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Viewpoint

  • Canary in the Coal Mine

    I love numbers. Despite being in the word business, numbers were always my first love. So I've been happy as a pig in slop dissecting the results of our Pro AV Forecast 2009 Survey.

     

AV Intelligence

Tech Tips

  • Cutting Through Wireless Mic Confusion

    As if wireless microphone users weren't wary before the Federal Communications Commission ruled on Nov. 4 that a new breed of unlicensed wireless devices could operate in the "white spaces" unoccupied by TV channels. Some Pro AV readers have said they've put wireless microphone upgrades on hold...

     

5-Minute Interview

  • 5 Minute Interview: Henk Coppens, Philip Digital Projection Lighting

    Philips Digital Projection Lighting produces Ultra High Pressure bulbs used in everything from projectors to videowalls. The company supplies lamp systems to such manufacturers as NEC, Sanyo, and Sony. Increasingly, the bulbs that go into those systems are being counterfeited–a problem affecting...

     

Marketwatch

  • AV Reality Check

    When times get hard, there's always someone who says they've got a cure for what ails us. Gas prices high? Economy in the tank? To many, the AV solution is videoconferencing.

     
  • Commercial Display Sales Rise

    Analysts say the market confusion between commercial-grade and consumer-grade flat-panel displays sold through commercial AV channels continues.

     

Community Views

Parallax View

  • Remember What's its Name?

    For those who haven't been following the world of displays for the past year, you may have forgotten all about the SED, or Surface-conduction Electron-emitting Display.

     

Data Links

  • Wake Up, It's Time to Start Doing

    There's been a lot of talk–and writing–lately about why pro AV dealers aren't embracing the digital signage revolution. Surveys show they're very interested, but so far that interest hasn't translated into widespread business.

     

Features

  • 2009 PRO AV Spotlight Awards: Best House of Worship AV Project (Under $250K)

    The 1,500-seat sanctuary of the Cathedral of Christ the Light is the centerpiece of the Diocese of Oakland, Calif.'s Cathedral Center. It's an architectural landmark and an acoustical challenge. Moreover, the audio systems were clearly meant to be heard, not seen. For example, the SLS Audio...

     
  • Special Report: Counterfeit AV

    Say the words "counterfeit" or "knock-off" to 10 different people and you'll likely get an equal number of different responses. To some, they have a literal meaning–an imitation or fake that is made to represent an original product. But to others, they mean a chance to purchase a brand that is out...

     
  • 2009 Outlook: The Road Ahead

    If Matt Dlouhy is nervous about how the implosion of the worldwide financial markets might affect pro AV, it doesn't show. His firm, Communications Engineering Co. (CEC), had its highest-booking month of the year in September 2008, and when he talked to Pro AV, he was forecasting sales just as high...

     

Install Solutions

Government Install

  • Government Install: Curve Appeal

    When officials at the Navy Memorial put out a request for proposals to bring into the 21st century its Arleigh & Roberta Burke Theater, it hoped the results could more than offset the expense.

     

Health Care Install

  • Doctors Without Borders

    Nestled in the Salt Lake Valley, the new 1.5 million-square-foot Inter-mountain Medical Center (IMC) campus in Murray, Utah, is the largest and most advanced medical facility in the region. With 26 operating rooms and an education facility, there's nothing small about Intermountain Healthcare's new...

     

Tools & Tech

Feature

  • Tools & Tech: High Beams

    According to research firm Yankelovic, it's estimated that the average adult in today's society sees up to 5,000 advertising messages a day. That seems like an outrageous number but, given the rise of digital signage and multimedia, not an impossible one. Marketers are striving to cut through the...

     

Peer Review

Software Suite

  • Software Suite: Analyze This — Online

    Need an acoustic analysis of a room but money's too tight to bring in a consultant? Auralex Acoustics thought you might. The company recently launched its Room Analysis Plus service, which can remotely analyze a room's acoustics via the Internet.

     

Bright Idea

  • Wall of Sound

    If you've worked on the residential side of AV, you might be familiar with Induction Dynamics' SolidDrive technology, which turns nearly any surface into a loudspeaker. For the past two years, SoundTube, sister company under MSE Audio Group, has focused on selling the innovation to commercial...

     

What's Next

  • Cut the Cord in Enlightening Ways

    The radio frequency spectrum falls roughly between direct current electricity and daylight. Boston University and Intel are among the research organizations targeting the high end of that range with R&D work that aims to provide wireless connections at speeds north of 1 Gbps.

     

New Products

Audio

  • Outdoor Loudspeakers

    The Sonance RK63 UV-resistant, rock-like loudspeaker is a 6.5-inch two-way rated for 100 watts maximum power handling.

     
  • Microphone

    The newest member of Hosa Technology’s family of Da-Cappo Micro Microphones is the DA07 Dual Folding Ear Micro Microphone.

     
  • Mixing Modules

    Solid State Logic added two modules to its X-Rack/Mynx SuperAnalogue mixing and processing system that, according to the company, reproduce the sonic signature of its SSL 4000 E console channel strip from the 1980s.

     
  • In-Wall Amplifier

    OWI’s new AMP1SGB in-wall amplifier fits into a UL-rated double gang box and delivers 25 watts of Class AB power right at the loudspeaker.

     
  • Automixer

    The new Symetrix Automix Matrix 780 provides 12 channels of automixing with eight sub-mixes and comprehensive DSP.

     
  • Subwoofer

    The new BPS-1 Bandpass subwoofer from Sonance installs flush with ceilings, attaching to standard I-beams and joists to remain completely hidden from view, and produces what the company describes as deep, powerful bass impact.

     
  • Microphones

    The Superlux E323 and E324 boundary microphones from Avlex Corp. feature a threaded design that enables placement in ceilings, tables, and other meeting/training room furniture.

     
  • Loudspeaker

    Meyer Sound’s new SB-3F is a sound-field synthesis loudspeaker designed for projecting mid- and high-frequency energy over distances up to 1 kilometer.

     
  • Audio Interface

    Lexicon and dbx have teamed up to create the I-ONIX FW810S FireWire Audio Interface with integrated channel strip processing.

     
  • Compact Subwoofer

    The self-powered 500-HP subwoofer from Meyer Sound can be flown in an array or used in groundstacked configurations and comes with an integral pole-mount receptacle.

     
  • Power Amplifier

    The new Extron XTRA series of power amplifiers offers 200 watts rms power output and consumes only 10 watts when idle and less than 1 watt in standby mode.

     
  • Clip-On Microphone

    The Sennheiser MKE 1 is a clip-on microphone with a capsule slightly larger than a match head that delivers full sound with clear treble, according to the company.

     

Video

  • 3LCD Projector

    The CP-X809 3LCD projector from Hitachi offers a brightness of 5,000 ANSI lumens, a contrast ratio of 1,000:1, and XGA resolution.

     
  • Workstation

    The Chief Manufacturing KWT110 All-in-One Wall Workstation includes the company’s KWG110 Height-Adjustable Monitor Wall Mount, KWK110 Height-Adjustable Flip-Up Keyboard Tray, and KSA1020 CPU Mount.

     
  • Plasma Display

    Panasonic has launched its Premiere Series of plasma displays with the TH-65VX100U, a 65-inch model with a 60,000:1 contrast ratio and a gradation level of 7,160 steps.

     
  • Telepresence Server

    Tandberg’s T3 Telepresence Server allows any type of standards-compliant video system to be added to a Tandberg telepresence meeting at best possible quality, including HD.

     
  • Video Player

    The Digital Binloop HD from Alcorn McBride provides a playback of up to eight HD video channels within three rack units.

     
  • LCD Monitors

    Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation Products Division has introduced three new LCD monitors: LDT521V, LDT651L, and LDT651P (pictured).

     

Signal Management

  • Digital Signage

    Adder’s AdderLink X50-MS (multiscreen) video extender is a link-transparent USB and high-performance video extender that delivers video up to 1920x1200 with 44.1 kHz digital stereo over a single Cat-x cable.

     
  • Switcher

    Gefen’s 3x1 HDMI v1.3 Switcher is intended to solve the dilemma of connecting a Blu-ray player, set-top box, and PlayStation 3—­or other HDMI source—to a single HDMI input on a high-definition display.

     
  • Control Panels

    Clear-Com Communication Systems’ new IP-enabled V-Series user control panel was designed as a companion to its Eclipse Digital Matrix Intercom System.

     
  • Fiber-Optic Extender

    Extron’s DVI 104 Fiber Optic Extender consists of a transmitter and receiver that together extend single-link DVI signals over four multimode fiber-optic cables up to 1,640 feet.

     
  • Switcher

    The new VP-727xl In-CTRL seamless switcher from Kramer Electronics is designed for presentation applications that require a preview option or seamless switching between inputs via special effects, cuts, and fades, as well as in projection systems.

     
  • Digital Transmitter

    According to company officials, RF Central’s RFX-PHT-II HD upgradable portable 2 GHz digital transmitter uses its RFX-CMT-II camera-mounted transmitter to transform an average news car into a live-broadcast car.

     

Cables & Accessories

  • Camera Cable

    Neutrik’s opticalCON Low Voltage Camera/Single-mode Hybrid cable is optimized for camera link systems (ENG/SNG), camera adapter systems, camera cranes, and powered-down converter boxes, which suit it for touring, live performance, and mobile broadcast applications.

     
  • Connection Plates

    The LumaVue Custom Panels and Plates from Wireworks can be rear illuminated for easy identification in low-light situations.

     
  • Audio Cables

    Gepco’s X-Band audio cables for studio, live-sound, and broadcast applications feature an extra-flexible, low-noise design.

     
  • Cooling

    Active Thermal Management’s Cool-Line linear ventilation products fit into narrow spaces, such as above or below flat-panels displays.

     
  • Battery Interface

    Anton/Bauer’s new QR-EX3 Gold Mount connects the company’s Dionic 90 or Hytron 50 batteries to Sony’s PMW-EX3 video camera, extending the camera’s run time and improving balance.

     

Cheat Sheet

  • Working With CobraNet Audio

    Considered the first audio-over-ethernet technology, CobraNet can be ideal for sending uncompressed audio long distances—provided the network’s right.

     
  • Dealing With Ground Loops

    A ground loop occurs when two or more AV devices are connected to a common (safety) ground and to each other by signal cables.

     
  • Dealing With Ground Loops

    A ground loop occurs when two or more AV devices are connected to a common (safety) ground and to each other by signal cables.

     

Web Only

  • Mungo Joins Premier Mounts

    Premier Mounts has expanded its sales team to include Brian Mungo as its North Central District sales manager. In this role, Mungo will work directly with Eric Stageman, Premier Mounts' Central Regional sales manager, to build the company's overall business in the North Central territory by...

     
  • Wallplate Balun

    Intelix, a Middleton, Wis.-based AV equipment and software manufacturer, releases the AVO-SVA2-WP-F wallplate balun. It distributes one channel of S-Video and two channels of high-fidelity stereo audio up to 1,000 feet over standard twisted-pair cable.

     
  • D&H to Distribute ATON Products

    Harrisburg, Penn.-based D&H Distributing agreed to carry ATON's line of audio and video signal routing products for custom installations.

     
  • Widescreen LCD Monitor

    V7, the house brand of IT distributor Ingram Micro, now offers the D24W33, a 24-inch widescreen LCD monitor. The monitor, designed for both professional use and consumers, features an affordable price and a 16:10 aspect ratio for viewing desktop publishing applications that require a dual-screen...

     
  • InfoComm Announces Election Results

    Beginning Jan. 1, Jay Armand, of Advanced Audio Visual, is the new chairman of the board for

     
  • Stereo Distribution Amps

    West Paterson, N.J.-based FSR offers the SADA-4 and the SADA-6 (shown), stereo distribution amplifiers with one input and four or six outputs.

     
  • EAW Launches European Operations

    created an operation to exclusively focus on upgrading the company's ability to serve the European pro audio marketplace. EAW Europe officially launches today, Jan. 2.

     
  • InfoComm Introduces 2009 Board

    InfoComm International announced the results of elections for its 2009 Board of Directors.

     
  • MultiDyne Shows Pros the LiGHT

    MultiDyne, a provider of fiber optics for transporting audio and video in broadcast and pro AV applications, has addressed what the company saw as a need for fiber transport in applications where battery-powered equipment is required by developing the LiGHTBoX LB-1430 fiber optic field transport...

     
  • Altinex Controls Through Touch

    Altinex developed the new CP451-008 Wireless Touch-screen Controller to manage a variety of applications, including multimedia control systems, general computing, and real-time data terminals, company officials said.

     
  • Technomad Products RoHS Compliant

    Technomad Associates, a manufacturer of weatherproof loudspeakers and audio systems, has altered its manufacturing process to ensure Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliance for sales in the European Union.

     
  • Pelco Joins Cisco Program

    Pelco, which makes video surveillance and security systems, announced that it has joined the Cisco Technology Developer Program in the Industrial Wireless Solution category.

     
  • Electrograph Partners with Rise Vision

    Electrograph entered a professional relationship with Rise Vision to give its reseller partners access to the Rise Display Network, a Web-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) remote content management system.

     
  • Da-Lite Names VP of Marketing

    Da-Lite Screen Co. appointed long-time employee Wendy Long as vice president of marketing

     
  • Harman Promotes for Sales Director

    Harman Professional recently promoted Bill Raimondi from market development manager, Crown Audio, to groupwide director, sales U.S. distribution/strategic accounts.

     
  • Former Tweeter VP Moves to Crestron

    Crestron announced the appointment of former Tweeter vice president Steve Samson as its new director of business and market development.

     
  • AKG Joins Wireless Rebate Effort

    AKG this week announced a trade-in program for customers of any brand of wireless system that operates in the over-698 MHz range.

     
  • Meridian Acquires Sooloos

    Meridian Audio, a British manufacturer of digital AV systems, acquired U.S.-based Sooloos, a media server manufacturer.

     
  • Hitachi Partners with Peerless Industries

    Hitachi, through its Certified Solutions Program, has designed the new CPA100 wall arm mount in cooperation with Peerless Industries.

     
  • Adder Joins Crestron Program

    Adder, a developer of KVM switches, extenders, and KVM over IP solutions, joined the Crestron Integrated Partner Program, allowing Crestron to integrate Adder's KVM and extension solutions to increase the level of AV quality of its own control and automation solutions.

     
  • Yamaha Adds Installation Subwoofer

    Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems rolled out a new Installation Series subwoofer, the SW1112, a smaller version of its IS1112.

     
  • Kramer Unveils Speaker Line

    Kramer Electronics, a supplier of signal management products, introduced its SPK Series of loudspeakers, comprising six models for various pro AV applications.

     
  • Cisco Pushes Further into Video, Signage

    Networking giant Cisco Systems this week announced a media processing platform that company officials say will simplify live and on-demand media sharing across PCs, mobile devices, and other digital screens, by seamlessly formatting video and rich media for viewing on any device.

     
  • Altinex Appoints CTO

    Altinex, a manufacturer of modular AV signal management solutions, announced Tamer ElSawah as its new chief technology officer. In this executive-level position, ElSawah will oversee technical developments relating to the improvements, design, testing, and manufacturing of Altinex products and...

     
  • Acentech Expands Offices, Adds Staff

    Acentech, a multi-disciplinary acoustical consulting firm, announced several new hires, promotions, and office expansions in three locations: Cambridge, Mass., Trevose, Pa., and Westlake Village, Calif.

     
  • Magenta Names National Sales Manager

    Magenta Research, a provider of video, audio, and control signal distribution and switching over Cat-5/Cat-X cable and optical fiber, appointed Dan Smith as national sales manager.

     
  • Utah Scientific Has New VP

    Utah Scientific, a manufacturer of routing switchers and related products for the broadcast industry, announced the hiring of Rich Hajdu as senior vice president.

     
  • New Account Manager Joins AVI-SPL

    AVI-SPL, a national provider of AV presentation technology and services, welcomed Jeffrey Karlan as the newest account manager in its Columbia, Md., office.

     
  • Yamaha Expands HOW Staff

    Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems (YCAS) announced the appointment of Jacob (Jake) Cody to house of worship marketing specialist as part of a planned expansion of the department directly responsible for all product marketing activities in support of dealers and customers within the houses of worship...

     
  • Mitsubishi Promotes New VP

    Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America's Presentation Products Division announced the promotion of Akihiro "A.K." Kambara to vice president of its Presentation Products Division. Kambara will manage all marketing and sales activities for its projectors, data walls, and flat-panel LCD display...

     
  • AKG Microphone Runs Gamut of Apps

    AKG designed the Light Condenser Premium Vocal Microphone as an affordable acquisition for any musician to use in a wide range of applications, from vocals and live sound to recording and studio use.

     
  • Meridian Extends SpeakerLink, Links Legacy Products

    Meridian Audio, British manufacturer of digital AV systems, extended its SpeakerLink single-cable input/output communications protocol to its flagship Digital Active Loudspeaker, the DSP8000.

     
  • Calypso and NexLight Collaborate on AV Control

    Calypso Control Systems, a manufacturer of open-architecture control products, and NexLight, a subsidiary of the Northport Engineering group specializing in low-voltage light control systems, have paired up to take the guesswork out of the installation and operation of integrated room control.

     
  • Front Porch and Omneon Integrate Systems

    Front Porch Digital, a provider of content storage management, and Omneon, a provider of scalable media servers and storage systems, collaborated to deliver a system that combines the two companies' flagship products for active storage and content management: the Omneon MediaGrid active storage...

     
  • Hitachi Increases Portability

    Hitachi Home Electronics (America) Business Group introduced two new portable projectors, one of which is expected to launch the company into the rental and staging market.

     
  • Da-Lite Expands Screen Lines

    Da-Lite Screen Co. made several announcements recently regarding new product offerings, beginning with the expansion of its Contour Electrol and Tensioned Contour Electrol motorized projection screens.

     
  • Digital Signage Leaders Say '09 Looks Good

    The Strategy Institute, an independent research-based organization, and MediaTile, a provider of cellular digital signage solutions, found that the majority of industry leaders and luminaries who attended the Fourth Annual Building Your Digital Signage Business Summit agree that the industry will...

     
  • Shure Offers Rebates

    Shure announced a new rebate program that will offer up to $1,000 back on the trade-in of Shure 700 MHz frequency band (698-806 MHz) wireless systems and other related components bought before February 1, 2007, with the purchase of certain Shure replacement products, including the UHF-R, ULX...

     
  • HaiVision Appoints Direct of Federal Sales

    HaiVision Systems, a vendor of high-performance HD and SD H.264 encoders and codecs, appointed Andy Vaughan as director, U.S. federal sales.

     
  • AVI-SPL Welcomes New Account Manager

    AVI-SPL announced the addition of Nick Brown to the company's Dallas office as a new account manager.

     
  • Fiber Optics Vet Joins CSI

    Communications Specialties (CSI) announced the hiring of Fred E. Scott, Jr. to the director of strategic development position.

     
  • Sextant Group Adds Prominent Consultants

    AV consultants The Sextant Group, a PRO AV Spotlight Award winner, recently added a pair of high-profile consultants to its roster.

     
  • Harman Expands Rep Relationship

    Harman International said this week it has expanded its relationship with manufacturers' representative Dobbs-Stanford. Company officials said the long-time partner would add AKG microphones and headphones to its line of supported products.

     
  • Alcorn McBride Controls the Show

    Alcorn McBride, a manufacturer of show control, audio, and video equipment, recently introduced the V16 Pro, a frame-accurate show controller for serial and network devices used in theme park entertainment management.

     
  • Chief Mounts Get Thinner

    Chief Manufacturing announced the release of what it describes as its thinnest flat-panel tilt wall mount.

     
  • Mitsubishi Goes Pico-Portable

    Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America's Presentation Products Division rolled out the XD95U, a 3.3-pound pico-portable projector for on-the-go presenters.

     
  • Magenta Adds to Mondo Matrix Switch

    Magenta Research recently introduced the Mondo III-SAP, the next generation of its Mondo Matrix UTP switch.

     
  • Electrograph to Offers Free Signage Seminars

    Electrograph Systems said it will launch a new Webinar series for resellers beginning Nov. 20. The free series will focus on the digital signage market.

     
  • Sharp, LG Among Those Guilty of Price-Fixing

    According to a report by the Associated Press, LG Display Co. Ltd., Sharp Corp., and Chunghwa Picture Tubes Ltd. agreed to plead guilty to fixing the prices of LCD panels from roughly 2001 to 2006. Together, the three companies agreed to pay $585 million in fines for conspiring to drive up the...

     
  • AvaLAN Taps Ex-Avocent Exec as New CEO

    AvaLAN Wireless Systems, a provider of long-range industrial wireless Ethernet connectivity, appointed Matthew S. Nelson as the company's new CEO and president. Nelson brings a combination of business and technical acumen in the high-tech industry, with more than 20 years of business, technical...

     
  • Da-Lite Welcomes Old Friend as New VP

    Da-Lite Screen Co. welcomed back Dan Drook to the new position of vice president of home theater sales.

     
 

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