Volume 9, Issue 23 — December 7, 2011

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MBA: Mixing Business & AV

By Dawn Meade
rAVe Columnist

In my previous column, I discussed how very important it is to have a training and education program in your company. Just because there is no such thing (yet!) as an AV degree from college, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t educate ourselves and our workers as much as possible.  One area that is becoming more and more important for success in the AV world is a solid knowledge of business and management. Now, for many years, it was possible for a hard-working, technically-minded individual to open an AV company and work for an entire career without this classroom knowledge. The prevailing view in the industry matched that of executive coach and business professional Christine Comaford, who once said, “When it comes to success in business, an MBA is optional. But a GSD, which is only attained by Getting Stuff Done, is required.”

Today, however, we face increased competition from related trades moving into the AV arena — IT, security, consumer/home theater guys (if you are a commercial integrator) or commercial integrators (if you’re a home theater guy). The economy is still tight all around and, with the increased competition, each company must be as qualified and as professional as possible to win the business — and then each company needs to run each project and each job perfectly to maintain profits despite tight margins and higher costs. It is a real juggling act, at times, and business owners without inherent business acumen (or a lot of good luck) will suffer.

So, does this mean every AV company owner needs to go back to school and get an MBA? Not necessarily. Our industry associations have recognized the need for this sort of training and are making a concerted effort to educate business owners on the “business” end of things. A number of InfoComm Wednesday Webinars are on business leadership topics.  In fact, an entire section of their webinar archive is dedicated to business topics. Some of the topics in the webinar archive for on-demand viewing include, “How to Manage Business Financials in 30 Minutes a Month,” “Business Development: Business Insurance” and “Managing Transitions,” to name just a few.

Going even further than webinars, NSCA has, for the past 13 years, held the NSCA Business and Leadership Conference — a multi-day conference for business owners and executives in the low-voltage electronics industry. The BLC features networking events, breakout sessions, classes and roundtables on business strategies and management techniques. Registration is now open for the 2012 BLC, scheduled for March 1-3, 2012, in Dallas, Texas. Previous attendees rave about the breadth and depth of business knowledge they learn at the event each year. As Jeff Kindig, vice president of marketing strategy with AMX, says, “The Business and Leadership Conference is a superb collection of industry leaders discussing topical issues, providing the opportunity for attendees to meet the best of the best and better understand how to run their business.”

Aside from industry education, AV Professionals and business owners located in the U.S. can get a lot of free education from their local Small Business Development Center. A program of the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBDC’s are local agencies run state-wide or regionally within states as a partnership between federal, state and local governments in cooperation with colleges and universities. Like many of the other educational opportunities I’ve mentioned in this and my previous article, the SBDC events are generally free or very inexpensive. For the price of an afternoon of your time, you can learn about marketing, finance, management and much more. The SBDC program is so incredibly useful and yet so often overlooked by entrepreneurs and small business owners, it’s a crying shame. Take advantage of their outstanding offerings… after all, your tax dollars pay for it… and it’s far cheaper than going to grad school for an MBA.

Which, of course, brings us full circle back to going back to school for a Masters of Business Administration. Going for an MBA is a massive investment of both time and money, yet it can be amazingly versatile and beneficial to your career.  Nowadays, with e-learning, life-experience credits, and a wide range of enrollment opportunities, going back for an MBA isn’t as impossible as it sounds for a business owner. I, myself, am three-quarters of the way through a dual-Masters program at the University of Maryland. I began the journey while working full-time as a partner at a small integrator in Maryland. Because of my work and family commitments, I chose to do the online courses rather than the classroom versions. With the aid of scholarships from both NSCA and InfoComm, I completed the Master of Science, Technology Management — Information Systems, portion of the dual-Masters this spring. Right this second, I’m halfway through the first of three semesters solely dedicated to the MBA portion of the dual-degree, and if all goes well, I’ll have the MBA by August of 2012. It has been an exhausting effort sometimes, but not impossible, by any stretch of the imagination. Plus, I cannot tell you how much I’ve learned in my classes that was immediately applicable to my professional life! 

Regardless of whether you watch InfoComm webinars, attend the NSCA BLC event, visit your local SBDC for lunch-and-learns and seminars, or take the great leap and go back to school for your MBA, as an AV Professional and a business owner, you owe it to yourself and your employees to devote time to improving your education and skills on business and management topics. Your business will ultimately run smoother and be more profitable and, at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about. Er — unless you work for a non-profit. Even then, you can only benefit from professional education, so what are you waiting for?

To see InfoComm’s archived business webinars, visit http://infocomm.org/cps/rde/xchg/infocomm/hs.xsl/15721.htm
To get info on the 2012 NSCA Business and Leadership Conference or to register for the BLC, visit http://www.nsca.org/blc/home.html

To learn about the Small Business Administration’s SBDC program and locate an SBDC near you, visit http://www.sba.gov/content/small-business-development-centers-sbdcs

Dawn Meade, CTS — also known as AVDawn — is an industry veteran with experience in integration, AV sales and social media. She now has an MS in Technology Management Information Systems and is working on an MBA from the University of Maryland University College. You can find her on Twitter at AVDawn, on her AV tech blog, and of course, here at rAVe as a staff writer and as part of the rAVe BlogSquad.

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The AV Industry and Software: Death Spiral or New Hope

By Scott Walker, CTS-D, LEED AP

I’ve been an AV consultant for 22 years now, a business owner for the last 15 years and in the custom software business for eight enlightening years. I’ve also written nearly 40 articles over the past eight years, but I’ve never really written one on the software paradox in our industry… until now.

Let me start by warning you that I’ve got some stuff to get off my chest. Before I do, let’s make sure that it’s just us chickens in here. Attention EcoSystems readers: If you are someone from outside the AV industry, say an architect or facility manager, please stop reading this article now. And if you are a customer/end user/buyer/decision maker of any sort, for heaven’s sake, please shut down your computer and just walk away.

OK, now that we are alone, let me state what a fine job we have done over the past decade devaluing software in our industry. If our goal was a race to the bottom, then mission accomplished. For years now, software has been treated as the packets of ketchup that come with the fries that come with the burger. No one charges you for ketchup packets; they just give you as few as possible. That’s more or less been our industry’s collective approach to software: We won’t charge you much — or at all — but we’ll make sure you get what you paid for or less (like that as-built code that you didn’t exactly ask for that properly). You want fancy ketchup? Sorry. We’ve just got plain ol’ ketchup and not much of it.

The irony is that we shout from the highest mountain tops that we are the “integration” industry. It’s all about the integration, man. I mean AV contractors even changed their profession’s name to be called “systems integrators.” Well, what is it then that actually does all that integration? You can put a codec and a matrix router and an audio DSP next to each other in a rack, and they don’t do jack without some software running the show.

However, the hardware meth has been a tough habit to break, and low-bid award crack hasn’t helped the situation either. If everyone in the integration business is basically buying the gear at the same price, what differentiates prices among competitive bids? You can discount your hardware margins to unsustainable levels (not advisable), short change your installation time (it’ll come back to haunt you), or basically give away the software and hope for a miracle. I mean how hard can it be, right? Unfortunately, this third option seems to be one most favored by our industry. The incentives to actually scope out the AV software properly, write a decent software spec, design elegant user interfaces, craft efficient, robust code, and support it throughout the warranty period are all backwards on most projects. If you want the job, you’ll minimize your time on the software and pray for a change order.

However, what this leaves behind are thousands upon thousands of systems that don’t operate anywhere close to what the client was promised at the tradeshow booth when they fell in love with what our industry can do, but all too often, doesn’t do. I see this time and again out there in the wild. In this slow construction economy, a significant number of projects at my firm are renovation/upgrade projects. When we look at the client’s existing equipment racks, it’s all basically fine professional gear. When we go to the touch panel, it’s a horror show. Open the DSP and you’d think monkeys were let loose on the construction site.

So why am I being such a Debbie Downer and what does this have to do with green AV? Well, when I walk a commercial building these days, I’m also reminded of that old quote from Winston Churchill about democracy being the worst form of government except for all the others. The AV industry is the worst at software… except for all the other building trades. And therein lies our hope. We might suck, but we don’t suck nearly as bad as everyone else. So let’s build on that. Believe it or not, we actually have a head start on winning the software world cup; we just have to quit viewing software as a necessary evil to the hardware end game.

And what’s the green angle? Well, most of the really cool stuff we’re going to do in sustainability is going to be done on the software automation side of things. Yes, we should specify energy-efficient products in an energy-efficient way that allows our clients to conduct their business in a lower carbon-emitting manner. But the big money is going to be in imagining, defining, specifying, coordinating and, for some of us, delivering the software to make buildings smart, adaptive and green.

So take a cold hard look at your software future. Do you have a plan? A vision? A partner? A young genius on staff who needs to be empowered? A nearby college graduating a bunch of young geniuses come December? Surely, one of the above is true.

Scott Walker, CTS-D, LEED® AP, is president and CEO of Waveguide Consulting, a national AV, IT and acoustical consulting firm. Scott is a past president of InfoComm International, and he currently chairs InfoComm’s AV Sustainability Task Force, which is responsible for developing the Sustainable Technology Environments Program (STEP) rating system. Scott can be reached at [email protected]
 
 

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Curing the Tech That Ails You

By Midori Connolly
Chief AV Girl, Pulse Staging & Events

Have you been diagnosed with the TechSick bug? This viral condition is akin to a hangover. The means of catching the bug is unfortunately far too easy and widespread. Wooed by the excitement and promised solutions of a new technology, meeting planners spend a significant portion of their budget on the tech. Upon implementing and using the new technology, their condition rapidly deteriorates and the bug takes hold. Most common symptoms include headache, frustration, and occasionally a total abandonment of their investment. So, to avoid contracting the ailment, I have a simple AVGirl remedy and it revolves around one idea: strategy.

All jokes aside, if there’s one thing I hear most often from meeting planners, it’s that dealing with the AV and technology is the worst part of their job. They often feel intimidated to ask questions and/or frustrated with the headache of managing the technology. I have a few friendly AVGirl tips to help protect against the TechSick bug.

Strategy

Start with an understanding of why you want to use (or are using) a designated technological tool. Are you trying to enhance an attendee’s experience? Is it to make your workflow smoother? Always, always keep in mind that unless technology serves a purpose, it’s just a toy.

Education and Research

Once you’ve identified why you want to use a technology, begin your discovery process. Ask every question you can of manufacturers and distributors, don’t be afraid to pressure them to provide simplified explanations of how their technology functions (right down to the digital 0’s and 1’s). Read industry publications, attend educational sessions, have conversations with peers. I’ve observed that many planners seem to operate in their own organizational bubbles; too often forgetting that they have thousands of peers who share the same pain points, goals and creative vision. Join LinkedIn discussion groups, sign up for Meco and MiForum Google groups, follow the #eventprofs on Twitter. There is a dynamic and supportive community out there waiting to help you!

Selecting Solutions

One of my favorite topics is how to help planners end up with the right solution. I have a few concrete suggestions. First, you’ve learned a bit about the technology through research. Now is the time to marry your goals and new education with your creative ideas. Put an RFP together that is like a job description. What skills and outcomes must the technology possess? What would you love for the technology to do? Focus on providing a descriptive RFP on the vision for your event/attendee experience, rather than a checklist driven list of features or needs.

Goals

Based on your reasons for using the technology, set some associated goals. Keep them simple for your first attempt. If you need to wow international delegates, perhaps you measure their level of satisfaction or ask them if they would be willing to send you testimonials (maybe even video) of what they thought about the experience and evaluate if that correlates to the new technology. Perhaps it’s branding you seek, and you have a goal to have photos of your event appear in trade publications. Measure and report your results and include in your event debriefing what did and did not work for you.

Above all, remember that if you know why you’ve engaged a certain piece of technology, have educated yourself on the basic functionality, and have associated goals for using it, you should feel every bit of confidence in managing it. Just because it plugs into a wall and has electronic components does not mean it’s unlike any other part of your team.

To keep your tech health, follow these tips and be confident and calculated. You can also always reach out to the AVGirl at any time for suggestions, questions or simply conversation about event technology. Find me at pulsestaging.com.

This column originally appeared on Elite Meetings. It was reprinted with permission.

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Simulation Starts to Embrace 3D

By Chris Chinnock
Sr. Editor and Analyst, Insight Media

The I/ITSEC trade show is underway here in Orlando. This show is dedicated to advanced training applications using simulators for every military and commercial vehicle you can think of, as well as training in virtual environments for dismounted warriors. This is actually a very fun trade show to attend. Where else can I sink a cruise ship before lunch, inspect an oilrig after lunch and refuel an F-16 before dinner?

There is always cutting-edge technology at this show where expensive systems try their hardest to replicate an actual environment to provide the most realistic training possible. One key trend at the show this year is stereoscopic 3D. New, you say? Actually, in the world of simulation, 3D has been rarely used. In many air, ground or water-based platforms, most of the objects are fairly far away from the operator such that stereoscopic cues are not a strong factor in depth perception. Most of the focus on improving these systems has been on increasing the 2D image fidelity with higher resolution, more sophisticated databases, and higher performance visual display systems (more pixels, higher contrast, better blending and warping, etc.)

But there are many applications where stereoscopic cues can be very powerful and potentially enhance the simulation. Examples often cited include aerial refueling, helicopter landings and soldiers or vehicles in close-in urban environments.

JVC was, in fact, showcasing the aerial refueling application using a 4K projector running in 3D stereoscopic mode. For this application, a boom operator lies down in the tail of the tanker aircraft and guides the boom to the refueling port on the thirsty aircraft. The boom is about 50 feet long and has an aerodynamic stabilizer that is about 10 feet from the tail and 2 feet high. In the 3D demo, we were able to correctly guess these dimensions, an important step in establishing the realism of the simulation. While the demo was quite compelling, actual operators seem to be using more than just good stereo cues to accomplish the job. Therefore, JVC and Rockwell Collins are working to add other monoscopic cues to increase the performance of the operators.

I heard the same comments about helicopter pilots using simulators to land the vehicle. Even with stereo images they still are not getting the same cues and accuracy that they see and achieve in real life.

Christie had a novel collimated 3D display in its booth that combined the ability to create an image at infinity with a stereoscopic effect. This should make viewing 3D content easier on the eyes. The demo was very interesting as it creates a single sweet spot for the user and produced a very good, but not quite great 3D effect. One would think that with the image focused at infinity, there would be no convergence-focus mismatch issues. However, the images still had negative parallax (in front of screen) that did show some ghosting. I had the feeling that I was just a little too close to view the survey of an oilrig platform. Maybe if they shifted it back more for a thru-the-window look, it might have felt a little better.

Another 3D demo I saw was being used to train soldiers on how to use and access predator overhead aerial images to track bad guys and maneuver around them to find, observe or even kill them. The 3D screen was supposed to provide a more realistic simulation. And it did, but not until I worked with the operators to back off on the 3D effect. They had it set so strongly it was painful to watch.

One of my takeaways from all of this was that these developers need to know a lot more about stereo vision and how to create content that varies the stereoscopic parameters as the simulation evolves. This is something Hollywood animation studios know, but the simulation industry does not (hey simulation industry – we can help!).

There were also lots of other very cool demos that were not 3D. I particularly liked Christie’s EGG display, which is shaped like a half of an egg with the user sitting in the middle to get a full 180-degree seamless immersion. With eight projectors, this was an incredible display.

I also liked VDC’s curved workstation. It uses five 250-lumen LED projectors (from LG), flat mirrors, a curved cylindrical screen and geometry, blending and warping software. Now this is a workstation any of us would envy. VDC hopes it can offer it at a $20K price point.

Chris Chinnock is a senior editor and analyst for Insight Media. Reach him at [email protected]

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This Week from rAVe NOW's BlogSquad

Jennifer Willard: Women in AV: The Tweet-Up RSVP You've Been Waiting For
Dustin Baerg: Troubleshooting Wireless Networks
Johnny Mota: How to Steal the ROKU 2 HD Right Now
Gina Sansivero: Standards, What are Those?
Joel Rollins: Lies, Damned Lies…
Matt Scott: Do You Maximize Black Friday?
Dustin Baerg: Why Repeatability is Your Best Strategy

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Industry Pioneer Jack Root Passes

The industry is mourning the death of industry legend Jack Root, who passed away on Nov. 20, after a battle with cancer. A memorial service was held Nov. 22, 2011. He leaves behind his wife, Harriett, his sons Jim, John and Dan, and six grandchildren. 

Jack was the president of Audio Visual Headquarters from 1967 to 1992. He mentored many people in the industry and was known for his impeccable knowledge, generous spirit and Marine pride. Jack was recognized for his lifetime of service to the industry when he was issued InfoComm’s Distinguished Achievement Award.

Donations in Jack's memory can be made to the Semper Fi Fund, the Concern Foundation or the Starlight Foundation.
 

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Len Dozier Returns to Premier Mounts

Owner and CEO of Premier Mounts, Len Dozier, is returning to the company to steer the company into its "next phase of growth." Current president Lee Dodson, who was brought on to refocus the company's market from retail to the ProAV channel, particularly OEM, hospitality and security markets, will be leaving the company. Dozier has been in the role of CEO already, but will be playing a "much stronger role in the day-to-day operations of the company."

Len is a great friend of mine and I'm happy to see him back at Premier to steer the its future. This company is his baby and he'll not only be focused, but he'll also have a great time being back there every day!

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InfoComm Elects 2012 Board

InfoComm International, the trade association representing the commercial audiovisual and information communication industries, has announced election results for the 2012 InfoComm International Board of Directors.

Johanne Belanger of AVW-TELAV has been elected Secretary-Treasurer, and Andrew Milne, Ph.D. of Tidebreak, Inc. and Jan Sandri of FSR, Inc. will serve two-year terms on the InfoComm Board of Directors. In addition, Matt Emerson, CTS, of CEAVCO Audio Visual and Thierry Ollivier of projectiondesign have been appointed to serve two-year terms on the Board of Directors by the Leadership Development Committee.

LDC Chair: Jim Ford, PE, Ford Audio-Video Systems, Inc.
President: Greg Jeffreys, Paradigm Audio Visual Ltd.
President-Elect: Tony Warner, CTS-D, CDT, LEED AP, RTKL
Secretary-Treasurer: Johanne Belanger, AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions

Thomas Berry, CTS, Verrex Corporation
Matt Emerson, CTS, CEAVCO Audio Visual Co., Inc.
Barry Goldin, CTS Audio Video Systems Inc.
Craig Janssen, LEED AP, Acoustic Dimensions
Andrew Milne, Ph.D., Tidebreak Inc.
Thierry Ollivier, projectiondesign
Jan Sandri, FSR, Inc.
Cory Schaeffer, Listen Technologies Corporation

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Video Conferencing To Hit $1 Billion in 2016

Why isn't it called Videopresence instead of Telepresence? It’s not the “tele” that’s present. It’s like calling an auto a “petrolmobile.” Or maybe like calling a train the “trackpresence.”

Whatever you want to call it, if you need any more proof that videoconferencing is an AV boom, research company Ovum says businesses are increasingly adopting enterprise-grade telepresence. Spending will hit $1.1bn in 2016 as the market grows at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 19.5 percent from 2011 to 2016.

The explosive growth of the telepresence market means many companies new to the technology will soon be making large purchasing decisions.

Ian Jacobs, Ovum principal analyst and co-author of the new report said, “Businesses will face a difficult task in deciding on the right vendor in a particularly rapidly changing supplier marketplace. They may return to their legacy video conferencing vendor for telepresence or look to new-breed video specialists. They might make the choice as a stand-alone decision or as part of a broader enterprise communication strategy.”

Ovum also says, "As part of the decision-making process, organizations must do a good deal of self-assessment, and face many choices. They must understand the reasons for the deployment of video, and what business issues the technology will solve. Once businesses have identified their goals, they must consider what features they require from a telepresence vendor.”

Helping all those businesses make their choices — now what better role could an AV integrator ask for?

Here's the full report: http://ovum.com/section/home/

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ClearOne Gets InfoComm Accreditation for StreamNet Courses

ClearOne just announced that its StreamNet training course now qualifies for InfoComm Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) Renewal Units (RU). The CTS accreditation from InfoComm demonstrates the growing adoption of StreamNet technology, which is core to ClearOne's strategy for integrating its full line of professional AV products with StreamNet IP streaming and control solutions.

Individuals that hold an InfoComm CTS certification (including CTS, CTS-D and CTS-I) are required to earn RU credits periodically in order to keep their certification current. Participants who successfully complete the StreamNet training through ClearOne's popular ClearOne University will receive four RU credits.

ClearOne offers its accredited courses in person throughout various locations in North America. To register for an upcoming training event, participants can enroll online through ClearOne University at http://www.clearone.com/training

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Da-Lite Intros All-in-One System

Da-Lite's Stand Alone System is a companion product to the Thru-the-Wall (TTW) System. The Stand Alone System combines a rear projection screen and frame to the Millennium Rear Projection Module (RPM) structure in a single, complete package and provides an image size up to 100" diagonally in existing rooms, with no construction required. It can readily become a permanent or semi-permanent part of the facility and is easy to assemble. Frame construction consisting of heavy black anodized aluminum extrusion ensures system alignment and longevity.

Custom-engineered to accommodate a wide range of LCD and DLP projectors, the Stand Alone System is an ideal alternative to an in-wall projection screen with a dedicated rear projection space.

The Stand Alone System also features the Perfect Mirror Adjustment System, which is standard on all mirror systems for 42"x60" and smaller mirrors.

For more information on the Stand Alone System, go here: http://www.da-lite.com/products/product.php?cID=10&pID=353

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T&M Intros 8×8 Mic/Music Mixer

European Manufacturer T&M Systems, based in Ibbenbüren, Germany, has launched a cool new product called the ProjectMix818, an eight-zone mixer with paging functions for installed public address and music applications. The ProjectMix818 features four line and four mic/line inputs that can selectively be switched as the source for any of the output zones. In addition, a mic input can also be sent, with level control, to any or all zones in addition to their selected source. There are also two inputs for T&M paging mics with selection switches for each zone or all-zones and an expansion module that can be used to expand the paging mic by another eight zones if two or more ProjectMix818 units are linked together.
 
Each zone features an additional local input to feed a signal directly into that zone, which enables the house PA system to be used in each zone for background music, paging and local events such as seminars, where an additional microphone or laptop PC needs to be used for the sound source.
 
Up to four ProjectMix818 units can be linked to expand the system to a maximum of 32 zone outputs. The unit incorporates contact closures to override all other inputs when the system is required to provide a Voice Alarm facility.

Available in January, details are here: http://www.tm-lines.com/epages/tm-lines.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/tm-lines/Products/02.02.05

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Elation Introduces Art SSC 1024-Channel DMX

The Art SSC from Elation is a 1024-channel DMX command-line controller that lets you program, operate, record, playback and schedule light shows in one solid-state unit (no moving parts)… AND without requiring a computer. Built for architectural lighting, outdoor applications, nightclubs, hotels, museums, cruise ships, theme parks and other permanent installations, the Art SSC features two 512-DMX channel inputs as well as one DMX Input (the DMX Outputs and Input are optically isolated from each other).

Integrated with browser-based control, the Art SSC includes a DMX and Art-Net recorder that can record and store up to 16 tracks, each with 1024 channels. Multiple tracks can be played back, each with individual control, loop and function. And, it can be programmed to trigger events by date, time, day of the week and sunrise or sunset.

For more details, go here: http://www.elationlighting.com/PressDetail.aspx?ID=198

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Elite Screens' New PowerMax Series Offers 1.1 Gain

The PowerMax Series from Elite Screens is an electric screen encased in an aluminum housing with a 1.1 gain, matte white, fiberglass-backed or tensioned material (coming in 2012). Using what Elite calls a fast-acting 14 rpm tubular motor spec'd with a 4.4-foot pound lift capacity, the PowerMax has a standard power connection that comes complete with an in-line up/stop/down toggle switch for operation, as well as an IR/RF and 12-volt trigger control package.

Available in 90”-165” diagonal sizes in either a 4:3 (NTSC) or 16:9 (HDTV) aspect ratio, it will list for $499. You can see all the specs here:  http://www.elitescreens.com/index.php?option=com_content&id=1230&lang=en

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Marantz Debuts Killer New AV Preamp Integrated with Apple AirPlay

Dubbed the AV7005, Marantz's newest preamp is a six-HDMI (1.4a) input, two-HDMI output, 7.1-channel processing, Dolby integrated preamp that's less than $1,600. Perfect for home theater, as well as boardroom and classroom installs, the pre-amp processes all analog (four component, five composite and seven analog audio inputs) sources and converts it all to HDMI (up to 1080p), so all signal switching and processing is handled via the internal video switcher. And, to ensure commercial AV applications will work, the two HDMI outputs are one with ARC and one without ARC. This is so you can connect the ARC output if you're using an LCD flat screen as the display and using its built-in audio, or use the non-ARC output when connecting it to surround-sound speakers. And, of course, you can also turn off the video processing (for straight pass-through if you want to use an external scaler).

Integrated with RS232, IR or IP control, the AV7005 is also integrated with Apple's new AirPlay system that allows for wireless streaming of video and audio from iOS devices (such as the iPhone and iPad) as well as the ability to wirelessly present anything from an iPad 2 to the preamp, and thus to the projector. Front panel inputs include USB, HDMI, digital optical, video and analog L/R. Audio processing includes a signal-to-noise ratio specification of 105dB (IHF-A weighted, Direct Mode) for analog, 102dB for digital and a frequency response of 10Hz – 100kHz (+1/-3dB, Direct Mode).

In normal operation, it uses 60 watts of power, in standby mode, only 0.2 watts of power and in CEC mode, 0.4 watts of power. It weighs 22 pounds. Complete specs are here:  http://us.marantz.com/us/products/pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=AVSeparates&ProductId=AV7005

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AMX Ships Vision2 Streaming Video System

AMX is shipping the new Vision2 IPTV system (version 7.2), which includes several new capabilities that enable companies and universities to develop or upgrade video communications initiatives.

IP video has become a core communication tool, but for casual users, operating recording and management software can be complex. The new release of Vision2 features a control API that allows digital video to easily be integrated into an AMX control system for user-friendly management with capabilities such as one-touch recording and archiving. And, addressing the increased use of mobile devices, AMX has added a new user interface that allows Vision2 content to be viewed on-the-go.

The new MPEG Reflector Appliance function gives organizations the ability to deliver live streaming video to multiple remote locations using a single stream per location. With this capability organizations can provide video access to satellite campuses without overwhelming their corporate Internet connections due to high-bandwidth video. The Vision2 additional features include customizable layouts to create menus and guides – with custom brands, logos and colors – for Vision2 compatible set-top boxes. On top of the new features, Vision2 continues to make recording and managing video easier, like adding metadata to recorded content to aid in searching for videos.

For more details, go here: http://www.amx.com/vision2/

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AvaLAN Debuts Solar Powered Surveillance Pole

Now you can place a surveillance camera anywhere without needing to provide power or data wiring to it, thanks to AvaLAN's new solar powered Surveillance Pole. It consists of a 12 foot steel pole wrapped with a rugged thin film solar laminate array, topped with a Mobotix high resolution camera and connected to a network with a 900 MHz wireless Ethernet link.

This solution gives you the ability to capture video, process it on the pole and stream it back to an attached network storage system or view it live from anywhere in the world (via the web). The camera has dual sensors to provide day/night viewing with an integrated DVR so that any data interruptions will not cause lost frames. The 900 MHz wireless Ethernet radio link provides a range of up to 20 miles or the ability to penetrate walls and trees with AES encryption and robust data reliability. The solar array is a triple junction amorphous silicon unit with a durable ETFE polymer coating (Teflon-like) and a maximum output of 68 watts. Batteries in the base of the pole allow continuous day/night operation.

Just bolt the pole to a concrete pad or pier or use the Dirt Set option, aim the camera in the desired direction (it allows digital pan and zoom), aim the radio antenna toward the network receiver (also included and pre-configured) and begin collecting important surveillance information.

The AvaLAN AW900SSPK Surveillance Solar Pole is a differentiator that AV integrators can offer that marries AV and IT technology into one security solution for campus-wide or facility-wide security. More details on the $10,000 turn-key solution can be found here: http://www.avalanwireless.com/product-details-900_mhz_surveillance_solar_pole-1044.htm

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Polycom Integrates Luidia's eBeam Technology

It's a common problem — remote participants in videoconference often have trouble seeing the whiteboard content. The Polycom UC Board solution combines a compact infrared sensor that attaches to a whiteboard or LCD screen, and a wireless stylus that meeting hosts can use to sketch, write, and annotate as they would use a pen or marker.

The Polycom UC Board is a simple solution combining a plug-and-play receiver, a stylus for ease-of-use and a compact design for portability. The software natively integrates with the latest Polycom RealPresence Room HDX solutions. As part of the solution, Polycom leverages eBeam technology from Luidia, which turns many common flat surfaces into collaborative workspaces where the capture, saving, and sharing of digital content is made easy.

The Polycom UC Board lists for $1,999. Complete specs are here: http://www.polycom.com/products/hd_telepresence_video/realpresence_whiteboard/uc_board.html

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Altinex Claims Low Cost Control Packages

Two new control system "packages" from Altinex are being positioned in the low-end of the market as far as pricing goes. The Altinex Control Package #1 consists of the CP500-110 Neutron controller, the AC301-109 EDID blaster/IR learner (for infrared control functionality such as power, play, stop, etc.), the CP450-007 multi touch control panel with a 7-inch screen (for touch screen control of the AV system’s functions) and the company’s AVSnap programming software for system configuration. This system's Neutron controller provides two RS232 bi-directional ports, two IR (Infrared) ports, two relay ports and two sensor ports.

The Altinex Control Package #2 is intended for larger AV system designs. This offering includes Altinex’s CP500-100 Neutron controller (with integrated IR functionality), the CP450-008 multi touch control panel with an 8-inch screen and the company’s AVSnap programming software. The Neutron controller included with this package provides eight RS-232 bi-directional ports, eight IR (Infrared) ports, eight relay ports, and eight sensor ports.

You can see details on both packages here: http://www.altinex.com/index.php?s=products&lo=control&c=controller

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Altinex Intros Digital Signal Meter

Altinex's DIGI Sniffer digital video signal detector is designed as a tool for AV integrators to measure the strength and quality of digital video signals including HDMI, DVI and Display Port at any resolution. It features a six LED bar graph and the stronger the signal, the more LEDs are illuminated. The DIGI Sniffer works with both HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) and non-HDCP signals.

Designed to fit in a pocket, the new Altinex DIGI Sniffer features auto power control (shut-off) and will only turn on when touched from both sides. It's battery operated.

It's not on Altinex's website yet, but it should be here when it is: http://www.altinex.com/index.php?s=products&l=new

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Viewsonic Joins AMX InConcert Program

AMX announced today that ViewSonic is its newest InConcert Partner. Through the partnership, ViewSonic’s PJD6 Series DLP projectors, comprised of the PJD6253, PJD6223 and PJD6553w, are now outfitted with AMX technology compatibility, making integration with AMX Controllers simple with little or no programming. Specifically designed for both classroom and small meeting rooms, ViewSonic’s network-enabled PJD6 Series projectors can be deployed with AMX Controllers for campus-wide management with centralized control.

To understand the AMX InConcert program better, go here: http://www.amx.com/partners/partners.asp?t=InConcert

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Extron Ships Compact Audio Mic/Line Mixer with DSP

Extron is now shipping its new MVC 121 Plus — a compact, three-input stereo audio mixer featuring a digital signal processing platform for audio signal mixing and control. The MVC 121 Plus features a stereo line level input and two mic/line level inputs with 48 volt phantom power for condenser microphones, plus fixed and variable stereo line level outputs. It offers gain, filter, tone processing and parametric EQ. Quick configuration using the DSP Configurator Software allows the MVC 121 Plus to be installed in very little time. The MVC 121 Plus is designed for presentation applications that require line and microphone audio mixing with DSP in a small form factor.

The DSP built into the MVC 121 Plus provides wide dynamic range and utilizes 24-bit audio converters with 48 kHz sampling to maintain audio signal transparency. Convenient, easy-to-configure tools are available to control level, high and low pass filters, and bass and treble shelving filters. The DSP Configurator Software features an intuitive on-screen layout that offers fast access to digital audio signal processing tools as well as audio mixing. Designers can quickly get a snapshot view of the entire audio system, including processing blocks and mixing points.

Here are all the specs: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=mvc121plus&s=0

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Planar Coins Electronic Sculpture as Next Wave of AV Design and Signage

Planar Systems yesterday announced the introduction of the Planar Silhouette calling it a "video display sculpture," which the company publicly spotlighted  on Nov. 30 at the Avant Gallery in Miami Beach, Florida, in connection with the weeklong Design Miami art event.

The Planar Silhouette display, which towers over 10’ tall, provides a new solution for architects, designers and their clients, to elicit an emotional response through imagery and form.

The arrays of LCD screens are configured in an array that forms a sort of a "flexible digital canvas" that can produce make a wall of color and motion stretching 18 feet wide.

Go here for more details: http://www.planardigitalsignage.com/products/lcd-video-walls/home

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Lighthouse Dominates LED with New VideoBlades

The VideoBlades SkyRoll, the result of an alliance between Lighthouse and Pix2o is a modular LED screen that's designed for both indoor and outdoor applications, providing a 12.5mm pixel pitch. VideoBlades 12 comes in two formats, the aforementioned SkyRoll and GroundRoll, which can be deployed by rolling up or down from its patented rotating structure, just like a window shade. The modular format allows for the seamless formation of large-scale screens limited in size only by a customer’s needs.

SkyRoll is available in 4m, 6m and 8m widths and up to 10m screen heights, and deploys from overhead, while GroundRoll, as the name suggests, deploys up from the floor, resulting in the lowest possible rigged weight and is available in infinitely seam able sections 2m to 3m wide, up to 10m high.

Both SkyRoll and GroundRoll are pre-configured at the factory and shipped to the end user with a minimal number of electrical and mechanical connections required to operate the system. Additionally, the VideoBlades 12 are supported by an integrated truss sub-structure and are composed of individual display IMs, called the Blades. These can be organized either horizontally or vertically into a video display of any size and can be used in groups or by themselves as set lighting fixtures and scenic elements. They are all operated from the same control and distribution system.

All the details are here: http://www.lighthouse-tech.com/ProductDetail.aspx?id=8ed567ad-b667-4817-8a26-5dc21ef7a3d5&c=c6b9c603-1425-4123-94ef-ec962aa4a282

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BenQ to License Out New Green Lamp Technology

In addition to using the company's new so-called SmartEco lamp technology in its own new projectors, BenQ hopes to license it to others. BenQ says the new SmartEco technology combines energy efficiency for longer lamp life with optimized image contrast, greatly enhancing imaging performance while reducing projector operating and maintenance costs.

According to BenQ, SmartEco technology saves energy and increases lamp life by dynamically adjusting the lamp power to different brightness settings based on the projected content. SmartEco lets the projector compensate for this process with an internal software solution that maintains the ideal color spectrum and also provides an improved contrast ratio. When the projected content contains dark elements, SmartEco dims the lamp accordingly for those scenes without any loss of visible brightness for the viewer (according to BenQ). This provides many benefits to users, including prolonging lamp life by up to 70 percent and reducing energy consumption by up to 50 percent.

BenQ also provides online tools to help users calculate their yearly energy savings by projector model. By visiting the company's "SmartEco Savings Calculator" page and entering information on their current consumption levels, users can find out how much energy and money they can save with SmartEco technology.

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Barco Announces QXGA Projector for Simulation and Staging

Aimed at the simulation and staging markets, the new SIM 7Q HB is an LCoS (reflective LCD) QXGA projector (2048×1536) that claims to have both a 6-million-to-one contrast ratio and 2800 lumens in brightness. Using three 4:3 LCD panels, the projector includes two dual-link DVI ports and 8-bit color. Features include built-in edge-blending; built-in image warping that enables accurate projection from different angles and across spherical or curved surfaces; and linked constant light output (CLO), which supposedly ensures the same light and color levels across the entire screen. Power consumption is listed at 600 watts.

Go here for all the details: http://www.barco.com/en/product/2480
 

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Second Generation Pico Projectors Debut with BenQ First

BenQ today introduced the next generation of its popular mini projector, the BenQ Joybee GP2. Building on the success of its GP1 predecessor, the GP2 projector features the same black and white housing while adding a number of enhancements including a better user interface, 720p HD-ready video capability, short-throw projection, an integrated iPhone/iPod dock, an optional three-hour battery pack and a multitude of connectivity options.

Based on high-efficiency 3LED illumination and DLP projection technology, the light and compact 565-gram, palm-sized BenQ Joybee GP2 offers simple plug-and-play operation, 200 ANSI lumens of brightness. It can project up to a 160-inch screen, according to BenQ. (Editor's note: You'd better be sitting in a pitch black room with not even a night light on if you want to project 160 inches using a projector with 200 lumens of brightness.)

The BenQ Joybee GP2 connectivity includes USB and SD card viewers, a document viewer for Microsoft Office and PDF documents and mini HDMI for tablets and smartphones. A USB display feature allows users to connect their computers to the mini projector using a USB cable — no driver required — while the USB file transfer function lets them transfer their multimedia files to the unit's 2GB of on-board memory storage.

It lists for $550. Details are here: http://promotions.benq.us/microsite/miniprojector/

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Sony FINALLY Does Ultra Short Throw Projectors

Better late than never, huh? Sony has finally, FINALLY, added ultra-short throw capabilities to its line of business projectors with two new models perfect for education and corporate AV. The new models are the VPL-SW535 projector (WXGA resolution) and the VPL-SX535 projector (XGA resolution), spec'd at 3000 lumens, which is actually very bright for short-throw projectors. In fact, you can get an 80-inch image by placing the VPL-SW535 19 inches away and by placing the VPL-SX535 23 inches away from the screen.

Using 290 watts of power consumption for the SW535 model and 310 watts for the SX535 model, both use so-called energy efficient Bright Era LCD panels. i=If the projectors are left powered while not in use, they automatically detect no change of signal input and will dim the lamp as low as about 30 percent of original brightness to significantly reduce energy consumption. Sony says these are the first ultra short throw projectors to offer both optical zoom and lens shift capability (x1.05 zoom, V:+/-4.6% H:+/-3.4% shift. for the SW535 V:+/-4.4% H:+/-2.7% shift for SW535). Both projectors are available with Luidia’s eBeam technology to add interactivity.

The VPL-SW535 costs about $1,699 and the VPLSW535-EBPAC (the samep projector with eBeam) costs about $2,299 and delivers in December.

The VPL-SX535 costs about $1,499 and the VPLSX535-EBPAC costs about $2,099 and delivers in January.

Here are all the specs: http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/show-projectors/

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NEC Adds 7000- and 8000- ANSI Lumen Projectors

Today NEC Display added two new models to its PX Series projector line, the PX700W and PX800X — both install projectors that are aimed for large auditoriums and venues like houses of worship, higher education, corporate and retail environments where there is high ambient light or the need for a larger screen size.

The 7000-lumen PX700W and 8000-lumen PX800X are ProAV projectors with dual lamps and inputs, including HDMI, DisplayPort, USB Viewer and three separate analog computer inputs in addition to Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) slots. It supports multiple input cards, including an HD/SD-SDI and single board computer (SBC). Additionally, the projectors’ networking capabilities include integrated RJ45 and optional high-speed wireless (LAN IEEE 80.11b/g).

Both are spec'd to have a contrast ratio of 2000:1 and use lamps with a 2500-hour life in Eco-mode. They can also be stacked with up to four projectors to create one huge seamed image.

Full specs are here: http://www.necdisplay.com/p/np-px700w-08zl and here: http://www.necdisplay.com/p/multimedia-projectors/np-px800x

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NSCA Taking Nominations for 2012 Excellence in Business Awards

Systems integrators with outstanding success from an effective business strategy are encouraged to apply for NSCA’s 2012 Excellence in Business Awards. Submissions will be accepted through January 15, 2012, for self- and peer-nominated applications. Winners will receive one free admission (a $1,049 value) as well as recognition throughout the year in various NSCA and industry publications.

Staying ahead of the competition is one thing, but companies with solid business sense and creative tactics continually beat their competitors to the finish line. Successful strategies in fiscal responsibility, marketing, training and strategic advancement cultivate increased numbers of customers and, consequently, increased profits. Similarly, businesses that are smart about retaining their staff through unique training opportunities or an organizational philanthropic philosophy not only draw the best talent, but also keep their companies ahead of the competition. 

Customers, business partners, manufacturers and peers are encouraged to nominate systems integrators who have excelled in one of the following categories:

• Growth Strategies
• Professional Development
• Strategic Advancement
• Project Development
• Marketing Strategies
• Education of Allied Professionals
• Recurring Revenue
• Fiscal Responsibility
• Philanthropic Contributions

You can apply here: http://www.nsca.org/blcawards

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NSCA Announces Keynote Speakers & Topics for BLC

Staying ahead of the competition is a challenge many business owners face. Understanding the changing policies, technologies and business tactics necessary to win a bid these days is a necessity for business success. The sessions and keynote speakers featured at NSCA’s 2012 Business & Leadership Conference, March 1-3, 2012, in Dallas, TX, will provide integrators with solutions to these issues and many more.

This year’s conference features sessions selected by systems integrators who truly understand today’s hottest industry topics. From industry trends and business tactics to human resources and management skills, the agenda for the 14th annual event includes: 
   

• Leadership at 100 mph: Keynote speaker, Cameron Herrold, is most renowned for his driving force behind the spectacular growth of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, which went from $2 million to $106 million in revenue in just six years, Herrold will lead “Leadership at 100 mph,” a session on business growth. Conference attendees will learn how to use a unique process called “Painted Picture” to create total alignment within their teams; attract and retain top talent; establish long-term goals; and create an effective work environment. Herrold will also present a break-out session on company culture, an area in which he has been recognized by Canadian Business magazine and BC Business Magazine for creating companies that were recognized as the #1 and #2 best places to work.
   
• Trends, Technology and Taking the Lead: Scott Klososky, former CEO of three successful startup companies, specializes in technology advances in business settings. His uncanny ability to see trends in emerging technologies has helped businesses thrive, leaders prosper and entire industries move forward. In his session, “Trends, Technology and Taking the Lead,” Klososky will help executives understand how to fully leverage technology to drive top-line revenues and reduce bottom-line costs. Klososky will also talk about technology and innovation within our primary sectors, but not necessarily in our control during the Executive Power Hour.
   
• Economic Outlook 2012: Conditions That Impact Your Business: Returning due to popular demand, Dr. Lee McPheters will bring his engaging and entertaining presentation on the economic outlook for 2012. Dr. McPheters’ unique delivery provides attendees with an understanding of how factors such as the government, business and consumers drive your business profits.

Additional sessions focused on business strategies include:

• Construction forecasts, presented by McGraw-Hill
• A case study on “Internal Measures: Is Your Business Safe,” which evaluates internal factors that may put a company at risk and how to protect its assets
• “Social Media for Revenue Growth,” an interactive session on how to use social media to promote your business, products and services
• “Business Valuation,” an opportunity to understand why so many integration firms are merging or being acquired in today’s economy and gain insight into the numerous factors and options that exist for today’s integration firms
• “Ownership Thinking: The Business Model for the 21st Century,” a session to help attendees discover a proven process to turn a company into a successfully working team to improve financial performance and outperform their competitors by 30 percent or more

Finally, the popular Beer ‘n’ Bull session is being driven by none other than the attendees themselves. Discussions for this casual, yet often lively, session will be derived from NSCA’s LinkedIn group. Topics such as vendor relationship management, the supply channel and the integration of IT into A/V have all been proposed thus far. Participants of this engaging discussion will gain insight into common business concerns during this popular session.

Sign up here: http://www.nsca.org/blc/home.html

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Ingram Micro's Gerhard Schulz to Deliver ISE Keynote Address

Initiating a new addition to its line-up of pre-show activities, Integrated Systems Europe has announced the content of its first-ever keynote address. On Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, Gerhard Schulz, senior VP in central Europe for Ingram Micro, will unveil his vision for how the electronic systems integration community can respond to the challenges posed by the transition from analogue to digital.

In his ‘Blueprint for Business Growth in the Digital Age,’ Schulz will demonstrate how Ingram Micro, the world’s largest technology distributor, has broadened its offering to become not just a supplier of products but a valued partner to manufacturers, integrators and resellers throughout the world. The lessons learned by Ingram Micro, Schulz will argue, have an irresistible resonance for the audiovisual industry as it confronts a networked future.

“The convergence between AV and IT is not an event on our horizon, but a contemporary reality that will be in evidence on almost every exhibitor stand at ISE 2012,” says Mike Blackman, managing director of Integrated Systems Events.

“We searched long and hard to find the right voice to articulate the threats and opportunities posed by this convergence, and believe we have found the perfect partner in Gerhard Schulz… the Ingram Micro experience exactly mirrors the evolution being felt by so many AV and IT companies today – the move from front-office, volume product reselling to the provision of complete solutions that bring more and more technologies into the mix.”

The keynote address will begin at 6:00 pm on Jan. 30, allowing delegates from ISE’s three pre-show conferences to attend when their respective programs have finished. The address will be followed by an opening reception where attendees will have the chance to network with their peers over complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

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Utz Baldwin Leaves CEDIA

CEDIA has announced that its CEO, Utz Baldwin, has left the organization.

To read the complete press release online, click here.

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BrightSign Partners with Almo Pro A/V

BrightSign has announced that it has entered into a distribution partnership agreement with Almo Pro A/V, a ProAV distributor. Almo will market and distribute BrightSign digital signage and kiosk controllers to its resellers in the U.S.

To read the complete press release online, click here.

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ClearOne StreamNet Training Course Gets InfoComm CTS Certification

ClearOne announced that its StreamNet training course now qualifies for InfoComm Certified Technology Specialists (CTS) Renewal Units (RUs). The CTS accreditation from InfoComm demonstrates the growing adoption of StreamNet technology which is core to ClearOne's strategy for integrating its full line of professional AV products with StreamNet IP streaming and control solutions.

To read the complete press release online, click here.

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Stampede Announces 2012 Big Book of AV Tour

Stampede, a ProAV distributor, has announced plans to bring the Big Book of AV Tour to 13 cities in 2012.

To read the complete press release online, click here.

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KidGopher Wins InnoVision Award

CQ Media Networks has been chosen as the 2011 recipient of the InnoVision Technology Application award for KidGopher, a secure child pick-up system.

To read the complete press release online, click here.

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Barneys New York Uses Prysm's LPD Technology

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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 2011 – 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.