SIA Apr May 2017

Vol. 16 Issue 4 ~ April - May 2017

AUDIO • VISUAL • CONTROL • COLLABORATION • UNIFIED COMMS

• FEATURE: VR In Education An Attainable Reality • INTERVIEW: Thomas Shen of SMW • EXHIBITION REVIEW: ISE 2017

www.systemsintegrationasia.com

S I G M A AV I T

Macquarie University's Surgical Skills Lab Upgraded By Faculty Members – An Insight

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CONTENTS

56

04 FIRST WORDS 06 NEWS

EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS 24 SINGAPORE: Inaugural AV Users Networking Event 26 INDIA: CrestronOne 2017 26 INDIA: InfoComm Training 26 INDIA: Epson Kramer Business Conclave 2017 27 SINGAPORE: Acoustic & Lighting System’s Milestone Open Day 28 SINGAPORE: Yamaha CIS Conference 28 SINGAPORE: LG Asia Business Innovation Centre 30 SOLUTIONS UPDATE EXHIBITION PREVIEW 42 BroadcastAsia 2017 To Feature Virtual Reality Cluster And Bigger TV Everywhere Zone

Vol. 16 Issue 4 ~ April – May 2017

46

80 SPECIAL FEATURE 46 VR In Education An Attainable Reality TECH TALK 48 Video Compression: Less Is More INTERVIEW 52 Sigma AVIT: Scaling New Heights Of AV Excellence 56 Stuart Craig, CEO, Crestron APAC, On Providing Enhanced Customer Experience Uniformly, Globally 58 Tom Shen, President & CEO of SMW On Challenges, Opportunities and Evolutionary Technologies EXHIBITION REVIEW 60 ISE Review 2017: (S)Taking Global Proportions, Audio-Visually 64 ISE Review 2017: Observations From The ISE Floor

INSTALLATIONS 68 AUSTRALIA: A Deeper Look Into Macquaries University's Surgical Skills Lab Upgrade 74 INDIA: A Great Story Telling With Embedded AV. Part 2 of Virasat-e-Khalsa Museum 78 THAILAND: Mahajak Integrates AV System for Com7 80 BEIRUT: Ensuring Foolproof Security With Technology 83 AUSTRALIA: NanoLumens Curved LED At The Western Sydney University VOICE BOX 84 HKU’s Antoinette Kelly Makes The Case For Investing In AV Staff Training 86 ON OUR WEB

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FIRST WORDS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

EDITOR, INDIA AND ME Ram Bhavanashi ram@spinworkz.com

ADMIN & CIRCULATION Julie Tan admin@spinworkz.com

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION WRITER Jimmy Chin Natalie Chew jimmy@spinworkz.com natalie@spinworkz.com

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

PUBLISHED BY PRINTED BY Spinworkz Pte Ltd Stamford Press 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.

Please be informed that products and company names mentioned in this publication may be protected with tradenames, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Our non inclusion of such symbols is not an indication of us not recognising the copyright but rather to have a common look across our articles. Misuse of tradenames, trademarks or registered trademarks is strictly prohibited. It is the obligation of our readers to check if company names and products are protected with tradenames, trademarks or registered trademarks.

I am admittedly very excited to share this issue’s cover story about the upgrade of the Surgical Skills Lab at the Macquarie University in Australia. The main reason is that the upgrade was completely handled by the University faculty members without the assistance of an SI or even for that matter consultant. The thought process behind the upgrade, creating their own programming for easier control of the AV equipment, whilst keeping an eye for easier expandability should there be a need in the future – all trademarks of a professional SI or consultant but lead instead by Iain Brew, the Clinical AV & IT Co-ordinator, at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University with other faculty members.

One comment from Iain stands out where AV and IT is concerned: “As discussed at recent trade shows and industry events I have attended, it has become clear that AV and IT are now truly converged. One can’t exist without the other in serious installs, so it’s important to have knowledge not only in AV signal flow and control, but also network design and configuration, especially for multicast protocols.” I am sure many SIs are taking heed of this already but I am not sure if they realise the urgency of getting their IT skills upgraded so that they will be in a better position to service their clients.

Despite our never ending work load, we are pleased that we managed to pull off our first AV USER NETWORKING Event, courtesy of sponsorship from Epson. We had 50+ guests from a variety of verticals attend the event in Singapore. Our objective is to try to bring to end-users, more information based events where hopefully we can keep them abreast of new technology, platforms or even trends and get them to share their thoughts.

We hope to create an eco-system where end-users from across Asia can share their thoughts and experience. For us, this is a work in progress and not something achievable overnight.

We hope to keep the momentum growing and hopefully all involved from stakeholders to the audience will see the benefits of such events.

Enjoy the read and I would like to urge our readers to especially read the Macquaire University story as there are a lot of interesting nuggets of information that we are sure you will find absorbing.

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

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Tata Communications To Build World’s Largest IoT In India INDIA: Tata Communications – of the famed Tata Group, and India’s leading provider of communication solutions – has joined hands with Hewlett Packard Enterprise to roll out India’s first LoRaWAN-based network- that is apparently claimed to become the world’s largest Internet of Things (IoT) network.

The announcement came during the recent Mobile World Congress event held in Barcelona.

Tata Communications unveiled plans for the LoRa network last year. It is part of Tata Communications’ long-term strategy of creating mobile platforms and ecosystems that enable its customers and partners to connect people and IoT-connected devices seamlessly on a global scale.

The first phase of the roll-out targets Tier 1, 2, 3 and 4 cities in India, touching over 400 million people. Alongside successful field trials in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, there are also 35 proof-of-concept applications in trial on the network.

include increased LoRa gateway support, enabling the use of multiple LoRa gateways with a common set of applications to simplify device provisioning and control in heterogeneous LoRa environments.

“The sheer size of this project is incredible, bringing new services to millions of people,” said David Sliter, Vice-President and General Manager, Communications Solutions Business, HPE. “Through our partner centric approach, the HPE Universal IoT platform will enable Tata Communications to build multiple vertical use cases for its Indian IoT network on a common platform with a common data model.”

Tata Communications has also selected HPE to be an integral part of its global cellular IoT connectivity services. This provides a range of domestic and cross-border IoT connectivity and management services, particularly for applications requiring elements of mobility, such as connected cars, fleet management and transportation services.

The association between Tata Communications and HPE paves the way for a new era in enabling devices with embedded connectivity for enterprise customer solutions throughout the country. The project involves connecting devices, applications and other IoT solutions over the LoRa network in smart buildings, campus, utilities, fleet management, security and healthcare services in nearly 2,000 communities, covering over 400 million people, making it the first-of-its-kind initiative in India.

“Tata Communications has 15 years of experience in delivering impactful and innovative communications solutions to its customers globally,” said Anthony Bartolo, President, Mobility, IoT and Collaboration Services, Tata Communications.

“As part of our commitment to innovation and in driving digital transformation globally, we are creating a cohesive, resilient and Anthony Bartolo highly secure network to deploy IoT applications in India,” Bartolo said. “We are excited to be partnering with HPE in this project as this platform is critical to amalgamating all the complex variables in enabling a truly digital India.”

Designed for massive scale, multi-vendor and multi-network support using the oneM2M interoperability standard, the HPE Universal IoT Platform streamlines interoperability and management of heterogeneous IoT devices and applications that power the intelligent edge. The platform supports long-range, low-power connectivity deployments, as well as devices that use cellular, radio, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Recent enhancements announced for the HPE Universal IoT Platform

VS Shridhar

“At Tata Communications, we are looking to expand our LoRa network to 60 cities by the end of 2017, most of which are included in the Smart Cities Mission by the Government of India,” explains VS Shridhar, Senior Vice-President & Head – Internet Of Things, Tata Communications. “Majority of these cities will be spread between Tier 1, 2 and 3 locations that have a population of over 500,000 and are considered as Industrial Corridors.”

According to him, Jamshedpur in Jharkhand State would be the first city to have a fully deployed experience. It may be noted that Jamshedpur has been India’s first well-planned industrial city, with the Tatas-build Steel City being its most popular industrial identity. The cities of Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Mumbai have already been deployed with the network.

“Tata Communications and HPE are working together to build world’s largest IoT network in India to enhance resource utilisation,” he said, “this association will be mutually beneficial for both the organisations and there are no stakes involved.” www.tatacommunications.com

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

Technomight Equips Ooredoo With SiliconCore Magnolia

QATAR: Leading telecom company Ooredoo is embracing collaborative working for 2017 unveiling a new collaboration suite at its headquarter in Qatar. This features wireless content sharing, real time ambience adjustments through an IoT operation and two SiliconCore Magnolia 1.5mm LED video wall displays.

This direct view solution is the first of its kind for an indoor conference room application, with the tight LED pixel pitch making this possible. Integrator Technomight managed the whole refresh project working closely with Ooredoo, who after scrutinising all the products through a competitive evaluation process, selected the Magnolia 1.5mm displays personally.

Two Magnolia video walls feature within the room, each wall being 2.9 metres x 1.7m metres, both walls mounted on a SiliconCore lightweight frame with front service accessibility.

“High brightness was a key consideration within this project to ensure engaging content and a superlative experience for decision making,” Shehzad Hussain, AV Design Consultant, Technomight explains. “SiliconCore was the only manufacturer that could facilitate this thanks to its unique Common Cathode technology and patented driver chip.”

The space is used for a diverse suite of applications, from monitoring control systems and operations through to conferencing, live document annotation and graphics processing. Multiple picture-in-picture and video streaming are also common uses and with so many participants wireless

content sharing and touch control facilities were integrated in the project.

Says Steve Scorse, VP of EMEA for SiliconCore: “As well as reducing pixel pitches to make close proximity viewing within a collaboration environment possible, we have also been focused on the developments behind the scenes. Our driver chip makes it possible to maintain the high brightness and dynamic contrast even as multiple feeds of content including videos are played, with four times the processing speed of competitors.”

Technomight ensures easy remote control through an IP-based solution. For the video wall display this means that users can distribute as many as eight applications in configurations of their choice across the wall. This also allows proximity-based IoT scenarios to adjust the room with changing dynamics of unified communications based on individual’s presence in room.

A SiliconCore Orchid 1.9mm Full HD resolution display also features in the same building within a prominent coffee shop, bringing live large screen television to the cafe. SiliconCore will also be installing two more Magnolia 1.5mm displays within the lobby of the same building in February. One display being a 5.8 metre x 1.7 metre Magnolia wall and one 2.9m x 1.7m Magnolia wall. www.technomight.com www.silicon-core.com

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

Shure Asia Celebrates The First Batch Of Certified Experts From Shure Audio Institute APAC: Shure Asia is pleased to welcome the first batch of Shure Audio Institute (SAI) graduates in Asia Pacific region.

The SAI program is a worldwide education vehicle of Shure for providing certification training on theoretical knowledge and essential techniques on different audio products, technologies and applications. Serving corporate A/V professionals, systems integrators, professional audio engineers, and technical support personnel, the SAI supports a broad range of customers and applications in the industry. SAI is globally recognized and flexible in obtaining qualifications.

“As a global leader in the microphones and audio electronics, Shure is committed to promoting the importance of good audio and raising quality standards in the industry,’ says Kennex Tse, Director of Regional Marketing of Shure Asia Limited. “SAI aims to help audio professionals in the global ecosystem to well-equip themselves with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in their specialized segments, namely Pro Audio, Systems and Retail.”

Since its introduction in 2015, the free certification program has been proven to effectively empower audio professionals with theoretical knowledge practical skills required to pursue

Ivan Lam of Let's Go Audio who has earned SAI Retail Expert of Consumer Electronics.

a successful career across retail, pro audio and integrated systems segments.

Over 100 graduates from over 12 Asia Pacific countries have successfully completed all required modules of three different certifications according to their interests and goals. Nine of them are certified as Pro Audio Experts, another nine are accredited as Integrated Systems Experts while the rest have earned their qualifications as Retail Experts of Consumer Electronics/Music Instrument.

Worldwide Recognition

“SAI is recognized across all Shure organizations worldwide, including the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa. When I become SAI Certified, it is a great way for my customers, business partners and colleagues to know that I am equipped

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

by Shure on a global standard, no matter where I go.” says Hyunchul Yoon, Associate Engineer of Sama ProSound Co., Ltd., who has certified as SAI Integrated Systems Expert, Pro Audio and Retail Expert.

Under the umbrella of SAI, there are three certification programs available covering three market segments: Integrated Systems, Pro Audio and Retail. These programs are designed and developed to meet the interests and backgrounds of the audio professionals worldwide today. Each of the programs incorporates audio fundamentals, up-to-date technologies and product applications.

Upon the completion of modules, all attendees will be assessed by a standardized online examination in order to obtain the qualifications. For Integrated Systems and Pro Audio streams, attendees will also need to pass additional written and practical examinations.

Additionally, Module 103 Wired Microphone Technology, Module 105 Introduction to Analog and Digital Wireless System Technologies and Module 240 Advanced Digital Audio Signal Transmission are accredited by InfoComm. Successful attendees of these modules can earn renewal units (RUs) towards their CTS accreditation.

Ivan Lam of Let’s Go Audio, a Shure Premium Authorized Dealer in Hong Kong, comments, “As a retail frontline staff, I need to work on irregular working hours and days. Therefore, in the past I never thought about getting any additional qualifications as it’s simply too hard to cope with the class schedule.”

“I really appreciate the SAI program,” continues Ivan, who has earned SAI Retail Expert of Consumer Electronics. “The program is designed in a flexible study mode via a very userfriendly website. I can access the modules online anytime anywhere and finish them one by one according to my own schedule. Its program content is very comprehensive and organized.”

More than just theories and technologies, the SAI program covers value positioning and product positioning of Shure products, as well as the product benefits to end users. As a result, the attendees find it easy to apply what they learned to real life applications.

Apart from the credibility of the program, flexibility is essential for the audio professionals to upgrade their skills and enrich their career profile despite the busy working schedule.

“Apart from product knowledge, SAI program also covers the content in sales and marketing aspects. It really helps me to get a deeper understanding about the brand, which is very practical for a retail salesperson like me to present Shure to customers and explain the technology well,” says Chen Liang, who is also one of the SAI Retail Experts from Shure Premium Authorized Dealer DCHAV Chengdu in China. “I am so proud to wear this pin to let my customers and colleagues know that I am a SAI Retail Expert.”

To address this need, modules of the SAI program are delivered online at a dedicated learning portal (www.shure-sai. com/asia) through a mixture of course materials like reading notes, videos and webinars, so that all the modules can be completed independently at attendee’s own pace within the term.

While Shure Asia is celebrating over 100 graduates that have achieved SAI expert level as well as transferring another 76 individuals from previous Shure Certified Applications Engineer (SCAE) to SAI, the new term of the three certifications will start soon. To learn more about SAI and enroll in the program, please visit: www.shure-sai.com/asia

Flexibility and Practicality

SDVoE Alliance Presents Online Training Events GLOBAL: Beginning March 8, the SDVoE Alliance started to present a webinar series titled “Deploying Zero-latency AV-over-IP Systems Using SDVoE Technology”. The sessions will focus on Ethernet as the transport for AV signals in professional AV environments and the ecosystem around the SDVoE platform which allows software to define AV applications. Attendees will learn what they need to know to get started — how to configure SDVoE endpoints and networks, and how to use them to impress clients.

“The initial SDVoE education and training sessions we held at ISE 2107 played to packed houses and provided an overwhelming indicator of the industry’s hunger for AV-

over-IP standards,” said Justin Kennington, president of the SDVoE Alliance. “Education is a central mission of the SDVoE Alliance and it’s particularly important now that every major manufacturer of AV signal management gear seems to have an IP solution – the matrix switch truly is dead! However, meeting the performance capabilities of the matrix switch cannot be done using high compression and 1G networks. That is still only possible using 10G networks. Only SDVoE technology delivers 4K without compromise, offering the flexibility and scalability of Ethernet, without latency and image artifacts.”

Registration for the webinars is at sdvoe.org/events.

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

VIVID AV Media Doubles Up! DUBAI: Right in time for there 3rd anniversary, Dubai based AV sales & marketing consultancy VIVID Audiovisual Media has announced that it will strengthen its local presence by employing Remina Santos Castro as new sales assistant for the MEA region.

Chris Hellmuth, Managing Director of VIVID AV Media states “we currently represent 3 brands and business is running better and better. German audio manufacturer beyerdynamic just assigned us to handle the complete product portfolio in the MEA region, so it’s simply becoming too much workload for a “one-man-show”.

Founded in March 2014 VIVID AV Media has been established as the consultancy for manufacturers, distributors and system integrators working in the field of audiovisual media. VIVID is currently representing QSC Systems in parts of the Middle East and beyerdynamic as well as KOMTECH in the complete MEA region.

Hellmuth continues “I know Remina for nearly one decade now as we were working together at Shure/DIS Middle East for 5 years. I’m very happy to have her on board as she’s familiar

Chris with Remina

with audio products but more important she understands the local markets. I hope that I will be able to find and employ more talents like her in future”. www.vivid-avmedia.com

Gary Tay Appointed Director For Tripleplay Asia continue to serve our existing clients, as well as to develop new grounds and establish our growth in business to a greater height.”

SINGAPORE: Tripleplay, a developer of Digital Signage, IPTV and Video Streaming solutions, has appointed former Extron consultant liaison manager, Gary Tay to head up its Asian business based from its regional headquarters in Singapore.

On the appointment, Tripleplay CEO Steve Rickless commented, “Gary has come to us very highly recommended and with a fantastic history in the industry. We were delighted that he wanted to work with us, taking a step in a new direction and bringing to us professionalism and experience that are incredibly hard to find.

Highly respected, and with over 18 years as a part of the Extron team in Asia, Gary Tay comes to Tripleplay with an unrivalled experience in the Asian market, is CTS certified, delivering Infocomm accreditation training across the region.

Commenting, Gary Tay said, “As we witness the market trend of AV/IT convergence, we should also consider embracing system solutions around IP or cloud platforms. Therefore, I see that the cutting-edge software technology developed by Tripleplay has continued to embrace integration with network infrastructure to provide a single platform solution for digital signage, IPTV, Video on Demand streaming applications and services.

“I am really excited to join Tripleplay and lead our market penetration further into the Asia region. We stand by ready to

“We welcome Gary to the team and believe we have the right man to build our business and help our clients and partners achieve their project and business objectives.”

Having experienced significant business growth, Tripleplay now has regional headquarters in UK, Florida - USA, Spain, Australia and Singapore, regional operations in New Jersey - USA, Turkey, UAE, South Africa, DACH, France and the Benelux. www.tripleplay.tv

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AV Stumpfl Appoints Mix Wave As New Media Server Distributor For Japan JAPAN: AV Stumpfl has appointed Mix Wave, Inc. as their exclusive media server and show control distributor for Japan.

Mix Wave is well known for professional AV product distribution and related services in Japan.

AV Stumpfl’s Global Business Development Manager Horst Damoser commented on the announcement, which was made public for the first time at this year’s ISE exhibition in Amsterdam: “Japan is without doubt a country with very discerning AV technology customers, for whom superior product quality is of great importance. We have a very successful and constructive relationship with our projection screen customers in Japan and are looking forward to growing the media server and show control side of things with the help of Mix Wave. Their great reputation and their experience with media server related technologies make us very confident that they will soon become one of our most successful distributors.”

Mix Wave co-founder and director of their Visual System division Ken Sampei commented on the reasons behind Mix Wave’s adding AV Stumpfl Wings media servers to their

Ken Sampei of Mix Wave, Inc.

product portfolio: “We are very excited to handle the AV Stumpfl Wings media server product range. Japan is quite a 4K/8K oriented country and I’m sure the Wings media server products will fit even our most demanding rental & staging customers.” www.avstumpfl.com www.mixwave.co.jp

Oncam Expands Investment in India, APAC Markets With New Regional Directors

APAC: Oncam, a leading provider of 360-degree video capture and business intelligence technology, has announced the promotion of sales leaders Daniel Elvin and Abhishek Kumar to Regional Directors in the APAC and South Asia regions, respectively. The move is in response to the overwhelming growth of the security and business intelligence markets in these dynamic regions, and increasing demand from target customers in both the private and public sectors.

In these roles, Elvin and Kumar are tasked with developing and implementing strategic sales and business development plans to increase market share that supports the overall corporate strategy in 2017. These leaders will also be responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with regional partners, overseeing a sales team and coordinating marketing efforts. Elvin is based in Hong Kong, and Kumar is based in Delhi, India. They will both report to Scott Brothers, Executive Vice President – Corporate Development.

Elvin joined Oncam from Axis Communications, where he served as the Regional Business Development Manager for the North Asia regional headquarters, and previously held the positions of Business and Partner Development Manager and Lead Engineer for the video analytics team. Elvin brings extensive knowledge and experience in video surveillance technology to the Oncam team, with specialized regional

expertise in Asia. He holds a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from Lund University in Lund, Sweden.

Kumar also joined Oncam from Axis Communications, where he was the Regional Manager for Key Accounts in both the Delhi and Mumbai markets. Prior to Axis, he worked as the Assistant General Manager of Marketing and Business Head for Electronic Security Solutions at Godrej Security Solutions, where he was instrumental in building strategies to support ongoing sales success, including business planning and alliances, product management and pricing strategies. Kumar holds a Master of Business Administration degree in international business and marketing from the Institute of Management Technology in Ghaziabad, India.

“Oncam has experienced significant growth in both the APAC and Indian markets, necessitating the need for strong leadership within these regions,” said Brothers. “The promotion of these dedicated industry professionals signifies our dedication to customers and channel partners, who see multi-dimensional video capture and business intelligence technology as the next step in more safety and security for a variety of vertical markets. We are excited about the continued momentum and expansion in these areas.” www.oncamgrandeye.com

WHAT WILL YOU CREATE? If you install or design AV systems for your clients, this is a show you can’t miss.

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

Advantech And Matrox Expand Relationship For Video Wall Solutions GLOBAL: Advantech (2395.TW), a leading embedded computing solution provider across multiple market verticals, has announced the expansion of their technology relationship with Matrox Graphics, a leader in the field of video wall and multi-display solutions. Validated to work with Matrox's C-Series multi-display video cards, Advantech’s latest video wall solution, the DS-980 six-display system offers the sophisticated 4K content that users demand.

The DS-980 streams up to six displays and delivers advanced high-resolution, up to 4096x2160, true 4K content powered by 6th Gen. Intel i7/i5/i3/ Celeron rPGA processors and integrated Intel HD Graphics. With four of its graphics outputs powered by Matrox’s C420 graphics card, the DS980 six-display signage solution enables system integrators to create video wall solutions with faster video streaming, ultra stability, and flexibility for a wide range of enterprise, industrial, digital signage, security, and control rooms applications.

Matrox C-Series multi-display video cards have been designed to ensure excellent reliability, stability, and ease of deployment, adding outstanding performance ideal for demanding commercial and critical systems.

“We’ve just concluded a test of the Matrox C420, in combination with our newest DS-980 platform, and we’re very happy with the results. This high-quality product supports up to 6 monitors and can function as a video wall, all at a very competitive price,” said Jeroen Baerents, Business Development Manager of Advantech Europe.

“Collaboration with Matrox, a highly valued and recognized player in the signage market, is an important step for us into the video wall market. We expect to test more solutions from Matrox in the near future.”

“Matrox products offer tried and tested advantages such as flexibility, interoperability, and reliability. The fouroutput Matrox C420 card is a high-performance addition to any system and with the Advantech DS-980 we’re putting more processing power into the hands of many more customers,” said Cecilia Wills, UK Country Manager, Matrox. “This validation expands a history of successful cooperation between Matrox and Advantech beyond our existing relationship—the AVS series of Advantech video wall controllers based on Matrox Mura capture cards.” www.advantech.com www.matrox.com/graphics

Planar Systems Finalizes Acquisition Of Naturalpoint GLOBAL: Planar Systems, a Leyard company and leading worldwide provider of display systems, has announced the finalization of the merger agreement with NaturalPoint, the global leader in optical tracking and motion capture solutions.

The acquisition, which was announced on November 8, 2016, brings together leaders in complementary technologies to increase attention on the high growth and strategic opportunities in augmented and virtual reality and in other market segments like CAVEs, drone tracking, movement sciences, sports performance, computer visualization and animation. NaturalPoint, makers of OptiTrack, TrackIR and SmartNav branded products, is the market leader in precision motion capture systems.

Roth Capital Partners, LLC served as financial advisor to Planar and Vista Point Advisors served as financial advisor to Natural Point.

NaturalPoint will remain a separate business with its own executive team, customers, and market initiatives. www.planar.com

NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

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ZeeVee Joins Other Industry Leaders As A Technology Partner For The Global Presence Alliance GLOBAL: ZeeVee, Inc. a global manufacturer of video and signal distribution technology, has been approved as a Technology Partner to the Global Presence Alliance (GPA).

The GPA is a partner network of audio, video, and unified communications companies that help to remove the barriers of working with global teams and to enable more productive meetings, improved communications and better results for its customers.

“Over recent years ZeeVee’s simplified AV over IP solutions have been successfully installed by several GPA integration partners across 5 continents”, states Rob Muddiman, ZeeVee, Director of Sales, EMEA. “this got noticed by the GPA board members who recognized that ZeeVee offered solutions that truly merged AV and IP and as a result we were invited to engage more formally with it’s members world wide. After going through an official approval process, we were delighted

that ZeeVee was selected as a Technology Partner,” stated Muddiman.

GPA members not only have the benefit of being able to consult with each other but they also get to share best practice and advice regarding AV over IP installs using ZeeVee solutions. Being an accredited Technology Partner gives ZeeVee greater access and a position of trust amongst GPA members.

“ZeeVee shares the same passion as the GPA to educate, collaborate, and deliver consistent standardized services across the globe,” said Bob Michaels, ZeeVee CEO. “As a GPA Technology Partner, ZeeVee can continue its commitment to drive industry education and adoption of standardized technologies,” continued Michaels. www.zeevee.com

ESCO Welcomes New General Manager SINGAPORE: ESCO has appointed Christopher Lim as their General Manager.

With a degree in Mass Communications, Christopher has more than 10 years of experience in the Audio-Visual industry and Project Management. Starting out in events production, Christopher gradually moved into organizing regional AudioVisual trade shows which kept him abreast with technological trends and enabled him to network with industry leaders. Christopher divides his time between Sales and Management as he believes it is important to stay in touch with the market in order to devise strategies to keep the business current, robust and relevant. www.esco.com.sg

ONELAN Expansion in Middle East Continues With Almoe Digital Solutions Partnership DUBAI: ONELAN, a company that specialises in digital visual communications, continues to expand across the Middle East with the appointment of Almoe Digital Solutions based in Dubai, a division of the Almoe Group of companies.

Almoe Digital Solutions is one of the leading choice amongst channel partners and resellers, as well as within the education, hospitality, government, corporate and retail

sectors, aligning directly with ONELAN’s market expansion strategy for the region.

Almoe will be proactively marketing the Reserva Room Signage product range throughout the United Arab Emirates, along with ONELAN’s Samsung Tizen SOC solution. www.onelan.com

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

TechnoQ Honoured With AV Provider of Excellence Award QATAR: Dohaheadquartered TechnoQ has become the second AV enterprise from the Middle East region to be honoured with the prestigious ‘AV Provider of Excellence’ (APEx) by the InfoComm International.

The designation of APEx recognition is taken as a big credential of professional excellence in the field of audio-visual and systems integration business.

APEx is InfoComm’s seal of approval for companies that set high standards for employee training and certification and meet their clients' needs by delivering exceptional solutions. With this mark of distinction, TechnoQ joins an elite group of about 51 dedicated integration companies and AV design consulting firms worldwide.

To receive APEx recognition, a company must demonstrate a high level of service quality and technical capability by building a team of Certified Technology Specialists (CTS), adhering to InfoComm standards, and proving ongoing customer satisfaction. InfoComm’s CTS certification is accredited by the American National Standards Institute under the International

Organization of Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) ISO/IEC 17024:2012 General Requirements for Bodies Operating Certification Schemes of Persons programme.

The Award was presented to Maged Amin, Head of Design Audio-Visual, TechnoQ by InfoComm International’s Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer David Labuskes at a special programme during the InfoComm Middle East&Africa 2016 tradeshow in Dubai.

TechnoQ getting the recognition indicates the company’s commitment to excelling in best practices in the field of audio visual systems integration, commended the InfoComm CEO. Being a leader in the region, and for the quality standards it set for itself, TechnoQ deserved to be honoured, he oberved.

“It’s a moment of pride for us; we are extremely glad to announce that we are now Part of the "APEx Program," said Maged Amin. “It's a great achievement that shows we are truly invested in understanding our clients’ needs and working with them to deliver high quality solutions, whilst continuously reviewing and improving the way we work.”

“The APEx mark is much more than a logo; it represents a company’s commitment to the highest quality and customer service,” says Gaurab Majumdar, InfoComm’s Regional Manager for India and Middle East. “We couldn’t be more pleased to see TechnoQ joining the APEx family of the world’s leading AV firms.” www.technoq.com www.infocomm.org

Calibre Gets Australian Representation With Stampede Global AUSTRALIA: As 'Just Lamps Australia' transitions into becoming part of 'Stampede Global', Calibre HQUltra 4K switching and scaling technology will be represented, supported and widely available to the Australian market for use in video wall processing and display.

Greg Murray, managing director at the Australian entity of Stampede Global said: “We’re well established in Australia and we are looking at moving into other areas of Asia Pacific such as Singapore and Malaysia. The evolution from Just Lamps to Stampede gives us full access to the best 4K-capable products such as Calibre HQUltra, which are supported locally with training and product support.”

as LED and projection for use by television, events suppliers and corporate projects requiring streaming.

Using Calibre’s proprietary HQUltra halo-free lowlatency scaling, these products provide stunning image quality in demanding applications. Calibre's HQUltraFast input switching technology is able to change inputs in approximately 0.25 seconds.

The HQView670ASV is the top model in the Presentation 4K scaler-switcher range which performs HQUltrafast input switching, HDBaseT, audio and video streaming. www.calibreuk.com

Calibre products are so well suited to the wide range of switching and scaling of various display technologies such

NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

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Sandeep Braganza Appointed As Meyer Sound’s India Sales Manager

INDIA: Sandeep Branganza has joined Meyer Sound as the American audio major’s Sales Manager for India. He will report to Meyer’s recently appointed new Regional Sales Manager for Middle East, Africa and India Chris Mead.

Sandeep brings in a good experience of sales and business development from his previous stint at ProVisual Audio where he originally joined as application engineer, and eventually got elevated to being its Business Development Manager for India and Sri Lanka.

Sandeep had his earlier stints as engineering executive at companies such as Harman International and Electrocraft.

“Meyer Sound is synonymous with technology and quality coming together,” says Sandeep on his new role at the audio major. “I look forward to furthering the brand’s spread by growing the business in South Asian region.” www.meyersound.com

Vaddio Comes To Asia Pacific HONG KONG: In April 2016, Milestone AV Technologies acquired Vaddio, a leading global manufacturer of PTZ cameras, professional AV solutions and a full suite of Unified Communication and Collaboration products for the audiovisual, videoconference and broadcast markets.

As of Jan. 1, 2017, Milestone’s Hong Kong office will provide project and technical support for Vaddio products throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and will be the main hub for Vaddio’s regional sales and marketing functions as well.

Vaddio, based in the United States, was purchased by Milestone for an undisclosed amount, and now joins the Milestone family of brands including Chief, Da-lite and SANUS. "Adding Vaddio to our leading portfolio of commercial and consumer AV brands gives us the opportunity to deliver even greater value to our combined dealer base," said Scott Gill, CEO of Milestone AV Technologies. "We are excited to further expand our product and service offerings.

Vaddio and Milestone share not just a heritage of successful growth in Minnesota – the businesses both focus on

making technology work for our customers with an unrivaled combination of installer-focused innovation supported by exceptional service."

"In the past years, our Pro AV Distributor and System Integrator partners have identified, while specifying Chief and Da-Lite products, a trend in the growing number of requests for Unified Communication and Collaboration products," said Milestone's Joseph Mak, Sales Manager. "Vaddio brings our customers exactly that. The Vaddio tagline, 'The Art of Easy,' is well deserved and fits in perfectly with our easy to install philosophy at Milestone."

Vaddio will be supported in the Asia Pacific region by extensive regional area management teams to support the brand locally. Customers in the Asia Pacific region now have one contact for Chief, Da-Lite and Vaddio solutions.

This includes technical support, local design and project specification assistance, and a marketing team to help related activities throughout the channel. www.milestone.com

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

Media-Go’s New Corporate Identity Goes Deeper Than Cosmetic Change

HONG KONG: Established in 1988, Media-Go Group of Companies specializes in providing cutting-edge and reliable audiovisual (AV) and IT solutions and AV/IT products distribution. After serving as one of the leading companies in the AV/IT industry for 29 years, the company felt it was time to have a significant change to reinforce their leading strengths, and demonstrating their capability.

Tony Yeung

“For the sake of proving that we are always standing at the forefront of bringing state-of-the-art technologies to customers, we have to transform our company’s longstanding image to be more energetic, modern and forwardlooking,” said Tony Yeung, Chairman & Co-Founder of Media-Go.

“With the company’s logo revamped, we sincerely wish to reestablish an energetic and modernized image to the industry.

The proven history of excellence plus an up-to-date corporate identity will help Media-Go to further stand out from the market,” said Kanny Leong, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Media-Go.

The Concept behind the logo

hence the company decided to transform the original logo with audio components to a new wordmark logo showing “Media Go” in vibrant orange and in chic font, which is a more direct way to tell people who they are. Orange is an eye-catching colour that represents an energetic, enthusiastic and delightful attribute. Changing the corporate colour to orange not only adds colour to the logo, but also infuses the company with vitality and modernity. “We endeavour to serve customers with up-to-the-minute technologies and services,” said Kanny.

Considerate & Advanced Technology: Apart from the colour change, the concept of imitating the unlock button of a smart device was deployed to the new logo. Resembling the ease of one-slide to unlock everything, it implies that Media-Go is capable of providing customers with one-stop professional services. From design, installation to maintenance, the comapny serves customers all the way in compliance with their requirements. In addition, a new slogan, “Technology for Future”, is placed underneath the wordmark “Media Go”. It reflects commitment to explore advanced technologies and bring a high-tech future to customers. It matches perfectly with the concept of smart device’s button that represents technologies that surround us.

Media-Go always stands at the forefront: Furthermore, the wordmark “Media Go” is positioned at the front of the slide button. It symbolizes that the company is always at the forefront throughout years and never lags behind any other companies. “Media-Go started the business in AV/IT industry and we would continue to lead the way for introducing cuttingedge technologies to our customers. Just follow Media-Go to enjoy the latest AV/IT technologies with our dependable team!” said Tony.

He adds, “We are committed to grow with our customers by offering them the best and the most advanced AV/IT solutions that are without rivals”.

In order to enhance interactions with the public, Media-Go took their first step to get closer to them via social media. They have created an official page on Facebook and LinkedIn for sharing the latest industry and company news. To keep track of Media-Go’s news, you are invited to follow them on:

Kanny Leong

Energetic corporate colour: In order to welcome their 30th Anniversary next year, a significant event for the group, the original logo which has been used since the start-up of MediaGo was determined to be replaced by an entirely different one. In this new era, audiovisual/IT technologies keep evolving and diversifying. As a market leader, Media-Go’s services are not limited to audio systems but also audiovisual/IT solutions,

www.mediago.com.hk

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EVENTS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

Inaugural AV Users Networking Event Kicks Off To Good Start

Sponsored By

SINGAPORE: It was a mix of both past and future at The Arts House on Thursday, the 16th of March, as the venue played host to the inaugural AV Users Networking Event, sponsored by Epson and organised by Spinworkz Pte Ltd, publisher of Systems Integration Asia and Entertainment Technology Asia magazines.

Aimed at bringing AV end-users together for an evening of mingling and discussion about various AV-related topics, the event featured presentations from distinguished names in the industry. A total of 50 personnel from Houses of Worship, Corporates, Hospitality, Education, Performance Arts and Rental & Staging made up the audience.

Zane Au, Director for Asia Operations in Shen Milsom and Wilke Ltd, speaking to an

Kicking off the evening was Systems attentive audience during the AV Users Networking Event.

Integration Asia Editorial Director Thomas Richard Prakasam who spoke about technology – and how they could work together to become the vision of building a web portal for AV end-users to come “greater than the sum of their parts”. together to share ideas, get involved in forums and generally to be kept informed about new trends and technologies.

Zane Au, the Director for Asia Operations in Shen Milsom and Beyond that, he explained, was the possibility to expand the Wilke Ltd then spoke about Video Projection – An Exceptional portal to offer directory services and even job opportunities.

Experience, taking the attentive crowd through a history of projector evolution and how they were still relevant in a Starting the presentation off proper was Jonathan Seller, rapidly-changing AV landscape.

InfoComm International's Senior Director of Development for the Asia-Pacific Region, who talked about creating exceptional A short presentation on Versatility In Projection by Epson’s AV experiences. In his presentation, he touched on the Product Manager, Lim WeiJie, showcased the company's laser three components of AV experiences – content, space and

The audience was fully engaged as they listened to the various presentations held by event guest speakers.

Jonathan Seller of InfoComm International in conversation with Tan May Lin of Epson Singapore Pte Ltd

EVENTS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

Guests try out various solutions during the Epsons Solutions Showcase, including these two units of ultra short throw interactive projectors, creating one seamless screen.

and ultra-short-throw projectors, as well as examples of how projectors have evolved beyond education in instances such as when American singer Beyoncé used projectors to create multiple images of herself during a concert, or the 2013 film Oblivion starring Tom Cruise that used projector mapping to create a more immersive experience for moviegoers.

Completing the presentation was Jeffrey Lim, Managing Director of PAVE System Pte Ltd who spoke on Networking and Projections Installations.

The presentation was followed by an Epson solutions showcase with F&B creating an atmosphere for attendees to mingle and network and find out more about the various solutions that Epson had to offer.

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“Epson is glad to partner with Spinworkz Pte Ltd, to provide a platform for PRO AV end users’ community to network and learn about projection trends. As a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things and information with efficient, compact and precision technologies, we strongly believe that as projection technology advances, we will continue to see projectors used in more public spaces and in a more versatile fashion. Epson will continue to push out innovative and technologically superior products, as with our first ultrashort throw interactive projectors and laser projectors.”

- Tan May Lin, General Manager (Epson Sales and Customer Service division), Epson Singapore Pte Ltd The proposed AV user portal was also a source of interest for other participants, such as Toa Payoh Methodist Church AV & IT Executive Soh Kok Tong, who shared that the portal would come in handy for those who were looking to upgrade their solutions: “Our church is undergoing upgrading so I want to know more about the advantages and disadvantages between different video walls and if they're applicable for us. It's useful for users to share their experiences and knowledge with one another, and we can also look for contractors on the forum if we're planning to upgrade.”

The event was generally well-received by participants like Liu Junwen Gerald, an Assistant Epson showing its stacking capabilities to Principal Engineer from ST Electronics: “This create one large image.

Agreeing with this sentiment was Mr Aldric event was very interesting because you get to Lee, Senior Technical Manager for Resorts World Sentosa, who see what's new in the market, what Epson is offering. I think likened the portal to social media: “It's like when you're on what they have shown is their capabilities and what they have Facebook – people will keep sharing ideas. Somebody needs from different aspects... And their laser projectors are very impressive. I'm looking forward to see what the future holds for to start something.” displays.” www.systemsintegrationasia.com

Guests mingling during the F&B session and Epsons Solutions Showcase.

Yeo Ren Kang, Lee Seck Kuang, Peter Ooi - ITE Central

Gerald Liu - ST Electronics

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EVENTS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

INDIA CrestronOne 2017

A carefully planned initiative aimed at presenting the remodeled ‘Crestron approach to market,’ the event brought to Bengaluru its Asia Pacific leadership which sought to explain its new set-up and offerings. Stuart Craig, CEO of CrestronAPAC, held exclusive meetings with some end customers before addressing the gathering of partners and consultants/ SIs to explain it all. It was followed by a discussion with select End Users- in the erstwhile la-CresConnect fashion.

InfoComm Training

InfoComm International, as part of its continuous focus on developing Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) professionals in the country, conducted a CTS Preparatory course training in Bengaluru recently. The course essentially teaches the basics of AV, and the finer aspects of what to expect in the CTS Examination, and how to prepare for the same. Apparently, it had an encouraging number of participants, indicating at the growing awareness among aspiring AV professionals to acquire certification to further their AV expertise and careers.

Epson-Kramer Business Conclave 2017

A joint initiative of Epson India and Kramer India – the event had a nation-wide showcasing of latest solution offerings from both the companies. Originally ideated during InfoComm 2016, the idea was further sharpened and elevated into a more focused event to take ‘the same InfoComm-type-experience’ to those audiences who missed the big, annual Mumbai-show.

Epson presented its latest 12000 lumen L1505 WUXGA laser light source projector with short throw lens, and the 7000 Lumen G7905U WUXGA single-lamp, 4th Generation projector, besides the single-chip 3LCD 7000 lumens unit.

Kramer, on the other hand, demonstrated its 4K product line, VIA Go Wireless, AV over IT, Video content overlay, and network solutions.

EVENTS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

The event attracted a wide spectrum of partners, SIs/ Consultants and End Users. While both the companies had a separate outing in Bengaluru, they moved together from Hyderabad, to Ahmedabad to Chennai to Kolkata en route to its culmination point in Delhi.

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SINGAPORE Acoustic & Lighting System's Milestone Open Day

System integrators were recently given the chance to know more about Milestone AV Technologies' newest products during the brand's recent Open Day. Jointly hosted by Acoustic & Lighting System and Milestone, the event had Milestone's Regional Sales Manager Kelvin Thong talking about the various products on display before allowing the audience a more hands-on session to test them out.

Products showcased included the RoboSHOT 20 UHD, a 4K camera with 12x optical zoom, 1.67 ClearVIEW zoom and 8.93 Megapixel sensor, and Da-Lite's new Fast-Fold NXT, which boasts improved strength and faster setting up and tearing down.

One thing that certainly caught our attention was Chief's brand-new CMS380 truss clamp – designed specifically for rental and staging companies, it is the company's newest addition to its structural adapters series.

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EVENTS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

SINGAPORE Yamaha CIS Conference

LG Asia Business Innovation Centre

Products on display at the CIS Conference included new additions to the MA/PA Series, Yamaha's range of power amplifiers suited for commercial spaces.

The Yamaha Commercial Installation Solutions (CIS) Conference showcased the company's latest solutions such as the MRX7-D, a signal processor with an Acoustic Echo Canceller that maximises clarity and intelligibility by suppressing unwanted echo, and the Speech Privacy System that uses an original sonic masking technique to camouflage spoken information and prevent leakage of confidential information.

Other solutions introduced included the MA/PA Series' newest member, the MA2120. Suitable for use in education, hospitality and retail, the amplifier boasts features such as a Feedback Suppressor to eliminate feedback from microphones and a Priority Ducker that adjusts levels when it detects input at an announcement microphone.

Besides the CIS Conference, a Dante Update Session was held in the afternoon to help system integrators understand how to use the Dante Controller software and Quality of Service (QOS) system.

LG Electronics recently opened their Asia Business Innovation Centre, aimed at showcasing a more comprehensive range of business-to-business digital signage solutions. Displaying solutions suited for sectors ranging from hospitality to retail and government, the Innovation Centre is aimed at helping businesses understand how to use more innovative technologies to enhance their information delivery strategies and improve customer engagement.

Some of the digital signage solutions displayed at the Innovation Centre include LG's Dual-View OLED signage, featuring self-lighting pixels that offer better contrast by reproducing absolute blacks with no light bleed.

Also on display at the centre are the Ultra Stretch Digital Signage solutions, with Picture-by-Picture features that allow the screen to be divided into four parts to simultaneously display up to four separate types of video content. The solution utilises LG Ultra Stretch Content Manager software for fast and convenient customisation of image and video content.

Touch Screen Displays with no-ghosting technology that allows audiences to write, draw and express their ideas are also present at the Innovation Centre, giving businesses an idea of how to help customers better remember their branding.

Also on display was the new TF-RACK, a compact rack-mount version of the company's TF Series, aimed at users ranging from beginners to seasoned engineers.

Solutions on display at the centre include the Dual-View Curved Tiling OLED Signage

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SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

IHSE: New Draco OPS+ KVM Extender For Displays Released The new Draco OPS+ KVM extender unit simplifies the installation, operation and management of remote displays, providing single-wire connection from remote media players and source devices to screens wherever they are located.

Video signals up to 4K/60Hz 4:4:4 resolution can be transmitted using this extender at distances of up to 140 meters with Cat X cable or multi-mode fiber, or 10 km with single-mode fiber and provides full, instant, interactivity with artefact-free images and no delay in signal transmission.

With the addition of a KVM matrix switch, networks of screens can be controlled and content delivered to appropriate displays as and when required by simply switching sources.

USB data is supported, allowing touch and gesture controlled screens and cameras to be deployed.

expensive to reach them. The unit plugs into the OPS+ slot, removing the need to install an additional box at the screen location, together with the additional power and wiring."

"Separating the display from the source computer makes a lot of sense in many situations," says Mark Hempel, head of product management at IHSE. "System maintenance, reliability and security are greatly improved by locating the source devices in environmentally controlled secure areas, rather than at the screen location, where it is often very difficult or

Availability: Now Shipping www.ihse.de

Christie: Phoenix Firmware Update Provides Integration With Milestone XProtect Video Management Software

Christie, has announced a firmware update for Christie Phoenix content management systems.

Version 1.5 directly integrates with Milestone’s XProtect, which is an open platform IP video management software (VMS).

Christie Phoenix obtains H.264 camera data directly from the XProtect recording server, and automated video wall control is initiated from the XProtect event server. Christie Phoenix is easy to integrate with XProtect, creating a unified solution for video management and control room operations.

Two new operating modes are available with this firmware update: standard security and stringent security. While most users will rely on the standard security mode, the stringent mode is ideal for high-security environments.

“Phoenix content management systems provide exceptional security features including strong password management; encrypted connections, system configuration and logged data; and system monitoring and threat notifications,” says Karl Johnson, senior product manager, Christie. “With the introduction of this firmware update, we’re building on a strong and secure base to offer Christie Phoenix customers the best system for monitoring critical systems.”

Christie Phoenix security enhancements enable client systems to comply with NERC/CIP requirements. Control rooms and operations centers, in public utilities, public services, security and surveillance, transportation, and telecommunications, all benefit from the security features provided by Christie Phoenix.

Availability: Immediate www.christiedigital.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

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Opticis: HDFC-200, HDMI 2.0 Active Optical Cable Perfect performance and user-friendly design are the promise with Opticis 4K supportable Active Optical Cable, HDFC-200.

The new 4K Active Optical Cable transmits 4K 60Hz signal (full colour range of 4:4:4) up to 100m(328ft) over plenum graded & LSZH(Low Smoke Zero Halogen) hybrid cable. It avoids any scaling or data compression for lessening the burden of data transmission. HDFC-200 is designed compact enough to be fitted into various installation environments with cutting edge technology performance.

HDFC-200 has adopted High-retention HDMI connector which provides easy-locking feature as well as rigid holding retention to prevent accidental disconnection.

It offers slim, light, easy installation like a general copper HDMI cable. It can be operated by external USB power on the RX side of the cable. For devices with insufficient power supply from HDMI source such as media player or signal generator, optional USB power cable on TX side is also available upon request.

The HDFC-200 cable supports 3D contents transmission as well as HDMI2.0 standards feature and complies with CEC, EDID, and HDCP 2.2.

Availability: Now Shipping www.opticis.com

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SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

SOMMER CABLE: TRANSIT MC 3202 HD Combo Cable For UHD Applications With the launch of the TRANSIT MC 3202 HD, SOMMER CABLE, the specialist for professional cable and connecting technology from Baden-Wuerttemberg, now introduces a highperformance combo cable for UHD applications.

“Whether at large events, in the OB van or in the field of studio installation – Ultra-HD is gaining ground everywhere.

Compared to Full-HD, the many times higher resolution often poses a challenge in connecting broadcast production equipment such as cameras, monitors or cutting desks With that in mind, we developed the new TRANSIT cable.

It is recommended for all applications where a stable UHD signal transmission and at the same time a compact size are important,” underlines Pascal Miguet, Product & Sales Manager at SOMMER CABLE. The new UHD-SDI hybrid cable complements the already existing fiber-optic combo cables in the company’s range, joining 3 x UHD video (BNC), 2 x digital audio (3-pole XLR) and

a camera power supply line (e. g. 4-pole XLR) in one compact cable. The 3-in-1 cable is flexible, easy to reel and, because of its low damping values, highly recommended for long-distance transmissions.

Availability: Now Shipping www.sommercable.com

Barco: New ClickShare Enterprise Model Offers Effortless Installation, Minimal Support And Seamless Experience Barco’s CSE-800 is a new enterprise product. The CSE-800 joins the existing ClickShare portfolio as a centrally-managed boardroom solution for large enterprises, allowing Barco to provide for the full range of meeting room needs.

ClickShare works through a USB-powered Button that shares users’ devices with the main meeting room screen in seconds.

Installation is quick and easy, with no software to download, no training required and no cables to clutter meeting room tables.

The technology is compatible with any device – either through the intuitive Button or the companion app.

The CSE-800 builds on the groundbreaking ClickShare meeting room experience with a range of features and specifications designed especially for enterprise. These include the availability of Dual HDMI video output and input up to 4K, the ability for multiple users to share simultaneously via 4x ClickShare Buttons, Blackboarding and annotation for interactive teamworking. These features are enhanced with

Enhanced enterprise security with Dual network support and central management.

Barco’s latest ClickShare product enables collective sharing on a large scale, turning any boardroom, conference room or meeting room into a collaborative space for the free exchange of ideas. The technology has risen to the challenges faced by an enterprise audience.

Enhanced security features include: • End-to-end encryption • Login management • Configurable three-layer security • Secure access to web configurator • Option to hide Base Unit wireless network SSID • Dual network connection for separate corporate and guest integration Availability: Now Shipping www.barco.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

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Crestron: DMPS3-4K-300-C and DMPS3-4K-200-C 3-Series 4K60 DigitalMedia Presentation Systems Crestron’s next-generation DMPS3-4K-300-C and DMPS3-4K200-C 3-Series 4K60 DigitalMedia Presentation Systems feature 4K60, full support for HDCP 2.2, and Control Subnet. Like all DMPS3 Series, they include a built-in IP-based 3-Series Control System to deliver unmatched power and performance. Setup and touch screen control are simple using the web-based configuration tool, with no programming required.

DMPS3 Series deliver bit-for-bit, zero latency HD video switching and display, including HDCP 2.2 protected content with audio DSP in a single rack mountable package.

The DMPS3-4K-300-C and DMPS3-4K-200-C feature scaled HDMI outputs to transmit any resolution source to any resolution display. In addition to the LAN port, the DMPS3-4K300-C and DMPS3-4K-200-C each has a built-in Control Subnet port, which enables deployment of a separate DM network.

This makes system updates and troubleshooting faster, and requires just one IP address to connect the entire system to the LAN.

DMPS3-4K-300-C

DMPS3 Series make installation and commissioning easier than ever. Thanks to their built-in exclusive .AV Framework technology, integrators can get a complete system up and running with no custom programming, and deliver a consistent user experience in every room.

Wireless BYOD presentation capability can easily be added by connecting Crestron AirMedia (AM-101) to the HDMI port. The DMPS3-4K-200-C and DMPS3-4K-300-C are designed to meet all audio distribution needs. In addition to the built-in audio DSP and codec mixing, they provide breakaway audio routing, surround sound pass-through, 6-channel mic mixing, and an integrated amplifier with field selectable outputs for preamp, 4/8ohm, and 70/100V. Availability: Now Shipping www.crestron.com

A winning combination

Avid Pro Tools | S6 and IHSE Draco tera | S6 The Draco tera | S6 KVM switch takes the Avid Pro Tools | S6 control surface to a greater level of performance and capability. Maximizing efficiency, simplifying workflow and increasing flexibility in professional sound studios.

Deluxe Media, Hollywood We can dynamically allocate any system to any room and move between mix stages with minimal setup time. It gives us great flexibility.

Editors can instantly switch between Pro Tools stations with just a single touch, giving them complete control with no distraction. With no transmission delay or image degradation, they see the complete picture.

IHSE GmbH - Headquarters Maybachstrasse 11 88094 Oberteuringen Germany

IHSE GmbH Asia Pacific Pte Ltd 158 Kallang Way #07-13A Singapore 349245

Doug Higgins, Director of Audio Services

IHSE USA LLC 1 Corporate Drive Cranbury, NJ 08512 USA avid.ihse.com info@ihse.com

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SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

Yamaha: CS-700 Video Sound Collaboration System for Huddle Rooms Launched “The Yamaha CS-700 is the first of many solutions that combine the market expertise of Revolabs with the product expertise of Yamaha to deliver excellent audio, video, and collaboration capabilities,” said Yoshi Tsugawa, director, Yamaha Commercial Audio Department. “The CS-700 is the first product in this initiative to demonstrate Yamaha’s commitment to the business collaboration market and improving the meeting experience at every level.”

For clear, stress-free audio, the CS-700 boasts a beamforming microphone array, ensuring that every word spoken is perfectly captured and delivered to the far end. In addition, four speaker elements provide the highest degree of audio coverage for all the participants in the room. Through the integrated USB port, the CS-700 is ready to connect to the organization’s chosen unified communications platform, such as Microsoft® Skype for Business, Cisco® Spark, GoToConference™, Google Chromebox for Meetings™, Vidyo®, WebEx®, Zoom®, BlueJeans®, and many others. The unit’s special wide-angle video camera captures all meeting participants in the room, even those close to the camera. The optical solution ensures a high “pixel-per-face” resolution necessary for participants to recognize nuanced facial expressions that are vital to effective meetings.

Over the same USB connection to their laptop or tablet, users can seamlessly and intuitively join a meeting. This plug-andplay approach allows users to quickly get started without wrestling with disparate video, audio, and collaboration components in the room, thus eliminating complex steps from the process that can waste valuable meeting time or require the assistance of on-call IT staff. In addition, the CS700’s integrated network management system allows IT staff to remotely manage each unit from one location, increasing service response and efficiency.

Availability: Now Shipping www.revolabs.com/huddle

Navori Labs: Unveils Its Next-Generation QL Digital Signage Engine Navori QL 2.0 offers a completely redesigned user interface, support for 34 languages and a highly robust backbone to serve the largest out-of-home networks among other new capabilities. The fully HTML5-based QL 2.0 system, deployable in the cloud or on-premises, represents the latest digital signage software refresh for Navori Labs, which remains committed to a strict seven-year schedule for each comprehensive overhaul.

As with previous generations, QL 2.0 features three distinct elements, each with a comprehensive set of rich features and user benefits: • QL 2.0 Server: A highly scalable and fault-tolerant server with robust load balancing to manage thousands of players across enterprise networks, improving reliability while accommodating growth. Automatic failover strengthens network uptime while connectivity to thirdparty content delivery networks (CDNs) extends reach.

A special software development kit (SDK) also expands customization options.

• QL 2.0 Content Manager: Featuring the refreshed CMS and new adaptive HTML5 user interface at its core, Content Manager both simplifies and enhances the way users work with templates, video files, social media, tickers, tags and more across multiple seats, devices and operating systems.

• QL Player 2.0: QL 2.0 is the first solution to offer a native player engine across Windows, Android and Samsung Tizen.

Operationally, QL Player 2.0 accommodates image and data feed pre-loading plus an enhanced API set to trigger events and establish interoperability with Navori add-on modules and third-party systems. This can include point-ofsale systems, sports scoring software, and advertising sales and scheduling. A built-in “watchdog’ application ensures all modules run properly and at peak efficiency.

Availability: Now Shipping www.navori.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

35

Barco: Launches Overview HVD5521 Super-Narrow Bezel Barco has introduced a new product in its supernarrow bezel LCD video wall portfolio. The OverView HVD5521 is Barco’s most advanced tiled LCD video wall to date, offering operators a stunning visual experience. Designed for use in control rooms, the HVD features some unique innovations that boost reliability, lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and minimize maintenance needs.

Barco’s family of narrow-bezel LCD video walls couple the traditional advantages of tiled LCD video walls – excellent image quality, minimum space requirement, and an advantageous price setting – with innovations to ensure availability and optimize TCO. The new OverView HVD5521 now joins this portfolio, with a screen diagonal of 55” and a brightness of 700 cd/m². Its extremely narrow total bezel width of only 1.8 mm (measured between screens) enhances the visual consistency of the video wall, making it better suited for content that spans multiple displays.

maintenance time must be kept to a minimum.

To counter the classic problem with colour and brightness level shifts in LCD video walls, Barco developed the unique Sense X automatic colour and brightness calibration system based on integrated colour sensors. This technology automatically balances the video wall at all times, eliminating the need for expensive and timeconsuming manual calibration. This not only optimizes uptime, but also contributes to the wall’s low TCO. Furthermore, the optional redundant external power supply automatically switches to a new unit if one should fail, eliminating downtime due to power supply failure. And because the power supply is located remotely, its maintenance can be performed without disturbing operations. Plus, any staff member (not only certified technicians) can replace a defective power supply unit − so this system also reduces labour cost.

Availability: Now Shipping

Because control rooms are highly critical environments, uptime of all components needs to be assured. This means that not only must component failure be avoided, but also that

You want to put video on my network?

www.barco.com/LCD

We’ve got the tools to make it work.

TM

Networked AV Solutions Peer-to-peer Architecture Bandwidth Management Automatic Device Discovery Group Device Control User Permissions

RGB

www.rgb.com/zio

See us at Gitex Technology Week October 16-20, Dubai, UAE, Hall 1 Stand B1-21

36

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

Ecler: New Installation Digital Matrix, MIMO1212SG The MIMO1212SG is a fully programmable 12 in / 12 out digital audio matrix, that keeps the heart and soul of the standard MIMO88 its main features and its audio quality, to become a simplified and cost-effective version of this acclaimed digital matrix.

The MIMO1212SG is fully programmable and controllable via EclerNet software. The User Control Panels remote control system is compatible with WPmSCREEN and thirdparty devices, such as computers, tablets, smartphones, etc.

Whereas the TP-NET protocol is compatible with third-party control systems integration.

The matrix offers signal generator, delays, full parametric EQ filters at inputs and outputs, inputs noise gate, level, mute, phase, vu-meters, outputs compressor / limiter, paging and ducking (priority & overriding), virtual and physical paging stations management, presets save & recovery, scheduled events triggering, etc.

There is also the FREQUENCY SHIFTER function to avoid acoustic feedback, available in 4 inputs.

The MIMO1212SG digital audio matrix can be used in centralised, distributed or hybrid fixed installation as a BGM & Paging solution. It will also comfortably fit a conferencing need where automatic mixing is required or for P.A. management as well as for installations requiring total remote control.

Availability: Now Shipping www.ecler.com

VTRON: VLED-II Series Redefines Narrow Pixel Pitch LED Video Wall VTRON is now officially introducing VLED-II series which adopts COB (Chip On Board) technology. The LED chips are directly encapsulated on the PCB that give a very smooth surface. Coated with VTRON’s unique matte layer, the VLED-II has extraordinary protection and enhanced contrast ratio. Exceeding the limits of conventional LED panel technology, VLED-II offers seamless canvas with more comfortable viewing experience, higher reliability due to less packaging process, three anti-properties and the lowest dead pixel rate. VLED-II series offers P1.2II, P1.5II and P1.8II narrow pixel pitch.

The 2nd generation LED in a VLED-II unit are arranged in high filling rate optical design in each module to form a surface of light source and hence a more uniform image without glares.

Each cabinet can be tiled together snugly to form a seamless imagery. VTRON’s unique matte coating offers softer images, reduces light radiation, moiré and glare, yet it displays fine image details in unprecedented clarity. It minimizes eye strain as a result of long time viewing in short distances.

The 2nd generation LED has no stent that eliminates the process of electroplating, reflow soldering, mounting, and hence greatly increases the stability of LED performance. Also,

VTRON’s VLED-II has enhanced circuit, optical and thermal design, the dead pixel rate found in a LED-II display unit is much less than that in a conventional LED display.

VLED-II panel is wear-resistant, anti-collision, easy to clean, water resistant, dustproof, anti-static providing ingress protection up to IP5X. In a VLED-II display unit, VLED-II adopts larger LED chip size which delivers higher brightness with more even heat dissipation.

Also, VLED-II has almost no light attenuation that greatly prolongs the display lifetime and maintains brightness consistency. VLED-II is energy saving and environmental friendly, it consumes much less power than that of a conventional LED video wall.

The VLED-II has already found favour in China with more than 10 installations in medical, command centre, military, government, judicial, broadcast and traffic areas.

Availability: Now Shipping www.VTRON.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

37

Sony: Two New Cost-Effective Laser Projectors Introduced The flexible and innovative capabilities of the laser light source projectors, such as instant on/ off functionality, tilt-angle-free design and wide range vertical/horizontal lens shift, make them easy-to-use and innovative solutions that deliver on Sony’s promise to partners and customers to manufacture innovative products which exceed market demand.

5,000lm WUXGA VPL-PHZ10

Sony has expanded its range of laser light source (Z-Phosphor) projectors by introducing two new generation models aimed at making laser technology more costeffective than ever to the installation market, from classrooms to meeting rooms. The 5,000lm WUXGA VPLPHZ10 and 5,000lm WXGA VPL-PWZ10 projectors bring the benefits of laser technology such as improved image quality, colour reproduction and virtually zero maintenance benefits to customers who may have only experienced lamp-based projection.

Sony’s innovative Z-Phosphor laser light source technology combines high brightness with stunning image resolution, while saving time and providing peace of mind for presenters. By introducing this new line of compact, efficient projectors, Sony is making laser projection an attractive investment for a broader range of customers.

The laser projectors are designed for virtually 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation, and include a number of energy-saving features such as Auto Dimming and Auto Brightness, greatly reducing the total lifetime ownership costs compared to projectors with a conventional lamp source. Adding these projectors to the range means Sony now offers eight laser projectors for the education and corporate markets, ranging from 4,100lm to 7,000lm in WXGA and WUXGA. The two new projectors feature 3LCD BrightEra technology, projecting red, green and blue components of the image separately to ensure vivid, natural colours and avoid the ‘colour breaking’ that can impact other projection systems.

Sony’s Reality Creation system analyses any input source frame-by-frame, using a powerful pattern database to optimise every pixel for clear, sharp and up-scaled images.

Also featured is Sony’s Contrast Enhancer capability, which adapts home cinema projector technology to refine light and dark areas of the image in real-time to accentuate highlights and deliver rich, deep black colours.

This fourth generation of Sony laser projectors includes a new blend-in slim design with low acoustic noise, enabling the projectors to blend seamlessly into the environment around them. They also include HDBaseT™ interfaces, enabling easier connectivity and reducing total system costs by using a single cable, which runs all the video, audio, control and IP signal up to 100m.

Availability: VPL-PHZ10 from May and VPL-PWZ10 from July 2017. http://pro.sony-asia.com/projector

REVOLUTO GOES VERTICAL – CONFERENCE TECHNOLOGY –

MADE IN GERMANY

Due to the Revoluto technology the new vertical microphone array provides a large voice range and high quality sound.

Call us for a free demo +91 90 0860 2441 www.beyerdynamic.com/revoluto beyerdynamic India Pvt. Ltd. . No. 1, 10th Main, 14th Cross Malleswaram Bangalore 560 003 . naveen@beyerdynamic.com

38

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

tvONE: Two New Modules for CORIOmaster systems tvONE has launched two new modules for CORIOmaster systems, the new streaming media & 4K playback input module (CM-AVIP-IN-1USB-1ETH) and new 4K HDBaseT input module (CM-HDBT-2IN-1ETH).

The new CORIOmaster streaming media and 4K playback module allows digital video from the cloud or the internet to be seamlessly blended with local media and AV connections and presented together on a video wall in any desired configuration. Compatible with the CORIOmaster, CORIOmaster mini and the recently released CORIOmaster micro, the innovative module offers dual channel 1080p60 streaming media as well as file playback, via USB3.0, of any resolution up to UHD/4K on the main channel and 1080p/60 on the secondary channel. Features include on-board 16Gb storage for video/still playback expandable to 128Gb. The 4K HDBaseT (dual) input module allows for the input of uncompressed, high resolution 4K Video and Audio

from stand-alone transmitters located up to 150m away.

The HDBaseT input module also allows for Ethernet to be accessible from distant transmitters. This module can be used with transmitters that support HDBaseT, HDBaseT-Lite and HDBaseT-Extended mode. www.tvONE.com

Vaddio: New ConferenceSHOT AV Enterprise Class Conferencing System Vaddio’s recently launched the new ConferenceSHOT™ AV Enterprise Class Conferencing System which is ideal for huddle rooms and small- to medium-sized conference rooms.

The ConferenceSHOT AV integrates a 10X zoom PTZ camera and audio conferencing mixer into a single USB 3.0 device, so you can easily connect up to two microphones and an external speaker directly to the camera. It allows simple plug and play functionality with all major UCC soft clients such as Skype for Business, WebEx and Google.

"The ConferenceSHOT AV turns your BYOD device into a collaboration system with professional PTZ camera quality and full room hands-free audio conferencing," said Steve Durkee, President of Commercial Products, Milestone. "It's a significant step up in quality and performance from current desktop webcam-based technology being used for group meeting rooms today."

For smaller rooms, the ConferenceSHOT AV with a single EasyUSB table MicPOD is ideal; for larger rooms, two EasyUSB MicPOD microphones (table or ceiling) connected with the Vaddio powered loudspeaker provide complete room coverage.

The USB 3.0-based ConferenceSHOT AV supports any collaboration application enabling UC soft clients, such as Skype for Business, WebEx, Google and more, to become a group collaboration application. ConferenceSHOT is UVC compliant, requiring no drivers to be installed on your PC – just plug and play.

ConferenceSHOT AV incorporates the Vaddio Remote Management system – providing remote monitoring, management and control of a distributed camera network. IP-accessible and a built-in Web server enables both browser control and IP-live preview and setup from PCs, Macs and mobile devices including iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

The ConferenceSHOT AV was designed with corporate, healthcare, government and education environments in mind – places where USB-based BYOD or dedicated PCs are being used in the conference room. The versatile system supports customized AV designs with third-party equipment or can be deployed as standalone solution. www.vaddio.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

39

Blackmagic Design: New Blackmagic Web Presenter superior video quality, while maintaining compatibility with all of their existing software because the computer sees it as a simple webcam. Blackmagic Web Presenter works with software such as Open Broadcaster and XSplit Broadcaster, as well as popular sites like YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Skype, Twitch.TV, Periscope and more.

Blackmagic Design’s new Blackmagic Web Presenter, allows customers to use their professional SDI and HDMI video sources with streaming software and services such as YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and more.

Blackmagic Web Presenter is the fastest and easiest way to get high quality video directly on the web for a new generation of web broadcasting. It replaces expensive and hard to set up dedicated streaming encoders and lets customers or broadcasters use professional cameras to stream high quality video through their favourite software and websites. Because Blackmagic Web Presenter looks like a simple webcam, any webcam compatible software will be able to capture this USB video and audio from any broadcast quality source without the need for additional drivers.

Customers using Blackmagic Web Presenter don’t need to install any additional drivers because it is a standard UVC and UAC compatible USB video device. That means Mac, Windows, Linux and even Chromebook computers will automatically recognize Blackmagic Web Presenter as a standard webcam.

This allows customers to use professional cameras to get far

Featuring 12G-SDI and HDMI connections, Blackmagic Web Presenter will down convert any SD, HD and Ultra HD sources and make them look like a 720p USB webcam. As all streaming software works with webcams, Blackmagic Web Presenter also makes it easy to work with any streaming software, but with dramatically higher quality. Streaming in 720p ensures customers get the quality of HD and a 16:9 aspect ratio, but with very low data rates so uplinking streams to the internet is easy from any computer.

Blackmagic Web Presenter can also live switch programs using its built in 2 input production switcher when the optional Teranex Mini Smart Panel is installed, making it a full live production solution for location broadcast.

Blackmagic Web Presenter is portable enough to take anywhere so customers can broadcast wherever there’s an internet connection. The compact 1/3 rack unit size is perfect for equipment racks and can be placed alongside other equipment such as Teranex Mini Converters, HyperDeck Studio recorders and even ATEM Television Studio HD. www.blackmagicdesign.com

Aver: PTC500 to Shake up the Auto Tracking Camera Market AVer is proud to announce the release of its new flagship professional auto tracking camera, the PTC500. The PTC500 was awarded the Taiwan Excellence Gold Award for its exceptionally innovative features. The PTZ camera, offers target recognition and tracking capabilities, wide-angle 120° panoramic field of view (FOV), and user-friendly AcuControl software design, thus taking auto tracking cameras to new heights.

The PTC500’s innovative 2-in-1 design makes for simple setup and storage for a wide range of activities. With its marketleading quality and customization, the PTC500 can be used for recording and streaming conferences, large seminars, or broadcasting important educational lectures a simple and enjoyable experience.

The PTC500 comes equipped with the powerful 2-megapixels PTZ camera boasting a market leading 30X optical zoom. The top of the line camera makes it perfectly suited for capturing

crystal clear speeches in large auditoriums. In addition, the PTC500 sports a 120° panoramic camera at its base allowing it to capture rooms of all shapes, types, and sizes.

The PTC500 incorporates AVer’s Intelligent Tracking Technology allowing for high tracking accuracy and maximum control of the display. The Intelligent Tracking technology’s target recognition capabilities let presenters freely move without the inconvenience or irritation of an attached infrared (IR) transmitter.

The easy-to-use AcuControl Software and design of the PTC500 make setup and installation simple.

AcuControl allows users to adjust settings and preview video ahead of time, while giving complete camera control to the operator if needed. www.aver.com

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SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

Epson: New Interactive Projectors Feature Capability For Seamless Interactivity Across Dual Screens

Epson’s new series of 3LCD interactive projectors, the EB-600 series, comes packed with advanced features featuring beyond full HD ultra short throw projection, PCless interactivity and for the first time, seamless interactivity across dual screens, amongst other innovative features.

Ideal for education and corporate environments, the new EB-600 series projectors deliver a dynamic viewing experience with WUXGA resolution of 1920 x 1200, which is beyond full HD, and with an increased brightness of 3,800 lumens. With a throw ratio of 0.27, the versatile ultra short throw projector series needs only 47cm to project an 80-inch screen, drastically reducing shadow interference for uninterrupted presentations.

With the new series, users can save on total cost of ownership with 10,000 hours of lamp hours in ECO mode, while still enjoying a bright projection of 2,900 lumens using this energy-saving feature. Other eco-friendly features include auto-brightness adjustment – A luminance sensor detects and automatically adjusts the projector’s brightness levels for lower energy consumption.

For the first time, Epson interactive projectors enable seamless interactivity across dual screens to create an ultrawide interactive screen for the classroom or boardroom.

The EB- 600 series bring finger-touch interactivity to a panoramic screen, enabling users to write or move objects seamlessly across the screens to deliver an engaging, largerthan-life interactive presentation.

With Epson’s Easy Interactive Tools 4.20 software, the projector supports up to six fingers and dual interactive pens simultaneously, enabling multiple users to write on the board at the same time for increased collaboration and participation. Users are able to select, swipe, pinch in/out and rotate images with fingers, even with wireless projection. Additionally, multi- PC projection enables up

Epson EB-696Ui

to 50 laptops and mobile devices to connect to a single projector with a host PC as moderator for sharing of content.

Another innovation with the EB-600 series is its PC-less interactive functionality, enabling users to write and draw on any image projected from a non-PC source such as smart devices, document camera, blue-ray player and others.

Photo slide shows can also be loaded from a USB memory key and controlled in PC-free mode.

The EB-600 series comes with improved connectivity, featuring three HDMI ports with one of them MHL-enabled for mirroring of Android mobile devices. Users can also purchase an optional USB wireless LAN adaptor for WiFi connectivity, enabling users to easily share and project images, texts and files from smart devices and laptops directly using Epson’s iProjection app. For ease and convenience, the remote control function is also built into the iProjection app for controlling of projector functions.

The new EB-600 series includes EB-696Ui, EB-695Wi, EB685Wi, EB-685W and EB-680 projectors.

Availability: Shipping Now with the exception of EB-695Wi and EB-685W, which will be rolled out later in the year. www.epson.com.sg

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

41

NEC: InfinityBoard For Collaborative Meeting Experience NEC Display Solutions Europe announced the InfinityBoard, a versatile display solution designed to fulfil business demands for powerful and interactive workspaces and huddle rooms.

Suitable for video conferencing, creative brainstorming, presenting, reviewing and collaborating, the InfinityBoard provides a modular and flexible platform to enhance efficiency and productivity in meetings of all kinds.

Based on ultra-high definition (UHD) 65” and 84” large format displays with InGlass touch technology, the InfinityBoard solution provides a seamless, paper-like touch performance using a passive precision pen. This allows users to be creative with finger and pen differentiation allowing for intuitive touch, interactive writing and palm erasing. With pixel-free UHD visualisation, the solution also offers best-in-class visual performance, even when users are in close proximity to the display.

The large surface allows users to create, annotate and present on an infinite canvas with the ability to import and export content thanks to the supplied whiteboard application. Using a new collaboration software, the InfinityBoard supports wireless presentation, screen to device and screen to screen interaction. These features keep the InfinityBoard vital to new and modern ways of working. Using NEC’s MultiPresenter function, the solution also supports bring your own device (BYOD) initiatives, enabling users to wirelessly stream what’s on their phones, tablets or notebooks.

software-powered high-res Huddly camera with 120° viewing angle, the high-end loudspeakers by SEAS and an optional audio microphone conferencing solution, called TeamConnect Wireless, from Sennheiser. Adding to the comfort level is the height adjustment which ensures that everyone can work comfortably with the InfinityBoard irrespective of their height.

Furthermore, the modular open pluggable specification (OPS) Slot-in PC with Windows 10 operating system makes the InfinityBoard a highly flexible solution supporting company’s specific conferencing application and future performance upgrades.

Availability: From September 2017 for this region

The InfinityBoard provides maximum comfort for video conferencing thanks to a combination of the integrated

www.nec-display-solutions.com

Datavideo: New KMU-100 4K Multicamera Processor

Datavideo’s all new KMU-100 is a unique 4K multi-camera production solution that delivers multiple virtual full HD (up to 1080p) scaled camera angles with minimal installation cost and simple operation. The basic concept is straightforward: The output of a single 4K/UHD camera is connected to KMU-100, which then displays up to four 16x9 user-defined cropped windows that are sent out as four separate HD signals through HD-SDI. These user defined windows can be scaled to zoom in on a particular subject that you would like to highlight on

the 4K signal. As an option, the Datavideo RMC-185 controller can be added to easily pan, tilt, and zoom to create the user defined windows on the 4K signal. You can set up these shots in advance and save them as presets, or you can do it in realtime.

Availability: Now Shipping www.datavideo.com

42

EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

BroadcastAsia2017 to Feature Virtual Reality Cluster and Bigger TV Everywhere! Zone

Drones were a big draw at BroadcastAsia2016

B

roadcastAsia’s relocation to Suntec Singapore will see the event housed on expanded purpose-built exhibition grounds spanning 20,000 square metres across three levels from 23 – 25 May 2017. The extremely popular TV Everywhere! Zone, back for its third showing, is expected to grow by 50 per cent and act as a major focal point of BroadcastAsia2017. A brand new cluster for virtual reality will also make its debut, rounding up the event’s immersive showcase of game-changing products for next-generation broadcasting and the latest end-to-end solutions needed to stay ahead of the curve.

“New technologies are expanding the broadcasting ecosystem and bringing forth exciting new possibilities to create and consume content, especially within Asia. We are therefore thrilled to be launching the new virtual reality cluster to allow attendees to get first-hand experience using this technology,” said Calvin Koh, Assistant Project Director of BroadcastAsia2017 from organiser Singapore Exhibition Services. “Last year’s BroadcastAsia saw more than 17,000 international trade attendees, so the relocation has come as a delight to many exhibitors and visitors as it will allow BroadcastAsia more space to grow and to accommodate more exhibitors and new technologies.”

BroadcastAsia stalwarts – the Cinematography/Film/Production Technology Zone and ProfessionalAudioTechnology – will also be back to showcase technologies for the audio ecosystem and a comprehensive range of production/post-production equipment and services. Industry names who have already confirmed participation at next year’s show include Accedo, Avid, Broadpeak, Harmonic, Hisilicon, IBM Cloud, Mirada, Mstar, Nice People At Work, SAM, Skyline, Skyworth and Wyplay, among others.

EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

43

BroadcastAsia2016 - serving up the lastest in camera technology

Crowds at Sony's Booth at BroadcastAsia2016

Exhibitors at BroadcastAsia2017

customer. Hitachi will also showcase its popular Mobile Communications Vehicle that integrates a number of advanced communications systems including satellite communication antenna, professional mobile radio and cellular communication networks for up-linking streaming video, among other uses.

To help video providers address transformative change that is sweeping the media and entertainment industry, Elemental Technologies – an Amazon Web Services company and leader in software-defined video solutions – will highlight video production, distribution and monetisation advancements, both on-premises and in the cloud.

“Only flexible software-defined video solutions and scalable cloud solutions can assure content availability everywhere, leverage new formats like UHD and virtual reality, and allow media leaders to embark on new monetisation approaches,” said Dan Marshall, Senior Vice President Worldwide Field Operations at Elemental Technologies. “At BroadcastAsia2017, a premier industry event in Asia Pacific, we look forward to helping media companies see how they can employ these solutions to deliver value and drive momentum.”

Returning to the show, Hitachi Kokusai Electric will feature their innovative Outside Broadcasting (OB)-Box, a fully featured modular OB facility that can be mounted onto a vehicle’s chassis using a proprietary fixing kit. This approach significantly reduces the manufacturing and delivery time as it removes the need to source and ship an appropriate vehicle for each

Crowds at the GoPro booth at BroadcastAsia2016

‘’We had a very successful showing last year,’’ commented Koji Yuzawa, General Manager at Hitachi Kokusai Turkey. ‘’Being able to showcase our OB-Box and allowing attendees to experience its high quality build first-hand definitely influenced many purchasing decisions. We’re looking forward to having this opportunity again at BroadcastAsia2017.”

BroadcastAsia2017 International Conference Beyond the exhibition, the BroadcastAsia2017 International Conference will bring together an unprecedented portfolio of top broadcast experts and industry influencers to discuss evolving industry trends, debate the best business and commercial strategies, and showcase breakthrough technologies.

Key trending themes will include OTT 2.0 and monetisation, optimising content and branding strategies, maximising experience on all screens, IP in broadcasting, UHD vs 1080p,

Product demonstrations by 3Play at BroadcastAsia2016

44

EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

Asian Operators-Broadcasters Roundtable on Understanding the Accelerators for the TVE Business

A full house at the BroadcastAsia2016 International Conference Opening Keynote

HDR delivery for the future, broadcast standards, HBBTV 2.0.1 and hybrid delivery, workflow and automation, subtitling and captioning technology, and sportscasting and newscasting.

The CommunicAsia2017 and EnterpriseIT2017exhibition and summit will be held at the same time as BroadcastAsia2017 at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Shuttle buses will take visitors between the Marina Bay Sands and Suntec so they can easily visit both shows. www.Broadcast-Asia.com Visionary Address speaker Gerd Leonhard, Futurist, Author, CEO, The Futures Agency speaking about The next 5 years in Global Digital Transformation

BroadcastAsia2017 Exhibition

Incorporating:

ProfessionalAudioTechnology2017

Date:

23 – 25 May, Tuesday – Thursday

Venue:

Level 4 & 6, Suntec Singapore

Opening Hours:

10:30 am - 6:00 pm

Admission:

Business and trade professionals only

CommunicAsia2017 / EnterpriseIT2017 Exhibition

Incorporating:

SatComm2017

Date:

23 – 25 May, Tuesday – Thursday

Venue:

Basement 2, Level 1, 4 & 5 Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Opening Hours:

10:30 am - 6:00 pm

Admission:

Business and trade professionals only

BroadcastAsia2017 International Conference

Date:

23 – 25 May, Tuesday – Thursday

Venue:

Level 3, Suntec Singapore

Admission:

Registered delegates only

CommunicAsia2017 Summit

Date:

23 – 25 May, Tuesday – Thursday

Venue:

Level 4 & Level 5 Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Admission:

Registered delegates only

LEVEL 3 – 6, SUNTEC SINGAPORE T U E S D AY - T H U R S D AY

NEW VENUE

www.Broadcast-Asia.com

Bigger and Better!

Network with over 600 international brand owners and solutions provider

Pre-register your visit online before

Discover over 200 product launches

15 May 2017!

:V\YJL LɉJPLU[S` MYVT key thematic zones Gain insights from 80+ renowned speakers at the Conference Participate in free fringe activities PR

DUCER CONNEC T

Incorporating:

The 20th International Trade Showcase for Professional Audio Equipment, Services & Technology

Check out the website for the full information. www.Broadcast-Asia.com

Hop onto the free shuttle service to also visit CommunicAsia at Marina Bay Sands. #BroadcastAsia2017 Organised by:

Held concurrently with:

www.CommunicAsia.com @ Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

SES A part of:

Hosted by:

CommunicAsia & EnterpriseIT incorporate:

www.EnterpriseIT-Asia.com @ Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Endorsed:

www.Satcomm-Asia.com

Supported by:

Held in:

46

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

By Natalie Chew

VR In Education An Attainable Reality

Lionel Chok, Creative Technologist from iMMERSiVELY, standing with a student who tries out a VR programme during the Singapore Space Challenge 2016.

AV technology in education is a given in these present times.

Better resolution projectors, interactivity, BYOD possibilities, streaming, recording and archiving capabilities are all common in most educational facilities. A new trend ,however, is emerging and that is augmented and virtual technologies which imake education more exciting as well as immersive.

We talk to Lionel Chok, Creative Technologist at iMMERSiVELY, to see what he thinks about AR and VR as education's next step.

I

magine sitting for a biology lesson on how the human heart works – only instead of looking at diagrams and animated videos, you simply put on a headset and find yourself standing inside a healthy, functional heart to observe how it works.

Sounds too futuristic to be true? That may not be so, says Lionel Chok, Creative Technologist at iMMERSiVELY. The 45-year-old had cumulated 18 years of experience in the creative, media and design industry before deciding to pursue an 18-month-long postgraduate programme in research studies and project work in emerging technologies.

lot of learning and a lot of improvements, and then things got better and better. So it's kind of like it's new and everybody seems to be moving into the space, which is quite good.”

For all the progress that has been made so far, though, VR is still commonly associated with Augmented Reality (AR) technology, and the two are more or less seen to refer to the same technology, a misconception that Lionel is quick to correct.

“The difference between AR and VR... AR is not necessarily something that is immersive, for example, and there are also different applications to it. There are different environmental factors that hinder AR technology... If I took cards which can scan into the AR programme and a phone that has the AR application, and I go outside at noon, the image that is supposed to be seen might not come out because the card is affected by the sunlight.

“For VR, if I put the headset on I'm completely shut off from the room because my sight and sound are completely immersed in it. The beauty about this is that the technology isn't something that you are moving by yourself, but everybody else and the world seems to be moving instead.”

Specialising in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), he then founded iMMERSiVELY in June 2016, a company that specialises in various fields including 360º and VR Content Production, Interactive VR and VR Education and Consultancies.

Since it started operations, iMMERSiVELY has worked on various VR-related projects, including producing content for the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to make places of interest more appealing to tourists.

According to Chok, VR technology is not as new as it's made out to be: “It's not like it's a new thing, but it's funny because it's not elegant, it's very faulty. Along the way there has been a

“We produced a VR documentary – the documentary was basically at the visitor's centre, so the visitors came in and put on the headset, and we take the visitors inside places

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

47

like Indian temples, and then they realise there are all these different places other than Orchard Road that they can go to.”

Audience reception towards the three-month-long programme was found to be largely favourable, with most visitors asking for directions to the places of interest that they were shown in the VR headsets.

Besides helping the STB to boost tourist footfall in places of interest, VR can also be used in other ways, such as aiding in education. iMMERSiVELY currently specialises in using VR for various educational applications like story adventures, content creation and 360º filmmaking.

Lionel Chok, 45, had previously pursued a postgraduate programme in research studies and project work in emerging technologies before founding iMMERSiVELY.

Chok recounts the 2016 Singapore Space Challenge – organised by the Singapore Space Association, the event had over 100 participating students and provided the perfect opportunity for iMMERSiVELY to show how VR could play a part as an educational tool.

advantages of VR for education, but the teachers are trying to understand what they can incorporate, because a programme about the heart is one thing, biology is one thing, science is one thing.”

“During the tea break and lunch the students would come out, so we had 10 headsets and the students would put on the headsets, and then we did a two-minute exploration of space.

So they literally put on the headset and there's a narrator that goes 'Welcome to the solar system, you are now standing on the sun.' And you look down and you're like wow! It's a very simple two-minute exploration of the solar system.”

He also acknowledges that VR may be more accessible than it used to be, but getting the right equipment for VR in education might not be easy: “High-end mobile phones for high-end VR is definitely a requirement, and for higher-end VR systems, you need a higher-end computer. But you can also download VR apps from the phone play store, and anybody who has a mobile phone can try it out for themselves.

The VR programme was so well-received, in fact, that Chok laughs when he recalls the only complaint they received about the experience: “One of the professors came by and said 'Yeah, I've seen it (the VR experience), but it's not to scale...' But of course the planets were not to scale, because they're light years away! That was quite a funny experience.

But everybody loved it, even the organisers and one of the professors who was one of the speakers at the event.”

“It's very accessible – although we want to advocate that you shouldn't just be using the phone without a headset.

Things like the lens and all that makes a difference, and the most basic of these is the cardboard. It's not durable, but it's an introduction, and these are things that we hope they understand, that those are the basic tools.”

Venturing into VR in education is still considered fairly new ground to cover, which is why Chok feels that it is currently more important to focus on increasing the current level of understanding that educational institutions have towards this technology. “The feedback that we're currently getting is a lot of understanding at the moment... There are different

However, Chok remains unfazed and maintains a positive surety that VR in education is something that will slowly, but surely, become more popular.

“You know something is here to stay when it has got a foundation... When PC came out the Internet rode on it, then when mobile came out it rode on the Internet, and now because we have mobile VR, mobile is riding on the Internet...

So there is a foundation that is pushing VR forward, and that is some testament that this is going to go somewhere.

“It's a matter of time before it catches on, because if you rewind back to the heydays it was when the teacher or principal was complaining about having to spend money to install a projector, but now it's like you need a projector, it's part and parcel of the classroom. So this will become that they it's part and parcel (too), you just need to add it in.”

Lionel Chok will be speaking at Broadcast Asia 2017 on 24 May, presenting the topic of “Embracing Virtual Reality for New Possibilities”.

According to Chok, the VR programme that was shown during the Singapore Space Challenge 2016 was met with positive feedback.

www.immersively.co

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TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

Video Compression: Less is More

By Martin Bonsoir

Compression is Not Inherently Bad Compression technologies have been around for a long time, and whilst our storage and transport capacities have steadily grown over the years (remember 10 Mbps NICs?), so have the demands we’ve put on those resources. In the last 20 years, video compression efficiencies have increased about 400% (meaning a video that transmits at 1 Gbps today would have needed 4 Gbps or more back then). Over that same period, the complexity of the algorithms has increased one hundredfold (10,000%). The net result is that we can compress more than ever whilst maintaining acceptable quality, but we need additional processing power and increased compression encode and decode times to do so. In pro AV applications where low latency is paramount, the accompanying increase in system transit latency may be unacceptable.

13

12.740 11.944

12 11

10.620 9.950

10 9 8

Bandwidth (Gbps)

However, there are many instances where reducing resolution or frame rate isn’t permissible. Instead, compression enables us to leverage very intelligent ways of reducing the amount of data whilst maintaining acceptable levels of quality. The challenge is to balance the amount of compression that can be applied before the resulting loss in quality exceeds acceptable limits.

3

2.490

2 1.110

1 0.207

0.576

0 60 FPS, non-interlaced, 4:2:2 10-bit [unless otherwise noted] *4:4:4, 8-bit

de f( 72 V 0 G x4 A 80 (8 i) 72 0 0 0 x p 60 Fu (1 0 28 ll ) H 0 D x7 (1 2 92 0 U ) H 0 D x1 0 (3 4K 80 84 D ) 0 C x2 I( 16 4 U 0 0 H 96 ) D x2 (3 4K 1 60 84 D 0 ) C x2 I( 16 40 0 96 )* x2 16 0 )*

Compression isn’t always required, though. Sometimes you can achieve a reasonable solution by reducing the video resolution and/or frame rate. For instance, if the outputs can only display Full HD, then there’s no reason to transmit 4K. Another example is when the monitors are mounted such that viewers can’t approach closer than three times the screen height; beyond that distance, viewers can’t discern a difference between Full HD and 4K.

5 4

St d

I’ve often struggled with packing for holiday. Invariably, the clothes I want to take exceeds the space in my holdall, so I’m left with the choice of leaving certain items out, finding unique ways to reduce the size of my garments, or buying a larger case. Compression in pro AV is a remarkably similar process – trying to make appropriate choices to reduce the size of the content – be it video, audio, or data – without causing irreparable harm so that it is still usable and presentable when it arrives at its destination.

7 6

The development of compression technology follows the needs of the market. That said, there is no single “best” compression algorithm. As with most AV scenarios, the answer is “it depends.” Algorithms developed recently, like H.264/ AVC or H.265/HEVC, focus primarily on high compression ratios for delivering video via internet and mobile networks. In those situations, latency is not a critical factor and noticeable compression artefacts are often tolerated by viewers. Pro AV is different; low latency, visually lossless transport at very low compression ratios are key elements to consider, which are typified by more mature, less complex algorithms like Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) and JPEG2000 et al.

TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

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Lossless vs. Lossy Compression

Example of visual artefacts: The sample image above is saved at progressively higher compression levels, starting at 1:1 (a), then 1:10 (b), then 1:30 (c). Even at 1:30, the image remains very legible, though obvious visual artefacts are present. The last picture (d) shows the 1:30 compressed image when zoomed at 10x. There is obvious smudging of detail, as well as a “blocking� artifact a key characteristic of lossy compression format.

There are two categories of compression: lossless and lossy.

Lossless compression is not, in fact, a misnomer. It simply allows for the original data to be perfectly reconstructed once it has been transmitted. Most lossless compression programs do two things in sequence: first, it generates a statistical model for the input data, and then uses this model to map the input data to bit sequences in such a way that "probable" (e.g. frequently encountered) data will produce a shorter output than "improbable" data. Popular compression programs like the .zip file format and .gzip use lossless techniques, whilst some image file formats, like .png or .gif, are lossless as well.

However, video does not have the same constraint of having to be an exact replica of the original. Thus, most video compression algorithms apply lossy compression, where the data that is discarded cannot be recovered, and approximations are used to present the resulting image. Lossy techniques can achieve significant bandwidth reduction without suffering noticeable degradation of image quality.

Interframe vs. Intraframe Compression

applied to every video frame independently, so there is no possibility of introducing temporal artefacts like flickering, floating, or jerkiness. Intraframe compression tends to provide lower compression ratios, but with faster encoding times and lower risk of visible errors over time. Conversely, interframe techniques like H.264/AVC and H.265/HEVC lend themselves to higher compression ratios but at the expense of longer latencies and potentially an increased number of visual artefacts, including temporal anomalies.

Interframe compression focuses on the frames in between the I-frames, which are a series of predictive-coded frames (P-frames) and bidirectionally-predictive-coded frames (B-frames). As their description suggests, P- and B-frames are predictive, and depend on temporal redundancies to build each frame without using the entire data set. P-frames are predicted entirely from the previous frame, whilst B-frames are predicted from both the past frame and future frame. Since most video sequences have similar images for long periods of time (relatively speaking), dramatically higher compression rates can be achieved.

Video streams are comprised of multiple frames per second (fps). Each frame is essentially a still image, but when these still images are flipped past the human eye fast enough, the eye interprets the frames as motion instead of still images. These individual frames are called I-frames; single image encodings that contain all of the image data (hence, intraframe). But as demand for better picture quality at lower bit rates increased, the compression achievable by intraframe encoding became insufficient. Temporal compression, or interframe encoding, was introduced to meet the increased demand.

Lossy compression techniques can affect either the interframes or intraframes of a video stream. In an intraframe compression scheme, such as M-JPEG or JPEG2000, compression is

P-frames are predicted from the past frame

B I

B P B P B P B

B-frames are predicted from the past and future frame

I

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TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

Bit Depth and Chroma Subsampling

Y U V

+

+

+ 2

a= 2 b= 0

j=4

j=4

j=4

1

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 1

2 2

a= 2 b= 2

1 2 3 4 a= 4 1 2 3 4 b= 4

=

=

=

4:2:0

4:2:2

4:4:4

A “colour space” is an abstract mathematical model describing the way colours can be represented. In practical terms, it describes the range of colours (gamut) that a monitor can display. The two most common colour spaces for video are RGB (red-green-blue) and YUV, which separates the luminance (brightness of the image) from two colour planes. Two of the most common methods for reducing video bandwidth involve reducing the colour space resolution (not to be confused with image resolution).

The first method is reducing the bit depth being transmitted. Bit depth represents the total number of possible values for each channel in a colour space. For instance, 8-bit refers to 8 bits (28 or 256 different levels) for each colour component. In an RGB colour space, that equates to 256 “shades” of Red, 256 shades of Green, and 256 shades of Blue, or almost 17 million possible colour combinations (256 x 256 x 256). You will sometimes find bit depth confusingly referred to as 24-bit True Colour or 30-/36-bit Deep Colour, both of which refer to the sum of each colour component (by the way, True Colour is 8-bit, Deep Colour is 10-bit or higher). Reducing the bit depth from 10-bit to 8-bit decreases bandwidth requirements by 20%.

The other method is chroma subsampling. It’s useful to remember that chroma subsampling is applied across images comprised of millions of pixels being displayed multiple times per second, far beyond what the human vision system can process. For example, UHD has over 8 million pixels in every frame, and at 60 fps, results in almost 500 million pixels being displayed per second. Chroma subsampling takes advantage of the fact that the human eye is more sensitive to luminance (Y), and that colour change of adjacent pixels is minimal. Thus, optimizations can be made to encode a block of pixels with fewer bits than “raw” full horizontal and full vertical resolution.

The chroma expression – consisting of three numbers in the format j:a:b – indicates how the values are applied to a 2 x

4 block of pixels. The first number (j) indicates the number of luminance samples that will be taken. The second value (a) describes how many samples are taken in the upper row of pixels, whilst the third (b) describes how many samples are taken in the lower row. Some of the more common chroma expressions are 4:4:4, 4:2:2, and 4:2:0 (4:4:4 represents the full colour space, so no subsampling is performed).

Let's look at an example of how 4:2:2 would be applied to a block of pixels encoded in YUV. The first number (4) indicates each row retains all 4 pixels worth of luminance samples. In other words, we don't discard any information for luminance for either row of pixels. The second and third numbers (2 and 2, respectively) mean that only 2 pixels of data are sampled in both the upper and lower rows instead of the full 4. This essentially reduces the amount of data by half for each U and V component since we are sampling one pixel's data for every two pixels. This will have a small impact on image detail but a significant reduction in bandwidth of ~33%!

With Great Compression Comes Great Responsibility The use of video compression is often unavoidable in pro-AV systems. Fortunately, today’s equipment offers excellent results provided it’s implemented effectively, and the network has sufficient bandwidth available. The best way to be prepared is to understand the different ways compression can be implemented and be familiar with the compression options offered by each vendor. For instance, Biamp’s Tesira software allows you to adjust the maximum resolution, minimum frame rate, and compression ratio of each video stream, allowing you to custom-tailor the bandwidth for each of the different content types that your customer plans to distribute over their network. Understanding the anticipated bandwidth payloads and planning the system thoroughly in advance – particularly the switch infrastructure – will help avoid unacceptable results.

Martin Bonsoir is the EMEIA Applications Engineering Manager, overseeing operations in Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa. With more than 23 years of industry experience, Martin’s passion for people and all things audiovisual continue to add richness and insight to his work every day. www.biamp.com

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INTERVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

Scaling New Heights Of AV Excellence

Bengaluru-based Sigma AVIT Explores New Horizons of entrepreneurism Rising from humility to high honours is common to most entrepreneurs. However, crafting a vision to develop entrepreneurs within, while exploring newer horizons is something special! Bengaluru-headquartered AV systems integration firm Sigma AVIT has ‘arrived’ to embody that ideal even as it seeks to scale new heights of AV entrepreneurism.

The otherwise modest and conservative mindset company recently relocated to a new, large premises that apparently represents its grand ambition. SI Asia interacted with its Founder Directors Deepak Sreenivas and Prakash Gururao to explore their vision and mission. Excerpts:

Prakash Gururao

SI Asia: Tell us about the very genesis of Sigma AVIT and its evolution through the years.

DEEPAK: The whole idea of founding the Sigma – in its original format of Sigma-Byte AV – was to bridge the gap between what is designed and what is executed on an AV space. I come from consultancy background, and Prakash comes from integration background, and we did many projects together.

Understandably, there were challenges, sometimes in design, and sometimes in execution. We used to ponder over how do we bridge this gap, and sync in the design and execution as they are ought to be. We mulled over on it for a good four years, and eventually decided why not we set up a model that offers an ideal combination of these two vital componentsthereby not only we, as solution providers, but also the End Users benefit and the whole industry stands to gain as we proceed.

We thus joined hands in 2008 with Sigma-Byte Computers Pvt. Ltd. of Mumbai, and set up Sigma-Byte AV. A few people – who believed in our model, and trusted our resolve – came with us, and that’s how Sigma-Byte AV took off with about 10 people to begin with.

Deepak Sreenivas

For the first four years, it was admittedly slow, as we wanted to build strengths before we go aggressive. Once we made our footing stronger, we began making longer strides to explore newer horizons.

Sigma AVIT Expanding footprint to East & West

INTERVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

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SI Asia: How about the technology competencies part, in terms of Certified professionals?

Sigma AVIT New Premises Opening Ceremony

SI Asia: What about building strengths and competencies?

PRAKASH: First we focused on building talented and passionate teams to walk those extra miles to deliver quality customer experience. We succeeded in that with Harish coming onboard as Director of Operations and Raymond as Director-Sales & Marketing. That apart, adding more skilled professionals. A testimony of trust is that those teams are still with us, bettering their contribution every time.

Second, we ensured that we kept our basics always right, and never compromised. As we began growing, handling bigger deliverables and higher numbers, we realized the challenge of service component. With a view to handling this aspect effectively, we set up a separate division called Sigma AVIT Infra Services. We are the first SI in India to start ‘ticketing system’ for clients – as part of this initiative – to get their concern addressed faster.

Once the project execution is complete, before handing it over to the client, we make the Infra Services teams as part of the project team. We provide the client with a Login ID, and Password, by means of which they can generate ‘tickets.’ In the event of an issue with the deployment, the client need not chase us; they can generate their ‘ticket’ which is traced back by our Infra Services and they swing into action immediately.

The modality of the process is such that the moment a ticket is generated, an SMS about the same is sent to the local service engineer, and depending upon the level of the issue, support is extended in the quickest possible time.

We have also instituted a dedicated Quality Control team within the company. As soon as the install teams complete their job, the process is handed over to this QC team which checks every single component and process if they complied with the specs and standards. It is like third party audit that acts independent of hierarchy and generates its report. The commissioning of site happens only if it is accompanied by this QC team clearance.

All this helped us not only effectively support and manage our clients, but also retain them for further deployments.

PRAKASH: We always encouraged our personnel to acquire ‘certified skills’ in as many aspects as possible. Most of them today have certifications from most of the OEMs. Whenever, we see a need for technology skill upgrade, we send our personnel to the sourcing point and ensure they acquired it. A good case in a point may be when we bagged the EBC project, India’s first large Executive Briefing Centre, where we installed large size Planar video walls, we sent our personnel to Planar factory (in Albi, France) to get trained in the installation skill required for that.

DEEPAK: To underscore the importance of certification, we made it a part of appraisal for our personnel. Twenty per cent of the appraisal document comprises technical skill upgrades and certifications. A ratio of certifications – OEM training, CTS or such a credential – to one’s seniority in job is set and that is evaluated at the time of appraisal. That gives them a sense of realization about their skills upgradation as also an important part of the company’s holistic competency.

As rightly pointed, the entry barrier here is pretty low, so we do find people who fall short in soft skills etc. So, we train them in communication skills, etiquette etc. on a constant basis. We have a dedicated in-house trainer for this.

SI Asia: What have been the biggest instances that tested your expertise?

DEEPAK: Two years into our journey from start, we were to install one of the largest video walls of the time - at a height of 10 meters from the ground. Admittedly, we did not have a ‘certified’ skill for that, and a real test to our purely trade expertise. That our team had people with mechanical and civil engineering background, their hidden talents came to the fore, and we made it good. That incident added to our reckoning of certified skills.

The next big challenge was in 2013 when we bagged the TCS’ Executive Briefing Centre project, again one of the largest in the country, with US$4 million cost tag to it. We had to fight out a heavy competition from high-stakes firms.

We won the project purely based on how we demonstrated our technical skills. The American consultant of the project just gave us an overview of the design, and we delved deep into its nitty-gritties with an exhaustive documentation on how to make the design work, rather than point out grey areas. Impressed with the micro-level acumen displayed, the consultant recommended us for the project, against the heavy competition from big firms.

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INTERVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

Sigma AVIT’s Driving Force: (L-R) Harish, Director-Operations with Deepak, Prakash and Raymond Vijoy Soans, Director-Sales & Marketing

SI Asia: Indian AVSI industry is always discounted for its ‘rat-race’ tendency. Your take?

PRAKASH: Aah, actually, it did help us to bring some sanctity to the business. The very case of TCS project was as big a testimony. We had gone some out of the way to explain our justification of costs and they appreciated the genuineness as they could visualize the quality of service and expertise being woven into the technology experience. Second such instance was our winning Wells Fargo project, where we explained how exactly our costing will benefit them. The convincement was so impactful that the client has been with us for the last four years, and recently awarded us their overseas project too.

An important aspect of this retention is standardization of technology deployment across their campuses in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai. More to follow were Juniper, Wall Mart, VM Ware and so on…They all are big clients and we have been able to buck the rat race tendency.

SI Asia: How about the notion of standardizing project awarding process where designers/SIs are screened for their certification credentials to qualify for bidding?

PRAKASH: We endorse the notion. We see it as a solution to the low entry-barrier situation that Indian industry has long been suffering from. Given the number of certifications that we already possess, and our approach to constant upgradation, we are in that league to stand evaluation. The projects we executed stand testimony to the same.

SI Asia: Moving away from your conservative reputation, you look very ambitious now, with grand plans- in your new large set-up.

Reasons for this turnaround?

PRAKASH: We admittedly maintained a low profile for many years, as we strongly believed we were still walking the learning steps. We started off from a 1200-sft space, then as we grew in size, moved to a 5000-sft premises with

some sort of demarcations of growth strategy. We travelled the distance, grown in size and reputation, and so did the expectations of our existing and promising clients. To be able to present ourselves the way it befits our current profile, and to exemplify our vision, this was required. We wanted to provide an elevated working environment to our widening personnel count as well as a classy experience to visiting clients.

DEEPAK: We do have ambitions; not that we just make our living here and stay content. We built a business, created a solid footing and made it stand tall with high stakes. We now want to identify within the organization professionals who have the drive, passion to create value for the business and industry; we want to handover this business responsibility to them, and explore new horizons. Which is exactly why Harish and Raymond have come onboard.

Even as we explore newer frontiers to move to the next level, we wanted to create a strong brand identity on the market.

SI Asia: Could you elaborate on this exploring new horizons?

PRAKASH: We have already made the first step- expanding overseas on either side of India, i.e. towards the American markets, and towards the Far East. We are working in association with Esha Corporation in the USA, and have already executed an AV integration project for TCS in Delaware. The company is a 20-year-old distribution Partner for HP and Dell in the USA, and we joined them to set up Esha AV Corporation which will provide Technical and Project Management support for Systems Integration business.

DEEPAK: Philippines is one geography we are looking at in the East. We have already done a job for a local integrator in Manila, and we see some very exciting opportunities from that direction. A good number of MNCs who have set up operations in India are now moving to Philippines for expansion, and we would want to follow our clients as our first move. www.sigmaavit.com

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INTERVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

Stuart Craig, CEO, Crestron, APAC

Providing Enhanced Customer Experience, Uniformly, Globally Ever since the news of Crestron restructuring its global foot print, and hit the markets, AV industry circles across the globe have been abuzz with predictions galore. As one of the most watched developments in the AV world in recent weeks, it assumed high significance for the very nature of the move, and what it implies to Partners and End Customers.

What better way than to hear about all that, and more, from the company’s high-profile, APAC chief-Stuart Craig! As SI Asia interacted with him during the recent CrestronOne event in India, the charismatic CEO explains the thinking behind the initiative, and what the control automation major is up to:

SI Asia: Could you explain the thinking behind the moves in Asia, Crestron taking control of its offices from CrestronAsia? What are your strategies for Asia as such?

STUART: Demand for our Crestron solutions across the world has been growing year on year, via our partner network. We have seen an exciting opportunity to further expand and develop the APAC region, and set up a larger presence in India, North East Asia and China. Each of these facilities provides our partners and end users across Asia with access to state-of-the-art training sites that are local to them, as well as on-the-ground, local team support, increased stock levels, experience centres and the full range of our global sales and marketing programmes.

We wanted to provide our partners with highest level of customer experience and the tools and technologies to help them grow their business, and now we will be truly able to deliver that.

Ultimately, more and more of our end users are global, and we need to give them the same experience right around the world.

SI Asia: How have the markets (in different geographies) accepted the process? How smooth would you put the initiative thus far?

STUART: Our further investment into these markets has been very well accepted by our customers. We recently hosted Crestron One, an event series running across Asia Pacific in Singapore, India and Hong Kong. The series was an opportunity for all our teams to meet with local businesses, partners and customers. We learned about the challenges they’re facing and discussed how new innovations in technology can transform their organisations and the lives of the people that use them.

In all regions, we are currently open for business, with each of the physical facilities being finalized throughout the first half of the year. We will have officially completed construction of our India facility in April, and our Hong Kong headquarters will open with new facilities in the second half of the year. In China, our facility in Shanghai is scheduled to be open in May.

SI Asia: What essentially does the initiative mean to Crestron Customers?

STUART: It means they can grow their business with confidence. The new sites includes a fully functional Crestron Experience Centre (CEC), with state-of-the-art training facilities and various active workspaces. Guests can experience the latest Crestron solutions first-hand, which allows people to control entire environments with the push of a button, integrating systems such as A/V, lighting, shading, IT, security and more, to provide greater comfort, convenience, and security. The global sales and marketing programmes, global tech support coverage and upgraded training facilities combine to mean there is a lot on offer.

SI Asia: What opportunities does Crestron see in the APAC in terms of verticals and geographies?

STUART: In Asia Pacific, we now have a physical brand presence in Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia, India, Hong Kong, Japan and China.

Across Asia Pacific, we see opportunities for Crestron in a multitude of industry sectors. These include Education, Corporate, Government and Defense, Hospitality, Healthcare and Residential. Our technology enables tailored solutions to be created in line with the needs of various verticals, helping to improve the quality of life for those that enter these varied environments; ultimately reinventing the way people live and work.

INTERVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

SI Asia: What challenges do you see in the region for AV manufacturers in general, and Crestron in particular?

STUART: AV manufacturers need to constantly innovate in order to keep up with new technologies being introduced to work and home environments, particularly those driven by the Internet of Things (IoT).

Soon, being able to control entire environments from the push of a button, will not be enough, and controlling technology via voice will be expected. That is why we have recently partnered with Amazon Alexa, introducing voice control to our Crestron home solutions. We can now build voice controlled scenes and settings that are fully customised to clients’ lifestyles, and it’s not limited to basic functions such as lighting and temperature.

Homeowners can choose from a limitless range of home voice control options from music to shades, video distribution, complex scenes and more.

If you look at our new UC and streaming technologies, yes, there is a challenge to educate and support customers but the opportunities are endless. The needs and knowledge of clients of AV has never been more recognized.

SI Asia: Your take on the impact of IP-based, off-the-shelf switchers on traditional media switcher makers like Crestron?

STUART: IP-Based off the shelf switchers are only part of the solution, and adds another vendor to the mix. Our customers are looking for solutions that are simple to use but control everything from the video switching through to the lighting and blinds. Crestron’s value is based in our ability to offer end-to-end solutions that were made to work with one another from the start- enabling all of a site’s technology to be integrated seamlessly.

Today’s knowledge worker seeks a user interface that allows for control of the entire space in the one application. These interfaces make it easier to find the control needed and select the desired settings. This year, we will increasingly see the types of smartphone touchscreens we use in our personal lives incorporated into walls, podiums and boards in office or home environments, to make information and tools easier to access, understand and utilise.

SI Asia: Do you think AV systems are being commoditized in certain areas (of application)?

STUART: Due to a growing market for AV systems, it’s those that are intelligent and scalable which are being separated from competitors for the right reasons. Crestron’s AV management solutions are built on one single hardware and software platform, and are networkable, scalable, manageable and reportable. We are rolling out fully AV managed solutions worldwide as the standard for many of our global customers. If you are a Crestron Partner you will not be commoditised. Our model negates it.

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SI Asia: The AV-IT Convergence is leading IT Managers donning AV roles. Your take?

STUART: In the past, the challenge was that AV and IT were often isolated, relegated as technology that couldn’t or wouldn’t work together. Now, I see great opportunity for AV experts to up-skill and integrate with IT. Technology decision makers are beginning to broaden their understanding of the importance of AV within the IT landscape.

The last thing people want in this technologically advanced age is an AV system that won’t speak to the IT tools it’s connected with. The touch of a button or even a no-touch environment is all you should need to give an award winning presentation.

There is a whole new world of possibilities for further incorporating technology into business, and into life. With connected devices at the heart of our workplaces and homes, we are increasingly seeing the convergence between AV and IT driving efficiency and productivity. Just as there is opportunity for IT professionals to up-skill in AV roles, there is just as much opportunity for AV professionals to expand into IT services.

Over the years, we have seen our AV partners grow their skills in wider IT services and support, to allow them to manage the installation of highly integrated solutions. It is those AV partners that embrace the current opportunity to expand their services, which will thrive and grow.

Again, if you offer a single platform, networkable, scalable solution like Crestron- then you will be well received by the IT decision maker.

SI Asia: If you could gaze in a crystal-ball, what trends and/or technologies you think will define the coming years?

STUART: Always dangerous but AI (artificial intelligence) and more specifically speech recognition is not going away fast!

It’s very exciting for our industry and for Crestron. It certainly works in well with our one platform approach.

SI Asia: What stands Crestron apart from the competition?

STUART: So what if I could give you a market leading, one brand, one platform solution that is networked, managed, scalable and reportable? Every piece of hardware and software were designed to work together, that’s right they were designed to be an eco-system. Each room looks and functions the same - despite the size - in a one-touch or no-touch environment of your choice.. You can use almost any brand of UC you like with it. You can book your rooms, monitor usage, reconfigure them based on data. You can receive a 5-year warranty and 24-hour advance replacements. You can see, touch, and feel it first at our Experience Centres. It’s backed by a 24/7 global support programme with on-the-ground site support. www.crestron.com

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INTERVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

by Thomas Richard Prakasam

Challenges, Opportunities And Evolutionary Technologies An interview with Tom Shen, President & CEO, Shen Milsom and Wilke

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had the pleasure of interviewing Fred Shen a few years ago when he was visiting Asia. More recently, I interviewed his son, Tom Shen. Tom joined Shen Milsom & Wilke (SM&W) in 1994 and was appointed their CEO and President in 2016. We spoke about opportunities Tom sees for his firm in Asia, and advancements in technology.

“Fred Shen did not want anyone to accuse me of obtaining my position due to nepotism,” says Tom. “Early in my career he used to tell me that I had the wrong last name to work at SM&W. Fred wanted me to work harder than others to prove that I can handle the responsibilities. Because of that, I started my career in an entry level position, and I was assigned to work in just about every department from Acoustics, to IT, CADD, Finance and project management. SM&W is a multidisciplinary firm and I had to understand how every department worked, from the bottom up. I have learned so much throughout my career, and I had an incredible mentor in Fred to help guide my development.”

Tom’s first real challenge came in 2003 when he was relocated to San Francisco to lead the firm’s West Coast operation.

“Together with my team, we grew the business substantially. It was a great experience to develop new clients and to build a team there. I had the opportunity to perform independently of Fred. I believe my years in San Francisco helped people understand that I could lead the business.”

Upon his return to the New York office in 2010, Tom was promoted to Managing Partner. For the next six years, he worked closely with Fred and the Board of Directors to fully understand the extent of the company’s operations across the globe. “Those years helped me transition to the role of President and CEO.” SM&W is an independent, global acoustic and technology consulting design firm. “Our expertise in integrated building technologies, including acoustic design, audiovisual / multimedia, information technology, data center planning, physical security, and medical equipment planning, strengthen the design process and lead to improved project outcomes,” says Tom. Founded in 1986, SM&W is headquartered in New York City and has 15 offices worldwide with a global staff of over 230 professionals. Asia offices include Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Singapore.

During our chat, Tom emphasized that the Asia region is a very important market for SM&W with tremendous opportunity.

“We were one of the first firms in our industry to establish presence in Asia, and our focus is to continue our steady growth in this region.”

SI Asia: What do you see are the challenges to AV Systems?

Tom: AV equipment has become commoditized, which has made it easier for end-users to navigate and find solutions.

Unified collaboration is a perfect example of how the video conference business has changed massively in terms of cost, simplicity and ease of use. Identifying the right blend of consumer based and commercial products to meet the demanding needs of our clients is a challenge. Another challenge is of course the fact that the line between AV and IT has become blurred.

SI Asia: So how do we as an industry meet those challenges?

Tom: It is important that we focus on the applications and the overall user experience. This is where SM&W can be distinctive. As for the convergence of AV and IT, the industry needs to quickly improve its IT knowledge.

Understanding the complexities of the IT network is paramount because the transport of AV signals relies so heavily on the IT network and infrastructure. AV has become the responsibility of IT in many organisations, and the responsibilities of IT departments now even include networked security and building management systems. At SM&W, we are fortunate to have strong AV, IT and Security resources amongst our talented team. One of the values of SM&W is our ability to provide integrated services across multiple disciplines to our clients.

SI Asia: Where do you see opportunities for the industry?

Tom: Unified collaboration and communication is where we see the greatest need. Helping our clients communicate more effectively and efficiently over a unified platform, having instant access to content and resources is where we see our value.

INTERVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

SI Asia: For SM&W where are the opportunities in Asia?

Tom: For the past couple of years we have seen increased demand for large mixed-used developments that generally include the following components: hotels, retail, dining, commercial office space, and service apartments. Theme parks are also on the rise, mainly in China. Healthcare is also showing promising signs of expansion. There is a surge in growth of private hospitals in the region who are providing higher quality of care. Our medical equipment planning consulting practice enables us to provide integrated healthcare technology services, a huge value-add for our clients in the healthcare sector.

In addition, we are seeing growth in higher education, operation centres, and smart cities. SM&W is well positioned for all of these market sectors. Technology adoption and integration has improved the education offered by both foreign and local universities. We are pleased to have been involved in one of the largest control room projects in the world for Huawei in China. We have been able to converge the applications, user experience, security, and point-of-sale for smart cities with a robust and flexible infrastructure.

SI Asia: Are there lessons from Europe or the USA that we can learn here in Asia that will help us?

Tom: I hope Asia will come to understand that there is value in investing in future infrastructure and scalable technology even if it means a higher upfront outlay of cash. In the US, we call it ‘future proofing.’ It’s the realization that it will cost more to build the infrastructure that will be able to handle future requirements, but the cost will be amortized over time with a sustainable development. In Asia, there is a tendency to spend the minimum amount to complete a project and prepare it for opening. These perceived short-cuts and up front cost savings may actually end up being more costly if the project lacks the necessary infrastructure to support the evolving needs of technology. By thinking about the long-term, and making an investment in technology infrastructure day-one, Asia can provide a more sustainable way to meet its future needs.

SI Asia: Do you still find it a battle to help clients understand the need for a consultant?

Tom: We have clients –developers, end users and architectswho understand the value of bringing an independent consultant on-board to recommend the best acoustical and technology solutions for their project. The earlier they bring us into the project, the better we can guide them through the process to find appropriate solutions at competitive pricing.

Of course, there will always be clients who think they can work with integrators or manufacturers directly to save money. That practice can be more costly in the end, and there may be

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compromises with the final selection of equipment. We are an unbiased technical advisor whose sole interest is to help our clients make the right decisions with their technology investments.

SI Asia: Talking about developers and architects can you let us know more about BIM modelling.

Tom: BIM helps save time and money. It has been a growing trend for over a decade in the US; many architects understand the value. AV manufacturers are providing us with their BIM product details, but we have been ahead of the curve on this.

We have created our own device information pool over the past 8 years. We could not wait for the manufacturers to get on board and we understood the value that BIM provides, so we made the investment of time and effort to create many of our own details (referred to as “families” in Revit). Our equipment details provide architects and developers with the space planning and coordination information required by their project teams, without over-loading the model with needless detailed information. This provides a much more efficient and workable BIM model.

SI Asia: Is there any technology that has excited you?

Tom: To me virtual reality and augmented reality is revolutionary. We use it to help both our designers and our clients gain a better understanding of the physical environment and their interaction with the equipment within that environment.

Previously when we showed our clients a concept, we had to prepare 3 dimensional renderings of the space, and in some cases full-scale mock-ups were required for proofs of concept.

Many of our clients have difficulty interpreting 2-D drawings, and most often 3-D renderings are not enough to help drive decision making. VR allows our clients to view their space with great degrees of realism – literally to immerse yourself into the environment – so they can understand how the acoustics will sound and what the sight lines look like, as well as they can see the placement of technology equipment and get perspective of devices like security cameras. I can happily tell you that VR has helped us engage with our clients far more dynamically and efficiently than any previous method. We are so excited about this that we hope to implement it in Asia soon.

SI Asia: Thomas, it has been a pleasure talking to you. Any last words?

Tom: We are excited about the industry in Asia. We have an extremely robust and capable staff and we will continue to look for new opportunities that may eventually lead to opening another office somewhere in the region to meet demands. www.smwllc.com

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EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

By Ram Bhavanashi

(S)Taking Global Proportions, Audio-Visually The event clocks astronomical numbers; enthusiasm higher than ever

Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2017 – the world’s indisputably largest audio-visual event – is perhaps taking galactic measures.

Charting what most want to say as ‘see-it-to-believe-it’ numbers, the event is simply building on strength to strength – probably taking the cause of other events – and emerge as the ‘de facto’ show of the AV world.

Team SI Asia was there as usual, to witness an overwhelming show products, people, presentations, and, now permutations- a paradigm shift!

ISE 2017 In Numbers

Total Exhibitors: 1193 Main Exhibitors: 953 Sub Exhibitors: 234 New Entrants: Around 120 Total Visitor Attendance: 73,413 Visitor Spread: 176 countries; 80 pc-Europe First time (New) visitors: 35 pc Net Exhibition floor space: 47,213 sqm No. of Halls: 14 The numbers say it all! If that doesn’t give a measure of what it is, take this: the fitness tracker that a friend of mine had worn on his wrist showed 12.5 km as his walking distance for the day. Still he wasn’t sure if he had seen it all.

“Forget it, you just can’t,” he quipped, “one just has to figure out what exactly we want and go in searching” he said, adding immediately, “taking directions from the display boards everywhere, else risk walking a km or two more.”

That, perhaps, aptly presents ISE for an enthusiastic novice. But not surprisingly, most visitors, and exhibitors themselves agree to the assumption that it is impossible to see every booth on the show, let alone every product, even in four days. “We don’t get to see other booths in our hall, let alone others,” an exhibitor said, “we just don’t get a breather to look around from our booth,” he said – even as he requests a visitor “one second please” – while answering my query.

“I wish they had added a day or two more,” felt Salman Hureshi, an AV consultant from Bahrain. But he agrees

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

immediately with his colleague feeling it doesn’t happen that way. “People come here focused; figure out what they want, grab an info-byte or two into what’s up for the coming times, and leave with an according plan.” That’s yet another pointer.

Quite understandably, the event has its areas clearly marked as to what hall exhibits what segment/category of products.

Finding the chosen segment is rendered easy- unless one has multiple choices that are divided in different halls, separated by a distance.

Understandably, exhibitors find their visitors coming from as distant geographies as Southeast Asia and Northwest of North America. “We come here, for the simple fact that this show draws visitors from all over the place, and our chances of business are immense,” is the most common observation.

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is at a comfortable distance from financial closure for most businesses; they can close the running fiscal as well as plan new opportunities for the next fiscal more effectively while observing what is here at the ISE,” she explains. “Amsterdam being in the middle of Eastern and Western time zones, it is much easier and comparatively convenient for people from either side. More, given the proximity to recreational opportunities in the much fancied Western Europe, Amsterdam and ISE is the best way to do multiple things in one go.”

A very important development – rather paradigm shift in the approach – from AV systems manufacturers is that they no longer talk about mere products; they talk about solutions.

ISE bears a testimony to this tendency as most exhibiting manufacturers demonstrated their ‘solutions’ to diverse AV requirements. There were hardly any major exhibitor that showed just product specs.

While AV-IT convergence running very high on most exhibitors, 8K resolutions, Simulations, AR & VR, Drones, Laser light source, curved projections, custom-made mounts were some of the eye-catching technologies demonstrated at the show.

Having presented most technologies through our E-newsletters for three consecutive fortnights before and after the event, SIA presents here a snapshot of the remaining details:

A classic case in a point- Online Instruments, a fast-growing Indian AV enterprise with interests in AV accessories manufacture debuted at ISE 2017 with its Logic brand AV mounts, cables and other accessories. Having made it good in the Middle East markets, the company wanted to explore the European shores as well and took to ISE. “We had as many as 750 visitors on four days, from 80 countries,” informs an exultant Shivanand Mahashetti, Online’s Managing Director.

“We had some very encouraging enquiries for export,” Shivanand reveals, “the show has been very good to us; we hope to make good as we proceed.”

Knowing from the spec that as much as 80 per cent of its visitors being from Europe itself, how is it referred to as global?

But the answer comes out rather quick- the visitor foot print comes from as many as 176 countries from around the world.

So, there are hardly 30-odd countries left over, that do not have a visitor to the show!

From just 120 exhibitors and 3500 visitors when it began in 2004, to scale up almost 10-fold in exhibitors and double that (20-fold) in visitor count covering roughly 90 per cent of the world in 14 years is simply a mark of the event’s scaling up its stakes.

The most plausible ideation: “The timing – both calendar and geographical – is perhaps ideal for most AVians across the globe,” says Veronica Domini, analyst from an international market research/consultancy agency.. “February

B-Tech AV Demonstrates Arching Mounts Solution

B-Tech AV Mounts went bigger than ever before, with examples of how B-Tech’s professional mounting range can support projects at heights of over 5 meters. B-Tech’s new-look mounting offerings, particularly the 3.6 meter video wall entrance arch, stand design was a highlight of the booth. The design utilized very latest developments in B-Tech’s System X range with fixed base mounting, informs Nick Spenser, Marketing Manager at B-Tech.

B-Tech also demonstrated their universal LED panel pull-out solution. Mounted flush in a recess, the 4mm pitch wall supplied by our friends at Handy AV – is accessed by simply pushing a button and utilising two retractable handles. The system apparently attracted a large number of visitor’s trying their hand on it.

BT8370 video wall stand demonstrated how mounted screens can be securely displayed to heights of over 4m and, for the first time at ISE, B-Tech displayed some stylish new kiosks.

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EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

Ideal for way finding and retail applications, the range includes solutions for the budget conscious, as well as a new ultra-slim kiosk solution which can be ordered for screens of any size.

the content is a still image or one in movement our screens adapt to provide the ideal solution from extremely detailed still images, to fast-moving video content.”

“I am incredibly proud of the whole B-Tech team and what has been achieved at this amazing show,” says B-Tech Managing Director Matthew Bennett. “I think our stand is an excellent reflection of B-Tech’s growth and the quantity and quality of our leads this year surpasses anything we’ve experienced before,” said. “Our multi-lingual team was on-hand to ensure all were welcome, wherever in the world they do business.”

According to him, these screens consume up to 50 per cent less power than the amount similar products require.

Screen and media owners will see a notable reduction on emitted heat, allowing the screen to be installed with a lower investment in expensive HVAC systems to manage the heat generated by the system.

Genelec Showcases Capability of Audio Over IP

Daktronics Showcases High Resolution Digital Billboard

Daktronics showed up at the ISE 2017 with its Ultra High Definition (UHD) LED screens that are said to be ideal for indoor installations. Offered in options of 1.2 mm, 1.9 mm, and 2.5 mm thin bezel, the new UHD solution comes with an optimized heat resilience for superior performance and brightness and long display life. Greater colour depth, vibrancy and uniformity for the life of the product are key features on Daktronics displays.

Daktronics’ latest UHD product line uses our Precision Current Control (PCC), to control the differing power needs of each LED die without the need for large quantities of capacitors, which create a large amount of excessive heat. UHD screens have many possible applications including: control rooms, pressrooms, boardrooms, way finding, shopping centers, airports and retailers.

“HDR has been a hot topic in the broadcast world for the several years. Fortunately, 4K and HDR content is now becoming more available, and Daktronics screens are able to play flawlessly,” says Pete Egart, Daktronics Vice-President EMEA. “Daktronics modules have been ready for HDR content for some time, now that more professionals have the equipment to record HDR content and video processors have grown in capability to be able to handle the demands of HDR, Daktronics is in a position to help customers take the next step toward enhancing the experience of their audiences. Whether

Genelec showcases its audio-over-IP (AoIP) solution. As the industry leader in AoIP monitor technology, Genelec demonstrated an array of its 8430A IP studio monitors using an AES67 stream, played through multiple AoIP-systems using Ravenna, LiveWire and Dante protocols. By means of a specially orchestrated programme, the company sought to take the visitors through to grips with the technology and highlight the unique flexibility offered by Genelec’s solution.

Genelec also treated integrators and designers looking to add a splash of colour to their audio installations with a selection of the 120 RAL classic finishes made available for the Genelec 4020, 4030 and 4040 Installation Speakers. The loudspeakers are now available in Pastel Blue, Pine Green or Raspberry Red- and more which will allow the speakers to contribute to the interior design scheme of any type of fixed installation. An array of 4000 speakers in a selection of colours were on display.

Genelec made its hugely popular 4000 Series even easier to include in projects now been added to the BIMobject library.

This forward-thinking move is taken to allow AV designers and architects to include Genelec loudspeakers in any Building Information Model (BIM) to help in the design and planning stages of a project.

SiliconCore Redefines LED Technology With LISA Platform

SiliconCore announced the launch of a new technology platform, LISA (LED In Silicon Array), once again rewriting the rules of LED with a radical departure of how LED displays are manufactured. This launch made SiliconCore one of the first LED display creator to successfully implement Chip On Board (COB) manufacturing, which combines with its award winning Common Cathode technology to create a highly innovative

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

large format display platform. The first prototype using the LISA platform, in a 1.9mm pixel pitch display, is expected to ship in June.

LISA will be the future of SiliconCore’s signature high resolution applications including command and control, corporate, home theatre, and high end retail applications. LISA creates a new wave in immersive LED displays with pixel pitches ranging up to 10mm and 8000 nits and opening up a variety of forms. This innovation also opens up new avenues for market implementation, in OOH and outdoor applications thanks to its robust design. LISA is ideal for high footfall public spaces without risk of damaging the pixels. It can also be used for touch applications without the need to apply a glass overlay for protection.

Eric Penot, COO of SiliconCore explains: “The LISA manufacturing method allows our engineers to work in precise levels of detail by streamlining the manufacturing process and improving the structural integrity of the module, ensuring pixels cannot be damaged during installation and throughout product lifetime.

“This is the future of LED display creation and will over time replace the industry norm of Surface-Mounted-Device (SMD),” he further explains. “As an integrated silicon based solution, economies in scale are expected to be reached opening even larger opportunities for high resolution LED displays in public spaces and high quality solutions for corporate, retail and rental clients.”

Peerless-AV demonstrate full range of mounting solutions

British mounting solutions major Peerless AV demonstrated a full range of solutions at the ISE. The solutions included mounting systems Led SmartMount Universal Full Service and Flat Wall, as well as a digital signage kiosk for indoors with a 75-inch unit, and an Xtreme screen for outdoors with a high brightness of 49 inch unit.

For wall mounting or LED videowall solutions that require access from the rear, Peerless-AV has developed its system SmartMount Universal Led Full Service. A support designed as scissor arms featuring a smooth slide and separates the wall

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equipment safely and effortlessly, so that the installer provided enough space to handle the wiring and replace the tiles.

Flat Wall Led: Made with ultra lightweight aluminum frame, adjust X, Y and Z, and support for multiple LED screen formats and sizes, the mounting system Flat Wall is one of the most versatile solutions Peerlees-AV. The system can be used for any type of installation for either wall or floor, designed for a wide range of indoor videowall applications such as shops, halls, concert halls.

The new Xtreme outdoor screen 49-inch panel features a high brightness of 1,500 nits that can produce crisp, clear images in direct sunlight. This is a screen that is designed with a fully sealed, highly shock resistant and waterproof structure (IP68 and Nema 6) to prevent the ingress of dust, water or any dirt.

It also supports a wide range of temperature between -40 ° C and + 60˚C. The Dynamic Thermal Transfer Ventless system makes the first screen that does not require external filters or fans, nor maintenance.

75-inch indoor kiosk for retail: The new range of PeerlessAV kiosks for retail and hospitality markets is designed to accommodate a wide range of displays. The latest addition to this line is ideal for digital signage applications located in windows overlooking the street. It is available as a standalone or integrated unit and supports a wide range of aesthetic options, including multiple colors, wraps vinyl and logos. Fans thermostatically controlled circulation guarantee optimum airflow inside the kiosk and keep the display at ambient operating temperature. The rear hinged doors allow access parts requiring maintenance.

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EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

Observations From The ISE Floor

By Thomas Richard Prakasam

is a vibrant, growing, global community. We’re committed to being a catalyst for market growth, and this week has shown we’re on the right track.”

Next year the show from what we understand will be further expanded...where does Mike Blackman and his team find the space still baffles me. The show expanding does not surprise me any more as every year it has been growing both in terms of space and visitors. This year as we had predicted there were more Asian visitors and this will very likely continue next year – simply because the Chinese New Year celebrations do not clash with the show timing. I dare to venture to say there will be even more Asian visitors next year barring any travel regulations that is beginning to make travelling a pain point!

To have a breakthrough, we need to take risk

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his show is truly impressive. Not just because it is now considered the World’s Largest AV Show, not because it had 1193 Exhibitors and not because this year it attracted 73,314 attendees but simply because it gives everyone a great energy boost. The large number of educational tracks, networking events, forums, panel discussions, specialised zones and the Keynote addresses come together to offer visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves into the world of AV. If you ever feel jaded and need an energiser, this show will surely perk you up and offer you the opportunity to mingle with like-minded individuals and hear experts talk to you about trends and challenges and most importantly you will really feel that you are part of this BILLION dollars industry:) David Labuskes, CTS, CAE, RCDD, Executive Director and CEO of InfoComm International summed it up best: “It was a fantastic ISE 2017 for InfoComm, but more importantly, it was an industry-affirming show for the AV industry as a whole. As ISE and all our InfoComm shows worldwide demonstrate, this

I attended the Closing Keynote address by Cirque du Soleil President and CEO Daniel Lamarre which I enjoyed tremendously. The one key take away from his presentation was that to have a breakthrough, risk has to be taken, as in some of Cirque du Soleil’s shows. “We like to challenge our people all the time and we like to work with innovators. We are also pleased with the passion our creators put into developing a show.” This message holds true regardless of what industry you are in.

Solutions Not Products Showcase

I have noticed the shift in mindset with exhibitors especially at ISE, which is commendable. Companies like Crestron, Christie, Kramer and LG to just name a few have for some time now broken up their exhibits into specific areas targeting the different vertical markets and highlighting solutions that fit into that space.

This year what caught my attention was the Panasonic booth that showcased a high impact multimedia live show. The objective was to showcase the Panasonic PT-RZ31 31,000 lumen laser projector and the newly launched PT-RZ21 laser projector with 20,000 lumens. However the show created

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

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solutions. One was the Connected Retail Experience area that showcased pull-content experience for shoppers. The other area that got much interest was the Hospitality scene where a JBL speaker worked with IBM’s Watson for voice commands.

AV IT Convergence

Painting With Lights. Photo copyright: Louise Stickland

by design practice Painting with Light was created by including third party solutions, which happens in reality. The show combined imagination, humour and interactive live performance with several cool technologies that included the laser projection, remote tracking and 3D mapping. It was fascinating to see the different solutions coming together to create a memorable experience for the audience.

If anyone was still in doubt about how the lines between AV and IT were blurring, ISE, would have put that to rest. We all discussed about it, we understood the challenges but most importantly I believe we all knew it would be inevitable. For the past few years Crestron has been highlighting how they talk the IT language and they have evolved their solutions around IT. At this year’s show a number of companies highlighted their AV over IP solutions further integrating AV with IT.

The aim, explained Michael Al Far, Painting with Light’s video content producer, was to demonstrate the “precision, detail and clarity of the projection in a challenging live situation” working in the context of the environment and also illustrate a number of symbiotic technologies in a fun and engaging way.

The show’s technology specifications included 14 Panasonic projectors (PT-RZ31, PS-DS12, PR-RZ21, PT-DZ21K2 and PTRZ31); Airstage helium filled remote-controlled flying orbs; BlackTrax real-time motion tracking system and a d3 media server to be at the heart of the control system. Eight Robe DL7S Profile moving light fixtures were also included for effect.

It is all about collaboration. Showing how the different brands and solutions come together to create a seamless experience is what the visitors will most appreciate.

I would like to shout out to Louise Stickland, a big Thank You, for providing me with the information as well as the photos with regards to the Panasonic show :) HARMAN Professional Solutions with its full plethora of solutions, also showcased its technology working in specific

HARMAN's Connected Retail Experience area

The SDVoE Alliance Press Conference

One aspect that stood out for me was the low cost of offthe-rack network switches. The SDVoE Alliance members revolve their network architectures around the off-the-shelf Ethernet switches. The Alliance states that all AV distribution and processing applications that demand zero-latency, uncompromised video can benefit from SDVoE technology, which provides an end-to-end hardware and software platform for AV extension, switching, processing and control through advanced chipset technology, common control APIs and interoperability. It points to the Alliance members directing their attention to replace point-to-point extension and circuitbased AV matrix switching.

At ISE, seven SDVoE Alliance member companies showed off applications and utilities to deliver the benefits of SDVoE technology’s AV-over-IP transport and AV processing capabilities to system integrators and end users. These applications are built on the simple control and management functions provided by the SDVoE Application Programming Interface (API). They were: NETGEAR, an SDVoE Alliance founder, does not manufacture SDVoE endpoints. NETGEAR M4300-series switches, however, are configured out of the box for the fastest multicast processing and filtering to make getting an SDVoE system up and running easy, without complex switch configuration. The M4300 series offers a mix of copper and fiber ports to provide the right connectivity for both short- and long-haul distribution.

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EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

ZeeVee, another SDVoE Alliance founder, offers the MaestroZ application to manage all aspects of an SDVoE system deployment. It automatically discovers SDVoE endpoints, reports on status, and allows creation of video walls and multiviewers. MaestroZ makes it easy to manage large-scale installations, letting the user sort devices by name, zone, hardware type, and status.

DVIGear created DisplayNet Manager, an intuitive browserbased application, to make deployment of SDVoE systems simple from any PC or mobile device. The application features advanced management of presets and EDID. It features a builtin API terminal and console for the most sophisticated users.

from the industry in relation to their new Class SSA amplifier. I was greeted at the stand by a familiar figure in Singapore, Ian Stott. Ian is working with RedX as a consultant. With regards to the amplifier, Ian highlights that SSA in brief will offer Class A tonal quality with Class D efficiency. This has not been achievable thus far and the company has thus highlighted this as “The Next Stage of Amplifier Evolution”. SSA is a patented technology by the company. The company intends to have a Pro version of the amplifier together with all the related international compliant certificates by the last Quarter. It certainly sounds very promising. If you are keen to know more, visit their website: www.redxav.com

Grandbeing are adapting their popular VisualM app for iOS and Windows to work with SDVoE products. VisualM presents users with a visual representation of the system. It enables matrix switching, video walls, and multiview tiling via simple drag-and-drop user actions.

IDK Corporation delivers SDVoE capability via their IQ Control management platform. This management platform controls the entire range of IDK’s video switching and processing products, making SDVoE a seamlessly integrated part of IDK’s larger product portfolio.

Aurora Multimedia has integrated the SDVoE API into their IPBaseT protocol, which is a unified control layer for offering an easy interface between a user-facing control system and multiple types of Aurora’s own products, including those for IP distribution and advanced AV processing.

Techlogix Networx provide TLXpress, a simple drag-and-drop architecture allowing hundreds of encoders and decoders to be identified and programmed in minutes. Routing presets can be triggered by a third-party control system with a single line of code. TLXpress breaks system deployment into three simple steps: plan, configure, control.

Other Points Of Interest

(L-R) Philip Hay, who will represent Norxe AS in Asia, with Kjell Einar Olsen, CEO and Sverre Lefsaker, Optics Director, Norxe AS

A new projector display company made a quiet entrance at ISE 2017, by showcasing their projector's capabilities, at the domeprojection booth that used the projectors to show domeprojection's auto-calibration software.

It is a brave move indeed considering the congested projector market. However, these are not your ordinary folks. The founders were all from projectiondesign, before they got bought out by Barco. The company's name is NORXE AS, of course based in Norway. The company established itself in 2015 and their first offering is a Solid State projector. Their promise – our projectors will work 24/7 for 50,000 hours or around 5 years. "Every component in the projector is of high quality and will be able to handle its lifetime," said Kjell Olsen, CEO of Norxe.

The current projector offers WQXGA resolution at about 4,000 lumens, with a LED Light source with optional IR. They expect to by Q4 of 2017 release their second model with the same platform but at a 1920x1200 resolution (WUXGA), again with IR option. The WQXGA model is expected to be scheduled for mass production during Q3 2017.

Dawei Rong with Ian Stott at the RedX Booth

RedX is established in Hong Kong and holds a number of patents relating to power and energy conversion technology.

The company participated in ISE mainly to gather feedback

The company's target market is the Simulation and Visitor Attraction market due to the lifetime requirement and image quality. "We have incorporated a new technology from Philips that makes our projectors 4x brighter to comparable products and because of this we are very competitively priced." The projector features a light sensor to stabilise its performance, new generation lenses that offer higher quality than required

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and the necessary software. Norxe is confident that their solution is uniquely placed with its features, long life time and competitive pricing and expect to create a ripple in the industry. To know more visit www.norxe.com (Note: As the first product is still not in mass production, specifications might change).

The Singapore Contingent

a Berkeley hi-fi shop to hear The Beatles seminal, psychedelic Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

ABtus AVS-318D

Kudos to the Singapore-Malaysia contingent of manufacturers.

Their dedication over the years of working hard to penetrate the European market is paying off with more visitors recognising their offerings and with sales picking up. This year, ABtus showcased their new media controller AVS-318D that offers CAT5 outputs and power over cable (PoC) capability The unit is designed for easy central control of any AV projection system.

It was the same year that John Meyer was approached by Steve Miller to develop a better sound system for the blues rocker's Monterey Pop performance. This would be a decade before Meyer Sound was established but it was the foundation steps for both John and Helen Meyer.

To commemorate their 50 years of journey together, John presented Helen with a special edition “Summer Of Love” Amie monitor, the successor of the historical Meyer Sound HD-1 studio monitor, befittingly at the John & Yoko Suite at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel. A small gathering of journalists were priviledged to be part of this touching moment and I thank Meyer Sound for letting me be part of this memorable occassion.

Parting Thoughts

Comm Products WizarSwitch IPC-8+

XLT that shares a booth with Comm Products, showcased their latest ceiling mount projector lift. Comm unveiled their new Integrated WizarSwitch IPC-8+. With built-in HDMI Selector and Splitter functions the WizarSwitch is designed to control AV equipment via RS-232 commands.

A Sweet Moment

As the press release states, "Audio Pioneers Share Summer Of Love Golden Anniversary", it was nice to get away from the technology side of things and appreciate the human side of our business. The Summer of Love — 1967 — served as the epicenter of the counter-culture, beckoning thousands of young people to the San Francisco Bay Area. Flower Power was up, war was down, the Monterey International Pop Festival served as a precursor to Woodstock, and two young sound enthusiasts named John and Helen, went on a date at

When ISE extended the exhibition to four days, I was not too sure if it was necessary. Now I firmly believe it is the right step as the show is so large and spread out, it would be difficult to complete it all within 3 days. Of course the aisles are less crowded on the last day and many of the exhibitors begin to show signs of fatigue after talking non-stop for the first three days of the show. But it offers a nice opportunity for exhibitors to go check out their competition and also for visitors to have a more conducive environment to talk serious business.

Amsterdam is a melting pot and it is easy for almost everyone from any part of the world to make it there. Those in Asia certainly appreciate the shorter journey and less drastic time difference. The location with its easy connectivity to a number of Western European countries makes it the ideal choice for an exhibition.

ISE deserves its tag as the World's Largest AV Exhibition and we hope it will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the AV industry. Thank you Amsterdam.

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AUSTRALIA

A Deeper Look Into Macquarie University's Surgical Skills Lab Upgrade A unique upgrade in the sense that it was designed and implemented by the University’s faculty members

With the Gefen VoIP solution, the entire lab now functions as a large matrix, allowing any video source to be routed to any video destination in Full HD quality.

This is certainly a first for us in our years of writing case studies in this magazine - An upgrade completed effectively by a University’s faculty members. We are not talking about just replacing boxes but a well thought out and planned AV integration project. Kudos to all those involved and especially to Iain Brew, Clinical AV & IT Coordinator, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney Australia for leading the initiative to upgrade the Surgical Skills Lab at the University. We are privileged to interview Iain about the project.

When was this Lab conceptualised and when was it realised?

The audit and proposed technical solution happened between March – May 2016 from a Faculty wide AV audit. This started with deep consultation with key stakeholders through numerous discussions and feedback sessions, before moving

on to find technical solutions that would meet their needs.

This was presented to our executive team in July. The project was approved in October, with the project commencing in November (purchasing and UI consultation and programming).

The fit out occurred from Mid-December 2016 until the end of January 2017 (6 weeks of work time). we

What were the th key objectives that Macquarie wa wanted to achieve with the upgrade of th the Surgical Skills Lab?

The Surgical Skills Lab was originally constructed in 2009/2010 and tthis is a complete refresh of the Skills Lab is used by the medical Lab. Our Surgical S explore human anatomy. The main community to exp goal of our Surgical Skills Lab upgrade project was to increase the functionality and reliability of our existing lab installation reliab with a system which would be scalable and easy to use. an

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

The existing system was proprietary making it costly to maintain, upgrade or make even minor changes. As a result, many elements of the system were not working well causing frustration amongst the end users. The system was also quite limited in its ability to route and control video signals i.e. the teaching station could only send an S-Video signal to other displays in the lab, and all the displays had to be manually adjusted for them to accept this signal.

The new system which was designed and installed in-house allows users to have full control over all aspects of the system using an iPad Pro 12.9” tablet. With the Gefen VoIP solution, the entire lab now functions as a large matrix, allowing any video source to be routed to any video destination in Full HD quality. For example, if a student at a pendant makes an interesting discovery, we can push their images to the main projector. Another example is that the teacher at their pendant can now push their camera to all displays in the lab during a demonstration, and then with one push, return all the displays back to the individual pendant inputs.

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recyclability. I also make sure to work with companies who also take this commitment seriously.

Reduce – by building a component system we only need to buy what we need, rather than buying large matrix frames with wasted capacity. It is easy for us to upgrade in the future with the Gefen system as the HD units are forwards and backwards compatible with the new UHD units. This allows the system to organically grow by adding inexpensive network switches and Tx/Rx units as required, rather than having to replace entire and expensive matrix frames with dedicated cabling should we exceed capacity. In addition, by switching to an IP solution, we don’t need to run dedicated cabling for signal types anymore.

Everything is running over CAT6 cabling which provides great flexibility.

Reuse – any functional component which could be reused was integrated into the project i.e. speakers, amplifiers, displays, projector, cabling etc. Equipment excess to our needs has been kept with a view for redeployment or redistribution.

Another important aspect of the project was to adhere to a tight budget of AUD$75,000 and a 6 week time frame. Gefen Synergy and auto-discovery tools made it easy to quickly set up the video side of things, in addition to great technical support from Rod Sommerich and his team (Ed note: Rod is Gefen’s Regional Sales Director for the Far East and Pacific Rim).

Recycle – all packaging was separated and recycled appropriately. All excess cabling and faulty equipment from the old installation was also e-wasted. Gefen have been great in this regard, for example, taking back excess international plugs for transformers so they can be used elsewhere rather than going straight to landfill.

In addition, Macquarie University takes a holistic approach to sustainability, and we believe it applies to everything that we do. It’s also something I strongly believe in and try to enact as part of my role. As part of this commitment, products were chosen in regards to their energy use, life cycle and

Who were the team members from the University involved in this project?

The entire project was handled in-house. I completed an audit of the existing system which included formal and informal conversations with key staff. This led me to propose a re-

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design of the AV lab which would meet our stakeholders’ needs whilst also ensuring the system can expand easily for the future. This design (both from theoretical and technical perspectives) was sponsored by our Faculty executive and given the green light and budget.

From there, I programmed the control interface using iRidium Mobile Pro, with extensive consultation with our end users to make sure that the user interface experience met needs and made sense to the people who will actually use it every day.

The Surgical Skills team pitched in and together we completed the physical retrofit of the lab together (with exception of plenum cabling which was completed by a licenced contractor). Associate Professor Richard Appleyard (Director of Clinical Skills Training), Dr Janos Tomka (Anatomy and Surgical Skills Coordinator), Jacob Wilson (Surgical Skills Workshop Assistant) and Steven Segalla (Surgical Skills Research Assistant) and I put in long hours routing cables through complicated pendant arms and sorting network cabling into the new AV rack which I built-out ahead of time.

Why was the decision taken to get this done in-house?

By completing the project in-house, we have complete control over the entire project and the end result. We also feel ownership of the overall project will result in a higher quality result. Building in-house also allows us to retain full access to the whole system, including the control panel source code. As the lab is a bespoke space, there are often functional changes or requests. We now have the agility to quickly respond to these changes and deploy an update to the control system at no cost, or integrate a new piece of hardware which we can source directly from a preferred supplier at a competitive price point.

As just mentioned, cost is a major factor.

By eliminating the need to rely on external agencies, consultants or integrators, we have been able to significantly reduce the cost of not only the installation, but ongoing maintenance and upgrade costs.

Having said this, I would like to highlight that Amber Technology assisted us in the early stages of the project with loan equipment for us to trial our ideas and ensure the products would be a good fit for our needs. During the construction phase, Rod Sommerich, Gefen Regional

Sales Director, Core Brands and Matthew Rennie, Account Manager, Amber Technology assisted us with questions around configuration methodologies and settings for the Cisco switches used for the AV network and worked with us to get the most out of the system. It’s ended up being a mutually beneficial partnership with all of us learning and discovering new possibilities as a result of this project.

I also want to highlight the support from Jackie Roos at JAMWare, New Zealand (iRidium Pro distributor for Australia/ New Zealand) for her technical and programming assistance for the iRidium Mobile Pro software.

Can you provide us with a rundown of the AV components that are integrated within the Lab?

Gefen VoIP is the heart of the video routing and control system. The EXT-CU-LAN Matrix Controller has made it incredibly easy to integrate the VoIP system. Compared to other products on the market which require commands to be sent directly to the switch to adjust VLANs, the Matrix Controller allows for a human friendly language for routing of video and recalling presets. I like to think of it as Dante for video – auto and mass configure, discovery.

Of course complementing the Matrix Controller are Gefen transmitters and receivers for HDMI and DVI+USB KVM, as well as scalers and converters.

The Lab of course features a number of displays as well. The displays are used to display content from: • 10x HDMI Pendant inputs. These are used with medical equipment such as C-Arm XRay’s, Endo and Arthroscopes and Microscopes. 10x Gefen EXT-3G-HD-C SDI-HDMI Converters have also been bolted on to each pendant for SDI medical equipment and 2x Gefen EXT-MFP Scalers are provided for older medical equipment to handle analog connections i.e. composite and scale strange resolutions.

• Wall input panel for laptops and miscellaneous equipment, comprising of DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA+Audio, Composite+Audio, which all route to a third Gefen EXT-MFP Scaler for scaling, switching and audio extraction, and then on to a Gefen EXT-HD2IRS-LANTX HDMI Transmitter.

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Stryker In-Light Cameras

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attractive when comparing it to other dedicated DSP products which cost multiple times more and are limited in terms of their processing power. This product isn’t traditionally used for integration, however with an extensive OSC command library and ability to accept third party control, I would encourage other integrators to consider this product.

AJA RovoCAM 4K block camera – small in size with a fantastic picture quality, and ability for Full HD digital PT over a 4K sensor + a 20x optical zoom so that there is no compromise on picture quality when mounted above the surgical field.

Easily operated from the control system and a single CAT cable carries power, audio, video and control signals.

• Resident Laptop, connected via USB3 to a hidden dock which carries audio in/out, video in/out and networking.

Matrox Monarch HD recorders allowing us to record to a network share, so that content can be easily uploaded to our learning management system (LMS) or passed on to clients for review and assessment.

• Panasonic AW-HE40 PTZ roof mounted camera for video conferencing and an AJA RovoCam 4K block camera used for high resolution display and recording above the surgical field.

With regards to Gefen solutions what did they help the University achieve?

• 2x Stryker In-Light Cameras (S-Video Analog) connected to 2x GTV-COMPSVID-2-HDMIS S-Video to HDMI scalers.

• AppleTV for AirPlay from BYO devices.

• Rack mounted Mini PC used for presentations, digital signage and educational materials. Accompanied with a wireless keyboard/trackpad combo which is connected via a Gefen EXT-USB2.0-LR (located in the roof to ensure full lab coverage easily)

Are there other AV equipment that played key roles in the upgrade?

The Behringer X32 Rack digital audio mixer. Normally used for live music, conferences, churches etc, this 3RU device offers 32 channels in, 16 channels out with complete control via OSC commands over UDP. Every input, patch and output can have EQ, compressors etc applied – it has an incredible amount of processing power for its size and price point. This was very

The Gefen VoIP solution has allowed us to start building a system which is greatly scalable, easy to configure, use and maintain and is future proof. I have confidence in choosing the system especially as the UHD VoIP products can integrate with no fuss with our current HD VoIP solution, which means the investment I have made today will still be useful in 3 – 5 years time without the need to rip everything out should we want to upgrade to 4K or beyond down the track.

This reduces the barrier to add new devices to the network, as all we need to do is run an inexpensive, standard CAT6 network cable and plug in comparatively inexpensive Tx/Rx box in to add another source or destination. With a traditional matrix, if we exceeded the capacity of its inputs or outputs, a whole new matrix or frame would need to be purchased which would not only be prohibitively expensive if only a few additional connections are being made, but also wasteful.

The Gefen solutions are easy to get started with, but allow great depth of control and configuration when required for more complicated setups and routing.

Were there any specific challenges to the integration and if YES, what were they and how were they resolved?

We were fortunate to not run into too many issues when installing and commissioning the system due to plenty of preinstall research, planning and testing. However, there were a few small challenges we had to deal with:

The Behringer X32 was connected via AES50 to the X32 Rack which made tuning and programming the audio system much easier.

We used Gigabit POE injectors to power the Gefen HDMI Tx/ Rx units in remote locations as the current HD range do not have POE on-board. Numerous POE injectors failed quickly.

In addition, the supplied cables were very loose in both the Gefen and POE power connections, causing units to drop out etc. We are replacing these cables and I would be looking at a different manufacturer for future POE injectors.

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Another challenge was the use of a hidden USB3 dock for our lab laptops. This is used to simplify the connection for the end user to one USB3 cable which then carries audio/video in and out and networking. USB3 is very hard to extend, so the idea of hiding the dock in the roof space was ruled out. Instead, the dock is hidden in a small cupboard on which the laptop sits, and a small umbilical cable runs back to a wall plate to carry signals to and from the dock instead.

As X-Ray machines are used in the space, the walls are lead lined. This proved challenging for wireless RF interference for our wireless mics. I was able to commandeer to the old RF distribution system from the previous installation to bring the antennas into the lab, whilst leaving the Receiver units back in the equipment rack. Despite this, there is still occasional interference which has been resolved by setting the squelch slightly higher than usual.

projects in-house and in the process, save considerable time and money too. As discussed at recent trade shows and industry events I have attended, it has become clear that AV and IT are now truly converged. One can’t exist without the other in serious installs, so it’s important to have knowledge not only in AV signal flow and control, but also network design and configuration, especially for multicast protocols.

Since the implementation what has been the feedback from users?

Some of our surgical equipment have non-standard outputs for DVI signals. This resulted in the Gefen units not being able to accurately sync to the clock rate or resolution being emitted at times. This was solved by taking a standard HD-SDI feed from the device instead, and then using a Gefen SDI-HDMI convertor to then bring the signal into the system.

We have had very positive feedback from all stakeholders involved in the project. The system finally works the way they had been hoping it would for many years, including many new solutions and possibilities. The best feedback has been from our students who use the space. The ability to use the lab as an active learning space now allows students easier access to information at their pendants, especially during teaching sessions where the teacher can be clearly heard and their content clearly seen by all. As the system has been used, our lab users have requested additional functionality or preset macros which have been easily added to the system (ie. The ability to blank individual pendant screens as opposed to a global setting, or an additional preset so that the lab can be configured for undergraduate teaching with one button press).

What did the University team learn from this experience in relation to the technology deployed?

The following was sent by our Anatomy Laboratory Technician, Marian Casey after a week of undergraduate introductory lessons in the lab:

With the successful completion of the Surgical Skills lab, it has given us confidence that we can achieve large scale AV

“Just wanted to let you that all the students and tutors were very appreciative and raving about the updated AV system today. They really enjoyed being able to use the screens independently to create individual working stations. I used the wireless microphone, which not only saved my voice, but also created a much clearer and crisper sound for lecturers.

Iain should be highly commended on all his work. It was really great to see it all up and running, and being put to use for our undergraduate teaching.”

Understandably, there was some initial hesitation about completing a project of this scale in-house as it had not been done before. A small pilot of upgrading a meeting room using iRidium Mobile V2 and a control upgrade of our Simulation Lab, along with some Gefen VoIP devices to extend patient monitors helped grow confidence in the technology and approach.

The Gefen EXT-CU-LAN Matrix Controller has made it incredibly easy to integrate the VoIP system.

Compared to other products on the market which require commands to be sent directly to the switch to adjust VLANs, the Matrix Controller allows for a human friendly language for routing of video and recalling presets. I like to think of it as Dante for video – auto and mass configure, discovery.

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FULL EQUIPMENT LIST

Control 1x Apple iPad Pro 12.9” Space Grey 32GB running iRidium Mobile V3 Pro (i3 Pro) 1x iPort SurfaceMount 11x Global Cache IP2SL-P 1x Global Cache IP2IR-P 3x Global Cache IP2CC-P 1x Gefen EXT-CU-LAN Matrix Controller Network • 2x Cisco SG300-52MP • 1x Blackbox 48 port CAT6 pass through patch panel Audio • 10x Extron S126W in-roof pendant speakers (existing) • 2x Extron S128 program speakers (existing) • 2x Logitech Z150 preview speakers • 3x QSC CS254 amplifiers (existing) • 1x QSC RMX50 amplifier (existing) • 1x Behringer X32 Rack • 2x DAP Audio Splitters • 1x GTV-DIGAUD-2-AAUD Convertor • 4x Swamp Stereo AV-DI • 2x Sennheiser ew352 G3 Rx/Tx kits with Headset mics Video Routing and Conversion • 16x Gefen EXT-HD2IRS-LANTX HDMI Transmitters • 15x Gefen EXT-HD2IRS-LANRX HDMI Receivers • 2x Gefen EXT-HDKVM-LANTX DVI+USB KVM Transmitters • 1x Gefen EXT-HDKVM-LANRX DVI+USB KVM Receiver • 3x Gefen EXT-MFP Scalers (one for wall inputs, 2x for C-Arm XRay machines) • 2x Gefen GTV-COMPSVID-2-HDMIS S-Video to HDMI scalers (for 2x in-light surgical cameras) • 10x Gefen EXT-3G-HD-C SDI-HDMI Converters (for SDI surgical equipment to interface to HDMI Tx)

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Displays • 10x Stryker VisionElect 26 Medical Displays (existing) • 1x NEC PA550WG Projector (existing) • 1x Motorised Screen Technics in-roof screen (existing) • 1x Dell Ultrasharp U2415 Preview Display • 1x Rackmount V-Gear VG-702SDI Dual 7” Preview Display Capture and Recording • 2x Matrox Monarch HD • 1x Epiphan DVI2USB3 • Synology Disk Station (coming soon) Computing • 1x Gefen EXT-USB2.0-LR Extender (Wireless Keyboard/ Trackpad combo to Rack PC) • 1x Kensington SD4000 USB3 dock • 1x HP EliteDesk mini PC (existing) • Various Dell Windows 10 lab laptops connected to USB3 dock (existing) Cables • Lindy (Data cable) • Swamp Industries (Audio cable) Misc • 1x Apple TV third gen (existing) • 3x Motorised blind controllers (existing) • 4Cabling 42RU rack • SMD5050 cool white LED strip + RF controller • 2x 2RU rack drawers for wireless mics and parts • 1x Energiser 1 hour AA/AAA charger + AA rechargeable batteries

* Iain Brew photograph © Michael Catabay * All other photographs © Iain Brew

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Part-II

By Ram Bhavanashi

A Great Story Telling With Embedded AV

Subtle play of technology with myriad skills of art hand-woven

Yes, simply said, that summarizes the whole lot of incredible blend of art and (technology) architecture that presents itself in a masterly integrated fashion. Even as it does so, the Virasat-e-Khalsa museum story also tells a very characteristic unison of thought and approach across its ecosystem- client, solution developer, integrator, and field staff.

Given the rare luxury of time and money, the Virasat-e-Khalsa had all the good things to fall in place. Having discussed the technology and concept part in the last issue, SI Asia presents in this second and last part the journey it all travelled through.

A great story, in form and function

The story of Virasat-e-Khalsa (Phase-II)’s making, is perhaps, as great as its form and function. For, the amount of content research and technology exploration it involved, is probably unrivalled. The exalted expression about the project, purported to the ‘chief’ protagonist of the story, probably explains that.

According to Bhupinder Channa, Executive Engineer, Anandpur Sahib Foundation, former Chief Minister of the State Mr. Prakash Singh Badal – who was apparently the main driving force behind the project – wanted to make this project as ‘eighth wonder of the world.’

Apparently, the entire ecosystem of the project – from PMC to content developers to design teams to install teams –

worked toward the ambitious goal- to create a great story, and telling model, without being concerned about time and money! Which is explained by the fact that it took almost close to two decades, and a staggering process from concept to completion, to get to the size and scale it is visible today.

“The idea was to create a grand ensemble of 500 years of Sikh history and the Khalsa heritage, in a very subtle story telling fashion,” recalls Amardeep Behl, Head of A B Design Habit and Company Pvt Ltd, the Prime Management Consultant and the mainstay of all at the Khalsa project. According to him, the client (the Khalsa Foundation, and the Government of Punjab) wanted ‘a very dynamic script weaving in a transcendental experience.’

That meant essentially two things: A well-researched and authenticated (given the nature of the subject) content development; and a very comprehensive yet subtle technology integration in terms of both audio and video.

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Both the departments needed an expertise that is thoroughly professional. More, while embracing technology, it was to be ensured that the technology did not overshadow the story.

Tech wizardry was to be subtly embedded into the content.

Wedding Content & Technology: Exploration of rarest kind

With the project brief being so subtle yet so specific, it was one of the most exhaustively researched and mulled over content developments in recent times. The government set up a committee of experts drawing its members from universities, and learned institutions, besides relevant ministerial ranks for the purpose. Traveling some good distance, the consultant felt the suggestions and reports generated by the committee were not adequate, and did not fully represent the client’s vision, and therefore went for another committee for deeper R&D. “We set up a different committee with members of wider spectrum involving academic historians and art historians; then went in for years of intense research,” Behl explains. “The design team had organized world tours with visits to famous museums and understand how they were designed and what went into their making.”

While most members of the technology teams on the project remained same for both Phase-I and II, the latter had a different systems integrator for whom the project was a first entry to the vertical.

Harbir Singh, Managing Director of Pan Intellicom – the Gurgaon-based SI firm which got the contract for technology deployment – says ‘the museum project was first such job executed by the company.’ So, that added significantly to the challenges of the job, both the integrator and for the project ecosystem.

That the project envisaged a holistic approach to the overall development of galleries on international standards, and the task involved visitor interpretation for audio, thematic organization, storytelling and signage etc. for video, it was by no means a mean task.

“It was first such project for us; and that made it all the more prestigious, if not challenging,” recalls Harbir. “While we have done fairly large projects in other verticals, Virasat-e-Khalsa was first of its kind for us,” he explains. “We took it in the right perspective; worked closely with the Consultant and the OEMs to develop right chords of audio, video and lighting.”

Not wanting to leave any effort, the client had hired the Canadian-English company Cultural Innovations for contribution during Phase-I, and they became like guide in this initiative. Multiple numbers of workshops were organized with

technology people and numerous simulations were made to visualise how the finished scenarios would look like.

According to the PMC, the ‘think-tank and action teams’ of the project had a good mix of Indian and foreign skills.

Moshe Safdie and Cultural Innovations apart, the project team had the British expertise accruing to it in the form of 360flicks.com for the AV programming of projection mapping and 3D projection. The Sussex, England-based 360° projection specialist – who also works from its Pune office in India – worked in collaboration with Delhi-based AV solutions developer i3Synergies to weave in those incredibly projected visual experiences.

A very interesting fac(e)t of blending content and technology has been the extensive employment of handcrafted techniques. “In a sense, this museum can be called a ‘handmade’ museum, using all hand-made techniques,” points out the Design Habit Head, who stayed at the centre of all that creativity, showing those exquisitely handcrafted exhibits- in dozens of hundreds, ranging from miniature sizes to life sizes.

“It required a clinical precision approach to verify if every single object of the exhibit area confirmed to the theme which was an arduous task by any means.”

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Challenges of a ‘monumental’ scale

According to the PMC, the final product before deployment was not only a culmination of countless number of intense deliberations, revisions, and adjustments but also ratifications by competent heads of institutions that have either direct or indirect connect with the subject. That the subject – while it is deeply spiritual – is also passionate and potentially sensitive, the project team had to ensure that their work was fully taken and assented by the groups concerned.

“Knowing that in a country like India where even an iota of discomfort on matters like this – even if the point spoken was right – could snowball into controversies, we didn’t want to take any chance,” explains Amardeep. “When the project was fully ready and was inching towards inauguration, we invited the heads of communities and took through every single detail of the exhibits so that they were in full conformity with it,” he recalls those ‘testing moments.’ Understandably, the monumental attention given to the finer detail was appreciated. “That was the biggest energy towards the end,” admits Behl.

“The biggest challenge, if that be, was that there was no precedent for this kind of work,” observes Bhupinder Channa.

“The entire thing had to be visualized and researched thoroughly and executed, with clinical attention. That was formidably big.” For Pan Intellicom chief Harbir, it was more or less a similar challenge! As an SI doing it for the first time, re-adjustment of designs as per site requirement was the main challenge. For, the process not only meant the integrator had to put the revised specs for approval and justify the same but it involved lot of paper work. The scale of the project deliverables meant a thorough planning and detailed AutoCAD drawings of exhibits for placement of AV gear.

“We managed all that with meticulous planning so that we didn’t lose time,” recalls Harbir. “Most activities like fixing the AV equipment mounts were implemented in a synchronized manner,” he explains. “We worked in a well-coordinated manner with the interior works teams that helped us install the physical equipment with minimum design change or time.”

That the museum is all about multiples of distinctly designed galleries with exhibits differing from one another it was an understandable challenge for the integrator, AV programmers, and OEMs as well.

Says Gaurav Kohli, FounderDirector of i3Synergies, who worked with 360flicks.com on show control (with WatchOut MediaLon): “The most challenging part was programming of Exhibits 15 and 18. In Exhibit 15, we had to design and programme of over 3000 lights projecting various effects symbolizing shabads.

Exhibit 18 was about designing and programing of the entire show sequence with automation and synchronization of lights,

audio, 360° projection and automated screen. Both were good and healthy challenges.”

According to the Delhi-based AV head honcho, the most potential part was programming of Exhibit 18 which is dedicated to the Coronation Ceremony of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and his court. The synchronized form of 360° projection playback in coordination with audio and lights automated screen transports the viewer to an altogether new sphere of experience.

“The best part was, all challenges got accomplished in the masterly guidance from Lawrence Ryan,” Kohli commends the expertise brought in by the 360flicks.com chief.

Projection solutions provider Christie – perhaps the biggest stake-holding OEM in Khalsa museum – had a sort of twin-challenge: one- ensure that right combination of product line went into differently designed galleries, and two- despite differing sizes and shapes they all looked uniform in colour saturation and brightness.

“Each gallery is completely unique to one other, and offers something novel to the audience,” says Rajesh Patkar, Deputy General Manager, Christie Digital Systems (India). “We had to ensure that we proposed systems with suitable brightness, technology, resolution along with suitable quantum, since none of the galleries have straight forward projection but a blend of various systems.”

According to the Christie Exec, while the intent of all the galleries and exhibits was same – immersive – each of them had different spec and function. That made their job rather exciting despite their handling similar projects elsewhere.

Sennheiser’s AudioGuide – another OEM with a major stake holding in the Khalsa experience – had a different challenge, though. While toiling it out even during nights to complete the install before time, the installer also had to give life to those AudioGuide systems from Phase-I that had gone awry.

“Coordinating with multiple agencies and completing the work within deadlines was anyway going to be a challenge; in addition, we had to address those problematic units installed during Phase-I,” informs Bisht Price, the Sennhieser India Partner who handled the install. “That indeed took us significant time.”

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Architectural elements and decorative motifs set up the experiential tone for the ensuing journey

The high point though comes from the museum official himself: “Despite challenges, the interesting thing was we had a great teamwork in place. Even the government functionaries that got involved with the project contributed passionately towards its smooth and perfect execution; at no point of the project, was an element of discordance.

The Audio-Visual fare: Transcendental, Experiential

“Virasat-e-Khalsa” is simply a wonderment of AV play; it's sheer joy; transcendental,” declares Harbir. “While each gallery’s telling a story is common, how they tell, and what went into their telling the story what is remarkable,” he states further.

That Phase-II begins with Gallery/Exhibit No. 15, that sets up the experiential tone for the ensuing journey, explains the integrator. According to him, the Exhibit is a contemporary recreation of the grandeur of the Eternal Guru’s Durbar using authentic architectural elements and motifs from Harmandir Sahib. The visitors descend along a ramp that spirals around a central beam of light representing the divine or Eternal Light – Jyot which finally rested in and manifested through Guru Granth Sahib. Along the walls around the ramp, a gentle and gradual trickle of numerous decorative motifs is shown using embedded LEDs that settle at the base. It creates the effect of a shower of light.

At the eye level, and a little above, visitors are greeted by words and passages from Guru Granth Sahib glowing within the motifs as bright illuminated words.

Perhaps, the connoisseur might be spoilt for choices to pick up the best of all, though the Exhibit No. 18 showing Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Durbar and his Coronation, the seasons and celebrations of Punjab, all shown in 360° projection is simply holistically exemplary.

“It was a journey of revelation,” endorses Gaurav, for whom the project is not first exposure though: “the subtlety of story-telling with such sophistication as 3D, 3D mapping with MediaLon in itself is a world of experience.”

The AV programmer feels in conformity with Exhibit 18's holistic impact. The audio overlay in multiple languages coinciding the corresponding video as one move around makes for a truly immersive experience.

The last four curved projection galleries with a combination of 2D and 3D visualization surely takes the cake, observes the Christie team. One cannot think of anyone else being able to pull something like this off, if it was not for the creative genius of Design Habit, they commend Amardeep’s ingenuity.

“Virasat-e-Khalsa is what we call a technological marvel depicting history in the most beautiful ways one could come across, so almost everything in it is completely unique,” says Rajesh. “the curved canvases with multiple projectors weaving in the visual pleasure from behind is just unique, though each of the gallery has its own offering.”

Says Bisht Prrice, the AudioGuide installer: Both the audio and video modes have been utilized to exhibit the Khalsa heritage in a compelling manner. If Video is heart, Audio is soul.

Sound quality offered by Sennheiser Audio Guide ensured that the visitor is completely immersed in the experience.

Synchronization of Phase-I audio with Phase-II in such a manner that it feels like both the phases had been done in one go makes this project different from others.

The Khalsa ranks are evidently elated at the achievement, and that comes out in Channa’s statement: “This project stands like a Lighthouse. There are about 10 museums being constructed in Punjab- like the War Memorial, Jung-e-Azadi, Golden Plaza at the Golden Temple etc. This one stands as a source inspiration for all of them. A bench mark per se.” www.designhabit.com www.christiedigital.com www.pangroup.in www.bishtprice.com www.i3synergies.com www.360flicks.com

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THAILAND

Mahajak Integrates AV System for Com7 Mahajak designs, supplies and installs Harman and Shure solutions for boardroom and training rooms

M

ahajak supplied and installed an AV system for Com7 for use in the boardroom and training rooms at their new office building. The scope of work included the design of the system, supply and installation of the equipment.

“Mahajak worked on seventeen rooms for this project. Of course the customer expected to get a good sound and background music system for all rooms including better after sales service. We would like to say that the customer absolutely trusts in our work experience of more than forty years. For the AV installation, the boardroom and training room were the highlights of this project. Apart from these, Mahajak set up the visual system supplied by owner in all rooms. We are absolutely sure that Harman and Shure were a key to our success for many

projects including this one,” stated Rungrote Kerdpimon who is Mahajak’s Project Sales Engineer.

Mahajak handled the AV system for the board room on the second floor. This room uses all JBL loudspeakers comprising two units of Control25-1 installed at the front of the room and six units of Control14C/T installed as ceiling loudspeakers. Apart from the JBL loudspeakers, there is a mixer amplifier model JBL CSA280Z driving the ceiling loudpspeakers while a Crown XLS1502 drives the Control25-1.

Mahajak selected a BSS Blu-100 processor in order to increase sound system efficiency. The visual system in this room consists of a Barco ClickShare CSE-200 wireless presentation system and uses HDMI transmitters and receivers.

In addition, an AMX Modero S

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

MSD-431-L was installed as a visual system controller and a wall mounted touch panel with processing handled by an AMX NetLinx NX-2200 integrated controller.

The training room can be split into three subconference rooms. In order to deliver a good quality sound system, twenty loudspeakers of JBL model Control14C/T were installed as ceiling loudspeakers driven by JBL mixer amplifier model CSA1120 and CSA2120Z as well as six units of JBL powered loudspeaker model LSR305/230. In addition, three units of Soundcraft Signature 10 and BSS Blu-100 were used as well. The visual system was supported by HDMI transmitter and receiver by using AMX model NMX-ENC-N1122 and NMXENC-N1222. Here, once again the Modero S MSD-431-L and AMX NEX-2200 were incorporated.

All the projectors in this project were supplied by the owner with Mahajak integrating the systems for a seamless experience. Mahajak also provided seven sets of Shure

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microphones model SLX24/SM58 to be used in the board room and training rooms.

Com7 was formerly a firm managing a wholesale IT business in Pantip Plaza where the biggest IT products distribution in Thailand is. With the growth of IT business, they changed the marketing strategy to emphasize being a retailer and increased their sales channels. Now their business is comprised of four groups which are retail business, service center, commercial and online business. It is vital to note that, their retailers have more than 300 branches appearing on Banana, Samsung shop, Studio7, and BKK. “We would like to thank our team for working tirelessly to make this project a success and thanks to COM7 for offering us this good opportunity.. We are proud that COM7 project is one of our reference projects,� said Rungrote Kerdpimon. www.mahajak.com

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BEIRUT

Ensuring Foolproof Security With Technology Crestron automation plays central to the surveillance system in Beirut

PROJECT FACT FILE: • • • • • • • •

Project name: City Surveillance System Project location: Beirut, Lebanon Project segment: City Security/Surveillance Project owner: Beirut Municipality & Ministry of the Interior Systems Integrator: Guardia Systems, Beirut Project cost: US$ 33 million approx.

Project commencement: 2014 Project commissioned: 2015

Project highlight(s): • • • •

2000 cameras from 350 surveillance points Two control rooms (One with 3x6 video wall) Two Data Centres of 10000 TB combined capacity Crestron Digital Media

The Tech Spec: • • • • • • • • •

Crestron for AV Control & integration Crestron for room audio system, and Saros Speakers Eyevis for Video wall (slim rear projection cubes) Pelco for CCTV (PTZ & Fixed Cameras) Genetec (software) for video management EMC for data storage Cisco for VC networking and IP telephony IBM for servers and workstations Emerson and Schneider Electric for data centres

Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon, is one of the very few cities in the world that are identified with a sort of oxymoronic references. Ancient, ethnic and beautiful on one side, and strifes, crimes and terror on the other. Fondly referred to as ‘Paris of the Middle East’ for its thriving hotspot for shopping, socializing and sightseeing despite troubles and turmoils, the Government, and City Administration understandably battle the latter to maintain the former. Aiding them do the job with precision and sophistication is a recent deployment of city surveillance system featuring some fascinating technology play.

Amidst a whole lot of technology weaving, is Crestron automation systems, playing central to that all, with locallybased Guardia Systems taking the honours of the massive deployment. An SIA feature:

B

eirut city has many distinctions- a city with 5000 years of antiquity, a historical repository, bountiful of water – quite unlike most cities in the region – and a lively blend of French and Ottoman cultures. The other side of this are, however, uncertainty, unrest and fears of insecurity- owing to the regional political turmoil.

With a view to curbing the crime and terror-related activities and while maintaining and presenting to the world the city’s unique identity, the Lebanese Ministry of Interior and

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The CCTV video capture feeds were tasked to Pelco’s PTZ and fixed cameras with 32x capability, besides the automatic number plate reading (ANMR) cameras.

The Control Room, on the other hand, featured a 18- slim, rear projection cubes for Eyevis, arranged in three rows of six each cubes measuring 55 inches diagonal. This video wall is backed up by three Full HD Pro 8520 projectors, and powered

by Genetec video management software. This Control Room set-up was augmented by a Cisco’s IP Telephony and videoconferencing.

Automation, Central to All: Beirut City Municipality have initiated a one-of-its-kind City Surveillance project by embracing latest technology.

Amidst a heavy completion of five potential bids, locally-based Systems Integrator Guardia Systems was awarded the contract to create the new surveillance network. The initiative was to be characterized by a sophisticated CCTV system that, among other features, could read vehicles’ registration plates; detect cloned plates and unlicensed cars; and examine convoys in detail. The entire system was to be controlled and automated from two, newly constructed, Network Operation Centres.

With an estimated US$30 million-plus cost tag, the project is taken to be the single largest security/surveillance install in the Middle East. The size and scale of the project is reflected in the numbers of its component systems: The deployment comprised installing as many as 2000 cameras distributed over 350 points of surveillance across the city. These cameras, however, varied between fixed units to monitor roads, traffic flow, pedestrians and 360° PTZ cameras with zooming capabilities of 32x. Every camera was to be connected to two Control Rooms of 50 operators each as well as two Data Centers with an impressive storage capacity of 10,000 Terabytes.

Automatic number plate recognition cameras installed at the entrances of Beirut City and the main streets collate data on the speed, type and direction of the cars, and can track any vehicle without a number plate. The completed network was controlled from both a Central Control Room and an additional Crisis Control Room.

“The scope of the project was such that we had to consider both the needs of the client and the safety of an entire city,” says Chadi Rahi, Business Development and Sales Manager at Guardia Systems. “We wanted to design a system that would greatly improve security, while creating a template that could be adapted for other cities,” he explains the ideation.

The Project Tech:

Evidently the system designer chose top of the market brands for each of the surveillance functionality. (Check the Tech Specs)

Playing central to all the functionalities from the field side video feeds as well as the Control Room side has been the Crestron automation systems that were integrated to automate lighting, shades, generators, UPS and precision cooling.

Interestingly, one simple and easy-to-use Crestron interface controls the full automation of the Control Room, which is important as the system will be operated by multiple users.

This includes a 3 Series Control processor C93N to benefit from the Control Subnet that provides a dedicated local network for Crestron devices, which considers the high security level on the network infrastructure.

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The rack-mounted 4K capability 32x32 DigitalMedia Switcher is connected using a Crestron HDMI cable lock to 24 AV sources from the Video Management system including surveillance cameras, pan-tilt-zoom cameras, and satellite receivers. One of the key challenges was to implement a sustainable 4K system that would be capable of supporting the release of higherresolution cameras in the future, and this was successfully achieved by Guardia Systems as only 24 of the 32 AV sources are currently being utilized, leaving plenty of room for expansion.

The Crestron system allows for seamless adaption between two separate Saros speaker zones; the control area for the operators and the crisis room for the supervisors. Both zones are managed through a Crestron commercial amplifier via analogue stereo pass-through outputs from six AV inputs.

Having two separate zones with AV capabilities allows the supervisors to discuss critical scenarios in private using a smart touch table and LED display, switch between different scenes and respond quickly to live events. When critical decisions have been made they can then project content from the crisis room and share with operators in the general control room.

Multiple user interfaces were considered from the outset of the project. This includes universal Crestron keypads used for lighting control, touch screens in the crisis room for local and global control of the system, Xpanel running on allocated supervisor workspaces for control of AV sources and for monitoring the UPS, generators and Precision Cooling.

Surveillance features are tailored to the individual needs of the operators on shift. The Crestron system allows for easy,

one-click, pre-programmed switches to manage the change in viewing preference of the surveillance channels.

“The ease and functionality of Crestron systems has aided the general operators exponentially- to be able to switch between different scenes quickly,” says Chadi. “As a result, the operators can respond immediately to live events.”

The implemented system is both efficient and futureproof, with impending technological advances in camera equipment and the growth of the surveillance system in the future supported with the knowing use of 4K capable 32x32 DigitalMedia Switcher. www.guardiasystems.com www.crestron.com

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AUSTRALIA

Western Sydney University Opens Its First ‘Vertical’ Campus Featuring NanoLumens Curved LED Lobby Information Display The curved 25’W X 5’H NanoLumens display can be seen from anywhere within the building’s lobby

W

estern Sydney University thought in very big terms when it first envisioned building a new (AUD) $220.5 million campus in the Parramatta City Precinct, the geographic heart of Sydney, Australia. The result is the university’s first ever ‘vertical’ campus that is now being used by thousands of students who pass through the 285,224 square foot, 14-story vertical campus every day!

“The students who study at this new campus will find themselves immersed in one of Australia’s most technologically advanced learning environments,” Kerry Holling, WSU Chief Information and Digital Officer, said today. “The campus is a hub of interactive personalized and networked technologies that are designed to enhance every aspect of the learning experience. It was only fitting then that the building’s main lobby feature an information display that is as compelling as the technologies featured throughout the rest of the building.”

Keeping this many students informed and engaged with campus news and events might seem like quite a challenge, but the consultants at Digital Place Solutions (DPS) knew that NanoLumens, the industry leading manufacturer and marketer of LED visualization solutions in any size, shape or curvature, would have just the right solution to meet the challenge. The result, according to Digital Place Solutions Managing Director Stephen Rubie is a stunning NanoLumens ‘true curved’ 4.7mm pixel pitch LED display that wraps around a curved central wall in the new university campus hub.

The curved NanoLumens display sits directly behind the campus’s information desk and had to be formed to fit the vision of the architect. The display is perfectly curved to match the curve of the wall, which means that the architect’s vision of being able to showcase dynamic images on seamlessly curved wall could be realized. The display actually curves past 90-degrees back into an acute angle and the off-axis viewing and colorimetry of the NanoLumens display is exceptional.

“Interestingly, at first the idea for the information area did not include a display because the architect didn’t think it was possible to find a true curved display that would work well within the overall design of the space,” Rubie emphasized.

“When we showed them the performance of the true curved NanoLumens display they knew they had to incorporate it into the design of the space. In fact, the display made the space!”

Equally compelling to the architects was the fact that the entire display could be installed without requiring changes to the wall the display would be mounted on. The 25’W X 5’H (7.5m X 1.5m) display wraps around a very tight radius, weighs only 749 pounds (350 Kg), is a mere 4-inches deep (100mm), and requires only 2x 15amp circuits to power it. “The entire installation only took three days to complete,” Rubie continued, “and because the display generates so little heat there was no need to install fans or special ventilation. In fact, people sit all day directly in front of the display.”

“The result is a very comfortable work area that features an incredibly bright, engaging, and energy-efficient display.

The university and the architects are thrilled with the result,” Hollings said.

Western Sydney University’s new vertical campus is now the technological epicenter of a larger (AUD) $2-billion Parramatta Square urban redevelopment program that will, when completed, be a showcase for smart city technology and the benchmark for future development in Parramatta City. www.nanolumens.com

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VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

HKU’s Antoinette Kelly Makes

The Case For Investing In AV Staff Training

By Winnie Leung

At University of Hong Kong (HKU), every member of the audiovisual team is required to go through InfoComm International’s CTS (Certified Technology Specialist™) programme.

To date, this leading Asian institution counts 10 CTS-certified professionals and one CTS-I, the specialised certification for AV system installation.

In this Q&A, Antoinette Kelly, the university’s associate director for Learning Environment Services, explains that staff certification is part of the university’s core strategy to boost in-house technical capacity and morale — both essential to pioneering new learning experiences. She also gives a preview of the upcoming InfoComm on Campus event at HKU on 23 May 2017.

Under your leadership, HKU has become one of the very first universities to require CTS certification for its tech staff. Can you talk about why this is so important for HKU? When I arrived at HKU, many decisions about AV facilities and classrooms were being made by people outside the department, usually hired consultants.

I wanted my team to be involved in the design and implementation process so that they would be the "local experts" and the first points of contact for HKU colleagues’ AV requests. I also wanted them to take the lead in redesigning and refitting existing facilities.

In order to achieve this, everyone needs to have good knowledge of the field.

The InfoComm training provides this platform for us.

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What changes have you seen since the certification requirement was enforced?

What was the biggest highlight for you at the 2016 event?

We currently have 10 CTS certifications and one CTS-I, and we have a further nine technicians taking the examination between 1 March and 20 April.

At the inaugural event last year, we were expecting 30 delegates, but 88 people arrived representing 23 local and overseas higher-education institutions.

As the team becomes more skilled and qualified, they become more active in project work. Our user satisfaction rate is extremely high and the university has recently delegated technical responsibility for all its performance venues to us, giving us a much wider brief. This has an incredibly empowering effect on our staff in their day-to-day work.

Learning spaces and technologies are a hot topic at the moment and as the AV and IT services continue to merge, people are looking for solutions, best practices, and case studies to learn from.

What were some of the challenges in implementing this change?

Time pressure is a challenge. My staff has heavy workloads, so we have had to try to timetable some slots in their working week for preparation and study. Language has also proven to be an issue. My team comprises native Cantonese speakers, so some of the English terminology and context can be difficult.

To help, we have study groups led by staff members who already have certification and good English skills.

What advice do you have for other universities regarding staff training?

I think staff development needs to be high on the list of any organisation's priorities if they want to keep up with today’s fast-changing technology. Not only does it provide you with new skills and opportunities, but employees also feel valued that they are being invested in, and good staff morale is hugely important.

You took a very active role driving the 2016 InfoComm on Campus event. Can you share why InfoComm on Campus is important to your work and to HKU? InfoComm on Campus is a good opportunity to share experiences and network with colleagues working elsewhere in the higher-education sector and build new relationships in the area of AV/IT support. It also gives us an opportunity to show our users and managers at HKU the value we are adding to our services.

What will attendees gain from attending this year’s event?

I think anyone supporting teaching and learning — whether working on frontline services in a technical role or as a manager — can benefit from this event on a number of levels.

The value of getting together to network with your peers cannot be underestimated and usually serves to prove that we are all facing the same challenges and are not alone! A robust and relevant event programme and discussions with knowledgeable speakers drawn from abroad and locally is also key. We are aiming for each attendee to learn at least one thing new or walk away with a great new idea to implement.

About InfoComm on Campus: InfoComm on Campus is a one-day program focusing on crossdisciplinary collaboration and evolving technology for creating the classroom of the future. This year’s event takes place at the University of Hong Kong on 23 May 2017.

Learn more or sign up via QR code:

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ON OUR WEB Systems Integration Asia April - May 2017

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