Should InfoComm and CEDIA Merge?
By Gary Kayye, CTS In my recent writing and speaking, I have discussed the convergence of the HomeAV and ProAV markets and how close they are moving to mirror each other. Now, let’s take a look at the two major industry associations (and their tradeshows) and how they may evolve over the next few years. In case you’ve been living under a rock, InfoComm is THE ProAV association leading industry education initiatives, managing an annual tradeshow for manufacturers to show off their wares and providing a community portal for the trade and the end users to connect to work on AV projects together.  CEDIA is the InfoComm of the HomeAV market. It started as a trade association to help high-end consumer electronics integrators differentiate themselves from the big-box retailers and a host of other industry issues. In addition, they launched a table-top show some twenty years ago that has morphed into a giant AV fair of home theater, home automation and whole house AV gear. And, while each of their markets have been on a convergence path — we use HomeAV gear in commercial installs and they regularly use ProAV gear in residential installs — both CEDIA and InfoComm continue to stand alone, barely working together. At least in North America that is. In Europe, they’ve all but merged their tradeshows by holding an annual mega-show called ISE – Integrated Systems Europe. It is BOTH a ProAV and a HomeAV version of InfoComm held in Amsterdam. But we’ve barely seen any collaboration here in North America. They’ve had joint classes and a few joint market receptions, plus officials have attended the other’s show, but not much else. But the market’s not waiting for the convergence to occur. Things have happened — changes have occurred on the tradeshow and association front, for example, to be sure. Remember NSCA? NSCA’s expo, once the 2nd largest ProAV industry tradeshow, disappeared. NSCA, the association, opted to focus on education and certification and handed over the tradeshow reigns officially over to InfoComm, and now NSCA’s part of their giant annual trek.  And now there’s a new show called DSE — the Digital Signage Expo — that’s all of a sudden become the hottest new show around, emerging along with the fastest growing segment of the AV market overall — the digital signage market. It’s interesting to watch. In fact, the HomeAV channel has actually installed more digital signage in the last sixteen months than the ProAV channel. Hmm… More on that in a future column. And, while we’re still in a recession, both CEDIA and InfoComm seem to be flourishing independently — even while each other’s members are cutting back, laying off and even merging home and commercial sales teams and marketing efforts. So, again, why not merge these shows into one giant Mega-AV-Expo? Some say money. Both associations derive a significant portion of their revenue from the shows, charging for everything from booth space to sponsorship banners. But the truth is, this money, for the most part, ends up driving the educational departments of both associations — and it’s not like they’re paying exorbitant salaries over there. Some say egos. Well, personally, I know both Randy Lemke of InfoComm and Utz Baldwin of CEDIA — and I can tell you that these two men, at the top of their respective associations, don’t have the sort of egos that would prevent a merger of the associations if it was in the best interest of their members. So, not true. Some say the manufacturers want separate shows. Wrong — in many cases, the tradeshow budgets are the biggest part of a manufacturers’ expenses. Think Crestron parties and giant booths — can you imagine what that must cost them? Some say it’s the technology. It’s just different integrating HomeAV technology versus ProAV systems. Well, that’s still true in some cases, but not all. In fact, the many HomeAV integrators have been kept afloat during this tough recession doing small to mid-sized ProAV installs such as meeting rooms, training rooms and even boardrooms. Heck, we all put in consumer gear in ProAV installs AND ProAV gear in homes (think Extron component video DAs and HDMI switchers). However, I think it’s come down to one thing. Why fix it if it ain’t broke? If each association can successfully support their members separately and can still maintain a track record of getting manufacturers in both markets to pony up the big dollars to exhibit at both shows each year, why bother? Personally, I think it’s easier having separate shows as a member of the press. For example, Summer is InfoComm-time and Fall is CEDIA-season. Certainly some things could be easier if CEDIA and InfoComm collaborated or pooled resources, such as with GreenAV and other standards, education and certification, legislation issues, and marketing for consumer/end user recognition of standards and certification. All these things are complicated, and in many cases, require money or resources that one association might not have by itself. We’ll be watching closely to see to see how their relationship develops in the future. Back to Top
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Polycom and Microsoft Partner  Polycom and Microsoft just announced an expanded agreement to deliver integrated end-to-end unified communications (UC) that will encompass Microsoft branded software, hardware, networking and services, and will enable customers to improve business productivity and reduce travel, telecom and IT operating costs.
What Does This Mean for the ProAV market?
According to Polycom, they’re partnering with Microsoft to develop best of breed, natively integrated UC solutions that are guaranteed to work now and into the future (future-proof). In other words, both see Cisco as a threat and they both want to maintain leadership positions and commitments.
 Although no specifics were released, Polycom will be developing a broad base of solutions for Microsoft Communications Server "14" and beyond including:
- New and next-generation Polycom CX series endpoints optimized for Microsoft UC, featuring Polycom's market-leading HD video and voice technologies
- New, innovative room-based video systems designed specifically for enabling direct integration with Microsoft Communications Server "14"
- Additional interoperable solutions between Polycom's existing and future video conferencing solutions
Here’s a video from Microsoft and Polycom market that may help you understand the partnership. Back to Top 
ClearOne Does Almost $10 Million in Q2, 2010  Revenue for the 2010 second quarter increased 41 percent to $9.9 million from $7.1 million in the same quarter of last year. Gross profit rose to $5.7 million, or 57 percent of revenue, from $3.2 million, or 45 percent of revenue, for the prior year period. Operating income was $520,000 compared to an operating loss of $946,000 in the same period of fiscal 2009. Net income was $353,000, or $0.04 per diluted share, versus net loss of $402,000, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2009.
For the first six months of 2010, revenue increased 25 percent to $18.3 million from $14.7 million for the same period of 2009. Gross profit was $10.9 million, or 59 percent of revenue, from $7.2 million, or 49 percent of revenue, for the comparable prior year period. Operating income was $977,000 compared to an operating loss of $516,000 for the first six months of fiscal 2009. Net income was $570,000, or $0.06 per diluted share, versus net loss of $42,000, for the comparable prior period.
To read the entire financial release from ClearOne, go here: http://www.b2i.us/profiles/investor/ResLibraryView.asp?BzID=509&ResLibraryID=39943&Category=17
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Dukane Launches New Classroom Cart  We love the compatibility of this new cart from Dukane. It’s not the most attractive classroom cart ever — but then again, most lecture carts being used in K-12 are pretty unattractive.
Dubbed the Mini Mobile Projection system, it’s marketed by Dukane as an option for schools that can’t afford one projector in each classroom but still need the technology. Designed to be used with any portable projector you want, the cart is all metal and on wheels. It’s already integrated with a gooseneck document camera, includes a DVD/VCR combo player, and has built-in speakers. And, it locks.
But, it’s cheap! Check it out at: http://www.dukane.com/av/products/mps.asp?Model=mps Back to Top |
Sharp First with 100GB Blu-ray: BDXL  Sharp is the first optical disc maker to launch a new Blu-ray format (BDXL) that offers 100GB to 128GB of storage. This is pretty interesting since Sony invented Blu-ray! While the existing dual-layer Blu-ray format offers approximately 50GB per disc, the new BDXL format (by increasing the allowed layers on a disc from two to four) gathers up to 128GB for write-once and 100GB for re-writeable type discs.
Dubbed the VR-100BR1, the first Sharp BDXL Blu-ray disc player will first be available in Japan in a month or so and then here in the US Sharp will also releasing two new players next month that handle the new BDXL format.
Want details? Go to: http://sharp-world.com/corporate/news/100716_2.html
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Kramer Announces SD/HD-SDI to HDMI Format Converter/Switcher  This week Kramer introduced the FC-321, a converter for SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G HD-SDI to HDMI. Accepting a multi-standard SDI signal, either SDI (SMPTE 259M and SMPTE 344M), HD-SDI (SMPTE 292M) or 3G HD-SDI (SMPTE 424M) on BNC, the FC-321 converts the video and audio signal into an HDMI signal output via an HDMI connector and includes a rotary switch for selecting an SDI input stereo channel from among the eight pairs of audio embedded in the signal (zero to seven). The FC-321 is HDTV compatible and operates with the included 5V DC power supply. It lists for $1050 and is shipping now. For more information, go to http://www.kramer-us.com/products/model.asp?pid=1675 Back to Top
Extron Ships XTRA Series Power Amplifiers Now Shipping  Extron announced this week the immediate availability of the XPA 2002-70V, XPA 2003C-70V, and XPA 2004 power amplifiers. These compact 1U, convection cooled, high power two, three, and four channel amplifiers offer 200 watts rms per channel and up to 800 watts rms total power output. They feature an Extron exclusive, highly efficient, advanced Class D design with patented CDRS™ – Class D Ripple Suppression technology that provides a smooth, clean audio waveform and an improvement in signal fidelity over conventional Class D amplifier designs.
These amplifiers are ENERGY STAR qualified, are housed in a 1U, convection cooled, full rack width enclosure, and do not require fans for cooling. They feature an auto power-down feature that automatically places each amplifier into standby after a period of inactivity, and consume 28 watts or less when idle and less than 1 watt in standby mode. They also have an ultra low inrush current draw to prevent power circuit overload that occurs when multiple amplifiers are switched on simultaneously. Extron says this feature eliminates the need for power sequencing to be built into systems designed with multiple amplifiers in large centralized equipment racks, and prevents other equipment from experiencing power interruption from associated power surges. Additionally, XTRA Series amplifiers feature very low thermal dissipation under full load, which keeps racks and equipment cabinets cool.
For more information, go to http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=xtraseriesad
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CoSoSys Launches iPad/iPhone "Find a Projector" App  Although not thoroughly impressed by this Apple App, we thought it was worth covering since it’s free. Originally a Web-based endpoint security service that manages computers in a corporate or personal network through a centralized online console, the new Apple App from CoSoSys is designed to prevent both internal and external threats posed by the improper usage of portable storage devices such as USB sticks, digital cameras, FireWire devices, external HDDs or smart phones with projectors on a monitored IP network. The App also allows for custom-designed, policy-based data security of the CoSoSys’s branded My Endpoint Protector to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users.
CoSoSys recently added network projector control and monitoring to the App, for projectors that already have a network port. We think it seems a little complicated to set up and use, but you obviously can’t beat the price.
To learn more, go to: http://ax.itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-endpoint-protector/id379244830
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Fulcrum Ships Prophile L Speaker  Fulcrum Acoustic has told rAVe that their Prophile L loudspeaker, demo’d at InfoComm, is now shipping. The Prophile L is a bi-amplified, 3-way coaxial loudspeaker that provides the output and pattern control of two 15-inch transducers in an enclosure size that would typically house a conventional 2-way system. The ultra-low profile enclosure offers maximum installation options for spaces with low ceiling heights, in front of balcony fascias, or along a stage front.
Measuring 472 x 914 x 533 mm (H x W x D) and weighing about 100 pounds, the L packs a big punch from a small enclosure. The L uses Fulcrum's TQ processing to provide exceptional clarity and a stable, high fidelity image at close range – even at high sound pressure levels – making it a perfect choice for nightclubs, live performance venues, as high-intensity DJ monitors, or in other applications where high output is needed for a visceral impact.
For complete specs on the L, go to [PDF]: http://www.fulcrum-acoustic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Prod-Spec-L-rev-2.pdf
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Extron Adds Features to ProAV Surround Sound Processor  Extron has added several new features for the SSP 7.1 Surround Sound Processor, including a seven-channel, nine-band parametric EQ; Live and Emulate operation modes with configuration file saving; and up to 100 ms of lip sync adjustment on each input. These new features can be accessed with Version 2.0 of the Setup and Control Software, which provides a user-friendly interface for simplified setup and control of the SSP 7.1, as well as calibration of the sound system. The upgrade is included with SSP 7.1 units now shipping, and is available as a free software download and firmware update for current users.
The SSP 7.1 was launched earlier this year and you can see all the product details here: http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=sspad&s=0
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Lencore Adds Manual Volume Control to Spectra i.Net  Lencore Acoustics has just introduced two new speakers, the IVC – Individual Volume Control, and the RIVC – Remote Individual Volume Control, which provide an additional 12dB of attenuation at the speaker level for greater volume control in a specific room or area of a building. This adjustment is made outside of the network interface and can provide immediate manual, field adjustments to the volume level of the masking and paging.
The IVC and RIVC speakers are completely compatible with the Spectra i.Net system's standard speakers.
Are you interested in learning more? Go to: http://www.lencore.com/product-services
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NEC Adds 16:4 Aspect Ratio LCD to Digital Signage Line  Last week, NEC Display announced a unique addition to its X Series, a 43-inch X431BT bar-type (for lack of a better term) display with 1920×480 native resolution and 700 cd/m² maximum brightness. Everyone, including NEC, has 16:9 LCDs for DS applications, but not everyone is looking at different, unique sized applications. InfoComm saw the availability of Christie’s MicroTiles, but this is a flat panel, direct-view LCD monitor that’s basically a long, thin strip.
The X431BT includes DisplayPort, HDMI and DVI-D connectivity, capability to be mounted in both landscape and portrait orientation, includes Picture in Picture (PIP), Picture on Picture (POP) and side-by-side display modes and two inputs can be displayed simultaneously in any of the modes by either maintaining one aspect ratio or evenly stretching both images to fill each half of the screen.
To see all the tech specs, go to: http://www.necdisplay.com/Products/Product/?product=d42d107d-3848-4120-9669-b0d0903691b0
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NSCA Announces New Board Members  The NSCA Board of Directors recently changed leadership during its annual member meeting in June during InfoComm 2010. Taking over as president of the NSCA Board is Ron Pusey, president/CEO of Communications Specialists, Inc. Additionally, Ingolf de Jong, president of General Communications, Inc., has moved to the vice-president position; Ray Bailey, president of Lone Star Communications, Inc., is the new treasurer; and Kelly McCarthy, president of Genesis Integration, Inc., was named the new secretary. All have been appointed to two-year terms.
A new appointment to the board is Paul Cronin, president/CEO of Atrion Networking Corporation, a 1nService Company. With more than 25 years of experience in the IT industry, Cronin represents the changing scope of the commercial electronic systems industry. His experience in both IT and physical security will allow NSCA to expand its member services to benefit these technology sectors of the industry. Cronin will also provide his broad knowledge of new revenue channels and business opportunities.
NSCA says Pusey’s focus for the association is directly related to buildling better integrators through the association and the services it provides. He plans to focus on cost-saving programs, such as NSCA’s SystemsPlus™ Insurance Solutions, create more engaged and knowledgeable business owners, and highlight NSCA as the voice of the industry through its advocacy efforts.
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InfoComm Board Seeking Nominations  The 2011 InfoComm Board of Directors and Leadership Development Committee elections will occur this fall. Nominations from the general membership are now being accepted for the following positions:
InfoComm Board of Directors: Responsible for managing the affairs and strategy of the association, this group of eight directors and four officers meets via teleconference or in person six-to-eight times per year.
- One Secretary-Treasurer serving a four-year ascending term as an officer
- Two Directors-at-Large serving two-year terms
InfoComm Leadership Development Committee: Responsible for the development of future leaders, volunteers, appointments, related events and nomination of candidates for election to InfoComm positions, this group of 10 members meets via teleconference or in person six-to-eight times per year. - One LDC member serving a three-year term
Nominations will be accepted until August 2, 2010. Please email Duffy Wilbert ([email protected]) with the nominee's name, the position for which he or she is being nominated, his or her contact information including a phone number and email address, and a one-to-two paragraph business bio.
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News from The Whitlock Group, Crestron, Salitek… EyeClick and Salitek are partnering to create interactive video walls using EyeClick's interactive software and Salitek's Orion MPDP screens… ClearOne announced the founding members in the newly formed StreamNet Partner Program: ClearOne, Naim, NetStreams, and Polk Audio. They have been joined by other member (non-founding) companies, including Da-Lite, Key Digital, and D-Tools… RGB Communications has appointed Jane Pryor as a product specialist for their pro audio product range… The Whitlock Group's co-founder, Kevin Thompson, will retire after 35 years in the industry… Community Professional Loudspeakers' WET and R-Series loudspeakers have passed the military spec MIL-STD-810G test standards for resistance to salt fog, humidity, solar radiation, and extreme high and low temperatures… Crestron has earned InfoComm and CEDIA accreditation for its DigitalMedia certification, so students will now earn InfoComm RUs and CEDIA CEU credits for those classes… Crestron has teamed with NSCA to provide affordable health insurance for small businesses in the industry. NSCA members can now offer reasonably priced health insurance to employees via their SystemsPlus Health Solutions program, largely in thanks to the addition of 2500 Crestron employees. For more information, go to www.systemsplus.org. Back to Top 
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
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For the second year in a row, we’re Expo’s official LIVE show CEDIA OnDemand press company. Last year, we Tweeted (@ravepubs) and shot over 300 videos of all sorts of new products launched at CEDIA Expo and posted them all during the show — so if you can’t come to CEDIA, it’ll be almost as good as being there (sans the parties and education, of course). 
