surface devices and the Surface Hub via UWP, with plans to expand to other platforms in 2018. The Prysm desktop and Prysm for iPhone apps are expected to be available by the end of Q4 2017. Here are all the details.
The company also announced its Autumn ’17 software release, featuring integration with six key identity providers to offer enterprises more control when issuing Prysm user licenses to employees.
Also, Gary Kayye got the exclusive scoop on this announcement this morning in a rAVe RADIO broadcast with David Schweer, the director of product marketing for Prysm, and you can listen to that here. Leave a Comment
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Dynacord Debuts PROMATRIX 6000 Public Address and Voice Evacuation SystemThe PROMATRIX 6000 Public Address and Voice Evacuation System from Dynacord now offers users new hardware and software features for enhanced functionality and use in larger applications. Using IP technology, PROMATRIX 6000 provides a highly flexible, reliable and secure system solution with superior audio quality and low latency. As installers can use existing networks in the building infrastructure, relying on IP technology also results in faster installations and lower implementation costs. Furthermore, PROMATRIX 6000 can be interconnected with other devices such as PCs or laptops over IP protocol, allowing for efficient remote control, diagnostics and maintenance via the Internet.
The PROMATRIX 6000 Public Address and Voice Evacuation System IP functionality and connectivity is achieved via the newly released Dante network interface module (OM-1). It is now possible to create a 16-channel Dante audio network between the individual controllers. This not only improves the size; the IP networking architecture allows users to create multi-controller network topologies for larger areas via up to four decentralized controllers. This also means less cabling – a big cost-saving factor in some applications. The PROMATRIX 6000 system from Dynacord can now address, at maximum configuration level, up to 984 zones with a total of 164,000 watts of amplifying power in one system, making the system suitable for bigger installations in which a large number of zones and loudspeakers are needed. It also caters to existing installations whenever the infrastructure of a building changes and additional rooms have to be addressed. In addition, the network configuration provides redundant channels for safety purposes – in case of an emergency these channels will always work for evacuation signals, even if a controller loses network communication.
The Dynacord PROMATRIX 6000 is a unique, high-quality Public Address and EN 54-certified Voice Evacuation System. The certification allows architects, planners and specifiers to fulfill mandatory requirements specified in many tenders. In addition to professional audio quality, PROMATRIX 6000’s highly adaptable system architecture makes it ideal for small- to mid-sized offices, regional airports, mid-sized hotels, factories, schools and department stores. PROMATRIX 6000 now also includes loudspeaker zone monitoring and 30 minutes of flash memory for recordings of evacuation-related communication.
Here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Barco and wePresent Upgrade Wireless Presentation System Barco announced an upgrade of the wePresent WiPG-1600 wireless presentation and collaboration system. This newer model now accommodates both wired and wireless connections thus users can switch between different networking solutions (wired LAN, wireless LAN, wired LAN + wireless LAN) to meet different facility needs.
Extra networking solutions are not the only bonus. The new WiPG-1600 also added on-screen annotation tools and virtual whiteboard and 1-to-many distribution makes it possible for the same content to be displayed on up to four separate screens simultaneously.
The USB document viewer/media player facilitates users to present without any PC/Mac/mobile devices, and power over Ethernet (POE) allows for more flexible device placement as no power adapter is required. Barco says that video streaming avoids frozen screens and thus ensures seamless sharing.
These new features, together with enhanced wireless security and the existing strong cross- platform capability (Windows, MacOS, Chrome OS, Android, iOS as well as Air-Play support), are an interesting development as Barco starts to shift wePresent from a separate company to a brand of Barco, themselves.
You can learn all about the WiPG-1600 here.
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Extron Adds to Huddle Room Line With New HC 404 Meeting Space Collaboration SystemExtron just introduced the HC 404, marketing it as an easy-to-use AV system solution for small collaboration environments. This switching transmitter and scaling receiver work together to extend video, audio, and power up to 230 feet over a single CATx cable. The HC 404 features two HDMI and one VGA input at the transmitter, and one HDMI input at the receiver. Built-in control capabilities facilitate automatic source switching, display control, and integration with occupancy sensors.
An Extron ShareLink wireless collaboration gateway can be integrated to support BYOD – Bring Your Own Device environments, enabling users to share content from a wide variety of personal mobile devices for effective collaboration. The HC 404 provides high quality extension of video and audio signals for maximum performance and reliability. Ethernet connectivity facilitates management, monitoring, and control of AV devices over a standard network infrastructure, while built-in control functionality eliminates the need for additional equipment. Designed for professional integration, the low-profile HC 404 transmitter and receiver enclosures are ideal for discreet placement in lecterns, beneath tables, behind a display or wherever the application requires.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Eiki Announces EK-815U 8500 Lumen Laser ProjectorEiki International has announced the new EK-815U WUXGA (1920×1200) laser projector. Spec’d at 8,500 lumens, a 100,000:1 contrast ratio and using both blue and red lasers, the EK-815U is IP6X Dust Ingress Test rating for long-term reliability. It’s aimed at both rental and install applications.
Compared to more traditional laser-based projection systems that incorporate a blue laser only, the addition of the red laser results in what Eiki claims is greater brightness (8,500 lumens with a 16:10 aspect ratio), a higher red color ratio without diminishing either blue or green performance and increased Gamut Area Ratio performance.
The new Eiki EK-815U includes content connection via LAN, HDBaseT, HDMI, VGA and USB.
Eiki’s EK-815U has both horizontal and vertical lens shift and keystone correction, edge blending and a warping engine. There are six optional lenses available for use with these systems, encompassing throw/width ratios from 0.36-15.24.
The EIKI EK-815U lists for $15,995 without a lens. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Altia Systems Just Blew Us Away By Adding HDR to 180° Panoramic-4K USB Video Camera System Altia Systems, creators of PanaCast 2 180° 4K Plug-and-Play video camera system, today launched PanaCast Vivid, a newly-developed real-time HDR (high dynamic range) technology being delivered as a fully integrated high performance engine running in the PanaCast Video Processor within the PanaCast 2 camera system, which automatically and continuously improves video quality under varying light conditions to enhance participants’ collaboration experience.
PanaCast Vivid is built with a patented biomimetic signal processing algorithm which enables the camera system to mimic how the human eye handles the vast changes in luminance in the real world by autonomously optimizing video quality in any lighting condition. It is particularly useful in environments with a high variation or dynamic range in luminance, as it automatically adjusts it to deliver an optimized video stream for any video conferencing environment. Vivid autonomously enhances contrast, displays realistic colors, shows details even in dark areas and delivers a video stream that mimics how the eye naturally perceives light.
PanaCast Vivid is now available here for a one-time $149 license per PanCast 2 device.
And details on the PanaCast Vivid license and features are here. Leave a Comment
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Crestron Adds Modular Amplifiers and Loudspeakers to Its Enterprise Audio Solutions Crestron announced today it has expanded its enterprise audio solutions with two new modular amplifiers, the AMP-225 and AMP-150-70 and its new line of Vector loudspeakers for large commercial spaces.
The AMP-225 (two channels @ 25 watts each 8 ohm) and AMP-150-70 (one channel @ 50W 70V) have EnergyStar certification, built-in fault protection, and modular construction. Using a slide-rail design and measuring a quarter-rack size, multiple units can be ganged together in a single rack space. These new amps can also be combined with Crestron half-rack amps, the AMP-1200 and AMP-2100, for a 1 RU solution, or surface-mounted under a table.
The new line of Vector medium-throw loudspeakers are designed for use in large commercial spaces, such as auditoriums, lecture halls, corporate town halls and divisible rooms.
Crestron says the Avia Audio Tool provides a workspace that streamlines audio design and programming. New controls and functions can be added on-the-fly so programmers no longer need to “re-wire and recompile” to make changes. Here are all the specs of each. Leave a Comment
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tvONE Ships IP Video Streaming Solution for CORIOmaster Video Processing SystemstvONE has announced the shipping of its Video Over IP solution for CORIOmaster video processing systems. The IP video encoder, Magenta Encoder-100 announced earlier this year, will begin shipping as well as the new 128 GB Streaming Media & 4K Playback Module. Along with these two new hardware additions, tvONE has also upgraded its system design software, CORIOgrapher, to version 2.5.
The new 128 GB Streaming Media & 4K Playback Input Module provides greater internal storage than the 16GB option, in addition to 2 network streams up to 1080p 60 at 25Mbps into the system, as well as provide for local playback of 4K UHD or 2x 1080p60 video files via USB3.0 and 128 GB high-speed internal Solid State Drive. The CORIOgrapher software update combines with the new Module, creating a self-contained creative video content ecosystem. Video systems powered by CORIOmaster can now utilize source material from nearly every possible source including video, IP streams and high resolution still images. 40 Mbs of total bandwidth allows this module to provide high-quality content to any video wall and projector edge-blend.
The Magenta Encoder-100 automatically pairs with CORIOmaster and the streaming media and 4K playback input module on IP networks using CORIOdiscover and CORIOgrapher v2.5. Manage all of your Encoder-100’s from your CORIOmaster and CORIOgrapher.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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FSR Ships Wire Marshall Under-Table Wire Management SystemFSR is now shipping its new Wire Marshall Under-Table Wire Management (WM-CMPT) System. Introduced earlier this year at InfoComm 2017 in Orlando, Fla., the new system offers clean and elegant cabling.
A complete solution for tying FSR’s table boxes to the company’s line of floor box and poke-thru solutions, the Wire Marshall system provides for clean and elegant cable management in table designs that lack a pedestal for hiding cables and power as they transition from the table boxes to the floor. The WM-CMPT system consists of the WM-UTC Under Table Channel for dressing cables horizontally along the table underside. Its unique shape and rubber like edge allows cables to enter and exit the channel at any point along its length. Each 22.5” track has mitered ends to create corners or allow cables to pass into the Cable Pathway (WM-CP). For longer custom installation, the 5’ long WM-UTC5 is available.
The WM-CP Cable Pathway provides a 25” to 30” adjustable height pathway from the table’s underside to the floor for an integrated solution for handling multiple low-voltage AV/Data and AC cables. The Wire Marshall Cable Pathway easily opens to allow the addition of low-voltage or AC cables each in their own divided section, providing an elegant and sturdy cable transport solution. The top of the Cable Path has a built in service loop storage area to neatly bundle excess cable.
The WM-LC Leg Channel is also available for dressing cables along the backside of a round table leg. FSR is here. Leave a Comment
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Bose Professional Ships EdgeMax In-Ceiling Loudspeakers with PhaseGuide Technology Bose Professional is now shipping its EdgeMax in-ceiling loudspeakers. EdgeMax loudspeakers feature proprietary Bose PhaseGuide technology, which BOSE says provides room-filling coverage while improving overall sound quality compared to the performance of conventional ceiling loudspeakers. Designed for mounting near wall boundaries, EdgeMax loudspeakers project high-frequency sound throughout rooms up to 65 feet (20 m) wide using only perimeter mounting locations, and can effectively cover an area that would require up to four conventional conical-coverage models. EdgeMax loudspeakers can eliminate the need for conventional ceiling speakers mounted in the center of rooms, or surface-mount loudspeakers mounted on walls. And because of their unique design and consistent coverage pattern, EdgeMax loudspeakers reduce the total number of in-ceiling loudspeakers required, enabling installers to move efficiently through the installation, creating great-looking and great-sounding end results. Additionally, EdgeMax loudspeakers are designed to produce intelligibility for speech and full-frequency response for music, making them ideal for retail, commercial, industrial, institutional and conferencing applications.
EdgeMax in-ceiling premium loudspeakers are available with two different horizontal coverage patterns. EdgeMax EM90 models provide nominal 90-degree horizontal coverage and are intended for in-ceiling mounting near room corners. EdgeMax EM180 models provide nominal 180-degree horizontal coverage and are intended for in-ceiling mounting near wall boundaries centered along target coverage zones. Both models feature 75-degree asymmetrical vertical coverage, which is optimized for ceiling heights between eight feet and 20 feet.
Features of EdgeMax in-ceiling premium loudspeakers:
- PhaseGuide technology provides a unique asymmetrical vertical pattern for room-filling coverage when mounting near wall-ceiling boundaries.
- Provides improved room visual appearance for demanding interior designs by eliminating center-of-ceiling or wall-mounted loudspeakers
- High-frequency compression driver for best-in-class audio quality with superior frequency response and coverage consistency versus typical dome tweeters
- Eight-inch woofer with wall-boundary loading, provides extended bass impact
- Two-way passive crossover with 70V/100V transformer
- New auto-hold, spring-loaded mounting arms for fast, easy installs
- Magnetically attached grill for quick access to wiring and tap settings
- Coverage pattern similar to a surface-mount loudspeaker enables stereo designs
- UL1480A listing for air-handling (plenum) space installation
EdgeMax in-ceiling premium loudspeakers are already shipping. Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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Comprehensive Intros CHE-HDBT2010 4K 18G HDBaseT Extender Kit Comprehensive Connectivity Company has launched its new CHE-HDBT2010 4K (18Gbps) HDBaseT Extender Kit. Comprehensive’s HDBaseT Extender supports 18G Ultra-High-Definition (UHD) 4K@60Hz 2160p and can extend HDMI signals up to 70 meters (230 feet) to a compatible display. This kit is designed to convert HDMI signals to a standard HDBaseT signal and transmit it over a single Ethernet (Cat5e or higher) cable. It also supports bi-directional POC, so there is no need to run additional power. The kit also includes two IR receivers and two transmitters, allowing for bidirectional infrared control of a connected HDMI source and display.
Here are the features:
- HDMI 2.0b (18Gbps), HDCP 2.2 and DVI compliant
- Video Resolutions up to 4K@60KHz (YUV 4:4:4)
- Bi-Directional POC, either TX or RX is powered by included power supply
- 10-bit HDR pass through
- HDMI High Bit Rate (HBR) audio pass through
- CEC bypass
- LPCM 2CH, Dolby Digital 2/5.1CH, DTS 2/5.1CH
- Transmission Distance (Cat6): 4K at 60Hz 4:4:4 up to 40 meters, 1080p at 60Hz up to 70 meters
- Kit includes transmitter and receiver
- RoHS Certified
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Atlona Finally Ships VelocityAtlona announced that Velocity is now shipping and available through Atlona partners and dealers worldwide. Velocity was introduced as a networked AV control platform for Atlona and third-party products in commercial AV environments ranging from individual meeting rooms up to an entire campus or enterprise. Key benefits include fast, configuration-based, highly intuitive AV control systems, with centralized management for multiple clients and site installations and full redundancy capability that avoids downtime anywhere in a client’s AV control installation. Its innovative network-based system architecture supports unprecedented scalability limited only by the capacity of the facility’s IT backbone. Velocity is comprised of three distinct elements that work together as a single, unified platform: - Velocity Control Gateway is a software and IP-based control processor designed for several AV systems over a network. Atlona offers the Velocity Control Gateway as a server appliance that can interface with up to 250 devices,or as software for hosting on IT server infrastructure to serve up to 5,000 devices. This expandability, unmatched by traditional AV control processors, is unprecedented in scale and value. An IP-based system architecture with automatic failover allows full redundancy in facilities with two Gateways in operation. All control system setup and management are available by accessing the Gateway through a web browser.
- Velocity Touch Panels, available in 5.5” and 8” screen sizes that include hardware for wall or surface mounting, and support for standard PoE, enable seamless user operation and interaction with AV systems. Additionally, the Velocity Control System allows easy BYOD integration with tablets, smartphones and laptops, as well as PC desktops and touch displays. The web-based graphical user interfaces are automatically generated by the Velocity Control Gateway during system configuration and then are easily accessible to the touch panels or BYOD user devices. Velocity includes pre-built and customizable GUI themes with intuitive static and dynamic visual elements.
- Velocity Cloud is a centralized online resource for AV integrators, AV/IT administrators, tech managers and technicians to remotely configure, monitor, and service Velocity Control Systems for their clients. Velocity Cloud enables access to a client’s Velocity installation from anywhere worldwide through a web browser. It empowers integrators with a host features to deliver premium technical support through system setup and troubleshooting, continuous system monitoring, event notifications, instant alerts, system backup and restoration, software and security updates, usage reporting, analytics and much more. Velocity Cloud provides an essential foundation for offering managed services to clients.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships Four-Channel DTP Output Card for Quantum Ultra with Selectable DTP / XTP / HDBaseT Output Modes Extron is shipping the new Quantum OUT4DTP, a four-channel DTP output card for the Quantum Ultra video wall processor. The Quantum OUT4DTP card sends video signals up to 330 feet (100 meters) over shielded CATx cable. In four-channel mode the unit supports resolutions up to 2K. Dual-channel mode supports two single path 4K/30 signals, while single-channel mode supports one dual-path or quad path 4K/60 signal. Output format selection provides a choice of DTP, XTP or HDBaseT output modes. Power insertion on the Quantum OUT4DTP enables remote powering of DTP receivers, eliminating the need for separate power supplies at the remote units. Bidirectional RS232 and IR insertion provides control of AV devices by transmitting data alongside the video signal over DTP connections, allowing the remote device to be controlled without the need for additional cabling.
Quantum Ultra is a modular 4K video wall processor with high-performance scaling and windowing technology which accommodates a wide range of applications. It features the Extron Vector 4K scaling engine and HyperLane video bus capable of carrying a multitude of high-resolution sources for unmatched real-time performance. A single processor can support multiple video walls with mixed resolutions and screen orientations, providing flexible system design with minimal complexity and cost. Portrait and landscape output support, output overlap, mullion compensation, and custom output resolutions provide compatibility with nearly any display technology. RS232 and Ethernet interfaces provide direct connections for control systems. Quantum Ultra’s configurability, features and performance make it a future-ready solution for any video wall application.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Barco’s New 4K F80 Laser Projector Is Aimed at Museums and Large VenuesTo complete its offer for the fixed installation market, Barco is extending its F-series platform with a flexible new projector, the F80. Marketed as “the silent” F,” it’s designed for museums and venues that require brightness under 10K lumens, 24/7 up-time and 4K resolution (4096×2400).
The F80 builds on the fundamentals of the other Barco F-series phosphor laser projectors. The constant brightness and long-life color performance is managed by Barco Pulse’s unique Single Step Processing (SSPTM) technology that delivers 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) resolution in only one step. So users can offer their audiences a sharper image and much higher overall image quality with less latency compared to other products on the market.
The Barco F80 will be available from the fourth quarter of 2017. The F80 specs are here. Leave a Comment
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ProAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
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A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue, which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe [Publications] has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
Everything we publish is Opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship ePublication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA and launched in February 2004, is, by far, the largest ePub in the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
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