Sara Abrons

Sara Abrons

Sara Abrons is executive editor of rAVe [PUBS] and managing director of THE rAVe Agency. She is also a graduate of the School of Media and Journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Reach her at sara@ravepubs.com or on Twitter @SaraAbrons. Pronouns: she/her.

Lectrosonics Debuts Two New Aspen Processors

Lectrosonics’ two new processors (part of its Aspen product line) are the SPN Conference Wideband and the SPN Trio Wideband. Both feature a newly developed AEC (Acoustic Echo Cancellation) algorithm with wideband audio response to 20 kHz. This new algorithm was developed to address the needs for a single acoustic echo canceller to handle the […]

Lectrosonics Debuts Two New Aspen Processors

THE WEEK Recap

  Date Link to Listen Description June 17, 2013 Episode 40: Joel Talks with Chris Bianchet of Herman Integration Services In the last rAVe RADIO live from InfoComm 2013, Joel speaks to Chris Bianchet of Herman Integration Services.       June 17, 2013 Episode 39: Joel Talks with Jim Smith of Polycom In today’s […]

John Wiggins Retires from Community

Community Professional Loudspeakers announced this month that John T. Wiggins, Community’s vice president, will retire after a distinguished career spanning 41 years with the company. To read the complete press release online, click here.

John Wiggins Retires from Community

SAVANT Adds AcousticSmart to Partners in Excellence Cooperative Program

Savant Systems, LLC has announced the addition of AcousticSmart Home Theatre Interiors to its PARTNERS IN EXCELLENCE cooperative program. To read the complete press release online, click here.

SAVANT Adds AcousticSmart to Partners in Excellence Cooperative Program

Salamander Unveils New Website

Salamander Designs, Ltd., a provider of audio/video entertainment furniture, theater/lounge seating and accessories, has announced the unveiling of a new website designed to make it easy and efficient for dealers and consumers to navigate. To read the complete press release online, click here.

Salamander Unveils New Website

CEDIA Releases Wireless Speaker White Paper

According to CEDIA, ninety-six percent of home technology professionals offer distributed audio as a service of their company. Wireless audio has consistently represented a smaller piece of the audio installation market, but CEDIA is offering resources to help home technology professionals learn about the opportunities wireless audio presents. “At one time, wireless audio solutions were […]

CEDIA Releases Wireless Speaker White Paper

Extron Debuts Digital Version of PoleVault System

Extron has a hybrid analog (VGA) and digital (HDMI) version of its popular K-12 classroom system PoleVault. Each system uses economical twisted pair cable (CATx) for transmitting signals and includes network connectivity for Web-based AV resource management, monitoring, and control. PoleVault Digital Classroom AV Systems are HDCP compliant, with support for both HDMI and VGA […]

Extron Debuts Digital Version of PoleVault System

NPD DisplaySearch: China Leads Growth in LCD TV Shipments in Q1 of This Year

Global LCD TV shipments grew 4 percent Y/Y in Q1’13 to 44.8 million sets, led by strong growth in China, according to the NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Advanced Global TV Shipment and Forecast Report. The improved growth is largely the result of timing of the Chinese New Year; in 2013 the holiday fell in February, rather […]

NPD DisplaySearch: China Leads Growth in LCD TV Shipments in Q1 of This Year

Intro – InfoComm

InfoComm Attendees, Thanks so much for visiting with rAVe and/or playing THE GAME 4 at InfoComm 2013 in Orlando earlier this month. Below is a summary of our coverage, which we did live from the show. There’s no way we can fit all of it into one newsletter issue, but you can check out all […]

rAVe RADIO Live Broadcasts from InfoComm 2013

THE WEEK – Episode 40: Joel talks with Chris Bianchet of Herman Integration Services THE WEEK – Episode 38: Joel Rollins Interviews Jennifer Willard of WAVE THE WEEK – Episode 37: Special Edition – Joel and Gary open Day 2 Live From InfoComm 2013 THE WEEK – Episode 36: Joel Rollins Interviews Peter Brady at […]

rAVe RADIO Live Broadcasts from InfoComm 2013

InfoComm was AMAZING – So Amazing This is Part 1 (of 3) AND We Even Have a Dedicated Website

The easiest measurement of success in a trade show is sheer numbers. Well, the 2013 edition of the InfoComm Show their biggest ever, with over 35,100 people attending — setting an all-time attendance record. Check. Another indication of success is leads. Well, in talking to Christie, Panasonic, NEC, Almo ProAV, FSR, Biamp, AMX, Cisco and […]

InfoComm was AMAZING – So Amazing This is Part 1 (of 3) AND We Even Have a Dedicated Website

No Golden Eggs Yet?

Required disclaimer: This represents the opinion and experience of me personally and does not represent any specific policy, law or official guidance. Returning from InfoComm 2013 can definitely be somewhat disappointing. After looking at all the fascinating new trends in the ProAV market and seeing the latest trends heading our way, I feel as though […]

No Golden Eggs Yet?

A Digital Signage Standard?

The Digital Place-based Advertising Association (DPAA) is taking action to create an escalating standards scale of digital place-based platform capabilities to help creative agencies and marketers best realize the potential of our medium. “Content producers require an intuitive way to understand the features, formats and APIs available to them on digital place-based networks,” said Daniel […]

A Digital Signage Standard?

Integra Introduces 2 THX Certified AV Receivers with Built-in 4K Support

Integra has introduced two new home theater receivers, the DTR-40.5 and DTR-50.5, which include full support for the new Ultra HD 4K format, Internet radio, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interfaces. Both new receivers are also THX Select2 Plus certified. The Integra DTR-50.5 has a more powerful seven-channel, 135 watts-per-channel power amplifier, compared to the DTR-40.5’s […]

Integra Introduces 2 THX Certified AV Receivers with Built-in 4K Support

Middle Atlantic Introduces Sit/Stand Functionality for ViewPoint Technical Furniture

Middle Atlantic Products has just launched new height-adjustable Sit/Stand functionality for its family of ViewPoint technical furniture. Middle Atlantic says the Sit/Stand lift system functionality promotes proper ergonomics for healthy work environments, and is now available pre-installed in welded ViewPoint furniture bays or as a standalone work station model. The Sit/Stand lift legs do not […]

Middle Atlantic Introduces Sit/Stand Functionality for ViewPoint Technical Furniture

Extron Introduces New Eight-Channel Audio Extractor for 3G-SDI

Extron’s new 3G-AE 100 is an audio extractor for 3G-SDI, HD-SDI and SDI digital video signals. It automatically detects the incoming 3G-SDI/HD-SDI/SDI data rate, de-embeds up to eight channels of digital audio and then converts it to line level, analog audio. The 3G-AE 100 features an equalized 3G-SDI/HD-SDI/SDI input and eight analog audio outputs that […]

Extron Introduces New Eight-Channel Audio Extractor for 3G-SDI

Barco to Release Smartphone App to Run Digital Cinema Gear

With this new app, now even the guy making popcorn in the theater can truly run everything in a digital cinema! Barco’s latest mobile app (for both Apple iOS and Android devices), the CineMate, enables movie theater operators to easily control and operate their digital cinema equipment via a smartphone, tablet or other mobile device. […]

Barco to Release Smartphone App to Run Digital Cinema Gear

Bretford Debuts iPad Charging Cart for 42 Tablets

Bretford Manufacturing today introduced its highest capacity charging cart for iPad and iPad mini in the form of the Mobility Cart 42, which is capable of charging, storing, securing and transporting up to 42 iPads or iPad mini tablets. The new cart offers a simple and practical charging system, making it ideal for schools, training […]

Bretford Debuts iPad Charging Cart for 42 Tablets

Savant Adds TrueConference Aimed at ProAV Install Control

Savant Systems’ newest iPad App, TrueConference, is a ProAV app that the company says provides intuitive control of presentation rooms, meeting spaces and video conferencing systems via different themes. This is an iPad App that offers a user interface for its ProAV control systems. It’s pre-loaded with dozens of themes for controlling various rooms and […]

Savant Adds TrueConference Aimed at ProAV Install Control

Chanel Vision 1.3 Megapixel Mini IP Dome Camera Introduced

Channel Vision has released a new 1.3-megapixel, “vandal-proof,” mini IP dome camera in the form of the 6532. Using a 1.3 megapixel CMOS sensor (1280×800 pixels at 30 frames per second), the 6532 features include Power over Ethernet (PoE) and digital noise reduction. It’s IP66 rated for outdoor conditions. Chanel Vision has also developed an […]

Chanel Vision 1.3 Megapixel Mini IP Dome Camera Introduced

Vivitek’s Newest Pico Projector Claims 500 ANSI Lumens

Vivitek’s Qumi Q5 is a WXGA (1280×800) resolution projector that claims 500 ANSI lumens and a 3500:1 contrast ratio. It’s a 1-chip DLP that uses the TI BrilliantColor chip and includes an HDMI port, a VGA port and a USB port that can play content directly to the projector without connecting a PC. It weighs […]

Vivitek’s Newest Pico Projector Claims 500 ANSI Lumens

NEC Adds 80″ to Lineup

NEC Display’s newest display is in the form of an 80″ V801 — a commercial-grade LCD monitor that’s LED Edge-lit and native 1920x1080p. The V801 features built-in, 10-watt speakers and an Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) compliant expansion slot. This future-proofs the display and allows for the seamless integration of a computer or other NEC/third-party accessories. […]

NEC Adds 80″ to Lineup

Extron Opens Demo Facility in New York City

Extron has opened a product demo and training facility in New York City in the heart of mid-town Manhattan that includes a large demonstration room, showcasing the latest Extron products and technologies. Hands-on stations let guests experience live demonstrations of video signal processing, AV signal distribution, configurable control, and audio products. A fully equipped, state-of-the-art […]

Extron Opens Demo Facility in New York City

NEC Intros 4th Generation E Series LCDs

NEC Display just debuted its newest LED-backlit E Series commercial-grade displays — the 4th generation in this series. The 42-inch E424, 46-inch E464, 55-inch E554 and 65-inch E654 displays are aimed at educational institutions, corporations, quick-service restaurants, healthcare facilities and fitness centers. These displays are affordable and come with a three year warranty. All 1920x1080p […]

NEC Intros 4th Generation E Series LCDs

NCR Digital Signage Solution to Enhance the Dunkin’ Donuts Guest Experience

NCR Corp. announced that Dunkin’ Donuts has deployed a high-definition NCR Vitalcast digital signage solution at locations across the United States. According to the company, Dunkin’ Donuts will leverage the digital signage solution to bring its popular food and beverages to life with visually compelling animations and messaging similar to the brand’s iconic advertising. The […]

NCR Digital Signage Solution to Enhance the Dunkin’ Donuts Guest Experience

Almo’s Digital Canvas Collection Sets Its Booth Apart at Technology Show

By Richard Lebovitz Digital Signage Connection Almo Professional A/V took a novel approach to its booth design at InfoComm 2013, showcasing what the distributor described as its “Digital Canvas Collection,” featuring fully integrated displays as art and signage in the Almo “Gallery.” With 25 brands represented in one booth, the Almo Gallery highlighted stunning AV […]

Almo’s Digital Canvas Collection Sets Its Booth Apart at Technology Show

Three Key Ingredients for Successful Interactive Kiosk Installations

By Sam Pryor Protouch The variety of self-service touchscreen applications is boundless, which explains in part why kiosks have become a welcome addition to so many different types of organizations. However, the all-in-one appearance of an interactive kiosk belies the complexity of the unit, its installation and on-going operation. Avoiding the consequences of a hasty […]

Three Key Ingredients for Successful Interactive Kiosk Installations

Flypaper Intros New CMS

Flypaper Studio‘s latest version of the Flypaper CMS now includes everything from content creation to scheduled delivery. Flypaper CMS enables users to manage, schedule and monitor multiple digital display screens and networks from a single workstation. Flypaper CMS consists of a three parts: Scheduler lets you specify when, where and which of your content will […]

Flypaper Intros New CMS

ESA Members Develop Electronic Security Guidelines for Schools

The Electronic Security Association (ESA) recently completed the ESA Electronic Security Guidelines for Schools, a resource for school officials that are considering adding electronic security systems to a new or existing school security program. The Guidelines are now available for free public download on www.ESAweb.org. These guidelines provide an in-depth look at the various components […]

ESA Members Develop Electronic Security Guidelines for Schools

BitWise Controls Ships Its Newest Automation Controller, the BC2

The long-awaited BC2 automation controller from BitWise Controls shipped out to dealers this week. The BC2 is basically a mid-sized version of the company’s BC1 controller. However, the BC2 has a new IR chip to transmit a broader array of infrared signals (than the BC1). BitWise has added a new browsable database that includes both […]

BitWise Controls Ships Its Newest Automation Controller, the BC2

Registration Open for CEDIA EXPO 2013

Registration is open and early bird discounts are available for the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association’s annual tradeshow, CEDIA EXPO, which will be held at the Colorado Convention Center Sept. 25-28. CEDIA EXPO will offer 107 training sessions for home technology professionals, including 36 that are brand new. Some of new courses include Delivering […]

Registration Open for CEDIA EXPO 2013

Premier Mounts Names Tom Noack Director of Marketing

Premier Mounts announced this month that Tom Noack, previously marketing manager, has been promoted Premier Mounts’ director of marketing. In this role, Noack will lead execution of strategic marketing initiatives, oversee marketing research, and spearhead the company’s web and e-commerce programs. To read the complete press release online, click here.

Premier Mounts Names Tom Noack Director of Marketing