Volume 8, Issue 4 — February 19, 2010

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Welcome to another issue of rAVe ProAV Edition!

We're busy attending trade shows and conferences here, and in fact, will be attending the Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas next week, so be sure to say, 'Hi' if you see us running around with cameras.

Surely as an integrator, you've had a problem with surplus gear at some point, right? Projectors or "glue" you kept around thinking you'd use it for another job, but never did. rAVe columnist Linda Seid Frembes breaks down some of the places you can go to sell old gear to try to get some of your money back.

And you all know I love Apple, and I'm always opinionated, so today I wrote a column on how I think the Apple iPad will affect the control touch panel market. Let me know what you think!

Enjoy the issue!

–Gary Kayye, CTS

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The Apple iPad WILL Impact the ProAV Market!

By Gary Kayye, CTS

Since THE DAY that Apple launched the iPad, I’ve received at least a handful of emails every day asking my opinion on the iPad and its potential impact on the control system segment of our market – most specifically, the touch panel segment of the control market.

Let’s get this out of the way:  I’m a HUGE Apple fan. I think that they have humiliated, embarrassed and just plan kicked-butt over Microsoft over the past half-dozen years. But, I am also a realist – although I CLEARLY see the iPad-future and where it will fit into both the consumer AV and ProAV space, I am going to put this review of it in perspective.  Likewise, I have to say this: don’t worry about any other future tablet-like device having much of an effect in AV as the Windows-based products out there now and coming out this Spring are a pack of losers.

So, let’s think logically here.  It’s easy to throw out an “it’s a game changer” statement that just about every member of the press in our market has used to talk about unique technology over the past three years.  Or, I could make the claim that Crestron and AMX better get ready for a huge impact on their businesses.  But, to do either is doing a disservice to the integrators and systems designers who read rAVe as well as those specific manufacturers.

Why?

Well, first of all, although it may be a “game-changer” in many ways, it won’t happen as instantly as a truly game-changing product (think iPod) has.  In addition, although it would be EASY to develop an App that would, literally, replace just about every desktop touch panel use of AMX and Crestron panels, Apple’s still got to approve that specific App and, believe me when I tell you, replacing the ProAV market’s uses of $1000, $3000 and even $5000 touch panels isn’t on Apple’s radar screen right now.  They’re looking at the eBook, videogame and web browsing applications that will drive the sale of millions of iPads – not a few thousand.  Sure, it WILL come, but not immediately – maybe not even in 2010. 

But, take a look at all the unique iterations of touch panels in our market and the many form factors they have taken.  We have plain old touch panels, but in many cases, we’re using touch panels with buttons surrounding them to act as Macro functions or commonly used guide buttons.  And, we clearly don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach to user-interfaces in our market – look at the plethora of touch screen sizes, colors and options out there now! So, simply adding a control App to the iPad will not create explosive growth of the iPad into the ProAV market on its own.  A lot of other things have to line up just right for this to happen – not to mention the amazingly slow adoption rate of new technologies in the ProAV market by you, the integrators of AV technology.  Oops, I mentioned it.

All that said, I do see a wave of change on the horizon of control.  We’ve already seen a dynamic shift in control integration thanks to simplified/packaged control options like Extron’s TouchLink and MediaLink lines and Crestron’s new DigitalMedia stuff.  So, don’s stand by and NOT look at the opportunity a product like the iPad will present.  There will be Apps that WILL offer opportunities for control of AV systems that make sense.  I suspect the big-three control companies out there (AMX, Crestron and Extron) may even make them too! Don’t shun this opportunity to further simplify our already over-complicated market…
 

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Cash for Clunkers: AV Style

By Linda Seid Frembes
rAVe Columnist

First there was the hubbub about Cash for Clunkers where people could get up to $4,500 on a used car if they bought one with better gas mileage. Now there’s talk of Cash for Caulkers – tax breaks for people who replace old furnaces and appliances for more energy efficiency ones. So what about old AV? We all have some. And if you’re an integrator, you probably have much more than most people.

So now that your piles of gear are collecting dust, is there a way to maximize any return on it? The short answer is: Yes! I spoke with Bob Buchanan, president of AVForSale, a firm in Atlanta that offers turnkey solutions for inventory management. In other words, they help companies sell their old AV.

Bob and his crew have roots dating back a decade ago while working for Caribiner International. He transitioned to his own firm when the company needed to liquidate an 85,000 square foot warehouse full of used AV gear. He had one year to clear out the warehouse and hopefully provide some return on investment. “eBay was young at the time but we tried it anyway. The amount of success was amazing,” he says.

Eventually the business grew via word of mouth and they began picking up more customers. Today, AVForSale has 400+ suppliers who are system integrators or rental & staging companies. “Historically, most system integrators don’t do a great job managing their inventory. They may need 10 projectors for a job but buy 12 for the price break. And overages on an install aren’t realized until months after when, at that point, the manufacturer doesn’t want it back. Also, there are always leftover items like cables and other accessories,” he explains. “That leftover gear is piled on a pallet with the thought it will be used for another project, but that never happens.”

The rental and staging gear comes from two different uses. The first group is from the hotel market where cosmetic issues abound. The other is rental & staging equipment that is taken on location and back, and see much more use and abuse than used hotel AV.

Smaller companies often ask for valuations whereas larger suppliers just want to get rid of the stuff and get something (anything!) back for it. “We try to manage expectations. In the current economy, used gear is selling at 25-30 percent less than before. The street determines the price, and there are fewer people looking right now,” he adds.

Total cost to the supplier is 35 percent of the sale price, which represents the cut taken by eBay and by AVForSale. Ninety percent of what AVForSale sells is listed on eBay. And for those who say “Well, I can list it myself,” Bob says, “We’ll get more money for your gear because of our reputation and the 1.4 million hits on our eBay store (linkto: http://stores.ebay.com/avforsale) every month. We also understand that you can’t just copy and paste the manufacturer’s specs. We try to create context by explaining what comes in a full system versus what you are getting from us.”

They also have automations built-in when receiving products, making the process very efficient. It enables them to move several thousand items a month. How small is too small? AVForSale will sell one projector but it has to be worth it to the supplier since that’s who pays the shipping cost to get it to Atlanta.

So here’s a quickie list if you want to get started cleaning out your warehouse or your basement of old gear and put some money back in your pocket. Before any gear brokers/used AV resellers start typing the “Hey, I can’t believe you didn’t include us on this list!” email, please note that this isn’t mean to be a complete list. It’s meant to show a smattering of places where people can buy used gear. There are many others. It’s called Google. Use it.

• Audio Video Systems (used pro video equipment)
• AVForSale.com
• Gear-Source (new and used)
• NewandUsedAVGear.com
• Uncle Geo’s Greene Sheet
• UsedAV.com
• UsedAV.net

Now, go forth and sell!

Linda Seid Frembes is a rAVe columnist who covers AV technology, installs, market trends and industry news. Linda has worked with high profile AV manufacturers, trade organization, systems integrators, rep firms and dealer/distributors in the industry including John Lyons Systems, Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW), Northern Sound & Light (NSL), and InfoComm International, among others. Reach her at [email protected]
 

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rAVe's Social Media Blueprint Available (including FREE Webinar)

Last month, we launched our Social Media Blueprint for ProAV Dealers.  So far, it's been a huge hit!  We held two FREE Webinars earlier this month and we fielded some incredible questions – if you want to watch one of the webinars you can see it here: http://www.almoproav.com/events/ondemand.aspx

And, if you haven't already, you can download our Social Media Blueprint here: https://www.ravepubs.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1803:social-media-whitepaper&catid=130:slides

Don't forget to become a FAN of our all-new Facebook site at: http://www.facebook.com/rAVePubs  and FOLLOW us on TWITTER at: http://twitter.com/rAVePubs

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3D Part of HDMI Specification Version 1.4 Available

HDMI Licensing has made the 3D portion of the HDMI Specification Version 1.4 available for public download on the HDMI Web site. This document provides public access to the 3D portion of version 1.4 of the HDMI Specification for organizations that require access to this portion of the Specification but have not executed an HDMI Adopter Agreement.

The download is extracted from version 1.4 of the HDMI Specification. The HDMI Consortium intends to release a 1.4a version of the HDMI Specification shortly, which will include updates to the 3D portion of the Specification.

To get it, go here:  http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/specification.aspx

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InfoComm Opens Registration for World's Largest ProAV Tradeshow

Who doesn’t want to go to InfoComm?  Of course, everyone does.  The booths filled with new technology, new products and new people, the education and, indeed, the parties!  So, why not go ahead and register at:  http://www.infocommshow.org/infocomm2010/public/enter.aspx

With more than 900 exhibitors, InfoComm 2010 will be visited by more than 32,000 commercial AV professionals, technology managers, chief information officers 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.  InfoComm 2010's conference will be held June 5-11.

InfoComm 2010 Platinum Sponsors include Bosch Security Systems, Inc., Christie Digital, Crestron and Extron.  Gold Sponsors include Polycom, Prysm and Tandberg.

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ISE 2010 Smashes Attendance Record

Integrated Systems Europe, which took place the first week of February in Amsterdam, was marked by three action-packed days of new business opportunities, valuable education sessions and stunning AV technology debuts. The event drew a total of 28,489 attendees — a 14.4 percent increase over 2009’s record figure of 24,912. With 640 exhibitors, up from 564 in 2009, ISE featured 22,167 net square meters of AV technology. Exhibitor rebooking occurred at record levels: to find out how your company can exhibit at ISE 2011, contact Mike Blackman. ISE is jointly sponsored by InfoComm and CEDIA.

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Will Skype-Embedded LCD HDTVs Have An Impact on the VTC Market?

Did you know that Skye embedded HDTVs are a few months away from shipping?  Skype has signed a deal with LG and Panasonic to integrate their videoconferencing technology into future HDTVs.  Skype’s service integrated into the LCDs would allow for free video calls with other Skype users – and may even be compatible with 3rd party videoconferencing services like those from Polycom and Cisco – in addition to Apple’s iChat service.

The service, scheduled to be started mid-2010, will be supported by a separate line of “higher-end” HDTS offered by LG and Panasonic and will require at least a 1Mbps Internet connection – however, it will be available via wireless and wired connectivity.

To learn more about the offering, go to:  http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0425162920100105

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Crestron Launches 6-Inch Touch Panel Aimed at Hospitality Market

Last week, Crestron announced the release of the TPS-6XNL 6-inch wireless touch panel, a non-locking version of the TPS-6X. Just like the TPS-6X, it’s a tabletop and portable touch panel, but Crestron says what makes the 6XNL different is there is no latching hardware, making it very simple to dock and undock.

While docked, the TPS-6XNL is a wired Cresnet or Ethernet-connected panel with full-motion video display, but off the dock, the panel automatically switches to a wireless RF device. TPS-6XNL includes two-way RF communication up to 200 feet and 1-way IR. Sitting on the docking station, the TPS-6X is recharging its battery and communicating as a wired touch panel via Ethernet or Cresnet and the Ethernet connection (802.15.4) enables full motion video display in a scalable or full-size window.

To see all the TPS-6XNL’s specs, go to:  http://www.crestron.com/products/show_products.asp?jump=1&model=TPS-6X&tab=models

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Sanyo Launches Two New Short-Throw Lens Mounts with Built-in Speakers

Targeted to the educational market, the MT-EDU 101 and MT-EDU 102 eliminate the need to use the projector’s internal speakers  (does anyone actually build systems to use the internal speakers?) or a separate audio system by incorporating a 50-watt two-channel amplifier and two powerful 25-watt rated two-way speakers into the chassis of the wall mount. MSRP is $949 for the MT-EDU101 and MSRP is $999 for the extended-length MT-EDU102. Both models will become available in April 2010.

For short throws, the MT-EDU101 extends 7 to 27 inches from the wall, and for longer throw distances, the otherwise identical MT-EDU102 adds an extension pole to place the projector 37 to 67 inches from the wall. These can be mounted either to single or dual studs on 16”, 18”, or 24” spacing, and can also be mounted to concrete.

The projectors don't appear to be on their website yet, but when they are, they will be here: http://us.sanyo.com/Commercial-Projectors
 

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Sanyo Launches 4500 Lumen 7-Pound Projector

The new XGA resolution (1024×768) 3LCD projector, dubbed the PLC-XU116 from Sanyo, is specified at 4500 ANSI lumens, a 1000:1 contrast ratio, and is aimed at education installs – although rAVe sees this as a simple, small conference room projector as well. 

Integrated with both wireless and wired network connectivity, the 7-pound PLC-XU116 isn’t the quietest LCD projector on the market at 30dB, but it is far quieter than any DLP version with similar specs.  The PLC-XU116 includes DVI and VGA connectivity as well as the nearly useless Component Video input (analog sunset is December 2010) and has the capability to project HD video wirelessly via 802.11n networks.

For more information, go to:  http://www.sanyo-lcdp.com/english/products/xu106/feature.html

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Mitsubishi Demonstrates New Multi-touch (MT) Interface

Mitsubishi Electric recently demonstrated a new multi-touch (MT) interface for its Seventy Series DLP cubes at ISE 2010. This interface transforms a standard multi-window display wall into an interactive workspace that can be used by several users simultaneously.

The multi-touch technology, developed jointly in Sweden by Mitsubishi Electric and i3sense, uses laser sensors instead of the more usual infrared (IR) detectors or capacitive touch overlays. Mitsubishi says the technology “offers greater accuracy and responsiveness” (although they didn’t say compared to what), and that the new system is much less susceptible to interference from sources of IR radiation such as sunlight – but, to be honest, the display itself is far from bright enough for sunlight applications anyway.

Seventy Series cubes come in 50", 60", 67" and 80" screen sizes in both 1024×768 pixel and 1400×1050 pixel resolutions. All Seventy Series cubes can be supplied with the i3 sense MT option (can also be retrofitted into existing installations).

For more details, go here:  http://www.mitsubishidisplayengineering.com/Default.aspx?PageID=280671&ProductTypeID=281023&ProductSubTypeID=335052

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Planar Announces New Clarity LED Video Wall Series

Planar announced at ISE earlier this month the Clarity LED Series rear projection video wall displays, meant for control room video walls that require 24/7 reliability. The displays provide what Planar says is "maintenance-free solid state illumination," with up to eight times the life of traditional lamps

The Clarity LED Series includes the 70-inch c70HD-LED (1920X1080 resolution), Clarity RP-LED (SXGA+ resolution) and Clarity RX-LED (XGA resolution) rear-projection displays (available in 50” and 67”). All displays within the Clarity LED Series utilize DLP® technology and are available with Open or Indisys image processing electronics options.

Planar says the series' illumination system has a rated life of 60,000 hours and has no consumable parts such as a color wheel or lamp, yielding a lower total cost of ownership.

The video walls are expected to ship in Q2 of 2010. For more information, go to http://www.planarcontrolroom.com/

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Extron Debuts 320 x 320 Fiber Optic Matrix Switcher

Extron has launched the FOX 4G Matrix 320x. This high performance, modular fiber optic matrix switcher provides what Extron calls complete, end-to-end digital A/V signal transmission and routing over fiber optic cable in very large environments such as university and corporate campuses. It is expandable from 16×16 up to 320×320, and supports digital switching at rates up to 4.25 Gbps. With hot-swappable I/O boards, real-time system monitoring, and redundant, hot-swappable power supplies, they’re for mission-critical installs.

The FOX 4G Matrix 320x is compatible with FOX Series fiber optic digital transmitters and receivers, switchers, distribution amplifiers, and matrix switchers. It accepts and routes standard definition video, high-resolution computer-video, DVI, and multi-rate SDI. The modular board design features 20 board slots that can accept FOX 4G Matrix I/O Boards in multimode and single mode versions. The FOX 4G Matrix 320x can be configured with all or some of the board slots occupied. The I/O boards are hot swappable and may be added at any time in the field for easy and quick upgradeability or expansion.

For complete specs on the FOX 4G Matrix 320x, go to: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=fox4gmatrix32000&s=0

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Da-Lite Adds a 39-Foot Wide Electric Screen to Large-Venue Line

Available in widths over 39’, the Arena Electrol is designed with a unique built-in balancing system and steel cable guides to ensure smooth, even screen retraction and a flat viewing surface with each use.  The housing for the Arena Electrol features a durable steel inner frame with a black steel case finish and fixed mounting brackets and includes a RF remote control and a three position wall switch.  The projection screen surface is centered in the screen housing and is available with Matte White and Perforated Matte White fabric.

For more details, go here:  http://www.da-lite.com/products/product.php?cID=30&pID=484

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Samsung Shows New Document Camera

Last week, Samsung announced the $799 SAMCAM 860 — a 1.4 megapixel (SXGA resolution) document panel with 6x optical zoom, a “video recording on-board” feature and an integrated 32GB SD Memory card.  Samsung claims the SAMCAM 860 outputs 30fps HD video with resolutions up to 1280×720 and even includes both video and audio outputs (for VTC applications). 

For more specs, go to:  http://www.samcam860.com

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dnp Launches Supernova Flex

dnp finally launched a giant electric screen in the form of the 120” (diagonal) Supernova Flex system – available in both wall-mount and recessed ceiling mount configurations.  Available in both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, the Super Flex is IR controllable (as well as RS232 and 5/12-volt trigger-able), and is available in powder-coated varnishes as well as wood and various gains. The Super Flex is what dnp considers their “flagship” electric screen line and was previously only available in sizes from 72” – 100”.  The new 120” Super Flex is ISF certified.

To learn more, go to:  http://www.dnp.dk/DNP08/Products/Front-projection/Screens/dnp-Supernova-Flex.aspx

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NEC Announces Revenue-Sharing Program for Channel Partners

NEC Display announced last week that channel partners will receive a recurring revenue stream from advertising if their customers register their digital signage networks on the VUKUNET platform. VUKUNET is NEC’s new initiative that connects network owners and operators of digital signage with advertising revenue, by giving advertisers and agencies an easier way to buy place-based, digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising.

VUKUNET combines free content management software (CMS) that runs on a PC driving the screen content, with a Web-based advertising platform that connects all digital signage networks so that ad placement, proof-of-performance and payment are centrally managed and automated. rAVe DS covered VUKUNET in detail in our November issue here: http://www.ravepro.com/digital_signage/issues/2009/11/index.html#t0923

To enroll in the program, VARs need to be a part of NEC’s Partner Net site, participate in the VUKUNET training and sign a VUKUNET reseller agreement. Details are available at http://www.necdisplay.com/partners

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News from OmniMount, Thorburn Associates, D-Tools…

OmniMount has promoted Dan Halaburda to general manager of national accounts… Scott Sugden has been named head of U.S. Touring Support for L-ACOUSTICS… Thorburn Associates and Gallegos Lighting have announced a strategic partnership to offer an expanded range of specialty architectural design services… Applied Electronics Limited of Vancouver has completed an installation using Christie visual display solutions for the city of Vancouver's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for emergency response situations during high-profile events… D-Tools has added a new live chat feature to better support its customer base, which is available in the latest release of the D-Tools System Integration Software.

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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

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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.