ClearOne Forms StreamNet Partner Program for Manufacturers  ClearOne is trying to get manufacturers to integrate their AV-over-IP technology into their products (e.g., projectors, monitors, lighting control, etc.) by launching the StreamNet Ready Partner Program. StreamNet is ClearOne’s patented technology (basically, what they acquired from NetStreams) used for streaming audio and video, as well as sending control, over a local area network (LAN). Targeting manufacturers of all sorts of AV gear and asking them to adopt StreamNet technology would make their product compatible with ClearOne’s AV-over-IP network. However, it’s proprietary, so unless ClearOne can get Extron, Crestron, AMX, etc. to adopt the technology, they won’t be compatible with the industry’s leading control and signal routing companies, and we think that’s unlikely to occur since all of them are entering the streaming video market with their own technologies and products.
If you want to learn more, go here: http://www.clearone.com/partners/streamnet.php?content=main
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Dukane is Getting Stronger  Many counted Dukane down and out in the projector market just a few years ago, but they are actually getting stronger and now in the “Top 10 Projector Manufacturers” from our view. Their latest offering is an WXGA (1280×800) model dubbed the 8924HW-RJ and it’s spec’d at 3000 lumens, with a 5000-hour lamp and a 2000:1 contrast ratio.
Clearly aimed for the education market, but likely to have meeting room interest, the 8924W-RJ includes a few unique features including the ability to route the audio (line AND mic) through the projector (to use the projector as a 16-watt speaker) but Dukane actually allows you to use the audio even with the projector off in case you’re connected to in-room speakers, too. It’s a networked AV product, has VGA and HDMI inputs and includes a 5-year warranty.
You can see all the details here: http://www.dukane.com/av/products/LCDProjectors.asp
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Mobile Projectors With Autofocus from NEC  With its mobile DLP projectors NEC NP64 and NP43, NEC Display Solutions has launched the successors to its NP62 and NP41. Both models feature an autofocus function and simple operation with long lamp life and a brightness of 3000 and 2300 ANSI lumens, respectively, with a contrast ratio of 1600:1. Both the NP64 and NP43 deliver images in XGA resolution (1024×768).
Thanks to automatic power-on, signal detection, automatic focus and auto keystone correction, the projectors are extremely easy and quick to set up and NEC says an Eco-mode lowers the operating cost by extending lamp life up to 3500 hours and reducing power consumption. In addition, NEC has integrated a “carbon savings meter” to support GreenAV corporate initiatives by encouraging users to operate the projectors in Eco-mode and calculates the CO2 savings. You can see all the specs on the $899 NP43 and the $1099 NP64 here: http://www.necdisplay.com/Products/Series/?series=2a3a3e97-a6cf-4627-aa3e-31992d8b6839
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EPSON Debuts $500 SVGA Projector for ED Market  Dubbed the PowerLite S9, Epson is getting ready to ship a new $500 SVGA (800×600) projector with 2500 lumens, weighing in at 5npounds. Claiming to have a 5000-hour lamp, the S9 is aimed at the education market but will, no doubt, draw interest from traveling presenters looking for a bargain-priced projector since price drives that market too. The S9 is a 3-chip 3LCD projector that includes instant on/off capability, USB PC-less presentation compatibility (Mac and Windows) and a 1.35x zoom lens.
You can see all the specs (when Epson posts it) at: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/EdProjectors/Home/K12.do?BV_UseBVCookie=yes
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Cisco Makes Its Move and Says "Cius"  Cisco launches its Cius tablet (pronounced “SeeUs”) for business, a 7” touch screen tablet computer running on the Android operating system. Yes, it’s definitely going to be compared to the iPad. But this Cisco product is all about business and Cius comes in two form factors: tablet and a desktop dock — a phone-like format. CEO John Chambers showed Cius at the Cisco Live customer event, using a live videoconferencing transmission from researchers on a submarine in the Aegean Sea.
The device works with cellular 3G and 4G networks, as well as with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. HD 720p video is supported. The tablet weighs 1.5 lbs. and has a detachable eight-hour battery. An Intel Atom 1.6-GHz processor powers the device. Chambers also demonstrated a slightly smaller version of the Cius for use by students, so think ED market and Cisco's ability to sell into school and university networks across the world.
Cisco officials tell rAVe that Cius will be generally available in the first quarter of 2011.
You can see Cius here: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/voicesw/ps6789/ps7290/ps11156/solution_overview_c22-608594.html
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Extron Expands TouchLink Line  At last month’s InfoComm, Extron rolled out larger panels, a larger controller and an assortment of mounting options that signaled their investment in control technology is only going to get bigger.
The TLP 350MV is a 3.5" touch panel, again, designed for wall or lectern use, in a 3-gang form-factor (making it an easy upgrade for installs using their MediaLink keypads) that also incorporates Power over Ethernet (PoE). The IPL 500 is the latest addition to their “IP Link” control processor line and offers eight bi-directional serial ports, eight configurable IR/S ports, four relays, four flex I/O ports, Ethernet driver support and four switched DC ports. The increased control capability of the IPL 500 greatly expands the applications for Extron configurable control systems, making them competitive to AMX and Crestron in well over 85 percent of all ProAV installs.
You can read all the specs here: http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=ipl500ad
Extron also added new mounting accessories (including wall boxes, surface mount boxes, and pre-construction back boxes and VESA and swivel mount options for TouchLink touch panels), as well as Global Configurator 3.0, (shown in photo here) the free configuration software for TouchLink, MediaLink, and IP Link Control Systems.
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Crestron Adds Redundant Power to Matrix Lineup  Last week, Crestron announced that their DigitalMedia (DM) matrix switchers are available with redundant power supplies. According to Crestron, their redundant power supplies in DM matrix switchers deliver uninterrupted operation with a demonstrated MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) of more than 1,000,000 hours. LEDs on the front panel show the status of each individual power supply and its operation.
You can see specs on their redundant power supply models here: http://www.crestron.com/products/show_products.asp?jump=1&model=DM-MD32X32-RPS
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Sharp Launches New Super-Slim Bezel LCDs  Designed for monitor wall applications, Sharp debuted a 60” LCD (PN-V601) with what they claim is the world’s slimmest bezel. The bezel itself is 2.4mm on the right and bottom sides, and 4.1 mm on the top and left, with a gap between units of only 6.5mm. That is, in fact, the slimmest we could find on the market today.
Using LED backlighting, the new PN-V601 is a native 1366×768 resolution LCD monitor that has a 700cd/m2 brightness spec, has both VGA and HDMI input ports, network and RS232 control and is less than 6” deep.
Want the spec sheet? Go here: http://www.sharpusa.com/~/media/2F05E509924A46828D7BCCBA51249CBF.ashx
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Viewsonic's Video Wall Solution  At InfoComm, Viewsonic showed their video wall software solution in the MultiView. It can display HD video across multiple displays or display individual HD content on up to nine displays using a single source player. Powered by Germany’s friendlyway, Viewsonic says they have simplified video wall applications because you can use any standard PC (with a high-performance graphics card) and Windows 7 to design, develop, and control the video wall (whether it's a one-dimensional, 1×5 video wall such as a digital signage menu board, or two-dimensional video wall with up to 5×5 displays).
However, compatibility is limited to certain Viewsonic HDTVs, including the 52" CD5230, 42" CD4230, CD4232 and 42" CD4230T — all touch-compatible commercial displays. Each display features a slim bezel design, metal enclosure and VESA mounting compatibility.
MultiView is so new, it’s not on Viewsonic’s webpage yet, but we are told it will be soon and they’re putting it here: http://www.viewsonic.com/infocomm/
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Stewart Filmscreen Intros Camera Mount for StarGlas Rear Projection Systems  Stewart Filmscreen Corporation has launched StarCam, an integrated camera housing for Stewart StarGlas laminated rear projection screen systems. Enabling videoconferencing for new and existing StarGlas installations, the StarCam provides a mount for video cameras in a clear glass port that is integrated into a black inlay border that frames the projected image. The system can be used with screens in multiple aspect ratios; however, the StarCam can be used with both new and existing 4:3 StarGlas rear projection systems. Stewart tells rAVe that 4:3 screens can be easily replaced with current 16:9 and 16:10 image sizes with the added value of the StarCam feature without disturbing the integrity of the existing opening or millwork, thereby minimizing construction costs.
You can find Stewart on the web at: http://www.stewartfilmscreen.com/commercial/main/commercial_main.html
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Wolf Shows Two New Visualizers  For more than two decades, WolfVision's Professional Visualizers have been regarded as the ultimate high-end units on the market. The first Visualizer VZ-10, launched at the Photokina in 1988, already contained WolfVision's patented recording system through two mirrors and synchronized light/image lenses.
Now in the 22nd year of its existence, the latest models VZ-P18 and VZ-P38 have a completely redesigned housing. They’re also packed with all-new features including a touch screen remote control, an integrated live image preview monitor and a "digital pointer" that can be adapted in size and color.
In addition to the remote control, a second LCD monitor can be found on the top mirror of the VZ-P18 and VZ-P38. This monitor is designed as a preview monitor for live image display, however, in case the remote control is unavailable, it can also be used as a touch screen monitor for controlling VZ-P18 and VZ-P38. For simplicity sake, Wolf made the functionality of this monitor identical to the touch screen monitor of the remote control.
Both new Visualizers offer native SXGA, WXGA and 720p resolution with 30 frames per second and sRGB color precision. The VZ-P18 achieves perfect picture quality with a 1-CCD camera, while the VZ-P38 is equipped with a 3-CCD camera. The advantages of the 3-CCD camera are even more lifelike colors and higher resolution with very detailed colored objects.
You can see all the specs here: http://www.wolfvision.com/wolf/products-vzp18-38.html
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QSC Expands Paging System  In less than a year, QSC has become a leading contender for paging system applications with their Q-Sys digital paging platform – aimed at theme parks, cruise ships and museums. With the introduction of the PS-1600, PS-800, PS-400 page stations and a suite of supporting software functions, Q-Sys now addresses the needs of transportation hubs and other facilities needing sophisticated public address capability.
Three versions of the page station are available and differ only in the number of physical buttons provided. System designers may select a 16-, eight- or four-button version depending on the needs of the facility. All versions are offered with either gooseneck or handheld microphones. As with other Q-Sys devices, they support dual networks for redundancy. The page stations also include a second microphone input so that a single station can serve, for example, as both the jet-way and the kiosk of an airport departure gate. Page stations are connected directly to the Q-Sys core via standard Gigabit Ethernet; Power over Ethernet (PoE) is also employed so no local AC power is required.
Interested in learning more? Go to: http://www.qscaudio.com/products/network/QSys/
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AV Furniture Ain't Exciting, But…  It’s hard to make AV-oriented furniture exciting, but the fact is, we NEED it since off-the-shelf furniture doesn’t accommodate AV gear — even for something as simple as table-mics or cable routing for touch panel-based control systems. Sound-Craft Systems has added a line of customizable conference room tables designed for small- to medium-sized applications in sizes up to 5’ wide x 10’ long. Available in a variety of shapes and base styles, you can customize them to use solid hardwood trim, standard wood veneers and high-pressure plastic laminates — and they’ll even custom match an existing room look for your clients.
All tables feature a wiring channel as well as custom cutouts to accommodate storage for all the AV gear with access doors in the base for ease of cable routing. You can see all the specs and sizes here: http://www.sound-craft.com/catalog_index.asp
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Bretford Announces NETBOOK42 Cart  Bretford Manufacturing last week announced the NETBOOK42-CT, a new cart that vertically stores, charges and protects up to 42 Netbook computers. Primarily for education environments, the NETBOOK42 incorporates a power management system that decreases heat and electrical stress while proportionally distributing power to the netbooks to preserve battery life, and only requires a single power outlet for use. The new cart features a small 32” x 26” footprint to fit in tight spaces, and cable management to keep 42 netbook computers and cords neatly managed and stored in the back.
The auxiliary power outlets on the top shelf allow the NETBOOK42 Cart to double as a presentation cart in the classroom, with room for a video projector or a printer since the brain can dedicate power to those accessories when they are needed. Located in the back of the cart, the cable management area provides storage and identification for each computer and cord with the ability to store more than 500 feet of cable without clutter. Each vertical slot has a permanent laser-cut ID number for coding the computers, the slots and the cable sets, making it easier to manage and identify their location. The NETBOOK42-CT has an all-steel welded frame and is constructed from the most durable materials to protect the electronic equipment from damage. Further, it comes equipped with two reprogrammable combination padlocks three-point security on the front and back doors to prevent against theft. The cart is expected to ship next month, pending UL certification. For more information, go to http://www.bretford.com/products/overview.asp?id=382
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Vaddio Shows In-Wall VTC Cameras  REVEAL IN-Wall cameras are Vaddio’s first architectural integrated PTZ cameras that allow the camera to blend into the wall of any videoconferencing or presentation application. Thanks to the cool design of the Vaddio REVEAL, the in-wall camera box uses the actual depth of the wall cavity to recess the camera into the wall, eliminating the camera’s extension into the room and providing a finished look to the installation. There are two options for the camera glass: clear or electro-chromatic. The electro-chromatic glass turns opaque and mutes video when the camera is turned off or by RS-232 command.
You can learn more about REVEAL here: http://vaddio.com/categories.php?catid=84
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News from AVW-TELAV, OmniMount, projectiondesign…  OmniMount has promoted Zach Eyman to general manager of furniture and new business development… Crestron has joined the InfoComm AV Sustainability Task Force, which is creating the InfoComm Sustainable Technology Environment Performance (STEPS) Rating System… projectiondesign has hired Mike Raines, Håkon Andersen and Javier Delgado to create a new visual simulation specialist team… Christie has opened a new manufacturing facility in Shenzhen, China to meet the demand for 2D and 3D digital cinema projectors… Almo Pro A/V has earned Samsung's Specialty Distributor of the Year award… For the second year in a row, Da-Lite Screen Company has recognized Beverly Clark as its Sales Consultant of the Year… Liberty Wire & Cable has changed its name to Liberty AV Solutions to more accurately represent its business offerings… AVW-TELAV has announced that Johanne Bélanger has been named chief operating officer of Freeman’s Audio Visual divisions across North America… Verrex has officially announced its expansion into Asia Pacific with the opening of Verrex Asia Limited in Hong Kong… Audinate has announced the hiring of John McMahon as their new vice president of worldwide sales and support… The Whitlock Group has appointed John Bailey as the director of systems integration… The AVC Group (formerly the Linear Audio Video Control Group) recently announced a series of new appointments — Bob Farinelli will become chief technology officer of the company, with Paul Starkey succeeding him as president of ELAN Home Systems; Mike Detmer has been promoted to president of Niles; Richard Schnell has become vice president of finance of The AVC Group; and Vipul Doshi is now the vice president of operations… NSCA's Education Foundation and Bosch Security Systems have awarded three $2500 scholarships; the Robert Bosch scholarship is going to Andrew Keil and Wade Kolata, with the Monte Wise scholarship going to Gary Fine… Listen Technologies has appointed Craig Devin as manager of product development… Salitek has hired Sharon Culotta as western regional sales manager… Scala has appointed Tom Nix as vice president of North American operations.
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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 [email protected] or for editorial ideas: Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at [email protected] 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: https://www.ravepubs.com To read more about my background, our team, and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top
Copyright 2010 – 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:[email protected]
rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. | 
One of the ProAV industry's first "national" dealers was MCSi. After buying up more than 20 AV dealerships including Technical Industries of Atlanta, Fairview AFX from Tulsa, OK and DuoCom based in Canada, MCSi racked up sales of $686 million and was even a high-flying with a Fortune Magazine 100-Fastest-Growing-Company ranking in 2000. They had more than 150 offices and 2000 or so employees. MCSi went public on NASDAQ in 2001 garnering over $100 million for the company.
The MCSi case didn't just affect the 20 or so integrators who sold their small companies to be part of the MCSi alliance back in the early 2000s. You may remember it all became exposed via the federal case against former ClearOne CEO, Fran Flood, who is currently serving 48 months in federal prison for her involvement in securities fraud, conspiracy and perjury. When investigating the ClearOne case, prosecutors allegedly stumbled upon MCSi and Peppel's involvement.
On the evening of April 2nd, I sat in my hotel room highly anticipating the next morning. You see, not only was I on a family vacation at Disney, but the 3rd of April marked an even bigger event than Space Mountain itself. The Apple iPad was scheduled to be released, and I had read enough reviews to recognize what a breakthrough it would be.
Too bad the Kindle doesn't weigh more — it really won't make a very good boat anchor. Imagine the water cooler conversation in a year or so: "Do you remember that thing called the Kindle? Yeah, it was that device that you read in black and white only and included a beta browser even though it was out for over two years." Readers loved the Kindle for one reason, and it was not because it was a good e-book reader. It was because it could access (a limited amount of) content anywhere within the Sprint EVDO network and download a book in less than a minute. That was the magic. From its inception, its early-adopter users were already screaming for enhancements to address glaring limitations for which they were already accustomed in most other products. Limitations that included…
A white box with a touch screen on the outside cover that lets heart patients make video calls with their clinicians may prove the basis for an emerging home health market. Yep, it’s true!
