Available with 10 or 12 outlets, SnapAV's new WattBox power conditioners are rack-mountable or wall-mountable, designed to condition power, cable, satellite and network signals. The 12-outlet version features sequenced power-on, has the capability to handle up to 6,480 joules of energy dissipation and is encased in ceramic components. It has six switched outlets and six un-switched outlets, two Ethernet ports and three noise filter banks. The 10-outlet version features sequenced power-on, capability to handle up to 5,400 joules of energy dissipation and is encased in ceramic components. It has six switched outlets and four un-switched outlets, one Ethernet port, a 12-volt trigger port and three noise filter banks.

Both have an optional remote front panel that provides individual displays for voltage and current, a utility outlet, dual USB charging plus a convenient power button that controls switched outlets back at the power conditioner.

To see all the specs, go here: http://www.snapav.com/p-1200-kit-wb-600-svce-12.aspx Add a comment

Procella Audio just announced today the introduction of a new main and surround channel speaker, the P6V. This two-way L/C/R and surround channel speaker include a 1-inch high frequency compression driver mounted on a constant directivity waveguide, a high-output 6.5 inch woofer and a so-called Procella Identical Voice crossover. Spec'd with a dynamic range playback of 24bit/96KHz program material at reference level, the P6V claims a high output, 6.5-inch woofer driver and a 1-inch compression driver for high frequencies. Procella says it produces THX cinema reference-level playback (105 dB continuous) at listening distances equivalent to the requirements for THX Ultra home cinema speakers, and does so without dynamic compression in the highs. This enables the speaker to be used a main or surround channel speaker in small to medium sized home cinemas and professional audio environments. Its bass extension meets the requirements for the 80 Hz Home THX standard subwoofer crossover point.

The P6V's size (18.5"/470mm high x 11.4"/290mm wide) and depth (4.9"/125mm) make the speaker possible for wall mount placement, either as a surround speaker, main speaker next to a flat-panel display or behind an acoustically transparent screen.

It carries a list price of $1,599 each and is now shipping. Complete specs are here: http://www.procella.citymax.com/index.html Add a comment

Pakedge Device & Software today announced the launch of its S24H, a 24-port gigabit switch with PoE+ (IEEE 802.3AT). Designed specifically for powering and switching AVB-based network AV products, the S24H delivers up to 25.5 watts-per-port for use with HDMI-over-IP transmitters, multi-radios wireless access points, high-definition IP cameras, home automation PoE+ controllers and other devices that require PoE+ operation and gigabit Ethernet connectivity (it uses a 500-watt power supply).

The S24H provides 25.5 watts of PoE+ power to up to 12 ports or 15.4 watts to all 24 ports simultaneously or a combination thereof. Each port can be individually and remotely power cycled via a variety of devices, including an iPad or iPhone. It also supports serial home automation protocols. The S24H offers high data throughput and enterprise-class reliability.

The Pakedge S24H has four fiber optic ports and can operate as a fiber hub with long-distance cable runs, making it ideal for connecting guest houses, pool houses or additional building on a property that are away from the main home installation.

Although this is designed for high-end home applications, it's perfectly capable of managing ProAV installs using AVB as well.

All the specs are available through this PDF:  http://www.pakedge.com/docs/S24HBrochure.pdf Add a comment

Lines, lines, everywhere a line
Marking up the diagrams, taking my time
Do this, don’t do that
Gotta run these lines

Full disclosure: I was never a full time installer; I was a sales designer. At best, when deadlines were tight and it was all hands on deck to get a phase done, I strapped on a tool belt and assumed the role of Wire Monkey, Third Class.

Veteran installers are in a class by themselves. Like a farmer, they’re outstanding in their field. And I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside some seasoned, top-notch installers, and benefited greatly from their tutelage. And here are some of the things I’ve learned. These should all be old hat for most readers but if someone learns something new that benefits them and their business then I’ve done a good thing today.

Bring enough cable. Basic Rule: No matter how carefully the sales designer estimates wire length from the scale architectural drawings of the jobsite, he will be wrong. Whether it’s the difference between “as drawn” and “as built” or if the designer just can’t add, it’s always something. Bring more than enough boxes of cable to the jobsite, mark the starting footage, mark where you end off when you’re done, and compare to the original estimate.

Run data lines away from power lines. Separate runs of data cables at least a foot, preferably more from AC power lines. And if they have to cross paths, take a right angle to the power line to minimize the exposure to the AC lines’ magnetic field.

Don’t exceed cable tolerances. Whether it’s the bend radius of the cable, over tightening cable ties, or the temperature ratings, treat your cables well. Most readers, at least in the lower 48 states, will seldom have to worry about temperature ratings, but for Canadians and some AV pros in the Midwest, it matters. One jobsite on which my team and I ran wire was a framed but un-insulated home in the middle of winter. It was -40? C outside, and inside the structure, it was at least 10? C colder. We called it a day and ceased working when the lead installer was pulling Cat5e off the spool and, with a loud CRACK, the line fractured.

Label early; label often. Whether using a Sharpie marker or a label maker someone on the jobsite should be labeling every line as it is run, with its purpose and destination. Use names and codes that are standardized in your company so that even someone who wasn’t there when the lines are run will know what lines are going where and why when the time comes to terminate and connect them.

Take care of your cables and your cables will take care of you.

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 lee@ravepubs. Add a comment

Sonance is now shipping its next generation of invisible speakers, called the Invisible Series. Sonance says any flexible materials of 1/8" (3 millimeters) or less can be applied across the front of the speaker without affecting performance, including wallpaper or plaster.

With four brand new models in the series, the speakers feature an injection molded polypropylene diaphragm, extruded aluminum frame, depth adjustment shims, shallow mounting depth of only 2” (51 millimeters) and optional enclosures that creates a sound containment reduction of up to 20dB. Sonance also says that three of the speakers (IS4, IS4 SST and ISW) offer a sensitivity of 90 dB, which allows them to deliver higher sound pressure levels than before.

The four new speakers are:

IS2 2-Way Speaker 

• Frequency Response 50Hz - 20kHz ±3dB
• 8 ohms nominal   
• Power handling 80 watts RMS
• Sensitivity 88dB (1W/1 meter)
• MSRP $1100.00 (pair)

IS4 3-Way Speaker

• Frequency Response 40Hz - 20kHz ±3dB
• 8 ohms nominal   
• Power handling 100 watts RMS
• Sensitivity 90dB (1W/1 meter)  
• MSRP $1600.00 (pair) 
 

IS4SST Single Stereo 3-Way Speaker

• Frequency Response 40Hz - 20kHz ±3dB
• 8 ohms nominal   
• Power handling 100 watts RMS
• Sensitivity 90dB (1W/1 meter)
• MSRP $900 (each)

ISW Woofer

• Frequency Response 35Hz - 150Hz ±3dB
• 8 ohms nominal   
• Power handling 100 watts RMS
• Sensitivity 90dB (1W/1 meter)
• MSRP $600 (each)

For more information on the new Invisible Series, click here: http://www.sonance.com/products/invisible Add a comment