AV Intelligence

Tech Tips

  • Balancing An iPod Output

    It's tempting to want to use an iPod as a program source for driving powered loudspeakers for room testing

     

5-Minute Interview

Pop Quiz

  • Pop Quiz

    TRUE OR FALSE: The most common slings used in arena rigging are made from chain link.

     

Q&A

  • Q & A: Sending Signals

    How far can I send a high-definition video signal with audio on fiber-optic cable?

     

Fascinating Facts

  • Fascinating Facts About 3LCD

    Liquid crystals were discovered in 1888 by botanist Friedrich Reinitzer, who wrote to German physicist Otto Lehmann for help in making sense of his discovery.

     

Other Articles

Community Views

Parallax View

  • NAB 2007 Review

    This year's NAB show was relatively quiet when it came to news of breakthrough products. But there was no missing the impending digital TV transition, not with all of the posters, signs, handouts, and booths that prominently featured “Feb. 17, 2009” on them.

     

Consultant's Connection

  • AV, IT And Education

    The relationship of pro AV with IT has been sometimes friendly and sometimes hostile. In the end, we'll have to work it out.

     

Sound Insight

  • Sound System Design Essentials – Part 2

    Last month, I described the method used to measure spherical loudspeaker data. Why should you care? Room modeling programs operate on some assumptions. It is important to have an abstract understanding of the methods used to collect data to know what can and cannot be predicted about sound system...

     

Viewpoint

  • AV Hyperbole

    We in pro AV like to think we are less susceptible to advertising hyperbole, especially when it comes to claims of audio or video performance.

     

Features

  • Virtual Soundscapes

    Jonathan Deans is sitting in the audience with his eyes closed, listening to the actors onstage. As they move around, he can tell exactly where each one is. “I was able to pinpoint the sound to a performer within a few inches of where they were standing,” says Deans.

     
  • Legal Issues In AV

    Ever have the feeling you're being watched? In today's technology age, you probably are.

     
  • Making AV Accessible

    The idea behind the ADA is that people with disabilities should be given access to the same experience as an able-bodied user of a facility, including those that make use of AV systems.

     
  • Managing AV Gear On The Network

    The past decade has seen challenges arise for AV consultants and integrators as AV systems have proliferated across campuses, cities, and even continents. The difficult task of monitoring, controlling, and keeping track of all this gear has become somewhat easier as a result of its migration to the...

     
  • Pulling Through

    Pro AV's research indicates that pulling cable and making connections and terminations probably account for the majority of billable hours on most system installation projects.

     

Install Solutions

Corporate Install

  • Telecom Giant Shines In New Facility

    When Lucent Technologies merged with the French telecom leader Alcatel last November, the leaders of the new company wanted it to be cutting edge in every way.

     

Education Install

Rental and Staging

  • One Install, Two Events

    For Peter Wille, St. Louis' Scottrade Center is familiar ground when it comes to producing events.

     

Broadcast Install

  • CNN 360°

    At the CNN Communications Center in New York's Time Warner Center, set designers work closely with the AV systems integrator to build a multipurpose broadcast studio.

     

Tools & Tech

Peer Review

What's Next

  • Nobody's Watching

    In the 2002 movie “Minority Report,” the government's Precrime Unit identifies crimes before they are committed and jails the would-be offenders. That's far-fetched, but an emerging field of surveillance techniques called video content analytics (VCA) comes close to it by predicting crimes based on...

     

New Products

Other Articles

  • InfoComm 2007 Product Preview

    A sampling of new products to be displayed at the InfoComm 2007 show, June 15-21 in Anaheim, Calif

     
  • Graphics Creation Tool

    Xpresenter Version 2.0 from X20 Media is an affordable, easy-to-use system that allows Microsoft PowerPoint users to produce broadcast-quality graphics that incorporate animations, clip art galleries, video clips, and real-time data sources, without leaving the PowerPoint interface.

     
  • Audio Conferencing

    WideBand Solutions introduces SimphoniX Si-400L, featuring all the benefits of their current model SimphoniX Si-400, minus the analog phone interface, with a reduced feature set created to accommodate the growing trend of digital VoIP integration.

     
  • Telescoping Rack Shelf

    Middle Atlantic Products introduces the new VSA Adjustable Telescoping Rackshelf, which features the highest weight capacity (500 pounds) of any Middle Atlantic Products shelf, and telescopes to provide full front-to-rear depth, allowing for installation without the need to remove components that...

     
  • Line Array

    The V8-PMD1 Powered Touring Line Array from WorxAudio Technologies is a two-way, high-efficiency, line-array loudspeaker.

     
  • Video Server

    360 Systems is introducing Image Server MAXX 6T, a new high-performance video server that provides exceptional storage space, a high level of compatibility with file-based workflows, and the advantages of traditional base-band connections at a breakthrough price point, according to the company.

     
  • Interconnect Cabling

    Wireworks' AES/EBU cabling products interconnect signals within a wide range of cables and I/O components, providing the ultimate in convenient signal access.

     
  • Commercial-Grade Screens

    The HOME2 premium-grade, nontensioned screen from Elite Screens offers a flat surface provided by its Fiberglass-backed, multilayer-weave screen material.

     
  • Loudspeakers

    Neutrik introduces the industry's first Crimp-XLR cable connector and chassis receptacle products.

     
  • FM Products

    Listen Technologies recently announced a full range of new FM products to accommodate the needs of the European market.

     
  • Audio System

    The SoundStructure line of installed voice products from Polycom offers 22 kHz stereo acoustic echo cancellation, feedback elimination, and advanced ambient noise cancellation on all input channels.

     
  • Powered Loudspeakers

    JBL Professional adds two new models to its VP series powered loudspeaker systems.

     
  • Wireless VGA Module

    A new wireless VGA and audio module is available from Avocent.

     
  • Switcher

    Octo Vue FX from Analog Way is a high-resolution digital and analog computer and video up/down scaler switcher, ideal for applications such as house of worship, conference rooms, and large-screen projection.

     
  • Composite Video Cables

    The three most popular SDI/HD coaxial cables from Belden are now available in its patented Banana Peel construction.

     
  • Interactive Voting Keypad

    Based on its Reply CRS7200 keypad, Fleetwood Group is adding a new group response system to its lineup.

     
  • Coaxial Ceiling Loudspeaker

    The next generation of its CLOUD12 full-range, coaxial ceiling loudspeaker is available from Community Professional Loudspeakers.

     
  • Pole-Mount Amp

    The 70W per channel PA702 pole-mount amp system from Atlas Sound is designed for pole-mounted display systems.

     
  • Loudspeakers

    The new 8XT and 12XT from L-Acoustics deliver sonic performance in a versatile multitasking package.

     
  • Gooseneck Microphones

    AKG Acoustics recently announced its new GN ESP Series of gooseneck microphones, featuring three models that offer a programmable mute switch to cover a wide range of applications.

     
  • Modular Multiswitcher

    The ISM 824 MultiSwitcher from Extron Electronics allows for simultaneous video/RGB scaling and wideband switching in a single compact enclosure.

     
  • Loudspeakers

    The VERIS (VERsatile Installation Systems) line from Community Professional Loudspeakers includes a range of small- to medium-size loudspeakers.

     
  • Diffusor Panels

    Auralex Acoustics Inc. announces that its SpaceArray Diffusor has recently passed the requirements of a Class B fire rating.

     
  • LCD Monitor

    The Presentation Products Division of Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America introduces its newest LCD digital signage monitor, the LDT421V (42-inch diagonal).

     
  • Projector Mounts

    A new, ultra low-profile universal projector mount from Premier Mounts provides AV professionals with the benefits of both dedicated and universal mount designs —adaptability, ease of installation and integrated security, according to the company.

     
  • Audio System

    QVS recently released the Mini Video Distribution Amplifier, an ultra-portable unit that broadcasts a 300 MHz UXGA signal to at least two video display outputs simultaneously up to 200 feet.

     
  • Interactive Response System

    The Senteo interactive response system from Smart Technologies includes a handheld device for each student in a classroom and a central receiver that allows teachers to send information to each device and receive information back from each student.

     
  • Input and Output Modules

    The AV-M8 Mic Input Module and AV-P2 Output Module from Aviom will be on display.

     
  • Scaler

    Analog Way will showcase a new Enhanced Scaling Technology based on Bandlet Transform at the show.

     
  • Loudspeakers

    The Artec series from D.A.S. Audio consists of four basic system configurations.

     
  • Flat-Panel Displays

    The RevolutionHD family of LCD and plasma displays from Electrograph Systems is available with Imaging Science Foundation Certification Calibration Controls (ISFccc), an elite enhancement that lets certified installers add more value by using special controls to fine tune the image for both bright...

     
  • Portable Wireless PA System

    The MIPRO MA-808 Portable Wireless PA System from Avlex features a rugged, high-impact enclosure with retractable handles and integrated wheels for easy transport.

     
  • LCD Projectors

    Enhancing its 3000 lumen professional projector lineup, Sharp Electronics introduces the XG-F315X DLP Brilliant Color projector.

     
  • In-Ceiling Loudspeaker

    Tannoy North America recently added the CMS801 DC to its range of in-ceiling speakers.

     
  • Loudspeakers

    Expanding its FreeSpace line, Bose introduces the DS 100SE surface-mount and DS 100F flush-mount loudspeakers.

     
  • Flat-Panel Digital Kiosks

    Two new flat-panel digital kiosks, the FDPK01 and FPDK02, are available from Bretford.

     
  • Wireless Microphone System

    The xTag Microphone System from Revolabs features plug-and-play connectivity to personal computers, facilitating freedom of movement by way of its clip-on, wearable design.

     
  • Digital Video Processor

    The DVPHD-PRO high-definition digital video processor from Crestron Electronics accepts up to eight source signals and simultaneously displays them in eight scalable video windows.

     
  • Camera Controller

    Touted by the company as the industry's first camera controller with widescreen video preview, the next-generation NXP-PLV Modero PosiTrack Pilot Camera Controller from AMX features Ethernet connectivity and a 7-inch Modero Widescreen Touchpanel.

     
  • Protocol Translator and Controller

    Kramer Electronics introduces the FC-5 Protocol Translator and Controller, which is designed to make an RS-232-controlled machine compatible with other RS-232-based protocols.

     
  • LCD Projector

    The CPX5 3LCD projector from Hitachi America features a brightness of 2,500 ANSI lumens at a weight of 3.9 pounds.

     
  • Transmitters

    Lectrosonics is unveiling the UM450, a new Digital Hybrid Wireless belt-pack transmitter with a current-servo input and 250mW RF output for exceptional range and resistance to interference, as well as the UM400a, a new version of its most popular transmitter.

     
  • CobraNet Interface Cards

    Soundcraft has expanded the connectivity options for its Vi Series (Vi6, Vi4) of digital live sound consoles with the introduction of a CobraNet interface card.

     
  • Loudspeakers

    SoundTube Entertainment offers a new line of CM – EZ loudspeakers to complement its in-ceiling-mount product line.

     

Cheat Sheet

  • Vibration and Ceiling Mounted Projectors

    When projectors are suspended from the ceiling, vibrations can disturb the project image. Here are some things to consider and ways to minimize the possibility of a shaky image.

     

Other Articles

  • Flat-Panel Displays

    Displaying a variety of plasma displays, LCD monitors, and LCD HDTV systems, LG Electronics is showcasing units ranging from 17 to 55 inches.