Gary Kayye

Gary Kayye

Gary Kayye, founder of rAVe Publications, is one of the most prominent personalities in the audiovisual industry. He has been a contributor to WIRED magazine and a technical advisor and columnist for Sound & Communications magazine as well as an opinionated columnist for rAVe [Publications] since 2003. In addition to his writing and market analysis, Gary has been a product, marketing and business operations consultant to dozens of AV companies in the U.S. and overseas. Clients have included companies such as Sony, Sharp, Epson, Lutron, InFocus, Sanyo, Mitsubishi, NEC and Philips.   Gary, who has been involved with the audiovisual market for over 20 years, was the recipient of the InfoComm 2003 Educator of the Year Award and the 2007 NSCA Instructor of the Year Award. Over the years, he has donated much of his time as an active volunteer in the AV industry’s trade association and served as chairman of InfoComm’s Professional Education & Training Committee (PETC), chairman of the ICIA Design School Committee and chairman of InfoComm’s Installation School Committee. In addition, he has served on the InfoComm board of governors. He also helped grow the InfoComm Projection Shoot-Out as the premiere AV industry trade show special event serving on the committee from 1991 through 1997, and was instrumental in launching the Shoot-Out in the European market at the Photokina Expo in 1994 and 1996 as well as the Asian market at the 1995 and 1997 INFOCOMM Asia shows.   Prior to founding his own company, Gary was vice president of sales and marketing for AMX Corporation (www.amx.com), a manufacturer specializing in professional AV and residential AV control systems. Prior to AMX, Gary spent nine years at Extron Electronics (www.extron.com), rising to the position of vice president of sales and marketing. Gary earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1987 from the University of North Carolina and is currently Adjunct Faculty at UNC in the School of Journalism teaching a class on how future technologies will affect the future of advertising, PR and marketing.   He is also the founder of Swim for Smiles, a non-profit that raises money for the N.C. Children’s Hospital through swimming and other fitness-related events for kids. You can contact him at gary@ravepubs.com..

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 […]

Extron Ships Four-Channel DTP Output Card for Quantum Ultra with Selectable DTP / XTP / HDBaseT Output Modes

Barco and KanexPro Settle Patent Infringement Dispute

Barco and KanexPro announced today that they have reached an agreement regarding alleged infringement of Barco’s patents and other intellectual property rights. In February 2017, a Dutch court authorized Barco to seize KanexPro’s MyTurn Wireless Presentation System at the trade show ISE in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.  Barco subsequently filed a lawsuit against KanexPro in the patent court […]

Barco and KanexPro Settle Patent Infringement Dispute

AV Over IP Sales Up Over 130 in 2017

AV over IP is poised to eventually revolutionize the low-latency Pro AV market, according to a newly-released industry report from Futuresource Consulting. Moving from a position of relative obscurity, AV over IP encoder/decoder ports will enjoy a year-on-year increase of over 130 percent.AV over IP describes the distribution of video over an IP network within an enterprise, […]

AV Over IP Sales Up Over 130  in 2017

On Scott Sharer

Like many of you, I’ve known Scott Sharer for many years. He developed the first videoconferencing classes more than 20 years ago and taught them for 15 or so years. He and I served on numerous committees together at InfoComm and we taught at InfoComm’s and PETC Institutes for 20+ years all over the world. […]

On Scott Sharer

NEC Launches New C Series

NEC Display Solutions of America today announced that it has launched its new, fully commercial C Series displays, offering customers a slim profile and sleek design at an economical price point. The new C Series includes three models — the 43″ C431, 50″ C501 and 55″ C551 — all of which have a mechanical depth of only 45mm. This […]

NEC Launches New C Series

Mackie Launches New Onyx USB Interfaces

Mackie today announced a new line of mobile, high-resolution audio interfaces – Onyx USB Interfaces. Designed for home studios, content creators and  inhalers and available in two models, the Artist 12 and the Producer 22, Onyx USB Interfaces feature Mackie’s renowned Onyx mic preamps, 24-bit/192kHz recording, zero-latency direct monitoring, and more, plus a full license for Tracktion T7 DAW + DAW Essentials Collection. Combining high-resolution converters with Mackie […]

Mackie Launches New Onyx USB Interfaces

Neutrik USA Debuts etherCON CAT6A Feedthrough Coupler

Neutrik USA has announced the new etherCON Cat 6A feedthrough coupler NE8FFX6-W. Accommodating Neutrik’s etherCON Cat 5 and etherCON Cat 6A cable carriers as well as standard RJ45 plugs, NE8FFX6-W features full 10-Gbit bandwidth along with IP65 ingress protection when mated to cables equipped with Neutrik’s NE8MX6 family of etherCON Cat 6A cable connectors.  A unique barrel design distinguishes NE8FFX6-W from its etherCON Cat […]

Neutrik USA Debuts etherCON CAT6A Feedthrough Coupler

PreSonus Announces Quantum 2 Thunderbolt Interface

PreSonus has expanded the series with the release of the new Quantum 2. Slightly smaller than the original Quantum, the 22×24-channel Quantum 2 has a Thunderbolt 2 bus and a direct-to-DAW signal path to achieve extremely low latency. Using 24-bit, 192 kHz converters with 120 dB of dynamic range and PreSonus’ recallable XMAX microphone preamps, you can stack up to 4 Quantum 2 interfaces via […]

PreSonus Announces Quantum 2 Thunderbolt Interface

DISH Adds 4K Netflix to Service

DISH is now the first major U.S. pay-TV provider to offer a whole-home 4K Netflix experience. After offering Netflix Ultra HD titles on its Hopper 3 DVR since April 2016, the company added the app to its 4K Joey client. Now DISH customers have the ability to stream the robust catalog of Ultra HD TV shows and movies on Netflix […]

DISH Adds 4K Netflix to Service

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’ […]

Altia Systems Just Blew Us Away By Adding HDR to 180° Panoramic-4K USB Video Camera System

Sennheiser Debuts HeadSetup Pro Manager Product Tracking System

Sennheiser has launched HeadSetup Pro Manager, a cloud-based IT management solution developed to track, monitor, update and configure settings on multiple Sennheiser devices from a single, easy to use dashboard that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. HeadSetup Pro Manager is a cloud-based enterprise SaaS (Software as a service) hosted on Microsoft Azure cloud services and Microsoft Azure SQL/NoSQL databases. This solution allows for […]

Sennheiser Debuts HeadSetup Pro Manager Product Tracking System

IPRO Membership to Be Integrated Into CEDIA IPRO Affinity Group

CEDIA and IPro (Independent Professional Representatives Organization) have today announced an agreement for the IPRO membership to be integrated into the CEDIA membership under a new CEDIA IPro affinity group. As part of this new structure, Ray Wright, IPRO executive director will lead operations for the CEDIA IPRO affinity group, and an advisory council will be appointed to coordinate the activities of […]

IPRO Membership to Be Integrated Into CEDIA IPRO Affinity Group

Eiki Announces EK-815U 8500 Lumen Laser Projector

Eiki 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 […]

Eiki Announces EK-815U 8500 Lumen Laser Projector

Bexel Launches Sideline Audio/Video Cart

Bexel today announced the launch of its all-new, unique Sideline Audio/Video Cart a so-called “plug-and-play” solution for simplifying field audio and video feeds in all types of stadium sports productions. With its pneumatic tires and lightweight aluminum shell, the Sideline Audio/Video Cart can be easily deployed on the sideline or end zone of a sports […]

Bexel Launches Sideline Audio/Video Cart

Why We Are Switching to the BenQ PD2710QC Monitor

We do a lot of desktop-publishing. A lot. And, we do video — in fact, we post more video annually to the web than nearly every mainstream news site on earth. In 2017, so far, we’ve posted over 6,500 videos. Yes, that’s more than 17 videos per day, on average, 365 days a year. We all have a […]

Why We Are Switching to the BenQ PD2710QC Monitor

Extron Adds to Huddle Room Line With New HC 404 Meeting Space Collaboration System

Extron 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 […]

Extron Adds to Huddle Room Line With New HC 404 Meeting Space Collaboration System

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 […]

Barco and wePresent Upgrade Wireless Presentation System

New Larger HDMI Switchers for 4K Video

Extron has introduced two larger models to the SW HD 4K Series of switchers for HDMI signals. The SW6 HD 4K and SW8 HD 4K provide six or eight HDMI inputs. Both switchers support video signals at resolutions up to 4K, as well as data rates up to 10.2 Gbps, 3D, Lip Sync, and HD lossless audio formats. They feature Extron EDID […]

New Larger HDMI Switchers for 4K Video

Control4 Rolls Out Online Training for IP Network Installers

Control4 Corporation today announces the Pakedge Certified Network Administrator (PCNA) program. PCNA is a training experience that employs online coursework with hands-on learning using Pakedge networking gear to provide dealers and technicians the networking knowledge they need to design, install and manage wired and wireless IP networks. The PCNA course curriculum combines interactive coursework, online instructional office hours and an online certification exam […]

Control4 Rolls Out Online Training for IP Network Installers

PureMedia Adds Hot-Swappable Power Supplies to Matrix Line

PureLink’s PureMedia line of matrix switchers newest design release features a dual, hot-swappable power management system. With a detachable power module design, PureMedia matrix switchers support automatic failover to a hot spare power supply and also allow for quick and easy field replacement. This new hot-swappable, redundant power system for PureMedia allows users to swap out power modules while the matrix is still running. […]

PureMedia Adds Hot-Swappable Power Supplies to Matrix Line

Genelec Unveils Flagship 7380 Smart Active Subwoofer

Genelec just introduced the 7380 Smart Active Subwoofer, which delivers both high SPL and an extended low-distortion LF response in an impressively compact enclosure. The new flagship of the Smart Active Monitoring subwoofer range, the 7380 can be simply and seamlessly integrated into any monitoring system – from stereo to multi-channel, as well as part of a large-scale 3D […]

Genelec Unveils Flagship 7380 Smart Active Subwoofer

Blackmagic Design Announces Ultimatte 12

Blackmagic Design today announced $9,995 Ultimatte 12, a new realtime hardware compositing processor that’s designed for broadcast quality keying, adding augmented reality elements into shots, working with virtual sets and more. The all new Ultimatte 12 is a real-time compositing processor designed for the next generation of broadcast graphics. Ultimatte 12 features entirely new algorithms and color science, incredible edge handling, […]

Blackmagic Design Announces Ultimatte 12

Polycom Announces Totally Awesome New Conference Phone

Twenty-five years ago, Polycom introduced its iconic three-legged conference phone and changed the rules of how the world communicates at work. The Polycom phone, with its unique shape and breakthrough audio quality, quickly became the de facto conference phone for a lot of the Fortune 1000 companies. And, now they’ve redesigned it. The Polycom Trio 8500 is instantly recognizable as a […]

Polycom Announces Totally Awesome New Conference Phone

Rants and rAVes — Episode 639: Prysm Announces Both Apple iOS App and Windows Desktop App Simultaneously

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 […]

Rants and rAVes — Episode 639: Prysm Announces Both Apple iOS App and Windows Desktop App Simultaneously

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 […]

Prysm Builds Apps for Windows Devices and iPhones; Simplifying Collaboration for AV Integrators

Lifesize Claims to Have More Than Doubled Its Customer Base

Lifesize has apparently experienced explosive growth since last year including a 110 percent increase in its customer base to date through continued innovation and a focus on customer success. A perfect example of the company’s commitment to drive relentless innovation and lead with customer obsession is the newly rearchitected Lifesize app. This new version of […]

Lifesize Claims to Have More Than Doubled Its Customer Base

Crestron, Hatteras, and AHT Global Partners to Deliver a Range of Premium AV for Motor Yachts

Crestron announced today a new partnership with Hatteras Yachts, a leading global luxury yacht manufacturer and AHT Global, a leading global technology integrator. Together, the companies say they joined forces to deliver a world-class experience with the new M90 Motor Yacht completely outfitted with Crestron technology. Crestron provides dependable and robust technology available, so your vessel is always prepared to stay […]

Crestron, Hatteras, and AHT Global Partners to Deliver a Range of Premium AV for Motor Yachts

Electro-Voice Intros EVID-S Commercial Loudspeakers for Indoor and Outdoor Use

The EVID-S series, from Electro-Voice, is the latest member of the EVID (EV Innovative Design) family of commercial loudspeakers for installed applications. Every aspect of the EVID-S series has been designed from the ground up, they say, to ensure efficient installation for the contractor. The series includes 4-inch, 5.25-inch and 8-inch 2-way models with matching dual-10-inch and single 12-inch […]

Electro-Voice Intros EVID-S Commercial Loudspeakers for Indoor and Outdoor Use

NanoLumens Makes Claim for Direct View Cinema LED Displays

NanoLumens today predicted that cinemas represented the next great channel opportunity for Direct View LED displays and called upon the entire industry to collaborate to create an unprecedented in-theater experience for movie goers. According to NanoLumens CEO Rick Cope, the company installed its first Direct View Cinema LED display nearly three years ago at the Telstra Corporate Experience […]

NanoLumens Makes Claim for Direct View Cinema LED Displays

Rants and rAVes — Episode 638: Let’s Find 650 People New Jobs

Today, we reported that Harman Professional laid-off about 650 people. This includes over 60 people from AMX. Let’s work together to help these people find new jobs. The industry is growing so you must want to hire great people. Let’s make it happen! Listen to this podcast and then comment below if you’re wanting to […]

Rants and rAVes — Episode 638: Let’s Find 650 People New Jobs

Harman Professional Eliminates 650 Jobs

Yesterday, Harman Professional gave notice to approximately 650 people that they were restructuring and they will be laid off over the next year. The positions are in the U.S. and Europe and a Harman spokesperson told rAVe today that the result of the restructuring will include facility closures over the next nine months to a year, including Elkhart, […]

Harman Professional Eliminates 650 Jobs

Read This First: How to Get the Most from the rAVe CEDIA 2017 MicroSite

The 2017 version of the CEDIA HomeAV has come to a close, but our coverage here will live forever — on our CEDIA 2017 MicroSite! We have so much coverage — and there’s so much information on this CEDIA MicroSite that it can be overwhelming. So, please take moment to read this so we can […]

Read This First: How to Get the Most from the rAVe CEDIA 2017 MicroSite