Systems Integration Asia December 2013 - January 2014

Vol. 13 Issue 2 ~ December 2013 - January 2014

AUDIO • VISUAL • LIGHT • CONTROL SYSTEMS MICA (P) 034/04/2013 PPS 1669/08/2013 (022992)

Shanghai’s New Weather Facility Gets World’s Most Sophisticated Video Distribution System • InfoComm MEA 2013 Review

• Snapshot of Hong Kong AV industry

w w w . s y s t e m s i n t e g r a t i o n a s i a . c o m

Vol. 13 Issue 2 ~ December 2013 - January 2014

AUDIO • VISUAL • LIGHT • CONTROL SYSTEMS MICA (P) 034/04/2013 PPS 1669/08/2013 (022992)

Shanghai’s New Weather Facility Gets World’s Most Sophisticated Video Distribution System • InfoComm MEA 2013 Review

• Snapshot of Hong Kong AV industry

w w w . s y s t e m s i n t e g r a t i o n a s i a . c o m

Christie Creates A 360-degree Immersive Simulation Training Environment For The Mining Industry

ChristieÂŽ has created an immersive simulation training environment for the Mines Rescue Service in the 360-degree theatre of the Newcastle Mines Rescue Station.

Mines Rescue’s Newcastle center incorporated the most advanced real world Virtual Reality (VR) facilities available, using state of the art VR Platforms comprising Domes, Curved Screen and 360-degree 3D Theatre.

The 360-degree theater aims to provide the best possible mine environment imagery which will fully immerse espond to real hazards in a safe and controlled environment before actually encountering them in the workplace.

When you are the leader in visual projection, you have the solutions to meet the most challenging setting.

From the smallest of meeting rooms to the most sophisticated virtual reality and simulation systems, Christie delivers the right visual solutions backed by the best in customer service.

possible and seemingly impossible location and application need.

CONTENTS

Vol. 13 Issue 2 ~ December 2013 – January 2014

90

104 04 FIRST WORDS 06 NEWS 28 SOLUTIONS UPDATE EXHIBITION PREVIEW 40 ISE 2013 TECH TALK 42 A new dawn for DSP 46 It won’t bite...IT’S JUST LIGHT 50 Digital Cooking Game 2.0 INDIA & MIDDLE EAST COLUMN 53 News Consultant’s Say 62 Infusing a new ‘Tattva’ to AV Industry

Installations 64 Mall of Emirates goes shopping for a Videowall 65 Kuwait National Assembly selects Arthur Holm Desktops 66 Televic ‘Conference’ at BPS Medical College 68 Bosch systems at the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry 69 QSC Loudspeakers scale new heights in Lebanon FEATURES 70 Coming to grasp with Outdoor LED Displays 72 Hong Kong: From Analog to Digital, Trials & Tribulations 76 Digital Matrix Switchers EXHIBITION REVIEW 77 IFMEA 2013

77

INSTALLATIONS 84 Jupiter Systems at Shanghai’s new Weather Facility 88 Setia City Convention Centre features flexible audio system 90 Suntec Singapore screen mesmerises the public 93 Grace SCC Church upgrades its AV system 96 AMX at the Melton Library and Learning Hub 99 VEGA integrates at V City Hongkong VOICE BOX 103 Chris Yang on COMM-TEC’s venture into Asia 104 Mitsubishi to focus on Control Room expertise

04

FIRST WORDS Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

COVER: Shanghai’s New Weather Facility OUR TEAM PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Thomas Richard Prakasam thomas@spinworkz.com INDIA AND MIDDLE EAST EDITOR Ram Bhavanashi ram@spinworkz.com WRITERS Rosalind Tan rosalind@spinworkz.com Elissa Nadine elissa@spinworkz.com DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Jimmy Chin jimmy@spinworkz.com ADMIN & CIRCULATION Eileen Tan admin@spinworkz.com Media Rep in North America Broadcast Media International Michael Mitchell Tel: +1 631 673 0072 mjmitchell@broadcast-media.tv PRINTED BY Stamford Press Pte Ltd PUBLISHED BY Spinworkz Pte Ltd 51 Bukit Batok Crescent #06-10 Unity Centre Singapore 658077 Tel: (65) 6316 2716 Fax: (65) 63162715 www.spinworkz.com Disclaimer Systems Integration Asia is published 6 times a year. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine is to be reproduced, whether mechanical or electronic without the prior written consent of the publisher. Views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the publisher. Unsolicited contributions are welcome but the editor reserves the discretion to use them. Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy and honesty in both editorial and advertising content at press time, the publisher will not be liable for any inaccuracies.

Singapore has been in a productivity drive but unfortunately surveys conducted seem to indicate that the country as a whole is still some way away from achieving its target. One key component of the productivity drive is for workers and companies to embrace technology that would allow them to work smarter and more effectively.

It is not surprising that AV technology is one of those technologies that is an enabler of productivity. Specifically video conferencing. Thanks to smartphones and tablets, video conferencing has become easier and more convenient to be implemented.

Users can now click on an app on their smartphone or a Web link to make or join in a video call. According to Cisco there has been an increase in companies in Singapore adopting video conferencing.

Adding to this aspect, AV manufacturers are also coming on board strongly into the presentation segment. With tools to allow for meeting attendees to bring their own device and hook up instantly to join in or to present, it is expected to play an important role within meeting and training rooms and improve productivity as well.

The opportunities for the AV industry to market itself as a productivity enhancer is without doubt a feather in its cap.

Staying with Singapore, there has also been much consternation about the manpower crunch faced by the country, as it tightens its flow of foreign labour.

Interestingly a recent report from the local newspaper, The Straits Times, has highlighted how some companies are turning to AV technology to combat the manpower crunch. A pharmacy outlet has been equipped with touchscreens and tablets to help patrons locate products and find out about promotions without the need to consult sales staff. In another example, Home-Fix, a Do-it-yourself chain has also invested in interactive displays to provide product information which helps reduce the reliance on sales assistants. At a recent Panasonic event, The Interaction Company in Singapore spoke on how they used a display, camera and a software to enable customers to “try on” different clothes and see if they liked what they saw on the display. It was impressive. This would enable sales staff to use their time more effectively.

Though the above examples are from Singapore, they are universal issues and it is energising that AV solutions continue to play an important role in our fast changing world.

This being our last issue for the year, the team at SI Asia would like to take the opportunity to thank each and everyone for their continued engagement with us and we wish all of you a memorable year end and a fruitful 2014.

Thomas Richard Prakasam Publisher/Editorial Director

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

AMX to play integral role at upcoming Singapore Sports Hub • The existing 13,000-capacity Singapore Indoor Stadium.

AMX has been awarded a bulk of the AV solutions integration to enable users to be connected with converged technologies. AMX will be providing solutions relating to Digital Signage, Information Kiosk, IPTV and Control, which will see their Vision2 video management and distribution system, Inspired Signage players, Enova digital media switcher and Modera X series touch-panels featuring prominently throughout the Sports Hub. Forming the backbone for the asset management will be the AMX RMS Enterprise solution.

Artist impression of the Singapore Sports Hub

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Sports Hub is the largest Public-Private Partnership in Singapore's history with SportsHub Pte Ltd tasked with financing, building, operating and maintaining the Sports Hub for the next 25 years. SportsHub Pte Ltd is made up of four equity partners, including construction giant Dragages, facility maintenance specialist DTZ, investment partner InfraRed, and venue management firm, Global Spectrum.

The Sports Hub which is currently under construction will be a fully integrated sports, entertainment and lifestyle hub, that is scheduled to have its soft opening within the first half of next year.

• A 3,000-capacity OCBC Arena which will be scalable, modular and flexible in layout; • A Water Sports Centre to enhance sports offerings in the Kallang Basin; • 41,000 sq m of commercial space for leisure, shopping and dining activities; • A Sports Information and Resource Centre (SIRC), comprising of the Sports Hub Library and Singapore Sports Museum; • Sports Promenade and Sports and Lifestyle Facilities and

“We are excited and pleased to be involved in this prestigious project. Our products enable us to provide a unified and integrated solution to the Sports Hub thus ensuring ease of operations and manageability for the end-user.

Furthermore, this project is a statement of IT’s convergence with AV, which is a forte for AMX. No other company in this industry could have undertaken a full integration of this magnitude,” said a pleased Robin Enlund, Managing Director, AMX Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. www.amx.com

Located on a 35ha site in Kallang, the Sports Hub will include the following facilities: • A new 55,000-capacity National Stadium with a retractable roof and comfort cooling for spectators; • A 3,000-capacity OCBC Aquatic Centre complete with leisure facilities, expandable to 6,000-capacity for specific events that meets world tournament standards; Artist impression of a VIP box which will feature AMX control panels

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NEWS SSystems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Supernova Infinity at China State Grid Operation Centre the powerful lighting at the top of monitor control room would have made it impossible for a conventional screen to have presented clear and colourful images.

Furthermore, the distance between the two screens in the monitor centre is 15 The 2 x 4 120” 16:9 Supernova Infinity modular optical screen at metres — and compared the China State Grid Operation Centre with the strong lighting displayed by LED screens, dnp screens CHINA: Wincomn Technology, dnp’s present a softer light, making it suitable partner in China, has completed the for users viewing the screen from close State Grid Operation Monitoring distance in the centre of the hall.

(Control) Center reconstruction project.

Both sides of the projection screens comprise dnp Supernova Infinity modular The final advantage was the modularity of the system. Due to the constraints of optical screens, designed in 2 x 4 120 the building entrance and transportation inch 16:9 screen configurations. to site, a single large hard screen was not an option. Instead, the Supernova Infinity The customer chose the dnp Supernova Infinity Screen for three reasons. Firstly,

Screen provides a perfect solution and a seamless viewing experience.

Screen images of incredible size can be constructed from screen units from the Supernova family. The unique aluminium frame structure transforms the revolutionary Supernova Screen into a building block for creating large-scale displays in whatever size is required, as an alternative to dnp rear projection solutions.

The State Grid has cooperated with Wincomn Technology many times in the past, based on the trust they have been able to invest in Wincomn’s high-end solutions and professional technical ability. Once again State Grid’s faith has been repaid with this latest project. www.wincomn.com.cn www.dnp-screens.com

Kramer holds seminar on Digital Technology THAILAND: Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd held a very successful seminar on Digital Technology in Bangkok on 15 October. Neta Lempert, Vice President of Digital Business Development from Kramer Electronics, took this opportunity during the seminar to share about several AV topics including ‘4K Resolution’ and ‘Bring your own device’. Kramer is at the forefront of these solutions and technologies and the participants were able to gain valuable insights on AV trends and a stronger glimpse of the future changes in the AV industry.

This event was very well received with some 60 participants from various AV SI partners, consultants, as well as end users and representatives from universities and Government agencies.

This reflects the strong demand for first hand knowledge and information on

Delegates at Kramer's Digital Technology seminar in Bangkok

advance AV Technology in the Thailand market. It was indeed a great benefit of having a technical guru from Kramer Headquarters to share and answer many of the doubts and queries from the participants during the Q&A session.

With this visit to Thailand, Mr Lempert kick starts a list of target events taking place next year, which aims to strengthen the support to the Thai counterparts.

Among the events include Digitalist Training, a Kramer initiated program, which aims to enhance their partners on the latest in Digital Technology.

Through this seminar, Kramer was able to witness for itself, the rapid growth and development of the Pro AV market in Thailand, and is deeply humbled to be given this opportunity to play a significant role in shaping and leading the industry. With recent successful and well received events such as this, Kramer looks forward to bringing more of these sharing events around the region to their partners and customers. www.kramerasia.com

10

NEWS SSystems Integration Asia December - January 2014

REACH Recording & Streaming System witnesses Russian Prime Minister's Speech at USTC

live transmitted without any interruption and delay, thus earning high praise from the audience and USTC teachers and students on the site.

CHINA: On October 23, 2013, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev delivered a speech at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and interacted with USTC students.

REACH recording and streaming system witnessed the historic moments and recorded this 1-hour speech.

During the speech and interaction, the REACH recording and streaming system recorded the site scene in the main lecture hall and live streamed to seven classrooms simultaneously in real-time for Chinese and foreign reporters, as well as the USTC teachers and students.

The whole process was recorded and

This is another example of REACH's lecture capture solution. REACH’s recording & streaming system has been widely used in the fields of education, conferencing, training, medical services, etc. As of the end of 2012, REACH products have been successfully sold in over 60 countries and regions. www.szreach.com

Analog Way’s LiveCoreTM series now easily controllable by Crestron control systems Analog Way's LiveCore series solutions

INTERNATIONAL: Analog Way has announced that all models of the LiveCore™ series, its range of Premium AV Switchers, can now be controlled by 2-series and 3-series Control Systems from Crestron Electronics.

To facilitate the ease of integration of the NeXtage 16, SmartMatriX Ultra, Ascender 32 and Ascender 48 in high-end installations, Analog Way now provides drivers to control its Presentation Mixers through Crestron’s advanced Control Systems.

Developed by Technidream, an official Crestron Service Provider, a comprehensive set of tools is available including: a driver library, program examples, VTPro project samples for XPanel and iPad, as well as help files in French and English.

Using this package, integrators can access standard commands on the LiveCore™ series through Crestron 2-series and 3-series Control Systems.

Moreover, the drivers provided are open so that they can be modified to add new commands to fill the needs of specific installations.

Franck Facon, Marketing & Communications Director at Analog Way, comments: “The LiveCore™ series has a lot to offer to the integration market.

By providing drivers for control through Crestron Control Systems, we intend to optimize the integration of our products within sophisticated automation environments.” www.analogway.com

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NEWS SSystems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Shenzhen AOTO’s HD LED display system marches into Macau International Airport colours. In addition, AOTO automatic brightness adjustment technology enables the display’s brightness to adapt to ambient brightness all the time, which offers passengers comfortable visual experience.

The LED Display at the Macau airport was also appreciated by the big brand advertisers who are extremely conscious of their brand colours with many complimenting AOTO on its display and reproduction of the colours.

MACAU: Shenzhen AOTO Electronics (China A-Share: 002587) self-developed indoor high-definition LED display system was installed at the Macau International Airport just before the Mid-Autumn festival, which is a harvest festival generally celebrated by the Chinese and Vietnamese people.

September 18th saw the AOTO LED display officially operating, just when hundreds of thousands of visitors passed through the Macau International Airport as it was the festival holidays. The LED

Display was the centre of attraction as it operated stably and featured smooth video transmission with brilliant colour reproduction that caught the attention of the travellers.

This project is AOTO’s first LED display wall in Macau airport, which uses AOTO’s indoor high-definition LED display system. As the display is very close to passengers, AOTO’s R&D team made much effort and customization on structure and colour design. The final result is bright and smooth and brilliant

Prior to this project, AOTO has installed many LED displays in many international airports and transportation terminals, including New York JFK Airport, De Gaulle airport in France, UK’s Heathrow airport, Brussels airport, Shanghai Pudong & Hongqiao airport and Hangzhou Xiaoshan airport in China, and St.Pancras railway station etc. AOTO LED display system has once again been recognized as the public media display model for airports and transportations terminal. www.szaoto.com

ATEN joins HDBaseT Alliance TAIWAN: ATEN International, has joined the HDBaseT Alliance as an adopter member to deliver the added benefits of HDBaseT™ technology to customers and partners.

“HDBaseT represents the next significant step in the evolution of ATEN’s professional A/V solutions and helps our customers and partners to reduce installation time and costs by using a single CAT5e/6 cable,” explained Kevin Chen, President of ATEN International.

“Integrating HDBaseT technology into our products will not only make setup and control faster and easier, but will ensure compatibility with other leading professional A/V solutions.”

As an HDBaseT Alliance member, ATEN will help define the future of multimedia transmission and data communication in the consumer electronics and content provider industries. It will have access to and can provide feedback on finalized specifications and updates.

“The momentum behind the rapid acceptance and implementation of the HDBaseT technology continues to grow with companies like ATEN International

joining the HDBaseT Alliance,” said Ariel Sobelman, president, HDBaseT Alliance.

“ATEN’s decision to join the Alliance will enable its customers to leverage the HDBaseT technology to reduce the complexities and costs of their projects.”

ATEN’s VE812 and VE814 HDMI extenders currently support HDBaseT technology that allows to extend 4k2k video up to 100 meters using one Cat 5e cable, and the company plans to integrate this industry standard into other professional A/V products such as 4k2k media distribution solution in the near future. www.aten.com

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NEWS SSystems Integration Asia December - January 2014

COMM-TEC hosts successful inaugural S14 Solutions Day showcase

Rod Sommerich, Regional Sales Director, Far East & Pacific Rim, Gefen with Chris Yang of COMM-TEC Asia.

HONG KONG: COMM-TEC Asia hosted its successful inaugural S14 Solutions Day showcase in late September 2013, that saw the two day event well attended by industry personnel, which included AV consultants such as iHD, SMW, Dino Tech, Campbell Shillinglaw and Coherent as well as local AV System Integrators such as PCCW, SCHOT, ASCL, Emmy, OPS, etc. COMM-TEC Asia which is a subsidiary office of COMM-TEC Germany opened its operations in May of 2013 in Hong Kong and is headed

by Chris Yang. (The interview with Chris Yang appears in the VOICE BOX column of this issue).

COMM-TEC, founded in 1986 with its headquarters near Stuttgart in Germany, is one of the largest distribution companies for information and communication technology in

Europe. Alongside its distribution business, COMM-TEC also manufactures proprietary products. The Asia office currently represents the following brands: Gefen, iRoom, Evoko, Barco Clickshare, Aquavision Waterproof/Mirro TV, Brightsign Digital Signage, Global Cache and Arthur Holm.

The two day Solutions Day Showcase event was thus an opportune time for Chris and his team to introduce themselves and highlight current trends and leading edge technologies in the AV+IT industry. The showcase itself offered solutions for Signal Management, Control, Meeting Room Booking, Tablet Device Docking, Digital Signage, Presentation and Collaboration.

Manufacturer reps from Barco and Gefen were also present to support the COMM-TEC Asia team.

“The event provided us with an opportunity to officially launch COMMTEC here in Asia and the brands we represent. We are very pleased with the outcome of our inaugural S14 Solutions Day showcase and this will be followed up with a technology focused workshop in Hong Kong very soon,� said a pleased Chris Yang, Managing Director, COMMTEC Asia. *The technology workshop was held on 20th November, during our press time. www.comm-tec.asia

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NEWS SSystems Integration Asia December - January 2014

V2 conducts successful Creative Display Technology seminar

INDONESIA: Taking advantage of the INDOCOMTECH Show where V2 was participating, the company held a parallel seminar at the Murai Room of the Jakarta Convention Centre on October 31st.

Speakers from the supporting manufacturers spoke on a range of topics relating to Display Technology. These included a talk by Ken Liu of tvONE Asia regarding the use of Corio products; Christie Lim of Christie Digital Singapore touched on the Christie Microtiles; Jack Mao of Reach highlighted how Reach solutions can enable knowledge sharing, for instance in the school or training environment through their record and playback system and Horatio Kim spoke about NDS Way Finder and Qsign digital signage system in a corporate environment.

up of System Integrators, Consultants and end-users from Universities, Corporates, Banking and TV Studios.

show in Indonesia that attracts 230,000 visitors from a range of sectors that we are interested in”.

There were a couple of objectives that V2 wanted to achieve with the seminar.

These were to educate delegates about new creative and innovative technology that is available that would enable them to use technology in a more creative way and to convey the message that Content is key to the success of any digital display deployment.

“The seminar itself was a success as the topics though touching on the solutions highlighted how these solutions can be used to create an impact in a creative manner. It also enabled us to have a dialogue with the delegates about the market demand and technical requests.

All in all it was a win win situation for us and the delegates,” added a delighted Rudi.

Rudi Hidayat, from V2 comments. “We held the seminar in conjunction with INDOCOMTECH as it is the biggest IT

www.v2indonesia.com

The seminar attracted 77 delegates with a majority from Jakarta and a few from Bandung and Surabaya who were made

After attending the seminar, delegates got the opportunity to see the system work at the V2 Booth within the INDOCOMTECH Show floor.

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20

NEWS SSystems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Lightware Visual Engineering conducts annual China training in Shanghai

CHINA: Lightware Visual Engineering conducted their year-end training in Shanghai this past month. The training was a culmination from the monthly trainings that occurred throughout the year. Breaking up the normal format for a training and presentation, Lightware decided to conduct hands-on presentations to show how the products and technologies work together seamlessly.

On display were Lightware’s new MODEX series, which can accompany the revolutionary 25G platform. This new modular extender can be customised

to use single-fibre or single-Cat cable, along with being able to choose from a large variety of communication modules and video/ audio modules. In addition, Lightware’s MX Hybrid Matrix series was showcased, even showing live 4K switching over Cat cable.

Throughout the event, fun quizzes were given and the winning answerers received extraordinary prices which includedApple iPad Mini’s and Nokia mobile phones. Nearly the whole audience received prizes in the end and all had an entertaining and informative time at the event.

This event was the first of its kind in China for Lightware, who have seen tremendous growth in China over the last year and look to develop the market further with their cutting edge product range.

Upcoming trainings are already scheduled for Nanjing, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen before the year-end. Lightware sees these events as a great way to open integrators eyes to the differences in technologies and functionalities of products in the digital arena. www.lightware.eu

Mojoworx Asia sets up office in India INDIA: Mojoworx Asia Ltd has set-up an office in Bangalore, India. The new India company, Mojoworx India Pvt Ltd is a full stand-alone office with sales staff and technical support headed by Udyan Gupta the new Country Manager.

Gregory Revell the CEO and founder of the Mojoworx Group of company’s says “This gives us the ultimate hands on support in India helping the brands we support gain greater strength and

technical support headed by Mr Gupta’s vast experience through the region.

Backed up by Kenneth Ng, our Asian area sales manager, Mojoworx India will offer greater training and support to our growing dealer network in India “ Mojoworx is a leading brand supplier and support distributor for leading bands in SE Asia and India, including RTI, Procontrol, Mersive, Just add Power, Metageek, Pakedge, Cool Components,

Launchport, Viggo and Platinum Tools.

Udyan Gupta can be contacted at Udyan.g@mojoworx.in www.mojoworx.in

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22

NEWS SSystems Integration Asia December - January 2014

K-Connects hits the right button work and want to be able to get the video out of it. One way to overcome this is to look at all available wired and wireless video technologies.

Kramer is at the forefront of these solutions and technologies and the partners were able to gain valuable insights on AV trends and a stronger glimpse of the future changes in the Yair Levin, GM of Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific addressing AV industry. Mr Lempert also the delegates. focused on Kramer’s directions and opinions, as well as introducing upcoming Kramer products that will serve to answer these trends. The discussion was highly engaging with the partners actively querying as Mr Lempert shed light on possible future AV Technology trends.

Partners and staff from Kramer

THAILAND: From 9th – 11th October, Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd brought 16 prestigious partners to a training cum incentive trip to the beautiful island of Phuket, Thailand. Coined as K-Connects, Kramer Electronics continues to place great emphasis on building a strong connection and relationship with their partners and customers.

One of the key highlights of K-Connects was the presence of Neta Lempert, Vice President of Digital Business Development from Kramer Headquarters. During the conference session, many future directions of AV Technologies were discussed, among them ‘4K Resolution’ and ‘Bring your own device’.

In his sharing and discussion on 4K Resolution, Mr Lempert emphasized the need for a higher Bandwidth, and bringing attention to the many issues of system designing so that the system is 4K ready.

Touching on BYOD, Mr Lempert observed the latest trend that consumers tend to bring their portable devices to

From these discussions, many partners expressed enthusiasm as they are preparing towards the next technology direction and these sharing came in a timely manner to provide strong indications of trends that the industry is heading towards.

Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific’s Business Development Manager, Eileen Lim, also presented to the partners on the wide range of choices and applications of the Kramer Core family products such as the Core Matrix, switchers and Step-in Solutions amongst many others. The day’s session was concluded with a traditional Thai dinner.

The second day was dedicated to sessions of recreational events. Boasting the interaction ties between the Kramer employees and Kramer partners, the day was rounded up with a relaxing dinner on a rooftop restaurant. The cozy setting, coupled with a clear view of

Light hearted moments at K-Connects

Phuket and occasional fireworks lighting up the sky added to a wonderful end to the second evening.

K-Connects was brought to a close with a wrap up session on the third day, with Mr Lempert continuing the discussion on the trends in AV Technology and mesmerizing the audience with many different formats and application concepts of Wireless Technology.

K-Connects, as opposed to Kramer’s well known annual summit KAPAS, serves more as an appreciation to their partners and provides a platform to bring everyone together where all can connect, update and discuss on possible future trends and changes in AV Technology. With this, Kramer aims to forge a stronger bond and strives to bring all parties to a common mindshare with the sharing of insights from all aspects.

As old bonds are strengthened and new bonds forged, many look forward to more of such events in the near future.

With the continuous support from all the stakeholders, we will definitely not see the last of this well received event from Kramer Electronics. www.kramerasia.com

Neta Lempert, Vice President of Digital Business Development from Kramer Headquarters sharing his thoughts with delegates

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• Direct-lit LED Backlight Used • The IPS Panel allows a wide viewing angle, ensuring no information lost • Super narrow bezel with 5.3mm thinness, ideal for video wall installations • High reliability enables continuous 24-hour operation • Multi-screen function displays images in large spaces • Video signals for up to 10 displays, and control signals for up to 25 displays through Daisy Chain Connection

TH-55LF60W/ 47LF60W/ 42LF60W LED LCD Display

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TH-55LFV5W Anti-glare model 55-inch 500cd/m2

TH-80LF50W/ 70LF50W LED LCD Display

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TH-50LFE6W/ 42LFE6W LED LCD Display

TH-47LFX6W Outdoor LCD Display

Panasonic Systems Asia Pacific 2 Jalan Kilang Barat, Panasonic Building, Singapore 159346 Tel: 6277 7264 Email: summer.neo@sg.panasonic.com

24

NEWS SSystems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Panasonic showcases its LED solutions the possibility of targeted messages in a digital signage environment.

A stand alone 55” Full HD LED LCD Display (TH-55LF6W) in portrait mode showcased an Electronic Menu Board option that was driven by a Brightsign media player, allowing for quick changes in prices and promotions that would be typically useful in a food environment.

Also creating an impact was a Panasonic Display Videowall canvas driven with digital signage software, C-nario Messenger™. The videowall was configured with the TH-55LFV5W, 55” displays featuring super narrow bezel.

Quick change of promotions made possible with an iPAD app wirelessly transmitting to the Brightsign player attached to the 55” Full HD LED LCD Panasonic Display.

SINGAPORE: Panasonic Systems Asia Pacific together with its partners, Absolute AV and The Interaction Company, showcased a range of Panasonic's LED Display solutions in a variety of “environments”. It was an opportune time to showcase their progressive approach within the LCDLED arena. The event, with guests stretching from consultants, integrators to end-users, took place at the Resorts World Sentosa, which was a perfect venue as it was a showcase of the Panasonic displays installed at its premises.

The visual presentation at the venue was segmented into various areas. As guests walked into the presentation area, an 80” LCD Display (TH-80LF50W) was showcased for the video conferencing environment. Beside it was a 70” LCD display (TH-70LF50W) showcasing an interactive Photo Kiosk option, which was set up by Panasonic's partner, The Interaction Company. Once guests stepped into the presentation room, a 1x4 55” Full HD LED LCD Display (TH55LF5W) greeted them. Mounted on stands, the display was complemented with Panasonic's D-IMager sensor that triggered messages to guests as they hit the “sweet spot”. This was to showcase

The event which was divided into two sections, with one being held in the morning and the other in the afternoon, provided Panasonic with the opportunity to showcase possibilities with its costeffective solutions.

The Panasonic Solutions introduced: * The LF6 series offers 55”, 47” and 42” Full HD LED LCD Display options, with brightness measurement of 450cd/m2 ideal for Signage use with high

The 80” Panasonic LCD Display showcased for a video conferencing environment.

picture quality and versatile functions.

The durable displays enable continuous 24/7 operation and enable system expandability through the use of Panasonic's proprietary Digital Link connectivity. The displays also feature In-Plane Switching (IPS) panels that allow for wider viewing angles and minimal colour shift thus ensuring consistent and accurate on-screen colours. * The TH-LF60 series also offers 55”, 47” and 42” Full HD LED LCD Display options with the difference being the higher brightness measurement of 700cd/m2 which could be more critical in certain digital signage or professional applications.

The line up of different Panasonic Displays.

* The TH-55LFV50 and TH-55LFV5W super narrow bezel LED LCD 55” Display offers the possibility of optimal multi-screen layouts. The TH-55LFV50 is a high-brightness model that ensures that images are easy to see even in bright places, whereas the TH-55LFV5 is an anti-glare model that suppresses ambient light reflection and reduces glare to make text and information easy to see. Both displays feature direct-lit LED Backlight and IPS panel for wider viewing angle. The displays are precalibrated prior to factory shipment, to minimise colour differences between displays for multi-screen use. The LV5 has an added User Memory Function that enables the user to store colour adjusted data and retrieve it when needed thus cutting the process of calibration.

The 1x4 55” Full HD LED LCD Display (TH-55LF5W) mounted on stands, was complemented with Panasonic’s D-IMager sensor that triggered messages to guests as they hit the “sweetspot”.

The super narrow bezel results in joints that are only 5.3mm wide for video wall installations. The Multi-Display function

NEWS Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

A 70” Panasonic LCD display (TH-70LF50W) showcasing an interactive Photo Kiosk option.

for both displays enlarges images up to 5 times their original size, by the same zoom ratio both vertically and horizontally (3x2, 3x3, 4x4, 5x5) or by different ratios in order to effectively use vertically or horizontally elongated spaces.

The terminal board for the LFV Series is quipped with DVI-I and serial output terminals. DVI video signals for up to 10 displays, and serial signals for up to 25 displays can be transmitted by a daisy chain connection, without the need for a video splitter or other device.

25

*The TH-80LF50W and the TH70LF50W are 80” and 70” full HD LED LCD Displays respectively that feature an ultra-thin design with a depth of only 89mm which is ideal for space constrained installations. It is also light weight thus suspending the displays from the ceiling is easy. Both LCD displays feature 700-cd/m2 brightness with landscape and portrait orientation possibilities. Both displays feature LAN control compatibility with DVI, RS232-C daisy chain capability to a maximum of 5x5 unit video wall and equipped with SLOT2.0 function slot. *The TH-50LFE6W (50”) and TH42LFE6W (42”) are full HD LED LCD Displays with a slim design of a 9mm bezel with a depth of only 49mm. The displays feature versatile input terminals (HDMI, DVI-D, PC-IN) and control terminals (RS232C, LAN) with a speaker built into the rear of the displays, ideal for any type of professional use.

A Panasonic Display Videowall canvas driven by a C-nario Messenger software.

The videowall was configured with the TH55LFV5W, 55” Panasonic displays featuring super narrow bezel.

www.panasonic.net/prodisplays www.absoluteav.sg www.theinteraction.com

Mersive and Mojoworx form sales partnership that extends Mersive’s global reach in Asia and India REGIONAL: Mersive a leading provider of visual computing software announced tthat Mojoworx, one of Asia and India’s premier importers and distributors of audio, video and data distribution and display technology has joined the company’s partner program. Mojoworx will introduce Mersive’s visual computing software solutions to the markets in Asia and India, helping to drive Mersive’s global expansion.

“Our expansion in these global markets is essential to growing the availability of our visual computing software solutions.

The demand we’re seeing for both Sol and Solstice continues to increase worldwide and working with Mojoworx as a partner is key to supporting this demand and our global expansion efforts,” said, Rob Balgley, Mersive, CEO.

Using visual data has become critical to decision making, planning and problem solving. However, users need both largescale, ultra-high resolution displays at an affordable price, and they need a way to easily and wirelessly connect, share and control that display. Mersive’s products address both of these needs.

Solstice software enables multiple users to connect, share and control a display simultaneously from their mobile device – phone, tablet or computer – leveraging existing WiFi or Ethernet networks.

Solstice works with any kind of display including flat panels and projectors.

Sol software sets the standard for accurate auto-calibration and seamless alignment of multi-projector displays,

revolutionizing high-performance display setup and maintenance for general purpose conference room, briefing centers and command and control. Sol works with any type of projectors in both front and rear projection setups.

“At Mojoworx we are constantly working to offer our dealer network the latest in audio visual technologies, said Gregory Revell, Mojoworx CEO and Founder. “By incorporating Mersive’s solutions into our display and distribution offerings we are continuing to provide our network with the world’s best solutions. www.mersive.com www.mojoworx.asia

26

NEWS Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Robert Bosch Security Solutions unveiled at event 3D Unified Management System that provides users with the most comprehensive situation awareness for their smart building and cities.

SINGAPORE: The annual networking night, organised by Robert Bosch Security Solutions was held in late September at entertainment venue Fabrika located within Klapsons, The Boutique Hotel, Singapore. Bringing together Building Owners, Facilities Managers, Agencies, Consultancy firms and Builders, the event provided networking opportunities as well as an avenue to introduce its new security solutions.

More than that, the event also provided the opportunity for reiterating the rebranding of ADC Technologies to Robert Bosch Security Solutions in 2012. ADC Technologies which was a company involved in security solutions systems integration was acquired by Bosch Security Systems (Bosch ST) in 2005. Up to 2012, the name ADC Technologies was maintained for familiarity and smooth transfer of contracts, etc. In 2012 the name ADC Technologies ceased to exist and was brought into the Bosch ST family so as to harmonise the security solutions business aspect within the company.

The event saw the launch of the New Starlight Series, 3D Unified Management System, highly accurate Facial Recognition Solutions and the introduction of Bosch Fire and Public Address solutions.

The DINION starlight HD 720P and FLEXIDOME Starlight HD 720P RD/VR IP cameras feature real breakthrough in HD security. Even in poor lighting conditions, the cameras deliver a clear colour image where others show only black and white images and in extreme low-light they deliver a black and white image where others show no image at all. The demonstrations at the event showcased the Starlight series extraordinary low light sensitivity. In addition by adding the Bosch Video Security app, users can overcome the bandwidth barrier to view HD images from anywhere.

Also introduced was the 3D Unified Management System for smart buildings and cities, powered by Nucleus, which is distributed by Robert Bosch Security Solutions. Nucleus is an award-winning

In relation to the PA systems, the VARIDirectional Arrays were introduced to the guests at the event. The VARI-Directional Arrays combine superior directive sound technology with straightforward installation and configuration and delivers unmatched performance in challenging acoustical environments. A key feature of the array is its digitally-controlled directivity, which ensures that sound is sent only where it’s needed to produce an optimal sound field with perfect speech intelligibility.

The system’s electrical beam steering optimizes audience coverage without wasting output energy on ceilings or empty space above the audience.

The Robert Bosch Security Solutions unit has seen its business grow at a steady pace. Ray Ong, Head of Department – Sales, comments, “Most of the technology is driven by the Government.

In Singapore, where the Government is spearheading IP solutions because of the IT infrastructure, we have been able to push our IP solutions and replace the analogue systems.” Ray adds, “As security is an essential element to organisations, we also provide maintenance service as part of our business thus strengthening our position in the security market.”

The evening ended with entertainment as well as free flow of food and drinks capping a successful event for Bosch ST. www.boschsecuritysolutions.com.sg

28

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Kramer: Award-winning VP-771 Presentation Scaling Switcher Kramer Electronics has unveiled the VP771, a scaler/switcher which clinched the Systems Product of the Year AV Award in October 2013. The unit accepts one of nine inputs, including one component video, one DisplayPort (DP), one 3G HD−SDI, two computer graphics video, two composite video and two HDMI inputs. It scales the video, embeds the audio, and outputs the video signal simultaneously to one HDMI, one computer graphics, one 3G HD−SDI and one DGKat Twisted Pair, and outputs the audio signal simultaneously to a digital audio output, an unbalanced stereo audio output and a 2x10−watt amplified balanced stereo speaker output.

The VP-771 supports multiple output resolutions, up to 2K and 1080p. It features Kramer’s K-Storm Scaling Technology for converting incoming video signals to a scaled output resolution and Kramer’s FTB (FadeThrough-Black) switching technology

that ensures ultra-fast, glitch−free switching.

The VP-771 is HDTV compatible, HDCP compliant and supports HDMI Deep Color. It features multistandard operation and SDI channelling. It also features advanced input and output EDID Management and built-in ProcAmp. The unit also has a built-in time base corrector to stabilize any unstable video sources.

The VP-771 has an advanced feature set that includes Kramer’s K-IIT XL Picture-inPicture (PiP) Image Insertion technology, Luma Keying technology for compositing two video sources into a single image and Emergency Alert Notification that provides the ability to have a national or campus-wide notification immediately displayed when an emergency situation

develops and when connected to a network. Additionally, a built-in web interface can be activated when connected through Ethernet, allowing simplified set-up and switching, windows customization, scaling and de-interlacing functions.

The VP-771 also includes a microphone input that supports mix and talk−over features, as well as 0−90msec adjustable delay to prevent feedback. www.kramerelectronics.com

Lightware: 80x80 Digital Crosspoint router frame from 9x9 I/O size and increase up to 80x80.

Now, AV professionals can choose between various I/O sizes, video signal types and transport media options according to their system requirements

Lightware Visual Engineering has recently upgraded to a new series of digital video/audio routing and extension systems. The company has integrated HDBaseT into its TPS family matrix I/O boards and has a full range of extension systems as well. Lightware's MX-FR80R digital crosspoint router frames start

The 4K compliant TPS series matrix boards support full HDCP and EDID compliance and are available with Advanced EDID Management. Longer distances can be reached with Long Reach operation mode which allows a stretch extension of up to 180 meters (on CAT7 cable), even in the case of full HD resolution at 1920x1080. An additional user-friendly feature is that the monitor cable length,

signal quality, and signal integrity can be set via the Control Software.

The future-proofed matrix backplanes are able to switch to 12.8 Gigabit per second data rates allowing transportation of the next generation HDMI, 4K x 2K, 3D and Displayport 1.1 video signals. All Input boards e.g. DVI-I, 3G-SDI, etc. convert their respective Input signals to the widest and broadest standard for all existing video signals – uncompressed HDMI (including embedded audio). Output boards convert the router’s switched HDMI format to their respective output e.g.

Fiber and Twisted Pair amongst others. www.lightware.eu

RTI: Second generation T1-B+ Wireless Controller RTI is now shipping its T1-B+ wireless controller, the second generation of the company's T1-B controller. The all-hardbutton remote offers intuitive, customizable control housed in a contemporary design specifically suited for today's home and office environments.

Completely customizable, the T1-B+ has a sleek and stylish European design and adds the convenience of backlit hard buttons. The 40 assignable keypad buttons can be individually programmed to control devices or execute multistep macros, providing reliable control of even the most complex electronic systems. For more intuitive control, the unit offers twelve keypad buttons which can be outfitted with custom keycaps for common control tasks such as selecting an audio/video source. These button keycaps can also be custom engraved using RTI's Laser Shark service.

With RTI's award-winning Integration Designer software, the controller is easily programmed to reliably integrate virtually any electronic component via RTI's family of control products. In addition, the controller now features RTI's revolutionary dual-RF platform, which supports both 433MHz RF and 2.4-GHz ZigBee for reliable RF communication with RTI processors. With RTI's processors, the T1-B+'s capabilities can be expanded to include RS-232 control, contact closures, power sensing, and much more. The unit also offers standalone IR control with a broad IR transmitting frequency range of 15 kHz to 460 kHz. For long hours of use and ease of charging, the T1-B+ is equipped with an integrated tilt switch, coupled with a lithium-ion battery and charging dock. Non-volatile flash memory will also store system configurations even when power is not present. www.rticorp.com

30

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Chief: Extra-Large Fusion Mobile Cart Chief has launched the Extra-Large Fusion Mobile Cart with rounded edges and sleek aesthetics that fit well in corporate and classroom environments.

The extra-large Fusion cart continues the tradition of the installer-inspired Fusion series by including features for easy customization.

The cart was designed for extra-large and touch panel displays from 55” to more than 100” and up to 300lb (136kg).

The cart also can be customized for dual monitor video-conferencing use with the

dual monitor accessory and a camera shelf.

Other features include a turn knob to allow a single user to easily adjust the screen height 48-65” (122-165cm), flexible cable covers for lay-in access anywhere along the column and room for internal storage of AV components, including hardware to vertically mount 2 RUs of AV gear. Available in black or silver finishes. www.chiefmfg.com

Bosch: New DIVAR IP recorder family The new DIVAR IP recorder family enables recording, viewing, and export of high-definition and standard definition resolutions, while streams are displayed in 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios simultaneously. The recorded videos can be viewed and managed, depending on the model, using a remote operating client, and integrated operating client or a built-in web application.

Unique instant access to HD video scenes from anywhere is possible thanks to Bosch’s revolutionary Dynamic Transcoding Technology. This technology enables high-resolution live video streaming and playback even over limited bandwidth connections, adapting the image quality to the available bandwidth. This applies for example for 3G areas with limited reception as well as WiFi connections with constantly changing throughput. The Bosch Video Security app allows HD video to be viewed on an iPad/iPhone from any location.

The all-in-one DIVAR IP 3000/7000 recorders are equipped with Bosch’s Video Management Software and therefore offer advanced alarm processing. Units also feature fully

integrated support for Forensic Search, which allows operators to quickly find a particular event among hours of recorded material. Once the desired object has been found, Instant Detail Enhancement immediately displays the paused image in full HD quality.

Finally, all four of the new DIVAR IP recorders are ONVIF-compliant and thus

integrate seamlessly with a wide range of security software and hardware solutions from Bosch, such as BVMS, the IP 2000, IP 5000, and AUTODOME cameras, as well as those of third-party providers.

Further details of this program are available from:ipp.boschsecurity.com www.boschsecurity.com

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32

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

ABtUS: AV815 Ultimate Universal LCD projector mount The AV815 projector mount is able to fit any projector under 20kg (44lbs), and allows for neat cable management to ensure a clean and uncluttered outlook. The length of the rod can be easily adjusted to extend and retract to fit any installation. Furthermore, the flexible mount is also able to rotate for easy positioning and adjustment of

the projector beaming angle. To top it off, the mount comes with a quick release for the projector to allow greater convenience and easy repairs of the projector.

The robust construction of the universal LCD Projector mount allows for it to be

precisely positioned in almost any angle. The mount is also able to tilt and roll +/- 20 degrees and pitch upwards and downward up to 20 degrees. www.abtussingapore.com

tvONE: New Universal Video Scaler/Switcher include 3D Motion Adaptive DeInterlacing and 3D Noise Reduction.

The new 1T-VS-668 Video Scaler is a commercial switcher/scaler with versatile format conversion and multi-output routing capability. Its fully scalable video inputs include HDMI, DVI (via DVI-to-HDMI adapter), analogue RGB via HD-15 connectors, analogue YPbPr or 480i/576i YUV Component via three RCA connectors and Composite Video.

To ensure lip sync capabilities, both digital and analogue audio processing is supported with audio delays of up to 150ms. Eight analogue stereo and inputs

can be selected for embedding into the HDMI outputs and separate coaxial digital and stereo audio outputs are also provided.

The 1T-VS-668 handles input and output resolutions up to 1080p/WUXGA, analogue to digital conversion and vice versa allowing a wide range of AV signals to be displayed on a HDMI or VGA display. The HDMI is fully HDCP compliant and is compatible with HDMI v1.3 standards. Advanced features

An On Screen Display menu allows for easy set-up. Control is via the front panel joystick and buttons, Infrared Remote or RS-232 interface. The unit requires external 5VDC@3A and an AC Adapter is provided. It also has a locking DC connector for added security and an optional RM-220 rackmount kit is available to house either one or two units. www.tvone.com

Analog Way: New QuickVu Tri-Scaler Mixer / Switcher Analog Way's QuickVu is based on the company's new Midra platform, the core of a brand new line of mid-range Mixers / Seamless Switchers. Through the new platform, QuickVu offers a large variety of connectivity, through 8 seamless inputs and 14 source plugs: 4 x Universal Analog, 4 x DVI-D, 4 x HDMI and 2 x 3G-SDI plugs.

Featuring a 'CleanCut' effect, the QuickVu is able to operate fast and seamlessly switch between any of its 14 input plugs without fade-through-

black or loss of sync. To fit any display resolution, including non-standard formats like LED walls and rearprojection cubes, QuickVu offers custom output format management, with a main layer that is fully re-sizeable and can be positioned anywhere.

QuickVu provides the ability to modify the Program in real time without using the Preview.

user-friendly graphic interface designed for the Midra platform. As an AIR application, the RCS is compatible with Windows, Mac OS and Linux.

The QuickVu can easily embed or de-embed digital audio on HDMI and DVI-D connectors on inputs and outputs, ensuring better processing and quality of the video and audio mix. www.analogway.com

Thanks to the new “Quick Frame� function, a foreground frame can quickly hide all other layers when necessary.

Control for the scaler is via the RCS, a

eyevis: 55” LCD display for permanent installations

eyevis has developed the new seamless LCD display type EYE-LCD-5500-USN-LD-FX for the construction of fixed modular video walls in control, conference and presentation rooms or for POS/POI. The new display offers an image with full HD resolution (1920x1080), high brightness and contrast values as well as a slim casing of only 5.3 mm.

The display supports off-the-shelf wall mounts and due to the internal matrix function with loopthrough functionality for RS232 control and digital video signal distribution, the new 55“ LCD display enables a video wall with an almost indefinite number of displays. The loopthrough functionality also enables the transfer of 4K signals. The EYE-LCD-5500-USNLD-FX additionally supports eyevis‘ colour alignment system (CAS) for the automatic colour matching of several displays on a given colour temperature or on a reference level that can be calibrated according to a customers requirement. All displays can be upgraded at once.

The direct LED rear projection of the display offers a homogeneous illumination and high screen brightness in every surrounding. Through the installed IPS panel, the display is equipped with a lower viewing angle dependency.

Due to the integrated pixel shift technology and the industrial components, the display is optimized for non-stop operation (24/7). Lastly, for video walls up to a 200” diagonal, the display can be equipped with an infra-red multi-touch surface with up to 32 simultaneous touch points. www.eyevis.de

34

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Gefen: Latest 4x4 Seamless Matrix for HDMI

Digital connectivity solutions provider, Gefen has announced the latest first in its product range: the 4x4 Seamless Matrix for HDMI. The new matrix provides full cross-point routing of four sources to four displays. The built-in scaler allows precise video refinements up to 1080p full HD with the added ability to resize each image for an impeccable alignment and performance.

The Gefen 4x4 Seamless Matrix for HDMI is capable of configuring up to ten routing scenarios for professional installations. Users can assign names to all inputs and outputs, then configure and recall them at any time using

ten pre-sets on the front panel for added versatility. Users can upload configurations on the fly using IP connectivity. The ability to route, upload and save EDID information from any connected display to the internal memory, then assign it to any source virtually eliminates compatibility issues among different sources and displays. HPD and DDC control further increases cohesion among all connected equipment.

The matrix’s intuitive on-screen menu keeps critical data within reach at any time via the front panel display and web interface, including routing information,

scaling, HDCP status, EDID and more.

All switching and control options are available through the matrix’s front-panel buttons, IR remote, RS-232 port and IP connectivity. HDCP-compliant, 1080p full HD video in the HDMI format is fully supported with all lossless audio formats.

Installation requires a simple connection of all four sources and all four displays to the matrix’s four HDMI inputs and four HDMI outputs. Locking HDMI ports and a locking power supply on this rack mountable matrix ensures stable and secure connections. www.gefen.com

Sony: New 4K SXRD Digital Projector The SRX-T615 4K digital projector is equipped with the original 4K SXRD (Silicon X-tal Reflective Display) and is capable of extremely high picture quality. Incorporating a newly developed 4K optical engine, it boasts a contrast ratio of 12,000:1 and a high brightness of 18,000lm for projecting the most vivid and intense 4K images.

The SRX-T615 is ideal for displaying moving graphics smoothly, such as action films or sports, due to its 4K 50/60P signal compatibility for smooth and accurate picture reproduction. The projector also has the ability to edge blend native 4K content. It can create a 7K x 2K image overlapped by a 1K visualisation due to its edge blending technology.

Besides high picture quality, the SRX-T615 provides a longer lamp-

exchange cycle. Using six HPM lamps, as opposed to Xenon lamps, in individual cartridges means replacing the lamp is easier and safer.

The projector also offers the flexibility of a tilted installation and a variety of lamp operations for precise and flexible luminance control. These include being able to select the number of lamps used for lighting and interleaved lamp control, and contributes to a failsafe operation. The projector also has the flexibility to adopt S-RGB, DCDM and Adobe RGB colour space.

The SRX-T615 is now available across Asia Pacific. pro.sony-asia.com

36

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Extron: TeamWork Collaboration System The TeamWork system is designed for simple, intuitive operation with minimal training. Users simply connect their laptop or tablet to a TeamWork "Show Me" cable to start the system, then press the "Share" button to show their content on the presentation display. When done, users simply disconnect and walk away, and the TeamWork system automatically turns itself off and is ready for the next collaboration session.

TeamWork 601 is Extron Electronics' newest digital collaboration system. The TeamWork 601 system supports up to four digital laptops or tablets, and two legacy analogue computer-video and audio sources. Analogue signals are digitized so that they can be switched to the display, along with native HDMI signals, on a single HDMI cable.

TeamWork 601 works with most flat panel displays, laptops, and tablets.

It also works with virtually any new or existing furniture system. Optional mounting hardware facilitates different collaboration table or work surface designs. Extron TeamWork is a fully customizable collaboration system that is ideal for corporate and education applications. Pre-configured packages, including the TeamWork 601, TeamWork 600, and TeamWork 400 are available for fast implementation with minimal setup.

The TeamWork collaboration system is HDCP compliant and supports full resolution, full frame rate digital video up to 1080p/60 and analog computervideo up to 1920x1200. The TeamWork 601 system is complete and ready for installation, and includes four HDMI and two VGA "Show Me" cables, a switcher, a system controller, a Cable Cubby enclosure, and other necessary system cables. www.extron.com

Shuttle: Powerful Mini-PC barebone for Multi-display and Videowall Shuttle Inc., has launched its next generation XPC PC – the Shuttle SZ87R6 – that is equipped with Intel® Z87 Express chipset that supports the latest Intel® high-performance Haswell processor. Though it is only 1/3 size of traditional tower PC , it is able to support high-end professional graphic card thus making it very suitable for applications in multi-display, video wall, mini server and other commercial applications.

The HDMI 1.4 and DVI-I output connectors provided on rear panels support two independent displays and built-in 7.1-channel audio can smoothly play 1080P / Full-HD video content.

SZ87R6 is equipped with one PCI-E x16 slot (Support Dual Slot VGA card) with Shuttle exclusive I.C.E 2 (Integrated Cooling Engine 2) heat pipe cooling technology and smart fan. Equipped with 80 PLUS Silver certified 500W power

supply, the SZ87R6 can maintain high stability for long-term operation.

For expansion purposes you can buildin up to 10 USB ports and optional RS232/LPT to enable connecting other peripherals to meet multiple applications. SZ87R6 features Dual Gigabit LAN ports that support Wake on LAN and Teaming function. Also built in is Mini-PCIe slot as well as a half-size slot supporting 802.11b/g/n wireless network card which would allow for remote management through a software programme.

SZ87R6 is equipped with four onboard Serial ATA ports Revision 3.0 delivering high link speeds of 6Gbps. With Intel® Rapid Storage Technology, SZ87R6 offers greater levels of protection, responsiveness, performance and expandability when system is configured as RAID 1, RAID 5 or RAID 10 model.

Meanwhile, the fault tolerance function makes data recovery easy by plugging in a good condition hard disk. There is another full-size slot that can be used for mSATA (Mini Serial ATA) SSD card with Intel® Smart Response Technology which allows a SSD to function as cache for a conventional hard disk drive (HDD). It allows ordinarily used programs and important files to be automatically saved to SSD to improve system performance and save procurement cost To meet the needs of business applications, SZ87R6 supports watch dog (Watch Dog Timer) function to provide excellent security protection for system that need to operate continuously for a long period of time. www.shuttle.com

A joint venture partnership of

ILLUMINATING. See thousands of innovations from hundreds of exhibitors.

Hear from industry experts, content developers and technology managers.

Be part of the best-attended systems integration tradeshow ever held.

Find out more. www.iseurope.org

38

ADVERTORIAL Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Fusion multi-monitor series In the th past year, Fusion has grown from wall mounts to include cart, stand, and ceiling ceilin mounts. These can be further divided divid into video walls, menu boards, extra large displays and single display solutions.

Each mount is packed with solutio installer install friendly features to make installation and alignment as easy as installa possible.

Digital signage is one of the fastest growing markets in AV, and Chief is well positioned to capture projects with one of the largest selections of multi-display mounting solutions in the industry.

The Fusion series is tied to a philosophy of design inspired by installers to make mounting as easy and functional as possible. Chief does that by creating a series of mounts that can be combined to create a limitless number

of configurations and possibilities.

Fusion mounts can be anchored to walls, ceilings and floors to meet any application requirements.

“Fusion is Chief’s way of responding directly to installers by saying ‘Here is the one that’s going to get you done with your job faster. Here’s the one that’s the easiest to work with,’” said Ben Osborne, Director – Sales and Marketing AP.

One installer of the ceiling video wall noted: “Calibrating the seams both on

ADVERTORIAL Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

39

for display expansion after warming up.

Optional padlock security also keeps displays safe.

Columns can be modified in the field, and integrated cable inlays allow for clean cable management and quick access when cables need to be serviced.

“All the feedback we’ve been getting from installers who have been using these new mounts has all been very positive,” Osborne said. “I applaud our engineers and the effect they are having on the marketplace right now. They have found the simplest way to do video walls.

Fusion is what we do for the installer – make it easier to align and fit the needs of the project.”

the X, Y and Z axis was phenomenal.

It worked out really well for us, and we completed the project ahead of schedule. We were able to deliver a quality wall with no compromises.”

The ceiling, cart and bolt down video wall mounts include independent microadjustments for height and plumb to easily align displays without tools. Infinite vertical and lateral adjustments allow for tight display rows and columns. The carts include smooth rolling and lockable castors for easy positioning.

The ceiling mounted menu boards include Centris™ low-profile tilt for effortless tilting by using the center of gravity to balance the screen – an especially useful feature for adjusting multiple screens on a menu board for proper alignment.

When anchoring a video wall to the wall, it’s important to maintain the ability to easily service screens even in the middle of a video wall matrix. The LSMVU provides 178 mm of extension for access.

Large screens are becoming more common. Extension rails can be added to the cart, ceiling and bolt-down solutions to accommodate larger displays. For extra large single screens, take a look at Chief’s Fusion solutions that will accommodate up to 105” screens and 226.8 kg on a cart, and a Fusion extra-large ceiling mount that will handle single displays up to 136 kg.

“The extra-large solutions were another result of installer feedback,” said Kathryn Gaskell, product manager. “We continue to develop new Fusion mounts as fast as we can based on requests from the field.

With each new solution, we re-evaluate what features will help the most for each specific application and engineer the mounts to meet those needs. We also keep in mind the desire for modular solutions, interchangeable accessories and easier alignment.”

Fusion mounts also help protect displays.

Micro-adjust features enable a “business card” gap between displays for video wall applications, which keeps displays from resting on each other and allows

All of the new Fusion mounts come with a host of accessories that work across the mobile and ceiling mount solutions.

Save on inventory space by stocking one accessory that works with multiple products. Customize each project to meet your needs with shelves, speaker adapters, CPU holders, storage, power management and more. www.chiefmfg.com

Check out the versatility of the Fusion series in this video.

Please see our full Fusion Selection Guide for detail

40

EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

ISE 2014 –

Inspiring. Stimulating. Motivating.

ISE 2014 will be the Integrated Systems Europe’s eleventh edition and is expected to be the biggest and brightest yet. From 4–6 February, ISE 2014 will stage the largest AV tradeshow ever held in Europe and, occupying every hall of the world-leading Amsterdam RAI meeting and convention venue.

the-art technology. The show floor will feature over 900 exhibitors occupying more than 30,000 net square metres of floor space as well as four dedicated show areas: Digital Signage; Residential Solutions; Unified Communications and the Smart Building area, which will showcase the latest solutions in building automation and energy management.

The show will attract professionals from every link in the systems integration value-chain, including manufacturers, distributors, dealers, contractors and consultants. ISE also draws ever-growing numbers of end customers, from fields as diverse as education, sports, corporate facilities, hospitality and live events.

More than 44,000 people attended ISE 2013, and this record-breaking figure is likely to be exceeded once again for ISE 2014, continuing the show’s unbroken record of delivering visitor growth every year since its inception.

Professionals from over 130 countries will attend to network, pursue new business opportunities and see the latest state-of-

Pre-Show Events

The pre-show events for this year’s show promise a motivating line-up including the return of the Smart Building Conference and the show’s Opening Keynote and Reception. After

huge success at both ISE 2013 and in London in October this year, the Smart Building Conference, a joint venture of ISE’s co-owners InfoComm International and CEDIA, will take place at the RAI on Monday 3rd February. With an inspiring group of speakers and some of the industry’s most notable experts on smart building design, similar themes from London will be explored and given a European dimension, with the objective of further developing the AV industry’s role in making buildings smarter.

A new addition to the pre-show programme will be ISE’s Investor Showcase. Organised in partnership with investment specialists Go4Venture, the Showcase will give participating companies the opportunity to present their technology and business propositions to a wide range of investors including private equity firms, venture capitalists and companies from both inside and outside the ISE exhibitor base.

EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

41

Professional Development

Also taking place on Monday 3rd February is an Audio Forum presented by media partner Connessioni. The Forum will consist of a full day’s programme, including two technology seminars as well as case studies presented by sponsor companies. The Audio Forum is designed to increase the dialogue between audio manufacturers and professionals operating in the AV marketplace.

New on the Show Floor

ISE is also proud to announce some exciting new features for this year’s show including the addition of two theatre spaces on the show floor. The Residential Solutions Theatre, located in Hall 7, is aimed at broadening the market for whole-house automation and intelligent building design, with non-technical presentations showcasing real-world case studies. In Hall 8, the Commercial Solutions Theatre will concentrate on the end-customer benefits of systems integration in a range of market

verticals such as hospitality, healthcare, education, corporate and government facilities.

Access to the theatres will be aided by the opening of a new entrance to ISE – Entrance F. This will improve the show’s visitor experience by further reducing congestion and providing direct access to key areas such as the Digital Signage area, the new Business Lounge (see below) and the bridge between Halls 7 and 8, which will house a free dedicated WiFi area.

Another new feature to the show is the ISE Business Lounge, which will give visitors a chance to rest, recharge their smart devices and catch up with business away from the busy pace of the show floor. With modern seating, international newspapers and TV screens broadcasting international channels throughout the show days, the lounge will be an informal yet professional environment in which visitors can work, relax and network.

In addition to the Show Floor theatres mentioned above, ISE’s co-owners CEDIA and InfoComm International will again be presenting a wide range of courses. Furthermore, InfoComm will be promoting a special free voucher scheme for its on-site education programme, under which anyone who pre-registers for ISE 2014 using an invitation code will receive complimentary access to two InfoComm seminars of their choice on a first come, first served basis. Continuing the theme, CEDIA will be offering more of its popular technical and business education, with offers in place for earlybird discounts. Both associations also offer on-site certification, allowing attendees to gain globally recognised qualifications without leaving the show venue.

To register for the show free of charge, saving the €60 on the on-site registration fee, please visit www.iseurope.org and use registration code 919770

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TECH TALK SSystems Integration Asia December - January 2014

A new dawn for DSP?

By David Davies

Digital signal processing has already brought untold flexibility to a wealth of install applications.

But with full-scale networking likely to become the default, could it be that an even more exciting era is just around the corner?

Highly effective automixing, loudspeaker management and zone mixing/ paging are among the other common applications of these new-generation DSPs. But although their superiority to conventional processing solutions is now unquestioned, the sheer quantity of current DSPs can easily leave the integrator – let alone the end-user – with something of a quandary. So what are the factors that need to be borne in mind when selecting a DSP that is truly capable of delivering the processing power you need?

Processor Practicalities Complex mixing and routing is often the order of the day at convention centres, where powerful DSPs are a must.

Alongside the advent of more powerful networking solutions, the emergence of digital signal processing (DSP) that is capable of being implemented quickly and (relatively) easily for all manner of fixed install applications has arguably been the defining pro-audio story of the decade. From Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) for videoconferencing to site-wide routing and distribution, high-capability DSPs have heralded a minor revolution in the built environment.

In an industry that has always paid extremely close attention to the bottom line, it’s unsurprising to discover that lower-cost solutions have done much to initiate the New DSP Dawn. Not only

are DSP chips “running at considerably higher MIPS (millions of instructions per second) rates than they were ten years ago, today’s faster chips enable designs that use fewer components – meaning lower costs and increased reliability,” observes Dane Butcher, chairman and founder of Seattle, US-based DSP pioneer Symetrix.

Software developments have also helped to slash DSP costs, with advanced memory management features and higher clock speeds paving the way for designs that, notes Butcher, “use only a single DSP chip to exceed the processing power of designs that used to require four chips.”

At the most basic, pro-audio customers are faced with one fundamental decision when it comes to DSP – namely, between a fixed and open architecture solution.

As their name should imply, open architecture solutions afford the greatest possible scope for custom configurations to complement a specific application.

Doug Windle is audio visual manager of Texas, US-based systems integrator ACE Audio Communications, and explains: “Some hardware has limits with both fixed input/output configurations and processing power; however, these units will still work in 90% of all projects. If you utilise the open architecture with modular input/output configurations, the options are almost endless, especially when these are coupled with networked audio.”

“Not only are DSP chips running at considerably higher MIPS (millions of instructions per second) rates than they were ten years ago, today’s faster chips enable designs that use fewer components – meaning lower costs and increased reliability”

Dane Butcher, chairman and founder, Symetrix.

another manufacturer’s device, to ensure you have some processing headroom.”

Other concerns are more universal, but no less important for that. Among other factors, Richardson highlights audio fidelity and form factor. Then, what we might label the post-installation life of the DSP is to be borne in mind. Getting end-users to feel comfortable with the system in the first place is one thing, but when you have queries or concerns, how easy is to get a knowledgeable person on the end of a phone?

Delivering Dante

of the decision. For example, you might want to consider whether it’s for one project or is it to become a new standard for the organisation.”

In the old point-to-point days, that list alone would have been more than enough with which to contend. But now, as full audio networking brings its flexibility to bear in every sphere of the live and fixed install world, the ability to connect quickly and easily to other digital devices is assuming ever-greater significance.

Integrators therefore need to think very carefully about whether their DSP has the necessary algorithms and processing power to get the job done. Ensuring overall efficiency of implementation is, if anything, even more challenging since it forces the system designer to grapple with the ever-thorny issue of future proofing. Richardson puts his finger on the central issue here: “If your installation requires 90%-plus utilisation to implement your system, you may want to consider the next ‘beefier’ device, or

This is easier said than done because a variety of solutions are continuing to compete for integrators’ attention.

Audio-over-standard-Ethernet technology CobraNet retains its advocates, but latency and hardware costs can be problematic. Looking ahead, the Audio Video Bridging (AVB) project championed by the AVnu Alliance is set to provide a comprehensive, standards-backed approach to audio/video streaming. AVB has racked up some successful, high-

A mixing and paging scenario, with application-specific needs often met through flexible processing and Dante networking.

Powerful they may be, but they can also be more costly to implement than their fixed brethren due to the fact that they essentially offer a blank canvas.

“The integrator has to provide all the infrastructure inside the processors to fit the intent of the system,” confirms Windle.

Accordingly, cheaper fixed architecture solutions still tend to be more popular for the less demanding applications.

With these DSPs, “the price is certainly more attractive, and they are really quick and easy to set-up and operate,” says Windle. Input/output configuration and the layout of the software configuration are more limited than with open architecture DSPs, but some manufacturers are able to deliver significant customisation. Symetrix is among them: not only does its Jupiter solution possess a large library of preconfigured layouts to choose from, it can also be deployed with layouts created especially to match user requirements.

Although the size and budget of a given project will hold great sway when it comes to the choice of a fixed or open architecture solution, there are plenty of other, more specific requirements that need to be borne in mind. Moreover, remarks Symetrix vice-president of global sales Craig Richardson, “the importance of a particular factor will vary depending on the application and scope

Symetrix’ AEC-equipped Edge DSP was chosen for the Big Web 2.0 Company’s conference room.

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TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

“Symetrix DSP devices have the advantage of using Ethernet networks for control and Audinate’s Dante technology, and are typically audio front-end for video conferencing systems or other audio transport networking devices”

Craig Richardson, Symetrix vice-president of global sales

profile demonstrations, but a shortfall in end-user understanding is arguably inhibiting the technology’s adoption.

It’s perhaps no wonder, then, that proven low latency Audio over Ethernet media networking technology Dante, developed by Sydney-based Audinate, is proving an increasingly popular solution during this uncertain period. Dante ensures a high level of interoperability with third-party devices by an OEM partner list that now totals 105 companies. “There are about 175 products from OEMs available and at least 200 more in the development pipeline. Audinate shipped over 3.5 million Dante channels last year, so it is a proven technology that works on a converged IT network,” says Ervin Grinberg, director of marketing, Audinate.

Symetrix is among the companies to be supporting this rising star of the networking world. “Symetrix DSP devices have the advantage of using Ethernet networks for control and

Audinate’s Dante technology, and are typically audio front-end for video conferencing systems or other audio transport networking devices,” explains Richardson, who adds that giving customers a range of options is very much the order of the day: “Because of where our products sit in the network, we support standard IPv4 networking along with Auto-MDIX for 10/100 Mbps Ethernet for data and control, and 1Gbps network interface for Dante that is also compatible with IEEE 802.3. When the Symetrix devices are controlled over Ethernet, we use UDP for command and control; of course, RS232 serial control is also an option.”

Manufacturing Model

The fact that customer demand for sophisticated DSP will continue to grow is beyond question; but so too is an increasing pressure on margins.

Manufacturers will therefore need to ensure that they deliver products to market at a reasonable price-point if they are to remain competitive – and that calls for a production cycle that is streamlined and efficient.

Symetrix Solus 8 and Jupiter 4 ensure crystal-clear sermons at a Southeast Asia Bible Seminary.

In the case of Symetrix, that has translated to in-house product assembly at its US facilities and a ‘Lean Manufacturing’ model for the foundation of its production operations. “The Lean Model focuses our efforts on responding to actual customer demand in real-time while reducing product lead times and costs,” says Eric Dies, vice-president of manufacturing, Symetrix. “The direct benefit to our customers is a very high quality product that is readily available at a reasonable cost.”

While the benefits of high-spec DSP in the networked world are now firmly established, the best methods for helping customers to implement their solutions successfully remain a matter of debate. It is this territory, then, that is likely to be the real battleground for manufacturers as DSP enters its next phase of evolution. www.symetrix.co

A room combination scenario, where clarity and fidelity from processors are crucially important.

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TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

It won't bite...

IT'S JUST LIGHT

Optical fiber cable has been around for several decades, yet some systems integrators are still reluctant to use it. And that's unfortunate, because it's never been easier to make the switch to fiber for AV interconnections.

The accelerating trend toward faster and denser digital signal interfaces is increasing demand for bandwidth.

The high definition serial digital interface (HD-SDI) requires 3 Gb/s to pass a 1080p/60 signal. HDMI 1.4 currently caps out at 10.2 gigabits per second (Gb/s), while DisplayPort 1.2 has a bit rate ceiling of 17.2 Gb/s.

And that’s just today! With a new wave of 4K-resolution cameras, monitors, projectors, and televisions coming to market, digital video and audio interfaces will need to operate at data rates in excess of 20 Gb/s before long.

Add in high-speed Ethernet and control signals, and you can see how today’s interfaces will “run out of road” before very long.

Faster, Wider Highways

While there are continuing efforts to increase the capacity of copper wire, optical fiber presents an alternative signal transmission system that is already future-proof. Because it uses pulsed beams of light, optical fiber can switch signals at speeds much faster than today’s copper wire systems. And fiber can transport those signals over much greater distances.

Here’s an example. We can combine HDMI display, audio, Ethernet, RS-232, and IR control signals into one structured wire (Category 5e) cable, using the HDBaseT standard, and move all of these signals a maximum distance of 100 meters, or about 328 feet, from a transmitter to a receiver.

With optical fiber, the same signals can travel several miles before any measurable signal attenuation. And two or more sets of HDBaseT-format signals

can be multiplexed into a single fiber to realize even greater signal transmission efficiency.

Optical fiber has many advantages over copper wire for signal transmission.

It won’t break down in the presence of salt or fresh water, corrosive chemicals, solvents, or gases, and can operate across an extreme range of temperatures. And optical fiber fits in nicely with current emphasis on “green” AV best practices, as silicon is organic and environmentally friendly.

There are just a handful of disadvantages to fiber. It is very easy to contaminate optical fiber connectors during assembly and use. (That’s why those small plastic caps are supplied with fiber interfaces — use them on any open ports!) Dirt reduces fiber performance dramatically and may shut down a connection entirely, which is why connectors need to be installed carefully and can take longer to fit than those used for copper wire.

The Flavors of Fiber

Although optical fiber is a pure light transmission system, there are only three wavelengths at which light passes through fiber cables. These specific wavelengths are known as transparency windows, and occur at 850 nanometers, 1310 nanometers, and 1550 nanometers.

All these wavelengths of light are in the terahertz (THZ) region of the radio spectrum, far beyond the operating range of any wireless devices in use today. In fact, optical fiber is completely immune to RF interference.

There are two different types of optical fiber cable. The first is single-mode fiber, which uses a very small core that measures just .9 microns, less than the diameter [or width] of a human hair. The

TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

47

Optical fiber fits in nicely with current emphasis on “green” AV best practices, as silicon is organic and environmentally friendly. name “single-mode” comes from the behavior of light as it passes through the fiber in a direct path with no reflections.

Single-mode optical fiber is always illuminated with laser diodes.

The second type of optical fiber is multimode. The core of a multimode optical fiber cable is quite a bit larger than that of a single-mode cable, measuring between 50 and 62 microns.

In a multimode cable, light rays reflect and bend from the walls of the cable as they travel from transmitter to receiver.

Multimode optical fiber cables are illuminated with light-emitting diodes instead of lasers.

There is a significant difference in performance between single-mode and multimode cables. Single-mode fiber has an attenuation specification of 6 dB per mile at a wavelength of 850 nanometers (nm), and 5 dB at 1310 nm. In contrast, multimode fiber attenuates the light energy by just 1.5 dB at 1310 nm, and only .3 dB per mile at 1510 nm.

As a result, multimode fiber is most often used for short signal runs, such as an HDMI-to-fiber converter system within a building. And it costs less than single-mode fiber with per-foot prices comparable to Category 5e structured wire. Single-mode fiber is better suited to longer cable runs, with a good example being a campus-wide telecommunications system.

Filling the Pipe

Digital signals travel through optical fiber by means of a process called pulsewidth modulation. The digital signal is coded into packets and transmitted by a series of pulses. The bits of data conveyed by the duration and frequency of those pulses are then converted back to video, audio, and control signals at the receiving end, and converted to the desired digital signal interface format.

Now, here’s a neat trick. By manipulating the frequencies of light, we can pack two or more digital signals into a single fiber

using a technique called wave-division multiplexing, or WDM. Think of a tunnel where cars and trucks can travel not only on the roadbed, but on the sides and even the ceiling, all at the same time and at different speeds, and you can appreciate how useful WDM is.

There are two wave-division multiplexing formats: coarse and dense. With coarse WDM, up to 16 discrete digital signals can travel simultaneously over a single optical fiber. Using dense WDM techniques, more than one hundred different digital signals will happily coexist in the same fiber.

That means you could take every output from a 32x32 or even a 64x64 HDMI or DVI matrix switcher and route all of them through a single fiber. (You could also add in several streams of HD-SDI video and gigabit Ethernet and still not run out of capacity!) Think of how many separate copper wire cables you’d have to run to equal that much bandwidth.

It’s Not Sleight of Hand

Although optical fiber has been in wide use for many years in the telecom, satellite, and broadcast markets, many pro AV dealers and integrators shy away from it because they don’t want to deal with installing connectors. And that reluctance was understandable, as optical fiber connectors usually required careful assembly in a dirt-free environment, using special tools and epoxy in a time-consuming process.

That’s all changed. Nowadays, crimpstyle connectors don’t require epoxy, nor do they need to be polished before assembly. (You still need to keep dirt away from the fiber, though!) These connectors take a couple of minutes to install, using stripping and crimping guidelines printed right on the connector package.

A special connector block holds the termination in place to ensure a secure crimp and precise spacing of the fiber end against the connector face. It’s not

much more work than fitting a crimpstyle BNC connector or installing an RJ-45-category wire plug, and there’s no waiting — the connector is ready to use as soon as you’ve attached the outer jacket.

One additional benefit to using optical fiber cable: The signal losses are so low that you don’t need to worry about excess cable. If the installation calls for a 10-foot interconnect and you have either prepared or have on hand a 25-foot optical fiber with connectors, go ahead and use it! Simply loop up and secure the excess cable out of the way.

Several different types of optical fiber cables are available to you, but the types you’re most likely to come across in AV applications are SC (single-fiber) and LC (duplex fiber). SC interfaces are the most common type on signal format converters, such as DVI and HDMI optical fiber extenders. LC interfaces are more often found in high-density distribution amplifiers and matrix switchers.

It’s possible to build optical fiber interfaces directly into cables. One example would be an HDMI extender with a small block at either end to hold the signal conversion electronics. LEDs are used to modulate the light through multimode optical fiber cable, and the LEDs are powered by a small wall transformer or a USB-style low-voltage DC connection.

In the Field

There is literally no downside to using optical fiber for AV installations. Fiber weighs less than comparable copperbased cables for specified data rates and bandwidths, is extremely flexible, and occupies minimal space in electrical conduit and cable trays. It also provides security for data transmission, unlike copper wire, and is the ideal solution for eliminating common-mode noise, more commonly referred to as ground loops.

There are also “mission critical” applications that prohibit the use

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TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

of copper wire, such as spark-free environments where volatile substances are in use, hospital operating rooms, locations with high levels of radio frequency interference (RFI), and spaces subject to high levels of impulse noise.

Optical fiber signals can be switched and distributed in a similar manner to copper wire signals. There are optical fiber matrix switches and repeaters that can take one signal and distribute it to multiple receivers.

Optical fiber switches can also operate in a hybrid mode, accepting copper formats like HDMI, DisplayPort, and HD-SDI, and converting them directly to fiber at the output for transmission, saving the time and cost to install signal format converters. (This is a similar approach to using direct category wire outputs in switchers.)

Although it’s not common in commercial AV installations, optical repeaters can be installed to restore the amplitude of the modulated light and also correct for any distortions that may occur along the signal path. The most common are chromatic dispersion, or spreading of the modulated light rays over time, resulting from different velocities of light rays (occurs only in single-mode cables), and modal dispersion, or spreading of the modulated light rays over time. The latter is created by different propagation modes in multimode fiber.

You can future-proof your new installations for years to come by switching to fiber for all signal interconnects. colors back into a single beam of white light.

There are two primary interference issues when using wave-division multiplexing.

The first is crosstalk, when one pulsewidth modulated signal “bleeds” into another PWM signal. (The crosstalk phenomenon in optical fiber is similar to crosstalk in copper wire.) The remedy is to use optical filters with narrow bandpass characteristics.

Another interference problem with WDM is known as intermodulation distortion. This condition arises when two or more optical carriers “beat” against each other to create spurious harmonics at the sum or difference of the carrier frequencies. This is solved by using very tight optical filters in the signal multiplexing equipment.

Keep in mind that all these corrective methods are built in to optical fiber switches and repeaters. You won’t need to change filters or make any adjustments in the field — just plug in your connectors and you are ready to go. But you should make every effort to provide a dust-free environment, so a can of compressed air is handy when attaching fiber connectors.

Adding Fiber to Your Diet

If you haven’t considered using optical fiber before, now would be a great time to start. The introduction of 4K (Ultra High Definition) TV at CES 2013 and subsequent 4K product announcements at the NAB 2013 trade show are evidence of the next big thing in display technology — displays with four times the resolution of today’s TVs and projectors.

You may be surprised to learn that chromatic and modal dispersion problems can be corrected by using passive optical fiber products! Think of a prism that refracts light into colors of the spectrum, and simply reverse that process — combining the individual

That means four times as much data must be moved from source to display, creating a potential bandwidth bottleneck. While there are groups working on enhancements to existing display standards (HDMI 2.0 and Display Stream for DisplayPort), you can future-

proof your new installations for years to come by switching to fiber for all signal interconnects.

Optical fiber is lighter, smaller, faster, flexible, immune to interference, “green,” and comparably priced to structured wire. The connectors have never been easier to install and the interfaces support every AV signal format in use today. What are you waiting for?

This article is re-printed with permission from Kramer Electronics. The article first appeared in Kramer CONNECTIONS May 2013 issue. www.kramerelectronics.com

Did You Know?

There are only three wavelengths at which light passes through fiber cables. These specific wavelengths are known as transparency windows, and occur at 850 nanometers, 1310 nanometers, and 1550 nanometers.

There are two different types of optical fiber cable: single-mode fiber and multimode.

Multimode fiber is most often used for short signal runs, such as an HDMI-to-fiber converter system within a building. Single-mode fiber is better suited to longer cable runs, with a good example being a campus-wide telecommunications system.

By manipulating the frequencies of light, we can pack two or more digital signals into a single fiber using a technique called wavedivision multiplexing, or WDM. There are two wave-division multiplexing formats: coarse and dense. With coarse WDM, up to 16 discrete digital signals can travel simultaneously over a single optical fiber.

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TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Digital Cooking Game 2.0 2.0! After Web 2.0, digital video now gets its own 2.0: HDMI 2.0 and HDBaseT 2.0 have been announced within the same time frame, and has a lot of people still wondering which standard or what kind of cable infrastructure they should use. This jump in version is comparable to switching from traditional pots and pans to non-stick: it’s huge. In fact, apart from the “2.0”, these two standards have little in common. Let your digital cooking chefs break it down for you, as 2.0 brings video and audio to whole new level.

HDMI 2.0

HDBaseT 2.0

Max Resolution

4K (2160p) @ 50/60Hz

2560x1600 @60Hz

Audio Channels

32

8

Audio Sample (max)

1536 KHz

Dual video stream

Yes

No

Multistream Audio (4)

Yes

No

21:9 aspect ratio

Yes

No

Dynamic Audio & Video sync

Yes

No

CEC Extension

Yes

No

Bandwidth

18 GBps

10 GBps

Max Clock Rate

600 MHz

340 MHz

Cable

Existing HDMI Cat 2

Cat5e / 6 / 7

USB 2.0

No

Yes

(Figure 1: Comparison Chart for HDMI 2.0 and HDBaseT 2.0)

The 2 Players

HDMI 2.0 was announced end of 2012, but the detailed specifications were not released until September 2013.

With the availability of the new UHD displays, the need of 4K distribution and transport grows bigger, and since the sources currently available are using HDMI 1.4, they are limited to a maximum of 4K @ 30Hz (3840x2160 resolution, refresh rate 30Hz), which is enough for cinematographic content (whose refresh rate is 24p), but it is not enough for video content which uses 50/60Hz refresh rate, depending on the location.

You might have noticed that the UHD demo content are either movies or superslow content (both camera movement and action). You haven’t seen much sport content in 4K or adrenaline-thrill demo in 4K, as it would look broken and stuttering.

KBS in Korea did some broadcast feeds in UHD, but the models and the other parts of the decor didn’t move much… for the reasons stated above.

Thanks to HDMI 2.0, we can now increase the data rate to 6Gbits per channel (TMDS rate, or 14.4 Gbps effective content rate), which will give

us enough room for 3840x2160 @ 60 Hz. In the new flavor of HDMI, we’ll get some nice features that will compete a bit with Display Port 1.2, like Multistream video (only 2 different streams, where DisplayPort 1.2 allows up to 63 Audio & Video streams).

At the same time (September 2013), HDBaseT Alliance released the HDBaseT 2.0 specifications too. The specification objectives are different, however. Whereas HDMI 2.0 is chasing Display Port, Higher speeds and Higher Resolutions, HDBaseT is chasing after distribution in the house: the multimedia matrix.

More or less, HDBaseT 2.0 specs still comply with HDMI 1.4 recommendation, which HDBaseT 1.0 followed 100%.

The 5Play of HDBaseT (Video, Audio, Control, Network and Power) now becomes 6 with the addition of USB 2.0 signal (yet another “2.0”). It now makes sense to have a common hub in the house that connects all the HDBaseT sources and displays or end points.

As you can see in Figure 2, HDBaseT HomePlay focuses on networking all

these devices. It goes to the point of adopting the OSI model with its 7 layer Behind the specifications, stands Valens, the chip manufacturer. For Valens, it means a new set of chips, not only in the sources and end points, but also in the middle. So with a new standard and a new set of chips, HDBaseT can now compete with HDMI, as Matrix manufacturers will have to buy such chips to achieve the same services, where today, a HDBaseT matrix relies on TMDS switching and matrixing (based on HDBaseT receivers, their way to matrix, switch, split HDMI signal, and HDBaseT senders). Another feature for HDBaseT is that with 2.0, the matrix can have multiple layers, individually passing and switching each HDBaseT service (well almost, as you cannot make matrix switch Power, but you can remote switch on and off an endpoint).

The Designer Point of View

Shifting to HDMI 2.0 will change the whole game, as the bandwidth is now doubled from HDMI 1.4, and quadrupled from HDMI 1.3 (most of today’s sources).

Keep in mind that most of the time, we complied with HDMI 1.4 by integrating

TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

51

Figure 2: Courtesy of HDBaseT Website http://www.hdbaset.org/spec2

HDBaseT 1.0 transport in our designs (an easy way to transport signals on Cat cables, and also to comply with the extra bandwidth). If we follow HDMI 2.0 specifications, the same HDMI Cat 2 cables will supposedly transport 18 Gbps signals, however in practice, the contrary will most likely be proven.

Most of the cable manufacturers are not rating their cable for 18 Gbps, especially if they have long cables (more than 5 meters), because transporting 18 Gbps over longer distances is going to be quite painful and in some cases impossible. Currently, there is only one platform that can handle signals at this speed (Lightware’s 25G Hybrid platform, which also supports DisplayPort 1.2 at crazy 21.6 Gbps).

Shifting to HDBaseT 2.0 on the other hand, is quite easy if the bandwidth of your system is 10 Gbps or greater.

Simply run Cat cables from sources to matrix, and from matrix to the end

points, just as in HDBaseT 1.0 design.

The only thing that is going to change is the matrix itself and the services it will provide. Keep in mind one thing: the feature set of HDMI 2.0 will not be available over this framework. It will stay as HDMI 1.4 connectivity and allow the independent routing of the individual services of 5Play, along with USB 2.0 support!

The user: I want 2.0!

A time will come shortly when a big sporting event (F1, Olympics, World Cup) will be recorded in 4K @ 60 Hz. Video editors will absolutely be editing in an HDMI 2.0 environment. They will demand hi-res, deep color, etc. Mister Customer will certainly plead to have the chance to view this on their new razorthin, curved, HDMI 2.0 display. They’ll be willing to fight for it! Whether they will be able to pay for it (new audio receiver, high-end speakers, etc.) is another question. HDBaseT 2.0, on the other hand, may not pass 4K @ 60 Hz, but it

will certainly be more convenient and allow a new freedom of services. We see a world where both 2.0’s will find their markets.

This article is contributed by Bertrand Jenner, Lightware Visual Engineering Asia Technical Director and Aaron Lange, the Sales Director at Lightware Visual Engineering Asia. You may get in touch with them at bertrand.jenner@ lightware.eu and aaron.lange@lightware. eu respectively. SIA thanks them for their contribution. If you have an opinion on the piece please do write to thomas@ spinworkz.com

INDIA & ME NEWS Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

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Digital Projection takes new EMEA sales manager onboard DLP projection leader Digital Projection announced the appointment of Chris Axford as EMEA Sales and Marketing Manager. The appointment follows an extensive recent recruitment programme. In his new role, Chris will be tasked with developing the company's business in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Before joining Digital Projection, Chris held a variety of senior positions with projectiondesign, most recently as VP Sales, EMEA, where he was responsible for building an extensive sales network, partner relationships and brand presence for the company. In a Pro-AV career spanning over 15 years, he brings with him unparalleled experience in the industry and is perfectly placed to enhance Digital Projection’s growing

reputation for innovation and market leading products.

“We are delighted to have secured the services of Chris,” said Nick Cottiss, International Sales and Marketing Director at DPI, commenting on the appointment. “He has a proven track record and is well respected in the industry,” he said, “I am confident he will be pivotal in our development going forward.”

Said Chris, “Digital Projection are the original DLP projector pioneers and I’m excited to start and further develop the company’s position and the brand in emerging markets and specialist verticals.” www.digitalprojection.co.uk

Small-sized Optical HDMI Extender: HDFX-150 Low enough to be run by USB power Extends up to 300m (985feet) over four (4) LC multi-mode fibers Supports up to WUXGA (1920x1200) at 60Hz or 1080p at 60Hz Supports 3D contents transmission Complies with CEC, EDID and HDCP Certifies with FCC/CE Dimension (WDH) 67 x 46 x 14mm Includes two (2) short HDMI cables, two (2) USB cables and one (1) DC power supply

WWW.OPTICIS.COM

OPTICIS HQ

16Fl., Kins Tower Jeongja 331, 8 Sungnam-daero, Bundang-gu, Sungnam-si, Gyunggi-do, 463-782 South Korea Tel: +82 31 719-8033 Fax: +82 31 719-8032 E-mail: tosales@opticis.com

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INDIA & ME NEWS Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Crestron launches India’s experience lounge The adoption of innovating technologies and reinventing the way people live and work is growing at an unprecedented rate, enabling companies and their customers to experience it in newer and newer ways.

With roots in Home, Commercial and Professional segments, Mahavir Sound Room, took one step forward by opening its own Customer Experience Lounge in Hyderabad, the capital city

of the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

Guest of honour Tony Yeung, Director, Asia Operations at Crestron Asia, did the honours of inaugurating the lounge. “This elegantly designed and fully functional facility offers visitors a vivid experience of the latest in control and automation systems”, said Tony.

“This marks an open invitation to everyone to come and use this beautiful,

functional space where you can see and demonstrate Crestron technology in real-life settings,” he said and added, “hearing and reading about Crestron solutions is cool, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself.”

Said a joyous Jaleel Sabir, CMD at Mahavir Sound Room, “we are committed to bringing enriching experiences in automation to our customers, and this state-of-art facility will demonstrate cutting-edge solutions from Crestron integrated technology in a fully-immersive environment.”

According to him, that The Sound Room is a Certified Partner to Crestron, having a facility of this type makes it all the more significant in spreading the technology experience that Crestron stands for.

Mahavir Sound Room purveys leading edge audio-visual solutions and supply chain in India. Partnered with Crestron, it provides control and automation systems for a diverse range of applications spanning the entire spectrum of Home, Commercial and Professional AV domains.

Jaleel Sabir, CMD of Mahavir Sound Room with Tony Yeung, Director, Asia Operations, Crestron Asia

www.thesoundroom.in www.crestron.com

INDIA & ME NEWS Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

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Unicom Infotel appoints Tattva Consultants for AV Integration

Unicom Infotel Pvt Ltd, a market leader in Unified Communications infrastructure, solutions and services for small, medium and large enterprises has appointed Mumbai-based Tattva Consultants as their consultants for their ensuing audio visual systems integration requirement.

As part of the task, Tattva will assess and evaluate current processes and restructure the AV business for Unicom.

The consultancy firm will identify and define sectors and markets, recruitment and training with initial hand holding

and managing necessary tie-ups with manufacturers to bid for projects.

Unicom offers a comprehensive portfolio of secure IP communication solutions and services for diverse enterprise customers. The portfolio includes IP/ Converged telephony platforms for small to large enterprises; IP/TDM based voice and video devices, unified messaging and communication solutions, data center, enterprise mobility and life-cycle and other professional services.

"We are pleased to have Tattva as our consultant to set up our AV business for the next two years,” said Vinod Tekchandani, Director at Unicom. “With this tie up, we will receive the necessary expertise and most importantly, offer AV solutions to our clients, which we had hesitated to concentrate in the past few years." www.tattvaconsultants.com www.unicominfotel.com

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INDIA & ME NEWS Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

GES to expand operations in MENA that are farther in the region like UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and North Africa will be notionally sourced from the Dubai warehouse. “We have seen people coming from farther countries even bordering Middle East and buying products from Dubai. This is exactly why we want to have a sourcing location in Dubai to be able to address all those buyers” affirmed Joe. Joe, while he represents RTI across the Middle East, is also the founderPresident of GES. The distribution major has the management set-up, license to stock and market the products. The idea is to stock products in Dubai warehouse, and use it as a hub to promote business.

While the business is done by RTI, the distribution and delivery, invoicing, and management will be done by GES.

General Electronic Services Ltd. (GES), the Jounieh, Lebanon-based electronics and automation solutions distribution major is making some active strides in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region.

The company has now set up warehousing facility in Dubai, and offices to promote the automation solutions from RTI, one if its major trading brands.

The warehousing facility in Dubai, intended to come into effect by first week of December, would run as a parallel sourcing facility for RTI solutions for those markets in the Middle East and North Africa that are unable to access the Lebanese base of RTI. “The office space is already done; we need to do some architectural work and some staff placement,” said GES President and RTI Solution Vice-President for MENA, Joe Barhoush to SIAsia, on the sidelines of InfoComm MEA 2013 held recently in Dubai. “It’s like a parallel counter running simultaneously. I don’t think anybody has done this before- two warehouses running in parallel,” he

said, “with this facility we will be able to address those farther markets in the region more effectively.”

The main purpose of GES wanting to take this initiative is to stay closer to smaller integrators and installers from the ME region because they do not want to ship the systems from Lebanon, by road due to the turbulent situation in neighbouring Syria – the only motorable connection between GES headquarters and the rest of Middle East. GES is not allowed to ship by road from Lebanon to the region. “Shipping the solutions by air is an expensive act both for us and the buyers as well.” Joe said, adding, “an effective alternative to address the need is to have a near, and reassuring access point. More, it’s like an extension facility for us, and helps us expand our operations in the region, reaching out to more countries.”

According to Joe, much of the Arab Gulf will now be accessed from Dubai.

For instance countries like Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, and Iraq would be served directly from Lebanon while countries

Having established a strong market presence in Residential and Hospitality segment, RTI and GES are now focusing on luxury yachting, a potentially growing domain in the region. “Yachting is one of the big business domains in the Arab Gulf and neighbouring countries,” explains Joe. “I have to tell you that almost 99 per cent of yachts, most ambitious and prestigious yachts in the region have RTI solutions. We did projects for big yacht owners from Kuwait, UAE, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and more. Interestingly, these yachts, scaling 20-80 meters are mostly based in Europe, and are now coming to Lebanon.”

The RTI/GES top Exec, however, immediately adds that the company is equally strong and focused on penetrating deeper into professional/ commercial AV, government and security segments as well.

Having grown 22 per cent plus in the region till now, RTI hopes to better the growth by the end of the year, and grow still better in the years to come due to the upcoming support base in Dubai.

“We hope we will grow by at least 40 per cent in 2014,” says Joe. www.geslb.com

INDIA & ME NEWS Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

57

Harman India launches toll free customer service helpline Harman Professional India launched its toll free helpline for channel partners and customers across India.

The toll free helpline 1800-208-8880, operational from October 2013, set a new benchmark in customer service and support in the Professional Audio industry.

Harman Professional, since its inception in India, has a company owned service centre in Bangalore. In addition, the company has fully functional authorized Harman service centres in Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata. These centres offer technical repair and support in terms of trouble shooting, component level repair, spare part supplies to ensure higher customer satisfaction.

This toll free helpline will complement the wide network of Harman service centers across India for Harman brands including – AKG, BSS, Crown, dbx, JBL, Lexicon, Soundcraft & Studer and Martin Professional range of lighting and video equipment. The helpline will be operational from 10 AM to 7 PM, six days a week with language support in English and Hindi. The toll free helpline addresses queries related to products, application and after sales with increased

accessibility to customers from every corner of the country.

Commenting on the launch, Ganesh Kumar, Senior Manager- Service, Harman Professional India said, “customer support has always been the cornerstone of our offerings in India. This move only reiterates our focus in enhancing our service levels across the country, with support being just a call away.�

Harman has partnered with Flyjac Logistics Pvt. Ltd., to provide the infrastructure and technical support for this toll free helpline. Flyjac has expertise for such services with their proven infrastructure, network and integrated IT support. This is in addition to Harman’s existing association with Flyjac for various supply chain solutions including freight management, reverse logistics and other related services. “We are proud to be associated with Harman Professional as their supply chain manager since 2012, offering IT enabled integrated logistics solutions,� said A.V. Ravi Kumar, Joint Managing Director, Flyjac Logistics, on the occasion. “This is a step ahead of our relationship with Harman, with an innovative solution

for call handling through our software LMERGE,� he said and added, “with this launch, the association between Flyjac and Harman will move a notch higher.�

On this occasion, Prashant Govindan, Director, India Operations, Harman Professional stated, “it has been a remarkable journey since 2012, when we set up the first service centre in Bangalore and the other authorized Harman service centres following suit over last year. We are committed to supporting our customers, ensuring easy access across the country and are confident that this toll free helpline will go a long way, making it an industry benchmark.�

Harman Professional is also strengthening and extending their support and service in South India with the launch of another authorized service centre in Chennai, this November. www.harman.in

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58

INDIA & ME NEWS Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Steve Simpson takes the helm at Mitsubishi Electric Dubai engineering for many years.

Mitsubishi Electric has appointed Steve Simpson to head its newly opened Dubai office. Simpson, a resident in the Gulf since 2003, joins the company from Crestron where he was Sales Manager for the region. Prior to that, he was Regional Manager for Opus Technologies, the award winning multiroom audio/video entertainment and smart home control solution provider.

Along with over a decade’s experience of the professional Audio Visual business in the Gulf, Simpson also has a solid technical background, having worked in radio and cellular communication

Mitsubishi Electric has recently announced significant changes in direction to focus more on its largescale display business, in particular major infrastructure installations such as traffic management centres, network control rooms and government facilities.

Mitsubishi’s Display Wall control systems are used in mission-critical applications all over the world and the company has installed over 50,000 of its control room displays to date. With investment and government spending now returning to Dubai and the other GCC states, establishing a permanent presence in the region is a key strategic move.

Says Steve on his new endeavour: “Mitsubishi Electric has enormous

expertise in a wide range of sectors, from aerospace to medical technology, which gives the company a unique perspective in the areas of data visualisation and control room display.

Having a permanent presence here in Dubai will make it much easier for integrators and potential customers to access the world-class technologies we have to offer.”

Visitors to the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai will have already witnessed Mitsubishi Electric’s engineering expertise in action; the course’s spectacular 108 metre x 11 metre giant video screen was designed and built by Mitsubishi Electric. www.displays.mitsubishielectric.eu

PS Tiwari comes onboard Konftel AB for IME region P S Tiwari, a seasoned industry professional representing the audio part of the AV domain in the IMEA region recently assumed a new position- by joining Swedish conference phone manufacturer Konftel AB. He will represent the audio major as its Regional Sales Manager for India, and Middle East.

built-in recording on SD card, connectivity to PA systems, integration with video /web conferencing, and SIM card interfacing are getting good appreciation from the AV fraternity," he said, adding, “we hope to take this forward to bring newer technology solutions and new experiences to users, as also newer grounds to Konftel.”

The appointment is part of Konftel’s initiative towards, primarily, making its presence felt in the potentially growing IMEA region, and then expanding its sales footprint across the markets. The audio major is well recognized for its quality and OmniSound technology.

Konftel prides in designing the world's first conference phone. With more than 35 per cent market share in the European market, Konftel is already a leader in the region.

According to him, Konftel conference phones are well designed to address the current business conferencing needs. Konftel’s most advanced echo cancellation and noise cancellation algorithm makes the system ideal for small, medium and large conference rooms. That apart from regular telephone and IP connectivity, Konftel conference phones can be used with video conferencing, web conferencing, and PA systems, they bring several advantages to consultants, systems integrators as well as the End Users.

"We are very much excited to see a great response from the market,” said Tiwari. “Our unique and unmatched

www.konftel.com

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INDIA & ME NEWS Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

AVDI – Birth of a new enterprise

(L-R) Atul Agnihotri and Devender Verma, Co-Founders of AVDI

Audio visual industry in India, if not the world, has a new genre of an enterprise coming to the fore. It’s neither manufacturer, nor distributor/ vendor, or contractor/installer. Not a design consultant or system integrator or project management consultant either!

It’s rather an initiative interfacing them all- in one place, on a virtual platform!

This might sound amusing, but it has already taken shape and, up and running!

AVDI website

Audio Video Design India (AVDI) is a free-access web portal that enables the users to design their own audiovideo/lighting control/multimedia automation, conferencing, converging, and collaboration solutions. The users just need to log in; specify their application type and functionality. They will have their design solution delivered, instantly! In this process, by virtue of the programming of the portal, the user’s details will sail to the multitude

of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who are already registered with the portal, and they will send their pricing for the systems that are suitable to the chosen application and functionality; simultaneously, the OEMs will also provide the User with details of their “certified systems integrators.”

Now, the User will have a ‘feasible’ design available within an affordable budget, and a bank of SIs to choose from. It’s then just the matter of choosing the right/preferred SI, and getting the install done.

Sounds intriguing?

“It’s pretty much possible,” vouches Devender Verma, Co-Founder of AVDI. “The programming of the portal is done in such a way that the users – once logged in – are asked a few questions about their application and functionality.

Even as the details are fed to the portal, its programming devises the design for the desired A/V set-up. While this is one innovative and unique way of enabling the users design their own set-up, the actual beauty of the initiative begins exactly here…”

INDIA & ME NEWS Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

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According to him, the OEMs registered with the portal will send the detail of their solutions – along with their ‘original’ pricing – enabling the user to know what the solution will “actually cost.” That the OEMs will suggest choosing a suitable integrator, from their bank of “certified SIs,” that brings immense benefits to the entire ecosystem/value-chain of the industry. In the words of the Co-Founder:

specs since everything happens instantly online, thus anytime and from anywhere.

It’s only fixing the SI and install that matters with time, post freezing up the specs.

A veteran of over 25 years in diverse segments of AV, Devender co-founded AVDI in partnership with Atul Agnihotri, a computer technocrat of 12 years standing in the ICT industry.

All sound good, but what’s the gain for AVDI, for playing interfacing platform for all this? As it is, it’s a free-access service to the user!

* The OEM will stand to know who the user is, and what is his/her choice. This will help them devise their product system solution accordingly; also, the OEM can stand to keep a check on their pricing and execution time from being overshot due to any perceptible reasons.

“The gain for AVDI – or the business model so to say – is the OEMs’ annual payment to the portal,” clarifies Devender. “We have some reasonably priced payment terms for the OEMs, that form the essence of revenue,” he seeks to elaborate. “The industry is so vast, given the diversity and number of verticals, plus there is a plentitude of OEMs in each segment and categories under them.”

While being very ambitious about the ideation, AVDI intends to make a humble start, and began with just Enterprise Solutions, as Phase-I of its operation. The portal has LCD/LED displays; projectors; screens; connectors; routers; distributors; controls; audio devices; and cables under this section.

* The End User will stand to know the ‘actual’ pricing of the solution they chose; he/she stands to demarcate between system cost and integration service cost- without any ‘hidden’ costs! * The SI stands to gain in building the credibility factor and strengthening the value chain, thereby contribute to the genuine cause of the industry.

Neither users, nor the OEMS, or SIs need to travel long hours, or wait for weeks together in pursuit of the deal or design

According to the AVDI Co-Founder, they made a deep study of the market, and interacted with a host of OEMs about the feasibility of the model, and found that an initiative like this could be a winwin proposition for all. “We are pretty much encouraged by the enthusiasm expressed by the OEMs,” he asserted, “we already have a good number of them with us, and more pledging their support to the cause.”

“In a five-phase expansion plan, we intend to address the whole big spectrum of the global AV industry,” the AVDI promoter said sounding ambitious.

“Our mission is to be the most trusted and reliable solution provider for all audio-video / lighting control / multimedia automation and collaboration needs, worldwide.”

We will wait, and hope to see it unfold the way it has been visualized! www.av-designindia.com

Biamp Expands Certification Training Programme in Middle East Leading provider of innovative, networked media systems, Biamp Systems announced the expansion of its certification training programme to include Tesira and Vocia trainings in Dubai. The city thus became the first in the Middle East, and newest location for the critical initiative to join the list of popular training locations for Biamp worldwide: Beaverton, USA; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Mumbai, India; and Hong Kong.

Trainings will be scheduled regularly, and are intended for integrators and consultants who use Biamp equipment

in a wide array of installations. In addition to Biamp’s Certification Training Programme, integrators and consultants can also access useful technical information in training webinars through Biamp’s online training channel, and via Cornerstone–Biamp’s new online technical support knowledgebase.

“Our customers in the Middle East continue to request more ways of gaining Biamp training,” said Kevin Jacobson, Global Training Manager at Biamp Systems. “By expanding our training into Dubai, our customers and partners have easier access to the

hands-on, skills-based training, that we are known to provide; plus the formal training and information they need to stay competitive in the marketplace.”

Biamp is known worldwide for its superior Certification Training Programme that not only educates integrators on how to successfully install Biamp products, but also illustrates how Biamp products can be utilized in even the most challenging environments. www.biamp.com

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INDIA & ME CONSULTANT’S SAY Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Infusing a new ‘Tattva’ to AV Industry Consultancy – irrespective of the domain it works for – always brings with it a challenge of being responsible; realistic; genuine; and accountable to integrity- all summing up to truthfulness. Seeking to symbolize and demonstrate this in every aspect of its being is the Mumbai-based young audio-visual consultancy firm Tattva. Though comparatively young, being just two years old into the activity in the strict sense of the term, the founders bring a long and credible record to place.

SIA speaks to Paresh V Birari, Founder-Partner of Tattva Consultants. A Bachelor’s in Engineering (Instrumentation), and a Masters in Marketing degree holder, and almost a decade into the AV domain, Paresh apparently speaks what his firm means, firmly. Excerpts: SIAsia: The name Tattva is very unique.

What made you take the name?

PARESH:The name Tattva is a Sanskrit word meaning "truth.” As consultants, we want to be truthful about our work, our offerings and approach to our clients; our belief in our business models.

This is because we believe the path we chose has always been different from others, and a difficult one too.

SIAsia: What exactly does it symbolize to you, and the industry?

PARESH:Tattva keeps reminding us – with a fair amount of spiritual perspective – of our mission; our responsibility to ourselves; our team; and the entire AV ecosystem- being truthful to every endeavour that we relate ourselves to.

SIAsia: How do you look at the current state of Indian AVSI industry in terms of dynamism, and ability to harness cutting edge technologies…

PARESH: The Indian AVSI industry is getting more and more dynamic with newer technologies being introduced every quarter from almost all the component domains- audio, video, controls and interfaces. When it comes to the industry’s ability to harness cutting-edge technologies, the adoption period of any such technology ranges between 12 and 18 months, more so when the technology format is disruptive. So, it may be a bit tricky to say if any geography is quick enough to harness what we mean by cutting-edge.

Given the level of diversity, it can be much the same with Indian AVSI industry.

SIAsia: How about the availability of skilled and certified professionals…

PARESH: Admittedly this is a scarcity area. Finding skilled and certified professionals is still a difficult fare for AVSI industry. We see things are improving gradually, with increased levels of activity from promotional institutions like InfoComm, and some manufacturers. However, there is admittedly a long way to go before we can claim a better proposition. That there is a huge demand for project and site managers, since project management is directly proportional to cash flow, we hope things will improve.

SIAsia: Does this mean there is an increased willingness to invest in quality solutions and services?

PARESH: The users are generically dependent on the AVSI to pitch solutions and services. So, the more the manufacturers demonstrate their solutions to the consultants and SIs, the

better the offering and investment in solutions and services. They both are proportional.

SIAsia: What technologies are driving the industry today?

PARESH: While there are technologies like large format displays, interactive displays, LED displays, Full HD videoconferencing, digital signal processors, in audio Line Array speakers are driving the industry with respect to sales and volumes and Digital switching technology is slowly becoming the defacto backbone of every project.

SIAsia: What is the biggest challenge facing the industry today- technology awareness and/or access; expertise or budgets?

PARESH: I would say, it’s a mix of all.

Manufacturers are doing their best to create awareness about technology in the form of trainings and demonstrations even in B and C-tier centres. However, loyal VARs can contribute more to it by training their clients rather than just distribution and logistics.

Access to technology is still not always an easy play since consultants and SIs depend on manufacturers for solutions.

It is only fair that manufacturers have now realized the importance of increasing their presence across the verticals and segments, working in key accounts in order to provide training, demonstrations and even regular meetings with SIs. This activity does help a lot, and needs to be continued with more vigour.

INDIA & ME CONSULTANT’S SAY Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014 Expertise: This is one competency area with which the industry is primarily surviving, particularly consultancy and system integration. Having said that, there still exist a wide gap in soft skills, intensive product training and creating subject matter experts(SME). There is still a long way to grow this direction.

Budgets: It’s again difficult to define this aspect, or at least we haven’t seen this as a concern of compromise for the end user. However, the end user is dependent on the consultants and SIs to propose a viable solution without overshooting reasonable spending. It is also true that SIs have never explored proposing a solution and then defining budgets. This can open new direction altogether.

SIAsia: Has the emergence of MNC establishments been a contributing factor to the growth of AVSI industry in the region?

PARESH: Certainly yes. It is because of MNC establishments, that a professional approach came to form. Not only the industry recognized the importance of training and marketing activities, but also adopted it as one of their key areas of focus. That’s the big contribution from the advent of MNC set-ups. Also the exposure to the global developments and practices brought significant improvements in the industry’s approach to its cause.

SIAsia: Would you associate ITES and AVSI in any aspect? if so, what are the areas that are similar or overlapping?

PARESH: They are certainly not similar; but they do have areas of overlapping which initiated from video conferencing, then audio and for the last two years, it’s in routing video. VC is over IP, audio has been on UTP for some time, and now with AVB on TCP/IP playing a breakthrough solution, HDBaseT is currently employed for transmitting HDMI and DVI signals over UTP. It does look like a potential area of overlap.

SIAsia: While India's prowess proven in the former, why the same is not happening in the latter?

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PARESH: ITES is more a manufacturerdriven domain like CISCO, Microsoft etc. An IT engineer prides in being a CISCO-certified engineer, while a CTS certification is not manufacturer driven.

IT is more controlled and lays importance in following standards whereas, AV is complex, for example. what may sound better in one room, may not sound the same in another room due to room acoustics, signal interference etc. IT installation is structured whereas AV installation is more tilted on experience.

SIAsia: It is a chicken and egg situation between the industry and the administrative regimes in different States?

SIAsia: Not many AVSI equipment manufacturers are setting up direct presence in the country- what reasons you see for this?

SIAsia: How has Tattva contributed to the cause of the industry in the region?

What specific initiatives? Would you please elaborate?

PARESH: Realistically seen, India is a trickle-down effect of all the AV OEMs worldwide. Secondly, India contributes less than five per cent of worldwide sales for most manufacturers, so it is not necessarily the focus area for them.

Largely, it is on Northern America and Europe, and now on China and Australia.

Thirdly, there needs to be a reason for them to invest in India as there is no valid data on the sales in India. Lastly, over commitment and under delivering followed by huge numbers does not gain confidence from potential OEMs.

PARESH: We believe Tattva plays an important role, primarily, in three ways:

SIAsia: Would the manufacturers' making their direct presence here help the cause of the industry- either directly or indirectly?

PARESH: If new manufacturers enter India with an intention to take a share of the existing demand, then I doubt but if the manufacturer can segregate India into 10 regions rather than North, East, West and South, and then alternatively further segregate into Tier A, B, C and Rural, further segmenting into Home, Restaurant, Auditoriums, Conference set-ups, training rooms, classrooms, cafeterias. Assuming one is able to do that, we can expect to see one will see an exponential growth in sales.

Indirectly, I believe appointing value added resellers to pursue a similar activity would do a significant contribution.

PARESH: In my opinion, it is a perception challenge. India needs to be considered a continent rather than a country. We as Indians are already acquainted and confident with administrative regimes and its processes. It may be a question of same perception for those looking at it from outside.

Empower: Tattva empowers system Integrators in two ways. First, handholding conferencing, telecom and IT system Integrators in AV, and then, training existing AVSIs in sales and technology. We received much success with Millennium Conferencing and Cosmos Business Machines.

Enabling: Inviting new OEMs to invest into India on the basis of realistic reports through genuine surveys.

Marketing: Launching new concepts and designs in the Indian market which may include investments. With effect from 2014, we are launching KAM (Key Account Management) programmes for OEMs, Distributor and SI communities which will acquire clients and reduce cost of serving them.

SIAsia: What is the way forward for the industry?

PARESH: Online AV purchases will soon give way for logistic and inventory management; VARs will emerge for new OEMs; and Operations and Maintenance will be replaced by AV as a service (AVaaS). www.tattvaconsultants.com

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INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS SSystems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Mall of the Emirates goes shopping for a Video Wall Almoe, Medisys weave the massive videowall configuration Thus came in Chief, the mounting solutions leader, and Samsung with their latest ultra-slim bezel LED monitors and MagicInfo software. However, the most critical component to power the whole solution in a cost-effective and multifunctional fashion came from Matrox Graphics, and their Mura MPX Series video wall controller boards. Another important component, however, was the Scala Digital Signage Platform enabling remote handling of the video content for display.

Matrox Mura MPX Series controller boards drive a 54-monitor digital signage video wall in the Mall of the Emirates.

Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates, the world’s first shopping resort, and one of the largest entertainment destinations in the world, stands for everything big. With nearly 2.5 million square feet of commercial expanse housing as many as 520 stores showcasing over 550 international brands, besides over 90 dining and café options, the destination is famous for its renowned Ski Dubai – Middle East’s first indoor ski resort and snow park – a 14-screen VOX cinema, Arts Centre, and a 500-seat Dubai Community Theatre. Matching up its ‘big’ fare image is the recent incorporation of what is claimed to be one of the largest indoor LED video walls in the world.

Matrox Graphics Inc. took the honours of powering the massive LED wall while Chief and Samsung came together to hold up the prideful statement. A snapshot account: Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, has long become synonymous for all big things, besides skyscrapers

and architectural innovation in general.

The Mall of the Emirates is no exception, with over 30 million shoppers thronging it every year it seeks to reinvent itself almost continually to bring inviting fascinations for its bulging footfalls.

Playing in tune with the pursuit, the management decided to replace its 4x4 video wall on the first floor with bigger LED videowall that turned out to be almost three times larger. To be able do that, it required special mechanisms to place both in terms of hardware and software.

Dubai-headquartered Almoe AV Systems – who was tasked with the prestigious install – worked in association with local partner Mediasys on the concept and material to choose the best in that the design and install turns big in appeal but small in costing and maintenance.

While the video wall was already large enough to be visible to wider audiences from long distance, even from the atrium entrance – 11 meters from the ground – it had to be evenly bright, crisp and crystal clear while being thin enough.

It needed a combination of powerful hardware and software.

The interoperability for direct feed display and remote handling is one predominant factor brought to place

by Matrox Graphics. Mura MPX Series’ overall ease of use is reflected by standard form factors, simple system integration, a straightforward installation process, and a wide range of control options, including third-party applications like OpenScreen’s software.

The solution thus weaved in comprised a total of 54 Samsung UD55A monitors done in a 9x6 configuration measuring roughly 248 square feet and built into a rugged black steel support grid. The Samsung UD55A LED large format display (LFD)s, featuring SBB modules and an anti-reflective coating over tempered glass, give a Full HD resolution with brightness of up to 700nits,and run on MagicInfo software. The 5.5mm-bezel turns almost invisible given the size of the wall.

The whole set-up is powered by Mura MPX-4/2 and Mura MPX-4/0 boards housed in a Matrox-validated 4U system.

The significance of this solution is that it eliminated the need for separate solutions since Mura MPX Series boards feature a multi-functional design that facilitates video switching, signal conversion, and scaling. The first PCIe x16 Gen2 board class to feature both HD inputs and outputs, Mura MPX Series integrates up to four of each

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on individual single-slot, add-in cards.

Boards can subsequently be combined within single systems to power small to larger-scale walls.

“The client had a clear understanding about the prices of other video wall processors on the market. Ultimately, a Mura MPX-based video wall controller was the most cost-effective choice,” said Gareth Armstrong, the Contracts Manager for Almoe AV Systems.

Universal input support meanwhile enables the capture and display of digital signage content from external sources like the Blu-ray Disc player currently being used with the wall. Mura MPX also features HDCP compliance, so that copy-protected content from either a Blu-ray player or other sources like digital cable, satellite set-top boxes, and video streamers can be shown on compatible displays.

The large video wall plays dynamic content comprising corporate

The 9x6 wall hangs high in the atrium of the mall, with its digital signage content easily visible to all passers-by.

promotional videos and public signage messages and forms a clear focal point for the visitors.

“Shoppers can’t help but notice the video wall and enjoy all the massive, superior-quality visuals,” said Armstrong.

“Mura has provided the Mall of the Emirates with a huge boost to its digital signage as well as to the overall experience of going to the mall.” www.matrox.com www.almoe.com

Kuwait National Assembly selects Arthur Holm Desktop Monitors Design and Functionality key criteria in selection the symbol of democracy, and the image of freedom of speech.

The National Assembly, known as the Majlis Al-Umma ("House of the Nation") is the legislature of Kuwait and it was designed by the Architect Jorn Utzon, the same architect who designed the Sydney Opera House.

While teaching in Hawaii, Jorn Utzon received an invitation to participate in a competition for the National Assembly in Kuwait. After accepting the invitation Utzon began sending preliminary sketches to Oktay Nayman in London to prepare construction drawings, and to his son Jan in Denmark to produce models. With his familiarity with Islamic Architecture, Utzon based his design on the characteristics of a ‘souk’; a walled miniature city consisting of sections arranged around courtyards and accessed through a central hall.

The site is located at the ocean front, with “haze and white light and an untidy town behind” as described by Jorn Utzon. The Kuwait National Assembly is nowadays the icon of politics in Kuwait,

The screens chosen for Kuwait National Assembly were specially designed and manufactured by ARTHUR HOLM, who supplied small, ultra-compact and beautiful aluminum displays.

Each display has a touch screen with a privacy filter which ensures front readability while limiting the visibility from the sides and therefore, ensuring confidentiality of use.

Ease of installation, attractive design and height optimization were carefully taken into consideration by Arthur Holm to conceive these products.

The monitors are entirely built of milled anodized aluminum and their design is sober and modern at the same time. The aluminum is 100% recyclable and ensures the screens durability, lightweight and provides a delicate silky finish thanks to the anodize finish. www.arthurholm.com/en/products/ Desktop/index.htm www.albiral.com

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INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Televic ‘Conference’ at BPS Medical College Sennheiser, Essel Shyam take the honours The Bhagat Phool Singh (BPS) Government Medical College for Women at Khanpur Kalan-Sonipet in the North Indian state of Haryana is like a dream taking shape. India’s first healthcare institution after Independence exclusively for girls – and the country’s only second, after a gap of almost 100 years – has many unique features to pride in. One among them is the stateof-the-art conferencing set-up at its National Meeting Centre. Essel Shyam Communications had the integration honours while Televic Conference and Sennheiser India had a major role to play.

A snapshot account: The very genesis of Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for women is like objectifying a noble cause. Setting up a sophisticated institution of higher education in medicine exclusively for women is one; the formulation of it

happening almost a hundred years after the first in the country is the other.

That India’s first medical college for women Lady Hardinge Medical College was founded in the famous Connaught Place in India’s national capital Delhi in 1914, in commemoration of Queen Mary’s visit to the then British India (the actual inauguration of the college, however, happened two years later, in 1916), it’s been a long long historic journey for the second to take shape.

Built by the State-owned National Buildings Construction Corporation at a cost of 374 crore (59 million USD approx.), the 35-plus hectare institution – named after famous social reformer of the region Bhagat Phool Singh – does score a point or two in terms of its sophistication. While over 50 crore (7.5 million USD approx.) had been

spent on state-of-the-art machinery and equipment for medical studies, the entire college is rendered air-conditioned- a rare luxury for a government academic institution in the country.

In tune with its pursuit of education with sophistication, the management decided to equip the administrative establishment with an advanced conferencing set-up at its National Meeting Centre. As the system spec was an enablement for moving around the facility quite often, mobility became an important aspect in their choosing the suitable solution. A careful market search and some intense deliberations brought onboard Sennheiser India as conferencing solution provider; Noida-headquartered Essel Shyam Communications as integrator, and BP-Ergo as modern, modular furniture systems.

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Televic Conference’s Confidea Wireless solution to be their system of choice.

The reason for this is very simple: instead of having microphones in fixed positions all the time, they now have a system that they can move and configure according to their requirement of the occasion. The system solution provides the management with the flexibility/scalability of configuring and setting up the system depending on the number of guests that are invited to the proceedings in the National Meeting Centre.

Another important factor was the environment in which the wireless conference system was to be used. That imposed some extra requirements regarding wireless usage.

More, the install spec presented a unique challenge in wireless conference system- it not only required complex coupling of multiple conference rooms, sometimes with full control from a central control room, but also small setups in multiple numbers in no less than 15 minutes.

The Televic Confidea Wireless Conference system turned out to be ideal to cope with such extreme requirements of ease and flexibility, simply for the fact that it can offer unique active room coupling features by means of its portability. Also, the system’s multi-band feature allows the system to operate both in the 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz band, providing scalability.

A winner with multi-tasking performance

That apart, the Confidea wireless system’s coming with multiple features meeting the client spec made it the winner. The system’s ability to make a standalone configuration within eight seconds with the wireless access point itself acting as central unit was one; its ability to create virtual conference rooms too, if required, through allocation of delegate microphones and interpreter desks in conference rooms on multiple locations was the other; and its ability to play scalable platform to cope with a variety in room sizes where no wires can be visible was another.

More, the system’s amazing battery back-up of 20+ Hours of continuous conference takes it to another level.

Also, using Televic’s extensive in-built software to control all conference rooms

can also be controlled from one central control room.

The final solution integrated comprised a 30-seat wireless conferencing set-up with multi-site room coupling, and centralized control functionality.

Says Anshuman Dubey, Sr. Product Manager (Integrated Systems), at Sennheiser India: “You can minimize your investment as the basic systems should require basic investment. This is why Confidea -in its simplest form- requires minimum hardware and software.

For a basic discussion system with or without voting, the Confidea Wireless Conference Access Point, acts as a mini central unit, controllable from an Internet browser and including audio in- and outputs.”

“Televic Conference provides solutions for a wide variety of applications,” says Vipin Pungalia, Vice President, Professional and IS Segment, at Sennheiser India. “Over the years, Televic Conference has become the key provider of conference systems.”

“We are extremely happy with this new reference in India,” says the joyous Richard Cazin, Export Manager at Televic Conference. “It shows the potential of this market for a product like our Confidea wireless.” www.sennheiserindia.com www.televic.com www.esselshyam.net www.ergo.in

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INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS SSystems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Bosch systems feature at the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bosch Wireless DCN Conference system enable set up on demand The Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Dhaka is one of the oldest and most established trade organizations in Bangladesh.

Meetings with various multinational corporations are an integral part of the day-to-day operations at the MCCI.

1 DCN-CCU2 Control Unit, 1 DCN Wireless Chairman Unit, 22 DCN Wireless Delegate Units and 1 DCNWAP.

To ensure that discussions run smoothly, they required a wireless conferencing system that is portable and complements the professional design of their meeting rooms.

This wireless solution not only met the requirements of the MCCI for portability, it also helped reduce cost. The DCN units could be easily setup in various meeting rooms on demand and also made their meeting rooms look more presentable without messy cables all over the room.

Bosch and installation company, Litme Enterprise proposed to MCCI, the installation of the Wireless DCN Conference System, which includes

The end results were evident; the Wireless DCN Conference System not only created convenience for MCCI but

also improved the meeting experience there. The high quality of Bosch products, superior performance and proven track record ensured that the MCCI is satisfied with their choice. www.boschsecurity.asia

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QSC Loudspeakers scale new heights in Lebanon Après-ski Restaurant in Faqra Installs K Series, KW Series Active Loudspeakers

Lebanon is a country not really known for skiing. However, the country enjoys a distinction that is nothing less than skiing- the East-Mediterranean country is in fact home to the highest mountains in the Middle East. More, it has also been home to several fully equipped ski resorts since the 1960s.

The recent refurbishment of Le 1700, one of the best après-ski restaurants in the resort of Faqra, has seen the installation of a QSC sound system based on K and KW Series Active Loudspeakers. The privilege of handling this unique task is taken by Beirut-based QSC distributor Techno Sound.

Situated at an altitude of 1700 metres, above the mean sea level, the Le 1700 is a French restaurant that also features live music and dancing. "We were asked to provide some speakers for a live test as part of the complete refurbishment of the restaurant," explains Pierre Fahed of Techno Sound. "The PA had to be suitable for the playback of recorded lounge music suitable for quiet dining, but also for the amplification of live music for dancing,” he said, adding, “the management tested several brands, but

they chose the QSC K and KW Series after our President, Georges Bitar, showed them what the speakers could do on site."

Six K10 speakers, two K12s, six KW122s, and five KW181 subs were installed at Le 1700 over the course of

two days and the installation was up and running in time for the 2013 skiing season. "The guys at Le 1700 have been very pleased with their choice," explains Pierre Fahed. "I think the sound quality of the QSC speakers won them over; they liked how the speakers sounded when running quiet and loud, and they liked our reputation for good after-sales support — which we offer even for clients halfway up a mountain!" www.qscaudio.com www.techno-sound.org

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FEATURE Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Installation of Outdoor LED displays have seen phenomenal growth in the last few years across the world.

This is not surprising as the growth in revenue of digital out of home advertising has seen a steady climb which has influenced the growth of outdoor displays. Outdoor LED displays have also evolved over the years technologically as well as in design to make them more attractive to buyers. To understand the rising popularity of outdoor LED displays, SI Asia spoke to one of the leading solutions providers Barco LiveDots.

Excerpts...

SI Asia: In your opinion why has there been a growth in implementing outdoor LED solutions worldwide?

Barco LiveDots: We see both commercial and technical reasons behind this trend. First of all, LED solutions offer major advantages over traditional billboards and signage. In advertising, by chopping the available time into smaller time slots the same space can be sold many times over. What’s more, dynamic content attracts more attention than static images.

As for the technical reasons, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) has evolved rapidly in recent years, offering more and better solutions for outdoor usage. The majority of LED solutions on the market are now completely waterproof. They have a higher efficiency rate, come in smaller pack sizes and at more attractive prices. And thanks to a rise in networked solutions, it’s no longer required to go on site to change the displayed content.

Moreover, the modular design has made them aesthetically more pleasing. The newest Surface Mount Devices (SMDs) can be incorporated in the design of the building rather than being big black boxes mounted on a façade.

The smaller pixel pitch is mainly driven by an increase in the usage of HD and 4K content. We believe that there’s no further need to increase the pixel pitch.

Coming to grasp with The images are generally seen from such a distance that more pixels wouldn’t be distinguished anyway.

SI Asia: What, generally, are the challenges faced when installing outdoor LED solutions?

Barco LiveDots: For starters, the trend towards higher resolutions raises the bar in delivering a seamless image over multiple devices. Another challenge lies in the fact that screens mounted outdoors get exposed to harsh weather conditions. So more than being waterproof, they have to withstand

extreme weather like storms. Rather than just relying on IP ratings, which are based on measurements of dust and water impact over a limited time slot of about three minutes, Barco LiveDots exposes its outdoor products to its inhouse developed Typhoon test program.

Under the program, we simulate the effect of water and dust over multiple years, while also testing the impact of UV, heat, cold and vibrations.

SI Asia: Are your solutions ready to meet the higher resolution needs?

Barco LiveDots: As a global trendsetter

FEATURE Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

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own test program: ‘typhoon testing’.

Barco’s TF10 – our latest 10mm SMD outdoor tile – for instance, is ‘Typhoon 24/7’ certified for perfect reliability in any weather conditions. The X8, Barco’s highest grade 8mm black SMD outdoor tile, is ‘Typhoon Marine’ certified for usage in a maritime environment, like on a cruise ship.

SI Asia: Can you highlight whether your solutions are certified and, if so, by which organizations?

Barco LiveDots: All Barco tiles are certified according to worldwide standards (CE, ETL, RohS, TUV and WEEE), subscribed to by all major laboratories (Intertec, SGS, CEBEC, etc.). www.barco.com

Barco LiveDots outdoor LED solutions

• TF10: 10mm, waterproof outdoor SMD tiles, Typhoon 24/7 certified.

Typically seen in Times Square (New York).

• TF20: 20mm outdoor lamp tiles, Typhoon 24/7 certified. Typically seen in Times Square (New York).

• TF16: 16mm outdoor lamp tiles, Typhoon 24/7 certified. Typically seen in Piccadilly Circus (London).

Outdoor LED Displays in visualization we are, of course, more than ready for HD solutions. Throughout our product portfolio of both indoor and outdoor solutions, HD has become standard.

SI Asia: What are the competitive technological advantages that your solutions provide?

Barco LiveDots: Our powerful DX-700 video processor can drive up to six HD output regions, either independent walls or grouped into a single, large LED wall. Tile configurations, calibration, or colour and gamma control can be

managed efficiently from the front panel or by using the Director Toolset software platform. Thanks to our Remote Monitoring Software, all connected tiles can be monitored remotely, thus ensuring smooth, 24/7 operations.

On top of that, we can claim that our outdoor LED tiles are extremely reliable and robust. All our LED tiles are IP65 certified, yet we try to go beyond this standard. In the IP test, a product is only tested during a limited time slot, which does not really represent the impact of severe weather conditions over several years. That’s why we developed our

• X8: 8mm, black outdoor SMD tiles, Typhoon Marine certified.

• C8: small and lightweight 8mm, modular and waterproof outdoor SMD tiles, Typhoon 24/7 certified.

• V9m: 9mm, waterproof outdoor SMD tiles, Typhoon Rental certified.

For touring and stage rental use.

• V14m: 14mm, waterproof outdoor SMD tiles, Typhoon Rental certified.

For touring and stage rental use.

• V10v: 10mm, virtual pixel, outdoor lamp tiles. Typically seen at sporting events. Part of Barco’s low cost V-series.

• V10: 10mm, waterproof outdoor SMD tiles. Part of Barco’s low cost V-series.

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FEATURE Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

HONG KONG

FROM ANALOG TO DIGITAL, TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS

by Audrey Anne Felix

SI Asia recently reached out to Hong Kong’s system integrators, consultants and distributors to put together this report on Hong Kong, largely viewed as a hub for advanced technologies and smart solutions in government, commercial and entertainment venues. As the world’s freest market and home to the most number of embassies worldwide, this world city and important center of finance and trade has one of the greatest concentrations of corporate headquarters in the Asia Pacific region. As such, most organizations’ business initiative is to become more efficient and competitive. That alone has contributed to the growth of systems integration services in Hong Kong and its neighbouring markets, Macau and China...

Read on to find out what industry leaders had to say about opportunities, challenges and influences across Hong Kong.

Daryl Grove,

Global Business Director, Vega Group

Vega was established in Hong Kong in 1986 and began life as a regional distributor for audiovisual technology and became a distribution agency for international manufacturers supplying the APAC theatre. Vega soon added consultancy, engineering and support services to its technology portfolio in order to provide a comprehensive solution resource, that ranged from design, implementation and support of converged videoconferencing and audiovisual solutions. In 2010 Vega instigated its “Vega Global” strategic program, expanding its operational capabilities across the global markets.

Ben Lui,

Asst. General Manager, Advanced Communication Equipment (Int’l) Co. Ltd

Advanced Communication Equipment (Int’l) Co. Ltd. or ACE was set up in 1982, with a focus on businesses related to the broadcast and Telecommunications market covering multimedia, video, pro-audio, pro-sound, lighting & musical instruments. As the exclusive distributor of top brands in the field with relationships lasting more than 20 years, they work closely with system integrators to steer customers towards better solutions and support the SI industry as such.

Ian Harris,

Principal Consultant, ihD Ltd ihD Ltd is a Hong

Kong-registered Private Limited Company, specializing in AudioVisual, Acoustics, IT, Security, PBX System Design and Consultancy, focused on Design, Consultancy, and Project Management. Ian D. Harris is an industry veteran with more than 27 years of experience as engineer, project manager, and consultant.

Originally from the UK, Ian makes Hong Kong home now.

Finson Lam,

Managing Director, BAP (L) with Marco Tang, Sales Director, BAP

Finson Lam, Managing Director, BAP Technology Consultant Ltd BAP, founded in 2003, is a full-service solutions provider, offering audiovisual and light dimming technology that empowers organizations to communicate clearly and effectively. They provide consulting design on any scale of projects in disciplines including acoustics, AV, multimedia, lighting, control and energy saving.

Jeff Ng,

AVIT Engineering

AVIT specializes in audio visual system integration including Video Conferencing, PA systems, Central Control Systems, Digital Signage, Event Scheduling System, to name a few. From preliminary design, procurement, system programming, installation and user training upon system completion, AVIT is a one-stop solution provider.

FEATURE Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

SIAsia: Where do the opportunities for the SI industry lie in Hong Kong?

based on the investments by Galaxy, Wynn and SJM Holdings over the next two years.

DARYL: There are a number of factors over the past few years that have affected our industry and the current areas of opportunity. The first is the financial crisis in 2008, and the following financial uncertainty that posed challenges to many multinational companies that resulted in more cautious spending. Throughout 2008 and in the following year, many projects were put on hold and budget was cut completely.

This actually resulted in a bounce back in 2010 and 2011 when many organizations were forced to catch up on projects that had been delayed over the previous years. Now that has leveled back out, however the level of spending in MNCs has reduced due to a more cautious approach. In Hong Kong, SMEs are less affected by the global financial situation and we see a great opportunity in this sector, and in Macau the casino sector holds many opportunities with the rapid growth of that market.

IAN: Hong Kong itself is not so busy for system integration presently; there is hotel refurbishment, racecourse renewal (HK Jockey Club), Corporate things like iBanking, meeting rooms etc. A lot of the large projects are in nearby Macau with its continued casino and related projects. There is a critical step, which the SI’s need to take, and one we took 5 years ago. This is to shift their thinking from analogue to digital AV, especially to embrace the so-called “IT” aspects.

The second key factor is the uptake in video usage as organizations look to become more efficient and competitive, both throughout SMEs and MNCs, and in other areas such as education where video is becoming far more prevalent. In this area we see significant opportunities in the uptake of cloud video solutions, which enable smaller organizations to use high quality video without the need to invest in expensive infrastructure themselves.

BEN: Over the last few years, there’s been a lot of disruption to installation businesses, which led to delays in project development. For example, the West Kowloon Cultural District is a huge project, but it will take around 10 years to complete. Shopping center businesses may need support for background music, but they don’t require our assistance while the cinema is a growth area because these complexes have all upgraded to Dolby Atmos recently.

Another opportunity for us is the new phase of development of casinos in Macau which looks to be significant

The industry is talking about “Convergence of AV & IT”, with much talk of IT taking over AV. In reality, although many IT departments are being handed responsibilities for the AV systems, in terms of technology, IT is a subset of Audio-Visual, a natural extension of communications and control ability. It is not difficult and is very much easier to deal with than many of the aspects of AV, but it IS crucial that the system integrators embrace, train, and take the lead in IT matters, if they are to continue to prosper.

Jeff: In Hong Kong, major AV demand comes from the government, commercial, banking and finance and luxury retail stores. There are no casinos in Hong Kong therefore the HK government is still the biggest spender, while the budget and spending from corporations are decent too.

Infrastructure and public utilities also have had a substantial demand in recent years with the government investing more. Our active participation and cooperation with the government department has definitely presented us with the opportunities available within the different departments.

SIAsia: Is your work predominantly in Hong Kong or beyond? Do you also take projects from around the region? Which markets and why?

DARYL: Vega is a global solutions provider, with 21 offices across 13

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countries (Hong Kong, China, Macau, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, India, Australia, UK and USA). Part of our unique value is the ability to deliver regional and global projects to customers from a single vendor, with a consistent service delivery in all locations. We are able to offer a single account manager and project manager to provide customers with single points of contact to communicate with for their projects. This approach has been extremely well received by customers, consultants and partners, where global standardisation is so important.

BEN: Our business covers China, Hong Kong and Macau. This is because most of the brands consider these three territories as one complete region. We cover mainly the broadcast, theatre, cultural center, stadium, arena, convention center, rental business, cinema, hotel, school and churches; basically anywhere you know where sound matters!

IAN: 90% of our work is outside of Hong Kong and spread across Asia. We recently completed a hotel in Istanbul, a large set of meeting and conferencing facilities for an iBank in Shanghai, and a large museum project in Central China.

We basically work in all parts of the APAC, as the whole region is very large compared with Hong Kong.

Aside from hotel/ mixed development (office, residential and mall), iBanking and museum/show suites, we work on churches, auditorium and educational establishments. Our service is unusual and valuable to the developers as we handle the full IT and PABX, which is unusual. This covers security with surveillance and access-control, as well as bomb detection and other threat deterrence, audio-visual, and acoustics.

This dovetails with the convergence I mentioned above.

JEFF: Our main work is in Hong Kong and Macau while we are in the midst of setting up subsidiaries focused on product distribution across Asia.

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FEATURE Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Daryl Grove, Vega Group

Ben Lui, ACE (Int’l) Co. Ltd

SIAsia: What is the percentage of business in China for your organisation?

Do you have offices in China to manage the local SI business there?

DARYL: China is a very important part of our business, currently making up only 15% of our global business, but we forecast this percentage to grow significantly over the coming years.

We currently have offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Chengdu, therefore providing strong coverage for all regions. As above, many multinational companies seeking a solution provider in China face challenges when dealing with local SIs, which is where Vega have been able to help, by providing international standards combined with local market knowledge and experience.

In China there is a huge influx of multinational organizations, not only in the banking and finance sector, but also technology, education, pharmaceuticals and oil and gas. Again, video is extremely important to enable these organizations to communicate effectively both globally, and with local offices, and in the case of education, schools, in remote cities in China. The growth is now beyond the major hubs, and is well into the second and third tier cities.

BEN: Hong Kong is our headquarters, and we have full facility offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, that carry their own technical team, sales team, service team, finance, marketing, warehouse and demo setup. We also have service centres in Chengdu, Xian and Shenyang to serve our customers in their areas. China is big, I would say around 95% of our business comes from China.

Ian Harris, ihD Ltd

Finson Lam, BAP

IAN: We have around 70% of our business from China, all of which are handled by our Hong Kong and China office-based staff, and documented necessarily in dual language, that is, English and simplified Chinese. Our Beijing and Shanghai offices provide local support for Hong Kong-led projects, as well as full design/project management directly.

Our experience with genuine China SI has been positive. We have, with the help of Infocomm’s CTS program, striven to work pro-actively with the contractors to teach them and encourage them in terms of quality of installation and documentation, and we’ve seen real progress and great professionalism over the ten years of iHD. As a Diamond CAVSP, ihD is also able to provide good leadership in this way.

FINSON: We have an office in China to manage the local SI business there. Our projects cover all of China, including cities like Beijing, Dalian, Hangzhou, NanNing, Ningbo, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Tianjin and Wuxi. Most of the jobs are related to internationally renowned retail stores and we foresee that this market will continue to grow in 2014-2015.

SIAsia: What are the challenges faced by the SI industry as a whole in Hong Kong? How does your organization as a company and brand, position itself and stay competitive in this region?

DARYL: The key challenge faced by the industry in recent years has come about through the move from analog to digital, and with the ownership of AV moving to IT. The key decisions makers on AV solutions has moved from the users into the CIO, yet there is still a lack of

Jeff Ng, AVIT understanding of AV within the IT area.

This has resulted in a decision making process that is more technical focused rather than functional. In this area, Vega have gained more IT knowledge and hired IT experts in order to bridge this gap, and help both educate these IT decision makers on AV solutions, as well as provide a level of comfort with the impact of AV on areas of IT such as the networks and security.

The other key challenge stemming from global financial uncertainty is a more cautious purchasing process, which has resulted in a stronger involvement from customer procurement teams, and requires more detailed justification of spending. Vega have helped in this area through an educational sales approach, helping the customer to understand the value of the solutions we provide, and helping to provide recommendations where alternatives may be possible. Vega have been around for 28 years and are in this for the long term, which comes about through helping our customers select best value solutions, and as a result these same customers come back to us time after time.

IAN: For a consultancy, the challenge is availability of free design. Design/ build is a tried and tested path for the clients, but very often means higher contract costs through lack of apples-forapples tender returns, and no policing in quality where tender process though consultancy tends to mean the highquality SI’s are the ones competing, Design/Build encourages the lowprice sector with small companies and often inadequate processes, quality and documentation. We just keep on providing our clients a full-design service and are pro-active with the appointed SI’s to work with them for quality results, and our reputation has remained high in the market.

FEATURE Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

The biggest challenge for the SI industry is that many clients see AV equipment such as projectors in the shops and believe that an AV System is easy and cheap to build, just a matter of buying the boxes. The complexity of integration, negotiation with the interior designers, achieving super-short installation timescales with the other trades finishing late, and yet having to finish the work on time, are often completely overlooked.

The presence too, of some very lowpriced vendors, tends to short-circuit the AV business, dropping the margins, and bringing about poor-practice. Pricing of USD2,000 for the complete control system software programming for a suite of boardrooms and meeting rooms is typical and a good example.

FINSON: The main issue is the limited awareness of digital AV technologies from users. Further, traditional analog AV platform is about to be phased out by the market. Major tech manufacturers will drop support for VGA by 2015 due to its energy inefficiency and inability to support higher resolutions. We live in a digital-rich world and digital technology must keep up with the explosion of digital content. However, most of the users in Hong Kong are not aware of the importance of digital AV and would like to continue with the existing analog platforms.

Our long-term challenge is to educate users to increase their awareness of digital AV. We have been working very hard on this over the past few years by providing regular seminars and conducting focus group sessions for end users and even dealers.

Project management is crucial in the SI industry. A good project manager can plan, organize, motivate and control resources to achieve his goals. With limited time, budget and dynamic site conditions, the project manager will be

confronted with difficulties and he must be able to settle all these challenges to complete the project. BAP has cultivated a team of technical people who are professional in project management and that level of consistency and training has ensured that we meet deadlines and stay within budget. And that is why our clients keep coming back.

JEFF: The overall demand in Hong Kong is small therefore we rely more on relationships built through the years. We have a professional sales and technical team and we standout in the market by providing tailor made services with new and innovative solutions for the customer.

SIAsia: How much of your business now involves maintenance contracts? Has this aspect of the business grown compared to before?

DARYL: Maintenance contracts make up a significant percentage of our business, currently around 30% and this is growing. The reason for this growth is also largely due to the take up of video, with videoconferencing in particular being a business critical solution, used for important communications by senior executives within organizations that cannot afford downtime. This is not only reactive maintenance, but extends to preventive maintenance checks, remote monitoring tools, and onsite service offerings that all deliver a proactive maintenance process designed to keep these business critical systems running in good order at all times.

AV systems are no longer a nice to have, and are now critical high profile systems that are at the core of helping many multinational organizations run efficiently.

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Ian: None at allâ&#x20AC;ŚWhilst maintenance is lucrative, its the domain of the SI naturally within the first year or more for warranty and defects liability period, but also as a part of their business model. We work for governmental and corporate organizations, and remain strictly as design and project management with no supply-type functions.

JEFF: 20 % of our revenues are generated from maintenance contracts.

This is expected to grow, as after-sales service and long term support are also major concerns for the HK end customer.

SI Asia Perspectiveâ&#x20AC;Ś

Systems integration like any other business has developed & grown in step with the technologies surrounding the industry. What would it take to improve the overall knowledge of businesses to enable better engagement practices with customers? Clearly having an informed audience is better than to not. Is it our responsibility as a whole to create that medium of communication as an industry? Possibly, and why not as the benefits are many. This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just a question for Hong Kong SI folks but across the region, as many of our guests have said, their work does not stop within one territory, there will always be crossovers and this is a question that deserves some consideration.

All companies interviewed are clearly internally structured for smooth, streamlined operations where internal training is run regularly and staff is given opportunities to develop skill sets, but this is not enough. We believe that bridging that gap through educating your potential customers across different businesses and disciplines can go some way in improving the process of providing systems integration. Food for thought?

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FEATURE Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Digital Matrix Switchers Digital Matrix Switchers offer impressive capabilities within a small footprint with the ability to handle future expansion and resolutions with ease. Managing, switching and routing a variety of devices makes digital switchers an integral solution in many installations. In this issue, James Griffiths, an Associate with Hewshott International shares his thoughts on Digital Matrix Switchers.

Analogue. The industry standard for video distribution in the humble boardroom is becoming phased out completely. Whilst few clients in some parts of the world still favour having an analogue matrix switcher to be used as part of their new facilities, it is always used in conjunction with its digital and maturing younger brother. As users become more at one with producing high definition content for presentations, seminars, etc, a digital signal is really the only logical medium to use. The extra bandwidth available to users means that this is no issue, with a lot of manufacturers even being able to push through 2K resolutions on their switchers.

This signal is less

susceptible to loss and noise than analogue, and the entire signal is repeated to the display device.

However, the road to this point has not been without its bumps. I remember a number of years ago as a commissioning engineer, sitting next to an AV rack baffled as to why the signal from a Blu-ray player was visible on the projection screen in front of me until I pressed “Play”. After being informed about High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection, or HDCP for short, I realised why it didn’t work. The Bluray player was sending video with the HDCP encryption key to the projector.

The problem I was having was that in between the Blu-ray player and the projector was a DVI-D matrix switcher that was not HDCP compliant. The client wasn’t particularly happy, but the salesman definitely ended up worse off!

This would not have been an issue had we decided to use component output from the player.

HDCP compliance isn’t always a requirement of course, and there are some cost savings to be had by opting not to have an HDCP compliant switcher.

Just ensure that it’s not something you may require further down the roadmap.

Another aspect that should always be taken into consideration is how the switcher will manage the EDID throughout the system. There are matrix switchers that don’t effectively manage this aspect, which can lead to the user having to use the lowest common denominator in terms of resolution when sending the same source to multiple displays with different native resolution. Some of the more intelligent switchers actually scale the output to the display to the native resolution which resolves this issue.

The way that

audio is managed by digital switchers can be a help and also a hindrance.

Using an HDMI switcher will allow programme audio to be passed around as and when required and reduces rack space as a separate audio switcher isn’t required, unless you’re using DVI, which doesn’t carry the audio signal at the connector. HDMI is also able to carry multiple audio channels like Dolby 5.1.

Great for a home set up, but what about a meeting room or an auditorium? We may have some audio from an HDMI source that could be required for conferencing or reinforcement through ceiling speakers, all via a DSP which will still require analogue audio cabling such as balanced stereo. In these instances, the audio will need to be de-embedded from the signal. Some manufacturers do provide the ability to de-embed as part of their “all-in-one box”, but in other cases a separate piece of equipment would be required to de-embed the audio for the use of these purposes.

What about the future? In a world where video and audio over IP is becoming more and more reliable as bandwidth restrictions becoming less and less, there is a real possibility that the matrix switcher is replaced with a network switch instead. We’d of course still need to use encoders and decoders at the start and finish of the chain, but we are already seeing manufacturers begin this process with their wireless-presentation technology. The laptop already has its in-built encoder, and a lot of “IP ready” display solutions are coming up with the goods to receive these encoded streams built in. All we need is reliable and rocksolid software to control the routing.

To summarise, I would be surprised to see a pure analogue matrix switching solution be installed in a new facility.

There is a capex saving by going down this road, but you’ll be left behind in the days to come. www.hewshott.com

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

IFMEA 2013:

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Reassuring strengths audio visually by Ram Bhavanashi

InfoComm Middle East & Africa 2013 convention and tradeshow – organized alongside GITEX Technology Week at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 20-24 October – has been, generically said, a reassuring of strengths and positives. That the show had more new comers than ever; new products and systems on demo, both from the old and new comers; new enthusiasm; new dynamism; and probably new direction(s) for future, the event this year had more to cheer about and look forward to.

IFMEA 2013 in numbers: Exhibition spread: 10000 square meters appox.

Number of Visitors: 14,770 Number of Exhibitors: 184 Countries Represented: 33 Crossover of visitors from GITEX: 89 per cent Growth from preceding IFMEA: 23 per cent

While the numbers say it all, there is much more that the InfoComm Middle East & Africa (IFMEA-2013) stood for.

Moving to a different – more closer, comfortable and easily identifiable – location within the Dubai World Trade Centre show floor alongside the GITEX Technology Week, the event apparently had all it wanted. Better location; better and bigger booth spaces; better numbers of exhibitors and visitors; better showcasing of AV technologies; and better perceptions into the futures.

Happening at time when the region is apparently rearing to grow more audio-visually, recovering from its recessive effects over the last few years, the event appeared to have had reassuring positives. According to the event organizer InfoCommAsia Pte. Ltd., the event saw a 23 percent

increase in visitors to 14,770 unique visitors, and featured 184 exhibitors from 33 countries on a floor space of nearly 10,000 square meters. Of the 14,770 unique visitors, 89 percent were crossovers from GITEX. “The entire InfoComm MEA set up within GITEX is great, bringing together AV technologies and equipment under one roof,” said Abdulla Al Bahrani, AGM Digital Service, Ministry Of Education, Oman. “Attending the event helped us in our annual sourcing process and meeting potential suppliers, and we plan on developing business relationships with several exhibitors.”

Demonstrating the benefits of exhibiting at InfoComm MEA, 83 percent of exhibitors said their participation was worthwhile, with 91 percent citing highquality visitors, per a show survey.

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EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014 According to the LPD inventing exhibitor, their video walls generated tremendous interest at the show, and they received many leads with in-depth discussion of future projects.

Steve Scorse, SiliconCore Technology Inc.

“Coming here to the InfoComm MEA feels great,” said Steve Scorse, VicePresident, EMEA at SiliconCore Technology Inc. a second time exhibitor at the IFMEA. “While we are excited to be able to present our innovative technology solutions to the region, we are truly impressed with the way the show presented itself and the visitor enthusiasm.”

The American LED technology specialist who came to the show with their new Common Cathode LED solution is impressed with the footfalls it had at their booth demoing the worldwide launch of their innovative technology.

Said to be consuming comparatively lesser power than those on the market, the Common Cathode LED technology reportedly enabled the company to produce 1.5ml LED screen which has visibly held many pairs of eyeballs captive on their booth.

“It’s a worldwide launch,” said Scorse, “and, we’re pretty encouraged with the enthusiasm from the visitors.”

Says Tanvir Osama, Director of Sales - Middle East and India, Prysm: “Having exhibited at InfoComm MEA over the last three years, this was the perfect place for us to introduce our next-generation LPD video walls to the region. Combining a great product and a great venue made for a very successful InfoComm MEA for Prysm.”

Mark Ullrich, Symetrix (R) with Iain Cameron of World Marketing Associates

For Mark Ullrich, International Sales Manager at Symetrix, InfoComm MEA was a successful show. The American DSP manufacturer used the 2012 event as its launch-pad for its entry to Middle East market – by appointing World Representation to handle the region – and with 2013 came a big improvement.

That’s a huge endorsement. More or less the same is echoed by Amir Bagheri, Senior Manager, Prosonic General Trading. “InfoComm MEA 2013 was a good show, as we generated many leads for potential business,” Bagheri vouched, “InfoComm MEA will be the key audio show for us moving forward, and we look forward to being back with a bigger stand next year.”

In fact, that’s the sentiment from most exhibitors like Sharp, LG, Mitsubishi, BenQ, BlackMagic – who have all demonstrated their big stakes with the event with ambitious launches– besides many a new entrant.

“This show has evolved to be a good combination of old and new players bringing in their best,” said Jad Succar, Telecommunications Engineer with Daral-Handasah, a Beirut-headquartered Lebanese multinational design firm.

“That it follows closely the InfoComm USA, which normally will have most latest and fascinating systems this show brings much of that and more,” he said, adding “visiting this event, therefore, is greatly benefiting for the region. People who miss out or do not have a chance of visiting the USA show can come here and find it all and more here. We come with the same anticipation.”

That’s another positive pointer!

“The marketing support from the show organiser was certainly better-planned and the quality of attendees was really good,” Ullrich said. “That’s what matters for Symetrix – we’re interested in meeting our customers, old and new, and getting to know them – seeing how our solutions can fit within their business.”

“All in all, our representatives, Julian Young and Iain Cameron from World Representation, and I were delighted to meet existing customers and get to know potential new customers as well,” Ullrich asserted, “we look forward to seeing what the organiser, InfoComm Asia, has planned for next year’s show – we’re committed to supporting our partners in the Middle East and this year’s show was an excellent way of demonstrating that.”

As part of the InfoComm MEA Summit, attendees participated in a variety of educational and networking sessions on market perspectives and technology updates for specific industries.

David Lim, Project Director, InfoComm MEA, summarized all that: “InfoComm MEA 2013 hosted strong growth in exhibitor and visitors, and showcased a wide range of launches for professional audiovisual products and services. Mega events such as FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar and the potential World Expo 2020 in Dubai will drive demand for audiovisual technology in the region, and we expect InfoComm MEA 2014 to top this year’s.”

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

From the show floor…

Evidently, the IFMEA 2013 demonstrated bigger stakes in many areas. Digital signage display systems; automation control systems; LED video wall systems; control room solutions; conferencing systems; innovative mounting solutions; audio and lighting systems; A/V switchers and routers, interfaces and HD and HDMI splitters; graphic content software solutions- all had their presence, and in an impactful fashion.

The show had a fair combination of system manufacturers and distributors.

While the regulars and biggies sought to make it even bigger with reinforcing launches, the new comers sought to impress their way with ambitious demos.

Some of the most fascinating launches came from digital signage and video wall solutions providers such as LG, Sharp, BenQ, Prism, SiliconCore, Leyard and Vtron; control room management solutions from majors like Mitsubishi Electric, RGB Spectrum; automation technologies from majors like Crestron and Savant, interactive LED display monitors from Sahara, AOC; mounting solutions from Vogel’s and more.

company demonstrated a wide spectrum of commercial LED digital signage and display solutions, including 72-inch stunning outdoor displays with 2000 nit brightness, Ultra HD video walls, and the world’s first signage TV (Ez sign TV) with Wi-Fi capability. More, the Korean electronics major also unveiled its Interactive White Board (IWB) displayed on an 84-inch Ultra High Definition display targeted for the corporate and education sectors.

However, the highlight from the visual electronic giant was the demonstration of its gesture controlled interactive display wall. The ground-breaking technology reportedly purpose built for InfoComm MEA 2013, was displayed across a 3x3 configuration of the new ‘Slim Bezel Signage Monitors,’ creating a large 180” panel display wall. Users can interact and control a variety of applications across the panels which run on advanced software solutions.

Apparently seeking to raise the bar for digital signage industry, LG brought to the fore the industry’s first 84-inch class ‘Ultra High Definition’ in 4K boasting a pixel resolution of 3840 x 2160, four times higher than Full HD displays.

“Due to strong growth in our corporate and education business pillars, as well as an elevated demand for our interactive display panels within the retail sector, we wanted to leverage this prestigious event as the perfect opportunity to showcase our latest technology,” said Tomoo Shimizu, Director-Business Solutions Division, Sharp Middle East and Africa.

“Specifically, the gesture controlled interactive display technology confirms Sharp’s on-going commitment to be the first to launch original and groundbreaking technology within the Middle East,” he said, adding, “we returned here with bigger space, measuring the bigger stakes.”

“The Middle East signage industry is evolving rapidly, with new opportunities in various verticals where organisations continuously explore effective and innovative ways of delivering their message,” says David Kim, Director, MEA B2B at LG Electronics. “That’s why we’ve focused on developing a compelling line-up of display solutions that not only move business owners’ strategies to the next level, but also allow them to use digital signage in ways that were previously not achievable.”

Impressive launches

Taking an aggressive stride into InfoComm MEA 2013 show floor en route Middle East markets, visual electronics major LG Electronics made a big splash of stunning launches. The

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Running almost on par, Sharp MiddleEast and Africa (SMEF) showcased a broad array of new-age digital signage technologies aimed at retail, education, office and broadcast studio segments.

The exhibits are highlighted by the very new ‘Slim Bezel Signage Monitors’ measuring between 42” – 55”; intelligent interactive LED displays; and the 4K2K IGZO technology display panels.

The company also complemented its hardware systems with a basket of new software solutions.

Joining the big league was Taiwanese visual solutions leader BenQ who brought to show floor an impressive range of digital signage and video wall solutions that are aimed at public information, transportation, government, banking, retail and hospitality venues.

The new range included three new models SL Series for Mainstream Displays, IL Series for Interactive Touch Displays, and the P Series for Super Narrow Bezel Displays.

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EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

“Showcasing the new range is in line with the company’s commitment to help regional businesses reach greater success,” said Manish Bakshi, Managing Director, BenQ Middle East. “This is to emphasize our ability to cater to the requirements of regional markets as far as Public Information Display (PID) solutions are concerned,” he said, adding, “we are confident that our line of new products will generate significant response from customers and businesses as well.”

The PID range includes Multiple Display Administrator (MDA) application that controls up to 98 displays simultaneously through the local network or serial port, as well as colour calibration that provides the option of automatic colour profile unification across all screens for the best aggregated presentation through a central PC. This range also has a super narrow Bezel with 5.6 mm bezel to bezel width, with 3.5 mm top and left and 2.1 mm bottom and right, providing a virtually seamless viewing experience for all. The 46-inch Super Narrow Bezel Display-P Series features unbelievably thin bezel of 5.4mm making the viewing experience truly immersive.

Emphasizing its continued commitment to the pro AV market, Japanese electronics giant Mitsubishi Electric launched a new DLP cube engine towards enabling customers upgrade legacy Mitsubishi Display Wall systems to the latest high-brightness LED technology. The new RPE74U DLP cube engine was demonstrated in an old 50” cabinet, alongside the most recent 62” and 72” models from Mitsubishi’s Seventy Series cube range. The new cube engine is said to consume less energy, and improve the life span as well as performance significantly.

Besides, Mitsubishi also launched two new additions to its Super Narrow Bezel LCD range- the 55-inch LM55P1, and 46inch LM46P1 premium specification LED backlight monitors aimed at Command and Control and related sectors. “Our focus is now completely on Command and Control Room segment,” said Peter van Dijk, Business Manager, Visual Information Systems Division (Europe).

“We believe our strengths and expertise lie in this area, and we will contribute more to the cause if we energize ourselves on this.”

Laser Phosphor Display (LPD) pioneer Prysm brought to the show floor their highly anticipated TD2 tile that is said to deliver the highest level of visual impact and superior image quality through increased resolution and sharpness, unmatched uniformity and excellent brightness.

The new enhanced mode offers 427 x 320 per tile resolution, allowing videowalls to easily scale to 2x and 3x HD. Tanvir Osama, Director Sales - Middle East and India for Prysm explained: “The next generation of LPD is a very exciting addition to the professional display market, particularly here in the Middle East where sustainable displays are top of the agenda. This next-generation LPD technology delivers best-in-class environmental benefits with 75 per cent less power consumption than competing large format display technologies.”

Vouching for a combination of environmental benefits and high performance parametres was the Silicon Valley-originated Silicon Core Technologies who came to InfoComm MEA 2013, for the second time, bringing along with it the Common Cathode LED technology, claimed to be one of the most revolutionary technologies on the market. The innovation was exemplified by their worldwide launch and demo of 1.5ml LED screens on the show floor.

According to Steve Scorse, VicePresident EMEA at Silicon Core, the Common Cathode LED technology is unique in that it performs with

lowest power per square meter at any brightness level. “The Common Cathode technology enabled us to develop products with the highest resolution in the industry, whilst maintaining the highest brightness and refresh rate, lowest power and heat dissipation, and thereby longest lifetime,” Scorse explained. The company actually showed the prototype of a single panel at Infocomm USA in June this year, but the commercial roll-out of the solution worldwide took place on the IFMEA platform.

This technology is reportedly taking SCT’s LED solutions to all those key application areas hitherto dominated by projection and LCD displays.

A literally big and fascinating exhibit was

by Chinese video wall solutions provider Leyard who awed the visitors with their stunningly huge and bright video wall that read ‘world’s first 4K ultra HD LED video wall P1.9mm.’ The solution which was first shown at NAB 2013 for the global audiences, was a first-time visual treat for the Middle East markets. Leyard which had actually stunned the world some three years ago with the world’s then smallest pixel pitch LED video wall, this time stunned the world by still smaller pixel pitch of only 1.9mm which is claimed to be the smallest on the market; more, the ultra HD LED video wall that the solution makes out is also the world’s first 4K. “We can proudly say that we are the world’s best in our line,” said Leyard CEO Jozef Dusenka. “Not just that our solution is already popular in the markets it is already launched,” he said, “we see a good potential for these solutions in the Middle East as well,” he clarified.

“The response is pretty obvious.”

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Matching right up, leading rear projection cube solutions provider VTRON brought to the InfoComm MEA 2013 show floor a comprehensive suite of 70” 2x2 1080P DLP and 55” 2x2 LCD video wall solutions.

Besides demonstrating their processor capabilities, video wall installation and V8 technologies, VTRON also took the 3x3 LCD video wall space at the concourse for displaying the event footage.

The highlight of VTRON’s exhibits was, however, its new LCD display wall Narrow Bezel Series with the costeffective FLY Processor that is claimed to offer not only unlimited looping, built-in quad images splitter and high synchronization, but also provides a user friendly interface for easy operation.

Coming with just 5.7mm bezel width, the solution is targeted at SME control rooms and conferencing centres.

brought to show an interactive multitouch table that had a stunning design.

The system enables several people to simultaneously interact through the table with one another and share content. Poly Media’s exhibits were highlighted by their multifunctional interactive meeting room display system Flipbox that is claimed to revolutionize meeting room set-ups for five to about 20 people.

Tendzone brought to show floor its popular MIDIS (Multimedia Information Distribution and Interactive System) solution.

Truimphboard, however, scored a different note in that while being the new entrant to IFMEA 2013, the company launched what it called the world’s first 10-touch enabled projection system, and the automated Laser Curtain Module, besides the Short Throw projection systems.

Host of Interactive, Intelligent Displays

Exhibitor such as AOC, Arther Holm, Derwent MEP, Poly Media, Triumphboard, and Tendzone- all brought to the show myriad varieties of interactive and intelligent display systems. AOC showcased a whole big array of specialist gaming and smart all-in-one monitors that included Style myDisplay, Professional Line displays, Value Line products , and the innovative G2460PQU Gaming monitor, A2272PWHT Smart all-in-one monitor and the I2473PWY with Miracast technology.

Arthur Holm’s exhibits were highlighted by their latest to market Dynamic 3 dual-position working monitors besides their motorized, retractable gooseneck microphone Dynamic Talk. Derwent MEP

The PJ300i ultra short throw (UST) DLP projector directly integrates multi-touch technology on any thin white surface in a classroom or office. The Laser Curtain Module which is powered directly from the projector – without actually needing any cable – can be directly mounted on the whiteboard, and can generate an infrared beam that covers the entire whiteboard. The infrared camera that is integrated with the projector senses the stylus, pen-touch or even one’s fingers

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up to an unprecedented 10 touch points at a single go. That the projector comes with ultra short throw capability, it can be placed much closer to the board and produce an impressive 89-inch diagonal image, from just 67 cm away from the board. This effectively eliminates shadows of the presenter on the screen, making it rather easy for any successful presentation. The system solution comes with software for TB Comenius Office Annotation; RM easiTeach nextgeneration education; and MyScript Stylus for pen/touch recognition.

Triumphboard also launched its flagship all-in-one 84-inch multi-touch LED LCD display as part of the solution.

“We had a great show,” said Ondrej Kryspin, CEO of Triumphboard. “Not only did we have high-quality visitors, but also a tremendous response from them. It’s a great success for us.”

Control Automation; Switchers; Extenders; Splitters...

Almost all the majors involved in the domain brought to show either their latest or most popular system solutions.

Leading the show was Crestron who demonstrated a wide array of solutions that included the AirMedia, DigitalMedia, and the conference room solution Cresrtron RL. Featuring simple plug-and-play installation, AirMedia brings presentation, collaboration and content sharing capabilities to small conference rooms, meeting rooms and offices that aren’t wired for an AV system. AirMedia enables anyone to connect to an existing display over Wi-Fi and wirelessly present HD content from their personal smart phone, tablet or laptop. Among many things, Crestron unveiled the family of HDMI over HDBaseT extenders, for 4K content using standard CAT5e/UTP cables.

“From the content side, 4K is quickly taking a foothold in the consumer market. However, up until now, video distribution technology was not available to transmit 4K content throughout the home, to multiple rooms, or over long

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EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

distances,” said Robin Van Meeuwen, Vice Principal of Crestron International.

“As usual, when it comes to emerging video distribution technology in the digital arena, Crestron is taking the lead – this time with the first 4K solution.”

Lightware continued from what it had been demonstrating at InfoCommUSA, and InfoComm India- the Modex family of extenders. Similarly, BlackMagic Design continued from its show at IBC, and highlighted – among many exhibits – the ATEM 1 M/E Production Studio 4K, an extremely advanced Ultra HD live production switcher with 6G-SDI technology.

Evolving from the ATEM Production Studio 4K, the world’s first Ultra HD live production switcher launched at NAB 2013, the new ATEM 1 M/E Production Studio 4K provides customers with added features such as 10 independent 6G-SDI inputs each with frame sync, built

in DVE with zoom, scale and rotate, 4 upstream chroma keyers, 3 independent aux outputs with front panel control and a larger media pool that holds both still frame graphics as well as motion video clips. “The show appears to be good in terms of quality visitors,” said Balachandra Menon, Channel Sales Manager (video) at MediaCast , the Middle East Distributors for BlackMagic.

control processor RP4; advanced central control processor XP4; and HDMI Matrix switcher, besides the CX 7- the table top multi-touch capacitive touch-screen.

So was the case with French AV gear manufacturer Analog Way who highlighted their exhibits at the show with new upgrades to their latest mixer/ matrix switcher Pulse², a new versatile Mixer / Native Matrix Switcher. Based on Analog Way’s new Midra platform, the core of a brand new line of mid-range Mixers / Seamless Switchers, the new Pulse² brings several improvements. It comes in a 2RU enclosure with a deeper chassis, ensuring better air circulation and cooling of the device.

“The CX 7 is specially made for commercial and education segments,” said RTI Vice-President for EMEA Joe Barhoush. “We have found a great demand for this type of device from the ME markets, particularly from some universities in Kuwait,” he said, adding, “we also have some enquiries from the Government in Al Fujairah, so there’s high demand and we came to cater to that.”

The product offers upgraded connectivity, through 8 seamless inputs and 14 input plugs: 4 x Universal Analog, 4 x DVI-D, 4 x HDMI and 2 x 3G-SDI plugs. Due to the CleanCut effect, the Pulse² can operate fast and seamlessly switch between any of its 14 input plugs without fade through black or loss of sync. “The show has been fine for us,” said Frank Facon, Worldwide Marketing & Communication / Customer Service Director.

Home automation control solutions leader Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) brought an array of new solutions to the Middle East markets. The new range included the T2X – the fifth generation Universal Controller of the company’s remote control platform – integrated remote

Extron Electronics, as usual had a huge spectrum of new product introductions to the region, but the highlight of the exhibits was the IN 1608 - an eight Input HDCP-compliant scaling presentation switcher with DTP extension. The beauty of the system is that it integrates HDMI, HDTV, RGB, Video, and audio sources into the presentation systems.

American A/V gear major Gefen brought to the show a whole big array of HDMI splitters and Matrix Switchers. The range included ultra HD 1:2, 1:4, and 1:8 splitters for HDMI; 4x1, 4x2, 4x4, 6x2, matrix switchers; wireless extender for HDMI 60 GHz; 16x16 and 32x32 modular matrix switchers for HDMI with HDCP capability. However, the newest of them all, according to Adnan Vohra of Gefen International Sales, are the 4x4 seamless

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matrix for HDMI and the 4x1 multi-view seamless switcher for HDMI.

“The show has been pretty interesting,” said Anita Goebel, Marketing Director at Gefen Europe GmbH. “We had some very quality inquisitive visitors,” she said, “post-restructuring, we are looking forward to having some big business strides in the region.”

IHSE USA, LLC showcased its latest high definition KVM port switching and extender solutions for the Draco tera compact product line. New to the Draco tera compact switch line are three new models- the 8 port fiber or CatX switch, the 48 CatX + 32 fiber KVM switch and the 48 Catx + 16 fiber KVM switch.

All the latest switchers support the company’s unique Flex-port technology and ultra-fast delay-free switching. In addition, IHSE introduced their new HDMI extenders for either fiber optic or Catx connectivity, a new USB 3.0 fiber extender, and full redundant-path extender set supporting DVI, VGA, USB, Audio and RS-232 data signals.

“InfoComm MEA was the perfect venue for IHSE USA to demonstrate our first class KVM product solutions,” stated Chani Shah, COO and VP of Sales for IHSE USA. “We see potential growth for this region and were very excited to see such a large turnout during the event.”

Audio majors

IFMEA 2013 has had its own good share of audio majors making their sound audible. The audio people on the show floor included AVL for beyerdynamic and Dynacord; Biamp Systems; Bose Corp; Delta Sound LLC for L-Acoustics; eavs Group for Komtech conferencing audio; GSL group for JBL; LDA Audio Tech (DAS Sound); NMK Electronic for

Roland, ClearOne and Rane Systems; Thomsun for Genelec and Yamaha; V.V.& Sons for Australian Monitor; Venuetech for Senneiher and Televic Conference; and more.

Biamp Systems exhibited a wide range of products that included both the popular, and the recent fancied systems.

On the show to experience was Vocia and Tesira but in combination with Biamp’s Canvas software solution. Also on show was Biamp’s recently launched ceiling mics.

“Canvas is a system design control software package that allows system designers to create custom control surface GUIs for end user control of Tesira systems,” explains Amanda Roe, Biamp’s Global Public Relations Manager/Research Manager. “Canvas offers the same features as our popular daVinci control software, along with an expanded suite of features such as drag and drop design programming, room combiner support, live updatable present, and multiple auto-connect shortcuts.”

According to her, the ceiling mics are the result of Biamp’s desire to provide customers with more comprehensive audio solution. “Microphones are a natural extension of our conference room solutions,” she said, adding, “an additional way customers can be assured that superior sound quality is maintained.”

Another American DSP major Symetrix, exhibiting for the second time to IFMEA, showed up with, among others, two important product systems - the SymNet Radius 12x8, and SymNet Radius AEC. The Radius 12×8, a Dante networkable, fixed I/O, open-architecture DSP that can

be installed as a standalone processor or used in conjunction with SymNet Edge or third party Dante network-enabled devices to allow scalability and flexibility.

Embedded in the system are 10/100 Ethernet switch for control, embedded gigabit switch for Dante. It comes with ARC-WEB, Symetrix’s simple, yet powerful, browser-based user-control technology, compatible with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets.

The Radius AEC, another open architecture DSP conferencing solution with the optimum number of audio inputs (8 wide band AEC, 4 analogue) and outputs (8 analogue) for small to medium sized rooms. For large conference venues multiple units are networked using Dante protocol. Radius AEC adapts to specific installation requirements with an expansion card slot for adding a SymNet Modular I/O card. Radius AEC's low latency and lightning fast AEC convergence deliver superior intelligibility for more effective communications.

One interesting new entrant among many at the IFMEA was the British IPTV solutions major Exterity Ltd. The company demonstrated, for the first time to the Middle East markets, its newest range of solutions that included the Artio Portal, the market leading enterprise IPTV middleware solution; Artio Multiview, an enabling solution for multiple content feeds to be viewed from a PC browser thus making it easy for IPTV system administrators and users to sww the whole content picture on one screen.

Over all, the IFMEA 2013 has made many positives and reassuring pointers into future growth.

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CHINA

Shanghai’s New Weather Facility Gets World’s Most Sophisticated Video Distribution System Jupiter Systems solutions revolutionize workflow and productivity at the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau

The Shanghai Meteorological Bureau is the weather authority for the city of Shanghai and the surrounding broad flat plain of the Yangtze River basin and delta. While the city occupies an area of 6340 square kilometers and has over 23 million inhabitants the Bureau serves a much larger area and population.

The city of Shanghai itself is the most populous municipality in the world, a major center of global finance and industry, and the busiest container port on the planet. With all of the major infrastructure and assets contained in the Shanghai area, and its exposure to weather threats developing over land as well as the adjacent East China Sea, the city requires the most advanced capabilities for basic weather forecasting as well as threat assessment, emergency planning, damage mitigation and recovery.

Located in Shanghai’s Xujiahui district, the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau’s state-of-the art operations center provides comprehensive weather forecasts, storm warnings, flood, fire, and seismic alerts, and collaborates with

other agencies in public emergency response.

The Shanghai Meteorological Bureau’s operations center is a complex and challenging installation, where high

The Shanghai Meteorological Bureau's Command and Control centre for emergency operations with a massive 10 x 4 array, where high performance and 24/7 reliability are critical.

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size of the system. Using non-blocking packet-switching technology, any information source can be shown on any display, as a window on a single display, or as a window spanning multiple display devices in a display wall. The networked, distributed display system is in use around the world in the most complex operations.

The state-of-the art operations center provides comprehensive weather forecasts, storm warnings, flood, fire, and seismic alerts, and collaborates with other agencies in public emergency response via the world’s most sophisticated video distribution system.

performance and 24/7 reliability are critical. The 12 story complex is the foremost meteorological center in the world. The center includes 9 video walls ranging from a 4x2 array of displays in the Special Forecasts center, to a 6x2 array in the Marine Forecasts Center, to the massive 10x4 array in the emergency operations center. In total there are over 80 HD video sources and 120 HD outputs in the center.

When the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau began to develop the information and collaboration system for the complex, it conducted a detailed evaluation of every solution in the market. The rigorous screening factors included system functions, program design, ease of use, advanced security, and many other factors. The bureau selected Jupiter Systems, the leading worldwide supplier of collaborative visualization solutions for display walls, PCs, and mobile devices, and Beijing Newway Electronic Corporation, Ltd., one of China’s leading systems integration companies specializing in intelligent multimedia design, integration and technical services for command and control rooms, network operations centers, video conferencing rooms, and auditoriums, to create a comprehensive and tightly integrated multimedia control solution without peer in any other meteorological center.

One of the most difficult issues was the requirement to handle the large number of sources and displays and to be able to

show any source on any display wall at any size without the complexity and cost of multi-layer switching and multiple, varied display wall processors. A single, cohesive approach was required for the entire facility. Other requirements were to achieve “pixel-perfect” image quality from source to display and low latency, both of which ruled out the use of image compression.

Jupiter Systems’ PixelNet® Distributed Display Wall System was chosen to gather, distribute, control, and display video throughout the facility. Based on technology primarily used for data communications PixelNet provides access from any video source to any video display with pixel-accurate control and unlimited display regardless of the

The PixelNet system was selected for its scalability as well as its functionality and performance. The same component parts can scale from a single input shown on a single display, to a system with hundreds of inputs and outputs, even multiple walls. PixelNet input nodes are small, silent and use very little power, and since PixelNet is based on Ethernet technology, the entire system is inherently fault-tolerant. PixelNet makes creating complex topologies of inputs, outputs and switches simple, cost effective, and future proof.

Beijing Newway Electronic Corporation and Jupiter Systems also installed Jupiter’s TouchCommand™ Multi-Touch System for Display Wall Control and Room Automation, sold as “MIP” in China. TouchComand unites all aspects of complex control room management on a single screen, with an objectoriented, touch-enabled interface that puts all of the most used features right at the user’s fingertips.

The Shanghai Meteorological Bureau's television studio, used for weather program production.

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INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014 empowers users with rapid access to critical information when and where it’s needed. A built-in search engine makes finding sources easy, eliminating the need to hunt through dozens of thumbnails to find a source. Users can simply type in a keyword.

16 x 2 Array in the Marine Forecasts Centre of the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau, used for weather monitoring.

The bureau required airtight security for both access to and use of the information and collaboration system.

TouchCommand’s built-in security features include user authentication requiring a valid user name and password. Permissions to access individual display walls, sources, and features are defined by the administrator and managed by the TouchCommand Server.

The new system has completely revolutionized workflow and productivity at the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau.

The organization’s overall efficiency increased dramatically, and daily weather monitoring operations were significantly improved since all information can be accessed and displayed via the tablet or PC user interface and sent quickly to the big screen for everyone to share and view. Information from any of the display walls can be sent quickly to other displays walls in different areas of the building to be shared with relevant personnel.

TouchCommand runs on both Windows PCs and tablets, so the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau team can easily manage video walls from their desks or on the move. The system displays a live mimic of the display wall and its sources, so what is seen on the TouchCommand interface is exactly what is displayed on the display wall. Users can drag and drop sources onto the video wall, drag to move them, and pinch to resize them using familiar touch screen gestures.

TouchCommand also manages audio, projectors, displays, lighting and other room resources with ease. Authorized users can remotely control video walls and room environments anywhere in the building or across campus.

TouchCommand is built on a distributed network architecture. Its features extend throughout the facility, unlimited by location or distance. The system

4 x 2 array of displays in the conference room of the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau, used for Special Forecasts.

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Additional video display wall used for forecasting or business meetings.

The new display wall and control system creates faster and more accurate responses for the full range of operations of the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau.

For any weather event or developing weather situation, the entire process of monitoring, analyzing, and disseminating alerts can be integrated into the central command and control system to coordinate responses. www.jupiter.com

SNAPSHOT

The lobby of the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau

Client: Shanghai Meteorological Bureau System Integrator: Beijing Newway Electronic Corporation Key Solutions: Jupiter's PixelNet System and TouchCommand Server Features: • 92 video sources; 110 displays configured as 9 independent display walls • Any source to any window on any wall at any size • Wireless TouchCommand control system with live thumbnails

At the heart of the new system is the Jupiter Systems' PixelNet Distributed Display Wall System which gathers, distributes, controls and displays video throughout the facility. Selected for its scalability as well as its functionality and performance, the same Pixel component parts can scale from a single input shown on a single display to a system with hundreds of inputs and outputs over multiple walls.

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MALAYSIA

Setia City Convention Centre features flexible audio system Dynacord solutions bring events to LIVE at the SCCC The Grand Ballroom/Convention Hall saw an installation of Dynacord FX12 Speakers, Dynacord CXM 15 Stage Monitor Speakers and Dynacord Sub 2.18 Dual 18-inch subwoofers. The PreFunction Area features, LC2-PC30G6-4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bosch Ceiling Speakers which are powered via a PLE-1P240-EU Bosch Power Amplifier.

The Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC), situated in Shah Alam, Malaysia is a two-storey building with a total floor area of approximately 33,000 sqm. It houses a grand ballroom on the ground floor that can accommodate 2,000 seated guests or 120 exhibition booths and eight function rooms on the mezzanine floor.

The grand ballroom can be divided into three smaller ballrooms thus the sound system selected had to be flexible and dynamic enough to be used in different ballroom configurations.

To cater to the range of conferences and events that would be held at the venue, the management required a professional sound system that is dynamic, can deliver powerful, high quality output and be able to work well as a standalone system in an individual hall or collectively when all three halls are combined.

Ensuring SCCC's requirements were met, the Soundline AudioVisual team through system integrator, Vibran Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd proposed a solution that offered top quality, flexibility and userfriendliness.

The Control Room which was the brain of the audio opertions featured Dynacord CMS Mixers, DSA 8212 Power Amplifiers and a Dynacord P64 Digital Audio Matrix. The Matrix system offers flexible routing, system control, supervision and also provides end-users with a userfriendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) for the operation of the audio system installed at the venue.

The Function Rooms were provided with a Portable Sound System to enable flexibility. The Portable Sound System consists of Electro-Voice ZXA1-90B â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8-inch Compact Power Loudspeakers and Dynacord CMS Mixers. The microphones used throughout the venue included, the Electro-Voice RE2 Wireless Microphone System, ElectroVoice PL Series Dynamic Microphones and Electro-Voice Polar Choice Installation Microphones.

The end-to-end solution enabled SCCC to reduce cost and installation time while implementing a state of the art sound system in the convention centre. www.setiacityCC.com www.boschsecurity.asia

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SINGAPORE

Suntec Singapore’s Mega WATCHOUT manages content for the world’s largest high definition video wall

Standing over 15 meters tall and 60 meters wide, “The Big Picture” has official Guinness World Records title for the “Largest High Definition Video Wall”. It is located inside the main lobby and entrance to Suntec Exhibition and Convention Centre (Suntec Singapore) and is fast becoming a hotspot for photo-taking by delegates and Suntec City shoppers alike. The system relies on the amazing Dataton WATCHOUT™ multi-image display and presentation software to manage its large-format, dynamic and ever changing content that is presented over 664 integrated LG LED flat panel displays.

Arun Madhok, CEO of Suntec Singapore said: “The full HD digital wall is an integral part of our technology suite which includes digital signage and free Wi-Fi. This mega screen with its captivating content is fast becoming a hotspot for photographers providing an iconic and memorable souvenir of Singapore. High definition content is played 16 hours each day delighting the convention centre visitors and Suntec City shoppers alike."

“In addition, it has successfully achieved a new Guinness World Records title for Largest High Definition Video Wall.”

Fredrik Svahnberg, marketing director at Dataton said: “Our software designers have worked tirelessly over the years to create a single robust system that can handle an unprecedented quantity of video and data on such a huge real-time display. We’re delighted that WATCHOUT technology has been put to the test and is an integral part of The Big Picture at Suntec Singapore.

It’s validating that the project and its technology partners involved are officially recognised by Guinness World Records and as part of a smart building our technology is used to bring a return on investment to the owner as well as

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Screen mesmerises the public to inform, engage and enthral local and international visitors to Singapore.”

An ecosystem of technology partners bring The Big Picture to life

The project was managed by Suntec Singapore working with an expert team of Asia-based technology partners including global automation controls specialist, Honeywell who were appointed master systems integrators for the project.

“We understood Suntec Singapore’s vision to be a convention and exhibition centre of the future,” said Ananda

Seshadri, regional marketing leader at Honeywell. “We leveraged the latest technologies to help Suntec achieve their business goals. The big digital screen with the application of WATCHOUT certainly has the ‘wow factor’ for visitors and Suntec exhibitors use it as a fantastic advertisement placement.’

LG acted as systems engineers to design and analyse the system and manage subcontractors such as ACETEL Korea.

“ACETEL were responsible for supplying Dataton WATCHOUT for The Big Picture as well as designing and installing the visual display system according to LG

and Honeywell’s requirements,” explains Jeong-Mok Byun, team lead of visual solution division at ACETEL.

Big pixel display

The Big Picture is designed to support a resolution of 32,051 pixels wide by 7,941 pixels high, which is 84 times the resolution of HD (1 UHD = 4HD).

The Big Picture acts as a standalone exhibit allowing a combination of multiple media such as still images, animations and video clips to be shown at the same time, or a single media image in native format to be displayed over the entire wall.

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INSTALLATIONS SSystems Integration Asia December - January 2014 Singapore explained: “WATCHOUT is being used to primarily display content on all 664 screens seamlessly. Content is also designed, animated, and produced within the WATCHOUT system itself.”

Interactive features are integrated with RFID tracking systems and sensors on the escalators located just in front of The Big Picture. With these integrated sensory systems, The Big Picture can be adapted to display welcome messages, or show specialised content alongside riders on the escalator from levels 1 to 3.

Mr Oh, Technical Manager, LGE Singapore explains: “LG worked on the design of the visual display system and it evolved to be the largest HD LED screen in the world. Early in the design phase, we discussed with Dataton the possibility of the project being the largest HD LED screen and on finding out that it could, we selected WATCHOUT as the main multi-image display and presentation system.

“The Big Picture is controlled and operated by three major subsystems which are the video wall, playback, integration and control. Playback manages content and the principle of the design is to support multi-display and 4K images from 21 WATCHOUT display servers, serving 84 full HD outputs.

“The integration and control system acts to control The Big Picture and servers, turning them on or off as required. It also manages playback where a part of a show at a specific time can be selected or it can be used to manage interactive content.”

Mesmerising audiences through dynamic content

Content for the system can be updated according to the exhibition taking place. It also uses a variety of ultrahigh resolution content from Suntec Singapore and its advertisers.

Lasanthi Bandara, manager, audiovisual technology and content at Suntec

“There was no other feasible and scalable technology available in the market that could enable us to create such high definition display. WATCHOUT was selected because of its primary capability to display synchronised content on multiple screens,” added Bandara.

Bernard Ng, digital creative curator at Suntec Singapore explained: “Audio, video and graphic content are used together to create spectacular showcases and presentations on The Big Picture. The design challenge here is simply the immense size of our entire screen. Producing and rendering videos and animations at this scale is incredible but potentially time consuming.

However, production time is greatly reduced by maximising WATCHOUT's ability in allowing us to create amazing content directly within the system itself.

“For content management, WATCHOUT allows content to be stored and managed in media containers with auxiliary timelines. This allows my team to manually organise and manage content according to scheduling and requirements."

Smart building design

The system is designed to be integrated with other building systems and to bring in return on investment.

“The initial plan was not to build the largest HD LED screen in the world.

The Level 1 of our building was initially designed as the lobby entrance to our venue and following a major modernisation programme, the idea of having a HD LED screen was realised in the form of The Big Picture. The size of The Big Picture was in accordance to our overall design of venue entrance. We are very delighted that an unexpected design step turned into the largest HD LED screens in the world,” said Arun Madhok, CEO of Suntec Singapore.

Measuring project success

Suntec Singapore measures the success of The Big Picture from its reception on multiple social media platforms tagging Suntec Singapore as their check-in location, newspaper and media coverage featuring The Big Picture as part as well as filmography interests. Operationally there are benefits such as reduced costs and increased advertising revenue that assist the centre in being profitable and sustainable.

"It is great to see our organisers and delegates posing in front of The Big Picture with big smiles. One more reason why Suntec Singapore is the Preferred Place to Meet," ended Madhok. www.dataton.com WATCH THE VIDEO: Video footage by Acetel on Vimeo Please use the following photography credit: © Suntec Singapore.

All pictures © Suntec Singapore

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SINGAPORE

Grace SCC Church upgrades its AV system Requisite punch and coverage achieved with the new solutions

Grace (Singapore Chinese Christian) Church is an independent Protestant church located at Queen Street, the central part of Singapore. Founded by a group of Cantonese speaking religious brothers and sisters in year 1950, the church is one of the few churches in Singapore which has a large Cantonesespeaking congregation of families. The English and Mandarin congregations were eventually formed in 1983 and 1985 respectively to cater to the diverse needs of its 1300-strong fellowship.

Prior to the revamp, the sanctuary – a long, rectangular space, was filled with hard reflective surfaces. The dynamic nature of the church services, which involve live bands, video presentations as well as spoken word, validated the need for a more comprehensive audio system. Vocal intelligibility was also a key concern.

Restoring the Church’s faithful sound

"We've never really had a sound system that worked for our church," shared Deacon Chong Fui Kim. "It was either too loud or too soft; too fuzzy or too harsh; there was a wide range of complaints depending on where you were seated.”

“With our different worship services, we’ve got different requirements to adhere to. For instance, the English service plays more contemporary music whilst our Cantonese and Mandarin sessions are more traditional with its use of the grand piano.”

Principal Consultant Robert Soo of Cogent Acoustics was the man to which Grace Church turned to when the time came to significantly upgrade the sanctuary's sound system.

He shares, “When I first entered the hall, one of the first things that hit me was the room acoustics; it was very reverberant.

It was just a hard shell, which works for traditional services but certainly not for contemporary or modern types of music.”

“This is especially apparent when loudspeakers are involved. It starts to get a little messy here. With the previous space, there’s close to 2 seconds reverberation time. After all the treatment, it went down to 1.1s, which is extremely manageable and nice sounding.”

To tackle this issue head-on, local company JD Acoustics was called in to oversee the installation of acoustic treatment in the chapel.

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INSTALLATIONS SSystems Integration Asia December - January 2014 worship sessions is much more flexible and smoother. The sound is also more dynamic.”

With the new board, the musicians also possess the ability to save scenes, henceforth ensuring a smooth handover between worship sessions.

The 60” Samsung confidence monitor as well as the Panasonic AW-HE120 pan-tilt-zoom camera.

“The acoustic treatment is done in such a way that the acoustic panels and curtains focus mainly on the rear sections, with a lesser degree on the side walls, to ensure the sound system does not overexcite the room. But the congregation voice gets reflected off the ceiling, front and some off the sides so you still get a fairly live singing environment but you don’t get a mass of sounds from the loudspeakers, so you still get a very refined sound that is clear,” explained Robert.

Synergy AVL Pte Ltd was contracted to supply a sound reinforcement system from Outline comprising 4 units of DVS 15P wide-range loudspeaker cabinets for the front of house and 2 units of DVS 10P as front fields. A series of Outline MICRA II were used as side field monitors on stage as well as the undergallery fills.

An Allen & Heath GLD 80 digital mixing system was installed, supplied by Sindo Exports Pte Ltd, along with 1 unit of AR2412, 2 units of AR0804 AudioRack and 4 sets of Allen & Heath ME-1 personal monitoring mixers.

“This is the first time that the musicians are using the ME-1 personal monitoring systems. Though it still takes some getting used to, the volunteers are all very excited. They can finally hear what they play!” Fui Kim shared.

Indeed, the ME-1 Personal Mixer provides an opportunity for a lot of the volunteers to grow as individuals and musicians by putting them in control of their own monitor mix.

The ME-1 personal monitoring system.

Each musician is granted a tailored setup that works perfectly for them, whether they crave maximum control over the fine details of their mix or just want the minimum of keys to press.

The Allen&Heath digital mixer makes transition between worship sessions more smoother.

Fui Kim further enthused, “With the new digital mixer, the transition between

“Sound experience so far has been quite good. We used to hear a lot of bounce back, and we couldn't hear the speakers clearly, but now there’s balance. The musicians can now look at the channels clearly. The performance is very different from last time. It makes the whole performance more ‘adventurous’,” Fui Kim adds.

As far as aesthetics is concerned, the acoustic paneling and curtains were the only major transformation.

“Stage wise, nothing has changed. They were very clear about what they want to change. Acoustics was their priority,” shared Robert.

The challenge thus, was to bring the whole experience up front to the listeners, no matter where they are seated.

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“The coverage for the old system in the hall was poor; there’s a lot of blind and dead spots. The previous speakers were not properly positioned and angled, with poor sound distribution.”

Robert expresses his fondness of the MICRA II best, “People tend to feel the small speakers, MICRA has very nice deep warm low end, in spite of its 5 inch drivers. That really impresses me a lot.

They give the extra oomph under the gallery, you don’t get much difference from sitting in the front or back. They get the similar experience, ensuring that there are no bad seats.”

Clearer visuals help push message closer to home

Admittedly, the church has come a long way in spreading the gospel with the help of their new audio, lighting and video systems.

As the old saying goes, pictures speak louder than words, much less a live video feed. In the past, the members had a hard time matching a face to a voice due to the grainy and blur visuals imposed by the church’s old consumer camera.

It wasn’t easy on the eyes or the brain either.

The Outline MICRA IIs at the under-gallery

Curtains and acoustic panels help ensure that the sound system does not over-excite the room.

To rectify this, the hall was refitted with a brand new Panasonic AW-HE120 pantilt-zoom professional HD video camera system, complemented by a Panasonic AW-RP50E remote controller. Video switching is managed via a Datavideo SE-2800-12 production switcher.

A comprehensive and well-rounded system meant that the church congregation is blessed with better, clearer visuals and audio. That alone and a few well spent hours every Sunday, is what Robert felt every church upgrade should be about.

To brighten up the stage, Synergy AVL also outfitted the church with a series of LDR lighting from Italy; which includes 2 units of SUONO D20/40 profile spotlights and 7 units of Fresnel tempo f650 luminaires.

He asserts, “The whole revamp wasn’t about catching up with technology but to help make things better. The AV crew was having a bad time for years. They can’t hear what’s happening downstairs.

All these changes are all about meeting needs, solving problems and making the church operate more efficiently so people can work happily.”

“These lights are not meant for show lighting, but rather to fulfill the simple requirement to light up the stage.

Before then, the angles of the lights were shining directly into the preacher’s eyes. It was uncomfortable and blinding.

Now, we’ve shifted and added a few new ones to make the stage bright and warm enough for presentation and to look good on camera,” Synergy’s Johnathan shared.

www.cogentacoustics.com www.gsccc.org.sg www.sindoexport.com www.synergyavl.com

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AUSTRALIA

The Melton Library and Learning Hub – Technology in the service of Community

by Jason Allen

AMX solutions play an integral part in Australia’s first 5 star Green Star library The new Melton Library and Learning Hub shows us what’s possible when design and technology work together in the service of a common good.

Embracing the values of sustainability, accessibility and unity, this public building transcends the sum of its basic functions and becomes a place where a community unites through communication.

The building was designed by awardwinning architects FJMT and opened mid June 2013. It is the first 5 star Green Star library in Australia, achieving an 82% reduction in water use and 43.7% reduction in CO2 emissions when compared to similar facilities.

Intelligent management of lighting and electrical systems plus strict standards

of sustainability in relation to materials cement its eco credentials.

Second Floor Internet Workstations

The function of the community library has shifted over the last decades from primarily a resource of printed material to a centre for accessing all forms of information and sharing it with others.

As such, the centre not only houses over

68,000 titles across multiple media, but also incorporates integrated meeting spaces, an auditorium, a gaming area, youth chill-out space, interactive children’s area, computer access and digital signage.

ICT and AV specialists CHW Consulting designed the extensive AV backbone of the centre with an eye to making what can be complicated systems as simple as possible to operate for any member of the public. Multiple spaces utilise projectors, screens, loudspeakers, microphones, playback inputs, wired and wireless computer connectivity, gaming and broadcast television to address the broadest needs of the Library’s community. To unify and streamline the experience for the user, AMX Modero

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touch screens and keypads present a graphic and tactile interface that is accessible to anybody.

Working with CHW’s design and in consultation with the library’s staff, Soundcorp’s Account Manager Nick Jebson and Project Manager Nash Summers were tasked with overseeing the installation and commissioning of the building’s AV. With assistance from Soundcorp’s AMX programming guru Martin Smith, they took the brief and ensured the community’s needs were best served by every piece of technology included in the project. “The scope was to make it as user-friendly as possible and as robust as we could”, explained Nash. “It’s being used by people from all walks of life, so it had to be easy to use”, Nick added.

The scale of the project’s AV component is impressive. Seventeen different areas contain individual systems, from meetings rooms to full auditoria, with some systems switching between up to ten sources. All vision is in full 1080p High Definition, with video, audio and data carried via HDMI throughout.

With so many active areas being used for different purposes, the challenge was to keep the facility functioning smoothly. “We came up with a system in which the librarian can either enable or lock-off areas from a central location”

Central AMX touchscreen control

Gaming Area

The Auditorium

said Martin Smith. “All public areas can be controlled via an AMX touch screen from the main reception desk. When the job was done and the staff walked in, they said ‘Great, this is exactly what we needed it to do.’

which is integrated to the EWIS. Five LCD panels comprise the digital signage element of the installation, with content scheduled to media players integrated with the screens.

The central processors of the AV system are the new AMX Enova DVX3150HD digital Integrated Presentation Switchers. AMX’s Jared Walley assisted Martin with integrating some of the new features they include, such as SmartScaleTM, an AMX technology that automatically responds to the display's EDID information and scales the video to the best resolution and video parameters for that display.

Smaller AMX NI-700 NetLinx Integrated Controllers were distributed around the facility behind their respective display panels. A combination of RS232 and Ethernet control means all functionality is accessible via the AV network rack,

The converged, networked backbone of the system is its real strength. This was an all-digital installation, with no analogue cabling used to distribute signal. HDMI was converted to AMX’s DXLink™ transport and delivered via twisted-pair cabling throughout the building, with some runs up to 60 metres. This offers great cost and environmental savings compared to the huge runs of copper that would have been required. Even the digital cabling has the green tick – halogenfree insulation was chosen to eliminate the release of toxic chemicals in the event of fire, or their slow leeching over time. Convergence with the EWIS system represents even more efficiency, eliminating the doubling up of cabling and processing that is the norm in most buildings.

Story Time Area

Reception

That was great for us because this wasn’t an explicit part of the brief.”

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INSTALLATIONS SSystems Integration Asia December - January 2014 had trouble getting into the meeting rooms because they’re so busy.”

Workspace

Amx Wall control

Some thoughtful features have been programmed into the building’s services.

Motion detectors in every room activate lighting when people enter and shut down again on exit, increasing energy efficiency. Multiple lighting presets are also available to trigger manually.

Individual low-spill Hearing Induction Loops have been incorporated into all areas, most impressively into three small adjoining meeting rooms. Signal spill between the three rooms is controlled by laying an extra Induction Loop around each perimeter and running it out-ofphase to the primary Induction Loop, hence causing signal cancellation at the boundaries.

Issues of accessibility have been taken into account for all patrons.

Sue Robertson, long-serving Library Technician at Melton, has been running Story Time for children for years. The new children’s area features a 70 inch LCD screen, dedicated ceiling speakers, lapel mic and DVD player. A veteran of running nursery rhyme sessions from large hand-written cardboard sheets, she’s found the new technology has enabled her to better serve her audience.

“We now call ourselves an Inclusive Story Time” said Sue. “We run everything from a PowerPoint on the screen. It has a running order of what we’re doing and all the words to the songs. It helps children with special needs who really benefit from knowing what’s next and exactly what we’re doing. Last week, we had upwards of 60 children.”

With 60 enthusiastic kids attending Story Time, this is not the enforced

silence of the library of the past.

“Libraries are changing. They’re calling them the ‘Second Lounge Room of the Community’ now” explained Sue. One of this Community Lounge Room’s most popular spots is the Gaming Area, which has three PlayStation3s hooked up to three LCD screens. Teens bring in their own games or can borrow from the library’s collection. Dual headphone connections at each station let them play against each other without disturbing the students at the study tables nearby.

Given the sometimes controversial reputation of video games in the community, what does Sue think of the inclusion in the new centre? “It brings the kids to the library” she said positively, “and hopefully, while they’re in here, they grab a book and realise it’s a nice, safe place to hang out. A lot of students are coming in after school sitting down at the tables and actually studying!”

Programmer Martin Smith agreed. “We spent a lot of time thinking about the things like the gaming areas that made job different”, he continued. “We talked to everybody involved, and integrated the community feel, right down to the Melton logo, into the design. It’s a true community centre and a great piece of community infrastructure. The times I’ve gone back to do follow-up work, we’ve Digital signage

Both the reliability and accessibility of the system are proving the keys to its success. This hasn’t been an easy thing to achieve, considering that significant amounts of legacy connections such as VGA needed to be integrated with HDMI, wired and wireless LAN, lighting and peripherals and then automated to a level where any community group could hold an AV-supported meeting with no staff present.

“On the surface it appears simple, but underneath, it’s quite complicated” Martin shared. “What makes it work is simplicity and reliability of the touch screens and keypads; this is where highend control systems leave the other options for dead. They increase system reliability in the end” This has led to more people using the library for more purposes more often.

Author events, movie nights, ESL courses and historical society presentations all run regularly without staff intervention.

“It’s so straightforward and really easy” agreed Sue. “People walk in, the lights turn on, connect their laptops by wireless or HDMI and off they go.” The enhanced facilities now enable the library to offer a wider range a services to a wider range of people, further uniting the community.

“Next year we’re holding more internet, iPad and eReader courses”, Sue enthused. The future of the library is integrated.

SNAPSHOT

Project Size: $400+ Major Brands: AMX, Mitsubishi, JBL, Humantechnik, Polycom Project Duration: 12mths Location: Melton Shire, Victoria Australia http://www.melton.vic.gov.au

Installation by:

Soundcorp Pty LTD www.soundcorp.com.au

AV Consultants:

CHW Consulting http://www.chw.com.au

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

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HONG KONG

V City â&#x20AC;&#x201C; New landmark in the New Territories West VEGA integrates AV systems to create a seamless experience for shoppers

V City, the new superior shopping mall located atop the Tuen Mun MTR station, celebrated its grand opening in September 2013. V City was built by Sun Hung Kai Properties at a total cost of approximately HK$2.5 billion, and is believed to be the new landmark in the New Territories West in terms of its excellent geography and developing potential. The V city mall covers a gross area of 300,000 square feet with more than 130 shops on three floors. Atop the transportation hub which merges railways, footbridges, as well as over 50 shuttle bus routes, it is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors daily.

Challenges

The retail industry in Hong Kong is known to be extremely competitive.

It is a huge challenge to capture the attention of customers and create memorable shopping experiences. The client, Sun Hung Kai Properties, was looking for an innovative lighting solution at the event area, which was to be the highlight of the whole shopping mall.

Collaborating with the unique design, Vega installed 6000 pieces of Traxon LED modules and 800 pieces of light engines to achieve the extraordinary lighting effect at such an impressive site. A variety of lighting scenarios were designed and programmed to be dramatic and engaging subconsciously.

A huge number of commercial displays and interactive display systems also

needed to be installed and tested at 3 levels of the shopping mall in just 10 months. The quality of work had to be maintained at such a very high level as to give a wonderful shopping experience to the consumers and also satisfy the client, Sun Hung Kai Properties.

Event Area â&#x20AC;&#x201C; An impressive scene under extraordinary lighting

100

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

The event area in V city has been holding events for some of the most famous celebrities in Hong Kong. The stage is highlighted by 16 ETC stage spotlights with inspirational LED lighting features.

A massive 6000 pieces of Traxon LED modules were installed and controlled by 800 pieces of light engines to provide rich ambiance and accents. This makes it the most LED modules ever to have been installed in a project in Hong Kong. 2 Panasonic HD live cameras were installed to record each event under extraordinary lighting effects. A variety of strategic lighting scenarios from changing hues to the word of “V City” in motion were pre-programmed and triggered by finger touches on an iPad. Lighting is among the most essential and effective tools to engage customers, convey the quality of merchandise, or strengthen themes in the retail industry. Through the influence of customized illumination, it instantly captivates the mind, rewards the eye and evokes emotion for memorable shopping experiences.

Digital Signage – More than just information signage

Digital signage usage has been growing so rapidly because it provides a targeted means of presenting messages in the way that is impressive enough to be meaningful and memorable for the consumer. Over 50 sets of LG full HD LED displays with full coverage fiber network using Cisco fabric switch have been installed for promoting mall

events, specials and sales. 32x32 Extron Fiber Matrix switches were installed for complete, end-to-end digital AV signal transmission and routing over fiber optic cable. With advanced technologies, high quality images can be delivered easily through iPad. Digital Signage helps to promote V city and its merchants’ brand images in an effective way so that consumers can get more information and merchants and the mall can deliver more messages.

Content Management

36 sets of professional media multichannel servers were installed for content management, which is the same system used by HSBC. With precise function setup, it supports a wide variety of functions for more efficient and targeted content delivery and management.

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Background Music

400 speakers from JBL, QSC, Electro Voice and MeyerSound were installed to play background music in the 3-storey shopping arcade for a comfortable and relaxing shopping atmosphere. powerful digital audio processor Qsys Core500i was installed to support smooth delivery of the music.

Interactive Panel – Effective engagement with touch, geolocation and images

The comprehensive functions of these interactive panels provide promotion and privilege information searching for cinema, parking offers and shopping offers, nearby information searching, tenant information merged with floor plan etc. in a multi-language user interface. With large monitors and fast yet accurate touch responses, it is easy to draw people’s attention in a shopping mall that is expected to be crowded and bustling.

Technology in the Washroom

101

SNAPSHOT Client V City

Location

Tuen Mun, New Territories, Hong Kong

System Integrator VEGA

System Brands Highlight

Analogway, APC, Apple, Austin Hughes, Bosch, Cisco, Dell, Denon, ElectroVoice, Elo, Epson, Extron, JBL, LG, Medialon, MeyerSound, Panasonic, QSC, Samsung, Shure, Sony, Traxon, Viewsonic, and Yamaha.

V City aims at providing a unique design and facilities to make the shopping experience more comfortable and convenient for the residences around this thriving community. The innovative Toilet Cubicle Availability Control System shows the number of vacancies on a display for users’ convenience.

Result

Interactive panels allow consumers to interact with the signage to enhance customer satisfaction and in-store sales.

It has become a popular marketing tool which can provide real time information, advertising and messages in rich multimedia formats to attract consumers. Vega has installed 10 sets of ELO 55” interactive panels in V City.

The audio visual technologies deployed benefit the entire centre and its retailers.

It will be easier for the shoppers to learn about the promotions which take place in the mall while the retailers may benefit from the invaluable brand exposure to their audience. All of the screens show the logo of V City, helping to promote its image as an ultimate place to shop.

The AV facilities and technologies implemented in the mall will enable V City to become one of best places to shop. Feedback from both shoppers and retailers has been overwhelmingly positive. www.vega-global.com

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VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

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Chris Yang on COMM-TEC's venture into Asia COMM-TEC, founded in 1986 with its headquarters near Stuttgart in Germany, is one of the largest distribution companies for information and communication technology in Europe. COMM-TEC has local companies in Germany, Italy, Spain and has distribution sites in every key country in Europe.

As of May 2013 the international operations have extended into Asia with a subsidiary based in Hong Kong. Alongside its distribution business, COMM-TEC also manufactures proprietary products. SI Asia spoke to Chris Yang who was formerly heading AMX North Asia operations from Hong Kong and who is now spearheading COMM-TEC's push into Asia.

SI Asia: Why did COMM-TEC decide to start an Asian arm?

CHRIS: The growth for the worldwide AV market will be in Asia and if the double digit growth continues as forecasted

by Infocomm, Asia will become a very significant market for AV vendors or businesses within the region. COMMTEC has always been monitoring the potential in Asia and when the opportunity was presented to me to start the COMM-TEC Asian operations my decision was immediate knowing the support I will get from the management team in Germany.

SI Asia: Considering that there is a fair bit of established AV distributors in the region, how will COMM-TEC differentiate itself?

CHRIS: It would be the brands and the solutions we offer. The product management team based in Germany is always exploring new trends and solutions that will be up and coming technologies. Most brands that are in the COMM-TEC portfolio will need to go through an evaluation process to make sure that it is works properly and integrates well with our other solutions.

It will as well be our goal to provide a level of pre- and after sales support to the Asian channel partners which is second to none.

SI Asia: Is there expected to be a conflict of brands being represented by COMM-TEC that are already being represented here in Asia?

The key concepts of doing business in any sort of business or industry will always be the same and you just need to fine tune your approach to match your job at hand. I think one of the biggest plus for me was that I had the IT background before joining AMX and these days everyone is talking about AV/IT convergence. This will also be the same at COMM-TEC Asia but instead of managing one brand I will need to interface with more manufacturers and the key is to find products that complements well together into a solution that our channel will be able to offer to their end users.

SI Asia: How do you expect this operations in Asia to work? Are you appointing dealers or is there a plan to set up strategic COMMTEC offices in the region...

SI Asia: What is your immediate and future goals for COMM-TEC Asia?

CHRIS: The product portfolio that is represented in our Asian operations will be a select list of brands to what COMMTEC currently distributes across Europe.

One of the most important criteria when deciding the product mix for Asia is where COMM-TEC is able to help brands that do not have representation but the potential here in Asia and where we are able to provide immediate access to the market through our network.

CHRIS: The strategy is solely a distribution model and the company will only work directly with dealers or local partners. COMM-TEC will decide in the coming 12 months the need to set-up additional offices in key locations across Asia that will improve the support to our dealers or partners in terms of warranty service and warehousing for faster product delivery.

SI Asia: Having previously worked at the Manufacturer end how challenging is this role for you?

What would be the positives?

CHRIS: Over the years my experience gained while working at AMX will be a big asset for me in this new role in AV distribution. I can still remember my first day at AMX, it was also a big transition for me coming from an IT to AV industry.

CHRIS: The immediate plan is to successfully launch the company and the brands we represent. The S14 Product Showcase in Hong Kong on September 25 & 26 was a very successful start to my new venture at COMM-TEC Asia. We had consultants and dealers coming to visit the event over the two days to personally experience the products in action. At the event we had manufacturer representatives from Gefen and Barco to talk about their solutions as well as live demos together with other key brands like iRoom Docking Solution, Evoko Room Manager and Aquavision Waterproof/Mirror TVs. The overall event was well received with many good feedback from the local AV community.

The next step for me is to replicate a similar event in other parts of Asia in the short term. www.comm-tec.asia

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VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014

Focus on Control Room Expertise Mitsubishi Electric, the Tokyo-headquartered Japanese electronics and electrical systems major, recently took some decisive market directions towards reorganizing its strengths, expertise and focus areas. One of the major market dynamics in recent times, the move apparently has its own takes. SI Asia interacted with Peter van Dijk, Business Manager for Mitsubishi Electric Europe’s Visual Information Systems Division, to know more on the move and takes. Excerpts:

“The immediate goals for us are to complete the re-alignment and reorganization of the business. Change of this magnitude is always difficult, but there is real commitment to taking Mitsubishi Electric Display Wall to new levels of achievement.”

SI Asia: Mitsubishi Electric’s recent announcement exiting front projection and public display LCD business is considered a very decisive departure. What led to that decision?

PvD: It is no secret that the projection and public display sectors have become extremely competitive as more manufacturers fight for a slice of a declining market. While margins are being put under increasing pressure, the pace of product development required to stay in the game grows ever faster. As we have seen only recently with announcements from Toshiba and Panasonic, the historically strong Yen, strong competition and the worldwide recession has created difficulties for many Japanese manufacturers.

Strategically, it therefore made more sense for Mitsubishi to focus its resources on developing the areas it knows best; high-value products

designed for mission critical applications such as control rooms. Naturally, this was a very difficult decision to take. However, we believe it was completely necessary to protect our leading position in the key markets in which we operate around the world.

SI Asia: What does it mean to the industry, globally, and more so to the APAC/Middle East region?

PvD: Focusing our resources on Display Wall will help leverage Mitsubishi Electric’s key advantage as one of the world’s leading suppliers to major command and control room projects such as transportation, utilities, communications and security.

Information display and management is actually at the very heart of the company’s operations. Therefore, investing in the Display Wall business will allow us to make much better use of that expertise and world-leading position.

The business itself has been streamlined to become more efficient and better able to support Large Scale Integration projects around the world. Operations in Europe are now centralised in the Netherlands, however sales teams continue to operate from our regional bases around EMEA – including our recently-opened Dubai branch. A similar hub operates for the Display Business in Singapore, serving the needs of customers in the APAC region.

SI Asia: While the company decided to exit from LCD public display, it is still holding on to LCD display wall, even as it concentrates more on LEDs. Would you please explain/elaborate?

PvD: Our focus is now completely on the control room sector and LCD display walls make a vitally important offering in that market, because not every facility has the room for a rear

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia December - January 2014 projection Display Wall cube solution.

Mitsubishi Electric’s Seventy Series LCD displays have always been a key part of its Seventy Series Display Wall range for that reason. We have recently announced three new additions to the LCD Display Wall range, featuring the latest LED technology and a premium specification.

This illustrates very well how focusing resources on one key market will help us support integrators with the latest technologies.

employ technology derived from our Living Environment Systems Division; the patented image processing algorithms used in our LCD displays were originally developed in a medical imaging context.

SI Asia: Even as we talk about LCDs and LEDs, the tech world is already much into OLEDs and AMOLEDsany analogy on where the display world is heading? And Pro-AV?

SI Asia: That the company reiterated its commitment to Pro-AV, what role does it exactly attribute to its takes in the domain?

PvD: AMOLED is an interesting technology. However, it is still a long way from being mature enough for use in the kind of mission-critical applications where Mitsubishi Electric systems are deployed.

PvD: Mitsubishi Electric has always worked in close partnership with its systems integrators; working through them rather than direct to market as is the case with some other manufacturers.

The recent changes within the Displays division are intended to enhance this special relationship still further, reaffirming the importance we place on supporting integrators.

SI Asia: Stretching a bit more- what does the reorganization of VIS mean?

PvD: Within EMEA, there will be one central marketing/procurement and warehouse hub for Display Wall products in the Netherlands, while local sales staff will continue to operate in all the major countries within this region. A similar hub is based in Singapore for the Pacific Asia region. As far as projectors and monitors are concerned, customers will still be supported locally through their local regional office, and Mitsubishi will continue to provide full spares and service support until well into 2019.

SI Asia: Mitsubishi Electric is into too many business domains spanning between Energy and Electronics. What is central to its focus?

PvD: I think it would be wrong to say Mitsubishi Electric’s business spans too many markets. In fact, we view the diversity of expertise within the company to be a considerable strength. Just to give you a couple of examples, our unique air-cooled LED cube engines

Buying your Display Wall system from a company that also builds power stations and factory automation systems means you are getting a product designed with a depth of experience that few other companies can match.

SI Asia: The LCD/LED or the VIS is one of the fiercely competed domains today- where does Mitsubishi Electric finds itself on the global stage?

PvD: It’s true that LCD is very competitive and the same commercial pressures apply in that sector as in front projection, which is why we decided to withdraw from the public display market to focus on high-specification products for high-end applications. As mentioned previously, the focus is on providing a solution rather than a particular technology, be that LCD or LED illumination. So to answer your question, Mitsubishi Electric differentiates itself in the command and control space by providing the highest quality solution to that sector’s particular needs.

SI Asia: What market share does Mitsubishi currently hold in the command and control room segment? And what are the immediate goals?

105

PvD: Gauging true market share in the control room space is actually very difficult. The market is not subject to the same degree of analysis as front projection and it is not volume-driven, so sales data alone does not tell the whole story. Also, many command and control projects are highly sensitive, and so their existence is often not publicized, making it difficult to benchmark a manufacturer’s true market share.

The immediate goals for us are to complete the re-alignment and reorganization of the business. Change of this magnitude is always difficult, but there is real commitment to taking Mitsubishi Electric Display Wall to new levels of achievement.

SI Asia: Any particular technology/ product and market initiative(s) that we can look forward to from Mitsubishi?

PvD: Plans for new products are already well advanced. There were three new LCD Display Wall products launched at Infocomm MEA, and Mitsubishi Electric has also announced three new DLP cube engines, which will enable existing customers to upgrade their legacy lamp-based Mitsubishi Display Wall systems to the latest high-brightness LED technology. So, without having to replace an entire system, customers can quickly and easily take advantage of the huge cost savings that LED offers.

Mitsubishi Electric has developed a unique air-cooling system for its LED light sources, which means true, nomaintenance, 80k-hour lifespan. Even the fan packs have been specially designed for 100k lifespan, meaning a customer can extend the lifespan of their existing installation for many years at minimal cost. Mitsubishi’s Seventy Series displays feature interchangeable input cards too, so even if it needs change during that time, the Mitsubishi solution has the versatility to cope. It is this focus on the long-term solution that makes Mitsubishi Electric the preferred choice in largescale installations around the world. displays.mitsubishielectric.eu

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