Systems Integration Asia February-March 2014

Vo 13 Issu Vol. Issue ue 3 ~ February Feb Fe bruary ry - March h 2014 201 014 4

VISUAL LIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS AUDIO • VI V SUAL SU AL • L AL IG GHT • C ONTR ON TROL TR OL S Y TE YS TEMS MS MICA MIC A ((P) P) 034 034/04/2013 3 /04 04/20 /2013 /20 13 PPS PS 16 1669/ 1669/08/2013 69/ 9/08/ 08/201 08/ 20 3 ((022992) 201 022992) 022 02

EAS blends design and functionality at ITE College Central

• Guwahati High Court Harnesess ICT Sophistication

• Embracing the Opportunities of BYOD in Enterprise AV Design

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 3 ~ February - March 2014

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

EAS blends design and functionality at ITE College Central

• Guwahati High Court Harnesess ICT Sophistication

• Embracing the Opportunities of BYOD in Enterprise AV Design

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 Display Technology Opens and Closes A Major Sporting Event in Myanmar

Christie’s China-based partner, Starlight, used 40 Christie Roadster S+22K-J 3-chip DLP® projectors in a recent major sporting event’s opening and closing ceremonies in Naypyidaw, Myanmar.

Christie® used its technology to assist its China-based partner, Starlight, a company specializing in lighting and visual technical support, in the area of visual technology management. The event deployed 40 Christie Roadster S+22K-J 3-chip DLP® projectors installed on five towers along the stadium’s roof and projected onto a 72-meter by 56-meter visual stage on the stadium floor. The projectors were also used at the Paralympic Games in the country.

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.

So don’t hold back your vision. Christie will help you find the right visual solution for every possible and seemingly impossible location and application need.

USA ph: +1 714 236 8610 sales-us@christiedigital.com

CHINA-SHANGHAI ph: +86 21 6278 7708 sales-china@christiedigital.com

JAPAN ph: +81 3 3599 7481 sales-japan@christiedigital.com

SINGAPORE ph: +65 6877 8737 sales-singapore@christiedigital.com

INDIA ph: +91 80 6708 9999 sales-india@christiedigital.com

CHINA-BEIJING ph: +86 10 6561 0240 sales-china@christiedigital.com

KOREA ph: +82 2 702 1601 sales-korea@christiedigital.com

AUSTRALIA ph: +61 (0) 7 3624 4888 sales-australia@christiedigital.com

CONTENTS 68

Vol. 13 Issue 3 ~ February – March 2014

86 04 FIRST WORDS

38

06 NEWS 27 SOLUTIONS UPDATE 36 REFLECTIONS 38 FROM THE OTHER SIDE EXHIBITION PREVIEW 42 InfoComm China 2014 TECH TALK 46 5 Play or Foreplay?

INDIA & MIDDLE EAST COLUMN 48 News Installations 56 Electrosonic at the Hult Business School

58 Ritz-Carlton Herzlia Redefines Mediterranean Hospitality 61 Bangalore International Terminal 1A integrated with top end Audio Systems 64 Guwahati High Court Harnesses ICT Sophistication 68 BITSConnect 2.0 – A new genre education FEATURE 72 Embracing the Opportunities of BYOD in Enterprise AV Design INSTALLATIONS 74 2013 ASEAN Summit Powered

by Bosch 76 ITE HQ and College Central Herald a New Era in Technical Education 81 Clarity in Praise and Worship at Hwakwang Church

82 CKS Memorial Hall Museum Goes Digital with CAYIN solutions 83 Meyer Sound M’elodie at Malaysian Church 84 Comfort Inn Enhances Customer Experience thru Digital Media 86 Panasonic Reinvents Classroom Pedagogy with its Interactive Solutions 89 Classy Audio System at Doltone House Hyde Park VOICE BOX 90 BenQ Aiming to Project Numero Uno Image 93 Cisco on the H.265 Protocol 94 Acquisitions, Competencies and R&D lead the way for Barco 96 Understanding Technology is as Vital as Practicing it.

04

FIRST WORDS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

INDIA AND MIDDLE EAST EDITOR Ram Bhavanashi ram@spinworkz.com

WRITER Elissa Nadine elissa@spinworkz.com

The International CES held at Las Vegas in January, saw more than 3200 exhibitors showing future technologies.

CES exhibition has indeed been setting the pace for the AV Industry. So what CES influences can we expect for our industry?

DIGITAL PLATFORM WRITER Rosalind Tan rosalind@spinworkz.com

ADMIN & CIRCULATION Julie Tan admin@spinworkz.com

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Jimmy Chin jimmy@spinworkz.com

MEDIA REP IN NORTH AMERICA Broadcast Media International Michael J. Mitchell Tel: +1 631 673 0072 mjmitchell@broadcast-media.tv

PRINTED BY PUBLISHED BY Stamford Press Pte Ltd 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.

Cisco’s John Chambers got the ball rolling with his vision of The Internet of Everything. Cisco sees Internet-enabled objects everywhere from home appliances to street lights to your car and beyond. This is definitely not new news to us but the extent of connection and control possibilities is mindboggling. One main issue however that all of us will have to grapple with in this scenario is security. Hackers would be able to access your systems!!! Mr Kevin Haley, director of Symantec Security Response commented, “If the object is connected to the Internet, you will find it, and if it has an OS (Operating System) you can hack it.”

Smart Wearables was also in the limelight with key survey companies such as Garner, IDC, Forrester projecting that wearables are going to be a multi billion dollar business. Intel announced that its latest chip, Edison, part of its Quark family of SoCs, will feature, “a full Pentium class PC in the form factor of an SD card.” This ultra-low power, 22nm Dual Core SoC can be used to power wearable devices. Imagine the possibilities.

Curved TV Screens were of course a big hit with the CES crowd. Samsung unveiled the world’s first and largest 105” curved UHD TV which features 11 million pixels with auto depth enhancer giving a 3D effect without glasses. I personally am not too sure why you would want a curved TV Screen but I can see possibilities of a commercial version being made available for digital signage implementations where space might be an issue?

3D Printing has been making waves since workable printers came onto the market. I can see immense possibilities of its relevance to our industry. Imaging being able to replicate a spare part and delivering it to a customer within hours or customising a solution quicker and more efficiently, without having to get a whole production assembly put on hold for one customised part.

If you saw or heard of an Innovative solution at CES do keep us in the loop and we will share it with the rest of the readers.

Don’t forget next up is our very own huge AV exhibition, ISE. See you there.

Thomas Richard Prakasam Publisher/Editorial Director thomas@spinworkz.com

dnp

The Sound Room GQS =HQLWK 6FUHHQ

The Sound Room GQS 6XSHUQRYD ,Q²QLW\

'HFR GQS 6XSHUQRYD ,Q²QLW\

dnp Visual Experience Centres in Asia 5PHFUIFS XJUI PVS EFEJDBUFE 1BSUOFST %FDP and The Sound Room, dnp is now able to welcome architects, end-users, AV dealers and integrators to two fully equipped Visual &YQFSJFODF $FOUSFT JO #BOHLPL BOE )ZEFSBCBE $PNF BOE TFF GPS ZPVS TFMG XIZ PQUJDBM GSPOU BOE rear projection screens from dnp are superior.

8F MPPL GPSXBSE UP XFMDPNJOH ZPV JO PVS 7JTVBM &YQFSJFODF $FOUSFT JO 5IBJMBOE BOE *OEJB

For more info, please contact Authorised dnp Distributors:

D ECO 2

0

0

0

%FDP -UE #BOHLPL 5IBJMBOE 1IPOF

& NBJM DPOUBDU!EFDP DP UI 8FC XXX EFDP DP UI 5IF 4PVOE 3PPN )ZEFSBCBE *OEJB 1IPOF

& NBJM TBMFT!UIFTPVOESPPN JO 8FC XXX UIFTPVOESPPN JO

Seeing is believing!

The dnp optical screen portfolio includes an extensive range of optical projection screens for both front- and rear projection applications for all environments including conference rooms, home theatres, control rooms, signage & advertising, TV studios, education and worship.

For further information, please contact: EOQ )POH ,POH PGÃ¥DF 1IPOF & NBJM NOH!EOQ EL 8FC XXX EOQ TDSFFOT DPN

06

NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Milestone ready for next phase of growth with its acquisition by Pritzker Group Private Capital INTERNATIONAL: Pritzker Group Private Capital has acquired Milestone, a leading global designer, marketer and distributor of branded audio-visual products for consumer and commercial use.

Milestone was purchased for an undisclosed price from The Duchossois Group, which will retain a significant interest in the business and continue to have representatives serve on the board of directors.

Milestone designs, markets and distributes mounting equipment and display solutions for the audio-visual market. Its consumer and commercial products are sold principally under the Chief, Da-Lite and Sanus brands.

Milestone serves more than 5,000 global customers, including professional AV dealers, regional home theater dealers, consumer electronics retailers, mass

merchants and original equipment manufacturers. The Company maintains global operations with offices in the U.S., Europe and China.

“Our acquisition of Milestone demonstrates Pritzker Group Private Capital’s strategy of investing in clear market leaders with excellent management teams. We are well aligned with the Duchossois family in the view that our permanent, proprietary capital base allows our management teams to build great businesses over the long term” said Tony Pritzker, Pritzker Group Private Capital managing partner. “Together with the Milestone management team, we have a clear path forward that continues the company’s long history of new product innovation, international growth and add-on acquisitions.”

CEO of The Duchossois Group. “We look forward to our next generation of partnership. This transaction is representative of the types of opportunities that will be pursued by Duchossois Capital Management, the company we recently formed to manage our family’s strategic investments.”

“Our partnership with Pritzker Group Private Capital and Duchossois will launch Milestone into its next phase of growth, providing resources to help us meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Scott Gill, Milestone chief executive officer. “The resources and experience of both organizations will drive our continued investment behind the innovative products, exceptional service and operational excellence that make a difference for our customers.” www.milestone.com

“Our two families have enjoyed both a personal and business relationship for over 40 years,” said Craig Duchossois,

COMM-TEC Asia organises Video over IP workshop HONG KONG: COMM-TEC Asia partnered up with Gefen in November to host a successful video over IP workshop. The workshop was divided into two sessions with the morning session catering for the local partners and the afternoon for consultants. The workshop attracted a good turnout of local system integrators like PCCW, PAV, China-Tech, Pixel Byte, Informax, Blue Power amongst others. Rod Sommerich the Regional Sales Director and Kevin E Weiss the VP of Global Sales and Business Development were the key presenters at the event with Cantonese translation provided by COMM-TEC Asia personnel. The workshop provided the opportunity not only to showcase to attendees but also provide them with hands-on training on how they can extend video, USB, RS-232, IR and 2-way

audio over any Local Area Network. The workshop also touched on the ability to use any combination of HDMI, DVI and VGA senders and receivers over the same LAN, with the Gefen KVM Extenders over IP solutions.

Gefen also took the opportunity to highlight their new solutions such as the 4 x 4 Seamless Matrix for HDMI, Multiview Seamless Switcher and HD Video Wall Controllers, during the workshop.

Also displayed during the workshop were a Arthur Holm Dynamic X2 17” Retractable unit as well as iRoom, Barco ClickShare and Evoko solutions. www.comm-tec.asia

NOW WITH AND

Now you can get the incredible quality broadcast deck that records and plays using low cost solid state disks. HyperDeck Studio works like a regular broadcast deck, and supports dual disk slots so the moment one disk is full, recording can continue to the next disk! That’s unlimited recording! HyperDeck Studio supports 10 bit uncompressed as well as compressed DNxHD™ and ProRes™ recording so you can simply mount the disks and edit media directly without any file copying! HyperDeck Studio is perfect for live production, instant replays and disk server use!

Simply plug in a fast 2.5” solid state disk into HyperDeck Studio and start recording! SSD’s are used in desktop and laptop computers so prices are constantly falling while sizes are getting bigger! Plug the SSD into your computer and the disk will mount right on your computer’s desktop! Files are stored in standard QuickTime or MXF file formats so you can use the media in Mac™, Windows™ and Linux software!

Use Cameras, Switchers and Monitors

Absolute Perfect Quality HyperDeck Studio works with both compressed and perfect quality uncompressed video. You can select between 10 bit ProRes, DNxHD MXF, DNxHD QuickTime™ and 10 bit uncompressed QuickTime recording and playback. With uncompressed you get a mathematically perfect “clone” recording between capture and playback so you can always trust your recording because there is absolutely no higher quality possible!

Familiar Broadcast Deck Design!

HyperDeck Studio has a familiar broadcast deck style design with transport buttons, jog/shuttle knob, deck control port and build in LCD! You get unlimited duration recordings because HyperDeck Studio includes dual SSD slots, so when recording, if your disk fills, it will automatically continue recording to the other disk.

*SRP is Exclusive of Taxes

Solid State Disk (SSD) Recording

With SDI and HDMI inputs and outputs, HyperDeck Studio works with virtually every camera, switcher or monitor! Plug into televisions or video projectors for instant on set preview or get exciting live action replay with ATEM production switchers. Even use it for digital signage. Just press play twice for loop playback! Imagine using pristine broadcast quality 10 bit recording on your next live event!

HyperDeck Studio

1,275*

S$

Learn more today at www.blackmagicdesign.com/sg/hyperdeckstudio

08

NEWS SSystems Integration Asia February - March 2014

A refreshing approach to the AV Business... the chance to meet their clients. Our approach enables us to go to the client, understand their needs and provide advice on solutions and design that maximises their returns in terms of the quality of the solutions, reliability and after-service,” said Frederick Hall.

(L-R) Frederick Hall and Gavin Smith

REGIONAL: What is possibly the most frustrating thing in the AV business that the industry has to put with? Being called in after interior designs have been approved and budgets have been set!

Being last in the pecking order means the AV Consultants and SIs, most of the times do not have much say at crucial early stages, which in turn sometimes results in poor execution of AV solutions.

One way this is being resolved is in getting consultants on-board in an earlier stage. But if truth be told this happens for the bigger projects. The AVSI industry in this part of the world accounts for 70% of work that does not involve a consultant and therein lies the frustration.

So Gavin Russell Smith and Frederick Christopher Hall thought hard about this and have come up with a refreshing idea...to provide trustworthy, proven and educated advice and recommendation of unparalleled qualified solutions and design advice...at NO cost.

What? Are these two guys filthy rich?

No they are not. What they intend to do through their newly established company, SYNC is to align their network of end-users, system integators and consultants with selected quality brands and maximise opportunities and develop relationships. Leveraging on their market

experience within the region they intend to facilitate partnerships in a risk free environment for the client. Their business model to put it simply is to align noncompetitive manufacturers which complement each other to offer full, complete and supported solutions for clients through their advisory services.

Their objective is to be the glue that syncs the needs of the manufacturer, system integrator, consultant and enduser.

“We identified this gap in the industry.

We are not your traditional consulting company nor a design & build company.

Most of the times the consultants or SI D&B teams are boarded after significant decisions have been made. So we were thinking how can we help clients earlier in their design and planning phases working in tandem with IDs, electrical contractors, SIs, etc. to avoid technical, layout and environmental issues,” said Gavin Smith.

“So we have partnered with a chain of manufacturers whose solutions complement each other. We were very objective with our choices as we wanted to ensure that the manufacturers we work with provide quality solutions, are able to deliver and provide strong support and training.

Most manufacturers hardly ever get

“There are many clients out there who tend to be reluctant to engage a consultant due to cost factors but our approach is to offer them advice at no cost on the path or solution that best meets their needs, whether it be a direct D&B team or consultant appointment dependant on complexity. This will enable us to engage them earlier in the process and provide them with all the necessary tools to make their initial decisions worthwhile, without having to backtrack or make do later in a project” adds Gavin Smith.

It is indeed a bold approach. But this is not some idea by a couple of rookies.

Both Gavin and Frederick are seasoned technology professionals who share a combined experience of over 20 years within the technology industry in most environments and sectors.

Their backgrounds come from leading consultant remits through to large scale regional system implementation responsibilities; creating teams which understand fully how design, selection and deployment works best. With this valuable knowledge base they decided to create an entity which focuses in improving synergy between reputable brands, design firms and turnkey solution providers. This offers them the opportunity to provide unparalleled advice to clients at conceptual stages of projects to ensure informed decisions are made and successful outcomes are met. www.sync-asia.com.sg

10

NEWS SSystems Integration Asia February - March 2014

NETe2MG Limited holds successful Cisco practical workshop

Felix Huang, the System Engineer from Cisco, introduced the Cisco TelePresence Systems with Jabber applications

HONG KONG: NETe2MG Limited, a Cisco TelePresence Video Advanced Authorized Technology Provider (ATP), is a joint venture company of NETe2Asia Pte Limited and Media-Go Engineering Limited, with bases in Singapore and Hong Kong respectively. The company’s common objective is to provide total integrated system solutions with qualified engineering services to valued customers, MNCs, global accounts and enterprises across the region.

NETe2MG Limited recently hosted the Cisco Practical Workshop on 10 Jan, which was co-organized by NETe2MG Limited, Cisco System Inc. (Hong Kong) and Ingram Micro (China) Limited, that gathered over 10 AV companies who had rapidly grown in the video-conferencing market.

networks with multipoint & network distribution solution, but also to demonstrated the popular unified communications application of Cisco WebEx & Jabber.

The workshop’s key objectives were to acknowledge not just the actual scenarios where Cisco video conference units reside on major worldwide

From Mobile to Boardroom Solutions, Cisco TelePresence System and Interactive-Multimedia Presentation Systems are merged perfectly Demonstrated at the workshop was a Cisco TelePresence® SX20 Quick Set, which transformed a 65” interactive touchscreen into a sleek and powerful TelePresence system, delivering high definition video and multi-party conferencing with Cisco Telepresence Profile 55. Crestron's latest wireless application, AirMedia™ (AM-100), was installed in the Profile to enable wireless presentation of HD content using laptops and tablets available in the room. With AirMedia™, participants can wirelessly present PowerPoint®, Excel®, Word and PDF documents, as well as

Kelvin Leung, the Sales Director of NETe2MG, introduced the Cisco x Cabletime IPTV Networking Systems

Ingram Micro sponsored an iPad mini for the Lucky Draw session. Congratulations to the winner!

photos, on the room display from their personal iOS® or Android™ mobile device. Also, the Cisco Jabber™ was demonstrated to show how one can invite others to join through website or mobile application. No more requesting a chat and then waiting for a callback.

Audio part of the whole solution was enhanced by ClearOne beamforming microphone array. The adaptive steering and acoustic echo cancellation technology was impressive.

Borderless Network Experience brought by Cisco Catalyst 2960-S and 2960 Series Switches with LAN Base Software Integration power of Cisco Catalyst was shown by an IPTV, Signage and Network Distribution Solution composed with Cabletime solutions.

The Cisco® Catalyst® 2960-S and 2960 Series Switches are the leading Layer 2 edge, providing improved ease of use, highly secure business operations and improved sustainability. Fast Ethernet access connectivity and PoE capabilities enhanced the overall solutions performance, which is best suited for enterprise, midmarket, and branch office networks to provide lower total cost of ownership. www.nete2mg.com

A NEW ANGLE ON

Installation

Š2014 Milestone AV Technologies. Chief is a division of Milestone. SIA_2014.

Mount multiple screens from a single ceiling drop for easy viewing from any angle with Chief Fusion Multi-Directional Ceiling Mounts.

Choose between triple- and quad-display options while keeping the Fusion single ceiling mount features you enjoy, and start seeing things differently with Chief.

+852 2145 4099 | chiefmfg.com

12

NEWS SSystems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Kramer announces details of The Digitalist Training programme at Appreciation event

SINGAPORE: To thank the partners for their wonderful support for the past year, Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd held a Year End Partners’ Appreciation Event on 30 Dec at The GlassHouse @ Hotel Fort Canning.

The evening event saw more than 40 industry partners and consultants gathered together as they took the opportunity to catch up with each other, while wining and dining to good food and accompanied by great music and company.

During the event, Kramer Electronics also conducted a soft launch of their highly anticipated training program in 2014 – The Digitalist Training; a Kramer initiated program, which aims to enhance the knowledge and know-hows on the latest in Digital Technology in system designs. Kramer Electronics anticipated the increasing popularity of Digital Technology and leads the industry in the migration from analogue to digital

signal based technology. This program seeks to share with their partners on the upcoming trends and applications in the digital world; updating them, especially those in the field, with valuable knowledge that Digital Technology encompasses, and equipping them with the tools and skills required in designing a digital system and what to avoid in a digital set-up.

Many partners warmly welcome this idea and have already voiced their interest in joining this 2-days training program.

Together with their partners, Kramer Electronics is steering ahead towards a new and exciting year in 2014. With new products and training programs lined up,

Kramer Electronics continues to strive to deliver the highest standard in products quality, as well as top notch sales, service and technical support for their esteem partners. www.kramerasia.com

Just Right The New ViewShare™ Advantage® from Da-Lite.

Featuring:

Sometimes a quick brainstorming session needs more than a conference call. But reserving a formal video conferencing room is too much. The ViewShare Advantage gets it just right.

•

Integrated HD video camera

•

Easy plug and play USB connectivity

•

Compatibility with any free peer-to-peer video conferencing software

Not too much. Not too little. The ViewShare Advantage.

Visit ViewShareInfo.com for more information.

ViewShare is Patent Pending ©2013 Milestone AV Technologies LLC | DA-LITE.COM

14

NEWS SSystems Integration Asia February - March 2014

HARMAN’s AKG does Jinhua City People’s Court justice with CS3 Conferencing System Microphone Station, while the rest of the court features 17 CS3 DU Delegate Microphone Stations. All the microphones are connected through a CS3 BU Base Unit.

CHINA: The Zhejiang Jinhua Wu District People’s Court has seen a host of prominent trials spanning the entire country. To fully support the high-profile cases of this judicial building, Zhuo Xin Group provided a transformation of the court’s conferencing systems by integrating HARMAN’ AKG wide range of conferencing microphones and dbx signal processor within its digital network.

The entire conferencing system is simplified and user-friendlier in its operation.

The CS3 units are equipped with professional built-in speakers, which automatically turn off when a voice is detected, preventing any feedback to occur.

For the court’s microphones, Zhuo Xin Group installed an AKG CS3 wired conference system. The judge stand is equipped with a CS3 CU Chairman

“AKG is dedicated to deliver not only the best quality audio products, but also the most accurate voice solutions for the exact needs of the wide variety of

end users we cater to worldwide. CS3 conferencing systems are both reliable in performance and precise in application, able to ensure clear and quality audio during the important court proceedings in Jinhua,” explained Thomas Giczy, Business Development Manager, AKG. The audio signals of the CS3 BU microphones are processed by dbx ZonePro 1261M, which is pre-configured with input processing, a central matrix and output processing. It features AutoWarmth®, a psychoacoustic function that maintains full frequency bandwidth on each output zone.

Coupled with an Advanced Feedback Suppression capability, which takes the guesswork out of controlling feedback, this digital processor guarantees safe and easy operation. www.harman.com

Audinate is a Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Winner AUSTRALIA: Following the recent announcement of being honoured as one of the fastest growing companies in Australia, Audinate today announced that it has also been recognized

by Deloitte as one of the fastest growing technology companies ranked by Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ Asia Pacific 2013. The Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Asia Pacific ranking measures revenues of the 500 fastest-growing technology, media and telecommunications companies headquartered in China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Australia, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and New Zealand.

Audinate, the creator of Dante™ media networking, is the market leader for

high quality AV networking used in the broadcast, professional audio, live sound reinforcement, recording and post production markets. Audinate’s growth ranks it in the top two hundred of the Deloitte’s list.

“Because Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ Asia Pacific measures sustained revenue growth over three years, being one of the 500 fastest growing technology companies in Asia Pacific is an impressive achievement,” said Ichiro Nakayama, partner in charge of Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™ Asia Pacific program. “Audinate deserves a lot of credit for its remarkable growth.

Attracting enough customers to attain such fast growth over three years makes

a strong statement about the quality of a company’s product and its leadership.”

“Being one of the 500 fastest growing technology companies in Asia Pacific is a gratifying accomplishment,” stated Lee Ellison, CEO of Audinate. “The phenomenal growth in the adoption of our Dante™ networking technology has been fuelled by the transition of the AV industry from analogue connectivity to converged IP digital networking. Making the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ Asia Pacific in today’s highly competitive business environment, reflects the combined effort of all of our employees to deliver the best products and services to our customers.” www.audinate.com

16

NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Crestron Asia expands Singapore office to strengthen SEA region business development Crestron’s flagship technology solutions, for example DigitalMedia™, touch panels and integrated lighting control system. It aims to highlight what is possible for today’s demanding commercial and residential market.

In addition, the new office features advanced training facilities and capabilities to support both dealers and end-users. “These not only help us to provide personalized faceto-face training, but also solidifies our relationships and opens lines of communication with Crestron’s staff.” said Edmund Chan, Regional Sales Manager (Singapore) of Crestron Asia.

The ribbon cutting ceremony represented the official opening of Singapore office. (L-R)Edmund Chan, Regional Sales Manager (Singapore) of Crestron Asia; Stuart Craig, Executive Director – Asia Pacific of Crestron Electronics; Kanny Leong, Executive Director, Asia Operations of Crestron Asia; Tony Yeung, Director of Crestron Asia; Ben Lim, Regional Sales Director of Crestron Asia

SINGAPORE: Crestron Asia Limited (“Crestron Asia”), the Asia headquarters of Crestron Electronics, Inc. (“Crestron”), which is one of the world's leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems, officially opened its new Singapore office on 29th November 2013.

Crestron Asia Singapore office has served the South-East Asia (SEA) market for more than 18 years, offering first-hand experience of Crestron’s automation technology to customers.

The new office which expands the floor area to 5,000 square feet, underscores Crestron Asia’s tremendous success throughout Asia, its commitment to SEA

The “real-life” living room area with home automation systems

region as well as to fulfill the increasing demand for control and automation systems in the region.

The well-equipped office forms part of Crestron Asia’s strategic blueprint for business development in the region.

It now includes a fully-functional showroom that has three real-life areas: a demonstration and exhibit area, a Crestron RL™ conference room and a living room area with home automation systems. These will allow customers to experience a wide range of Crestron’s products, which are designed for daily life, office use and even entertainment.

An immersive exhibit area allows dealers and potential users to experience

Crestron RL™ Conference Room

With rapid economic growth and improved living standards, the demand for Crestron’s products in Asia has been growing steadily. “We foresee our DigitalMedia™, a complete endto-end digital network solution, Fusion RV® (RoomView) and Fusion EM™, an energy management solution and lighting controls to be our major growth areas. Meanwhile, we have positioned our “Integrated by Design™”, a total solution for complete technology control for markets that we see potential, such as the educational, hospitality and residential markets.” added Edmund Chan.

Crestron Asia Singapore Office is located at 701, Sims Drive, #03-06 LHK Building, Singapore 387383 www.crestronasia.com

CTI Training Centre

18

NEWS SSystems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Atlona Academy Training Portal revamped to enhance user experience INTERNATIONAL: Atlona®, a leading AV distribution solutions provider, has announced that Atlona Academy, the company’s online training resource for Atlona customers and partners, has been completely redesigned and relaunched for 2014. Through a wide range of new features, the enhanced portal provides an upgraded user experience to support better understanding of Atlona products, deliver information on upcoming technologies, and offer insights on imminent industry trends.

“New and improved, our Atlona Academy Training Program has been redesigned to offer a simpler, more seamless learning experience to our partners and customers,” said Ken Eagle, director of training and technical sales for Atlona. “Users will notice a more intuitive process for enrolling in our wide-ranging training programs and find exciting new tools related to gaining knowledge on the latest AV system designs, technology advances, and

product overviews from Atlona’s team of industry experts.”

Atlona Academy is an exclusive and valuable training resource offered to all Atlona partners. Designed to be the industry’s most comprehensive one-stop learning resource, the program helps users, customers, and resellers learn more about AV connectivity solutions through a wide range of white papers, webinars, training videos, and other knowledgebased tools. All curriculum and events are offered free of charge and are specifically produced to develop AV distribution knowledge, enhance customer service, and improve both system design and sales through a unique solution-based approach. As

a result, participants learn to design profitable solutions that enable their customers to deploy advanced AV systems that are incredibly flexible, reliable, and easy to use.

More information is available at www.atlonaacademy.com

AV-IT Convergence brought to limelight with Microsoft participation at InfoComm 2014 will be a platinum show sponsor occupying significant exhibit space in the Las Vegas Convention Center June 18-20, 2014.

USA: InfoComm International, the trade association representing the commercial audiovisual industry, is pleased to announce that Microsoft will be a new exhibitor at InfoComm 2014, the world’s largest audiovisual trade show. Microsoft

“InfoComm has long been considered the ideal venue to showcase companies and products in the audiovisual and information communications space, and Microsoft’s considerable commitment to our event marks an important milestone in the show’s history,” said David Labuskes, CTS, RCDD, Executive Director and CEO, InfoComm International. “The decade-long conversation about the convergence of AV and IT technology has been realized, with the presence of a blue-chip

company like Microsoft at InfoComm 2014 underscoring the importance of the show to companies of all sizes looking to do business in today’s information communications marketplace.”

InfoComm 2014 has an anticipated attendance of more than 35,000 visitors, with show floor and special event space exceeding 500,000 net square feet. For the past decade InfoComm has been among the 40 largest expositions held in the United States, with participants from the education, corporate, worship, sports, hospitality and government market segments. www.infocommshow.org

Up to 3 input signals

A Future Recorder Tailored for training. Out now!

Bee 8

One button press to record

MP4 file

Record to USB drive directly

iPad operation

HTML5

SZ REACH TECH CO., LTD.

www.szreach.com

AddďźšFloor 6, Building B, Kingdee Software Park, 2 Hi-Tech 12th Road South,

Tel: 0086-755-86073650

Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Nanshan Dist, Shenzhen 518057, P.R. China

E-mail: info@szreach.com

20

NEWS SSystems Integration Asia February - March 2014

AVer wins an unprecedented 9 Awards at the 2014 Taiwan Excellence Awards EVC130

TAIWAN: AVer (TWSE:3669), a major global provider of presentation/ education solutions, security surveillance solutions and video conferencing solutions, entered nine products and amassed an unprecedented nine awards for the 22nd Taiwan Excellence Awards 2014 against a field of 1281 entries.

Winning products are as follows: the EVC130 video conferencing system, Tablet solutions - TabCam and TabSync, the F55 visualizer, two Rugged Series IP cameras FV3028-RTM and FB3028-RT2, the FX3000-R box IP camera as well as two NVRs - E5016 pure NVR and E5016H hybrid NVR.

AVer is particularly proud that the EVC130, an industry leading priceto-performance video conferencing system for SMBs, offering real-time video communication up to HD1080p at 30 fps, an unparalleled 88° FOV HD camera as well as pan and tilt function, in addition to the Taiwan Excellence Award is also going to be awarded the prestigious Gold or Silver Standard in April 2014. AVer’s President, Andy Hsi, commented: ‘Due to AVer’s superior design capability and the reliable quality we have been awarded 34 Taiwan Excellence Awards in total. We greatly appreciate our customers’ feedback, which is our motivation and inspiration in our continuous pursuit of excellence.’

Within AVer’s education solution product segment, TabCam, the world’s first video capture and streaming solution for tablets, with some very exciting apps, as well as TabSync, which offers a

secure and easy way to charge and sync multiple tablet devices,were winners.

The full HD1080p F55 visualizer, with its innovative onboard annotation and smooth 30 fps one-touch recording, produces vivid life-like streaming of images was also fully deserving of this award.

AVer’s surveillance products took home 5 awards reiterating Aver’s leading position in the security solutions segment.

According to Taiwan’s Bureau of Foreign Trade, the organizer of this award, “Taiwan Excellence is the highest accolade awarded to products that encapsulate Innovalue.” R&D, Design, Quality, and Marketing are all taken into account by the judges when determining the winners. www.aver.com

Arkadin opens new Global Customer Services Operation in Malaysia MALAYSIA: Arkadin, one of the world's largest and fastest growing Collaboration Service Providers, with a complete suite of audio, web, video and unified communications services, have opened a new Global Customer Services operation in Kuala Lumpur. The new center provides 24/7 global after-hours client care for Arkadin's businesses in Asia, Europe, North America and Latin America.

Customer support excellence is central to Arkadin's DNA, having been a driving principle since the company was founded in 2001. "Our Local+Local=Global service program, which has client care teams providing operator assistance in 18 languages in close proximity to our customers, continues to be our primary support strategy," says Frederic Athenosy, Arkadin's VP Customer

Operations. "This central hub for managing after-hours care ensures we deliver on our promise of a consistent high level of service to all of our global customers at any time of day."

"Arkadin's emergence as a major league collaboration services player globally− and especially throughout Asia Pacific − has been remarkable at a time when the market has slowed," says Jessie Yu, Industry Manager, Asia Pacific ICT Practice for Frost & Sullivan. "Placing a global support operation in Malaysia in close proximity to fast growth regions of Japan, China and Singapore is a smart strategic move for ensuring continued strong performance."

Malaysia was selected following a study of countries to determine the optimum location for the center. Its proximity

to central Asia, Arkadin's fastest growing global region, offers significant advantages due to its robust business infrastructure, and the ease with which the local technical support professionals speak Western and Asian languages.

A team of specialists, with deep technical expertise from a diverse range of backgrounds, are on site to provide live assistance for Arkadin's full suite of collaboration services, including all elements of a roll-out. They are equipped with advanced technology for analyzing conferences in real time to ensure global customers receive the highest level of care. Ongoing training and evaluations are a core requirement. www.arkadin.com

| Solid State Illumination | 20,000 Hours Life | Unbeatable Cost of Ownership | www.digitalprojection.co.uk/laser

22

NEWS SSystems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Crestron leads the way as first Home Automation company to join AVnu Alliance INTERNATIONAL: AVnu Alliance, the industry consortium that certifies Audio Video Bridging (AVB) products for interoperability, proudly welcomes Crestron, a leading provider of control and automation systems, as its latest member. The membership addition of Crestron marks the first AVnu Alliance member to create solutions for smart home and commercial buildings, and furthers the progression of AVB in professional audio/video and residential markets.

Standing at 65 global members, AVnu Alliance is seeing accelerated momentum for AVB across a breadth of markets including professional A/V, automotive, and residential with member companies working together to drive AVnu-certified devices as the highest performance, most reliable, more flexible, and more affordable market solutions. The growth in members over 2013 speaks to the commitment that leading manufacturers across industries

have made to the promotion of AVB open standards and products.

"Our commitment to standards makes us the perfect candidate to join the AVnu Alliance to ensure interoperability among networked AV devices and provide the highest quality streaming AV experience," said John Pavlik, Crestron Director of Architecture & Design.

"We're excited to collaborate with fellow AVnu Alliance members and utilize our expertise to promote the adoption of AVB standards to provide a better enduser AV experience."

"It is extremely motivating to have Crestron join our membership ranks.

Crestron understands the importance of having pieces of a complex system work together and as a leader in residential and commercial automation systems,

they will lend incredible knowledge and value to the Alliance, while extending our commitment to the AVB ecosystem," said Rick Kreifeldt, AVnu Alliance president. He adds,"The AVnu Alliance is fostering a new networking ecosystem of interoperable devices by working with industry leading members such as Crestron."

AVnu Alliance is seeing growing momentum in all market segments. The AVnu Alliance is testing AVB-enabled networking devices at its appointed testing house, the University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL) and has many products in the certification process. AVnu Certification is available to alliance member companies. www.avnu.org

Kudos to Microdata PHILIPPINES: All of us have read about Haiyen, which was the world's strongest typhoon that hit the Philippines and the amount of damage and chaos that it had caused.

SI Asia is sure many of us have prayed for and probably did some sort of donation to help the victims. Recovery is expected to take a very very long time.

Many companies within the Philippines also donated cash and goods. Microdata, a Systems Integration company in the Philippines went one step further by providing their AV-IT expertise to the International Red Cross with their WEbEoc disaster management software together with Cisco. They are also collaborating with Globe, the second largest telecommunication

Mass graves have become a common sight in Talcoban

company in the Philippines to set-up a Command Center to link up government and private initiative in the multi-billion dollar rehabilitation program. Microdata also committed to loan sound systems for Pastors and other Church leaders to address the spiritual needs of the

typhoon victims in Tacloban.

It is nice to know that in order to achieve a better world, there are companies who look beyond profits. www.microdata.com.ph

DŝĚƌĂΡ ƐĞƌŝĞƐ͗ ĞǀĞŶ ďĞƚƚĞƌ

ĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞ ůŝŶĞ ŽĨ DŝdžĞƌƐ Θ ^ĞĂŵůĞƐƐ ^ǁŝƚĐŚĞƌƐ

Z ^ϸ͗ ǀĞƌƐĂƟůĞ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ ĨĂƐƚ ĂŶĚ ĞĂƐLJ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů Designed for the 6 models of the DŝĚƌĂΡ ƐĞƌŝĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵƉĂƟďůĞ with Windows, Mac & Linux, the RCS² ensures fast setup and easy ůŝǀĞ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ŽĨ ĂŶLJ ƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƟŽŶ͘ /ƚƐ ƵƐĞƌͲĨƌŝĞŶĚůLJ ŐƌĂƉŚŝĐ ŝŶƚĞƌĨĂĐĞ ŽīĞƌƐ ĞĂƐŝůLJ ŶĂǀŝŐĂƚĞĚ ŵĞŶƵƐ͕ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ĂŶĚ ƉƌĞƐĞƚ ŵĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ŝƐ ĂƐ ƐŝŵƉůĞ ĂƐ ĚƌĂŐ Θ ĚƌŽƉ͘

dŽ ůĞĂƌŶ ŵŽƌĞ͕ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƚ ǁŝƚŚ ƵƐ ŽŶ

(TQO #UKC 2CEKſE Analog Way Pte Ltd - Singapore Phone: +65 6292 5800

Email : sales@analogwayasia.com

www.analogway.com

24

NEWS SSystems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Technology Leaders establish the AllSeen Alliance to advance the 'Internet of Everything' INTERNATIONAL: The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of Linux and collaborative development, has announced the formation of the AllSeen Alliance, the broadest crossindustry consortium to date to advance adoption and innovation in the "Internet of Everything" in homes and industry.

The Internet of Everything is based on the idea that devices, objects and systems can be connected in simple, transparent ways to enable seamless sharing of information and coordinated and intelligent operations across all of them. As no single company can accomplish the level of interoperability required to support the Internet of Everything and address everyday, real-life scenarios, a united, panindustry effort is needed to deliver new experiences to consumers and businesses.

The AllSeen Alliance looks to expand upon the "Internet of Things," which Gartner predicts will add $1.9 trillion to the global economy by 2020, to include more functionality and interactions across various brands and sectors, such as the connected home, healthcare, education, automotive and enterprise.

Founding members of the AllSeen Alliance include some of the world's leading, consumer electronics manufacturers, home appliances manufacturers, service providers, retailers, enterprise technology companies, innovative startups, and chipset manufacturers. Premier level members include Haier, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Qualcomm, Sharp, Silicon Image and TP-LINK. Community members include Canary, Cisco, D-Link, doubleTwist, Fon, Harman, HTC, Letv, LIFX, Lite-on, Moxtreme, Musaic, Sears Brand Management Corporation, Sproutling, The Sprosty Network, Weaved and Wilocity.

"Open source software and collaborative development have been proven to accelerate technology innovation in markets where major transformation is underway," said Jim Zemlin, executive director at The Linux Foundation.

"Nowhere is this more evident today than in the consumer, industrial and embedded industries where connected devices, systems and services are generating a new level of intelligence in the way we and our systems interact.

The AllSeen Alliance represents an unprecedented opportunity to advance the Internet of Everything for both home and industry. We are very happy to host and help guide this work."

The members of the AllSeen Alliance will contribute software and engineering resources as part of their collaboration on an open software framework that enables hardware manufacturers, service providers and software developers to create interoperable devices and services. This open source framework allows ad hoc systems to seamlessly discover, dynamically connect and interact with nearby products regardless of brand, transport layer, platform or operating system.

The initial framework is based on the AllJoynTM open source project, which was originally developed by and is being contributed to the Alliance by Qualcomm Innovation Center, Inc. (a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated), and will be expanded with contributions from member companies and the open source community. Products, applications and services created with the AllJoyn open source project can communicate over various transport layers, such as Wi-Fi, power line or Ethernet, regardless of manufacturer or operating system and without the need for Internet access.

The software runs on popular platforms such as Linux and Linux-based Android, iOS, and Windows, including embedded variants. The initial codebase is available on the website for developers to access

and begin evaluating at http://www. allseenalliance.org

Here's an example of what can be achieved

As an example of the greater intelligence and interoperability made possible with the framework as the common language among the devices and services, a family that installs a smart lock built with the framework for their front door will seamlessly be able to connect it to smart lights that also use the framework and security cameras from other manufacturers. Unauthorized entries can trigger the lights to flash and the camera to take a photo of the intruder and send a notification and picture to the smart TV. At the other end of the spectrum, factory floors - evolving environments with systems that need to adjust dynamically - can benefit from the framework's ability to enable a self-aware network that can constantly learn what new equipment has been added and what capabilities or interfaces that equipment has so that it can immediately begin playing its part on the manufacturing process.

The AllSeen Alliance becomes the 11th Linux Foundation Collaborative Project. These are independently funded software projects that harness the power of collaborative development to fuel innovation across industries and ecosystems.

NO TIME TO READ THE ENTIRE NEWS PIECE THAN DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR

BY VIEWING THIS VIDEO TO SEE HOW THIS MIGHT CHANGE THE WAY WE DO BUSINESS IN THE FUTURE

www.linuxfoundation.org

automate

collaboration genius savvy success growth innovation performance

Make your technology rock. No matter what your business, it’s our business to make you and the people you work with more productive, more ivw V i Ì > ` Ài >Ì i>Ãi Ü Ì Ì i ÌiV } ià in your meeting rooms. Check us out.

www.amx.com © 2013 AMX

č 8 čà > *>V w V ³Èx°Èn{È°Ç Èä

26

NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Digital Signage options bolstered with NEC and Samsung HDBaseT enabled solutions INTERNATIONAL: NEC and Samsung have announced the availability of HDBaseT options for their displays thus pushing them into the forefront not only for digital signage but across all possible display segments in relation to HDBaseT technology.

The NEC NP-PA672W installation projector is also enabled with HDBaseT. Equipped with the necessary feature set such as interchangeable lenses, horizontal & vertical lens shift and top of the line video processor the projector is ideal for boardrooms and classrooms.

“As the awareness and adoption of HDBaseT has risen among A/V professionals, we have seen a parallel rise in demand from our customers for an HDBaseT-enabled display,” said Keith Yanke, Senior Director of Product Marketing, NEC Display Solution of America. “HDBaseT has become a global standard for digital connectivity, and integrating the technology into our new display will help our customers realize significant cost-savings.”

Selected models of Samsung's large format display product (LFD) line will feature the new HDBaseT plug-in module. The ME75C is part of the ME – C Series and is a slim, lightweight 75 inch display that supports the new HDBaseT plug-in module. It is also a reliable and cost-effective way to convey a more impactful message in retail environments, conference rooms, public spaces and educationalvenues.

The NEC 55’’ P553, LED Backlit large screen display can be equipped with HDBaseT via the OPS (Option Slot).

The NEC 55" P553 sets the standard for rugged 24/7 use in the harshest installation environments.

The new HDBaseT plug-in module, PIMHDBT, will be available with compatible Samsung LFDs at the end of February 2014.

“HDBaseT provides our customers with a connectivity solution that significantly

reduces the time and money required to complete the job when compared to other typical cabling options,” said Thomas Evans, Director of Marketing – Professional Display at Samsung’s Enterprise Business Division. “Using HDBaseT for digital signage is an industry game changer that enables professional installers to complete their projects on-time and on-budget.”

Micha Risling, marketing chair of the HDBaseT Alliance adds, “The commitment Samsung has shown to advancing the development and deployment of HDBaseT has been strong since Day 1, and today that commitment is stronger than ever. Since co-founding the HDBaseT Alliance in 2007, Samsung has both helped grow the Alliance to nearly 80 members made up of the world’s leading A/V manufacturers and led the development of HDBaseTenabled components for professionals and consumers.” www.hdbaset.org

Biamp Systems appoints Ranjith Peethambaran as South India Area Manager INDIA: Biamp Systems, has named Ranjith NP as its South India Area Manager.

Bringing more than nine years of functional experience in business development to Biamp®, Ranjith will be responsible for the South India states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Pondicherry.

In his new role, Ranjith will oversee all sales and installations within the area; build and strengthen existing relationships with both integrators

and end users; and contribute to strengthening Biamp’s presence, development, and growth within the region. Part of Biamp’s team of India Area Managers, Ranjith will be located in Bangalore and report to Robin Ghose, Regional Manager - SAARC. “Ranjith comes to Biamp with a wealth of experience across several operational areas,” said Ghose. “His background in sales and account and project management as well as his expertise in AV system integration will be key assets for our company going forward.

We are very excited to welcome Ranjith to our team and look forward to his contribution as we continue our rapid growth within the Indian marketplace.”

“Biamp is an industry leader who has developed a reputation for designing forward-thinking audio products, while focusing on customer satisfaction and delivering quality audio solutions,” said Ranjith. “I am thrilled to join the company and look forward to expanding Biamp’s presence within the South India marketplace and beyond.”

Over the course of his career, Ranjith has held positions within some of India’s leading AV system integration and unified communications companies. He has been the recipient of several awards for outstanding performance in sales, and holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Bangalore University. www.biamp.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

27

Kramer Electronics: Introduces the 614T/R and 616T/R Transmitters and Receivers Sets

Kramer has introduced the 614T/R detachable fiber optical transmitter and receiver set that is capable of sending and receiving single link DVI signals with resolutions of up to 1920x1200 at 60Hz, over one multimode fiber optic cable with SC connectors. Alongside the 614T/R, the 616T/R detachable fiber optic transmitter and receiver set has also been released. The 616T/R is

meant to send and receive dual link DVI signals with resolutions of up to WQXGA (2560x1600 @60Hz) or WQUXGA (3840x2400 @33Hz vertical refresh rate) over duplex multimode fiber optic cable with two LC connectors. Both pairs of transmitters and receivers operate up to a range of 1,640 ft (500m) and feature EDID capture on the transmitter side that copies and stores the EDID from a display device to ensure a proper image on the display device employed.

Both models are HDTV compatible and both models fully support the DVI 1.0 specification.

The 614T/R operate together at a maximum data rate of 6.75Gbps (2.25Gbps per graphic channel) and support resolutions of up to WUXGA, including 2K and 1080p resolutions (XGA is not supported) utilizing one SC multimode fiber optic cable connector (Kramer C-SC/SC/OM series).

The 616T/R operate together at a maximum data rate of 13.5Gbps (2.25Gbps per graphic channel times two channels each) and support HDTV resolutions of 480p, 720p, 1080p and VESA computer graphics resolutions from VGA to WQUXGA @33Hz (XGA is not supported), utilizing duplex multimode fiber optic cable with two LC connectors (Kramer C-2LC/2LC series).

Both models come with external 5V DC power adapters (supporting auto-power switching function in the transmitters) and are housed in Kramer’s rugged, yet compact Nano TOOLs sized enclosures.

Both models are also certified to FCC and CE standards for EMI/RFI emission, and both provide data security since they have negligible RFI/EMI emissions and prevent loss of video quality due to their lack of copper conductors. www.kramerelectronics.com

REACH: Presents Bee 8 Media Recorder

Running an embedded system, the Bee 8 is a 1U height and 19-inch rackmountable device. With 3 DVI-I Inputs, it supports 2 videos and 1 VGA input and records these signals with audio synchronously. The video inputs support standard definition and high definition up to 1080p@60. The format of the recorded file is MP4 which makes it easy to playback and work with Windows Media Player, QuickTime, VLC and many other video players.

The Bee 8 has 1TB of internal storage as well as a USB port on the front panel.

Any user can quickly record files directly to the USB device or download recorded files to the USB device. Start/Pause/Stop recording buttons on the front panel let the user conveniently control recording.

Furthermore, REACH provides an iPad App, in which the user can monitor audio and video signals and control the operation of Bee 8 with an iPad. It is simple enough to be operated by any user with no technical background.

The Bee 8 supports a RTSP live streaming function, which as a standalone device, it can satisfy most small-scale live streaming requirements.

The addition of REACH’s Media Center allows Bee 8 to participate in large-scale live streaming and video file publishing applications. www.szreach.com

28

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Crestron: Releases FlipTop solutions design. Flipping open the "FlipTop" lid accesses its connection compartment where interface cables and connectors are kept at the ready for plugging in laptop computers, mobile devices, AV sources, and other equipment. A FlipTop™ is an ideal complement to a DigitalMedia transmitter or any other AV interface device, provides easy to access connections while keeping the more intimidating and mundane technology hidden away beneath the tabletop.

The FT-600 FlipTop Basic provides a highly-configurable connectivity solution in a stylish, flush mount tabletop

The FT-600 provides options for both pullout cables and panel-mounted connectors, with or without AC power outlets. It comes standard with two cable pass-thru plates and four blank plates,

all of which can be swapped out for your choice of cable retractors, connector plates, and AC power outlet modules.

Alongside the FT-600, Crestron also presents the FT-TS600 FlipTop Touch Screen. The FT-TS600 provides all the connectivity solutions of the FT-600 FlipTop Basic in a stylish, flush mount tabletop design but also includes a 5" colour touch screen with Smart Graphics, Rava, and H.264 streaming video. Flipping open the "FlipTop" lid exposes a brilliant 5" color touch screen, gracefully angled for easy operation and viewing. www.crestronasia.com

Gefen: Presents Award-winning Wireless HD Extension Gefen’s new wireless for HDMI 60 GHz is designed for any in-room transmission of high quality, 1080p full HD video up to 33 feet(10m). It delivers 3DTV, is plug and play and supports all audio formats including the new lossless High Bit Rate (HBR) 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

This extender uses the best technology currently available for an impeccable method of wireless extension that takes full advantage of the WirelessHD specification, which is based on the 60 GHz EHF (Extremely High Frequency) radio band. This high quality method of extension eliminates the need to run cables, making it a solution for retrofits or any environment that wants to streamline cabling.

Due to its in-room transmission and use of the uncluttered 60 GHz frequency band, this extender can perform seamlessly alongside other wireless

devices in adjacent rooms with zero interference. Installation requires a connection of the video source to the sender and of the display or projector to the receiver. Content is transported wirelessly at 4Gbps from source to display. This extender also features a small footprint and a compelling MSRP. Included is a risk-free warranty backed

by Gefen’s reputation and well-regarded customer support team.

Announced at the International CES in Las Vegas, Nevada, the GefenTV Wireless for HDMI 60 GHz was selected as best in the AV cables and interconnects category. www.gefen.eu

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

29

ABtUS: Slim and Durable LED Swivel Mount ABtUS has released the AV502-S swivel mount which is a slim and durable mounting solution for slim LED displays.

Its compact profile allows the LED to be mounted easily and much closer to the wall than typical display mounts. When fully retracted, the LED can be held as close as 31mm from the wall.

The AV502-S has double swivel arms that provide a smooth and flexible swing movement increasing its viewing angles and allowing for easy adjustment. It can also handle a load capacity of 44 lbs(20kg) and is suitable for 27" – 40" displays. www.abtussingapore.com

Atlona: Shipping AT-HDTX-WP Wall Plate Extender Atlona is now shipping its new ATHDTX-WP, an HDMI-to-HDBaseT wall plate extender and transmitter. With the ability to transmit HDMI signals up to 4K resolution to support UltraHD television, using power over category cable (PoCc) at distances up to 230 ft (70m), the ATHDTX-WP simplifies installations while bringing improved connectivity and control to installed AV systems.

The AT-HDTX-WP compensates for the bandwidth limitations of HDMI cables over long distances. For instance, a presenter in a large auditorium can connect the source laptop at the

lectern to the wall plate via a locking HDMI connection, and the extender uses a category cable to connect to an HDBaseT-enabled display or projector.

The AT-HDTX-WP can connect with any Atlona HDBaseT receiver, creating opportunities for more elaborate design and distribution scenarios within a variety of commercial settings. The unit can be powered from an HDBaseT receiver with power, such as Atlona's AT-HDVS-RX, or the company's AT-PS-POCC mid-span power supply, eliminating the need for power at the wall plate and reducing the cost and complexity of installation.

For further flexibility, the AT-HDTXWP features complete RS-232 and IR control for compatibility with all of today's major control systems. The system also transmits audio signals, including Dolby TrueHD or DTSHD Master Audio. www.atlona.com

Looking for great sound no matter what, with no hassle and ease of use? With LUCIA, it’s time to think differently.

Decentralize.

3<*0( 3VJHSPaLK <[PSP[` *VTWHJ[ 0U[LSSPNLU[ (TWSPĂ&#x201E;JH[PVU WVZP[PVUZ SV^ PTWLKHUJL WV^LY J\[[PUN LKNL +:7 JVU[YVS HUK 0 6 L_HJ[S` ^OLYL P[ÂťZ ULLKLK Âś JSVZL [V [OL LUK \ZLY HUK SV\KZWLHRLYZ >P[O [OH[ JVTLZ ZPNUPĂ&#x201E;JHU[S` Z\WLYPVY X\HSP[` H\KPV Ă&#x2026;L_PIPSP[` H[ WVPU[ VM \ZL HUK H JVZ[ LMĂ&#x201E;JPLU[ ZJHSHISL Z`Z[LT [OH[ÂťZ X\PJR HUK LHZ` [V PUZ[HSS www.labgruppen.com/decentralize

An individual in

30

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Bosch: FLEXIDOME IP Corner 9000 MP Camera Suitable for Critical Areas By supplying usable, clear video images even in completely dark surroundings, the camera enables video surveillance to act as a truly preventive component in the safety of public traffic users and patients.

Modern video safety surveillance has to be able to observe locations with poor lighting conditions which are prone to vandalism. The new FLEXIDOME IP corner 9000 MP camera from Bosch specifically addresses these requirements, making it particularly suitable for such critical areas as bus stations, care facilities, and hospitals.

The FLEXIDOME IP corner 9000 MP camera features high-resolution, wideangle optics for maximum detail and image usability, as well as a wideangle fisheye lens for covering every corner. Furthermore, in order to supply additional illumination, integrated active infrared LEDs maintain video clarity even in complete darkness. Thanks to its rugged and non-grip design, the camera is extremely difficult to tamper with. Finally, it is equipped with the latest Content Based Imaging Technology, which lowers bandwidth

consumption and thus storage costs by up to 50 percent by way of intelligent Dynamic Image Noise Reduction (iDNR).

This innovative feature suppresses all irrelevant image noise artifacts, therefore substantially reducing the bandwidth required.

The FLEXIDOME IP corner 9000 MP camera seamlessly integrates with a wide range of security software and recording solutions from Bosch, such as the Video Management System BVMS and DIVAR IP recorders, as well as those of thirdparty suppliers, as it is ONVIF compliant.

The camera is also supported by the Integration Partner Program, which gives partners immediate access to online tools for easy integration. www.boschsecurity.com

Pro Control: Shipping Pro.rfz Wireless Range Extender Pro Control, a division of Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI), has begun shipping of its new Pro.rfz wireless range extender. The device makes it simple and cost effective to extend the ProLink.z processor's 2.4-GHz ZigBee wireless network to additional areas of a home or commercial facility, providing users with powerful twoway control and feedback â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including song metadata, volume levels, current temperature, and more â&#x20AC;&#x201D; via the Pro24.z remote, without the expense of purchasing additional processors.

Featuring a durable plastic enclosure, the Pro.rfz can be located up to 70 feet away from the ProLink.z processor.

For increased reliability, multiple modules can be utilized within a single system to create a wireless 2.4-GHz ZigBee RF network, which instantly adapts to changes or problems within

the communication path for greater accuracy. For installers, the range extender is easily configured via the Pro Control Studio software and a micro USB cable. Providing a clean and

simple installation, the Pro.rfz features a detachable wall bracket and can be powered from any electrical outlet. www.procontrol.com

32

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

tvONE: Raises AV Performance Standards with latest CORIO2 Universal Scaler The C2-2855 Universal Scaler is the first in a new generation of high performance scalers providing best-in-class video scaling and format conversion along with intuitive user interface tools.

The C2-2855 has more input/output flexibility than any other previous tvONE scaler. It can be set up and managed using an innovative front panel or via a computer-based emulator that allows setup in less than 1/3 the time of the previous generation.

The C2-2855 provides bi-directional conversion between a variety of analogue and digital video formats.

Inputs and outputs can be SD/HD/3GSDI, HDMI, DVI, Composite Video, YC, YUV, YPbPr or RGB. An included key feature allows an image to be keyed over another and faded in and out due to the 4:4:4 sampling format for RGB sources, precise keying at the pixel level can be achieved. Transitions permit Seamless Cut, Fade or Wipe transitions between input sources and the Picture-In-Picture (PIP) functionality allows an input to be inset in a window over a second input or vice versa, with the PIP window having the ability to be placed anywhere on

the screen. The Genlock feature ensures precise synchronization of the incoming signals by providing a wide subcarrier lock range with subcarrier phase adjust. Frame lock allows for different resolutions to be used independent of the Genlock resolution.

for NTSC greatly improve the image quality. Temporal interpolation greatly improves frame-rate conversion by merging successive frames. Pixel Level Motion Adaptive Diagonal Interpolation ensures high quality de-interlacing of PAL and NTSC signals.

Control software is available for the C2-2855 on several Windows PC OS platforms and interfaces directly with the C2-2855. The unit is housed in a desktop case and can be rack-mounted with an optional 19-inch rack mount kit that holds one or two units.

The unit can be controlled via the front panel push buttons, a serial (RS-232) or Ethernet (IP) connection. It also adds Still Image Store and Logo Layering. Signal parameters of the incoming video may be adjusted, and all settings are stored in non-volatile memory and are retained even when power is switched off. Twelve user-defined presets are available to customize settings for various applications.

Elimination circuitry on CV & YC outputs ensure clear images, while full bandwidth chroma sampling ensures high resolution colours. Motion compensation, diagonal interpolation and a 3:2 Pulldown feature

www.tvone.com

Barco: Expands ClickShare portfolio Barco has introduced the new CSM Base Unit for its ClickShare collaboration and presentation system. ClickShare now comes in two flavours – the new CSM Base Unit and the original full-featured CSC Base Unit – so that any meeting room can benefit from the ClickShare experience.

By enabling all participants to share their content on the central meeting room screen at the click of a button, ClickShare ensures that everyone is involved more intensely in the decision-making process.

The new CSM Base Unit offers the core ClickShare experience, meaning that any

meeting room, regardless of its capacity, can be fitted with a ClickShare system.

The new CSM Base Unit displays images up to Full HD resolution – via its HDMI or VGA output – and is fully compatible with both the ClickShare Button and the free apps for iOS and Android. Only one user can share on-screen at a time, but eight Buttons can be connected wirelessly to the base unit, ready to share. A set consists of the CSM Base Unit and two ClickShare Buttons.

For users who need higher resolution or a double screen setup, or want multiple users on the central screen at the same

time, Barco recommends the current CSC Base Unit. Designed for highprofile meeting rooms, boardrooms and conference rooms, this system offers a full set of features to deliver a more complete ClickShare collaboration experience. Among other features, the CSC can drive two separate screens simultaneously, as well as support special output resolution, including panoramic composition (2560 x 1080). Up to four people can share content on-screen at the same time, while 64 Buttons can be ready to share. www.barco.com

www.dbaudio.com

Knowing the whole picture ...

... of a theatre, the xS and xA-Series loudspeakers from the d&b White range perform with brilliant intelligible and neutral sound delivered from a comprehensive range of cabinet sizes with compatible sound characteristics, and playing their typical d&b role they provide optimum coverage to even the most distant of balconies. In short: when it comes to theatre style applications d&b is in the frame.

34

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

eyeCON V5.1 Control System Preview

eyevis: Updates eyeCON software The newly integrated active directory support allows for the transfer of existing user structures into the rights management of eyeCON V5.1. Due to the active directory support existing user rights can directly be transferred to the rights management of the eyeCON V5.1 software. Group assignments, authorizations, hierarchical structuring or areas on the large scale video wall can be freely defined for each user.

Authorized users who have registered on their computer can directly open and control eyeCON V5.1 without having to register once again.

In addition to the new extension the eyeCON V5.1 offers features for userfriendly and flexible operation and management of large scale video walls in control and presentation rooms. The eyeCON-Capture-Module allows for a fast transmission of desktop contents onto the video wall. The wallserver, which handles all sources through the netPIX controller, can be flexibly adjusted and configured through any

user workstation. Video wall presets for different conditions, situations and contents can be defined and be made accessible globally for all systems.

Due to the complete network integration of the eyeCON V5.1 software, flexible control of large scale image systems, control of all connected sources and the distribution of information in control and presentation rooms are possible.

In this way, eyeCON V5.1 is completely based on client/server technology which makes all information in the network globally accessible and thus offers the possibility to exchange this information between displays, large scale video walls and workstations. Furthermore, the integration of eyevis eStreaming solutions make all sources (analogue, RGB, DVI, HDSDI, HDMI etc.) available in the network and makes the distribution to the single reproducers easier.

The multimouse enables any number of users within a network to access the large scale image system with their

own mouse and keyboard. Hereby it is possible to assign freely definable wall areas and control rights individually to each user. Each cursor is individually marked with a certain colour and can optionally be labeled with a username. In this way several users can simultaneously be active on the large scale video wall.

In cases of emergency, applications can be operated together. In addition, participants of video conferences can work together in applications and presentations without limits. Thereby it is even possible to write texts together â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with the own keyboard and without leaving oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workstation.

In facilities with several different video walls and single displays they can be put into one user interface through the MetaWall feature. Thus, unlimited large scale video walls with hundreds of simultaneously connected sources can be realized. www.eyevis.de

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

35

Haivision: Delivers low latency with InStream Mobile Haivision has released the latest version of InStream Mobile, bringing iPad, iPhone, and Android viewers a fast video player for live, high definition video streaming.

Supporting end-to-end latency of less than 500 milliseconds for 1080p60 video when coupled with Haivisionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Makito X HD H.264 encoder, InStream Mobile is ideal for the demanding enterprise applications that require live collaboration, support mission critical decisions, or rely on an in-context viewing experience. In contrast, typical mobile streaming solutions are subject to a 10 to 60 second delay.

Based on industry standards, supporting both Transport Stream multicast and HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), InStream Mobile gives users access to local performance streams as well as those

available on the Internet.

Local multicast transport streams do not need to be transcoded, resized, or converted to HLS, allowing InStream Mobile to be instantly deployed within current enterprise workflows. InStream Mobile also supports a central channel guide file so the channel list for all users can quickly be established and changed, further easing deployment and media control.

Additional InStream Mobile features include, Forward Error Correction (with Makito) that accommodates wireless network packet loss to minimize stream interruption, TalkBack (with Makito) enabling single viewers to engage in direct conversations with personnel at remote endpoints, Multitrack Audio that

delivers multilingual content with video streams and much more.

InStream Mobile for iOS devices is available free of charge in the Apple iTunes stores globally and in Haivision's Download Center for Android devices: InStream Mobile iOS: https://itunes. apple.com/app/instream/id564872227 InStream Mobile Android: https:// www.haivision.com/download-center/ instream/Instream_Android www.haivision.com

Extron: New HDCP-Compliant Annotator with DTP Extension up to 230 feet (70 meters). The Annotator 300 offers a wide range of annotation tools and controls, all easily accessible by the presenter using an intuitive on-screen GUI. The Annotator 300 is a high performance, hardware-based annotation processor that allows a presenter to draw, point, or type over live presentations using a touch display, graphics tablet, or a keyboard and mouse. The HDCP-compliant Annotator 300 includes HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, a universal analog video input, and three simultaneous outputs including two HDMI and a DTP 230 twisted pair output. It also features advanced Extron video signal processing with a high performance scaling engine and fast, reliable switching. The DTP 230 twisted pair output extends HDMI and bidirectional control signals to a DTP 230 receiver over a single CATx cable

Graphical icons and menus provide quick access to essential tools while additional functions provide the ability to use a touch flat-panel display as a whiteboard, zoom and pan within the image, and freeze a live image. Annotated images can be captured and saved to internal memory, a removable USB flash drive, or a network location. Images can also be sent to a network printer.

The advanced scaling engine in the Annotator 300 scales HDMI, DisplayPort, RGB, component, and standard definition video to a common high resolution output. It provides high performance 1080i deinterlacing and

Deep Color processing to deliver optimal image quality. EDID Minder, Key Minder, and SpeedSwitch ensure fully reliable image display and virtually instantaneous switching speeds for HDCP-encrypted content. For integration flexibility, the outputs of the Annotator 300 can be configured as separate Main and Confidence outputs so that the presenter can access the annotation GUI on a local monitor, while the audience sees only the annotated presentation.

The DTP 230 twisted pair output can be used to extend HDMI, audio, and control to a DTP 230 receiver behind a flat-panel display on a wall or above a ceiling-mounted projector, with the receiver powered over the same CATx cable. This output can also be used for sending video and embedded audio to any HDBaseT-enabled display. www.extron.com

36

REFLECTIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

REFLECTIONS Systems Integration Asia requested a few of our readers to pen their thoughts and industry aspirations for 2014...

What will 2014 bring...

Not many years ago some of us were drooling over the new “3D capable” displays being introduced at trade shows, well those we could arguably say – came and went? But before I venture any guesses into what 2014 may serve up for us, perhaps a line or two to reflect on what 2013 did…. or did not!

From many corners of the industry it is perceived that it was a difficult year with economic, political and product / integration issues to boot (we are dealing with the spade of four letter HD.. AV acronyms after all :) but, we are still here, ready to tackle another one head on!

Enter 4K, HDBaseT, Collaboration, AV/IT integration, HDMI 2.0, even more complex HDCP encryption and who knows what else, so – do we start a whole new set of worries, or do we take it in our stride as part of the expected progression of what we call “our industry”…? Everyone will probably have to answer that for themselves – (after a bit of thought of course)

What I would like to predict however is that the emphasis on training and quality of workmanship as a result of this fast progression will have to improve to keep up, let alone stay ahead.

4K is a reality and prices for displays are already dropping, yet the infrastructure of supporting products are slow to come to market for numerous reasons, but fear not, 8K is on the way…

What is clear though, if one has to isolate one of the technologies, is that we will see an escalated take-up of HDBaseT during this year.

John Ungerer, Managing Director, Kramer Electronics Australia Pty Ltd

We are not an AV Industry...

In 2014, I hope the word “AV industry” no longer exist. And the true recognition of all the AV personnel happens. That is, we were, are and will always be in the Communication business that uses AV technology and products Ranjit Singh, CTS-D, CTS-I, Display Solution Architect. NEC Asia Pacific

Let's be thankful...

The past year in Asia has been busy for all of us thankfully; we may complain sometimes, but we are so blessed that our problems are how to cope, keep up our quality and see our families!!

My vision for this 2014 Green Year of the Wooden Horse (in relation to the Chinese Lunar calendar), is similar to the characteristics of the Chinese Horse. To run alongside and secure the many and challenging opportunities for business that will arise, to build our teams across all of our offices into even more cohesive, win-win units, and bring to our clients true excellence in service.

In short, to strengthen our role as "ihD | Global Technology Consultant"!!

I'd like to wish all readers a truly blessed year, filled with success in every sense, especially with family, friends and health.

Ian D Harris, Principal Consultant, Managing Director, ihD Ltd

REFLECTIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

37

SNOITCELFER Remember who we are..

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m seeing too much angst regarding the IT industry taking over AV work. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve yet to see a hardcore IT guy get an audio system sounding good, or a video system looking good, or have a clue what to do with the stage lighting. We are in danger of running away from our core skill set in the race to become IT people.

Ian Stott, Consultant, Swee Lee Pte Ltd

Thoughts and hopes for the industry in India...

- Infocomm and CTS - hope that both will become better recognised in India, with clients understanding the value that organisations (with CTS certified personnel) bring to the table. This is important for the industry to become more accepted amongst business and other users who are making considerable investments - and need to have ways to identify what world-class means in the context of products, services and support.

- UC will facilitate the much talked about IT / AV Convergence. This is important because it enables organisations to expand the scale of their collaborative infrastructure considerably - and allows them to create a unified/efficient infrastructure over IP for both - using and controlling of their AV infrastructure.

- India specific Industry survey that will put out relevant data with regards to market size, growth areas, industry dynamics etc. There is very little credible information available about the size and extent of usage (and more importantly the benefits) of A/V technology in India - because of fragmentation. We believe that this is necessary for increasing confidence and as part of the maturing process of what is clearly a fast growing industry in India.

- Focus on value and profitability - so that clients benefit, while the industry becomes more sustainable. Continued low margins could make our industry structurally defective - obviously not desired by anyone. A/V organisations need to establish value of their services better in India, so that the business models evolve beyond the present focus on providing equipment and integration at the lowest price - and also incorporate consulting/design services and infrastructure support services.

Abhimanyu Gupta, Director, Actis Technologies Pvt Ltd

Where true AV lies....

AV integration business is now AV-IT integration for corporates world at-least. Only specialised areas of Auditoriums, Residences and hospitality are still left for AVSI. Ratnesh Javeria, Managing Director, Innovative Systems & Solutions (P) Ltd

38

FROM THE OTHER SIDE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

An End-User's ViewPoint: Mohit Bhishikar, Chief Information Officer, Persistent Systems Audio-Visual industry, like most other industry domains, revolves around its user communities, and their experiences - irrespective of the technology and / or marketing initiatives its manufacturing and supply-chain networks bring to market from time to time.

Intriguingly, it is this expression of User Community that is often confusingly or mistakenly identified with consultants and integrators – who are primary users of technology before it gets to the deployment facility – and facility owner/users who are actual End Users.

Owing to this inevitable equation of the ecosystem, technology experience is often spoken by its primary users; End Users hardly come into picture. However, the real value of technology – as SIAsia perceives it – comes from the End Users’ experience and appreciation of the same.

It is with this perspective, SIAsia brings to its readers as a New Year initiative a new column titled ‘From the other side.’ Simply said it’s the End User’s view of technology deployment, and their experience with it.

As the first take of the initiative, we present a viewpoint of Mohit Bhishikar, Chief Information Officer at the Pune-headquartered IT major Persistent Systems Ltd. Specializing in business strategy, customer service, BPO, e-commerce, supply chain, ERP, and architecture, Mohit is responsible for establishing the company’s global footprint to o use technology for business growth.

We hope the measure sure pleases the readers, and enthuses uses many other End User Honchos into o participating in the initiative.

Read on:

What exactly is the AV deployment at Persistent Systems? For what precise functionality?

We have a vast deployment of AV systems at Persistent Systems across all offices where we have sizable employee presence. It is a coalition of multiple systems addressing various business requirements. The AV systems are deployed across facilities like Boardrooms, Executive Rooms, Conference and Discussion Rooms of various capacities ranging from 4-6 participants up to 50-plus participants.

We have three large sized auditoriums with 350 to 650 seating capacity.

The systems comprise room automation systems with large/medium sized TV displays, HD projectors and cameras, screens, cordless microphones, AV mixers and digital sound systems. The most important of all is interactive innovation labs for in-house development needs.

Diverse ranges of OEM products have been integrated with Unified Communication and Collaboration platforms like HD Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing etc. Some of the offices are also equipped with HD Telepresence platform.

What exactly was the vision for such a deployment?

Vision was to leverage business communication technology with ubiquitous and collaborative platform to make it more effective and expressive to support communication channels amongst all stakeholders - employees, management, industry partners, customers and academia.

How has the deployment facilitated your business communications or helped achieve your objective?

By means of this deployment, Persistent is uniquely positioned to host employee events, technical seminars or special events at any time - Corporate Social (CSR) activities, public events, academics

FROM THE OTHER SIDE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

39

Persistent Systems supported hosting over 250 events and functions using their auditoriums in 2013

etc. In the last one year alone, we supported hosting over 250 events or functions using these facilities.

One of the flagship events being conducted – even as I field these questions from you – is the celebration of Alan Turing Centenary Year at Persistent (http://www.persistentsys.com/ About/Turing100.aspx). The launch of Centenary Year had 32 colleges joining the event from all over India to attend the special lecture to commemorate the work and life of Turing Award recipients.

Another recent example is Persistent Innovation Day where 200+ participants could participate in the interactive conference across multiple geographies.

To date, Persistent has hosted over 20+ public events in last couple of years.

One such event was TEDx Conference in November last (http://tedxpune.co.in).

What kind of team(s) you take onboard for any AV deployment?

PMC, Consultant(s) for AV, Acoustics, Lighting, Interior design etc. and SIs? We have in-house resources front ended by our own team of Event Managers.

The backend technology support is extended by a team of AV engineers and consultants. The workload is distributed based on geographies. All AV equipment are covered under comprehensive support coverage from System Integrators and we get excellent support from them whenever needed.

the facility (without any IT support) is also a challenge. On the other hand, substantiating investments with adequate tangible ROI is also one. It’s very hard to justify intangible benefits unless you experience the flawless events consistently over a long period of time.

What kind of procedural processes you have in place for technology deployment - evaluation of solution providers, monitoring equipment specs etc…

Based on business need, we evaluate various technologies and products which are selected based on product stability, reliability, support, services, local presence, and customer references.

As a Technology User what is the best part of the deployment in your facility?

The Interactive Innovation Lab is one big case in a point. Our employees can express themselves and bring their ideas to life with this lab; it is freely available for developers to experiment with their ideas and also demonstrate it to customers visiting our facilities. This platform is a truly unique endeavor of Persistent, and is well appreciated by customers.

As an End User what is your biggest challenge with technology deployment - finding right team/technology, budget or understanding the install?

The real challenge is keeping the AV solutions user-friendly, and at the same time addressing progressive business requirements and end user expectations. Getting the users trained for independent usage of

As a Technology User do you always explore the domain for a latest Tech take? Or depend on the Consultant/SI to suggest you the latest?

Seeing is believing! Whenever we come across any great tech scenario, it inspires us to leverage the new technology.

Consultants and System Integrators

40

FROM THE OTHER SIDE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

also play vital role while recommending platforms for new facilities under construction.

Does your Task Teams demarcate between the “best” and “latest”?

Actually it’s a combination of both, we always target user scenarios and business requirements. Whatever fits best with all techno-commercial factors is usually considered.

For a Technology User like you what's the most impressive technology today?

Seamless collaboration is a key for any business. Irrespective of the location one should be able to collaborate with their counterparts. Mobile is the most accepted platform at all levels, so making it more expedient will be well appreciated.

In your opinion which aspects of AV technology do you think will be the driving factor in the future?

We are always capturing and processing pertinent business needs all around the year. Rest is to map the same with available technologies and take it to execution. According to me at high level the driving factors for AV in coming days would be: 1. Pervasive Video 2. Mobility – Anytime / Anywhere presence

3. Interactive Engineering Activities dispersed across geographic locations 4. Real time communication 5. Digital Signage As a member of the User Community would you share with us good and bad about today's AV domain?

One of the biggest challenges is making technology easier for novice adoption.

They are sometimes literally afraid to touch the device for the fear of disrupting the setup. There should be some standardization to simplify theend user interfaces (like what Android or IOS did to mobile phones) to remove the fear factor and increase adoption.

Like I said earlier, convincing the CFO on investments required for AV deployment is always a challenge. Like OEMs of other technology domains, the AV OEMs must provide financial models to justify the investments.

For the good, innovation in AV space continues to thrive and we see better and affordable products coming into market place. The choice has widened.

However, a big concerning area is lack of professional approach and project governance from solution providers. I have burnt my fingers couple of times working with partners who lacked in professional approach while deploying AV- resulting in bad surprises before the launch of the facilities. Sometimes, the BOM itself is very complex and

cryptic; what is told and sold is not the same as what is implemented.

Expertise of system integrators is also questionable at times. The marketplace is very unorganized because there is no segmentation based on the roles the solution providers play in the ecosystem.

Sometimes, it appears there is no clear line of demarcation between OEM, Distributors, SI and Services vendors, which makes it difficult to decide which way to go, or whom to work with. www.persistent.com Persistent Systems is a global IT enterprise specializing in software product and technology services.

For over two decades, Persistent has consistently been selected as a trusted innovation partner for some of the world’s largest technology brands, leading enterprises and pioneering start-ups. Listed on BSE and NSE, Persistent is supported by a strong workforce of over 7,000 employees worldwide including offices and delivery centers in North America, Europe, and Asia. The company develops best-in-class solutions in key next-generation technology areas that include Analytics, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Mobility and Social, for the telecommunications, life sciences, health care and banking and financial services verticals.

The audio visual systems installed in the auditoriums help to ensure the success of the events held

42

EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Be prepared. The future is here.

Asia’s largest and most prestigious InfoComm tradeshow, InfoComm China 2014 (IFC 2014), is back – now bigger and better.

Much anticipated both locally and internationally, each year IFC 2014 brings to the market a myriad of the latest Pro AV integration technologies, equipment and products from across the world.

The coming edition will take place at Beijing's China National Convention Center (CNCC) from 9 – 11 April 2014.

For this year, IFC2014 will witness an expansion of its exhibition area to 45,000sqm, and for the very first time, occupying all six halls of the exhibition center, to serve an expected 23,000 trade visitors from around the world, presenting a formidable purchasing power to boost their businesses for the robust Asian Pro AV market!

Largest showcase for international and Chinese Pro AV manufacturers Join this annual gathering of the biggest players in the Pro AV industry, which will feature more than 270 exhibiting companies from 14 countries & regions, including China, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Lithuania, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the USA, promising a spectacular showcase where visitors can expect

to see major international big brands including Extron, Christie, Dehao Electronics, Jupiter Systems, Crestron, Philips, Samsung, Panasonic, Hitachi, Sony, Epson and Blackmagic Design, as well as domestic key players like Budee, Brillview, Tricolor, Triolion and EZPro, all housed under one roof!

With such an impressive line up, trade visitors, including end-users in various target vertical markets, will not only find it easier to meet their buying needs but also get to indulge in fruitful interactions with business contacts, decision makers and influencers. Grab the chance for effective networking and communication opportunities with major industry players, system integrators and manufacturers, to grow your business, expand your presence in the regional markets and stay ahead of the competition.

All eyes on China's rapid expansion and economic growth As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, China’s pursuit of expansion based on smart urbanization to become a high-income, modern society by 2030, new businesses involving information and communication technology (ICT) will be created to meet the rising demands for better infrastructure. As such, InfoComm China 2014 will be an essential source of learning and leads for Pro AV practitioners from designers and integrators to buyers and end users alike.

InfoComm China 2014 Summit

To offer a true all-rounded Pro AV experience and the opportunity to hear about the latest trends and insights in the industry, the InfoComm China 2014 Summit – a series of free educational sessions that run concurrently to the show will complement the learning experience and showfloor buzz for all exhibitors and attendees alike. These free sessions include the very popular InfoComm University Seminars, as well as Industry Tracks pertinent to vertical markets such as Corporate IT, Building, Entertainment, Education, Hospitality and Security.

Expect to see the latest market innovations and hear invaluable insights, ranging from market perspectives and technology updates to specific industry practices, the most recent applications, success stories and trade secrets shared by industry experts, all aimed at sufficiently equipping and empowering attendees with knowledge in the latest trends and findings in Pro AV solutions.

Wait no more, be the first to know.

See, hear and touch the future of your business at InfoComm China 2014!

InfoComm China 2014 runs from April 9-11 2014, at the China National Convention Center, Beijing. For more details, visit www.infocomm-china.com

EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

43

Key Highlights Be overwhelmed by more than 270 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions to wow visitors with their latest Pro AV technological offerings.

Century NTB650-M

Media Presentation Switcher with DTP Extension

a bright, brilliant image in nearly any environment, eliminating the need for darkened viewing areas. Its versatile design is completely customizable and scalable, and suits a wide range of commercial venues. Find this product at the Kavamedia Beijing booth.

Neutrino and Uno Series

Extron Electronics IN1608 is an eight input HDCP-compliant scaling presentation switcher with four HDMI inputs, two universal analogue video inputs, and dual HDMI outputs. It also features two Exton DTP 230 twisted pair inputs and a DTP 230 output. The IN1608 provides complete AV switching, scaling, twisted pair signal extension, and audio amplification in one box. It is ideal for conference rooms, lecture halls, and other environments with local and remote sources and displays.

The Century NTB650-M by ONELAN Asia is ideal for applications where the media player is mounted behind the screen. The Century Series has been designed to provide superior playback features including transparency, real time media rotation and video cropping at an affordable price. It is well suited for environments that require multiple channels and screens, such as in retail malls or schools.

SI Black Diamond Tiles

HDBaseT 2.0 featuring HomePlay

HDBaseT Alliance releases HDBaseT 2.0, the latest version of the HDBaseT technology. HDBaseT2.0 adds networking, switching and control point capabilities. It also defines pointto-multi point connectivity, providing multi-stream support. The new HDBaseT HomePlay feature set, based on the HDBaseT 5Play capabilities, will make it simpler and more cost-effective for consumers to transform their entire homes into multimedia entertainment centers.

Xilica Audio Design introduces the Neutrino A series Open Architecture and Uno U series Hybrid Architecture digital matrix, which integrate and collocate a variety of professional audio functions such as sound console, graphic/parametric equalizer, expander, compressor, etc. It also serves to meet the need of different fixed audio installations. Some special functions include the auto feedback suppressor, priority selector, gain sharing auto mixer, noise gate, auto gain control and auto echo canceller.

Motorized Screens

The new Screen Innovations Black Diamond Zero Edge™ G2 is the world’s first and only multi-directional ambient light rejecting projection screen technology that has the look and feel of a flat panel TV. A complete game-changer in large scale projection display, Black Diamond Tiles™ delivers

The Grandview Crystal Screen Skyshow motorized screen comes with double motors, one for the fabric and the other for the casing, where the steel cable lays down the screen stably for five meters before extending the screen. The Skyshow motorized screen has a threelevel positioning system – motorized, electronic, and mechanism positioning, and its artistic design is inspired by European renaissance architecture.

44

EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Grandview large stage motorized screen is well suited for venues such as theatre halls, large performance theatres and auditoriums.

SuperView® 4K

You are invited.

To China’s most highly regarded Pro AV industry event!

• Check out the most comprehensive showcase of Pro AV equipment and technology by over 270 exhibiting companies from across the globe.

• Stay abreast of the most advanced innovations in Pro AV technology, products and trends.

• Meet and network with industry peers and experts from different parts of the world.

RGB Spectrum introduces the SuperView® 4K, a real-time multi-viewer designed for "Ultra HD" panels and projectors. These new displays and projectors have resolutions of eight megapixels – four times the resolution of HD video. It is the ideal multi-viewer to display up to eight high-resolution graphic or video images, including 4K imagery. Meeting today's demand for the highest resolution imagery possible, the SuperView 4K multiviewer delivers unequalled reliability, robustness and creativity.

• Discover how Pro AV technology can give your company an edge over the others.

• Be inspired and grow your business in the most effective and innovative way possible.

Showcasing the widest range of AV systems and technologies, be it in hospitality, retail, architectural design and building, entertainment, education, healthcare, broadcast, corporate IT or government sectors like transportation

and defence, InfoComm China 2014 will stand your company in good stead and help your business soar.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to be inspired by the latest Pro AV technology and solutions, and watch your business grow exponentially!

InfoComm China 2014 runs from April 9-11 2014, at the China National Convention Center, Beijing.

Your Special Invitation

Admission to the 3-day exhibition and education seminars is FREE! Go ahead. Plan for the future of your business.

Pre-register online today at www.infocomm-china.com Your Online Pre-registration Code: NJ001 Pre-register online anytime with the above code at www.infocommchina.com and gain free admission to InfoComm China 2014.

The tradeshow is open to trade and business visitors of ages 18 and above.

InfoComm China 2014 at a glance Date

9-11 April 2014

Opening hours

9 April 10:00am – 5:00pm 10 April 9:00am – 5:00pm 11 April 9:00am – 4:00pm

Venue

China National Convention Center, Beijing, China

Show scale

270 exhibiting companies from 14 countries & regions.

The show will occupy 6 halls of the show venue with a show floor area totaling 45,000 square meters

Concurrent event

InfoComm China 2014 Summit Visitor lucky draw – stand a chance to win the latest iPhone 5S at the show!

Admission

Pre-register online by using the passcode below for FREE ADMISSION Passcode: NJ001

Official website

www.infocomm-china.com

46

TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

5-Play or Foreplay?

In our previous few articles we talked about HDMI & DVI transport over Twisted Pair Cat Cables and Fiber Optics, but how should you pick the right technology for your needs? For sure you can take the Restaurant approach by having a peek at the menu which shows the “dish” names and images of what’s inside. A quick peek at the price might convince you of the quality… On the other hand, some people want to know what are the benefits of the dish, so they look for the ingredient list and the calories. Unfortunately I never seen such menu, so that’s what guides and now e-guides are made for!

If you have to transport HDMI or DVI signals, you can try the same approach.

Look for the magic HDMI extender, read lots of spec sheets, where the main criteria will be the distance extended and at which resolutions, followed by the list of features on the added services. Since the introduction of HDBaseT and its 5-Play (Video, Audio, Control, Ethernet & Power), a lot of manufacturers got rid of their old Cat extension technology (which were based on TMDS technology). These solutions often had distance and reliability limitations.

They revamped their product lines and removed the “short” Cat extender (as if everybody needs 100m FULL HD HDMI extension for every cable run). But why do you remove a product that does the job at a lower price? Simply because Figure 1

you probably do not trust it, or because you relied on OEM and your ODM/ OEM partner is now focused on new technology (HDBaseT is the trend). And as a good ODM/OEM partner, they want to have the best price so most chose to offer HDBaseT Lite for example, which doesn’t have the 5-Play (only Video and Control) and goes 70 meter max…

This is where customers can see who the real manufacturers are that design and control their technology. Don’t tell me that you need 3D/4K video and the 100 meter extension between your wall plate and the projector in all the meeting rooms!

Most manufacturers were not publishing distances and resolutions for their old extenders, so HDBaseT was a relief as the technology brought some stability on the distance side. You might like the single cable connection for Video & Control plus remote powering the receiver (existing solutions required two); however that is 3 services out of 5. Are you ready to pay full price to go only 20% of the distance and use 3 services out of 5?

So take out your 2 year ‘old’ catalogue and have a look at what the manufacturers were offering: some of them had pricey HDBaseT extenders, not all of them with 5-Play and most of them had products that were using 2

Cat cables and some already had remote powering, RS232 control and/or IR. They maximized the usage of that second Cat link needed for the DDC line (EDID & HDCP communications). And guess what? It was working well and still works well. (See Figure 1.)

So if you don’t need a racing car to shop for groceries, you might not need or have to afford a full featured, superefficient extender for your short HDMI extension. So why pay for all these services you don’t use at 100%? Let’s go back to how we choose our signal extender: first we need to know exactly what we are extending. Just Digital Video, or other services as well. What is the exact length? How do I reach the end point? Is it a real direct path or does it go through patch panels along the way? Do I have to go through existing cabling, and is that cabling UTP? If I can pull new cables, do I have to worry about EMI? How future-proof is my setup?

What about fiber optics?

Here we lay out some topics for consideration: • The Services We saw that HDBaseT is offering the 5-Play feature, which is 5 different services through one cable. So by enumerating the services needed for your project, you’ll be able to make an intelligent selection. Knowing that

TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014 HDBaseT alternatives are still available at a lower price, you might consider them if you don’t need the full 5-Play.

• The Distance HDBaseT’s longest run is about 180 meters using good quality CAT7 S/ FTP with direct connection from sender to receiver (no patch panel, no interconnection) That is only for DVI and HDMI Full HD signals (8 bits, 1920x1080 @ 60Hz). Following that, there is the Lite version of HDBaseT, limited to 70 meters maximum, at a slightly lower price. Then you might consider the ‘old’ TMDS over Cat extenders, especially the ones that are still in manufacturer’s catalogs, because they are reliable and still offer a lot of possibilities like remoter power, RS232/IR but need S/FTP cable to achieve 50-60 meters. You should keep in mind that good thick DVI or HDMI cables are an excellent solution too, especially if you couple them with EQ boxes or matrices that have strong EQ on their input (some can EQ up to 60m).

• The Path The path of the cable is one very important thing: all extenders are designed for point-to-point connection, all the way through the same cable and terminated with male RJ45 connectors and no attenuation points along the route. So it means that you can’t go through patch panels and patch cables that are often not made from the same thick rigid installation cable on either side. Any point of connection is your enemy in the extension business, and even if you use the best CAT7 patch panel, you can calculate attenuation values for Ethernet transmission, but not TMDS nor HDBaseT signal transmission, so don’t even think about evaluating the Figure 2

losses that will occur.

The other important factor is how bad your environment is, because we commonly have to deal with heavy loaded EMI surrounding nowadays: cellphones, cell towers, CFL lights, high voltage, bad grounding, etc. So for sure you know that you are not allowed to mix high voltage and low voltage cables in the same conduits or cable path, but these invisible troublemakers like microwaves can ruin your setup. And we are talking about wired extension here, not wireless extenders! HDBaseT is resilient in heavy EMI situations, but not impervious to it.

47

layer in a single strand of fiber (See Figure 2). So yes, fiber would be the ultimate future-proof cable for this solution, but we can currently do all of this on a single Cat cable too, at a lower price. Again, you need to work with your client to understand their needs and budget when selecting the right solution.

The Future

This is the 1 Million dollar question: how future proof is my design? But the more important question is: is my client ready to buy the 1 Million dollar future proof design? We already talked about future evolutions and the race between copper and fiber optics, but copper is getting better and faster all the time, but it is not the same copper… Today the main problem comes from using UTP Cat5 that has been installed 20 years ago.

This is the same challenge that face RF distribution of DVB-S2 signals that can’t go through 1960 coax cable!

Conversely, outdated OM1 multimode fiber can now transport HDMI 1.4 signals, and it’s still future proof for upcoming technologies. Impressive. At Lightware, we have a new generation of Modular Extenders (called the MODEX) that can transport all the HDMI 1.4 signals (4K/3D & Deep color, Audio return channel, Ethernet over HDMI) mixed together with the HDBaseT services (RS232/IR) and add on to it a separate SP/DIF forward audio signal

Aaron Lange

Bertrand Jenner

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

48

INDIA & ME NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

CresMEET 2013 brightens up the inauguration of new Bangalore office technologies, market conditions and sustainable growth opportunities.

Crestron Asia also showcased several live demos in the event, featured products of control system and energy management solutions were on display to give participants insights on what’s new in the industry, which enabled dealers and partners to experience the new meaning of “up-to-date” intelligence at the same time.

An award ceremony was also included in CresMEET 2013 to recognize Crestron Asia’s gratitude and admirations to partners who have been instrumental in adopting Crestron products and solutions in the market.

Key Crestron Asia personnel at the CresMEET 2013

Crestron Asia Limited (“Crestron Asia”), the Asia headquarters of Crestron Electronics, Inc. (“Crestron”) announced the successful completion of CresMEET 2013 and the inauguration of their new Bangalore office on 9th and 10th January 2014 respectively.

CresMEET is a professional industry conference, where over 700 dealers, consultants, system integrators, IT professionals and management of AV companies gathered together this year.

This biggest event from Crestron Asia in India demonstrated the next generation integration and personalized automation technologies in a fully-functional showcase to customers.

The over 700 delegates who attended CresMEET 2013

“We’re giving the trade an exclusive look at industry-leading developments in innovative lighting, AV solutions, home automation systems and corporate solutions.” said Murugan Paramasivam, the Country Manager (India) of Crestron Asia Ltd. “This event will be a remarkable milestone to strengthen our brand image in India, a fast-growing consumer needs on automation solutions country.”

CresMEET 2013 included a specially arranged session for all of Crestron India’s dealers and partners to share their views on newest digital solutions, that served as a discussion forum on the latest and intelligent requirements for the future. All attendees had a platform to talk about new emerging

Crestron Asia’s Bangalore office officially opened

The inaugural ceremony of Crestron Asia Bangalore office was followed on 10th January 2014 to extend the great rejoicing of CresMEET 2013. With more than 150 key business partners and consultants participating in the ceremony, the new office was adorned nicely in a joyful atmosphere and served as a bridge to open up long lasting and prosperous business relationship with the dealers in India.

The two events provided all dealers a unique platform to share and to catch up with Crestron’s benchmark in the industry, allowing attendees to embrace the technological innovations that have made Crestron an industry leader for the past decades. www.crestronasia.com

Guests being greeted at the new office opening ceremony

50

INDIA & ME NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Harman launches service centre in Chennai Marking yet another key milestone, Harman Professional India, recently launched its service centre in Chennaiits fourth Authorized Harman Service Centre (AHSC) in the country, after those set up in the other three metropolitan cities of Mumbai, New Delhi, and Kolkata.

The announcement also follows the recent launch of Harman’s panIndia toll-free customer support helpline-(1800-208-8880) an initiative taken as benchmarking the industry for service and support.

Zion Services, which has made its name with a rich and diverse experience in service for leading brands in consumer electronics has been appointed as the latest AHSC, in Chennai. Equipped with trained technical staff, testing equipment and sufficient spare parts, the service centre has been operational since November 2013. It supports all the Harman brands- AKG, BSS, Crown, dbx, JBL, Lexicon, Soundcraft and Studer and Martin Professional range of lighting and video equipment. Centrally located at Valsarvakkam, this service centre will

provide after sales support to both, walkin and on-site customers.

According to the company, the latest move strengthens its country-wide support network and specifically increases reach within Southern India, leveraging its successful operation of full-fledged service centre in Bangalore.

“In the dynamic industry of professional audio, especially in live events and projects, it is imperative to provide customers with best and timely after sales support. With a service network that spans the length and breadth of the country, coupled with the tollfree customer helpline, we have truly established an industry benchmark within a span of one year,” says Ganesh Kumar, Senior Manager-Service at Harman.

“The turnaround time has been effectively managed from the start of our operations, and the processes have been further streamlined, ensuring a hasslefree service experience.”

Says S.M. Jayaraj, Zion Services Proprietor, “The AHSC appointment for Zion Services for marks another major

step in our offerings and extending our capabilities into the challenging space of professional audio. We are proud to be associated with Harman, and look forward to having successful partnership, creating a delightful customer experience.”

Expressing confidence of the latest AHSC, Harman India Director-Sales Prashant Govindan adds, “We look forward to continually expanding our footprint in India through the expansive dealer and channel partner network.

With these initiatives, we are only raising the bar for a robust and effective customer service, ultimately ensuring smart support to the customer and Harman solutions are a preferred choice for all professional audio and lighting requirements across industry segments in the country.”

With a view to serving the customers of respective regions efficiently and effectively, Harman India intends to set up five more AHSCs across India in the near future. www.harman.com

INDIA & ME NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

51

AMX India appoints neoteric as national distributor AMX India, leading provider of audio visual and automation control solutions, has appointed neoteric informatique Ltd as its national distributor for its range of professional AV products and solutions.

The appointment is made as part of AMX’s growth strategy for expanding its foot-print across India through organized distribution. As part of the deal, neoteric will enable AMX reach out to a larger segment more than 10,000 tier-2 and -3 partners from across over 500 cities in the country.

"The next growth in IT and AV convergence will happen in India’s tier-2 and -3 cities. In order to tap this new growth, we found neoteric to be an ideal partner for AMX range of solutions,” said Mayank Gupta, Director and Country Manager at AMX India, expressing confidence about the deal. “neoteric has the necessary market reach, technical expertise and experience,” he said and added, “it is well equipped to provide us with

Varun Mata, Business Head-Converged Technology Solutions, at neoteric informatics

required the technical support on both hardware and software front- which makes it the most capable partner for AMX." Over 20 years into the IT distribution business, the Mumbai-headquartered neoteric informatique trades in multiple brands from both IT and Pro-AV domain.

With a country-wide presence and strong relationship with local partners, the company is one of the strong players in distribution.

Says Varun Mata, Business HeadConverged Technology Solutions, at neoteric informatics, “Partnering with AMX has definitely enhanced our portfolio. We are glad to provide AMX’s complete range of solutions to Indian consumers, and we look forward to making this partnership a highly successful venture.” www.amxindia.com www.neoteric.co.in

Chief appoints Green Sources as Master Distributor in India Chief, an industry leader in mounts, racks and interactive solutions, has announced that Green Sources Pvt Ltd has been employed as the exclusive master distributor for the Chief product line in India.

Green Sources, a Mumbai based first generation audio visual distribution company was granted the exclusive right to sell Chief mounting solutions across India. The company distributes products of renowned audio, video and office automation brands through its technically trained, highly motivated and experienced staff.

“This is another exciting step for Chief in the region,” said Ben Osborne, director of sales and marketing - Milestone Asia Pacific. "Chief and Green Sources are both aimed to provide value added products and services to AV Integrators and dealers, enabling them to efficiently extend their business and meet customer requirements. We look forward to grow Chief brand in India with this excellent partner."

"Chief is our AV Partner in Growth," said Swadesh Khetawat, Managing Director – Green Sources. "Our vision is to be

India's premiere distribution company offering superior products, solutions to all our channel partners, and Chief is helping us to achieve this. Chief is the best option in the market and we are proud to represent them in India." www.greensources.co

52

INDIA & ME NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

AOC unveils Super PLS monitor for EMEA markets AOC decks out the q2770Pqu with a multitude of connectors for a maximum of user convenience.

The PLS model receives signals via VGA, DVI-D and HDMI sockets and in addition features a DisplayPort. Practical: the q2770Pqu comes with speakers and a USB hub integrated in its bezel. Pen drives, digital cameras, hard drives and countless more USB gadgets can be connected via four sockets (two conforming to the USB standards 2.0 and 3.0 each).

Display specialist AOC recently unveiled a brandnew 27” (68.6 cm) Super Plane-to-Line Switching monitor. With a Wide Quad High Definition (WQHD) resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, this sophisticated LED-backlit screen from AOC’s Professional Line boasts stunningly sharp images for demanding home users and professionals.

The high-luminosity q2770Pqu comes with a wide array of connectors, full ergonomic flexibility and a number of additional benefits to provide the ultimate in LCD user experience.

The q2770Pqu provides users with over 3.6 million pixels – nearly twice as much as conventional Full HD models. Professionals and demanding home users alike will profit from the extraordinary detail that the WQHD resolution delivers on the large 27” (68.6 cm) screen. Plans, tables, photos, videos and – thanks to a response time of 5 ms only – even games will appear in a clarity and crispness unseen before.

Super PLS is a display technology with especially high brightness and wide viewing angles. The q2770Pqu’s top-notch panel thus delivers stunning colour stability from viewing angles of up to 178° (both vertical and horizontal) and a luminosity of up to 300 cd/m² for usage in environments with bright ambient light.

The monitor stand offers full ergonomic flexibility, including 130 mm height adjustment as well as tilt, swivel and pivot functions, allowing working comfortably on large tables, documents or photos editing. As for all monitors, AOC offers a three-year warranty for its WQHD-model. www.aoc-europe.com

INDIA & ME NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

53

Daktronics announces new top appointments Daktronics has announced the appointments of Reece A. Kurtenbach as Chief Executive Officer and President of Daktronics, and Peter Egart as Vice President of Daktronics international regions in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

Egart will be at ISE 2014 to talk to visitors and partners and give insight of the company's vision.

Based in Wiesbaden, Germany, Egart is in charge of all sales and service operations for international customers EMEA and Latin America. He is responsible for strategic development of new business, management of Daktronics subsidiary offices, and strengthening international relationships.

Egart began his career at Daktronics in the USA in 1993, after more than fifteen years of experience in network television as a director, producer and manager. He played a key role in establishing the business communications market niche for Daktronics. He developed sales strategies and led a team that achieved consistent sales and profit growth.

In 2001, his responsibilities changed to manage Creative Services, then called Keyframe. This group was responsible for the success of Daktronics customers’ use of video display technology, accomplished by teaching customers how to create their own high-impact content.

Reece A. Kurtenbach, appointed as Chief Executive Officer and President of Daktronics

Peter Egart, appointed as Vice President of Daktronics international regions in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America

Egart managed the development of an in-house creative team and promoted the concept of installing Daktronics video production teams at customer sites to ensure successful game-day fan experiences.

Applications Engineer on large display projects.

Kurtenbach first joined Daktronics in 1982 when, as a university student, he started working in the company’s manufacturing and customer services.

He graduated from South Dakota State University in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and minors in math and computer science.

After graduation, Kurtenbach worked for a few years in two other technical companies, and then returned to Daktronics in 1991 to work as an

In 1994, he became manager of a design group, leading the development of Daktronics' first full colour LED video display product.

Since then, Daktronics has become a leader in the technology of large screen LED video displays, and the acknowledged world leader in sales in this product category.

Jim Morgan, the outgoing president and CEO of Daktronics, is retiring after 44 years’ service in the company. www.daktronics.co.uk

54

INDIA & ME NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Muxlab appoints new sales manager for India potentially expanding Indian market, and bringing experienced Suhas onboard is part of the company’s ambitions on the market.

With extensive experience in sales and customer service, Suhas will oversee MuxLab’s sales activity in India with the support from the MuxLab corporate team based in Montreal, Quebec.

Canadian cabling adapter manufacturing major Muxlab has appointed Suhas Shetty its new Sales Manager in India.

Having set up its India office recently with Mumbai as its operational base, the cabling adapter designer-manufacturer intends to make inroads into the

Daniel Assaraf, President of MuxLab, said on Suhas’ coming onboard: “We are delighted that Suhas has joined our team to represent MuxLab in India. With experience and knowledge of both sales and the CCTV and audio video markets, Suhas has the blend of skills we need to build lasting relationships with customers in this important region.”

“I’m looking forward to making a prospective business for Muxlab solutions,” said Suhas.

A leading designer and manufacturer of high-quality cabling adapter solutions that allow CCTV and audio-video equipment to be connected via costefficient Cat5e/6 copper twisted pair in the structured cabling environment, Montreal-headquartered Muxlab has been driving value in streamlining cabling by reducing material, space, and installation costs for over 25 years now.

Muxlab products have built their credibility not only in terms of their user-friendly plug-n-play install but also life-long warranty, thus facilitating easy install and free replacement in the event of problem. www.muxlab.com

Taiden and Thomsun form pact for Gulf conference market Chinese conferencing solutions leader TAIDEN, with a view to making an increased penetration into the potentially expanding markets in the Gulf region, has partnered with leading Middle East Middle distribution major THOMSUN Trading East. With the local governments, educational institutions and Corporates getting increasingly bullish about investing in the latest and innovative conference, voting and translation equipment, both the manufacturer and the distributor see huge potential for Taiden products in the region.

in all the regions,” said Christy Fang, General Manager-Marketing Department Overseas at TAIDEN. “We have been exhibiting in various trade shows in this region, and each time we are all impressed by the rapid development of the AV industry going on here. We believe there is enormous potential for continuous growth,” she said and added, “THOMSUN is such an established name in the region owing to years of hard efforts and experiences. We are very honoured to have THOMSUN as our distributor so that we can explore this potential and grow with it.”

While TAIDEN intends to leverage the distribution major’s network and reach in the region to bolster its conferencing solutions business, THOMSUN hopes to hopes to capitalise on a renewed surge in new projects and ICT spending.

“Middle-East market has always been one of the most important markets for us, with prestigious project references

According to her, the combination of TAIDEN's industry advanced products and technologies, and THOMSUN’s influential reach in the region will set “a perfect example for win-win partnership."

Biju Thomas, General Manager at at THOMSUN Trading comments: “We

have been a leading player in the conference equipment market and always try to provide our SI clients and End-Users with the most innovative and cost-effective solutions for their needs.

We are excited about this partnership and are confident that users in the region will benefit immensely from the reliable, innovative and advanced technology offered by TAIDEN” Thomsun Trading will soon have a dedicated demonstration and training centre in Dubai for TAIDEN products where customers in the region will receive hands on demonstrations throughout the year and System Integrators will be trained on the installation and configuration of TAIDEN products. www.taiden.com www.thomsunmusiconline.com

INDIA & ME NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

55

COMMENTARY BY RAM BHAVANASHI

ICT set to redefine Indian Justice System. Phase-I is nearly complete; gearing up for Phase-II!

A special initiative from Government of India to sophisticate Indian justice system through implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is redefining the whole Indian judiciary; its technology infrastructure and the way it dispenses with trials. Phase-I of the special Mission – on its midway – has reportedly seen much of the task accomplishment even as new target numbers are being added for the subsequent phases. SIA reports on what will have a significant bearing on the country’s AV industry as well as the global AV majors: In late 2009, when the National Consultation for Strengthening Judiciary towards Reducing Pendency and Delays took place in the Indian national capital of Delhi, an idea of far-reaching positive ramifications – a National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms – emerged seeking to redefine the way Indian Judiciary set-up acts.

An important aspect of the Objectives of the National Mission – slated to span five years from 2011-2016 – was to leverage ICT for better justice delivery which meant: • Implementation of E-Courts project • Integration of ICT in the judiciary and use in criminal justice delivery, and • Creation of National Arrears Grid (to compile pendency database and facilitate fast-track dispensation)

The E-Courts project: Initiated as The eCourts Integrated Mission Mode Project as part of the ‘National Policy and Action Plan for Implementation of Information and Communication Technology in the Indian Judiciary-2005’ it meant total computerization of High Courts and district/subordinate courts of the country.

The Government had approved computerization of a total of 14,249 district and subordinate courts by March 2014 with a total budget of Rs. 935 crore (over 151 million USD). The project is being implemented by National Informatics Centre (NIC).

According to sources close to the development, over 13000 courts have been equipped with the ‘stipulated set-up’ and the remaining are well on their way to accomplishment before the decided time-line. “In fact, the target has been upped to over 16000 courts now.”

• Facilitating a moderated, on-line/Web dialogue between lawyers, sitting and retired Judges for reduction of arrears( something very similar to the “digital dialogues initiative” in the UK) According to sources, implementation of ICT in judiciary meant not only video conferencing between courts and prisons but also modern AV set-ups for conferencing rooms in courts and other interactive purposes for better approach to judicial matters.

With a good majority of major courts already harnessing these technologies, and the others too gearing up to join the technology-based justice league, the country’s judicial system is increasingly reflect itself in audio-visual mode.

Ed: See our story, in this issue on the Guwahati High Court which was part of this initiative.

The basic infrastructure for ICT enablement consists of various modules such as setting up of LAN and Hardware, deployment of Case Information Software (CIS) application software, and establishment of WAN / broadband connectivity.

Among the many measures of technology harnessing as per the Vision Document of the Mission, two initiatives apparently have significant bearing on the country’s AV industry: • Extensive implementation of videoconferencing to facilitate connecting courts with prisons and even police stations. It was envisaged to equip as many as 500 courts and 500 jails with video-conferencing facility in the first phase.

Guwahati High Court

56

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Hult Business School offers Consistent Experience for Lecturers and Students Electrosonic’s 24/7 Video Network Operations Center provides remote support and management of the systems, across all four campuses.

The Hult International Business School – placed among the top 1 per cent of all business schools in the world – recently made a major initiative to spread its cause - both geographically and technologically. The School had its newest campus in Dubai, and following the initiative, the institution had four of its campuses, including the one in Dubai, networked through a common audiovisual system. One of the most unique initiatives in AV in education, the honours of the install are taken by Electrosonic.

A snapshot: Electrosonic has provided classroom audio-visual systems for Hult campuses in London, Dubai, Boston and San Francisco, all to a common design.

Each campus was outfitted with AV presentation equipment supported by local service operations. In addition, all campuses are connected to Electrosonic’s 24/7 Video Network Operations Centre (VNOC) in the UK for remote support and management.

Electrosonic completed the new Hult campus built in London in 2012; more recently, classroom AV systems were installed in Hult’s Boston and Dubai facilities.

Yousuf Khan, Chief Information Officer of the Hult International Business School. “The quality of work during implementation has been consistently high and ongoing support has been exemplary.”

Hult International Business School spans a global network of campuses that now form one of the world’s largest graduate business schools with a focus on teaching practical and international business education.

The AV systems were designed and implemented with appreciation of the overall design aesthetic. Electrosonic furnished the Hult campuses with lectern-based teaching and presentation systems that offer the ability to show images from a rack-mounted PC, laptop or iPad. The rack PC is connected to a SMART Podium 22-inch interactive display that allows lecturers to annotate

“Over the many years we have worked together, Electrosonic have delivered only better value results for Hult,” says

To accommodate Hult’s international rotation component where students can attend their studies at more than one location, all systems at each campus had to be consistent. The consistency of the operation of teaching and learning resources also helps to reduce barriers and increase effectiveness and inefficiencies.

or use white-boarding capabilities, and have their notes displayed via twin NEC PA500U projectors projecting directly onto the walls.

The campuses also feature Tannoy programme loudspeakers, which were installed front of house; room control is provided via a Crestron 2 series processor with an iPad touch control interface.

Each campus has multiple classrooms, four in London, Dubai and San Francisco and two in Boston. In the Dubai campus, which formally opened in March 2013, there are an additional 20 breakout rooms, and 18 in London, for the use of students working on projects, assignments and presentations. Each of these rooms is equipped with a 46inch NEC LCD; a wall-mounted Extron control panel providing on/off, volume and source control; and a Spinetix digital signage player to allow distribution of content to all rooms simultaneously or to specific functions and events. VGA and

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014 HDMI cabling is provided at the table for direct connection to the wall-mounted display. Where possible, equipment is network connected. Remote support is made possible by direct connection to individual devices and by XPanel for the classroom systems.

The Hult campus’ service contract with Electrosonic ensures the reliability of the installed systems. Using a specific VLAN via VPN, Electrosonic is able to access all network capable equipment located at all campuses and offices to provide support. Electrosonic’s 24/7 Video Network Operations Center (VNOC) in the UK provides remote support and management of the systems.

Project management and delivery was organized across geographies. The project was account managed from the UK, and then supported in each region with Electrosonic’s own engineering expertise from its regional offices in the USA and Dubai. This formed an integral part of the relationship experience and leveraged Electrosonic’s international capabilities to provide ‘on the ground’ localized project management for each campus location.

“We have been able to implement consistent AV standards at the school, which resulted in improved customer experience at each of our campuses across the globe,” says Khan. “We continue to work with Electrosonic in a collaborative way to come up with more innovative AV solutions to support our growth.” www.electrosonic.com

Hult Dubai – A new Hult Statement Hult's most recent campus in Dubai is a perfect match of many things. Located in the Dubai Internet City, in an environment that attracts all the elements of the ICT value chain, it seeks to bring together rich networking opportunities, industry building programmes, and many unparalleled facilities. Besides the wide spectrum of global ICT behemoths, that the DIC also hosts the Majid Bin Mohammed Innovation Center, a technology startup incubator aiming at fostering entrepreneurship with innovations, the School stands to gain a great deal in business education and training.

Designed by internationally renowned architects, Hult's futuristic campus in the DIC bathes in natural light with European design décor, and presents a hive of activity.

The 30,000 square feet expanse of the campus in two floors essentially comprises four classrooms; as many as 26 Breakout Rooms with LCD digital signage screens; Video conferencing with dedicated VC Room and facilities; two Prayer Rooms and two Shower Rooms; and on-site controlled student ‘day’ lockers, beside many other corporate education trappings.

57

58

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS SSystems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Ritz-Carlton Herzlia Redefines Mediterranean Hospitality Symetrix plays central role to the luxury experience Ritz-Carlton Hotel group recently launched its latest luxury property, and first in Israel, taking the luxury hospitality in the Mediterranean to a new fascinating high. Bringing together rich blend of international expertise in structure and texture of the place, the newest Ritz-Carlton in the sea front town of Herzlia, north of Tel Aviv, seeks to redefine luxury hospitality that has synched a high degree of audio-visual systems. Playing central to the technology experience is Symetrix. An exclusive account from SIA: When the famed hospitality brand Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC set upon launching its latest and Israel’s first luxury urban resort – in the residential beach-front town of Herzlia, north of the Israeli capital – it was a prestigious task for both the group and the designers onboard. For, the ambitious task involved bringing to life a unique combination of exquisite designs and services that are backed up by a superlative technology for an enriching experience.

Located on the marina, overlooking the Mediterranean, the 12-storey, 192room property offers a unique beach front experience with leisure amenities including a roof-top swimming pool with

sweeping panoramic views of the beach.

All the 82 suites, and the Ritz-Carlton Spa and Fitness Centre offer beautifully bluish Mediterranean views and outdoor relaxation terraces. That the luxury resort is in close proximity to Tel Aviv’s silicon valley, catering to the needs of business travellers is the 4500 square-feet of meeting space, including a Business Centre.

Blending an exquisite texture with the structure, was a team of internationally acclaimed architects and designers.

Rani Ziss Architects Ltd. designed the property while New York-based interior design firm Studio Gaia created the

interiors, with Israeli studio Gad Halperin designing the lobby and restaurant concepts.

Weaving in a matching audio-visual design was tasked to Israeli consultancy firm G Ben Chorin Consulting Engineers while locally-based Arden Control Tech (ACT) was taken onboard as its Project Management Consultants. ACT also had the prestigious task of system integration and install which meant a strong team from ACT made its contribution in multiple disciplines on the project.

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

59

an easy task, and had its own challenges.

It had to be in sync with the design of the spaces, yet as per the specified standards of the hotel and easy to maintain.

A very critical aspect of the whole project was weaving in a pleasant and soothing background music and audio system across the facility. The brief for Ardan was essentially to: • Weave in BGM for lobby, floor corridors, pool, food and beverage area, fitness centre area, spa, restaurants, bars and activity areas • Supply and install of paging system for as many as 32 areas with remote connections, local and centralized master control More, all the components including the loudspeakers, amplifiers, sound matrix and controller needed to be as per the industry accepted standards. Further, the integrator-installer was also tasked to implement various tones of music with variant volume such as: quiet, dynamic and in the event areas, entertainment music.

“The interfacing had to be simple and easy to switch amongst various systems such as microphones, music server with five types of music sources, pre-amp mixers across all zones,” explains Mark Marat Prepelitsky, Technical Manager (Integrated Multimedia Division), at the ACT. “The system had to provide sound reinforcement not only from the amplification of voice and music sources, but also from the audio-visual programmes from sources such as computers.”

Ardan, who are local distributors for Symetrix and AMX, brought in a combination of both to power and control the audio system. The integrator created a centralized sound system that comprised a SymNet Radius 12x8 DSP build that worked in tandem with two units of SymNet xOut12 expanders towards delivering high performance at lower costs.

According to the integrator, the flexibility offered by the Symetrix systems in terms of adding inputs and outputs, coming with Ethernet connection and network audio expansion using Dante Protocol made them feel extremely comfortable for going with the system, and the same comfort was felt by the consultant and the user as well. In fact, the user comfort with the system was central to the whole concept and install.

The entire audio system is controlled by an AMX NI-700 NetLinx Integrated Controller that corresponds with 12 units of AMX Metreau 13-button keypads (MET-13).

It wasn’t an easy task though to execute. For, the size, scale and nature of the project came with their own set of challenges. The hotel required an exclusive power transmission

Given the expanse and diverse nature of different spaces in the hotel, weaving in the ‘suitable’ solution wasn’t apparently

Ritz Carlton B.G.M. Control keypads

Multi channel BGM

Multi zones sound system Speakers

LAN

Towards meeting the specs, Ardan evolved a solution that consisted a combination of microphones for announcements from Lobby and Staff Lounges; wall pre-amp mixers for lobby, restaurants and swimming pool and a music server connected to Ethernet with five audio channels - all working as inputs. The output systems comprised IC-Audio manufactured loudspeakers for as many as 32 areas; Electro-Voice EVID systems for restaurants, and Terra speakers for concealed landscaped areas.

Zone1

Pool

Multi-Channel Background music System

Restaurant

5 Channels

Amplifier’s

Wall pre-amp mixer Microphones Pool Restaurant Lobby

Tech room Lobby

SPA Treatment 1

SPA Main

SPA Treatment 6

Sound DSP Matrix

Lobby

Controller Technical Room

Zone32

60

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS SSystems Integration Asia February - March 2014

system, and grounding the power and AV systems was an equally big task.

The PMC-SI had to provide a special transformer that decreases electrical noises from the sound systems and connect all the equipment from the rack to this transformer. It also required special twisted pair cables with increased diameter to create enough capacitance inside for required power flow to the audio systems placed at long distances on the hotel premises. The SI was not only required to install special outdoor speakers in the pool area, they had to fix them inside the marble columns to make them sync with the architectural appeal; more, they had to fix them in a specially made tarred wooden boxes to ensure they are safe and in sync with the design of the space.

“Both the technology and the IT network, and audio matrix had to comply with the industry protocol,” explains Prepelitsky. “The most potential challenge was to create a robust system with redundancy, provide auditory cues and subtle BGM accompaniment that accentuated the hotel design.”

The best part, according to him, was when the SI team and the User Teams did the ‘Acceptance test.’ Not only the system install was found to be perfectly as per specs – without any EMI and RFI noises – the teams were able to check for any additional requirements and made

the changes on the fly immediately. “This was possible due to the flexibility of the sound matrix offered with its expansive features and algorithms,” explains Mark “I think the set-up was very unique because there is a full separation between the concept of ‘emergency paging system and the BGM.” Elevating a step from the convention of deploying the same set of speakers for PA and BGM, the PMC proposed and deployed separate systems to handle the two functions without any compromise for either side.

That the end result and the feedback from the user was very positive and reassuring, it meant that Ritz-Carlton Herzlia, thus, had the AV install it required. www.symetrix.com www.amx.com www.ritzcarlton.com

Project Name: Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Herzliya, Israel Project Type: Hospitality/Retail Installation Project Owner(s): The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C Architects: Rani Ziss Architects Interior Designers: Studio Gaia, New York & Gad Halperin, Israel AV design consultant(s): Yoav Ben-Chorin, M.Sc &. Ben Chorin Consultant Engineers Project management consultants: Ardan Control Tech (Mark Prepelitsky & Emmanuel Mullokandov) System Integrators: Ardan Control Tech (Software: Ariel Orenshteyn, Project Management: Nir Mano) Install contractors: Ardan Control Tech (Dror Adir, Amit Shuhami and Ilia Berman) Project Commencement: December 2013

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

61

BIAL does a cutting edge PA/VA in T1A Acoustic Control, Harman & Hi-tech share honours

Artist impression of BIAL

Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) – hailed as one of the most modern airports in the country – recently added yet another feather to its sophistication credentials when it replenished the Terminal 1A with advanced PA/VA systems as part of its ICT implementation initiative. Leveraging technology the way most international airports do worldwide, BIAL – now renamed as Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) – is set to herald a new chapter in the country’s aviation infrastructure. An SIA report: With a view improvising the audio experience, as also developing competencies to be able to respond to the growing needs of its aviation infrastructure, Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) recently implemented an advanced public address and voice alarm (PA/VA) system at the soon-to-be-commissioned Terminal 1A. That the existing PA/VA set-up was felt not meeting the acoustic and operational needs of the growing airport, the BIAL management decided to overhaul the whole PA/VA and incorporate a cuttingedge system that would stand the demands of the future while fulfilling the current needs. Thorough market scan followed by a due diligence brought in some of the best-known talents and

brands in consultancy, integration, and product credibility.

Bengaluru-based Acoustic Control Pvt Ltd thus came onboard as Acoustic and PA Consultant to the GVK Groupdeveloped project, while New Delhibased Hi-Tech Audio Systems, who won the tender bid as the ‘most qualified,’ was brought onboard as the integrator of the system.

The Design

The consultant simulated the architectural acoustics of the terminal in EASE (Enhanced Acoustic Simulator for Engineers), among other cutting-edge simulation methods. According to Sanjay Mudartha, Director of Acoustic Control, while the Terminal design is admittedly impressive with plentiful blend of glass

and granite, it did not help the acoustics, and turned an apparent challenge to evolve a solution for acoustics as well as PA/VA- so that the ambience has the required speech intelligibility (STI). “We were up to the challenge,” says Sanjay.

“Ideally we would have loved to have an RT-60 of 1-1.5 seconds,” Sanjay explains, “but given the glass-and-granite ambience, and extremely high ceilings in some areas, bringing it below 3 seconds, wasn’t any easy task.”

Exploring the design in EASE simulations and with acoustic treatment in areas possible, the consultant reportedly could bring it down to 3 seconds from 7-8 seconds. The next step was to design a PA that could deliver a minimum STI of 0.5 and above and an SPL of 85dB to 95dB.

62

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS SSystems Integration Asia February - March 2014

The Check-in areas have a ceiling height of 11m-12m; a width of 220m and a depth of 45m-50m which created a large reverb area, making it a tough acoustical task. That the proposed PA/VA systems had to be almost invisible – in total sync with the architecture – made it all the more challenging. The consultant, thus, evolved a design that sought to leverage the best-of-the-breed systems to be able to not only overcome the acoustical challenges but also accentuate the design appeal of the place. A thorough deliberation led to the conclusion that Active Digitally Steered Line Arrays could deliver in the given tough environment.

Through a 40-page exhaustive tender, the consultant spec’d systems that could beat the reverb challenges. “We specified beam steering line arrays for large areas with double-height ceiling where the RT-60 would be >3 sec. and passive line arrays for areas of low height where the RT would be between 2 and 2.5 sec.” The design reportedly made the systems integrate with the space and also allowed beam steering speakers to deliver the required STI. For new Announcement systems, it was suggested to lay the entire system

on CobraNet which meant they could use standard Ethernet switches. The proposed system was to be scalable, i.e. capable of adding any number of Paging Stations and speakers anytime.

A detailed tender document facilitated multiple brands and designs to be part of bidding that saw as many as five vendors; thus came in Hi-Tech Audio Systems, who have built a reputation of integrating Airport PA/VAs with over 25 such projects to their credit.

For all the work done, solutions suggested, and expertise put in, Sanjay is greatly thankful to Francis Rajan, VicePresident, ICT at the BIAL. “Without the support of Francis – who is not only well informed; extremely friendly; but also passionate for cutting-edge technology – this project wouldn’t have taken this shape,” asserts the Acoustic Control chief.

The Install

BIAL Airport was to be commissioned in three phases- West Expansion, East Expansion and Existing Building, and all three had to be seamlessly networked over Ethernet/LAN. So the Hi-Tech team, supported by BIAL’s ICT team, created a virtual Gigabit LAN for PA system to

ensure seamless connectivity (with no dropouts). All LAN and speaker cabling was treated with redundant wiring which meant for every set of speakers A/B wiring was provided, meaning alternate speakers are always in loop; in case of any fault in any cable loop, only one set of speakers are affected and the other would get activated, and thus the area still receives announcements.

In acoustic terms, the area is categorized into low height (RT of < 2 seconds); medium height (RT of 2-4 seconds); and double height (RT of > 4 seconds). For low height areas, the integrator brought in 6Watt JBL 8006 ceiling speakers to be installed at uniform distances all over.

For medium height areas, the SI roped in, basing on the consultant’s specs, JBL CBT 100LA-1 line array speakers with controlled vertical pattern to avoid unnecessary reflections aachieve good speech intelligibility and SPL. The double height areas were, however, tasked to Renkus Heinz ICONYX Digitally Steerable Line Array Loudspeakers with multiple beam control capability. This, according to the consultant and the integrator, was done to have full control on sound irradiation, and achieve a min sound intelligibility of 0.55 in areas with an RT of 3-3.5 seconds.

The systems are made almost invisible,

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

63

technologies for any airport application,” he says, adding, “with the complete IDX system using the customer LAN backbone; redundant systems; great functionalities makes a unique setting.”

matching the RAL color of the pillars, and audio feed is rendered through the CobraNet over LAN. “This was the most challenging area as compared to any other section of the airport,” says Manik Gupta, Technical Director at Hi-Tech Audio Systems, and one who was involved with the project from day one.

Hi-Tech Audio – who are a key system integration partner and authorized Harman Master Dealer (North) – have weaved in their solution almost all with Harman brands. Complete backend system includes processors, amplifiers from Harman brands like BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU 800 and BLU 101, powered by Crown CTS 2000 and CTS 3000, together completing the IDX solution. The complete audio chain is routed through CobraNet and BSS BLULINK technology which supports up to 256 digital audio channels.

Noise sensing microphones from AKG have been incorporated across the airport to control the level of BGM and announcements automatically, based on the ambient noise levels. The system maintains signal-to-noise ratio with enough headroom before clipping.

First IDX install in Asia comes to BIAL The PA/VA system install at BIAL has one unique scoring. Harman’s Information Delivery System (IDX), a solution engineered for meeting communication challenges in public spaces such as transport stations, not just came in for

full view; it is the manufacturer’s first deployment in Asia.

BSS Audio Desktop Paging Stations and Touchscreen Paging Stations, installed at various locations like Boarding Gates, Central Control Room and PA Maintenance Room work on the BIAL LAN, and share audio and control information over the same Ethernet network. The digital Paging stations have primary and secondary ports for redundancy, and are fully programmable for any requirement- like Zone and Group selection, playback of recorded messages and performing a DSP action.

The Desktop versions can be expanded to any number of zones with the help of key extenders.

IDX, a proven solution for international airports worldwide, apparently added a new leaf of sophistication to the BIAL’s technology initiatives. Harman’s Sales and Technical Support Manager for IDX Systems Ashish Bajaj, who programmed the IDX, worked closely with Hi-Tech and BIAL ICT teams, and audio consultant to ensure that the system is delivered to the expectations.

“The IDX System is fully integrated audio, display, and data management system; and the delivered IDX-custom system at BIAL can be programmed to add other features like visual paging, text-to-speech generated announcements, and display management services like FIDS and Boarding Gates screens,” explains Ashish. “This is one of the best available

Another unique system installed at BIAL T1A is the Induction Loop System for people with hearing disability. All the boarding gates are equipped with this system to help passengers using hearing aid devices get their messages crystal clear. That the hearing aids today come with telecoil settings, the person using hearing aid just needs to adjust those settings, and the PA system having the electro-magnetic loop will transmit the announcements straight into the hearing aid- crystal clear.

BIAL is first in the county to have this provision for passengers. “BIAL raised the bar of perfection for PA system installs at airports in India,” Says Rajan Gupta, Managing Director at Hi-Tech Audio Systems. “We are proud to be associated with this project and are doubly excited to have completed the work with extraordinary results in a tight timeframe,” he says, adding “this wouldn’t have been possible without precise planning and execution by Hitech and Harman teams, besides needed advice and tech support from Acoustic Control.”

Says Prashant Govindan, Director-India Operations at Harman Professional: “With high-performance brands like BSS, Crown and JBL brands, Harman Professional is an ideal choice for airport designers who require reliable and heavy-duty communication AV system. The installation at KIA provides a premium information delivery solution that minimizes traveler stress, and ensures a positive airport experience.

We believe this project has set a new benchmark in the global AV industry.” www.acousticcontrol.com www.harman.com www.hitechaudiosystems.com

64

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS SSystems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Guwahati HC Harnesses ICT Sophistication Ace Acoustics weaves the AV; Kramer, Harman share honours

By Ram Bhavanashi

The judiciary in India – like it has been in many aspects of bearing on people – has been showing a great activism in terms of harnessing technology as well. While as part of a government initiative for a nation-wide implementation of ICT in judiciary, most courts have modernised their modes of dispensation, some of them have been truly a-cut-above. In this issue, SIA presents in Part-I of the two-part feature a perspective of the ambitious AV/ICT implementation at the Guwahati High Court.

When Guwahati High Court recently implemented an expansive ICT in its newly created facility in the Assamese capital, it opened a new chapter in the country’s judiciary in terms of harnessing technology for dispensation of justice.

For, the ‘high’ seat of justice is not only special in its nature – the High Court is actually for four States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland with Division Benches in Ita Nagar, Aizawl, and Kohima respectively – but also, the way it implemented the ICT. With a view to meeting the increased demands of faster dispensation, and need for modernization, the Government of Assam/High Court decided to create a new facility with sophisticated ICT. The new building, thus created with a total

of 18 courtrooms, in addition to one main court (seat of Chief Justice); two conference rooms – one each for the CJ and Registrar General – essentially features: • Video-conferencing for all courtrooms (18+1) • Networking of not only all the 19 on the premises, but also from the three Division Benches in Ita Nagar, Aizawl, and Kohima • Digital transparency/dissemination of information through display panels across the facility • Provision for archiving the AV recordings of proceedings • A Conference Room with a unique, customised display system in the conferencing room

• A unique robotic camera system in the conferencing room There are more! Like expanding the ICT provisions to the chambers of justices so that they can be abreast with the court proceedings in different cases even when they are in their chambers; provision for subtle relaxation through technology etc.

The Vision ICT

“It was the vision of the Honourable Chief Justice, of Guwahati High Court, to sophisticate judiciary with advanced communication systems that not only helped to synchronize all the judicial data but also to work seamlessly as one unit,” says P K Choudhury, Chief Engineer with Assam Public Works Department who

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014 was tasked by the GHC to ‘implement the ICT,’ as per the tender specifications.

“It was decided to incorporate modern audio visual communication systems to better conduct the proceedings,” the CE elaborates, “it was also decided to bring in transparency to the proceedings so that not only the Bar Council members but also citizens should be able to know about the status of trial proceedings.”

the GHC. According to him, the GHC has been using IT for some time in the existing building. With the new facility it was decided to leverage modern technologies to help dispose justice faster. While there are many aspects of the technology harnessing, the most important is the video-conferencing aspect.

Prakash Sharma, System Analyst & HeadComputer Division at the GHC

P K Choudhury, Chief Engineer, Assam Public Works Department

According to him, the tender specified very elaborately what was the need, and what they wanted the solution providers to do. “In brief, the specs meant a very sophisticated ICT that defined transparency, and allowed for audio-visual communication amongst the courtrooms and from designated prisons.”

The scale of ICT implementation at the GHC new facility can be gauged by the apparent spending on the project. While the four-storied building, spreading over a total plinth area of nearly 10,425 square meters, and comprising two blocks was created at a cost of Rs. 66 crore (10.7 million USD approx), the ICT implementation reportedly accounted for nearly Rs. 8.15 crore (over 1.3 million USD approx), one of the biggest on government spending on AV. “The objective was to enhance the justice delivery system by leveraging ICT,” says Prakash Sharma, System Analyst & Head-Computer Division at

“This is done with two main objectives,” explains Sharma. “One- That the GHC has jurisdiction of three States, apart from Assam, Justices sitting in the courts of those States can interact with Justices here in GHC for better disposal. Twotrials can be conducted straight from the prisons so that State machinery can save time and money as also overcome the geographical challenges that the difficult terrain of NE generally poses in transporting under-trials to and fro the courts every time.”

That transparency in information dissemination was another important spec, the solution provider proposed and incorporated display panels in different places on the court premises so that people can see whose case is being tried in which court hall, and what is the status of the same, or coming up at what time and which particular court hall.

The vision was also to incorporate provision to record the trials audiovisually in each court room and archive so that they can be reviewed as and when required.

The Solution: An ACE of ICT The project, ambitious as it is, required a solution provider with proven expertise and competence. More, owing to the nature and scale of the install, the selection and awarding the

65

contract had to be through a stringent process of scrutiny. Officials from the State machinery and the Judiciary had deliberated on the requirements, examined and evaluated the solution providers before awarding the contract.

Thus came onboard, the locally-based multi-faceted solution provider ACE Acoustics and Audio Video Solutions Pvt Ltd who had their most prestigious task ever: AV design; system integration and install; and lighting design in the conference rooms.

“It is admittedly one of the biggest and most prestigious for us,” says Debabrat Duara, one of the three Directors at Ace Acoustics, and the person central to the design, integration and install.

“Our brief was to deploy audio video control systems in the new HC building to facilitate easy communications (across the courtrooms, Judges’ chambers and conference rooms as well as other courts and prisons under its jurisdiction).”

Accordingly, Ace Acoustics got into the act and weaved around the ICT solution that came to be one of the most awe-inspiring in the country. It wasn’t, however, an all-in-one-shot process, as there had been some decisive changes and new incorporations.

Debabrat Duara, Director, Ace Acoustics

“I remember there were four amends to the initial solution,” recalls Debabrat.

According to him, microphone set-ups were not there initially, but were added later on in all the court rooms. PA and Emergency Evacuation systems were added based on the recommendations

66

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014 and one unit of four-port D-Link Ethernet router.

of Chief Security Officer. Linking the Bar Association with the new building through a display system deployment was the other, and incorporation of subtle music system in the gym for judges was another.

Ace Acoustics, who is the key system integration partner and dealer for Harman in the Eastern and North Easter, and a distributor for Kramer apart from major brands like Panasonic, and is the foremost solution providers from the Northeast India, understandably brought all that it represents, but in a very subtle, and ingenuous fashion that they not only met the specs but also accentuated the design and comforted the client.

Thus unfolded the ICT at the GHC. The Main Courtroom: The seat of Honourable Chief Justice at the GHC – referred to as the Main Courtroom – is as ‘big’ a showcase of the ICT as it is in size. The 110-seater hall is a seven-Judge court with two Court Masters- one on either side of the judges dias. The AV of this hall is charactersized, essentially, by fitment of seven+two each of GN-50ESP gooseneck microphones and AKG CK 31 Cardioid microphone capsules (for seven Judge seats and two Court Master seats) that are augmented by two Crown 130 SW small, low-profile boundary layer mics (with noiseless on/off switch for table top applications). While the mixing of audio is tasked to a pair of 12-channel BSS BLU 100 digital audio mixer with

multi-zone output, a BSS BLU 3 rotary volume control does the level control.

“We chose AKG GN-50ESP because of their flexibility to move easily in different directions as also their performance and meeting the specs,” explains Debabrat. “That the goosenecks have at the bottom an LED ring that indicates whether or whose mic is on or off by glowing is an important aspect of the larger AV mechanism in the hall.”

As many as 16 eight-inch JBL Control 8128 in-ceiling speakers – powered by a solitary CTS 875 eight-channel power amp – does the audio reproduction task.

The audio system is also augmented by seven units of K & M microphone base with LED indicator for on/off function

The display system is characterized by four 19-inch Samsung monitors that are augmented by three 15.6-inch Wacom DTU 1631 active matrix TFT displays on the dias. The larger display system features a pair each of 65-inch TH65PF30W full HD plasmas, and 32-inch TH-32EM5 LED LCD displays (revised) from Panasonic for playing the video of the on-going sessions for better and closer visibility. Facilitating the job of more effective scrutiny of documents is a QOMO QD 3700 full HD document camera with onboard LCD monitor.

Capturing the video is tasked to a Sony EVI-D70P PTZ camera with RS 232 Control, while a Samsung SRD 470 DVD recorder/writer does the real-time digital video recording.

Playing a key role in the videoconferencing set-up are four JBL CBT 50LA column loudspeakers that are powered by a Crown XLS 1000 dualchannel power amplifier. “The CBT50LA come with constant beam width technology that delivers uniform sound, while gelling well with the design,” says Debrabrat. “The Control 8128 ceiling speakers were also chosen due to their design and specs,” he elaborates. According to him, the 8128s are programmed in such a way that whenever a speaker speaks in

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014 More, the chamber of the CJ adjacent to the courtroom is equipped with a 42inch TH-L42E5DCP Panasonic LED LCD system that is networked to help view proceedings from any courtroom on the premises, and from the old building.

‘Triggering’ AV expertise

While the whole AV deployment at the GHC is ambitious, the best part of the deployment, according to the PMC-SIInstaller is the way the Sony EVI-D70P Robotic PTZ camera has been weaved into the system. a particular microphone, the ceiling speaker overhead that person will go off automatically, reducing the eco feedback. “This vastly improves the speech intelligibility, accentuating the acoustics at play,” explains the SI. Working from behind, helping the smooth switching and automation is the AV gear major Kramer, whose scaler switchers and distribution amplifiers had a major task across the facility. One each of VP 728 Proscale digital presentation scaler switcher; 8-in and 8-out VP 8X8A VGA and stereo audio matrix switcher; and 3 units of VP 32K 1:2 graphics video/stereo audio switcher combine to handle the switching tasks, while one each unit of VP 400K 1:4 graphics video distribution amp; and VP 8K 1:8 graphics video distribution amp power the video graphics.

“We have long been using Kramer, and distributed multiple hundreds of units, and success rate is so high that they are the most preferred AV gear for many,” affirms the Ace Acoustics Director.

The integrator also roped in a Crestron AV2PAK 6X control processor with touchscreen pack (with dual-bus architecture and 4GB flash memory card slot) that is augmented by a 16-button Crestron CNPI 16 touch panel interface for third party control to automate the control mechanism. In addition, a Crestron IR P IR Emitter Probe does the IR port support function. The feature-rich and extremely user-friendly mechanism made it a plain choice, says the SI. “Even a non-technical person can use it with ease,” he affirms.

In a conventional set-up, the camera focus activation happens in a ‘triggering’ fashion from the microphone to control processor en route the camera which means the speaker has to press the button on his microphone to ‘trigger’ the control processor to activate the camera. The process goes on like that.

However, if the person did not switch off the button(once he/she is done,) the camera would not come to focus on the person when he/she speaks again. This is because the control processor – which acts on the ‘last presets’ it gets – cannot recall the fresh presets because the triggering has not happened.

In order to overcome this problem, the SI in GHC has weaved in a solution that makes the audio processor automatically sense the audio signal from the speaker’s microphone and trigger the control processor to activate the camera focus.

This simplifies the triggering process and camera automatically moves in the

67

direction of the speaker (irrespective of his/her switching on/off the button).

“The GHC is a very key project for Harman,” says Karan Kathuria, National Sales Manager-Installed Sound, Harman India. “We have had wonderful partnership with Ace Acoustics all through the install process. Every brand contributed their best - BLU 101 ensured acoustic echo cancellation in courtrooms while JBL CBT 50 LA in Chief Justice Courtroom ensured 1500 horizontal coverage resulting in phenomenal sound experience,” he says, adding, “it is a matter of pride to be associated with GHC AV project.”

Says Bharat Kumar, Country Manager, Kramer: “GHC is a futuristic project. It’s a prideful opportunity for us to contribute our solutions that made the facility future-ready. Kudos to ACE team who made it so wonderful.”

SIAsia will present the remaining part of the AV at GHC in the Apr-May issue in second and final part. www.aceacoustics.co.in

68

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS SSystems Integration Asia February - March 2014

BITSConnect 2.0 – A new genre education Godrej AV Solutions networks the country’s first multi-campus virtual University

By Ram Bhavanashi

Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) – one of the most acclaimed engineering institutions in India – has simply been a symbol and synonym of excellence in education. Having established high credentials in technology teaching, the high seat of learning recently created yet another academic marvel - the country’s first multi-campus virtual University, networking three educational campuses and one infrastructural operational centre.

Godrej AV Solutions – the AVSI business division of the famed Godrej Group – took the honours of this unique install. An SIA exclusive…

When the elite group of management and academicians from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) officially launched in early Jan 2013, the Phase-I of BITSConnect 2.0 in all three Indian campuses of the institution – Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad – simultaneously with folks joining in from Mumbai, California and Boston via Telepresense, it not only meant BITS achieving yet another milestone in its journey of excellence in education but also heralding a new chapter in Indian technology learning, by leveraging global technology.

Building upon the highly successful BITSConnect 1.0 – a hi-tech initiative that made BITS one of the first Universities in India to bring IP Telephony; videoconferencing; Gigabit Ethernet and wireless accessibility onto campus education as long ago as 2002 – the 2.0 initiative aimed at taking the cause of BITS brand of technology-learning to a new high - creating what is acclaimed as India’s first multi-campus virtual University.

The institution has four campuses at Pilani-Rajasthan (the origin place), Goa, Hyderabad, and Dubai.

The Vision & Mission

An equal-partnership initiative between the BITS institution and the BITS Alumni

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

it comes in a package for addressing multiple functions,” reasons Parab, “we do not have to get to multiple vendors for multiple systems and functionalities; everything happens seamlessly.”

Association (BITSAA) – created at a cost of about INR 29 crore (then 5.2 million USD approx.) – the BITSConnect 2.0 essentially envisioned a ‘next-level of Faculty-Student-Alumni interactive system’ to enrich learning experiences by bridging the geographical distance across its campuses. Its mission was to enable: • The faculty to deliver lectures to all four BITS campuses simultaneously • The conductance of ad-hoc staff meetings through telepresence • The alumni/experts to remotely deliver lectures, hold workshops or panel discussions to multiple BITS campuses simultaneously • Recording, archiving and streaming of lectures That the institution had enough motivation both from its previous tech builds – like Connect 1.0 and Embryo Lectures – and from the highlysupportive alumni who are ‘equally’ enthused to fund the cause, all it needed was a competent and credible systems integration solution provider who could deliver a techno-solution that accentuated the purpose, nay, the brand BITS. A market scan with clinical precision, evaluation of solution providers, followed by due diligence, saw Godrej AV Solutions – the audio-visual systems integration business division of the famed Godrej Group – coming onboard.

Having already made many a build of credentials, Godrej AV took on the prestigious, if not, the ambitious task of weaving in what was to become a multicampus virtual University, first of its kind in the country.

Phase-I of the initiative involved connecting the three BITS campuses in the country – Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad, and the infrastructural operational centre in Mumbai. While the solution suggested looked a bit simple with video-conferencing, telepresence and interactive classrooms, the task required as deeper expertise as it could get. For, the sheer scale and nature of the project demanded just the best.

69

Naresh Parab, Deputy General ManagerMarketing, Godrej AV Solutions

“It was indeed one of the most prestigious projects we handled,” says Naresh Parab, Deputy General ManagerMarketing, Godrej AV Solutions, who had deep involvement with the project.

“We had to be at our inventive best not only to leverage technology but also develop and customize the solution that met the client’s specs.”

The Plan & Action

Acting on the specifications the systems integrator devised a solution that initially comprised creation of: • Three 250 seater interactive classrooms • Five Personal Telepresence suites • One 18-seater Telepresence room • Two six-seater Telepresence room • One two-seater Telepresence room • One backend infrastructure for Telepresence • Desktop video system The three 250-seater Interactive Classrooms were to be set-up on the three BITS campuses in India- Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad. However, according to Naresh, the three different seat-capacity Telepresence rooms were re-spec’d to be uniformly 18-seaters.

For weaving in the video-conferenicing and Teleresence suites, the SI relied on leveraging Cisco solutions. “It’s for the simple reason that Cisco is not only the global leader in VC solutions, but

Interactive Classroom: The next-level comes alive

The Interactive Classrooms showcase a pleasant blend of infrastructure and ingenuity in that the design and deco of the space present a comfortable ambience while the technology weaving is something very “involving,” to take the SI’s feel. The horizontally rectangular halls, with central gangway separating a total of eight seating rows on either side and treated with themed lighting and matching acoustic paneling, feature in the centre of the wall on the stage facing the seating area a 123-inch custommade, motorized Matt white screen that is flanked by two 65-inch Samsung P64FP Full HD Plasma panels. The screen is meant for presentations while the Plasmas display images or content from the other locations.

The two Plasmas are topped by one each HD precision cameras from Cisco that are part of the video-conferencing system, and meant for capturing the audience and focus on the particular speaker. Two JBL Control 28 constant beam speakers flank the stage wall on either side of the screen for the focused audio throw.

70

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS SSystems Integration Asia February - March 2014

An AV lectern interactive podium on the stage is equipped with a 17-inch Accusse tablet monitor, in addition to retractable facility for laptop placement.

Provision is also made for VGA/HDMI connectivity as well as gooseneck microphone and wireless touchpanel.

The speaker /professor can annotate over the presentations and, through a simple user-friendly touch interface fitted to the podium, can control all the equipment in the class room. A UF 130 ST Samsung Desktop Visualizer provided thereof can also chip in to project objects and document images to both near and far sites.

A DZ570, single lamp, 4000-lumen Full HD projector, ceiling-mounted in front of the stage does the content projection while one custom-made WM 200 wireless module is tasked with wireless data projection. The side walls feature one each JBL Control 28 constant beam speakers while the back wall features a pair of 50-inch Panasonic TH50PF20 Full HD Plasma panels flanking one HD precision cameras from Cisco.

The audio configuration essentially features a beyerdynamic solution that is characterized by 75 units of condenser Classis GM 305 gooseneck microphones with priority selection for voice activation. Meant to be shared in one-mic-for-three delegates/students ratio, these mics are augmented by an even number of MCS 263 under desk mounting microphone interface assemblies. While one MCS 223 is tasked for Chairman-cum-control unit for trainer, a pair of Opus 650 Set wireless lapel mics is entrusted with aiding in the training room functions.

While a huge number of CA Series connecting patch cords of varying sizes

from the German audio major are tasked with handling the bulk of the audio capturing jobs, a very unique aspect of the audio solution in the Interactive Classrooms is the incorporation of 78 units of CA1241 Piezo electric switch for a very specific “look-at-me” function.

According to the SI, the beauty of the Piezo and look-at-me functionality is that any student asking a question doesn’t have to do any special operation, as the camera will automatically sense the audio source and focus on to him/her.

“The Desktop VC system is a real marvel,” opines Prof. Rahul Banerjee, the Process/Project Owner at BITS Pilani, and one who had been one of the central team members for the initiative.

“The SI had to be complimented on that.”

Providing additional interactivity is the PC-based video-conferencing system that enables anyone on the campus academic workstations to join the video sessions from their computer. “While the ‘look-at-me feature is a unique feature, the PC-based VC system makes it truly interactive and an enriching experience,” explains Naresh.

The tasks of analog and digital switching and interfacing between audio and video have been done in through a comprehensive mesh of multiple dozens of Kramer units while a pair of Crown XLS 1000 and one 8-channel BSS BLU101 DSP take the bulk job of powering the audio.

The control automation solution essentially features a 5.7-inch TPS-6X Crestron wired and wireless touch panel, besides a pair of IR Probes (IRP2), and button panel controllers CNPL-48L; a CEN-HPRFGW RF Gateway for wireless communication and one CresNet Distribution Block.

Lighting the classroom ambience is handled by varying model-makes from Dynalite.

According to Naresh, the solution weaved in created a unique setting that enabled truly interactive communications across the three campuses. “Any programme on any campus can be shared live with those on the other campuses, and exchange information to make it better and enriching,” he explains. “These programmes can also be recorded and archived for reviews or reference as and when required.”

Telepresence: Truly Immersive

While the interactive classrooms make it all the more unique solution on the BITS campuses, an equally immersive experience is weaved through the Cisco-powered telepresence systems, delivering high quality video, voice and data for a real life like experience.

The system enables eye-to-eye contact amongst the participants across the three locations. The way the three large HD display screens; integrated camera; lights; microphones and speakers are weaved into one integrated functionality,

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

71

and works good, we feel we could have done better,” he says, adding, “we had our opportunities in both telepresence and Interactive Classrooms.”

That the BITS is already drawing an ambitious expansion plan, it can only get better. www.godrejavsolutions.com http://bitsconnect20.bitsaa.org/ www.bits-pilani.ac.in

the whole system makes the participants feel they are all in the same room.

An additional display has also been provided to help viewing rich media content shared from the remote location.

Godrej AV Solutions, apart from integrating the system, also had to build the immersive room ambience with lighting, false ceiling, and acoustic treatment. “It’s been an enriching experience for us as well,” reveals Naresh.

The fruition of this ambitious project reflects today in: • Remote Teaching - A specialized elective could now be offered to students in all four campuses by the Professor(s) residing on Pilani campus • Remote Meetings - Faculty and administrative staff stand to increase productivity by interacting via VC and telepresense • Web Conferencing - Any Faculty could conduct a web conference (audio + video + content sharing) with anyone in the world.

• Communication - An alumnus or an expert can simultaneously and remotely interact with all four campuses • Online publication of course content - All courses can be recorded and streamed over web for the benefit of distance learning students

Challenges

Amazing while the install has been, it apparently hasn’t come alive without challenges. While a short time-frame of few weeks was a major challenge, what compounded it was the physical structure of BITS main campus in Pilani. Being a very old structure, the facility required a complete overhaul like interiors, furniture, lighting and acoustics, and that took a good part of the SI’s attention. While coordinating among the four facilities (including Mumbai) had been an equally big challenge, reassuring support from the BITS teams on every occasion had a great role to play, admits Naresh.

“Overall, it’s been a very enriching and immersive experience for us at Godrej AV Solutions as well,” sums up the SI team lead.

“The SI did a good job,” compliments Prof. Banerjee. “While the install looks

PROJECT FACT FILE Project Name: BITS CONNECT 2.0 Project Type: Education (Academic/ Infrastructure: Interactive Classrooms, video-conferencing; telepresence) Project Location: Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad, Mumbai Project Owner(s): BITS (Prof. Rahul Banerjee-Pilani; Prof. Toby JosephGoa; Prof. Chittaranjan HotaHyderabad; & Vinay Morje-Mumbai, Aditya Birla Group) AV Project Commencement: 7 Feb 2012 AV Project Commissioned: 5 Jan 2013 AV Project Cost: INR 4.11 crore (over 665,000 USD) …………………….

TECH TEAM Architects & Interior Designers: Apple Tree Infrastructure Pvt Ltd (Classrooms); Godrej (TP room) AV Design Consultant(s): Godrej Lighting consultants: Apple Tree(Classrooms); Godrej(TP room) System Integrators: Godrej Install contractors: Apple Tree(Room Remediation) ; Bangs & Bangs Associates (acoustic treatment)

72

FEATURE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Embracing the Opportunities of BYOD in Enterprise AV Design

By Bill Nattress & Sean Brown

colleagues. You can bridge those expectations with enterprise-class technologies already on the market.

Read on to learn about how to achieve this, including solutions that may already be at your fingertips.

Tethered Solutions

You may think you’ve got your AV plan nailed down for your boardrooms, meeting rooms and training rooms, but think again. By now you’ve heard of BYOD (bring your own device). The idea is that giving employees access to work at their fingertips will make them more productive. If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to rethink your strategies to accommodate the anytime, anywhere access the new consumer-based, technology-enhanced work environment demands.

The pendulum is shifting away from professional audiovisual systems which have traditionally driven the market.

Consumer devices are now influencing what we’re doing in presentation and meeting spaces. While using personal devices in the office isn’t a new phenomenon, they’ve never been as functional, collaborative, personal and universal as they are right now. That – coupled with the fact that workers are more tech-savvy than ever – means new challenges and opportunities for AV and IT leaders.

As you revamp your strategy there are a couple of things to keep in mind to ensure your BYOD plan works seamlessly with the enterprise technology already in use. Before we get into that, let’s take a step back and look at the big picture of what is driving these changes.

One. Despite Yahoo’s crackdown on working from home, we’re still trending toward a more distributed workforce.

Employees aren’t rooted to the main office anymore. They’re working from home offices, telecommuting or at coffee shops around the corner. Bottom line: They’re no longer tied to a specific desk at a specific address.

Two. Social media impacts everything in our lives, including interacting with business colleagues online.

Three. Information is mobile. Tablets and smartphones are ubiquitous and paper files are a thing of the past. Information is stored in the cloud, and workers access it as needed from wherever they are.

Four. Mobile devices mean meetings can happen anywhere, on the go, and they quite often do. As a result office spaces are increasingly designed with no formal meeting rooms.

Five. Consumer expectations have changed with home technology advancements. Workers are now saying, “I can do this at home – why not at work?”

The challenge is how to seamlessly share the content that lives on personal laptops, tablets and cell phones with

With a traditional tethered solution you’ll need to connect a laptop to a projection or a flat-panel display with a wire, for example VGA cabling or DisplayPort cabling to an HDMI or DVI adapter. However, depending on the manufacturer, the tablet being used will define what can be displayed through that tethered port. It would still be wired, and what’s the point of having a mobile tablet if you can’t take it around the room and use it anywhere?

Three or four years ago, a class of wireless device called the wireless HDMI interface came on the market. This device breaks that wired connection between the two points. You still have to tether the device to a transmitter, and via Wi-Fi or another radio-frequency technology, it transmits the signal to the receiving device that’s connected to the display. This way, you’re still wired and tethered, but you’re able to get a full motion video link up onto the screen.

This is very important to remember, because it’s the only way today’s wireless technology is able to get full motion video out of the systems you have in place.

Push and Scrape

Next up is what we refer to as the “push and scrape” type technologies where you have a device mounted in the room, connected to the display and through a software client application, the computer pushes content (a screen scrape) onto the device and displays it on the screen. Some refer to this as VNC-type technology, which is doing a live feed from the screen. The WOW VEOS solution is an example of this technology.

It allows us to put four images from four different computers up on the screen,

FEATURE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014 and the interaction and collaboration is about what the images are showing as well as the communications occurring between the individuals.

Another option — the Barco ClickShare product — takes a similar approach to WOW VEOS but uses Wi-Fi to a Linux box containing task-specific software. The ClickShare product is the presentation connection along with the user control interface. You can put up to four displays of images in the room. You don’t have to have a Barco projector to use a Barco ClickShare. It works with any system.

You might want to consider the software solutions, Tidebreak, which is installed on a PC or Macintosh host connected to a display. The laptops need a client on them that allows them to interact and interface with that display. People can share content, and you can expand the room capabilities with multiple displays and devices in the room so everyone can communicate. This software is used a lot in ad hoc collaborative environments where you just have a display in an area with some sort of seating around it.

Another wireless solution is Solstice software from Mersive. Solstice takes a different approach, actually transporting pixels rather than screen scraping. A pure software solution that runs on a Windows host machine connected to any type of display, supporting an unlimited number of users and unlimited content posts from any type of laptop or mobile device. Solstice comes with a separate dashboard program, which allows IT administrators to centrally manage all displays across the enterprise, and it can also integrate with AV room controllers.

It has two user modes, one designed for team meetings and student work groups which gives everyone equal access to move and manage all the content on the display regardless of who’s laptop or mobile device published it, and the other is designed for larger meetings or classrooms where one or more presenters get to control both their own content and approve or decline content posts from others in the room.

Next is the Apple AirPlay. If you want content from your iPhone or iPad to put on your TV, there’s a cost-effective box that will push the content. It’s a consumer-based product and is not a robust network solution within the enterprise space. If you were to walk into your IT department and say, ‘I want to put this Apple TV device on the corporate network’ you’d be shot down quickly. It doesn’t have the management protocol necessary to communicate with enterprise network management tools, and it’s a wireless access point, meaning it is a security threat to the network.

Since this product is in demand for the enterprise space, it’s probably being updated but there’s no indication when a more robust version will be available.

A number of projector manufacturers have placed Wi-Fi presentation solutions into their product lines. These devices leverage the enterprise wireless solution so they do not have the security concerns related to Apple TV. While they are challenged in presenting full motion video they are very acceptable for presentation solutions. The manufacturers of these solutions have begun marketing the products as standalone devices that allow greater features and capabilities. This is the foundation of the new Crestron AirMedia device that was shown at InfoComm last year.

Solutions are coming to market that also blend all of the technology types listed here. Arrive Systems has a transformational technology architecture called EdgelessMedia® that is based on the reality that in the cloud-connected world, devices perform extended

73

functions which are not limited to the geometry of the box, nor within the physically defined schematic connectivity of the box. Devices can present wirelessly through the Arrive appliance while cloud based content and control can be used within the environment as well. The Arrive EdgelessMedia® solutions reside in a number of their room product solutions defined by the appliance that is selected.

Finally, bringing Sonic Foundry’s Mediasite Enterprise Video Platform into your boardroom or training room allows users to upload their video presentations, regardless of the file format, into the system to be stored, managed and delivered. Sonic Foundry works with many integrators and consultants to make the delivery process of rich media from workers’ desktops and mobile devices simple and smooth.

The Mediasite webcasting and video content management system is designed to ensure ubiquity of playback, and it is ahead of consumers in terms of the devices they’re carrying to make sure any video can be uploaded and shared.

It’s the most advanced, enterprise-wide approach to creating, managing and distributing content.

We recently presented a webinar with Sonic Foundry about this very topic. This was a brief synopsis of what we talked about. But to learn more, register to watch it for free ondemand by scanning this QR code:

Bill Nattress, CTS-D, CTS-I of Shen Milsom & Wilke has over 25 years of project management experience in the design, engineering, installation and integration of audio, video, conferencing and control systems.

Sean Brown is Senior Vice President of Sonic Foundry, the maker of the webcasting and video content management platform Mediasite. He has 23 years of product management and education business development experience at IBM, Apple and Oracle and is the past president and board member of the Hopkins Foundation for Innovation in Education. ENMU and Clemson University use Mediasite for their lecture capture initiatives.

74

INSTALLATIONS SSystems Integration Asia February - March 2014

BRUNEI

2013 ASEAN Summit Powered by Bosch Bosch provides professional conference environment with integrated interpretation systems and interruption-free sound

The ASEAN Summit is an annual meeting held by the members of the association of Southeast Asian Nations in relation to economic, and cultural development of the countries in the region. The event required conference systems for all the meetings held in the Brunei International Convention Center (ICC).

To ensure that the foreign ministers and heads of states from ASEAN had the most professional conference environment, The ASEAN Summit committee requested for the best available technology from Bosch to meet their needs.

The solution proposed had to address a few key requirements. An interruptionfree conference system; excellent sound quality in the hall which had high ceilings and a unique layout; and high quality videos to be projected on large LCD screens so all attendees could have a clear view of the speakers.

The Bosch DCN Next Generation multimedia units and well placed speakers throughout the conference hall meant space was maximized and delegates could leave their mobile phones switched on throughout the conference without causing any disturbance to the sound system. Bosch HD automatic camera control was installed to enable streaming of high quality videos of delegates. In addition, integrated interpretation systems meant instant translation of speeches was possible too.

the management no longer had to rely on rental companies in Brunei to provide conference systems.

With the installation of Bosch products

by JM Technology Sdn Bhd in the ICC,

www.boschsecurity.asia

With its all-rounded design, Bosch products are easy to use and scalable.

The strong after-sales support ensured that the Bosch conference systems were properly installed and could function perfectly during the summit. The ASEAN Summit committee added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very impressed with the overall performance of the products installed, especially the quality of sound producedâ&#x20AC;?.

76

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

SINGAPORE

ITE Headquarters and ITE College Central Herald a New Era in Technical Education EAS implements AV technology to complement Futuristic design of Campus 8 November 2013 saw the official opening of ITE Headquarters & ITE College Central with Guest-of-Honour, Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Lee Hsien Loong, gracing the event.

For the first time, members of the media saw the learning facilities and activities in the interior of the Boeing 737 at the Aerospace Hub, the modern authentic Soundstage for film making, and the innovative Centre of Technology in 3D Applied Technologies. These one-of-itskind authentic learning facilities highlight the innovations that are taking place behind the physical transformation of place, and set the stage for a new era of technical education in Singapore.

The new ITE College Central provides rich opportunities for its 10,400 students

to engage in multi-disciplinary, crosslevel training, and holistic development.

These facilities provide learning opportunities for the launching of students into meaningful careers, and chart new paths for lives to take flight.

Hence, the theme of celebration: ITE – Where Lives Take Flight.

The development of the College is part of the Colleges of the Future Master Plan under the ‘One ITE System, Three Colleges’ Governance and Education Model. Introduced in 2005, the aim of the Model was to encourage innovations in career and technical education and to provide greater synergy through ‘One ITE System’ for the three Colleges. The ITE Academy, which is physically located at ITE Headquarters for example, functions as a one-stop centre for

organisational and pedagogic learning, as well as professional sharing, among staff, partners and stakeholders.

Positioned as A College for Creativity and Innovation, ITE College Central will support ITE’s commitment to provide the best in technical education in order to nurture creative and innovative learners for the workforce.

Designed by RSP Architects & Planners and constructed by Kajima Corporation, the building structure was completed in early 2013. Electro-Acoustics Systems Pte Ltd (EAS) was brought into the project to work on most of the AV systems integration solution, which they managed to complete on schedule and more importantly to the satisfaction of the end-users.

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

The Auditorium

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made his National Day Rally 2013 speech in August, at the ITE College Central auditorium, which made it a moment of pride for stakeholders, staff and students of the college. Behind the scenes, EAS was also immensely proud of their involvement in the integration of the AV systems within the auditorium.

Audio:

The 1200 capacity tiered-seating auditorium with balcony features 3 clusters, comprising 24 units of Renkus-Heinz STXLA/9 line array systems configured in Left-CentreRight positioning, as the main sound system. This high-powered vertical array features fully integrated electroacoustic systems with all elements optimised to deliver superior fidelity and coverage.

Complementing the main system are 4 units each of Renkus-Heinz TRX121/9 and TRX151/9 acting as side and front fills and 8 units of Renkus-Heinz DRS181B Direct Radiating 18â&#x20AC;? Subwoofers.

Coverage for the backend of the

auditorium and the balcony is provided by a mix of Two-Way R-H Point Source speakers comprising of the CFX81, CFX61 and CFX121 loudspeakers. A further 54 units of SoundTube CM82-EZWH ceiling speakers ensure coverage at back-of-house and foyer areas.

Driving the sound systems are a range of QSC Amplifiers that include the IST300Ti, RMX1850HD, RMX850, RMX4050HD. PL380, PL325 and PL340 amplifiers.

FOH duties is handled by a Midas PRO2 console with the smaller footprint Midas PRO2C installed in the control room as back-up. A mix of Sennheiser microphones that include stand, wireless and lapels ensure sound reinforcement is clear and sharp. Audio processing and distribution duties are performed by a unit of Biamp Systems AudiaFlex processor. Controlling the processing power is a Crestron AV2 economical Dual Bus control system that is complemented with a Crestron TPS-6X

77

5.7â&#x20AC;? wireless Touch Screen for easy and intuitive control.

Visual:

3 units of Christie's HD20K-J Xenon 3-chip DLP projectors that offer HD Resolution (1920 x 1080) at 20,000 lumens provide rear projection onto an Aeroview 70 Stewart Filmscreen fixed frame screen which measures 21m x 5m. Ensuring that images projected are blended seamlessly is a Christie Spyder video processor. An additional Stewart Filmscreen Aeroview 100 screen measuring 10m x 5.6m which sits in front of the bigger screen is also available for use together with an additional Christie's HD20K-J projector should there be a need.

Working behind the scene to ensure seamless transitions is an Analog Way SMX100 Native Matrix Mode switcher, complemented with a RK300 user-friendly remote control keypad.

Transmission, receiving and conversion duties are handled by solutions from Kramer.

78

INSTALLATIONS SSystems Integration Asia February - March 2014

6 units of Mitsubishi LDT451V2 LCD monitors as well as 9 units of Mitsubishi LDT323V LCD monitors are also available for messages and telecasting events. Sony cameras are on hand to record events within the auditorium and with the help of a unit of Crestron CaptureHD which is a simple, one-box component, events can be scheduled, recorded and streamed online with ease.

Stage Lighting

A mix of ETC Source 4 lighting fixtures numbering 195 units form the bulk of the lighting system. The energy saving power of the patented HPL lamp, with a dichroic reflector and optical-quality lenses provide for the coolest beam on the market, which means patterns and shutters last longer and the performance space overall stays cooler. 10 units of Selecon Hui Cyc wash lights has also been installed to provide seamless blending of one beam to the next in a visually even, controlled wash with no distracting or unwanted spill light. 4 units of Robe 600E Spot provide effect lighting features. Control duties are handled by a GrandMA2 unit.

Stage Rigging

The 15m stage depth features a massive 25 sets of one ton fly bars that help ensure that stage crew are

able to quickly, quietly and safely fly components. The 25 fly bars also had to meet strict safety and fire regulations before they were commissioned. The 25 fly bars consist of scenery bar, bars for curtain and screen, curtain dress, the specialised motorised screen and stage lighting.

There was high demand and expectations in relation to the ITE College Central Auditorium, as one of its key roles is to also double up as a Performance Arts Centre for the public. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Therefore it was important that the systems that we had installed are able to cater vigorously to different requirements and I believe we have achieved that objective.,â&#x20AC;? says Daniel Wong, General Manager, EAS.

More than just the Auditorium

Though the Auditorium can be considered the crown jewel of EAS work at ITE Central, there were many other areas EAS was involved in.

The Large Function Hall at level 4 features 4 units of Renkus-Heinz ICL-F slim enclosure live array speakers.

These are complemented by 4 units of R-H CFX121M Two-Way loudspeakers, 2 units of R-H DRS18-1B Subwoofers

and 6 units of R-H TRX121T as side fills.

QSC amplifiers are installed to drive the speakers. A unit of Midas DL251 and PRO2C provide console duties. On the visual front a Christie DS+10K-M projector is used for playback onto a Remaco XXL-5555C screen.

Complementing the visual information are a range of Mitsubishi LCD panels.

Lighting in the large function hall feature 16 ALA Par64s as well as 2 units of Robe Robin 600E Spot and 12 units of ETC Source Four15-20 units.

The Main Lecture Theatre features amongst other solutions, RenkusHeinz speakers, QSC amplifiers, Midas consoles, Sennheiser microphones all processed via a Biamp AudioFlex. On the visual aspect, a Christie projector, Remaco screen and back-end Kramer converters together with a WolfVision VZ-8+3 Visualizer play a key role. Video recording and streaming facilities are also enabled within the lecture theatre.

ETC, ALA, Selecon and Robe lighting fixtures are also featured in the lecture theatre.

The Black Box, which is an unadorned performance space features mainly Bosch speakers with a Digico SD11 console and Shure microphones. A DHD800 Christie projector and Remaco

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

screen as well as 4 units of Mitsubishi LCD panels make up the visual aspect in the Black Box with stage lighting limited to a unit of ETC ESR 36+, 2 units of Jands DD8 and a GrandMA2 light console.

The Sports Hall continues to follow the trend of the rest of the AV set up with Renkus-Heinz speakers being the main system, with a Yamaha MG166C analog mixer being the choice of console. Once again a range of Sennheiser microphones play a part in the sound reinforcement aspect and for processing the Biamp Audia Solo has been integrated.

The Sports Field features Renkus-Heinz IC2, the world's first crossover array, which is a digitally steerable line array that combines the power and focus of point source loudspeaker technology with the control and flexibility of a digitally steered array. 2 sets of 3x2 configuration of IC2 complemented

with 10 units of R-H CFX121 weathered version speakers powered by QSC amps ensure long throw and wide angle coverage of the Sports Field.

“As in all open Sports stadiums, we need to deal with the ambient noise.

However, in this case we also had to deal with the additional busy expressway that runs parallel to the sports field.

We are very pleased to say that when the audio system is fully engaged, the clarity and intelligibility of the system can be heard coherently even beyond the expressway,” says Daniel Wong, General Manager, EAS. He adds, “We are also thrilled that this is the first installation of the IC2 in Asia and it has performed remarkably.”

Being also the ITE Headquarters, the building features a Board Room at level 7. 18 units of Clockaudio CRM102 low profile retractable table boundary microphones with cardiod polar

79

pattern help capture the speech with 2 units of Tannoy Di8DC loudspeakers complemented by Soundtube ceiling speakers and driven by a unit of QSC GX3 amp providing the sound reinforcement.

A Mitsubishi UD8400 projector and a Stewart Filmscreen AeroGlass 100 screen provide the visual support.

Complementing the systems are a WolfVision VX-8light3 unit and a Crestron HD unit that enables recording and streaming. Behind the scene, providing substantial signal routing flexibility and high-performance signal processing is a Crestron DMPS-300-C presentation system that integrates the control systems, multimedia matrix switchers, mic mixer, audio DSP, amplifier and DigitalMedia distribution centre.

Video conferencing capabilities within the Board Room is handled by 3 units of Radvision Scopia XT1000 systems.

The ITE Headquarters and College Central not only features a modern look but is also enabled with the latest in audio visual technology that stakeholders, staff and students can be proud of. www.easpl.com.sg

The Sports Field features the first installation of the Renkus-Heinz IC2 in Asia

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

81

SOUTH KOREA

Clarity in Praise and Worship at Hwakwang Church EV speakers increase vocal clarity from reduction in sound reflection in church hall

With over 16,000 followers, Hwakwang church is located at Sangha-dong, Kiheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do and has three other branches at Suwon, Boondang and Pyeongtaek. The main church opened in 2004, and almost 10 years down, they were looking for a revamp. Amidst their options for the renovation, they sought good speakers for praise and worship, not just for sermons but also for live church band worship.

The church hall’s fan-shaped design was not an easy one to work with. It had a narrow stage depth which made for a concentration of sound in the front section of the hall. Furthermore, there was a very wide reflection surface area at the second balcony, which meant

that the semi-professional band playing praise and worship songs would have sounds reflected back to them.

time. In this way, the voice tone is more consistent from the front to the back of the hall.

With this problem in mind, the pastor and the church sound engineer approached Bosch, trusting ElectroVoice’s (EV) solution after years of usage.

Bosch’s solution involved a precise array aiming, avoiding the reflective area by installing subwoofers at the middle of the main cluster. It involved EV XLE181 and XS212 main systems, along with Xsub and FRI2082-WHT subwoofers and P1200RL power amplifiers, among others. In addition, various EV products were installed to ensure the front-fill speakers had similar voice tone, while EV Dx46 was specifically adopted to control the sound pressure level and delay

The end result was spectacular – the increased vocal clarity was noticeable due to the reduction in reflection. It also helped that the subwoofers provided strong low-frequency sound, providing a powerful backdrop. The end-users noted the consistency in voice tone and level throughout, which helped for both sermons and worship songs. The whole setup was also very well supported by KEVIC, the installer, who supported the project through until the sound quality was stabilized. www.boschsecurity.co.kr www.kevic.com

82

INSTALLATIONS SSystems Integration Asia February - March 2014

TAIWAN

CKS Memorial Hall Museum Heads Toward the Modern Digital Era CAYIN’s digital signage players offer flexibility at low cost variety of marketing solutions for CKS Memorial Hall Museum.

The three key benefits of SMP-200 (Zone Type Digital Signage Player) is that it is Eco-friendly as the maximum power consumption is less than 6W; Content is easy to update - it allows you to play multimedia content via a USB flash drive or an SD card, which means that you can update content even when there is no network connection and it is lightweight and easy to install - SMP-200 is extremely small, weighing only 655 g.

All you have to do is attach the player to the back of a screen, plug in the power cord, and the player will turn on, which completes the installation.

The National Chiang Kai-shek (CKS) Memorial Hall is located in central Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan. The memorial hall is painted white with four walls. The octagonal roof rises 76 meters above the ground and is covered with blue glazed tiles. The monument, which is surrounded by a park, is a famous landmark and tourist attraction. The ground level of the memorial hall houses a museum with exhibits related to Taiwan’s history and development. There is also a gift shop there. Not only is it a channel to promote Taiwan’s cultural handicrafts, but also a place to showcase Taiwan’s historical relics to visitors.

Moreover, the gift shop attracts more than six million tourists around the world every year.

The gift shop was redesigned by integrating digital signage placement into the shop and its furnishings, thus enabling the gift shop to move into the digital era with advanced technology.

This allowed for taking advantage of interactive and dynamic content creation and achieving better promotion.

The CKS Memorial Hall Museum gift shop adopted CAYIN’s digital signage

player SMP-200 with a 55-inch highbrightness display, which was deployed in cooperation with Vcheng Technology.

Placing the display at the store front enabled the shop to replace the function of the traditional shop sign and poster.

The dynamic multimedia content provides not only an eye-catching experience for customers, but also a

The CKS Memorial Hall Museum gift shop is pleased with the outcome as it has been a breeze to transcend from traditional posters to digital posters thereby offering the gift shop the opportunity to instantly put out its marketing messages to capture the visitors' interest. www.cayintech.com

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

83

MALAYSIA

Meyer Sound M’elodie Heightens Speech and Music at Malaysian Church

Subang Jaya Assembly of God is a fastgrowing Malaysian contemporary church near Kuala Lumpur. To enhance the audio quality of its celebration-style worship services, the church installed a Meyer Sound M’elodie® line array loudspeaker system in its 750-seat sanctuary. The new system was provided and installed

by Danny Kinchang of First Live Sound, based in Petaling Jaya.

“We have certainly experienced an improvement in sound, and consequently, an improvement in the playing of the worship music team,” says Pastor Donny Tan, who takes an active role in the church’s music program.

“The M’elodie system has brought strong positive motivation to the team, and resulted in a more professional presentation.”

Twin flown arrays of five-each M’elodie loudspeakers cover the auditorium, along with four UPJunior™ VariO™ loudspeakers for out fill and center down fill. Four 600-HP subwoofers in an end-fire directional array supply low end, while a Galileo® loudspeaker management system with one Galileo 616 processor provides system drive and optimization.

“The new system also has improved speech clarity,” points out Pastor Tan. “It sounds great. There is very little need to tweak the equalization, as everything is clear and distinct.”

The front-end complement for the new system includes a Yamaha LS9-32 digital mixing console and an assortment of premium microphones from Sennheiser, DPA, Audio-Technica, and Shure.

Kinchang and First Live Sound also

designed and supervised the acoustical treatment for the room.

Subang Jaya Assembly of God’s vibrant LifePoint ministry provides Sunday worship services in English and Chinese, as well as a full spectrum of programs and activities for children, youth, young adults, and seniors throughout the week. www.meyersound.com www.hivolt.com.my

84

INSTALLATIONS SSystems Integration Asia February - March 2014

NEW ZEALAND

Comfort Inn enhances customer experience by investing in digital media Tripleplay solutions chosen to create wow factor for guests Part of the Choice Hotel’s family, Comfort Inn Southern Cross Hamilton in New Zealand is an independently owned, low-cost, forward thinking and innovative hotel. With hotel competition increasing across New Zealand, Comfort Inn knew it had to strengthen its position within the local market instantly but with a firm plan for the future too.

With a keen eye on the development and changing face of the customer experience, Comfort Inn looked to the digital media world to provide a pathway for the future and chose Tripleplay as its solution of choice.

“We had to consider our customer experience and were inspired to look deeper following a seminar held by Choice Hotels Group,” commented Ray Mudford, Managing Director at Comfort Inn. “There was a need to ensure we were providing the best possible guest experience but without limiting ourselves. We could not afford to have a ‘closed box’ solution, it had to have an evolution in mind; the solution needed to be fluid and forward thinking.”

Having approached Digital Signage Solutions Ltd in New Zealand, Tripleplay’s TripleSign digital signage,

TripleTV IPTV, TripleVOD video on demand and TripleChoice user portal were chosen to create a solution with a wow factor for guests.

Ray continued; “We not only wanted to use our new facility to impress new customers, we also wanted to show our existing returning guests that we were investing in the rooms to improve their experience too. The Tripleplay solution was cost effective, highly impressive and simple to use. It opened up a world of opportunity.”

In all, Tripleplay IPTV and Video on Demand solutions were provided to

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014 all 33 guest and staff rooms within the hotel, whilst digital signage and IPTV was supplied to on site bars, restaurants, foyers and reception areas.

Ensuring value from the investment

Not only did the solution provide a great in-room entertainment experience but it would also save money for the hotel moving forward.

Ray added; “The cost of our existing solution, based on a cost-per-room model, was inhibitive. We only provided two scheduled sport and one movie channel to our guests, with the Tripleplay solution we now provide 120 on-demand movies at any given time as well as full access to an array of live TV channels.

However, the capital cost of a Tripleplay solution is almost equal to the cost of two years subscription fees for what we were providing. So, while there are ongoing support and licensing costs, we can foresee that the solution will eventually pay for itself.”

Guests are also provided with ad-hoc live TV ‘red button’ recording; a home from home comfort and another key differentiator for guests staying for several nights or more.

Comfort Inn has also found a way to monetise its investment by creating partnerships with local restaurants and bars and selling advertising space on its digital signage solution. Whilst revenues are not huge, it has opened up a new channel by which to bring money into the hotel.

Empowering the Guest

Ray wanted a flexible solution that would empower the guests to have control of their in-room entertainment experience; with the ability to charge for premium services should a customer require them; “How can I provide a solution that gives each customer exactly what he or she wants? We needed a solution that would unleash all of the possibilities available.

Utilising the Tripleplay solution we can.

We know we cannot provide all of the same toys that people have at home, but we can certainly facilitate their use,

and give each guests a set of option that makes their visit unique to them.”

A journey of faith

Whilst Tripleplay’s solutions are tried and tested, there are very few hotels in New Zealand currently investing in technology of this nature. Tripleplay have developed solutions for use on SmartTVs and for BYOD use; Comfort Inn were happy to invest in the burgeoning technology, initially trialling SmartTV integration in several of its premiere suites.

Ray Mudford is happy to lead the way; “New Zealand is an entrepreneurial country, and owing to its size once things start moving they move fast. With Digital Signage Solutions and Tripleplay we are happy to walk at the bleeding edge of technology with our eyes wide open.

It means that we are in greater control of our own future and have developed a great two way relationship with our partners.”

85

“I always saw this as a journey of faith, and expect that there are risks in some of what we are doing. But Tripleplay and Digital Signage Solutions have managed our expectations along the way keeping us fully aware of everything that is going on in the background; we are always kept in the picture.”

In the future

Comfort Inn are happy that their solution will grow at the same pace as they do, enabling large scale signage to be implemented outside the hotel in the future, whilst also being able to cope with TV screen developments and their bi-annual screen refresh programme.

Ray concluded; “We have been impressed with the Tripleplay solution and are delighted to be leading the way in New Zealand. I don’t believe we could have chosen a better partner to provide our in-room entertainment solution.” www.tripleplay-services.com

86

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Panasonic Reinvents Classroom Pedagogy with its Interactive Solutions Solutions engage pre-school and tertiary students to learn in a fun way together. Teachers can create their own puzzles by uploading pictures taken during learning journeys.

KinderAquarium is an interactive game that mimics the feeding of animated fishes (koi) and water ripples when touched. The programme focuses on developing motor skills. *KinderMusic: Consisting of KinderPiano and KinderDrum, the programme lets children try different beat and rhythm on electronic musical instruments.

KinderMusic instills creativity, letting children record their own songs.

The Little Skool-House International On-the-Green Final year students from the School of Engineering, Temasek Polytechnic worked with Panasonic engineers to develop the “PLAY” solution. Working and testing the KinderMusic module from “PLAY” are (L-R) Umar Mujahid Bin Mohd Ismail, 20 years old and Lim Zhong Ming, 19 years old who are both Year Three Semester Two students who are taking a Diploma in Computer Engineering and 27 years old Mervyn Lim Soo Wei who had graduated in 2011 with a Diploma in InfoComms.

Affecting change in classroom pedagogy requires fine-tuning education solutions to match real needs. Thus Panasonic Systems Asia Pacific (Panasonic) developed the “PLAY” solution that involved its engineers and final year students from the School of Engineering, Temasek Polytechnic. “PLAY” (Panasonic Learning & Activity Solution)1 aims to hone social development and cognitive learning skills in pre-school students from Nursery to Kindergarten 2 level (age 3 to 6 years old). This objective is met with hardware and software solutions. On the hardware end the solution functions optimally with a Panaboard2 and a projector.

On the software end is the PLAY solution which consists of five core modules: *KinderAttendance: A fun and easyto-use attendance taking system which allows children to practise and recognise writing and identifying their names.

The programme’s storage function allows teachers to monitor students’ progress. *KinderDraw: Using the robust multi-touch function, children can practise both writing and drawing.

KinderDraw aims to hone creativity as well as cognitive and recognition skills.

The artwork can then be saved and printed wirelessly to monitor students’ development. *KinderHandwriting: A spelling and writing programme that trains children linguistically by identifying the object on screen and spelling it out. Depending on learning outcomes, teachers have the flexibility to upload their own pictures and voice files. *KinderGames: KinderGames comprises of KinderPuzzle and KinderAquarium.

As its name suggests, KinderPuzzle requires children to piece puzzle pieces

In May of 2013, Panasonic partnered with The Little Skool-House International On-the-Green to incorporate a pilot run on two out of five core modules in PLAY for its older children age 4 to 6 years old – KinderDraw and KinderGames.

This was supported on the hardware side by the Panasonic CW-330 short throw projector and the Panaboard UB_T880. The Panasonic whiteboard is

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014 respond to children’s different learning styles by using different mediums to broaden and deepen their learning in the future.”

Temasek Polytechnic’s School of Engineering

an interactive panel which enables up to 3 users to use the board simultaneously and offers all the collaborative options to keep ideas as well as information flowing. The Panaboard used in schools allow students to either use the touch panel or multifunctional electronic pen to create content. The built-in stereo speakers and 2 USB hub ports lower the need for messy cables.

Stella Pereira, Cluster Director, The Little Skool-House International, said, “The Little Skool-House International advocates experiential learning.

Technology is part of the young child’s life today, though it should not replace real hands-on experiences and learning.

In developmentally appropriate settings, resources such as KinderDraw and KinderGames enrich and complement The Little Skool-House’s curriculum by encouraging learning through purposeful play and enhancing self and social awareness through interaction and collaboration with peers. We are excited to explore how we can continue to

Targeting the tertiary education level, Panasonic also developed the “PSYCLONE” (Panasonic Systems Asia Pacific Collaborative Learning Optimisation for New age Education) solution. “PSYCLONE” is Panasonic’s wireless classroom solution, that connects the interactive plasmas, projectors and Panaboards in a space, and allows for easy storage and access to the school’s intranet i.e. Learning Management System.

In April 2013, the “PSYCLONE” solution was installed, as a pilot project, at the Learning Space, a remodeled classroom at the Temasek Polytechnic’s School of Engineering, where students from five engineering subjects were selected

87

to use the space. The solution aims to encourage student-centred learning and hone analytical as well as problem solving skills. Around 200 students (age 17 to 19 years old) were involved in the pilot project.

Lay-Tan Siok Lie, Deputy Principal and Director, School of Engineering, Temasek Polytechnic, commented, “Our Learning Space provides an inclusive and informal environment to motivate learners and promote thinking through carefullycrafted collaborative activities, allowing students to learn from one another more effectively.”

Wilfred Wee, Managing Director, Panasonic Systems Asia Pacific said, “The Company’s vision for education has always been to provide an environment that encourages unrestricted forms of learning through technological advances.

We aim to be a one-stop solutions provider aiding curriculum and increasing classroom synergy for more future schools locally and regionally.”

Currently, Panasonic is the number one projector provider for Singapore schools since 2008. With its integrated solutions capability,Panasonic strives to be a one-stop education solutions provider, helping educators engage and inspiring students to learn in a fun manner. www.panasonic.com.sg

Students take learning to the next level at the Learning Space, a pilot classroom for the PSYCLONE solution, in Temasek Polytechnic.

REGISTER TO RECEIVE THE MAGAZINE ON A COMPLIMENTARY BASIS. ALL DETAILS MUST BE FILLED IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE MAGAZINE How would you like to receive the magazine? We appreciate you playing your part in saving the environment by choosing our digital options. Please choose ONLY ONE option.

Mail Print copy to me.

Send me a link to your Digital edition for me to browse in my computer.

Send me a PDF to download onto my system.

I will read via my iPAD. Please send me the link for the free App. I will read via my Android Tablet. Please send me the link for the free App.

Signature (compulsory):

Date:

Name in Full: Company Name:

Title/Job Function:

Address (please include Postal Code):

Country: Email:

Website:

Telephone (please include country and area codes):

Please choose ONLY ONE category that best describes YOUR companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business: IF YOU ARE FROM THE INDUSTRY:

IF YOU ARE AN END-USER:

Consultant

Architectural Firm

Contractor / Installer

Auditorium Operator

Distributor/Dealer/Vendor

Bank/Financial Institute

Equipment manufacturer

Broadcast Facility

Rental & Staging / Production company

Cinema Facility

System Integrator

Educational Institute

Others (Please specify)_______________________________

Government Organisation Healthcare Facility Hospitality Venue (Hotel/Resorts/Country Clubs) Interior Design Company Military/Police Real Estate Developer

Send Completed Form Via: FAX : +65-63162715 or EMAIL : admin@spinworkz.com or MAIL : Spinworkz Pte Ltd, 51 Bukit-Batok Crescent #06-10 Unity Centre, Singapore 658077

Retail/Shopping Centre Religious Organisation Stadium (Indoor/Outdoor) Theme Park Transportation Facility (Land/Sea/Air)___________________ Others (Please specify)_______________________________

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

89

AUSTRALIA

Doltone House Hyde Park: A Classy Audio System For A Classy Venue Harman Solutions at the forefront of the audio integration

Situated on level 3 of the Tattersalls Club, Doltone House Hyde Park is a new meeting and events venue boasting 5 metre high ceilings with an abundance of natural light via floor to ceiling spectacular windows and uninterrupted views of Sydney’s Hyde Park.

The Hyde Park Ballroom is the main room which can be divided, via operable walls, into four smaller rooms, or any combination thereof, if required. The Manhattan and Avenue Rooms are smaller meeting spaces often used as pre-function rooms.

Fredon designed, supplied and installed all of the audio visual requirements for the venue working closely with inhouse AV company Microhire to design and develop a solution that would not only meet the needs of Doltone House’s banquet staff but also Microhire.

When designing the system, Fredon took into account the venues main markets; weddings at the weekend and corporate events during the week. The wedding function mode required a fairly simple system that the banquet staff could operate whereas the corporate set up is where the AV system really comes to life.

“There are a total of eight HD projectors and screens in the venue each of which is flanked by JBL PRX412M speaker cabinets to provide front of house,”

explained Nick Orsatti, General Manager at Fredon. “Added to that are forty-four JBL Control L47LP in ceiling speakers for background music typically used for weddings. There are also provisions for powered subwoofers if required with four of them on site. It can certainly kick along quite well!”

Microhire’s general manager Thomas Armati reports that the JBL PRX speakers have been very impressive.

“We’ve installed them in two of our venues and they’ve been great,” he said. “The JBL Control 47LP’s are, too be honest, probably too good! They perform very well.”

For radio microphones, Nick specified Shure ULX-D Quad systems with a complete antennae distribution system feeding the venue.

“I’m really stoked with the Shure ULXD’s,” Nick said. “They’re a really simple system to use and you get heaps of channels which is important when there’s not much spectrum available. They’re a really nice package and I expect to see a lot more hire companies start using them. We’re putting heaps of them in everywhere.”

As audio flexibility was paramount, Fredon installed an extensive Tieline network between stage positions and

operator positions; all Tielines are fed back into the main matrix.

“They come up into a two 296-way Bantam patch bays and then are fed into the system DSP which is a Soundweb London network,” added Nick. “There are a total of twenty-eight inputs and thirty-two outputs from the four devices; two BLU-160 DSP’s and two BLU-120 I/O Extenders. That provides all system inputs from radio microphones, all of those Tieline inputs, dedicated lectern inputs, all the video switching and so forth. It’s reasonably comprehensive yet flexible.”

The BSS Soundweb London’s supply Crown amplifiers with 4 channel Energy Star certified ComTech DriveCore 4150’s powering the ceiling system and Crown XTi 4002’s the front of house.

Forty-four Jands JLX Lite lighting bars were installed with each room having its own discreet set up, and they are all wired back from the traditional 240 volt circuits to Jands WM 72-way Wall Patches and Jands Wall Mount Dimmers.

“Again, it’s designed for maximum flexibility so they could run three shows concurrently via different DMX universes and so forth,” said Nick. www.jands.com.au

90

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Aiming to project numero uno image SIAsia: Tell us more about BenQ Middle East…..it’s journey through the years; through the periods of crises and high times.

Manish: The BenQ Group is a $20-plus billion powerhouse comprising more than 15 independently run companies, operating in over 30 countries across numerous industry verticals with a combined workforce of over 100,000 employees. Each Group member is a recognised leader in its own field, contributing to the Group’s vast resources, broad R&D, and distinct strategic strengths.

Being also a leading provider of networked digital lifestyle devices, BenQ is a multi-faceted enterprise with strengths in design and development of visual and mobile technology solutions. It offers unrivalled breadth and depth of products and integrated technologies across platforms including digital projectors, LCD monitors, LCD TVs, digital cameras, eBook readers and others.

That the dominance of video in the global audio-visual & systems integration domain has been on a constant rise makes it all the more apparent that visual solutions space is getting more and more cutting-edge as also competitive while developers are required to devise newer systems and strategies to make their business case a success story every time. Being one of the big takers of AV solutions, particularly video, the Middle East is no different from the other promising geographies.

One among the major stakeholders of visual solutions market globally, and more so in the Middle East is BenQ. The Taiwanese multinational major has indeed drawn up ambitious plans for 2014 and beyond. SIAsia spoke to Manish Bakshi, Managing Director, BenQ-Middle East & Africa to know what the $20-plus billion giant is up to. Excerpts:

SIAsia: BenQ recently modified its branding philosophy from ‘Entertainment Matters’ to “Because it Matters!”- What does it mean to BenQ in the first place; to the industry in the second, and finally to the end-users?

Manish: BenQ’s new philosophy “Because it Matters” signifies growth and development of BenQ over the years providing world-class technology and solutions. Today, BenQ is involved in many areas of life that matter most to people. We remain committed to applying advances in technology to create products and services that improve the quality of people’s lives.

This has always been part of our vision: bringing enjoyment and quality to life.

Because we know that these things matter to people, and because they matter to people, they matter to us.

It also signifies the successful journey that BenQ has gone through and touching the lives of each and every individual who comes in contact with BenQ’s products and solutions. Also,

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

BenQ’s continuous effort to integrate and innovate products, technological solutions and services into every aspect of life - highlighting the progression of the company’s corporate vision of ‘bringing enjoyment ‘n’ quality to life’ for both the customers and industry.

SIAsia: Where does BenQ want to essentially identify itself exactly? ProAV or Consumer segment?

Manish: Like I said earlier, BenQ is involved today in many areas of life that engage people constantly- business solutions, energy management, healthcare and education. This effectively means people wanting to live better lifestyle; with increasing business efficiency; feeling healthier with improved healthcare solutions and enhancing education learning. That these areas matter most to people, they matter to us as well.

We remain committed to applying advances in technology to create products and services that improve the quality of people’s lives. Our focus is on growth into these areas of life “Because it Matters.”

SIAsia: The brand philosophy does talk about the “professional aspects” of life. How about BenQ’s initiatives in the Professional AV domain?

Manish: BenQ offers a wide range of Professional AV solutions such as retail, hospitality, transportation, corporate, banking and education sectors. All these solutions have been innovated and designed for public venues with longer service life, higher dependability and with environment adaptability. Among the many important areas of application, is the most significant domain of digital signage that permeates almost all walks of life today – pretty much in line with our branding philosophy – fulfilling the needs of messaging public information with quality performance and engaging experiences. We see the initiative as benefiting both the user communities as well as the respective industry domains thereby contributing to a compelling growth.

Towards this mission, BenQ seeks to leverage various platforms of public and industry interactions. As part of the same, BenQ has recently showcased latest range of its projectors at Infocomm Middle East and Africa (IFMEA 2013) aimed at education and small and medium enterprises. One of the highlights of the booth was the demo of high-brightness projectors and large venue projectors, which are among the most advanced interactive devices available in the Middle East region. The demo underscored BenQ’s focus on the importance of Pro AV communications technology for business growth and success.

SIAsia: Is there a particular focus and /or vision on the Pro-AV product initiatives?

Manish: Every initiative has a focus and vision. While aspects like high performance, longer life capability, and service reliability go without saying, BenQ as a Group is holistically committed to environment friendliness in terms of product manufacturing, and in the operation during the entire product life-cycle. BenQ’s primary objective is to develop new greener products, technologies and business processes.

SIAsia: You brought to market products like WI500 5Ghz wireless full HD Home projector, and BL2710 tailor-made LED monitor for CAD/CAM operators- how about similar initiatives for Pro-AV environments?

Manish: BenQ’s comprehensive public information display (PID) Series is a next-generation visual communication solution for the professional AV domain to communicate efficiently and effectively with customers and visitors.

BenQ’s advanced PID Series is the digital signage of choice for a wide variety of venues, including retail, hotels, public spaces, corporate enterprises, financial and educational institutions. With a low total cost of ownership (TCO), solid quality, superlative performance, and advanced features, BenQ’s PID Series not only visually communicates information, but also helps to make

91

businesses more efficient; learning more fun; and captivating.

In fact, the PID Series systems make an important aspect of BenQ’s positioning in the global AV space, particularly the digital signage market which we see as potentially growing across the diverse verticals.

SIAsia: Where does BenQ find itself in the competition- globally, and regionally?

Manish: BenQ is an internationally renowned provider of digital lifestyle innovations controlling a highly efficient value chain with an unrivalled ability to deliver critical components and world-class solutions. It enjoys a fairly good position in all the geographies it operates.

SIAsia: What makes BenQ stand out and apart from the competition?

Manish: While being a leading provider of networked digital lifestyle devices, BenQ distinguishes itself as a multifaceted company with strengths in product design, visual technology and mobile technology offering unrivalled breadth and depth of products and integrated technologies across diverse platforms including digital projectors, LCD monitors, LCD TVs, digital cameras, eBook readers and others. Being focused on its core competency of digital lifestyle innovations, the company characterizes itself with attention to quality, and staying nearer to the customers. While being also focused on leveraging its resources, its attention to be the first to go to market in its product lines also makes it stand out from the competition.

SIAsia: How has BenQ fared within the Middle East and Africa markets? What market is most promising and / or challenging?

Manish: BenQ enjoys a fairly good position with an overall market share of 12 per cent for projectors in the Middle East. It is number two with a market share of 8.2 per cent in Maghreb region; has a big stake in Saudi Arabia with 13 per cent market; and a major role

92

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

in rest of the Middle East with 9.2 per cent share of market. The company is also number three in South Africa with a market share of 13 per cent, 9 per cent in the UAE, and 9.2 per cent the rest of Africa.

In the commercial video projector market, BenQ enjoys a market share of 13.5 per cent in the UAE, while it is a good 10.5 per cent in rest of the Middle East.

However, it is in the AV projectors market in the region that BenQ has prideful stakes. The company is number one in the region with a share of 68.82 per cent market in Saudi Arabia followed by over half of the share in the rest of the Middle East with 54.2 per cent share.

The company also enjoys number two

position in South Africa with a market share of 27.15 per cent, and is doing good at number three position in the rest of Africa with 14.8 per cent share of the market.

Summing up, it’s fairly satisfying and dominating role for the company in the said markets. That it has such an impressive position is also a stimulating factor for it to work for more penetrative role.

SIAsia: What’s BenQ immediate ambition in the Middle East and Africa?

Manish: BenQ has drawn up an ambitious plan for the future. Looking into it immediately, the outlook for the Middle East and Africa for 2014 is to aim at becoming:

• Number one in gaming market with cutting-edge technology and offer on RL and XL series LED monitors • Number one brand for Video Series projectors catering to Home Segment • Number one in Educational Segment for projectors especially for Ultra Short Throw series Besides, we intend to introduce ‘Eye Care’ LED Monitors with flicker-free and Low Blue Light LED Monitor series. This is aimed at bringing more healthcare gadgets to people. The ultimate aim, however, is to become the number one projection brand in the Middle East. It may be relevant to say that it stands true for other regions as well, led by competent executives. www.benq.com

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

93

Cisco on the H.265 protocol Cisco has been leading the industry in testing, prototyping and validating solutions based on the H.265 specification. Cisco has also been actively participating in standards bodies to lower barriers to entry for the H.265 standard. Thus SI Asia took the opportunity to seek the views of Bill Zeng, CTO for Cisco's Collaboration Business in Asia Pacific, Greater China and Japan about the new protocol.

What are the immediate benefits of H.265 protocol?

H.265 High Efficiency Video Coding is a much more advanced encoding/ decoding technology compared to H.264 Advance Video Coding or Scalable Video Coding. The immediate benefit of H.265 is bandwidth reduction with the same quality.

From our engineering evaluation, with the same high definition TelePresence quality, bandwidth utilisation is 50% with H.265 as compared to using H.264 AVC or SVC codec. Cisco believes reducing bandwidth utilisation while keeping the same TelePresence quality, is the key to pervasive video usage.

What impact would the H.265 protocol have in the industry?

H.265 will mainly reduce bandwidth utilisation. Based on feedback from customers, one of the barriers to increasing TelePresence use is bandwidth cost. By lowering bandwidth cost, H.265 technology will accelerate video adoption.

However, companies will need to ensure that their computing resources are robust enough and upgraded to support the H.265 codec as it does increase computational complexity as compared to older generation codec, which may not have the sufficient computing power.

What can we expect from Cisco with regards to this protocol?

Cisco is currently developing H.265 support on various solutions, including Cisco Unified Communications Manager, TelePresence Multipoint Control Unit, TelePresence server and TelePresence endpoints.

Products which support H.265 will also support multiple encoding/decoding technology for backwards compatibility.

This will provide an easy upgrade path to introduce H.265 technology to existing deployments.

In addition, Cisco TelePresence solutions will provide backward compatibility.

Where do the opportunities lie with this new protocol?

As mentioned, H.265 will reduce bandwidth utilisation, lowering the cost barrier and allowing companies to more easily adopt video communication technologies.

On top of this, H.265 can also support higher quality video with higher frame rates, sharper video image, and smoother video motion. This improvement in video quality will translate to better customer satisfaction and system utilisation.

Finally Cisco believes H.265 will accelerate the pervasiveness of video across all vertical and segments turning the video everywhere dream into reality. This will allow companies to improve decision making by reducing communications delays and building trust and understanding across time zones within cross-functional and diverse teams. Video will also have the potential to reduce employee travel, real-estate costs, and environmental impact, as well as encourage information sharing and knowledge building with employees, partners, and customers alike. www.cisco.com

94

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Acquistions, Competencies and R&D lead the way for Barco In a rapidly changing world of AV, enterprises are required to constantly focus on consolidating their strengths even as they focus on addressing the challenging areas and expanding to prospective domains. Planning the resources; leveraging investment opportunities and marketing competencies thus play key role in the enterprises’ success. SIAsia caught up with Barco (Global)’s Director-Market Development Peter Pauwels to know what’s the Belgian multinational giant up to. Excerpts: SIAsia: Tell us what characterizes Barco’s approach to professional AV?

Peter Pauwels, Director-Market Development, Barco Global

Peter: In every initiative of ours- whether it is display, projection, connectivity, or collaboration, we are investing in two ways: by buying out synergic companies with complementing solutions, and leveraging our own internal competencies. The case in point is Barco’s buying out of projectiondesign because we saw a great business opportunity from the combined strengths. We cannot win by doing one project here, or one there; we make much better business case if we do it as a package. Similarly, the initiative with Auro Technologies. Being a dominant player in digital cinema market globally, we saw a great business opportunity for the sophisticated sound format to complement our digital cinema solution.

It’s been a great success story since then.

In a highly competitive world, as it is now, you either have to do in package or you don’t. So we found it highly compeimentary to the competencies that Barco brings to table with the user communities. Leveraging complementary strengths is key to business success today.

SIAsia: How about the Barco Partners’ Programme? Is it the same strategy?

Peter: As part of the same strategy is Barco Partners’ Programme initiative

where we organize interactive programmes with our partners in each country and share our experiences as well as explore more opportunities. As it is, reaching out to every single potential customer is practically not possible, so having a partner in respective regions and building a relationship is an important measure of building business.

We had aggressive programmes like launching ten projectors in ten days - one model every day - as part of a special initiative to create a big splash in the market.

SIAsia: How about Barco’s stake in the professional AV? Peter: Barco does have a dominant stake in professional AV. While we are working over a wide range of solutions and segments, it’s majorly visible in healthcare, oil and natural gas, digital cinema and communications. The collaborative suite of solutions from Barco is a big acclamation, so to say.

That it is coming more and more ITdriven, this collaboration solution offers us immense opportunities and expands our stake in Corporate AV vertical. A lot of our R&D investments go into this segment, as it has become one of Barco’s core competency areas. We constantly explore the opportunities on how we can apply our competency to the segments it is most useful.

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

SIAsia: You noted the growing dominance of IT on AV. What’s your take on the Convergence of both, and its bearing on the market?

Peter: I think IT will eventually take over the AV, particularly the Corporate AV. More often than not, it’s the IT Manager who is the deciding factor for AV decisions. In any enterprise today, the AV Manager; the security manager, and the communications manager report to the IT Manager, so it’s the IT Manager who plays central to any AV decisions today. While it does appear to be a tricky situation today, companies who seek to acquire new skills and competencies – like Barco – it can be a great opportunity to put your resources into it. That we no longer talk about RGB cables; we talk about network cables, co-axial cables, firewalls and remote support , they all carry both the IT and AV tags. HDBaseT has just stepped in and with commercial services like Skype performing both IT and AV functions, it can be anything.

SIAsia: In the eventual scenario of AV getting merged into IT, how is Barco geared up to face the situation?

Peter: Are we there yet? Not fully!

Will we get there? Absolutely! We are constantly working on that to devise our competencies and strategies to face up the situation and stand firm. As of now, networking is probably our biggest strength. We will invest our resources to further consolidate this strength for future challenges, as also explore newer opportunities. We are focusing on encoding, decoding, and composing things – different content, in different formats from different sources – on the network, stitch them together and deliver it. In the Control Room segment,

we’ve been doing this for a while, we did it in analog, and now demonstrating our strengths in digital. In the Healthcare segment too in digital operating rooms we’ve been doing this right now.

Fortunately for us, because we have teams sitting all over the global space – in our headquarters in Belgium, in Germany, in the USA, in Asia and India too – we work like virtual teams, practically demonstrating the ‘collaborative working spirit,’ we believe we have the competency to face any eventuality of convergence.

SIAsia: Many global markets have been through big economic turmoil recently.

What impact has Barco felt from it?

Peter: Well, I see, it was shifting from one market to the other and from one segment to the other, so having a generic assumption would be unreasonable. The most promising and most consistent has been the oil and natural gas segment. I think the segment is witnessing its best ever years.

Fortunately, we are doing quite a big bit in oil and gas. Honestly, we haven’t been successful in every vertical consistently.

But we do have our areas of good. Oil and gas is one big success story today.

Banking segment was down in dumps three years ago, but it appears to have picked up quite well, and good for us.

We’ve been good in higher education like business and management schools.

If everything went well, we would have made more inroads into the markets.

SIAsia: What is the single biggest challenge/factor that concerns Barco in Corporate AV? Peter: I think it’s the challenge to get the message of cost-quality equation

95

across the End User community. To make them understand the difference between the television sets they purchase on the supermarket, and the professional display systems or projectors that are manufactured for professional purposes.

So, it’s the challenge to find ways to educate the User communities.

SIAsia: Barco sometime back launched ClickShare. What impact has it made on the market, and what brand value has it added to Barco?

Peter: Oh, it added a huge brand value addition to the suite of collaborative solutions from Barco. It made big impact on the market. It brought more enterprises and partners into the Barco network.

SIAsia: What’s the immediate thing that’s happening in Barco’s Corporate AV planning?

Peter: We have recently launched 10 new projectors for Corporate AVranging from 3,000 lumens to 40,000 lumens ranging between 3000 Euros and 20,000 Euros meaning we have the ability to cater to diverse range of needs in all market segments at competitive prices. They are robust, stylist, highperforming, and durable. We have brought to place highly-localised service model so customer requirements are addressed without having them wait for long durations. We make a difference with our service model as well as design of the products. I guess that stands us competitive for any eventuality of the market. www.barco.com

96

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

Understanding technology is as vital as practicing it the world is increasingly getting digital.

Analog technologies, while being fairly flexible, are fast giving way to digital technologies that have wider impact but are heavily dependent on perfect specifications. While this may appear to be very simple, it has enough potential to complicate things, which is why we at Kramer have initiated programmes like this to disseminate knowledge.

SIAsia: What imperative?

Would you please elaborate?

Understanding technology is a Constant Learning Curve, they say. For, keeping abreast with the developments as well as understanding technology is as important as practicing its design and deployment for professionals engaged in the technology domain, particularly when the technology world is increasingly turning from analog to digital. One of the strongest contributors to this cause is Kramer Electronics whose aggressive campaigns spanning the geographies have been disseminating vital technology knowledge to the technology designers.

David Penrose, an acclaimed System Specialist from the AV gear major, recently traveled to India as part of the same initiative. While working to raise the awareness about Kramer products within the consultant community in Asia, David conducts trainings to system integrators, dealers and end users. SIA caught up with David during his recent visit. Excerpts:

SIAsia: What is the current programme all about?

David: From Kramer’s point of view, this programme is not about trying to sell more products; it’s neither about branding. It’s about explaining the imperativeness of technology understanding, for the system integration community, particularly when

David: It’s about the need to understand the way digital technologies have been evolving from time to time, and how a chosen technology works - what exactly an SI needs to do while deploying the technology. Today, most people with analog systems are switching over to digital, and there is a strong possibility that problems may arise from this switch. For the simple reason that in analog technology deployment, one can even break the rules of standards and specifications and still make the system work which is really good; in digital if we break the rules, it straightaway means inviting trouble- either no signal, or no picture, or nothing. The rule here means the specifications one writes before deploying is important. This is something we need to teach people practicing or using technology.

SIAsia: Does it mean to say that Digital while being sophisticated is rigid?

David: It’s not the question of digital being rigid. It may be said to be the other way around. In a perfect world of design we write specifications of how an install should be, and in a real world people tend to give in to a spec or two which means breaking the rule(s). In an analog world, this may be okay since you can still make the system work. For instance, a VGA cable can be run up to 100 meters – which is against rules – but accepted and can be made to work. On the other hand, in a digital world, a case like this would mean a bad deployment

in reality terms and we do not get a good result, let alone the experience.

You must follow the rules if you want to get the intended picture, signal and the result, and, if you want to draw a system correctly you have to understand what’s going to happen, what problems it may cause if something goes wrong.

SIAsia: Can this be taken to mean analog is very flexible?

David: It is. You can do many things in analog, which may not be accepted technically, but you can make them work, and many times quite satisfactorily.

SIAsia: If analog can be so flexible, and digital is so strict about specs and rules, why do people go for digital?

David: It’s like no other way to go into the future. Today, you can buy an analog and/or digital laptop. You can find laptops with both digital and analog output ports. But in the near future you are very very unlikely to find an analog laptop. For instance, if you are asked to install a new system, and the user is comfortable with analog build, and you are asked to make a presentation from your analog laptop, it would work fine.

But in case your laptop has just a digital output, and no analog output port, it just doesn’t work. It can be a similar situation in a conference setting; across the enterprise; or a network, with bigger systems in place, for larger requirements of business.

SIAsia: What is Kramer, then, doing in this regard?

David: We’re trying to teach people; not about our products. We’re trying to demo common faults; and asking people to find simple, easy ways to identify them and fix them. Actually, this is the way it will work. If you understand the rule, and if it is technically correct, it will not have any issue. If you are working on a digital device, but stuck in the old analog days, try to somehow bend the rules, surround

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia February - March 2014

97

it with some thought, the system doesn’t work, and you have no clue why! Either you walk into a black screen or a tech support guy. Keeping this situation in the backdrop, we teach people, working around the basics, the reason why such a situation occurs, recognize the problem and fix it.

SIAsia: So, is it an initiative of troubleshooting an existing problem situation or making people future-ready?

David: It’s both. We are trying to teach people technology; flexibilities as well as the limitations of technology. When you are designing a new system, you must know the nitty-gritty of the system, and must bear in mind ‘oh, I can’t do it this way, or shouldn’t do that way’ playing with the rules. A lot of people dealing with a problem situation do not recognize what exactly is the problemfor the simple reason that they are not getting feedback, or they do not understand how to create questions for the system correctly. That’s the main thing I’m doing here: demonstrating to the participants and providing them with hands-on exposure on how to recognize a problem and then how to fix the same.

This will help them to troubleshoot and make them future-ready to solve any new issue with technology deployment.

SIAsia: Notwithstanding the confusion or ambiguity over analog or digital, what are the most common, troubleprone areas for any system design?

David: To play a system the AV interfacing is important. In Networking, turning in and terminating the cable correctly. Probably one can somehow manage in analog, though not on the desired levels. In digital video where the bandwidth is three-four times higher if the Cat-5 cable is not connected and terminated properly, it doesn’t work. If you have an analog projector and a digital input, it’s not going to work. Even if a customer insists he is not going to change the projector, the system designer needs to say “you will have problems.” It is very very hard to do, and trouble-prone. The designer has to understand “if I follow this path,

David conducting trainings to system integrators in India

these things are going to happen badly (problems).

SIAsia: How about, then, people wanting to have both - a combination of analog and digital?

David: It’s possible. If your base system is analog having a digital input, it will take you only to a problem situation. But if your base system is digital with analog input, then it’s fine. It will work. Coming from analog to digital, it’s easy; doesn’t create an issue. It can’t go the other way around.

SIAsia: How about the parallel formats like HDbaseT, Cloud, 2K and 4K, and expanding further to 3D etc?

David: A lot of people tend to get confused over these formats, particularly the digital video. One needs to understand that Cloud is basically a storage space. If you want to store large, uncompressed AV data/ content over a network, how are you going to do it?

Depending upon the resolution, it can be anywhere upwards of four Gigabytes per se, how are you going to get it over Internet? That’s where HDMI, HD64 etc. come into picture. However, it’s more of an IT issue than of AV. All that we are talking here is local, uncompressed digital video; building a local, standalone HDMI system.

HDbaseT is another way of converging HDMI to get further. It’s basically a twisted pair but with expanded capabilities for transmitting

uncompressed audio/video content. 2K or 4K is about resolution of video; it’s the quality and format of the video, not transmission or connectivity technology while HDMI is transmission interface for audio and video.

It’s all about understanding what is what. The problem actually begins with people’s notions and understanding digital technology while they are stuck in analog mindsets, more so in Asia…

SIAsia: Having come to this point, how do you look at this basic understanding of digital technologies on a comparative note- Asia, vis-àvis the other geographies…

David: On a generic note, different countries have adopted different styles or methodologies, notwithstanding their advancement in other walks of life. Singapore, for instance is quite well developed but when it comes to understanding and/or adopting digital it’s like other Asian economies.

Somehow, it hasn’t quite picked up in Asia in comparison with North America or Europe. We’re apparently behind them, but this is not because we haven’t labored enough, or they have been cleverer than we are. They made their mistakes; they have had their transitional phases. Now, the learning curve is happening in Asia. It’s just that things like these do not happen simultaneously all over the world. If it was like that, probably we would have been ahead by this time. www.kramerelectronics.com

See everything. Anywhere.

Multipoint Collaborative Visualization

Introducing Canvas from Jupiter Systems.

Share any source with colleagues down the hall, across campus, or around the world. On the display wall, on PCs, on tablets, or on smartphones. Share video, applications, data and more. The videowall is now everywhere.

JUPITER SYSTEMS

|

WWW.JUPITER.COM

Collaborate like no one has ever collaborated before. With Canvas, you can draw, annotate, and type directly on live video.

Point out an area of interest, circle a person or object in motion, create a shared whiteboard.

Work in real time with one person or many.

|

+1 510.675.1000

Looooooong Reach UP TO 180 METERS WITH KRAMERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SPECIAL XTRA MODE

Kramerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new line of HDMI HDBaseT range extenders, available as standalone and wall plate versions, sends an HDMI signal up Ă&#x17D;Â&#x17E;Ă&#x152;ÂĽĂ?ĂŚÂ&#x2022;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E;Â&#x2021;kÂ&#x161;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x161; Ă&#x152; Ă&#x201A;@Â&#x2022;kĂ&#x201A;ÂżĂ&#x2026;Ă&#x152; Â&#x2014; @Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ă&#x152;X@NÂ&#x2018;k_Ă&#x152;XÂ&#x17E;Â&#x2022;­@Ă&#x201A;kbĂ&#x152;Ă&#x17D;Â&#x17E;Ă&#x152;ÂĽĂŚĂŚÂ&#x2022;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E;Â&#x2021;kÂ&#x161;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x161; Ă&#x152;@Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2026;Ă&#x17D;@Â&#x161;b@Ă&#x201A;bĂ&#x152;Â&#x160;Â&#x161;bĂ&#x2014;Ă&#x2026;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201A;Ă Ă&#x152;X@NÂ&#x2018;k²Ă&#x152; For demanding applications, Kramer is offering a special XTRA (Long Reach) Mode*_Ă&#x152;@Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â&#x17E;Ă&#x17E;Â&#x160;Â&#x161; Ă&#x152;ÂĽĂŚpÌ­Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;ĂŚ äĂ&#x152; ! Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2026;Â&#x160; Â&#x161;@Â&#x2018;Ă&#x2026;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E;Â&#x160;Ă&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Ă&#x152; pĂ&#x152;NÂ&#x160;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x152;XÂ&#x17E;Â&#x2018;Â&#x17E;Ă&#x201A;_Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17D;Â&#x17E;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201A;k@XÂ&#x2021;Ă&#x152;@Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17D;Â&#x2021;kĂ&#x152;Ă&#x17E;@Ă Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17D;Â&#x17E;Ă&#x152;ÂĽpĂŚÂ&#x2022;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E;Â&#x2021;kÂ&#x161;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x161; Ă&#x152; Ă&#x201A;@Â&#x2022;kĂ&#x201A;ÂżĂ&#x2026;Ă&#x152; @Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ă&#x152;X@NÂ&#x2018;k² Ă&#x201A;@Â&#x2022;kĂ&#x201A;ÂżĂ&#x2026;Ă&#x152;} Â&#x2030;.k@bĂ _Ă&#x152;XkĂ&#x201A;Ă&#x17D;Â&#x160;xÂ&#x160;kb_Ă&#x152; @Ă&#x2026;k1Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201A;@Â&#x161; kĂ&#x152;kĂ&#x;Ă&#x17D;kÂ&#x161;bkĂ&#x201A;Ă&#x2026;Ă&#x152;­Ă&#x201A;Â&#x17E;Ă?Â&#x160;bkĂ&#x152;@Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x2022;­Â&#x2018;k_Ă&#x152;bÂ&#x160;Ă&#x201A;kXĂ&#x17D;Ă&#x152;XÂ&#x17E;Â&#x161;Â&#x161;kXĂ&#x17D;Â&#x160;Â&#x17E;Â&#x161;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E;Â&#x160;Ă&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Ă&#x152;@Â&#x161;Ă Ă&#x152;Â&#x17E;Ă&#x17D;Â&#x2021;kĂ&#x201A;Ă&#x152;XkĂ&#x201A;Ă&#x17D;Â&#x160;xÂ&#x160;kbĂ&#x152; @Ă&#x2026;k1Ă&#x152; ­Ă&#x201A;Â&#x17E;bĂ&#x2014;XĂ&#x17D;Ă&#x2026;Ă&#x152;xĂ&#x201A;Â&#x17E;Â&#x2022;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2018;k@bÂ&#x160;Â&#x161; Ă&#x152;Ă?kÂ&#x161;bÂ&#x17E;Ă&#x201A;Ă&#x2026;Ă&#x152;Â&#x160;Â&#x161;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17D;Â&#x2021;kĂ&#x152;Â&#x160;Â&#x161;bĂ&#x2014;Ă&#x2026;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201A;à ² * XTRA (Long Reach) Mode is supported on the TP-580TXR/RXR and WP-580TXR/RXR modules.

MANUFACTURER O F T H E Y E A R

Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd Ă&#x160;Â&#x203A;Ă&#x152;3NÂ&#x160;Ă&#x152; Ă&#x201A;kĂ&#x2026;XkÂ&#x161;Ă&#x17D;_Ă&#x152;Â?ĂŚĂ?Â&#x2030;ĂŚĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2039;ĂŚĂ&#x2030;Ă&#x152; /Ă&#x152; Ă&#x2014;Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;bÂ&#x160;Â&#x161; _Ă&#x152;/Â&#x160;Â&#x161; @­Â&#x17E;Ă&#x201A;kĂ&#x152;}ĂŚpzĂ&#x160;ÂĽ 1kÂ&#x2018;^Ă&#x152;ÂľĂ&#x152;Ă&#x160;zĂ&#x152;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2030;}}}Ă&#x2030;}_Ă&#x152; @Ă&#x;^Ă&#x152;ÂľĂ&#x160;zĂ&#x152;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2030;}}}ÂĽ}_Ă&#x152; Web: www.kramerasia.com, E-mail: kap@kramerasia.com Š 2014 Kramer Electronics, Ltd. All Rights reserved. HDBaseT is an official trademark of the HDBaseT Alliance.