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AV Intelligence

Tech Tips

  • Tech Tips: Calibrating Videowalls

    Ever been to a network operations center you didn't do the AV for? Had a burger in a sports bar with multiple flat-screens? In either case, have you stopped to notice the differences from screen to screen? (Of course you have.)

     

5-Minute Interview

  • 5 Minute Interview: Charles Espinoza

    CHARLES ESPINOZA, CTS-I Espinoza is the chief training officer at Audio Video Systems in Chantilly, Va., and serves on InfoComm's CTS-I Technical Committee. With the CTS and CTS-I credentials now recognized by the American National Standards Institute, he and others have been grappling with change.

     

Marketwatch

  • Users and Displays

    LCD or plasma? Pro or consumer? What really drives an end-user's choice of display technology? As TFC Info's latest end-user survey shows, it depends on whether the display is for a business or entertainment setting.

     

Pop Quiz

Other Articles

  • Bright Ideas

    “If bad sound were fatal, audio would be the leading cause of death.” So famously said Don Davis, founder of Synergetic Audio Concepts Inc.

     
  • Looking Ahead

    IN APRIL, TWO AV INTEGRATION GIANTS CONSUMMATED a pretty significant merger. After more than two years of wrangling, Audio Visual Innovations and Signal Perfection Ltd. became AVI-SPL, a company with more than 1,200 employees and 40 offices around the world (see “Anatomy of a Merger”).

     

Community Views

Parallax View

  • 21st Century TV and You

    When InfoComm 08 was ready to kick off in sizzling hot Las Vegas, the 2008 National Association of Broadcasters show was barely in columnist Pete Putman's rearview mirror. So he jotted down his thoughts.

     

Data Links

  • Vetting Products at InfoComm

    Once again our industry's biggest event, InfoComm, is here. Now that the exhibition is bigger than ever. Columnist Kris Vollrath shares a little guidance for separating the wheat from the chaff on the show floor. Even if you're not at InfoComm this month, these pointers will help you think...

     

Consultant's Connection

  • Not Quite Easy—Yet

    Sometimes, after coming up with an exceptionally clever idea or solution to a problem, you just want to tap that big red "Easy" button. It's encouraging to get instant feedback on how smart you are. But it doesn't always work that way.

     

Viewpoint

  • Attention is Good—Thrive on It

    When I picked up the telephone recently to talk to Marty Schaffel and Chad Gillenwater, the executives leading the newly merged AVI-SPL, about the deal that brought their companies together, it was immediately obvious we were onto something exciting—Marty was calling in stateside, while Chad...

     

Features

  • AV Takes Control

    ON March 29, 2008, 370 cities around the world participated in Earth Hour, during which consumers and companies used as little electricity as possible. For large enterprises, the major challenge was turning off lights, shutting down displays, and adjusting thermostats in hundreds or thousands of...

     
  • The Missing Pieces

    AV systems that are technically elegant, adroitly installed, and masterfully commissioned often evoke a single word of appreciation and awe: sweet. There's little doubt cool technology drives and inspires the commercial AV systems integration industry.

     
  • Jack of all Acoustics

    Since the invention of amplified sound, the focus on proper acoustics and the race to improve the listening experience has taken audio professionals through myriad solutions. As audio technology evolved, more complex applications emerged. Eventually architects and acousticians joined in to help...

     
  • Where the Pros Are

    For the first time, InfoComm and NSCA Expo will be housed under one roof—a boon to busy integration firms, especially when travel is more challenging and expensive than it's been in recent years.

     

Install Solutions

Hospitality Install

  • Friends in Low Places

    The Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Va., has a lot going for it. It's minutes from Washington, D.C., and the Pentagon, and even closer to Reagan National Airport. But a recent renovation provided the perfect opportunity to add an amenity that would give the hotel a competitive edge: a...

     

Museum Install

  • 4D: A Stitch in Time

    At its new home on Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C., the Newseum is a seven-story, 250,000-square-foot tribute to the history of news reporting. The Newseum's Annenberg Theater is capable of hosting event broadcasts, musical performances, and a 4D time-travel experience.

     

ProAV's Guide to Doing Business

Other Articles

Tools & Tech

Peer Review

  • Peer Review: Wideband Simphonix SI-400

    Daniel Abrams, vice president for audiovisual systems at Southland Technology in San Diego. Southland provides AV and IT technology, hardware, software, and servicesto corporate, education, health care, and government clients.

     

Software Suite

  • Conference Call Conductor

    THE SHIFT TOWARD VOICE OVER INTERNET Protocol (VoIP) technology as a means oftelecommunications led Clear-Com Communications Systems to develop Concert, asoftware-based VoIP intercom system.

     

Bright Idea

  • Bright Idea: Out of Sight

    Residential gear isn't just for high-end homes, as many installers know. Itcan add punch to a restaurant lounge or comfort to a hotel suite. In the caseof Waterfall Audio's Iguasçu EVO and Victoria EVO (shown), it addscreative design and style.

     

What's Next

  • Are You Experienced?

    THE AVERAGE ADULT IS EXPOSED TO MORE than 600 ads each day, according to Media Dynamics, a New York-based consultancy. That's a lot of ads, making it tougher and tougher for each one to stand out.

     

New Products

Audio

  • Digital Processing Node

    In addition to upgrades and new hardware for the NION programmable digital audio processing node, MediaMatrix, a division of Peavey, has a new version of its NWare software.

     
  • Amps and Switchers

    Extron Electronics introduces VGA and stereo audio distribution amplifi ers: the P/2 DA8 (shown), with eight outputs, and the P/2 DA12, with 12 outputs.

     
  • In-Ceiling Loudspeakers

    Architectural Acoustics, a division of Peavey, introduces the PHR series of loudspeakers, designed for compact, in-ceiling installations.

     
  • Subwoofer

    D.A.S. Audio is launching a new high-powered subwoofer, the LX-218.

     
  • Analog Mixer

    Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems will showcase the new IM8 series analog mixer—which the company says is an ideal choice for small installations, including houses of worship, corporate applications, or any place demanding analog control for live audio.

     
  • IR Wireless Microphone

    The new CRS-101 infrared (IR) wireless microphone system from OWI is made specifi cally for classroom use, although it can also be used in boardrooms and hotel meeting rooms.

     
  • Power Amplifier

    Powersoft’s newest addition to its Digam K series of power amplifiers is the ultra-compact K3, measuring at 1RU and 14 inches deep.

     
  • Loudspeakers

    Tannoy’s VQ series loudspeakers are designedfor any application that demands precise directional control and high SPLs.

     
  • Gooseneck Microphone

    In addition to upgrades and new hardware for the NION programmable digital audio processing node, MediaMatrix, a division of Peavey, has a new version of its NWare software.

     
  • Amplifiers

    Vibe Labs introduces three new series of amplifiers. The MC series power amplifiers (shown) offer four or eight channels of Class AB amplifi cation.

     
  • Loudspeakers

    Designed for an open-ceiling environment, the new HP129i loudspeaker from SoundTube Entertainment offers high sensitivity and high SPL capabilities.

     
  • Power Amps and Mixers

    Crest Audio introduces the X Series rackmount mixers and the CC 5200 power amplifier.

     
  • Audio System

    BTX’s new Soundog audio system is a 4-inch tabletop box that uses wireless technology to provide play-byplay audio commentary for sports fans watching the game in a bar or restaurant.

     
  • IP-Based Audio Distribution System

    Netstreams introduces a new line of commercial audio products that allow installers to use traditional commercial audio distribution or install a fully IP-based audio distribution network.

     

Video

  • Digital Signage

    The new M470SWP Digital Signage Solution from Westinghouse Digital is a content management system that uses the company’s own 42-inch VM-42F140S or 47-inch VM-47F140S commercial LCD monitors.

     
  • Video Storage

    Intended for environments requiring a large number of repeating video feeds but have limited rack space, the Video Binloop from Alcorn McBride provides up to 16 tracks of high bit-rate MPEG-2 video in a 3RU enclosure.

     
  • DLP Projectors

    Toshiba’s five new projectors feature DLP BrilliantColor technology, DLP filter free technology, and up to 4,000 hours of lamp life in eco-mode.

     
  • Display Mount

    Premier Mounts’ custom division, Premier Dedicated Solutions (PDS), developed two new mounts especially for Panasonic’s 103-inch plasma display.

     
  • Electric Screen

    The Kestrel projection screen is Elite Screens newest screen. It is a premium-grade, mobile, electric, floor-rising screen designed for executive presentations, formal functions, or residential home theater rooms that require an alternative to fixed-wall or ceiling-mounted screens.

     
  • Projectors

    NEC announces two new sets of projectors. For business and education applications, the NP905 and NP901W include wireless capability for network use as well as Silicon Optix HQV motion video quality.

     
  • Flat-Panel Mount

    The new Slimline universal mounting solutions from Peerless Industries are the company’s thinnest—only 0.4 inches allowing each mount to position a flatpanel display 0.4 inches from the wall.

     
  • Projectors

    Netstreams introduces a new line of commercial audio products that allow installers to use traditional commercial audio distribution or install a fully IP-based audio distribution network.

     
  • 3LCD Projectors

    Epson adds two new projectors to its PowerLite product lineup and introduces the PowerLite Pro series with three models.

     
  • DLP Projector

    The latest DLP projector from BenQ is the SP920, with 6000 lumens and BrilliantColor processing.

     
  • Projectors and Monitors:

    The XG-P560W projector from Sharp is a WXGA, 3-chip DLP projector with 5000 lumens and a 1800:1 contrast ratio. The XG-C455W and PG-C355W projectors use 3LCD technology and offer WXGA native resolution.

     

Signal Management

  • Extenders

    Adder launches the AdderLink X50, X50-Multiscreen, and X-DVI extenders.

     
  • Controller

    The Pixie DCM+ from SP Controls is an AV device controller that increases user options with features such as RS232 control, automatic device shutdown after inactivity, and an optional real-time clock module that enables automatic shutdown at a specific time.

     
  • Control Systems

    Creston unveils the new Multimedia Presentation Controller (MPC) line of all-in-one solutions, along with the TPS-6X 6-inch touch panel (pictured).

     
  • Matrix

    Gefen’s new 8x8 DVI matrix is the company’s fi rst 8x8 system.

     
  • Transmitter, Receiver, and Scaler

    Able to transmit signals at 1080i over two Cat-5e cables for up to 200 feet, the TP-551 converts an HDMI signal to a twisted-pair signal, then the TP-552 converts the signal back to HDMI.

     
  • Touch Screen Panels

    Altinex releases the new MultiTouch line of touch screen panels designed to work with its MultiTasker modular AV system, as well as other manufacturers’ equipment.

     

Cheat Sheet

  • DVI for Video Distribution

    Though intended for a point-to-point connection, DVI has proven an viable method for multipoint signal distribution.

     
 

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