Volume 8, Issue 3 — February 4, 2010

Click here to read rAVe ProAV Edition online
Click here to subscribe now!

Click above for more information

Welcome to another issue of rAVe ProAV Edition!

Did you know that registration for InfoComm is now open? It's being held in Las Vegas June 9 – 11, and you won't want to miss it this year. Register here: http://www.infocommshow.org/infocomm2010/public/enter.aspx

In today's issue, we have an update on the economy from rAVe columnist Linda Seid Frembes, who checked in with some ProAV integrators to see how they're doing. We also have a Display Daily from Insight Media's Steve Sechrist, who talks about a futuristic technology known as SixthSense where AV (in the form of pico projection) really meets IT (a computer) to create personal technology. It's worth watching the TED video we link to below. Speaking of innovation, I also discuss some of the manufacturers that are really innovating with their latest products, instead of just creating ever-thinner, ever-brighter, ever-cheaper displays. Can you follow suit?

Enjoy the issue!

–Gary Kayye, CTS

Back to Top

Click above for more information

Selling in a Tough Economy: What's Happening Now

By Linda Seid Frembes
rAVe Columnist

So I hear that the recession is over and that the economy is slowly improving. I don’t know about you, but I’m not seeing signs of that in my own community. Many small businesses have closed in and around my town. Those that are still surviving are struggling with tight credit and lean inventory, the fact that once-loyal customers are shopping on price, and the value of good customer service has taken a back seat to saving a dollar or two.

What I’m hearing, especially from the ProAV community, is that selling isn’t getting any easier for them either. Bruce Banbury, president of Video Systems of the Carolinas in Charlotte, NC, tells me that several things are happening when it comes to sales this year. The first is a flood of late-year business from long-term customers who have held onto their budget money all year and are now in a “use it or lose it” spending spree. “There’s been an unusual spike in sales in the past two months. The floodgates have been open since mid-November,” he says.

Banbury explains that this isn’t exactly the best problem to have. “It can cause a huge cash flow problem down the line. Clients want you to invoice now to get it on their books, but accounts receivable may not pay it until the work is done many months from now. In the meantime, you’ve ordered thousands of dollars of product from manufacturers who will put you on a credit hold if they’re not paid within 30 days.”

The second thing he’s seeing is a rise in calls from people who are shopping on price alone. “This is even happening with good customers, so I can’t say that there is consistent behavior,” he adds.

He’s also getting requests to install pieces of gear that were bought at Costco or Best Buy, or requests to piecemeal an AV system around this gear. Banbury notes that taking on these types of projects bring up product liability (What if your tech drops it?) and service/support issues (What if it doesn’t work out of the box?).

Dave Mazzeo, system sales and engineering for AVI-SPL in Maryland, has a policy that he refuses all requests for jobs where the client has bought their gear elsewhere. But what he has done in recent months is offer his government customers a three-month help desk extension or waived fees for site surveys in order to close the deal. While he says that none of these freebies would have put the deals in jeopardy, it was just enough to sweeten the pot and make the client feel good about doing business with him.

Corporate customers, on the other hand, “try to negotiate everything. They are consumers too so they shop on price,” he says.

Banbury, who is also a member of the USAV buying group says that what really bugs him is that sometimes he’s being shopped against big box retailers, not other dealers. The fact that a big box retailer selling flat panels is a competitor in a growing percentage of business is a disturbing trend. But Banbury says there are still technologies where an integrator can still make healthy margins, such as videoconferencing and digital signage. “We’ve had a fantastic year with Tandberg,” he says, noting that the manufacturer has done well in supporting its dealers.

As for what’s next, Mazzeo says that there are plenty of companies out there who are selling low, but who won’t be able to sustain the work.

And Banbury says that his firm will still look at small “hang and bang” jobs on a case-by-case basis. As he says, sometimes you have to do these small jobs to preserve the relationship.

Linda Seid Frembes is a rAVe columnist who covers AV technology, installs, market trends and industry news. Linda has worked with high profile AV manufacturers, trade organization, systems integrators, rep firms and dealer/distributors in the industry including John Lyons Systems, Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW), Northern Sound & Light (NSL), and InfoComm International, among others. Reach her at linda@ravepubs.com

Back to Top

Click above for more information

Projection Differentiation Decade

By Gary Kayye, CTS

NEC, Christie, Sanyo and Digital Projection all took bold steps to become more than just also-ran “projector manufacturers” in 2009. 

NEC, in fact, created a totally new market segment for the ProAV Integrator with VUKUNET by allowing us to tap into the huge revenue streams created by digital signage.  Instead of simply sitting back trying to figure out how to make their next-generation LCDs cheaper, they truly added value that every ProAV integrator can take advantage of – even if you’re not an NEC reseller!

Christie Digital re-invented the projection cube industry with what their MicroTiles line of 20-inch diagonal, 10-inch deep stackable tiles that, literally, figure out the shape you’re making with the tiles (through IR sensors) and re-images the video you are showing to fit the shape and size!  Instead of simply sitting back and trying to find a way to make control rooms, rental/staging Apps and signage cheaper, they made it more creative and opened up all new opportunities for ProAV integrators.  In this case, you have to be a Christie reseller – so it’s worth the time to get set up!

Sanyo launched 4LCD in 2008 and shipped it in 2009.  4LCD adds a color control device that manages the amount of yellow light in to create brighter images (with the same lamp technology) and, theoretically, better colorimetry than 3LCD. Whether or not it becomes an LCD-staple isn’t the point – they are innovating to be creative rather than just buying the same old raw-component LCD that all the other LCD manufacturers buy from Sony or Epson.

And, Digital Projection, at CEDIA 2009 partnered with Mechdyne – a leader in 3D visualization – to offer a 3D Home Cinema “package” that’s compatible with the 3D in-home standards coming in 2010.  Again, the point isn’t if this is the best 3D projection technology or not, it’s that they were attempting to differentiate themselves from the also-rans like Barco that are just focused on making brighter and brighter projectors. 

In fact, differentiation is the key point here.  These four projector manufacturers stood out in 2009 by doing more than what they’ve done over the past ten years – just make displays.

And that, you will see, will be a theme for this new decade – assuming you want to survive. 

Currently, I count 44 display manufacturers in the ProAV market.  Include the HomeAV market in there and you’d have to add another 18 manufacturers to the mix.  Anyone can make a projector – or, better yet, OEM one from some Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean or Japanese manufacturer out there.  But, not anyone can re-energize the market like Christie will do with MicroTiles in 2010. 

Think about the cell phone market for a minute.  How boring was that?  In fact, most of us kept a phone for 2-3 years, not because we were happy with it or it was performing the service exactly as we wanted it to – heck, most of us didn’t switch because of the hassle it created to port all our contact’s phone numbers from the old phone to a new one.  Stupid reason, but it’s true. 

Then came the iPhone – and all the other interactive, touch-sensitive, PDA-based phones that have followed.  They’ve reinvented the entire channel.

OK, sure, it’s interesting to watch LCD flat panel displays getting thinner and thinner – but is that innovation that re-energizes our market?  I think not.  Embed it with a media player and now you’ve got something…

Actually, truth be told, it’s up to you to do this.  Don’t get me wrong, we will see differentiation by the manufacturers that understand the need to innovate and actually have some control over that – and aren’t just OEM’ers.  But, it’s up to you to creatively offer innovative solutions into the next decade.  We’ve done it before, we can do it again! Here are some examples:

The Control Room:  An innovation born from the minds-eye of an integration firm in Southern California in the late 1980s.  A manufacturer didn’t invent this. 

Digital Signage:  Although NEC Display first coined the term in the mid-1990s, the concept was born via a moderately successful, up until that moment in time, AV integration firm based in Florida.

Telepresence:  Way before that term was ever used, an up-start AV integration firm from Chicago was taking existing VTC gear and making telepresence rooms that connected two sites together in life-sized proportions. 

I could go on and on, but you should get the picture by now – integrators are actually the ones who served as the catalysts to innovation in these new markets and channels.

Who’s next?

Reprinted with permission from Sound & Communications. Founded in 1955, Sound & Communications is the premiere magazine for AV systems integrators, contractors and consultants. To subscribe or read sample articles, go to http://www.soundandcommunications.com

Back to Top

Click above for more information

Is the Ultimate Handheld Device No Device in the Hand?

By Steve Sechrist
Sr. Editor/Sr. Analyst, Insight Media

It’s been a year now since ‘SixthSense’ technology, also known as WUW short for (Wear Ur World) was unveiled to a standing ovation at the Long Beach TED conference by MIT Media Labs PhD student Pranav Mistry and his advisor Pattie Maes.

Here was demonstrated perhaps the real direction of the future of mobile computing. Not a new tablet, (iPad) prototype, not a flexible, bendable, roll-able-E Ink, OLED, LCD or any other cutting edge technology. Rather, the simple concept that the best display is one you don’t have to carry, at least not in the hands – a technology that loses the idea of a handheld device altogether in mobile computing. What India-born Mistry demonstrated is no display in the hand, implying that no device of any prominence at all is actually best.

The system included years of research and development from this extraordinary grad student now at MIT, and hardware cobbled together from $350 in off-the-shelf components, included a wearable pico projector and mini-Web camera using a unique gesture recognition system user interface, all interfacing with the cell phone that stays in the pocket.

Think about it. At a recent car show, the newest Audi (and many other cars) feature enhanced Bluetooth connectivity with most cell phones, integrating the device in your pocket with the displays, speakers and even volume, and selection controls built right into the car. This micro-environment is augmented by the digital data you bring to it, in a highly personal and effective way.

A nice video of Mistry demonstrating the possibilities of this technology is given below. Stay with this video as the first part is a little slow, but by the end, you will be pretty amazed. The WUW or Sixth Sense idea is not too different – only it breaks out of the confines of the car and opens up the digital world to augment the real world with data important to you. It use gestures, cameras, pico projectors and the power of microprocessors and sophisticated algorithms to interpret what is relevant to you at the moment, and augment specific interactions with usable data-real time.

Click here to see the video: http://www.ted.com/talks/pranav_mistry_the_thrilling_potential_of_sixthsense_technology.html

Here’s how the group represents the technology in their web site: "'SixthSense’ is a wearable, gestural interface that augments the physical world around us with digital information and lets us use natural hand gestures to interact with that information. By using a camera and a tiny projector mounted in a pendant like wearable device, ‘SixthSense’ sees what you see and visually augments any surfaces or objects we are interacting with. It projects information onto surfaces, walls, and physical objects around us, and lets us interact with the projected information through natural hand gestures, arm movements, or our interaction with the object itself. ‘SixthSense’ attempts to free information from its confines by seamlessly integrating it with reality, and thus making the entire world your computer."

In one interesting use model, shown in his TED presentation last February, Mistry projected moving video on a white surface taped to The New York Times newspaper, with video augmenting the report he was reading. No tablet or iPad here, just simple online video that helped tell the story in the newspaper better. No newspaper subscription, you may say, no problem; simply project today’s web news on to any surface…

Mistry has said he will provide open source coding to help commercialize this concept, but we are unclear how this will fit with MIT Media Lab policy. An interview is planned with an update to be reported in the next Mobile Display Report.

But can you imagine the crowd’s reaction last week if Steve Jobs came to the stage holding NO DEVICE -proclaiming, "The best new tablet, is no tablet!" That would be cutting edge… Nothing to get in the way of intuitive interaction with the natural world. Rather, a set of new technologies that allow the "device" to disappear. And iPad or not, we are getting closer to this reality with pico projection perhaps finally finding its true Raison d’être.

Steve Sechrist, a senior editor and analyst at Insight Media, is a 13-year display veteran with experience in business development strategy, competitive market analysis, and technology writing. He is responsible for the editorial management of Insight Media's Large Display Report and Mobile Display Report. Contact him at steve@insightmedia.info

Back to Top

Click above for more information

Visit rAVe Europe at ISE

Since ISE 2010 opened, you can find rAVe EUROPE in Hall 10 N113. In cooperation with Darim Technology, the European editors will be using a video-in-a-video system to bring you the flavor and news from the ISE show floor. Judging from pre-show releases, this year will be a year of Real Innovations at ISE. The editors expect to see some exciting products and will highlight the best from the show. Check out rAVe Euope's website for ISE coverage today!

Back to Top

InfoComm is OPEN for Registration!

Corporations, government agencies and educational, healthcare and religious institutions around the world are coming to see the newest ProAV technology at InfoComm 2010.  The leading commercial audiovisual systems marketplace, InfoComm 2010 will showcase integrated display, projection, audio, conferencing, lighting and staging, digital signage and communications system solutions, June 9-11, 2010, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Although InfoComm is large, it is easy to navigate, thanks to pavilions that bring together like technologies.  3D, Audio, Digital Signage, Lighting & Staging, and United Collaborative Conferencing are just a few of the pavilions featuring integrated solutions from innovative manufacturers.  Many products and special exhibits on the Show floor can only be seen at InfoComm.  A new Test & Measurement Pavilion will showcase manufacturers of hardware and software tools used in the design and testing of audiovisual systems.  Demonstrations will show these devices being used to verify InfoComm Performance Standards.

InfoComm 2010 will also feature new special exhibits addressing sustainability, 3D technology and camera production.  Audio demo rooms, rigging and staging demonstrations, the Digital Signage Application Showcase, the Systems Programming & GUI Design Gallery and the Technologies for Worship Pavilion are all returning to the Show.

To register now, go to:  http://www.infocommshow.org/infocomm2010/public/enter.aspx

Back to Top

InfoComm Says ProAV Market to be $91 Billion by 2012

A new study is projecting that audiovisual products and services will become a $91 billion global industry by 2012.  The 2010 InfoComm Global AV Market Definition and Strategy Study, conducted by Acclaro Growth Partners on behalf of InfoComm International, is the first worldwide study of its kind aimed at sizing the commercial AV industry.
 
The growth of digital signage, videoconferencing, and command and control facilities resulted in an eight percent compound annual growth in demand for AV products and services between 2006 and 2009.  Despite a troubling economic environment in 2009, spending on AV goods and services did not contract.   The study finds that the audiovisual industry was a $68 billion a year industry in 2009.  A compound annual growth rate of 10 percent is projected for the three-year period from 2009 to 2012.
 
The fastest growing product categories are displays, AV conferencing equipment, streaming media and webcasting, wireless connections and software.  There is also an increasing demand for directional and cone speakers in digital signage applications, designed to create an immersive experience for the consumer.

To buy the 2010 InfoComm Global AV Market Definition and Strategy Study go to:  http://eservices.infocomm.org/site/vision_productsearch.asp

Back to Top

CEA Says CE Market Will Grow to $165 Billion in 2010

According to the Consumer Electronics Association’s Tom Edwards, the consumer electronics industry is expected to generate more than $165 billion in U.S. shipment revenues this year, a slight increase from 2009. The CE industry will see positive revenue growth in 2010 after a revenue decline in 2009.

CEA also says that sales of computers are expected to be a bright spot in 2010 as well since the category continues to be driven by the popularity of netbooks. Blu-ray players will continue to grow after a strong 2009 with Blu-ray unit sales rising 155 percent, generating more than $1 billion in revenue.
 
The television market has increased as consumers made the transition to high-definition flat panel sets. Unit sales will climb to more than 37 million in 2010 but price drops will cause display revenue to decline slightly to $22 billion.
 
The 2013 Industry Forecast has been updated this month and shows annual unit and dollar sales for key CE categories. This Forecast is the consensus of participating manufacturers and retailers, and is available for purchase at: http://www.ce.org/

The U.S. Consumer Electronics Sales and Forecast 2005-2010 is published twice a year in January and July. Consumer Electronics Association members may obtain this report at the CE.org website in the “Members Only” section.

Back to Top

Synnex Announces Spring VARNEX Conference Dates

Varnex was launched to become a powerful and exclusive peer-to-peer network – comprised of SYNNEX’s premier SMB VARs and vendor sponsors, as well as key SYNNEX executives and internal business resources.  To ensure Varnex can maintain the right blend of participants who deliver the highest standard of service to the channel and commitment to the community, SYNNEX welcomes Varnex members who meet the following criteria:

ProAV Business Focus:

    • Selling to the SMB market (10-1000 employees)
    • More than 50 percent of business must be derived from SMB sales
    • A regional focus (no national geographic coverage)
    • A “holistic solution provider” with vertical and technology specialization

Synnex's Annual Spring Varnex show will be in Orlando, FL on April 11-14, 2010.  If you're interested in attending or becomming a Varnex reseller for Synnex, go to:  http://ec.synnex.com/varnexlogin/index.html

Back to Top

projectiondesign Releases Unique Remote-Lamp Projector

projectiondesign has launched a very interesting projector that actually remotely locates the lamp source away from the projector itself.  Designed for environments where you need a totally encapsulated projection design (vent-less projector for harsh environments), the single-chip DLP-based FR12 is an SXGA+ resolution (1400×1050) that’s spec’d to be brighter than 3000 ANSI lumens – but in this case, the lamp is actually remotely located away from the projector itself (up to 100 feet away) in a 3U rack mountable enclosure. 

The FR12 was launched at ISE and isn’t on projectiondesign’s website yet, but when it is, it will be here:  http://www.projectiondesign.com/Default.asp?CatID=1070

Back to Top

Casio Claims World's First Mercury-Free High-Brightness Projectors

At CES, Casio announced that it has created a mercury-free laser and LED hybrid light source, capable of high-brightness projection for use in the next-generation projectors the company has developed under its “clean & green” concept. Casio is releasing a line of GREEN SLIM projectors with the new light source, introducing the world’s first mercury-free high-brightness data projectors.

How?  Well, according to Casio, they have achieved this high brightness by combining a laser, a fluorescent element and an LED. Casio has achieved a high output of green light, which has been considered difficult with conventional semiconductor light sources, by very efficiently converting blue laser light into green light, using the fluorescent element. The high-brightness light of 2,000 or more lumens was then attained by projecting blue laser light, green light converted from blue laser light with the fluorescent element, and light emitted by a red LED through a DLP chip onto the screen.

Use of the laser and LED hybrid light source makes Casio’s GREEN SLIM projectors the world’s first data projectors bright enough (2,000-3,000 lumens) for projection in a well lit room without using a high-pressure mercury lamp.

At CES Casio actually showed nine different models of 2000-3000 ANSI lumen GREEN SLIM projectors; however, the only one that’s realistically going to ever be used in the home theater market would be the XJ-A240, a 2500 ANSI lumen 1280×800 projector – but even that is a stretch as it’s only 720p at best.  However, we bring you this news story to alert you to this new technological break-through as you are likely to see more LED-based laser projectors. 

If you want to understand the technology in detail, you’re out of luck as Casio doesn’t have a whitepaper on the subject yet.  In the meantime, go read this release from Casio Japan:  http://www.casio.co.uk/News/Casio_Releases_Worlds_First_Mercury_Free_High-Brightness_Projectors/

Back to Top

Christie Launches LX505 and LX605 Projectors at ISE Show

Christie has announced the launch of two new projectors, the Christie LX505 and Christie LX605.  Targeted at the ProAV market, both projectors offer the latest in LCD technology enhancements including what Christie calls 3D Keystone technology – a new four-corner geometry correction function for versatility in projector placement and easy display set-up.   In addition to 3D keystone technology, the projectors feature motorized lens shift, focus and zoom, and come with a suite of high performance lenses that can be switched with a one-button lens release – and they’re networkable.

The Christie LX505 is spec’d as a 5000-lumen 3LCD projector aimed at higher education, fixed installation, and houses of worship markets.  Using inorganic 3LCD panels that provides an improved contrast ratio and 10-bit image processing, the LX505 includes a 13,000-hour maintenance free AutoFilter and an easy access top-loading lamp that makes lamp changes fast and easy, as well as built-in networking capabilities allow for better troubleshooting.

The light-colored chassis of the Christie LX505 enables it to almost blend in with ceiling tiles.

The Christie LX605 is spec’d as a 6000-lumen projector also designed for the ProAV market but in this case, it’s a 3LCD projector for medium-to large size venues.  The Christie LX605 is equipped with the same feature-set as the Christie LX505 but with 6000 lumens. 

Both projectors are XGA resolution (1024×768) and have 3000-hour lamps. 

To learn more about the LX605, go here:  http://www.christiedigital.com/AMEN/Products/ChristieLX605.htm

To learn more about the LX505, go here:  http://www.christiedigital.com/AMEN/Products/ChristieLX505.htm

Back to Top

A Real Application of Holographic Projection Debuts

A company called Light Blue Optics was at CES showing some cool holographic applications – real-world applications.  HLP, or Holographic Laser Projection, is a totally new projection technology that allows images to be projected on any surface. Watch this video:  http://lightblueoptics.com/technology/holographic-laser-projection/

OK, now that you’ve seen their technology, check out the applications they had at CES (our favorite is projected menus on table surfaces in restaurants):  http://lightblueoptics.com/products/light-touch/

This is a very cool technology that WILL have an impact on our market, soon!  Get familiar with them!

Their contact information is:  http://lightblueoptics.com/about-us/

Back to Top

Sanyo Launches Short-Throw Projector

SANYO launched a new ultra short-focus projector model, LP-WL2500, scheduled to ship in July.  The 230-watt, 2500 ANSI lumen LP-WL2500 projector is a WXGA (1280×768) resolution 3LCD projector that, from 33 inches, can project an 80-inch-wide image.  Of course, like almost every Sanyo projector, it’s networkable, has both VGA and HDMI inputs and uses a spec’d 4000-hour lamp.

To learn more, go to:  http://sanyo.com/news/2010/01/28-1.html
 

Back to Top

Mitsubishi Demos 155" OLED at ISE Show

Mitsubishi is hoping OLED can revolutionize its indoor commercial display business. Promoted as the world’s first scalable OLED screen technology, the system was revealed last October in Tokyo. Using its own driver electronics, Mitsubishi’s OLED features display modules that can connect with each other to form larger displays (almost any size and shape – they say even curves).  Mitsubishi is touting it as "the next generation of indoor digital signage displays."

At ISE, they put the display together to make a 149” OLED. Unlike conventional LED systems, the OLED's slim, lightweight construction means large screens can be installed on virtually any building surface. With a light output of 1500cd/m², Mitsubishi claims the production model will be several times brighter than an average LCD display, making it suitable for indoor applications in relatively brightly-lit areas – not for outdoor applications, however).

If you want to see it in action, go here:  http://www.oled-display.net/mitsubishi-show-155-inch-oled-tv-consists-of-720-10-centimeter-square-panels

Back to Top

Crestron Ships Prodigy Processor

Crestron’s PAMP-4X100 Processor Amplifier for the Prodigy control system is designed to provide audio to multiple rooms. Designed for the Prodigy line of “affordable” control solutions, the PAMP-4X100 delivers six stereo sources to four rooms at 50 watts per channel, and can be expanded up to 12 rooms. Room volume control and source selection are available from the front panel, a PTL4 touch-panel, PLX2 handheld remote, wired or wireless audio keypads, iPhone or iPod touch.

You can learn more about the Prodigy line at:  http://www.crestron.com/prodigy

Back to Top

Juniper Networks, Polycom Partner to "Improve Experience" of VTC

Last week, Juniper Networks and Polycom announced an alliance focused on improving the reliability, cost-effectiveness and quality of the customer experience for telepresence and video conferencing services. Anchored by dynamic signaling between the Juniper network resource control platform and the Polycom video call control system, the joint managed video services solution will reduce total capital expense and ongoing operating and maintenance costs and requirements, while improving the delivery and manageability of visual communications.

Scheduled for release in mid 2010, the alliance will deliver an intelligent service provider solution that enables assured-quality managed video services over a converged network. As the industry's first "conferencing-aware" network solution, it will help drive costs out of the delivery of high-value telepresence and comprehensive video conferencing managed services by allowing service providers to maximize the capabilities of their existing network. Implementing a single-network solution is a significantly more scalable and profitable model for service providers compared to the current overlay network model for supporting telepresence and video conferencing services.

The solution will combine high-performance network infrastructure systems from Juniper with industry-leading telepresence and video conferencing systems from Polycom. Specifically, it includes the Junos Space network application platform and its subscriber suite that includes policy and identity services, the MX Series 3D Universal Edge Routers, and SRX Series Services Gateways with integrated routing and security for streamlined enterprise connectivity. Key Polycom components include Polycom telepresence systems and visual communication infrastructure products, including the Polycom Distributed Media Application (DMA) that centralizes call control and provides further failover redundancy.

Want more details?  Go to:  http://www.polycom.com/products/telepresence_video/index.html

Back to Top

AMX Launches New Digital Signage Player at ISE

Dubbed the IS-SPX-1000, AMX's new digital signage player is a flash-based server with an embedded web server (metric collection capable) with HDMI and VGA outputs (generating only 2 watts of power).  Supporting every imaginable file format including JPG, MPG, H.264 and WMV files, the SPX-1000 has two simultaneous computer-video outputs and support both embedded and streaming content. 

To learn more, go to:  http://amx.com/products/IS-SPX-1000.asp

Back to Top

:3C! vidision Rolls Out Unique Conferencing Solutions at ISE 2010

A sleek and innovative projection solution for small meeting rooms and a versatile, high-capacity media conferencing switch are among new products being introduced this week at Europe’s largest AV and systems show by Austrian computing solutions firm, :3C! vidision.

The Bene P2 MediaCredenza is actually a sleek, shallow-depth office furniture unit that contains an ultra short-throw, wide-angle lens projector capable of driving large presentations on a wall immediately behind a unit. The integrated projector drives a 2700 ANSI lumens (specification), bright enough for almost any office lighting challenge, and supports picture sizes up to 63-inches x 47-inches.

All the MediaRoom Conferencing Systems can be controlled by any W-LAN-enabled device – such as :3C!-supplied 7" or 9" Atom-based Tablets, iPhone, Google Nexus One smart phones or even the coming Apple iPad. The user software can be adapted so personal presets or complex functions – including lighting, shades, screens, lifts, displays,  projectors and climate control – can all be selected with a single touch of a virtual "presentation-on" button.

To learn more, go to:  http://vidision.com/index.php?id=1

Back to Top

Extron Launches WallVault for Education Market

Extron has launched WallVault Systems, a family of complete, centralized A/V switching and control systems designed for use with wall-mounted, short-throw projectors and flat panel displays. According to Extron, these are easy-to-use, easy-to-install, economical classroom A/V systems use twisted pair technology for transmitting signals and include network connectivity for Web-based asset management, monitoring, and control. WallVault Systems take their name from the unique WMK 100 Wall Mount Kit that securely mounts and conceals system components on the wall.

WallVault Systems include all the necessary audio and video switching, audio amplification, system control, source connectivity, speakers, mounting hardware, and cabling needed for a complete classroom A/V system. All that remains is to add a video projector, screen or flat panel display, and sources.

For complete specs, go to: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=wallvault&s=0

Back to Top

Da-Lite Adds iPod Dock to Lectern Line

Da-Lite has added an iPod dock accessory to its line of Oravisual Lecterns.  With the development of new presentation software specifically for the iPod, the iPod and iPhone are now commonly used as the source for presentation materials.  Da-Lite is accommodating by offering a universal dock accessory that is recessed into the reading surface of any Da-Lite lectern.  The dock comes standard with a remote control and a cable, which includes composite audio video output, USB and a wall outlet adaptor for the USB.  Adaptor plates are also included to accommodate various iPod and iPhone models and generations.

To see it for yourself, go to:  http://www.da-lite.com/products/index.php?cID=17

Back to Top

ILS Launches New Lectern Aimed at the Classroom

Adding custom configurability for system integrators, the ILS24HX is capable of managing a 22” diagonal touch screen, a separate touch panel for control systems, a confidence monitor or teleprompter and up to a 5” panel area for AMX, Crestron and Extron wall/podium integration systems. The system is the Swiss army knife of lecterns and you can actually lock up the system or roll it into a closet. It includes an electrical lift and tilt mechanism that allows users to find the best position (ADA compliant), and 12U of rack space is available to manage all the AV and IT gear needed for the lectern.

Check it out at:  http://www.intelligentlecterns.com/

Back to Top

Barco Launches PlusPAK

At ISE, Barco announced the introduction of PlusPAK for the FSN Series multi-format switcher. Designed for what Barco says is “the flexibility and agility needed in the events industry,” PlusPAK is a new hardware and software suite comprised of four components — a new Universal Output Card (UOC), the system's new Multiviewer (MVR), a Digital Video Effects Card (DVE) and new software capable of controlling 2.5 M/E's from the compact FSN-150 Controller.

The first component in PlusPAK is the plug-in UOC, a dual-channel Athena scaler card that enables any assigned Aux bus to output DVI, analog or SMPTE SDI signals at any format, regardless of the switcher's native resolution. Each UOC has two independent channels, and up to three can be installed for a total of six scaled outputs. With the ability to output digital and analog simultaneously, users can select from a standard list of output formats, or create custom formats. In practice, the UOC enables customers to route video to projectors, monitors, servers and even the client's VHS deck — without format restriction.

For more information, you can download the spec sheet here:  http://www.barco.com/projection_systems/downloads/FSN_Series_Jan10_LR.pdf

Back to Top

Extron Debuts Cat5e-Based USB Extender

Yesterday, Extron showed a Cat5e-based USB Extender, a two-piece transmitter and receiver set for extending USB up to 450 feet (135 meters) on a single, standard CAT 5/5e/6 or CAT 7 cable. The USB Extender is compatible with USB 1.0, 1.1, or 2.0 and includes a four-port hub supporting simultaneous connection of up to four USB devices. The USB Extender is ideal for use in applications utilizing the Extron Annotator and remote touch screen displays, as well as for applications that require the remote location of USB peripherals such as interactive whiteboards, keyboards, mice, and other HID-human input devices. It can also be used with USB 2.0 peripherals that require high data transfer speeds, including webcams and document scanners as well as thumb drives and other mass storage devices.

For integration flexibility, the USB Extender is housed in a compact 1", quarter rack width metal enclosure. External universal power supplies are provided for both the receiver and transmitter. The transmitter can also be powered directly from the USB host port.

For details on the USB Extender, go to:  http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=usbextender&s=0

Back to Top

Crestron Launches XPanel for Mac

Now available, Crestron XPanel for Mac enables anyone to access and control Crestron systems from any connected Mac computer or laptop. XPanel for Mac transforms an iMac or MacBook into a virtual touch panel – saving you a LOT of money. 

Crestron says XPanel for Mac replicates the Crestron touch panel experience on a computer screen, so a client can remotely check to see if lights were left on and turn them off, or arm/disarm the security system from any location. System managers can take control of a classroom and help an instructor get a presentation up and running quickly, without physically going to the room.

For all Crestron dealers and partners, XPanel for Mac is a free application available for download from the Crestron website at: http://www.crestron.com/

Back to Top

Elite Screens Intros Slow Retraction Mechanism

Elite Screens is introducing a new line of manually operated projection screens that have a Slow Retraction Mechanism (SRM). Elite says it is an added feature that enhances product longevity, safety and convenience of use.

The Manual SRM is a new concept in a well established (some may even say hackneyed) but popularly used product line from all screen manufacturers. The aptly-named Slow Retracting Mechanism that permits the screen to retract slowly back into its casing without being assisted by the presenter. Traditional manual projection screens have a spring-loaded that will retract the projection surface so quickly that the force of its return may actually knock the entire unit off of its installation if not properly secured.  This risk is eliminated with the added SRM safety feature. Additional features include its auto-locking mechanism for variable height settings, black masking borders, MaxWhite (1.1 gain matte white) with wide diffusion uniformity, lanyard for convenient operation and a versatile end cap design that accommodates both wall and ceiling installations.
  
To learn more about Elite’s SRM, go to:  http://www.elitescreens.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=381&catid=2&Itemid=15&lang=en

Back to Top

InfoComm Offers New AV Certificate Program

InfoComm has released a new certificate program aimed at recognizing those who have demonstrated basic competency in the audiovisual field. The InfoComm-Recognized AV Technologist certificate program allows employers to verify the basic level of entry-level AV personnel, while providing industry newcomers and non-technical personnel a way to showcase what they have learned.
 
To earn a certificate, AV professionals must score 80 percent or above on a new, online test which is taken at the desktop, not at a testing center. Content for the test is based entirely on the newly updated course, Essentials of AV Technology Online. "We are debuting the InfoComm-Recognized AV Technologist certificate program to bridge the gap between those just starting in the industry and InfoComm's rigorous Certified Technology Specialist program," said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., InfoComm Executive Director and CEO. "AV employers need a way to quickly train and assess new hires, and this new program provides a way to establish basic AV competency. It is our hope that as AV professionals who secure this certificate gain more experience they will develop into candidates for the more demanding CTS® program that is accredited by ANSI to the ISO/IEC 17024 standard."
 
The hour-long test costs $150 for members and $200 for non-members. The fee includes the opportunity to take the online test three times in a 30-day period. Essentials of AV Technology Online costs $99 for members, $150 for non-members.  Members can use InfoComm EduBucks to pay for the full cost of the Essentials of AV Technology Online course, but not for the test.
To learn more about the program, visit www.infocomm.org/avtechnologist

Back to Top

NSCA's Business Conference Less Than a Month Away

NSCA's 2010 Business & Leadership Conference is less than one month away — February 25-27. This event is essential to your business and the challenges faced everyday, from recurring revenue, costs of employee benefits, and labor and prevailing wages. This is the only industry-specific event designed to help systems integrators and contractors learn from experts and professionals who have excelled through changing business conditions and tough economies. The reality of conducting business has changed; have you?

Breakout sessions include:

•    Brand Building: A Workshop for Companies Wanting To Grow
•    Business Case Study: Krispy Kreme Franchise Follies
•    Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don't Book Review

Check it out here:  http://www.nsca.org/blc/Register.html

Back to Top

InfoComm Names 2010 Leadership Development Committee

InfoComm International has announced its 10-member Leadership Development Committee (LDC) for 2010. The volunteers are Jay Rogina, CTS, Spinitar, Chairman; Tom Stimson, CTS, The Stimson Group; Jim Ford, PE, Ford Audio Video; Greg Jeffreys, Paradigm Audio Visual Ltd.; Ron Camden, Biamp Systems; Frank M. Culotta, CTS, Symco, Inc.; Lee Dodson, Premier Mounts; Craig Janssen, LEED AP, Acoustic Dimensions; Craig Park, Leo A. Daly; Scott Walker, CTS-D, LEED AP, Waveguide Consulting, Inc.

The LDC reports to the Board of Directors and with staff help cultivates future officers, council chairs, volunteers and other leaders to serve the association. The LDC also selects invitees for the InfoComm 100, who meet annually to identify issues and strategies shaping the future of the AV industry and InfoComm's role. The LDC consists of InfoComm's immediate past-President, current President, President-Elect, Secretary-Treasurer, three members elected to three-year terms by InfoComm membership and three members appointed to one-year terms by the Chairman of the Leadership Development Committee.
 

Back to Top

News from DisplayMate, AVW-TELAV, Wolf Cinema…

Applied Visual Communications, Inc. of Herndon, VA is expanding into a larger facility after a 100 percent growth in staff over the last 12 months… Dr. Ray Soneira of DisplayMate has started a Twitter account to clear up common display technology misconceptions. Find it at http://www.twitter.com/DisplayMate… Scala is exhibiting its new Scala Release 5.1 software supporting Windows 7 at ISE 2010, going on now in Amsterdam… AVW-TELAV now has LEED AP on staff… Middle Atlantic has promoted Craig Decker to director of customer and sales resources… NSCA has released a new Market Intelligence Briefing Report called Recurring Revenue — Selling Service in the Commercial Electronic Systems Industry. Click here to download the report… Wolf Cinema has appointed Jim McGall as director of sales… Digital Projection has added Mark Stephens as a sernios applications specialist… NetStreams, now owned by ClearOne, has announced the release of its new DigiLinX Applicaiton Suite… Digital Projection has been chosen as the official provider of video projection for the Sundance Film Festival for the 12th year.

Back to Top

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% opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that's why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).

Don't like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.

To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter – instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas: Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com

A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I've been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don't think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe Publications has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.

Everything we publish is Opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship ePublication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA and launched in February 2004, is, by far, the largest ePub in the HomeAV market (we blow away ANY other Publication in the high-end home AV 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. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com

To read more about my background, our team, and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com

Back to Top

Copyright 2010 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved – 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.