Volume 6, Issue 14 - July 24, 2008

Media Recording, Distribution and Control
	Thomson Brings Latest Version of LAN-Based Video Delivery System to InfoComm New HD Video Appliances From VBrick at InfoComm Jupiter Announces PixelNet -- Capture, Distribute, Control and Display Digital and Analog Video Pioneer Develops 400GB Disc

Audio
	Denon Introduces Pro Integrated Amplifier at InfoComm SoundTube Adds Open-Ceiling Environment Speaker to HPi Line Sound Delivered in a Narrow Beam With New Holosonic Audio Spotlight

 

 

 

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InfoComm Awards 2008
By Gary Kayye

Heavyweights to Hammer out Standard for Wireless Multi-Room Media Delivery

AMIMON, Hitachi, Motorola, Samsung, Sharp and Sony banded together to form a special interest group to develop a new industry standard for multi-room audio, video and control using Wireless Home Digital Interface (WHDI) technology. They even say they'll have it done by year's end.

The consortium points to the WHDI video-modem‘s ability to operate in the 5GHz unlicensed band as the impetus for this standards push. The technology allows wireless delivery of uncompressed HD video (including 1080p) with secure, encrypted delivery through multiple rooms and other potential signal obstructions, such as people and furniture, with less than one-millisecond latency.

The objective of this special interest group is to enhance the current WHDI technology to enable wireless streaming of uncompressed HD video and audio between CE devices such as LCD and plasma HDTVs, multimedia projectors, A/V receivers, DVD and BD players, set-top boxes (STBs), game consoles, and PCs. The new interoperable standard aims to ensure that CE devices manufactured by different vendors will simply and directly connect to one another.

For more information, go to http://www.whdi.org/News/

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Extron Introduces RGB to HDMI Scaler

Extron introduced at InfoComm the RGB-HDMI 300, a high performance RGB to HDMI scaler that converts incoming analog component video and RGBHV signals to HDMI signals. It accepts HDTV and high resolution computer-video signals up to 1920x1200, and offers multiple, selectable HDMI output rates up to 1920x1200, including HDTV 1080p/60. The RGB-HDMI 300 is housed in a compact, low-profile enclosure for placement behind flat-panel displays, and offers several features for streamlining integration and enhancing system operation, including Auto Input Memory, Auto-Image setup, and RS-232 serial control.

The RGB-HDMI 300 is especially suited for applications where newer displays, equipped only with HDMI inputs, are to be used with sources that output analog RGB computer-video, or in an environment with an existing analog RGB signal distribution infrastructure. It can also be used in systems where consolidation of various source signals to a single, common output resolution is desired. For example, the RGB-HDMI 300 can be installed at the output of a switcher, with its HDMI output feeding the display.

For more information, go to http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=rgbhdmi300

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Extron Introduces CrossPoint Ultra, 600 MHz Matrix Switchers

Extron introduced at InfoComm the CrossPoint Ultra Series of Ultra-wideband matrix switchers. Extron says these are designed for deliver uncompromised performance in demanding, high resolution computer-video and stereo audio routing systems. CrossPoint Ultra is distinguished by its 600 MHz bandwidth, ultra-flat frequency response, efficiency, reliability, power consumption, and control. Also of note, CrossPoint Ultra is available in twelve models and six I/O sizes from 8x4 to 16x16.

CrossPoint Ultra models include Ultra-wideband performance of 525 to 600 MHz (-3dB) RGB video bandwidth, fully loaded, depending on model. They have ultra-flat frequency response of ±0.5 dB or less through the critical portion of the bandwidth curve, from 0 to 130 MHz (creating a transparent A/V signal path for the high resolution system designs with multiple levels of signal processing). The low crosstalk, with channel-to-channel isolation of -56 dB or better at 100 MHz, minimizes signal leakage across video channels and eliminates signal bleed-through.

For more details, go to http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=cpultra600_pr

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SurgeX Next Generation of Flagship Sequencer Shown at InfoComm

SurgeX brought its SEQ flagship sequencer and power conditioner to InfoComm. The SEQ incorporates all the latest SurgeX technologies such as Advanced Series Mode surge elimination, Impedance Tolerant EMI/RFI filtering, SurgeX ICE Inrush current elimination and COUVS Catastrophic Over/Under Voltage Shutdown.

SurgeX says the latest generation SEQ features a sharper, easier to read, display and enhanced software. New features include a 12 Volt DC Output that can be programmed to control an additional remote system, and the ability to program additional always-on outlets.

The SEQ has three physical banks of four outlets each that can be sequenced with two external (remote) banks of equipment. It is designed to interface with other control systems and can be infinitely cascaded with other SurgeX products.

For more information, go to http://www.surgex.com/press/press200807_nextGenSEQ.html

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Portable Broadcast Mixer Debuts at InfoComm

A small company showed a small mixer/amp at InfoComm, but it's packed with features. JK Audio's RenoteMix 4 is a four-channel field mixer and headphone amplifier that also serves as a communications interface. RemoteMix 4 features a phone line hybrid and keypad, a PBX handset interface, and a cell phone interface. And it's smaller than a lunch box!

RemoteMix 4 was designed for live remotes and you can use it as a phone line hybrid, calling into your studio talk show hybrid, and use it as a front end mixer for your POTS, ISDN or IP codec. Use it with your laptop codec.

This product also gives you the phone connectivity with four IFB feeds, so you can send and receive interview audio, and pull IFB out of any business phone system, even a cell phone.

This is shipping now for MSRP of $1,395.

For more information, go to http://www.jkaudio.com/remotemix-4.htm

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SMART Turns Plasmas Into Collaboration Panels

SMART announced at InfoComm the SMART Board interactive display frame, which lets you add interactivity to a plasma display. This is a lightweight frame that attaches to most commercial plasma displays, then provides seamless integration with SMART's new Meeting Pro, SMART Hub SE and SMART Hub PE collaboration products.

The SMART Board interactive display frame uses SMART's DViT (Digital Vision Touch) technology. Two cameras in the bottom corners of the frame register finger, pencil and touch contacts on the surface of the display. Users can select a menu option with a finger, and write and erase digital notes with the pencil. The new pencil operates like an everyday pencil, with one end for writing and the other for erasing.

The frame fits plasmas from 42 to 65 inches and weighs up to 11 pounds. It adds less than an inch to the width of the display and two inches to the height.

Pricing is $2,899 to $3,299.

For more information, go to http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/About+Us/News+Room/Media+Releases/default.htm?guid={7667CA1C-D19F-4873-BD33-CD3FFF000F98}

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Thomson Brings Latest Version of LAN-Based Video Delivery System to InfoComm

Thomson Grass Valley's new MEDIAEDGE3 DS video delivery system for signage, education and other messaging, now includes the ability to combine and display animated graphics, text, and other HTML elements. By including these new options, users can accurately display Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL) layouts in a variety of creative ways. MEDIAEDGE3 users can design screens with any combination of graphics, text, HTML, and video.

To support this, Thomson also announced a software-based tool to help users develop SMIL layouts that combine and display these graphic elements. Once completed, the new application is used to "publish" SMIL layouts to the network for display using MEDIAEDGE set top boxes.

Thomson says users will be able to send SMIL layouts to multiple MEDIAEDGE set top boxes, or HDMA-4000 units, over the LAN. A SMIL layout is a text file based on the XML format. It allows you to describe the layout of a digital signage display and carries links to content that will populate the display.

The new MediaEdge3 DS option is scheduled for delivery this month.

For more information, go to http://www.thomsongrassvalley.com/

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New HD Video Appliances From VBrick at InfoComm

VBrick Systems announced its next generation product architecture and also announced the availability of its newest networked video appliances, the VBrick 7000 and 8000 series. These new appliances support standard and HD video and use H.264 technology.

The VBrick H.264 appliance is the first in a line of products that the company says will be delivered on VBrick's new standards-based MicroTCA architecture. The product line will initially consist of two appliances—standard definition and High Definition. Additionally, these products will be available as blades for VBrick's MicroTCA high density shelf, which will be available in the first quarter of next year. All versions will provide features such as low delay encoding, multicasting, remote management, and enhanced quality for any given bandwidth.

For more information, go to http://www.vbrick.com/news/index.asp?ItemID=314&rcid=71&pcid=70&cid=71

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Jupiter Announces PixelNet -- Capture, Distribute, Control and Display Digital and Analog Video

At InfoComm, Jupiter showed the company's new PixelNet, which the company says is a new way to capture, distribute, control and display digital and analog video sources. Based on technology previously used for data communication networks, PixelNet adopts Gigabit Ethernet and Ethernet switches for use with the high resolution, real-time video. With the packet-switching, Jupiter says any information source can be shown on any display, as a window on a single display, or as a window spanning multiple display devices in a display wall. Any source can be shown at any size on any display or array of displays.

PixelNet is an all-digital system and input and output signals can be either digital or analog. All video processing is done in the digital domain including cropping, scaling, de-interlacing and noise reduction. This is OS-independent, and uses unshielded twisted pair cabling.

For more information, go to http://www.jupiter.com/cm/Newsroom/2008%20PR/PixelNet%20Infcomm.html

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Pioneer Develops 400GB Disc

PC World reports that Pioneer has developed a new disc similar to Blu-ray only with 16 layers of 25GB capacity in each for a whopping 400GB capacity. Blu-ray, by example, has 25GB on a one-sided disc.

PC World reports that Pioneer does not plan to produce these but, instead, plans to license the technology to manufacturers who would make it themselves. It was also reported that the technology is very nearly ready for market.

To read the story, go to http://www.pcworld.com/article/147999/pioneer_develops_400gb_optical_disc.html

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Sleek New TPS-6X Touchpanel From Crestron

Crestron brought a nice looking new touchpanel to InfoComm. The TPS-6Xis a 6-inch touchpanel that incorporates many of the features previously found in nine different Crestron models. While docked, the TPS-6X is a wired Cresnet or Ethernet connected panel with full-motion video display. Users can lift the panel off the dock, and the panel automatically switches to a wireless RF device. TPS-6X uses long-range, high-speed two-way RF communication up to 200 feet and 1-way IR.

While sitting on the docking station, the TPS-6X recharges, and communicates as a wired touchpanel. The high-speed Ethernet connection enables full motion video display in a scalable or full-size window. Programs can be uploaded to the panel remotely while charging on the dock.

The TPS-6X simultaneously remains connected to the RF radio while operating as a wired panel, so when the panel is removed from the dock, it instantly switches over to wireless mode. The TPS-6X operates within IEEE 802.15.4 so it does not experience any of the challenges of WiFi.

TPS-6X uses the same Isys graphic engine as all of the latest Crestron touchpanels, including dynamic text and graphics.

For more information, go to http://www.crestron.com/press_room/press_releases/show_release.asp?press_release_id=1330

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Aurora Marketing Multipurpose Wireless Touchpanel

The IBZ1041W, now shipping from Aurora, is a 10.4" 802.11 b-g touch panel solution for any web-based control system. It is designed for when the control system you are integrating can use a web browser to host a graphic user interface. It supports Java, Flash and ActiveX and integrates with Apple, PC, Linux and more.

Aurora says the key control system features include kiosk mode, in which the panel opens to a home page without the look of a PC, one-touch operation rather than double-click, and it supports 128-bit encryption.

The company says it is drop- and water-resistant, has a built-in kickstand and comes with a charging base.

For more information, go to http://auroramultimedia.com/

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Denon Introduces Pro Integrated Amplifier at InfoComm

Denon brought its new DNA300M professional integrated amplifier to InfoComm. This is a 3U high, 2 x 100 Watt (8 ohm) integrated amplifier/Background Music (BGM) paging system, designed for applications such as installed sound, house of worship, retail, restaurants, health clubs, salons, hotel pool areas etc.

The front panel features a host six-position music source Input Selector (AUX, Tuner, CD, Phono, Tape 1, Tape 2); 1/4-inch mic input; Mic level, Volume, Bass and Treble controls; Mic mix and Mic automatic gain control (AGC); and Loudness, Automatic Music Mix, Speaker A/B On/Off and Power On/Standby/Off switches.

The rear panel has RCA inputs/outputs for a range of audio sources (CD/MP3, etc.) with dedicated input/outputs for Phono, CD, Tuner, Tape 1, Tape 2 and AUX; Speaker A/B outputs; three AC outlets (one un-switched, two switched); and an Auto Mute sensitivity volume control.

For more information, go to http://www.infocomm.org/cps/rde/xchg/infocomm/hs.xsl/avindustry_6062.htm or http://www.d-mpro.com/

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SoundTube Adds Open-Ceiling Environment Speaker to HPi Line

SoundTube introduced the HP129i loudspeaker. This is part of the HPi line and this is designed for suspended installation in an open-ceiling environment such as gymnasiums or shopping malls. The company says the HP 129i offers high sensitivity, high SPL capabilities and fast installation.

This is a 12" two-way hanging speaker in a 1 cubic foot enclosure. It includes a treated paper woofer and high sensitivity compression driver plus a 150 W transformer with tap switch. Audio connections are made with Euroblocks and installation can be done quickly, says SoundTube, using the company's SpeedClamp connector and carabiner clips. The HP129i has a paintable finish (and custom painting is available) and is sold in black or white standard finishes. A surface mounting option is also available.

For more information, go to http://www.soundtube.com/cgi-bin/main.cgi?Speakers=start&series=4&speaker=54

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Sound Delivered in a Narrow Beam With New Holosonic Audio Spotlight

Holosonic Research Labs introduced the Audio Spotlight for delivery sound in a narrow beam. You aim the flat, thin speaker disc to the desired listening area, and the company says it delivers a noise-free focused sound.

It comes in two versions. The Audio Spotlight 16" System is designed for providing sound to individuals in quiet areas, such as offices, high-end retail, galleries, waiting rooms, or the home.

The Audio Spotlight 24" System provides an extended listening area for noisier environments, or areas simply needing more coverage, such as museums, trade shows, supermarkets, and retail.

For more information, go to http://www.holosonics.com/

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Well, that's it for this edition of rAVe! Thank you for spending time with me as we muse the industry's happenings. To continue getting my newsletter, or to sign up a friend, click the link below. To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter - instead, write to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial: Denise Harrison at denise@ravepubs.com

A little about me: Gary Kayye, CTS, founder of Kayye Consulting. Gary Kayye, an audiovisual veteran and columnist, began the widely-read KNews, a premier industry newsletter, in the late 1990s, and created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue - which later became InfoComm IQ. Kayye Consulting is a company that is committed to furthering the interests and success of dealers, manufacturers, and other companies within the professional audiovisual industry.

rAVe ProAV Edition was launched in February 2003. rAVe HomeAV Edition co-sponsored by CEDIA launched in February 2004. rAVe Rental [and Staging] launched in November 2007. rAVe Ed [Education] launched in May 2008.

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