SIA APR-MAY 2019

S Y S T E M S

Vol. 18 Issue 4 Apr - May 2019

I N T E G R A T I O N

MCI (P) 034/04/2019 PPS 1669/08/2013(022992)

[COVER] STORY

A S I A

Industry Brimming with ConďŹ dence

Systems Integration Asia Vol. 18 Issue 4 ~ April - May 2019

Interview: ihD Coming to Address the Market in New Mode

Feature: Mounting Technologies

Sound Space Vision at the New Xiqu Centre

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

CONTENTS Vol. 18 Issue 4 ~ April - May 2019

Renkus-Heinz at the Fabulous Weiwuying Kaohsiung Center

04

FIRST WORDS

06

NEWS

30

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

74 46

SHOW PREVIEW

46

Indian AV Industry Afrms AV Integrated Systems Expo Initiatives

48

InfoComm SOUTH EAST ASIA: Dene the Future of Your Business

52

54 36

38

IAAPA Announces Special Events and Program Schedule for IAAPA Expo Asia 2019

INTERVIEW

68

68

SOUTH KOREA: HARMAN Professional Solutions Illuminates Seoul's Elegant Lotte Concert Hall

70

CHINA: Cultural Clubbing in Kunming with Robe

72

AUSTRALIA: Creating An Urban Oasis with RTI: The Calile Hotel

74

TAIWAN: Renkus-Heinz at the Fabulous Weiwuying Kaohsiung Center

76

MALAYSIA: NanoLumens' First Malaysian Installation in Suria KLCC Shopping Mall

78

CHINA: Tailored Sound Systems for the 2022 Asian Games by DAS Audio

80

HONG KONG: Sound Space Vision at the New Xiqu Centre

82

SINGAPORE: Royal Plaza on Scotts Opts for Discreet Sound System

84

INDIA: Jang-e-Azadi Memorial: Evoking Patriotism

SOLUTION HIGHLIGHT 54

Bosch India: Spreading Security Sensitization

56

ihD: Building Better Solutions for Better Future

58

BenQ: Leveraging on a Holistic Approach to Solutions

SONY ADVERTORIAL

86 59

Now You Have the Flexibility To Move About Your Meeting

SHOW REVIEW

40

ISE 2019: Audio Wanting to be Enjoyed Visually

43

ISE 2019: Nuggets from the Show Floor

TECH TALK

FEATURE

Is Your Data Hot, Warm, or Cold?

40

INSTALLATIONS

59

The Importance of Mounting Technology

62

THAILAND: Industry Brimming with Condence

88

VOICE BOX

88

IP-Based Systems Open Doors and Close Sales with CustomersNeeding Low Latency Distribution of High Res Video

90

ON OUR WEB

4

FIRST WORDS

With InfoComm Southeast Asia taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, we felt that it was apt that we do a report about the AV business in the country. My meetings in January 2019 revealed an upbeat mood. However, as at the time of this magazine going to the printers, the country was having its first democratic elections in eight years. Will the results create a non-conducive environment and put a dampener on the mood is anyone’s guess. We, of course, hope for the best.

We are excited about InfoComm Southeast Asia as it has been some time since the region has had an InfoComm show. Much effort has been put in with AVIXA and InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd spending a couple of weeks in March on a roadshow covering Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The objective was to encourage not only the industry but end-users to attend the inaugural IFSEA show. The organisers have also arranged for simultaneous interpretation services for most of the seminars and talks taking place during the show. The languages catered for are Thai, Vietnamese and Bahasa Indonesia.

We are also collaborating with InfocommAsia Pte Ltd to organise the inaugural Asia AV Leaders Forum. This by-invite event will be held on the first day of the exhibition, and we hope that the invited guests will find the event beneficial not only in terms of shared knowledge but by growing their network with other similar minded professionals in the region.

Thomas Richard Prakasam Publisher / Editorial Director

DANIEL NGIAM MEDIA Rep for Spinworkz Pte Ltd el: +65 84410258 first_dm@hotmail.com

ART / LAYOUT Shankar Venugopal

CREATIVE

CULT

OUR COLLABORATORS Elissa Nadine

PV Anthony

Rosalind Tan

Halim, TrueDesignLab.com

Web Content and Social Media Specialist

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Server and IT Security Guru

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PUBLISHED BY Spinworkz Pte Ltd 51 Bukit Batok Crescent #06-10 Unity Centre, Singapore 658077 Tel: (65) 6316 2716 Fax: (65) 63162715 www.spinworkz.com PRINTED BY Stamford Press Pte Ltd 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.

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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6

NEWS

Adam Hall Hosts Event Tech Summit in India

Hall the market’s choice. “With the kind of dynamism that the Indian market is pacing with, and given the competence and width of Adam Hall solutions, we have every reason to succeed,” Sanjay said.

The gathering of 150-odd audience – comprising audio designers and decision makers, besides integrators and End Users from Rental & Staging segment – were then treated to some in-house developed video reels on some of Adam Hall’s popular products, and R&D thrust that the company puts in developing them.

INDIA: German Pro Audio, lighting and staging solutions major Adam Hall announced its arrival on Indian event technology market in an overwhelming style. The company recently organized what was its first Event Tech Summit in Bengaluru to introduce itself to Indian market on what it is, and what it intends to bring as part of its wide portfolio of solutions.

Themed Tune In – Discover the Difference, the Event Tech Summit has virtually lived up to what it promised – bringing to the fore its distinct fare of event technology solutions in its own inimitable style – inviting a large spectrum of Indian industry, and briefing it about its competence and connect with technology, rather than mere products.

The objective of the initiative was apparent.

Having opened its Asia Pacific office in Singapore about three years ago, and made a big gig with it across the region, the NeuAnspach-Hesse, Germany-headquartered major now wants to build its business in the big, potentially expanding Indian market.

The generic motive of ‘meet n greet’ initiative, appeared truly one, with the company’s COO & Managing Director Marcus Jahnel receiving almost everyone in the lobby of Adam Hall’s COO & Managing Director Marcus Jahnel

the venue itself and exchanging niceties. The mood and tone for the ensuing meet n greet was set with the High Tea, that was followed

by Marcus’s run-through presentation of Adam Hall’s genesis and growth through decades of technology exploits and business expansion. Interlacing the Adam Hall story with his personal and professional growth, Marcus drove home a statement of his strong connect with the company and satisfied he is with its positioning on the global scale.

Chandan Mahtani, Managing Director of Adam Hall, APAC

Chandan Mahtani, Managing Director of Adam HallAsiaPac, who actually welcomed the gathering before inviting Marcus to begin the proceedings, also introduced

Sanjay Chawla, Managing Director of Kripa Electronics India- the first appointee of Adam Hall in India for its LD speaker systems.

With a high element of appreciation for Adam Hall solutions portfolio and the market dynamics in the country, Sanjay exuded confidence about making Adam Sanjay Chawla, Managing Director, Kripa Electronics India

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

First to greet the audience was the Porsche Design Maui P900 G Line Array of the Maui Series, followed by the Maui 5 GO W, battery-powered, compact, portable Line Arrays.

Explaining the R&D effort that went into the making of Maui P900 G Line Array design by Porsche Design Studio, Marcus underlined Adam Hall’s commitment to developing superlative products despite their causing high investment and time consumption. “While we lived those testing times having roped in Porsche Design Studio for the P900 G,” he recalled, “the fascination it created in the market after the launch at Frankfurt 2018 has vindicated our belief.”

According to him, the P900 G emerged as one of the top and best-selling model from Adam Hall. Combining state-of-the-art audio technology and eye-catching elegance, the MAUI P900 is aimed at live events and installation environments requiring stellar sonic performance and style. With a total of 50 neodymium transducers and 1,400 watts RMS of class D power, this groundbreaking column system delivers a maximum sound pressure of 131 dB and 42 to 20,000 Hz frequency response.

Next to awe the gathering was the Maui 5 GO W that was developed to cater to the demand for high-power, yet portable system

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Right from the planning stages, we support your commercial projects with individual consultation, comprehensive service and attractive pricing so you can maintain your competitive edge. Of course, our expert assistance continues long after the successful completion of your installation. Visit adamhall.com/install and discover what our full-scale offering can do for you!

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8

NEWS market…to give us first-hand information so we can manoeuvre in the best possible speed to suit our Indian clients,” he added. “Having felt the pulse in India with this successful event, we are looking forward to continuing the efforts on the ground to gain further traction with our users here.”

that can run on battery. The ultra-portable battery-powered column-PA is supplied by a high-performance lithium-ion unit that provides power for up to 20 hours operating time. The charger is built into the subwoofer, while an external charging dock is available as an accessory. Inputs for microphone, instrument and line signals as well as Bluetooth stereo streaming make the MAUI 5 GO the ideal system for street musicians, or for music and speech reproduction at private and business events, and all mains powerfree applications.

The system’s superlight weight of just 13 kg makes the four-piece design ultra-easy to transport, its special multi-pin connectors help to assemble and ready the system for use in seconds.

The audience were also treated to other product lines like Cameo, Defender, and Adam Hall Accessories and their unique value adds to the market.

Visiting India for the first time, Markuz felt excited not only about the vividity of the country’s cultural and culinary pluralism, but also the Pro Audio market dynamism and zeal for professional excellence. Impressed with the ‘overwhelming numbers’ of audience the Adam Hall COO felt it showed their commitment, and wanting to know what Adam Hall has to share.

“We are very pleased with the warm hospitality we received,” the Adam Hall COO&MD said. “Our foray into India was to put our person physically present in the

Adam Hall’s India Country Manager Nagaraj Mallikarjun added the programme’s agenda was just a ‘meet n greet vision’ and it turned out to be outstanding. “There was no technology talk per se, no structured interactions as such; it was just the meet and greet, and get introduced to people.

Having recently appointed Kripa Electronics for LD Systems, the company is now considering appointing dealer-distributor for other brands such as Cameo, Gravity and Defender, besides others.

“This is our first Pilot event, and it evoked such an overwhelming response,” Nagaraj explained. “We would also want to go to other cities like Mumbai and Delhi later this year,” he said, “the company also has plans to establish a dedicated Experience Centre, and technical services support division.” www.adamhall.com S

I A

ZeeVee Opens First Office in Southeast Asia ASIA: Accelerating its drive into Asia, ZeeVee has opened an office in Singapore, its first company facility in the Asia-Pacific region, to better serve the rapidly growing commercial and residential AV market in Southeast Asia.

ZeeVee has named industry veteran Ricky Tan to lead the new operation, appointing him regional sales manager, southeast Asia. The company, based in Massachusetts, is a global pioneer and leader in the development and deployment of AV distribution systems for industrial, commercial and residential applications.

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

“We’ve been active in the Asian market for several years, thanks in large part to a strong partnership with COMM-TEC Asia, based in Hong Kong,” said Bob Michaels, CEO, ZeeVee. “As our Asian business grew, it became clear we needed to have our own office in the region. Singapore is the logical choice for our first company-owned location in Asia; it offers a strong pool of local talent and a central location for easy access to all points in this important region.”

According to AVIXA, the international trade association representing the audio-video industry, the Asian market is expected to capture 36 percent of the global pro AV market by 2023.

The new office will focus on several regional markets including Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore. It will offer pre- and post-sales technical support while also working to educate the market about the company’s advanced IP-based video distribution solutions for a wide array of applications.

Previously, Tan worked at Revolabs, as regional sales manager, Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia; Vidyo, regional sales director, Southeast Asia; LifeSize Communications, regional manager, Southeast Asia; and ClearOne Communication, regional sales manager, South Asia. He brings hands-on experience in the market and familiarity with consultants, integrators, dealers and end-users in the region. In addition to business generation, he is tasked with promoting the company’s values in the market.

“We’re fortunate to have Ricky head up our team in Southeast Asia,” said Michaels. “He has strong professional relationships, deeprooted knowledge of AV technology and understands the requirements of Singapore and other Asian countries.

Tan can be reached by email at rtan@zeevee. com; or at +65 9188-8211. www.zeevee.com

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10

NEWS

AIMS Creates New Working Group Focused on Pro AV Market GLOBAL: The Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS) has announced the launch of a new Pro AV Working Group tasked with promoting the adoption of one set of media-over-IP David Chiappini protocols for the professional AV and installed systems market.

AIMS has appointed David Chiappini as chair and Scott Barella as deputy chair of the new working group.

compressed and uncompressed products for that space.

Barella, who is CTO at PESA, provides leadership and insight for the company’s delivery of robust security components to video, audio, and data signals in the Ethernet fabric, as well as compression and distribution technologies. In addition to his new role as deputy chair of the Pro AV Working Group, he also serves as the AIMS Technical Working Group deputy chair. Barella has a strong background in broadcast systems design and architecture, OEM manufacturing and design, systems integration, and operations, with particular emphasis on IP video. www.aimsalliance.org S

The AIMS Pro AV Working Group will define an openstandards approach to addressing the pro AV world’s move toward IP media. The group’s efforts will be based on evaluating Scott Barella

and recommending existing standards and specifications from AES, AMWA, VSF, SMPTE, IEEE, and IETF that already have been broadly adopted by the media and entertainment industry, incorporating pro AV-market-specific features including security, HDCP support for protected content, and IO control. The anticipated result of the Pro AV Working Group’s efforts is a flexible, future-proof method for meeting the video, audio, and data requirements of current and future pro AV solutions.

Chiappini, the new working group’s chair, is vice president of research and development for AIMS member Matrox. He has served in a variety of roles at Matrox since 1994 and currently manages the engineering teams behind the Matrox pro AV and broadcast products lines. Chiappini has extensive expertise and experience in the AV-over-IP movement, and he is involved in developing

I A

VUE Continues to Add Resources to Support APAC Market Growth

APAC: Following nearly two years of unprecedented growth across throughout the APAC region, VUE is pleased to announce the appointment of Tony Sawyer to the new position of Technical Support Specialist, APAC. In his new role, Sawyer will focus on bolstering VUE’s significant growth by providing distributor, sound company, and consultant technical and design support as well as product training across APAC

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

territories. He will also provide technical training and content to support VUE partners in other worldwide markets. Sawyer joins VUE from his most recent position as Head of Systems at Pioneer Professional Audio, which followed an 11-year stint with global responsibility at Bosch Communications / Electro-Voice / Dynacord. His three and a half decades in the industry will bring a wealth of experience to VUE’s customer base.

“As our network continues to expand in Asia, the need for a dedicated, full-time technical resource is critical to delivering timely and meaningful support to our partners across Asia,” said Ken Berger, VUE president. “Tony’s expertise, deep connections, and proven ability to work with sound companies, consultants and customers at all levels will be invaluable in helping our partners leverage VUE’s surging market acceptance. And while his main focus will be on the APAC territory, our worldwide partners will also benefit from his European and Middle East experience and contacts.”

This latest appointment follows a series of focused business development initiatives for VUE in Asia, including the formation of VUE China, a Shanghai-based distribution company, as well as the appointment of Joe Manning to head VUE’s market development efforts in all APAC territories outside of China.

“I’m really proud to join this team and to help VUE customers and partners realize the significant potential of these amazing products,” said Sawyer. “In a crowded market, VUE is forcing people to rethink the status-quo by delivering pioneering technology and user-friendly designs –all wrapped in a go-to brand and premium price point. Plus, their focus on customer relationships reminds me why I joined this industry in the first place.”

Sawyer is based in Manila and reports directly to Ken Berger. He can be reached by phone at +1-760-677-8423 or via e-mail at tsawyer@vueaudio.com. www.vueaudio.com

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12

NEWS

Airtel Launches India’s ‘First HD UC Platform’

INDIA: Bharti Airtel – India’s largest private telecom operator – is apparently seeking to herald a new era in Indian AV/Collaboration domain. With a view to exploiting newer business domains (in the wake of the telecom business becoming increasingly challenging), the telco major has recently launched what in India what it called the country’s first High Quality Unified Communication service offering- which, in other words, is an integrated and secure platform for High Definition audio, video, and webconferencing.

For bringing this ambitious initiative to reality, the company has partnered with the American Enterprise video-first communications sensation Zoom Video Communications, Inc. According to an Airtel media communiqué, businesses can now leverage the next generation unified cloud service for innovative one-stop-shop conferencing solution to foster effective collaboration among employees and teams globally.

Airtel and Zoom’s conference calling solution comes with unique features that include: * Instant one click access, video conferencing, audio conferencing * Content sharing, and archiving/recording * Virtual backgrounding, company branding * Multi-layer security * Meeting participation of up to 1,000 people on video from different locations across the globe, AND * Live streaming of video webinars for up to 50,000 viewers The new solution coming to market place promises enabling of enterprise customers to leverage exclusive benefits accruing from Zoom’s competencies that include built-in audio conferencing- coming absolutely free.

That facility, when it comes into effect, will facilitate customers accessing local dial-in

numbers for over 55 countries, enabling all its call participants to join the conference easily over audio for unlimited number of minutes.

“Our mission, at Airtel, is to offer best-inclass Enterprise connectivity solutions to businesses and enable them to become more agile. We are delighted to work with Zoom to offer a secure and seamless solution to serve the growing demand for high quality unified conferencing in India,” said Ajay Chitkara, Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Airtel Business. “The solution is designed to truly simplify the user experience and will bring immense value to customers,” he said, adding “with Airtel’s reliable global connectivity and Zoom’s globally proven expertise in communications, customers can look forward to experiencing super quality service.”

Eric S. Yuan, Founder and CEO of Zoom, endorsed: “our collaboration with Airtel brings together Zoom’s world-class unified communications platform with Airtel’s extensive network to provide our joint customers a seamless solution that meets all of their collaboration needs. This collaboration also extends Zoom’s reach into Indian market to further grow our global footprint.”

With a view to pushing forward aggressively among its Enterprise customers, Airtel has unveiled a slew of promotional schemes service options, besides a 24X7 customer care support. It intends to offer easy payment options – monthly billing on a pay-asyou-go basis and special monthly packs.

These convenient billing options are aimed at enabling businesses to avoid making payments using credit cards for the service.

The telco has also created some unique plan towards meeting the unified conferencing needs of all businesses. The plans range from approximately ₹ 10,000 (approx. US$145) per year to ₹ 24,000 (approx. US$348) per year offering unlimited conferencing on video, audio and web along with other benefits. www.airtel.in www.zoom.us

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

Q-SYS Core 110f Processor is Now Certified for Google Hangouts

GLOBAL: QSC’s collaboration with Google Cloud allows Hangouts Meet hardware users to easily extend their video conference experience to larger, more complex meeting environments by taking advantage of the audio processing from the award-winning Q-SYS Ecosystem.

As part of this collaboration, the Q-SYS Core 110f processor is now certified for Hangouts Meet hardware solutions. This allows installers to integrate audio from Q-SYS Core 110f to Hangouts Meet hardware via a simple USB connection, giving it access to classleading I/O count, software-based acoustic echo cancellation, room combining, and advanced EQ capabilities.

“The flexibility of the Q-SYS Ecosystem is unlike anything on the market, and its IT-based design allows it to easily integrate with just about any of the latest meeting room technology, including popular web conference applications like Hangouts Meet,” says Greg Mattson, QSC Product Manager for Q-SYS Control.

“Our work with Q-SYS and Hangouts Meet hardware is helping enterprises translate the ease and reliability of soft codec conferencing into these larger, challenging spaces like in open spaces for tech talks and extralarge meeting spaces. In addition, we are actively working on additional collaborations with Google Cloud to certify additional components of the Q-SYS audio, video and control ecosystem that would further enrich the collaboration experience for Hangouts Meet in the future.” www.qsc.com/google

14

NEWS

Clair Brothers Gives Australia’s Burdekin Theatre a Strategic Upgrade bottom kiT12s if necessary, for the orchestra pit or certain productions that perform on the extended downstage area. Two kiT-Subs placed on either side of the stage provide even sub coverage throughout the seating area powered by a CB-D 80:4L 4 x 2000w @ 8ohms. Four 5CX front fills work perfectly to provide vocal image to the front VIP seating rows.”

AUSTRALIA: The Burdekin Theatre is downright beautiful, with its deep red stage curtains and matching carpeting throughout, accented by red and white lights setting a mood with reflections shining magnificently off golden-hued walls. It’s the Burdekin region of Australia’s home for arts and entertainment, playing host to a diverse range of live performances including musicals, plays and rock concerts. It also plays host to conferences and seminars, plus local events such as dance recitals, school award nights, and more. The theatre features an impressive 473-seat auditorium with proscenium arch, fly tower, and orchestra pit, supported by a professional technical staff who work in its state-of-the-art facilities.

When it came time to upgrade its sound system – Clair Brothers topped the list after a competitive review of major loudspeaker brands.

Explains David Luscombe, theatre technician, at Burdekin Theatre, “As time went on, I knew our old system was reaching the end of its life expectancy. It just wasn’t keeping up with our ever-rising standards.

I saw it as an opportunity to upgrade, so I took a listen to several top brands before I got the opportunity to experience an inperson demo with Wayne Grosser, the Clair Brothers’ audio and design consultant here in Australia. After hearing the system Wayne proposed, I was sold, and knew right then that Burdekin Theatre was about to have

installed a loudspeaker system from the best manufacturer in the market today.”

At the demo, David’s audio brief for the upgrade was a system designed by Mr. Grosser, a Clair Brothers speaker combination that would provide longevity and the best audio experience to the theatre’s audiences from rock to opera. The configuration was an LCR system which would give the venue and its engineers total flexibility and headroom, while using Dante to drive the system from their Allen & Heath iLive console. Adds Grosser, “My design approach was to use the same speaker elements in all three main hangs horizontally arrayed, which fitted within the theatre’s proscenium.”

The Burdekin thankfully possesses naturally flowing acoustics, so the installation of the new sound system wasn’t so much about overcoming challenges as it was about making sure the room achieved its maximum potential with the perfect complimentary components. It’s why this proposed Clair Brothers kiT12 system was the ultimate choice. “The top kiT12s on each hang,” explains Grosser, “were 60 x 40 degree’s and the bottom kiT12s were 90 x 40 degrees.

Each kiT12 is in bi-amp mode and has its own two-amp channels and Lake processing with a total of twelve 1000w @ 8ohms amplifier channels for the six kiT12s (three CB-D 40:4L amps). This allows David and his team of engineers to trim or shade the

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

Luscombe elaborates: “Having the exact same components in the LCR hang has made a significant improvement to the tonality and intelligibility in the room. And having front fill with the same voicing as the main hangs was a genius decision, really. When you hear the results, you realize why I knew this was the only way to go. Then, when you add in the four fantastic sounding Clair Brothers CB-D40:4L amps, you get headroom for days.

What more can I say?”

With regard to video, the kiT12 system enables the Burdekin team to hang the speakers in such a position so as not to impede the sight lines of the theatre’s proscenium arch or obstruct video projection onto the rear cyclorama. In conclusion, Luscombe puts it this way: “The kiT12 system is a great system all the way around.

Its flexibility provides us with an accurate presentation of what is being fed into the system. The contrast compared to our previous system is night and day. And honestly, from an audio engineer’s point of view, it has completely changed how I mix in this room. I no longer have to do combat audio just to get it to sound respectable.

Now I can mix from a creative perspective, allowing a much more enjoyable show from both a patron’s point of view and the crew’s perspective. The icing on the cake is that since the installation, we consistently receive compliments from attendees and performers alike who notice how great the sound is.

Absolutely they do – It’s a Clair Brothers system after all!” www.clairbrothers.com

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16

NEWS

HARMAN Professional Solutions Appoints Brightstar Telecommunications India Ltd will now help our partners to supply a complete audio-video automation solution from Harman which end-customers have been asking for a long time. We will also be the one-stop-shop for all HARMAN preferred partners in enterprise business.”

INDIA: HARMAN Professional Solutions has appointed Brightstar India as their distribution partner that includes HARMAN installed solutions for their enterprise portfolio in India.

Brightstar India has an existing relationship with Harman Lifestyle division and this partnership will enable Brightstar to deal in

the complete range of professional Installed audio and video products for the enterprise business.

“HARMAN is a global leader in end-to-end AV solutions and we are excited about this partnership,” said Sanjeev Chhabra, Managing Director, Brightstar India.

“Inclusion of complete range of JBL, AMX, SVSi, BSS, Dbx, AKG, Crown, and Soundcraft

“HARMAN Professional India values its relationship with the existing partners and continually strive to make it stronger.

Brightstar is a leading technology distribution business in India and one of HARMAN’s largest distribution partners across multiple geographies. In keeping with our goals of continuous improvement and improving ease of doing business, we have appointed Brightstar India as our distribution and fulfilment partner for enterprise business in India,” said Prashant Govindan, Sr. Director, India and SAARC, HARMAN Professional Solutions. www.harman.com

National Theater of Japan Upgrades its Comms with Riedel Solutions Technical Department at the National Theater of Japan. “After evaluating various intercom products for ease of installation, sound quality, and stable performance, we chose to invest in Riedel’s Artist and Bolero intercom systems.”

JAPAN: The National Theater of Japan in Tokyo has started using the Bolero wireless and Artist wired intercom systems across its two performance halls — a 1,610-seat theater and a smaller 590-seat theater — to enable flexible communications with crystalclear audio quality. Staff across the theater’s technical department relies on the Riedel system to support the production of a wide range of traditional theatrical and musical performances.

“The wireless intercoms we’ve used over the past 10 years were unstable and susceptible to radio interference and noise, so we started looking for a more reliable intercom system with greater RF robustness,” said Makoto Ishii, Deputy Manager of the Theater

“Since we began using the Bolero system, we have eliminated the noise and interference and used the wireless system’s flexibility to make continuous improvements to our intercom setup,” added Tatsuya Fujisawa, Sound Engineer at National Theater of Japan.

“We’ve been pleased with new options the Bolero gives us, such as using our beltpack speakers as a two-way radio when that’s a preferable alternative to using headsets.”

Two Artist systems with integrated Bolero wireless intercoms ensure reliable communications in both halls, connecting technical staff with their master control rooms (MCRs). By choosing Bolero for its wireless intercom, the theater was able to reduce the number of antennas required, as well as the time and cost required to install them. The cost savings allowed for

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

investment in an additional three beltpack units, for a total of 13.

Five Bolero beltpacks are dedicated to staff in each hall, and another three beltpacks are used by management staff in the MCR. Each beltpack boasts six channels, and staff working in either hall also can take advantage of point-to-point lines to “call” the MCR directly rather than rely on a phone, as they had in the past. “The team at the National Theater of Japan is committed to using the best technology to support its live productions, and Bolero is proving to be a great fit,” said Ms. Takako Konishi, Sales Manager at Riedel Communications Japan. “We are proud that our technology plays a vital role during the theater’s renowned presentations of traditional Japanese performing arts.” www.riedel.net

Speaking your language DICENTIS Interpreter desk The new DICENTIS Interpreter desk complies with current and future market requirements, and provides interpreters maximum freedom to focus on their job. The intuitive and ergonomic design, together with a state-of-the-art IP-based DICENTIS platform, results in a highly flexible interpreting solution for up to 100 interpreted languages.

For more information, contact us at +65 6571 2808, apr.buildingtechnologies@bosch.com or visit www.boschsecurity.com

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NEWS

‘Supercharged’ Aurora India Celebrates ‘Breakthroughs’ Giving a clear distinction between solutions and their applications, Paul explained how its 10Gig solution is superior and what benefits does it bring to the application area. The Aurora CEO also dealt at length about the ReAX technology platform, and its advantages to the AV spectrum as well.

Even as he seemingly convinced the audiences of the competence that Aurora solutions bring to place, Paul announced two important offerings applicable globally with immediate effect:

INDIA: Aurora Multimedia India, sort of ‘supercharged’ with its successes in the Indian ProAV market – following its entry into the country roughly two years ago – recently celebrated its ‘breakthroughs’ with a focussed two-session, one-day event in Bengaluru.

The day-long event, essentially, comprised two important sessions: a Breakthrough session in the morning, and a Supercharged Nite session in the evening. The event’s programming was also highlighted by a showcasing of Aurora’s cutting edge solutions portfolio aimed at spreading awareness about the ‘Aurora advantage’ as well as allaying the ‘misinformation’ being spread across the industry ranks about its technology competence.

The Breakthrough session was an exclusive Client-Only programme where the company had exclusive interactions with some of its most trusted and high profile clients/End

S Narenthar of GE Global Research Centre

Users towards understanding their views on Aurora’s AV over IP solutions and emerging topology of AV, as well as the desired initiatives in future.

Aurora Multimedia CEO Paul Harris made an exhaustive presentation on the company’s technology perspective, initiatives and approach to market, besides its focus on developing customized solutions for End Users.

While one of the obvious focal aspects of the programme was dispelling the misinformation being spread on Aurora’s 10Gig solution, Paul also made some specific announcements from the stage with a view to rendering the company solutions more compelling.

Madhusudan D of Societe Generale

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

* Reduction of asking price for the 1Gig wall plates – VLX TCW2H-C & VLX TCW2V-C – from US$1750 to US$1400. * Increase in the warranty period from three years to five years for all Aurora products.

The technology briefing was followed by a very interesting client-OEM interaction as some of the End Users pro-actively brought forth several aspects of their technology requirements and how Aurora can fit into those needs. Prominent among them included S Narenthar of GE Global Research Centre; Mathew KG, Project Manager-IT Services/Client Services from SAP India; Madhusudhan D, Sr. Tech Manager-GTS from Societe Generale; and Sai Kumar, Sr. Manager-IT from Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.

“Aurora does possess commendable technology competence and solutions too that can bring about very experiential changes to most AV-IT architectures,” observed Narenthar. “We have been keenly watching their offerings, and we are

Mathew KG of SAP India

Sai Kumar, Sr. Manager-IT from Indian School of Business, Hyderabad

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20

NEWS

impressed,” he said. “Probably, they will redefine the domain.”

According to Madhusudan D of Societe Generale ‘getting exposed to Aurora solutions with such a finer detail was good.’

“We do know about Aurora technology; but this exposure helped us understand them much better.”

“We certainly stand better informed now,” felt Mathew KG of SAP India. “Programmes like this help comprehend technology better.

A very desirable event.”

For the Aurora Chief, it’s been a great experience all through. “It’s been incredible,” said Paul. “In a market like India, as I’m told, creating over 350 AV over IP spaces, with 150-plus installations, and building relationship with over 100 clients in just over 24 months’ time, isn’t a small job,” he said.

“That not only speaks of the efforts put in by Aurora India team but also the experience of value the technology has been able to provide to the clients. That’s indeed a big breakthrough.”

“That is exactly why we called the event ‘breakthrough,’” said Nataraju Upputuri, Aurora India’s Director. “Our select invitees for the event included not only those using Aurora solutions, but also those who haven’t yet used; we invited them to have a look and feel,” he said, “and they were impressed, having seen the difference between Aurora and the competition. That’s the best part.”

Supercharged Aurora Nite: Quite evidently, the second part of the event in the night was supercharged, in tune with its theme and name as it marked both celebration and thanksgiving as well as networking with the company’s partners, consultants and integrators who had been contributing to Aurora Multimedia’s success since its inception in the country. The gathering comprised AV professionals from across the country who were treated to some scintillating musical performance.

“We started the journey two years ago. It’s been a sort of roller coaster ride initially but we soon started sailing smoothly; we stood by our hard work, dedication and

commitment throughout,” said the Aurora Multimedia India Director Nataraju Upputuri.

“As we complete two years of growth and achievement, we wanted to thank all those who trusted and supported us,” he said. “The programme is all about the breakthroughs we achieved and how supercharged we are for the future.”

Sundays at its worship hall that has the capacity for 1200 worshippers.

According to the Aurora India Director, the timing of the event is just perfect. “With the launch of Aurora SEA office and completion of two years in India, the company felt it’s the right time.

The new sound system configuration consists of a FOH system featuring a pair of KV2 ESR212 full-range 3-way loudspeaker system hung together with a pair of KV2 ESD10 frontfill speakers on the left and right, in front of the altar. A pair of KV2 ESD10 speakers help with the sound reinforcement for each side of the left and right seating areas.

An additional ESD10 speaker is used as a monitor for the choir.

www.aurora-in.com S

I A

KV2 Systems at the St. Francis of Assisi Church

Sindo Exports was called in by the church to help design, install and configure the new sound system. The seating at the church is arranged in a T-shape with further seats provided in the upper balcony.

The speakers are installed vertically.

Impressively the sound coverage is clear even at the entrance of the church as well as at the balcony with no additional speakers needed.

Control and amplification for the ESR212 speakers is handled by a KV2 ESR2800 amplifier whilst three units of QSC PLD4.2 amplifiers drive the ESD10 speakers. Sindo also integrated a Symetrix Jupiter8 DSP to ensure better sound management of the loudspeakers.

SINGAPORE: The St. Francis of Assisi Catholic church has occupied its present site at Boon Lay (on the west side of Singapore) for 52 years. In 2002 the church underwent renovations to expand its seating capacity as well as construction of other facilities.

16 years later in March 2018, the church decided to replace the sound system within the worship hall.

The previous sound system that had been serving the church’s needs started to show signs of deterioration. Electrical, humming and feedback issues became more prominent. Laurence Ramos who is responsible for information and communication technologies at the church highlighted that the sound system had become unconducive for the worship services and had to be replaced.

The church holds two worship services on weekdays, two on Saturdays and five on

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

Also on the rack is the X32 Behringer Producer console. The compact size of the X32 has allowed Sindo to install the rack vertically. “We have programmed multiple presets to allow us to operate the console easily. The vertical installation of the console also helps us see the console easily. The added advantage with the X32 are the apps that allow us to control the console remotely.

I actually have the app installed into my phone for easy control,” said Laurence.

Laurence added, “We are very pleased with the expertise, after sales support and service provided by Sindo.” www.sindoexport.com

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www.simplyconnect.com.sg www.digibirdtech.com © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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NEWS

AVIXA Promotes AV Standards for Digital Economy

management consultants, and End Users and decision makers etc.,” he explained.

“Standards provide guidance, confidence, gravitas and professionalism, besides compliance.”

Having well-defined AV Standards in place help End Users and (Facility) Owner’s Representatives have ‘clear definition of outcome; verification of project progress (from time to time); and verification of project completion.

INDIA/ME: In a fast transforming digital economy that the world is increasingly turning into, it is imperative that businesses that are driven by it as well as those that aspire to drive it have to set in place a standard methodology of technology deployment processes that are universally approved and acknowledged so that enterprises on either side of the tide will sail seamlessly to the next level of digital economy.

and 22 March in Mumbai, before proceeding to Doha for a 24 March event.

AVIXA – the apex body of global audio-visual industry – has been assiduously trying to bring in this adoption process across the world geographies, and been devising various programmes to promote a faster and wider adoption. The industry ecosystem comprising technology designers and deployers needed to benefit from the initiative.

The programme module comprised a detailed presentation by Jonathan Seller, Senior Director at AVIXA AsiaPac on the training and certification competencies that AVIXA had been bringing to industry from time to time; followed by an elaborate exposition by Jonathan Tulip, Principal Consultant at the Doha-based VenAV Audio-Visual Consultants, on the imperative of adoption of standards and how it benefits every community of the industry.

Jonathan Seller

That was more or less the essence of a focused series of networking programmes conducted by AVIXA recently for Indian and Middle Eastern industry communities. With a view to promoting the adoption of universally accepted standards of technology design and deployment the AV industry’s apex organization planned this initiative between March 18 and 24 covering three cities in India, and Doha in Qatar.

For consultants and system designers, AV standards help with ‘clear guidance, minimum requirements, and technical competency, besides authoritative support for design requirements, while the systems integrators stand to be aided with ‘clear agreed scope; verification of project completion; control of any additional scope; and a clear path to project handover.

Actually, AV standards act as a big ‘differentiator.’ They provide the AV professionals with an effective alternative to competing on product costs, Jonathan explained. AV integration is nothing but user experience and design solutions, and design solutions make up the domain that requires special expertise. Overall, AV standards strengthens the industry as a whole in that they help meet defined client expectations, deliver excellent user experiences, and generate continued and new demand for audio-visual technology deployment.

‘AV standards drive good user experience and vice-versa’ which is why adoption of standards in AV deployment is a justified necessity, he said. “Standards drive long-term profitability, in that they help define client expectation.”

Jonathan Tulip

Themed AV Standards in Digital Economy the programme covered three AV-dense metros in India – beginning with Bengaluru on 18 March, followed by 20 March in New Delhi,

“AV standards benefit everyone in the ecosystem; they act like a multi-purpose tool,” explained Jonathan Tulip. “They bring several benefits to systems integrators, designers and consultants, contract managers, project

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

Kaushik Mukhopadhyay of IAV explaining their AV methodology

24

NEWS

One of the highlights of the series was involving a local but prominent integrator to present their view of the business and how meticulous they have been towards their job. It was CEO of IAV India Kaushik Mukhopadhyay in Bengaluru, while it was a mix of SIs and End Users in Doha.

Standards is really good in that it highlighted so many advantages and opportunities of bettering the standards for everyone in the AV spectrum,” felt Udeep Jani, VicePresident, AV Practices at AGC Networks.

“It is up to the professionals to draw their competencies from the programmes.”

Mellon University in Qatar. The recap while outlining the effort it took to achieve CTS-D, explained how worthwhile it is in achieving excellence in quality AV design.

Kaushik detailed the meticulous procedural methodologies they implement while executing their AV projects, providing some insights into the efforts they put in making their job outstanding.

“These programmes contribute a lot towards improvising the professional quotient in the industry,” felt Prabhu S Raja, Director of Operations, ihD India. “They are important because AV professionals stand to pick up some nuances towards bettering their practices,” he said. “Of, course, there is a need for more of such.”

The events had good mix of SIs, consultants, OEMs and End Users as well. “I came to see how synergic these AVIXA networking sessions can be with our initiatives of improvising quality standards in engineering sector in India,” said J V Rajagopal Rao, Senior Deputy Director, Engineering Export Promotion Council of India. A Government of India-sponsored premier trade and investment promotion organization, EEPC interfaces the government and engineering sector, and advices the government on better policies to improve the segment.

“Attending AVIXA networking sessions gives an opportunity to meet important AV stakeholders from end user segment, besides new SIs and consultants, which is why the programmes are important,” observed Ankush Agarwal, Director-Business Development, India & SAARC at Harman International.

Mradul Sharma of 3C Designs moderating the discussion in Mumbai round

The other highlight of the series was the interactive sessions with Jonathan Tulip, moderated by Mradul Sharma, Principal Consultant of 3C Designs. Moving proactively, Jonathan sought to draw the participating professionals into discussion so that issues they might not otherwise debate were brought forth.

replay of on-site audio challenges faced by an install engineer, presented by Samah of TechnoQ, another major AVSI in Qatar.

Doha Session Houseful Quite pleasingly, the networking session in Doha had a houseful attendance, with the numbers going over 100 participants- so much so that some of them were seen keenly listening to the presentations, standing at the rear end of the hall. The gathering included some very high-profile End Users such as those from Qatar University, Carnegie Mellon University, besides diverse solution providers.

The highlights of the programme were three important presentations, besides that of Jonathan Tulip. One was a journey recap of achieving CTS titled ‘Achieving CTS-D – My Journey’ by Doru Meltai, Principal Media Technology Design Engineer at the Carnegie

Presentation by AVIXA’s Gaurab Majumdar

The Doha programme had high-profile AV decision makers from Qatar University and EDGE, besides representatives from Salam Technology,Technomight, Specialties, DLI Technology and Information Systems, IMAR Security Systems and Vestel Distribution. www.avixa.org

The programme in Mumbai had such high profile End Users such as TCS and Reliance, and SIs such as AGC and Esco, besides OEMs such as Extron and NEC. “While AVIXA sessions always provide good thought processes; this particular one on AV

Carnegie Mellon University’s Principal Media Technology Design Engineer Doru Meltei

The other interesting sharing of experiences was by Vikram Karamveer, a triple CTS certification holder (CTS, CTS-D, and CTS-I) from Mannai Trading Co. WLL, one of the top AVSI firms in Qatar. It was followed by yet another interesting

Samah, an Applications Engineer of TechnoQ sharing his experiences

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

It’s a good day to be an artist.

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26

NEWS

Casio Appoints New Business Development Executives SINGAPORE: Casio Singapore not only takes responsibility for Singapore but is also the regional HQ for the brand. The company has been aggressively introducing new projectors and sales has been increasing in tandem. To ensure that there is dedicated attention to the countries in the region, Casio recently appointed two Business Development executives. Daniel Raganas will focus on the Philippines and Kim Ngo on Vietnam.

Daniel comes to Casio with 9 years of Sales and Business Development experience in both Singapore and Philippines. His most recent position was as a Daniel Raganas Business Development Officer in Abu Dhabi. He has vast experience in identifying new potential clients and implementing strategic marketing activities.

Daniel is tasked to develop new market segments for the company in the Philippines.

He will also be actively involved in various marketing activities, in accordance to company’s direction to promote Green Environment Products and engaging with the end-users.

Kim Ngo comes to Casio with a strong acumen in marketing which she gained from her past employment as a Marketing Manager. In this new role, Kim will Kim Ngo oversee the development of business across Vietnam and exercise her expertise in marketing to further enhance Casio’s branding in Vietnam. While Casio Singapore is determining to increase its awareness in Vietnam, she will focus on building relations with users, dealers and distributors – including providing product training and support. www.casioprojectorsea.com

SDVoE Design Partner Training and Certification Program Approved for AVIXA CTS Renewal Units needs can tap into the expertise of this specialist community.

GLOBAL: The SDVo Alliance is now an official AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) Renewal Unit (RU) Provider. The online SDVoE Design Partner Program now offers AVIXA CTS RUs along with SDVoE certification. This firstof-its-kind online program, available through the SDVoE Academy, publicly recognizes experts in the creation of SDVoE systems that take advantage of AV-over-IP scalability, yet offer matrix-switch-like performance.

As a service to the industry, the growing list of more than 300 Certified SDVoE Design Partners is published on the SDVoE Alliance website. End users interested in leveraging SDVoE technology to meet their business

“With the future of AV being network centric, the importance of the right training, backed

by AVIXA’s high standards for education, is paramount,” said Justin Kennington, President of the SDVoE Alliance. “The SDVoE Academy provides entrée into designing with products from all 41 members in the growing SDVoE ecosystem as we work together to support the alliance’s mission of transforming the matrix.”

“Organizations like the SDVoE Alliance who invest in education resources enable AV professionals to continue to grow their expertise, and in turn, propel the entire industry forward,” said Amanda Beckner, CTS, Vice President of Learning, AVIXA. “We’re thrilled that the SDVoE Alliance recognizes the value of AVIXA’s CTS program and has made this commitment.” www.sdvoe.org www.avixa.org/certification

Voice-Acoustic Distributor YNC Solution Opens Demo Room in South Korea

SOUTH KOREA: At the end of 2016, YNC Solution became the exclusive South Korean distributor of the German loudspeaker manufacturer Voice-Acoustic. Various successful installation projects have been realized since then. For example, the sound reinforcement system of the government and conference rooms of the President

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

of the Republic of South Korea and its Parliament as well as various auditoriums and churches. The products were also presented at the Korean exhibition Kosound + Stagetech. Following a successful market launch, YNC Solution decided to set up its own demo room for Voice-Acoustic audio products. From now on prospective customers can easily assure themselves of the sound quality and detailed solutions of the German premium brand after making an appointment. The demonstration room is located only a few kilometers from the center of the capital Seoul. www.Voice-Acoustic.de www.YNCsolution.co.kr

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NEWS

AVIXA, Producer of InfoComm India, Underscores the Event’s Status as the Country’s Leading Pro-AV Trade Show

INDIA: AVIXA, the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, producer of the annual InfoComm India trade show and co-owner of Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), is compelled to clarify that it has no relationship with the recently launched AV-ISE, the AV Integrated Systems Expo, to be held in Mumbai. AVIXA’s pro-AV trade shows around the world set the standard for events promoting audiovisual experiences, technologies and professional development.

InfoComm India is operated by InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based subsidiary of AVIXA responsible for trade shows in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions, including InfoComm India, InfoComm Southeast Asia, Beijing InfoComm China and Chengdu InfoComm China. Each show includes an exhibition showcasing the world’s most cutting-edge and in-demand technologies, and a conference Summit that presents extensive learning opportunities for pro-AV integrators, consultants and end users. InfoComm India 2019 will be held Sept.

18-20 in Mumbai. Information is available at www.infocomm-india.com.

ISE is produced by Integrated Systems Events and co-owned by AVIXA and CEDIA. ISE 2019, held in Amsterdam in February, drew a record 81,268 registered visitors and 1,301 exhibitors. It is the largest pro-AV trade show in the world.

“InfoComm India continues to be the leading pro-AV event in its market. We look forward to the seventh edition of this great show in September,” said David Labuskes, CTS®, CAE, RCDD. “As AVIXA’s own market research continues to indicate — and our dedicated, ongoing engagement with the Indian pro-AV market affirms — India is a growing market

for AV solutions, as well as the skills and internationally accredited certifications required to deliver them. Along with our partners at InfoCommAsia and Integrated Systems Events, we want to address any confusion between our established events and other expos purporting to serve the market. We also want to underscore our year-round commitment to growing the AV industry in India through education, networking events, standards development, and our globally recognized certification program.”

AVIXA’s 30-year-old Certified Technology Specialist program is ANSI accredited 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.

ANSI is a signatory of the International Accreditation Forum Multilateral Recognition Arrangement, meaning AVIXA’s CTS certifications are now equivalent to those accredited by local bodies in more than 34 countries.

InfoComm India 2018, held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, drew nearly 10,000 attendees, representing a 21-percent increase over the prior year. It attracted more than 200 exhibiting companies from over 20 countries and had the support of partner organizations: the All India Institute of Local Self Government, Computer Society of India (Mumbai Chapter), Digital Signage Multimedia Alliance, ICT Academy, and Institute of Indian Interior Designers (Mumbai Regional Chapter). www.avixa.com www.infocomm-india.com

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

Symetrix Recognises Asian Distributors

Audio Brains from Japan

ASIA: At the Symetrix 2018 dealer/ sales representative and international distributor award presentation two Asia based distributors were recognised for their achievements amongst other global awardees.

“Our partner rep firms, dealers, and distributors are key to our success,” asserts Francis Williams of World Marketing Associates, Symetrix global representatives.

“Thanks to their hard work, Symetrix products are at the heart of AV networks in venues around the globe. Congratulations to our award winners, and a heartfelt ‘thank you.’”

For the second consecutive year, EZPro International Technology Ltd. of Hong Kong led the way, earning the coveted International Distributor of the Year Award.

Audio Brains of Japan was recognised under the Outstanding Sales Award category. www.symetrix.co

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30

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

Leyard Releases TWA Series with Leyard ERO-LED Extron and Logitech Combine AV Control with Powerful One-Touch Collaboration

Leyard TWA Series is a line of fine pitch LED video walls available in 0.9, 1.2 and 1.8 millimeters pitches. Leyard TWA Series is architected to support the highest pixel density and delivers benefits unique to its “flat panel” design including a 16:9 form factor optimized for the most popular high resolution standards, ease of installation and service, and outstanding flatness and uniformity.

protection and durability in high-traffic environments at a reasonable cost.

Leyard TWA Series is the first LED video wall solution to feature an innovative “flat panel” design. With a slim 54” cabinet and the finest pixel pitches, Leyard TWA Series LED video walls deliver the pixel density and form-factor to match LCD and Rear Projection video walls, but with a truly seamless video wall configuration of any size.

Adding Leyard ERO-LED to LED video walls provides ruggedness and protection from casual contact, front impact, edge impact, liquids, dust, electrostatic discharge (ESD) and humidity. The protective coating allows users to deploy seamless LED video walls in more environments than ever before, including public spaces where casual contact with video walls may occur, as well as applications that encourage touch interaction with the video wall.

Improved Optical Performance

Leyard TWA Series LED video walls deliver a crisp, high contrast image using the highest quality black LEDs, black solder mask and Leyard MicroGrid Shader, enabling the deepest level of black. Wide viewing angles deliver excellent off-axis uniformity while advanced calibration provides maximum full color and brightness uniformity across even the largest video walls with no visible seams.

Leyard ERO-LED (Extended Ruggedness and Optics) technology is a proprietary protective coating applied exclusively to best-in-class Leyard LED display products to deliver

The Leyard ERO-LED proprietary coating material is applied at the LED module (printed circuit board) level. Applying the protective surface at the module level allows for individual module removal and replacement, rather than having to remove an entire LED cabinet within a video wall.

Visual properties on an LED video wall are enhanced when using protective Leyard EROLED technology. At varying levels of ambient light, Leyard ERO-LED delivers three times the contrast ratio compared to LED video walls without Leyard ERO-LED. Leyard ERO-LED also delivers smoother off-axis brightness drop and improved off-axis colour uniformity. www.leyard.com

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

Extron Electronics has announced that Extron AV control can now be part of Logitech SmartDock and Tap collaboration spaces. Extron’s work with Logitech through the Logitech Collaboration Program allows Extron to extend easy automation and professional control integration capabilities to a modern workspace.

The Logitech SmartDock and, soon Logitech Tap, can be equipped with Extron control systems, audio signal processors, and digital video switching and distribution for a fully-integrated, unified collaboration solution.

Meeting attendees will benefit from a significant expansion of meeting collaboration features while enjoying the convenience of AV room control, all from a familiar user interface. Extron Control for Logitech SmartDock is available now, and Extron Control for Tap will be available soon.

In addition to the easy, Extron onscreen control interface, meeting rooms can integrate video signal detection and occupancy sensors to automate video switching, lighting, and display presets. Extron and Logitech scalable collaboration solutions are designed for enterprise deployment and can be maintained with Microsoft SCCM, System Center Configuration Manager. www.extron.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

31

Matrox Introduces Fanless Mura IPX 4K IP Decode and Display Card for HighDensity Multiviewer Applications performance, high-reliability operation. A “video wall system on a card”, Mura IPX decode and display boards provide OEMs with unprecedented system design flexibility to seamlessly and cost-effectively build low-footprint, maintenance-free multiviewer platforms for control room, process monitoring, security, and other networked AV applications.

Matrox Graphics Inc. has announced the immediate availability of a fanless cooling version of the industry’s highest-density 4K IP decode and display card. The new fanless, single-slot Matrox Mura IPX card for IP-based multiviewers and personal video walls features best-in-class decoding of multiple 4K and Full HD streams for display across up to four 4K outputs, wellsuited for environments requiring high-

Matrox Mura IPX multiviewer cards boast a dedicated onboard network interface controller (NIC) enabling unrivaled decoding density of up to two 4Kp60, four 4Kp30, eight 1080p60, sixteen 1080p30, or exponentially more SD streams. Built into the same board are four DisplayPort connectors to conveniently attach up to four 4Kp30 displays. Mura IPX decode and display boards are also true standalone solutions—simply

requiring an enclosure for power, while eliminating the need for an operating system, CPU, driver, or any other system requirements. System integrators further have the choice of fan or fanless options to deliver optimized multiviewers, video wall controllers, and personal video walls for any project requirement.

Matrox Mura IPX multiviewer and capture cards include a complete range of video wall software, APIs, and libraries. These software toolkits allow OEMs and developers to deploy intuitive, ready-to-use software and build custom interfaces and applications. www.matrox.com/graphics

UNITE THE PEOPLE DIGITAL WIRELESS COMMUNICATION

Wireless Microphone • Interpretation • Assistive Listening • Guided Tours

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019 Phone +65 6284 4980 - mahtani@beyerdynamic.com – www.beyerdynamic.com/unite

32

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

DigiBird New 4K/60 4:4:4 Video Wall Controllers

DigiBird newly updated Video Wall Controllers (model: VWC2-H4) support 4K60 UHD video capture and 4K panels.

The VWC2-H4 support single 4K display eye-catching video wall. It supports up to 148x HD / 74x 4K video contents capture and 80x HD/ 4K displays via single unit controller.

DigiBird’s DB-VWC Series video wall controllers are appliance-based video wall processors and built on a proprietary FPGA-based hardware platform, designed with a proprietary system controller (with dedicated processor), high speed crosspoint video bus, and a customized and embedded operating system.

Key features: * Hardware-based: Without Microsoft blue screen, virus risks or vulnerability. * Modular design: Modular and configurable I/O cards, PSUs, FANs, Control cards. * Dedicated bandwidth: Without Gen-bus bandwidth limitation by our dedicated I/O channels design. * 4K UHD supported: Fully support 4K UHD video capture and display. * Cross media visualized control: Webbased, iOS, Android, Windows based and third party control.

IHSE USA Announces Draco Compact Ultra, All-New Prepackaged HDMI 2.0 Matrix KVM System Supporting configurations offered as 16 x 8 to 32 x 16, the Draco compact ultra enables lightningfast switching of HDMI 2.0 computer video with embedded stereo audio and USB-HID for keyboard and mouse connections.

Draco compact ultra features IHSE’s exclusive Flex-Port technology, saving systems installers tremendous time preconfiguring ports to specific I/O requirements. The new solution is ideal for command and control, broadcast and postproduction, energy management, air traffic control, simulation and visualization, and other advanced deployments in which video-rich applications are used.

Draco compact ultra is built on IHSE’s proven Draco ultra series extender platform and utilizes the Fraunhofer Institute’s Lightweight Image (Lici) codec, which ensures brilliant image quality and outstanding color accuracy at the highest video resolutions.

Each Draco compact ultra matrix system includes a full set of transmitter and receiver modules supporting 4K resolutions and I/O connections up to 4096 x 2160 and 3840 x 2160 at a real 60-Hz refresh rate and full color depth (10 bit, 4:4:4). The solution extends computer signals from host systems to workstation areas over signal-mode fiber, delivering visually lossless output together with exceptional graphics and video playback performance even when the computer is located miles away.

Through Flex-Port technology, the Draco compact ultra extender is able to auto-sense individual units through any available port on the chassis. Simply connecting the extender to the chassis enables the internal firmware to recognize and auto-configure the port as a computer (CPU) or console device (CON) — therefore saving time for system installers who normally have to preconfigure ports to specific I/O requirements.

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

The Draco compact ultra matrix includes an internal control system that can simplify the management of EDID and USB-HID when dissimilar types of displays are connected to the same switch and may have mismatched data in display resolutions. The tera tool GUI provides software tools to enable copying, emulating, and cloning EDID or USB configurations. The EDID configuration settings ensure that display screens, TVs, or projectors connected to the switch show the best-possible picture. Another setup menu provides configuration for USB emulation that allows a common configuration across different USB devices to reduce the wait time for the keyboard and mouse to be recognized by the CPU source.

Setup and configuration of a Draco compact ultra matrix is fast and easy using the system’s on-screen display or through the feature-enhanced Draco tera Tool software for configuration and real-time diagnostics.

System administrators can switch, control, and manage the matrix right from the computer or from any third-party touch panel or control system.

For mission-critical and 24/7 operations such as broadcast, 3D design, visualization, and military command and control environments, Draco compact ultra units can be installed in chassis assemblies providing redundant power and redundant path distribution. IHSE also provides optional Draco vario add-on modules for digital audio input and output as well as data signals, such as USB 2.0 and RS-232. www.ihseusa.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

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Datapath Add New Set-up and Diagnostic Software to its Range of Video Wall Controllers saved, imported and exported for future use. With pre-settings for all major screen manufacturers, DCCT can also recommend best wiring practice to balance loads – all helping to provide a system that runs at optimum efficiency.

Datapath’s range of award-wining video wall controllers, including its iolite 12i, VSNMicro 600, iolite 600 and full portfolio of 11 and 9-slot VSN chassis, are to be offered with a newly developed Display Driver Configuration Tool (DCCT) and Diagnostic Suite embedded as standard.

The in-built DCCT software allows users to easily configure their own video walls, with a set-up wizard allowing users to get started in minutes. Configurations can then be

Along with the hundreds of pre-loaded screen specifications, users can also enter custom specifications where required, allowing for ‘mix-and-match’ video walls from any manufacturer, with the option of mixed resolutions if needed.

Along with the DCCT software, Datapath will also be including their Diagnostic Suite software as standard, enabling users to monitor the status and health of their Datapath systems as well as send detailed system snapshots to Datapath Support where needed.

Datapath’s DCCT and Diagnostic Suite are available now as standard on all new systems. Established Datapath users can also download the software onto existing systems for free from the Datapath website: DCCT: https://www.datapath.co.uk/datapathcurrent-downloads/video-wall-downloads-1/ drivers Diagnostic Suite: https://www.datapath. co.uk/datapath-current-downloads/videowall-downloads-1/utilities-7/542-diagnosticsuite-v1-5-2

www.datapath.co.uk

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- DisplayPort 1.2 data rate up to 21.6 Gbps - Extends 4K 60Hz (RGB : 4:4:4) up to 200m (656ft.) over one (1) LC multi-mode fiber (OM3) - Supports Dual-mode DP (DP++) - Supports MST (Multi-Stream Transport) feature - Supports Auxiliary / I²C channel over fiber

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Come visit Opticis at booth 1960 © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

EAW Ships Next-Generation KF810P Installation Line Array Eastern Acoustic Works has launched the new KF810P installation line array, the latest model in the company’s legendary KF800 series. As with other KF-series loudspeakers, the KF810P is a three-way system with bestin-class output and true broadband pattern control. Designed specifically for installed applications, it incorporates clean aesthetics offered in black or white, invisible wiring, and concealed three-point rigging. A weatherrated option enables long-term permanent installation in demanding environments, backed by EAW’s full warranty.

The KF810P integrates two high-powered, ported, 10-inch low-frequency drivers with 3-inch voice coils; four 5-inch midrange drivers with 1.7-inch voice coils; and two high-frequency drivers with 1.4-inch exits and 3-inch voice coils. Tuned, phase-aligned spacing of the low-frequency components extend pattern control.1 2019/3/15 上午 11:50:26 SI ASIA_210x140mm橫式.pdf

The output of these sources unites through an integrated horn that occupies nearly the entire forward face of the speaker enclosure, delivering up to 145 dB SPL with accurate pattern control down to 250 Hz to master the most challenging acoustic spaces. EAW’s Concentric Summation Array (CSA™) technology seamlessly integrates the components within the horn so that multiple subsystems sum coherently, without interruption to either the high- or midfrequency wavefronts. The result is smooth, accurate, studio monitor-quality response from 50 Hz to 20 kHz. Nominal beamwidth is either 80° or 100° horizontal by 10° vertical. www.eaw.com

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Aurora Debuts 2 Input / 8 Port 4K60 Advanced HDMI Splitter Aurora Multimedia debuts its DXE-218 the first ever 2 Input/8 Port 4K60 Advanced HDMI Splitter with downscaling per individual output. The unit delivers enhanced capabilities such as individual CEC control, EDID management, Hot Plug Detection, and EDID reporting per output. This is all done through the LAN port for full control and statistics of all ports.

In addition, the downscaling per port allows 1080p screens to be utilized on the same splitter with a 4K60 source. To round out the solution, the DXE-218 has 2 input ports to select from to change content remotely.

The PoE simplifies cabling by eliminating all external power supplies. www.auroramultimedia.com

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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SOLUTION HIGHLIGHT

Casio’s New 4000-lumen Superior Series Projectors Offer Pragmatic Educational Solutions Features Casio has released its new 4000-lumen WXGA/WUXGA Superior XJS400 Series with Educational Solutions features built into the network model, to its line-up of lamp-free projectors that use no mercury lamp. The Educational Solutions features are optimized for today’s ICT classrooms where students actively use PCs and IT devices.

Educational Solutions (ES) Features

cable is pulled out in case of cable connection. Projection resumes immediately if the projector detects input signals again within twenty minutes. This eliminates the need to turn the projector power source on and off at the beginning and end of lessons. The projector power source will also turn off automatically twenty minutes after the projector display is turned off. This solves the problem for IT managers of someone forgetting to turn the power off.

•

•

One Click Connection* Wireless projection can be completed by simply clicking on the dedicated icon for each classroom. Less time is needed for chores like cable connection, input switching, and wireless setup. Once students are connected, the Moderator Function allows teachers to control whose PC to project from their own smart phone or tablet. Teachers can use PC remote function to remotely operate their PC without making effort to walk back to their desk. They can also use Projector Control function from Smart device to remotely operate the projector.

This frees teachers from their PC desk and allows them to circulate among the students to facilitate learning. Creation of the icons and the wireless connection setup can be collectively managed on a browser by the IT manager. *One Click Connection only works for Network models and requires software to be installed in PCs and Devices

•

Moderator Function Teachers can collectively control projected content from up to 40 devices when all device are sitting on the same school network.

Teachers are able to use their own smartphone or tablet to select and project the student’s PC from anywhere in the classroom. Also, four PC screens can be projected at the same time, which is useful in comparing content and for discussions. * Moderator Function only works for Network models and requires software to be installed in PCs and Devices

• PC Remote* and Projector Remote The PC on the teacher’s desk and the projector can be controlled remotely from the teacher’s smartphone or tablet, so there is no need for the teacher to constantly return to their desk to operate the PC, nor to carry a projector controller. The teacher can circulate among the students to maximize learning. * For Network Model ONLY. Required to install C-Connection for PCs and MirrorOp Receiver for smart devices. MirrorOp is a registered trademark of Barco Inc. •

Auto Projection OFF With Auto Projection OFF, the projector display automatically turns off when projection input signals are no longer detected. This happens, for example, when the projection app is closed or stopped, or the © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

Other Educational Solutions Features * Countdown Timer: Displays a timer prominently in the middle of the screen to show the time remaining in a test at a glance. * Templates: Nine templates frequently used in lessons such as grids and borders are built in. Original images can also be registered for models supporting wireless connection. The Template function can also store up to 90 template which allow teacher to customize the content base on teacher requirement for their Day to day teaching * Mirror Mode: Rotates the projected image horizontally, which is convenient for guiding movement and form. * Auto Input Search: Turning on the power after connecting the cable initiates an automatic search for projection input signals.

Debut of 4000-lumen Superior Series XJ-S400 Introducing the new Superior Series. Features of the four models, XJS400UN / XJ-S400WN / XJ-S400U / XJ-S400W, include: • 4000-lumen brightness with new R-Hybrid Light Source • WUXGA resolution (XJ-S400UN and XJ-S400U) or WXGA resolution (XJ-S400WN and XJ-S400W) • 1.7x optical zoom • Noise reduction, filter-free dust-resistant design, size reduction with Advanced Cooling Structure • No lamp and filter replacement, eliminating inconvenience and saving costs • Environmental impact reduced by going mercury-free New Advanced Series models and UST Series models Casio will also launch new Ultra-Short Throw (UST) Series and Advanced Series, replacing the existing model, that will include Educational Solutions features. UST model consist of XJ-UT312WN,XJUT352W and XJ-UT352WN. Advance Series consist of XJ-F11X,XJ-F101W,XJ-F21XN and XJ-F210WN Watch how Educational Solutions help in the classroom: https://web.casio-intl.com/projector/educational_solutions/ www.casioprojectorsea.com

1-Click Connection FOR A SMART CLASSROOM Advanced Series 3300 - 3500 Lumens, XGA / WXGA Resolution

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Digital space is growing exponentially every day with the emergence of new technologies, widespread use of social network platforms, transmission between connected devices, among others. It is essential for enterprises to manage their assets effectively, ensuring that they are stored safely and able to utilize them alongside with their existing archive.

Industry generally differentiate their data storage into three level hot, warm and cold. The classification is based on how crucial to the current business the assets are and how frequent it will be accessed, assisting them to select the most ideal workflow alongside suitable media. Generally, Hot data refers to assets that requires the fastest storage as they are accessed most frequently. Warm data represents assets that are stored on a bigger storage capacity or file servers for relatively cost-efficient concern. As for Cold data, it doesn’t require on-line or near-line workflow and mostly include archived materials that are rarely accessed, increasingly stored on low-cost options.

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SSDs equips enterprises with high performance in terms of data storage or access. It is optimized for lower latency and higher transactional rates compared to HDDs. However, it isn’t cost-effective and might not be a viable option for long term or big data storage media.

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

HDDs are widely used by all industries as it is generally cheaper and more accessible with a variety of sizes, making it more suitable for environments where the drive is heavily accessed and involves intensive read/write cycles. However, HDDs might not be the best solution in the long run. They require data protection and periodic data migration due to its limited media life and susceptibility to crashes, vibration and mechanical failure. Even raid arrays are susceptible to data loss with multiple drive failures.

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Introducing an entirely new optical disc-based storage system, Sony’s Optical Disc Archive is ideal as a long-term solution that maximizes flexibility, scalability, reliability, and performance, future-proofing the archive solution to overcome the challenges of today and tomorrow. The system employs multiple bare discs contained within an extremely robust cartridge, and a dedicated disc drive unit with associated software. Ensuring a low total cost of ownership, it is intergenerational compatible based on the same optical disc technology used in DVDs and Blu-ray discs.

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SHOW REVIEW

ISE 2019: Audio Wanting to be Enjoyed Visually

by Ram Bhavanashi Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) has long back evolved over the numbers game. Today, except for the statisticians (of the event) no one practically wants to know how many footfalls marked the show floors and roller coster runs through the corridors and elevators. The show has long come to be reckoned for its technology offerings, if not wonderment. For, ‘largest event of audio-visual industry in the world’ has been regularly springing out techno-wonders show after show, and keeping up its tradition, the penultimate event at the RAI Amsterdam presented the show’s largest ever visitors some very fascinating tech-fare.

An SIA snapshot:

For those asking for numbers, it was clear: Once again, it was the largest and most distinct AV show in the world, by all means. 56,100 square meters of net show floor, 1301 exhibitors – with as many as 225 (17 per cent) new entrants – spreading across 15 halls, with a visitor foot fall of 81,268 of which as much as 32 per cent was first time enthusiasts- all new records.

The event’s theme of “Learn. Discover. Be Inspired.” came to be ‘seen’ perhaps on a wider canvas than ever, and practically began even before one entered the excessively crowded Rai interiors. The ‘show’ began even as people started walking up the venue- with two projection mapping set-ups- again a first time for ISE. One, a fivemeter-high Sviatovid figure synchronized with dynamic soundtrack rendering it a compelling visual, and the second, the large, multistorey façade of soon-to-be-opened Nhow Amsterdam hotel just next © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

to the exhibition venue where a variety of themes were presented blended with highlights of the event.

In a nutshell, the 2019 show was characterized by an arguably overdose of 8K – in light of the debate that the industry doesn’t even have proper content creation chain for 4K now – equally arguable inclination towards video formats which is reflected in acknowledged audio majors coming up with video offerings; increased levels of 2D and 3D projection mapping, diverse models of digital signages, LED displays; AI-enabled solutions; collaborative offerings; and Internet of Things, besides the stronger reinforcement of AV over IP.

Show Stoppers – Rai Outdoors: As said above in this piece, the video dominance began right up at the entrance of the RAI- characterized by the debut of what the newly-

SHOW REVIEW launched Bart Kresa Academy called Sviatovid projection mapping.

The multi-faceted, five-meter tall projection sculpture was brought as a successor to the iconic Shogyo Mujo, which debuted over five years ago at the Burning Man Festival in Black Rock Desert, Nevada-USA in 2014.

The new sculpture sought to create a new benchmark in audio visual art was illuminated through 360° in True 4K using four Panasonic PTRQ32 4K, 30,000 lumen laser projectors.

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the need for audio de-embedders in applications such as sports bars, live events and multi-zoned AV systems for perfect lip sync.

For the technical, the Dante AV module supports one video channel and eight bi-directional channels of uncompressed Dante audio- said to be ideal for manufacturers creating 1G video-over-IP products including Dante control, transport and synchronisation. The architecture is completely codec-agnostic; manufacturers can use the codec of their choice and still get the benefits of Dante.

The other big outdoor visual treat to the visitors every evening of the event was the projection mapping on the façade of the brand new nhow Amsterdam RAI hotel, adjacent to the ISE venue- brought together by media server and digital display specialist Green Hippo, and mapping specialist Tenfeet for content, working alongside hire and production experts LANG, Panasonic and Alcons Audio.

The large, 25-storey glass façade of the hotel was transformed into a projection surface that was programmed to complete ‘foiling’ of the glass interior of the hotel. LANG roped in as many as 14 Panasonic PTRZ31K projectors, throwing up as many as 400,000 lumens brightness.

Green Hippo’s Hippotizer V4+ Media Servers and 3D mapping applications mapped the live data visualisations while Alcons Audio handled the signal transport and sound system for audio playback.

Show Stoppers – ISE Indoors The ISE 2019 indoors appeared to be in tune with the outdoors- so much so that video show was everywhere to see- even from the audio majors. The most striking ones to attract attention were the DANTE, followed by ClearOne, and QSC.

Signalled about its genesis by none other than the Audinate chief Lee Ellison almost 18 months ago, Dante arrived at the ISE with, perhaps, its most fascinating and impacting solution Dante AV- a ‘first-of-itskind’ integrated audio and video-over-IP solution for manufacturers.

Dante AV is promised to solve problems of networked video and audio synchronisation, utilising a single network clock for sub-microsecond accuracy. It promises audio and video signals to be independently routable in a single, easy-to-use interface using the Dante Controller software. It also addresses the time alignment issues and eliminates

Next to awe the audiences at the ISE was QSC. The Costa Mesa, California-based audio major took the ISE Show Floor with a surprising announcement- by releasing the Q-SYS NV Series (NV-32-H) network video endpoint for the Q-SYS Ecosystem. The system the new QSC Shift video compression codec which provides low latency video streaming with resolutions up to 4K60 4:4:4 over a standard gigabit network by dynamically adjusting network bandwidth consumption based on video content. It will, therefore, provide flexible and network efficient compression and distribution of common meeting room video content without sacrificing the ability to stream full motion video.

The Salt Lake City, Utah-headquartered audio major ClearOne, appeared to be proving clearly one when it launched the Unite 50 conferencing camera targeted at applications with low-cost and scalable video conferencing solutions. Simplistic plug-and-play device system that the Unite 50 is, the solution brings in with 120° field-ofview, digital zoom and agnostic pairing with any microphone/speaker combination.

“People from all walks of life are now completely video-centric in their © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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SHOW REVIEW

personal and professional lives,” said ClearOne CEO Zee Hakimoglu.

“They need to be able to video conference with colleagues; they want to do this in an affordable way without sacrificing video and audio quality. The ClearOne Unite 50 camera was developed specifically to address these needs.”

The Unite 50 camera’s wide-angle field-of-view is designed for visual communication and collaboration in any small meeting environment, including huddle spaces. It’s ideal for PC-based video conferencing, web conferencing and unified communications, and other collaboration experiences.

ClearOne, actually sprung more surprises with its launching of patented Beamforming Microphone Array Celiing Tile- called the BMA CT. The system promises to dramatically transform how integrators can approach system design for ceiling tile installations, allowing for multi-array setups that can utilize a single low channel count DSP mixer while maintaining ClearOne’s high level of performance and reliability. “The integrated features of the BMA CT can significantly reduce system design complexity, simplify installation, streamline configuration and programming, consume less rack space, and lower cost,” explained Zee. “It also includes a built in 2x10 Watt power amplifier to conveniently drive loudspeakers.”

Aided by an onboard processing, the BMA CT performs its own acoustic echo cancellation, noise cancellation and beam selection, so per-beam processing isn’t needed and fewer DSP mixer resources are required.

Real Teasers HDMI 2.1: One of the few real teasing offerings at the ISE 2019 was the HDMI2.1 solution launched by the San Jose, Califoriniaheadquartered Xilinx. The HDMI 2.1 8K IP subsystem enables Xilinx devices to transmit, receive and process up to 8K (7680 x 4320 pixels) ultra-high-definition (UHD) video in pro AV equipment, including cameras, streaming media players, professional monitors, LED walls, projectors and KVM, as well as broadcast products such as end points and infrastructure that are being upgraded to handle 8K video.

HDMI 2.1 data rates provided by Xilinx’s high-speed I/O transceivers and combined with native 8K interfaces supported by HDMI 2.1 promise to replace several ASSP’s or fixed-function products support © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

processing, compression, high-quality analytics and decision-making with a single Xilinx device.

“Today’s professional AV and broadcast markets demand higher resolution, higher frame rates and high dynamic range, to deliver more immersive viewing experiences; they can now implement the complete HDMI 2.1 interface on-chip, creating highly-integrated designs that can natively handle 8K processing,” said Ramesh Iyer, Director of Marketing, Pro AV and Broadcast market, Xilinx.

“Customers can combine this functionality with 8K lightweight mezzanine codecs for 8K over IP streaming, reducing real-estate, power consumption and BOM costs.”

The company also demonstrated its 8K display port 1.4 with DSC, in association with its partner Hardent.

Multitaction presented its new MT Canvas that awed the audiences with what appeared to be out of the box thinking. The virtual canvas combines the simplicity of a traditional whiteboard with the flexibility of the digital medium. Zoom in, to study minute details, then zoom out to get an overview of the digital workspace. It brings decision makers, designers, engineers, clients and people in the field together for different types of meetings- regardless of the distance, all users can participate in the same digital workspace, to create the big picture.

Solstice Mersive Technologies was another eye-catching fare as it showcased its new, third generation hardware platform and version 4.0 of its Solstice software. The Solstice 4.0 combined with Gen3 Pod hardware brings in new capabilities to eliminate cost and complexity of multiple niche solutions and transform meeting room design by a paradigm shift- from traditional systems into a single platform.

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SHOW REVIEW The newest version of the Solstice Pod introduces ShareSwitch, which together with an HDMI-input offers simultaneous sharing and control of both wireless and wired content sharing. The Gen3 Pod also includes dual HDMI output (single 4k or dual 1080p displays), and Power over Ethernet plus (PoE+).

ISE 2019: Nuggets from the Show Floor

by Thomas Richard Prakasam

My colleague Ram has provided his contribution to what caught his eyes at ISE this year in and I would like to extend on that with my own observations. The word phenomenal is apt to describe the exhibition. There is really so much to do, see and learn that ISE is truly the epic-centre of our AV industry. As we had already covered a fair majority of the solutions that were released in our e-Newsletters, I will not touch on those. Please do note that my observations are in no particular order.

Crestron’s Strategic Moves

the Crestron Flex solutions that provide a simple, consistent user experience in all the places people work and meet. Crestron Flex delivers a native Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, and Zoom Rooms software experience, including one-touch join.

This certainly ties in the company strongly with Microsoft solutions, which when you think about it makes perfect sense.

Logitech gets into Touch Control

Microsoft software holds the number one spot in the business world. Be it from the humble Microsoft Word, Office 365 to the advanced Microsoft Dynamics 365 and the Microsoft Teams unified communications platform, the company plays an active role in most of our work lives. Crestron who was recognised as Microsoft’s 2018 Partner of the Year for the Internet of Things continues to provide solutions that will make working with Microsoft tools seamless.

Crestron Unified Communications solutions natively support Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business software, whereas Crestron XiO Cloud is built on the Microsoft Azure platform and leverages Microsoft Power BI software for data analysis. Even in the room scheduling space the Crestron TSS and TSW scheduling touch screens directly connect to Exchange and Office 365 software.

At the show, Crestron amongst its many solutions rollout introduced © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

Logitech launched a device called Logitech Tap, a touch display that aims to take up less space and comes with pre-configured room solutions for major collaboration platform providers such as Microsoft Teams Rooms (formerly Skype Room Systems) Google Hangouts Meet Hardware and Zoom Rooms.

Logitech has built Tap on open standards and can integrate with a wide range of systems for room control, interactive whiteboards and video systems. Tap will come with a small form factor computer,

SHOW REVIEW

45

optimised video conferencing software from Google, Microsoft or Zoom and a Logitech camera. There are several Tap bundle packages that range from basic solutions to the large-room Rally Plus which bundles a hi-res camera, two mic units and two speaker bars.

Biamp and Cambridge Sound Fit like a Glove

Cambridge Sound’s Meghann Ellis highlights that synergies between the two companies are everywhere from the product line, overall corporate structure, manufacturing, marketing and even sales. As she states, “ Its just like a zipper – very smooth and very natural.” Rashid Skaff of Biamp adds, “We were looking for a company that will help us move forward, and Cambridge was a company we had on our radar for a while. They are strategically the right fit for us.”

36,000 Lumens. But what really caught my attention was the INSIGHT HFR360 Multi-View Projector. With Multi-View 3D projection, a single projector, with ultra-fast frame rates, will accommodate multiple viewers, each being tracked and each having a view of the image that remains appropriate to their changing position. This allows the users to see and interact with each other in a truly shared collaborative manner. This is revolutionary.

Milan the New Network Solution

Reiterating the point, Rashid highlights that within 50 days of the acquisition, combined solutions are already being sold. “Today we are selling Vocia paging and background system together with our Cambridge solutions. We are also taking conference room solutions from Cambridge and teaming it with our DSP solutions and in essence providing conference solutions with sound masking.”

Open offices that have no walls or partitions, architectural threats such as metal, wood and brass materials and even offices with doors but no proper acoustic treatment offer a vast potential market for this new partnership.

Rashid adds, “Beauty of Cambridge is that they take a psychological approach to think about how human speech is heard. It is not pink noise, white noise or brown noise that are generated but this is really mimicking the human speech pattern and human speech frequencies, so you do not need to turn up the volume to mask the sound, but rather you mask only the frequencies from where the human voice is coming from. So many of other solutions out there are not at this level – they are just sound generators.”

On the Projector Front Panasonic introduced their 50K Lumens projector whereas Epson showcased their 30K Lumens projector that will be released in 2020.

Then there was Digital Projection. The company exhibited their INSIGHT Laser 8K – the world’s first 8K Laser DLP projector, boasting

Major manufacturers and leaders in the professional audio video (Pro AV), working together under the umbrella of Avnu Alliance, announced Milan, the first fully realised, standards-based protocol built for deterministic, interoperable, future-proof media networking in the Pro AV market. Milan is a user-driven protocol for professional media, providing the guarantee that all Milan devices will work together providing a higher level of convenience, reliability and functionality.

Created by leading manufacturers — including AudioScience, Avid, Biamp, d&b audiotechnik, L-Acoustics, Luminex and Meyer Sound– Milan builds on the technical benefits of the IEEE Audio Video Bridging (AVB) open standards, such as time synchronization and guaranteed quality of service, as well as risk-free coexistence of control and media data on one network. Milan builds on these features, further defining device requirements at both the network and the application layer for compatible media streams, formats, media-clocking, redundancy and controller software. Milan certification will deliver fool-proof interoperability of deterministic networked Pro AV devices. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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Indian AV Industry Affirms AV Integrated Systems Expo Initiatives AV Specialist Certification, AV Summit three-day conference and AV Education and Training Program, wins favour with leading AV Consultants and System Integrators.

The inaugural AV-ISE Expo and Conference in 2019, organised and hosted concurrently with 19th PALM Expo, attracting 25,000 trade visitors, has received warm and appreciative reception from the AV industry spread across India. The expo born out of a demand by AV consultants and Systems Integrators attending the PALM expo each year for a dedicated AV expo is being organized with a long-term vision and commitment.

India, the second largest market in Asia for the Audiovisual and Systems Integration segment continues to excite the market. The AV industry in India is on a fierce growth trajectory. The AV Integrated Systems Expo 2019 was launched to serve this booming AV industry with business opportunities that add up.

Over the years, PALM expo has witnessed phenomenal growth in the number of Systems Integrators and AV consultants sourcing products and solutions for entertainment venues and home theatre projects.

The world’s leading audio brands participating religiously in PALM include HARMAN, Sennheiser, Shure, Bose, Genelec, Digico, AVID, d&b audiotechnik, Allan & Heath, Yamaha, Sonodyne, P Audio, Behringer, Outline, OHM, Audio-Technica, Pioneer, Denon, Taiden, JTS, QSC, RCF, EV, Martin Audio, Robe, OSRAM etc. Joining the marquee list of exhibitors at PALM are leading AV technology brands participating in AV Integrated Systems Expo 2019.

Focus product segments include Video Projection & Display, Digital Signage, Large Display, interactive Display, Unified communications, Education technology, Audio Processing, Digital Cinema, Cabling, Connectors and signal management, Conference and collaboration, IP & Network distribution.

AV Integrated Systems is leading the charge with several key initiatives. These include the AV Integrated Systems Summit Conference, CAVS – Certified AV Specialist program, AV Education & Training Programme and AV Project Gallery Walk of Fame.

Key Highlights at AV Integrated Systems Expo AV Integrated Systems Summit – Conference, Seminar, Workshops.

The AV Summit aspires to engage audiences eager to learn more and provides professionals an opportunity to speak about their © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

knowledge. The Summit will focus on key technologies and will aim to be a window to the future of AV in India.

Industry experts such as Kelvin Ashby King, Mathew George, Sachin Prabhudesai, Vilaas Naik, Kuldip Kamat are leading the entourage of AV leaders to the AV Summit Conference.

With the rapid scaling up of networked AV technologies, the AV and the IT sectors are ineludibly moving closer to each other. The AV and IT professionals will get an opportunity to understand better technological advancement in order to create a secure, efficient, and productive IP-based AV networks. Kelvin Ashby King of T2 Consulting would be conducting a session on Convergence of AV and IT discussing the change in the industry, the direction and skill set for understanding the impact upon network configuration and performance. He would also be shedding light on how IOT will impact AV. The new-generation buildings – residential, institutional and corporate are required to deliver users increased comfort, improved flexibility, satisfaction and productivity, courtesy a high-tech integrated design.

All these buildings generally apply life-cycle analysis to optimize early investments into systems selection, besides other investments in the building, thereby impacting the selection of audiovisual components.

Mathew M. George of MMG Acoustical Consultants will conduct a session on Impact of Building Design on Audio Systems selection and will provide insight and case studies into how building design can impact selection of audio systems.

Sachin Prabhudesai, Vice President - Projects at Actis Technologies Pvt Ltd. will throw light on the intricacies and imperatives of Integrating Large Scale Projects like airports, stadiums, etc. The session will cover the frontier end of integration in regards to design and networking along with information on large projects integrated by Actis, with a brief on the approach, execution, team deployment etc.

The impact of AV technology on our learning environments has been nothing short of noteworthy. Vilaas Naik, CTS and ICT Consultant at VioAV Systems India Pvt. Ltd. will present a session on ICT in Education and elaborate on current trends and effective use of technologies in education.

In the session titled Connect, Command, and Control, Kuldip Kamat – Director of All Wave AV Systems Private Limited will talk about

SHOW PREVIEW control and automation in workspaces, factories, airports etc.; functions of AV Control systems to deliver efficiency and central control, benefits of software-based AV Control and how integrators need to adapt.

CAVS – Certified AV Specialist Program

The three-day Certification Course in AV Install & Integration will be conducted by Ranjit Singh, CTS-D, CTS-I and Principal Consultant for Workspace Technology and Experience at PTS Consulting, Singapore.

The Certification Course is designed to provide knowledge of audio and video fundamentals and enhanced troubleshooting skills, while promoting best-practices and technological expertise of systems technologies. The focus of the CAVS programme this year is AV in the Digital Era. The course aims to empower attendees with a understanding of technology and trends in AV, that are driving meeting spaces in today’s Digital Era. The CAVS training will cover basic foundations in a three part series on Audio, Visual, & IT across the three days of the show.

While Part 1 will offer An Introduction to Audio, Visual and Control, Part 2 will enlighten on Understanding the Requirement and Part 3 will elaborate on Technology and Trends.

Interested delegates can Log on to http://avintegratedsystems.in/ cavs/index.aspx for registering for the CAVS Training Programme AV Education & Training Programme As technology takes quantum leaps, disseminating information on new technology, quality standards and training becomes more important. AV Integrated Systems expo is committed to raising the standards in Indian AV integration, both by building the cadre of qualified technicians as well as in adopting high-quality product. The three-day expo will provide exhibitors at the show an opportunity to host training sessions on their products and solutions. The sessions will focus on new technology and trends or new product launches, with in-depth product education and sharing of latest techniques.

On Day 1 of the AV Education & Training Programme - 30thMay, 2019, Aurora Multimedia India will host a IPBaseT Technology Specialist Certification and training, spearheaded by Nataraju Upputuri – Director, Aurora Multimedia India and Amith C Pillai – Technical Manager, Aurora Multimedia.

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training exploring an AV-over-IP system. It includes the installation, configuration and management aspects of the system including encoders and decoders as well as the management platform, which drives configuration and content management.

IPBaseT training sessions will make AV Engineers learn what they need to know to leverage the standard for high performance AV network deployments in education, healthcare, enterprise, entertainment, hospitality, retail, houses of worship, government, military, industry and security.

Interested delegates can register free for this training on http://avintegratedsystems.in/IPBaseT/index.aspx AV Project Gallery Walk of Fame AV Integrated Systems Expo has created an independent, neutral and all-inclusive open platform in India, fulfilling an important need for the AV-ISE and Information Communication industry in India.

In line with the expo’s mantra of “Motivating the market and putting technology in place”, AV-ISE expo has conceptualized a special Project Gallery feature at the expo, which is branded as the AV Project Gallery Walk of Fame.

This gallery will enable top AV Consultants and SIs in the country to have a space of their own to showcase their projects and expertise to a target audience of end users comprising – CTOs, CIOs, procurement and purchase managers across segments which include Corporate, Government, Hospitality, Retail, BFSI etc.

Within the AV Project Gallery Walk of Fame area, design consultant and integrators can display and highlight graphic and/or video presentations of their best and bespoke projects with succinct explanation of all the technologies integrated in the design on interactive / touch screen displays.

Confirmed participants at the Project Gallery at the time of going to press include Eyte Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; Anuvin Consultants; Qubix Technologies; Rhino Engineers Pvt. Ltd. and T2 Consulting.

Anil Chopra, Director, AV Integrated Systems expo & PALM expo, enthuses on the new opportunities “The expo is indeed going to result in quantum growth. In a robust market with innumerable AV projects we see a great need to provide education and training toward which the expo will in fact contribute consciously. Promise is to be neutral with the objective to spread information. As such our focus is the engineering talent pool who must be introduced to global best practices, standards and specifications.” http://avintegratedsystems.in/

Training Overview: This day-long course starts with an interactive session covering the basics of IP networking, followed by hands-on © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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15 - 17 May 2019

Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Hall 98, Thailand

www.infocomm-sea.com

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE WAITED FOR INFOCOMM SOUTHEAST ASIA TO MAKE A RETURN SINCE ITS LAST SHOWING IN SINGAPORE IN 2005, HERE’S THE GOOD NEWS: THE REGIONAL PRO-AV AND INTEGRATED EXPERIENCE SOLUTIONS SHOW WILL SOON OPEN ITS DOORS IN BANGKOK FROM 15-17 MAY, 2019 A Thai fashion designer who wanted to pitch himself above his global rivals harnessed Epson’s 3LCD projectors to create stunning visual maps - including on the catwalk stage and pillars - at a mall-based fashion show. People were blow away by the realism, detail and super-bright images at Davis Pranlapon’s show, which they said felt like an experience rather than just a fashion display.

Live or recorded videos from Panasonic’s i-PRO cameras can be scanned - via a special face recognition technology, to search for specific faces. The real-time processing capacity is an incredible 20 cameras per server, for high-speed searches of up to 30,000 registered faces.

A high-quality document camera from ELMO, the PX-30, is a 4K state-of-the-art gadget which delivers a razor-sharp image at up to 60 frames per second and which allows a 288x magnification.

These three are amongst some of the latest and most exciting innovations which have emerged in the field of Professional AudioVisual (Pro-AV) and Integrated Experience Solutions, but which are not yet available in Southeast Asia.

Until May 2019.

At InfoComm Southeast Asia 2019, these products and solutions, along with another 95 which are new to the region, will be unveiled and launched to the eager Southeast Asian market.

This is the chance for AV professionals and systems integrators to conveniently hop on down to Bangkok to check out these technologies and more, from some of the biggest AV companies in the world, over a three-day period.

At a time when the countries within Southeast Asia are going through a golden period of rapid development and embracing of the digital age, it is more critical than ever than systems integrators – who need to be able to harness the latest technologies to help their clients with business transformation – are able to recommend and install the latest AV technologies at the drop of a hat.

This is especially since Asia, where InfoComm Southeast Asia is set to take place, is poised to take the lead as the world’s largest AV market. It will capture 36 percent of the global share by 2023. The demand is real and rising.

InfoComm Southeast Asia is the perfect platform for learning, upskilling and forging industry connections with new and existing partners.

Some of the big-name exhibitors include AOTO Electronics, Beijing Tricolor Technology, DigiBird, EPSON, Intel Corporation, Panasonic Systems Solutions, Philips Professional Display, Samsung Electronics, Shenzhen Dicolor Optoelectronics, Shure Asia, and Vichai Trading (1983). There will also be valuable opportunities for AV professionals to engage deeply with leading regional and international industry professionals to learn more about the latest technologies and trends at the Summit portion of InfoComm Southeast Asia.

www.infocomm-sea.com © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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NEW TO SOUTHEAST ASIA 95 products which are new to Southeast Asia will be launched at InfoComm Southeast Asia 2019. Here is a preview of what you can see at the show.

SAMSUNG’S 8K HIGHEST-RESOLUTION AI SCREENS

Samsung’s new 82” QLED 8K Signage combines the market’s highest resolution with Artificial Intelligence (AI) upscaling technology. It features a slim design at less than 40mm deep, a resolution of 7,680 x 4,320 pixels and enhanced black color presentation through local dimming and Quantum Light Control.

BXB’S ADVANCED VIDEOCONFERENCING SYSTEMS

BXB’s international-standard conference systems boast features like simple and elegant awardwinning designs, speaker’s image auto-tracking, microphones with voice-activation modes which can automatically switch on and off when it detects the presence or absence of the speaker’s voice.

SHURE’S MICROFLEX COMPLETE WIRELESS (MXCW)

Microflex Complete Wireless (MXCW) brings wireless convenience to empower more productive discussions in dynamic meeting spaces or at temporary events in hotels and conference centers. Automatic Interference Detection and Avoidance technology results in reliable performance in the most congested RF environments.

Smart lithium-ion rechargeable batteries run up to 11 hours and robust audio encryption keeps your meeting content private. You can control up to 125 delegate units with a single MXCWAPT access point, and the latest feature addition also supports simple 2-, 3- or 5-button voting.

NEWLINE INTERACTIVE US DISPLAY TRUTOUCH X SERIES

The TRUTOUCH X series is an all-in-one solution for collaboration that is immersive, unified, and effective. With sizes up to 86”, the optically bonded, 4K UHD display comes with two cameras, a microphone array and speakers, all seamlessly integrated so you can just walk in and get your meeting started.

SONOS LIBRA TO SHOWCASE ADAMSON SYSTEMS ENGINEERING’S INTEGRATIONFOCUSED LOUDSPEAKERS Adamson Systems Engineering’s IS-SERIES family of loudspeakers packs Adamson’s sophisticated tour-level technology into sleek, architecturally-friendly boxes with rugged but unobtrusive rigging solutions.

SOUND CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES’ INTEGRATOR-FRIENDLY CAMERA EXTENSION KIDS Sound Control Technologies’ RC5-P60™ camera extension kit has been designed to deliver a reliable, cost effective link between the Cisco Codec Plus, Codec Pro or SX80 codecs and Precision 60 Camera, enabling HDMI, Ethernet control and power to the Precision 60 Camera up to a distance of 300 feet over a single CAT5e/CAT6 cable.

LUMENS DIGITAL OPTIC’S IP PTZ CAMERA CONTROLLER FOR EVERY ENVIRONMENT The new VS-KB30 IP camera controller by Lumens Digital Optics Inc. for PTZ cameras is applicable for education, broadcasting, events, house of worship and other environments. The camera controller supports Sony VISCA protocol, VISCA over IP, Pelco P&D, ONVIF, and NDI®|HX making it easier to discover, connect, and control PTZ cameras.

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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CONNECT WITH THE WORLD’S BEST

Over 150 exhibiting companies at InfoComm Southeast Asia 2019 include some of the world’s top AV companies.

This is the opportunity for AV professionals to seed new partnerships and nurture existing ones.

DIGIBIRD: VIDEO WALL SOLUTION EXPERTS

DigiBird possesses a broad range of video wall solutions to meet the demands of both the commercial and high-end residential markets with its versatile and extensive line of Video Wall Controllers, Digital Matrixes, AV KVM Over Fiber, AV KVM Over IP and Edge Blender Controller. Check out its DB-VWC2 Series video wall controllers, which are appliance-based video wall processors built on a proprietary FPGA-based hardware platform, designed with a proprietary system controller (with dedicated processor), high speed cross-point video bus, and a customized and embedded operating system.

CYVIZ: ADVANCED MEETING SOLUTIONS

Cyviz is a global provider of solutions for high performance visualization, collaboration, emergency response, operations centres and meeting room environments. Expect to see the Cyviz Easy Controller which users can use to easily manage all room capabilities, Cyviz Easy Connect which enables wireless content sharing and a server which acts as a unified control platform for centralized support and management.

ARTHUR HOLM: ELEGANT SOLUTIONS FOR CONFERENCES

SILICONCORE: LED DISPLAY INNOVATOR

An innovator and manufacturer of cutting-edge LED Displays, and laser diode controls, SiliconCore is showcasing its award-winning Camellia. It is the first LED display to successfully achieve a pixel pitch of less than 1mm. The Camellia 0.95mm pixel pitch achieves 4K resolution at just 165” diagonal, enabling its ability to achieve lifelike, sharp, and vivid imagery at a viewing distance of less than one meter.

AOTO ELECTRONICS COMPANY: A CHOICE OF LED SOLUTIONS The world-leading display provider offers a complete line of indoor and outdoor direct view LED display products. At InfoComm Southeast Asia, visitors can see the AOTO Mini LED, featuring ultra-high integration and ultra-high contrast, as well as AOTO’s MXC Series and E Series.

Arthur Holm, which specializes in providing meeting and conference rooms with silent, ergonomic and flexible solutions, will showcase new DynamicTalkB, a smart and elegant solution to integrate perfectly boundary microphones in a boardroom table. Its smooth mechanism raises, rotates and lowers a microphone inside a desk surface. The device is powered over Ethernet and can be controlled and set up via Bluetooth connection.

AUDIO TECHNICA: 360-DEGREE COVERAGE WITH MICROPHONE ARRAY

Established since 1962, Audio-Technica is a worldwide group of companies devoted to the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of problem-solving audio equipment. At InfoComm Southeast Asia, they will be showcasing its ES954 Hanging Microphone Array. When controlled by the AudioTechnica ATDM-0604 Digital SmartMixer®, the four-capsule microphone array provides 360-degree coverage through virtual hypercardioid or cardioid outputs that can be steered horizontally and tilted vertically.

UPSKILLING AT THE SUMMIT

The InfoComm Southeast Asia Summit offers numerous opportunities for AV professionals and systems integrators to tap into emerging trends and technologies.

There are over 75 sessions for visitors to choose from, across different learning channels, so they can pick the sessions which best meet their needs.

The AV Leaders Forum on 15th May will bring together captains of the AV industry to discuss how technologies like AI, IoT and XR and the advent of 5G will change the landscape of the AV industry, and how players can ready themselves for this disruption. Speakers from Frost & Sullivan, and Intel, will share their insights.

Participation in this forum is by invitation only; please direct your interest to Thomas Richard at thomas@spinworkz.com © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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THE BEST OF INFOCOMM SOUTHEAST ASIA’S SUMMIT

ADMISSION IS FREE

The Summit comprises a daily schedule of free-to-attend learning opportunities, where visitors can engage deeply with leading regional and international industry professionals to learn more about transformative AV technologies and trends.

INDUSTRY FORUMS End-user conferences

TECHNOLOGY FORUMS Technology-focused conferences

AVIXA SEMINARS Technology updates for AV and IT professionals

DAY 1 15 May 2019, Wednesday

AVIXA FLASHTRACKS Short talks on useful things to know about AV tech

Register your interest at www.infocomm-sea.com before 10 May 2019, or onsite during show days from 9:30am to half hour before closing time.

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INDUSTRY FORUM Building Design and Development

INDUSTRY FORUM Live Events Project Management Workshop

AV LEADERS FORUM (By invitation only)

AVIXA SEMINAR

AVIXA FLASHTRACK

2:00PM - 3:00PM

AVIXA SEMINAR

AVIXA SEMINAR

AVIXA SEMINAR

3:00PM - 5:00PM

INDUSTRY FORUM Education

INDUSTRY FORUM Enterprise IT

TECHNOLOGY FORUM Digital Signage Asia Forum in collaboration with Digital Solutions Multimedia Asia

TECHNOLOGY FORUM Intel Forum

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INDUSTRY FORUM Hospitality

INDUSTRY FORUM Transportation

INDUSTRY FORUM Government

AVIXA SEMINAR

AVIXA FLASHTRACK

2:00PM - 4:00PM

INDUSTRY FORUM Financial Institutions

INDUSTRY FORUM Live Entertainment & Large Venues

INDUSTRY FORUM IT Channel

AVIXA SEMINAR

AVIXA SEMINAR

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DAY 2 16 May 2019, Thursday

4:00PM - 5:00PM 4:00PM - 5:00PM

DAY 3 11:00AM - 1:00PM

INDUSTRY FORUM Healthcare

TECHNOLOGY FORUM AudioForum in collaboration with Connessioni

AVIXA FLASHTRACK

AVIXA FLASHTRACK

17 May 2019, Friday

TECHNOLOGY FORUMS

INDUSTRY FORUMS

Technology Forums gather leading regional and international industry professionals to discuss the latest developments and trends in AV technologies.

Organizer

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Industry Forums brings together regional and international industry players to discuss and present on major industry projects in Asia, as well as factors impacting the industry. Presentations will also include the developments of AV in the industries, as well as new technologies that will affect the industry in the near future.

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AVIXA SEMINARS

Learn directly from the experts. AV technical personnel and professional end-users from various industries who wish to upgrade their skills and knowledge will find the seminars an invaluable learning opportunity to enhance their AV professional’s technical skills and knowledge.

Supported By

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IAAPA Announces Special Events and Program Schedule for IAAPA Expo Asia 2019

IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has announced registration is now open for IAAPA Expo Asia 2019 (formerly Asian Attractions Expo). This year’s event will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Shanghai, China, 11-14 June 2019.

More than 8,500 global amusement park and attractions industry professionals from more than 60 countries and regions will gather to buy, learn, and network at the largest international conference and trade show for the multibillion-dollar attractions industry in Asia. The 11,000-net-square-meter trade show floor in IAAPA Expo Asia 2019 will feature innovations from more than 300 exhibiting companies displaying the latest products and services designed to take the guest experience to the next level.

IAAPA invites attractions industry professionals from around the world to take part in several professional networking opportunities and impactful education programs during the Expo. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

This year’s special events schedule includes an Opening Night Reception at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, and a leadership breakfast featuring a keynote address delivered by Joe Schott, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort. The networking events offered during IAAPA Expo Asia help professionals make new connections, learn industry best practices, and share ideas with colleagues and peers from around the world.

Opening Night Reception at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park (13 June)

Attendees will celebrate at Shanghai’s newest ocean theme park while networking with industry peers from around the world.

Leadership Breakfast Featuring Joe Schott from Shanghai Disney Resort (13 June)

The annual leadership breakfast provides senior-level attractions industry professionals the opportunity to learn and network with

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This year’s special events schedule includes an Opening Night Reception at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, and a leadership breakfast featuring a keynote address delivered by Joe Schott, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort regional and global colleagues. Joe Schott, president and general manager, Shanghai Disney Resort, will deliver this year’s keynote address. A 37-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company, Schott will provide insights on emerging trends and new developments affecting the industry.

Lunch and Learn Featuring Michael Croaker, head of entertainment, Village Roadshow Theme Parks (13 June)

This interactive session will feature Michael Croaker, head of entertainment of Village Roadshow Theme Parks, as he shares his insights about the challenges Village Roadshow encounters when integrating different intellectual properties (IP) across various countries, culture, target audiences, and within his organization.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask Croaker questions at the end of the session.

Operators’ Reception (13 June)

Attendees will come together with other operators from the Asia Pacific region to exchange ideas. This event includes discussions about enhancing safety and efficiency operations, motivating employees, and driving profits.

Meanwhile, 4 EDUTours* will offer behind-the-scene look to a few of Shanghai’s top attractions, including Shanghai Disney Resort, Shanghai Natural History Museum, and Hello Kitty Shanghai Times.

In-depth Learning and Education Programs

Throughout IAAPA Expo Asia, attendees can take part in an array of general education sessions on a wide range of topics including facility operations, marketing, public relations and communications, entertainment, government relations, security and safety, information technology, food and beverage, merchandise and games, human resources, and more.

Registration by 3 May to Save 30%**

To learn more about IAAPA Expo Asia 2019, the education offerings, complete schedule of events, and to register, visit www.IAAPA.org/ IAAPAExpoAsia. Register your visit by 3 May to save 30%* with earlybird discount. *EDUTours are only open to IAAPA members. **Saving off regular on-site registration fee.

Young Professionals Reception at Shanghai Dungeon (13 June) Attendees will explore the newly opened Shanghai Dungeon – a horror house recreating historical urban myths based on real life incidents. A reception will follow the experience.

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INTERVIEW

Spreading Security Sensitization Security is something that is not to be taken lightly in the current environment - in both life and business. More so, in a country like India where the huge numbers of public movement across the walks of life – let alone business – make it all the more apparent. Taking the cause forward with concerted efforts is Bosch Security and Safety Systems, now augmenting its initiatives through dedicated Experience Center.

In a recent interaction with SIA, Bosch Security and Safety Systems’ India Country Head Sudhir Tiku spoke about the company’s initiatives in recent times as also those in coming times. Excerpts:

SIA: Bosch had recently organized Beyond Mobility 2.0 after a gap of two years of hosting 1.0…So, what’s so special about the 2.0 version?

SUDHIR: It is good to once again interact with people from different walks of life, especially media personnel like you and appraise you all of what we had been doing all the while and what we intend to do as we move into future.

You will notice that our approach to market is three-dimensional in nature. We focus on people, products and solutions; and then on market verticals. Looking from that perspective, we typically want to get into a vertical where we can sell end-to-end seamless solutions, and not just products.

SIA: When you mention transport; is it only surface transport, or you also mean aviation and maritime transport as well?

SUDHIR: When we say transport, we mean urban metros and generic train services as well as port services. We are also there in water ways in a small way, but we intend to get into the space shortly with more strengths. As of now, specifically said, we are focussed on air ports and metro rails, and railways in general.

SIA: Has there been any big initiative that you made in recent times worth mentioning in Indian transport segment?

SUDHIR: Catching up from the ‘Make-in-India’ call, we have been manufacturing most of our communication line products here in India. They are all on audio communication front. Now, on the video front, the big news is that the suite of analytics that we have developed is very detailed. What is so differentiating Bosch from the rest on the market now is the focus on data security.

When we scanned the market to understand the trend and trails, we found that Transport segment is one critical vertical where customers want companies like Bosch to enter the Indian industry is Today, video is an omnipresent concept, as we space and offer a wider platter of solutions. not comparable to that in find it everywhere; and it is picking up many Because this is one area where millions of other countries.

Arguably, security intelligent forms. Now, this data can be used people use diverse transport services on a has never been an important subject for for the good, like in Big Data, or it may also daily basis. Just for instance, if you look most Indians. They do not take it seriously, be misused, if it falls into wrong hands. at the Delhi Metro, around seven lakh for the simple fact that most believe in So, we have spent our time, money, people are found to be using the Metro Destiny.

This is one reason why we have and research capabilities to figure out service on a daily basis. In a country like ours where the commuter numbers invested in our Experience Center in Bengaluru a solution. We developed our cameras to showcase the importance of security and with in-built micro-processors, which range in dozens of millions, the vertical our solutions to address various kinds of means the camera will identify who is offers tremendous scope for companies security issues. using it, in which room, and to which part like Bosch to develop products and Sudhir Tiku, Vice President and Head – South it is communicating. If there is a change in solutions for diverse levels of application.

Asia, Bosch Security and Safety Systems the pre-programmed sequence, it will create So, when the numbers are so large, it is an alarm. The essential point here is one cannot important that stakeholders like us step up and hack the camera to breach the security setting. The develop solutions to ensure safety and security of encryption is extremely strong and fool proof. More, people who use transport services daily. I think that is instead of the conventional camera, we have intelligent and digital one area where we can come in as experts and provide security camera which can decide for itself. This has been one big innovative solutions based on IP, analytics and or integrated services based on initiative and people with critical application infrastructure ask for this the requirement. solution. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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SIA: How do you look at the Security industry scenario in India today?

SUDHIR: Indian industry is not comparable to that in other countries.

Arguably, security has never been an important subject for most Indians. They do not take it seriously, for the simple fact that most believe in Destiny. This is one reason why we have invested in our Experience Center in Bengaluru to showcase the importance of security and our solutions to address various kinds of security issues.

With a view to further value-add our efforts to increase the security awareness, we have been providing free-of-cost training to our Partners, customers, contractors on the issues of safety and security.

Having said all that, I believe there are still some niche areas where the security should have been an integral part, but it is not. Our efforts are however on.

SIA: What’s the next big thing from Bosch Security in the near future?

SIA: What are the most common critical application domains these camera systems are aimed at?

SUDHIR: Actually, security today is everybody’s requirement, if they sense it, and realize the importance. As it is, we are getting system demand not only from Transport, but also from Government, Defence, Hospitality, Retail, Entertainment and more. So, the application area for this system is the entire market spectrum.

SUDHIR: Going forward with our Make-in-India initiative, to expand the product portfolio that we can manufacture here; continue to spend time and effort on the data analytics initiatives; innovate further our solutions to increase our market share even as we maintain our powerful legacy so that we continue to deliver the Return On Investment to our customers. www.boschsecurity.com/in

SIA: The encryption mechanism of the camera system may be foolproof, but how about the Data Analytics, which is a big time activity today in terms of security?

SUDHIR: That’s a good question. Our design tenet is that we don’t reside our analytics in the Control Room, or in the servers. They don’t even sit in the computer. They sit on the edge. This technology protects not only the video feed, but also the analytics it generates.

So, the cameras that we deploy under this technology are not just cameras, but perform like mini-computers.

Further, just in case the camera gets disconnected form the network one can use it by means of an external media. It is just that simple that the user can also connect thumb drive and get going. So, the camera in this case is not just a content shooting device; it is computing devise, as well as a storage device.

SIA: So, the new security solution is for every market segment and application….

“Catching up from the ‘Make-in-India’ call, we have been manufacturing most of our communication line products here in India. They are all on audio communication front. Now, on the video front, the big news is that the suite of analytics that we have developed is very detailed. What is so differentiating Bosch from the rest on the market now is the focus on data security.”

SUDHIR: In a very generic sense, yes. Further value-adding the effort and initiative, we will soon launch new products, with more customization for discerning segments and customers.

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ihD Coming to Address the Market in New Mode

Building Better Solutions for Better Future Ian Duncan Harris – or popularly known as Ian Harris – is a name in Asian audio-visual industry that doesn’t need an introduction. The ihD name is phenomenon and the reputation it built is continental. A multifaceted AV consultancy multinational from Hong Kong has recently opened its office in Bengaluru-India, to be able to address the fast growing market with better proximity.

SI Asia caught up with the conceptual consultant for a brief tete-e-tete during the occasion. Excerpts:

SI Asia: What brings you to India ? what inspired you to set up office?

IAN: India is a huge country, with vast and fast markets growing faster than ever. While the country’s prowess in Information Technology is taking it to places, resulting in building more and more new campuses, Mr. Modi’s call of make-in-India appears to be impacting as more and more OEMs have been setting up their bases contributing to increased frequency of new offices. Along with this new campus or offices building activity comes the issue of security- both physically and technologically.

We have already been doing some big security projects here, helping companies with analytics, intelligence, and even AI (artificial intelligence), and with the new promise as well as challenges of building activity, we see a major demand for security solutions, besides AV and IT infrastructure. So, we see tremendous opportunities for us as a consultant for deploying a variety of security solutions as well as ICT. For 21 years now, I have been shuttling many many rounds from Hong Kong to different client places in India, which, as you will know is both time and cost-intensive. Being here physically with most, if not all the competence, will save all that, and can make a lot of difference.

We can address the requirement with much efficiency. It is that aspiration.

SI Asia: So what does ihD intend to bring to the industry here?

IAN: Within the ambit of audio-visual systems integration, we do diverse things, including AV, IT – building IT networks both wired and wireless – and security. Wireless these days doesn’t just mean WiFi; it is Big B; Blue Tooth, Loa; Aloha; Internet of Things, and more. Security domain involves access control, camera surveillance, explosive detection and deterrence. In acoustics, it’s about preventing sound perforation, vibration – either through walls, ceiling, floors, or windows or doors – and ensuring complete acoustical privacy. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

Having said that we have been famous for hotels & resorts – we have done almost 161 hotels at this moment across the region.

Hotels do not just mean rooms and comforts; they mean diverse technologies and security solutions as well. Banking is one more big area of our interest, as we have been working on some of the biggest investment banking players. Government segment is a big chunk of opportunities as there are a vast range of solutions that go into government facilities. Education is just similar with smart classrooms, and collaboration concepts taking it big.

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For all these segments, even as they integrate audio-visual set-ups, they all require security solution which is again an indispensable thing.

We do a lot of research as to study the industry trends and changing nature of security threats on one hand, and what we can do to address those newer threats by what means of technology. We intend to build an office set-up here – though step by step – that would contribute to this endeavour competently.

SI Asia: Going by that, it appears ihD is all over the industry. But then what is your core competence?

IAN: For any geography, or segment there will always be something called the Client culture. For different domains will have different work culture. It is just indispensable that solution providers work in sync with the client’s culture so that the solution deployment is smooth and fulfilling for both the provider and the buyer.

We, having been physically present in diverse client geographies, and having got exposed to their work cultures, we stand to be better equipped to work in sync with the client culture, and make the solution deployment an experiential involvement and futuristic rather than mere job execution as a paid service.

SI Asia: Can we mean to say that it is this ability that makes the core of your competence?

IAN: Yes. In fact, we are rebranding the whole expression of ihD with a new combination of things. We are changing our Mission Statement “turning dreams into reality” to “Better solutions, better future.” We intend to change our LOGO too and a new approach to market too, in that we build better solutions to make our future better.

SI Asia: So, under this new approach, what do you think is the best and fast taker?

IAN: Security. Like I said earlier, even as we build solutions for all other domains, it’s the security aspect that helps us stand better for the future, and make our future better.

Security doesn’t and should not mean just physical security to people property; it’s about securing data, content, and any material – whether normal, or confidential – and ease of use and, and with maximum effect.

While we do a lot of research constantly, as to find solutions that help make our future better, however, in this case, we do not have a security software offering division, but we are strongly working with a number of developers to this effect to develop solutions that effectively address the data security. Actually, this is has to be an intelligent activity that replaces the traditional models of data security. We are working on that aspect.

SI Asia: Having decided to address the Indian AV industry market directly, how do you look at the Industry in terms of its dynamism and technology brilliance?

IAN: Aah, India is a very very strong market with good, quality integration community of professionals. Some of the incredible projects that have come up in the country in recent times bear testimony for that. However, sometimes there appears a lacking for quality control, cable labling, documentation, procurement and some of these details.

It’s a fantastic market and its technological absorption is brilliant too, with the coming in of new technologies from time to time. It is a sort of big learning curve for the industry. www.ihd-hk.com

“Within the ambit of audio-visual systems integration, we do diverse things, including AV, IT – building IT networks both wired and wireless – and security. Security domain involves access control, camera surveillance, explosive detection and deterrence. In acoustics, it’s about preventing sound perforation, vibration and ensuring complete acoustical privacy.”

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INTERVIEW

BenQ - Leveraging on a Holistic Approach to Solutions SI Asia had the pleasure of talking to Jeffrey Liang, President, BenQ Asia Pacific about the company’s philosophy and solutions approach. According to a FutureSource report, BenQ is the No. 1 DLP projector brand worldwide, and No. 1 4K projector brand in Asia Pacific and Middle East. Their Interactive Flat Panels are also making an impact worldwide.

For those who might not be in the know, BenQ actually stands for “Bringing Enjoyment ‘N’ Quality to LIFE”. LIFE defines the four areas of business that BenQ operates within today, that is lifestyle, business, healthcare, and education. The four letters of the word LIFE represent our involvement in these four areas:

empowered by a multilayer coating of the non-toxic, enduring nano ionic silver agent that kills most germs accumulating on screen surfaces and prevent cross-infection or epidemic in classrooms.

The ionic silver’s antimicrobial feature remains effective even after thorough cleaning or long periods of use.

Living Better: People are living better with BenQ’s 4K multimedia, gaming monitors and 4K home projectors

The other issue with Interactive Panels was a concern for the wellbeing of the eyes of the users when they are close to the panel.

Brightness level can be 500 nits. Last year we introduced the Smart Eye-Care solution function. With the help of embedded motion sensor, BenQ IFP will automatically activate Flicker-Free and Low Blue Light features by detecting the movement of users close to the screen. This offers a smooth and comfortable viewing experience for the students. Once users move away from the panel, the panel switches back to its normal brightness so that those sitting in the space can view what’s on the panel clearly.

Increasing Efficiency: Businesses are increasing efficiency with the help of BenQ’s including Interactive flat panels, InstaShow wireless presentation system and dust-proof laser projectors Feeling Healthier: Children who study in classrooms with BenQ screens are feeling healthier thanks to eye-care, germ-resistant and CO2 air-quality sensing technology Enhancing Learning: Educators and administrators are enhancing learning with the help of BenQ’s short-throw classroom projectors We put people at the heart of Design and Technology. We believe that design and technology function best when they serve the real needs and wants of people. Over the years we have built a good relationship with our end-users. We continuously ask questions to understand how we can serve them better with our solutions. We also do market research and analyse trends to determine where we can add value.

We have a clear value proposition when we consider manufacturing a solution. For example, for the education sector, our solutions must increase productivity and enhance learning. As an example, five years ago we were very dominant in China for our projector business. The reason being at that time there was no air-conditioning in classrooms, and flat panels were not big enough. So we manufactured dust-proof projectors. Our projectors are 100% DLP projectors. We sealed the engine and added an additional filter outside offering trustworthy dust-proof projectors that enabled the education sector to ensure that their investment in our projectors had a good ROI. Another example is our Interactive Flat Panels. Now with panel sizes as big as 86”, they can be used in classrooms. There was concern about the touch aspect of the interactive panels especially amongst the younger students – that germs might spread if hygiene is compromised. So we created a Germ-Resistant Screen that is © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

This year we introduced the CO2 detector for our panels. Bad indoor air quality decreases learning efficiency and puts students and teachers at risk of lifelong health problems. Our RP7501K incorporates the air-quality sensor to help monitor CO2 concentration level in classrooms, reminding teachers to adopt necessary mechanisms to keep CO2 concentration at an ideal level. The thoughtful design ensures that students can remain highly concentrated during class while enjoying a much healthier learning environment.

For the Corporate sector, our latest Interactive Panels feature functions that are practical and useful. Our EZWrite function enables Smart Annotation and Collaboration. Users can share and collaborate with EZWrite 5.0’s Cloud Whiteboard and InstaQShare. To allow easy management of individual’s files we created the Account Management System (AMS) for Personalized File Management. These on top of the features that I have already mentioned above.

With the need for collaboration not only internally but with colleagues from overseas and the need for quick decision making our Interactive Panels ensure productivity and efficiency.

As you can see we put in effort into ensuring a holistic approach for our solutions. We go beyond the expected technology features. https://business-display.benq.com/en-ap/index.html

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The Importance of Mounting Technology Often over-looked, mounting solutions play an important role in installations. They are critical first and foremost for safety. The right mount will ensure that mounted displays stay steadily in place to where they have been installed. But more than that mounting technologies have advanced by leaps and bounds over the years by enabling system integrators to be more productive and creative. SI Asia talks to three of the more established mounting technology companies to get their take on this behind-the-scenes but important component in installations.

Chief’s mounting solution at an European Airport

Curtis Rose, Marketing Director, Premier Mounts sums it up best.

“Mounts are often one of the most overlooked component of any AV project. Like building a house, the foundation is key to make the rest of the home function correctly and stand safely for its lifetime.

Mounts are the exact same: they are the foundation to captivating digital displays.”

The significance of using the right mounts Nick Spencer, Director of Marketing and Communications at B-Tech International Ltd comments, “The benefits to using a professional mounting on a project are numerous. First and foremost, it provides safety and protection for users (and the equipment!). AV hardware is expensive, and using sub-standard mounting brings risk of damage or injury. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, integrators can mount displays faster and more conveniently than ever before – saving time and, of course, money.”

Nathan Bohl, Sr. Director Product and Brand, Chief, Legrand AV Division reiterates, “The importance of display placement can often be underestimated. Finding a vendor with mounting solutions that can accommodate ceiling, wall or floor positioning is vital to ensuring an effective outcome. A wide, flexible portfolio of mounting solutions can help when ideal display placement does not align with an ideal mounting location. Floor-to-ceiling mounts, cable mounts, structural column mounts and outdoor mounts are all options to place displays where you want them. Additionally, mounts that provide the ability to quickly install and align displays, particularly for large video walls, can cut hours from a project. Professional AV mounts and installers can help achieve that ideal placement while pushing a project forward both with time savings and sleek, impactful results. Getting an experienced installer involved early in the game helps to eliminate unforeseen challenges.”

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“Every AV project presents its own unique challenges and goals and that is why it’s crucial to have the right type of mount to best suit all projects both large and small. With the constant advancements in technology and AV solutions, it becomes necessary to leverage technical and custom mounts. Mounting solutions can impact maintenance considerations, safety codes, and even overlap cost and capabilities. Using the right mounting solutions can take the guesswork out of installation and provide integrators with ease and precision,” added Curtis.

Mounts are productivity tools “A good mount will not only result in a sleek and stable solution for the end-user, but a fast and easy integration for the installer. Every aspect should be thought of, from how the product is packaged, to ease of hanging and alignment, to security and maintenance. All of it has the potential to impact time savings, especially on large rollouts,” commented Nathan.

Furthering that view, Curtis adds, “Advanced mounting solutions increase productivity because they decrease the hassle for integrators and provide engaging structures for end users. When utilizing a mount, the goal is to maintain structural quality and provide an aesthetically pleasing functional display.”

B-Tech’s Nick highlights, “Having professional mounting solutions usually brings the advantage of added features to enhance the users working environment. For example tool-less height adjustment mounts makes them ideal for corporate or educational environments, allowing different users to interact with the screens at an optimal position.”

Key fundamentals offered on the mounts by the three brands “All our mounting solutions are driven by installer and end-user empathy and designed to solve real world challenges: to simplify specification, speed up integration, make maintenance easy and future-proof the install for technology upgrades. How we accomplish that varies by the type of solution being developed, but we try to utilize functionality across product lines whenever possible, such as with Centris technology, which we use on flat panel, projector and monitor mounting solutions. We’re always looking for new ways to change the game in terms of installation experience and time savings. Examples of this would be the ControlZone post-install height and leveling adjustment in our Fusion lineup, the utilization of strut channel in our ConnexSys Series and, most recently, the depth adjustable swing frame of our Impact Series on-wall kiosks,” said Nathan about Chief’s mount design philosophy.

Nick states, “A large degree of our product development comes from feedback from customers and the industry as a whole. It is not uncommon for our products to have regular improvements as we identify ways to make things even better for integrators. Out BT8350 videowall mount is a prime example of this as it now utilises our renowned System X technology to make assembly and screen alignment even easier.” © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

As for Premier mounts take on this, Curtis highlights, “One of the key features of Premier Mounts mounting technologies is the creative design with ease of installation in mind. Many of our mounts focus on alignment capabilities allowing for on-site adjustments. Installers need solutions that tackle the problems they face such as unevenness and imperfect walls. Integrating aspects such as x-y-z alignment and other technical solutions is how our mounts can directly tackle those installation obstacles. Another key feature is Premier Mounts flexibility with all projects, so as a company we offer both stock and custom solutions.”

The benefits of bringing mounting earlier into the process “Clearly there is more to mounting displays than people often expect.

And unfortunately, the mounting solution selection often comes too late in the process for the most effective signage. For that reason, it’s good to be in touch with your mounting vendor early on. Mounting manufacturers can work with display manufacturers, content providers, integrators and others to deliver successful rollouts over large enterprises. Get in touch early and your project will be so much smoother for it,” suggests Nathan.

B-Tech B-Tech offer mounting solutions for the full spectrum of audio visual hardware, from single displays to the largest of videowalls.

As a designer and manufacturer, B-Tech are constantly developing solutions for the latest technologies, such as our universal LED mounting solutions, heavy duty projector and our latest super stretch display mounts.

BT8310XL: To meet the market requirement for a heavy-duty popout mount for installing XL screens into recessed walls. Designed to mount extra-large screens, the heavy duty BT8310XL is capable of mounting screens up to 125kg in both landscape and portrait orientations. With reinforced scissor arms, this wall mount is ideal for mounting the largest sized screens and features an easy to use pop-out function and 8-point micro-adjustment, making installation and alignment into a recessed wall both quick and simple.

BT8309: We found a large demand for adding pop-out and micro-adjustment technology used for videowalls to a solution for much smaller screens and the BT8309 addresses that. The pop-out mechanism allows for a neat and tidy, flush to the wall installation, while still allowing access to the rear of the screen for easy

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installation and service access. Tool-less micro-adjustment is included on each corner to allow screens to be perfectly aligned to the recess or to other screens in a videowall installation BT8390-AAC: Launching this product gave us the ability to make our System X Range suitable for installing screens in curved configurations - perfect for videowalls and menu boards. The BT8390-AAC is a connector that allows System X mounting rails to be joined together with an adjustable angle from -45° to +45°. www.btechavmounts.com

Chief | Legrand Chief specialises in offering Flat panel mounts, projector mounts, monitor arms, kiosks, LED mounts and AV component storage.

Impact On-Wall Kiosk: The Impact On-Wall Kiosk brings new flexibility to the digital signage enclosure market while maintaining a sleek aesthetic to complement a variety of environments.

This product line was created to provide a depth-adjustable exterior frame which allows for a variety of displays to be used.

Reversible hinges help to avoid installation and service obstructions, and the exclusive design keeps the display mounted to the frame when opened, providing unparalleled service and maintenance access.

TiLED LED Mounting System: The TiLED LED mounting system supports an endless variety of video wall configurations, is easy to specify and easy to install. Mix and match any of three mounts for a specific series to form seamless video walls. As a standard solution set, TiLED is stock-able and ready to ship when you need it – no custom lead times.

XL Projector Mounts & Accessories: The Universal Tool-free Projector Mount (VCT) was designed to install quickly while maintaining a sleek aesthetic. This product line is lighter and slimmer than its predecessor and works well with laser projectors between 50-150 lbs. (22.7 – 68 kg). Tool-free MicroZone The CMA348 Vibration Isolating Coupler adjustment ensures

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accurate and reliable image registration. New accessories include the Large Venue Projector Guard (PG4A) and Vibration Isolating Coupler (CMA348). The PG4A fully encloses large projectors in a locked steel cage to prevent recreational damage and theft; the CMA348 reduces image movement caused by common building vibrations like HVAC, foot traffic, road traffic and doors shutting. www.legrandav.com

Premier Mounts For over 40 years Premier mounts has designed a multitude of mounting solutions to meet the needs of the AV industry. These mounting technologies answer the challenges that AV integrators face every day. Our team has developed mounting technologies which include modular direct view LED mounts, flat panel and projector mounts, and video wall mounts which work to increase adjustability and functionality. Premier Mounts offers hundreds of mounts and even custom solutions to best fit the need for structural integrity and versatile performance.

Convergent LED Mount: The Convergent is our newest line of direct view LED mounts. This mount was engineered to make installation of LEDs safer, faster and more cost efficient than any other mount on the market. As the size of LED videowalls grows, so does the Convergent with the ability to scale from as small as a 2x2 video wall to unlimited width or height because of its modular design.

In addition, ample Z alignment assure a seamless LED videowall experience.

LMVS: The LMVS is a press & release mount built especially for videowall applications that need lots of X-Y-Z adjustments. Featuring a depression clasp that automatically latches closed and springs open with a gentle push on the bezel of the display, this makes servicing the back of displays easier than ever. Being OSHPD certified and ADA compliant makes it a perfect choice for a variety of recessed wall or picture-framed digital signage applications.

INW-UNIFM: The INW-UNIFM is a combination product that includes an inwall box and a flat panel mount all in one.

The mounting brackets that connect to the in-wall box channel sit only 1.08 inches off the wall, making it ADA compliant. www.premiermounts.com © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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THAILAND: Industry Brimming with Confidence

by Thomas Richard Prakasam

About Thailand Population: About 68 million

I recall a few years back there was a sense of despair amongst the AV players in Thailand mainly due to the political situation at that time.

Many were just biding time and hoping for a better future. My visit this time around saw a 360-degree change of attitude from the industry – there is indeed a strong positive vibe.

My first meet up was with Fuzion Far East Limited. Tony Oates, Siri Wongkamolchun and Pok Sutat are excited about the prospect of immersive technologies in Thailand. “Immersive sound creates a different level of experience for customers,” highlighted Tony. The company was involved in the Genelec S360 regional launch in Bangkok in March and feels that with Dolby Atmos and Auro 3D, there will be strong demand in the post-production, gaming, movie studios and live environment for their solutions.

GDP: In 2017, Thailand’s gross domestic product amounted to around 455.38 billion U.S. dollars. GDP is projected to reach 617.9 billion U.S. dollars in 2022 Economic sectors: The share of economic sectors in the gross domestic product (GDP). In 2017, industry contributed approximately 35.03, and the services sector added about 56.31 per cent.

Above information gleaned from https://www.statista.com/topics/4194/thailand/ Tourism: The Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced that Thailand received 34,431,489 international visitors for the January-November 2018 period. (Source: TAT). Thailand has consistently been amongst the top performing countries for tourist arrivals.

SEA and Thailand: Driven by pro-growth policies and presence of dynamic companies, members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are among the world’s best performing emerging economies, said a report released by the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) on September 14 2018).

Thailand currently occupies the second spot concerning GDP within ASEAN.

In showing their commitment, Fuzion created its own mini immersive demonstration space within its premises for clients to experience what value-add an immersive environment brings. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

Fuzion also highlighted about the Eastern Economic Corridor project.

On February 1, 2018, the Thai parliament approved the law for trade and investment in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). With the

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Siri Wongkamolchun, Tony Oates, Po k Sutat and Joshua Oates

EEC, Thailand hopes to develop its eastern provinces into a leading ASEAN economic zone. The EEC straddles three eastern provinces of Thailand – Chonburi, Rayong, and Chachoengsao – off the coast of the Gulf of Thailand and spans a total of 13,285 square kilometres.

The government hopes to complete the EEC by 2021, turning these provinces into a hub for technological manufacturing and services with robust connectivity to its ASEAN neighbours by land, sea and air.

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Yodpol Keosuttha and Rungrote Kerdpimon

Kerdpimon, Project Sales Engineer. The pair showed me around their Mahajak Experience Centre that was set up about a year and a half ago. It was an impressive set-up. There are also training facilities within the space which are used for upgrading Mahajak staff knowledge as well as talks catering to clients and dealers. They also let on that there has been steady growth in business for Mahajak in 2018 and there is confidence that this will follow through in 2019.

Yadpol highlighted that they see opportunities for both their distribution and installation divisions. “The hospitality and government sector offers great potential. We are seeing a growing trend for meeting room solutions in these sectors.” In line with this trend, there has been an increase in AV-IT integration. “AV over IP is becoming a trend now especially in the hospitality and corporate sectors. To ensure that we are on top of the game Mahajak is putting in full effort in training and developing our team in order to have more IT skills,” added Yadpol.

Fuzion’s immersive demo space that features Genelec speakers

The government has identified four “core areas” essential in making the EEC a renowned economic zone: (1) increased and improved infrastructure; (2) business, industrial clusters, and innovation hubs; (3) tourism and; (4) the creation of new cities through smart urban planning. The government predicts the creation of 100,000 jobs a year in the manufacturing and service industry by 2020 through the EEC. These positively speak volumes for the opportunities presented to the AV industry.

As for Fuzion, the guys were happy to highlight that they had excellent and healthy growth in 2018 with higher hopes for 2018.

Mahajak’s top brass was not available, but I still managed to chat with Yodpol Keosuttha, Senior Project Sales Manager and Rungrote

Thitikorn Sopchokchai

Next up I met with Vichai Trading (1983) Co., Ltd ’s youngish Director, Thitikorn Sopchokchai. Thitikorn highlights that the last four to five years have seen a stable government which has led to the positive momentum picking up at least in the city of Bangkok. “This has lead to good opportunities. Government spending has also been good as they have been busy building new offices or renovating offices © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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for their ministries as well as building new universities. This in turns drives investment in other sectors (corporate, education, hospitality).

Thailand’s GDP averages at 4% but this has grown in 2017 and 2018, and we expect 2019 to be one of our good years as there are many good projects on the pipeline.”

Thitikorn reckons that the number one spender and driver is the government followed closely by education. Amidst his positive views, he highlights that there is a challenge for the industry concerning the shortage of skilled AV workers. “This is something we need to resolve.”

On trends, Thitikorn highlights that the adoption of AV over IP solutions has been positive across sectors. “In addition for learning spaces the trend is on interactivity solutions, at the Corporate sector, we are seeing more huddle room and training room requirements, and within the Hospitality sector there have been upgrades of ballrooms and meeting spaces to create a better experience for guests.”

Vichai Trading (1983) Co., Ltd is one of the largest AV companies in Thailand. The company was established in 1983 and has four companies within its structure plus a joint-venture company with TOA Corporation with a staff strength of 150.

My last stop was a meeting with Paul Suthapong, Chief Executive Officer of SpotOn International Group. The company established in late 2009 specialises in digital signage and visuals. “Anything related to screens we are involved. We are more than just a product installer.

We provide consultancy and help create digital content to increase engagements and create positive experiences. You can say we are one-third SI, one-third provider of marketing and content consulting and the other critical one-third is the offer of our own software for the engagement aspect.”

The company indeed offers a holistic approach to customer engagement. “Our software is flexible and works to allow interactivity, analytics, quick content delivery and not only in the physical space of our clients, but we bring that experience to the customer’s mobile and laptops when they go onto the browser.”

“The opportunities in this sector is big, but it is also more competitive.

We are creating a disruption in the retail sector with our solutions.

Though we have been focusing on retail, our expertise is now being noticed by financial institutes as well as other verticals. Still, the retail business for us is sustainable due to great demand. I would say that the experience created in our retail sector is more advanced than anywhere else,” said a delight Paul.

As for trends, Paul highlights about these would encompass mobile connected experience to the touchscreens, rich text for SMS, © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

Official Apps that continue the experience for the customer and personalisation. “There is talk for location-based services for the retail sector, but it is currently not being implemented.”

Paul also sees substantial opportunities for signage and customer experience solutions at physical spaces such as banks, asset management companies and insurance companies. “With most services related to the mentioned sectors going online what happens to the physical spaces? As an example, Siam Commercial Bank has the most number of branches in Thailand. But with fewer people visiting the bank they decided to shut down some of the branches and recreate others as specialised experience centres.

SpotOn currently has two offices located in Bangkok with a third in Phuket.

Though I only met with a handful of companies, I believe that it captures the overall mood of the AV companies in Thailand. I suppose the fact that some of the companies were not able to meet is testament to the state of the industry:)

The Singapore Presence

Two Singapore based SI companies recently made their entry into Thailand. ESCO and Pave ventured into the country mainly because of their work with multi-national companies. Their clients have built a trust with them and wanted their services to ensure the experience and outcome that they have come to trust continues seamlessly.

I met with Michael J. Lewis, CTS, Business Development Manager, ESCO Pte Ltd. Michael started with ESCO in May 2018 which is the same time the company established its presence in Thailand. In his own words, Michael says that he is planting the flag for the company in Thailand. His job entails business development, design engineering, handling sales, project management and even putting on a service manager’s hat. Of course, there is strong backup support from the Singapore office.

“ESCO has a great reputation, history and strong relationship with manufacturers. My coming on board is to have a local presence in Thailand. Currently, we work with regional clients who already know us and want us to continue the service for their offices here. My job is to ensure that we deliver the same experience for them that they are used to.”

Michael who is American was a Service Director for one of the top 10 largest SI in the U.S.A. for 10 years before settling in Thailand. “I have a real passion for the service side of our industry and when you think about it, service is very much about relationships, which is what I am building here.”

FEATURE So what’s his take on the market and its opportunities. “I see great opportunity relating to Global companies as more set up their offices in Thailand. From the economic standpoint, the middle class is growing which in turn affects the consumer market positively that then attracts multi-national companies to the country. Thailand is also going through a 4.0 version where they have set up a Board of Investments to target specific industries offering them tax breaks.

There is also a push towards IoT, digital and BIO Medical, all of which offer growth potential for the AV industry.”

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Young Company Makes Strides in Thailand

“The challenge is at the labour level where expertise in AV is hard to come by. On another level, there are cultural differences, and additional effort needs to be put in to ensure that everyone understands what is needed and maintain timelines.”

Michael ends off his conversation by highlighting that ESCO has been busy over the months and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future which augurs well for the company’s foray into Thailand.

Jeffrey Lim, Managing Director, Pave System Pte Ltd highlighted that the company ’s presence in the country is to provide service and support for multi-national companies.

“In Thailand, we work under AIDAS Group, which Pave is part of. AIDAS has expertise in the IT domain and we in AV which makes us complement each other well.

We are currently involved in a few projects in Thailand which I would put as AVIT projects.”

There are strong established players in Thailand so how does a company from Singapore manoeuvre into the space. “You are right as when we started it was a challenge. It is a closed community, so there was reluctance in working with us, but we have shown them that we are not a threat. In fact, we are helping contractors get more work as our clients are not the usual clients that the Thai AV companies are involved with.”

Jeffrey adds on, “The potential in Thailand is good. We are able to offer a full solution rather than piece meals. We also ensure where possible we source locally for the solutions as we want to be part of the local eco-system and contribute to the country positively.”

Getting the Industry Upgraded A group of hardworking individuals from the industry have been liaising with the Thai government over the past couple of years to create an industry occupational standard for those working in the entertainment industry. Currently the focus has been for those working in the live sound and lighting space touching on installation, operational, design and maintenance matters. The certification known as the Occupational Standard and Professional Qualifications, is issued by the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI). TPQI is a

Alfonso Martin

Sonos Libra is a young company that started operations in Bangkok, Thailand in March 2017 and in December 2017 in Vietnam. Alfonso Martin and Vanessa Chompoo are behind the company. In the Thailand office, they are supported

by Simon Rains for application engineering and more recently Roengchai Kongpeng (Tong) as a product specialist.

Meanwhile, in Vietnam, Mr Cuong leads a team of young and dynamic staff in the two offices there in Hanoi and Ho Chih Minh.

Both Alfonso and Vanessa may have started a new company, but they both come with impressive credentials. Alfonso Martín is a B.Eng Acoustics and Psychoacoustics and had worked as an acoustician for several years in Spain. Due to the financial crisis that Spain experienced then, he was moved to work with a big rental company in Barcelona. From then onwards he had been related with pro-audio business working as an application engineer for Amate Audio, then moving to Thailand to work as COO for One Systems Global and finally starting his own adventure.

Vanessa Chompoo, who holds a teaching degree, started work as an International Sales executive for P. Audio almost 13 years ago in Thailand. She was also the first employee of One Systems Global when the company was founded. There she developed her marketing and sales management skills.

Her extensive Thailand and Asia market knowledge lead her to work as APAC Marketing responsible for d&b audiotechnik for one year. She has been one of the key figures on the creation of Sonos Libra where she now looks after marketing activities and business development.

According to Alfonso, the company was set up to provide high-quality education and product support to further develop the pro audio markets in South East Asia. “We hold

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FEATURE

government statutory board that is responsible for all professional qualifications not covered by the Ministry of Labour.

Daniel Choo who heads the Creme Academy (previously known as SAE Institute Thailand) in Bangkok is the advisor to the above standard and also the newly approved Curriculum in Sound engineering for the Office of Vocational Education Commission, Thailand. He together with the Commission are currently actively preparing the new pilot program with various technical colleges to roll out the courses. There are four levels with the fourth level leading to a Diploma. “The idea is to ensure that the technical staff who are currently in the industry and those who plan to join the industry have some form of training and testing to ensure that they are prepared and knowledgeable about their work,” said Daniel.

The tests are practical and not theoretical and is conducted at an appointed test centre. JSS (Jack Sound), a renowned rental & staging company is the first appointed test centre.

Once this new occupational standard is officially announced, everyone working in the industry would have to proceed to pass the certification in order to work. This is mainly to ensure safety factors and occupational standard and procedures are followed. “The good news is that this new standard helps align minimum wages to go up with Government and industry recognising the certificates,” says Daniel.

He adds, “One critical aspect about this certification is that it is in line with ASEAN’s TVET framework which is basically about industry oriented competency rather than academic. This also means that those who have attained the certificate can also work in countries that follow TVET framework.”

It has been a long arduous work for those who were involved in the process but the parliament approval and having a proper training content should lead to more knowledgeable technical staff in the coming years, once this becomes mandatory. The plan is for the training to be conducted by the Vocational Institutes once the institutes pick up on the course. Officially it is known as the “Audio Visual Technology for the Entertainment Industry” course and for those interested to complete the full certification course it would take up a full 3 years.

Creme Academy (Thailand) currently runs courses for both audio and film majors that lead to a UK (Honors) Degree with articulation partnerships. Students can choose from a range of industry courses that lead to a Diploma or Degree. The courses are available in both short speciality or full-time basis. www.creme.ac.th © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

Vanessa Chompoo

regular training for each of our brands, and the training often continues into the night with ample supplies of beer!” said a smiling Alfonso.

The company currently distributes Adamson, Allen and Heath, Audac, Rational Acoustics, Xilica and recently have taken on re-selling of the Audinate AVIO adaptors.

Other than taking on the distribution of professional audio products, Sonos Libra also provides design services.

“Installation is handled by some of our partners, but the on-site supervision and support is from Sonos Libra,” said Alfonso.

The company has in fact worked on projects beyond where their offices are. These include Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. In Myanmar, the company recently installed Adamson speakers at the DOSE nightclub. In Thailand, they were responsible for the TMB Bank headquarters’ Auditorium that featured the new IS7 line array from Adamson, with IS118 subwoofers. For audio mixing, the company installed an Allen and Heath dLive DM0 rack and C3500 surface.

On prospects for the AV business in Thailand and beyond, Alfonso shares his thoughts. “The whole region has great opportunities for AV installations. We are seeing that end-users are requesting for modern solutions which are both flexible and scalable yet extremely easy to control.

We believe that within the next 3 years we will see a big increase in the number of installations, especially in Thailand, with the main focus on AV networking for those installations.” www.sonoslibra.com

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SOUTH KOREA

Seoul’s Latest Concert Hall Glows Brilliant with HARMAN’S Martin Lighting

‘Elegant’ Illumination in Seoul

Hansam System Co., Ltd. recently installed an array of Martin MAC Quantum Wash fixtures at Lotte Concert Hall to achieve 360° coverage and near-silent operation in the world-class venue.

Lotte Concert Hall is a contemporary 2,036-seat auditorium, newly built by the Lotte Corporation and located in Seoul’s elegant Lotte World Mall. The hall was designed by renowned international firm Nagata Acoustics, and features terraced, wrap-around “vineyard style” seating for optimal acoustics in every seat. The hall needed a state-of-the-art lighting solution to ensure consistent coverage for all viewing angles, as well as minimal noise during delicate classical and opera performances. They hired Hansam System Co., who installed an array of Martin MAC Quantum Wash fixtures to meet the hall’s unique needs.

“We trusted the experts at Hansam System Co. to help us create an engaging environment at our concert hall and provide guests with a

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

stunning visual experience to match the extraordinary acoustics of the space,” said Eunjung Choi , Lighting Director, Lotte Concert Hall.

“And since the hall’s design can amplify even the smallest sounds, we appreciated the ultra-quiet operation of the Martin fixtures they chose.”

Hansam System Co. settled on an array of 24 MAC Quantum Wash fixtures hung from an acoustical “cloud” high above the stage. In addition to its beautiful wash fields, the Quantum Wash also produces tight beams with its 1:5 zoom and features a rotating front lens for spectacular mid-air effects. Its advanced Colorganics RGBW LED system provides deep, saturated colors and brilliant white light with smooth, consistent mixing. The fixture’s extremely low noise level makes it ideal for classical and opera concerts, keeping the focus on the music during quiet passages.

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“We trusted the experts at Hansam System Co. to help us create an engaging environment at our concert hall and provide guests with a stunning visual experience to match the extraordinary acoustics of the space. And since the hall’s design can amplify even the smallest sounds, we appreciated the ultra-quiet operation of the Martin fixtures they chose,” Eunjung Choi , Lighting Director, Lotte Concert Hall.

“Lotte Concert Hall was specially designed to increase the sense of communion between the performers and the audience,” said Mr. Moowoong Cha, Sales Director,Hansam System Co. “The auditorium needed effective lighting equipment with extremely quiet operation, and HARMAN’s industry-leading solutions were perfectly suited to this application. The MAC Quantum Wash fixtures’ enhanced brightness and vivid colors elevate the entire experience for concertgoers.”

“HARMAN Professional Solutions is delighted to present lighting fixtures that perfectly complement the renowned Lotte Concert Hall,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “We would like to thank Hansam System Co. for not only innovatively utilizing Martin’s cutting-edge solutions, but also for their customer-first approach and prompt delivery.” www.harman.com

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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CHINA

Robe Luminaires Picked for Their Proven Reliability, General Dynamics and the Flexibility

Cultural Clubbing in Kunming

Creative director Daan Oomen and his team from Netherlands-based visual specialists Live Legends have delivered another outstanding club project in China – OT Kun in Kunming – following up their stunning work at One Third in Beijing.

At the core of the lighting rig are 56 x Robe MegaPointes and 110 x Spikies chosen by Daan and Live Legends’ lighting designer/ production manager, Serge Patist.

They were again working for NOA’s Arc Group as the design partner for this newest flagship venue, a 1500 capacity property that includes 50 VIP tables positioned right in the centre of the main room action around the dancefloor.

Prominent guests can therefore be in the vortex of an immersive lighting, video, automation and visual experience… all designed and specified by Live Legends. The long-term objective is to create a series of ground-breaking clubs that unite imagination and cutting-edge technologies, offering a totally new eye-popping clubbing phenom.

The scope of Live Legends’ work included everything from the © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

front façade, coat check and reception areas to the main room and dancefloor, co-ordinating all the visual disciplines with the goal of repeating the success of One Third Beijing but with a completely different look and feel, offering an unprecedented journey for guests and adventurers.

The MegaPointes are deployed around the main room’s central feature which is a ring of square objects clad in video panels presenting a prominent circle shape. This was inspired by Yunnan tribal necklaces and headpieces, known for their beauty, interesting shapes and vibrant colours.

The 100 Spikies are also dotted around the central feature as well as the DJ booth.

Daan and Serge have used Robe products on several previous designs including One Third Beijing that has over 400 Robe moving lights in the rig.

Spikies were again chosen for their small size, versatility, 360-degree rotation and for being able to be squeezed into the tightest gaps.

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MegaPointes were selected for their incredible power and intensity, together with the richness of the colours, excellent gobo choice and numerous other creative features.

Both these popular Robe luminaires were also picked for their proven reliability, general dynamics and the flexibility they bring to an installation of this type.

OT Kun also has many other lights including LED strips and strobes plus a substantial automation system and lasers.

Daan explained that the biggest challenge was maintaining an overall intimacy in the space, emphasizing the spectacular and dramatic beam-work around the room and creating a good balance between the aura of international clubbing and the friendly vibes of the city.

As implied in the VIP table layout, Chinese clubs traditionally don’t have massive dancefloors. There is more emphasis on being seen to be there - at the tables with the right influencers and fine champagnes - which is totally different to European style EDM where venues are geared more towards music and dancing.

At OT Kun, being able to enjoy the visual outlook and soak up the ambience from your VIP table is key.

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Daan and his colleagues have trained up local operators who will run all the systems day-to-day. Integral to this largely technical process was ensuring they also understood the design concepts and the way the pre-programmed visual shows need to run and bring various stories to life.

Considerable time was spent on all the many custom aspects and OT Kun is right at the bleeding edge of entertainment technology in China’s burgeoning club sector with its multiple premium global brands and systems.

Working alongside Daan under the Live Legend umbrella were several other highly talented individuals including Stefan Peters who created the concept design and interior aesthetics; Bas Knappers who was associate LD and laser programmer and Thomas de Vries, co-associate LD and programmer.

Rody van Gessel was the chief video engineer and media programmer and he worked closely with content creators Desiree van Giesen and Jim de Brouwer. Joshua Dutrieux produced the soundtracks for the pre-programmed time-coded shows that Daan and the team delivered as part of the visual package.

The design direction for the club also embraces local Yunnan culture.

Kunming is the capital of the south-eastern China province and an important financial centre. It’s known as ‘The Spring City’ for its excellent climate. “Everything is super green and there’s a multitude of parks alive with the scent and vibrancy of flowers, foliage and trees” explained Daan. “We wanted to reflect some of this impressive natural beauty in the design and combine it with a thrilling EDM experience”.

An “awesome” crew of freelancers were also involved, working directly for Live Legends.

Lighting control is via a grandMA2 full size, with a disguise 4x4 media server and Resolume running the video and pixel elements and a Pangolin for the lasers.

“Ultimately the bottom line for any successful nightclub is uniting people and bringing them together through music, visuality and great vibes – and you can apply this general rule in multiple different and imaginative formats wherever you are in the world”.

All the lighting equipment was supplied via MRT in Shanghai and installer Topfair, both co-owned by the NOA’s Arc Group, which kept everything efficient and in-house.

As the second high-profile Chinese club installation for Live Legends, Daan has appreciated the learning curve and now feels increasingly familiar with the specific nuances and demands of Chinese clubbing culture. He keeps this knowledge in the forefront when ‘telling the story’ through smart experiential design.

www.robe.cz © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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AUSTRALIA

Soho Sound Design and Futurism Technology Australia Bring a Tranquil Ambience to a Luxurious Inner-City Destination Hotel

Creating An Urban Oasis: The Calile Hotel

RTI controls all audiovisual components in the building. A lot of the daily operational tasks are automated through custom scheduling, however each function room and common space has access to at least one RTI 7” touch panel for on the fly changes. A number of inhouse iPads allow staff to control the whole system while roaming, iPhone interfaces allow for onsite and offsite control of audio source and volume which allows management to client was remotely monitor how the system is being used.

Guests use words like “perfect,” “beautiful,” and “relaxing” to describe the times they’ve spent at the new Calile Hotel in Brisbane, Australia. They’re adjectives one might apply to a resort in the countryside, but in fact The Calile Hotel is centered in a busy urban neighborhood—a major shopping destination by day and a hot spot for live music, bars, clubs and restaurants by night.

“The Creating a “tranquil oasis” in the inner city very clear about wanting requires extraordinary attention to detail. The a seamless system with A crucial and underlying element of the larger the property, the more difficult it is minimal user interaction that Calile Hotel is the audio experience. Right to attain perfection, so it’s notable that would perform flawlessly day and from the minute a guest parks in the set the Calile Hotel is rather sizeable, with night. Selecting RTI as the down to when they enter their room, 178 guest rooms, five function spaces, control system is a huge part of they are experiencing full range high business centre, an amphitheatre, making that happen. We made the fidelity audio. The hotel common areas, restaurant, lobby bar, day spa, gym, right choice in RTI and are pool deck, bars and function rooms are and a range of elegant shops. incredibly pleased with the equipped with Meyer Sound speakers and outcome.” subwoofers. A BSS Soundweb London DSP The Calile is stylish and visually stunning, – Ash Bennett, Operations Manager, network carries and manages all audio feeds but much of its appeal to guests is in the Futurism Technology Australia for the hotel including the premier suites. soothing ambience that greets them from This system has over 120 inputs and outputs and the moment they arrive at its entrance. Much utilises Dante to carry audio between racks on the credit for this subtle effect goes to the designers of fibre backbones. the hotel’s AV system, Soho Sound Design and Futurism Technology Australia, whose sophisticated installation runs under the The mood of elegance continues inside the hotel with lighting in control of RTI processors, touchscreens, and interfaces. the lobby, lobby bar, and restaurant areas controlled by a Clipsal © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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C-Bus system integrated with RTI. The deployment of RTI touch panel interfaces in these areas, allow staff to maintain the ambience of lighting and background music throughout the many changing atmosphere of each day.

The Calile has quickly become a prestigious venue for events, from weddings to business meetings. Its five function rooms are cleverly designed to be used individually or combined into larger spaces. This flexibility poses a challenge for the AV system, where the control interface needs to be intuitively designed allowing for shared sources across various room configurations. “This feature is critical to the daily operations of the function rooms,” says Ash Bennett, Operations Manager at Futurism Technology Australia. “It means the spaces can be quickly set-up for the dynamic use situations.”

Within the function rooms, up to eight microphone channels can be operational at any one time. By using the BSS driver and custom UI design, the system can merge the microphones in and out of the function rooms and amphitheatre as the user demands.

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“Nothing was left to chance in the design of the Calile Hotel, which is obvious to anyone that’s been to the property,” Bennett goes on to say. “The client was very clear about wanting a seamless system with minimal user interaction that would perform flawlessly day and night. Selecting RTI as the control system is a huge part of making that happen. We made the right choice in RTI and are incredibly pleased with the outcome.”

List of RTI products used: 1x XP-8v Processor 1x XP-6s Processor 8x KX-7 Touchscreens 2x CX-7 Touchscreens RTI iPhone interface RTI iPad interface 1x PCM-4 1x ESC-2+

www.ftagroup.com.au

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TAIWAN

Acoustical Challenges Addressed with Aplomb Speaker Coverage

RH at the Fabulous Weiwuying Kaohsiung Center

Situated on the northeast corner of Kaohsiung’s 47-hectare (24.46 acre) Weiwuying Metropolitan Park, the graceful National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, or Weiwuying, flows more than rises from the lush surrounding vegetation. Its Recital Hall, Concert Hall, Playhouse, and Opera House combine with an innovative outdoor amphitheater to host virtually any performing art imaginable. For the four indoor venues, Theateradvies bv of Amsterdam, working with Director KehHua Lin of Taiwan-based Yitai Consulting, designed the sound systems based on Renkus-Heinz digitally steered line array loudspeakers. IX Technology Ltd. installed the systems.

Chang recalls. “Before the air conditioning was working, the temperature and humidity were very high, which affected our equipment, and the site was dusty due to the construction. We spent massive amounts of time checking and resolving equipment problems.”

“Renkus-Heinz is one of the famous steerable speaker manufacturers in the world,” notes IX Technology’s Sam Chang. “We’ve installed their loudspeakers in theaters in Taiwan for many years, with remarkable results. Renkus-Heinz digital beam-steering technology enabled us to address the complicated requirements of this project.”

Used mainly for chamber music, solo recitals, and other smaller performances, the 470-seat Recital Hall is the smallest of Weiwuying’s indoor venues. A short partition wall along the center line of the seating area converts the Recital Hall into a vibrantly asymmetrical shoebox, while also providing reflection of direct sound for the front seating area. “While it’s an excellent design, the lack of symmetry made the adjustment of the delays more difficult,” observes Chang.

The hall’s sound absorption can be adjusted to meet the needs of various types of performances; an entire circle of adjustable soundabsorbing drapery surrounds the upper half of the hall.

Construction delays added considerably to the project’s complexity.

“The speakers arrived at the job site and sat for over two years,”

Yitai Consulting specified four Renkus-Heinz IC8-R-II digitally steerable arrays for the Recital Hall’s main system. The IC8-R-II is part of the

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

INSTALLATION ICONYX Gen4 series, which was current when the loudspeakers were ordered, prior to the construction delay. Four Renkus-Heinz PN121M/12 two-way Complex Conic loudspeakers serve as monitors or a portable system. Four Renkus-Heinz PN61 two-way Complex Conic loudspeakers complete the system.

The Playhouse is primarily used for drama and dance performances.

Its stage can be configured into proscenium or thrust stage. The thrust stage design shortens the distance between the audience and performers, so that the audience can perceive the emotions of the performers at close proximity. The proscenium stage with the orchestra pit elevator has a capacity of 1,231 seats; when configured into thrust stage, the Playhouse can accommodate 1,067 seats. As with the other three indoor venues, the floors are pine, and the walls and ceiling are of glass fiber-reinforced gypsum (GRG).

An elaborate Renkus-Heinz loudspeaker system serves the Playhouse.

Renkus-Heinz STX2/94 3-way mid/high CoEntrant Complex Conic loudspeakers handle the front left, right, and center, while STX2/64 3-way loudspeakers provide reinforcement for the rear left, right, and center. The system also employs four Renkus Heinz BPS15-2K dual 15inch bandpass subwoofers. A dozen CFX41 compact four-inch coaxial two-way loudspeakers serve as front fills.

Weiwuying’s Concert Hall features a magnificent 9,194-pipe pipe organ and has a unique vineyard design that allows patrons at various heights to enjoy the same optimal acoustic and visual effects. The seating accommodates 2,000 and encircles the stage, bringing the audience close to the stage for an intimate experience. Acoustic shells above the stage can be lowered or raised and their heights and angles freely adjusted.

At the heart of the Concert Hall’s system are Renkus-Heinz ICONYX IC24-RII and ICONYX IC8-RII Gen4 digitally steered arrays. Yitai

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Consulting chose seven CFX41 compact four-inch coaxial two-way loudspeakers for front fills, eight PN121M/12 two-way Complex Conic loudspeakers for monitors or portable system use, and eight PN61s for additional fills.

The largest such facility in Taiwan, the 2,260-seat Opera House hosts operas, major drama productions, dances, and interdisciplinary performances. The seats are arranged in a horseshoe. The groundfloor seating area is divided into four zones by short partition walls, and the balconies on the second and third levels feature continuous horizontal lines to provide continuity and a sense of rhythm. The huge orchestra pit elevator in front of the stage fits a full orchestra for grand operas.

Nine Renkus-Heinz ICONYX IC16-RII and IC8-RII digitally steered arrays handle the main system in the Opera House. For front fills, the designers chose a dozen CFX41 compact four-inch coaxial two-way loudspeakers. The rest of the system uses much the same components as the other Weiwuying halls: 14 PN121-series speakers for monitors or portable use, a pair of PN-151/9s, and eight PN61s.

“Each of the four halls at Weiwuying Kaohsiung Center presented distinctive acoustical and coverage challenges,” notes Chang. “We overcame many of the most difficult challenges using RenkusHeinz ICONYX beam steering technology but we also relied on Renkus-Heinz’ wide variety of fill and subwoofer loudspeakers.

By carefully combining these elements, we were able to provide excellent coverage in all four venues. The Weiwuying Kaohsiung Center is Taiwan’s most significant cultural project in 30 years, and we are honored to provide a sound system that fully meets the high standards of this amazing facility.” www.renkus-heinz.com

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MALAYSIA

NanoLumen’s First Install in Malaysia with Double-sided, Rotating Centerpiece

Suria KLCC Mall’s ‘High’light LED Display

Suria KLCC Shopping Mall in Malaysia is an impressive six-story shopping experience located at the foot of the famous Petronas Twin Towers in the Kuala Lumpur city centre. Built in 1999, it quickly became not only the talk of the town, but one of the most spectacular shopping malls in the world, featuring a concert hall, an oceanarium, an art gallery and a children’s science discovery centre.

And recently added to this impressive list of attractions is the world’s largest double-sided LED display courtesy of NanoLumens, awardwinning creators of uniquely compelling interactive LED visualization solutions. The company’s first-ever installation in Malaysia features a 19’ x 33.5’ Performance Series 4.7mm double-sided display that rotates 359-degrees, uniquely showcasing many of the mall’s upscale consumer brands such as Gucci, Chanel, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren and Apple.

Discussions for this project actually began back in 2016 as Suria KLCC began engaging with NanoLumens after seeing their dazzling installation in neighbouring Singapore’s Changi Airport that features two state-of-the-art NanoLumens Performance Series LED displays – one of which is an “Immersive Wall” that is approximately 230’ x © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

16’ with a 6mm pixel pitch and is one of the largest indoor airport displays in the world.

“Once the people from Suria KLCC saw our work at Changi Airport, they were really impressed and things began to quickly move forward,” said NanoLumens Vice President of Sales Dave Merlino.

“But along with quality, the other major key here was safety, as this display would be located in the mall’s Centre Court area, with over 100,000 people passing under it daily. Trust was of paramount

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importance for this install and knowing that we stand behind our products with a six-year pixel-to-pixel warranty clearly illustrated that trust.”

Quality was a key factor as well, Merlino stressed, as dealing with content from such upscale brands meant colors had to be spot on.

And with a rotating display the images were going to be viewed from a wide variety of angles, making that aspect even more important.

Many household brand names would now not only have a new, high quality advertising vehicle on which to display their product, but a hoist system would also be installed, allowing the display to be lowered to the floor for product demonstrations and branding events.

“The idea that the display would have the ability to be lowered down to the floor and be incorporated into live product demos had everyone extra excited,” Merlino added.

Local Kuala Lumpur integrator EWBS took on this challenging install and agreed that quality, along with delivering a safe solution, would be vital to this install’s success. “The quality of NanoLumens’ LED tech was very important to this install as well, as these brands weren’t going to tolerate their signature colors being even slightly off,” said Andy Lee of EWBS.

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“The Centre Court area of the Suria KLCC mall is booked for brand demonstrations and events almost 365 days a year,” Merlino said. “So EWBS was given only a 10-day window to complete this installation.”

That included the double-sided display and the rotation system equipment, along with the aforementioned hoist system to move the display up and down, not only for maintenance purposes, but also for those popular product demonstrations on the mall’s Centre Court floor from time to time.

“We not only delivered a unique and high-quality double-sided display, but we delivered a turnkey solution for the Suria KLCC mall, and we did it all in ten days,” Merlino said. “All of these upscale brands are engaging with hundreds of thousands of visitors to this iconic location every day with a very unique, versatile and safe display solution from NanoLumens.”

Scan the QR code to watch the NanoLumens display in action. www.nanolumens.com

The NanoLumens Performance Series displays, at just over 3” deep, create corners like no one else on the market and are available in any size, with pixel pitches ranging from 3mm to 9mm. The lightweight design of the Performance Series also allows for quick and safe installation, requiring very little lead time, and that was most certainly the case at this extremely busy mall. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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CHINA

DAS Audio Rises to the Challenge with Consistency Audio Coverage

Tailored Sound Systems for the 2022 Asian Games

The historic city of Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, is preparing to host the 2022 Asian Games in the largest Olympic Sports Center of its kind in China. The Tennis Center, which belongs to this complex, has recently been inaugurated with the experience and support of DAS Audio systems.

The sound system was put to the test at the official inauguration of the stadium for the 14th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) held from 11th to 16th December 2018. As expected, DAS´ sound system rose to the occasion delivering consistent high-performance sound at the opening and closing ceremonies. The system provided wide coverage and exceptional audio quality, which helped the organizer perform successfully this important international event.

The Tennis Centre at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre is set to become a reference for local and international sporting events, therefore its sound system not only had to match the unique and modern design of the facility but also had to ensure safety and reliability. The team at DAS Audio China worked very closely with the local engineering contractor and both sides collaborated in the design and completion of the installation, which has been specially tailored Š Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

for this multi-sport stadium. In record time, the sound amplification system was set up and adjusted to the highest standards to provide clarity and intelligibility in all seating areas.

The stadium boasts a tennis court for the finals, which can accommodate 10,000 spectators, two venues for semifinal matches with 2,000 seats respectively, and a 6,000-seats temporary swimming

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environments. In addition, DAS´ latest DX (100I/80I) series digital amplifier with builtin DSP processor and DANTE transmission protocol were installed to improve reliability and stability.

pool constructed on top of the main arena. The versatility of the Tennis Centre and the unique design of its roof posed a challenge for the acoustic installation since it was necessary to guarantee wide coverage, consistency and high performance in all the seats.

The impressive rotary retractable roof formed by 8 steel “petals”, which can be opened or closed depending on weather conditions, required a weather-resistant audio system to perform to the highest level regardless of the position of the roof.

Providing wide coverage was also essential to enhance the acoustic experience at the Tennis Centre. To this end, the system was precisely distributed throughout the facility on 4 clusters of 2 x HQ212.95 flown over the east and west spectator stands, 12 clusters of 2 x HQ212.95 flown over the north and south spectator stands, 6 clusters of 2 x HQ212.95 flown over the main arena, 4 clusters of 4 x HQ212.64 flown over the VIP spectator area, and 2 x Vantec12 as floor monitors in front of the podium.

For this reason, the HQ series speakers with IP54 certification were chosen for the installation. The HQ series are specially designed for medium to large size installations offering tightly controlled coverage patterns, long-throw and high output capabilities. Besides, their cutting-edge interior and exterior coatings are made for weather resistance and extended durability in extreme

DAS Audio has firmly positioned itself as a committed and first level provider of professional sound solutions, delivering systems conceived specially for the task. www.dasaudio.com © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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HONG KONG

Spectrum of ‘Acoustical Production at Hong Kong’s XIQU Cente;

A New Sound Space Vision in Kowloon

Sound Space Vision (SSV) is proud to have been part of the design team for the beautiful Xiqu Centre, the first finished building in Hong Kong’s new West Kowloon Cultural District, which opened with a grand ceremony on January 20, 2019. The Xiqu Centre serves as the gateway to the district and is, fittingly, dedicated to the performance of Chinese Opera (Xiqu) and as the centre for preservation and development of the variety of Chinese Opera art forms.

SSV was responsible for the acoustics and audio systems in all the Centre’s spaces, including both amplified and un-amplified performances in the 1073-seat Grand Theatre, and the 150-200-seat Tea House; a well-equipped Seminar Hall; large and small rehearsal facilities; a recording/broadcast suite; and all the retail, food and beverage areas connected to the Centre’s public ground-level Atrium.

“We were well-prepared for this particular form of opera house having spent many years visiting Hong Kong arts groups, and building on our enthusiasm of Asian arts while working on the theatre design and acoustics for Singapore’s Esplanade,” says Anne Minors, cofounder and Design Principal of SSV. In planning the acoustics and audio design for the Xiqu Centre, and the Grand Theatre in particular, SSV took into account the heritage © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

and expectations of Hong Kong audiences and practitioners, and those of visiting artists from mainland China and international patrons and artists.

SSV co-founder and acoustician Bob Essert explains, “The overall aesthetic aim of Xiqu is beauty in all aspects of performance.

Practitioners talk of roundness of movement, singing, and instrumental tone. Vocal technique is very different from Western opera, and while individual instrument sounds are not unlike western instruments, the orchestrations and relation to the singers are quite different.”

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Xiqu plot and emotion are carried substantially by the lyrics, and the text sometimes includes improvisation, so that the audience – or even the orchestra – may not know in advance what will be said, so the acoustics must deliver very good vocal intelligibility.

Over the last 50 years, Cantonese Opera has become more amplified to adapt to the poor acoustics of existing venues, and has survived by developing the performance practice along with technology. SSV used this adaptability to integrate natural acoustics and audio design in order to achieve better balance between instruments and softer voices.

The rounded acoustical character of the Grand Theatre, derived from the sinuous curves developed with the architects, is composed of a timber lining of boards milled with gaps and insulation in strategic areas to absorb or scatter sound, while surface characteristics are arranged to control orchestra loudness, maintain clarity, and project voices clearly. This keeps the sound image focused precisely on the singers, and allows performers who prefer natural acoustics (without amplification) – as is the case for some mainland traditions – to work with a supportive, but clear, room acoustic.

As in all opera houses, the orchestra pit is at the nexus of the theatre, architecturally, theatrically, and acoustically. The size, shape and finishes of this pit, along with flexible acoustical elements, tailor the loudness balance between the percussion, other instruments, and vocals.

The pit is fitted with variable lifts to accommodate small Xiqu orchestras, as well as larger Chinese and Western orchestras. Xiqu traditions also include orchestras located offstage in the wings, and this has been considered in the design of the Grand Theatre, with audio support and baffles as appropriate.

The result is a hall which reacts quickly to the performers’ nuanced projection, allowing the performers to collaborate precisely and the audience to follow the plot twists and turns in the sound.

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The Tea House, a ‘courtyard theatre’ for amplified and unamplified Xiqu performances, is aimed at attracting patrons to a more informal atmosphere where audiences can enjoy drama, music, and comedy of Xiqu performances in an intimate setting. Traditionally, Tea House musicians are seated on stage or at audience level to the side of a thrust stage. SSV designed easily variable finishes and highly flexible audio systems to help project and balance the sound in this intimate space, all of which are integrated into the dimensions, geometry, finishes, and theatrical fittings.

In addition to providing expert advice and specifications for the remaining studios, rehearsal halls and the Seminar Hall, the ceiling of the Centre’s ground-level, public atrium was designed to control day-to-day noise such as shoppers, background music, and traffic from becoming a distraction in other areas. Suspended from the building’s roof at the fourth level, the Grand Theatre’s base provides the decorated ceiling for the Atrium.

Blending our extensive experience with Western opera houses with our interest and enthusiasm for Asian art forms, the Xiqu Centre has benefited from SSV’s careful attention to the intricacies of art forms and music, and the potential unlocked in the hall’s acoustical signature.

The integration of audio systems and room acoustics for the Xiqu Centre allows a wide and continuous spectrum of “acoustical production,” from highly amplified to nearly natural, while supporting the visual beauty of the productions.

Hong Kong’s Xiqu Centre is a landmark building not only for being the first completed building in the vast West Kowloon Cultural District but also in the way it preserves and reinvents Xiqu for the city and beyond. It gives the Hong Kong fans and the city’s many visitors a 21st century experience of traditional arts. www.soundspacevision.com

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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INSTALLATION

SINGAPORE

Control Logic Systems meets hotel’s requirements with unobtrusive systems

Royal Plaza on Scotts Opts for Discreet Sound System

The Royal Plaza on Scotts is located close to Singapore’s famed Orchard Road belt. The award-winning deluxe business hotel features 511 guest rooms and 9 function rooms.

consideration the lobby space and speaker mounting options and the performance need we suggested using our Fohhn speakers,” said David Seow, Executive Director, Control Logic Systems.

The experience of the guests is of the utmost priority for the hotel management. Service, without saying is expected to be top-notch.

However, the hotel also decided to put in an effort to ensure that the audio-visual systems in the hotel complement the experience of its guests.

Two units of Fohhn DLI-230 speakers are placed on the left and right of a huge wall that faces the lobby. The speakers are installed besides a large horizontal painting. Due to the size and slim fit of the speakers, it is possible to not even notice that the systems are in the space. Two units of AS-22 passive sub-woofers are placed again on the left air return void behind a board just below the picture on the wall.

The hotel went through a refurbishment late last year that was completed in January 2019. One area that a guest would immediately experience upon entering the hotel is the large lobby area. After upgrading the lobby, the hotel management also wanted to ensure that pleasant background music greets the guests as they make their way to the guest registration desk. It was also crucial that aesthetically the sound systems blend with the décor of the hotel.

To meet their needs, they called upon their trusted and reliable supplier Control Logic Systems Pte Ltd (CLS). CLS was no stranger as they had provided solutions to the hotel previously. “This time the challenge was slightly different. The ceiling at the hotel lobby is too high for us to consider ceiling speakers. At the same time, they did not want obtrusive speakers installed at the lobby. After taking into © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

The Fohhn speakers are discreetly installed at both sides of the painting.

INSTALLATION

The ci4-V CORNERED Audio speakers at the Carousel

“The subs are placed as cardioids. The reason is so that the sound does not resonate all the way to the back office as the speakers are located in a void and the sound will travel,” highlighted David.

The DLI-230 speakers are configured to have a 120-degree wide angle dispersion with a throw distance of up to 50 metres which reaches the hotel’s entrance doors at about 30 metres away. Fohhn D2.750 DSP amplifiers drive the subs.

The placement of the DLI-230 speakers was in front of the hotel’s renowned left and right curved staircase. When enquired about the reflection of the sound, David highlights that the default acoustic centre is in the centre of the speakers. However, through the Fohhn software, the default can be electronically moved, and in this instance, it was moved up so that the sound does not hit the upper stairs area. “By making use of the physical structure, we were able to achieve our directivity. If you understand acoustics and the behaviour of certain frequencies you can manage it,” assures David.

CLS also integrated the sound system for the hotel’s award-winning buffet restaurant with halal-certified kitchens - Carousel. Carousel is located within the lobby, and its buffet menu attracts diners in large numbers daily. Being halal-certified also helps with opening its menu to a broader public and hotel guests.

Keeping to the theme of ensuring an aesthetic look, CLS opted for the small format Ci4-V CORNERED Audio passive speakers. A total of eight speakers are installed in the restaurant. “The speakers can be installed vertically or horizontally, and that was an advantage for us.

For the installation, we measured the SPL and made the necessary adjustments so that there was an even coverage where the sound is not loud when you are near the speaker.”

Inpro 100 volt-amps drive the speakers. A simple mixer helps to ensure the quality and level of audio. An online subscription MP3 music player and an iPod player connected to an Extron audio switch are available for staff to choose the music to be played.

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The hotel’s PA system CLS also took responsibility for the hotel’s PA system. CLS re-ran all the fire resistant cables to ensure proper connectivity to the PA systems and the rack at the control room. A total of 14 RCF dual channel power 250W amplifiers are integrated into the rack. An RCF DXT5100 digital matrix switcher is incorporated offering 8 inputs and outputs for the 24 paging zones within the hotel. CLS also provided UPS systems to ensure 24/7 operations.

“If there is an emergency announcement, the system will automatically over-ride the Fohhn and CORNERED AUDIO speakers.

We also included an over-riding relay for the subs to ensure that signal to the subs is automatically cut off during emergency announcements.”

The hotel management was especially pleased with the amount of rack space saved because of the RCF amplifiers. Previously all the systems took up two cabinets of rack space, and this has now been reduced to one rack cabinet.

A spokesperson from Royal Plaza on Scotts comments, “We are pleased with the outcome. Our objectives have been met with the solutions provided by Control Logic Systems. The lobby area especially has a

The RCF amplifiers helped save space

nice clean look but yet provides the background music subtly.” www.clspl.com

© Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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INSTALLATION

INDIA

Christie Digital, Tricolor India Create Stunning Projection Mapping at Kartarpur, India

Jang-e-Azadi Memorial: Evoking Patriotism Summary: Located at Kartarpur in Punjab, the Jang-e-Azadi Memorial is a monument and museum to honour the contribution and sacrifices made by the Punjabi community in the Indian Independence Movement.

Using Christie projectors, the Jang-e-Azadi facade is transformed into the canvas of a mesmerizing light and sound show. A total of 12 Christie 3-chip and 1-chip DLP projectors comprising the Boxer 2K30, Roadster S+22K-J, and DXG1052-Q are used for this showcase, which is currently the largest permanent projection mapping installation in India.

The Jang-e-Azadi Memorial, located in the town of Kartarpur in Punjab in Northwest India, is a monument to honour the contribution and sacrifices made by the Punjabi community in the Indian Independence Movement.

Designed by renowned architect Raj Rewal, the Jang-e-Azadi Memorial covers some 25 acres and houses statues of 10 martyrs.

Based on a circular enclosure which houses the focal center of the memorial, Jang-e-Azadi integrates a ceremonial path and group of galleries that commemorate the struggle and sacrifices of the Independence movement. In addition, the complex features a convention center, auditorium, movie theatre, amphitheatre, and library and research facilities.

With a view to bringing to life the story of Punjab’s contribution to India’s 95-year Struggle for Independence, the Jang-e-Azadi facade is transformed into a canvas of a mesmerizing light and sound show conceptualized and executed by Christie’s valued partner, Tricolor India Schauspiel.

Tricolor India Schauspiel already had an impressive track record in © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

India. The company has designed and implemented a number of large-scale shows across the sub-continent, including the Guru Tegh Bahadur Memorial Park in Delhi, Dhauli Shanti Stupa in Bhubaneswar, and the Dharti Aaba projection mapping show at Kanke Dam in Jharkhand, all of which are powered by Christie’s visual solutions.

“Our country’s Fight for Independence is the defining factor in the creation of modern India,” says Himanshu Sabharwal, Creative Director, Tricolor India Schauspiel. “Having worked with Christie

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Massive Memorial – Mega Scaling The Jang-e-Azadi project was a massive initiative conceived by the Government of Punjab in 2014 during the reign of Prakash Singh Badal, who laid the Foundation Stone in mid-October 2014. Named as Punjab Freedom Movement Memorial in commemoration of the unparalleled sacrifices of Punjabi people for the Independence of India, the project aimed at setting up an integrated memorial complex for the heroes of the Freedom Struggle.

Besides retelling the story of sacrifices made by Punjab people in India’s Freedom Struggle, the objective was also to disseminate knowledge about the rich cultural heritage of the State among young generations. The Government formed Punjab Freedom Movement Memorial Foundation for implementing this prestigious project with relevant content.

An expansive site of 25-acre-land in the periphery of Kartarpur – falling on the Jalandhar-Amritsar national highway – was carefully selected by the Government keeping in mind its easy accessibility to visitors and to add another tourist destination for those on way to the Golden Temple.

Massive as it is, with its diverse but large structural constituents, the total estimated cost of the three-phase project was earmarked at a whopping ₹ 315 crore.

solutions in our major shows, we knew that Christie’s technology would be able to create a respectful but moving and inspirational show.”

After eight months of planning and four months of execution, the result of Tricolor India Schauspiel’s hard work is a mesmerizing 40-minute light and sound showcase, featuring 3D video mapping, a water screen, laser projections and more. It is currently the largest permanent projection mapping installation in India.

A total of 12 Christie projectors are used to deliver this breath-taking show, comprising eight Boxer 2K30s, a Roadster S+22K-J, and three DXG1052-Q projectors.

According to Himanshu, the 2K resolution and 30,000 lumens were an absolute essential for a site and structure of this size and complexity.

The configuration chosen by Tricolor India Schauspiel reduced the numbers of units used, making it economical, without compromising on the brightness.

more lumens per watt to provide the best natural colour accuracy and image quality.

Tricolor faced a number of technical challenges during the installation.

The most difficult task to overcome was the shape of the building. The context of the story required that the running curve of the facade be used as a projection canvas.

“The placement of the projectors and the choice of lensing to achieve the optimum effect was quite an uphill task,” says Himanshu. “This show is far larger than the other projects we have undertaken in India, and we had to call on all our resources to meet the client’s – and the public’s – expectations.”

In the end, the eight Boxer projectors were deployed on the front facade of the building and the Roadster S+22K-J was used on the huge water screen – 25 metres wide and 12 metres high. The DXG1052-Q projectors were deployed on the domes of the building.

“This demanding project has demonstrated the exceptional ability of our valued partner, Tricolor India Schauspiel,” compliments Rajesh Patkar, Deputy General Manager, Christie India. “The performance of our projectors is resulting in one of the brightest shows in India, and visitors are enthralled by the way the multi-media presentation brings history to life.”

Endorses Lin Yu, Vice President, Christie Asia Pacific: “Tricolor India produced a truly immersive experience at Jang-e-Azadi. It is a moving testimony to the Punjab’s contribution to India’s Freedom Struggle.

We have had a strong presence in India for more than 10 years, and the success of the challenging Jang-e-Azadi project gives us confidence to continue taking advantage of the growth in the Indian market.” www.tricolorindia.com www.christiedigital.com

The Boxer Series 3DLP projectors are renowned in the industry for their ability to combine exceptional resolution and brightness with an unmatched range of features. The Q series is the highest quality 1DLP projector in its class, and Christie’s J Series 3DLP projector offers © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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TECH TALK

Now You Have the Flexibility To Move About Your Meeting

Smarter UC solutions enable AV technology managers to improve meeting room use.

By Biamp The metric for measuring the success of a meeting and collaboration space is changing. In the past, when a technology manager had 10 rooms to outfit, the mission was straightforward: stay on budget and on schedule. Now, with the ability to glean device usage and room activity information from the connected systems in place, success runs deeper. Technology managers now need to ensure AV solutions produce an ROI that shows users are consistently benefiting from the installed technology within the space every day, week, and quarter.

Before specifying and planning the best collaboration systems that you think should go into a space, first take a thorough look at your users. Determine who your users are, how they use technology and the space, and how they want to be using the space. For example, are they engineers, business managers, or more creative types? What do each of these meetings look like? What technology is important to them and how do they describe a successful meeting? A group of engineers probably want access to a solution that allows them to pull up drawings and schematics and share them with all attendees, no

Š Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

TECH TALK

matter where they’re located. A group of business managers probably need to share a variety of documents including spreadsheets, whereas creatives may need to be able to interact with a shared drawing while flipping between source files.

Regardless of the users, they all want to activate a conference call at the touch of a button. Despite the growing requirement for content sharing and video in collaboration, audio is still the top priority and every meeting space needs to be well equipped to provide clear,

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intelligible audio. This means all rooms must perform well, especially on behalf of remote participants. Going back to our example, our engineering users may need to get up and write on a whiteboard or in the case of our business managers and creative teams, participants may join the meeting for specific topics, sharing and collaborating on documents. By taking steps to understand these different users’ collaboration needs and expectations, technology managers can equip the room with the right technology and increase the value of the meeting space.

In many UC applications, beamforming microphones are emerging as a preferred technology for capturing the conversation in the room for delivery to the far end. Beamforming microphones contain multiple microphone elements that work together to form a single, spatially distributed microphone that can be steered to cover the areas where meeting participants are most likely to be located, providing the best coverage of the space.

However, traditional beamforming microphones are limited in their coverage. The talker must be within the predetermined beam area to reap the full benefits, and not every single spot a meeting participant might be located can be covered. Ensuring that each location within a meeting room is covered is a lofty expectation, especially for more robust collaboration spaces where people are moving around and holding a more dynamic meeting.

Beamtracking microphones take it one step further. With the advent of more intelligent DSP, it’s now possible to have microphone technology with beams that are flexible and adaptable to the movement in the room. The “beams”, or polar pattern, of the mics can be controlled and shaped through the DSP, allowing them to be aimed at the people speaking in the room, even as they move around while talking. Essentially, the participant talking determines where the beam should be rather than beam determining where the participant should be located within the room. Potential dead spaces from the initial setup are effectively eliminated. Other advantages include the microphone not needing recalibration in multipurpose rooms or where furniture moves around, depending on the meeting requirements. What’s more, if the microphone can generate multiple beams it can cover multiple people simultaneously.

These attributes make beamtracking microphones an excellent option for spaces with UC, as they accurately capture people talking and deliver the conversation naturally. In larger spaces where more than one beamtracking mic is used, it’s critical that the DSP intelligently utilize the microphones to provide continuous clear audio pickup as people move around the room and among the microphones.

With installation success measured on the room’s frequency of use, participants can’t be expected to work around the shortcomings of the AV solutions that are essential to their productivity. Beamtracking technology represents a shift in more intelligent, and intelligible, conversations. It customizes the collaboration experience, where

Biamp’s TCM-1 Calculator helps SIs take the guess work out of the installation.

the technology is transparent and gives the people what they need to work more efficiently and most productively. For AV technology managers whose job it is to design UC rooms and support them, this technology meets that standard for success and delivers on today’s metrics for measuring the success of meeting and collaboration spaces. www.biamp.com

“In many UC applications, beamforming microphones are emerging as a preferred technology for capturing the conversation in the room for delivery to the far end.

Beamforming microphones contain multiple microphone elements that work together to form a single, spatially distributed microphone that can be steered to cover the areas where meeting participants are most likely to be located, providing the best coverage of the space”. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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VOICEBOX

IP-Based Systems Open Doors and Close Sales with Customers Needing Low Latency Distribution of High Res Video

By Bob Michaels, CEO, ZeeVee, Inc. One of the most important recent developments in the realm of IPbased video networking is the ability to transport very high-quality video – up to 4K/60/4:4:4 plus HDR – with near zero latency (under one millisecond), regardless of the number of endpoints in the video network. More than merely a technical triumph, this milestone in AV distribution offers significant benefits to end-users in a variety of applications. Bundled in with those benefits to end-users are major business opportunities for integrators.

While integrators may recognize the value of near zero latency in areas such as live events, there are several other verticals where they are learning to leverage the low latency feature to gain a real advantage in competitive sales situations. According to Dustin Boyle, a sales engineer for Wisconsin Audio Video, an integrator based in Madison, near zero latency is “absolutely a strong competitive selling point” for customers moving to IP-based distribution. “We always emphasize it.”

Looking across our customer base, ZeeVee has identified several different markets where being able to offer a (near) zero latency solution has been a primary factor in integrators closing major sales.

And it’s not just integrators that are keen to latency considerations: we have also seen projects where end-customers specifically sought out a near zero latency AVoIP solution when their integrator failed to offer such an option.

While it’s true that matrix-based solutions may offer similarly speedy performance, the hardware limitations of matrixed distribution, compared to switched data networks, makes choosing a matrix less attractive to buyers. This is particularly true among customers envisioning future expansion as well as those aiming to avoid systems based on proprietary technology or a single-brand solution. AVoIP systems based on the SDVoE (software defined video over Ethernet) platform address both concerns.

The advantage of so-called “zero latency” solutions (we’ll use this term for convenience henceforth) for live performance and events, including worship, should be obvious. At events where video walls or projections display on-stage action, AVoIP can minimize lag to an imperceptible level. It can also ensure that an audience, even if split among different rooms or venues from where the event actually takes place, will see, hear and react to the performance or presentation simultaneously with the live audience. Applause or reaction from one room won’t interfere with or disturb audience enjoyment in another.

Museums have become great customers for technology, and especially video, as exhibit designers aim for new ways to attract, engage and enthrall visitors. For U.S. museum exhibitions involving © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

dozens of synchronized sources, 4K displays and audio zones, a national design company chose a zero-latency IP-based network for signal management and distribution after vetting other possible options.

Other applications for zero latency systems can involve more life-critical situations. Consider the medical arena, where the use

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IP-based systems offer very low latency distribution of very high-resolution video demands levels that suitable for command and conrol locations

of video for remote diagnosis and surgical observation, especially endoscopy, is growing rapidly. Medical professionals are seeking out video technology that not only provides superior image quality and color – 4K with HDR – they also want as little latency as possible between actual events and their appearance on screen. Being able to offer a zero-latency solution for these environments has shown to be a prescription for sales success, in the U.S. and internationally.

Public safety represents another arena where end-users increasingly demand high quality video and zero latency distribution. Emergency operations and emergency management centers in particular are applications where officials want the best image quality and fastest distribution they can have. The ability to distinguish objects clearly and quickly, especially when layered with technologies like facial recognition, can mean the difference in deterring a terrorist or saving precious moments in responding to crises.

Command and control centers, whether in industry or more esoteric areas, offer other applications where very low latency distribution of very high-resolution video demands levels of scale and performance that can only be delivered with IP-based systems. NASA recently installed such a system at one of its space flight centers precisely to reduce video lag to the lowest possible limit when observing live steaming 4K video of space systems undergoing tests.

As one would expect, there are many situations in business management where zero-latency AV distribution has high practical and perceived value. An international foundation recently installed a zero-latency AV distribution system to improve the synchronization of simultaneous translations when AV presentations are made to its

multinational board of directors. For boardroom presentations, zero latency video systems will eliminate the always annoying (and often distracting) lag that commonly occurs between moving one’s mouse and actually moving the cursor on the display at the front of the room.

Casinos, always quick to harness new technology to enhance customer experience (and their bottom line), are also becoming big believers in zero latency with AVoIP. For example, to display the results of rolls, spins and even bingo calls with momentary immediacy, gaming centers increasingly opt for IP-based video systems with the lowest latency specifications.

Lastly, education, especially higher ed, continues to be strong market for video and IP-based video networks, including advanced, zero latency technology. The applications in a school or university setting – inside and outside the classroom – are many and varied and they mirror many of those mentioned in earlier examples, including live events, presentations, security, scientific observation, etc. For schools eager to portray technology excellence and leadership in education, top-notch video technology helps make that statement.

Certainly, integrators will find other niches where zero latency (or near zero latency) AVoIP distribution delivers the superlative solution to satisfy customer needs. As always, the AV companies able to provide technology that best improves their customers’ capabilities and competitiveness will reap the greatest rewards. www.zeevee.com © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019

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ON OUR WEB

WWW.SYSTEMSINTEGRATIONASIA.COM

Here are articles you might have missed from our web and eNewsletter coverage

New d&b audiotechnik Subsidiary in Greater China Alongside Chinese New Year, the legal formalities associated with the establishment of the new d&b audiotechnik subsidiary in Greater China were completed. On 31 January 2019, 44 co-workers in Hong Kong, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai officially joined the newly established d&b audiotechnik Greater China Group.

Panasonic Automates Attendance Taking and Personalises Retail in Latest Tech Showcase Panasonic System Solutions Asia Pacific (PSSAP) revealed its new automatic attendance taking solution and smart, personalised retail experience – the latest applications for the brand’s winning facial recognition technology and data analytics in the education, public, entertainment and retail sectors.

QSC Announces New Distribution Partner in the Middle East

VSI Ltd Takes On WyreStorm for Asia SI Limited has announced that it has been appointed to be the distributor for the full range of WyreStorm products in Asia.

The countries VSI will take responsibility for are as follows: Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong (SAR), Indonesia, Korea, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

First Showcasing of Genelec S360 in Southeast Asia

Aurora Multimedia Ignites Southeast Asia

SDVoE Alliance Launches Blog in Wake of ISE 2019 The SDVoE Alliance has announced its latest initiative to further the inevitable transition of the AV industry to Ethernet-based signal distribution solutions.

The SDVoE Alliance blog features posts from thought leaders in pro AV who understand that moving AV distribution to IP offers the possibility to create dramatically new architectures and entirely new user experiences.

ITE, Extron and Epson Engage Education Institutes The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College Central together with Extron and Epson held a talk and showcase of solutions for the Education Institutes in Singapore. Themed “Creating Digital Experience” the objective was to share about audio-visual technology advancements and how the solutions showcased can help the education sector in terms of efficiency and productivity.

The Genelec S360 made its grand debut in Southeast Asia at the Genelec regional distributors meeting in Bangkok, Thailand. Thailand’s local audio professionals were also invited on 7th March to witness and experience the S360 in action.

The S360’s fusion of main monitor performance and compact size makes it perfect for demanding film, post and music production, and in combination with a subwoofer, the S360 satisfies the demands of EDM playback or Dolby film mixing even in rooms where the listening distance exceeds 10 metres (33 feet).

The Aurora Multimedia Southeast Asia Ignite event was held on 12 March at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Singapore.

This is the first-ever presentation

by Aurora Multimedia in Singapore.

Supported by Aurora Multimedia Southeast Asia and Aurora’s India office as well as their distributor Mindstec in Singapore, the event drew around 70 delegates. Other than Singapore based delegates there were also regional delegates from the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. A mix of SIs, consultants and end-users attended the event.

QSC has announced that GSL Professional will begin distributing QSC Systems and Live Sound portfolios in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region, including Iraq, from 1st July 2019. “As QSC continues to expand the Q-SYS Ecosystem and Live Sound portfolio and focus on specific vertical markets, we look forward to working with GSL Professional to provide new and existing customers the service and support needed in order to accelerate growth in the region,” said Ron Marchant, Senior Director Sales Management, QSC EMEASA.

Visit WWW.SYSTEMSINTEGRATIONASIA.COM to Subscribe © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 4~ Apr 2019- May 2019