FALL 2010
AV I - S P L
CONCEPT CATALOG InnoVAtIVe AudIo VIdeo communIcAtIonS mAde SImPLe Email sales@avispl.com for additional information
AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog | 1
AVI-SPL’s promise is simple: All the support and solutions you need, from one reputable, reliable source.
2 | AVI-SPL Concept Catalog
For additional information, call (866) 559-8197
About AVI-SPL 06 | About Us
08 | Solutions
10 | Qualifications
11 | Locations
Market focus
13 | Corporate Project Focus: APi Group
19 | Unified Control: Where AV Meets IT, by AMX 21 | Expanding Your Vision, by Mitsubishi 24 | The Rise of Digital Advertising, by NEC
26 | Creating Contrast for a Stellar View, by Da-Lite
Education 29 | Project Focus: University of South Florida Marshall Center 35 | Advance Your Collaborative Experience, by SMART Technologies 36 | Breaking Classroom Sound Barriers, by Chief Manufacturing 38 | An Affordable Alternative to Interactive Whiteboards, by InFocus
Government 41 | Project Focus: IRSC Treasure Coast Public Safety Complex
47 | An Introduction to VoIP, by Biamp 49 | How Difficult Can It Be? It’s ‘Just’ Audio! by Polycom 51 | A Strong Connection, by Comprehensive 53 | Birth of the AISYS Optical System, by Canon
CONTENTS
Hospitality 55 | Project Focus: Dave & Buster's
61 | The Realities of the Analog Sunset, by Crestron 64 | Let There Be Light, by Christie Digital 66 | The Brilliance of 3LCD, by Epson
House of Worship 69 | Project Focus: Resurrection Life Church
74 | Cable Management Tips for Optimal Performance, by Middle Atlantic 76 | QMOD Integration and Display Control, by Contemporary Research 78 | A Superior Performance of Sound, by Tannoy
Marketplace 82 | Product Information 93 | Partial Manufacturer List
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AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 3
Unified Communications
Designed With You in Mind… AVI-SPL invites you to experience the evolutionary world of Caméléon Telepresence. Caméléon offers the versatility of Telepresence, high definition (HD) video conferencing, audio conferencing and multimedia presentation displays in one turnkey system that is quick, flexible and affordable for your needs. An adaptable multi-function conferencing solution A true-to-life visual experience Finely-tuned audio integrates within sleekly-styled conferencing furnishings Flexible communications at the simple touch of a button, with an intuitive interface that anyone can use Now available with Polycom, LifeSize and TANDBERG technology!
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www.avispl.com/cameleon For additional information, call (866) 559-8197
Corporate headquarters: 6301 Benjamin Road Suite 101 Tampa, FL 33634 Sales: 866.559.8197 Fax: 800.244.8630 Website: www.avispl.com Follow AVI-SPL:
AVI-SPL is taking important steps toward reducing our environmental impact. This catalog was printed by an FSC certified printer with soy-based inks on paper stock containing 10% post-consumer recycled content.
ProduceD biannually by Avi-spl: Candace Clarke Communications Editor
CONTACT
Peggy Loiseau
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Senior Graphic Designer Please direct all media inquiries to: Michelle Oswald Vice President of Marketing Communications Jessica Spicer PR Specialist Krystle Czajkowski PR Specialist Copyright Š 2010 by AVI-SPL, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be duplicated without the permission of AVI-SPL. The views expressed in the Concept Catalog are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position or opinions of AVI-SPL. AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 5
AVI-SPL A b O uT uS
the impact of advanced videoconferencing, telepresence systems and more, we can expertly customize a company-wide Unified Communications solution – perfectly tailored for your distinct initiatives. o our industry-leading services include: • Managed Managed Conferencing Services for video conferencing and telepresence • Digital Digital signage integration and digital media services • Complete design and installation of all AV systems • Operation center design and installation
Innovative Audio Video Communications In a challenging global economy and changing industry landscape,
• Ongoing support services and project management • On-site personnel and supplemental staffing
AV industry leader AVI-SPL is firmly committed to meeting the
• Complete post-sale and installation support services
unique needs of customers across all markets, including corporate,
• 24/7 HelpDesk support
education and government environments. our core value lies in
• Meeting and event support
a depth of well-blended expertise, with a genuine passion for
• Sales, rental and repair of all AV equipment
working with the industry's most advanced technologies. our goal is making complex, innovative audio video communications
AVI-SPL’s unmatched level of expertise includes a partnership
solutions easy to use and effective for our clients.
with more than 700 of the industry’s top manufacturers, more certified technicians than any other AV company, and the reliability
how We Can help you Succeed
of comprehensive support, both on-site and off-site. We’ve
As an AVI-SPL customer, you can expect extensive services in end-
steadfastly collaborated with architects, designers and end
to-end communications, with consultative support to encompass
users, leading to the completion of more than 25,000 installations
your organization’s equipment and communications network. With
worldwide. through a global network of nearly 40 offices - including
6 | AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog
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international locations in Mexico and Dubai - and more than, 1,400
“Our clients can rely on the integration
employees, AVI-SPL’s strong tradition of collaboration continues.
of advanced communication solutions
Working Towards a Greener future
that are customized to meet their budget -
AVI-SPL leads the industry with sustainability initiatives that include
without sacrificing the quality and impact
video conferencing solutions, equipment recycling programs and
of their presentations.”
LEED accredited professionals. In keeping with our drive towards environmental sustainability, AVI-SPL is proud to be an active
John Zettel, Chief Executive Officer of AVI-SPL
member of the U.S. green Building Council (USgBC).
We care about environmental sustainability, and we consistently
“In order to implement the best presentation
collaborate with our manufacturers, consultants and associations
communications, you need the expertise of
to ensure that our customers benefit from our efforts. our manufacturers include companies who have done comprehensive research in this area and provide environmentally-friendly products that are aimed at reduced carbon impact.
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those who are motivated to stay current with products, technologies and services.” Martin Schaffel, Executive Chairman of AVI-SPL
AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog | 7
AVI-SPL S olutions
ConferencePoint
ConferencePoint Communicate
From multipoint video conferencing to extensive performance
• Full complement of multipoint video conferencing
reporting, our exclusive service offering delivers flexible options
• Bridging and streaming
for both traditional video and Telepresence environments.
• Inbound reservations and comprehensive support
Now you have the power to see and talk to virtually anyone,
AV Systems Design and Installation
anywhere around the world – regardless of network, technology or
As the largest trained and certified team in the industry, AVI-SPL
device. Through the advantage of AVI-SPL’s managed conferencing
strongly values our ability to meet the unique AV needs of our clients.
services program, you can easily extend your network’s reach
Whether providing state-of-the-art technology for a classroom or
and increase productivity, quickly connecting with individual
boardroom, healthcare facility, performance venue or government
Telepresence rooms, HD video endpoints, telecommuters or your
agency, AVI-SPL delivers a complete range of audio video technology,
entire video communications network. Our suite of services is fully
collaboration and presentation solutions.
customized with three flexible levels, allowing you to “Connect,” “Control” and “Communicate” with ease.
We will collaborate with you through the architectural design, equipment evaluation and procurement process, streamlining your
ConferencePoint Connect
AV project from concept to completion. We ensure that our clients
• Quality of Service (QoS) connectivity
have the ability to communicate their message and make an impact
• Dialing plans
-- quickly and effectively. As the global leader in the audio video
• Easy-to-use features
industry, AVI-SPL is dedicated to our clients’ success.
• Support for successful HD and SD video conferencing
Product Sales and Service ConferencePoint Control
AVI-SPL offers more than 700 different product lines. As the leading
• Comprehensive monitoring and room management
authorized audiovisual product provider, we are experts in this
• Call launching
industry and are consistently keeping track of emerging technology
• 24/7 HelpDesk
and products. By partnering with AVI-SPL, you are assured that
• Extensive performance reporting
any question, need or request will be answered by individual who
8 | AVI-SPL Concept Catalog
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knows you and your organization on a first-hand basis. Our service
your needs, and powerfully drive your messaging.
technicians are factory-trained and certified to ensure the prompt repair of all the products we sell, as well as provide repair for
AVI-SPL offers a full range of equipment rental and staging
products sold to our clients by other companies.
services, with on-site teams at more than 50 popular resort and convention center destinations throughout North America. With
Customer Care PLUS+
rental equipment available from several office locations for your
Customer Care PLUS+ encompasses AVI-SPL’s industry-leading
convenience, we can even deliver our unique Meeting In A BoxTM
service capabilities. This is a complete solution featuring extensive
or Gig A Box® packages directly to your next meeting.
maintenance programs and our highly-knowledgeable support technicians. With Customer Care PLUS+, you’ll receive the
Creative Show Services
option of customized service levels to accommodate your unique
• Creative concept development
business environment, from video conferencing and Telepresence
• Set design development
technologies to projection systems.
• Venue coordination • Speaker support presentations
Benefits include AVI-SPL’s 24/7 HelpDesk, discounts on parts, a
• Video recording and editing
guaranteed 48-hour response time on service calls, free shipping
• Animation and graphics
for any equipment or parts under warranty, and scheduled
• Set rendering
preventative maintenance visits. As an added benefit, we also offer the option to purchase an extended warranty on your equipment.
Hotel and Rental Services • AV and IT equipment rentals
Event Services
• Complete show and meeting staging
Creative Show Services, or CS2, is AVI-SPL’s “script-to-screen”
• Lighting and sound
division. Featuring a dynamic range of AV technology and a talented
• Theme development
team of experts, CS2 specializes in high-end graphics, animation
• Creative services
and interactive segments. From sales conferences to award galas,
• Digital signage and exhibits
our collaborative technologies are perfectly customized to serve
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AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 9
AVI-SPL q u AL IfIC AT IONS
Associations and Certifications
Comprehensive Expertise Designing custom solutions for a variety of applications, we work with virtually all types of customers and environments; supporting small and medium business needs as well as Fortune 100/500 and Global 1000 customers, including:
corporate
Government
education
• Manufacturing & Distribution
• Department of Defense
• K-12
• Financial Services
• Federal/Agency
• Higher Education
• IT/Technology
• State/Local/Municipal
• Corporate Education
Healthcare
Hospitality
Houses of Worship
• Hospitals
• Stadiums and Arenas
• Churches
• Operating Rooms
• Theme Parks
• Synagogues
• Telemedicine
• Hotels and Convention Centers
• Temples
10 | AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog
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AVI-SPL O f f ICE L O CATIO NS ALAbAmA
mInneSotA
Birmingham
St. Paul
Huntsville neVAdA cALIFoRnIA
Las Vegas
Los Angeles San Francisco
coLoRAdo Denver
dIStRIct oF coLumbIA Washington, D.C.
FLoRIdA Ft. Lauderdale Jacksonville
neW yoRk new York City
noRtH cARoLInA Charlotte greensboro
oHIo Cleveland Dayton
orlando tampa
PennSyLVAnIA
tallahassee
Philadelphia Pittsburgh
GeoRGIA
LOCATIONS
Atlanta
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texAS Dallas
ILLInoIS
Houston
Chicago utAH LouISIAnA
Salt Lake City
new orleans VIRGInIA mARyLAnd Columbia
mASSAcHuSettS Boston
newport news Sterling
WASHInGton Seattle
mIcHIGAn
InteRnAtIonAL
Detroit
Cancun, Mexico
grand Haven
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog | 11
From the moment visitors step into the lobby, they’re greeted with Panasonic’s 58-inch, 16:9 LCD monitor, which is showcased as a touch monitor for APi’s corporate website.
12 | AVI-SPL Concept Catalog
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“We wanted to incorporate cuttingedge technology reflective of the headquarters’ high-end look and feel, blended with simplicity and ease-of-use for standardization.”
PROJECT FOCUS
--Tim Thornburgh, Account Executive, AVI-SPL
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Corporate: Corporate environments have varying collaboration needs, from internal uses such as board meetings, executive communications and training, to external uses like sales, marketing and digital signage targeting potential clients. AVI-SPL understands these requirements and can develop a custom solution to accommodate any business culture or architectural vision.
AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 13
Integrating unified communications became a primary initiative behind the advance of APi’s communications.
APi group, Inc. serves as a holding company for nearly 40
video conferencing technology was key to achieving this goal. In
independently managed companies with more than 150 locations.
addition, APi is thoroughly committed to green-friendly practices
Headquartered in new Brighton, Minn., APi focuses on servicing
to minimize our impact on the environment. therefore it was very
the industrial sector, including specialty construction, fire systems,
important to build technology that fit these criteria.”
fabrication and distribution. “Integrating Unified Communications became a primary initiative At three stories and 50,000 square feet, APi’s LEED gold-certified
behind our efforts to advance APi’s communications,” adds
headquarters includes a limestone exterior and an emphasis on
AVI-SPL Account Executive tim thornburgh. “We wanted to
natural light and expansive windows. “the APi group needed a
incorporate cutting-edge technology reflective of the headquarters’
better way to effectively communicate with our geographically
high-end look and feel, blended with simplicity and ease-of-use for
disperse companies and with our many vendors and suppliers,”
standardization,” he adds. today, the structure’s innovative appeal
says Network Manager Brian Erickson. “Having superb audio/
is seamlessly matched by audiovisual technologies in the lobby,
14 | AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog
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equipped with seating for up to 46 participants, the boardroom table is integrated with seven of Sharp’s 46-inch Hd 1080p Lcd flat panel displays.
APi Group b u I L d I N G A M O r E u N I f I E d W O r L d O f C O M M u N I C AT I O N S
executive boardroom, conference rooms, training room, fitness
table. Panasonic’s 50-inch HD plasma displays complete the
area and more.
presentation environment. In each of the four standard conference rooms, meetings are enhanced through the use of Polycom’s
From the moment visitors step into the lobby, they’re greeted with
SoundStation2 conference phones, as well as two additional 50-
Panasonic’s 58-inch, 16:9 LCD monitor, which is showcased as
inch HD plasmas.
a touch screen monitor for APi’s corporate website. they can easily “surf” around the site with the simple touch of their finger.
“We have been able to take advantage of more productive
As another highlight of the integration, APi’s audio conferencing
meetings by having the superior audio and video conferencing
room features Polycom’s HDX 9002 high-definition (HD) codec.
technology built into our facility,” says Erickson. “the comfortable
Additional audio support is provided in the form of four Atlas
meeting spaces, audio/video technology and acoustically-friendly
Sound ceiling speakers, as well as eight Sennheiser gooseneck
spaces (i.e. no echo) help keep the participants focused and does
microphones evenly dispersed throughout the conference room
not detract from the meeting itself.”
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AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog | 15
In a further drive towards improved communications, an extensive integration occurred in the APi boardroom -- considered one of the headquarters’ most critical presentation environments. “Prior to the installation of video conferencing technology, APi executives could only arrange to meet quarterly,” says thornburgh. “today, they’re able to have more meetings throughout the organization, with a lot less coordination efforts and expense required,” he adds. At every level, APi board members will find that the new AV system is designed to provide maximum versatility, including networking capabilities.
“the most impressive technology is incorporated into this boardroom,” adds Erickson. “the sheer scale of the main video monitor as well as all the video screens and audio technology helps make this room the centerpiece of our corporate headquarters.” As one of the integration team’s largest boardroom installs, displays
“We have been able to take advantage of
include a customized 165-inch HD 1080p Da-Lite rear projection screen, with images powered by an 8,000 lumens high-resolution
more productive meetings by having the
Barco projector. Equipped with seating for up to 46 participants,
superior audio and video conferencing
the boardroom table is integrated with seven of Sharp’s 46-inch
technology built into our facility.”
HD 1080p LCD flat panel displays.
“this display design offers optimum visibility for all members that
--brian Erickson, Network Manager, APi Group
are present,” notes thornburgh. “three of the seven flat panels are equipped with Chief’s automated swing arms; they can easily be
16 | AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog
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A stereo audio line array is used for the reinforcement of speech, program sources, and a satellite Hd television tuner to ensure even and full dispersal of all audio sources.
positioned to maximize viewing angles. In addition, the boardroom
effective control system for this project,” says Thornburgh. Control
table is engineered for several cable management systems,
and manageability of audio, video, shade and lighting systems
allowing network, power, and VgA computer connection to the
are easily met through the use of two wireless 8.5-inch interactive
screen.”
touch panels from AMX.
A stereo audio line array is used for the reinforcement of speech,
Each touch panel includes an in-wall docking station for charging
program sources, and a satellite HD television tuner to ensure even
and storage of the respective panel. Upon activation of the touch
and full dispersal of all audio sources. Additionally, the podium is
panel, the room starts the necessary equipment. By simply exiting
equipped with a DVD player and HD television tuner to serve as
the touch panel system, any meeting participant can automatically
video sources.
power down all active AV devices.
Each seating space has its own audio reinforcement speaker system. In addition to the line array speakers, two of the boardroom
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seats are equipped with microphones and local audio reinforcement
monthly e-newsletter, sAVvy online, by visiting www.avispl.com.
speakers. Microphones are equipped with easily accessible mute switches and LED status lights. this customized audio support technology allows the leading presenter to override all active mics in order to maintain control. Sound systems are enhanced by local speakers, effectively providing audio reinforcement of the other microphones in the room, as well as program source audio.
SIMPLIFY WItH AMX Amx offers simplicity, efficiency and productivity. With costeffective integrated automation and control solutions for
Based on a natural light setting, it was essential that boardroom
today’s technology-rich presentation facilities, Amx provides
presentations were able to be viewed clearly and the technology
the solutions needed for world-class education. For more
could adjust accordingly. “In consideration of APi’s focus on LEED
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standards, special considerations were made when deciding on an
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AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog | 17
18 | AVI-SPL Concept Catalog
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unified Control: Where AV Meets IT BY AMX
What is your “Unified Control” strategy? If it sounds like something
sophomoric at first: Do more with less, reduce our carbon footprint,
you should know about but can’t put your finger on, you’re not
grow market share exponentially, or produce more per head, per
alone, but you may already be exploring it. Unified Control is a
hour, per transaction, etc. Much of what we do today addresses
strategy for integrating the control and monitoring of previously
these priorities, but we don’t always see the direct linkage.
disparate building systems to enhance operations, reduce expenses, improve energy efficiency and achieve a variety of other
The Enabler: IT/AV Convergence
benefits.
the convergence of It and AV still sounds conceptual to many in our industry with no bearing on our day-to-day work. When you
For many, Unified Control is the answer to the biggest and
start to explore the notion of IT/AV convergence as something that
toughest questions commonly asked in our day-to-day work.
can address those pesky strategic priorities, it starts to make more
those questions almost always involve some variation of: “How
sense. When you look at recent technology history for clues, it
do we leverage technology to deliver on the strategic priorities
makes a lot more sense.
our leadership has laid out for us?” the strategic priorities sound
history repeats Itself: IT/Telecom Convergence (aka “unified Communications”) In the 1990s, people in the relatively young data networking industry and more mature telecom industry began navigating the notion of convergence between their seemingly disparate technologies. It did not take long for the fuzzy concept to adopt a name, “Unified Communications,” or for questions to shift from hypothetical to very pointed. Imagine the first time a telecom Manager or It Director was queried by their CIo: “What is our Unified Communications Strategy?”
For some, the response would lead to exhaustive
research, vendor evaluations and complex project deployments. For others, it would lead to career changes.
It didn’t happen overnight, but the communications endpoints serviced by the new Unified Communications technologies eventually began to outnumber those serviced by traditional or “legacy” technologies. the widespread adoption of Unified Communications strategies led to significant innovation involving solutions such as Voice-over-IP, video conferencing, integrated Unified Control integrates monitoring and control across disparate building systems.
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voicemail/e-mail/instant messaging applications, virtual call centers and more.
AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog | 19
The Benefits of Unified Control The benefits of unifying the control of these intelligent building systems comes from a variety of efficiencies that are created in the management of systems, operating costs, asset utilization, energy management and other factors.
The potential
benefits identified for a particular enterprise will correlate easily with their organization’s strategic priorities such as generating more revenue per
A Unified Control strategy yields both economic and environmental benefits.
head or taking cost out of business processes. In some cases, regulatory requirements or sustainability standards
The Compelling Argument: Unified Control picks up where Unified Communications left off
will be key drivers for a holistic Unified Control strategy.
The widely embraced CIO priority of Unified Communications
Unified Control Requirements
was a transformational strategy. This leveraged innovative
Similar to the Unified Communications phenomenon, a successful
technologies to optimize and coordinate the access and efficiency
Unified Control strategy starts with a high-level champion
of communications. A plethora of devices and an exceedingly
within the organization who identifies the business processes
geographically-distributed workforce became increasingly critical
and systems that can be improved by unifying the control of
factors.
technologies that support them.
A thorough analysis of their
technology ecosystem will reveal two to three areas that will yield The reason this history points so naturally to a repeat performance
the biggest or most immediate benefits. A strong partnership with
involving IT/AV convergence is because the notion of Unified
an integrator, solutions provider or manufacturer will enable them
Control picks up exactly where Unified Communications leaves
to address those key areas as results-oriented projects. From
off. Even the most comprehensive Unified Communications
a manufacturing standpoint, helping customers adapt a Unified
strategies will have focused on people and the countless devices
Control strategy requires standards-based technologies and
or data sources they may access in the course of business-critical
consistent, IT-based architectures. It also requires a willingness to
communications.
innovate in a way that favors completely integrated, open solutions over product silos or proprietary components that ignore customer
Unified Control shifts the focus from “knowledge workers” to
needs. Another requirement is addressing virtualization trends that
“intelligent building systems” that share information across
separate users from the physical space and requires the capability
previously disparate systems to operate efficiently in a manner
to access and manage building controls over the Web or via a
that addresses organizational priorities. The applications or systems
PDA device. Finally, any business strategy that relies heavily on
that can benefit from a Unified Control strategy include audio/
network technologies must be mindful of the inevitable security
videoconferencing, intercoms, lighting, thermostat and other
factors that may arise.
HVAC system components, security/access systems, sprinkler and other plumbing systems, safety/alert systems, asset tracking,
Author Brion Hanlon works with the Marketing – Channel Programs
and a whole host of AV or electronics systems. The technologies
division of AMX.
that support these disparate systems were not intended to work together, but advances in networking and other innovations are
To learn more about how AVI-SPL and AMX can help meet
making it easier than ever to integrate them seamlessly under a
your control system needs, please visit www.avispl.com or call
holistic “Unified Control” approach to building management.
866.559.8197.
20 | AVI-SPL Concept Catalog
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Expanding your Vision by MITSubIShI Projection technology has come a long way since Mitsubishi
Series with dual lamps—offering continuous projection with lamp-
entered the marketplace more than a decade ago. At the time,
relay technology. Users have the option to configure these models
just the ability to digitally project an image on a wall was something
to operate in dual or single lamp modes. they can also operate
to behold. A few hundred lumens used to be considered “bright”
24/7, with continuous projection day and night.
and VgA seemed to look “sharp.” With this technology, the 8000 Series is perfectly suited for larger Fast forward to present day and the landscape has changed
digital signage or systems management applications, when
significantly. High-resolution, high-brightness projectors are
monitors simply won’t do the job. With both lamps projecting
commonplace, and Mitsubishi has taken notice. For the new 8000
Mitsubishi achieved a high-brightness level of 7000 AnSI lumens,
Series, Mitsubishi engineers have gone back to the drawing board
enabling large-scale projection in auditoriums and conference halls,
and created a line of highly reliable, feature-packed, installation
where ambient light will no longer be a concern. Mitsubishi will
projectors.
also be offering five optional lenses, from short-throw to ultra-long throw -- enabling clear projection in virtually any environment.
Mitsubishi built this line-up to revolutionize the marketplace. In the move towards non-stop projection, Mitsubishi outfitted the 8000
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the 8000 Series consists of four models.
the XD8000U and
AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog | 21
XD8100U both offer native XGA resolution.
For widescreen
applications, the WXGA WD8200U will fit the bill. For ultra high-
Side-by-side, stacked projectors can be combined to create large, tiled displays -- producing giant images.
resolution needs, Mitsubishi is proud to offer their first WUXGA model, the UD8400U, with a native resolution of 1920 x 1200.
Dependability is always a key concern when designing any Mitsubishi projector. With the 8000 Series, Mitsubishi employed
Not only is the 8000 Series designed to be reliable, it’s extremely
a unique heat-pipe cooling system. Compared to liquid-cooling
adaptable as well. Sometimes you may be projecting a full motion
systems, the heat-pipe cooling system has a simpler structure and
video, where color accuracy is paramount. Another day you might
does not require a power supply, enabling cost reductions along
need to show a presentation in a well-lit conference hall where
with a compact design. Not only is it highly reliable, it also provides
brightness is most important. With this in mind, Mitsubishi has
exceptional energy savings and quiet operation as well. Also, the
designed these projectors to accept an optional interchangeable
automated and self-cleaning filter is reusable -- and even reminds
color wheel that can easily be installed by the user (not available
you when it needs cleaning (not available on XD8000U).
on the XD8000U). As with any Mitsubishi projector, this latest series was engineered Another new feature of the highly, adaptable 8000 Series has the
to be adaptable, reliable, and dependable. The 8000 Series is
ability to project images over a full 360 degrees range along the
Mitsubishi’s premier line of data projectors. We’ve built this
vertical axis, from floor to ceiling. Ceiling and floor projection has
flagship series to handle the most demanding installations. Will
become commonplace in many nightclubs, museums and retail
yours be next?
spaces taking digital projection beyond the walls. The 8000 Series won’t be confined to flat walls with its built-in geometric correction
Author Brian Grotz works for the Product Marketing - Presentations
for use on curved surfaces. This advanced feature is practical
Products Division of Mitsubishi.
for unique applications such as projecting onto pillars at special events, or curved ceilings at schools or museums.
To learn how AVI-SPL and Mitsubishi can help meet your projection needs, please visit www.avispl.com or call 866.559.8197.
Realizing that one projector sometimes isn’t enough display area to work with, the 8000 Series also features integrated edge-blending technology. Edge-blending creates a seamless image by adjusting the brightness at adjoining edges when using multiple projectors.
“The highly, adaptable 8000 Series has the ability to project images over a full 360° range along the vertical axis, from floor to ceiling.” 22 | AVI-SPL Concept Catalog
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AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 23
The Rise of Digital Advertising BY NEC Nowadays, even people who do not watch television watch
placement decisions. The information they require includes not
television. It is hard not to when video display screens are
only availability and rates, but also details about the venue, the
increasingly present in airports, banks, universities, fast-food
amount of foot traffic around the screens, the demographics of
restaurants—even the checkout line at the corner grocery. But,
viewers, whether the viewing data is independently audited for
for the most part, these display screens are not used to show
accuracy, and so on.
traditional television programming. Instead, they stream news and local weather, offer information about the venues in which they are located, or provide instructions in the event of an emergency. Increasingly, these screens are being used to display advertising, which is referred to in the industry as “digital place-based advertising.”
The Traditional Process The screens themselves may offer the latest technology, but the tools used to load the display content generally do not. That process can begin with advertisers or their agencies calling hundreds of venues or networks to gather the information they need to make
24 | AVI-SPL Concept Catalog
For additional information, call (866) 559-8197
“VUKUNET ad-serving
locate and sort networks that meet their audience, timeframe and
platform represents a
that goes out directly to networks, stating what they want and
two-year, multi-million dollar
a Request for Proposal (RFP) to multiple networks, asking what
effort to help speed the
will accept to get the buy.
maturing of the digital
Available to any network operator, the full VUKUNET content
out-of-home marketplace...”
budget requirements. The media planners can then create an offer
what they are willing to pay. Or the planners, more typically, use
Cost per thousand ad rate (better known as CPM) the networks
management system (CMS) is a robust software as a service (SaaS) solution that is fully hosted, managed and supported by NEC Display Solutions for free. It meets or exceeds the capabilities of dozens of commercial SaaS digital signage solutions, but has
The IT department at each venue (or the store manager or other
none of the startup or substantial monthly subscription fees that
administrator, if the venue is not large enough to support an IT
keep many networks from profitability.
department) generally has to load the digital advertising content to the content management system that feeds the screens. Once the
VUKUNET CMS brings many benefits to network operators,
ads have run, the venue must prepare and send a “proof-of-play”
including:
report to inform advertisers exactly where and when their ads ran.
• Fully free central hosting, storage, control and playback
That report often takes up to two weeks to arrive.
solutions • An easy widget-based, drag-and-drop user interface from a
Given the labor-intensive nature of that process, it may not be
Web browser
surprising that digital place-based advertising accounts for just
• Broad multimedia and high definition (HD) video capability
one percent of total advertising expenditures in the United States.
• Dozens of pre-configured content and messaging templates
What may be surprising, however, is that during the difficult
• Free Reuters weather, sports, stock, news and entertainment
economic climate of the “Great Recession,” it has been one of
content feeds
only two advertising media—the Internet is the other—that has
• Tight and secure permission-based user controls
jumped in revenue.
• Seamless, built-in integration to VUKUNET’s opt-in ad serving solution
Introducing VUKUNET
• An emergency management systems (EMS)
NEC Display Solutions’ VUKUNET ad-serving platform represents a two-year, multi-million dollar effort to help speed the maturing of
In order to run VUKUNET, the digital signage network must meet
the digital out-of-home marketplace and make many more digital
some system requirements, including a Microsoft Windows-based
signage networks viable and successful. This universal, Web-based
operating system, Port 80 open to the Internet and several players.
advertising platform connects digital out-of-home networks with
VUKUNET supports a variety of file formats, such as MPG, WMV,
ad agencies to streamline and simplify the advertising process,
JPEG and MOV.
driving increased revenues to network operators. The above contains excerpts from Microsoft’s 2010 case study on The advertising transaction process is simple. Network operators
VUKUNET.
register on VUKUNET to profile their network and availability for third-party advertising. Media planning companies register on
To learn how AVI-SPL and NEC can help meet your digital signage
ADVUKU, the sister site to VUKUNET, and use its services to
needs, please visit www.avispl.com or call 866.559.8197.
Email sales@avispl.com for additional information
AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 25
Creating Contrast for a Stellar View BY DA-LItE
the relationship between light and dark which permits us to
aspect of vision in total, beyond the fairly simple contexts already
glimpse the enormity and splendor of the universe also, though
mentioned and, naturally, that includes displays of all kinds.
perhaps not as impressively, makes it possible to read the words in this document. the dark letters surrounded by the significantly
ratio and relativity
lighter paper creates good contrast, which allows for effortless
For displays, we often talk about contrast as a ratio between
differentiation between the shape of the text and the medium
the brightest and darkest elements the display is capable of
on which it appears. Should we attempt to use white text on a
representing, ideally, at the same time. Expressed as a figure
light gray background or black text on dark gray, we would
such as 2,000:1, the ratio indicates how many times brighter the
diminish the contrast, causing the text to all but disappear into the
brightest area of the picture
surrounding space.
will be compared to the darkest area. Brightness, in
this
context,
refers
to the measure of light energy taken in lumens, nits,
foot
lamberts,
or
other appropriate units for (Figure 1)
luminance or illuminance. the darkest area, often
Figure 1 illustrates this point. the fact that the difference between
called the black level, is
light and dark allows objects to clearly appear distinct from one
also measured by one
another is, essentially, why contrast is so important. It is a critical
of
26 | AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog
the
same
units
of
For additional information, call (866) 559-8197
brightness, with the ultimate goal being to have the reading be as
The second option is to use a gray material instead of pure white
close to zero as possible.
to absorb some of the ambient light and bring the blacks down to a more acceptable level.
Clearly, black level is a vitally important factor for good contrast. However, it is not always necessary to demand that it approach
A gray screen can also be useful in a darkened environment when
zero. As the final example in Figure 2 shows, an increased black
paired with a projector that is overly bright, “leaking” light or is
level can actually leave the overall ratio unchanged, so long as
in some way washing out what should be black. Such a screen
the peak white value increases at an appropriate rate. In other
can help alleviate the problem of poor black levels, particularly in
words, the relatively flexible ratio is generally more important
images that do not have the needed peak brightness to keep the
than the exact measurements taken for white and black as far as
viewers from noticing how light the black actually is.
establishing good contrast is concerned.
Making it Work While bright environments and bright displays can make it easier to forgive inefficient black levels, they also nearly always raise the level of black further by spilling ambient light where no light
“Even the visibility of the night sky can be threatened by no
should be.
more than a streetlight.”
Just as the contrast ratio can be improved by even a slight
For similar reasons, it is a good idea to keep a little bit of controlled
decrease in black level, the ratio can be injured by a small increase
light on in the viewing environment rather than committing to
and perfectly devastated by a large one. A screen is said to be
complete darkness. This way, even if the image is dark, the light in
“washed out” when the black level has reached a point where it is
the room will set a limit to how much the viewers’ eyes will naturally
too bright to be seen as black. The white text on a gray background
adjust, making it easier to keep black relatively dark.
in Figure 1 is a good example of how a thoroughly washed out screen may appear.
The idea of light helping make black appear darker may seem counterintuitive in the context of projection screens where ambient
Although it would be theoretically possible to increase the
light is so often seen as its undeniable enemy. Even the visibility of
brightness of the display in order to outshine the ambience and
the night sky can be threatened by no more than a streetlight, after
maintain a decent ratio, there is an upper limit to this approach. At
all. So long as the radiance from these “bias lights” are neither
some point the brightness would become unreasonable or even
falling on the screen nor shining into the viewers’ eyes directly, the
dangerous to produce or view.
benefits to the perceived black level will outpace the theoretical detriment they would pose.
When absolute brightness can no longer reasonably increase, the remaining option for improving contrast would be to lower
There is much more to say about bias lighting beyond their
the black level. This can be achieved by either controlling the
contribution to contrast and, unfortunately, beyond the scope of this
problematic ambient light directly or through the use of a display
article. For our current purposes, they, along with the specifics of
that is able to do so indirectly. For its part, a projection screen has
the display and the viewing environment they occupy all contribute
the ability to contribute to improving contrast in two ways. The
to keeping blacks dark and whites bright. This difference is, after
first is by using increased gain. This not only makes the display
all, crucial to stellar viewing.
appear brighter but also has the potential to redirect a portion of ambient light. Any light that is directed away from the viewers will
To learn how AVI-SPL and Da-Lite can help meet your projection
have its detrimental impact on black levels reduced accordingly.
needs, please visit www.avispl.com or call 866.559.8197.
Email sales@avispl.com for additional information
AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 27
From the senate chambers to the sports bar, USF’s new AV system features a wide range of flexibility with easy-to-use controls.
28 | AVI-SPL Concept Catalog
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“The changes implemented have provided that ‘wow’ factor, which is what today’s generation of students expect in a facility of this nature.”
PROJECT FOCUS
--Jennifer Hernandez, Assistant Director of Operations, AVI-SPL
Email sales@avispl.com for additional information
EDUCATION: Higher education and K-12 classrooms and training facilities in the public and private sectors require special attention to the needs of both the instructors and the students. AVI-SPL integrates today's technologies to expand teaching options through distance learning, visual presentation and audience feedback, increasing learning and retention.
AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 29
there’s a night and day difference in comparison to uSF’s previous audiovisual systems -- a setup that relied on AV carts to transport presentation technologies.
tampa-based University of South Florida (USF) has grown
digital signage display – in the midst of a 57-foot atrium - pulsates
tremendously since the construction of the original student center
with its multimedia collage of advertising and event highlights.
in 1960. With a recent surge in enrollment and an ever increasing
As you continue your tour, you’ll find that audiovisual systems
list of campus activities, new accommodations were desperately
deliver dramatic presentation capabilities throughout the 1,100-
needed. In 2003, students supported a fee increase to finance a
seat ballroom, formal conference rooms, meeting rooms, 700-seat
new student union.
auditorium, senate chambers and sports bar. In addition, an RF distribution system provides cable routing throughout the facility.
Awarded a formal dedication ceremony on April 15, 2009, the new Marshall Student Center is a stunning 233,000 square foot, four-
“the changes implemented have provided that ‘wow’ factor, which
story facility, an impressive showcase for USF’s drive towards
is what today’s generation of students expect in a facility of this
innovation. As soon as you enter the building, an eye-catching
nature,” says Jennifer Hernandez, assistant director of operations.
30 | AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog
For additional information, call (866) 559-8197
university of South florida (uSf) Marshall Student Center At t H E C E n t E R o F I t A L L
“our old student union was limited to using AV carts to transport
perfect setting for fundraising dinners, conferences and special
presentation technologies. In comparison to these new systems,
guest lecturers. At approximately 10,200 square feet, the space
there’s a night and day difference in our service level capabilities.”
is easily divisible into three areas, and features systems that can work independently and simultaneously, or as one large space.
“Although AVI-SPL won the bid late in the development process, we received a great amount of collaborative support from Beck
“the large ballroom offers the flexibility of a divisible meeting
construction, TLC Engineering and USF,” says Project Engineer
facility, with lighting control, a high performance audio system,
Jan Knapik. “This in turn eased the integration process.”
and engaging projection capabilities,” says Knapik. Da-Lite’s 108inch by 192-inch electric screens, complemented by Projection
one room noted for breathtaking spaciousness and an elegant
Design’s 1080p projectors, easily heighten any presentation’s
design is the Marshall Center’s ballroom, which provides the
visual appeal. With the addition of 36 Atlas ceiling speakers, QSC
Email sales@avispl.com for additional information
AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog | 31
When it comes to the beef o’brady’s sports bar, high definition plasma displays give patrons an exciting view of the latest sports action.
32 | AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog
For additional information, call (866) 559-8197
line array speakers and EAW floor monitor speakers, presenters
capable of hosting different types of functions. the use of a control
can rest assured that their message is dynamically delivered.
system offers ease of use and enables the room to be preset in various configurations, perfect for the weekly formal meetings
“this is a very presenter-friendly set up,” notes Hernandez. “From
of the student government university leaders. In addition, 10
dimming the lights to starting the projector, you can operate
small conference rooms and four large conference rooms feature
everything from the podium. Connectivity is also provided for your
standard projection and audio playback of video/data programs.
laptop, easily allowing you the ability to run your own presentation from the podium.”
through the use of a Visix content system and an assortment of 32-, 42- and 46-inch LCDs, digital signage is showcased throughout the
As an alternative, USF’s own AV technicians can manage large-
facility, including the elevators on each floor. “this quickly allows
scale presentations -- including controlling wireless microphone
various advertising messages and upcoming event information to
levels, program audio levels, selecting sources and lighting presets
be highlighted, as well as meeting updates,” says Hernandez.
-- by working with a Crestron tPMX-8X control panel in the rack room, which is located directly behind the ballroom. this control
“the atrium’s 4-feet by 14-feet LED billboard creates a fun and
panel can also be undocked and used wirelessly to manage the
creative display area,” adds Knapik. “In developing this element,
system from the ballroom itself.
we collaborated with the California-based team at Multimedia LED. they were a pleasure to work with, and were able to provide
Biamp Audia hardware and software provided a diverse range of
a stunning and effective display, despite limited time constraints.”
audio configurations in not only the ballroom, but the Marshall Center’s auditorium as well. “the ability to combine a room’s
When it comes to the Beef o’Brady’s sports bar, high definition
audio, separate a room, add controls for microphones and expand
plasma displays give patrons an exciting view of the latest sports
other capabilities was very powerful,” says Knapik. “This system
action. At select seats, they can also tune into one of eight different
simplifies manageability because all of the audio configuration is
audio sources via “Sound Dog” wireless tabletop speaker systems.
done through software, with just a few clicks of the mouse or a few commands from the control system.”
“With AVI-SPL’s upgrades, everything is easy to use, with cuttingedge technology available at the simple touch of a button,”
The “wow” factor expands to the auditorium’s projection
notes Hernandez.
capabilities. A Christie 8000 lumen, 1080p projector provides an
USF’s network, giving our on-site staff quick and easy access for
ultimate level of power and image quality. Whether delivering lecture
monitoring and management capabilities.”
All control systems (Crestron) are tied into
material or the latest movie night, visuals are crisply projected onto Da-Lite’s Cinevision fixed screen (14 feet by 26 feet). “With
to read more project success stories, sign up for AVI-SPL's FRee t
more than 20 individual speaker enclosures mounted all around
monthly e-newsletter, sAVvy online, by visiting www.avispl.com.
the room, each location had its challenges,” says Knapik. The system includes left and right main speakers over the front of the stage and under the balcony, left and right subwoofers, overhead center channel speakers above the screen, as well as main delay/ fill speakers.
HIgHER LEARnIng WItH SMARt Having technology in the classroom can bring great benefits to learners of all ages. With SmARt technologiestm full line of interactive educational products and solutions, you can create the perfect learning environment in your classroom or
Located on the fourth floor, the Senate Chambers offers a sophisticated setting, and is designed as a tiered-style room
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training room. For more information visit www.avispl.com or call (866) 559-8197.
AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog | 33
34 | AVI-SPL Concept Catalog
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Advance your Collaborative Experience BY SMARt tECHnoLogIES
At SMARt, we know that collaboration isn’t about technology. It’s
before. Interactive meetings enable improved teamwork and greater
about people, knowledge and the ability to bring them together in
productivity, because everyone is engaged and contributing ideas.
a meaningful way. With SMARt business solutions, collaboration sessions become visual, interactive experiences where keeping
Collaboration with No Limits
records of meetings is effortless. teamwork produces valuable
Drive business results by adding seamless connectivity to your
results, whether you’re working with your colleagues in person or
meeting environments. our interactive whiteboard systems provide
across distances.
an engaging way to share digital information within a room, from meeting room to meeting room or from meeting room to desktop.
An Engaging Way to Share and Interact
Bring a new perspective to collaborative sessions that connect
Accelerate decision making and problem solving by introducing
local and remote participants to save time and reduce travel.
efficiency and flexibility to your collaborative work sessions. Simply turn on your SMARt Board™ interactive whiteboard and you can
With SMARt business solutions, your teams can write, share and
immediately access your resources and easily interact with your
capture digital notes, review and edit documents, and interact
meeting’s participants. You can access your files, run applications
directly with other meeting room and remote participants. Your
and browse the Internet with a touch of your finger. You can easily
colleagues can not only see everything you are doing on your
capture everything into a single file that you can instantly e-mail
interactive display or desktop, but they can take control of the
to your team.
meeting remotely and write their own digital notes on the screen. And more than one participant can write at the same time, allowing
SMARt's business solutions inspire productive collaboration by
your team to interact and share digital information easily.
adding interactivity to your meetings. the interactive whiteboard provides an engaging way to interact with digital information
SMARt business solutions consist of integrated, touch-enabled
naturally. Write notes in digital ink, insert screen captures and save
interactive whiteboards, displays and systems, and specially
marked-up pages as a single PDF or PPt file. You can also write
designed software solutions. Move beyond flipcharts and dry-
in digital ink in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files and in
erase boards into more engaging workspaces, where teams easily
AutoCAD and Adobe Acrobat files. then, save your work in the
access, review and interact with information.
native format. See how SMARt business solutions can help you decrease SMARt’s industry-leading large interactive display systems
costs, reduce travel, realize efficiencies, improve communication,
create a focal point for your discussions, ensuring that meeting
condense project timelines and improve resource productivity.
participants stay engaged. Unleash your team’s potential by sharing digital material, analyzing data, brainstorming, solving
to learn how AVI-SPL and SmARt t t technologies can help with your
problems and documenting decisions more efficiently than ever
next project, please visit www.avispl.com or call 866.559.8197.
Email sales@avispl.com for additional information
AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog | 35
breaking Classroom Sound barriers BY CHIEF MAnUFACtURIng
Sometimes when you start a project, you need to begin with the
teacher’s voice or other program audio is heard clearly above
end in mind. If you’re helping to revamp an existing classroom’s
background noise in the room. Here’s what one system – the
sound system or looking at plans for entirely new classrooms,
CoPilot AV Room System – offers.
making sure students have a positive learning experience is of utmost importance. A fundamental, yet sometimes overlooked,
Control System
requirement is giving students the ability to hear the message from
You need to be able to access and control your entire system in an
the instructor clearly and easily. After all, if students can’t hear
easy manner. the easier it is to use, the quicker teachers will adapt
what is being said, they aren’t going to have the opportunity to
to it. one central system controls the power, inputs and audio,
reach their full potential.
so teachers can make adjustments as needed, depending on the amount of ambient noise in the classroom.
Classrooms can be turbulent places. Lively students, external noises from
Audio System
auto traffic, birds, airplanes, loud
High-performance speakers that
HVAC systems, computer noises, a
are plenum-rated for the classroom
soft-spoken teacher and students
are an essential part of your sound
with hearing or learning problems
system. Plenum ratings ensure
all contribute to environments that
that no elements in open-air return
aren’t always the most conducive to
ceilings will cause a fire to spread
learning.
from one section of the building to another.
one way to capture student attention is by having AV room systems that
Microphones
improve sound amplification and
A teacher microphone that is on a
integrate technology in classrooms.
lanyard is far more comfortable than a headset. Assisted listening ear buds are another component of
What an AV Solution brings to the Table
a good AV room system. these are particularly helpful for children
With a complete AV room system, students and teachers ultimately
with hearing losses or special needs.
experience a more optimal learning environment. the teacher’s voice is amplified by a microphone and transmitted to a receiver.
translation to a second language is also a helpful component of
this sends the sound to speakers strategically located throughout
a complete room system like CoPilot. this is most beneficial for
the classroom.
students whose second language is English.
typical components include a control system, audio system and
rf Wireless Module
microphones. the purpose of the system is to make sure the
Your system should have an RF wireless module that offers
36 | AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog
For additional information, call (866) 559-8197
networking via control and video components. typically, there are
better focus and help relieve vocal – and other – stress for teachers.
two types of wireless transmission used in sound amplification. Radio frequency (RF) employs electromagnetic radio waves to
When it’s time to make a selection for an AV room system, you
carry a signal. Most classroom systems currently use IR (infrared)
not only have to look at the technology, but also at the needs of
technology for their AV room systems. CoPilot uses RF, which
your students. After all, what you’re trying to accomplish involves
offers many benefits in a classroom setting:
making the educational environment as conducive to learning as possible.
• Teachers have ease of use, as line of site between the
microphone and base unit is not necessary.
Before you buy, take a look at several different AV room solutions,
• RF is faster than IR, with RF products able to receive and process hundreds of responses per second.
keeping in mind simple operation for users with all levels of technical ability. the intuitive nature of the product should give
• RF range is greater than IR. The CoPilot RF system has a 40- foot plus open field range from the microphones to the base unit. • You can have up to 25 units in an overlapping space without any signal problems.
teachers a centralized source for operating the system. With the right system, students are better able to hear what is being taught, thereby improving achievement and satisfaction with the learning environment.
• IR signals are prone to interference with fluorescent lights and natural light, which most classrooms have. RF has no problem
to learn how AVI-SPL and chief can help with your next project t
with either. Your sound system should also be easy to use and
please visit www.avispl.com or call 866.559.8197.
support an infinite number of classroom installations on the same campus.
Great Connections A complete AV solution such as the CoPilot system will give you the flexibility to connect: • A projector screen to a system that automatically raises and lowers, based on whether the projector is turned on or off • Up to two computers • A DVD player or VCR • An external auxiliary audio input, such as an iPod, for
background music • The fire alarm, security system and lockdown system
Adequately amplifying the sound from the teacher to the student in classrooms can improve student achievement, get students to
Email sales@avispl.com for additional information
AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog | 37
An Affordable Alternative to Interactive Whiteboards BY InFoCUS
Creating highly-compelling visual
solution. When InFocus recommended its new line of
presentations with live, interactive
affordable, interactive projectors, he was skeptical. That affordable, interactive projectors, he was skeptical. That
content is the “holy grail” for both business
is, until he tried one out.
people and educators. Critics have long rallied, “death to PowerPoint,” but outside of an expensive, agency-produced
Introduced by InFocus in the early fall of 2009, the In3900 series
animated piece, most presenters have traditionally been limited
of short throw, interactive projectors allows presenters to engage
by basic office software programs for producing content. they’ve
and collaborate effectively, while using interactive digital content
also been hampered by static equipment for projecting it. While
through the projector itself. The wireless LiteBoard Wand can
interactive whiteboards have been well-received in classroom
turn any surface into a fully-accessible collaborative workspace
environments, they’re often cost prohibitive for today’s budget-
-- like an interactive whiteboard without the board. According to
strapped school districts.
Peterson, “the great thing about this product is its ease of use. I can just open up the package, put the projector on the table, plug
the benefits of interactive whiteboards are well-documented: 1) by
in the laptop, and it’s ready to go. I’ve got audio and the wand and
touching the board, presenters can enhance materials on-screen
I’m ready to teach.”
through the use of software that allows them to draw or write; 2) when connected to the network, they can display and interact with all types of Internet content; and 3) they can engage audience members with the materials by inviting them up to the board to interact with content.
Ben Peterson, a high school mathematics teacher from Portland, ore., was very familiar with interactive whiteboards. He desperately wanted one for his classroom, but his local school district didn’t have the funds. Believing his only option was to project from his laptop, Peterson turned to InFocus for a low-cost projection
38 | AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog
touch
Away
For additional information, call (866) 559-8197
“The IN3900 series of short throw, interactive projectors allows presenters to engage and collaborate effectively, while using interactive digital content through the projector itself.”
According to Loren Shaw, product line manager at InFocus, “The
Another key feature Peterson discovered is the “Moderator.” Shaw
key piece in our interactivity is obviously the wand -- that’s the
explains, “This allows up to 32 laptops to connect to the projector,
tool we use to interact with any
and from there they can use
software that’s projected. The
the projector as an access
second generation wand was
point to the network and then
based on a great deal of input
to the Internet. Additionally the
from teachers and students. In
‘Moderator’ allows the teacher to
particular, two or three features
choose which laptop they would
were added -- one of which was
like to display for the rest of the
the scroll wheel. Most teachers
class to see. If they like, they
use a lot of online content, and
can display up to four different
want to be able to scroll through
laptops at the same time, one
that
walking
in each quadrant of the image.
throughout the room. The wand
By having a short throw lens,
includes an interactive nib on the
you’re able to get the projector
front of it, allowing instructors to
closer, thus reducing shadows
press it against the surface and
when the person speaking is
interact with the image. We also
interacting at the front of the
easily
when
have a left and right click button that you can use away from the
room.” Peterson adds, “It’s really great because I don’t have to
image. This allows teachers to move to the back of the classroom
design my classroom around the projector anymore.”
and interact, hand off the wand, and let the child interact, or let them go back up to the front.”
Peterson’s quick adoption of interactive projection has transformed the way he now teaches his math classes. He concludes,
Peterson agrees, adding, “The wonderful thing about the wand
“Technology is a part of education now, and we can’t just keep
is its usability; instead of moving a mouse around you just point
avoiding it – we have to be part of it. I have 50 minutes to try to
where you want it to go. The “undo” button is really handy to have,
get these kids to learn. This projector is a great way for me to use
because you can always get rid of any mistakes you might make.
technology, and get involved with the students in the classroom.”
It untethers me from the board, and I can actually be out there working with the students instead of worrying about interacting
To learn how AVI-SPL and InFocus can help meet your projection
with the content. You can just give it to somebody and they
needs, please visit www.avispl.com or call 866.559.8197.
automatically know how to use it, and have a feel for it.”
Email sales@avispl.com for additional information
AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 39
From the effective presentation of classroom technology to complex emergency operation management, the IRSC now features a range of flexible, user-friendly AV systems.
40 | AVI-SPL Concept Catalog
For additional information, call (866) 559-8197
“I’m fully impressed with the versatility of our systems, and the amount of sources we can select and channel.”
PROJECT FOCUS
--Craig Persek, Director of AV services, IRSC
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GOVERNMENT: As a GSA contractor, AVI-SPL delivers extensive expertise in support of local, state and national operations. From secure videoconferencing and highly-advanced control centers, to comprehensive presentation technology for commission chambers and courtrooms, you can count on the trusted expertise of AVI-SPL.
AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 41
using a custom-built lectern with gooseneck microphone and SmARt Sympodium pen display, presenters can effortlessly navigate through their materials, all the while holding their audience’s attention with interactive content.
42 | AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog
For additional information, call (866) 559-8197
IrSC Treasure Coast Public Safety Complex COMPLEx TrAINING frOM ThE GrOuNd uP
With its main campus located in Ft. Pierce, Fla., Indian River State
to manage for our multifaceted teaching environment,” he adds.
College (IRSC) serves host to the treasure Coast Public Safety
today, advanced audiovisual systems are integrated throughout
Complex, a vital training ground for Homeland Security, criminal
several unique environments, including outside practice fields, a
justice, fire science and forensics personnel. Opened in the Spring
large-scale auditorium, an Emergency operations Center (EoC),
of 2009, the $40 million facility covers more than 50 acres and eight
mock courtroom and 19 standard classrooms.
buildings, delivering intensive training and ongoing professional development for approximately 500 emergency officials on a daily
As one of the largest hosting areas on campus, IRSC’s auditorium
basis.
features a number of events and seminars, including those for law enforcement and overseas humanitarian relief efforts. Using
“We needed a wide range of AV systems, from standard
a custom built lectern with gooseneck microphone and SMARt
classrooms to a complex level of full-scale systems for emergency
Sympodium pen display, presenters can effortlessly navigate
operations,” says Craig Persek, director of AV services, IRSC. “We
through their materials, all the while holding their audience’s
were also looking for systems that were user friendly and easy
attention with interactive content. A customized Draper Cinescreen
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AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog | 43
rear projection screen (approximately 90 inches by 160 inches)
with a 40-inch flat panel LCD screen,” says Sales Engineer Martin
provides the perfect backdrop. In conjunction with Panasonic’s
Lois, AVI-SPL. “It’s especially adept at adjusting the display to
WXGA 5000 ANSI lumen projector, an Extron Multi Window
various viewing angles using hydraulic lifts, allowing a great degree
processor is used to highlight multiple, simultaneous imagery.
of flexibility when it comes to presentation capabilities.” offering an energized perspective on presentations and lecture materials,
Auxiliary displays include four recessed-ceiling Draper screens
the console functions as a SMARt interactive whiteboard as well,
(79 inches by 140 inches) spread throughout the space, allowing
offering compatibility with SMARt notebook software. the multi-
the audience to view presentations with ease, no matter their
purpose display also functions as the room’s control panel, and is
location. Clarity and quality of sound are ensured by the room’s
powered by Creston’s high-definition digital video processor.
digital 5.1 surround sound system, which includes three Clearone audio DSP processors, Denon Surround Sound Processor, Renkus
“Working with this environment provided the unique ability to
Heinz speakers and JBL Speakers. Flexibility is key, as the space
blend a teaching environment into what would traditionally be a
is divisible into two areas that can be operated independently.
government sector system,” says Lois. As a primary example of
operators can work with Crestron’s eight-button keypad, in
this, the EoC’s 2x3 Planar video wall features 50-inch diagonal
addition to the manufacturer’s 12-inch Isys touch panel, to provide
cubes, integrated to form a display area that reaches 60 feet by
control and management of the audiovisual systems.
120 feet. Jupiter’s video processor can configure the entire video wall and outdoor cameras for pan/tilt/zoom features, with select
The EOC is an innovative highlight of this project, offering an array
sources for different displays. the camera systems’ coverage of
of advanced capabilities that directly met the goals of the facility.
the parade and burn fields, smoke tower and traffic intersection
“In developing the EoC’s system, we modified a Spectrum console
can be routed to the EoC for mock disaster drills. In addition,
44 | AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog
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outdoor cameras are mounted on each of the buildings, with
control station towards the back of the space, with three high-
signals that feed into an AV closet on campus.
definition point/tilt/zoom cameras. Two flat panel LCDs allow for view presentations or camera feeds. Standard classrooms
“With the type of intensive training that takes place at the complex,
feature Panasonic Projectors, SMART Boards and Extron MLC
instructors wanted to be able to review and demonstrate a mock
controllers.
emergency event, and the type of measures that should be taken,” notes Lois. “the camera system allows students inside to carefully
“I’m fully impressed with the versatility of our systems, and the
examine every scenario, as well as dispatch resources to deal with
amount of sources we can select and channel,” says Persek. “All
each emergency event while having a visual,” he adds.
of the agencies that have been very impressed as well, including when we trained Homeland Security for President obama’s
“In conjunction with our outdoor camera system, we use vBrick
inauguration, as well as security team training for the 2010
video technology to stream and record outside training sessions,”
Super Bowl,” he adds. “With AVI-SPL’s systems, the number of
says Persek. “We stage a variety of real life events, including police
troubleshooting issues has been very minimal. Instructors have
chases and shoot outs, in order to help prepare our students as
been able to conduct and use systems with ease.”
much as possible. Instructors can then easily turn around and review this footage with their students.”
to learn how AVI-SPL and bIAmP can help with your next project t please visit www.avispl.com or call 866.559.8197.
Another key area for real world preparation is the mock courtroom, which delivers a structured setting in which students can practice testimonial procedures. High-tech features include a video
BIAMP PRoFESSIonAL AUDIo biamp products offer high-definition audio and performance to any setting. biamp not only delivers high quality, innovative professional audio electronics but designs products for a wide range of applications to meet your unique audio requirements. For more information visit www.avispl.com or call (866) 559-8197.
Email sales@avispl.com for additional information
AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog | 45
46 | AVI-SPL Concept Catalog
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An Introduction to VoIP BY Biamp
Internet Protocol (IP) is the way you can digitally access and send information from a network. You communicate using IP every time you access the Internet. Now you can leverage that in new and cost-effective ways. From audio to control to video, IPenabled products are the future backbone for AV systems. Lower costs, greater flexibility and better management are all advantages of leveraging existing IT infrastructures.
With the introduction of the VoIP-2 card, a SIP compliant two-channel Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) interface, Biamp Systems follows our tradition of innovating to better serve our customers.
The VoIP-2 Card allows AudiaFLEX to connect directly to IP-based phone systems. Used in conjunction with AEC-2HD Acoustic Echo Cancellation Cards and TI-2 Telephone Interface Cards, the VoIP-2
A World of Acronyms and More
Card makes AudiaFLEX the most powerful, flexible and affordable
Protocol: Similar to how a language enables communication
telephone conferencing product available. Up to six VoIP-2 Cards
between people, a protocol defines a set of rules used to control
can be installed into a single AudiaFLEX unit.
connection, communication and data traffic between different network devices.
VoIP Basics Before diving into technical details, the following is a good start to
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): Protocol specifically designed
summarize steps involved in a VoIP call:
for voice transmission over networks (LAN/WAN).
1) The voice signal is first encoded into a known compressed audio
Codec: It refers to the software algorithm used to encode the voice
format, packetized in a real-time protocol and then transmitted
signal into a compressed data format optimized for transmission
over the network.
over IP. On the receiving side, signal is decoded back to analog
2) A VoIP protocol takes care of managing the communication session.
audio. Codec quality obviously affects audio performance.
3) On the receiving side, data is extracted from packets and the signal is decoded back to analog audio. Success of this process is
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP): SIP is a widely used peer-to-
obviously sensitive to delay and packet loss.
peer protocol that allows the set up, modification and tear down of
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AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 47
“Internet Protocol (IP) is the way you can digitally access
Once the VoIP call session is initialized by SIP, RTP is the protocol used to transmit the voice data.
Quality of Service (QoS): This mechanism is used to prioritize
and send information from a
applications, users and data flow by guaranteeing a certain
network. You communicate
applications, such as VoIP, where it is used to ensure quality of the
using IP every time you access the Internet.�
level of performance. QoS is very important in the case of RTP
audio signal.
Domain Name System (DNS): DNS procedures provide translation from human-friendly host names into IP addresses. The SIP session mainly uses DNS to allow a client to resolve a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) into the IP address, port and transport protocol.
a VoIP communication session. Peers of a SIP session are the User Agent Client (initiating the call) and User Agent Server (answering
SIP call flow process: During the registration process, SIP devices
the call). Note that SIP does not handle voice transmission, it only
register their SIP address to a registrar server. The network is
manages the communication.
then aware of the location of a device upon request. When a user initiates a call, the SIP discovery process starts by sending a
SIP servers: These include the Proxy, Redirect and Registrar
request to a SIP server (proxy or redirect server). The challenge for
Servers. Their purpose is to provide name resolution, user location
the proxy server is to obtain the IP address of the device so that
and pass on messages to other servers in the network.
voice data can be routed between them. Negotiating a compatible data format (sample rate, codec, etc.) is the next step before voice
SIP addresses: Users in a SIP network are identified by unique SIP
data can be transmitted between parties. SIP terminates the call
addresses. A SIP address is similar to an e-mail address and may
session with a BYE message at the end of the call.
be of two types: a user name (sip:support@biamp.com) or an E.164 address (5036417287). VoIP-2 card only supports E.164 address.
To learn how AVI-SPL and Biamp can help meet your videoconferencing needs, please visit www.avispl.com or call
Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP): This is an IP packet format
866.559.8197.
that is used for delivering real time audio/video over the LAN/WAN.
48 | AVI-SPL Concept Catalog
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How Difficult Can It Be? It’s ‘Just’ Audio! By Polycom In a given room, one of the last things people tend to consider is
It’s all about the ease of paying attention. So let’s address a few
the audio performance. They will put a conventional speaker phone
specific concerns and the required solutions.
on a pedestal in the middle of the room and expect that they can now fill the room with people eager to participate in an interactive
“When I watch TV, all the people are audible and understandable.”
discussion. Or they will place a dedicated speaker phone on one
Right! There is a production staff behind the scenes that manages
wing of a U-shaped table and have similar expectations. Or in the
all the details of the audio interactions. Every person on the air
case of videoconferencing, one microphone will be used to try to
that is visible and expected to contribute dialog is wearing a
capture the intimacy of a 40-person meeting.
The major problem is that the laws of physics keep getting in the way of desired effects. We all have to abide by those laws. In audio, we are always fighting distracting noises, inappropriate room construction and the general lack of acoustic consideration. Don and Carolyn Davis (founders of Synergistic Audio Concepts) published a research paper years ago called “Designing for Intelligibility.” This paper declared the fundamental rules for creating an audio conferencing environment that allowed the participants ease of understanding. Some of those rules address background noise, some address the “sound” of the room itself and some address the sound character of the overall system.
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AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 49
or eliminate the reflected sounds.
“Not everyone can be heard in the room when they talk!” Are they intending to be heard? This is a really important consideration. People must be willing to talk as if they intend to be heard by others, so that they might be heard by others. Make sure that there is a microphone close to the person of interest. Now, if the intent is to capture all manner of talking without special consideration of intent, then another problem arises. In an active room with inappropriately high microphone gain settings, there is no longer any such thing as a “side conversation.” Everyone in the far-end room might now be able to hear the verbal meanderings of the “class clown,” thereby causing embarrassment or job discontinuities. Be careful what you ask for!
“People can have a meeting
“But during the demo, the person walked around the entire room
without live video, but it’s
microphone demo. If the room is completely quiet and there is
really difficult without usable audio.”
and we heard her perfectly!” Ah, yes… the fallacy of the single
just one person there, it is relatively easy to adjust the electronics to maintain the sound level and clarity. The problem is, when we put 30 other impatient potential talkers into that same room, they can’t keep quiet enough for that single microphone to “hear” what is important to the far-end. The basic rule-of-thumb is to have one microphone element for every one to two participants.
microphone. The production staff is highly skilled at hiding such things. It may not be obvious, but it’s there. There is also a backup
Notice the importance of proper microphone placement as a
microphone on a pole held by a person off screen. This ensures
running theme? Remember in the introduction the mention of
that even if the primary microphone fails, there is some audio
Don and Carolyn Davis? They had determined that it required a
available. Make sure all participants are close to a microphone
10:1 difference between the sound of interest and the sound of
and there are no obstructions between the microphone and the
distractions for people to be able to pay attention easily. That
person talking (like open laptop computers).
ability to easily pay attention determines the participant’s value of the conference and their perception of quality. People can
“The people often sound like they’re in a barrel!” OK, sure…
have a meeting without live video, but it’s really difficult without
this is an artifact of room interaction. Conference rooms typically
usable audio. Good quality audio ALWAYS makes the pictures
have hard walls and those hard walls tend to reflect sound. The
look better!
microphones used in conferencing to pick up the speech have no method of discriminating desired sound from undesired sound, so
Author Jim Smith (CTS, CVE) serves as a technical channel
it's all sent along. The mixture of direct and reflected sound causes
manager for Polycom.
this “barrel” effect, so one must minimize the reflected sounds as heard by the room microphones. The easiest way to do this is to
To learn how AVI-SPL and Polycom can help meet your
get the microphones close to the people talking. Otherwise, the
videoconferencing needs, please visit www.avispl.com or call
room must be treated mechanically (acoustic absorber) to reduce
866.559.8197.
50 | AVI-SPL Concept Catalog
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A Strong Connection By Comprehensive Fiber optic cables have been around since the mid 1800s. This type of cabling allows the transmission of many signals over long distances. Some of the advantages of fiber over copper are increased bandwidth, longer runs and no electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Why don’t we switch to fiber? One reason is cost. Fiber cables are made up of either glass or plastic center conductors, making it more expensive to manufacture. What scares most people is the termination and splicing, which requires more skill than standard
conduct electricity, making it safer for high-end components prone
crimp or compression splices.
to damage from electrical shock or surge. Fiber is also effective for sensors (i.e. the presence of power, temperature and pressure).
The two most common types of fiber cables are single mode and
Where is that useful? How about if one engine on your two engine
multi mode. Single mode fiber is used for long transmission of one
airplane is starting to overheat; wouldn't you like to know that?
signal, usually containing smaller center conductors for runs longer than1,800 feet. Multi mode fiber contains larger center conductors,
Fiber cannot be tricked by outside electrical signals, avoiding false
which is good for high powered signals with shorter runs.
readings. The speed in which the signal travels is the greatest testimonial for fiber. A signal over copper cannot move quite as
Applications
fast as when it’s sent over fiber, which allows for speedy transfer
AV, IT and telecommunications are where fiber is commonly
with minimal signal degradation.
used for audio, video or data transmission. These cables don’t necessarily carry a data signal. For example, they can be used for
Terminations
a miniature camera. It’s easier to take a look at something through
Fiber cables are terminated by a multitude of connector types. The
a 2-inch wide hole, 600 feet down, than to start digging a crater.
two most commonly used are:
Single fiber carries more data than a standard CAT-5E/CAT-6 cable,
Subscriber connectors (SC): These are a general purpose push/
making fiber the only choice when space is limited. Fiber does not
pull style connector, used to support send/receive channels. Found
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AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 51
in network IT systems, these connectors are used for single mode,
termination, this is the process a cable manufacturer uses to splice
duplex and multi mode. SC connectors are easy to align with the
fiber cable.
ceramic ferrule, and have a single latch, usually in a molded housing. Because this machinery’s availability to the general public is still Lucent connectors (LC): These connectors offer good performance
very limited, mechanical splicing is more commonly used. However,
and are preferred for single mode fiber cables.
the cable still needs to be cut in a process called cleaving. The glass or plastic fiber is first nicked, typically using a cleaving tool
With fiber, you can lose an entire signal if not properly terminated.
with a diamond blade. The cut must be smooth and clear of any
The basic construction of a fiber optic connector is a solid barrel
imperfections. Once the cable is nicked, any tension on the glass
surrounded by a sleeve holding the barrel in the socket. Installation
or plastic fiber should break apart leaving a clean separation. The
is done by stripping the jacket from the fiber conductor and
tools designed for this process already put enough tension on the
inserting it into the rear of the connector body. Unlike typical crimp
cable to separate it once it's been nicked. Joining the two ends
or compression, fiber connectors are held in place with adhesive.
together to make a splice requires the ends to be polished. Next,
The connector typically comes with strain relief secured to the rear.
the connection for splicing -- known as a sleeve -- lines up the
Before the cables can be joined, the ends need to be cleaned and
ends of the fiber.
polished. Copper does have its advantages over fiber, such as turn radius. When fiber became more mainstream for the AV/IT markets around
A standard copper cable can be tied into a knot and the signal will
1994, termination was very labor intensive with many parts for
still travel, Fiber does not have that flexibility. Typically, light does
each connector. Fiber polishing tools were sometimes needed,
not turn 90 degrees. If your fiber signal was a flashlight pointed
as well as small ovens or heat guns with special attachments to
down a hallway, the hallway would be flooded with light because
securing the epoxy. Currently, the manufacturer does most of the
light travels in a straight line, but none of the rooms off the hallway
work. Connectors are already polished with glue or gel inside to
would get the same amount of light. Although the cladding provides
secure the cable. The cable still needs to be cut or “cleaved.”
a reflective surface, a cable run with three-90 degree turns can potentially lose a large portion or the entire signal. Although the
Splicing methods
fiber cable is extremely flexible, it still can be damaged from over
There are two splicing methods: arc fusion and mechanical
bending. If you’re able to make a turn with an arc bigger than 90
splicing. Arc fusion splicing requires two fiber cables to be melted
degrees, then those problems are greatly reduced.
together using an electrical current. Although not practical for field There are a multitude of applications for fiber. If a signal needs to be sent with virtually no loss over long distances, fiber is the correct choice.
Author Martin Fensterstock serves as a sales and product marketing manager for Comprehensive.
To learn how AVI-SPL and Comprehensive can help meet your cabling needs, please visit www.avispl.com or call 866.559.8197.
52 | AVI-SPL Concept Catalog
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Birth of the AISYS Optical System By Canon
Around the world, Canon products are synonymous with optical
the realization of compact liquid crystal projectors capable of
excellence, advanced image processing and superb performance.
delivering bright images with high levels of contrast and excellent
Canon projectors are no exception. The family of Canon projectors
gradation characteristics.
includes the REALiS line of bright, high resolution, ultra-portable and affordable projectors. REALiS projectors combine the
Evolution of AISYS
brilliance and sharpness of innovative LCOS (Liquid Crystal On
In 2006, Canon developed the second-generation of AISYS,
Silicon) technology with Canon's proprietary Aspectual Illumination
which targeted improved illumination efficiency and high-grade
System (AISYS) light engine technology. The result is a unique set
image brightness. This succeeded in achieving both high levels of
of advanced projectors that deliver exceptional image quality.
brightness and contrast while also realizing illumination uniformity. Canon engineers took the cylindrical lens array, which had been
The Heart of the Line
used only for the horizontal direction of light illuminating the
In 2004, Canon introduced a new optical technology for its liquid
LCOS in first-generation system, and also applied it to the vertical
crystal projectors. At the time, many conventional projectors used
direction. They streamlined optical elements by vertically arranging
transmissive liquid crystal panels, which produced a lattice-like
the prisms of the color separation/synthesis system to enhance
grid pattern due to the drive circuits between the pixels. In line with
brightness, and by using a hybrid beam combiner (HBC) approach
its emphasis on image quality, Canon made use of LCOS reflective
that has both dichroic functionality and a PBS.
liquid crystal panels supporting high resolutions, which seamlessly blend individual pixels together to produce an image.
Instead of two pairs of cylindrical lens arrays (vertical and horizontal), the third generation of AISYS developed in 2008
Although LCOS panels are ideal for displaying high-resolution
featured a pair of asymmetric fly-eye lens arrays immediately
images, because they must be used with a polarization beam
after the light source lamp that integrated horizontal and vertical
splitter (PBS), achieving brightness in a compact body design
cylindrical lenses. This enabled a significant reduction in the total
meant sacrificing contrast. Canon thus took on the challenge of
number of individual lenses required for the system, maintaining
achieving both brightness and contrast. This led to the creation
high contrast and enhancing brightness, while reducing size and
of the unique AISYS optical system, which makes independent
cost. In addition, by adopting a lamp with superior color-rendering
use of the vertical and horizontal directions of light from the light
performance and taking the sensory characteristics of the human
source used to illuminate the LCOS panel.
eye into account during design, Canon was able to realize an even more faithful color-reproduction performance.
Following exhaustive trial and error in fundamentally reconfiguring the relationship between polarized light and optical behavior, the
The third generation of AISYS technology also marked the
first-generation AISYS independently controls light from the light
beginning of Canon's in-house development of LCOS panels. As
source when converging the vertical and horizontal directions.
a result, Canon now develops all key projector parts, including
Light converges at a larger angle in the vertical direction to enhance
AISYS, projection lenses, LCOS panels and driver ICs.
brightness, and at a smaller angle in the horizontal direction to prevent light leakage in the PBS and LCOS panel, resulting in high-
To learn how AVI-SPL and Canon can help meet your projection
contrast performance. At the same time, new color separation/
needs, please visit www.avispl.com or call 866.559.8197.
synthesis and projection lenses were developed, making possible
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AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 53
With features that include several bars, billards, special event showrooms and more, dave & buster’s interactive complex offered several unique AV challenges.
54 | AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog
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“Our objectives were simply to provide the best in sports viewing for our guests, integrated into the environment in a manner that is consistent with Dave & Buster's high quality standards and wide range of things to do.”
PROJECT FOCUS
--Mike Plunkett, Senior Vice President, Dave & Buster’s
Email sales@avispl.com for additional information
HOSPITALITY: Hospitality and entertainment venues often require that audiovisual technology is virtually invisible within the environment. AVI-SPL has worked with a number of organizations within this market, including casinos, museums, theaters, hotels and convention centers, to seamlessly integrate the necessary components while maintaining the integrity of the space.
AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 55
dave & buster's A tRUE CRoWD PLEASER
The Dave & Buster’s story grew from a tale of side-by-side
arcade games, Dave & Buster’s offers old-school entertainment at
businesses, one a restaurant and one an entertainment-focused
a high-tech level, with a well-focused theme of “Eat. Drink. Play.”
game venue. In the late ‘70s, Little Rock, Ark. business owners, Dave and Buster respectively, realized that their crowds were
Emphasis, of course, is placed on that last bit of the motto,
intermingling. And that’s where the idea for Dave & Buster’s was
complete with well-engineered AV systems that allow for fun and
born: Why not mix the entertainment of fun and games with a good
entertainment with video games. offering its patrons the latest in
eatery as well?
entertainment, exciting visual displays and top-notch audio are a must at the warehouse-sized venue. AVI-SPL’s integration of the
Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Dave &
Tempe, Ariz.-based Dave & Buster’s includes 65,000 square feet
Buster's, Inc. owns and operates a number of large-venue, high-
of playing room.
volume restaurant/entertainment complexes throughout the United States. Today, there are more than 50 Dave & Buster’s across the
Featuring a Million-Dollar Midway full of the latest technology,
country. From shooting hoops to skeeball to an array of video
showrooms for parties and special events, world-class pocket
56 | AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog
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dave & buster's offers its patrons the latest in entertainment, exciting visual displays and top-notch audio.
billiards and championship-style shuffleboard, their interactive
“our team also designed a more cost-effective method, with
complex offered several unique AV challenges.
better quality, to distribute the video signals over Cat5e cables.” A comprehensive paging and intercom system solution, combined
“Our objectives were simply to provide the best in sports viewing
with zoned audio, help to enhance the Bose sound system.
for our guests, integrated into the environment in a manner that is consistent with Dave & Buster's high quality standards and wide
Advanced integration techniques include applications of the video
range of things to do,” says Mike Plunkett, senior vice president
system for the ViewPoint Bar, billiards and executive billiards
for Dave & Buster’s.
rooms, as well as the Roof top Bar. “We were working around a unique, aesthetically-designed ceiling and height limitations in the
“this upgrade provides consistency and ease-of-use,” says
ViewPoint Bar area, using double-stacked plasma displays,” notes
Account Executive Jeremy Blanton, AVI-SPL. “Previous rooms
Blanton. “As the primary locale for sports viewing, the ViewPoint
were a mix of control systems from several different manufacturers,
Bar is now equipped with a custom ceiling-mount structure for
including both push-button and touch panel systems,” he adds.
twelve 42-inch Samsung plasmas, in addition to four of their
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AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog | 57
50-inch plasma displays. We also provided custom accent LED lighting above the bar area.”
“The advancements made in touch screens and system controls allow our managers to put
Another standout of this installation spotlights the video system
the games our guests want to see on the right
for Dave & Buster’s signature centerpiece, the Midway Bar.
displays at the right time, quickly and easily.”
Features include two Christie 3LCD XGA projectors, capable of dynamically displaying images on separate 10-foot Holo Screens
--Mike Plunkett, Senior Vice President, dave & buster’s
from Da-Lite. the technology provides advanced holographic film that displays images rear projected from 18-35 degrees. The result is a remarkably bright and clear image – even in brightly lit
In the front of the house, patrons are invited into Dave & Buster’s
environments. “this feature has been very well received,” notes
with display greeting messages, as well as meeting updates from
Plunkett. “our guests love it as they are able to keep up with a
the special events coordinator.
game from many different parts of the Midway while they continue to enjoy their favorite arcade games.”
the special event rooms are all designed for private party rentals. Whether accommodating 50 or 150, systems are designed to
Digital signage features highlight the entrances to special
meet the needs of the patrons, and assist the management and
event rooms (including two party rooms, a showroom and two
staff. While the boardrooms feature Samsung’s 1024x768 plasma
boardrooms), restrooms and the main entrance/reception area.
displays, each party room features one 10-foot projection screen,
Mounted LCD displays are integrated into custom-fit enclosures.
delivering multiple video input capabilities for its patrons.
58 | AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog
For additional information, call (866) 559-8197
Advanced integration techniques include applications of the video system for the ViewPoint bar, billiards and executive billiards rooms, as well as the Roof top bar.
newly integrated technology includes a Crestron control system with multiple touch panels. this is the heart of the system, with two locations of control (one in the main AV room, and another at the bridge). this set up gives the operator the ability to preview and select DIRECtV channels on all 10 DIRECtV receivers, as well as view the security TV system and route the Dave & Buster’s TV music video server. other hard-wired, wall-mounted touch panels or controllers are used in each of the special events rooms.
“the advancements made in touch screens and system controls allow our managers to put the games our guests want to see on the right displays at the right time, quickly and easily. It’s also a big advantage to be able to power all the sets on and off from a
CREStRon toUCH PAnELS
central location. this not only saves time, it also conserves a lot of
Whether you are displaying evidence in a courtroom or voting in a
energy,” Plunkett adds.
council chamber, crestron streamlines the technology you use to make your job easier. crestron makes monitoring and controlling
to read more project success stories, sign up for AVI-SPL's FRee t
all systems from your LAn as simple as pressing a button. For
monthly e-newsletter, sAVvy online, by visiting our website at
more information visit www.avispl.com or call (866) 559-8197.
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AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog | 59
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™
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crestron.com/digitalmedia
CRESTRON DIGITALMEDIA
Crestron DigitalMedia™ (DM) is the first 8 gigabit transport technology, carrying all digital HD and multimedia analog signals on a single copper wire or fiber strand. DM 8G has the bandwidth to transport any combination of media along with Ethernet, control and USB up to 1,000 feet via DM cable to DM receivers at the displays. DM 8G is the fastest, most reliable digital AV distribution solution available, delivering optimal performance for today’s HD systems.
CEDIABooth 1410 / SR 1
The Realities of the Analog Sunset BY Crestron
The days of relying on component video distribution systems to
their HD Sky Satellite receivers. In May of this year, the Federal
handle high-definition (HD) are truly numbered. In the world of
Communications Commission (FCC) loosened regulations and
technology, change is inevitable and exponential. We all need to
began allowing Hollywood studios to block the output of analog
be properly informed and prepared.
video signals on cable and satellite set-top boxes for new movie releases. As a result, those who own TVs with a single HDMI output
The AACS (Advanced Access Content System) is the licensing
and use it to connect their Blu-ray will have to unplug the player to
authority that defines the content protection scheme for Blu-ray,
watch a new VOD movie.
part of which is its “Analog Sunset.” Following December 31st, 2010, the AACS Analog Sunset provisions will ensure that all
This latest FCC ruling further empowers the Hollywood community.
new Blu-ray content is transmitted via HDMI with HDCP content
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has been
protection between sources and displays.
trying to “plug the analog hole” for years. To prevent piracy, HDMI with HDCP content protection is the widely-accepted industry
A New Era
standard, blocking any HD digital movie signal from traveling over
When 2011 begins, all new, licensed Blu-ray players must limit
unprotected analog outputs.
analog video outputs. All unprotected AACS content will be downconverted to the 480i resolution of standard-definition. On the last day of 2013, analog outputs will be banned on Blu-ray players. Furthermore, each Blu-ray disc will have a built-in Image Constraint Token (ICT). This will disable all disc players from transmitting HD over component. Legacy players using the component output will
“The days of relying on component video distribution
be restricted to standard-definition playback only.
systems to handle high-
Going forward, it doesn’t make sense to tell users that the only way
definition (HD) are truly
they can experience a Blu-ray movie in full HD is to watch discs produced before the ICT was embedded -- and that the only players
numbered.”
compatible with those discs must be built before December 31st, 2010. The latest laptops, computers, servers, videoconferencing
HDMI packages multiple types of digital signals and communication
systems and mobile devices are all digital. The Analog Sunset is
protocols in one data stream. This collection of data includes HDCP
just part of an avalanche of change that has already begun.
content protection, EDID resolution reporting and CEC device control, all of which must be constantly managed for a digital
As far back as April 2008, Sky (the only UK satellite TV supplier)
system to work properly. Incremental at first, problems associated
abruptly dropped the component outputs off the back of all
with this embedded data will occur more frequently over time.
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AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 61
(Figure 1)
(Figure 2)
Maybe certain Blu-ray discs won’t play in HD; then communication
to testing sources, displays, cables and other devices. The result
between players and displays will fail. Eventually entire systems
was Crestron DigitalMedia™ (DM), the only solution in the industry
will just stop working.
that is designed and proven to manage both analog and digital as well as features in the new HDMI 1.4 specification, including
Every HDMI source has a limited number of HDCP keys available
Ethernet and 3D. A flexible, scalable, and truly future proof system,
to support downstream devices, but those numbers are rarely
DM is a solution that you can rely on for many years.
specified by manufacturers or service providers. When connected to too many displays or processors, the source will simply stop
The AV industry has a responsibility to ensure that installed systems
outputting a signal (Figure 1). On older HDTVs especially, not every
will work -- not sometimes, but all the time. To that end, Crestron
HDMI port is HDCP compliant. If your source is seeking an HDCP
drew from its extensive lab work and experience gained in more
key that the display can’t provide, every connected TV will go to
than 4,500 DM installations to establish the HD Digital Transport
black (Figure 2). Turning off one Blu-ray player can trigger other
and Distribution System (HD-DTDS) specification. It clearly defines
connected devices to shut down too (Figure 3).
the critical aspects of system design and installation that must be followed to assure reliable system performance.
A New Digital Media Platform Certainly, legacy analog devices aren’t going to just go away;
Crestron offers a DM Certification program, featuring DMC-D
we are in the transition period right now. Six years ago, Crestron
(DM Certified Designer) and DMC-E (DM Certified Engineer)
anticipated the pending digital age, and recognized that the
designations. This ensures that AV professionals are fully educated
unique characteristics of digital would change the AV industry
and adhere to the HD-DTDS standard, giving clients the confidence
forever. Forty-three engineers and millions of dollars were devoted
that our industry can deliver reliable digital solutions.
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(Figure 3)
A Promising Future
Digital systems are much more difficult to troubleshoot and
It’s important to understand that there are no “band aid” digital
commission than analog. It is critical to be able to run diagnostic
solutions on the market today that can guarantee consistent
tests, such as HDCP and data rate checks. Crestron DM Tools
performance. Crestron research and testing has shown that
software enables installers to quickly view every component and
sources, devices and cables from multiple manufacturers
cable, verify signal integrity and identify any bottlenecks or points
frequently don’t work together, and that digital requires a complete
of error throughout the system (Figure 4).
ecosystem, including diagnostic software, to ensure successful implementation.
Clients are rapidly becoming educated about the benefits of DigitalMedia. Consultants are widely adopting the HD-DTDS specification and earning DMC-D certification. DMC-D and DMC-E qualifications ensure peace of mind and the Crestron guarantee of proper design, installation and optimal performance.
Author Jeffrey Singer serves as marketing communications director for Crestron.
To learn how AVI-SPL and Crestron can help meet your digital system needs, please visit www.avispl.com or call 866.559.8197.
(Figure 4)
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AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 63
Let There Be Light By Christie Digital
A quick glance at the datasheet of almost any projector will
A higher light output will support a larger image and will tolerate
typically show that the first two specifications listed are light
more ambient light.
output and contrast ratio. Of all the parameters that define the performance of a projected image, these two are widely considered
The light output from a front-screen projector is usually specified in
the most important.
lumens, the international unit of luminous flux. This number does not directly define the brightness of an on-screen image because
There’s a good reason for that – roughly 70% of our perception of
the brightness also depends on the screen’s size; for a given
a full-color image is actually due to the luminance or brightness
number of lumens, a larger screen results in a dimmer picture.
information it contains. A projector’s light output and contrast ratio both greatly affect the way that brightness information is
For digital projectors, the industry standard measurement method
conveyed and in particular the image’s impact and clarity under
currently used is defined in IEC 61947-1 from the International
conditions of less than perfect ambient illumination. But while
Electrotechnical Commission. This standard specifies that light
these specifications may seem simple, there is more to them than
readings be taken at nine points on the screen surface; precisely
meets the eye.
defined to be in the centers of nine rectangles formed by dividing the image into three points vertically and three parts horizontally
Light Output
(Figure 2). The nine readings are then averaged.
Light output is an important specification because it determines both the largest size of screen that a projector can support for a
When measured in this way, the units of light output for a frontscreen
desired image brightness and the amount of ambient light that the
projector are universally called “ANSI lumens,” named after an
image can tolerate before it is perceived as being “washed out.”
older standard from the American National Standards Institute that was superseded by IEC 61947-1 several years ago. They are not different units – a lumen is a lumen – they are simply measured in a specific way. The ANSI (now IEC) method is very commonly used, but unfortunately not by every projector manufacturer. If there is no “ANSI” qualifier on a light output number, it was most likely measured at a single point – directly in the center of the screen.
Because of the properties of projection optics the center of the image is typically its brightest point, with the light falling off toward the edges and corners. Hence, a center-only number will always be considerably higher than the ANSI number, which takes the falloff into account. Since the eye judges display brightness averaged over the screen’s surface, the ANSI number more accurately Figure 2 - Nine points for ANSI lumens
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reflects what the eye perceives.
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Contrast Ratio Contrast ratio is the second most important specification of a projector because it affects both the clarity of the image and its impact. There are actually two types of contrast ratio (CR) measurements. The first is known as sequential, full-field or “full on/off.” It is a measure of the total range of light the display can usably output – the brightness of the highest white it can produce divided by the brightness of its lowest black.
Figure 6. - Dynamic contrast
The second type of contrast ratio specification, also defined in
of a display’s light source with image content. In the case of a
the IEC standard, is known as “ANSI CR.” The intent of the ANSI
digital projector employing a high-intensity discharge lamp (Xenon
CR specification is to quantify a display’s contrast performance
or Mercury-vapor) it is realized using a motorized iris inside the
when showing a typical data image that contains a large number
projector that “throttles” down the light from the lamp before it
of bright pixels (e.g., from a computer). Scattering of light rays in
reaches the micro-display(s). See Figure 6.
the projector’s optical system will cause a small fraction of the light from those bright pixels to be diverted to other parts of the screen.
Dynamic contrast takes advantage of the fact that images don’t
Pixels that should be entirely black, for example, will become dark
always contain the full range of pixel intensities from full black to full
gray. This reduces the contrast in the image.
white. In the case of video images in particular, it is also common to have considerably more dark pixels than bright pixels in the image.
For this reason the ANSI CR measurement is usually considerably
When there are no (or few) bright pixels, a deeper black level is
lower than the full-field number for a given projector. However, it
achieved by automatically closing the iris to reduce the projector’s
is the true measure of the quality and contrast performance of the
light output. The light output is automatically increased for scenes
projector’s entire optical system.
containing more bright pixels in proportion to their number and relative brightness. When done well, dynamic contrast can yield
Dynamic Contrast
a very significant increase in the perceived contrast performance
Another contrast ratio number is now commonly quoted on
of a display for sources with changing image content, particularly
projector datasheets. Known as “dynamic contrast ratio” the
motion video.
number is typically much higher than the full-field CR (which in turn is higher than the ANSI CR).
To learn how AVI-SPL and Christie Digital can help meet your projection needs, please visit www.avispl.com or call
Simply put, dynamic contrast is a feature that varies the intensity
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866.559.8197.
AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 65
The brilliance of 3LCd BY EPSon
Since the year 2000, over 10 million projectors have been sold in
each pixel of the display are tiny liquid crystal molecules. these
the United States. The majority of these used 3LCD technology.
molecules work together to act like a window blind: white is
How do 3LCD projectors work, and what are the primary
achieved when the blind is opened and light can pass through.
advantages over the competition? LCD projectors, like their direct
Black is achieved when the blind is closed to limit light passing
view LCD counterparts in televisions and monitors, use liquid
through. gradations of color are created when the blind is tilted
crystal technology to create the image on the screen. Unlike LCD
anywhere between open and closed.
televisions, LCD projectors use three separate, tiny liquid crystal displays, hence the name 3LCD.
the three monochrome images are combined using a prism to form the displayed image consisting of millions of amazing colors. The vibrant, colorful image passes through a lens and is projected onto a screen.
Technology comparison to understand the advantages of 3LCD, it helps to review how competing projectors work. The primary competition to 3LCD uses a single-imaging chip, utilizing many tiny mirrors to form the image.
the heart of most single-chip systems is the color wheel. the color wheel is a mechanical device that spins very fast, as high as 10,000 rpm, and breaks the white light coming from the lamp into short bursts of RgB. other colors include white, cyan, magenta and yellow. What’s created from the single-chip projector is actually a Above is a diagram of a 3LCD projector. Special optics split the white
rapidly-displayed, sequential series of images in different colors.
light from the lamp into three beams: red, green and blue (RgB),
Your brain assembles this into a composite image.
the primary colors of light. these beams are directed towards the dedicated LCD chips, which then create a monochrome image for
Each pie-shaped segment of the
each of the primary colors.
color wheel allows only one color of light to pass through to the
bringing it all together
imaging chip at a time. the rest
Just how do these small LCD chips create the image? Within
of the colors are reflected back
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towards the lamp, and lost within the system. For example, when
about the brightness of color. CLO measures the light output at
the red segment is in front of the lamp, only red light is allowed
the screen. Instead of just measuring white light, this new metric
through at that instant, and all of the green and blue light is rejected
also calls RGB measurements. Projector buyers can then make
by the color wheel. This is an inefficient use of that lamp light.
better purchasing decisions by providing information about color brightness, not just white light.
The inefficient color wheel forces single-chip manufacturers to make certain trade-offs in their color wheel designs. For example,
Another way single-chip makers get around the inefficiency of the
a color wheel with just RGB will create the best colors possible
color wheel is to use higher wattage lamps. Higher wattage lamps
within a single-chip system. However, it will also create very low
translate to more energy consumed. As noted in Peter Putnam’s
brightness. With this, many home
“3LCD: Projection Technology for
theater single-chip projectors have
the 21st
good color, but are stuck at about
“A new metric, called Color
1,000 lumens. In order to create the 2,000 or more lumens required
Century” whitepaper,
it was shown that on average 3LCD projectors used 25% less
Light Output (CLO), will give
by educators and business buyers,
power than single-chip systems. That difference translates into real
buyers critical information
single-chip makers will typically add a white segment to the color wheel.
electricity costs, especially when you multiply these energy costs
about the brightness of color.” A white segment is a portion of the
across
multiple
classrooms
or
conference rooms.
color wheel that is clear and allows the light to pour through the system. When the white segment is in
3LCD projectors have been around for more than 20 years. Over
front of the lamp, white light floods the screen. This allows single-
that time, 3LCD makers have shipped over 60 million chips. Next
chip makers to specify high-lumens ratings (lumens or brightness
time you are selling a projector, look for the 3LCD logo; with 3LCD
is just a measurement of white light). However, adding a white
your customer is buying an energy efficient projector with a rich,
segment actually reduces color performance.
bright, colorful image.
Since 3LCD projectors use three imaging devices instead of one,
Author Michael Cho (CTS) serves as a project engineer for Epson.
and because 3LCD doesn’t use a Color Wheel, 3LCD projectors are famous for bright, rich colorful images. A new metric, called
To learn how AVI-SPL and Epson can help meet your projection
Color Light Output (CLO), will give buyers critical information
needs, please visit www.avispl.com or call 866.559.8197.
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AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 67
With seating for nearly 2,800, First baptist oviedo’s main sanctuary combines high-resolution projection, advanced audio capabilities and complex lighting effects for a dynamic worship experience.
68 | AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog
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“We wanted to enhance the overall worship experience by bringing an exceptional clarity of sound for both music and the spoken word, and upgrade the video and lighting experiences for the congregation.�
PROJECT FOCUS
--Joe Allen, Technology Committee Chairman, First Baptist Oviedo
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HOuse of worship: Many churches, synagogues and other houses of worship are making use of rich AV technology to automate functions such as multimedia presentations and display, audio and lighting. Because of AVI-SPL's specialized knowledge in this market, we have the ability to design and install the components needed to create dynamic, effective communications to reach your audience.
AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 69
first baptist Oviedo SIgnALIng tHE SIgHtS AnD SoUnDS oF PRogRESS
Led by Pastor Dwayne Mercer, the members of First Baptist oviedo
chairman of the church’s technology committee. In addition, we
(Fla.) take a fresh approach to community outreach. Founded in
needed user-friendly technology that could easily be operated by
1870, this “mega church” today serves nearly 4,000 members.
a large volunteer staff, and also fit into our budget.”
they’ve steadily increased their appeal with a traditional choir and orchestra, complimented by a contemporary rock band that’s
Featuring seating for nearly 2,800, the main sanctuary is a large
popular for drawing in the under-50 crowd.
capacity area that requires a pitch-perfect sound system. “With designs from Waveguide Consulting in Atlanta, one of the primary
to match their progressive use of technology for communications,
functions of the AV systems in this facility is to support First
church leaders recently began to explore ways in which they
Baptist’s live services on Sunday morning,” says Senior Design
could make an even greater impact. “We wanted to enhance the
Engineer Ed Sullivan, AVI-SPL. “this includes sound reinforcement
overall worship experience by bringing an exceptional clarity of
for the 150-person choir and 35-piece traditional orchestra at
sound for both music and the spoken word, and upgrade the video
9:30 a.m., as well as the contemporary band at 11 a.m. three live
and lighting experiences for the congregation,” says Joe Allen,
cameras and two graphics computers easily display close-ups of
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to provide audio sources throughout, the main sanctuary’s installation area features more than 20 input panels, including floor boxes and wall plates.
the pastor and the soloists, as well as lyrics and other information
cable for floor monitors. As an additional benefit, the setup allows
important to the services.”
for the adaptability of the fiber optic networking behind Sony’s nIPRoS system, with custom SMPtE 311 to opticalCon cables
Video systems are used primarily for video playback, IMAg (image
(manufactured by Joseph Electronics in Chicago).
magnification) and presentation support. geared towards the main sanctuary’s needs, rear projection rooms include dual Christie
By using fiber studio cabling, the church gains the benefits of
M-series 10,000 lumen projectors with customized screens (13
high-definition production quality - at an affordable price. “this
feet by 23 feet) from Stewart Filmscreen.
technology is something we’re starting to see more of, but is still somewhat unique in the market,” notes Sullivan.
to provide audio sources throughout, the main sanctuary’s installation area features more than 20 input panels, including floor
Acoustic innovations also advance the dynamics of the
boxes and wall plates. Most include microphone inputs, audio
production, lighting and sound booths. Challenges with integrating
and video tie lines, intercom, in-ear monitor feeds and speaker
this environment largely lay in incorporating all the necessary
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AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog | 71
equipment, from mixing consoles to racks and seating, into a very limited amount of space.
For the needs of the church, including live streaming and the distribution of pre-recorded sermons, key equipment in the sound
“The church’s switch-over from traditional
booth includes a DigiDesign digital mixing console and wireless
orchestra to contemporary band must
rack (16 channels with antenna distribution), a wireless router for
happen in less than 30 minutes (sometimes
Crestron control and an intercom remote station.
10 minutes), so a digital console with scene
the Digidesign Venue console allows the audio to be routed
recall was a must.”
through software and provides digital audio transfer to both the
--Ed Sullivan, Senior design Engineer, AVI-SPL
production audio console and the interface, compatible with a Pro-tools-equipped computer. “the church’s switch-over from traditional orchestra to contemporary band must happen in less than 30 minutes (sometimes 10 minutes), so a digital console with
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scene recall was a must,” notes Sullivan. “In addition, the console
and intercoms, and a custom horn-loaded loudspeaker system –
allows the operator to easily record the audio from any live services
proven for their high output and low distortion performance. “For
and smoothly transfer it to the production facility.”
this particular aspect of the installation, the speaker rigging was completed by Rod Hargraves and crew from RPM in Atlanta,” says
In addition, the lighting/image booth contains a user-friendly and
Sullivan.
fully-functional lighting console from EtC, HD-SDI video switcher, DVD, Blu-ray and PC playback, and an intercom remote station.
“the overall response from the congregation has been wonderful,
“Sony’s PMW-EX3 camcorders are supplemented by the Sony
and the staff is extremely pleased with the final product,” says Allen.
nIPRoS studio package, which allows the HD-SDI video to be
“When our first concert with a major Christian artist, David Phelps,
transmitted over fiber optic cables,” Sullivan adds.
was held, the audio and video systems delivered a beautiful sound and crystal clear video for IMAg viewing.”
For
added
convenience,
two
rehearsal
rooms
feature
interconnected systems with video projection and AV feeds from
to read more project success stories, sign up for AVI-SPL's FRee t
the main production room. to support productions from top to
monthly e-newsletter, sAVvy online, by visiting our website at
bottom, the catwalk features additional AV input plates with tie lines
www.avispl.com.
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AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog | 73
Cable Management Tips for Optimal Performance BY Middle Atlantic
Today’s electronic systems wiring includes voice, data, video,
The installation of cabling systems during building construction
audio, security and control. The facilities and wiring systems must
or renovation is significantly less expensive and less disruptive
be planned in an integrated manner because all of these different
than after the building is occupied. The small cost associated with
wires make their way into racks of equipment. Managing these
running extra wires for future expansion will save money down the
cables creates some interesting challenges, as wire bend radius
road. According to the NEC (National Electrical Code), abandoned
and fastening must meet industry standards. With video going over
cables must be removed or tagged “For Future Use.”
twisted pair and digital audio transmitted through CAT-5e / CAT-6, it’s important for technology managers and AV integrators to be
Areas of Cable Management
familiar with the associated standards. Additionally, more devices
Issues related to cable management in commercial spaces can be
are being controlled and monitored via Ethernet nodes.
broken down into these five distinct areas: 1. Horizontal cabling runs from each workstation outlet to the
The TIA/EIA (Telecommunications Industries Association &
telecommunication closet.
Electronic Industries Alliance) building telecommunication wiring
2. Backbone cabling runs up through the floors of the building
standards are used to ensure optimal performance. These
(risers) or across a campus and provides the interconnection
standards provide guidelines that reduce long-term building
for equipment rooms and telecommunication closets.
operation costs, lead to better infrastructure and are adaptable to
3. Telecommunications rooms contain the connection equipment
changes.
for workstations in the immediate area and a cross-connection to an equipment room.
Major standards include: • TIA/EIA-568A is for commercial buildings cabling, and
4. Equipment rooms provide a termination point for backbone
cabling that is connected to one or more telecommunication
specifies a generic cabling system that will support a
closets. The design aspects of the equipment room are
multi-product, multi-vendor environment. Anybody working
specified in the EIA/TIA 569 standard. Equipment rooms
with these wiring systems in commercial installations should
usually house equipment of higher complexity than
obtain and adhere to the procedures set forth.
telecommunication closets.
• TIA/EIA-569 relates to commercial building standards for
5. Equipment racks in IDF closets or rooms house the individual
telecommunication pathways and spaces.
pieces of electronic equipment.
• TIA/EIA-570 covers residential and light commercial wiring standards.
Cable Damage
*These important documents can be ordered at global.ihs.com.
Most types of cabling are generally rugged, durable and will last
74 | AVI-SPL Concept Catalog
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many years. However, longevity can be significantly reduced and signal transmission severely compromised under certain types of conditions. Often, these conditions are difficult to recognize unless you know what to look for.
Cable twists: Even a slight twist can be enough to stretch the jacket and conductors to the point where signal transmission is
“It’s important for technology managers and AV integrators to be familiar with the associated standards.”
affected.
Staples: Staple guns should never be used
Pull force: More than 25 pounds of pull-force on a cable can
to secure cables. An obvious flattening of
stretch or break conductors.
the jacket indicates likely damage. Note: All twisted pair cable is manufactured as “loose-fill," meaning Cable ties: Over-tight cable ties can be
there has to be a slight air space inside the sheathing. This reduces
identified by a flattening of the jacket,
mutual capacitance, which reduces data packet error rates. NEXT
and can cause increased data errors.
loss (near-end crosstalk) is also a problem, and is eliminated with
Also, when cable ties are placed at even
proper terminating procedures. The twist in a pair must remain
increments in a high definition installation
right up to the connector; too often people un-twist the cable for
using coax, it can cause standing waves, degrading or distorting
an inch to aid in termination, and that violates the standards.
signal transmission. NEXT is tested and measured with a swept frequency through a Small bend radii: A bend radius that’s too
“disturbing pair.” Optical fiber cabling standards are increasingly
small can stretch the jacket and conductors.
becoming a factor as more and more data are passed through fiber
The minimum bend radius depends on
in buildings and racks.
the cable type (and may also vary by manufacturer), and is usually specified as a multiple of the cable’s
To learn how AVI-SPL and Middle Atlantic can help meet your
outer dimension diameter (O.D.). For CAT-5e, it’s usually between
cable management needs, please visit www.avispl.com or call
eight and ten times the O.D.
866.559.8197.
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AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 75
qMOd Integration and display Control BY ContEMPoRARY RESEARCH
In today’s technologically-advanced environment, designers tend
Center (San Antonio Spurs), Safeco Field (Seattle Mariners) as well
to think IP and Cat5 cable when they want to extend high-definition
as many schools, corporate campuses and worship centers. It’s
(HD) video. Contemporary Research’s QMoD© HDtV technology
a control architecture that’s easy to design, integrate, program,
adds a third pathway for HD transmission – RF broadband.
maintain and extend, and is far simpler than conventional control
now that the cost for generating HDtV channels has become
systems.
reasonable, integrators are finding new applications for delivering digital signage and HD media using a low-cost pathway: new or
Inserting qMOd Channels
existing RF cable systems.
When integrators think control, they usually think Ethernet or proprietary system control networks. However, the same RF cable that carries HD channels can carry control signals as well. It’s new to AV integrators – but isn't a new concept. How do content
An RF cable system can carry up to 135 channels, each “stacked”
providers like DIRECtV, Dish network and cable providers control
above one another and separated by frequency, just like radio
what channels you can access and when you can download new
channels. the difference is that in radio, the display shows the
software? over the RF – and yes, satellite channel delivery is RF
actual frequency, such as 91.5 MHz, while a tV receiver shows
broadband as well, just in a different format than digital cable.
channel number 6, not 83.25 MHz.
For more than 10 years, Contemporary Research has been
Each channel, either analog or digital, is 6 MHz wide. In QMoD
controlling tV and displays over RF in large venues such as the
applications, you can swap channels, such as removing cable channel
Louisiana Superdome, Wachovia Center (Philadelphia 76ers), AT&T
6, then inserting a new channel 6 driven by the QMoD modulator.
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The channels’ HQ can economically broadcast the live feed from
Unlike typical control programming, our protocol is generic and
the studio throughout the facility’s RF system. Executives and
reusable – power on is power on, channel is always channel – the
staffers alike can now tune into the broadcast at any time, from
smart controllers at the displays have the model-specific codes
anywhere in the building. Many people are changing to LCD PC
inside. Another difference from typical systems is that each
displays with tuners so they can listen at their desks.
controller can respond to a command addressed to an individual, group, or all units, simplifying programming and network traffic.
Inserting a Display Express Control Channel Inserting control uses the same principle. In Contemporary
Taking Control
Research’s Display Express systems, control channel is inserted
At each display, a small
in a natural gap between channels 4 and 5 (illustrated above). This
controller picks off the
gap exists in all types of cable systems. This is combined with
control
other cable and QMOD channels at the RF Head End.
sends the rest to the
channel,
and
display’s tuner. Available in RS-232 and IR control formats, each The ICC-HE or ICE-HE Head End is a component that receives RS-
unit has the unique codes and “personality” stored inside. IR
232 or IP Telnet commands and translates them to a modulated
control types can be switched from the central control software,
data channel. As the channel is combined and amplified with all
and RS-232 controllers can be updated for different codes over
the other channels, the signal is available instantly to all displays in
the RF. Installation is a matter of 1) setting the controller address;
the system from a few to thousands of sets.
2) checking the flashing LED that confirms control communication; 3) connecting to the display; and 4) moving on.
Originating Control Commands Often integrators use our Display Express software, which uses
Emergence and Convergence
Web-based pages to define the system, set up control presets
The emergence of low-cost QMOD HDTV origination is opening
activated by clicking Web buttons or scheduling.
new markets and opportunities. This comes at a good time, as cable companies aggressively begin to scramble formerly “open” channels. Corporations prefer to originate their own in-house channels from a variety of sources, rather than lock themselves into exclusive cable contracts and cable boxes at every display. At the same time, digital signage and display control are converging into the same RF distribution matrix, lowering distribution and management costs.
To learn how AVI-SPL and Contemporary Research can help meet your HD needs, please visit www.avispl.com or call 866.559.8197.
Email sales@avispl.com for additional information
AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 77
the potential of the product. they’re now touted as one of the most capable and modular high SPL sound reinforcement loudspeaker systems available.
The driver the VQ products utilize a unique driver technology to radiate a coherent single point source for superior dispersion control when coupled to our single horn. this advanced design aligns the acoustical centers of the transducers, providing a single coherent wavefront.
the driver uses two concentric annular ring diaphragms. the
A Superior Performance of Sound
larger of the two has a 3.5” voice coil and reproduces frequencies
BY tAnnoY
The horn
from 400Hz to 7 kHz. Another major advantage is that there is no crossover anywhere near the vocal region, ensuring the most natural and phase coherent reproduction at this critical area. the 2-inch HF diaphragm takes over at 7kHz to 22kHz by way of a passive or an active crossover. the external casting features extensive heat-sinking ensuring good heat transfer for high power handling and very low power compression.
the use of a dual concentric compression driver results in a wavefront at the throat of the horn being perfectly coherent across tannoy’s VQ Series is a range of revolutionary loudspeakers
its frequency range. The MF/HF transducer loads into a large and
designed for any application where precise directional control,
proprietary-designed common horn. there is a huge advantage in
outstanding sonic performance, and high sound pressure levels
comparison to acoustic sources used with horns, which consists of
(SPLs) are critical issues. this includes large corporate AV systems,
an HF compression driver and a separate midrange compression
stadiums, large dance clubs, live concert halls, theatres, houses of
driver, each with its own horn.
worship and open-air venues. Invariably there is interference between the midrange and high Utilizing precision engineering and design, the VQ series can
frequency at the crossover. this results in uneven off-axis
produce enough power and clarity to be used individually,
performance, even if the HF horn is mounted in front of the MF
maintaining your building's aesthetics, unlike line array solutions.
horn. this artefact is compounded even further if the sources are
Several new devices have been added to the series, maximizing
displaced on the front baffle – no exceptions.
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“Vq’s very high sensitivity ensures exceptional SPL levels can be achieved with a very modest amount of amplifier power.”
achievable by using medium-density fiberboard (MDF) instead of
VNET™ Active, dSP, Networked.
fabricating in fiberglass. this was due to the inert nature of the
Each VQ nEt loudspeaker is
structure providing rigidity. the particular nature of the material is
fully VnEt™ compliant and is
also acoustically absorbent and not susceptible to resonance.
fully calibrated at the factory,
We found that superior sonic performance of the horn was
avoiding the need to input the
Efficiency. Power. Clarity.
correct speaker management
VQ’s very high sensitivity ensures exceptional SPL levels can be
settings or dynamics at the
achieved with a very modest amount of amplifier power. As a
point of install. this frees the
benchmark example, a single VQ 60 enclosure will produce 115dB
installer
for 1 watt; and a sustained 138dB (144dB peak) for only 200 watts
on
of amplifier power - with a tightly controlled 60 degree dispersion
optimization.
room
to
concentrate
measurement
instead and
system
pattern above 800Hz. these factors help to deliver exceptionally even coverage and excellent clarity.
VnEt™ supports free network topology so that the loudspeakers can be arranged in a daisy chain, linked in a star configuration or in
Features include:
any combination of both. Implementation of the network between
• Patented Point Source Waveguide (PSW™) for perfect time
nodes is via high-quality rugged neutrik Ethercon connectors,
alignment and phase coherence
which are compatible with standard RJ45 plugs, and Cat5 cable.
• Exceptional transient response
Each speaker has a unique address for auto-location on the
• Compact dimensions
network. System commissioning and ongoing network control,
• Class-leading directivity characteristics
incorporating real time diagnostics of electronics and drive unit,
• Extremely high sensitivity, for high SPL’s with a very modest
are all managed by the exclusive VnEt™ software package.
amount of amplifier power • Highly efficient, low power requirement
to learn how AVI-SPL and t t tannoy can help meet your audio
• Modular enclosure design
needs, please visit www.avispl.com or call 866.559.8197.
• Available in passive and VNET (powered, DSP, networkable) versions • Weatherproof/weather resistant versions available
Email sales@avispl.com for additional information
AVI-SPL ConCEPt CAtALog | 79
AVI-SPL is proud to offer our clients a wide range of resources, including an ability to work with more than 700 of the AV industry’s leading manufacturers.
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“The core value of AVI-SPL lies in the depth of our expertise, which includes a genuine passion for working with the industry's most advanced collaboration technologies.�
MARKETPLACE
--Martin Schaffel, Executive Chairman of AVI-SPL
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Top-Quality Manufacturers: By executing extensively customized service, our commitment to the client culminates in communication systems that completely integrate into the environment, are easy to use and truly fit their application needs. For this, we depend on today's leading manufacturers of video, collaboration, presentation and AV technologies.
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HOW DO YOU GO FROM A BILLION TO A TRILLION COLORS?
JUST ADD
YELLOW!
Sharp once again establishes its leadership in LED LCD TVs with its ground-breaking Quattron FourColor Technology. Conventional LCD TVs use three colors; red, green and blue in their pixel structure. For the very first time, Quattron Four-Color Technology adds yellow to the mix, enabling more than a trillion colors to be displayed. This RGBY color combination introduces colors never before seen on LCD TV, like sparkling golds, Caribbean blues and sunflower yellows. Sharp is redefining the way we see LED LCD TV. You have to see it to see it.
Sharp and AQUOS are registered trademarks of Sharp Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Screen images are simulated. ©2010 Sharp Electronics Corporation.
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AVI-SPL Pa r tial manufacturers L IS T AVI-SPL steadfastly nurtures our partnerships with the industry’s top manufacturers. This allows us to offer our clients the best in state-of-the-art technology and collaborative communications. With a winning combination of more than 700 manufacturer partnerships and our professional team of experts, AVI-SPL consistently strives towards excellence for our clients.
NEC
3M Accordent Technologies Allen & Heath Altinex AMX Anchor Ashley Atlas Sound Audio Technica Audix Avistar Avocent Barco Belden BenQ Beyerdynamic Biamp Bogen Communications Bogen Photo Bosch Communications Bose Bretford Califone Canon Casio Chief Christie Digital Cisco ClearOne Communications Specialties Comprehensive Contemporary Research Copernicus Educational Products Crest Audio Crestron Crown Cyviz
D&M Professional Da-Lite Digital Projection Display Devices Draper Dukane EAW Egan Eiki Elmo Epson Evertz Exact Furniture Extron FourWinds Interactive FrontRow FSR Furman Gator Cases GlowPoint Grass Valley Hitachi InFocus Innovox Interactive Mounts Interlink Electronics ISP Technologies JBL Jelco Jupiter JVC Kramer KSI Lab.Gruppen Lectrosonics LG Electronics Liberty AV Solutions
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LifeSize Communications Link Electronics Lutron Luxor Mackie Magenta Research Marshall Furniture Martin Audio Masergy MediaTech Meyer Sound Middle Atlantic Miller’s Millworks Mitsubishi Navitar NEC Technologies Optoma Panasonic Peavey Peerless Industries Planar Polycom Polyvision Premier Mounts Projection Design Radio Design Labs Radvision Rane Raxxess Revolabs RGB Spectrum Sabine Sam Ash Samson Samsung Samsung Opto-Electronics Sanyo
SchoolView Technologies Sennheiser Sharp Shure SKB Cases SMART Technologies Sony Sound Control Soundcraft SpeakerCraft Stewart Audio Stewart Screens Tandberg, now part Cisco Tannoy TC Electronics TecNec Telepresence Tech TOA Vaddio VBrick Vgo Vicon Video Furniture International Viewcast ViewSonic Viking Cases Visix Vivitek West Penn Whirlwind Williams Sound Winsted WolfVision Xantech AVI-SPL Concept Catalog | 93
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