Volume 8, Issue 12 — December 8, 2015
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Interactive Boards — Are We Getting There?
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
Sara Abrons’ November 23rd post on rAVePubs.com about Nureva’s Span classroom collaboration system struck a chord with me. With all of the talk of collaboration spaces over the past couple of years, I have yet to see a product that truly enables collaboration. To me, collaboration means everybody, interactively working on a work product at the same time. The best example I can think of that I would define as collaboration is Google Docs. Multiple people can edit a document, it tracks changes, and you can see what other people are doing live. One person, putting their computer up on a large display, and everyone else talking about, in my opinion, is not true collaboration.
While I love Google docs, and use it almost exclusively, the problem with it is that it is somewhat limiting in that you can have a document, or an spreadsheet, but you can not have a whiteboard. Ahh, the classic analog whiteboard. How amazing are they, really? You can write on them, make charts on the them, put sticky notes on them. Then you can easily adjust them all and change them as you see fit. Additionally, you can truly collaborate as anyone can walk up to the board at any time and move things around.
So, when we talk about digital collaboration, do we have a solution in search of a problem? If whiteboards are so great, why don’t we just continue to use them? The problem with whiteboards is that they are only useful when you are standing right in front of them. If you want to refer to notes an hour after the meeting, you need to go back to the board and hope it is not erased. Or, you can take a picture with your phone. Except, you can not edit those. My group is experiencing this right now as we try to initiate stand up meetings. We want to be able to refer to metrics, projects, etc. as we have these daily meetings. A white board can be put in the space we meet, but we are in different buildings, and are only in that one space for the 15 minutes that we meet. Therefore, the board is not an active tool for us.
Back to Sara’s column and Nureva Span collaboration system — I have not used, or even seen this product in person. However, from the promotional material it seems to be getting very close to what is needed. The product seems to allow multiple users to add content to a virtual whiteboard from their own device. Also, with interactive screens users can walk up to the display and adjust, add and edit what is there. Just like a REAL whiteboard. This is much closer to what people are used to doing, and comfortable with. What is not clear to me is the level of interaction when the “meeting” or “class” is over. For example, I can not tell if I would be able to view the entire whiteboard remotely, or if I can only add something to it, but the whole thing can only be seen on the large interactive screen.
The other issue I see with this product, is what I don’t see. A price. It seems to me that this software, along with all the hardware and advanced installation requirements, would put this out of the range of all but the most wealthy of schools. That is OK for now, as we know this is how new products hit the market, improve, get competitors and start to lower prices. I, for one, am ready for the day where a product such as the Nureva sits behind every monitor and digital sign on a campus. Leave a Comment
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How Often Do Your Proposals Result in a Sale?
By Omar Prashad rAVe Blogger
As integrators, how many of us know exactly what it costs for each proposal we produce? I don’t have any empirical data, but from having had the privilege of doing this for almost 15 years, my anecdotal answer would be: very few. I know, I know — everyone thinks his own are great and his ‘way of doing it’ is leap-years beyond what the competition is doing. I beg to differ: The only thing that matters is the value perceived by the customer and 99 percent of the proposals I see are what I call ‘Look at me’ documents. We have to stop what we’re doing and put ourselves in the customer’s shoes.
What if we change our thinking for a minute and consider the cost of producing a proposal? Through the lens of cost perhaps I can inspire you to change your ways. Let’s think about the cost of producing a proposal as three separate buckets.
In the first bucket, we have the basic tangible physical costs of producing a proposal. These are things as basic as the cost of paper, marketing materials and printer ink. It’s easy to figure out how full the first bucket is; these are all costs that as integrators we understand and that are so miniscule that we don’t really need to consider them (unless any of you out there are delivering proposals on gold-leaf in which case we need to have an entirely different conversation). In the next bucket are our labor input costs. How much actual time does the account manager have invested in meeting the customer and creating the opportunity? How much time does our engineering team take in designing the proposed solution? Although these are proposal input costs that could be easily calculated, the reality is they often aren’t. The last bucket is the one that most integrators don’t consider at all, and it’s the one that has the biggest potential cost impact: the opportunity costs. Our most valuable resource is time; dedicating the time to create, deliver and follow up on a proposal means that we don’t have time to do something else. Opportunity costs represent a choice, choosing one activity over another and choosing one potential customer over another.
Using this ‘buckets’ framework, without even considering opportunity costs (which are difficult to quantify), producing a typical proposal probably costs somewhere around $200 – $400. A larger, more complex system can have proposal costs that climb well over $1,000 and even upwards of $10,000. Not a large sum on its own for most of the proposals that are being created, but when you consider that most integrators track and subconsciously incentivize sales teams on ‘net new opportunities generated’ or worse yet ‘number of proposals delivered,’ the costs of proposals can really add up. For the most part people do what they are measured on. This can lead to a system where our sales teams will put a proposal out to any warm body without properly qualifying and understanding the customer’s needs.
The first step is to change our thinking from proposal quantity to proposal quality. So the question becomes how do we create and deliver proposals that have a higher chance of acceptance? Most of the customer-facing proposals that I see are at one of two extremes. Either a proposal is a detailed parts list with line item pricing and no more, or a proposal is a comprehensive 40+ page dissertation that would rival the reading material burden for most graduate level MBA programs. The truth is both of these versions are actively losing you more business than they are winning.
Let’s take the encyclopedic version first. The problems here are what I’ll call kitchen sink-esque: The integrator includes every single piece of potentially relevant information that it has ever produced, from case studies to awards to resumes of key personnel to fancy cover pages signed by company executives. But length isn’t even the core issue here, it’s that everything is delivered from the perspective of the integrator, not the customer. It is all about how great we are, what we have done, our history, our certification and our achievements and awards. Here is a cold hard truth that many of you will struggle to believe: Our customers don’t care about that stuff. They care about what we can do for them, how we can improve their outcomes and how we provide them value unique to their needs. I consider great references, certifications and all of that other junk basic table stakes. You need them to get access to the game but once you’re at the point of proposal, it doesn’t matter anymore. We are selling technology that in theory is supposed to make our customers lives better, easier and faster. Do you really think that any of our customers are actually reading the entire proposal dissertation? Do you really think that the busy executive budget sponsor in your Fortune 500 account is looking at any of it?
Side note — in the context of an RFP, this sort of proposal diarrhea may be required. Although I don’t believe that responding to RFPs is a legitimate strategy for sustained and profitable growth (another one of those topics for another day).
On the other end of the spectrum, you’ve got the proposal as a one-page parts list that almost always uses very technical equipment descriptions and AV industry acronyms. On a personal note, I loathe those in our family of integrators that are still delivering a detailed parts list as the only component of their customer proposals (and while I’m a huge advocate for not delivering a detailed parts list at all within the context of a well presented proposal, it’s much less offensive). Those that are doing this, please help the AV industry out and stop immediately. We spend so much time thinking about and talking about strategies to differentiate ourselves in pro AV, how to move ourselves away from being seen as movers of product and how to show our customers that we’re valued partners (instead of transactional vendors). Every time a one-page parts list proposal is delivered to a customer, our entire industry is being pulled backwards. Let’s think about it from another perspective. We’ve all bought cars. Have you ever bought a car where on the proposal was every nut, bolt, belt and washer that went into making the car? The last time you bought a laptop was every microchip, wire and connector detailed? And when you buy a house, does the invoice itemize every nail, screw, sheet of drywall and shingle? Obviously the answer is no — we buy those things because of what they do for us as consumers. They fill a need that we have, one that’s Gestaltist (the whole being greater than the sum of its parts). Isn’t an integrated AV system the very definition of this?
So what are some actionable items that we can take as integrators to increase the likelihood of our system proposals being accepted? Here are some quick tips on how to produce proposals that have a higher chance of resulting in business. It will often take a strategic shift in priorities, and it will definitely take some effort, but let’s remember that we’re not in the business of proposal writing — we’re in the business of delivering impactful AV systems for our customers.
- The entire proposal needs to be from the perspective of the customer – What it does for the customer, what value it provides, and how it addresses her very specific need. I call this the project value proposition, which is separate from the scope of work and should be the first thing the customer sees in the proposal.
- The power of options – This is a topic for another day, but the gist of it is providing the customer options that changes her thought process from, ‘Should I hire them?’ to ‘How should I engage with them?’
- Scope of Work – A non-technical, simplified narrative on how the system will operate. Give it to your 11 year old son, if he doesn’t understand what the system will do, your scope is ineffective.
And most importantly, don’t ever deliver a proposal to a customer without first having an agreed upon and scheduled time to meet with her and review. If I was going to deliver a proposal on a Tuesday, I would first make sure that I had a meeting scheduled with the customer on Friday morning at 10 a.m. to discuss and review (this is a specific time and meeting, ‘I’ll call you on Friday to follow up’ isn’t sufficient). Don’t throw the proposal out there into the black hole. As I mentioned earlier, as the integrator, we assume a costly and time consuming burden to design the system and produce a proposal. We are partners with our customers, we need them (for obvious reasons), and we have to remember that they need us – the relationship is always that of equals. If we’re going to invest time in designing a system that fulfills their needs, we need to have mutual expectations of the partnership. One of those is a scheduled meeting time to follow-up and review the proposal. In my world, if the customer won’t commit to that, we won’t produce a proposal for them. Remember opportunity costs — our time is better spent on customers who understand that our relationship is that of a partners.
Too many integration firms boast proudly of their fantastic proposals, of which the content was unfortunately often written by owners, managers and executives that are furthest away from the customer and who don’t understand that our only purpose as integrators should be to solve a customer’s unique needs (which often have to be translated from the ‘wants’ that they communicate). Everyone should be proud of his own firm’s accomplishments; we’ve all done some really fantastic work. But in the context of the customer proposal, remember the only thing that our customers really care about is how we will fulfill their needs.
It’s not about us… it’s all about them. Leave a Comment
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Hall Research UH2X-P1 Extender Handles Uncompressed HDMI, USB & LAN SignalsHall Research has introduced the UH2X-P1 extender for HDBaseT 2.0 that they say sends uncompressed HDMI, USB 2.0, Ethernet, RS232, IR and PoE over a single CAT5e/6 cable. The extender kit includes a transmitter and receiver.
The extender is spec’d to support all PC and HDTV resolutions including 4K (UHD) and can extend video along with IR, RS232, USB, and IP using a single run of CAT5e/6 cable up to 100 meters (330 feet) — however, no color bit depth specification is listed. The PoH/PoE compliant extender includes a power supply that plugs to the transmitter end. The receiver gets its power through the Cat6 cable per IEEE802.3af standard as required by HDBaseT Alliance. The receiver includes an integrated two-port USB 2.0 Hub, making it perfect for remote KVM applications. The USB extension is transparent to the PC Host and requires no drivers or software.
In addition, the UH2X-P1 features audio return from receiver to the sender. The source for the independent audio return path is user selectable. It can be either from the ARC pin of the HDMI output connector (ARC signal from the connected TV) or from a separate SPDIF audio input connector available on the Receiver.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Nureva Announces Two New Versions of Span Classroom Collaboration SystemNureva just announced two models of the Span classroom collaboration system, the WM210e and the WM220e. Aimed at classrooms, media centers and innovation labs, the Span classroom collaboration system draws upon familiar, simple and flexible tools already widely used in paper-based creative processes in the classroom including sticky notes, sketches, images and flip charts. The system uses a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model to enable collaboration on an expansive 40′ (12.2 m) digital canvas. Students create their input on their personal devices, either a computer or a tablet, and share it on the digital canvas in the cloud. The single-projector WM210e model or dual-projector WM220e model transforms classroom walls into a 10′ or 20′ (3.1 m or 6.1 m) interactive panoramic workspace for small-group or whole-class collaboration on the digital canvas.
The Span system is ideal for developing 21st-century skills including creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Students use their personal devices to capture their thoughts and when ready, they add these ideas to the shared virtual canvas that is accessed online and projected in panoramic view on a wall. A group or an entire class can then work together to classify, discuss, debate and refine ideas. Everyone’s contributions are visible, enabling all students to actively participate in discussions and learning. Best of all, collaboration doesn’t end when class does. One session can easily lead to further exploration, and students can continue to work on the canvases in real time from other computers, tablets or large-format interactive displays anywhere.
The canvas offers 40′ (12.2 m) of digital space (10′ [3.1 m] visible on the WM210e model and 20′ [6.1 m] visible on the WM220e model) that can be panned horizontally. Students and teachers contribute content in the form of notes, sketches, flip charts and images, and organize content by moving and grouping.
A variety of apps are available for students and teachers to access the service using Span hardware as well as tablets (iOS 8.1+, Android 4.4+), laptops, Chromebooks and a variety of large-format displays, such as interactive whiteboards, interactive projectors and interactive flat-panel displays connected to computers (Chrome v.44+ and Windows 8.1+).
Multiple types of digital artifacts can be created on a personal device or at the canvas, such as:
- Note – A digital 5″ x 3″ (12.7 x 7.6 cm) note allows students to enter up to four lines of text
- Sketch – A digital 12″ x 9″ (30.5 x 22.9 cm) page for sketching comes with three different ink colors and an eraser
- Flip chart – A large digital 30″ x 42″ (76.2 x 106.7 cm) flip chart for capturing notes and questions comes with three different ink colors, a highlighter and an eraser. One flip chart can contain multiple pages.
- Image – Any screen capture, photo or stored image can be contributed to the canvas
The HD panoramic projector creates an ultra-wide display in a 16:6 aspect ratio at 3000 lumens. A contrast ratio of 1800:1 (native)/10,000:1 (APM) provides consistent, high-performance color and a rich viewing experience. Solid-state illumination (SSI) means instant-on/off and no costly bulbs to replace, delivering the same 25,000 hours of useful life as most flat-panel displays. Touch and pen interactivity are provided by a touch module at each projector, supporting simultaneous multiuser and multitouch activities.
The image-alignment module joins the two images of the two-projector WM220e model together through an on-screen alignment process performed at the time of installation to create one seamless 20′-wide (6.1 m) image.
Both the WM210e and the WM220e are already shipping. Here are the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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BTX Technologies and Visionary Solutions Collaborate on a New Line of Dante ProductsBTX Technologies and Visionary Solutions have announced a collaboration in which they will offer a new line of Dante enabled products (as you likely know, Dante is the networking standard for multi-channel digital media networking technology with near-zero latency and synchronization).
The first new product in the Dante offering is a PoE+ Network Amplifier. This subcompact 5 watts (4/8ohms) per channel network amplifier with Dante input is powered with PoE+, so no external power supply is required. It’s a robust unit suitable for industrial, commercial and Pro A/V installations. The amplifier is easily deployable and enables precise control of sound. Two independent channels can be sourced using any Dante audio on the network by using the Audinate Dante Controller or other third party software. It will list for $499.
Two additional products will be available in December. The first is a very small form factor 2-Channel Line Level On-Ramp and a 2-Channel Line Level Off-Ramp. The On-Ramp provides two channels of balanced line level audio inputs to Dante networks using XLR connections and the Off-Ramp provides two channels of line level balanced audio output from Dante networks using XLR connections. Because these units have such a small footprint, they can be used just about anywhere. Using these solutions is a quick and easy way to expand an existing installation or provide audio in constantly changing environments including hospitality or rental and staging settings. Both will list for $395.
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Extron AV to USB Scaling Bridge ShipsExtron Electronics is shipping the MediaPort 200, an HDMI to USB bridge for integrating pro AV sources or systems with software codec conferencing applications. It works seamlessly with a computer using generic USB video and audio drivers. The MediaPort 200 features an HDMI input with HDCP-compliant loop through, accepts signals up to 1920×1200, and scales video to a USB 2.0 output. Audio features include program and mic inputs, HDMI audio de-embedding, and USB bidirectional audio, plus AEC reference and line level outputs. The MediaPort 200 also includes DSP with EQ, filters, mixing, dynamics and ducking. This allows the MediaPort 200 to serve as a complete soft codec interface, with the added flexibility of integrating into larger hardware codec or DSP systems. The MediaPort 200 enables versatile integration of conferencing PCs into pro AV system designs.
The MediaPort 200 bridges the gap between simple Webcam-to-computer solutions and traditional hardware videoconferencing systems. For small meeting spaces with just a PC and display, the MediaPort 200 is ideal for enhancing audio and video quality by adding support for professional-grade equipment such as videoconferencing PTZ cameras, boundary microphones and sound reinforcement systems. In boardrooms and large conference rooms, the MediaPort 200 easily integrates a conferencing PC into a fully equipped AV system with video distribution and processing, control, DSP, microphones and full sound reinforcement.
To ensure an HDMI source is presented with the highest possible image quality to a soft codec, the MediaPort 200 incorporates Extron video processing technology, specifically engineered for high performance image scaling and frame rate conversion that preserves detail and legibility of source content. The DSP in the MediaPort 200 is ideal for optimizing mic and program source signals, as well as outgoing signals bound for the PC, sound reinforcement systems, or outboard DSPs. The MediaPort 200 can also deliver far-end audio as a dedicated AEC reference output to an AEC-equipped DSP, to provide distributed AEC processing for several microphones.
Here are the tech details. Leave a Comment
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Altinex Debuts TNP530 Retractable BoxAltinex’s new TNP530 Tilt ‘N Plug retractable tabletop interconnect box is designed for mounting into tables, podiums, or other furniture. The new TNP530 includes dual 12 Amp U.S. power receptacles, two USB ports, retractable VGA and HDMI video ports / cables, one RJ-45 network connector, and a 3.5 mm audio connector. The TNP530 incorporates Altinex’s RT300 Series retractable cable systems for both VGA (RT300-121) and HDMI (RT300-125) video connections.
The TNP530 interconnect box’s input plate is accessed by pushing down on the top cover. The unit then auto-tilts open with assistance from an internal spring. Once open, the input plate remains securely in place. The input plate is hidden, or closed, by pressing down on the top cover until the latching mechanism engages. In its closed position, the top panel lies flush with the table’s top.
The Altinex TNP530 lists for $935.00. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Comprehensive Connectivity Introduces New Pro AV/IT Lightning CablesComprehensive Connectivity has debuted a new line of Pro AV/IT Lightning Cables with what they say is professional grade construction.
Unlike ordinary consumer cables, Comprehensive Pro AV/IT Lightning cables feature a heavier, more durable overall construction as well as dedicated strain relief where the cabling meets the connector to prevent the cable from coming apart. These cables also feature Comprehensive’s exclusive Surelength indicators that clearly indicate the length of each cable right on the connector mold making them perfect for all Pro AV/IT applications where Apple products are used.
Comprehensive’s Pro AV/IT Lightning Cables are MFI certified and can connect an iPhone, iPad or iPod to a computer’s USB port for syncing and charging or to the Apple USB Power Adapter for convenient charging from a wall outlet.
Features include:
- Lightning male to USB A male
- Surelength indicators on the connector heads
- Compatible with all Lightning devices
- Apple MFi certified
- RoHS compliant
- UL Rated cable
- Available in 3-foot, 6-foot and 10-foot lengths
- Lifetime warranty
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Dukane Enters Huddle/Collaboration Furniture MarketKnown primarily for its educational product line, Dukane is staking a claim in the meeting room market with an integrated collaboration table dubbed the DCT6. The Dukane Collaboration Table (hence, DCT) is billed as an affordably-priced model with adjustable height legs. Dukane is not only aiming it at schools, but as a huddle space piece. Built-in electric allows for power and charging (included) and an integrated flat panel mount accommodates up to a 55″ display. It’s all on casters so it can be wheeled and set-up anywhere.
Here are all the specifics. Leave a Comment
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K-array Ships Three New SpeakersK-array’s KU26 compact subwoofers, integrated with one 6” Neodymium transducer and one 6” passive radiator, are now shipping. With a frequency range of 45Hz to 300Hz, the KU26 is a companion for the K-array Lyzard, Vyper and Tornado speakers. Its Neodymium transducer has a double voice coil (16 Ω + 16 Ω) for selectable impedance settings allowing users to combine up to eight KU26 units powered by just one channel of the KA84 amplifier.
The KU26 has been designed to extend the low range in small to medium size rooms. Applications vary from hotels and churches to pubs and restaurants as well as stores and conferences.
K-array has also created a thin subwoofer to complement the Slim Array Technology incorporated in its speakers. The KU44 line array element is an extremely compact, array-able bass element designed to combine with mid-high speakers to provide a full range frequency response with prodigious output in a virtually invisible profile.The line source sub has a frequency range of 50 Hz to 150Hz and is comprised of two 4” Neodymium transducers and two 4” passive radiators engineered for maximum linear excursion and minimum residual noise. For easier use and integration with all KA amplifiers, the KU44 allows the user to choose between two different values of impedance (8/32 Ω). At 32 Ω, as many as eight KU44 units can be powered off a single KA amplifier channel.
KU44 is made entirely of steel, making it extremely resistant even when deployed outside in tough weather conditions. This is ideal for water-front environments where ordinary bass speakers would corrode. It is also impregnable by foreign objects like dust, sand or water, which over time can damage an ordinary audio element. A variety of dedicated hardware accessories provide architects with numerous mounting options for permanent and portable installations best suited for theaters and other venues where invisible line arrays are ideal.
Installing a line array of KU44 subwoofers at the side or behind a line array of Kobras creates a full-range sound source with true line array characteristics down to 50 Hz.
The KA14 is a versatile amplifier, easily adaptable for small applications that do not require a lot of power. Responding to the need of a simple solution for those who do not have a lot of additional resources, the KA14 is a complete system with a mixer, processor and amplifier.
The KA14 features four fully independent and configurable output channels (four 300-watt channels @ 4 Ω). The integrated DSP offers EQ, Matrix, Levels, Delays and a Limiter to avoid the need for external additional processors. The front panel has an easy-to-use touchscreen that gives access to all the basic functions for quick setup and corrections. The KA14 can be used as a mixer for fixed installations thanks to the XLR and RCA analog inputs.
An onboard K-array speaker preset library provides configuration for endless combinations of the Lyzard, Vyper, Tornado and Rumble loudspeakers. All DSP functions are remote controlled via the K-framework software over USB connector. The amplifier is built into a 2U lightweight, aluminum chassis and come with a kit of removable rack adapters and four rubber pads for flat surfaces. KA amplifiers feature optical limiters, and protection against overheating, overcurrent and short circuits.
More information on K-Array products is here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Introduces Entwine EMP, an Enterprise Media Platform for Lecture CaptureExtron just launched its first new product since its acquisition of Entwine this summer — the EMP, an integrated end-to-end software solution that facilitates the capture, management and playback of media files from meetings, lectures and other live events. With Entwine EMP, previously recorded media files can be added to the system, ensuring current as well as archived recordings are accessible from a single platform. Content is cataloged and optimized for distribution or VOD – Video On Demand playback, and management of content and devices across the entire enterprise is provided by a dedicated administrative dashboard. Students and end-users access scheduled or ad hoc recorded media through a customizable user portal or through a LMS – Learning Management System.
Extron’s Entwine EMP works easily with Extron SMP 351 Series Streaming Media Processors to record and process content. Content management features allow cataloging, searching, and editing across a host of media file formats using Entwine EMP’s administrative or user portal, saving time and effort. Integration with various external databases such as LDAP/AD, makes it easy to create and manage user groups and role management. Entwine EMP can also edit and enhance videos, including trimming, splitting, combining and adding closed captioning.
The Extron EMP is here. Leave a Comment
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KLIK Intros New Wireless HD Streaming Box Aimed at Conference, Meeting and ClassroomsKLIK Communications just launched the KLIK Boks Wireless Presentation Connector — a device that wirelessly streams the contents of their laptop, tablet or smartphone to a projector or monitor for $249. Similar to the now-ubiquitous video streaming sticks available for consumer use, the KLIK Boks targets corporate meeting and conference rooms, classrooms and meeting spaces with a host of what they claim are “professional-grade features.”
KLIK Boks includes both HDMI and VGA connectivity. The company claims it’s developed something called KLIK’s SmartSense detection technology that automatically matches the display settings between the laptop and the screen (i.e., EDID).
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Video Devices Releases PIX-E Series Firmware Update V1.10Video Devices announces Firmware Version 1.10 for the PIX-E Series of 4K-compatible recording monitors. With this latest firmware update, the PIX-E5 and PIX-E5H monitors now offer higher frame rate recording via HDMI, enhanced playback capabilities, and anamorphic desqueeze. Additionally, the PIX-E5 will also offer 6G-SDI to support 4K over a single SDI cable.
With firmware v1.10, the PIX-E Series now supports the higher frame rate of 1080p 120fps for high definition recording, which is designed for capturing slow motion footage. The update also enables a 4:3 anamorphic desqueeze feature to the LCD and SDI/HDMI outputs during both monitoring input and playback. This process stretches out the horizontally squeezed images that result from cameras using anamorphic lenses, such as the Panasonic LUMIX GH4.
The firmware also includes many PIX-E Series enhancements for playback, such as 16x fast forward and 16x rewind functionality, the ability to jog through playback frame-by-frame, and shuttle in slow or fast motion. The new shuttling capability provides efficient navigation of playback forward or backward at rates from 1/8 speed to 32 times normal speed. Audio monitoring is even retained while shuttling forward from 1/8x to 2x. This update also has the ability to select next or previous recorded files from Stop by pressing Rewind or Fast Forward soft key buttons.
For the PIX-E5 monitor, v.1.10 now offers users 6G-SDI support of recording 4K over a single SDI cable for cameras like the Blackmagic URSA, plus the added ability to enable or disable a Lookup Table (LUT) on an SDI output.
On both PIX-E models, this version of firmware also features a new 3:2 pulldown removal option for input to file conversion, as well as more options for using external timecode. When set to 3:2 Pulldown, PIX-E Series monitors will automatically apply 3:2 pulldown if it detects a 3:2 cadence in an incoming 1080i 59.94 signal. External timecode options now include Linear Timecode (LTC) via the 3.5 mm line inputs, and HDMI timecode. The LTC from the line inputs may also be striped to Line In 1 or Line In 2 audio tracks.
PIX-E5 / PIX-E5H firmware v1.10 is available for download here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships DTP 4K Transmitters for DisplayPort and HDMI with Audio EmbeddingExtron has started shipping the DTP T DWP 4K D series of two input Decora-style transmitters for sending DisplayPort or HDMI, audio and control over a shielded CATx cable to Extron DTP-enabled products. The DTP T DWP 4K 232 D extends signals up to 230 feet (70 meters), while the DTP T DWP 4K 332 D extends signals up to 330 feet (100 meters). Both DTP T DWP 4K D models provide one HDMI input, one DisplayPort input, and independent analog stereo audio connections. They support video signals at resolutions up to 4K, including 2560×1600 and 1080p/60 Deep Color. Analog stereo audio embedding and RS-232 remote control facilitate integration in demanding professional environments. Integrator-friendly features include EDID Minder, auto-switching between inputs, remote power capability, and bidirectional RS-232 and IR pass-through for remote AV device control. The wall-mountable design provides the convenience of placing input connections precisely where they are needed.
The DTP T DWP 4K 232 D and DTP T DWP 4K 332 D help ensure optimal system performance by automatically adjusting color bit depth based on the display EDID, preventing color compatibility conflicts between the source and display. In addition to RS-232 input selection, these transmitters can be set up to automatically switch when they detect a source, making them ideal for automatic routing and unattended operation. They also feature independent connections for embedding stereo analog audio onto the DTP video output signal. For added installation flexibility, the DTP T DWP 4K D transmitters can be remotely powered by Extron DTP-enabled products over the twisted pair cable. They offer an HDBaseT output mode that provides the additional integration convenience of a twisted pair output that is compatible with any HDBaseT-enabled display.
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ED [Education] out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: We run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
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To send us feedback, don’t reply to this newsletter. Instead, write directly to founder Gary at gary@ravepubs.com or Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
Everything we publish is opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship publication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition is co-published with CEDIA, covering the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
To read more about rAVe’s team and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top |
Copyright 2015 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – (919) 969-7501. Email: Sara@rAVePubs.com
rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |
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