AV Intelligence

Tech Tips

  • Q & A: Loudspeaker Cabling

    I need to run a loudspeaker cable underground, about 400 feet, to a pole-mounted outdoor loudspeaker in a high school stadium. What kind of cable should I use, and does it need to be in conduit? Metal or PVC conduit?

     
  • How to choose the correct wire gauge

    A cable that's too light will waste amplifier power because of the series resistance of the cable. It also will cause low-frequency performance loss because of poor damping.

     

5-Minute Interview

  • 5-Minute Interview: Guy Mullins

    Director, New Media Studio in Arizona State University's Applied Learning Technologies Institute in Tempe. Mullins' push to find new and better ways to use technology in education and research helped spur ASU's strategic decision to become a technology-forward organization.

     

Marketwatch

  • Finding Business

    A critical challenge for any small to midsize business is finding new business for tomorrow while in the middle of completing today's projects.

     

Pop Quiz

Fascinating Facts

Community Views

Sound Insight

  • Sound System Design Essentials – Part 3

    Most audio pros know that loudspeaker data can be used to predict important aspects of a sound system's performance at the drawing board stage of a project. But it's also possible to extend the concept to array design.

     

Other Articles

Features

  • True To Life

    HDVC came onto the scene two years ago, first announced by LifeSize Communications, yet the products just started to gain solid market traction in late 2006. In the last few months, all of the major players, including Aethra, Polycom, Sony, and Tandberg, have introduced HDVC systems.

     
  • Rise Of The Modern AV Cart

    Today's learning environments often revolve around a highly sophisticated, flexible, continually evolving tool called the teaching station.

     

Install Solutions

House of Worship Install

  • A Church From Scratch

    A brand-new processor and building were two major challenges at New Life Assembly.

     

Entertainment Install

  • AV Links Art And Architecture In Dallas

    More than 17 Million visitors are expected annually at the new Victory Park in Dallas, a multifaceted entertainment, retail, dining and performance venue adjoining the American Airlines Center.

     

Sports Install

  • Giants Create Larger Fan Experience

    When AT&T Park opened in March 2000 after two years of construction, the new home of the San Francisco Giants baseball team instantly became a landmark. The 13-acre site offered the latest in ballpark amenities, architectural design and AV technology.

     

Tools & Tech

Peer Review

What's Next

  • E-Paper Catches Fire

    Electronic paper is designed to be highly flexible, and e-paper manufacturers are turning out to be equally flexible when it comes to improving their products.

     

New Products

Audio

  • Hanheld Digital Audio Signal Generator

    The Digirator DR2 from NTI Audio produces all common audio test signals with sampling frequencies up to 192 kHz and resolution up to 24 bit. The Digirator features a sync-input, allowing the instrument to be synchronized to video and audio signals.

     
  • Speech Intelligibility Meter

    Two products from Quest Technologies are available for the evaluation and certification of speech intelligibility through fire alarm, mass notification, and other PA systems. The Verifier is available as a standalone speech intelligibility meter.

     
  • Powered Loudspeaker

    Meyer Sound has introduced the self-powered UPJunior ultracompact VariO loudspeaker, an addition to the company's UltraSeries product group. The UPJunior is suitable for an extremely broad range of applications, including AV presentations and small- to medium-sized main sound reinforcement systems...

     

Video

  • LCD Projector

    Toshiba's Digital Products Division, part of Toshiba America Information Systems, offers the TLP-XC2500AU LCD projector.

     
  • DLP Projector

    Toshiba's Digital Products Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, recently unveiled the TDP-TW355U, a DLP projector that offers 3,500 ANSI lumens, remote network management capabilities, integrated wireless functionality, and security features. The 12-pound unit features a...

     

Cables & Accessories

  • Video Cable

    Gepco International recently introduced the RGB250S series of miniature HDTV component video cables for use in a variety of video applications such as digital signage, multimedia, monitors, projectors, and televisions. Featuring subminiature, 25-gauge, solid coaxial elements, the cables have a 3GHz...

     

Other Articles

  • Interpretation System

    The SIR Infrared Simultaneous Interpretation System from beyerdynamic wirelessly transmits multiple channels of audio for interpretation and assisted-listening purposes. With a transmission output of 20 watts, the system is suitable for use in large rooms. It is comprised of four integrated...

     
  • Multimedia Cabling

    Wireworks offers AV2000 MultiMedia cabling, ideal for presentation rooms, corporate board rooms, classrooms, and other integrated communications applications. The cabling connects multimedia systems through a simple plug-in, combining audio, video, and data control signals through a hybrid...

     
  • AV Mixer

    Inter-M Americas has introduced the VMX-1104 small-scale AV mixer, providing professional broadcast features for house of worship, educational, and small studio applications.

     
  • Digital Signage System

    Xpresenter Xe, a new digital signage system from X2O Media, blends broadcast-quality video output of the company's flagship Xpresenter platform with a Web-like user interface for producing and playing dynamic content for a wide variety of signage applications.

     
  • Multiviewer

    Avitech International recently unveiled its Rainier Series of multiviewers, a line of multi-image display processors that addresses entry-level broadcast and professional AV applications. At 10 inches deep, the units have a small footprint, which makes them ideal for space-saving applications.

     
  • Interface Card

    Providing inputs, outputs, and control all on a single card, the 6416Y2 from Aviom interfaces between Yamaha consoles and mix engines and the company's Pro16 personal monitor mixing system. The Y2 A-Net card is compatible with all Aviom Pro64 Series products, and when combined with an ASI A-Net...

     
  • Balun

    The AVO-V2A2-WP-F wallplate balun from Intelix distributes two channels of composite video and one channel of high-fidelity stereo audio up to 2,200 feet over standard twisted pair cable, such as Cat-5 or Cat-6. The front panel of the AVO-V2A2-WP-F features four gold-plated female RCA connectors on...

     
  • Upgrade to Paging Management System

    Symetrix is offering Version 1.1 of the Integrator Series Zone Mix 760 paging and music management system with several enhancements. For example, it has increased the number of presets from 10 to 50.

     
  • DSP Control System

    The Prolinx DX programmable DSP audio processing, routing, and control system from Architectural Acoustics, a division of Peavey, can operate as a self-contained system at 12x12 I/O. Built on 32-bit parallel SHARC processors, the Prolinx DX has a total of 1,320 MIPS allocated to input and output...

     
  • Power Conditioner

    The Elite i-Series of power conditioners from Furman Sound features a new design of black steel with clear blue LED lights.

     
  • Audio Node

    MediaMatrix, a division of Peavey, recently introduced the NION nX programmable digital audio processing node for professional and commercial audio and communications applications. The internal processing core of the NION nX is based on three floating-point Analog Devices SHARC DSPs that drive the...

     
  • Touchscreen PC

    The ProDVX Osprey MPC from Digit Professional is an advanced metal Panel PC with touchscreen. Geared toward applications such as digital signage, information kiosks, video systems, and industrial automation environments, the ProDVX Osprey MPC series is available in four display sizes: 12, 15, 17...

     
  • Power Conditioner

    The MAX 4300-PM power conditioner from Panamax offers advanced patent-pending circuitry for the protection of sensitive home theater components from damaging power surges and transient voltages.

     
  • Scan Converters

    The VP-504xl and VP-503xl scan converters from Kramer Electronics provide high-end performance from a compact design. The devices scan convert computer graphics and video signals with resolutions up to UXGA (1600 x 1200) to NTSC or PAL signals (selectable via dip switches) in composite video or...

     
  • Multichannel Amplifiers

    TOA Electronics announces the addition of two new models to its DA Series of multichannel digital amplifiers. According to the company, the new DA-500F-HL and DA-550F operate at 85 percent efficiency and consume almost one-third less power than conventional analog amplifiers.

     
  • Stereo Direct Interface

    Rolls Corp. introduces the DB24, a dual direct box that's an ideal impedance matching device for connecting any unbalanced stereo signal to a balanced system. It can be used with 1/4-inch inputs in dual mono or stereo mode, with outputs to balanced XLR jacks.

     
  • Articulating Mounts

    The PDR AWM 250 dual-arm, articulating mount from PDR Mounts has been load tested at more than 1,075 pounds and load rated at 250 pounds. Because PDR mounts use a testing procedure of 4x load rating for safety and functionality, large displays will not sag, bend, or fail after installation.

     
  • Power Conditioner

    The MAX 7500-Pro from Panamax helps ensure that home theater systems deliver the best possible sound and picture quality by protecting them from electromagnetic interference, radio frequency interference, digital noise, and ground loop disturbances.

     
  • Linear Replacement Adapters

    Phihong USA has developed the PLA Series of linear replacement products as a low-cost replacement for noncompliant linear adapters. According to the company, these universal input products are compliant with the California Energy Commission (CEC) and meet the latest energy regulations.

     
  • Termination System

    Introducing the next generation of its solderless connectors, BTX Technologies offers the new patent-pending MaxBlox EZ Termination System. According to the company, the product allows installers to terminate an HD15 or a DB9 with a screwdriver, and mount it on a cable or into a wallplate in a...

     
  • Power Conditioner

    The redesigned Reference i-Series from Furman Sound features several enhancements.

     
  • Surge Suppressor

    The ACSP30 Series of 30A surge suppressors from Lowell Manufacturing Co. is offered in single- and multicircuit assemblies for rack, wall, or loadcenter applications. Both styles have a 10-year warranty and protect 30A circuits by defeating line-to-neutral surges up to 72,000 amps.

     
  • Digital Matrix Mixer/Amplifiers

    TOA Electronics has added two new accessories to its 9000 Series of digital matrix mixers/amplifiers: the D-001R dual mic/line input module and the ZM-9003 remote switch panel. The 9000 series combines a modular matrix mixer, digital signal processor with single or dual amplifiers in a compact, two...

     
  • Panel-Mount Adapter

    The CD-HDMIFFP female-to-female HDMI panel-mount adapter from BTX Technologies provides an interface between any compatible digital audio/video source, such as a set-top box, a PC, or an AV receiver, and a compatible digital audio or video monitor. The standalone CD-HDMIFFP is designed to mount in...

     
  • Mixing Console

    Crest Audio introduces the CV-20 live-sound mixing console, a VCA audio solution designed for applications such as front-of-house, monitors, and monitors from front-of-house.

     
  • IEC Power Cord

    Middle Atlantic Products recently launched its IEC power cords, designed so that custom residential integrators can maximize real estate within any size enclosure. The cords replace standard-component power cords to provide a shorter cord path and a cleaner, more efficient back of rack.

     
  • Cat-6 Cable Connector

    The EtherCon series for Cat-6 cables from Neutrik includes a metal housing for RJ45 cable connectors that protects the connector against mechanical load. It is equipped with the company's chuck-type strain relief with a separate push-pull locking mechanism to avoid accidental unplugging.

     
  • Gefen Wireless for HDMI Extender transmitter

    Several companies showed advances in wireless video signal transmission. But Gefen's new Wireless HDMI Extender uses ultra-wideband (UWB) technology from Tzero Technologies to deliver HDTV resolutions up to 1080i to any HDMI display or projector located up to 33 feet in distance.

     
  • Sanyo PLC-XL50 projector

    The first thing you notice about the Sanyo PLC-XL50 is that looks unlike any projector you've seen. Its feature set and functionality are also unusual, yet will solve many projection problems for customers.

     
  • Audio-Technica SpectraPulse mic system

    Ultra-wideband technology is here, as Audio-Technica proved with the flashy launch of its new SpectraPulse UWB microphone system. SpectraPulse bypasses the increasingly congested RF environment to deliver clear, intelligible audio without the performance and setup issues associated with...

     
  • SurgeX SA82 protector

    Customers who want to protect their investments in flat-panel displays will have no problem with a mere $275 (U.S. list) in the new SurgeX FlatPak SA82. It's a surge protector and power conditioner in a form factor that is suitable for flat-panel displays.

     
  • Yamaha ProjectPhone conferencing system

    Yamaha Electronics Corp. was at InfoComm for the first time, showing a new category of product for this Japanese electronics giant. While there's obvious competition in the conferencing systems category, Yamaha generated a buzz in the back corner of Hall E with some innovative features and slick...

     
  • AMX Inspired Signage

    AMX's acquisition of UK-based Inspiration Matters enables the company to offer a complete end-to-end solution for virtually any digital-signage design, management and distribution need. The new Inspired Signage software tools make it incredibly easy for system integrators to understand and offer...

     
  • AMX Anterus RFID device management

    We've talked about RFID being part of the AV world for years. Now, AMX has made it a reality. The company calls Anterus the world's first radio frequency identification solution designed specifically for use with integrated control systems.

     
  • projectiondesign Action! M25 DLP projector

    Among the many firsts that various manufacturers touted was projectiondesign's Action! M25 DLP projector, which the company calls the world's smallest, full high-def projector.

     
  • Polycom SoundStructure audio processor

    Full-frequency sound and full-stereo echo cancellation contribute to what Polycom calls an “immersive audio experience,” which will provide superior audio to any voice-only teleconference and is the perfect audio complement to a high-definition videoconference. SoundStructure's full-stereo echo...

     
  • Extron Fiber Matrix 6400 switcher

    Extron's new Fiber Matrix 6400 is a high-performance, modular, fiber-optic matrix switcher, expandable in sizes from 8x8 up to 64x64, and supports up to 4.25 Gbps digital switching.

     
  • InfoComm 2007 Hot Products

    At this year's InfoComm, although many manufacturers continued the trend of product-line extensions and feature enhancements, there was a marked increase in the number of truly new products and innovation.

     

Cheat Sheet

  • Cable Care

    Cables create vital links in every audio, video, and AV system. Whether they’re part of a permanent installation or used daily, it makes sense to take care of them. Healthy cables are the difference between a system that works and one that doesn’t.