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Welcome to another issue of rAVe ProAV Edition!

We've been traveling and doing a lot of rAVe NOW coverage lately, covering both NSCA's Business & Leadership Conference in San Diego a couple weeks ago, and the Digital Signage Expo last week in Las Vegas. At NSCA, we Tweeted, blogged, and shot videos. We'll be posting the rest of the class videos within the week, and you can see our coverage here: http://ravepubs.com/rave2011/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=166&Itemid=222

At DSE in Las Vegas last week, we blogged, Tweeted, and posted 230 product videos. If you couldn't make it, be sure and check out our website portal here: http://www.rAVeNowDSE.com

Enjoy the issue!

--Gary Kayye, CTS

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The Buck Stops Here: The Next Big Thing for 2011

By Chuck Wilson
Executive Director, NSCA

If I could suggest just one thing for 2011, it would be to make sure your staff understands how video traffic works on the network and the business opportunities this could bring you. I carefully considered this suggestion over a couple others such as MNEC, BIM, managed services and the business model transitions to support the change we are seeing.

But, here’s why I chose this: I have studied all the research from leading manufacturers, consultants, leading integration firms and people a lot smarter than me. I’ve also evaluated how video conferencing, physical security, digital signage, life safety and the other network-enabled systems have migrated to digital video. This led me to believe that we will see explosive growth in the demand for these applications that will require us to become experts in infrastructure and, most important, how the additional demands of all the video technologies will effect the reliability of the network.

If all you know is just A/V, or just security, or just fire/life safety or just structured cabling... then you will soon be on an island. Further, if all you know is a specific manufacturer’s codec, a specific encoder, a proprietary solution, or specific configuration... you will still be on an island. In the next few years, we will see a huge demand for interoperability of dissimilar brands and maybe even the convergence of products intended for different applications.

Here’s where the buck needs to stop. Take video conferencing for example; is the codec part of the A/V system or part of the network? I can assure you that the increasing influence of the IT department won’t allow our industry to point fingers any longer and, honestly, we need to take ownership of that situation.

So if I were you, I would make it a priority to strengthen your company’s business savvy sales skills, project management and technical knowledge in video. Can you be ready in 2011 to integrate an entire suite of video-over-the-network solutions? You may want to take some time to assess any gaps you have. I see huge opportunity on the horizon...

For more information, NSCA corporate members can download the 2010 Q3 Market Intelligence Briefing, Audio & Video Teleconferencing/Telepresence Market.

Chuck Wilson is the executive director of the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA), a not-for-profit association representing the commercial electronic systems industry. At the helm of NSCA, much of Wilson’s time is spent assisting contractors with the challenges of today’s business environment. He often gives lectures and presentations at key industry events, and has been published in numerous leading trade journals.

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Digital Signage Coming of Age

By Chris Chinnock
Sr. Editor and Analyst, Insight Media

It seems that January is consumer display month (CES), but February is professional display month (Integrated Systems Europe and Digital Signage Expo). I am just back from Digital Signage Expo (DSE) where we taught a full-day course on glass-free 3D digital signage and we roamed the show floor. As a result, I would like to make some high-level comments on these two shows.

First, I think it is fair to say that the needs of the professional display market are becoming increasingly important to the major CE display brands. Sharp, NEC, Samsung, Sony, Mitsubishi, LG, Philips and others are all playing here. Sales are growing strongly and margins are good - a differentiator from the consumer TV space.

Digital signage applications vary, but they can be segmented into three basic business models:

• Advertising-based business models that serve up information, entertainment and ads
• Information-based applications like flight schedules or meeting notices
• Branding-based implementations which feature information, entertainment and messaging to build brand awareness, customer loyalty, or employee retention

Retail, casinos, shopping malls, banks, transportation centers, corporate lobbies and campuses, sports venues, theaters, hospitality, etc. are some of the venues. When you think about it, there is already a lot of digital signage out there and it is going to become even more prevalent.

Screen sizes can range from 8" point-of-purchase displays to stadium-sized jumbo-trons. Technologies in competition include LED, OLEDs, LCDs, projection and PDP. There are even some novel technologies, like the NanoLumens technology, that provides a flexible emissive signage solution for wrapping around columns, for example.

LED and projection-based video walls have been the mainstay of this segment for years, and advancements continue. One novel development in LEDs is the debut by Toshiba of an LED tile offers red, green, blue and yellow LEDs that can allow 2D and 3D viewing of content simultaneously (3D needs special glasses). Mitsubishi has been pushing development of large area OLEDs for signage and recently unveiled a 36" round format display along with new 128×128 module tiles that can be used to build bigger walls.

Christie’s MicroTile projection solution has garnered much interest since their launch and just recently, Prysm has started shipping their low-power cube solution. This very cool technology has been advancing month by month over the last few years and is now quite compelling. Full-sized displays are built using a series of small rear-projection modules powered by a scanning laser that illuminates a phosphor screen. The modules are bright and colorful, have a wide viewing angle and are very energy efficient. This last point is key to their adoption, I suspect.

As one might expect, LCDs are coming on strong. Here, one major trend has been to create thin bezel displays that can compete with tradition LED or projection cube solutions. The bezels are now getting much smaller, and for many applications, are now small enough to be very acceptable.

Samsung invigorated this segment when they launched a 46" model with a 7.3mm wide bezel (active area to active area). At ISE and DSE, they launched a 55" model with a 5.7mm bezel. Sharp has introduced 60" panels with 6.5mm bezel width, but they also add a clever little angled mirror element over the bezel, which helps to make it disappear. LGD display just launched a 37" panel with an amazing 4mm bezel width, and it will even launch a 60" PDP version. The bezel width for the PDP has not been specified. These displays are being offered to OEM customers too, and will, therefore, have a big impact on the market.

Finally, let me make a comment about autostereoscopic displays. Today, products are offered by smaller companies as the majors are not currently offering products. However, the technology is advancing rapidly on many fronts. Philips will be back in the market offering AS-3D displays and new companies with experience in the 2D digital signage market are getting ready to push 3D (Kazaam 3D). It is only a matter of time before the majors turn their attention to this technology and push to commercialize it. I think that is only 1-2 years off, especially if they can simultaneously see a path to consumer AS-3DTVs. That’s all for now, folks!

Chris Chinnock is a senior analyst and editor for Insight Media. Reach him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Best Practices For Installers

By Lee Distad
rAVe Columnist

Granted, we’re getting a little late New Year’s Resolutions, but it’s never too late to commit to best practices for your business.

Recently, I was talking to a gentleman who is a trainer for a large automation vendor. He observed that in his experience, helping integrators troubleshoot problematic installs that 90 percent of the time the problems lay not with faulty product, but poor installation practices. Installation is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. Less metaphorically, installation is where all the profit in this business is made or lost.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some best practices that, if your company’s installers don’t already live by, perhaps now would be a great time for them to start.
Resolve To Think Logically, Act Methodically

Effective programmers and installers cultivate a direct, logical approach to their jobs. Thoughts determine actions and actions determine outcomes. Let “don’t panic” be a mantra, and begin every task by taking a straightforward approach and thinking things through.

Resolve To Read The Manual

No one ever wants to admit to reading the manual: It violates Man’s Law. But the fact is that AV and control hardware is becoming increasingly more sophisticated. While puzzling it out satisfies a deep-seated male need to find answers, it can also be inefficient. Time, as you may recall, is money.

Resolve To Assume Nothing

Speaking of troubleshooting, don’t just assume you know what the problem is, find out! Wrong assumptions cost time and money to fix. Effective troubleshooting requires a checklist of steps, starting from the most common and obvious (e.g., Is the unit plugged in?) to the less likely. Since 90 percent of the time, a problem will be simple and obvious, start there.

Not making assumptions also applies to retrofit jobs. Take the time to actually get behind the walls and find out what’s back there before telling the client that the job will be a cakewalk. We’ve all been caught up in nightmare installations that way, don’t let it happen a second time.

Resolve To Strive For Accuracy, Accuracy, ACCURACY

While the ideal is for installers to work quickly and precisely, if a manager has to choose, precise is better than quick. Every sloppy cut or connection that needs to be redone wastes time and money.

Consider how vital network connections are now: today projects may have a few dozen to a few hundred Ethernet lines. That’s why installers need to have the T-568A and T-568B terminations memorized and be able to do them in their sleep. If a single twisted pair is improperly placed in the connector, the network connection will fail, the problem will have to be tracked down, and the line re-terminated. If several lines are improperly terminated, then the stage has been set for a major horror show.

Good installers are always looking for ways to improve and get better. If any of these sounds like something worth working on, then there’s your goal for a way to make 2011 your best year yet!

Lee Distad is a rAVe columnist and freelance writer covering topics from CE to global business and finance in both print and online. Reach him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 

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rAVe Shoots Over 230 Videos at Last Week's Digital Signage Expo

We just returned from the Digital Signage industry’s premier trade show and not only did we Tweet out about everything we saw at the show, but we shot over 230 videos on new digital signage products and technology. Thanks to our sponsors NEC Display, ALMO Pro A/V and CQ Media, rAVe NOW covered every corner of the DSE 201 expo in Las Vegas last week. To simplify your ability to track all the new gear, as well as to guide you in an experience that’s the next-best thing to being at the show yourself, we’ve put everything online in a custom DSE show portal website that includes all the Tweets, blogs and videos we shot in one place.

To see the DSE rAVe NOW portal, go here: http://www.ravenowdse.com/

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InfoComm Seeks Systems Integrator for Show's Digital Signage Applications Showcase

InfoComm show management is seeking an interested InfoComm member and systems integration firm experienced in the design and installation of digital signage systems to help them produce this year's Digital Signage Applications Showcase at InfoComm 2011. The project will require project management, systems design, installation and content creation services both pre-show and on-site in Orlando for four individual digital signage applications that will be on display during the show.

In addition to dedicating manpower for pre-show services to design and coordinate the project, the successful firm will be required to supply up to six of its personnel during the week of the show to install and operate the exhibit. Limited compensation and reimbursement of travel expenses will be provided in addition to promotional recognition at the event and the show. Interested firms should contact Jason McGraw, senior vice president of expositions, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for an RFP.

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InfoComm Opens Registration for 2011 Show

InfoComm 2011, to be held June 15-17, 2011, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., is now open for registration. With more than 950 exhibitors, InfoComm 2011 will be visited by more than 32,000 ProAV professionals, technology managers, CIOs and procurement personnel from 90 countries. More than 300 education sessions will offer the essential training that AV professionals rely on to stay current with a constantly changing industry.

To register for the 2011 show, go to: http://www.infocommshow.org/

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Pacific Media Associates Reports Year/Year Doubling in Pico Projectors

According to Pacific Media Associates (PMA), the worldwide demand for pico projectors grew from 134,000 units in Q4 of 2009 to over 268,000 units in Q4 of 2010. Pico projectors are the tiny, battery-powered models that comprise the hottest segments of the emerging new (sub-500 lumen) category. They include both the standalone “companion” models and the optical modules embedded in mobile or fixed hosts.

“Pico companion products dominated annual shipments in 2009 and 2010,” said Dr. William Coggshall, president of Pacific Media Associates. “And by any measure, these products took quantum leaps in performance and features between Q4 of 2009 and Q4 of 2010. The portion of VGA or higher resolution models went from 52 percent to 84 percent. The portion of 25 lumen or higher models went from 4 percent to over 48 percent. And most models now offer a selection of ports that enable a broad range of content-containing devices to connect to them.”

In the market for pico projector modules embedded in mobile gadgets, last year was the first full year of shipments for cell phones and still cameras with built-in projectors. “While there were noteworthy innovators such as Nikon, the embedded market was also characterized by low-resolution “copy phones” that were eventually clamped down by Chinese authorities,” said Coggshall. “The second half of 2010 marked a turning point in the development of the embedded market. During that time and through this year’s CES, there was a dizzying array of new product announcements from imager and engine makers, ODMs, and household name brands that is forecast to propel sales in the embedded market.”

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Stampede Launches Big Book of AV Tour

Stampede has announced the locations for its 2011 Big Book of AV Tour. The 2011 tour will kick off in just two weeks, March 16, with a stop in New Orleans. Other spring shows will include Miami, Cleveland, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver.  The fall tour will hit Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Montreal, and Toronto.

Each show will enable dealers to meet with their local Stampede representative, as well as representatives of InfoComm, and over 40 of Stampede’s partners, including: NEC, Hitachi, Amplivox, Atlona, Canon, Sharp, Casio, Chief, Luidia, Epson, Infocus, Lumens, LG, Mitsubishi, Mustang, Optoma, Peerless, Denon, Pinnacle, Samsung, Xpand, Bretford, Kramer, and more. The format of the show includes a live projector and display shootout in addition to live training seminars on touch technology, digital signage, and 3D applications in AV.  In addition, dealers in attendance will have the opportunity to become CTS and DSCE certified.

For more information or to register for a stop on the tour, go to: http://bigbookofavtour.com/

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NSCA Has Record-Setting Business and Leadership Conference

With more than 230 attendees at the 13th annual event, the NSCA Business & Leadership Conference drew record numbers of integrators, first-time attendees, and support from industry manufacturers. Sessions and roundtables focused on the current state of business, forecasts for the future, and new business opportunities left attendees with solutions to navigate their businesses through the next week and the next two years.

And, rAVe NOW covered the entire thing. You can see all the videos we shot as well as the news we reported from the NSCA BLC here: http://www.ravepubs.com/rave2011/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=166&Itemid=222

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Hitachi's "Ultimate" Interactive LCD Projector

Hitachi’s Digital Media Group recently launched the iPJ-AW250NM, which integrates Hitachi Starboard software to deliver an interactive experience (aka interactive whiteboard) on any flat surface. The network-ready, 2500 ANSI lumen, WXGA (1280x800) iPJ-AW250NM LCD projector incorporates a built-in sensor that uses infrared and ultrasonic waves together with Hitachi Starboard software (which can be bundled in, or replaced with a customer’s own interactive package). Once the iPJ-AW250NM is installed on the network, Hitachi projector management software manages multi-unit installations and also provides usage reports to ease occasional maintenance scheduling.

The iPJ-AW250NM will ship next month and you can see all the specs here: http://www.hitachidigitalmedia.com/product.do?actionName=showProductAction&pt=6&pg=86&proid=746&language=en&country=UK
 

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projectiondesign Finally Ships New F35

With an ANSI lumens spec of 7500 and a native resolution of 2560x1600 (WQXGA), projectiondesign’s F35 DLP single-chip DLP projector is finally shipping after a mid-2010 introduction.

Originally spec’d at 6500 ANSI lumens at launch, the new F35 now claims 7500 lumens and an 8000:1 contrast ratio using two 300-watt UHP lamps (2000 hour lamp life). A native 16:10 aspect ratio, the F35 uses interchangeable lenses including a short-throw option and inputs include DVI, HDMI and VGA.

For complete specs, go here: http://www.projectiondesign.com/Default.asp?CatID=1831

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Planar Announces 5K Monitor Wall

The new Clarity MegaPixel Wall display incorporates an interlocking screen design to simplify installation and, according to Clarity, the 5760x2160 resolution (mp140 model) and the 3840x2160 (mp100 model) walls are only a total of 18 inches (45.72 cm) deep.

For complete specs and details, go here: http://www.planarcontrolroom.com/video-wall-displays/clarity-megapixel/

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New AMX Control Module Available for L-ACOUSTICS Amplified Controllers

L-ACOUSTICS has teamed up with control and automation specialist AMX to provide external control of the LA4 and LA8 amplified controllers from an AMX touch screen panel. Control features include mute, input gain, delay, input selection (AES/analog), standby/reboot, monitoring information (metering, clip, limit), fault management and preset management.

You can download the modules at: http://www.amx.com/

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AMX Debuts Water Resistant 5" Touch Panel

The NXD-500iW is the latest touch panel to join the intercom-enabled Modero line of AMX touch panels. It is water resistant (certified to IP51) and was especially designed for high humidity INDOOR areas (indoor pools, fitness centers, etc) and is ultra-thin and compact. Measuring only two inches deep, the 16:9 aspect ratio, 800x480-resolution NXD-500iW can be powered over Ethernet (PoE) and utilizes locking tabs for quick and easy installation.

You can see all the specs here: http://amx.com/products/NXD-500iW.asp

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Extron Debuts Fiber Optic Cables, Connectors, and Tools

Extron added pre-terminated and bulk fiber optic cables, cable termination tools, field-installable connectors, and test equipment to complete its line of fiber products.

Combined with the existing line of extenders, matrix switchers and distribution amplifiers, these new products give Extron what they are calling the most comprehensive line of fiber optic products in the industry and enable transmission of video, audio, and control over extreme distances.

Bend-insensitive, plenum-rated bulk cable and factory-terminated cable assemblies in various lengths are available in both OM4 multi-mode and single-mode versions. For bulk cable, the Fiber Optic Termination Kit and Quick LC fiber optic connectors enable fast and reliable termination in the field.

To ensure system-wide reliability, use the FPM 101 fiber optic power meter in conjunction with either the FLS 850 Fiber Optic Light Source for multi-mode cabling or the FLS 1310 Fiber Optic Light Source for single-mode solutions to measure optical power and loss throughout the fiber optic infrastructure.

These new accessory items round out and complement the extensive line of fiber optic products from Extron, which includes switchers, matrix switchers, signal processors, extenders, and distribution amplifiers. These new accessory products incorporate many features that specifically address challenges often encountered in AV environments.

Check it all out here: http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=focctpr

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Middle Atlantic Debuts UPS with Individual Outlet Control

Middle Atlantic Products is introducing a new line of UPS systems that provide true individual outlet control, both remotely via RS-232 and IP, and locally using Middle Atlantic Power Manager - a web-based interface for local monitoring and control.

Calling it the first UPS with 100 percent individual outlet control in the ProAV and HomeAV markets, Middle Atlantic says this system allows users to control each of the eight outlets independently, unlike other systems that only support control of outlet groups.

This capability allows users to restrict unauthorized use of outlets for additional security, and when integrated with a control system via RS-232, can support up to eight-stage sequencing in any combination, with any delay; no separate sequencer is necessary.

Complete specs are here: http://www.middleatlantic.com/

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Chief Debuts Kontour

Last week at DSE, Chief announced the launch of a unique line of desk and wall monitor arms called the Kontour Series. Kontour mounts are elegantly designed with a forged aluminum body and can hold monitors weighing up to 40 pounds (18.14 kg). Variable mounting options allow installers to choose between desk and wall mounts with varying extension up to 24” (61 cm). Advanced models also include Extreme Centris with -10° to +75° of fingertip tilt that lends itself well to sit-to-stand workstation applications. A hassle-free cable management system easily conceals cables beneath hinged channel covers in the K1 Series. Easy Access loops keep cables tidy in the K2 Series.

To see the entire line, go here: http://www.chiefmfg.com/search_results.aspx?view=initial&quick=k1d100

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Extron Ships the MTPX Matrix

Extron is shipping the MTPX Plus 6464, a 64x64 twisted pair matrix switcher for RGBHV, HD component video, standard definition video, audio, and RS-232. It is one of five models in the MTPX Plus 6400 Series of large-scale twisted pair matrix switchers, and incorporates features of the MTPX Plus Series with new capabilities, including EDID Minder for local inputs and outputs, RS-232 insertion from the Ethernet port to all MTP outputs, and switchable video pre-peaking on all outputs.

The MTPX Plus 6464, the largest in the MTPX Plus 6400 Series, is capable of switching local and remote AV signals to multiple destinations and is fully compatible with the entire Extron MTP product line. The MTPX Plus 6400 Series provides additional features to dramatically reduce costs associated with rack space, cabling, and installation. These features include dynamic skew equalization to maintain RGB color alignment at all times, video level and peaking compensation for brighter and sharper images, local RS-232 insertion ports to eliminate the need for control system wiring to remote displays, local high resolution video inputs and outputs to eliminate the need for additional transmitters and receivers, and local audio output volume adjustment and muting to eliminate the need for preamplifiers in many AV systems.

When paired with Extron MTP U Series Universal Transmitter and Receivers, MTPX Plus Series Twisted Pair Matrix Switchers allow VGA, component video, S-video, and composite video, along with audio or RS-232 control signals, to be sent over a single CAT 5-type cable and output on the appropriate connector at the display. Using one cable for all signal types simplifies system wiring and requires only a single matrix switcher output and MTP U R Series receiver per display.

Additional models in the MTPX Plus 6400 Series include the MTPX Plus 4864, MTPX Plus 4848, MTPX Plus 6448, and MTPX Plus 6432 and you can see the entire line here: http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=mtpxplus64hs&s=0

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Vaddio's Squiggle Video Makes Regular Whiteboards Interactive

Vaddio just launched a cool new product called Squiggle Video, that’s basically a whiteboard kit that’s capable of being installed alongside almost any existing whiteboard and turning it into an interactive one. The Squiggle converts whiteboard notes into and an HD or SD video signal and, because no dedicated PC is required, the video signal can then be connected to any videoconferencing, telepresence, distance education or video media distribution system. In addition to HD/SD outputs, data can be captured and stored as a JPEG image onto any USB flash drive.

The portable EZTub, with Digital Control Panel, attaches to the wall on the left side of the whiteboard. Based on the same concept as the Vaddio Video Whiteboard system, the Squiggle uses the same technology to run power and USB data over a single Cat5 cable up to 100 feet (30.5m) from the whiteboard to the Video Whiteboard Quick-Connect Interface. The Quick-Connect is located at the head-end for plugging into your video device. Outputs include high definition DVI-D or HDMI (HDMI with cable adapter) digital video and high definition YPbPr analog component video at resolutions of 720p/59.94Hz and 720p/50Hz, or standard definition video at 480i/NTSC and 576i/PAL.

You’ve gotta check this out -- it’s very creative and simple to use. Click here: http://www.vaddio.com/product-detail.php?p=370

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ClearOne Debuts Collaborate

Last week, ClearOne unveiled Collaborate, an all-in-one voice, video, and data collaboration console for organizations using unified communications software or web services to handle voice, video and data communications. Delivering so-called “plug-n-play simplicity in a business solution for video collaboration,” the new ClearOne Collaborate allows small groups in an executive office or conference room to converse and see each other while simultaneously viewing data from applications, websites, or other local or network sources.

Collaborate basically looks like a 46” LCD TV with a camera mounted inside it. It features an integrated ClearOne HDConference audio conferencing system, an HD USB video camera, and a built-in quad core PC with Windows pre-installed.

The Collaborate solution includes a ClearOne Soundbar speaker, which mounts to the bottom edge of the video screen; a ClearOne microphone pod; and a wireless keyboard and mouse. Additional microphone pods can be added so that larger groups can participate in conferences.

You can read all the specs here: http://www.clearone.com/data_collaboration_console.html

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Riedel Joins AVnu Alliance

Riedel Communications, a manufacturers of real-time networks for video, audio and communications, has become a promoting member of the AVnu Alliance. The AVnu Alliance is an industry forum dedicated to the advancement of professional-quality audio/video networking by promoting the adoption of the IEEE 802.1 Audio/Video Bridging (AVB) standards over various networking link-layers.

To read the complete press release online, click here.

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Control4 and Cisco Join Forces for Home Control and Energy Management

Control4, a provider of affordable IP-based home control systems, announced this month that it has signed a strategic agreement with Ciscoto deliver network-enabled automation platforms for connected smart communities and home energy deployments around the world. Cisco is leading an investment in Control4, and the collaboration between the two companies includes the integration of Control4 technology into Cisco’s Service Delivery Platform (SDP) and the introduction of Cisco-branded Control4 products. Additionally Control4 will become a key member of Cisco’s ecosystem in delivering specialized applications to meet the needs of Cisco’s Smart+Connected Communities and utility customers and deliver on the vision of Smart+Connected Communities and Cisco’s Home Energy Management Solution.

To read the complete press release online, click here.
 

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Frost & Sullivan Recognizes ClearOne

Based on its recent analysis of the installed audio conferencing endpoints market, Frost & Sullivan has recognized ClearOne with the 2010 Global Frost & Sullivan Award for Market Share Leadership of the Year. Valued at $43.3 million in 2009, the world installed audio conferencing endpoints market is predicted to reach $73.5 million in 2014. In 2008 and 2009, ClearOne maintained its market share leadership position in this space with a market share of 48.3 percent of revenues.

To read the complete press release online, click here.

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AVI-SPL Adds Brad Jones and John Rios to Denver Office

AVI-SPL has added two new employees to its Denver office in sales -- Brad Jones and John Rios. As an Account Manager for the Denver office, Jones will focus his sales efforts on the education market in Colorado and Wyoming. Additionally, John Rios has joined the Denver office as sales manager. Rios will concentrate on sales and pre-construction activities, as well as developing and building relationships in the construction industry.

To see the complete press release online, click here.

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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ProAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!

For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are -- we are 100% 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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or for editorial ideas: Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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: http://www.ravepubs.com

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

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Copyright 2011 - 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: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors.