Sony Has Worst Year Since 1995 — But Puts On Killer Virtual Trade Show
Last week, Sony put on their first “virtual tradeshow,” for professional broadcast equipment, and we thought it was one of the coolest marketing tools we’ve ever seen. It was, literally, as good as being on a trade show floor — if you go to shows to see new products, learn about the technical features, and chat with industry experts (and not just to party). The show was awesome, but the parties were, well, non-existent.
But in other Sony news, they reported they expect to have a net loss of $1.7 Billion by March 2009 (for the fiscal year). Last month, Sony announced they would cut about 16,000 jobs in hopes of saving millions of dollars, but that's apparently not going to be enough to stave off the loss. These layoffs were all in the electronics side of the business but now Sony says other divisions will have layoffs too – but they didn't specify when or where.
The Wall Street Journal, last week, partially credited Apple with Sony's fall saying that the market for some of Sony's core products (i.e. the Walkman series) has been overtaken by Apple's less hardware-focused, software-based approach with iTunes. In addition, Apple has contract manufacturers make everything with strict controls on quality, while Sony has 57 electronics factories of their own.
Sony's CEO, Howard Stringer, is a genius, however, and has the ability to pull them out of this even in a down financial year.
To check out the trade show — nothing is live anymore, but you can watch recorded presentations and look at the literature, go here: https://vts.inxpo.com/scripts/InXpo.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!10&ShowKey=1405 (registration required)
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Barco Announces Capital Reductions
In a January 19th statement, Barco said that although their original goal for 2009 was to cut €30 million (Euros), they have decided that’s not enough due to their view of the economy, so they have decided to cut an additional €6 million. The statement also said that reducing working capital has been indicated by Barco as a key priority. In 2008, working capital was reduced with around €40 million, supporting a reduction in net debt to about €30 million from €53 million at the end of 2007.
The Board of Directors will submit to the Annual Shareholders Meeting not to pay out a dividend over 2008.
Just a side note: Has anyone thought to mention to Barco that the economy isn’t the only reason they are seeing a decline? They are definitely one of the leaders in LED and have a great position there — assuming they remember to keep marketing LED, but their presentation projector line is severely behind the rest of the market — that might be a reason sales aren’t up to par. Hey Barco, build better projectors and they will still come…
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projectiondesign Introduces and Ships new F32 series at ISE
projectiondesign's newest is the F32, a SXGA+ (1400 x 1050) resolution DLP projector that features Philips VIDI lamp technology (a new technology we told you about in our last issue) that improves DLP colorimetry.
What's unique about the F32 is its dual-lamp technology that allows you to "hot-swap" one lamp module at a time – although we would never recommend you do that for light uniformity reasons (change both lamps at the same time!).
To learn more about the F32, go to: http://www.projectiondesign.com/
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Canon Makes Move Towards Higher-End Projector Market
Responding to the higher resolution and widescreen transition calls from rAVe and other industry visionaries in the market, Canon U.S.A. introduced the new REALiS SX800 projector. Canon, not known as a leader in projection, might not have a winner with this model, but we think others will take note because they are manufacturing it themselves and it’s using a reflective 3LCD technology.
Featuring a specification claim of 3000 lumens and a contrast ratio of 900:1, the new Canon REALiS SX800 provides an alternative for XGA (1024 x 768) users seeking to upgrade to a higher resolution SXGA+ (1400 x 1050) projector – making native XGA, SXGA, SXGA+ and even 720p projection possible.
Priced at $3000, the reflective LCD REALiS SX800 weighs 11 pounds, includes 2:3 pull-down, lens shift and digital keystone correction and an interesting feature that they call Auto Flesh Tone that supposedly gives flesh tones a “more realistic” look.
Check out all the features at: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=109
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Microvision’s SHOW WX Pico Projector is Best Aesthetic Design Yet
Microvision unveiled the pre-production version of its laser display solution for mobile devices at Macworld in San Francisco. A 25% size reduction over Microvision’s SHOW prototype, the SHOW WX combines ultra-thin pocket-sized projection with style. It is nice looking! It’s WVGA (848 x 480) resolution, wide-screen and it’s in a product category that’s exploding – although only 10 lumens (yes, you read that right).
Although most wouldn’t see this as a ProAV product, keep in mind that there will soon be a lot of traveling presenters that will be presenting via the iPhone or another smart phone rather than a laptop. Trust us; it’s coming.
See the SHOW WX at: http://www.microvision.com/showwx/experience.html
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projectiondesign Debuts avielo
At CES, projectiondesign demonstrated its top-of-the-line avielo optix single-chip projector with full HD 1080p resolution for screen sizes up to 180” diagonal. The optix features six lens options from the company’s premium hand-selected ‘Signature’ series for what the company labels as “the best possible picture quality.” The unit uses projectiondesign’s patented DuArch dual illumination architecture, ensuring optimum performance and extended lamp life. It’s a native 1920 x 1080p projector.
To learn all about the avielo, go to: http://www.projectiondesign.com/
EPSON Also Shows New 1080p Projector For HomeAV – But Couldn’t This be ProAV Too?
Epson announced the latest addition to its home theater line in the form of a 3LCD 1080p front projector, the PowerLite Home Cinema 6500 UB. The projector offers 1080p resolution with the latest 3LCD D7 chip set for significantly higher contrast, a built-in HQV Reon-VX processor by Silicon Optix, and a wide range of new performance advantages.Featuring 3LCD technology with Epson’s new “Crystal Clear Fine” D7 chip set and UltraBlack (Vertical Alignment) technology, the Home Cinema 6500 UB displays superb black levels and extraordinary details. 3LCD technology enables the projector to deliver realistic, vibrant colors without the possibility of color break-up, unlike single-chip projectors, which use a spinning color wheel to create their colors. It also allows the Home Cinema 6500 UB to provide a significantly enhanced contrast ratio — up to 75,000:1 (ok, that’s obviously NOT ANSI contrast ratio)– to deliver darker blacks and brighter whites.
The $2900 Home Cinema 6500 UB also features a unique OptiCinema multi-lens system, developed by Fujinon, a leading provider of precision optics to the digital film and HDTV camera industry. This lens system allows for sharp, clear images, and precise focus and adjustment flexibility with the lens shift feature. The projector is also equipped with Silicon Optix’s HQV Reon-VX scaling and de-interlacing video processor to reduce mosquito and block noise, while adding multi-level contrast enhancement and other picture improvement options. In addition, Epson’s new FineFrame technology delivers smoother and sharper motion pictures, while virtually eliminating judder to provide optimum picture detail for viewers.
Full details are not on their web site yet, but when they are, you will find it here: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/ProductCategory.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=-13923
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InFocus Launches Large Venue Projector?
Believe it or not, InFocus Corporation last week announced the availability of the IN5108 — a projector they are seriously aiming at the Large Venue projection category. And, to be honest, we are impressed with its features. The LCD-based IN5108 is native SXGA+ (1400 x 1050) resolution projector that claims to have 4000 ANSI lumens, a 1000:1 contrast ratio, weighs about 25 pounds and has less than 32db in fan noise. Using a 2000-hour lamp, the projector has RS-232 control, has analog computer and HDMI (1.3a) inputs — no SDI though), has lens shift (horizontal and vertical) and includes an embedded Ethernet port for IP-based control.
So, it has the specs and a price of $5499. InFocus says the InFocus IN5108 will be available in this month through what they call “exclusive InFocus partners” and can be seen here, on their website: http://www.infocus.com/Products/Projectors/IN5108.aspx
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Sharp Launches their First Short-Throw Lens Projector
The new Sharp PG-F267X DLP BrilliantColor projector represents Sharp’s first foray into the short-throw market, achieving a 100-inch diagonal image from a distance of just 4.3 feet! With XGA (1024 x 768) native resolution and brightness the company claims to be 2500 ANSI Lumens, and weighing just 6.5 pounds, the projector can be easily ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted in small spaces. Aimed at the education market, the PG-F267X offers integrated Ethernet connectivity, includes a closed caption function and a graphical user interface (GUI) pointer for classroom use – without the need for a PC. The projector offers extensive connectivity, including standard analog RGB/component and audio/video input terminals, as well as a DVI-I analog/digital source with HDCP compliance which provides secure, virtually noise-free digital connection.
The PG-F267X lists for only $2100 and will ship in March. Read more about it at: http://www.sharpusa.com
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SANYO Launches Bright Two-Lamp Projector
SANYO last week unveiled a two-lamp professional-grade projector with the PLC-XF71 aimed at Large Venue and Auditoriums.
In what the company says is the brightest projector in its class, the PLC-XF71 [1024 x 768] is said to be a 10,000 ANSI lumens with a contrast rating of 3000:1. It incorporates a three-mirror system to achieve what SANYO calls a uniform light output from two lamps, reduces color irregularities seen in many dual-lamp systems. Additionally, the PLC-XF71 features the exclusive Durable Inorganic Optical System (DIOS) with optical components that are heat and UV resistant.
The PLC-XF71 is also outfitted with SANYO’s exclusive Active Maintenance Filter (AMF) system, which automatically detects airflow and advances clean filter material as needed, resulting in less maintenance, and increased reliability.
It lists for just under $17,000 and includes horizontal and vertical lens shift, complete compatibility with all input sources through a digital scaler that includes computer and video sources as well as HD. You can read more at: http://us.sanyo.com/Commercial-Projectors
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Christie Ships LX700
The new Christie Digital LX700 uses Christie's new 4DLCD technology to produce a 7000 ANSI lumen real-color XGA resolution install projector that will, no doubt, set a new standard for every other projector manufacturer to shoot for. 4DLCD uses inorganic LCD panels (4-LCDs) that increase the color gamut (the color gamut represents all the colors a human can see) 20% over 3LCD models, thus delivering better colorimetry, blacker blacks, whiter whites and better perceived sharpness and color depth of field. And, with 2200:1 contrast ratio, the LX700 has a few unique features that integrators will love including an Auto-Filter system that rolls out a new filter every 1,000 hours (up to 10,000 hours), 10-bit color processing, a plethora of short and long throw lenses, built-in shutter and inputs for every signal ever used in installations, rentals and staging applications.
For more information on the brand-new LX700 or to get educated on 4DLCD technology, go to: http://www.christiedigital.com/AMEN/Products/ChristieLX700.htm
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Extron Ships USB Switchers Aimed at ProAV Integration Applications
If you head over the Best Buy, you’ll see a plethora of USB switchers there. But, none are RS-232 controllable and none are rack-mountable. Now Extron has addressed that with the new USB Series of two and four input switchers. The SW2 USB, SW4 USB, and SW4 USB Plus offer two or four host inputs and provide flexible and dependable switching among the shared USB peripherals. The SW4 USB Plus features an emulation mode that ensures uninterrupted communication between host and peripheral devices for consistent performance. All three models are USB 2.0-compatible and incorporate several key features to ensure ease of integration, configuration flexibility, and control, including port status indication and RS-232 pass-through. The SW USB Series is ideal for use in KVM, interactive whiteboard, and annotator-based applications where reliable USB switching is required.
SW USB series switchers act as active four port USB hubs, supplying 500mA to attached devices. Additionally, RS-232 pass-through allows control of the SW USB and attached Extron audio and video switchers with a single command, providing streamlined operations. The SW USB Series incorporates rack-mountable, 1U, half rack width enclosures for simplified integration. All models include an external, universal power supply for worldwide power compatibility.
To see all the specs, go to: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=swusbseries&search=sw2%20usb
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Analog Way Unveils New Scaler/Seamless Switcher Live Events
Analog Way announced last week an addition to their Live Events/Staging line with the new Di-VentiX LE , a dual-scaler seamless switcher with universal analog and digital input/outputs. including two DVI-I inputs (accommodating both analog and digital video signals), two SDI inputs and four universal analog inputs (computers and video signals).
The new Di-VentiX LE outputs digital and/or analog signals in SDI, DVI and VGA (RGBHV) simultaneously to two output ports with scaled resolutions from the standard HD formats (480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p) to even 2K computer resolutions. It’s integrated with a fully digital scaling technology, what Analog Way calls 10-bit SD/HD adaptive pixel-per-pixel tracking technology and 3D motion compensation processing.
This product can only be seen in detail here (the PDF press release) as it’s not on their website yet: http://www.analogway.com/press/files/AW_DVXLE.pdf
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Energizer Reinvents the Battery
At CES, Energizer unveiled a new battery technology to power many of the electronic devices we use every day. The Energizer Zinc Air Prismatic battery will offer OEMs greater design flexibility, while providing greater run times or enabling smaller devices.
Zinc Air Prismatic batteries use the same zinc air technology that is used in hearing aid batteries, in which zinc reacts with oxygen in the air to generate power. The battery offers high energy density as well as a thin form factor. Product innovations include a new 5 mm thin prismatic (rectangular) construction, with what the company says is the highest energy density of any consumer portable power solution (either disposable or rechargeable) resulting in up to three times (3X) more runtime compared to similarly sized alkaline or lithium ion batteries.
You can learn all about the new Zinc Air technology at a custom Energizer site at: http://data.energizer.com/zincairprismatic/Default.html
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PolyVision Uses YouTube to Launch eno With Creative, Simple Demo
In a brilliant use of new media technology, PolyVision launched a product called eno – an interactive whiteboard aimed squarely at SMART Technology – using YouTube. Instead of us telling you all the details of eno, watch the demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSLKGQEeags&fmt=18
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Chief Installer-Inspired FUSION Series Fixed and Tilt Mounts Ships This Week
Chief Manufacturing is readying the first shipments of their new FUSION Series – a mount series that specifically addresses an integrator’s need for mounts that focus on usability and “speed of installation.”
Inspired by ProAV installers, Chief's new FUSION universal mounting system uses a new low-profile design available in fixed or tilt models for 26"-75" monitors. They integrate four key points and solutions: center-less lateral shift (up to 16” post-installation lateral shift), post-installation height and leveling control (an industry first that we know of), a low-profile thin design and a tool-less installation of the monitor. Impressive.
See them at: http://www.chiefmfg.com/fusion/
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Da-Lite Debuts RF PC/MAC remote with Green Laser
Da-Lite Screen Company is expanding, again – this time into a unique product for power-presenters and teachers: it’s a PC- and MAC-compatible remote control with a built-in green laser pointer! The RF presentation remote features page-up/page-down functions and an amazingly bright green laser pointer – WAY brighter than a red or blue laser. As with most other RF remotes, there is no interference with nearby or multiple remotes in the same facility because the remote pairs directly with the included USB receiver – connected to the computer. Unit ships complete with a protective case and batteries.
To read more, go to: http://www.dalite.com/products/product.php?cID=28&pID=471
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Da-Lite Makes the Ultimate Screen Calculator Available
Da-Lite Screen Company has totally redesigned and updated their Da-Lite Screen Calculator with an easy and clear process for selecting the right projection screen. The Da-Lite Screen Calculator has become a “quick reference tool” among Da-Lite specifiers and architects due to the convenience and accuracy it provides – and now it’s even better!
The Da-Lite Screen Calculator contains easy steps to selecting the right projection screen. These steps include determining the optimum screen size, selecting the appropriate format the projection will be shown in, choosing the screen type and lastly picking the correct material or surface. Also included within this tool are specific step-by-step questions for screen selection based upon ambient and non-ambient lighting as well as detailed descriptions of screen surfaces.
To use the calculator, to go: http://www.dalite.com/
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Extron Ships Larger DVI Distribution Amplifiers
Extron announced last week that all models in the DVI DA and DVI DA Plus series of DVI distribution amplifiers are now shipping. The DVI DA includes an existing two-output version and a new four-output version, while the new DVI DA Plus features four, six, and eight output versions.
All models accept one single-link DVI source and distribute digital video signals to multiple devices. They are compatible with DVI resolutions up to 1920×1200 at 60Hz, including HDTV 1080p/60. The DVI DA Plus models also feature EDID Minder, which ensures that the DVI source powers up properly and maintains proper video output even if the digital display device is off, and source signal presence indication for quick, visual confirmation of system functionality. All of these distribution amplifiers are well suited for a broad range of applications where a fully digital signal path from source to destination is preferred.
All Extron DVI distribution amplifiers feature automatic input equalization, which restores and reshapes incoming DVI signals, which the company says minimizes jitter effects that can be a problem when DVI signals are routed through multiple active devices. The distribution amplifiers are housed in 1U high, rack-mountable enclosures and include an external, universal power supply for worldwide power compatibility.
To see all the specs and details of the DVI DA line, go to: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=dvidaseries&search=dvi%20DA
To see all the specs and details of the DVI DA Plus line, go to: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=dvidaplusseries&search=dvi%20DA
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AxisTV Now Supports Flash Interactivity and Charting
The only AV-based digital signage company, VISIX, has released a new version of AxisTV that supports Adobe Flash interactivity and charting as of version 7.0.12 on all platforms. AxisTV users will find interactivity useful in wayfinding or directional applications, and in charting real-time data as dynamic visualizations. The software does not provide Flash creation tools, but supports playback and database connectivity of user-created campaigns. I have said this before, this is THE Digital Signage software company for AV companies – you NEED to become an integrator for VISIX now!
The new charting capabilities allow clients to insert a Flash file into a playlist with other content pieces and connect to a database that can dynamically change animated elements during playback. Data visualization is typically used by organizations that wish to monitor or improve performance metrics using dashboards, reporting, analytics, statistical, financial or other raw data analysis. It is used in many applications including business and productivity monitoring, executive information systems, content management systems, survey and poll analysis, and network monitoring.
To learn about VISIX, go to: http://www.visix.com/
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VISIX Introduces New Interactive Room Sign
Visix, Inc., has released its new interactive room sign line called MeetingMinder. The MeetingMinder room signs are available either in 10.4-inch or 15-inch displays that can be wall-mounted or recessed outside the door to a room. The interactive touch screen room management feature, wrapped around the Visix digital signage player, offers “walk-up” reservation capability with bi-directional event scheduling support for Dean Evans & Associates EMS Software and Microsoft Exchange. This, again, offers a way for ProAV dealers to not only offer more in up-selling clients, but also a unique solution that will educate ProAV integrators in content delivery systems (the future of our market).
Visix interactive room signs are complimented with a variety of architectural accessories, including display frames and enclosures that allow clients to customize the signs to complement the colors, style and design of their facility. Room signs are typically mounted outside conference, training and meeting rooms to announce room availability and schedule information along with dynamic digital signage content.
See them at: http://www.visix.com/products/meetingminder/index.htm
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World’s Thinnest Plasma Debuts at CES
Samsung unveiled a flat-panel TV that's just 6.5 millimeters at CES. The battle between plasma and LCD has many fronts — Hz “one-upmanship”, contrast ratio and viewing angle specs, lifespan. Yet until now, panel depth has been dominated by ultrathin LCD models.
Now Panasonic takes aim and fires at the thin advantage of LCD. At CES, Panasonic showed the Z1 plasma that measures just 1” thick. But with no room for wired connections, Panasonic solves the problem by supplying a separate AV box, with a tuner and connections for HDMI and component-video and it streams AV and control signals to the panel wirelessly ( with a 60GHz millimeter wave radio system.)
Check it out: http://ces.cnet.com/8301-19167_1-10137324-100.html
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Crestron Seeks HDMI Control With “DigitalMedia”
Last week, Crestron launched DigitalMedia, the “first complete HD AV distribution system to allow any mix of AV sources to be distributed throughout a home from a centralized rack location, without loss of quality or inherent latency.”
DigitalMedia distributes uncompressed digital audio and video signals over a choice of CAT5e/6-based copper wiring or two multimode fiber cables. A full selection of switcher input cards, wall plate transmitters, and room controllers provides extensive connectivity throughout the home, supporting a complete range of analogue and digital signal types all through one switcher – “another industry first,” says Crestron.
DigitalMedia intelligently manages all of the different signals and devices, matching each source's output to the capabilities of the selected display(s) without using scaling or compression. DigitalMedia handles more than just AV. Integrated Gigabit Ethernet and USB mouse and keyboard distribution allows computers, media servers, and video game consoles to be installed out-of-sight and accessed from anywhere in the house. Crestron control is also built-in for control of displays and other room devices without additional wiring.
Crestron DM Switchers serve as the central hub of a DigitalMedia system. Featuring a modular architecture, there is no need for external converter boxes or twisted-pair extenders.
And, Crestron’s exclusive QuickSwitch HD technology eradicates the switching latency that plagues other HDMI switchers by maintaining a constant HDCP connection with each HDMI device in the system. By eliminating the need to re-authenticate each time a different source is selected, QuickSwitch HD achieves very fast switching of HDMI signals.
Crestron says that DigitalMedia will be available within the next several days. You can download their Design Guide here: http://www.crestron.com/features/digitalmedia/
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TOA Offers New Audio Management System
TOA announced a new audio management system that offers flexible, scalable solutions for large-scale commercial PA/VA installations. TOA calls the SX-2000 “the most sophisticated, integrated voice alarm and PA system ever offered by TOA.”
While easier than ever before, it’s designed to distribute BGM, paging, and emergency messaging across large buildings and multiple-site facilities easier than ever before.
With the SX-2000SM System Manager as a hub, it offers options designed to offer maximum flexibility in system design and installation, including multiple audio input and output units, fireman’s microphone stations, and remote mic extensions. Minimum system configuration is 8 inputs by 8 outputs, and this expandable to a maximum of 64 inputs and 128 outputs, with as many as 776 control ins and outs and with 16 audio buses plus 2 emergency buses.
Read more about the TOA system at: http://www.toa-corp.co.uk/asp/news/newspage.asp?id=62
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HaiVision Ships SHARE-HD
HaiVision Systems, a manufacturer of H.264 network video codecs, launched SHARE-HD last week. It’s a new network video recorder — a so-called network video appliance capable of recording up to 10 simultaneous streams of high-definition (HD) or WXGA content. SHARE-HD is designed for medical, military, and educational network video systems and can record multiple HD, SD, and computer network video streams.
With HaiVision's hai1000 and the hai1000 MAKO-HD codec technology, multiple HD and computer screen sources can be encoded in real time within a single system. These streams can be simultaneously sent over the network to a centrally located SHARE-HD server for recording as well as to multiple other network destinations using HaiVision's Logical Multicast technology. Because multiple network destinations are supported with the hai1000, performance viewing is not affected by the recording process. Each encoder can transmit simultaneously (in unicast or multicast) to multiple destinations (for example to a conference room, across the country to a viewing theater, to the SHARE-HD record server, and to an Adobe Flash-based content server for Web viewing). Equally, SHARE-HD can replay the session on multiple video streams to any network destination.
Get everything you need about SHARE-HD at: http://www.haivision.com/products/share-hd/
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Are You Going to NSCA’s Business & Leadership Conference? Why Not?
If you’re not planning to attend the NSCA Business and Leadership Conference due to cost, re-evaluate your thought process. Networking with your peers is virtually priceless – especially in an economy like this one. This is a true conference – no trade show floor here.
Interactive sessions have distinguished this popular, intimate conference from other industry events and cemented the importance of and value in engaging with other business owners, managers and industry representatives facing similar challenges.
Popular events such as Beer ‘n Bull provide an open mic opportunity to discuss the state of the industry. This year’s session will include contractors and consultants in an effort to facilitate improved contractor/consultant relations. In addition, social networking events such as the Women in NSCA reception and pre-conference seminar, beach party, and closing night Wild West Roundup provide attendees the chance to mingle with top integrators in a relaxed, casual environment.
The NSCA Business and Leadership Conference will be held February 26-28 in Phoenix, AZ. The deadline to reserve rooms at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort is Friday, January 23. Register now to secure your space for this important industry event. To learn more or register, go to: http://www.nsca.org/blc or call 800.446.6722. Conference fees are $1,049.
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InfoComm Joins the High-Performance Building Congressional Caucus Coalition
InfoComm has joined the High-Performance Buildings Congressional Caucus Coalition, a private sector coalition providing guidance and support to the High-Performance Buildings Caucus of the U.S. Congress. Chaired by Russ Carnahan (D-MO) and Judy Biggert (R-IL), the High-Performance Buildings Caucus was formed to inform policymakers about the major impact buildings have on health, safety and welfare, while promoting opportunities to design, construct and operate high-performance buildings that reflect society’s concern about these effects. These concerns include protecting life and property, developing novel building technologies, facilitating and enhancing U.S. economic competitiveness, increasing energy efficiency in the built environment, assuring buildings have minimal climate change impacts and are able to respond to changes in the environment, and supporting the development of private sector standards, codes and guidelines that address these concerns.
InfoComm is co-sponsoring a high-performance buildings luncheon for members of the caucus on January 13, 2009. Representatives from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, the American Institute of Architects, the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council, and the High-Performance Buildings Council will address caucus members and Congressional staff.
If you’re interested in finding out more how your company can participate, contact InfoComm’s Betsy Jaffe at [email protected].
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InfoComm’s Projection Summit Calls for Papers
Insight Media, the company that puts on the Projection Summit at all InfoComm Shows, has announced a call for papers for their upcoming Projection Summit 2009 to be held June 15-16 in Orlando, just prior to InfoComm 09. Individuals and companies interested in presenting at the Projection Summit should submit abstracts by February 1, 2009.
The emphasis of presentations should be on how new technologies and market trends will impact the big screen consumer and professional display market. Submit abstracts to Chris Chinnock or Dian Mecca.
For more information on Projection Summit registration, exhibit and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.projectionsummit.com, or contact Dian Mecca at 202.831.8464 or [email protected].
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CEA’s Kerry Moyer Appointed Chairman of ESPA
The Electronic Systems Professional Alliance (ESPA) rotated its committee positions and appointed Kerry Moyer, senior director, strategic relations, with the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), as its new chairman for 2009.
Moyer previously was the secretary of ESPA’s board. Former Chairman Don Gilpin, executive director of the Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association (CEDIA), moves to the treasurer position on ESPA’s board. Executive Director Chuck Wilson of the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) moves from treasurer to secretary of the ESPA board.
During his 14-year tenure with CEA, Moyer has served as director of product divisions and senior director of industry programs. He was instrumental in the PARA and TechHome mergers with CEA. Moyer also has more than 19 years of retail sales and management experience. Before joining CEA, he served as vice president of advertising and promotions at Audio Associates, a Washington, D.C. area specialty audio-video dealer providing custom installation, sales and service for the home and car.
Formed by the CEA, CEDIA and NSCA, ESPA lays the groundwork for a career-ready technology workforce. The ESPA Certified-EST® tests a technician candidate's understanding of industry basics and is a true indicator of whether or not the technician is prepared for an electronic systems career.
You can join ESPA at: http://www.espa.org/
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InfoComm Foundation Offers AV Scholarships; Also Seeking VTC Lighting Experts
InfoComm International established the International Communications Industries Foundation (ICIF) to address the industry's need for a high-quality workforce. If you or someone you know is pursuing AV- related studies, InfoComm International is now awarding scholarships to members and non-members.
Visit http://www.infocomm.org/scholarships for more details.
In other InfoComm news, the Videoconferencing Lighting Performance Standard, being developed in conjunction with the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), needs subject matter experts in the following areas to help write the document. Manufacturers and manufacturers’ representatives are particularly welcome.
- Video cameras
- CODECS
- Telepresence systems
If you would like to participate as an expert contributor, please email [email protected]
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EduBucks Seeing Double
In 2009, InfoComm will give new members and members who renew at their present level or higher double the regular amount of EduBucks, InfoComm’s educational credits. This program was put in place to support members in light of current economic conditions. It is now feasible for companies to double their training activity this year
Doubling applies in all member categories and in other currencies. Also, the rules for redemption have not changed, and you may continue to use them at InfoComm 09, in our classroom courses, and via the Academy Online.
Visit www.infocomm.org/edubucks for more information.
