Systems Integration Asia April-May 2015 by Spinworkz Pte Ltd

Vol. 14 Issue 4 ~ April - May 2015

AUDIO • VISUAL • LIGHT • CONTROL SYSTEMS

Photo credit: Tomasz Rossa

MCI (P) 014/04/2015 PPS 1669/08/2013 (022992)

• Special: The Digital Signage Evolution

• Exclusive Country Analysis: Hong Kong

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CONTENTS

96 04 FIRST WORDS 06 NEWS 30 SOLUTIONS UPDATE 34 EXHIBITION REVIEW Integrated Systems Europe 2015 60 EXHIBITION PREVIEW CommunicAsia, EnterpriseIT & Broadcast Asia 64 COUNTRY ANALYSIS Hong Kong TECH TALK 68 The World Of VoIP 70 Choosing The Right Display Technology

Vol. 14 Issue 4 ~ April - May 2015

84 SPECIAL FEATURE: DIGITAL SIGNAGE 72 The Digital Signage Evolution 73 Thriving Digital Signage Drives Innovation 74 Interactive Vending Machines 76 Chinese Luxury Car Showroom Sets The Bar 77 The Evolving Visuals of Digital Signage INSTALLATIONS 79 Malaysia: Immersing In Prayerful Worship With Dynacord & Electro-Voice 80 China: The Han Show â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A Dragone Creation 83 Vietnam: EV Powers Crystal Clear Sound At Crystal Palace 84 Singapore: Nanyang Poly Upgrades Simulation Rooms For Better Learning

88 Philippines: Sony Glams Up Green Sun Building 90 Australia: Matrox Video Forms Groundbreaking Hub At University of Melbourne 91 China: Breakthrough Performance For 90sqm Display System With SALI's P1.9 Seamless LED Wall 92 India: Tannoy CMS Series For Every Floor of JW Marriot In Pune VOICE BOX 94 Symetrix: Teaming With Technology 96 Epson India: Exceeding The Vision, In True Colours

FIRST WORDS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

PUBLISHER/ EDITOR DIRECTOR Thomas Richard Prakasam thomas@spinworkz.com

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

ith ISE marking a fantastic start of the year for proAV, what lies ahead are more trade shows which will be taking place around the world. For SI Asia, our key focus will be on the Asia Pacific region of course, so the next big thing for us will definitely be the InfoComm China show, which will take place in April. ASSISTANT EDITOR Elissa Nadine elissa@spinworkz.com

ADMIN & CIRCULATION Julie Tan admin@spinworkz.com

DIGITAL PLATFORM EDITOR Rosalind Tan rosalind@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.

Positioning themselves to be the must-see proAV show for Asia, InfoComm China's inaugural â&#x20AC;&#x153;World Premiereâ&#x20AC;? series is seen as a key strategy this year to show this commitment. With this, many in the industry are looking forward to see what international manufacturers and Chinese manufacturers will bring to the game to show their interest in the Chinese market. Having said that, let's also review what went on at ISE last February. If for any reason you were unable to make it to Amsterdam, our show review will be a great read to round up the key highlights. This year's show also marked my first attendance at an European tradeshow and I must say, the experience has been awesome. After our first country analysis report on Philippines was published, it was received with great response and feedback. Riding on the same momentum, we conducted a similar survey for Hong Kong in this issue. Being a fairly matured AV market, we interviewed several SIs from the ground for a more in-depth analysis. Read this section to know what the key players in Hong Kong have to say. Lastly, our special feature on Digital Signage is also primed to generate buzz. Opening the feature with a commentary on the outlook of Digital Signage, we also included stories featuring interactive vending machines that double as a Digital Signage, and a massive 700-screen installation at a Chinese luxury car showroom, so enjoy the read. Oh yes, if you happen to be at InfoComm China this April, feel free to drop by our booth to say hello. See you there! Shireen Ho Assistant Editor shireen@spinworkz.com

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Kramer India Ramps Up Operations, Launches New Initiatives highly structured space, expanding all the major functions to a great extent, we are more confident to deliver better services, reach more customers and offer personalised services to every partner we are associated with.” He hoped that Kramer India would also create more employment opportunities in coming years for Pro-AV professionals in India.

The expanded service centre

INDIA: Kramer Electronics India Pvt Ltd, a wholly owned Indian subsidiary of Kramer Electronics Ltd has expanded its operations in the country with a significant ramping up of its India headquarters in Bengaluru, and opening up of new office in the country’s national capital New Delhi. The move is in line with Kramer Electronics India’s expansion plans initiated in 2014. The much anticipated new facility in Bengaluru embraces a cumulative area of 4500 square feet state-of-the-art Training Room; a Conference Room with modern Video-Conferencing Solutions; an expansive 8000 square feet Warehouse with a befitting logistics management system to ensure seamless movement of materials; and most importantly an expanded Service Centre that can support multiple business lines under Kramer product portfolio. The Bengaluru office thus houses all business functions, including the corporate and administrative functions, commercial operations, technical and service support, besides sales and marketing. The commercial operations are complemented by adding new workforce in logistics and warehouse management to meet the growing demand. “If there is one very important rule in any business, it is fulfilment of the order in time,” said Bharath Kumar Allur, Country Head-Kramer India. “You deliver

the material in time, you make the customer happy each and every time. That’s the key to success.” He added, “while we have always been focused on this aspect, the current initiative is to strengthen this focus with expanded facilities. This has been on for some time now.” "Kramer Electronics India Head Office in Bangalore plays a key role in our strategy to serve customers, partners and End Users in India and SAARC Countries,” said Yair Levin, Managing Director, Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. “Since its inception, the team in Bangalore has surpassed our expectations in all terms, commendably in quality of services and level of customer satisfaction,” he explained further. “As we move to a bigger and

The expansive 8000sq.ft warehouse

Added Bharat, “Service support is what customers rely heavily on; this is one factor that is remembered every time one makes a purchase- how great was the post-sale / warranty support. We, at Kramer, understand its significance as we know it plays the most important role in customer’s buying decisions. That makes us different from others – the fully equipped Service Centre in Bangalore helps us extend uncompromised service support to our customers. Kramer India ensures the highest level of customer satisfaction through minimum turnaround time.” According to him, successful logistics management provide a competitive edge over competition. Warehouse and logistics management team helps set up a system by which customer needs are fulfilled in a more efficient manner. Now, with a larger team and system in place, Kramer will ensure more accurate and faster processing of supply orders and thereby fulfilment of customer expectation.

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

North India. Located in Jasola District Centre in the National Capital, the new office will house the company’s regional sales and technical support teams. With a strong desire and commitment to best serve customers and partners in North India, the facility will also work to promote continuous learning through series of education programmes which will address diverse AV technology trends, and solution requirements. Training is an integral part of Kramer's operations.

Kramer India Academy – The Knowledge Park

Equipped now with the state-of-the-art training facility at the new premises, Kramer India has also drawn up an ambitious plan of training in audiovisual technology trends through the Kramer India Academy. The company intends to leverage this facility to conduct an increased number of training programmes on AV installation basics and latest AV technologies. Kramer India Academy – initiated a couple of years ago – had been conducting industry standard certification programmes such as Kramer Certified Digitalist, Kramer Certified VIA Installer and Kramer Certified K-Touch Designer. While over 200 professionals have been trained already, the company now intends to expand its certification portfolio by bringing in more programmes and thereby churning out more number of professionals. More, the company also intends to set up a Kramer India Academy Alumni with an ambitious view to creating a common platform for AV specialists to discuss more about the latest AV trends, best practices in the industry and major AV projects in India. Explained Bharat: Kramer India Academy’s mission is “to provide relevant and topical training and education on key industry concepts, technologies and techniques that provide students with comprehensive knowledge base necessary to succeed in the AV marketplace.”

The on-going initiatives with InfoComm International University will bring in many training programmes through the facility. While every manufacturer seeks the valuable time of its customers to present its products and services, Kramer differentiates itself by additionally offering educational material that carries tangible InfoComm CTS renewal units. “Every visit can bring real value to your office as your people Learn to Earn with Kramer,” said the Kramer India Country Head.

All-time Live Demo Facility

With a view to further augmenting the Kramer training initiatives, Kramer India has also initiated yet another new programme - an all-time live demo showcase. The one-of-its-kind-in-India ‘live demo showcase’ seeks to ensure that the visitor get to know about Kramer’s range of solutions for the world of AV, any time one wanted. The demo showcase comprises latest launches and most significant products for Indian market.

Kramer India Opens Office in New Delhi

Kramer India also recently opened their new facility in New Delhi towards helping ramp up the company’s operations in

“North India has always been a key market for us. With our business growing tremendously over the years in this region, Delhi was our preferred choice to open our second office in India after our HQ in Bangalore,” explained Yair Levin. “Today, with a wide array of Kramer solutions from basic AV to Digital and True Collaboration Series, we strongly believe that education plays a vital role in promoting these solutions to our market. Hence this facility will help extend our mission to educate even more people in Pro AV industry about the latest market trends and technologies,” he elaborated. “It is also a significant step towards providing stronger customer service and commitment to our customers and partners in this region- a long trusted tradition of Kramer.” “With focus on education, we will be running regular Kramer education programmes which will address technology and solution requirements of our customers. With our on-going initiatives with InfoComm International, we will bring some of the education programmes to this region through this facility. This, besides our offering trusted product solutions for the region,” added Bharat. www.kramerindia.com

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

E&E At The Dante AV Networking World INTERNATIONAL: Audinate together with its sponsors held its 5th Dante AV Networking World event a day prior to ISE. The event held at the Amsterdam Holiday Inn proved once again to be a very popular event. The free all-day event featured presentations, training workshops and interactive panel discussions led by industry design consultants, AV installation contractors and IT networking experts.

This year, Electronics and Engineering Pte Ltd (E&E), was invited to present The Singapore Sports Hub installation as it features Dante. Vincent Tan took the participants through the objectives, challenges and of course the impact of Dante networking advantage for the Singapore Sports Hub.

Dante. For us, it was also great to hear from the other presenters as well as it was a unique opportunity to hear the thought process behind projects that are not from our region. Overall it was a good networking and knowledge sharing experience,” said Vincent. www.enepl.com.sg

“We are pleased to have been invited to share our experience in relation to

Symetrix Jupiter Delivers Hassle-Free DSP For China’s Panjin Hospital

CHINA: Chinese distributor Sanecore has provided a redeveloped medical facility with a comprehensive pro-audio system structured around Symetrix’ Jupiter appbased DSP. Ease of operation through smartphone browser-based control and a host of other intuitive command options are among the factors that lead to the specification of a Symetrix Jupiter 8 fixed architecture app-based DSP at Panjin Hospital in China’s Liaoning province. Delivering a wide variety of advanced medical care and treatment, Panjin Hospital is part of Shengjing Hospital, an affiliate of China Medical University. Treating approximately 1,800,000 outpatients and 68,000 inpatients each year, Shengjing Hospital is the largest healthcare institute in North East China and is widely acknowledged for keeping pace with evolving technology.

For its latest technical initiative, EZPro subsidiary company Sanecore was invited to specify and design a high quality yet easily operable sound reinforcement solution for Panjin’s multi-purpose hall, which is used primarily for conferences and academic exchange events. In line with these expectations, a team led by system designer Kong Qingxiang opted to place a single Symetrix Jupiter 8 DSP at the core of the audio processing and routing configuration. “First of all, the Symetrix Jupiter hardware operates with software ‘apps’ inspired by contemporary smartphone technology,” explains Qingxiang. “This means that users are able to go online and select an app that fits the need of a particular sound processing scenario, download it to the Jupiter hardware, and then make minor tweaks via an intuitive interface in order to achieve the perfect sound.” The Jupiter system’s support for Symetrix ARC-WEB browser-based control was another significant asset – “it affords system conditioning and extensive user control from a host of Internet-connected devices” – as was the ability to lock-out important parameters, such as EQ curves, to prevent unwanted tampering from unauthorised users.

“One of the great strengths of the Jupiter DSP is that it really offers true ‘plug and play’ capability to installers,” says Qingxiang. “Rather than getting bogged down in settings and so forth, it allows them to focus on simply creating great sound in the venue for each and every event.” The Symetrix DSP takes its place in a comprehensively high-end specification that also includes a main PA system featuring Community ENT-212 and VERIS 212S loudspeakers, RunningMan HD1221 loudspeakers and an Allen & Heath GL Series audio mixer. Several months on from Sanecore’s successful installation of the new infrastructure, Panjin Hospital personnel are reported to be delighted with the audio system’s performance. “The management of the hospital is very pleased with the sound and operation of their new technology. As they expected, this configuration provides reliable, excellent sound quality,” concludes Qingxiang. www.symetrix.co www.sanecore.cn

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Crestron Asia And Samsung Presents Inaugural 4K Roadshow With an IP56 certification proving its robust status, the OHD display series comes with a high outdoor visibility at 3,000 nit brightness and is ideal for kiosks, billboards, street displays and many other DOOH advertising. For semioutdoor applications such as in-window display, Samsung's OMD series comes with wireless connectivity, SSSP 2.0 and an auto-brightness sensor. For its 105” model (the biggest so far in its display lineup), the display is capable of ultra high resolution at 5120 x 2160 with a new aspect ratio of 21:9.

SINGAPORE: For the first time in Southeast Asia, Crestron Asia and Samsung Singapore collaborated to present a 4K roadshow in the region. With Singapore being its first stop, the half-day event was attended by approximately 70 esteemed SIs, dealers and partners of the two companies. Titled “4Kapture Your Imagination”, the roadshow began with an informative 4K seminar presented by the Crestron team. During the session, Crestron Asia (Singapore) Senior Application Engineer, Farhan Muhammad, talked about the differences between 4K and UHD, cable infrastructure for delivery of 4K content, the evolution of HDMI, the concept behind chroma sub-sampling and the design considerations for 4K systems. After prepping its guests with newly acquired 4K knowledge, Crestron Asia

went on to present their product lineup for 2015. Presented by Janice Koh, Senior Sales Engineer of Crestron Asia (Singapore), attendees were briefed on some upcoming product highlights such as the DM-MD8X1-4K-C - a 4K Scaling Presentation Switcher w/HDBaseT® Output, that is estimated to be shipped in Q2 2015, and the latest 3-Series® 4K DigitalMedia™ Presentation System 150, (DMPS3-4K-150-C), which comes with a built-in integrated control system. Thereafter, the baton was passed on to the Samsung Singapore team to present their latest Display lineup for 2015. Presented by Roy Teo, Product Manager for Samsung SMART Signage, the display manufacturer showcased a number of new models from the OHD full outdoor series and OMD semioutdoor series.

Encouraged by the good turnout, Jamez Lau, Samsung's Business Development Manager of Display Solution Business Management for Southeast Asia & Oceania, remarked that the CrestronSamsung 4K Roadshow will be continuing its journey in several other Southeast Asia countries as well, with Malaysia being its next stop, followed by Indonesia and Thailand. “We are currently looking into holding similar shows in Philippines and Vietnam as well, but it is not confirmed yet at this point of time,” he said. “In subsequent shows, we are hoping to see the same turnout as Singapore, with approximately 70-100 invited dealers and partners of the two companies.” The Crestron-Samsung 4K Roadshow will complete its run in Southeast Asia by 2015. www.crestronasia.com www.samsung.com

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

AN INTERESTING VIEW A BBC report bluntly asks, “Are tablets falling out of favour?” The report by BBC's technology desk editor starts off with a quote from an analyst. "Tablets will rule the future," one analyst said three years ago, forecasting sales would swell to 375 million in 2016. Nobody is that bullish anymore. What do you think? Scan the QR code to read the article.

Verrex Opens Shanghai Office Management, Corporate Advisor and People Development. He holds a diploma in Business Administration from Lingnan University and a Certificate in Human Resources Management from Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

CHINA: Verrex, the global provider of AV technology solutions and experiences, has opened its Shanghai office. The expansion of the company’s presence in China follows inroads the firm has made throughout the Asia Pacific market including Hong Kong and Singapore. Verrex Shanghai Trading Co. will serve as a sales and management base for the company’s professional audiovisual services. "This is a significant milestone in Verrex’s progress in Asia and our long-term strategy for global operations and service delivery,” said Verrex President and CEO, Thomas Berry, Jr. “Verrex has stablished a successful model for supporting multinational clients in China. The opening of our Shanghai office will allow us to continue to support their interests and assist new clients seeking to enter or expand in this rapidly developing marketplace.” Verrex’s Shanghai office follows the company’s most sizeable China-

based project to date, integration of audiovisual systems for the build-out of Duke Kunshan University. Officially opened in November 2014, DKU is a collaboration between US-based Duke University, China-based Wuhan University, and the city of Kunshan, China. A sizeable coordination effort between East & West, the project consisted of a Conference Center, Academic Facilities, and Student & Faculty housing on DKU’s 200-acre campus. Verrex’s Shanghai office is headed by David Kwok as China Business Director. Kwok joins Verrex with over 25 years of strategic management experience and deep insight into the Chinese marketplace. He has held administrative leadership roles for top companies throughout Asia including Hopewell Group, Swire Group, In-Tech Consultancy, Microsoft and Ericsson. Kwok’s areas of expertise include Business Planning & Deployment, Brand Building, Consultancy, Account

“Clients are requesting the specialized level of integration, support and project coordination expertise Verrex offers,” Kwok said. “There is a need for firms that can offer guidance concurrently to China-based stakeholders and their counterparts in North America and EMEA. We have that expertise and are ideally positioned to serve them,” added Kwok. On David’s appointment, Thomas Berry, Jr., added, “We are pleased to announce David’s leadership of our Shanghai office. Clients will clearly benefit from his understanding of how to work in China, and the key alliances he has established. I look forward to David’s support of our continued growth and that of our multinational clients.” Verrex’s office is located in the Zhabei District of Shanghai, a growing business and commercial center. The address is 22/F, Shanghai Zhabei Centro, No. 568 Heng Feng Road, Zhabei District, Shanghai, 200070, P.R. China. David Kwok can be reached at +86 21 2226 5038 or dkwok@ verrex.com. www.verrex.com

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Big IDEAs that Stick The new line of IDEA Screens feature upgraded surface uniformity and rigidity making them the best writable screens on the market for interactive projection. All IDEAs are now thin frame, magnetic, and with hotspot-free and erasable surface. Large sizes are also available up to 60” tall and 16’ wide – that’s a good IDEA

NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Crestron Expands Operation In Dubai An ESD-approved service centre for RMA and DM assembly is also in development. This is a brand new activity, providing additional support for Crestron dealers and clients in the ME region. An RMA pick up service is also due to start up within the ME customs zone, which can be requested within the Crestron customer portal. Operations from the new warehouse location came into effect on 18 January, 2015 and will be followed by the opening of the Repair and Assembly centre in late February. Normal operations continue from the Crestron central warehouse in Belgium until this time.

UAE: Control automation major Crestron announced that its regional office in Dubai, one of the fastest growing regions for control and automation systems, has been further developed with the expansion of its facilities and the relocation of its warehouse for the Middle East. The impressive operation now features a state-of-the-art Customer Experience Centre and large training classrooms fully equipped to cover both commercial and residential technologies to meet the ever-increasing demand for building systems and skilled integrators in the region. The flagship training facilities and Customer Experience Centre in the Dubai office provide installers across the region with access to the best in 4K training. The two new training rooms can be combined to create a large space or separated to create two different learning zones. Crestron will be providing in-depth training and support across the entire product range. As part of the company’s commitment for continuous service improvement, Crestron has also moved and expanded its warehouse facilities for the Middle East. The new warehouse, located at UPS, Jebal Ali Free Zone (South), Dubai, now integrates all logistics activities

including RMA repairs, single and smaller DM orders, customs and warehousing. The warehouse relocation enables Crestron to further expand activities and deliver an improved and faster service to customers. “Providing a repair and DM assembly service locally in the Middle East is an important milestone for Crestron as we will be able to significantly reduce repair and assembly time," said Robin van Meeuwen, CEO, Crestron-EMEA. "This will ultimately have a profound impact on our business and demonstrates our commitment to our customers, continuing to provide them with the best service in the industry."

Vincent Phillippo, Crestron MEA Regional Director concluded: “we are very proud of what we have achieved here. The centre provides a space for our dealers to bring their customers to experience technology in a feature-rich setting. Business is booming for Crestron in the Middle East. It’s a really exciting time for the AV industry and we have had a lot of new products coming out this year, including our revolutionary 4K distribution solutions. These facilities are a significant investment in the region and we have already received many requests from integrators, consultants and clients to come and experience for themselves this great new facility.” www.crestron.eu

NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Barco Teams Up With Green Sources To Serve Indian Market Better vacuum for high-quality projectors with local service support, offered at the right price. Teaming up with Barco, they now have what it takes to fill this gap and create happier customers. “The introduction of Barco’s range of projectors in the Indian market is already being met with much enthusiasm,” said Swadesh. “I am sure that the Indian AV industry will have a pleasant time going forward with Barco on their side."

Vivekanand, Country Director, Barco India

Swadesh Khetawat, Director, Green Sources

INDIA: Barco has signed a partnership deal with Green Sources, a Mumbaibased audiovisual distribution company. With this deal, Green Sources will become Barco’s national distributor in India. Considered one of the top value-added distributors in the Indian professional AV market, Barco is confident that the company will enable Indian customers to enjoy the unmatched product quality of Barco.

Sources aims to be the best in terms of meeting partner requirements, delivery times and competitive price offers.

Green Sources is a first-generation AV distribution company based in Mumbai, India. Established in 2009, Green Sources distributes a wide range of premium brand audiovisual, video-conferencing and office automation solutions. Customers from across the Indian subcontinent rely on its technically skilled, highly motivated and experienced staff. The company has the ambition to become India's premier distribution company offering superior products and solutions to all of its channel partners. To achieve this, Green

“Over the last few years, Green Sources has established itself as one of the top value-added distributors in the Indian AV market. We are pleased to appoint Green Sources as national distributor of our projection portfolio for corporate AV applications,” Vivekanand, Country Director at Barco India said about the new alliance. “I am sure this association, together with the well-established partner network of Green Sources, will enable Indian customers to enjoy the unmatched product quality of Barco.” Swadesh Khetawat, Director at Green Sources added, “Green Sources has always partnered with market leaders in technology, and, Barco, being a global technology company, is a perfect match. Together with Barco, we are confident that we will be able to meet the growing needs of the Indian AV industry.” According to him, there has been a

Mandar Gupte, Sales Director, E&C Division at Barco India felt that the appointment of Green Sources gives the ideal stage to Barco to debut its latest corporate projectors in India. “We’re proud to offer the Present series which covers a wide brightness spectrum from 3000 lm up to 10,000 lm and resolutions like WXGA, WUXGA & including 2560x1080 and 2560x1600 native to provide customers with the largest choice to find the perfect match for their high-end boardroom, meeting room or conference room, collaboration suite or even a lobby or museum.” According to him, the Present series projectors are unique in combining high resolutions with exceptional contrast ratio levels, for high-quality and detailed images that boost professional presentations for higher meeting efficiency. These new projectors have become commercially available via Green Sources from March. “With interconnected work environments and a growing shift towards enterprise collaboration, we believe that our Present-C projectors will help meet the rich information-sharing demands of today’s meeting rooms,” explained Mandar. www.barco.com

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Hewshott Relocates Singapore Office SINGAPORE: The Singapore office has relocated to a shophouse at 219A South Bridge Road as of February 2015. Led by Stewart Carne in Singapore, Hewshott International remains in the central area, maintaining close proximity to client base, architects and project managers. The move to a larger premises is in direct response to an increasing workload, including a number of new and long-term contracts and will facilitate continued growth and strong presence within the Singapore market. The new office has distinctive features, including a perimeter of sky-lights above the main hallway that opens up to a large collaborative workspace in addition to a private CEO office and secure storage for acoustic testing equipment. The new location and facilities support the expanding team and Hewshott’s move into new market sectors both within and outside of Singapore. The office telephone number has been changed to +65 6591 8857.

InfoComm Member Development cum Network Day, Manila PHILIPPINES: InfoComm International organised a InfoComm Member Development cum Network Day in Manila on 12 March. Held at the Crowne Plaza, and sponsored by RGB Spectrum, the afternoon event had a healthy turnout of about 50 participants. Ranging from Distributors, System Integrators, Manufacturers, Consultants as well Houses of Worship personnel, the event kick started with Andy Tan of InfoComm International talking about the Association and its goals.

www.hewshott.com Andy also touched on the Experiential Experience mantra, highlighting to guests the importance of creating the correct experience for the end-users. This was followed up with a presentation by Thomas Prakasam, Publisher of Systems Integration Asia magazine. Thomas touched on recent survey reports and trends that the industry had to be aware of, especially emphasizing about ICT and IoT influence in the AV segment.

and video-wall configurations. Bill also touched on trends in relation to videowall specifications and concluded with a presentation about the various solutions from RGB Spectrum. The event concluded with high tea and provided the opportunity for the guests to network. "I am very pleased with the turnout and there is genuine interest in what RGB has to offer. To me this event was very successful as it is my first time to the Philippines and it enabled me to meet up with different groups of people and I already have leads to follow up with," said a pleased Bill Zhu. Andy Tan, added, “This event has given us, as an Association, the opportunity to re-engage with the industry and our members. Following the presentation I had lively discussions with the guests who are showing keen interest in having more knowledge driven events and education. It is something we will look into in the near future.” www.infocomm.org

Bill Zhu from RGB Spectrum, spoke about the various type of processors

NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

FVC Signs On Sonus For SIP, UC In Middle East And Africa across the region. Sonus enables and secures real-time communications so that leading service providers and enterprises can embrace the next generation of SIP and 4G/LTE solutions including VoIP, video, instant messaging and online collaboration through a complete portfolio of hardware-based and virtualized Session Border Controllers (SBCs), Diameter Signaling Controllers (DSCs), policy/routing servers and media and signaling gateways.

K. S. Parag, Managing Director, FVC

MEA: FVC, a leading Value Added Distributor (VAD) in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), has signed an agreement with Sonus, one of the leading providers of secure real-time communications, to tap into the growing SIP-based, Unified Communications (UC) opportunities

K. S. Parag, Managing Director at FVC, said, “UC is a strong area for investment by enterprises across the region and this agreement with Sonus strengthens our solutions and enable us (and our partners) to offer cutting edge communications solutions that enhance any existing plans especially in the Microsoft Lync environments.” With a significant growth in enterprises considering Microsoft Lync as a platform for Unified Communications and enterprise voice, Sonus Session border

controllers (SBCs) serve a critical role in making their vision become a reality. Joop van Aard, Vice-President and GM, at Sonus EMEA said, “Sonus is committed to engaging with a select group of partners seeking to capture the rapidly growing SIP-based UC opportunity in MEA. The Sonus FVC relationship will provide channel partners a highly competitive business value proposition with flexible deployment alternatives.” FVC will provide its partners with support at every stage: from consulting, sales, marketing, channel development, implementation to support and training. With this value backed, experienced and trained work force, it will be able to create and penetrate opportunities of high value for Sonus with partners across the region. www.fvc.com www.sonus.net

VIVID Media Partners With ILS For The Middle East UAE: Dubai-headquartered VIVID Audiovisual Media and Assen-based Dutch lecterns and e-podium solutions provider Intelligent Lectern Systems (ILS) have announced a partnership and will work together on diverse projects in the Middle East region. Speaking about the new association, Henk de Groot, proprietor of ILS, said, “as we develop a new range of lecterns that lends itself for local distribution, we also want to step up our support for our Middle East partners. In VIVID AV Media we’ve found a reliable consultancy which is familiar with the Middle East markets. VIVID is also involved with our German partner Medianet/Voicepoint who supplies loudspeakers for our lecterns, which makes a nice synergy.”

Managing director of VIVID Chris Hellmuth spent three days on our booth at ISE 2015 in Amsterdam which helped us to speed up the decision to cooperate with each other,” Groot added. “With Medianet and Intelligent Lectern Systems VIVID Audiovisual Media has now two European premium brands on board,” said Chris Hellmuth. “I consider it as a privilege to work with medianet and ILS. Both companies are serving niche markets and are managed by passionate people with great visions. VIVID’s knowledge about Middle East markets and the expertise in conference technology will help make ILS even more successful than they already are.” www.vivid-avmedia.com www.intelligentlecterns.com

www.dbaudio.com

The challenges remain consistent, but seldom appear independently. The d&b columns, however, are new and corrective; a unique combination of waveguides and damped ports create a cardioid pattern with a constant horizontal directivity of 90째, whilst the tight vertical dispersion tilts downwards in the low to mid range and is adjustable in the high frequencies. Handy for those who like to comprehend word for word in long, large, high, reverberant spaces with impediments to intelligibility. The d&b xC-Series: positions text clearly.

Extremely reverberant reverberant spaces spaces Huge Huge room room volumes volumesExtremely

Large Largeand andhigh highceilings ceilings

Highly reflective reflective surfaces surfaces Visual Visual unobtrusiveness unobtrusivenessHighly Parallel Parallel wall wall mounting mounting

NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

IS THIS YOU? A Forbes report states that many entrepreneurs are too busy, but NOT productive. The journalist writes, “We all know people who are extraordinarily busy, but never seem to accomplish anything. For survival, entrepreneurs need to be all about accomplishing results that matter for themselves, their team, and their customers. That’s productivity.” If you want to know how you can convert your busy-ness into productive time scan the QR code to read the article:)

Delta AV Solutions Opens In Dubai UAE: The latest addition to the UAE’s systems integration market, Delta AV Solutions, has opened its doors in Dubai. Led by contracts manager, Gareth Armstrong, the installation company is an offshoot from well-known rental house Delta Sound. Delta’s aim to set up an independent and a separate entity focusing on installation was clear. “We were in a situation where we were getting recommended for audio install projects based on our reputation in the live market. I decided to separate this work from Delta Sound so we could look at more of the full integration rather than just the audio,” explained Andy Jackson, MD of both Delta AV Solutions and Delta Sound. “Delta AV solutions will also manage all our manufacturer distribution which include DiGiCo & L-Acoustics with more exciting brands to follow,” he explained further. “I am very excited about the appointment of Gareth to run the company for us. Gareth is a well-known figure within the region's technology and sporting circles and we all look forward to the next few months.” The core of Delta AV Solution business plan is to offer a full service of design, procurement, install, testing, commissioning, training and aftersales support. “We want to create something that’s special and different and build on existing client relationships as well as new business within the market. The most important characteristic for us is that we provide and deliver a personal approach to delivering Solutions – that is how Delta Sound has progressed so well in the past,” highlighted Gareth Armstrong. Based in Yes Business Center in Al Barsha, the new company established the office to create a separation from the rental house. However, there will still be collaboration between the two companies, particularly on the audio side of installation projects. Delta can support clients 24/7 should something not go according to plan with the solution provided. Another advantage

Gareth Armstrong

from the rental house is also the range of stock that Delta has, so short-term replacements can be offered if necessary as well as demos can be arranged to showcase finished products. “We now have certified staff on board for video and control. For audio we already have the region’s leading engineering team which will assist with Solutions’ as and when required during the commissioning phase of projects.” revealed Gareth. As a new company, Delta AV Solutions will only focus on the Emirates for the coming months. “Depending on how business takes off, we can only wait and see how we will progress – we have set ourselves realistic targets and based our outlook and growth on realistic market integers. The current Delta brand is extremely well known globally so we are confident on making a success of what we are doing,” said Armstrong. www.deltasound.uk

NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

7th GT Summit Explores Innovative Government And Digital Opportunity in ME

UAE: The 7th Government Technology Summit – organized recently in Dubai by World Development Forum – sought to explore innovative government and digital opportunity in the Middle East region, through harnessing information and communication technologies (ICT). Attracting over a hundred delegates from across the region, the Summit presented diverse existing scenarios and future possibilities of smart governance. Besides explanatory presentations, two-day programme was characterized by insightful panel discussions, and interactions from delegates. Making the Opening Remarks at the Summit, H.E. Ahmed Bin Humaidan, Director General of Dubai Smart Government explained the ‘vision’ of Dubai Government on how it intends to transform to Smart Government, and what the Dubai Smart Government

Strategy – unveiled in March last year – aims to achieve. Aimed at making Dubai a world-class smart government for 21st century, the Strategy calls for implementation of smart services by adopting smart practices with employing smart devises and solutions by keeping the ‘Customer Centricity’ as their essential characterization. The Strategy, essentially, consists of four major themes and as many as 21 strategic objectives aimed at making customers happy and enhancing their confidence in adopting smart services. An important aspect of the plan envisages an increase in ‘mAdoption’ – uptake of services via smart devices – to 25 per cent in 2017 and 60 per cent by 2021, with ‘eAdoption’ – utilizing e-services – to 60 per cent in 2017 and 80 per cent by 2021.

NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

being implemented and some are in the pipeline,” explains Dr. Ibrahim. Says Khaled Eid, Managing Director of The World Development Forum, Organizer of the Summit: “The UN 2014 Survey titled ‘E-Government for the Future We Want’ that examined the global trends and emerging issues in e-government states that governments need to undertake a process of transformative change for the future we want. This, in turn, requires a transformation of governments’ role, functions, institutional frameworks and processes supported by the adoption of innovation and ICT. It is this environment that drives momentum for the theme of this Summit.” “It’s all about creating an environment of happiness for the customer,” said Eng. Mohammed Abdullah Al Zaffin, IT Director, Dubai Municipality, later participating in a panel discussion. “Customer happiness has been our focus; it’s their feeling happy about the services provided that determines the success of the initiative.” An important aspect of the GT Summit has been that it attracted interesting presentation and idea sharing from top executives of governments from across the region. Important among those has been Dr. Mansour A Aldajani, CIO and Advisor, Electricity and Co-Generation Regulatory Authority, from Saudi Arabia; Sultan Al-Wadhahi, Director of eTransformation, Information Technology Authority from Sultanate of Oman; and Katlin Kattai, Head of International Relations, Centre of Registers and Information Systems, from Estonia. Chief of Innovation at Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) of the United Nations Dr. Nibal Idlebi – who couldn’t not make it to the event – participated in the programme through conferencing/webcast. The programme did elicit interesting interactions from the participants with the presenter. Dr Mansour A. Aldajani, drawing references from the UK and the USA, explained how the Saudi government had been implementing ‘digital

governance’ to help businesses and people experience benefits of ICT. “Our government is equally proactive in implementing smart governance practices,” says Dr. Ibrahim S Abdullah, Vice-Mayor for IT-Holy Makkah Municipality, from Saudi Arabia. “We have long back prioritized use of ICT to enable citizens, businesses and government agencies benefit from e-government,” he explains. “Several ministries and municipalities have enhanced their online portals and launched dedicated mobile applications. Many government agencies have been integrated by using the e-Government Programme Yesser Infrastructure.” In addition to this programme, the Saudi Government has set up a National Contact Center 'Amer', which is dedicated to supporting citizens and businesses on various e-services- through channels such as telephone, e-mail, website, SMS, FAX, and other social networks. “There are several services

That the UN Report went on to emphasize that the steady diffusion of ICT and bridging of digital divide can help empower all stakeholders to translate commitments into action, it is imperative that the administrators envision and implement ICT strategies to better governance. “Innovation in Government is the cornerstone to change in the mindset and public service culture to encourage creativity, risk-taking and collaboration. The digital revolution is setting new level of expectations, and governments need to innovate to meet the expectations,” explained Khalid. “This is the focus of GT Summit this year and I believe that with the distinguished Speaker Faculty from UN, academia, leading governments in GCC and IT experts, GT Summit made a strategic platform to bring the latest trends, innovation and best practices for an in-depth analysis; facilitate knowledge sharing and transformation.” www.gtsummit.com

NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

ICANN 52 Enhanced By Bosch Systems Needing to cater to various nationalities and languages, Ducklin employed the use of the DCN Next Generation (NG) Interpretation Systems for conferences open to the public.

DCN Multimedia Systems in the main meeting rooms

SINGAPORE: The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) recently held its 52nd Public Meeting at the Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore, from February 9th to 12th. ICANN aims to ensure a stable, secure and unified global Internet. In keeping with the organisation's mission, ICANN 52 brought together stakeholders from around the world to discuss what the future of the internet may look like, in light of last year's announcement that the United States (U.S.) government will transition stewardship of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions to the global multi-stakeholder community. The meeting also aimed to present the various proposed changes to the public and gain feedback from Internet users around the world.

The DCN multimedia system integrates audio, video and meeting content with internet access in one single system. Through it, documents can be shared, presentations retrieved and displayed, and the Internet accessed using multimedia conference devices with high-resolution touch-screens. “Now that the new DCN Multimedia System is not just audio, but visual as well, it has distinguished us greatly from the competition,” shared Ducklin. “The set-up is more complicated which leads many suppliers to avoid the challenge but these systems are market leaders. Since we started using it, we've knocked top companies off their game. While many are still using analog systems, we've now added the element of going digital complemented by video as well.”

As an upgrade to the world’s first digital congress interpretation system, the DCN NG system brings the benefits of innovative digital technology to interpretation systems. By daisy chaining the modular DCN NG Interpreter and language channel selector units, any configuration can be put together. The modular structure of the system allows for any level of conferencing to be created. Furthermore, systems can be easily expanded by adding components and PC control with software modules. The new functions combined with the innovation of Bosch are what has led Ducklin to rely on the renowned manufacturer for years. “We are one-hundred percent dedicated to Bosch systems. We've used various generations of the DCN systems and of course, we would use the latest. In the interpretation aspect, and many others, Bosch leads the way,” he said. www.congressrentalnetwork.com www.icann.org www.boschsecurity.asia

As a rental partner of Bosch and experts in congress equipment hire, The Congress Rental Network (CRN) has been ICANN's go-to AV supplier for nearly a decade. Spearheading the team in Singapore and Australia, Managing Director, Jeremy Ducklin personally flew in from his base in Australia and partnered with ETG Pte Ltd for AV support to ensure the event ran smoothly With delicate details to be discussed, Ducklin specified Bosch's DCN Multimedia Conference System for the main stakeholder meetings.

DCN Interpretation systems used for guests who require it

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Blackmagic Design Releases New Intensity Pro 4K Capture Card Intensity Pro 4K, is a new super fast PCIe card that allows capture and playback of extremely high quality SD, HD and Ultra HD video on Windows, Mac and Linux PCI Express computers. This new Intensity Pro 4K includes all the features of the Intensity Pro model it replaces and now adds deep colour support in HDMI, higher frame rate 1080p60 capture and playback and high resolution Ultra HD capture and playback up to 2160p30 via HDMI. This new model now allows customers to connect to an even wider range of video products and in higher quality. The new Intensity Pro 4K is the only consumer video capture and playback card that is built using the same broadcast quality video components that professionals in the film and television industry use. That means customers will always get the highest quality video capture possible. It features both HDMI and analog YUV, composite and S-video connections so it is compatible with the latest Ultra HD televisions and game

consoles, as well as older equipment like VHS decks and DVD players. Intensity Pro 4K is perfect for video editors that need a realtime preview on a big screen TV, hardcore gamers creating high frame rate walk-throughs of their latest gameplay, customers delivering live streaming presentations, or even parents trying to save family videos from old VHS tapes. Customers can capture NTSC, PAL, 720HD, 1080HD and Ultra HD, the newest broadcast video standard. Regular 1080HD can be captured at up to 60 frames per second. That means gamers can connect their consoles over HDMI and then capture every heart pounding moment of gameplay to create the most amazing, high frame rate walk through videos for posting online. Intensity Pro 4K also includes DaVinci Resolve Lite for Mac and Windows, giving customers a complete video capture and post production solution in one box. That means customers get

the same multi track video editing and advanced color correction system that professional editors and colorists use to make Hollywood’s biggest blockbuster films, television shows and commercials. Video can be captured at full 10bit quality and files can be saved in standard formats such as ProRes (Mac) and more, or as fully uncompressed video, the format used by professional television production studios. Files captured with Intensity Pro 4K can also be used with other popular Mac and Windows applications like Final Cut Pro X, Premiere Pro, Vegas Pro, Media Composer, Fusion, After Effects, Flash and many more. www.blackmagicdesign.com

Gefen Launches New Multi-Format Processor integrating computers, cameras and video sources of all kinds simple and intuitive. It is compact and ready for use in conference rooms, classrooms, auditoriums and command/control centres. Gefen's new Multi-Format Processor (EXT-MFP) is a simple to use, single box solution that provides ample source switching, format conversion with automatic scaling and independent digital and analog audio routing with comprehensive mobile control options. It is ideal for any installation supporting a mix of digital and analog audio/video sources and two high definition DVI and HDMI displays or projectors. The Multi-Format Processor supports today’s most popular video formats, including HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, VGA and composite video. It makes

Digital (optical and coaxial) and analog audio inputs can be routed independently and associated with any video input. Selected sources are output as HDMI and DVI with stereo audio, supporting HDCP and high definition resolutions up to 1080p full HD and 1920x1200 (WUXGA). A high quality, internal scaling engine ensures video content is converted and set to the correct resolution for the connected display. When used with Gefen's Syner-G™ software, set-up can be simplified using the Discovery, Show-Me and IP

configuration options. The Multi-Format Processor's powerful and easy-to-use web server interface further simplifies configuration thanks to cutting edge features such as advanced EDID management that enables quick and reliable handshaking between sources and displays. Customization options include assignable names for each input, password-protected access and different levels of access and control permissions for end-users and administrators. Control options include an intuitive graphical web interface accessible from any computer, tablet and smartphone, or via Telnet, UDP, RS-232, IR remote or front panel controls. www.gefen.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Planar® Debuts Family of Seamless, Fine-Pitch LED Video Walls well-lit public spaces and corporate lobbies, as well as light-controlled conference rooms, auditoriums and control rooms. Moreover, Planar DirectLight LED video walls are suitable for demanding 24x7 indoor applications—with an architecture designed Planar DirectLight Architecture in a Control Room Application to make installation and Planar DirectLight LED video walls can service faster, easier and more precise. be easily installed in even the most challenging indoor environments. With Planar DirectLight LED video walls a single advanced architecture and four offer superior performance in any resolutions to choose from (1.6, 1.9, environment. For high-resolution 2.5 and 3.1 millimeter pitch), customers applications in corporate environments can design a video wall to fit their and control rooms, excellent low unique space, then decide on the pixel brightness colour performance and gray density or resolution that’s right for level control is critical. Planar DirectLight their application, viewing distance and LED video walls are factory-calibrated budget. The modular nature of Planar and tested to perform consistently from DirectLight LED video walls allows it to high to very low brightness settings. fit nearly any shape wall configuration, And with features such as electronic including portrait, landscape, square and seam correction, deep black contrast concave curves. It offers a slim profile utilizing Planar® MicroGrid™ Shader that extends less than four inches from and wide viewing angles without loss of the wall. brightness, Planar DirectLight LED video The Planar DirectLight LED Video Wall family can be optimized for a wide range of indoor environments including

walls deliver excellent visual performance across a range of indoor video wall needs.

Designed for seamless installation the Planar DirectLight LED video walls include the proprietary Planar® EasyAlign™ Mounting System for unmatched precision alignment, offering two levels of Z-axis adjustment to obtain a perfectly flat video wall. In addition displays and components are removable from the front, thus eliminating the need for behind-the-video wall maintenance that wastes space and can be awkward to access for service. Off-board power, with a redundancy option, makes it possible to locate video walls up to 200 feet away from a power source, improving access and eliminating the need for power outlets behind the video wall. In addition, minimal heat allows for fan-less, quiet operation for environments that require less noise. Where 24x7 operations are concerned all Planar DirectLight LED video wall models offer mission-critical performance that include redundant power supply and video cabling options to ensure uninterrupted operation in the event of failure - even in the most rigorous 24x7 environments. www.planar.com/DirectLight

Barco Introduces Cost-Effective Indoor Modular LED Displays Barco, has added two new indoor LED displays to its display portfolio for retail and advertising. Designed for fixed indoor installation in fashion retail, automotive retail, banking or transit advertising applications, the V4i and V6i feature 4mm and 6mm pixel pitch, respectively, and combine the renowned Barco image quality with excellent contrast. Just like the other V-series LED displays, the V4i and V6i are managed and controlled by the dedicated V-series Toolset (VTS) application software. The VTS comes with an intuitive interface for easy display management and set up. Advanced options – such as brightness,

gamma and colour temperature control – and the display configuration tools make the V-series an excellent choice for basic LED display applications. Customers can choose from front or back serviceability. All Barco V-series displays are supported by the state-of-the-art DV-100 LED image processor and equipped with Barco’s high-performance AthenaTM scaler for superior image quality and performance. Designed for full flexibility, the DV-100 also supports new standards like 3G SDI, HDMI and DisplayPort, in addition to supporting standard inputs up to (dual) HD-SDI. www.barco.com

V4i

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

D-Tools New SI 2015 Software Includes Mobile Install Feature integrators, consultants, tech managers, and advisors to work with customers in the field to secure an accurate and immediately deliverable system design quote—before the customer has time to second guess the decision or find alternative resources. In all, SI 2015 makes it faster and easier than ever to perform key business functions from system estimation to design and now more than ever before project management.

D-Tools, Inc., newest version of its award winning System Integrator™ software platform, SI 2015, delivers a new Mobile Install feature as well as deeper integration and enhanced cross-functionality with QuickBooks, AutoCAD, Visio, and more. With this combined feature set, the D-Tools System Integrator (SI) software platform is even more beneficial to integrators, consultants, tech managers, and advisors in that it enables them to be more productive, efficient and effective, thus improving their workflow and enhancing the value of their overall offering. Now available, the newest iteration of the D-Tools System Integrator software platform features several impressive new features, including Mobile Install. Building on the architecture of D-Tools Cloud infrastructure, SI 2015’s Mobile Install (MI) gives users the power to publish Install Tasks and Service Orders to a portal powered by the D-Tools Cloud that can be accessed by technicians and installers in the field from any smartphone or tablet as well as to send and receive devicelevel notifications. SI 2015 users can also schedule installs and make updates to a centralized calendar then broadcast those appointments and changes out to their team in realtime, using the new Mobile Install feature. These adjustments will automatically synchronize with the SI 2015 platform for accurate time and installation tracking, which equates to far more efficient bookkeeping. SI 2015’s enhanced integration with QuickBooks and other accounting software allows integrators to track inventory and order status, sync vendors, and more. Highly effective AutoCAD (including AutoCAD 2015) and Visio-based drawings provide clearer and more concise communications between team members and consultants for more effective project management. D-Tools’ Mobile Quote is also available as a companion iOS app for SI 2015. A workflow-enhancing application, Mobile Quote represents a fantastic opportunity for systems

“We encourage both D-Tools users and non-users alike to take the time to demo SI 2015, learn about our recent enhancements and innovations, and see first hand how easy it truly can be to automate business practices, eliminate redundancies, and become more operationally streamlined by using the D-Tools software platform,” said Adam Stone, President and Founder of D-Tools. “To make it even easier, a free 30-day trial of the D-Tools System Integrator platform can be downloaded from www.d-tools.co.m/30-day-freetrial.” www.d-tools.com

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

ISE 2015: A Dazzling Show of ProAV H Integrated Systems Europe breaks visitors record, again.

eld last 10-12 February at Amsterdam RAI, the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2015 tradeshow saw a new record of 59,350 registered attendees, marking a significant increase of 16.4% in attendance from the previous show in 2014.

Seen by many as the largest ProAV and systems integration show in Europe, the three-day event co-owned by InfoComm International and CEDIA, opened with much anticipation as visitors from all sectors of the AV industry flooded the 12 convention halls. “The volume of attendance confirmed ISE’s position as the destination of choice for anyone involved in professional AV and systems integration,” said Mike Blackman, Integrated Systems Events Managing Director.

By Thomas Richard & Shireen Ho

Besides a buzzing show floor, ISE 2015 also offered visitors a wide range of personal development and training programmes provided by ISE co-owners InfoComm International and CEDIA. These sessions attracted over 700 people in total, a record for the show. Both associations also contributed to the three vibrant Showfloor Solutions Theatres dedicated to Residential, Commercial and Unified Communications. Here, over 3,000 appreciative visitors attended 90 sessions presented by ISE exhibitors. Dazzled by the countless AV offerings from over a thousand exhibitors, our SI Asia team ventured the showfloors to bring you some of the key highlights. www.iseurope.org

Due to page constraint, we are unable to feature some exhibitors in print. Kindly refer to SI Asia website "Events" tab, for more ISE 2015 coverage.

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Images of AV: Projectors, Screens & Projection-related

Barco Targets Corporate Market With Quiet Projectors Barco has added to its Present (P) portfolio of projectors, with a range of the quietest laser phosphor projectors on the market. Available in two models, WXGA or WUXGA resolution the projectors produce less than 35 decibels of noise making them perfect for meetings. The laser phosphor light source offers a 20,000-hour lifetime.

These 1-chip DLP projectors of course offer sharp images and sensational colours. The projectors can be rotated 360° and support portrait mode. In addition they are compact and light thus making installation easy. Seamlessly integrated into the projectors are a wireless

collaboration system and HDBaseT technology. When coupled with Barco’s market-leading ClickShare, the P projectors transform into easy-touse collaboration devices that enable true teamwork. www.barco.com

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EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Images of AV: Projectors, Screens & Projection-related

Casio Makes Laser & LED Hybrid Technology Accessible Presented in a simple yet elegant chassis, the Core XJ-V1 is a a next generation projector model that makes Laser & LED Hybrid light source technology accessible for projects of any investment scale. Ideal for classrooms and meeting spaces, the Core XJ-V1 replaces UHP mercury lamps with Laser and LED, making it mercury-free. With no lamps or filters to change, the power consumption and maintenance is reduced, resulting in better total cost of ownership. Boasting a brightness of 2,700lm and an incredible 20,000 hour lifespan, the Core ensures that all presentations are bright and vivid for longer with minimum drop off in brightness, negating the need to draw the curtains or pull the blinds. The projector can also turn on and off in under eight seconds without a warming

up or cooling down period, saving valuable time. “Having no consumables to monitor or replace means that end users can fix their costs for projection for five years without hidden extras. With no replacement parts needed, the level of maintenance is significantly reduced, offering a viable and sustainable option for businesses and educational establishments looking for long-term technology solutions. In addition, there is no downtime for changing lamps, providing a much more reliable solution for end users.” said Toshiharu Okimuro, Head of Global Sales, Casio Projection. The Core XJ-V1 will begin shipping in May 2015. www.casioprojector.com

Christie Shines With High-Brightness Projectors Making its worldwide debut at ISE, the Christie Boxer 4K30 features six 450W mercury lamps delivering 30,000 center lumens, setting a new industry benchmark for rental staging and fixed installation applications including concerts, amusement parks, projection mapping projects, museums, planetariums and more. Weighing less than 150 pounds (68 kilograms), Christie Boxer comes with built-in Christie Twist, allowing images to be blended and warped from multiple projectors onto curved or irregular surfaces without requiring an external solution. At the same time, Christie also presented its new H-series 1-chip DLP projectors. Featuring 12,000 lumens, the H-series projectors are the smallest and brightest projectors in the 10,000-plus lumen 1DLP® category. Weighing only 52.5 pounds (24 kilograms) each, the dual-lamp Christie

D12HD-H and Christie D12WU-H are suitable for mid-to-large rental staging and fixed applications including concert halls, auditoriums, hotels, boardrooms, education, government, conference rooms and houses of worship. The high brightness and durability is a boon for rental stagers, while fixed installation applications benefit from not only the superior image clarity and colour integrity, but also the compact design, enabling the Christie H Series to be installed in portrait or landscape mode.

Both the Christie Boxer 4K30 and H-series ship in April with a three-year parts and labour waranty. www.christiedigital.com

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Panasonic Unveils Low-noise 1-Chip Projector Panasonic's DZ780 series is a new high brightness, 1-chip DLPâ&#x201E;˘ projector series aimed at continuous 24-hour operation in public display and signage, as well as rental and staging applications. The duallamp projector outputs 7,000 lumens at WUXGA resolution and features a liquidcooling system that reduces operating noise to just 30 dB when projecting at full lamp output power. Dual lamps and Relay Mode enable continuous 24-hour operation while ensuring uninterrupted playback in the event of lamp failure and, for the first time at this level, high-end System Daylight View 2 joins Panasonicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proven Dynamic RGB Booster and Detail Clarity Processor technologies to ensure vivid colour reproduction, exceptional detail, and high brightness, even in well-lit spaces.

Features include geometric adjustment for curved-screen projection and multi-screen support with colour matching and edge blending. The DZ780 series is also compatible with the optional Geometric Manager Pro and Auto Screen Adjustment plug-in software that automatically sets up and calibrates projectors in a network for multiple or curved-screen projection. In another exclusive for this class of projector, the DZ780 series is now compatible with Art-Net DMX, a protocol for lighting management. It also features DIGITAL LINK, allowing long distance transmission of up to 1080p content using a single cable connection of up to 150m (100m for WUXGA resolution).

The DZ780 series comprises the PTDZ780 (7,000 lm, WUXGA), PT-DW750 (7,000 lm, WXGA), and PT-DX820 (8,200 lm, XGA), and is scheduled for release in April 2015. www.panasonic.com

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Images of AV: Projectors, Screens & Projection-related

Digital Projection Teases With 4K LED Projector Digital Projection's INSIGHT 4K LED projector merges the detail and clarity of full native 4K resolution with the stunning colour space and black levels of LED illumination. The 2,000 ANSI Lumens projector offers 60,000+ hour lifespan. Embracing solid-state illumination system means eliminating lamp replacements thus ensuring low maintenance. In addition the INSIGHT 4K LED projector offers all tilt

configuration, including portrait mode. Displayport 1.2 connectivity allows up to 60fps 4096 x2160 pixels via a single cable. The system is also full 4K 3D capable and comes with a projector controller software that allows full management and operation of multiple projectors from a single centralised PC-based application.

Digital Projection is expected to start manufacturing of the projector in April 2015. www.digitalprojection.com

DATATON Unveils WATCHOUT 6 easier than ever to accurately program and line-up complex 3D geometry projections. In WATCHOUT v.6, any number of virtual projectors can be placed around a 3D object on screen, then re-positioned and corrected to create the perfect projection setup.

Featuring projection mapping, previsualization, uncompressed video playback and groundbreaking new 3D features, DATATON's latest WATCHOUT version 6 is the most significant upgrade in its 15-year history of the software.

Taking the process a step further, WATCHOUT 6 also comes with new marker-based calibration to match the on-screen setup with the realworld object. WATCHOUT v.6 is able to calculate all the parameters automatically, aligning the virtual 3D Projector to the exact location for total control over the final projection.

With a radically revamped user interface, show producers will appreciate the new 3D projector feature which makes it

WATCHOUT v.6 also improves 3D production workflow by offering previsualization of 3D models as props to

More enhanced features in WATCHOUT v.6 include: Live edit, Virtual displays, Custom blending masks, multi-channel audio playback, frame-rate control, dynamic image server, and many more. www.dataton.com

Da-Lite Introduces Two New Ambient Light Rejection Surfaces Two new ambient light rejection technology screens were introduced by Da-Lite. The 120â&#x20AC;? diagonal screens feature a black surface that mimics flat panel displays. The micro layered surface rejects light from above and absorbs lights from the sides, ensuring that there is no glare. The 0.8 gain screen version

create a realistic simulation of the entire presentation environment. Teamed with the new 3D Projector feature, users can also get a multi-camera view of the stage from different perspectives. Additionally, the latest WATCHOUT also supports high-end uncompressed formats such as V210, Apple ProRes, and the lowcompression, high-performance HAP codecs.

is meant for standard throw projection and the 0.45 gain screen version for ultra short throw projection. Both versions are shipped in rolls and can be easily assembled onsite. www.da-lite.com

Professional AV Mounting Solutions

BT8310

Industry leading mounting solutions since 1972 Pr

B-Tech Audio Video Mounts is an industry leading company with over 40 years of experience in the design, manufacture and distribution of AV accessories. Since opening a Hong Kong office in 2002 B-Tech have continued to expand their roots throughout the region, recently opening offices in China and Vietnam with the addition of new R&D, sales and distribution centres in Ningbo and Hanoi.

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EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Images of AV: Projectors, Screens & Projection-related

Stewart Filmscreen Offers Aesthetics And Impressive Image Quality

LuminEsse is a new rigid front-projection wall screen system with an 'edgeless' design that offers appreciable aesthetics, in addition to providing the appropriate screen material for any application. LuminEsse can be configured with any of Stewart Filmscreen’s 4K+ rated front projection materials.

With an elegant 3/8-inch thin bezel, LuminEsse fits modern expectations for more screen size, less visible framing system, while providing a sleek appearance, even when not being viewed. The LuminEsse front-projection wall screen features an optional LED backlighting kit that goes beyond wow factor to make viewing more comfortable. Scientifically speaking, the LED lighting acts as bias lighting, relaxing the iris of the eye and causing less strain during extended viewing. When the screen is on, the multicoloured perimeter lighting enriches onscreen

content and when off, it can be used to set the mood of the room. Available in sizes up to 120-inches (diagonal) in HD formats and in sizes up to 128-inches (diagonal) in Cinemascope® configurations, the LuminEsse rigid front projection screen system utilizes Stewart’s wall mount system, making screen installation inexpensive, simple and fast. www.stewartfilmscreen.com

dnp Previews New STS Version Two new versions from the STS series were previewed. Both are high contrast front screens that feature advanced optical lens structure that is optimised to work with ultra short throw projectors. One, for single projector use, will have a gain of 0.9, which is an improved version of their existing STS screen and the other is designed for edge-blending,

with a maximum height of 1.5 metres and offering unlimited width. Targeted at small control rooms, simulation, information displays and video conference use, the fold-and-roll solution makes for easy shipping and handling. www.dnp-screens.com

VIOSO Makes Multi-Projector Set-Up A Breeze showcased its range of solutions that included the Wings VIOSO suite, the VIOSO Player and the VIOSO Anyblend.

If your multi-projector setup requires soft-edge blending, geometry warping or even colour correction, VIOSO has the answer for you. At ISE, VIOSO

VIOSO Anyblend is the most user friendly application on the market for creating seamless, scalable, high resolution displays utilizing up to 12 projectors from a single machine. Using VIOSO’s patented camera technology edge blended projections can be realized in minutes with outstanding quality on any surface. VIOSO Anyblend hooks into the Windows 7 desktop applications and replaces their original appearance with a soft edge blended output across multiple projectors in native resolution. This is achieved effortlessly by connecting projectors and any live camera to a PC and running the fully automatic setup.

The VIOSO Player enables the user to generate a homogeneous image utilising several projectors. Again using a camera, multiple projection setups are accomplished fully automated. An integrated media player displays videos and images with great ease, even Microsoft PowerPoint slides can be presented that way. Distributing the content to each projector as well as taking care of the overlapping areas of the projectors is done totally unattended by VIOSO Player. Even curved screens, projection spheres up to total free-form surfaces can be used to display content. The complementary Warping-Engine enables the exact adaption to any surface, after the projector setup has been finished – an essential advantage. www.vioso.com

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

The Window of AV: Displays, Video wall Cubes & Mounts

Daktronics Highlights Show Control & LED Panel Powerful and flexible, the SCS is equipped with a real-time monitoring function that gives status of each display, enabling users to generate playback reports, schedule display content and manage and present real-time information – including scores, statistics, times and news feeds.

A quick and easy way to control live events, the new Show Control System (SCS) is a display control solution that merges operator software, clip playback, live video and deep data integration into a fully integrated package.

Featuring Content Studio, the Show Control System also provides the ability to quickly composite text, graphics, video and real-time data while the Display Studio delivers immediate, property-wide presentation control through a variety of innovative features

including user-defined workspaces, configurable smart buttons and convenient dashboard widgets. As for LED panels, Daktronics highlighted its DVX LED panels for outdoor use. IP65 rated, the panel was demonstrated to be fully functional even when submerged in water. Made with LED marginals at about 365mm², the product line consists of 8mm, 10mm and 15mm surface mounts. www.daktronics.com

Mitsubishi's New LED Display Wall Saves Space The VS-60HS12U is a DLP projector system with LED light source incorporated to realise more advanced visual communications. The slim profile DLP rear projection cube is designed for demanding 24/7 control room applications requiring the highest quality seamless displays in a compact format. Featuring Mitsubishi's unique air-cooled LED projection engine, the cube delivers up to 50,000 hour lifespan with no maintenance. What is promised is consistent high-quality images and higher reliability. The DLP

chip is a reflective device with a very high reflection ratio, thus very little energy remains on the chip itself. This characteristic allows still images, text data and other fixed patterns to be displayed for long periods of time without image retention or burn-in that occurs with other image processing methods. In addition, its full front access design makes for easy servicing, maintenance and installation.

www.mitsubishielectricdisplaysolutions.com

NEC's 98” UHD Display Primed For Heavy-Duty Use control rooms, life-size digital signage, medical review, conferencing or creative multimedia design, provides four times the resolution of full HD, and upscales content with lower resolutions.

NEC's MultiSync X981UHD which is a 98-inch 4K UHD display is primed for heavy-dutybusiness or commercial use. The professional display, which is suitable for applications such as

Features include the SpectraView Engine, which provides full-featured colour management for ultimate image accuracy and consistency, as well as several modes for multi-source display operation, which offer the ability to display up to four sources side-by-side for ergonomic collaboration.

The model, equipped with DirectLED backlights, offers the complete list of well-known professional NEC features including intelligent thermal management, hardware LUT calibration and 24/7 reliability. It supports up to eight digital inputs, including one DisplayPort, four HDMI, two DVI-D and OPS. It also offers OPS Cable Free Expansion, meaning businesses can upgrade the power of the display at any time without the need for external cables or devices. www.nec-display-solutions.com

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

The Window of AV: Displays, Video wall Cubes & Mounts

SiliconCore Educates About LED Display Technology At ISE 2015, the Common Cathode display panel manufacturer launched two cutting-edge display screens – the indoor Lavender 1.2mm and the outdoor Orchid 1.9mm pixel pitch displays – while also demonstrating its new anti-moiré filter and presenting a curved Magnolia 1.5mm solution. In addition to new product launches, SiliconCore has also launched an ‘LED Get The Facts’ campaign to help endusers and integrators to determine the best display solution for different projects by establishing a framework for comparing different brands

Aiming to educate end users and integrators about what the claims really mean and how to identify the best display for their unique requirements, the campaign took off with many visitors to the show. “The huge number of LED manufacturers flooding the market means that we are spoilt for choice for pixel pitch, image quality and efficiency, but with a lack of uniformity across the industry in specifications and manufacturing standards, it is difficult to know what factors are best to judge a display on. We have produced an accessible guide

that puts this all into perspective to give people the confidence to consider LED and establish like for like comparisons.” Steve Scorse, VP of EMEA for SiliconCore explained. For anyone considering an LED display, the SiliconCore ‘LED Get The Facts’ guidelines can be accessed at: www.silicon-core.com/LED-Get-TheFacts

VTRON Lights Up With Stereoscopic Visualization Technology

VTRON debuted its 70” stereoscopic 3D DLP™ video wall cubes at ISE 2015. Integrated with the enhanced Digicom® ARK3000 and Magic7000 video wall processors, the Visionpro® stereoscopic 3D Series video wall cubes deliver the optimal visualisation for applications such military simulation training, urban planning and technology exhibitions.

Visitors were impressed with the stereoscopic 3D technology which can offer fast switching between 2D and 3D mode or display 2D and 3D content simultaneously. Designed for 24/7 operation, it is engineered with active shutter 3D technology, 4K inputs and LED light source providing high brightness up to 1,200 ANSI lumens – allowing the Visionpro® stereoscopic 3D Series to deliver bright, flicker-free images in different environments. At the same time, VTRON also launched a series of economical control room solutions which included new flat panels and Digicom® HC processors. A recently-launched display solution, the 3.5mm ultra-narrow-bezel 55” LCD L-PH5523 is packaged with Digicom®

B-TECH Showcases Its BT8370 Freestanding video wall mount The BT8370 Freestanding video wall mount – it is light-weight, incredibly strong, has a high-end aesthetic quality and can be assembled quickly and easily. The BT8370 can be used in multiple video wall configurations and is easily expanded if additional screens need adding to the installation. The frame can be used stationary or as a mobile mounting system with braked castors.

The well known B-Tech features such as eight-point tool-less adjustment, integrated cable management and a spacer system to simplify installation even further, are all included as part of the solution. www.btechavmounts.com

HC3000 processors that offers simple and economical solutions for small to medium control rooms, meeting rooms and shopping malls for critical monitoring applications or information displays. Lastly, VTRON also presented its 1.488mm and 1.92mm pixel pitch (flagship edition) VLED series video walls. Integrated with VTRON’s Digicom®AP2000 processor for control room users and broadcasters, VTRON sets itself apart as a control room expert offering narrow pixel pitch LED screen as an alternative display solution. www.VTRON.com

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

The Window of AV: Displays, Video wall Cubes & Mounts

Chief Exhibits Upgraded Fusion Mounts Chief has refreshed its popular Fusion mount to include new installer-friendly features while retaining all the benefits of the previous version. The new fixed and tilt mounts feature Fusion hallmarks such as the Centerless™ lateral shift, ControlZone™ height and roll adjustment, Centris™ low profile tilt and ClickConnect™ tool-free latching. The additional innovations include Set screws that keep the mount rigid

and stable throughout the life of the installation; Nestling spacers that can be staked to achieve any depth and reduce waste; teardrop design that helps to speed up and ease installation through use of lag screws and magnetized ClickConnect to make it easy to store and access pull cords. In addition the end caps have been redesigned to allow cables to be routed behind the pipes. There is also additional lateral shift which allows the integrator to shift wall plates around electircal

and low voltage boxes on the wall. For added security there is an integrated security level that makes safeguarding displays easier. www.chiefmfg.com

Integrated AV: UC, Video Conferencing & Collaboration Tools

Jupiter Extends Canvas To Conference Rooms and Huddle Spaces now extends the power of Canvas to teams working in conference rooms and huddle rooms.

Jupiter's Canvas in brief is an enterprisewide collaborative visualization solution that enables sharing of video, data and applications on smartphones, tablets, PCs and videowalls. This well established solution is widely used in a range of vertical markets. The Canvas CRS-4K

The CRS-4K is a small, quiet box that can be located anywhere in the room. With the CRS-4K, teams in huddle rooms can collaborate with remote colleagues running Canvas on almost any device, sharing live video, real-time data, application screens, web windows, documents, and presentations. Users can annotate onscreen, coordinate using voice and text chat, share whiteboards, and jointly edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Using Canvas SimpleShare™, any user can walk into the conference room and present their laptop screen to both local and remote Canvas participants. No software to download, no cables to connect, no dongles to hunt down. Other features include Microsoft Lync® integration and support for calls to and from 3rd party SIP-based systems to share video and audio. The CRS-4K supports up to four 1080p HD displays or a single 4K Ultra HD display. www.jupiter.com

Sony Redeﬁnes Its Visual Presentation Following last year’s launch of its intuitive presentation solution – Vision Presenter PWA-VP100 – Sony showcased the next generation, Vision Presenter 2.0, for the first time at ISE 2015 in Amsterdam. Bringing together all content – including videos, images and PowerPoint® slides - to one screen, the Vision Presenter 2.0 enables the control of dynamic presentations with just a swipe of the finger. The latest iteration is equipped with a whole host of new features including

HDCP support, multiple display variations, and content Mirroring. Additionally, the Vision Presenter 2.0 can also be integrated with any videoconferencing system, facilitating remote collaboration. This connectivity allows presentations to have impact beyond the traditional boundaries of the auditorium. “Unlike simple sharing applications, it (Vision Presenter 2.0) allows the connection of more source materials and supports a wide range of display

options with easy operation. With Vision Presenter, presentations can always be interactive and inspiring – something which traditional solutions often lack,” said Tadahiro Fukumoto, General Manager, Visual Presentation Solutions Division, Professional Solutions Company (PSAP), Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. http://pro.sony-asia.com

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Brain of AV: Controls & Processors

RTI Offers New Remote Control Solutions One of the key product highlights at RTI's booth included the T3x Wireless Control Interface. Sleek and elegant, the T3x remote control combines a vivid 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen and programmable hard buttons with unparalleled functionality. The controller's dual wireless RF platform provides installation flexibility, while support for Wi-Fi® enables advanced capabilities such as viewing IP security cameras and wireless programming updates. For the ultimate user experience, the remote control also has a built-in camera and microphone for video intercom support, grip sensors, an

accelerometer, and a touchscreen with haptic feedback. Concurrently, RTI also presented its KX Line of Wired Interfaces which consisted of KX1 In-Wall Keypad, KX3 Advanced In-Wall Controller and KX10 In-Wall Touchpanel. Last but not least, RTI unveiled its newest control processor, the XP9, providing robust and enhanced reliability to process installation-wide system control and two-way feedback directly from any RTI user interface. Equipped with intuitive support for onscreen display

control capabilities, the processor offers installation flexibility with an HDMI output, nine routable IR ports, eight two-way RS-232 ports, eight sense ports, eight relays, a multi-tasking operating system, an astronomical clock, and more. www.rticorp.com

PAX ProAV Integrates AV Distribution with mira Beside the Boutique system from ATEIS, another noteworthy product mention would be the mira system from Xavtel. Introduced as the industry's first real AV DSP platform, the mira system provides integration of audio and video distribution including background music / paging / mass notification and broadcasting with digital signage

and CCTV in the same network with extremely low latency. In addition, the mira system is also able to use both AVB (Star-wired) and Xavtel GigaNet (redundant loop) networks simultaneously in a single AV platform by mounting 2 networking cards. www.paxproavgroup.com

TriColor Introduces SMARTKAKE Multi-Display Processor Targeted at the retail and exhibition display market, one single SmartKake supports one 4K signal input and 4 FullHD outputs. There are three different versions depending on the input required – DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort at 4K UHD. Output wise all the versions offer four DVI-I signal output with full HD resolution.

90°, 180°, or 270° displays. The user friendly SmartKake management software enables the user to create interesting display layouts. Multiple SmartKake units can be used together as a cascading system, which supports video walls. Frame locking between each unit ensures perfect synchronization of video wall performance.

Creative display is possible as each SmartKake processor output can be mirrored or process signals for rotated

EDID management allows non-standard input resolution. The processing software

also allows for bezel compensation and overlap creation for edge blending. www.chinargb.com.cn

Are you ready for InfoComm 2015? If you’re in AV, then this is THE show for you. InfoComm is the largest commercial AV event in the United States and this year it is expected to draw over 38,000 in attendance! Only the latest and greatest technologies from the top manufacturers in the industry are on display. You’ll also have the opportunity to choose from a full selection of education courses and network with fellow AV professionals from over 110 countries.

Don’t miss your chance! Register now at infocommshow.org. Use VIP Code SNA for your free Exhibit Hall Pass.

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

AV Aids: Switchers, Extenders, Transcoders & Scalers

Analog Way Enhances LiveCore™ Series With New Products A newly-launched multi-screen seamless switcher based on the LiveCore™ platform, the Ascender 16 offers 12 inputs with 42 source plugs including 6xHDMI, 9xDVI-I, 3xDisplayPort, 12x3G/ HD/SD-SDI, and 12xUniversal Analog. It can handle any source from composite video, up to 2560x1600 and 4K, and outputs a variety of formats, including HD-TV and Computer formats up to 2560x1600 and 4K. Available with full 4K resolution I/O as an optional feature, the Ascender 16 also includes an independent output for monitoring purposes, with Live Mosaic preview or Aux configurations. In addition to a native background layer, the switcher can display up to 2 mix layers per output and allows for soft edge blending. Also making its ISE debut was the Ascender 48. Equipped with 48 scalers, the Ascender 48 offers Mixer, Hybrid, Hard Edge and Soft Edge configurations to fit any application. Featuring Perspective Layers, the Ascender 48 allows animation of live layers with a

virtual viewing perspective in real time with X,Y,Z axis rotation control. Using the Monitoring output, user can display the Perspective Layers on a preview in real time in order to see and arrange all layers and presets.

with the addition of new optional 4K I/O connectors. Full 4K resolution is now available as an optional feature on all LiveCore™ Presentation Mixers, including early stage units already in the field.

Lastly, Analog Way also announced the enhancements of its LiveCore™ series

www.analogway.com

Next Generation AMX Enova DGX Media Switchers

The 100 Series is the next generation in Enova DGX Digital media Switchers, featuring full 4K/UHD support, advanced audio support and simplified configuration and setup.

identical in features so no matter what size is right for the application, the experience remains the same. And everything that made the original Enova DGX so popular continues including full 4K/UHD endto-end support, onboard NetLinx NX Series control with advanced security measures and exclusive AMX technologies like SmartScale and InstaGate Pro.

To support a wide range of needs, sources and destinations; the new Series includes four models: the DGX 800 (8x8), DGX 1600 (16x16), DGX 3200 (32x32) and DGX 6400 (64x64). Aside from board capacity, each model is practically

The new DGX 100s feature independent routing of audio and video signals in every model. In addition to audio breakaway/switching, the new audio boards provide advanced audio processing and configuration capabilities

such as a 10-band parametric EQ per output. AMX is the only manufacturer offering this feature as an embedded component in 8x8, 16x16, 32x32 and 64x64 digital media switcher sizes. Integrators now also have a web configurator that can be launched from a laptop or tablet to speed through the installation process. And to cut configuration time further, DGX 100’s automatically and instantly auto-discover all connected DXLink devices no matter how far away. Whether installing a new system or simply making upgrades, the web configurator and automatic DXLink setup are a huge time saver for integrators. www.amx.com

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

AV Aids: Switchers, Extenders, Transcoders & Scalers

Atlona Presents A Dozen-Product Debut Leading the pack is Atlona's new UHDSW-5 Series, the manufacturer's first series of HDMI Switchers supporting 4K/UHD video @ 60Hz and advanced configuration and management capabilities. The series’ top model, the AT-UHD-SW- 52ED, offers added outputs for balanced stereo audio, mirrored HDMI, and mirrored HDBaseT with Power over Ethernet for signal transmission up to 100m. For commercial, hospitality & education use, Atlona expanded its CLSO line with AT-UHD-CLSO-601, a six-input, 4K@60Hz switcher with built-in 4K scaler and mirrored HDBaseT and HDMI outputs. Created for classrooms and small meeting rooms, it incorporates four HDMI and two multi-function analog inputs, allowing digital or legacy analog sources to be used with HDMI displays.

Next, Atlona also launched its first HDMI to HDBaseT 4K/UHD Matrix Switcher with HDCP 2.2 support and PoE. These new models, AT-UHD-PRO3-88M & ATUHD-PRO3-66M, features 48V PoE and extended-length HDBaseT cable that runs up to 100 meters. Last but not least, Atlona also rejuvenated one of its most popular product lines – the UHD-EX series. The new generation of extenders now features 4K/UHD capability and HDCP 2.2 copy protection pass-through. Consisting of four pairs of transmitters and receivers, the extenders offers 70or 100-meter signal extension of video, multi-channel audio, 48-volt Power over Ethernet, and bidirectional Ethernet, IR, and RS-232, all over a single category cable.

www.atlona.com

Crestron Makes A Splash With Cutting-Edge Solutions Research Center. With the DM-RMC4K-SCALER-C, users can can upscale or downscale any resolution and frame rate to any other desired resolution and frame rate, up to 4096x2160 at 60 Hz.

Crestron impressed visitors, once again, at ISE this year. Kicking off the show with a live demonstration of its 4K/60Hz DigitalMedia Receiver & Room Controller w/Scaler, the DM-RMC-4KSCALER-C features an exclusive scaler chip that is developed at the Crestron

In addition to the scaler, Crestron further ehanced its offerings with three new DigitalMedia™ 4K Multimedia Presentation Systems. Featuring solutions to suit the needs of different room sizes, each system includes 4K switching and scaling, plus simple setup powered by new Crestron .AV

Framework technology that eliminates the need for custom programming. The three solutions are: 4K Scaling Presentation Switcher (HD-MD8X14K), 4K Scaling Presentation Switcher with HDBaseT Output (DM-MD8X14K-C), and the 3-Series 4K DigitalMedia Presentation System (DMPS3-4K-150-C). Last but not least, Crestron also launched an enhanced second-generation Crestron RL 2 for its commercial line. Delivering an advanced, unified communications and group collaboration solution for the conference room, the Crestron RL 2 brings Crestron DigitalMedia™ and Microsoft Lync software into a single device to bring the Lync experience from the desktop to the conference room. In a smaller chassis than its predecessor, this fully-featured Lync based system enables video, voice, interactive content sharing, presence, and chat, all from one touch screen interface. www.crestron.com

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Exterity Advocates “Streaming Beyond Lan” device types. They provide a unique but simple solution to transcode, transrate, transpose, transcast and scale video content.

Colin Farquhar, CEO, Exterity

Specializing in IP video systems, leading provider Exterity announced a breakthrough at ISE with the new AvediaStream Transcoders.

“Remote working and corporate BYOD policies have increased the need for organizations to stream video over any network. Our high capacity AvediaStream transcoders offer a responsive and flexible solution to meet this requirement, allowing video content to be reformatted and delivered in real time over IP networks to mobile devices,” commented Colin Farquhar, CEO, Exterity.

The first in the new range of AvediaStream products, the t5500 and t5600 enables proAV installers and organizations to stream content across a wide range of networks, including LAN, WiFi, WAN and the internet.

Additionally, the transcoders enable content distribution to unmanaged environments outside the LAN such as to iOS and Android devices. This allows organizations to offer the highest quality video even if the staff is working from home or on-the-go.

The new transcoders allow the content to be transformed to match business network infrastructure requirements and

www.exterity.com

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IHSE Showcases 3G Matrix Switchers In Compact Design Designed for massive, complex applications, the HD/4K KVM matrix switcher Draco tera enterprise now offers a 576-port model, doubling its previous 288-port model. Equipped with Flex-Port technology, each I/O port is completely flexible and can be configured as input or output so that each port can be used as CPU Port or as CON Port (console port) and can be switched in accordance to its requirements. Ideal for large corporations, and huge control rooms, this high flexibility ensures that the Draco tera enterprise can cope with each situation. Also on display were Draco tera compact matrix switcher (available in 8, 16, 32, 48, 64 and 80 ports), as well as the Dual Link and DisplayPort KVM extenders for 4K video and the newly launched Fiber XV (eXtreme Velocity) range of extender units.

Dr Enno Littman, Managing Director of IHSE

On the XV extenders, Dr Enno Littman, Managing Director of IHSE commented, “In many applications, for example in high-end interactive AV, broadcast, air traffic control and medical high resolution imaging, the pictures presented must be pixel accurate, even at the very high resolutions in use today. This calls for a superior level of image processing and higher-than-normal transmission rates. Draco tera systems with the XV extenders deliver the performance needed.” www.ihse.de

Or Visit www.systemsintegrationasia.com

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

AV Aids: Switchers, Extenders, Transcoders & Scalers

Kramer Demonstrates Real-world Innovation

Drawing huge crowds, the Kramer booth saw the launch of the VP-772, an 8-input 4K Dual Scaler with seamless video switching and special effect transitions, and the new VSM-4x4HFS Matrix Switcher/Multi-scaler with video wall and multi-viewing modes. With Kramer’s state-of-the-art scaling technology, the VP-772 is designed for projection and display systems at

live events, churches, auditoriums, conference rooms, boardrooms, hotels, and production studios. VP-772 scales and processes video and audio inputs and outputs to independent preview and program DVI-I outputs (VGA, DVI-D and HDMI) and two balanced stereo audio outputs. The dual scaler also features DVI-U inputs (with analog, DVI and HDMI support) and stereo-balanced audio signals. The preview output, featuring an on-screen display menu, allows users to view how the program output will look on live display. Designed for presentation environments, VSM-4x4HFS Matrix Switcher/Multiscaler features a 4x4 matrix switcher, as well as video wall (2x2), dual display (PIP/P&P) and quad display modes. The VSM-4x4HFS comes with 4 HDMI inputs

and 4 scaled HDMI outputs and offers flexible control options, e.g., front panel buttons, IR remote control with OSD (On-Screen Display), RS-232, and a builtin Web browser. The switcher/scaler also includes PixPerfect™ scaling, Kramer’s high-precision pixel mapping and scaling technology. Beside switchers and scalers, Kramer also introduced its latest extenders, the TP-590RXR and TP-590TXR. Aimed at long-distance, and reliable transmission, the new extenders are among the first to incorporate Valens’ Colligo chipsets, allowing users to connect any device over a single twisted pair cable without compromising on quality or performance. www.kramerelectronics.com

Lightware Opens New Doors For ProAV Design

With the recently released Event Manager tool implemented in the Lightware Device Controller software, Lightware’s new UMX-TPS transmitter family opens a new door for professional AV design. 4K video, audio and control transmission up to 170 meter distance is a standard for professional signal extenders nowadays; but imagine that, along with these features, you can control a rolling shutter or an air conditioning system with the same device. The Event Manager was developed to handle tasks from the most simple; like displaying internal events on GPIO ports and controlling the extender by GPIO inputs instead of front panel pushbuttons; to the more complex tasks like controlling a projection screen,

air conditioning system or lighting if any conditions change, such as a new source being connected or removed. In addition, Lightware also exhibited its new MMX6x2-HT matrix switcher. Designed for smaller meeting room and classroom environments, the compact MMX6x2-HT220 has 6 video inputs and 2 video outputs - 4 HDMI 1.4 and 2 TPS (HDBaseT) inputs and 2 independent HDMI outputs which both have mirrored TPS (HDBaseT)

outputs. With 4K@30Hz, 3D capabilities and HDCP fully supported, the device also has 4 audio connectors for audio insertion and 2 audio outputs for deembedding purposes. PoE 48V remote powering is available on all TPS ports (both input and output) for simple, cost effective installations. The MMX6x2HT220 standalone matrix switch has two variants, one with a single mirrored TPS output (HT210) and one with just HDMI outputs (HT200). www.lightware.eu

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Sound of AV: Audio & Audio-improvement products

d&b's Install Solutions Take Centre Stage xS-Series, intended for stand alone applications, incorporates specialised hardware fittings to deliver a flexible choice of mounting options for the installer.

Designed with utility and flexibility in mind, the new Y-Series from d&b offers both point source and line array loudspeakers. The installation specific Yi7P and Yi10P point source and the Yi8 and Yi12 line array loudspeakers each feature two 8” drivers with neodymium magnets mounted in a dipolar arrangement around a 1.4” compression driver. These Yi variants are designed for permanent applications, differing from the mobile Y7P, Y10P, Y8 and Y12 only

in cabinet construction and mounting hardware. All models are passively crossed over to keep amplifier channels to a minimum. Also specifically developed for the installation market, d&b's xA-Series, xS-Series and xC-Series were also at ISE 2015. The mechanically arrayable xA-Series comprises four loudspeakers and two subwoofers and features an integrated rigging system, while the

“d&b is continuously expanding its portfolio for the installation markets. To support the requirements of our global installation customers we have put significant effort into product development, to provide pro audio solutions for opera houses, theatres or large music venues; wherever the highest quality of sound is required. Throughout this year we will introduce a number of new, high performance installation products to the market, to underline d&b’s focus on these applications,“ commented d&b CEO, Amnon Harman. www.dbaudio.com

HARMAN's Crown Audio & JBL Showcases Latest Audio Solutions Aimed at installed sound applications, the two cost-effective 2-channel amplifier models from Crown Audio, the XLC2800 and XLC2500, can operate into impedances from 8 ohms to 2 ohms using stereo, parallel or bridged mono outputs. Although extremely powerful at 775W and 500W per channel respectively (at 4 ohms; 2400W and 1550W into 4 ohms in bridged mode), both amplifiers are lightweight and measure only 2U rack spaces high.

Soundfield Technology to achieve an extremely wide coverage of nearly 180 degrees, the speaker is able to eliminate the primary wall reflection that tends to cause the inconsistent sound when mounted to a wall. As with most on-wall loudspeakers, it is usual for low- and low-mid-frequency sound waves to wrap around the loudspeaker and get reflected back out from the wall, hence, causing cancellation, peaks and dips in the loudspeaker’s frequency response.

Both models feature HARMAN’s proprietary DriveCore amplifier IC chip, which combines the amplifier driver stage into the power output stage along with additional audio-signal functions. Installations that do not require high power output and networking connectivity but yet need a reliable amplifier that delivers good sound quality will appreciate the XLC series.

By employing a wall-facing woofer, two horizontally splayed tweeters, a bracket that spaces the loudspeaker at the required distance from the wall and a tapered cabinet that provides proper loading and dispersion of the sound, the Control HST substantially reduces these inconsistencies to deliver a flatter frequency response and a more even sonic character throughout the room.

Concurrently, HARMAN also introduced its wide-coverage on-wall speaker from the JBL line. Using JBL’s newly developed HST Hemispherical

The 5 1/4” woofer is constructed from Ceramic Metal Matrix Diaphragm material, which bonds a ceramic material outer surface to an aluminium core

for a lightweight yet rigid cone that delivers clarity and detail. In addition, the CMMD material provides moisture resistance. The loudspeaker’s dual 1” CMMD tweeters feature a neodymium magnet, a polyurethane surround and ferrofluid cooling for high output with low distortion. The Control HST is also capable of handling up to 100 watts and is equipped with a 4-pin phoenixtype removable locking connector that includes loop-through terminals for parallel connection to another loudspeaker. www.harman.com

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Sound of AV: Audio & Audio-improvement products

Powersoft Ushers In New Ottocanali Series to 12,000 W output power at 4 ohm over 8 channels for lo-Z or distributed line systems. As with former versions of Ottocanali, the new DSP+D versions feature switchable main and aux signal inputs per channel, adequate GPIO, alarms, Lo-Z and Hi-Z output connections as well as mono-bridgeable channel pairs. Flexible and reliable, the three new high-performance 8-channel power amplifiers from the Ottocanali Series DSP+D offers a wide range of system control and monitoring functions as well as sound shaping options, a total of up

With two redundant Dante™ by Audinate® digital streams, the Ottocanali 4K4 DSP+D, Ottocanali 8K4 DSP+D and Ottocanali 12K4 DSP+D will fit any venue as ‘standalone’ unit, making it ideal for multi-

zone applications in mid to large-scale installs. The new Ottocanali Series also shines with outstanding low power consumption and heat dissipation, dramatically reducing cooling systems costs. Also presented at the ISE was the award-wining X Series, an industry's first amplifier that doubles as a system tool, integrating a large amount of functionality generally only found in separate outboard units. www.powersoft-audio.com

QSC Announces A Series Of New Upgrades, Firmware & Products ISE 2015 saw QSC unveiled its new CIAES16 input card as well as a number of enhancements and feature upgrades for the Q-Sys network audio platform. With the new CIAES16 16-channel AES3 input card and the availability of Q-Sys v4.1.31 software, Q-Sys users now have even more options and flexibility when designing and installing Q-Sys based network audio solutions. The new input card provides support for up to 16 channels of AES3 digital audio input to Q-SYS. In addition, there is added support within Q-Sys that includes tunings for new QSC AcousticCoverage

ceiling mount and AcousticDesign surface mount loudspeakers, added support within the Media Stream Transmitter for transmitting 2x audio channels to SVSi devices, and RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol) devices, added support within the Media Stream Receiver for direct connection from SVSi 7.1 audio streams and support for SNMP v2c and SNMP v3 for use with an MIB browser. Additionally, QSC also added two new models to their AcousticDesign™ and AcousticCoverage™ series with AD-S4T being the latest addition

to AcousticDesign small format loudspeaker line and the AC-C6T inceiling loudspeaker and two surface mount models, the AC-S4T and AC-S6T, joining the cost-effective AcousticCoverage line. www.qsc.com

PAX ProAV Expands PA/AV System With Boutique

Highly flexible and competively priced, the new EN54-16/UL2572 listed

Boutique system from ATEIS features rich PA/AV system targeting small to large installations. Offering full monitoring of speaker lines, microphones and amplifiers, the Boutique utilizes the latest DSP processing technology, which allows it to expand from a single processor of as little as 4 zones, to a large networked system capable of over 80,000 zones making it suitable for a wide variety of applications.

The small-scale Boutique VM4 offers 4 monitored zones while the VM8 provides 8 zones with further expandability via the SG8 or SL8 auxiliary units. The Boutique VM8M processor comes fully integrated with an internal 240W or 480W amplifier channel. With its auto-set up front panel, the Boutique is a user-friendly plug n play system. www.paxproavgroup.com

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Yamaha Launches New Slim Proﬁle Ceiling Speakers The new VXC series “F model” ceiling speakers feature a low profile and have been designed specifically for highquality BGM playback. There are four new models to the series – the VXC3F, VXC3FW, VXC5F, and VXC5FW. The speakers feature a newly designed speaker unit and resin enclosure. The VXC3F/ VXC3FW is a 3.5” full-range speaker unit whereas the VXC5F/ VXC5FW is a 4.5” full-range speaker unit, which are rated at 20W and 40W respectively. Additionally both speaker models support both low-impedance and high-impedance connection.

Installation has been made friendly with a built-in “carrying band” that makes it easy to be carried. An anti-drop tab mechanism securely holds the speaker in place so that the installation can proceed safely and efficiently. In addition double threaded screws used for the speaker clamp mechanism allow the clamps to be tightened twice as fast as conventional screws. Each speaker type is supplied in pairs and come in white or black finishes. To enable the speakers to blend in with the décor the grilles can also be painted any colour.

www.yamahaproaudio.com

Safety First For New Tannoy Qﬂex Models system where speech is the main audio source - either from live announcements or via pre-recorded message, the new QFlex 16LS and QFlex 32LS column loudspeakers are enhanced with voice reinforcement optimisation and intelligibility.

Tannoy has developed the new QFlex Life Safety (LS) models as a cost effective solution for critical and life safety applications. Designed primarily for large transportation hubs as part of a PA/VA

The QFlex 16LS makes use of a fewer number of wider bandwidth 4-inch low frequency drivers than the equivalently sized QFlex 40 model to achieve an emphasis on the speech band only, over an effective distance of up to 70 metres. Each of the 16 drivers is controlled by its own discrete channel of 100 Watt (RMS) Class D amplification and cutting edge DSP, the reduced driver count and wider spacing enabling a 50% reduction in power consumption.

beyerdynamic Offers New Option For ORBIS Conference System Orbis is beyerdynamic's digital wired conferencing system that was launched last year. At ISE, beyerdynamic introduced an option of connecting a Revoluto vertical microphone to the Orbis microphone unit instead of a gooseneck microphone. Audio pick up is up to 6 degrees around the capsule with audio quality remaining consistently excellent. This allows for participants

to place the microphone in the centre and share it without needing to move the microphone around. In addition the microphone is RFI proof which means there is no interference from mobile phones. It also features an illumination ring to display the ready-to-speak status. www.beyerdynamic.com

The larger QFlex 32LS contains a combination of 4-inch and 3-inch low frequency drivers, distributed over the equivalent length of the QFlex 48, and an eight-way tweeter array of 1-inch drivers. Each driver is individually powered by one of 32 discrete channels of integrated 100 Watt (RMS) Class D amplification and DSP. QFlex life safety loudspeakers interface with virtually any type of audio system, offering balanced analogue inputs and links on Euroblock connectors as well as AES3 inputs, plus network and control connections including Tannoy’s VNET monitoring. www.tannoypro.com

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

AV Speak Up: Conferencing Microphones & Aids

Bosch Introduces New Wireless Conference System Offering quick set-up and breakdown, the new DICENTIS system is perfect for applications in multi-purpose rooms and historical buildings where a flexible wireless solution offers significant advantages. The innovative DICENTIS Wireless conference system uses state-of-theart technologies, standard Wi-Fi and smart wireless management to ensure interference-free wireless conferencing. True wireless connectivity enables direct connection to the Wireless Access Point

with any tablet or laptop, without the need for additional equipment such as a router. There are two versions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Wireless Device and Wireless Device Extended which features a 4.3 inch capacitive touch-screen and built-in Near Field Communication (NFC) Reader. The functionality of the touch-screen devices can easily be enhanced through software modules. Being OMNEO-ready, the DICENTIS system can be expanded in the future

with DCN Multimedia systems and other OMNEO devices, thus making them future-ready. www.boschsecurity.com

Shure Announces Presentations & Wireless Showcase systems ULX-D and QLX-D which was new to the ISE show. Additionally, DIS DDS 5900 and DIS DCS 6000 discussion and conferencing systems were also exhibited together with the newly introduced CP7890 camera control app.

Visitors to the Shure stand were given the opportunity to experience the RF microphone systems for conferencing audio applications, Microflex Wireless, plus the digital wireless microphone

Compatible with Apple iOS and Android devices, the CP7890 camera control app can be used in conjunction with both DIS DDS 5900 and DIS DCS 6000 systems to remotely control up to four networked cameras. Furthermore, Shure also presented several of its product-related software

solutions that emphasizes functionality and ease of use. Visitors were taught by Shure staff to learn how to configure, coordinate, control and monitor Shure systems with Wireless Workbench 6, ShurePlus Channels, Shure Web Device Discovery, Shure Update Utility, MXW Webserver, SCM820 Webserver and DCS 6000 Webserver. At the same time, Shure also presented three free-to-attend technology seminars at the Commercial Theatre during the 3-day show. www.shure.com

Sennheiser Dedicates Mic To Speech At ISE 2015, Sennheiser unveiled its SpeechLine Digital Wireless, the world's first wireless digital microphone to be designed exclusively for speech applications. With an Automatic Frequency Management feature that automatically searches for free frequencies on-site, the new SpeechLine Digital Wireless microphone lightens the workload of technicians by eliminating the need for time-consuming frequency planning in advance. Featuring Integrated Audio Level Management, the mic automatically

adapts to the application scenario and the speaker, resulting in optimum speech intelligibility. What is more, network integration enables the system status to be remote controlled and monitored using the Remote Control App, AMX or Crestron. Additionally, if wireless transmission is disturbed, the mic's Automatic Interference Management will automatically switch the system to an alternative free frequency. Optimum speech intelligibility is also guaranteed by various selectable sound profiles and sound processing algorithms, such as

presets for bass-intensive male voices or high female voices. Available as a handheld or Lavalier microphone or as a headset, the SpeechLine Digital Wireless sets and app will be available from June 2015. www.sennheiser.com

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Digital Signage: Players, Displays & Accessories

BrightSign New DS Player Makes Its First Appearance Alongside with its true 4K player, BrightSign exhibited its next generation XD and HD solid state digital signage players and the new low-cost LS model for the first time at ISE. Centrepiece of BrightSign presence, the three 4K of the flagship 4K line, garnered most attention at the booth. At the same time, visitors to BrightSign's booth also had the first opportunity to view the updated range of XD and HD solid state players, as well as the affordable LS product line, which is ideal for commerical audio and price-sensitive digital signage applications.

BrightSign's portfolio of digital signage media players now consists of 10 players across four product lines. The three BrightSign 4K models now come with new enhancements such as 4K playback of H.265 encoded content at 60p. The XD models have also been updated with even faster graphics and HTML5 engine and PoE, while the HD family

now comes with new features such as HTML5, 1080p60 decode and the added convenience of remote viewing capabilities. www.brightsign.biz

LG Launches New Displays & Connectivity Solutions

From the introduction of its 105” and 98” interactive displays to transparent signage integrated into a cooler door and the launch of HD BaseT and OPS integration devices, LG showcased its variety of solutions through a market sector vertical focus on retail, airports, schools, quick service restaurants (QSRs), hotels, hospitals and offices.

One of the solutions that garnered most attention would be the transparent display cooler door, which integrates advertising content displayed on the exterior of the cooler with real products inside. Featuring LG’s M+ technology, the solution works by having two clear sheets of glass that are surrounded by edge lit LEDs. When the media plays, the signal pulses out through the LEDs to take over the display on the screen allowing an amalgamation of real products and overlaid graphics to bring them to life. The display can also be integrated with real time content, such as sports results and social media.

WebOS platform enhances convenience by enabling system integrators to download useful content while allowing them to develop customized applications that fit their exact needs.

LG also introduced its latest Smart Platform Signage lineup and hotel TV information solution running webOS. The

www.lgecommercial.com

With webOS, LG’s Smart Platform Signage can be updated immediately using WiFi via a smartphone or tablet, eliminating the need for a wired internet connection or a costly internal network infrastructure. The webOS Hotel TV also allow guests to receive information about the hotel’s facilities or nearby attractions, as well as watching movies and TV programs.

SpinetiX Releases New Strategic Cloud-based Service Named the “Cockpit”, the new cloudbased service will allow dealers to set up and monitor customers’ digital signage players from anywhere, proactively performing maintenance and addressing problems before they reach critical status. “This unique added value service will improve the quality of maintenance and on-site support and will keep our end

customers loyal,” said Francesco Ziliani, SpinetiX CEO. Set up as a “Freemium” pricing model, the free version of Cockpit allows any owner of a SpinetiX player to perform basic monitoring tasks. For professionals requiring real-time monitoring, alert notifications, remote firmware updates, reporting and more, the premium version

of Cockpit will be available through established distribution channels. www.spinetix.com

EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

CommunicAsia, EnterpriseIT And BroadcastAsia Will Showcase Latest Trends And Progressive Technologies For The HyperConnected World

lobal mobile connections have passed the seven billion mark – a figure akin to the global population1. Multi-screen consumption of content has thrown control to the hands of the consumer like never before. Enterprise mobility has become ingrained in consumers’ lives and transformed the workplace where employees not only have choice in devices, but applications too. Once thought to be a thing of the future, driverless cars are to become a reality in everyday lives. The manifestations of megatrends such as IoT, mobility, cloud, social, and big data will be brought to life at CommunicAsia2015, EntepriseIT2015 and BroadcastAsia2015 from 2 - 5 June 2015, at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Mobile explosion has given rise to dramatic changes in the consumption

of technology, data and applications – the hyper-connected consumer and workforce and ease of connectivity proliferated possibilities and realities of Internet of Things (IoT). Forecasted to reach US$59 billion by 20202, Asia Pacific’s total IoT spending points to the opportunities in the areas of digitised landscape monetisation, wearable technology enablement, big data and analytics and even the IT infrastructures in place for greater agility, flexibility and scalability required for business and national growth. “The trend of IoT continues to impact ways of life on both consumer and business fronts, bringing about opportunities and challenges for businesses in the areas of mobility management, big data analytics, media consumption and more. Aligned with the global phenomenon, 2015’s

CommunicAsia, EnterpriseIT and BroadcastAsia will provide international audiences access to insights, latest technologies and solutions ranging from connected devices, smart living, TV-everywhere realities, satellite applications, enterprise mobility and more,” says Victor Wong, Project Director, from event organiser Singapore Exhibition Services. At CommunicAsia, EnterpriseIT and BroadcastAsia, visitors can experience latest technologies, obtain insights from business leaders and subject-matter experts, and network with both major and emerging industry players from around the world. Source: 1 GSMA Intelligence May 2014 2 Frost & Sullivan 2015 Opportunities for Asia Pacific

EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

the satellite communication industry, will see the gathering of over 160 satellitebased companies to address key issues within Asia-Pacific’s mobile ecosystem. Representatives include Intelsat, Inmarsat, SES, Siemens, ST Electronics, and more from over 20 countries and regions around the world.

CommunicAsia2015 Summit

World business leaders from top tech conglomerates and specialised experts will dish out valuable insights at this year’s CommunicAsia2015 Summit. Defining content that is shaping the future of today’s global ICT landscape, a suite of C-level speakers and industry experts will be sharing the value IoT brings, digitisation of the media landscape and how they can bring enterprise mobility to the next level.

What can be expected at CommunicAsia2015 and EnterpriseIT2015:

Mobile devices and connectivity are ingrained in consumers’ lives and has become an enabler and a way of life. Showcasing how innovations has and will impact consumers and businesses, the events provide a deeper look into the entire info-communications ecosystem under the three key thematic clusters: NXT Cities, NXT Enterprises and NXT Connected Lifestyle.

NXT Connected Lifestyle (NEW): The proliferation of mobile devices and ongoing improvements to technologies has resulted in rising convergence of professional and personal lives. The new NXT Connected Lifestyle showcase will provide solutions for the hyperconnected business and consumer. Feature technologies include, smart home/ living solutions, multi-screen technology, connected devices, sensors, M2M, IoT, connected car applications, wireless technologies and many more.

NXT Cities: To drive sustainable economic growth and improve citizens’ quality of life, governments and private organisations are working more closely than ever to bring about an integrated, connected smart city. ICT Technologies that are designed to improve city operations in the areas of banking and finance, education, healthcare, hospitality, public safety,

What can be expected at BroadcastAsia2015:

retail, transportation and utilities will be on showcase at NXT Cities.

NXT Enterprises: Providing business

with innovations to help overcome challenges in today’s digitised landscape, NXT Enterprises will encompass solutions that help businesses stay relevant in today’s ever-changing connected world. Technologies in areas of big data and analytics, BYOD, mPayment, cloud, enterprise mobility and security among many others will empower the workforce, increase mobility and efficiency.

Exhibitors to note include Akamai, Dell, CDNetworks, FiberHome, Kaltura, KAONMEDIA, Irdeto, PCCW Global, Soliton Systems and Technicolor. As part of CommunicAsia2015, SatComm2015, the strategic platform for

On-demand consumption of media has become the modus operandi for consumers today, bringing about the trend of ‘TV Everywhere’. The broadcasting landscape has changed significantly with the advent of social media and increased mobility of consumers brought about by IoT trends today. More than just the delivery of content, with high-definition and 3D now made readily available in the comfort of consumers’ homes, the TV experience has become critical for the broadcasting industry. Visitors can expect to see broadcasting technologies and innovations impacting on consumers’ experience of visual, audio and more, in the following arenas:

EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

CommunicAsia2015 / EnterpriseIT2015 Exhibition

TV Everywhere! Zone (NEW):

From smartphones, tablets or Smart TVs, media and TV consumption are now everywhere. This year’s new TV Everywhere! Zone promises an experiential showcase of solutions from authentication, monetisation, network & device management, OTT, security, storage and more. Exhibitors include major players from across the world and region, such as Accedo, ALi Corp, Arris, Aveco, Brightcove, Ericsson, Limelight, Montage Tech, Quick Play, Rovi, Seachange and Vimond among others.

Professional Audio Technology2015:

The ProfessionalAudioTechnology zone will showcase latest technologies and expertise on pro audio with exhibitors including AEQ, Calrec, CDA, Digigram, Lawo, Mier, Percon, RCS, Roland, Sonifex, Stagetec, Telos Alliance, Winmedia, Wohler, XN3 and Yamaha and more.

The Cinematography/Film/ Production Zone: The thrill of a

movie can be determined by techniques employed by production teams and houses. To stay ahead and provide audiences with a visual feast and unforgettable experience, latest trends, developments and innovative technologies will be shared. Exhibitors include Canon, Cine Equipment, Jebsen, Kino Flo, Matthews, Panther, Red Digital Camera, Rosco, The Media Village and more.

BroadcastAsia2015 International Conference

Recognising that non-linear viewing options are eclipsing traditional TV viewing habits, broadcasters, channels and networks need to innovate their services in order to secure their foothold in the new broadcasting environment. With this in mind, BroadcastAsia2015 International Conference is specially designed to tackle the commercial and technical challenges stakeholders have to overcome to achieve a profitable TV everywhere service. Conference topics include OTT expansion into new territories, innovating TV service with intelligent analytics tools, immersive TV technologies, cloud distribution and network virtualisation, and digital broadcasting standards and technologies. The Creative Content Production Conference will host some of industry’s most creative minds and emerging content developers. Together they will examine the evolving market landscape and discuss effective strategies to succeed in Asia’s film and TV arena. Conference topics include fostering collaborations and co-productions, monetising a successful transmedia strategy, financing and distribution best practices, and alternative financing options among others.

Incorporating: SatComm2015 Date: 2-5 June 2015, Tuesday - Friday Venue: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Opening Hours: 2-4 June 2015: 10:30 am - 6:00 pm | 5 June 2015: 10:30 am - 4:00 pm Admission: Business and trade professionals only Website: www.communicasia.com | www.goto-enterpriseit.com

CommunicAsia2015 Summit

Date: 2-5 June 2015, Tuesday - Friday Venue: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Admission: Registered delegates only Website: www.communicasia.com/ conference/conference-highlights/

BroadcastAsia2015 Exhibition Incorporating: ProfessionalAudioTechnology2015 Date: 2-5 June 2015, Tuesday - Friday Venue: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, Levels 4 & 5 Opening Hours: 2-4 June 2015: 10:30 am - 6:00 pm 5 June 2014: 10:30 am - 4:00 pm Admission: Business and trade professionals only Website: www.broadcast-asia.com/

BroadcastAsia2015 International Conference & Creative Content Production Conference

Venue: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, Level 4 Admission: Registered delegates only Date: 2-5 June 2015, Tuesday - Friday Venue: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Admission: Registered delegates only Website: http://www.broadcastasia.com/conference/conferencehighlights/

COUNTRY ANALYSIS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

HONG KONG As one of the world's leading international financial centres, Hong Kong is a familiar name. Characterized by its glitzy skylines and efficiency, Hong Kong has long been a key AV player in the Asia Pacific region.

absorb new technology and put it to use, the 2014 democracy protests have affected many businesses across all verticals and its impact can be also felt amongst many in the AV industry.

According to a recent report by Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)¹ , Hong Kong was the world's second largest exporter of sound recording apparatus, and video recording/reproducing apparatus in 2012. However during January – July 2014, Hong Kong's total exports of AV equipment has declined by 16%, with lower absorption from China, US and EU.

However, keeping up a positive and aggressive attitude is also part of the vibrant Hong Kong culture, so despite setbacks last year, many had remained optimistic about economy growth and look forward to a better year ahead.

Although Hong Kong has always been one of the fastest technology adopter in the region, with huge potential to

So overall, how is the Hong Kong AV industry looking? Providing you with the latest insights, we got in touch with some of the key systems integrators, consultants and distributors in Hong Kong to present to you some of the interesting survey results.

¹HKTDC RESEARCH (2014, October 9). Audio-visual Equipment Industry in Hong Kong. Retrieved from http://hong-kong-economy-research.hktdc.com/business-news/article/Hong-Kong-Industry-Profiles/Audio-visual-Equipment-Industry-in-Hong-Kong/ hkip/en/1/1X000000/1X004000.htm

DIVIDED VIEWS

Although majority of respondents agreed that there will be growth, about a third of the respondents actually disagreed. Among those who agreed, only 27% were highly-optimistic.

here will be growth in the AV Business for Hong Kong in the year 2015.

I think that there will be little growth in 2015, with businesses just breaking even or maintaining the same as last year. I say that because AV growth in Hong Kong has considerably slowed down the past few years and I estimate that for 2015 there might be a downturn at around +/-5%.

- Cliff Wong, General Manager, CAS Group International

Yes I do, I think growth has been steady for the last couple of years and I see no reason for that to change for 2015.

- Ken O'Byrne, Managing Director, LSI

COUNTRY ANALYSIS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

RETAIL LEADS, FOLLOWED BY GOVERNMENT & CORPORATE

I believe we will see growth especially in the Retail sector, where a lot of paper information like brochures, flyers, will be transformed into digital formats such as Digital Signage.

-Alan Tong, Executive Director, i-Control

Others

Rental & Staging ng ng

Venues/Events

Government ent

Houses of Worship

Retail

Hospitality itityy

- Alex Chan (CTS), Co-Founder, AVIT

ate at e Corporate

We can see that there will be more projects coming from the Government sector, for example, the courtrooms, especially for projector installations.

Healthcare are e

hich segment do you foresee will have the strongest growth?

We think that hospitality has great potential to attract new spending. The rapid growth of this industry in the region has contributed to the increasing demands for AV systems.

- Lo Wai-Sing, Senior Vice President, PCCW Solutions

DISPLAYS EMERGE AS WINNER, CONFERENCING SOLUTIONS CATCHING UP Display solutions emerge as winner, with Audio/Video conferencing solutions catching up. Though less-talked about, but input from the industry about sound reinforcement is something to note too.

As many large scale infrastructure projects are now under construction in Hong Kong/ Macau and will be completed in coming years, we see that these (venues) will create big demands for sound reinforcement systems. - Lo Wai-Sing, PCCW Solutions

Definitely solutions revolving video, such as video conferencing solutions. We are seeing a lot more of that as bandwidth continues to improve, giving better quality, better cost of investment and more reliable experience to users.

- Daryl Grove, Global Business Director, VEGA Technology

hat type of solutions do you think will see the strongest growth?

COUNTRY ANALYSIS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

THE IMPORTANCE OF AFTER SALES & MAINTENANCE

YES

I think After Sales service is a big part of many integrators because even if you don't provide it after the installation of project, your clients will find other companies who does, and this is a revenue loss. For us in Hong Kong, getting new business is difficult, so servicing existing clients, gives us a continuous revenue.

For those who answered Yes, the After Sales & Maintenance service made up an average of 16% of total business revenue.

- Benny Ko, Senior Manager, South China House Of Technology

Although after sales service is not highly regarded in China, in Hong Kong it is a very important part of the business. By providing good after sales service to clients, we can: 1) keep relationship with customer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; because when you see them frequently, you can get more feedback and input, 2) it is income - creating a steady stream of revenue for the company, 3) lastly, though many people are not aware, but after service is also important in maintaining the quality of the work you have done.

After Sales service is a growing part of our business and this, is an indication that the customer's AV usage is growing. This is especially true in big finance organizations where they have such high usage of meeting rooms and boardrooms that they need a team there focused on making the equipments and tools work for them. So that's definitely a big area of growth for us.

- Daryl Grove, Vega Technology

- Alan Tong, i-Control

LOOKING TO CHINA For those who have offices in China, revenue generated by their Chinese market made up about 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 50% of their overall businesses.

esides Hong Kong, do you have businesses/projects in Greater China?

hich vertical market is your main focus in China?

6.7% Government 6.7% Retail

46.7% Corporate

60%

Said YES!

Many indicated that Corporate is their biggest market, followed by Government and Retail.

When our existing corporate clients here in Hong Kong wants to set up new offices in China, they get us to help them since we already have the blueprint of the AV system they need, hence it's easier for them to work with us.

- Alex Chan (CTS), AVIT

COUNTRY ANALYSIS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

EDUCATING CUSTOMER IS THE KEY, BUT THERE ARE MORE CHALLENGES AHEAD Most respondents indicated that price-senstive customers are their biggest challenge, coupled with lack of understanding of their work. But in addition to that, several SIs also presented their own unique challenges.

I would say it's because of lack of new projects. Because of the protests last year, some government projects and big corporate projects might have affected. As for China/Macau, hospitality has always been the main driver, but we can see that it is slowing down, unlike the peak days of 2012. - Cliff Wong, CAS Group

hat is the greatest challenge for your business?

Existing relationships that do not able your organisation to penetrate potential clients.

Challenge from those outside the AV Realm

- Benny Ko, SCHOT

8% 8% 26%

Customers not understanding the value provided by your organisation Lack of manpower

Due to last year's political situation (the HK protests), we find it tough getting new projects. As you know, AV is usually under the umbrella of infrastucuture, so if there's no new developments, there is also no new projects for us to do.

35%

Customers only concerned with pricing

Others

3% 20%

I would say one of the biggest challenge for us will be the lack of time. In the past, projects which take around two months to implement now have to implemented within weeks, and this is especially true for our education clients. - Finson Lam, Managing Director, BAP

We have been proposing the 4K ready solutions to the markets here in HK and Macau for some time now. But whether 4K (or any higher resolution) would be the optimised resolution will be a dynamic decision among technology, content, needs and acceptance of the markets.

- Kanny Leong, Executive Director, Media-Go Group of Companies

AV/IT INTEGRATION

All respondents agreed that their AV solutions are required to work within an IT Network Infrastructure for more than 50% of the time

ompared to previously, do you find that your solutions are now required more and more to work within an IT Network infrastructure?

100% said YES

SI Asia would like to thank all participants who took their time to complete the survey. In addition to the companies mentioned, we would also like to express our appreciation to Biamp Ltd, Cenique, COMM-TEC Asia Ltd, Digital View Ltd, J Connect, Milestone AV Technologies, onActivity Ltd and the rest of the respondents who wish to remain anonymous.

TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

The World Of VoIP By Godwin Mathew

About 20 years ago, a few people discovered that the Internet could be used as an alternative to telephones. Rather than rely on the trusty – but quickly ageing – analogue telephone networks for voice calls, they developed methods to send audio data packets across the Internet; effectively enabling people to have a voice conversation through their Internet enabled computers. Thus, the Internet telephone was invented.

Despite the poor reliability and mediocre voice quality, these pioneers soon realized that an Internet telephone allowed them to make long distance phone calls without paying the expensive rates commanded by the analogue telephone network. This is one of the leading reasons why Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) continues to be one of the technologies with the fastest adoption rates in the world. Since those humble beginnings, VoIP has become ever more sophisticated. Not only can VoIP interface with the PSTN (Public Switches Telephone Network), allowing users to make calls from a software phone to a standard phone (and vice versa), but a VoIP line can be accessed from multiple locations, through different devices, across multiple operating systems, and through varying network connectivity.

VoIP is also easy to integrate with other services, from simple Caller ID to more advanced services like chat, screen sharing, conferencing, email, and more. This allows companies to implement a telephone system that leverages their existing data network and deliver increased flexibility and productivity, while still being more affordable and easier to manage than its analogue counterpart. It really is no wonder that a growing number of organisations and companies are adopting VoIP, making it increasingly ubiquitous in the world of AV.

Babel Tower of Protocols

Since 2008, Godwin Mathew has been an applications engineer for Biamp Systems. He is located in Mumbai, India.

To AV professionals, VoIP can be daunting. It needn’t be

so, although there are certain concepts that need to be clearly understood if a VoIP implementation is to succeed. Let’s look at some of the principles of the technology and how each part comes together. To start with, we must understand that VoIP comes in many flavours. And the first difference we encounter is the method VoIP devices employ to talk to each other for call control and signalling purposes. Different manufacturers can, and often do, employ various protocols for this. Protocols can be likened to languages, and just like it is doubtful a Cantonese speaker will be able to communicate with someone speaking Hindi, devices using dissimilar protocols will not be able to work together.

The problem is compounded by the fact that some VoIP manufacturers use proprietary protocols. While there’s nothing intrinsically wrong with proprietary protocols, it is akin to having devices speak a secret language. The result is that unless the members of the “secret language gang” allow someone else to speak their language, they will not be able to communicate with anyone outside their group. Keeping the entirety of the installation to one manufacturer can mitigate some of these challenges, but not always. The limitations imposed by sticking to a single manufacturer solution may not offer the best solution to meet the customer’s needs. What if, in addition to desktop telephones, we have a conference room or a huddle room to deal with? What if we need audio to be shared with a video codec? Or require local reinforcement of the microphones? Auxiliary inputs? Third party control? It is unlikely a single manufacturer will be able to cover all of the above, and therein lies the necessity for interoperability amongst brands.

TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

audio transmission takes place, audio is compressed so that less bandwidth is required for its transmission. Once it arrives at its destination, the process is reversed and audio is uncompressed. The job of encoding and decoding is done by algorithms known as Codecs, and there are many different Codecs available. They vary in their bandwidth efficiency and resulting audio quality, and VoIP Systems administrators may choose one over the other depending on the individual circumstances of their system. It is common, however, for VoIP devices to support an array of Codecs and indeed one of the jobs undertaken by SIP during call setup is to agree on the Codec to be used during the communication session.

SIP

SIP stands for Session Initiation Protocol, and it is the de-facto standard protocol for interoperability between manufacturers of VoIP products, enabling AV integrators to find the best solution for each problem.* As such, when we need to interface a unit to a VoIP PBX, the first thing we need to ensure is that they are both SIP compatible. If they are, we can relax in the knowledge they will be able to communicate to each other...or will they? * It should be noted that SIP is capable of controlling multimedia communication sessions, not just voice.

Certification

While we can be certain that devices with different communication protocols won’t be compatible with each other, unfortunately, we cannot be absolutely certain that two devices supporting the same protocol (i.e. SIP) will always be compatible. Using the language analogy again, SIP can be spoken in many different dialects. SIP specifications can be interpreted by Engineers in different ways, and those interpretations can sometimes be incompatible with each other. For this reason, before attempting to interface two devices through SIP it is always important to check whether they have been tested for compatibility.

Programs like Cisco Developer Network or Avaya DevConnect, allow manufacturers to ensure their VoIP devices have their interoperability, reliability, and safety validated. On the flip side, lack of certification doesn’t immediately mean that interoperability isn’t possible. If no interoperability data or certificate is available for a given VoIP endpoint and the PBX, my advice would be to first check with both manufacturers before making any promises to the customer.

Let there be audio

While SIP handles call setup and other administrative tasks, it doesn’t actually deliver audio. This is done using a separate protocol (surprise, surprise!) called Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP). Its job is to transmit the audio packets between communicating devices. But before RTP can deliver these audio packets, audio undergoes encoding. Encoding is done because VoIP is designed to work over networks with limited bandwidth, like the Internet. Unlike professional audio systems using protocols like AVB (now currently being referred to as ‘Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) over AVB’), CobraNet®, or DanteTM; VoIP doesn’t have the luxury of a network that will be able to transmit uncompressed audio in a reliable manner. As such, and before

What if nothing works?

Hopefully, this article serves as a window into the world of VoIP. But no VoIP article can be complete without mentioning Wireshark®. Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer and an invaluable tool during VoIP system troubleshooting. Wireshark allows us to observe communication between VoIP devices, so should we encounter any problems during deployment, oftentimes Wireshark is the tool we need to discover where the problem lies. Just like no AV technician should leave home without a multi-meter, a good cable tester and a bag of zip ties, my advice is that anyone deploying VoIP should ensure that Wireshark is installed on their laptops. Hopefully, you may not need it. But if things aren’t working, you’ll surely be glad to have it at hand. Closing thought: Biamp now offers a VoIP Certification training course. This course is product agnostic (although we do use our equipment), details what you need to know about VoIP, is self-paced with quizzes so you can determine your knowledge retention level, and it’s free. Scan the QR code for more information.

TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

by Peter van Dijk

Choosing The Right Display Technology An industry commentator recently made a startling comment: Every two days, apparently, we create as much data as we did from the beginning of time until 2003. It’s claimed that over 90 per cent of all data ever created has been created since December 2012. While much of the focus of attention within business over the last few years has been how to make use of this so-called ‘Big Data’ revolution, for control room engineers and facility managers, the problem is far more immediate – how to present that data to operators in a meaningful and practical way. The proliferation of data has been driven by the affordability of IP enabled devices and the networks that connect them together. This is a trend expected to take a sharp upward swing in the near future as the Internet of Things (IoT) revolution really gets underway. And it’s a trend that’s pretty much universal, from traffic control, to factories, CCTV, financial institutions and facilities management. There is more data converging on the control room than ever, and so developing strategies for operators to deal with this tsunami of information is a pressing problem. To make sense of the flood of information coming in, operators need primarily to maintain situational awareness – the ability to see the big picture – but without losing the ability to drill down to individual data streams as necessary. In times past, many control room display systems were based on a schematic arrangement, with screens dedicated to particular information feeds in a rigidly structured, hierarchical way. In today’s world, this is no longer a practical solution. The generally accepted modern approach is to use a single display – usually known as a displaywall or videowall – as a flexible workstation, allowing operators to structure and present data in a much more versatile way that can easily adapt to changing needs and situations. But this in itself

Example of a control centre using DLP Technology

presents a whole new range of problems for the systems integrator. The proliferation of data sources has, in its wake, created a need for control rooms suites where perhaps none existed before. One example might be a local authority that has installed or enlarged its CCTV network using IP cameras. So a major challenge facing many SI’s today is how to physically create a display solution within a space – or a budget – that often was not conceived for that purpose. Thankfully, the two main professional display technologies today, DLP rear projection and LCD, provide some flexibility. However the two technologies are not interchangeable and need to be selected with care if an expensive mistake is to be avoided.

Rear Projection DLP Displays

Rear projection DLP displays based around the Texas Instruments’ DMD chip have been the mainstay of control rooms for many years. Originally lit by mercury lamps, today’s devices use ultra-reliable LED light sources which can last for many years – in the case of Mitsubishi Electric, over a decade of continuous use. However the real reason

for the popularity of rear projection DLP cubes is not just their longevity but the characteristics of the DMD chip which make it eminently suitable for control room applications. As many readers will know, the DMD chip consists of thousands of individuallycontrolled microscopic mirrors which reflect light from a light source onto a rear projection screen. Changing the angle of the mirrors effectively turns an individual pixel on or off. The key feature of this technology is that the light controlling element is not light transmissive – light doesn’t shine through it, but is reflected off it. Unlike LCD projection, very little energy is retained within the DMD chip itself, so theoretically there is no limit to the amount of light energy it can switch without any ill-effects due to heating. In practice, this means that unlike other display technologies, an individual pixel can be run continuously at maximum brightness for years – decades in fact – without any danger of screen burn or image sticking. This makes DLP absolutely ideal for control room displays, where a static image such as a network diagram or SCADA schematic needs to be displayed for very

TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

long periods. The high light output of modern LED light sources means screen information is clearly visible, even in normal ambient room lighting. Another advantage of DLP is that they are a bezel-less display. In other words, the individual screens fit so closely together that they appear as a totally seamless display surface. In modern applications where data is typically presented in “windows” which can be positioned anywhere on the screen, this seamless quality is very important as it ensures no information is lost in the gaps and operators are not distracted by a grid of black bars running across the screen. This allows modern image processors, delivering total flexibility in how data is displayed, to be used to their best effect. So if the mighty DLP rear projection cube carries all before it in terms of benefits, why are tiled LCD displays gaining ground in Command & Control? There are two reasons why DLP may not be the best solution in every situation. Firstly, cost; the performance and longevity of a high-end DLP system such as Mitsubishi Electric’s Seventy Series, naturally comes at a price premium. Secondly, there is the physical space required to implement a DLP display. Being a rear projection device, the DLP cube requires a front-to-back floorspace of around 1m. In smaller operation rooms, this can be difficult to accommodate. The problem can be mitigated to some extent by using frontaccess DLP cubes, but in the smallest spaces even this might not be enough.

LCD Displays

LCD displays, on the other hand, are extremely slim and so can be installed in even small suites. Professional-grade LCD displays such as Mitsubishi’s 46” and 55” devices are built for demanding

LCD Technology used in a smaller control room

applications like control rooms and can deliver the necessary resolution and performance for control room use. The mounting system is designed to be completely front-access, so the displays can be mounted on, or flush to a wall. They are also significantly cheaper than DLP, making them suitable for more budget-conscious applications. Systems like Mitsubishi’s L55 are designed to be tiled together to produce big screen configurations similar to DLP displays. Unlike projection screens, LCD panels require a bezel. In modern super and ultra-narrow bezel screens, this screen edge is just a few millimetres. However when tiled together, the edge is visible as a black grid and inevitably some image information is lost. For some applications such as CCTV, this may not be an issue; in others, such as network diagrams, it may be more problematic. The biggest disadvantage to LCD, however, is its longevity. Crucially, LCD displays are not suited to applications where a static image is likely to be displayed for long periods. Damage to the LCD panel can occur when used in this way. The damage may be permanent and is typically not covered by manufacturer’s warranty. Typically, even a high grade LCD will have a lifespan of 50,000 hours – less if in continuous use. Unlike DLP cubes, LCDs are not field repairable so a damaged or wornout display will need to be replaced outright. The pace of product evolution in LCD means that the same model may not be available for more than a few years, whereas this is not a problem with DLP as projection engines can be replaced with newer models without having to replace the whole system and manufacturers such as Mitsubishi Electric build-in retrofit capability in their newer models.

Choosing The Appropriate Display Technology

Choosing the most appropriate display technology for a particular application is a trade-off between the physical characteristics, capabilities, cost and total cost of ownership of each. In some cases, the choices are clearly polarized: Where true 24/7 operation or highly detailed graphics are required to be

displayed for long periods, DLP is the only practical solution; in less demanding roles, or where space is at a premium, LCD may be more suitable. The initial cost may be lower for LCD but they are unlikely to last anywhere near as long as DLP before they require replacement. However some new products now entering the market promise to deliver a little bit more versatility for systems integrators facing these difficult choices. A new class of “slim” DLP cubes, including Mitsubishi Electric’s recently launched HS12, offer an alterative to LCD when space is limited. At nearly half the depth of Mitsubishi’s high-end cube, the new “slim” cubes are able to fit into more compact spaces, and their front-access design means they can be installed straight against a wall. The internal electronics have been simplified, which brings the price down closer to something comparable with a tiled LCD solution, but with all the benefits of DLP rear projection such as 24/7 capability and a seamless display surface. Another new DLP system from Mitsubishi, the 120 Series, offers 6-times redundant LED light sources along with other features such as OPS slots for increased versatility – again at a competitive price compared to a top-of-the-range DLP solution. The need for large screen displays in control room settings is increasing as data networks become ever-more capacious, and the task of monitoring these networks becomes more complex. While the rate of data growth maybe accelerating, the current generation of display technologies has reached a state of maturity and dramatic advances in capability are unlikely in the near future. However, that’s not to say that it’s impossible to make an expensive error in choosing the most appropriate technology. Each of the major technologies has its strong and weak points; understanding and using these characteristics appropriately is where the systems integrator ultimately adds value to every project. (The author is Mitsubishi Display Solutions' EMEA Business Manager and can be reached at Peter.van.dijk@nl.mee.com)

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

By Shireen Ho

The Digital Signage Evolution How Digital Signage became the poster “boy” of ProAV today.

or the longest time, ProAV has been sitting in the background like the strategic advisor of a battle. Unlike the brave warriors who led the frontlines and earned names for themselves for victories won, this strategic advisor often stays annoymous or forgotten. Very much like what AV does in a office, school, hospital or retail environment, many people, especially end-users, don't think much of its significance in the overall ecosystem. It is definitely not because it is not important, but rather because AV has always been working so quietly and efficiently in the background that people don't notice it. Even with all the high-performance processors, switchers, extenders etc., proAV technologies is not something the general population would pay attention to. As compared to its funky cousin IT, AV is often considered to be the “boring” one. But having said that, things have started to change. In recent years, the advent of proAV technologies in displays especially, has given this previously lesser-known industry a fresh breathe of life with the genre called Digital Signage. With displays getting bigger with better resolution (read: 4K) and lower entry costs, Digital Signage quietly bring forth a revolution within the proAV industry while making splashes in the vertical markets. Because Digital Signage is something that end-users can see, touch and experience in their daily lives, it is slowly becoming a technology that people pay attention to. And this attention paid to it is not something to be ignored. According to a research by IHS¹, it is estimated that the global digital signage market will reach close to 16 billion USD by 2016. This positivity also seemed to echo throughout the industry, as seen in international tradeshows around the world where the Digital Signage

IHS Figure: Global Digital Signage Revenue Forecast (Billions of US Dollars)

$18 $16 $14 $12 $10 $8 $6 $4 $2 $0 2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Source: IHS Inc., October 2013

pavillions are getting bigger and better. From large-format interactive displays to 4K media players, the number of players in the industry are on the rise.

that created an interesting use of signage, sensor and content – this may be the next way forward for Digital Signage.

What is also noteworthy here, is the growing involvement of data analytics software in Digital Signage.

For many of the customers who deploy Digital Signage, their objectives have been to disseminate information in real time but those in retail and hospitality now need to ensure ROI and the signage has become a tool to generate revenue either through well timed promotions or to actively push messages to the audience for sales pitches.

Though not a brand new concept or technology, data analytics software is often used to measure audience demographics and generate in-store shopper metrics, hence making offline data readily available. With this software installed in Digital Signage, businesses are able to make use of the information gathered and make inferences if their advertisements are effective, who are their frequent viewers, how interested are the target audience in certain promotions, where is the best location to source out new products etc. With the current technology age aptly named the Big Data Age, the key here is definitely data. What we do know is that Digital Signage has come a long way. The ability to localise content or change content based on analytics, working in tandem with social media, becoming more than a wayfinder, becoming interactive and the list goes on. At ISE, NEC showed a signage solution that worked with its proprietary signage software and the company's leafengine sensor technology

Displays in the airports and sports bars, generally combined advertisements with cable or television broadcasting - we feel there will be more transformation soon in these areas. Audio in these facilities as can be expected is barely audible but there are now apps that can be downloaded to the viewers mobile sets that are synced to the visual being transmitted. This is another potential area of growth for the integrators. Signages will become so ubiquitous that it will be part and parcel of daily live. 1 IHS Research, “Global Digital Signage Market Nears $14 Billion, Spurred by RealTime Analytics in Retail”, October 29, 2013. http://press.ihs.com/press-release/designsupply-chain-media/global-digital-signagemarket-nears-14-billion-spurred-real-

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

CASE STUDY

THRIVING DIGITAL SIGNAGE DRIVES INNOVATION

SI Asia rounds up some interesting Digital Signage installations submitted by consultants, distributors and SIs. PROJECT: CORPORATE

Client: A well-known financial institution Location: Central, Hong Kong Segment: Corporate Consultant / Systems Integrator: i-CONTROL Type of Digital Signage installation: Office building e-directory Task: Client wanted a digital signage directory to promote better customer engagement. Key Challenge: The 84” displays used for the installation were huge, so there was a need to handle them with care during delivery. Also, the installation can only be done after office hours and during weekends so good time management and clear communication

PROJECT: RETAIL

Client: A premium fashion label Location: Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong Segment: Retail Consultant / Systems Integrator: i-CONTROL Type of Digital Signage installation: Retail shop digital signage Task: To promote its brand and merchandises via digital signage in its Tsim Sha Tsui flagship shop, while simultaneously entertain and educate customers using a superior shopper engagement experience. Key Challenge: For wardrobe changing, time management and coordination

PROJECT: CORPORATE

Client: HKND Group Location: Hong Kong Segment: Corporate Consultant / Systems Integrator: Emmy Technology Development Limited Type of Digital Signage installation: Videowall Task: To install a floor-to-ceiling 5×5 video wall along with several 2×2 video walls.

with key parties involved were important. Solution Installed: 2 x Planar 84” 4K LCD Displays The Result: Beside dynamic content and appealing visuals, the displays also comes with digital menu boards that allow the landlord to sell 'smarter' by promoting new items and making immediate changes to content for promotions or advertising. The displays also enhanced the brand image of the building. In addition to displaying building directories, it can also deliver way-finding maps, emergency messages as well as live data feeds such as news, weather, traffic highlights, stock-quote feeds or local event material.

are very crucial, so the integrator has to keep up with the speed and coordinate with the wardrobe decoration house. The SI also had to educate window deco technicians on how to conduct window change-over and not damage the video walls. Solution Installed: 2x2 Planar Clarity Matrix video wall in shop windows, plus 3 sets in-store video. The Result: The client finds the installation a very effective promotional tool to play advertisements. Now they can use it to change promotional videos and graphics few times a month and upsell higher-margin products.

Key Challenge: Integrator needed to resolve the limited spacing issue for maintenance service after the installation. Solution Installed: Chief Fusion MSMVU Micro-Adjustable Pull-Out Mounts for the 5×5 landscape wall and portrait versions for the smaller 2×2 walls. The Result: The client appreciates the front access for easy maintenance and is pleased by the outcome that matched the interior design.

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

CASE STUDY

Interactive Vending Machines Delivering Better User Experience In Every Drop

grabbing sight in itself. Customers approaching the vending machine will see a big touch screen instead of the usual buttons and drinks display. Pleasantly surprised, customers embark on the interactive journey - a fun-filled experience meant to dispense happiness along with modern convenience.

onActivity made the first interactive vending machine in Hong Kong with content management, combining digital advertising, public information & way finding applications

wire Beverages Limited, the leading soft drink manufacturer in Hong Kong, has the franchise to manufacture, market and distribute Coca-Cola products in Hong Kong, Taiwan, seven provinces in Mainland China and an extensive area of 11 states in western USA; this represents a total franchise population of over 450 million people. It is one of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the world and works closely with the Coca-Cola Company on brand development and marketing.

Background

Drink machines sure have come a long way over the years. Modern vending machines use cutting-edge technology and outside-the-box creativity to dispense more than drinks – entertaining, engaging and refreshing consumers with every transaction. In 2013 Swire Beverages Limited in Hong Kong had a plan to transform their vending machines into something fun and innovative – interactive touch-based vending machines - and install them in public areas, mostly shopping malls, around Hong Kong.

The project was masterminded by onActivity, a Hong Kong based DOOH (Digital Out-of-Home) media solution provider, who produced a great example of how digital signage content integrated with touch application, helped Coca-Cola to engage with customers and to evolve their brand experience. The transformation project was launched in mid-2013 and is still on-going with more and more machines coming into action every month.

The Experience

Displaying an array of dynamic graphics and images, the brightly coloured vending machine is an attention-

The screen is divided into four sections. At the top runs a live feed of current news, time and weather information, and a row of App icons for customers to play with and enjoy. Below that is the drink selection panel - on touching a bottle or can, it will pop up and the relevant product and price information is shown, then customers can pay and complete the purchase with their Octopus Card (stored value smart card used in Hong Kong). The third part is video display, running advertisements or broadcasting shopping mall events. The last section at the bottom shows useful customer information like special promotions or free parking offers of the mall, etc.

The Design

There had been quite a few touch screen vending machines around the world when the team started to design the ‘new’ machine. Research and analysis showed most machine owners found it challenging to maintain the content fresh and up-to-date. Most touch-based vending machines are run on custom

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

software application tailored to a specific hardware that makes the development of new content not sustainable. The customer on the other hand would like to have live public information and digital advertising capability in relation to business considerations. To address these concerns, the onActivity tech team worked on a modular system integration between the hardware control unit and the software application to facilitate future upgrades. The design team decided to base their work on a digital signage platform to provide a robust platform with content management capability, and at the same time being versatile enough to handle the system integration work among online information, offline operation needs, and hardware sensing and control. The media controller in each interactive vending machine is running on a DISE digital signage software. Media content layers including video background, advertising media, icons, news ticker text are all composed natively in the authoring tool by DISE. Content managers are trained to maintain the content and layout changes when it comes to a new deployment to a new location. Most of the scenarios require the content team to handle changes like

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The interactive vending machine project is a challenging one. There are so many modules to take care of â&#x20AC;&#x201C; digital signage, interactive media and of course vending - all in one device. Our team really enjoyed the development process, overcoming the challenges and making it work. It is also extremely rewarding to see the excitement people show while using the machine.â&#x20AC;? - Falcon Tam, Director, onActivity the shopping mall logo, advertising video and way-finding information. The development team also provided additional user interfaces that are simple and robust enough for the service labour to handle their routine work like drinks type switching.

The Challenge

The most challenging part of the project was on how to turn the original electronics and mechanics of the hardware to talk to a media controller. The vending operations including drink selection, payment request, drink dispensing, payment change, and error handling was supported by a proprietary controller that only deals with buttons and lights conventionally. The team thus had to develop a complete state-of-the-art machine logic through the powerful data connection tool by DISE. The result is a seamless integration of a vending machine operations to responsive screen logic. The team believes this is something no one has done at this level before.

The interactive vending machine is a marriage between touch application and digital signage.

Live local news and weather information is attained through online source connected either through WiFi or 3G depending on the installation location. The same data connection tool is responsible for the data acquisition as well as the processing required to turn the live data to presentable information on the screen. Scan QR Code to watch the vending machine in action:

The Team Behind The Solution

onActivity is a leading DOOH (Digital Out-of-Home) media solution provider with expertise in digital signage, projection visual and interactive media. It carried out the entire software engineering, programming, system integration and installation process. www.onactivity.com

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

CASE STUDY

Chinese Luxury Car Showroom Sets The Bar BrightSign players deliver synchronized playback across 700 screens over 5 floors.

pened in 2013, the 120,000 sqm AKD Luxury Cars Mall located in Shenzhen, China, is hailed as one of China's largest vehicle showroom. Accommodating over 3,000 luxury vehicles, the AKD Luxury Cars Mall attracts car enthusiasts amongst China’s fast growing affluent professional community. Specializing in high-end used cars, visitors to the luxury mall will get to see exclusive marques like Bentley and Lamborghini as well as luxury brands like Mercedes Benz, BMW, Porsche, Lexus, Land Rover and Audi at the showroom.

The Challenge

Being a high-end luxury environment, the showroom demanded flawless presentation. Since it is such a large sales floor, it was specified that all the displays will be required to have seamless synchronization of content playback. In addition, in such a premium environment, there is zero tolerance for player failures. “Our clients are highly fashion conscious and AKD caters for them by providing a first class car buying environment that compares favourably with an exclusive shopping mall. For our new premises, we specified 700 display screens delivering synchronised video across each of five floors. As one of the world’s best known independent dealers in high-end used cars, we welcome visits and inspections from the vehicle manufacturers including BMW, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen and Toyota. They expect to see their vehicles presented in an environment that does full justice to their high quality

engineering.” said Mr. William Ng of AKD Luxury Cars Mall.

The Solution

AKD Luxury Cars approached the CAS Group, a leading Chinese digital signage specialist, for support in implementing this vision. Anson Ng, Managing Director of the CAS Group said, “AKD wanted to create a real impression with the screens in its showroom, so it was absolutely essential that every screen works perfectly all day every day. With over 100 screens on each floor, a single screen that is blank or isn’t perfectly synchronised with the neighbouring displays looks really bad. We recommended BrightSign HD220 players because they are reliable. It was straightforward to set up the synchronisation through the file networking provided by the supporting BrightAuthor content management software. Content is stored on an SD card on the player and regularly refreshed from the central server via the showroom’s Intranet. AKD sources content from the manufacturers of the vehicles it sells, and also creates its own content.”

The new AKD Luxury Cars Mall features 700 42” displays fitted to the front and back of each pillar on every floor of the showroom. The screens are powered by 350 BrightSign players, each driving two screens via a 1x2 HDMI splitter. Each floor plays its own content, which is identical on each screen on that floor. Synchronisation between the screens is flawless – every screen shows the same video at exactly the same time, and is controlled and synchronised through the showroom Intranet and BrightAuthor software. The CAS Group provided the players, programmed the players and tested the installation to ensure that it was working flawlessly.

The Result

Due to its compact size, BrightSign players makes it easy to be concealed within the pillars, hence providing aesthetic functionality to the project. Also with BrightAuthor, synchronization, control and updating can be easily set up and adjusted by AKD. With an uptime rate of over 99%, BrightSign players had given AKD assurance of flawless playback since its implementation. www.brightsign.biz

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

By Shireen Ho

The Evolving Visuals of Digital Signage To learn more about Digital Signage applications, we spoke with Andy Sim, Vice President and Head of Enterprise Business of Samsung Singapore, in this exclusive interview.

s witnessed in ISE last February, Samsung has relentlessly ramped up its Digital Signage offerings with ever improving technologies. From weather-proof Large Format Displays to sleek mirror displays, Samsung's ambition in the commercial markets is obvious. With its coffers of technology know-how, vast distribution network and established branding, it is definitely a player to look out for. To understand more about Digital Signage applications and market trends, SI Asia got in touch with Andy Sim, Vice President and Head of Enterprise Business, Samsung Singapore.

SI Asia: In brief, can you tell how Samsung sees Digital Signage? ANDY: We see digital signage as an installation; an evolving visual and experiential technology platform that conveys an idea, evokes a feeling or solicits an action amongst many other intended purposes for its audience, to deliver a differentiated experience.

SI Asia: To implement Digital Signage in any space, what are some key elements to look out for? ANDY: The key elements include business need, audience consumption patterns, and ambient surrounding such as the environment, lighting and sound.

Business need – Establish the business need and pain point that the technology is helping to solve. This in turn affects the kind of content and interactivity features deployed on the digital signage. Audience consumption patterns – Understanding the end-user audience, their demographics and most importantly their consumption patterns such as how they interact or engage with technology and audience traffic flow are all influencing factors.

Ambient surrounding – Having a good sense of the ambient surrounding including the environment such as the spatial dynamics, physicality, design, lighting and sound.

SI Asia: Breaking it down, are there separate sets of factors to look out for when implementing Digital Signage in different spaces, i.e. Retail vs. Corporate vs. Education vs. Hospitality ANDY: The consideration factors often relate to the displays’ purpose and the enduser’s need rather than the vertical type. For example, in the education sector, display technologies are deployed across different locations in an institution for different purposes. An interactive white board can be used to replace the traditional blackboard to enhance teacher and student engagement and improve learning outcomes. Alternatively, displays can also be used to replace the traditional notice board to facilitate the ease of dissemination and deployment of customized content in an effective manner. In the retail sector, similar types of interactive technologies and content management solutions are applied but in a different context. We see touch-screen interactive display technologies being used as self-service kiosks or to augment the in-store experience. Displays with content management solutions are deployed to push customized content or promotions across various retail outlets to increase operational efficiencies.

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Similarly in the hospitality sector, they also leverage digital signages in various areas and aspects of their operations but the hotel industry often requires an enhanced aesthetic display for in-room displays.

SI Asia: In your opinion, what is considered as a successful Digital Signage installation?

ANDY: A successful installation should first and foremost meet the customer and business need. It should address the pain points of the customer and benefit their business by way of increasing revenues or streamlining operations. It is also important to highlight that the installation is merely the start. The total cost of ownership for display technology deployment such as maintenance, is also key. Hence selecting a vendor with an excellent track record of service and maintenance is of utmost importance.

SI Asia: Currently, what are some of the vertical markets that rely heavily on Digital Signage, and do you see a shift in the near future?

ANDY: We see a strong adoption of digital displays in hospitality, retail and education, which is why Samsung has solutions specifically tailored to these verticals. As the market gets more competitive, businesses and institutions will have to continue leveraging on stateof-the-art technologies to transform the

way they conduct business. Hence, we anticipate to drive greater depths in these verticals. In Singapore, with the advent of Smart Nation, we also envision deeper applications of digital and display technologies in sectors like Healthcare, Transportation and Government sectors.

SI Asia: What kind of Digital Signage trends do you see coming up in the next 5 years?

ANDY: According to Futuresource Quarterly Flat Panel Display Tracker 4Q14 (March 2015) from Futuresource Consultingยน, the display market in Southeast Asia saw strong growth in key product categories in 2014. The videowall market continues to be a key engine of growth, with double-digit yearon-year (YoY) growth in both revenues (31%) and in unit shipments (23%) in 4Q14. This is outstripping overall market

growth (respectively 27% and 17% YoY), with demand for tiled displays in key verticals including retail, public display applications, as well as in the corporate premises space. The high brightness segment (1,000Cd and above) also saw significant application opportunities emerging in retail and transport infrastructure as volumes grew 64% YoY in 4Q14, driving the high-value end of the market. ยน Futuresource Consulting. Futuresource Quarterly Flat Panel Display Tracker 4Q14 (March 2015). http://reports.futuresourceconsulting.com/tabid/64/ItemId/240813/ Default.aspx

For more information on Samsung Digital Signage Solutions, visit: www.samsung.com/sg/business

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

MALAYSIA

Immersing In Prayerful Worship With Dynacord And Electro-Voice

Soundline integrates an easy to use and flexible system

effects processors, a DSP 260 sound system manager, Corus 12.2 full-range cabinet, and SL 2400 amplifiers. From Electro-Voice, the CDP 850T wide range, integrated horn-and-driver system that comes with a 1829BT driver, PA l250T power amplifier, RE2N2 wireless microphone system and PL24s microphones, were also integrated. The system set-up combination ensures smooth, uninterrupted sound is produced in the prayer hall.

The Dynacord and Electro-Voice system provide powerful and crystal clear sound for daily prayers.

lectro-Voice and Dynacord sound systems make history with debut installation in the Sri Maha Mariamman temple which was founded in the 1920s. The temple was formerly located in Ladang Midlands and relocated to Section 7, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia in year 2008. With five Rajagroburam1, Malaysia's Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is one of South-East Asia's biggest Hindu temple. With the help from public and the government, the temple was reconstructed to improve the entire building of the temple in accordance

to the development of Section 7, Shah Alam. The committee members of the temple decided that a new sound system which produced powerful and crystal clear sound was needed in the main prayer hall to facilitate daily prayers. Their top priority for the sound system is to ensure devotees could be immersed in prayers, songs and mantra led by the temple priest. To meet this requirement, a customizable sound system that is easy to maintain and user-friendly was proposed. The total sound system comprised the Dynacord range of CMS 1000-3, a high-quality mixer with digital 24/48-bit

The President and committee members of the temple were extremely pleased with the newly installed sound system, adding that, “Soundline did an excellent job with our AV renovation. They went above and beyond to exceed our expectations and their staff members were extremely professional. We are happy with the result.” 1. The Rajagopuram is a tall pyramidal tower built at the entrance to a Hindu temple. It generally serves as the main entrance to the Hindu temple. They are usually five storeys tall, each with a pair of small cross-windows, which represent the five senses of human beings.

www.dynacord.com www.electrovoice.com

PROJECT FACTFILE • Client: Sri Maha Mariamman Temple • Location: Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia • Segment: House of Worship • Systems Integrator: Soundline • Task: To recommend, design and install a new sound system that produces powerful and crystal clear sound in the main prayer hall to facilitate daily prayers. • Key Solutions Installed: Dynacord and Electro-Voice systems

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

CHINA

The Han Show –

“After 4 flawless years of performance in Macau House of Dancing Water, we definitely knew that Lightware should run the Han Show video routing and distribution.” Alexis Rivest, VYV

Photo credit: Tomasz Rossa

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

A Dragone Creation where much of the action takes place. On the AV front, the Red Lantern holds a plethora of cutting edge equipment, from the LED Walls, to the impressive projection and the video content creation and distribution.

Go Big Or Go Home

In China, the city of Wuhan is called “Big Wuhan”, similar to the state of Texas in the United States, where everything is done in a big way. In late December of last year, the largest and most impressive permanent entertainment show in history made its debut. Simply called the Han Show, it’s anything but simple. The show is an absolute attack on the senses, intertwining vivid colours, music, mindblowing movements, AV technology, and culture into a story inspired from the spirit of Han nationality, Chu-Han Dynasty and the city of Wuhan.

Red Lantern

“Red Lantern”, as the locals call it, is a true marvel of technology and design. It is a purpose-built structure that was designed from the ground up, inside and out, by the company Dragone and the architect Mark Fisher, to encapsulate the Han Show. The outside consists of a lantern-shaped building with a red disc curtain wall incorporating LEDs that is 42m high and the lantern tassels are composed of white pillars reaching 20m

high from the ground. Inside is where the true wonders lie. 16 lifts, both in the water and on the stage, allow for rapid transformation of the theater landscape, keeping the audience enthralled and expectant, while three massive robotic arms latch on to and manoeuvre large LED wall backdrop sections in a way that defies belief. Even the seats themselves are mobile, with all 2000 of them shifting during the beginning of the show to reveal the pool of water

The Han Show’s creator, Franco Dragone, who has created other wildly successful shows such as O and Le Rêve in Las Vegas and The House of Dancing Water in Macau, labels this latest work in Wuhan as his crowning achievement. For the Italian-born, Belgian-raised, North American-seasoned creative talent, the bar is now raised so high that it may seem insurmountable, but the creative juices are still flowing in Dragone, and more projects in China and Asia are in the pipeline that will cement his company as a true global pioneer in theater entertainment.

The Big AV Design

From an AV perspective, the amount of Audio, Visual and Lighting that went into the Han Show is every bit as impressive as the story being theatrically told. Over 350 loudspeakers are located in the theater, pumping over 1200 channels of audio at twice the quality of CDs.

Wuhan Red Lantern Concept Diagram Photon Control

Ethernet Control

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Tracking Server

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DVI

DVI Lightware DVI-OPT-RX220-Pro

Lightware MX-FR65R

Cameras

HD-SDI Matrix

Lightware DVI-OPT-RX220-Pro

Preview Monitors

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HD-SDI

Converters Lightware DVI-OPT-RX220-Pro

LED L ED Wall W LED LE ED Wall ED LED Wall

Show Recorder

Converters

DVI

Robotic Arm Controller

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

a result, VYV has chosen to completely integrate Lightware's programming layer into their own software suite, making it totally transparent with regards to their solution, as the integration is seamless.

A New Era Of Entertainment

Dragone has no doubt tapped into a global market that was heretofore virgin territory, and staked a big flag in Wuhan for the world to see. Never before have theater shows been able to cross global boundaries, stretching from Las Vegas, to Paris, to Dubai, to permanent venues such as Macau and Wuhan. And more are coming in the near future. It’s exciting times for entertainment theaters and provides opportunities for showcasing the latest in Audio Visual technologies across the board. www.thehanshow.com/en www.vyv.ca www.lightware.eu

The lighting system has over 200km of cabling, producing more than 9m lumens across 50 different robot-like intelligent fixtures. 16 projectors propel video throughout the theater, even taking “orders” from the automatic projection tracking system to shoot on moving people and other structures. At the heart, video is being pumped by 9 VYV Photon live rendering servers (plus backup) through a large Lightware MXFR65R Matrix out over fiber runs to the strategically-located projectors. As the Photon Servers are rendering multiple layers of content on the fly, having absolutely zero delay in the switching and extension was one of the major reasons why Lightware was chosen to be the matrix of choice. This video design is similar to the House of Dancing Water in Macau, but on a larger scale, and the single fiber routing is now directly out of the Lightware matrix rather than through separate extenders. Bertrand Jenner, Technical Director for Lightware Asia, commented, “The decision to exit the Lightware matrix directly on fiber has increased the overall stability of the installation, and reduced the overall infrastructure, which means

few points of weakness.” He added, “Having a large video setup like this implies multiple points of jitter, but thanks to Lightware's Pixel Accurate Reclocking technology in the matrix as well as in the fiber receivers, we can prevent any flickering.” Alexis Rivest from VYV was insistent upon keeping the Lightware matrix in the Han Show installation, saying, “after 4 flawless years of performance in Macau House of Dancing Water, we definitely knew that Lightware should run the Han Show video routing and distribution”. As

PROJECT FACTFILE • Client: Wanda Movie Park and the Hanshow • Location: Wuhan, China • Segment: Theme Park • Systems Integrator: Beijing Starlight • Task: To provide a solution for video routing, switching and distribution with zero latency • Key Solution Installed: Lightware MX-FR65R 65x65 Digital Crosspoint Router

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

VIETNAM

EV Powers Crystal Clear Sound At Crystal Palace

Truong Thinh Equipment Sound-Light integrates at the prestigious venue

lectro-Voice professional sound systems are now installed in Crystal Palace Conference Center, Ho Chih Minh City, Vietnam. Located at Phu My Hung, the heart of the commercial finance district, Crystal Palace is one of the most magnificent conference centers in the city. Consisting of two basements and eight floors of conference space, it has a total area 2675 square meters.

Artist Impression

To make it the venue of choice for events, the Khai Vy Group, owner of Crystal Palace in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, wanted a state of the art sound system for the Crystal Palace. Sound systems of the highest standard were expected to be installed in every ballroom in the building to cater to the needs of events, conferences, and weddings. Electro-Voice offered a solution with ETX Powered Loudspeakers and Live X loudspeakers – which is perfect for live performances; full band or solo speaker. The speakers are controlled via Dynacord CMS 1600 compact mixing systems that are quick to setup and ideal for use with powered speaker systems.

After hearing the sound produced by the EV speakers, Khai Vy Group was convinced that EV was the sound system of choice for the 150 billion VND project. In addition to the outstanding product design and quality, which complements the design of the venue, the after-sales support EV provides is very strong. Training was provided for the staff members of Crystal Palace so they

Artist Impression

know how to use the sound system to its full potential. The Crystal Palace is still currently undergoing construction with projected completion in Q2 2015. www.boschsecurity.com.vn

PROJECT FACTFILE • Client: Khai Vy Group • Location: Crystal Palace, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam • Segment: Conference, Venue • Systems Integrator: Truong Thinh Equipment Sound-Light • Task: To install audio solutions that cater to the needs of events, conferences, and weddings in every ballroom. • Solutions Installed: - ETX Powered Loudspeakers - Live X loudspeakers

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

SINGAPORE

Nanyang Poly Upgrades Simulation Rooms For Better Learning

Mediatechnic Solutions deploys solutions with lecturers' comfortability in mind more human patient stimulators to increase students’ learning with realistic case scenarios. The next aspect was to upgrade the AV system. One critical element that was implemented was the installation of a centralised AV server, which made it possible for the technical team as well as for lecturers to retrieve recordings with ease and distribute them to any of the room displays with ease, to reinforce what was learnt as well as to help with discussions. Other AV solutions were also improved upon and deployed so as to ensure that all the AV systems work seamlessly.

The AV Set-up

ocated in the North-East of Singapore, Nanyang Polytechnic strives to provide quality education and training to prepare students and adult learners for work and life. Established in 1992 and occupying 30.5 hectares of land, the campus was built for a capacity of 15,000 students and 1,300 staff members. The polytechnic has several faculties that offer a number of Diploma, Advanced Diploma and structured courses, and one of which is the School of Health Sciences. The School of Health Sciences prepares and trains people for careers in Nursing, Dental Hygiene and Therapy, Social Work, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Diagnostic Radiography and Radiation Therapy. As part of the training process, the School of Health Sciences features a Simulation Centre that comprises seven simulation Rooms. According to Ms Pauline Chia. simulation-based learning coordinator, the objective of the simulation centre is to provide a realistic learning environment for students to experience life-like situations in a safe and controlled environment.”

Simulation Room Upgrade

As simulation is a critical aspect of the learning process, it is no surprise that the polytechnic continuously strives to enhance the experience of the students. The simulation rooms were first introduced in 2004 and were expanded to seven rooms in 2008 and last year, after consulting with lecturers and receiving feedback from students, it was decided that the holistic experience can be further improved. Planning started in the early part of 2014 and the AV upgrades kicked in the later part of the year and were completed in December 2014. The upgrade project began with the mannequins – the school purchased

Each simulation room has three distinctive areas. There is a control room from which the lecturer controls the environment and communicates with the students. Then, there is the simulation room where the students work on their “patient” with the health issue scenario provided to them and, finally, there is an observation room where other students observe those who are in the simulation room. The Observation Room: The observation room's AV set-up is straight-forward. There is a display which showcases elements from the simulation room. What is shown is controlled by the lecturer from the control room. The display is able to show elements from four different sources.

Kumar and Alex of Mediatechnic Solutions (4th and 5th from Left) pictured with the brand reps, said that the brands support was critical for the success of the project. Also pictured Amir Abas (3rd from Right), technical support officer at the School of Health Sciences

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Another key component of the audio delivery is the Extron DMP 128 Series, which is a 12x8 Audio Digital Signal Processor with Acoustic Echo Cancellation and Dante Audio Networking capabilities.

The control workstation. (Inset) The mobile iPad running Extron Mobile Apps

Two FBT ceiling speakers provide sound reinforcement. These are complemented by a Clockaudio boundary microphone installed within the ceiling to pick up comments from students. A Sony camera is also installed to capture the debrief as well as students' reactions, which is used to observe as well as improve the debrief. The ceiling speakers, the microphone and the Sony camera are all part of the upgrade. The Simulation Room: FBT ceiling speakers and three Sony cameras as well as 2 units of Clockaudio microphones are all part of the upgrade in the Simulation room. The Control Workstation: This workstation encompasses the major part of the AV upgrade. Each control room has its own AV rack within the room space. Within the rack is a unit of Mipro ACT-515 true diversity receiver which enhances reception range and signal stability. The dual “PiloTone and Noiselock” circuits minimize interference. One unit of dbx AFS 224 processor helps ensure feedback elimination. The Mipro receiver and dbx processor form an essential part of the audio microphone solution.

An integral part of the upgrade are the SZ Reach VGA Encoder and HD Decoder which are cabled to the Reach REX Server in the main rack room. Specifically created to answer the needs of the Healthcare sector, the REX Server enables the Poly to manage and distribute live or recorded content to any PC or TV. Occupying the rest of the rack are Extron solutions. The Extron MGP 464 multigraphic processor enables the simultaneous display of four images on a single screen. The Extron IPCP Pro 350 supports the Extron TouchLink Pro touchpanels. The Pro 350 is a versatile, high performance control processor that is engineered to be fast and secure. The Extron MPA 401 is a quarter rack width, convection-cooled mono amplifier delivering 40 watts rms output power. This UL 2043, plenum rated design meets UL requirements for in-ceiling installations. Three buffered inputs are available, so three separate sources can be connected without altering performance. The Extron MPA works in tandem with the FBT ceiling speakers that are installed.

The desk from which the lecturer communicates with the students features a microphone for the mannequin which enables the lecturer to provide a voice for the mannequin. There is also a gooseneck Mipro microphone for the lecturer to communicate with the students in the Simulation and Observation room. Two Mackie monitor speakers allow the lecturer to listen in on conversations from the simulation and observation rooms. All cameras can be controlled via the Sony camera controller offering pan, tilt and zoom functions to the user. Making it easy for the lecturer to operate the various AV equipment is the Extron Touchlink Pro panel that is installed on the table. There is also a mobile iPad running Extron Mobile Apps that is pre-connected to the WI-FI within each room and features the same control interface as that of the panel. This allows for accommodating control while being mobile.

The Thought Process Behind The Solutions

For Mediatechnic Solutions the key to a successful design and installation is the ease with which the end-user is able to operate the systems, with all their needs and budgets taken into consideration. “The ease, comfortability level as well as the confidence in using the AV systems makes up the experience for the end user. Nanyang Polytechnic knew what they needed and it was our objective to find the right solutions to help them realise their vision. We are also very pleased that all the brands provided full support for this project, which helped to ensure that we were able to complete the project within the tight time

“Content capturing and archiving are an integral part of today’s education methodology and learning process. Reliable high quality sub-seconds latency audio video recording and versatility in managing these content that includes streaming were the key selection criteria for the solution and SZ Reach fits all the requirements.” Kumar, Project Director at Mediatechnic Solutions.

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

SZ Reach VGA Encoder and HD Decoder

frame.” said Alex Boh, Sales Director at Mediatechnic Solutions. “Content capturing and archiving are an integral part of today’s education methodology and learning process. Reliable high quality sub-seconds latency audio video recording and versatility in managing these content that includes streaming were the key selection criteria for the solution and SZ Reach fits all the requirements. More importantly, SZ Reach has a dedicated local technical support for the product - that narrows the reason for us to select SZ Reach as part of the solution” said Kumar, Project Director at Mediatechnic Solutions. The upgrade of the ceiling speakers with the Extron amps helped to ensure much clearer and sharper audio. The Clockaudio microphones helped in picking up audio with clarity. As for the Sony cameras, they were upgraded with the newer EV1-D90 models, which offers SD resolution, which is sufficient for the video capturing. “All these upgrades helped in creating a better and more conducive environment for learning.” “Another important aspect of the installation was the Extron solutions. The Extron MGP 464 multigraphic processor offers quick and high resolution quad display capability, allowing the lecturer to view all the cameras and as well record all the cameras feed for future debriefing.” Alex added, “the Extron TouchLink Pro touchpanels also play an integral role. We spent much time understanding user’s operational environment in order to provide them with the interface that would make it easy for them to operate.”

Challenges

Having seven simulation rooms that might be in operation at any given

time in an open control workstation environment is a unique challenge in terms of audio recording and local reinforcement. Given the highly reflective acoustic environment adds further to the challenge to tailor the audio DSP management to achieve a clean recording without any audio spills and feedbacks. “As the content recording is done via Extron touchpanel, a reliable communication handshake between Extron and SZ Reach is crucial. Manufacturer support from Extron and SZ Reach in getting drivers built and tested in given timeframe was an important milestone of this project,” highlighted by Alex. The other aspect was for SZ Reach to customise their server so that when the lecturer wants to playback a recording, it would only show content from the specific room decoder. “Initially, all the recordings from all the rooms would show up, which meant the lecturer had to go through all the files before being able to select what he or she is looking for. With the customisation, it made it easier for reference,” said Amir Abas, the technical support officer. “We value highly Amir’s constructive operational inputs as a user and our manufacturer’s active support in completing this project and we hope all the efforts helped in delivering a reliable, scalable and user-friendly solution to our client” concludes Alex.

The Client's Viewpoint

Amir Abas, a technical support officer at the School of Health Sciences is pleased with the effectiveness of the AV system put in place. “With only 2 technical support officers working with the various course co-ordinators, it is important that the system improves our productivity. This is certainly the case with this installation.” Amir highlights that previously there was no centralised AV server and mixing was analogue in nature. Each day he had to physically register all the recordings in each room and if any of the recordings had to be retrieved, it would take up

time to find the recording. “Now, with the system creating a log within the central server, it has saved me time in retrieving any recordings. Even better, I am able to send any signal to any room with the touch of a button,” a pleased Amir commented. Another aspect that has caught Amir's attention as well as that of the lecturers’ is the touchpanel control interface. “Mediatechnic solutions had put in a lot of thought on how the AV systems might be operated and have translated that into a user-friendly interface for the lecturers.” Amir also brings to our attention that previously they had used windows based hard coded interface which pales in comparison to the object based interface being currently used. “Mediatechnic Solutions, listened to us objectively, gave us good feedback, provided us with the solutions that enable us to work effectively and more importantly, they met our objectives of creating an enhanced learning environment with the right tools,” said Amir. www.nyp.edu.sg www.mediatechnic-solutions.com www.szreach.com www.extron.com pro.sony-asia.com www.fbt.it www.clockaudio.com

PROJECT FACTFILE • Client: School of Health Sciences, Nanyang Polytechnic • Location: Singapore • Segment: Education • Systems Integrator: Mediatechnic Solutions • Task: To upgrade the AV system and install a centralised AV server • Key Solutions Installed: • SZ Reach VGA Encoder and HD Decoder • Reach REX Server • Extron MGP 464 multigraphic processor • Extron TouchLink Pro touchpanels • Extron DMP 128 Series Digital Signal Processor

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INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

PHILIPPINES

Sony Glams Up Green Sun Building A 360 degree immersive projection and 9-projector projection wall system spruce up the venue

ith 25 fashion pop-up stores and a runway decked out for glam fashion events, the Green Sun Building is fashioning itself to be Manila’s premier destination for fashion and art. It even comes complete with a restaurant, a private graffiti bar, and a 144 room hotel with 11 luxury apartments. But standing out in a sprawling city filled with venue options is challenging, where

being good is sometimes not good enough. To differentiate their property while keeping to their theme of fashion and art, the team from Green Sun Building decided to focus on delivering an immersive visual experience for their customers. Relying on their expertise in audio and visual technology, the team saw an opportunity to incorporate a 360 degree immersive projection system

in their ballroom aptly known as The Eye, and a 9-projector projection wall system in their split level “Axon” art gallery to showcase digital art installations. However, being the first in Manila to install such projection systems meant that the team was faced with new installation and implementation challenges. Picture quality and reliability also posed a concern to the team, as well as the

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

lack of available content for 360 degree projection and potential component management issues associated with the use of multiple projectors. To overcome the challenges, the team knew that hardware selection would be critical as most of the challenges were related to projector choice. To address the high image quality standards demanded by digital artists of the world, the team selected 9 VPL-FHZ55 projectors from Sony to be installed as a projection wall in their art gallery. As the world’s first 3LCD laser projector, the FHZ55 is fully equipped to project bright detail packed images of 4000 lumens at WUXGA resolution which is higher than Full HD. In addition to exceptional contrast and consistent colour stability, the FHZ55 is also able to operate for up to 20,000 hours before maintenance is required*, which translates to significant savings to the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). TCO was also their key consideration when the team selected 16 VPL-FH500L projectors from Sony for their 360 degree projection system in The Eye Ballroom. With clever features such as dual auto-switching lamps, synchronised lamp and filter replacement cycles and 3LCD BrightEra Panel technology, the FH500L is able to deliver accurate colour rendition and longer lifespan for lower TCO.

More importantly, the FH500L has a wide lens shift range (+/- 113% horizontal and +/- 63% vertical) that allows it to be positioned in a variety of offset orientations to project a seamless edgeto-edge 360 degree projection. Another key consideration in favour of the FH500L is its ability to utilize its UltraHigh Brightness of 7000 lumens Colour Light Output to project clear images even in large venues with high ambient light. On the content front, the team is currently working with production companies to customize content specific for their 360 projection system to maximize the audience experience and value of their system. In-house teams have also been created to manage and sync up their video, audio, lightning and stitching technology together. Being the first in Manila to offer such projection capabilities have attracted the attention of event producers and

digital artists, whom are all eager to impress their audience with a unique and immersive visual experience. Opened at the end of 2014, the future certainly looks promising for the Green Sun Building. *Depending on usage environment or conditions

pro.sony-asia.com

PROJECT FACTFILE • • • •

Client: Sun Green Building Location: Manila, Philippines Segment: Property, Venue Task: To install a 360 degree immersive projection system in the ballroom, and a projection wall system in the digital art gallery. • Solutions Installed: -16 x VPL-FH500L - 9 x VPL-FHZ55

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

AUSTRALIA

Matrox Video Forms Groundbreaking Hub At University of Melbourne

Matrox VS4Recorder Pro changes the game of recording

s any teacher knows, capturing the attention of a classroom full of students can be a difficult art. Try then, capturing every word, every expression and every piece of work a student produces during a lesson. The Science of Learning Classroom at the University of Melbourne is a brand new state of the art facility designed to capture all social interaction in classrooms at a level of detail not previously attempted. Situated at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education (currently ranked number two in the world), a team of technicians devised a solution for capturing the extremely rich audio and video data produced in various classroom settings. A computer farm of custom built Matrox VS4-based turnkey systems, integrated by specialist computer-reseller Advanced Audio Visual & Music Technology (AAVIM Technology) in Australia, was teamed with the very latest VS4Recorder Pro software from Matrox.

32 channels of audio which gives an extremely fine-grained perspective of the classroom. Additional features were added to the room to put the control of sessions into the hands of researchers. For example, each researcher can have an iPad to control a personal audio monitor mix from within the control room. Traditional two-way communication systems also allow direct conversation between researchers and teachers. In addition, messaging/ chat capabilities allow discreet communication via iPads. VS4 Recorder Pro with its VS4 Control feature let the team easily network four VS4 machines in a master/ slave configuration to capture up to 16 channels of HD video. Cameron Mitchell, technical manager of the new facility explains the decision to go with Matrox and the VS4 solution. “We have highprofile international researchers from the fields of education, neuroscience and cognitive psychology all working together to better understand the learning process between students and teachers. We looked at every system available that could do synchronous AV capture of multiple channels. Some were complicated and astronomically expensive, others simply unreliable. When we first got our hands on the new VS4Recorder Pro software, it just worked, and we couldn’t believe the economical pricing for a complete fourchannel recording solution. This, for us, is a real game changer!” The new Melbourne facility features 16 channels of HD capture and up to

A bank of Apple TV units captures student laptop or iPad screens for realtime records of student work in the classroom. The immense amount of data is recorded directly to a high speed SAN, with web proxies made available postlesson for online access through a digital asset management system. Mitchell describes how the VS4-based solution helps to capture the fastpaced world of classroom teaching and learning, “In the classroom, very little is scripted. The teacher will have a plan for how they intend the lesson to unfold, but the students don’t. Our only chance to capture those one-off moments is to have more cameras, more audio, and more recording. It’s always more, more, more! Our VS4Recorder Pro system with VS4Control technology ensures we don’t miss anything. We couldn’t be happier.” www.matrox.com

PROJECT FACTFILE • • • •

Client: University of Melbourne Location: Melbourne, Australia Segment: Education Task: To capture audio and video data produced in various classroom settings System Installed: • Matrox VS4 Recorder Pro with VS4 Control

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

CHINA

Breakthrough Performance For 90m2 Display System With SALI’s P1.9 Seamless LED Video Wall

High quality chipsets solve conventional LED screen issues

ideal display system for the following reasons:

ational Security has been a hot topic and concern for many countries in the recent decade. Substantial investment in different high technology has become inevitable for internal coordination, communication, collaboration and decision making efficiency in relation to security. SALI’s breakthrough performance of its pioneer display technology has been demonstrated by its P1.9 (1.9mm Pixel Pitch) LED Indoor large display system in the debriefing room in The People’s Liberation Army Northeast Garrison. Located strategically, The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Northeast Garrison is one of the largest military garrisons in China, conscientiously implementing the Central Committee and the Central Military Commission principles, policies and a series of instructions to improve the combat effectiveness of the center, strengthen the revolutionary forces and militias in the region, with modernization and regularization. For this project, SALI supplied the display system in the control room for the PLA with a total of 90m2 displaying area. SALI’s SLED-19 Seamless LED Video Wall at P1.9, with a resolution

of 8400 X 2142 seamlessly displays content, in an integrated auditorium-like debriefing and control room in Liaoning, China. With this large display system, information is reliably visualized through data sharing. Using SALI’s PowerBase processor, which is a sophisticated video processing system for large-screen video walls, along with SALI’s ePoint Multiscreen Management Software, real-time signal could be distributed to military branches or headquarters of different regions at any given time. This helps shorten the time for decision making of stakeholders and greatly improve operational efficiency for instant decision making and effective training during military exercises. Display signals are scheduled, featuring duty, command, GIS, CCTV and other computer networks or RGB information, as well as video surveillance, video conferencing and other physical and analog video signals.

SALI's Product Features Seals The Deal Sunny Ting, Director of Products and Marketing at SALI reveals that the end user considered SALI’s system as their

• Dual redundant signals to ensure the zero down time caused by the signal failure. Any attenuation of any single signal, system will automatically switch over to the redundant signal without interrupting the operator and system administrator; • Sophisticated self-monitoring system: The information of the system running status, such as the operating temperature, settings, parameters, power supply status, and signal completeness would be transmitted back to the system administration workstation with auto-alarm should parameters be outside of designated values for the initiation of correctional procedures; • With the high quality chipsets used, SLED products solve conventional LED screen issues: low greyscale levels in low brightness settings; • SALI’s LED display uses Pixel Control Technology (PCT) for point-by-point correction, with a simple one-touch procedure, one-time correction tunes the entire screen in seconds. www.sali.cn eng.mod.gov.cn

PROJECT FACTFILE • Client: The People’s Liberation Army Northeast Garrison • Location: China • Segment: Government • Task: To install the latest indoor LED display wall in control room with the world’s finest pixel pitch LED. System Installed • SALI’s SLED-19, 90 m2 displaying area. • SALI’s PowerBase eFrame Video wall processor • SALI’s ePoint Multi-screen Management Software

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

INDIA

Tannoy CMS Series For Every Floor Of JW Marriot In Pune

Solutions work on complete digital backbone, which is not very common in India

ith an enviable reputation across the globe, Tannoy and Lab.gruppen’s superior quality sound was recently sought after for one of the country’s most luxurious, and indeed renowned, hotels – the five-star JW Marriot in Pune, India. In the world of luxury hotels, sound systems might not always come on top of the agenda when it comes to capturing opulence. However, the JW Marriot is one such residence which has managed to gather the required demeanor to gain its five-star status, and now, thanks to Tannoy and Lab. gruppen's sound technology, it has the kind of technology fit for such surroundings – inside and outside the building.

Lab.gruppen amplifiers throughout its premises in Pune.

The project to bring this signature sound began when Panchshil Realty, a multi-asset class Real Estate Development company based in Pune, were tasked with helping the JW Marriott ‘redefine hospitality’ in the city. Pancheel immediately looked to Play Technologies, an AV consultant, who knew exactly what solution was required for a job of this scale.

Sachin explained further, “The JW Marriot is one of the busiest hotels in Pune and the project meant coming up with a solution that would make a statement and redefine hospitality in the city. Very few hotels in India could compare to this hotel, in terms of the finishes, in terms of the interior, and now, in terms of the sound technology. Not a lot of people give us the opportunity of using the right product, the right quantity - people want to save costs on various factors, but not this hotel. They have not tried to save costs but used the optimum product and the optimum technology, even if it turns out to be a little more expensive.”

Led by Sachin Jain, of Play Technologies the project would eventually see the JW installing Tannoy loudspeakers and

Sachin explained that the thinking behind the project was to get a more detailed design, and a consultant such

as himself who would be more actively involved in the project, who could understand the requirements, and as he puts it, ‘design spec the right products', the 'right equipment', and ultimately, the 'right solutions’. Speaking of the possibilities of installing the products, Sachin continued, “Audio in this hotel is digital which is not very common in India – with these products, you can now route music from any floor to any floor, any source to any other place. You also have dynamic volumes controls in place in various zones which are then digitally attached to your central rack which is in a centralized location.” Tannoy was brought on board because the client demanded only the best, and was not prepared to compromise on quality. “We saw various globally-renowned brands and obviously came across Tannoy as one of the major options,” Sachin explained. “Firstly, we were really impressed with Tannoy as a brand; the CMS series, the 501DC, the ICT series, the sound from these products were fantastic and that really impressed us. Although it was a premium brand and it meant spending more money, compromise was not

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

an option. The owners were also very particular about the quality of sound they were going to have – that’s what put Tannoy in the driving seat, and that was the deciding factor. In total, over 400 Tannoy loudspeakers were used throughout the project, mainly CMS Series complemented by Di and VX Series for extra reinforcement in the areas that required it. “I think Tannoy has done a brilliant job in terms of the product quality and the production. In areas [of the hotel] you will see the speakers blend into the aesthetics and gives that stunning sound with visual appeal. Its all turned out well and people have appreciated it – the hotel has got a lot of good reviews across Asia and today features as one of the top hotels in India and is still the busiest hotel in Pune. That makes you appreciate being involved in a project such as this.” The choice of using Lab.gruppen C Series amplifiers also worked to perfection within the given environment, Sachin explains, "Because of the amplifiers' small 2RU design, we could save a lot of space in the controls room and this really helped us during the install phase. The products flexibility offers control of various gains and variable power on different channels – that is an added benefit because in

hotels, you have 3 or 4 different loops and not each loop would require the same amount of power that runs into that. Lab.gruppen have been extremely flexible and helpful, and on hand 24/7 over the last 3 years to help us with any questions or problems, and that kind of back up support is invaluable on a project of this scale."

a long way in providing a complete guest experience and is equally important as the interior design of a space. Each space in this property has been equipped with the best products in the world and designed to meet the functionality of the space,‘ said Abhay Chordia, Jt. Managing Director, Panchshil Realty, Pune Catch Sachin's thoughts about the project and the solutions Scan QR Code: www.tannoy.com www.labgruppen.com

The JW Marriot is now fully tailored, completely fitted, top-to-bottom, in the latest Tannoy and Lab.gruppen sound excellence, giving a complete 'uniformity of sound'. 'I am very pleased with the technology infrastructure at our JW Marriott Pune property. I believe our property would be the most advanced in the country even today with regards to the AV technology. Our intention which has been successfully implemented has been to provide the business centre guest with similar or better infrastructure they have been using in their office. We strongly believe that technology and the functionality it provides goes

PROJECT FACTFILE • • • •

Client: Panchshil Realty Location: Pune, India Segment: Hospitality Consultant: Sachin Jain of Play Technologies • Systems Integrator: S.K. Office Solutions Pvt Ltd • Task: To specify, design and install a sound system throughout the hotel that offers top-endquality and upholds the hotel's image and branding • Key Solutions Installed: Tannoy and Lab.gruppen systems

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Teaming With Technology itself. Utilising the local guidance and expertise of Hock Thang, Symetrix’s Regional Sales Manager for APAC (based in Singapore), we’re always testing and iterating our approach to ensure each country has the specific support needed for that unique market. This was true five years ago, today, and I’m sure will be true five years from now.

SI Asia: What reasons do you think have influenced the challenges or success?

Digital audio signal processing system solutions provider Symetrix has carved its own niche the market over time. A combination of marketing aggression, technology innovation and customer focus are what are said to stand the Mountlake Terrace, Washington-based DSP major to be a leading brand in the market today. Exemplifying the company business perspective the best way is its Asia Pacific region. SI Asia talks to Mark Ullrich, International Sales Manager, Symetrix to know more about the American DSP Major.

SI Asia: Symetrix has been operating in Asia-Pac for quite some time now. How has the journey been thus far?

MARK: Yes, we have quite a history in the region, and APAC has always been a dynamic territory for Symetrix — from the mature markets of Australia and Singapore, to the powerhouse of China, to the developing markets of the Philippines and Vietnam. This area of the world has brought a lot of opportunity and growth for Symetrix over the last handful of years, and we really enjoy doing business in the region.

SI Asia: What time period, and geography has been most challenging, and/or most encouraging?

MARK: Every territory is different. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to this region, which is a challenge within

MARK: The factors involved with challenges are often the same as those leading to the greatest successes. The design of the Singapore Sports hub, for example, which is the world’s largest Dante installation to date, and used a vast number of Symetrix SymNet Edge DSPs, posed great challenges for both the design team at Electronics & Engineering – Symetrix’ distributor for Singapore – as well as the technology on that scale. But going big, if approached correctly with the right technology and with the right team, will surely bring great success as it did for the Sports Hub.

SI Asia: DSP market is not a fiercely-fought market or so compared to other segments of Audio or Video. What's your take?

MARK: Digital signal processing is obviously a relatively small niche within the greater world of A/V. I think it’s fair to say that one of the reasons for this is that the DSP market, at large, is much smaller than that of, say, microphones, speakers and amps, but also the threshold for entry as a DSP manufacturer is arguably higher than that of many of our industry counterparts. So, it’s a business for the few and the proud!

SI Asia: Given that notion, how do you promote the cause of Symetrix?

MARK: First you have to make an outstanding product and always be

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

a leader in that technology. This is, however, only half the battle. The next step is taking a consistent and disciplined approach to getting that technology to market. That starts with having the right people in the right positions, something Symetrix has always done well. This, of course, very much includes our independent representatives and distribution partners in as many as 80 countries around the world.

SI Asia: What specific initiatives do you have in place to further the cause of the brand and business? Would you elaborate?

MARK: Teaming with JamesKnight + Associates, a marketing communications agency, has been a fantastic recent initiative that’s given Symetrix a dedicated boost in building global brand awareness. Other initiatives include the creation of branding, advertising, and training packages that our international partners can easily localize to ensure the Symetrix message is consistent throughout the world. Of course, education is an extremely important aspect of the brand recognition and wider adaptation, and so we run various global training courses — many of which are eligible for InfoComm CTS RUs. In the APAC region, we team up with our distribution partners to train installers as well as end-users. Besides all these initiatives, we also try to exhibit and /or visit as many exhibitions as possible to meet current and prospective clients.

SI Asia: What sets Symetrix apart from the competition?

MARK: Again, it comes down to the critical combination of both team and the technology. For example, Dante is a key technology, but if not for the prescience of our product development team who saw Dante’s value and adopted it before most in the industry knew it existed, we wouldn’t have been able to position where we are today.

SI Asia: Technology innovation, marketing aggression and customer approach? price points & ease of use - what proportion

of this equation characterizes Symetrix? where does it find itself in the combination?

MARK: It’s a simple YES to all. No winning product or family of products happens without careful attention to technology innovation, marketing and distribution, price, and perhaps above all else, an intent focus on the end user’s experience.

SI Asia: Consultant and End User/Client? What is what to Symetrix? Could you please elaborate?

MARK: Every link in the go-to-market chain, from the end-user, to the system integrator, to the distributor, and the consultant plays an important part in a successful installation. And each link in that chain has different goals and needs. As the manufacturer, it’s our goal to make sure we’re doing our part to the fullest so that every party in that go-tomarket chain is supported, and ultimately the end-user is completely satisfied.

SI Asia: Training and education is taken to be a serious component of marketing strategy these days. How about Symetrix on this front?

MARK: Training and education has always been an important focal area for Symetrix- from our regional in-person trainings to our award-winning online trainings – both of which are CTS accredited – to our regular tech tips and masterclasses. This will continue to be a focus as we’re always working to improve and expand accessibility to quality training programmes in many different formats. It’s a thing of pride that Symetrix was also recently awarded with two training-related awards for 2015, to be officially announced next month (April). So stay tuned!

SI Asia: On pure technical front, audio (video too for that matter) suffers in areas of bandwidth challenges. How does Symetrix solutions help improve this situation?

MARK: Two words: ‘gigabit’ and ‘Dante.’The now widespread deployment of gigabit networks have laid the

foundation for innovative technologies like Audinate’s Dante networking protocol to provide the industry with uncompressed, tightly synchronized, low latency, and fully interoperable multichannel audio over standard IP networks. This, we believe will redefine the way the large packets of AV travel through the networks.

SI Asia: How has the SymNet Composer 3.0 release impacted the market?

MARK: With the release of SymNet Composer 3.0, Symetrix is impacting the market on a number of different fronts. First, 3.0 brings the release of the 2-Line VoIP Interface Card for conferencing, paging, remote monitoring and broadcast applications. The configuration software is also accessible from both the AV and VoIP LANs giving AV integrators and IT/VoIP administrators easy access for configuration. Second, 3.0 brings new third-party integrations with industry powerhouses Shure and Audio-Technica. Select Dante-enabled products from the duo are now natively supported in SymNet Composer 3.0 and integrators can use a single piece of software to streamline programming, network discovery, and Dante signal routing. Symetrix also launched the SymNet Radius 12×8 EX DSP. An upgrade to the popular SymNet Radius 12×8 DSP, this new version features the addition of an expansion slot which increases the total audio input/output count from 20 to 24 in the same 1U format. And finally, the new version of SymNet Composer includes a number of Window Management (Composer UI) Framework improvements, giving the user ever greater ease in design workflow. All this, we believe will not only render the integrators/installers job much more innovative and but also contribute to a new level of audio-visual experience for the users. www.symetrix.com

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

Epson India – Exceeding The Vision, In True Colours Epson India – the Indian business unit of Japanese digital imaging and AV solutions giant Epson – is charting its way in the country with pride and purpose. The company, already a leader in the printer and projector segments, is also striding aggressively with lofty ambitions in the ProAV domain. SI Asia caught up with N Sambamoorthy, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing at Epson India, to know what the company is planning for the future: SI Asia: Tell us about Epson India…how has the journey been over the past few years?

SAMBA: It’s been a fantastic journey for us. From our humble beginning as a liaison office, to being an independent and key market for Epson worldwide has been extremely gratifying. This year, we will be closing with a turnover in excess of INR 1000 crore (close to 160 million USD) and this speaks volumes about the hard work that has gone to building the brand in India. Today we are the No. 1 brand in India across all the key segments we operate in -Inkjet Printers, Point of Sale Printers, Dot Matrix Printers, and Projectors. We were

the pioneers in many of these segments and have actually built the market from ground up to where it is today. Our focus of putting the consumer first has helped us create products that are not just high quality and reliable, but those that, above all, answer a stated or unstated need of the consumer. This has been key to our success.

SI Asia: Do you mean to say that you took the early mover advantage?

SAMBA: I would rather look at this as having a vision for the future early on. While it worked in a sense to our advantage, it meant we had to build a market where none really existed - a lot of hard work to do. Point of Sales printers and Projectors are a classic

example of this; Home Projectors are another example. We have spent time, money and effort to ensure we created these markets and in doing so, were perceived as market leaders. This is because we saw the scope and potential before others did. However, the early mover advantage can take you only so far. By constantly evolving and introducing products that the consumer wanted, we ensured that we stayed ahead of competition and grew at an amazing pace. If you look at just last 4-5 years, we have been growing, in what some would say have been less than easy economic conditions, at an annual growth rate of about 23 per cent. A key growth driver for us has been our fantastic projectors; they have been increasing their market share as well.

SI Asia: Simply put, what factored for this success?

SAMBA: A number of factors. First, a deep understanding of what the consumer wants, and providing products that meet their needs. Second, an abundance of products rolled out according to a plan. In the last three years, Epson India released in excess of 50 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs), and each SKU has at least three-four variants. Overall, there might be over 250 SKUs that were brought to market which is incredible. Third, identifying key segments with high growth potential. For projectors, we had identified – probably before anyone else – education as one key area of growth. Use of projection systems in education has been growing phenomenally over the last few years in India, compared to traditional areas such as boardrooms and conferencing rooms. While that being one of the most dynamically

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

all under just one window earlier; from mid-last year, we segmented this into three segments - an entry-level product which is for anybody and everybody; interactive projectors - short throw and ultra-short throw - which are more focused on education segment, and training environments; and high lumen business projectors. This is an area we believe with huge market opportunity, and understandably the thrust area from the organizational point of view.

Epson's recent AV System Integrator event in Bengaluru

growing areas for us, we have also identified the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as one horizontal with huge growth. Thankfully, projectors have turned around significantly from being ‘aspirational’ a few years ago to ‘affordable’ proposition even for the SMEs. This has directly led to the increased penetration of projectors into the SME segment at a wider scale. Interestingly, we had also identified the Home projection segment as an unexplored and highly potential market. It was actually ‘a market to be created’ which we did. Two years ago, we began setting up ‘demo zones’ exclusively for the home segment; we have set up around 90 such zones all over the country. When I say home projector, I mean 1080p units. Finally, the role of our partners and AV System Integrators in understanding and appreciating that Epson products are the best available, and ensuring that they promoted us as the first choice to consumers.

SI Asia: So, it’s not just rolling out products; but also creating ‘experiential centres’…

SAMBA: Of course, yes. In a category like Home projectors, experience is what determines the conversion, and our aim is to ensure that this is easily available to consumers. With this in mind we are expanding such experiential centres by another 50 at least. It is not just expanding the physical presence to spread the product availability but as expanding the experience to wider audiences. That counts more. It’s been paying us rich dividends as well - so much so that the contribution of home projectors to the overall revenues has grown from mere two per cent in the beginning to 10 per cent now.

SI Asia: How about the Business Projectors, which I guess forms the core of Epson India’s focus currently? SAMBA:Indeed. Business projectors remain the largest chunk of the market, and Epson is No. 1 brand in India. It was

We are taking this cause forward with two main points in view: oneinformation to the market about the product availability, and two- education to the thought leaders and decision makers such as system integrators. Our recent AV System Integrator event in Bengaluru reflected just this. The first part of the day, we sought to spread the information about our latest range; it was for the market to see and understand the solutions. The second part, we presented the set of solutions to the system integrators. This included a showcasing of what all we brought to them, and then a hands-on experience so that the SI community appreciates those solutions.

SI Asia: You said you had a vision for future, early on. What exactly is it?

SAMBA: There was a clear vision in the organization even 15-20 years ago that these products had to be brought to the Indian market. Hence, while the market requirement in the initial stage was low, the organization believed in its vision and committed itself to putting deeper efforts on the geography. This is a fundamental point which we need to understand. Having had the vision, we complemented that with a categorization of what products and what objectives to pursue. As the company tag line – Exceed Your Vision – goes, we moved in that

"If you look at just last 4-5 years, we have been growing, in what some would say have been less than easy economic conditions, at an annual growth rate of about 23 per cent. A key growth driver for us has been our fantastic projectors."

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia April - May 2015

direction. We took the customer expectation as our first objective. That’s the reason we made our early presence in the market; exceeding the customer expectation, and delivering products to their satisfaction as one of the core ideologies. We go to market to find its requirement; then develop and deliver products to meet that requirement. What all this means is that there is a constant research, interaction with the market; and the feedback is meticulously collated and documented towards developing the required product.

SI Asia: How did you go about executing it?

SAMBA: To present a case in point, till late 90s or 2000-plus period, IT sector never used to focus on projectors. The mind set of both IT dealers and users revolved just around audio- 4.1, 5.1, and even 7.1 but never the video. We saw this opportunity as early as that period and structured our business vision to get the video/projector element into the IT sales. Going by that, four years ago, we built two programmes called ‘nSolution,’ and ‘nDimension.’ The nDimension, was aimed at dealers and resellers, while the nSolution was aimed at system integrators. Both had amazing response and results because we successfully showcased our solutions across the length and breadth of the country in a relate-table and simulated application environment. We also helped our partners to better sell our products through knowledge and through the promise of helping in turn to increase their engagement and turnover from Epson. This helped increase the brand recall at various levels. Having achieved an incredible critical mass, we combined both the programmes late last year into what we called the ‘nVision’- bringing the ‘end customer’ into the equation. This came into the thought process because our partners might be selling large numbers of printers to a customer; but if the customer wanted a projector too, they will miss out on the opportunity. We wanted to align all the three components

Epson new EH-TW6600 Full HD 1080p Home Theatre Projector - said to be the world's brightest Full HD 3D projector - on demo at the Bengaluru meet

of the value chain, and nVision was the programme aimed at achieving that purpose. The programme has given us commendable success, and we have built a big business case.

SI Asia: Epson has been a champion of 3LCD projection. How about the debate of technological superiority or experience with other formats?

SAMBA: We at Epson pioneered the proprietary 3LCD projection technology 25 years ago and have seen tremendous success with this technology. 3LCD is a reliable, sophisticated technology with universal appeal. A recent factor in technology debate- the Colour Light Output (Colour Brightness), a new standard that gives buyers the data they need to compare projectors. The vast majority of projectors today project colour- so measuring White Light Output or White Brightness alone is insufficient. 3 LCD projectors have been found to be upto 3 times brighter than similar competitive technology brands. It is for this reason the 3LCD Technology has been instrumental in Epson getting 29.4 per cent market share worldwide, and

remain No. 1 projector brand for the past 14 years.

SI Asia: Your Immediate plans going forward... SAMBA: Like I said earlier, for projectors we want to focus on the education segment. We have a set of partners all over the country; we want to educate them on short throw, ultra-short throw, and interactive projectors. Hospitality and Retail have also been very encouraging with a rough estimate that one out of every two retail customers is an Epson user. While we also focus on expanding our home projector demo zones far and wide, we would want to move into high brightness projection domain. We are actively striding in the direction, and we will have the solutions very soon. Going forward we will continue to focus on Enterprise, Education and Home segments in 2015-16. In the final analysis we want everything projected through an Epson. That is our goal. www.epson.co.in

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