SIA August - September 2016

Vol. 15 Issue 6 ~ August - September 2016

AUDIO • VISUAL • CONTROL • COLLABORATION • UNIFIED COMMS MCI (P) 039/04/2016 PPS 1669/08/2013 (022992)

SOFTWARE

INFLUENCE IN AV • COUNTRY ANALYSIS Sri Lanka

• EXHIBITION PREVIEW InfoComm India 2016

• INSTALLATION NCSM Science City - Part II

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

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CONTENTS

Vol. 15 Issue 6 ~ August - September 2016

78 48 04 FIRST WORDS 06 NEWS 24 SOLUTIONS UPDATE SPECIAL FEATURE 30 Software Influence In AV COUNTRY ANALYSIS 34 Sri Lanka PROFILE 38 Novastar Talks LED Commitment INTERVIEW 40 A Invincyble Tech Case To The Fore 42 'Integrated' Journey to Excellence, Audio-Visually TECH TALK 46 The Future of Control Rooms 48 Echo, Echo, Echo... The Anatomy of AEC Technology

74

USER PERSPECTIVE 50 Oncam Secures Worldrenowned Luxury Jeweller Mouawad

EXHIBITION PREVIEW 52 InfoComm India 2016 58 The IoT Asia 2016 & Commercial UAV Show Asia EXHIBITION REVIEW 60 InfoComm 2016 68 CommunicAsia2016, EnterpriseIT2016 & BroadcastAsia2016 INSTALLATIONS 72 HONG KONG: Exterity IP Video Facilitates Decision-making at Bank of China 74 INDIA: Helping Startups With Creative Technology

78 SINGAPORE: Maritime Simulation Sails Smooth With Digital Projection 80 INDIA: The 'Digital Panaorama' of Life and Tech Wizardry 84 SINGAPORE: Zytronic Finds Its Way To Marina Bay Sands 86 MALAYSIA: 1 Utama Shopping Centre Revamps Digital Signage Delivery VOICE BOX 88 The Future of Hospitality Sector - Personalisation 90 ON OUR WEB

04

FIRST WORDS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

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

Cometh SI INDIA Awards: Celebrate ASSISTANT EDITOR Shireen Ho shireen@spinworkz.com

BRAND ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST Dennis Toh dennis@spinworkz.com

ADMIN & CIRCULATION Julie Tan admin@spinworkz.com

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Jimmy Chin jimmy@spinworkz.com DIGITAL PLATFORM EDITOR (Freelance) Rosalind Tan rosalind@spinworkz.com

PRINTED BY PUBLISHED BY Stamford Press Pte Ltd Spinworkz Pte Ltd 51 Bukit Batok Crescent #06-10 Unity Centre, Singapore 658077 Tel: (65) 6316 2716 Fax: (65) 63162715 www.spinworkz.com Disclaimer Systems Integration Asia is published 6 times a year. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine is to be reproduced, whether mechanical or electronic without the prior written consent of the publisher. Views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the publisher. Unsolicited contributions are welcome but the editor reserves the discretion to use them. Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy and honesty in both editorial and advertising content at press time, the publisher will not be liable for any inaccuracies.

In October last, I had shared in this space a ‘Challenge of Celebration.’ That’s about SI Asia’s admittedly ambitious initiative of launching Systems Integration India Awards, beginning from 2016.

Ten months of perseverance, and the occasion has arrived.

Having lived and seen the industry dynamics for so long – 16 years – and from closest possible proximity, we were fully aware of the challenges the initiative would put us to; their complexity and their probable impact on the cause itself! With the prospect of the common good appearing bigger than the specter of the unwanted, we strode through, and arrived atone step to the climax point! It’s not the crescendo yet, but we see it beckoning us, We All, with a great promise!

I recall here, what we have been maintaining every time- only to reinforce our belief and resolve: Indian AV genius has been producing some very incredible SI works that needed to be spoken about, honoured, and celebrated- for a larger cause of the industry’s common good. (This common good can mean different things to different people.) For us, it is contributing to a more genuine, marked, and probably mapped growth.

Spinworkz – SIA’s publishing house – being the facilitator of knowledge dissemination in ProAV domain, took the cause up, and we sincerely thank all those believed in our resolve and supported it all through: our Sponsors; participating SIs; and, of course, InfoComm Asia Ptd Ltd, with whom we have been gelling and flowing seamlessly.

Someone WhatsApped me the other day: “we need both ups and downs in life to make it identifiable. For, a straight and smooth line – even in ECG – means we’re not alive!” I liked it; likened too!

Sri Lanka: Between Optimism & Ambiguity Our Country Analysis this time is about Sri Lanka, and I guess, I had an apt title to it. Changing political and socio-economic times have apparently brought some refreshing changes to the AVSI milieu in the island nation, but the parameters have some more distance to make before they connect to a definable structure. You will notice the SIA feature is not the regular way this time, but the factors explained. With a perceptible optimism amongst the stakeholders, the Lankan AV industry appears to be making some humble steps forward.

Ram Bhavanashi Editor, India & Middle East ram@spinworkz.com

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d&b audiotechnik joins AVnu Alliance reason we have committed to support AVB/TSN by joining the AVnu Alliance as a Promoter member”, continued Perales.

INTERNATIONAL: Leading loudspeaker systems manufacturer, d&b audiotechnik, has announced it has joined the AVnu Alliance, the industry consortium that fosters the adoption of AVB/TSN (Audio Video Bridging/Time Sensitive Networking) protocols and an open ecosystem of certified products.

According to d&b product manager Vicent Perales, the move is a logical step for the company. “d&b is known to be a supporter of open standards, such

as OCA (Open Control Architecture, recently ratified by the Audio Engineering Society as AES70),” he commented. “Joining the AVnu Alliance and supporting AVB/TSN as open audio transport protocols is another good fit for us.”

“Besides offering interconnectivity solutions for other relevant audio networking protocols, such as Dante, we constantly strive to drive technology forward within our industry, and for this

Gary Stuebing, AVnu Alliance President, is delighted to welcome d&b to the consortium. “d&b has earned its reputation as one of the world’s top high end PA suppliers thanks to the consistently high quality of their products and their perpetual desire to innovate.

The company’s decision to join the AVnu Alliance alongside similarly high-caliber pro audio companies is proof-positive of d&b’s forward thinking philosophy.

The move further ratifies AVnu’s position at the vanguard of interoperable, open standards-based networking technology.” www.dbaudio.com

AVID Wins Prestigious India SME 100 Award INDIA: AV Integration Distribution (India) Private Limited – the Bengaluru-based AV/IT-enabled services enterprise – has recently been awarded the prestigious India SME 100 Award for 2016.

Supported by Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MMSME), Government of India, the prestigious award initiative every year considers and selects 100 top performing enterprises under the MSME segment from across the country for the honour.

Notably, AVID’s exceeding performance in both the aspects contributed to its clocking 7th position, amongst an overwhelming number of over 49,000 companies across all SME segments in the country, vying for a position among the top 100.

The company, co-founded by India’s leading systems integrator Kaushik Mukhopadhyay, and his wife Mahua,

offers consultancy, project management, infrastructural services, and export projects. The company expertise also includes Unified Communications, Augmented Reality, Video Collaboration, Environmental Control, Digital Entertainment, and Energy Management.

While Kaushik is well-known in AV circles across the Asia Pacific as MD-CEO o f Integrated Audio Visual, Mahua, with her 20 years of professional experience in Corporate segment, currently heads InfoComm India’s ‘Women in AV’ initiative.

“It’s an honour we take with both pride and humility,” Mahua said about the laurel. “Pride as it speaks about our achievement, and humility as it also speaks about our perseverance. That’s a great combination of value-add.”

Commending his team efforts, Kaushik added, “This award means a lot to us.

AVID is all about our great team and their efforts and this national award is a performance indicator of how we have fared as a company across all segments of SMEs in India, not just the AV industry.”

The Award was presented to AVID representative at a glittering programme organized recently in the Indian national capital of Delhi. www.avidindia.in

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

Mindstec Distribution Extends its Global Partner Distribution Network

ASIA / MIDDLE EAST: Global ProAV distributor Mindstec Distribution has announced the expansion of their existing portfolio, with the addition of strategic partnership tie-ups with Altia Systems, Muxlab and T1V.

Mindstec’s strong systems collaboration distribution platform has also led to a partnership with T1V, which will see the company holding distribution rights across Africa, Asia, India and The Middle East.

While Mindstec’s relationship with Muxlab previously extended across the East Asian region only, the company has leveraged their global reach capabilities, to now also represent them across South Asia, The Middle East, Africa and India, through their exclusive distribution network.

Whether in the form of an interactive wall, interactive table, digital signage, or a mobile application – T1V’s primary mission is to boost human interaction and engagement with one another, through the use of exclusive technology, powered through patented multi-touch, multiuser software that transform public spaces into more dynamic environments.

Muxlab’s products are found across a number of applications which include CCTV security and surveillance, classroom video, digital signage, home theatre, guestroom entertainment, podium presentation and boardroom projection systems.

Mindstec has also tied up with Altia Systems USA for their Panacast cameras which are unique solutions for BYOD and UC environments. Panacast cameras create immersive experience with any of the collaborative Apps in the market.

On the new parternships, Syed Abdul Wahab commented, “Our partnerships with these two brands, combined with our partnerships with other leading organisations, has led to us being able to provide a unique mix of collaborative solutions to our customers.”

“Our strong global presence and reach, has led to these and other premium brands to form strategic partnerships with Mindstec, to be their exclusive distribution partners, across a multitude of regions, which ties into Mindstec’s philosophy of not moving boxes, but being a client centric collaborative solutions provider, offering unparalleled leading edge technology and service to our clients, globally.” www.mindstec.com

Matrox and PanoTek Partner to Offer Innovative Video Wall Pixel Delivery Solutions

ASIA PACIFIC: Matrox® Graphics Inc. has announced a new collaboration with PanoTek®, an AV systems OEM based in Melbourne, Australia. This value-added partnership provides a new series of high-performance, turnkey video wall controller solutions to AV and systems integrators in the Asia Pacific region.

With a diverse product portfolio of video wall and pixel distribution systems for projects of all sizes, this partnership greatly simplifies integration efforts and provides Matrox customers with access to local service and expertise.

PanoTek controllers are offered in a range of cost-effective and scalable configurations and are well suited for a variety of markets, including digital signage, boardroom, operations/process control, and security & surveillance.

Designed for enterprise and critical 24/7 operation, PanoTek systems have already been commissioned on a number of high-profile projects in sectors such as transportation, healthcare, utilities, and defense.

“PanoTek’s state-of-the-art video wall controllers offer numerous features that were previously only available as luxuries in this market space,” says Mark Bush, ANZ regional sales manager at Matrox Graphics Inc. “Deploying a video wall solution shouldn’t be overly complicated or overly expensive, and that’s where PanoTek comes in. They take all the guesswork out of the process—offering a centralized and specialized source

for hardware, software, service and support—allowing you to integrate a turnkey solution at your customer site with ease.”

Milton Taylor, managing director of PanoTek, further notes, "We have been working hard to develop a range of solutions for advanced display wall control and collaboration, and have received excellent feedback from integrators about the functionality, performance, and value of our systems thus far. Continuing to expand our AV partner base is the next logical step in furthering our service of the APAC market, and we invite integrators to contact us for more information about this opportunity.” www.panotek.com www.matrox.com/graphics

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

Community Partners with Atempo in Turkey With expanding international demand for its outdoor, distributed and engineered product families, Community has appointed Atempo for the strong synergy it offers in key vertical market sectors.

“We have always known the great brand reputation and product reliability of Community Volkan Konuralp, Atempo’s Istanbul Regional Director. products, especially for TURKEY: Community Professional outdoor applications Loudspeakers has announced the such as sports facilities which is a large appointment of Atempo as its distributor market in Turkey,” Volkan Konuralp, for Turkey. Atempo has been established Atempo’s Istanbul Regional Director, for over 30 years and is one of the commented on the occasion. “The leading distributors of professional audio horn-loaded, IP-rated systems will also and lighting in Turkey, with a portfolio help us to develop a strong presence of brands that includes Shure, DiGiCo, in the expanding mosque market Robe and ETC. in Turkey and we are excited about

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our new distribution agreement with Community.”

According to Jamie Ward, Community’s EMEA Sales Manager, Atempo provides a very strong network for Community across Turkey. With three strategically located offices, and an experienced team of 150 staff supporting dealers and projects of all sizes, they offer a full value added service across the country.

“Their network of contacts in the installed sound sector is second to none.

They also have a particularly strong demand for outdoor applications, an area where Community leads the way,” said Ward. “I am pleased to welcome them as a distribution partner and I’m sure they will provide installers and integrators in the region with excellent brand service and support.” www.communitypro.com www.atemp.com.tr

Renkuz-Heinz Appoints Acoustic Arts As India Distributor INDIA: Renkus-Heinz has announced the appointment of Acoustic Arts Pvt. Ltd, as the company's distributor in India.

Based in New Delhi, Acoustic Arts was founded in 1999 and is one of the country's leading AV solutions providers, providing turnkey solutions, design, and project management to audio and video professionals throughout the Indian subcontinent.

"We are truly pleased to welcome Acoustic Arts to the Renkus-Heinz family," commented Karl Brunvoll, Vice President of International Sales. "They are a company dedicated to delivering the finest in technology and unparalleled support - the same values that RenkusHeinz was founded upon. We look

forward to a long and productive relationship."

"Renkus-Heinz is one of professional audio's most legendary brands, and an undisputed leader in innovation," added Acoustic Arts Director Sidharth Chhibber.

"Acoustic Arts has long been associated with the world's leading technology providers, and our vast network of professional systems integrators and resellers expect nothing less,” he said.

“We know they will be as delighted as we are for this new association. We are proud to be associated with RenkusHeinz, and excited to be working together." www.renkuz-heinz.com www.acoustic-arts.com

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

Audiobrains Takes Over Powersoft's Japanese Distribution Another key person in brokering the deal was Powersoft Regional Sales Manager, Arthur Soh.

JAPAN: Powersoft has appointed pro audio specialists Audiobrains as the company’s new Japanese distributor. After initial discussions with Audiobrains’ sales and marketing representative, Shin Yamada, the deal was signed with CEO Fujii Shuzo and took effect from mid-June.

Audiobrains already has an A-list distribution portfolio, which includes Martin Audio, Symetrix and beyerdynamic, and they also enjoy dealer status for AVID consoles and d&b audiotechnik loudspeakers. Therefore the Powersoft acquisition completes an important part of the jigsaw.

“Powersoft fits comfortably into several professional sectors — both for touring and installation,” says Yamada. “This is a great opportunity and we are delighted to be representing the brand.”

“He opened door for us at Powersoft and talked at length both about opportunities in the Japanese market and the worldwide situation,” confirms the Audiobrains man.

“Audiobrains first expressed interest in Powersoft around two years ago during Frankfurt Prolight+Sound,” recalls Arthur. “After months of evaluation and further discussion we decided to make the change of distributor.

“We believe that with their experience in the pro-audio market, we will be able to build our brand image and awareness in the Japanese market even more, and their strong contacts in the touring market will give us more exposure in the Japanese rental market.”

Set up in in 2007 Audiobrains will waste no time in introducing the new products to its customer base. “I am excited by

the potential of all products,” states Yamada, adding that they will embark on a series of roadshows, seminars and media exposure.

The company has already received full training from Powersoft’s Applications Engineer, Remo Orsoni, while Shin Yamada himself will conduct domestic customer training. Meanwhile, a Technical Support/ Application Engineer based in Singapore, will be supporting the APAC region with ongoing training and the company’s existing Sound School programme.

Shin Yamada continued, “I strongly believe that Powersoft will drive our business forward to the next level, in terms of offering light weight, high powered solutions, with high quality DSP and digital audio streaming.

This will give both the touring and installation sectors an opportunity to invest in advanced power and technology.” www.powersoft-audio.com/en/

InfoComm Forms New Industry Advisory Groups in Hong Kong and Singapore ASIA: InfoComm International® has announced the creation of new advisory groups in Hong Kong and Singapore respectively. With a mission to address local challenges in AV communities and provide resources to nurture member participation and support, the new groups are in addition to advisory groups in India and Australia, broadening InfoComm’s engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.

Representing diverse sectors of the industry, members of the Hong Kong and Singapore advisory groups work together to explore new ways to better

the University of Hong Kong, Morgan Stanley, and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group are also included.

serve the nuanced needs of InfoComm members in the countries.

The participants come from manufacturers such as Biamp, Christie, Crestron, and Kramer, and Samsung, consultancies such as Hewshott and PTS Consulting, and system integrators like ESCO and Vega Global. Distributors and in-house technology experts from

“Advisory groups are an important platform for serving our members on a local level,” says Andy Tan, CTS®, InfoComm Regional Director for Asia.

“Giving local industry leaders a voice not only brings us valuable insights to continuously improve our offerings as an industry organization, it also helps promote volunteer involvement and advance the industry as a whole.” www.infocomm.org

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

Biamp Announces Midwich as Australian Distributor APAC for Biamp Systems. “Having Midwich as our partner for Australia and New Zealand will enable Biamp to continue delivering exceptional customer service in a key region.”

AUSTRALIA: Biamp has announced Midwich as its distributor in Australia and New Zealand. Midwich will exclusively distribute Tesira®, Audia®, Nexia®, and Vocia®. Midwich will also handle Devio, Biamp’s UC platform, on a non-exclusive basis.

“Australia and New Zealand represent an important region for Biamp Systems.

Midwich share our passion and vision to provide exceptional AV solutions, especially with the emergence of enterprise-level networked media systems and unified collaboration” stated Jim Seretis, Biamp Systems’

consultant liaison and business development manager for Australia and New Zealand.

“We are very excited at the opportunities this new partnership with Midwich brings,” shared Matthew Packer, sales development director,

For more than 35 years Midwich has been an industry expert, supplying solutions to the pro-AV, security, and IT industry. Headquartered in Sydney, New South Wales, Midwich provides a variety of audio-visual solutions to fit their customers’ unique and varied demands. www.biamp.com www.midwich.com.au

Elite Screens Opens New Facility in Hong Kong HONG KONG: Elite Screens has opened a new facility in Hong Kong for the purpose of handling Southeast Asian sales territories. With the formation of the Hong Kong office, it allows Elite’s worldwide network of international offices to create an overlapping network of service and expanded product line.

The new office will also enable Elite Screens to reach out to its customer base in Asia and conduct technical trainings.

“Since its inception, Elite Screens has become the leading US CE retail screen brand.” said Dave Rodgers, Marketing Manager at Elite’s US corporate office.

“It is great to see the company expand throughout the Americas, Europe, China, Japan and Australia but we have had big plans for Southeast Asia. The goal of this branch will be to both serve the Southeast Asian countries with quality product as well as be a point of

education promoting buyer and seller knowledge on our dynamic industry.”

Heading the Hong Kong operation is Simon Tang. With various experiences as sales and managing directors throughout the US, Europe and Asia, Simon is

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soughted for his abilities to form lasting business partnerships, identify and fulfil customer needs, and manage a productive operation regardless of the business climate in which he works. www.elitescreens.com

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

Williams Sound Hearing Hotspot Shines in Doha

MIDDLE EAST: Qatar based Darwish Technology has recently installed the Williams Sound’s Hearing HotSpot at Education City Mosque in Doha. This innovative listening technology was purchased through Nicolas M Kyvernitis Electronics Enterprises (NMK), Dubaibased distributor of Williams Sound and audio, video and communication equipment in the Middle East.

Considered to be the first major project for Hearing HotSpot in the region. Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies (QFIS) Mosque was looking for the transmission of multiple channels of audio signal coming from a simultaneous interpretation system. Darwish Technology proposed a WIFI solution rather than using conventional RF and IR solution.

Their design team had designed and configured the system for simultaneous interpretation of prayers conducted in Arabic language to multiple languages.

Project management team made sure that the system is installed, tested and operated to the requirements of the client.

“Hearing HotSpot presented the exact full solution sought for this application.

It’s a simple solution, straight forward application and compatible with most of the smart phones and tablets which made it an adequate solution

for our inquiry”, commented Darwish Technology team.

The next-generation Hearing HotSpot technology features everything what is needed to stream multiple channels of audio in real time over an enterprise WiFi network. Once a system is installed in a venue, the software license is activated

by Williams Sound based on the number of channels at that venue. The users can bring their own device either IOS or Android and by installing a free application of Williams Sound Hearing Hotspot from App Store or Google Play, they are able to listen to all the interpreted channels.

“Hearing HotSpot fulfilled the requirements of this project as intended.

It was part of a translation system, where the floor language was transported to a remote interpretation center, and the translated signal was pushed back to the mosque on the same infrastructure.

Hearing HotSpot takes this signal (multi channels) representing the different translated languages plus the floor language and distributes it wirelessly in the venue. It was an easy implementation and the result was more than satisfactory.

This project was definitely a positive experience with the support of NMK and Williams Sound,” as described by Darwish Technology. www.nmkelectronics.com www.williamssound.com

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

MERGERS & AQUISITIONS

Nortek Enters Into Definitive Merger Agreement With Melrose Industries INTERNATIONAL: Nortek has signed an agreement and plan of merger with Melrose Industries PLC, a UK listed public company and Nevada Corp., a newly created wholly owned subsidiary of Melrose.

Nortek is to be acquired by Melrose for $86.00 per share in cash – an estimated total enterprise value of approximately $2.8 billion.

According to the Merger Agreement, Nevada Corp. will conduct an all-cash tender offer for 100% of Nortek’s common stock. Upon offer completion, Nevada Corp. will merge with and into Nortek, resulting in Nortek becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Melrose.

“We are very pleased to have reached the proposed agreement with Melrose Industries, which represents a significant premium for our shareholders,” said Nortek’s President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Clarke. “We believe this partnership with Melrose will enhance Nortek’s ability to further leverage its industry-leading brands and market positions to continue driving profitable growth. We believe this transaction will be a positive for our employees and customers alike.”

“We have watched and admired Nortek’s progress and we are convinced we can steer this fine business to achieve its full potential,” said Melrose’s Chairman Christopher Miller. “We see a company full of hard-working, dedicated people

who are really good at what they do.

We can harness those strengths by meaningful long term investment and a vision based on our own experience in similar and relevant markets down the years. Melrose has been a highly successful custodian and builder of US businesses and we are confident that we can bring that expertise to build Nortek for the long term.” www.melroseplc.net www.nortek.com

Polycom Ends Mitel Merger Agreement, Enters New Merger with Siris Capital INTERNATIONAL: Polycom has announced that its board of directors has approved the termination of the company’s previously announced merger agreement with Mitel Networks Corporation. Upon Mitel’s receipt of the requisite termination fee payable under the company’s merger agreement with Mitel, the company will enter into a new merger agreement with Triangle Private Holdings I, LLC and Triangle Private Merger Sub, Inc., entities affiliated with Siris Capital Group, LLC. Under the terms of the new merger agreement between Polycom and Siris,

outstanding shares of common stock of Polycom will be exchanged for $12.50 per share in cash at the completion of the merger. The Siris merger is expected to close in the third quarter of 2016.

On July 7, 2016, Polycom’s board of directors had received a unilaterally binding offer from Siris to acquire all outstanding shares of Polycom common stock for a price of $12.50 per share in cash and the Polycom board of directors determined that Siris’ proposal constituted a “Company Superior Proposal” under its merger agreement with Mitel.

On July 7, 2016, Mitel Networks Corporation waived its right to renegotiate its merger agreement with Polycom after receipt of notice of the Polycom board’s determination. As a result, the Polycom board of directors authorised Polycom to terminate the Mitel merger agreement, pay the Mitel termination fee and enter into the Siris merger agreement. Polycom has since paid the Mitel termination fee and has entered into the Siris merger agreement immediately thereafter. www.polycom.com

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

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Crestron Opens New Experience Centre in Singapore Crestron solutions such as RL2 Group Collaboration, .AV Framework, the Fusion Enterprise Management platform, a new meeting management app called PinPoint as well as an extensive range of Digital Media 3.0 solutions.

SINGAPORE: Following on from Sydney, Singapore is now home to the second Crestron Experience centre in the APAC region. Over 150 local end-users, consultants and integration companies attended the 2-day opening event last week at Crestron’s new Singapore office in Kaki Bukit.

After months of preparation since the Singapore office officially opened in January 2016, the Crestron Experience Centre is a fruition of efforts from the local team. The centre itself consists of 4 main areas that highlight key

Besides showcasing solutions, the Experience Centre also encompasses a training room and fully equipped conference room where Crestron solutions are used in day to day settings.

Dave Rashleigh, Executive Director, South East Asia, commented, “Opening our new South East Asia headquarters, Experience centre & training facility reflects our commitment to the region.

Establishing a direct presence brings us closer to our clients and ensures we can provide the high level customer support that the Crestron brand is known for globally.”

Crestron's focus on education and training is also apparent as the new facility will now allow the Crestron Sales & Technical team to conduct a full range of courses locally.

“The past 10 months have been very productive for us,” said Tony Ang, General Manager, South East Asia.

“Within this period we have expanded our team, relocated our office, set up our warehouse and now it is very heartening to see the launch of our very own Experience Centre.”

Interested Integrators and end-users can register for an appointment where oneon-one tour groups are available upon request. For more information contact SG-CEC@crestron.com www.crestron.com

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Fusion’s rigidity, stability and display adjustments ensure a superior experience. Smooth, fingertip height adjustment allows users to quickly and safely raise and lower the display with almost no effort.

Learn more at milestone.com/FusionDynamic

20

NEWS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS

Minhaj Zia to Lead Polycom’s Business and Growth Plans for South East Asia First appointed to the company in October 2013, Zia has been credited for leading the company’s business in India with outstanding success including 32% year on year growth, doubling presence from 35 cities to over 70, and rolling out new go-to-market and partner strategies for increased coverage of the public, mid-market and SMB sectors. In 2015, Polycom achieved double digit growth in the Indian video conferencing market which Zia widely credits to new market expansion.

SE ASIA: Polycom has announced that Minhaj Zia, the current Vice President for Polycom in India & SAARC, will now additionally oversee the company’s operations in South East Asia (SEA).

Zia also led his team to successfully address opportunities from emerging markets such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan by investing in these countries and extending partnerships.

Effective immediately, Zia will lead growth and expansion plans as Vice President for Polycom in India, SAARC & SEA. Relocating to Singapore, he will focus on accelerating growth for the SEA region – which includes Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

“Under Minhaj’s leadership, India and SAARC has become one of the top performing Polycom sales regions in the world. Not only have the results been outstanding in terms of revenue growth and market share, but he has also built a world class leadership team that has consistently outperformed,” said Geoff

Thomas, President, Polycom Asia Pacific.

“Where it makes sense, we will leverage the similarities between India, SAARC and the SEA region, such as the go-tomarket and channel ecosystem, while also recognising the unique attributes of each market.“ “I am truly excited to be leading the SEA business for Polycom. As with other regions in Asia Pacific, we look to drive growth through focused execution and ensuring that we are resourced correctly in each market, whether through right products, price points or partner relationships,” said Zia. “While this region is diverse and no country is alike, I believe that success is achieved when you are empowered with the right information on each market to make decisions that will expedite growth. I look forward to leading the Polycom business in India, SAARC and the SEA region to continued success.” www.polycom.com.sg

beyerdynamic Promotes Naveen Sridhar to Director SAARC: beyerdynamic has elevated its hitherto India Sales Manager Naveen Sridhar to Director-Sales & Marketing for SAARC region.

According to a communiqué from beyerdynamic, the economic /market communities of SAARC – comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka – will be henceforth handled by India office.

The proximity of these countries to India as well as the cooperation in economic and technical matters, in particular, the coordination of customs and crossborder trade makes it reasonable to

combine these countries and put the responsibility to Naveen Sridhar.

“With this decision, beyerdynamic laid the foundation to strengthen their business within this region,” said Robert Winterhoff, beyerdynamic’s Managing Director- Global Sales & (L-R) Robert Winterhoff and Manager Naveen Sridhar Marketing. “Naveen had been showing fantastic growth figures He continued, “We, obviously look since we began India operations; we are forward to having more dynamic market happy to have him in an elevated rank presence with Naveen heading the that he long deserved.” initiative from his Bengaluru office.” www.beyerdynamic.com

NEWS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

21

Casio Launches Core & Advance Series Projectors in Bangkok & Jakarta

distribution partnership with SVOA. Responsible for the Thailand market, SVOA will work with Casio to penetrate the projector market with green and energy-saving innovations.

(L-R) Koji Shinjo, Managing Director, Casio Marketing (Thailand) Co., Ltd and Thitakorn Ussayaporn, Chief Operating Officer, SVOA Public Co., Ltd at the Bangkok press conference to announce their company's new partnership.

SOUTHEAST ASIA: Held on 18th May 2016 at Siam Centre Point, the Bangkok press conference by Casio saw a total of 24 media from the local daily newspapers, IT magazines & online media.

The objective of the press conference was to introduce Casio's environmentalfriendly projector. Lamp-free and Low Power Consumption, Casio projectors does not rely on mercury lamp.

During the Bangkok press conference, Casio also announced its new

A similar press event was also held in Jakarta. In both press conferences, Casio took the opportunity to introduce 8 new projector models in the CORE and Advance Series. Featuring 20,000 hours lifespan and mercury-free technology, the Core and Advanced Series are made in Japan to ensure the highest quality.

At the same time, Casio has also launched their Asia Facebook page in June, to engage more actively with its fan base. www.casioprojectorsea.com

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22

NEWS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

MDi Conducts Successful Church Sound Seminar

PHILIPPINES: The Christ Cares Global Ministries (CCGM) venue at Quezon city saw a turnout of almost 100 for the Church Sound seminar organised by Modular Display Inc (MDi) on 19th June.

The seminar topics was presented by Laz Harris of PreSonus with support from MDi staff.

Though the focus was in introducing PreSonus solutions, topics such as mixing tips, strategies for live event recording and getting the most from speaker systems had the full attention of the attendees. “It was a wonderful turnout for our Church Sound seminar, almost a hundred were present coming from different churches all over. We are very thankful for all those who attended the seminar, especially to Pastor Jun Oliveros, CCGM band and the whole CCGM for the

support. It was a very successful seminar and we are glad the we were able to share knowledge and experience with

all of the attendees and also showcase new products from PreSonus,� said Alvin Quisumbing of MDi.

23

NEWS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

“At the seminar we used SMAART software which can quickly test speakers and tune speakers to flat response.

With tuned speakers, it's much easier to mix and tweak stage monitors, made much easier since we used StudioLive 328ai speakers for the wedges. Another solution was the HP2. For tight church budget and clean stages, the HP2 does the trick. A perfect in-ear monitoring where you can control 2 sources, mix with your in ear monitors. Attendees were impressed with what we were able to achieve.”

For the FOH, the new ULT "Ultra Long throw" was featured. PreSonus ® ULT active loudspeakers combine the widest horizontal dispersion of any loudspeaker in their class with a focused vertical dispersion for an ultra-long throw. The result is even coverage throughout the space, enabling the audience to hear clearly wherever they are. Featuring PreSonus’ proprietary Pivot X110 horn, a custom 15-inch low-frequency driver, and

plenty of biamped Class D power in a lightweight design with the performance characteristics that only wood can offer, ULT15 loudspeakers deliver firstrate speech intelligibility and natural music reproduction. This makes them a great choice for both mobile use and permanent installations.

Attendees also got a peek of the new AR analog mixer which will be another game changer and the new AIR speakers.

Alvin is confident that these new models will definitely raise the standards and is already planning to share in more detail these new solutions. www.modulardisplaypro.com

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24

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

Biamp: Putting the 'V' in “AVB with TesiraLUX Finally, the “V” in AVB is here. With the addition of TesiraLUX, Tesira now supports real-time video distribution over the network, with unmatched lip sync capabilities. Since Tesira manages the entire audio and video signal path, Tesira processing recognizes how long it takes for each signal to pass over the network, allowing it to accurately synchronize everything.

The TesiraLUX product line includes an AVB video encoder (TesiraLUX IDH-1) and an AVB video decoder (TesiraLUX OH-1). The encoder features one HDMI® port, one DisplayPortTM port, and includes two mic/line level analog inputs. The decoder includes one HDMI port and two line level analog outputs.

Key features: • • • • • •

Accepts video signals up to and including 4K60.

Supports a virtual matrix of at least 512 devices.

Flexible colour space including Rec. 2020.

Supports High Dynamic Range (HDR).

Integrated lip sync management.

Supports 8 channel PCM audio for embedding/ deembedding.

• Automated EDID management between TesiraLUX and the input source.

• 4 logic connections can be used as inputs or outputs.

• Serial port for the output of command strings.

Availability: Shipping in January 2017. www.biamp.com

QSC: Q-SYS™ AV-to-USB Bridging Solution QSC expands its powerful software-based AV/IT solution, Q-SYS™, with PTZ-IP Camera and a AV-to-USB Bridging peripheral to meet the needs of the corporate AV market for soft codec camera and audio bridging integration.

Current product line consists of Q-SYS I/O-USB Bridge and two PTZ-IP Conferencing cameras— the Q-SYS PTZ-12X72 and Q-SYS PTZ-20X60. Built for IT convenience, this solution addresses the inherent limitations of using USB in a geographically diverse meeting room.

Key features:

• Plug-and-play audio and video feeds to soft codec applications like Skype for Business™, WebEx™, etc.

• Control within Q-SYS, streamed on IT-friendly Layer-3 protocol, along with the rest of Q-SYS’s audio and control data.

• Video and audio streams accessed by the end user’s conferencing application using standard USB 2.0 connection via Q-SYS USB bridging peripherals.

• Webcam video emulation and AEC speakerphone audio.

• Seamless integration with all current and future shipping Q-SYS Cores such as the Core 110f and Q-SYS peripherals.

• Existing Q-SYS conference systems can easily add camera video to their arsenal of AEC, third-party integration, control and more.

Availability: Now.

www.qsc.com

THEY HEARD,

“BAD NEWS, THE BUSINESS IS IN TROUBLE.” But you said, “Big news, our business has doubled!” With Devio, the message is always clear thanks to an 8-element, voice-tracking microphone for crystal clear sound in any conference or huddle space.

Quickly transition ideas from your laptop to a collaborative work session, adding displays, speakers, a web camera, and microphones with a single USB connection. Communicate better with Devio the conferencing tool that works the way you work. biamp.com/devio

26

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

JBL by Harman: JBL Intellivox HP-DS170 Announced at InfoComm 2016, the HP-DS170 column array in the popular Intellivox beam-shaping loudspeaker series is a self-contained, high-power and high-output, 2-way, wide-bandwidth beam-shaping powered column loudspeaker with a high degree of outdoor capability.

Enclosing ten, high efficiency, 6.5” loudspeakers and two coaxially mounted 1” compression drivers, each with dedicated amplification, the Intellivox HP-DS170 is capable of covering a substantial audience area while maintaining an even sound pressure level throughout.

Applications: Fill or Delay System for Intellivox installations, Sports Facilities, Concert Halls, Theatres, Touring Applications.

Key features:

• Capable of maintaining an even sound pressure level of 106dB across an audience area of up to 30 meters in length and has a horizontal dispersion of 100° .

• Slim and unobtrusive with an array length of only 1.7 meters.

• Switched mode power supply and surveillance features to ensure years of reliable operation.

• IP55 rated.

• Built in DSP and amplification.

• DDS Beam Shaping: Users can have coverage tailor-made to their space, focusing the sound exactly where it is needed.

• 6.5" Drivers.

• RS-485 serial control.

Availability: July 2016. http://asia.jblpro.com

Crestron: Breaks New Ground With Avia DSP-128 The Crestron® Avia™ DSP-128 family of Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) leverages the highest quality components and the expertise of veteran audio industry engineers to deliver a revolutionary audio processing platform that’s actually easy to integrate and configure.

Introduced at InfoComm 2016, the Avia family has all the features and performance top sound system designers demand — complemented with an intuitive graphical workspace conceived to inspire exceptional results quickly.

Applications: Conference rooms, lecture halls, sports and entertainment venues, courtrooms, and other spaces.

Key features: • • • • • • •

Hybrid channel strip architecture.

Customizable input and output channel strips.

Eight internal aux buses with channel strips.

Full set of selectable channel strip objects.

Fully-adjustable matrix mixing.

Seamless export of Smart Graphics™ touch screen UI files.

Built-in Real-Time Analyzer: Tools include a spectrum analyzer, virtual mixer, EQ editor, and Crestron speaker profile library to ensure quick acoustic setup.

• Dante Audio Networking: I/O expansion amongst Avia DSPs, amplifiers, and third-party vendors is easy using integrated Dante controls.

• Integrate natively with DigitalMedia™, touch screens, Crestron Fusion® Cloud, and unified collaboration technology as part of a comprehensive Crestron solution.

• DSP-1282 and DSP-1283: USB Audio Interface, Acoustic Echo Cancellation and SIP & POTS Phone Interface.

Availability: Now. www.crestron.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

27

RGB Spectrum: Distribute AV over IP with Zio RGB Spectrum's new Zio technology offers video and audio distribution over an IP network, replacing traditional dedicated switchers. Zio endpoints attach to a 1Gig Ethernet switch, with encoders accepting computer and video signals at resolutions up to 4K, and decoders for feeding displays. The Zio system offers seamless switching and supports both dedicated and/or shared networks.

Debuted at InfoComm 2016, the Zio family includes: S2000 Series Encoder; D2000 Series Decoder; D2000 Series Multiviewer and D3000 Series Multiviewers.

Key features:

• Scalability: As system requirements grow, additional endpoints can be easily added.

• Ability to produce multiple independent streams of differing compression. parameters to allow signal to be optimized to meet the stringent bandwidth, frame delay and jitter challenges of WAN links.

• Zio endpoints offers gateway to traditional AV distribution system.

• Video Wall Capability when integrated with MediaWall processor.

• Able to accommodate externally generated video streams from third party H.264/H.265 UP cameras and encoders.

• Stream content to smart phones, IPTVs or other devices.

• Audio Distribution: Decoders provide both HDMI embedded audio and analog output.

• Grouping: Zio endpoints can be organized into groups for admin purposes.

• Third Party Control: API for control by third party available.

KXWELL Present New Robotic Head with 20Kg Payload and VR Support* KT-PR50 (with VR) / KT-PR51

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28

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

beyerdynamic: Quinta TB Wireless Boundary Microphone beyerdynamic is expanding its Quinta wireless conference system portfolio.

Flexibility, efficacy and cost optimisation are the primary factors when deciding to purchase video conference systems or microphones for meeting rooms. From the very beginning, the Quinta TB wireless boundary microphones from the beyerdynamic Quinta product line optimise the often undervalued role of voice transmission during video conferences.

Applications: Meeting rooms and video conferences.

Key features:

• Different operating modes can be set using the system software.

• In microphone mode, the Quinta CU can act as a multi-channel receiver.

• Maximum of four Quinta TBs (depending on the size of the room and the number of participants) can be operated simultaneously.

• Also in microphone mode, software can be used to connect up to 9 central control units.

• In conference mode the Quinta TB acts as a delegate microphone unit and can be used for any traditional conference application.

• Quinta Triple Band technology ensures uninterrupted transmission.

• 128 bit encryption and a 24-bit PIN code guarantee protection against eavesdropping.

• Speedy recharging time and a long operating time of at least 14 hours. www.beyerdynamic.com

ATEN: Enhanced Control System Customizability ATEN has announced that its control system will have two new features: serial expansion boxes and Windows and Android support. The new expansion boxes will allow customers to match the exact requirements of any installation.

Released last year, the ATEN Control System has been well received by end customers and system integrators alike due to its simple and intuitive setup, deployment, and control. The ATEN Control System empowers individuals without a technical background to manage and control any device in a room.

Key features:

• Expansion boxes provide extra port connections that can be used to meet the needs of larger and more complex environments.

• Does not require the purchase of exclusive user panels.

• Control system can be managed through an intuitive appbased user interface on an iOS, Windows or Android device.

• ATEN now also provides a driver download page so that users can seamlessly integrate a number of devices from various brands within their installation.

• This includes products from ATEN’s major partners BenQ, BXB, Lumens and Optoma.

Availability: ATEN will first release a 4-Port Serial Expansion Box, the VK224, and follow this with an 8-Channel Relay and 6-Port IR/Serial Expansion Box by the end of year. www.aten.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

29

Opticis: New 4K HDMI IP Video Wall Controller The new IPVDS-500-ED is a 4K HDMI IP Video Wall Control solution for playing multisources of Audio/Video such as PC, media player, Blu-ray and etc, on the video wall display simultaneously. It enables the processing of high quality video into multiple videos and play it on video wall displays and other displays.

PC program can be used for host allocation and preview with drag and drop operation with simple mouse use. Users can easily merge, split, overlay and clear for host allocation and assure with preview scene on the ‘Layout Manager’ before applying it to real display monitors.

Key features:

• TCP/IP based IP network: 100/1000 Base-T Ethernet with CAT5e or CAT6 cables.

• Up to 4K resolution (3840×2160 at 30Hz) or 1080p at 60Hz. • Up to 8×8(up to 64 displays) Video Wall with multi-sources.

• Provides Analog/HDMI audio input and output.

• Provides PC program for users: 1. Control PC apps for Video Wall and individual displays.

2. Drag and drop operation of mouse for house allocation and preview.

3. Allocation, merge, split, overlay, and etc on Layout Manager.

4. Provides preview scene before to apply it to real monitors.

5. Provides 99 presets for user defined layout (save and loading).

6. Provides preset scheduling function with weekly mode and sequential mode (based on dwell time).

7. Bezel Compensation in 0.1mm units.

• M:N virtual matrix supported: multicasting up to 200 clients.

• Fast switching time / low video latency.

• Provides EDID read and write function.

• Transmits HDMI/DVI, USB, RS-232, audio, DIO signals via IP network.

• Provides 1U rack optionally (model: OPSCR-1U).

• Provides mounting bracket optionally (model: OPSCB): VESA 75,100 standard.

QUINTA TB WIRELESS BOUNDARY MICROPHONE – MADE IN GERMANY

Availability: Now. www.opticis.com

Visit us: InfoComm India, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai Booth G1

www.beyerdynamic.com/quinta beyerdynamic India Pvt. Ltd. . No. 1, 10th Main, 14th Cross Malleswaram Bangalore 560 003 . naveen@beyerdynamic.com

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SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

Software Inuence In AV: The Web – A Smart Building Platform T

he audio visual industry has been automating meeting rooms, lecture theatres and classrooms for decades. But there has never been a greater opportunity for control and automation than right now. Clients expect every device to be network enabled and the user experience to be seamless.

The consumer world and the expectations of the Internet of Things (IoT) has created the desire and the opportunity to move beyond the traditional control system.

It has never been easier to achieve a scalable smart building experience, with open-source Machine Learning platforms, web-based control systems, an extensive IoT development community and powerful data and analytic tools. The biggest challenge is that the technology has surpassed the typical audio visual system design and many consultants and integrators are not taking advantage of these new opportunities.

by Jonathan McFarlane, CEO, ACA Projects When we started ACA Projects we were surprised that there was such a disconnect in what the client wanted and what the AV industry provided. We set out to disrupt an industry that was focused on hardware, pushed by manufacturers. Our focus was to provide platforms that can grow, adapt, scale and fundamentally meet the changing needs of the client.

We started with the web as a platform and a philosophy that every component must be IT standard. We quickly discovered that the web for control and automation was a natural fit.

Logic, device drivers, user interfaces and communication management can all sit on standard servers. This can be on the client’s virtual machine, on a cloud service or as a hybrid-cloud, each organisation has their own preference. By default, the web-based backend creates an extremely scalable solution and allows you to start thinking of control in a different way.

Control is no longer isolated to a room and you can extend the control interfaces to a general building experience. By doing so you provide a uniform user experience across your building or even the entire organisation as you scale the solution to multiple buildings. The natural scalability of the web allows for huge costs savings compared to hardware-based control.

The larger the rollout, the greater the investment return.

Furthermore, a large rollout allows you to collect and centralise your room and building data.

We encourage our partners and clients to think about control in the same way their marketing team would think about a web-based campaign. The building experience starts with discovery, moves into engagement, requires some sort of call-to-action and then we can monitor to improve the experience. These are the fundamentals of most web-site design and because we use the web as a platform we can follow the same process in the same way.

At ACA, this has resulted in building custom mobile web interfaces that includes automatic launching via Eddystone bluetooth beacons as the discovery process, way-finding as the engagement, control of the room once you get there as the call-to-action and measuring user behaviour with Google Analytics to make any improvements. We still use traditional mounted tablets in key locations but with ongoing measurement we can see who, when and how people are connecting to make informed decisions on where and when to use a more traditional approach.

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

The screenshot below shows an Education project where 67% of all users are accessing the control interface with their mobile device and only 13% via a mounted tablet.

31

can leverage these standard features to create powerful user experiences, rather than the traditional AV programmer that is limited to proprietary touch panel design software.

Below, a custom room booking interface that integrates into exchange via APIs and the web-based control system to reference what equipment is in the room. This allows the client to search by requirements and if a device is offline the room can be reserved for maintenance automatically.

The next part of a smart building is linking other internal software services to provide a uniform user experience.

With a web-based platform this is easy through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to pass data and requests between systems. Furthermore, many organisations use secure single sign-on across all of their web applications and this can be applied to any building or control interface. This improves both the user experiences and security. Any web developer

The final part of a smart building solution is collecting data.

The more rooms and buildings you add to your network the

4K HDMI 2.0 + USB 2.0 + RS232 Extender; HDCX-100 Transmits HDMI 2.0, USB 2.0, RS-232 up to 100m(328feet) over one(1) CAT5e or CAT6 cable Supports 4K UHD(3840x2160) at 60Hz(YCbCr 4:2:0) Supports HDCP 1.4/2.2 standards Provides compact design and bracket allows easy installation even in small space Real 4K over Fiber Solution Stretch & Control digital video audio standards ยบ DVI / HDMI / DisplayPort / SDI Fiber Optic Extender ยบ KVM Extender (Fiber Optic & IP base) ยบ Multi Format Modular Matrix ยบ Various Video Format Converters ยบ Wireless Extender

Certifies FCC and CE standards

4K HDMI IP Video Wall Controller; GG IPVDS-500-ED Supports 100/1000 base-T TCP/IP network with CAT5e or CAT6 cables Transmits up to 4K resolution (3840x2160) at 30Hz or 1080p at 60Hz with Analog/HDMI audio Supports fast switching / low video latency Provides up to 8x8(64 monitors) Video Wall with multi-cast sources multicasting up to 200 clients Provides control PC Apps for Video Wall and individual displays : preview, drag & drop layout with mouse, bezel correction in 0.1mm unit and preset schedule GG

OPTICIS HQ 16Fl., Kins Tower Jeongja 331, 8 Sungnam-daero, Bundang-gu, Sungnam-si, Gyunggi-do, 13558 South KoreaGGG Tel: +82 31 719-8033 Fax: GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG+82 31 719-8032 E-mail: tosales@opticis.com G

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SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

better the data. Potentially, a builder could provide access to a web-based control platform across their entire portfolio and collect data on the building’s usage centrally. They can use this data to continuously improve the building experience for their customers and even influence the design of new properties.

Heat maps, users flows mapping and automated reporting can be setup with standard analytics packages such as Google Analytics.

Microsoft Find Me is also used to track people in hot-desks so you can search for a colleague and find where they are sitting today.

Below, the user floor of a system at the University of Sydney with one of the most common user activities highlighted.

The user interface also includes the ability to request catering and order coffee and drinks directly from the interface. The kitchen display’s a web dash-board that provides a list of orders as well as the floors room booking details so catering staff can use it to see all the open orders as well as when the room is available for cleaning.

The future of smart buildings is all about machine learning.

If there is one thing machine learning is good at is finding patterns. It does not make sense to manually create triggers or depend on user interactions for predictable tasks. If you collect good data, pass it on to a machine learning platform and have that automatically trigger control events - you could create a building that is proactive not just reactive to the user.

We are working on our first machine learning building project directly with a banking client (watch this space). It will be more of a design challenge than a technical one- coming up with the right concepts and collecting the right data to pass onto the open source platforms.

It is often corporate clients that benefit from a web-based solution as it scales to all of their offices, integrates into their IT environment and is secure enough to keep the CIO happy.

A recent example of our web-based control platform in action is at Rabobank Sydney. This new office fitout included ACAEngine providing BYOD control to every space with key spaces such as boardrooms with mounted touch panels.

Ultimately, this project and many ACA projects follows the concept that if you know Who someone is and Where they are you can provide unique user experiences. The who is provided with single sign-on authentication and the where comes from geo-location integration. At the same time, you can have a traditional control experience in key locations and extend beyond the room control with new room researching, catering and people tracking abilities.

The AV landscape has changed dramatically in the last few years and it is not slowing down. In other areas of their organisation the client embraces IoT, consolidates global services and embraces the cloud- not just for SaaS but as their hosted data-centre. To this client localised hardware in the room or comms room does not make sense and there is a strong requirement for IT standard solutions. With the expectation that the backend is IT standard, the client puts all focus on the user experience that needs to move beyond the touch panel. I encourage you to walk into your next design meeting thinking ‘how do I design the best solution for the life of this building’ not ‘what products do I need to sell for this project’. http://acaprojects.com

ACAEngine integrates into Microsoft Exchange for room booking and Microsoft Find Me room searching. This is a simple web-app that allows users to search and book a space. Then the call-toaction when they get to their room is the control interface.

About The Author Jonathan McFarlane is the co-founder of ACA Projects, a company that provides web-standard control and media platforms to enable smart buildings. Based in Hong Kong and with offices in Sydney, the ACA team are providing some of the worlds largest smart building deployments across Asia.

Notable projects include the Sydney Opera House, Rabobank and most recently PwC Australia.

34

COUNTRY ANALYSIS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

By Ram Bhavanashi

Sri Lanka: Living With Prospect And Plight Audio-Visual industry has much to happen in the island nation

Sri Lanka – the small but bountiful and beautiful island in South Asia – has been a focal point for many for long. From conquerors to colonialists, from royal envoys to religious preachers, from ethnic repulsions observers to economic analysts, and, of late, market economy harbingers to ICT enthusiasts! Even as the country continues to grapple with oddities, there has been a fair amount of hope for a prospering time, and sync with regional, if not global market.

For audio-visual and systems integration industry, while it’s been extremely tough going for SI Asia eliciting response from the small but emerging AV industry – as part of our regular Country Analysis – there is a light visible at some distance. A snapshot:

F

or a small country that struggled with a high degree of civil war for 30 long years, followed by periods of uncertainties, it might not sound fair to expect great turnaround in quick span of time- let alone wonders! However, some steely resolve at the top echelons of governance, progressive looking citizenry, and more encouragingly, positive, and promising outlook taken by regional powers and market players offers a great prospect.

“That’s exactly what it is…or what we can take to be fair,” comes the assumption from Arijith Ranaweera. A freelancing sound engineer who is also a music enthusiast with some good exposure to entertainment and audio visual industry in the region, Ranaweera says the kind of turmoils that the country had been through, it isn’t easy to make it that quick.

“We had enough of it, we all know; more, the government; which is why we are seeking forward,” Ranaweera wants us reckon. “It will take some time, but surely.”

Hansi Chaturasinha and Amanthi d’Mel, Arijith’s young club acquaintances, working with a top hotel in Colombo, exude a bit more enthusiastic. Apparently judging from the audiovisual set-up in the hotel they work, the women in late-20s feel it’s a ‘new Sri Lanka’ now. “We have, banquet halls, clubs and conference rooms with audio-visual set-ups; and they are maintained fine,” Amanthi qualifies. “Most hotels in Colombo have good AV set-ups; and they are getting better and bigger.”

COUNTRY ANALYSIS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

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Interestingly, Amanthi and her friend know much about Chennai and Bengaluru hotels, but not much about other parts of Sri Lanka. “We are told things are fast changing,” they say.

According to Ronil Samaraweera, who works for a leading distribution firm, feels that there has been a fair amount of enthusiasm of late- across all major segments. “There have been some big constructions, both in government and private sector, and most of them are seen to implement some or other kind of AV,” he says. “People in professional segment appear to be growing up to modern business requirements.”

Leaders Take Positive Note On Growth

Their assumption finds, perhaps, the strongest endorsement it could get- from Swedish Trading Audio Visual Pvt Ltd (STAV), Sri Lanka’s top most AV industry player. Dulith Senanayake, Managing Director of STAV, vouches for the industry’s dynamism: “The industry is very dynamic; most customers are today requesting for latest technology. They want their AV install on par with the international benchmark, if not better.”

According to him, the Lankan customers are well informed and very IT savvy, and therefore demand only the best. They are willing to invest in quality solutions and services. The legacy systems are being done away with, giving way in to modern, and high-end systems. One reason for this enthusiasm, could be increasing funding opportunities with convincing finance models coming into access.

“The one challenge here is with the old timers,” comments Dulith. “The other big challenge, of course, is the dearth of skilled and certified professionals; it is extremely difficult to get locally, and we always have to rely on India.”

For one, STAV enjoys the luxury of some of the country’s most prestigious AV builds to its credit. Sri Lanka Parliament Chamber, multiple numbers of Parliament Committee Rooms; Institute of Policy Studies auditorium; Ministry of Finance’s VC room; and UNDP office; have been some of its accomplishments.

The year ahead holds good prospects for the industry, feels Dulith.

“It’s a growing market,” he asserts, “so, it is bound to grow.”

More or less endorsing the view is yet another leader of Lankan AV industry, Dynamic AV Technologies. “The industry will surely go up in the months to come, specially, with the way investments have been taking place in hospitality and leisure industry,” says Mohan Abeysinghe, Managing Director of Dynamic AV Technologies.

According to him, there have been quite a few number of projects coming up in recent times, and all that should bode well for the industry. The company has had the unique experience of executing some of the largest AV projects in the country- Sri Lankan Parliament, the BMICH, and Western Provincial Council to mention a few. Riding on these successes, the company has quickly emerged to be among the leading players in a short span of seven years since its inception in 2009.

The growth prospects for the coming year or near future gain further ground with yet another positive outlook coming from Cyber Illusions Pvt Ltd’s Managing Director Lalindra Amarasekara who vouched for a strong growth factor taking shape right now, and accrue the benefits in the coming months.

Overall, there is a strong sentiment for a positive growth of the industry, albeit a discordant note. Dammika Caldera, Managing Director of The Light House Audio Visual feels that the industry is faced with a very challenging time due to the recent big change in the government. “It’s new and coalition government out there, and it has had very little time to devise its development strategies,” he opined. “It needs some more time to formulate and put in place its plans, and until then, it’s going to be tough.”

That the nature of the current government being coalition is taken as a weak link by Mohan Abeysinghe too, but the Dynamic AV chief gives a positive mark that the government has been initiating some strong measures to boost the industry fortunes in general, and that should auger well for AV. That there are some new and big projects in the pipeline, and a generic betterment in willingness among user communities to invest in quality solutions and services, all that should contribute to the good of industry in the short term.

Growth To Be Visual, Over IP!

Taken the sentiment on growth prospect, but in which domain and segment? “Digital Signage” comes the assertion from the Dynamic AV head honcho whose prospective domain is hospitality. Indeed, the hospitality and leisure segments are voted by most to be the strongest growth areas. Cyber Illusions chief, while vouching for hospitality segment, also feels Corporate and Rental & Staging to be most prospective.

Interestingly, STAV chief Dulith and Cyber Illusions boss have common voice in favour of collaboration and conferencing solutions. Dulith adds the domain of UC too as the domain with good promise of growth. More, he feels the industry is being driven by IP technologies and has a fair stake on the format.

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COUNTRY ANALYSIS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

“There are quite a few large projects pending from Government side itself,” observes Ronil. “If the corporate segment too catches up, then the domain that will receive boosters will be conferencing and collaboration.”

Challenges, Few But Crucial

Like in most cases elsewhere, the Lankan AV industry is almost unanimously in agreement on one challenge as the greatestdearth of certified human talent.

While they all agree about the growing awareness among prospective buyers about the importance of AV, the industry suffers from extremely low quotient of skilled and certified professionals. There hasn’t been any great booster happening in recent times in this regard.

While the new government has introduced some courses in academia to help develop certified talent pool for the ICT industry in general, it’s been a tough going- for a simple reason that technological advancements on the global front has been proving rather faster, and catching up its pace skills training wise hasn’t proven good.

For Cyber Illusions’ chief, the low AV awareness among customers has been the big challenge. That most customers do not understand what AV companies do, selling the concept, let alone the product, is often very very difficult, and that proves a big deterrent for the industry’s growth.

Most industry pundits opine that the country is being administered by a coalition government, the stability factor is missing, and that tends to dilute the prospects. Either the government should be stable to hope for a big, good change, or the government should implement measures that strongly impose the good changes, and ensure that they stay for long.

“Until either of this happens, there tends to be this feel of uncertainty,” observers say.

According to STAV chief Dulith Senanayake, the industry as of now is posting revenues of about 1.5 million USD per month on an average, which means 18 million USD per annum. Given the situations that the island nation had been through over the years, this figure may look okay or promising. One only hopes it gets better with time.

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PROFILE Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

Novastar Talks LED Commitment Leading LED Display Industry Into The Future Through Innovation

Dr Aaron He, Ph.D, Vice President, Novastar

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ovastar can be considered a young company having established itself only in 2008. Though young, the company has made rapid progress and has become a leading LED display solution provider.

Novastar's HQ and manufacturing plant are both located in Xi’an, China, which is a beautiful historic city with a number of universities located around it. There is a branch office located in Shenzhen which mainly focuses on providing service to LED manufacturers. In addition Novastar has 30 branches worldwide, serving more than 10,000 customers.

The company has a team of over 500 young dedicated professionals who are lead by 5 personnel with Ph.Ds and already has 220 invention patents to its name.

Novastar's multiple product lines include: • Mars system, also called Synchronous LED control system • Pluto system , also called Asynchronous LED control system • NovaCLB, pixel level colour/brightness calibration system • NovaCloud/ NovaiCare, remote content publishing and display management/monitoring system based on cloud technology.

These products can be combined with each other, forming a complete ecosystem.

“With continuous strengthening of innovative technology, outstanding customization capacity, excellent service capacity and improving delivery ability, we are doing our best to meet every customer’s needs anywhere in the world. We are committed to leading the LED display industry into the future through innovation and technology”, says the youthful Dr Aaron He, Ph.D, Vice President, Novastar.

Some may be surprised to learn that Novastar Calibration System is the most used calibration system in the world. It dominates 95% market share, where more than 100 LED display manufacturers in China improve their screen uniformity by running NovaCLB-cabinets in their production lines. And NovaCLB-screen for on-site calibration are widely used by more than 700 companies to obtain better imaging quality to their customers.

With this in mind, SI Asia interviewed Dr Aaron about the Novastar Calibration System.

PROFILE Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

SI Asia: So what are the unique advantages of Nova's calibration systems that makes it popular?

Aaron: There are a number of factors: 1) High precision in both brightness and colour. NovaCLB can make each pixel on a LED screen have a brightness difference of less than 1% and colour difference of less than 0.003, which is in line with the human eye vision sensitive level.

2) Easy to use. NovaCLB is very ease to use. All the operator needs to do is just click “start” button after the camera has been setup and focused on the LED display properly. The software will automatically run and finish its calibration.

3) Low cost and portable. Whole system consists of NovaCLB Software installed on a laptop computer and a SLR camera (Canon70D) on a tripod - all of which are easy to carry and are reasonably priced.

4) Highly efficient. This technology greatly increases the area which can be calibrated by the camera at one time. The system is able to calibrate a full HD display (1920*1080) in 20 minutes.

5) High adaptability. No matter small or big screens, regular or irregular shape, flat or curved surface, all can be calibrated by NovaCLB. Even when there is unmovable obstacles in between the camera and display, such as power lines or lamp post, NovaCLB is still able to finish the job.

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for their new products due to highly stable, highly flexible, very friendly user interface.

SI Asia: Wat is your view about the LED display market - will it continue to grow and in which segments and countries? What would be the challenges if any?

Aaron: The LED display market will keep growing. With LED screen price going lower and lower, it’s affordable for more and more occasions. For outdoor LEDs market, small size fixed installation screen is a growth point. Reasonable in price and flexible in application, they are good for advertising and information publishing. Residence community, convenient store, gas stations, traffic guidance, commercial blocks etc. all have great potential for LEDs. For Indoor market, small pitch LED display is taking the place of projector and LCD video wall system.

Growth is a global trend for LED display, but in different countries, there are different growth points. For example, in South-east Asia, demand of LED screen for outdoor ads is rising, In India, due to the urban construction and economic development, outdoor fixed-install will start. In markets such as China, South Korea, indoor screen growth will be more obvious. Europe and America are huge markets - outdoor small ads screen, billboard, arena application, indoor fixed-install and rental applications are all increasing rapidly.

To improve LED display image quality is the eternal challenge for this industry. At the same time, as LED displays are used more and more widely, there are even higher requirements for easy operating and easy maintenance. Technology development will focus on these aspects also.

SI Asia: What is the future of LED display technology?

Aaron: In the future, technologies such as image processing, grey control, calibration will be used for even better image quality of LED display. Smart, centralized control will be the basic feature of LED displays. Behind this, there are technologies like cross platform, interactive application, status diagnostic, auto control etc. Being environment friendly and energy saving will also be important. www.novastar.tech

SI Asia: Are the calibration systems independent of the brand of the LED displays that need calibration or it can only be used with Nova Star LED displays?

Aaron: The Novastar Calibration system can only be used with LED displays which use Novastar control system. But nowadays, Novastar LED control system have more than 55% market share world wide. It is a trend that more and more LED manufacturers and customers are choosing Novastar system

Novastar's Manufacturing Plant

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INTERVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

An Invincyble Tech Case To The Fore (left) Hemanth K Naidu, and (right) Saugato Siddhanta

instead of simply pushing boxes. Though we seeded this in 2014 itself, like any other StartUp, it took us some time, before we made our mark on the market. Establishing relationships with the market forces was key to getting ahead in the space, and we were fortunate to be able to do it faster. Our standing in the industry before we founded Invincy did help us make what we are today.

On the typical name Invincy; does it mean solutions are 'invincible'…

Audio-Visual solutions space is as entertaining and thrilling as it is challenging, and sometimes chilling. For, the fiercely competitive domain that it is where technology is said to change by the time it arrives at the user pace, wanting to make a business case with a sustainable technology can be as challenging. However though, a team of young enthusiasts with some credible industry standing came together to present the industry with what they call Invincy Solutions- boastfully seeking to make their solutions invincible, and thereby sustain for long.

I

f technology and business go hand in hand, innovation and entrepreneurial zeal have to go together too. It’s been more or less such a case with Saugatho Siddhanta and Hemanth K Naidu. Formerly AMX India executives, they both apparently imbibed the good aspects of AMX control system/ touch panel technology traits, and having come out during the AMX’s transition time, explored the opportunities of creating a business case out of their then standing in the industry.

With the opportunities looking bright, they joined hands with their friend Hema Chandra, and founded Invincy Solutions in Bengaluru, with a focus on developing new genre of GUI (graphical user interface) and multimedia solutions, besides trading in some key brands.

At Invincy we strongly believe in team work. Being best at our respective jobs, we came together to form a formidable team where we not only complement each other but form an exceptional team of wit and grit. We derive our strength from our team which makes us invincible, hence the name Invincy.

On what are Invincy's solutions… of what type, and for what domains…

Invincy works as a Value Added Distributor where we provide a wide selection of industry leading AV/IT products. We also provide high level of AV programming, multimedia and content creation services. With our sound knowledge and experience in AV and multimedia domains, we have created ‘first of its kind 3D control systems User Interface. That has quickly gained the industry appreciation. We design the control system User Interface with actual room image/interiors and its AV devices, making it incredibly easy and user-friendly Interface.

On How does the UI solution work- what technology platform, HW & SW etc…

We have a fleet of certified AV programmers from all the leading control and switching manufacturers such as AMX, Crestron and Extron. Our Creative and Multimedia Services

Roughly a year down the line, the StartUp has developed what it calls ‘first-of-its-kind’ 3D control system. Having implemented in a few projects in India and Middle East, Invincy now feels it has a sustainable model solution that can take its tech business cause forward.

Saugato, Director at Invincy, and Hemanth, Head-Technical Services and Pre-sales, recently chatted with SI Asia's Ram Bhavanashi about Invincy:

On the birth of Invincy Solutions…

We formed a team of like-minded and experienced individuals from AV and IT Industry; realized the potential of a VAD (Value added Distributor) in India-be a true value added distributor,

The customized GUI developed for Kstart. Done with floaral patterns in attractive colours- GUI now defies convention and turns transcendental

INTERVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

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team creates revolutionary and affordable videos, digital signage content, holographic content, website design and development using multiple platforms like HTML, CSS, PHP, Asp.Net, Ajax etc.

That apart, we are authorized distributors in India and SAARC region for some of world’s leading AV brands such as BTech Professional AV mounts, BrightSign digital signage solutions, Wyrestorm AV and network based switching solutions, and Earthworks, Hi-Definition microphones. So, we try to weave our custom solutions with the brands and products wherever feasible and required by the client.

On value-adds to the integrator; to the facility manager/user, and to the space owner…

Value-add to SIs- trying to evolve as one of India’s most sought after distributor for system integration firms. Try to evolve as a profitable vendor partner for SI industry, by providing a wide basket of products to complete a solution. On the other hand, by extending benefits from our complete technical support in terms of AV design, programming, IT/multimedia and content creation services.

Value-add to facility managers- alongside our systems integration partners we help facility managers/users to simplify centralized management and control of the AV devices across large campuses/office spaces.

On why Invincy Solutions are unique… What USPs… Invincy Solutions is an extraordinary combination of AV product distribution and services. Our products and services complement each other and our Integration Partners benefits immensely from our complete solution packages. The valueadds we bring, the custom products/solutions we develop all count and contribute.

On what is the single most unique aspect that should drive its solution…

Our vast technical knowledge and experience in AV /IT related products and solutions is the single driving force. Most System

Integration Partners would like to engage with a company who could provide comprehensive technical knowledge and real-time support in the fields of AV design, commissioning, programming and multimedia services.

Whether it is sheer technology experience…

With our past experience of working for large audio visual system gear manufacturers, AVSI’s and IT companies, we come with real-time, hands on experience in handling complex AV projects, designs. Our valuable insight catapults us to a unique position where our Integration Partners feel confident to partner with us on project/solutions.

On how they differentiate Invincy from competition…

Although there are similar demonstrative models in the market, Invincy Solution is the only company which provides large number of unique services such as AV programming, AV product distribution, IT and Multimedia services under one roof. That apart, we are developers of tools too, like we mentioned earlier, the first of its kind 3D Control System solution. Our customization capability for this particular 3D Control System UI has already proven successful, with quite a few projects in India and outside implementing it. We have recently demonstrated the solution in Mumbai exhibition, and we were able to WOW people. Advantages like these will move us ahead, and help clear competition.

On the road ahead…how are they mapping it…

The future is incredibly interesting. With the convergence of AV and IT gaining larger grounds by the day, we are seeing fascinating product and solutions which is simplifying complex AV solutions tremendously. We continuously keep ourselves abreast with new technology and solutions to meet the requirements of discerning customers. www.invincy.com

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INTERVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

‘Integrated’ Journey to Excellence, Audio-Visually Integrated Audio Visual (IAV) – leading Indian audio-visual systems integration enterprise – has been going places, to say the simplest way. From a start-up of just three to an SME of international stature, it’s been an ‘integrated’ journey for the Bengaluru-headquartered audio-visual solutions major.

Steering it with nerve and verve is Kaushik Mukhopadhyay, the AVSI’s MD & CEO.

A CTS professional of repute, Kaushik’s leadership is reflected in the firm’s winning as many as 27 awards in 12 years, besides many other laurels. SI Asia talks to Kaushik on what made it so, and what it is aiming ahead. Excerpts:

SI ASIA: It's been 12 years or so, since IAV has emerged onto the AVSI domain/frontier.

How would you characterize this journey?

KAUSHIK: Like any other startup, the journey involved crossing the chasm from ideation to company creation and then balancing the passion of an idea with the reality check of ‘how the business will look in 10 years’ time.’ From a modest beginning of a team of just three, including me, the task was to build the right team, right culture and right company trajectory.

Today, we are 167 and growing.

I would say our journey involved four major milestones: Taking the first steps as an entrepreneur: Considering the oddities that confront any start-up generically, strategizing everything from budgeting to executing was vital which we ensured by means of a thorough planning.

Staking a claim of the market: With no prior references or track record and only experience and expertise to cash on, this involved spending time to cultivate relations with new and existing customers. We have been extremely fortunate to win the confidence of our customers who truly believed that we were capable of executing their projects better than competition. We did not let them down.

Cementing success & Staying ahead of the game: With initial objectives achieved, next critical stage was to ensure that the initial growth was sustainable. We set up clear milestones, such as revenue growth targets, and investing in training our personnel. We ensured that we had a wider objective with a feasible deadline and then set smaller targets to bring us closer to our goal. This in turn ensured that we didn’t lose sight of the overall plan and kept our business’ growth on track.

Venturing into global markets: Having made our ground strong at home, we explored off-shore markets. Our existing customers who were confident with our skillsets, gave us the first few opportunities of building AV/ITES infrastructure for their campuses abroad. Gladly, that exposed us to different work cultures, environments, practices and behavioral patterns.

We put in place some meticulous planning to ensure that we spread with a strong foot there, while keeping our domestic business in order.

SI ASIA: What led to the formation of IAV, and its subsequent spread across Asia/APAC? KAUSHIK: The formation of IAV is purely out of my passion and love for AV. I-AV! You see?! Of course, it is also Integrated Audio Visual and the whole mantra is always around empowering people to do all the magical things we design and do in our work everyday. I have been in the AV industry for many years and had a clear vision and plan as to how I wanted to structure, develop and expand the company when I started. Fortunately, things worked out as planned, especially so because of the great team I am blessed to work with. The strong relationships with various manufacturers developed over many years and my earlier international exposures gave us enough experience and confidence to do projects in other countries in Asia Pacific region. It has also helped us win strategic partnerships in international markets.

SI ASIA: What particular achievements have defined your success, and what oddities have challenged the progression?

KAUSHIK: We use an unconventional yardstick to measure our success. It’s an Employee Happiness Quotient. The biggest achievement we pride ourselves in is to have extremely happy employees who really enjoy what they do and look forward to coming to work every morning. We have a very low employee turnover and a very high E-SAT index. All of us are selfmotivated and truly believe that each of us must find meaning in our work and excel in it. It is this enthusiasm and motivation that makes us go that extra mile for our customers and ensure we deliver quality work. We therefore manage to retain a near perfect C-SAT index and a very high customer retention percentage.

Our ever vibrant team and a go-get attitude helped us not to get affected by ‘oddities.’ We are way too small to get affected by phenomena such as recessions, and economic downturns of certain countries. In reality, we are an SME running in full steam and always look forward to taking our next project.

SI ASIA: What factors you think have contributed to the success?

KAUSHIK: Our team! Many companies aspire to change the integration world, but not many have all the elements required: talent, resources, and perseverance. Fortunately, we have been able to nurture them in abundance. Happy employees bring in happier customers. We have an eye for detail and a mind for quality. We have in place clearly defined business practices to ensure that the company always remained healthy, reputed and

INTERVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

amongst the top. We set our goals for both financial and nonfinancial parameters and ensure they are met year on year. We lay equal emphasis on innovation, strategies and HR capital.

We also feel obligated to giving back to society and drive our own Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. All these helps to balance our eco-system, and give us a sense of happiness and fulfillment, and that for us, is true success.

SI ASIA: What geographies is IAV strongly positioned in? What characterizes that position?

KAUSHIK: Our maximum number of projects have been in India, Malaysia and Vietnam where we have set-ups. IAV’s global footprint covers a few other Asian countries as well.

While markets like Singapore are saturated, the opportunities are very tech-heavy. Malaysia market offers large projects through Government and infrastructure jobs but gestation period is high. We are doing quite a few big projects in the Philippines but the challenge is with the local work culture.

Other countries in Asia and Middle-East, opportunities are high but we are confronted with yet other different sets of local challenges. While some could be work-Visa related, others could be like regime restrictions. Of all these markets, however, we see India to be most promising. With so much development happening all around, and the country being geographically so huge and diverse, opportunities are more in numbers and types. Indian market is much more mature and tech-savvy today. I guess it also gives us more flexibility since it is our home ground.

SI ASIA: How do you think the Industry has changed? How about the technology domain?

KAUSHIK: One big evolution may be with the changing trend in manufacturing segment. Till recently, it had more or less demarcated domains for audio, video, controls, and VC product lines. With the onset of Convergence, we saw the sunset of Analog era, and Digital spreading thick and fast. More, there has been a marked transformation with companies, with dedicated product lines turning into smorgasbords of diverse solutions of audio, video, processing, lighting, control and connect. Codecs turned softer and protocols harder! That’s a big transformation, isn’t it?

Technology trends, yes! In fact, change has been so rapid and relentless that new formats are being overshadowed by newer ones - even if neither is widespread yet. Consider the supposed imminence of 8K video, even as 4K continues to gain traction.

On the audio side, immersive formats have grown predominant, with integrators monitoring an array of formats, such as Atmos, Auro, and MPEG-H Audio Alliance’s

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eponymous entry. Dante established itself alongside other audio-over-Ethernet technologies, while the recent finalization of the AES67 interoperability standard has smoothed out much of the remaining wrinkles between networked-audio formats.

On the control side, processors have become smarter and tablets have replaced touch-panels. Better signal formats in higher bandwidths now run increasingly longer distances while offering control capabilities.

AV and IT convergence has become so imposing that virtually no AV conversation takes place without a thorough understanding of the network on which it will live.

SI ASIA: In more practical terms- for the good, and for the bad- may be we call it rat race, pressure on profit margins, etc.

KAUSHIK: The problem starts with a lower entry barrier that an ignorant customer often creates for a new opportunity.

There has always been a rat race for run-of-the-mill jobs; there will always be a market for such jobs that does not necessarily require an SI who delivers professional standards of install. At the end of the day, quality and good support comes at a price and a well-informed customer understands and appreciates that. More importantly, he is willing to pay for it.

The Taj Mahal was not built by an L1 contractor. This is why it is important for a customer to understand the skillsets and experience of a good systems integrator. We now see more awareness amongst customers – who demand certified technologists and professionals – that gives them the confidence in choosing the right partner for their project. There are a few reputed consultants in the market who play a major role in educating customers by specifying the eligibility criteria for selecting SIs right at the bidding stage, thereby separating the wheat from the chaff.

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INTERVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

SI ASIA: What competencies has IAV developed for itself during this journey?

KAUSHIK: Our biggest focus internally in all these years has been on three things: one- better systems and processes that increases our efficiency and deliverables; two- quality of our installs that we strive to improve constantly; and threetrainings and certifications that are mandatory across all departments. We pride in being amongst the highest number of certified professionals as a company. Our logistics processes, HR policies and Customer Support structure makes us unique.

This has ultimately contributed in making our company successful and reputed, and give our customers a better experience.

On the industry front, we have executed over 6000 installs, acquired over 1800 customers; completed 430-plus professional Certifications between all employees;, won 27 Awards in 12 Years- all with ONE team… Team IAV!

SI ASIA: What technology/trend you feel is driving AV industry today?

KAUSHIK: The trend is towards Unified Communications and Collaborative solutions. We are extremely adaptive and constantly innovate ourselves to stay abreast with the latest in technology. This is where we make a difference. We design solutions for Unified Communication, Augmented Reality, Video Collaboration, Environment Control, Digital Entertainment and Energy Management.

SI ASIA: There has been consistent talking on the challenges faced by Indian AV industry- dearth of skilled professional talent, awareness among user communities etc.

What role has IAV played to change this equation?

KAUSHI: It is true that skilled professional talent is a rarity and is difficult to source in our industry. Our approach is not only to search this within our industry but more importantly, in creating these talents by imparting employees with appropriate industry and manufacturer training, besides conducting in-house workshops. So for a professional with limited skillsets, this practice grooms him / her to a skilled professional with better talent. Further experience and exposure in the company makes him / her thorough.

Being a member of Advisory Council of Infocomm India, I’m part of its key initiatives. One of the key tasks we have initiated is to induct and develop new talents in the industry. Attracting such fresh talents from colleges and technical institutes through presentations and technology workshops is an activity we are already pursuing for the bigger benefit of the whole industry.

Since our employees are trained with the necessary skill sets, the new age technologies are understood and shared with the user communities; they are thus easily incorporated in concept

designs to showcase how these new technologies would bring in a better ROI, and better user experience.

SI ASIA: Indian AV industry is also criticized with the statement ‘everyone here does everything’ (meaning distributors do SI jobs and vice-versa, and more!). How do you look at this situation outside India?

KAUSHIK: India is not the only market in Asia where this happens. These challenges are more to do with specific company policies of certain players who wish to run their businesses that way, and it is really up to them as to how they handle these conflicts of interest.

Different regions have different dynamics and they are often unique. Indian AV industry is still evolving slowly, but surely.

The challenge you mentioned are a part of this evolution and we have been in the industry long enough to work around them, adapt to changes and embrace opportunities to make most use of them.

SI ASIA: What is the single best value proposition that IAV seeks to bring to its clients?

KAUSHIK: Unmatched experience. The customer gets peace of mind by employing us as we offer smarter designs, superior quality install, timely deliveries and great technical support.

SI ASIA: Having come thus far – what is the future- near, and far?

KAUSHIK: Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher, is quoted as saying ‘change is the only constant in life.’ As the market dynamics constantly change, we would continue to refresh and update ourselves to stay ahead of the curve and would strive to attain a consistent growth. We would continue to invest in training our workforce to empower it with better knowledge and skillsets and ultimately deliver better experiences for our customers. www.iavindia.com

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TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

The Future Of Control Rooms – Laser Projection Technology For 24/7 Application Rajiv Bhalla, Managing Director, India, Barco shares his thoughts.

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ver the last few years, interest in laser projectors has been increasing within the ProAV space.

Touted as a major technological development that could eventually replace traditional lamp-based systems, manufacturers are bringing various implementations for laserbased illumination.

Broadly they are classified into two distinct categories viz., using a phosphor coated color wheel and the other implementation (RGB laser technology) eliminates the use of phosphor coated wheels.

For customers, laser-illumination provides several benefits (see below) over lamp-based projections; however, it’s important to understand some of the differences between these new systems. It has been successfully introduced in a number of markets, including digital cinema, where it is rapidly replacing the traditional lamp based approach used for projection due to lower cost of ownership and replacement when compared to xenon-based devices. Currently, LED & lamp based technology are being used that would ultimately pave the way for LASER based illumination.

Laser projection: just the sound of it tickles the imagination.

Types of Laser technologies

Laser Illumination involving Color Wheels: The industry was introduced to color phosphor based illumination that solved the problems of a lamp-based illumination by making use of a blue laser to excite segments of a phosphor quoted color wheel to impart color to the image. This implementation is being currently used in Digital Cinema and certain manufacturers are also using the same in ProAV projectors.

The use of Color Wheel based illumination technology involving lasers offers the following advantages over the conventional lamp based technology.

a. Increased brightness levels b. Higher lifetimes when compared to lamps c. Lesser no. of replacement cycles d. Low inventory levels e. Safer Laser Illumination with Direct Laser Illumination: The other technology avoids the use of color wheels to impart color and is touted as the “golden standard” in the projection technologies today. It primarily builds on the fact that there are no mechanical parts like the phosphor color wheels that are not meant for 24/7 applications and have a far limited lifetime, making them unsuitable for 24/7 applications.

Generally speaking, the color wheel approach is an advancement for the lamp-based illumination, a scenario that

TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

does not exist in 24/7 control rooms. The 24/7 control rooms adopted the solid state technology, based on LED illumination years ago. The use of direct laser illumination is a successor to the LED illumination technology, that offered lifetimes in the range of 7~9 years.

Additionally, a critical drawback of the color wheel approach is the precise uniformity and color matching that is required for a video wall deployments where each display device has to blend together giving a perfectly uniform and precise image.

This is not the case with direct laser illumination where color uniformity and saturation are Best-In-Class and require very less time for calibration, making deployment and installation much faster when compared to color wheel based implementations.

Benefits of Direct Laser Approach

For critical 24/7 infrastructure , the use of color wheel based approach is not suitable due to high dependency on the use of color wheels which by themselves are prone to failure after a few years leading to in critical business continuity.

The direct Laser illumination improvises over the use of LED’s that have for more than 8 years been used in critical 24/7 application. The use of direct laser illumination brings a host of benefits to system integrators, operators and customer alike.

• • • • • • •

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Very long lifetimes in excess of 9 Years.

Generic increase in brightness by a factor of 2x.

Higher Efficiency Lower Power Consumption High color saturation Precise focus Unmatched color uniformity.

Conclusion

To conclude, while the ProAV & the D-Cinema are transitioning towards the Color Wheel based approach to do away with legacy lamp based issues, the future clearly belongs to direct laser illumination that would set the benchmark. www.barco.com

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TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

AEC Technology Article Series: Part 2

Echo, Echo, Echo…The Anatomy of Acoustic Echo Cancelling Technology

By Marco Hendel

I

f you have followed the previous article about Acoustic Echo Cancellation, you are already aware of what’s happening inside this mysterious ‘black box’ of an AEC processing circuit. This time we will move forward and focus on the implementation of AEC, aiming to achieve maximum performance of our distance conferencing system.

There are many different ways to design and setup AEC systems and the following guidelines are just recommendations for best results. The only constant design consideration that applies to ALL systems without exception is maintaining proper gain structure. AEC systems will perform best with unity gain (0dB) throughout your entire DSP chain, so always keep in mind there’s nothing more important than setting a proper gain structure.

Room Acoustics

Acoustic treatment matters! Whether you are using AEC or not, the rules of physics still apply. An AEC system is not a solution to improve intelligibility in a highly reverberant and noisy environment. Spaces that already yield poor intelligibility make for terrible conferencing rooms. Correcting an acoustic problem through the use of acoustic treatments and materials is always best first step.

Microphones and Speakers

Use appropriate placement of microphones to maximize signal to noise performance. Placing the mic as close as possible to the person talking will improve your system's performance, while direct loudspeaker-to-microphone coupling should be avoided. Obviously this general design guideline is no different than a typical installation where the designer will try to optimize gain before feedback.If possible position mics so the coverage pattern is directed away from air handling noise, machinery noise, or any other ambient noise.

Microphone choices include ceiling, boundary, gooseneck, DSP based microphone arrays, or beam forming. Try to find the best solution for the acoustic challenge at hand. While aesthetics are important, intelligibility and a great sounding system are more important to the successful functioning of a conferencing room.

Purpose-built acoustic treatments are the first line of defense.

Surfaces such as carpets, acoustic tiles, and bookshelves can provide surface area to absorb, dampen, or at least attenuate acoustic echo. On the other hand, highly reflective surfaces (glass, bricks, etc.) will tend to reflect most of the acoustic energy and create reverberation that may exceed the AEC’s tail length.

Required Capabilities:

You will of course want to choose the best AEC tool for the application. When looking for an AEC solution, check for the following capabilities: • Full duplex capability • High audio quality • Fast convergence time • Short latency • Effectiveness at reducing echo

TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

Reference

We must be careful of how to feed the reference: Whilst feeding the AEC reference with the "pure" far-end signal should provide the adaptive filter with the correct feed, that feed doesn't necessarily take into consideration any processing or volume changes that may occur within the room. Any such changes will require re-convergence, potentially resulting in echo being sent to the far-end.

Thus, when we design a distance conference system, we must ensure that the reference is taken AFTER any processing and dynamic volume changes that may occur. The rule of thumb is: anything that may change the amplitude (volume) of the far end signal in the speakers must be applied to the AEC reference as well.

Never ever, under any circumstances, send a near-end microphone to its own AEC reference. The results will be catastrophic. In installations where local reinforcement is utilized, the routing can become a little challenging. This is where the routing flexibility of the system becomes even more important than ever, and when designing, we need to consider carefully what options to employ.

Multiple Microphones

Multiple microphones on a single-channel AEC processor?

One other item to keep in mind when designing AEC systems is the amount of AEC circuits that will be needed. In a typical room, the echo picked up by each microphone may or may not be the same as that of others, as the echo paths and relative level are likely different. Costs savings can be achieved by combining the audio of multiple microphones and feed the resulting mix to a single AEC. Whether this will be sufficient to remove the entire echo and produce a system that allows for a true collaborative experience, really depends on whether a single adaptive filter is enough to handle all the various echo

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paths within the conferencing space. Will it work? Well, it depends.

Best practice is to have a dedicated AEC processing per microphone, ensuring that each microphone gets a dedicated filter.

Having said that, be weary of multiple AECs in the same audio path. If you are using a DSP processor with AEC, mixing and processing multiple microphones, and feeding the resulting signal to a Video Codec, make sure that any AEC in the Video Codec is turned off. The AEC on the Video Codec was not intended to deal with the resulting signal of a DSP processor managing multiple microphones, so the result will end up with two AEC in series.

Setting Up an AEC System

Each installation is unique, therefore each system will require unique EQing and adjustments. Nevertheless, the following steps provide good performance results for most typical AEC system installations: 1. Turn down your power amplifiers.

2. Adjust each microphone’s input gain so that the input meter displays approximately 0dB when someone is talking in front of the microphone.

3. Adjust the far end’s input gain so that the input meter displays approximately 0dB when the far end is talking.

4. Adjust your gain structure throughout the entire system to have nominal 0dB. 5. Slowly bring up the levels of your amplifiers until you have sufficient signal.

6. Make a test call and adjust inputs gains if required.

7. Once operational, make level changes in the room as required but do not change the volume of the amplifier, so as to not ruin the gain structure.

Professional AEC implementations are not always plug-and-play and there are important factors to be considered when implementing for the best possible results. In any AEC project, good preparation is key and it takes diligence to consider all of the aspects that are mentioned here. The end results are end users who are rewarded with an enjoyable, natural sounding, and productive distance conferencing experience. You may even achieve the highest form of appreciation in the A/V industry: no user complains at all!

Marco Hendel is an application engineer on Biamp Systems’ global application engineering support team, based out of Germany. He is interested in everything audio-related and enjoys spending time working on his HiFi electronics and speakers. www.biamp.com

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USER PERSPECTIVE Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

Oncam Secures World-renowned

Where On-The-Go Surveillance Matters

A

ntoine Bakhache (pictured above), Managing Director of Bakhache Luxuries, is no match when comes to spotting the finest gems and jewels. Likewise, for his business where security is paramount, he is best at recognizing the importance and value of a good video surveillance solution.

Nestled in Starhill Gallery, Kuala Lumpur’s finest luxury retail mall in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s golden triangle, Mouawad jewellery boutique epitomizes exclusivity and fashion.

Established in 1890 and one of the world’s leading jewellers, the Mouawad group spans luxury outlets across the world including Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE and USA. For over a century, Mouawad has been creating spectacular jewellery destined for its exclusive clientele made up of royalty,

the wealthy elite and celebrities. Adorning the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, Naomi Campbell, Paris Hilton, Uma Thurman and many more, Mouawad masterpieces hold several Guinness World Records like the most expensive single-pear shape diamond (1990), the most valuable necklace (2013), the most valuable handbag (2010), the most luxurious lingerie (2003).

Bakhache, who helms the Malaysian operations of Mouawad is a nephew of the third-generation family business leader Robert Mouawad. At the same time, Antoine is also a certified gemologist from the prestigious Gemological Institute in America.

Besides Mouawad, Bakhache also represents and manages renowned French silverware manufacturer Christofle and the world’s oldest barbershop Truefitt & Hill.

USER PERSPECTIVE Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

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Luxury Jeweller Mouawad

Complete Situational Awareness Managing well over a dozen outlets around Kuala Lumpur is no easy job. Being always on the move, Bakhache had previously installed eight surveillance cameras in his flagship Mouawad boutique in Starhill. However, despite that, he was still not fully satisfied with the existing camera's resolution, the fragmented viewing and limited remote accessibility.

“Through the previous CCTV system, I was having difficulty being able to get a bird-eye view of my store, especially when away,” said Bakhache.

When he was first introduced to Oncam's 360º surveillance cameras by Stratel (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, the authorized distributor for Oncam in the region, Bakhache was amazed.

“I was literally taken in by the technology and ease of use offered on the mobile app and immediately knew it was the right technology for my business.”

Two weeks later, Bakhache invested in Oncam’s 360° technology and the system was installed by professional integrator Viva Network Sdn Bhd.

“With Oncam, I can quickly check any part of my store effortlessly, zoom in and rotate the view as much as I want - live and recorded. I never miss a thing.”

Using a QNAP NVR, the surveillance solution meets all of Bakhache’s requirements. Hardly noticeable, the concealed device blends nicely with the refined surrounding and despite

the presence of a huge column in the middle of the boutique, there is no blind spot in the field of view.

Due to his positive experience with Oncam, Bakhache is already thinking ahead and planning for another use of Oncam in his upcoming new business. www.oncamgrandeye.com

A QUICK GLANCE CLIENT Mouawad is a world renowned luxury jeweller catering to royalty and world celebrities. The local distributor Bakhache Luxuries Sdn Bhd is a fast growing group which also manages established brands like Christofle, Truefitt & Hill, Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Castania.

CHALLENGE Owner Bakhache wanted a surveillance solution covering the entire boutique floor that is user-friendly to operate and remotely accessible from his smart phone.

SOLUTION Oncam assisted Stratel and Viva Network with the design and installation of the Evolution 360-degree concealed camera along with on-site NVR from QNAP. RESULTS The system drastically improved the situational awareness of the store while allowing the owner to effortlessly access remotely his surveillance system.

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EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

12 - 14 September 2016 Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai www.infocomm-india.com

“

InfoComm India 2015 was packed with product debuts, cutting-edge technology demonstrations and visions of smart cities, all of which helped to connect the various stakeholder communities,

”

wrote Systems Integration Asia in a review last year. InfoComm India 2016 will return to Bombay Exhibition Centre from 12 to 14 September 2016, this time shining the spotlight on the Internet of AudioVisual (AV) Things. Over 200 exhibitors from 20 countries will be a part of what is to be India’s largest showcase of AV and Information Communications Technologies (ICT) solutions – more than 30 of whom will be exhibiting for the first time. There are also over 70 solutions debuting in India via the show.

For systems integrators, the Internet of AV Things presents a hotbed of opportunities.

Beyond connected systems and devices, manufacturers and end-users alike are now looking at turnkey solutions with analytical tools. Big Data’s importance is burgeoning, as it is vital to achieving efficiency and uptime in productions. Your ability to see both sides of the AV-ICT coin is what makes your expertise so sought after in this new era.

Many AV solutions now ride on the network. Digital AV architectures are scalable; and, unlike in the past, it is more affordable to add and expand systems. And then there are the new demands and endless possibilities – digital signage

must now pair with wearable technology to create wow experiences. Sound engineers may one day be able to mix audio for global events via a web browser. There is no need for them to leave their own studios.

This September, invigorate your business by being at InfoComm India 2016. This Professional AV and ICT show is a confluence of industry stakeholders and end-users. Here, you will get to see a multitude of cuttingedge solutions as well as tap into networking opportunities with the industry’s movers and shakers.

EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

WHAT MAKES INFOCOMM INDIA A MUST-ATTEND EVENT IN YOUR CALENDAR LIES IN ITS ABILITY TO GALVANIZE THE INDUSTRY’S TRAILBLAZERS. With an impressive line-up of solutions spanning from browser-based collaboration platforms to line array-point source loudspeakers, InfoComm India 2016 is where you can see and experience the next generation of technology. Get direct face time with true innovators and learn how their products can eliminate bottlenecks and improve workflows.

Another staple of the show, the Summit is replete with learning and networking opportunities. Become privy to market insights as industry experts as well as end-users trade and share insider knowledge.

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Brands like Delta, Epson, Harman, Kramer, Panasonic and many more will be on deck to showcase solutions never before seen in India.

• Over 200 companies from 20

countries across various regions • More than 30 new exhibitors (first time at InfoComm India) • Over 70 new products and solutions (first time in India)

India 2015, we managed to find “newAt InfoComm products that we could possibly employ in

our experience centers. The show was also a good platform for networking. We got to connect with many OEMs and system integrators under one roof.

While at the show, we took the opportunity to renew our contracts with current vendors as well.

”

Neeraj Gupta, VP Technologies, Accenture, a consultancy company that develops and implements technology solutions to raise clients’ productivity and efficiency.

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EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

MORE THAN 30 FIRST-TIME EXHIBITORS among the 200 participating companies at the show will inspirit InfoComm India 2016 with never-before networking opportunities.

Connect with US-based Sound Control Technologies, a purveyor of camera integration solutions as well as conference and video reinforcement integrations.

A critic favorite and finalist in several award categories, Tripleplay Services Asia software solutions – HD IPTV, video-on-demand streaming solution and digital signage system – run on a single server, ensuring seamless integration between all services. Brush shoulders with these and many other exhibitors, and open your eyes to new possibilities.

FIRST-TIME EXHIBITORS BRING NEW SURPRISES TO SHOW FLOOR Here is a preview of some of these names.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE SWITCHER CAPABLE OF ZERO-SECOND LATENCY

SMART TRACKING IN THE CLASSROOM

C&C Technic Taiwan will showcase its Presentation Switcher, a switching equipment with 6x2 transmission interfaces. Both a switcher and converter, it can handle virtually all video and audio signals on its six inputs including HDMI and VGA. The built-in extender interface also allows the integration of external accessory devices to transmit data or to over long distances up to 70 meters.

With iSmart Video Tech’s LTC series IP/HD-SDI, there is no need to deploy extra devices or sensors to assist with tracking. This model adopts state-of-theart face and motion detection technology to precisely lock and track a lecturer all around the classroom. The camera image automatically adapts to the lecturer’s height. Its two lenses can display 1080p/60 images via HD-SDI interfaces.

Milestone Pro’s MPM series of 4x4, 6x6, 8x8 4K HDBaseT matrix switchers come with HDMI Input – HDMI1.4 and HDCP2.2 compliant – and HDBaseT (RJ-45) output with HDMI loop Output with de-embedded audio. The HDBaseT outputs transmit 4K signals up to 40 meters; and 1080p signals up to 70 meters over a single CAT5e/Cat6 cable.

MAKE A SPLASH WITH WATERPROOF MICROPHONES

MODULAR VIDEO WALL CONTROLLERS FOR LARGE-SCALE AND MISSION-CRITICAL APPLICATIONS

INTERACTIVE DISPLAY FOR EASY COLLABORATION

Taiwanmic’s head-worn microphones are certified with an IP57 waterproof rating, allowing the microphone to be submerged in water to a depth of 1 meter. With the proper connector, it is compatible with every brand of wireless system. This is perfect for use by entertainers working in theme parks and amusement centers.

Digibird Technology’s DB series of modular video wall controllers are expandable and flexible. The six chassis models can support 12x8 to 152x144 HD inputs and HD displays.

The system also blends centralized and distributed processing architectures, allowing remote input sources to be connected to the DigiBird video wall controller via IP decoder cards and DigiBird encoders that stream media content over a network.

4K HDBASET MATRIX SWITCHERS FOR USE IN BOARDROOMS & AUDITORIUMS

The TRUTOUCH X Series features Newline Interactive’s TRUFlat technology.

Take notes on a digital whiteboard and share the information with the accompanying unified collaboration software. Two 1080p wide-angle cameras let you be seen from anywhere in the room.

The powerful on-board computer also stores all of your files and information locally.

EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

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THE 2016 EDITION OF INFOCOMM INDIA WILL FEATURE OVER 70 NEW-TO-INDIA PRODUCTS Hitachi, PeopleLink Unified Communications, Restmoment Electron, Shenzhen Shunxun Electronics, WolfVision are among the 200-plus exhibitors showcasing their brainchildren.

Be the first to see these solutions being introduced into India.

NEW-TO-INDIA-PRODUCTS TO SPARK YOUR IMAGINATION Here is a quick look at some of the exciting new technologies.

CONTROL ARCHITECTURE REIMAGINED

WEAVE 3D MAGIC IN REAL TIME

Easily control any AV system, infrastructure or device with Kramer Control by Kramer Electronics. The platform comprises three modules: Control Center; Builder; and Analytics Dashboard. The Control Center is used for defining project content and scope. Its cloud-based Builder lets users create, edit and configure room control systems from anywhere in the world.

The Analytics Dashboard gathers data and generates reports such as device performance, room usage, operational efficiency and energy usage.

3D projection is no longer exclusive to the movie world. Experience interactive 3D visualizations in real time with HOLOBOX

by Oorja Interactive. Place objects inside it and use gestures to interact with a 3D mechanical model for a true immersive experience. Let museum guests “touch” rare artefacts or allow event goers to see life-size projections of mega celebrities.

UHD FLAT PANEL WITH PLUG & PLAY SIMPLICITY

4K FULL HD LASER VIDEO WALL FOR THE CONTROL ROOM

FIRST-EVER SCALERS FOR CRITICAL 4K APPLICATIONS

The Christie FHQ981-L is a highperformance 98” LCD flat panel that delivers exceptional image quality, contrast and color-rich images for various applications. Providing a seamless canvas and an alternative to 2x2 tiled 46-inch displays, this versatile unit is compatible with digital signage devices and media players including Christie Spyder and Christie Pandoras Box.

Delta has launched the first laser video wall that is IP6X certified, making it highly durable for outdoor applications. In addition to its unmatched brightness of 2,150 lumens, these 50” cubes offer HD resolution, excellent standards in brightness uniformity (≥ 98%), wide viewing angle and true redundancy. The video wall also embeds the distributive vision control system to allow control rooms to capture, distribute, manage and display HD video signals over an IP network.

Extron’s DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A and DSC HD-HD Plus A xi are the industry’s first scalers capable of converting HDMI resolutions up to 4K/60 frames with full 4:4:4 signal processing. They boast many integrator-friendly features, such as onscreen display, stereo audio embedding and de-embedding, internal test patterns, and the ability to display custom images and logos for on-screen corporate branding and messaging.

SEE THE WORLD’S FIRST 3LCD LASER PROJECTOR WITH 25,000 LUMENS Epson India will introduce the flagship L25000U, a laser projector that is a boon for high-impact productions. The 4K enhancement projector processes 4K signals and upscales 1080p signals to 4K resolution. High reliability is its hallmark, thanks to a sealed optical engine and a 20,000-hour-long laser lifespan. The L25000U also boasts a wide lens shift range and supports 360-degree angles.

Other salient features include geometric correction and an auto-calibration camera.

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EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

Promising free and meaningful learning sessions, InfoComm India 2016 Summit is where you can gain expert insights and stay ahead of AudioVisual (AV) and Information Communications Technology (ICT) trends. To facilitate knowledge-sharing, select keynote presentations will be followed by panel discussions involving esteemed Indian trade associations.

C-suites, directors, professors and senior managers from various organizations such as CISCO, Jurong Consultants India, INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation, Indian Institute of Management, LANG and many more will share their valuable insights as well as industry forecasts.

HOW A SMART CITY WILL IMPACT THE LIVES OF 49 MILLION INDIVIDUALS CEO of Surbana Jurong Consultants (South Asia and Middle East), Dr Uma Maheswaran will draw on his experience in design consultancy as well as architecture to shed light on the challenges India will face in her smart-city mission.

Currently leading the vision planning exercise, Dr Uma will illuminate on the master plan for riverfront capital city Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh. This is a rare chance to learn how this development could potentially be a model for other smart cities.

TECHNOLOGY AS A FULCRUM IN THE CREATION OF SMART CITIES Further fueling the conversation on smart cities is Mr Gary Hall of Cisco’s Federal Defense Business. The Chief Technology Officer is tasked with leading the establishment’s federal strategy and planning for the Internet of Everything. Mr Hall will discuss the importance of technology and its contributions to building a smart city. In a subsequent session, he will also share on digitalization and how the Internet of Things will permeate and change everything.

SECURITY IN AN INCREASINGLYSOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGICAL MILIEU With the proliferation of technology comes the push for cybersecurity.

The onus is on companies and government bodies to zero in on and rectify vulnerabilities in infrastructures. Dr Madan Oberoi, Director of Cyber Innovation and Outreach Directorate, INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation, will share on cybercrime takedowns. The Hubert Humphrey Fellow currently supervises two sub-directorates – Strategy & Outreach as well as Research & Innovation – in his agency.

Full Summit programme and updates are available at

www.infocomm-india.com

EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

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KEEP ABREAST WITH EMERGING TRENDS AND ELEVATE YOUR CALIBER WITH PIVOTAL INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE.

12 - 14 September 2016 • Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai • www.infocomm-india.com 12 SEPTEMBER 2016 (Monday) 10am – 6pm

13 SEPTEMBER 2016 (Tuesday) 10am – 6pm

14 SEPTEMBER 2016 (Wednesday) 10am – 4pm

INFOCOMM INDIA 2016 SUMMIT PROGRAM 12 - 14 SEPTEMBER 2016 OVERVIEW DAY 1: MONDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER TIME

SEMINAR ROOM 1

10:00AM – 10:30AM

Opening Ceremony & Keynote Presentations

10:30AM – 11:30AM

SEMINAR ROOM 3

Entertainment & Live Events Industry Forum “Up Your Ante: Latest Technologies for Live Events”

Infocomm University Seminars “AV Technology and Market Trends”

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Infrastructure Development Industry Forum “Design, Planning and Technology for Smarter Cities”

Defence Industry Forum “India: Towards Smart Defence”

Infocomm University Seminars “AV Technology and Market Trends”

Acoustics Technology Forum “Creating an Immersive Sound Experience”

Education Industry Forum “The Future of Education in India: From Cradle to Grave”

Infocomm University Seminars “AV Technology and Market Trends”

11:30AM – 12:30PM 12:30PM – 1:30PM 1:30PM – 2:30PM 2:30PM – 3:30PM 3:30PM – 4:30PM 4:30PM – 5:30PM

DAY 2: TUESDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER

SEMINAR ROOM 2

Manufacturer’s Presentation

SEMINAR ROOM 1

SEMINAR ROOM 2

SEMINAR ROOM 3

Infocomm Home Audio IT Industry Forum University “Cyber Security and Technology Forum Seminars “All about Internet of Things: “AV Technology and Acoustics and Changing the Market Trends” Electrics” Landscape of Technology” Manufacturer’s Presentation

DAY 3: WEDNESDAY, 14 SEPTEMBER SEMINAR ROOM 1

SEMINAR ROOM 2

SEMINAR ROOM 3

Technology Forum AUDIOFORUM Presented by Connessioni

Infocomm University Seminars “AV Technology and Market Trends”

Infocomm University Seminars “AV Technology and Market Trends”

Manufacturer’s Presentation

ENQUIRIES General: Vibha@falcon-mail.com

Organized by:

Organised by:

A project of:

Co-located event:

INDIA’S PREMIER SECURITY EXPO

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EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

Building Smarter Cities From Blueprint To Scale At Asia’s Largest Emerging Technology Showcase

T

he IoT Show Asia is the back for its second edition and this time, co-located with The Commercial UAV Show Asia to demonstrate real world applications of emerging technologies. Organised by Terrapinn, the two shows go beyond the possibility rhetoric, instead focusing on implementation and monetisation.

The two-day event will feature over 100 international speakers and industry experts from over 20 countries. Through real world case studies and interactive panel discussions, the show will highlight critical insights and best practices, demonstrating how these technologies can make a difference in businesses.

For the opening conference, Winner of the FT & McKinsey Business Book of the Year 2015 and Author of Rise of Robots, Martin Ford will share about the impact of emerging technologies on our lives and how we need to adapt our skills development and mind-sets as we enter a new industrial age. Ben Chung from Cisco will then guide us through how emerging technologies like IoT and UAVs will help to accelerate the development and digitalisation of smart cities.

The IoT Show Asia & The Commercial UAV Show Asia Aims To Break Down Barriers & Propel The Deployment of Emerging Technologies In Smart Cities.

The IoT Show Asia will be the key platform for delegates to uncover how they can monetise IoT for their business in four

The IoT Show Asia 2016 & The Commercial UAV Show Asia Date: 1-2 September 2016 Venue: Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Level 4, Hall 404-406 key applications - Smart Cities, Smart Manufacturing, Smart Logistics and Smart Worksites.

Helming the smart cities keynote panel will be Wilson Ang of Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), Choi Young-Hoon of Seoul Metropolitan Government South Korea, Frans-Anton Vermast of Amsterdam Smart City and Setiaji of Jakarta Smart City. Together, they will share their insights on From Blueprint to Scale, What Does it Take to Become a Smart City.

The co-located Commercial UAV Show Asia will demonstrate how UAVs are helping to save time, money and lives in the applications including mining, oil and gas, utilities; e-commerce and delivery, humanitarian efforts and beyond. Bringing together key industry stakeholders like James Spillane of FAA, Analiza L Acosta-Dofitas of CAAP and Michael Rudolph of DCAA, our regulators’ panel will establish the foundations for safe and effective UAV flight in the region.

Predicted to gather over 2,500 attendees, the exhibition will also bring together the IoT and UAV ecosystem from leading manufacturers and suppliers with the latest technologies to up-and-coming start-ups innovations disrupting the industry to help business monetise their deployment. The event will feature a Demo Theatre and an IoT & UAV University with free content available for the public to attend.

For more information, you can call +65 63 222 715 or visit: www.terrapinn.com/uavasia www.terrapinn.com/iotshow

CELEBRATING AUDIO-VISUAL EXCELLENCE AT THE INAUGURAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INDIA AWARDS Event: SI INDIA AWARDS COCKTAIL EVENT Day: Monday, 12 September 2016 Venue: At the Bombay Exhibition Centre Grounds Time: 6pm - 9pm

BY INVITE

ONLY

Award Platinum Partners:

Award Gold Partners:

Organised by:

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EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

By Shireen Ho

InfoComm 2016: Where Learning Never Ends

A

record 1,000 exhibitors, including 211 new exhibitors, filled the Las Vegas Convention Center between June 8-10 for InfoComm 2016, occupying 527,105 net square feet of exhibit and special events space.

Attendees registered for more than 12,000 seats at InfoComm University sessions throughout the week, more than double the number engaged in training and education in 2015. Approximately one-third more unique attendees took InfoComm University™ training at InfoComm than in the past.

The spike in training interest was driven in part by the 2,620 seminar and workshop packages sold. InfoComm 2016 was the first time attendees could pay one price and take any of more than 100 courses during exhibition days.

"The AV industry's commitment to advancing technology and showcasing it at InfoComm has never been stronger," said Jason McGraw, CTS®, CAE, Senior Vice President of Expositions, InfoComm International®.

"The market is constantly changing and we've been pleased to introduce new features at InfoComm, such as drones, the Internet of Things, and content creation and streaming, which reflect the dynamic nature of commercial AV." InfoComm 2016 welcomed more than 38,833 visitors, 4.8 percent more than the last time the show was held in Las Vegas, affirming its continued strength as the best-attended annual conference and exhibition for AV buyers and sellers in the Western Hemisphere. More than 35 percent of attendees were visiting InfoComm for the first time.

"This is a thriving, growing, busy industry — especially this time of year — and the fact that so many professionals continue to gather in one place, including new faces and dedicated InfoComm attendees, underscores the important role that the show plays in the success of their businesses and their careers," said David Labuskes, CTS, RCDD, Executive Director and CEO, InfoComm International.

Unable to attend the show? Let us run you through the exhibition quickly with this comprehensive InfoComm coverage.

Unified Communications and Collaboration (UC&C) For key technology highlights, UC&C is definitely one of which that garnered attention. From well-established brands that we are familiar with, to prominent brands from the IT space such as Logitech and Intel, joined the fray with their new innovations.

Making their debut at InfoComm, Logitech (www.logitech.com) brought with them their latest ware, the GROUP Video Conferencing System. Designed for mid-large size meeting rooms, the conference kit delivers 1080p video quality to VC calls with a wide 90-degree field of view. It works with most of the UC and video collaboration softwares and can be easily connected to any computing device via USB. What we like about GROUP is the Windows-lookalike interface which helped to simplify the navigation experience.

Speaking of simplifying user experience, Logitech also teamed with Pexip (www.pexip.com) to come up with

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

a fully automated video meeting experience using NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. Combining Logitech's ConferenceCam line of videoconferencing cameras and endpoints with Pexip's Infinity Connect Mobile app, joint enterprise customers can now automatically start or join meetings by holding their NFC-enabled phone up against a compatible Logitech device.

Nureva HDL300 audio conferencing system

Established in 2014, Nureva (www. nureva.com) is a young company. But don't be fooled by its short history as the brains behind the company, David Martin and Nancy Knowlton, are well-known industry veterans who were previously from SMART Technologies and were responsible for introducing the SMART Board™ interactive whiteboard to the world in 1991. Continuing their passion for innovation, Nureva showcased its latest collaboration solutions with industry-pioneering HDL300 audio conferencing system taking the lead.

Using Nureva's patent-pending audio processing technology, the HDL300 integrated wall-mounted microphone and speaker system is said to be 15 times more powerful than conventional systems and is able to create and process sound from more than 8,000 precise locations in a room. By focusing on intended voices while retaining natural ambient sounds, remote participants will feel like they are in the same location. With it, fumbling with microphones during meetings becomes a thing of the past!

ClearOne (www.clearone.com) also took the opportunity to introduce its new compact two-channel DIALOG 20, a system that increases the breadth of its wireless microphone product line, while Cisco (www.cisco.com) was seen

demonstrating their latest Telepresence MX700 and 800 video collaboration room systems. Featuring dual 55” screens for MX700 and dual or single 70” screen options for MX800, users can choose from a powerful single camera or an intelligent dual-camera speakertracking solution.

Ricoh (www.ricoh.com) demonstrated an array of more than a dozen solutions that ranges from projectors, interactive flat displays to unified communication systems. Some key product highlights include: interactive ultra-short throw RICOH PJ WX4152NI projector, RICOH Unified Communication System P3500M, and RICOH Interactive Whiteboard D2200.

With over 1.5 million users in Japan, DisplayNote (www.DisplayNote.com) is a popular brand among students and teachers in the country. At InfoComm, DisplayNote continued with what they did best and made several key upgrades to the Montage where up to 40 attendees (previously 6) can simultaneously connect to a session to share and contribute equally.

Sony Project Eye2Eye

Visual specialist Sony (www.sony. com) spiced up visitors' experience with Project Eye2Eye, a telepresence system that facilitates real-time social interactions in virtual spaces. Using a network of depth cameras and projectors to track the form and motion of remote users, the system is able to instantiate users into a shared virtual space that can be transmitted to each location's local display. The life-sized display can be projection mapped onto area geometry, allowing for installation in a diverse array of settings. From a beach in Phuket to a rainforest in Amazon, users can have their pick of virtual meeting venues...

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AV Control & Management

Industry leader Crestron (www.crestron. com) made a big announcement by unveiling the groundbreaking Avia DSPs and software tools. Engineered to simplify professional audio setup in commercial and institutional applications, the Avia DSPs features a game-changing DSP programming tool, as well as a robust selection of amplifiers that support audio over IP using Dante™ audio networking. All new audio solutions integrate natively with DigitalMedia™, touch screens, Fusion® Cloud, and unified collaboration technology as part of a comprehensive Crestron solution. Judging by the reaction from audio pros on the show floor, the Avia is set to create some ripples in the AV world.

After making a big introduction with Kramer Network at ISE, Kramer (www. kramerav.com) continued its innovative legacy by launching Kramer Control at InfoComm. An agile cloud-based control, Kramer ushers in a new era of AV control by migrating all setup logic to the cloud, leaving only Smart Units on the premises. At a fraction of time and cost, Kramer Control allows users to seamlessly navigate to any room in an organization and easily control AV systems, infrastructures and devices, including Kramer wireless collaboration products, audio products and systems, thermostats, HVAC, lights, shades, alarms, security, video conferencing and many more. Remote-control seems to be the key these days.

Displays & Projectors

Over at the front of visual and display technologies, Delta (www.deltaww.com) debuted several new Vivtek projectors which included the Qumi Q8, the world's smallest native 1080p projector; the DU7090Z, one of the world's quietest 6,000lm WUXGA laser projectors; and the DH759USTi, a 1080p ultra-short

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

panel technology, it allows for excellent off-angle viewing and less color shift compared to other technologies, making it a superior signage solution.

throw projector that offers interactive 10-point touch on a screen size up to 110" diagonal. Delta also debuted the 140” 8K Laser DLP rear projection cube video wall.

Want more video wall solutions? Planar (www.planar.com) expanded their award-wining Clarity Matrix Video Wall series with two new models. The first of the new model is the Clarity Matrix MX555HDX LCD video wall display with the industry's smalled tiled bezel width at just 1.6mm. Also new to the line-up is the Clarity Matrix LX46HDU-3D, an LCD video wall solution for customers seeking a large format stereoscopic display for professional 3D visualization applications.

Exhibiting together with Planar, Leyard (www.leyard.com) also took the occasion to introduce their brand new TWA series. Available in 1.2mm and 1.8mm (to launch in Q3/4 2016) pixel pitch, the unique 54-inch flat panel offers 24/7 reliability coupled with a common form factor of 16:9 aspect ratio.

Christie Apex Series

Projection leader Christie (www. christiedigital.com) welcomed visitors with a visual feast of visual and display technologies, with the new Apex Series of LED tiles making its show debut. Part of the Christie Velvet family, the Apex series comes with pixel pitches starting at 1.2mm. Designed for 24/7 critical viewing applications, the new series is suitable for installations in command & control rooms and high security surveillance monitoring.

Looking for a projector that delivers the perfect image on a domed/curved surface? The XEED 4K500ST native 4K projector by Canon (http://global. canon) was a pleasant surprise. Thanks

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Canon XEED 4K500ST

to a newly developed 4K wide zoom lens, the XEED 4K500ST is capable of projecting large images from a short distance, as well as a peripheral focusing function that enables the projection of images onto curved screens. The projector is also the only one of its kind to feature a lens that has a constant aperture of F2.6 across the entire zoom range. Designed for a wide range of applications including simulation, medical imaging and engineering, the projector offers superb 4K resolution whilst being compact and lightweight.

A leader in visual experience, Panasonic (www.panasonic.com) lived up to expectations by launching a number of new visual technologies. Through engaging demonstrations, the company introduced a new flagship 4K+ SOLID SHINE Laser 3-Chip DLP Projector for large-venue installations along with PT-RZ970 Series 1-Chip DLP Projector for corporate, education, control rooms, museums and more. Featuring 10,400 and a high 10,000:1 contrast ratio, the PT-RZ970 is engineered for virtually maintenance-free long-haul operation.

Casio (www.casioprojector.com) highlighted its range of lampfree projectors at the show. Visitors were shown its award-winning XJ-F210WN Lampfree projector that is said to have a 20,000-hour estimated operating life but uses half the amount of power per unit than traditional lamp-based projectors. Ideal for classrooms, lecture halls and digital signage applications, the advanced series projector combines a laser, fluorescent element and a LED light to deliver a mercury-free hybrid light source.

NEC Display Solutions (www. necdisplay.com) also captured visitor's attention with its 55" Ultra Narrow Bezel S-IPS Video Wall Display. Utilising S-IPS

DigiBird (www.digibirdtech.com) exhibited for the fourth time as they constructed its largest video wall display along with the company's popular line of matrixes and, modular and compact video wall controllers. On showcase was the DB-VRC4 series compact video wall controller that is able to rotate video walls at 1-degree increments.

The product is slated for release in September 2016.

But that is not all as Samsung (www. samsung.com) continued the digital signage extravaganza with solutions such as the mirror video walls, dual view flat OLED display and arched OLED signage while LG Electronics (www.lg.com) announced an expansion of solution partners which included Scala, Gauddi, PingHD, ONELAN, Signagelive and Intuilab - for its popular webOS smart TV platform "webOS for Signage”.

Audio Innovations

On the audio front, Lab.gruppen (http://labgruppen.com) unveiled three 1 U amplifiers for its install dedicated D Series, as well as three new additions to its LUCIA range of ultra-compact and highly cost-effective power amps.

The new LUCIA 60 W power models are available with either 4-in, 4-out matrixmixer (LUCIA 60/2M), two-in, two-out configuration (LUCIA 60/2) or two-in, oneout for the 70 V model (LUCIA 60/1-70).

Lab.gruppen LUCIA 60 W

Visitors at d&b audiotechnik (www. dbaudio.com) also got a first glimpse of a major new development – the introduction of a dedicated software plug-in for QSC Q-SYS. The detail control interoperability enabled by this

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EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

dedicated software module means the easy integration of d&b amplifiers as part of a Q-SYS DSP network system. With it, integrators will be able to provide Power on/off, Mute, Gain and other amp controls from any Q-SYS device and vice versa.

Symetrix Solux NX Series

Speaking of audio management, Symetrix (www.symetrix.com) connects with visitors with its newly announced Solus NX lineup. Designed for standalone DSP applications that don't require Dante™ networking, the three DSP models (16x8, 8x8, 4x8) provide the same processing power and memory as the Symetrix Radius, Prism and Edge products. Visitors to the booth also got a first look at Symetrix soon-to-be-released Control Server, a powerful network-based control platform for Symetrix DSPs. The Harman (www.harman.com) family of brands also launched a wide span of audio & control solutions. Beginning with the CBT-1000 Column Loudspeakers and VMA and CSA Series of amps by JBL to AMX's SVSI N1512 Windowing Processor, N1115 Encoder Wallpate and 7” N-Touch Series Touch panel – there are just too many to see! The industry major is clearly living up to many intergrators' expectations.

Other than the big boys, we also saw a number of innovative companies showcasing interesting solutions.

They include Stewart Audio (www. stewartaudio.com) with their new MC850 Series Amplifiers, an 8-channel Dante audio amp; Listen Technologies (www.listentech.com) and their new Listen WiFi, which will be available worldwide in September; and Attero Tech (www.atterotech.com) with their latest Dante unD6IO, a 4-in, 2-out I/O interface that adds up to 6 channels of Dante audio to an existing Dante-based networked audio system.

The Nuts & Bolts Of AV

Going on behind the flashy screens and booming loudspeakers, we have our usual faithful stream of suppliers for AV distribution solutions.

Starting with DVIGear (www.dvigear. com), the leading manufacturer exhibited its game-changing DisplayNet™ AV-Over-10GbE distribution platform. An awardwinning concept for AV distribution, the DisplayNet leverages upon 10GbE Ethernet technology to switch, extend and distribute uncompressed AV signals in real time with resolutions up to 4K (UHD).

Next, we have Gefen (www.gefen.com), who showcased their latest HDBaseT™ Extender, the EXT-DVIKA-HBT2.

Compliant with 4K UHD, HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.2, and Power Over HDBaseT™, the EXT-DVIKA-HBT2 extends DVI over a single CAT-5e cable, up to 150 meters.

Interested buyers might also want to take note that the product is now available for pre-order.

In terms of new solutions, RGBLink (www.RGBLink.com) enhances their software control offerings with their latest unified app platform XPOSE. Designed for RGBLink's advanced universal processors such as the X series, the XPOSE is a modern app for both Windows and MacOS that allows the remote configuration and control.

XPOSE also features a 2D virtual canvas on which monitors and display devices can be arranged WYSIYG style for a representation of the real-world physical arrangement. Signals/sources can then be placed and layered anywhere on the virtual canvas, as well as be scaled pixel-to-pixel. Signals can be snapped to displays for quick configuration, amongst a host of other features. For even more

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intuitive use, XPOSE also includes the ability to preview sources directly in the app whether connected by LAN or Wi-Fi. No longer a stranger to InfoComm, video distribution specialist ZeeVee (www.ZeeVee.com) also demonstrated a strong lineup of video and signal distribution solutions that includes the ZyperMX, ZyperHD, ZvMXE, HD Bridge 300 and many more.

Similarly, Analog Way (www.analogway. com) was also seen on the ground, showcasing the VIO 4K, a premium multiformat converter that includes a variety of innovative features for LED wall applications. Other solutions exhibited include the Ascender 48-4K-PL, which has been updated with new features.

Opticis DPFX200-TR

For point-to-point cable solutions, Korean manufacturer Opticis (www. opticis.com) pursue visitors with their latest optical DisplayPort extender DPFX-200-TR. Compact in size, the DPFX-200-TR transmitter and receiver set uses 2LC fibre connection to transmit WQUXGA at 60Hz signal up to 100m.

The DPFX-200-TR can also be operated

by USB power without external DC power adapter.

High performance KVM specialist Adder (www.adder.com) launched AdderLink XDIP. Helping users to locate critical computing hardware in secure and temperature controlled environments away from the user work station, the new extender extends video, USB 2.0 and audio along a CAT5e cable for 100m.

Delivered in a zero configuration state, users can plug the units in and start working immediately with no drivers or software needed.

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

IP, Streaming & Multi-site Video Distribution

Up next, AJA Video Systems (www. aja.com) released KONA IP, the company's first desktop video and audio I/O product for professional IP-based workflows. Supported by industryleading content creation companies like Avid, Adobe and Grass Valley, the KONA IP is touted as the next-generation of AJA's KONA line of PCIe capture cards. Compatible with SMPTE 2022-6 IP-encapsulated uncompressed 3G-SDI video, audio and VANC data, the KONA IP also supports compressed codecs like J2K and advanced IP protocols including VSF TR-04, VSF TR-03 and more with firmware updates.

Building up the IP momentum, Atlona (www.atlona.com) also introduced a new line of IP-Based AV distribution solutions, the OmniStream. Featuring the industry's first dual-channel 4K/UHD Encoder and Decoder, the OmniStream series is designed to integrate and distribute 4K/UHD video audio, and RS-232 control over Gigabit Ethernet networks. The line currently consists of 5 new products which includes: ATOMNI-111 Single-Channel Networked AV Encoder, AT-OMNI-232 Two-Channel Dante™ Networked Audio Interface and many more.

For multi-site video streaming, VITEC (www.vitec.com) demonstrated its IPTV Houses of Worship (HoW) Solution. Helping HoWs to extend their reach across multiple campuses, the solution bundles VITEC portable encoders/decoders with the Zixi™ error-free streaming protocol. When integrated with Renewed Vision™ ProVideoServer™, the solution also allows churches to record one or more high-quality encoded streams from the main campus, complete with embedded

time code and multi-channel audio, and play back those streams at the satellite campus at any time.

Audio over IP pioneer Barix (www.barix. com) showcased their latest Soundscape 1.1 as part of their emerging business in the music and advertising delivery services industry for programmers and end users. Demonstrated at InfoComm, Soundscape allows users to manage business music and audio files remotely.

Targeting mainly chain-store retailers, Soundscape can be used to craft in-store BGM, audio advertising messages, schedule playlists, monitor and distribute content to multiple sites.

Barix Soundscape 1.1

At the same time, Barix also exhibited its popular Simple Paging solution which enables zoned paging and public address across single or multiple buildings from fixed paging stations or mobile devices.

IDX by Harman (http://idx.harman. com) also announced a major update to its IDX AirportVoice, AirportVision, TransitVoice and TransitVision software.

The new 5.0 version features the IDX Boarding Manager, a new software tool that functions as a virtual microphone station. Those looking for a PA/ messaging solution for the transportation market, might find this intriguing.

Rack Lights & Power Control

Ever had problem locating a certain cable in a rack cabinet? Usually enclosed and dark, it does take some time to figure which goes where... until now!

Middle Atlantic (www.middleatlantic. com) offers a range of rack mount lighting and what caught our attention was the PDLT Series of rack light and power. Featuring a retractable LED light for evenly distributed illumination of the rackmounted equipments, the PDLT

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Series combines power distribution and lighting in one space package.

Integrators now no longer have to hold a torchlight while searching through the racks!

Middle Atlantic PDLT Series rack light

Furthering its commitment to provide integrators with robust power management solutions, Panamax (www. panamax.com) has introduced all-new vertical power conditioner with IP control capabilities, the VT-4315-PRO. Ideal for commercial integrators looking for remote power management functionality, the VT-4315-PRO features BlueBOLT IP control technology and Panamax’s exclusive Protect-or-Disconnect surge protection as well as Automatic Voltage Monitoring (AVM) over/under voltage protection.

More on remote power control, leading manufacturer of AC power control systems for performance lighting, audio and video LynTec (www.lyntec.com) also announced several new updates for its LynTec RPC. Featuring “one touch” remote system control, LynTec now offers individual or grouped circuit breaker on/off control and monitoring through a web browser interface. Great for large A/V systems and theatrical lighting control, single or multi-panel systems that utilize motorized circuit breakers will now be able to provide control and circuit protection in the same enclosure. www.infocommshow.org InfoComm 2017 will return on June 10-16, 2017, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

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EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

CommunicAsia2016, EnterpriseIT2016 and BroadcastAsia2016 Pursues The Industry with a View of the Future Asia’s leading infocomm technology and broadcasting industry event gathers leading innovators to showcase and discuss the latest trends.

R

obots, Virtual Reality, Drones, and Smart Devices – these are the innovations fueled by digital transformation that will pave the way of Asia Pacific’s future. With digitisation and smart technologies enhancing productivity, these innovations also formed the heart of CommunicAsia2016,

EnterpriseIT2016 and BroadcastAsia2016 which ran between 31 May to 3 June 2016, at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

Overheard at Visionary Keynote

Revving up the heat was a visionary address by Gerd Leonhard, Futurist and Founder and CEO of The Future Agency. During his visionary keynote titled 'The Next 5 years in Global Digital Transformation', Gerd shared his thoughts on how the 'increasingly powerful combination of man and machine' has enabled technologies such as real-time language translation and how these technologies will continue

to grow and influence our lifestyles. “(These) machines sits in the cloud (and) does all the work for you,” he said.

Continuing, Gerd also touched on how Intelligent Digital Assistant, or IDA, are slowly gaining a foothold in our lives. These IDAs such as Apple's Siri, Amazon's Echo/Alexa – are examples of virtual assistants who are able to recognize natural speech and respond logically. In time, we are going to find more of such technologies implemented in various ways. Think the movie Her.

“We are actually building relationships with screens, not with people – and that's a strange thing.” - Gerd Leonhard

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

On The Show Floor So what caught our eye? Over at BroadcastAsia, Sennheiser (http:// en-sg.sennheiser.com) showcased their latest inconspicuous clip-on microphones and rugged handhelds.

The audio major also teased visitors with a sneak preview of the latest 3D audio technology, AMBEO. Shown for the first time in Asia, the AMBEO series of virtual-reality microphone allow users to fully experience 360-degree content using immersive audio. The experiential showcase at BCA was an eye-opener for many and visitors have reported that the depth and accuracy were astonishingly life-like. The series is expected to launch in Q4 2016.

Sennheiser

In the same hall, IHSE (www.ihse.com) also made an appearance with the Asia debut of the latest Series 490.

Featuring a new generation of digital KVM signal extension using the innovative Lightweight Image (LICI) codec – developed in cooperation with Fraunhofer IIS – the DRACO Ultra DisplayPort-KVM enables the operation of CPUs from a remotely located workstation including DisplayPort monitor, keyboard and pointing device over a single fibre XV connection.

The KVM extender also supports audio transmission via the DisplayPort interface.

cinematography that targets various verticals including education, corporate, house of worship and high-end sports.

A key highlight at Sony booth was the demonstration of the 55-inch 4K OLED monitor, PVM-X550LED. Designed for viewing and verifying 4K footage during production, the quadview OLED monitor allows customized individual display settings across four distinct views in HD, including: ElectroOptical Transfer Function (EOTF), Color space, Transfer Matrix and colour temperature. Equipped with a highperformance signal-processing engine, the PVM-X550LED provides a 12-bit output signal for picture accuracy and consistency. Its narrow bezel, lightweight design and off-axis viewing performance also makes suitable for wall mounting, a benefit in environments where space is at a premium.

At the same time, several familiar ProAV names were also spotted at BCA. They include: Guntermann & Drunck GmbH (G&D); Blackmagic Design; Riedel; SiliconCore; Panasonic; and d3 Technologies, who, together with Acoustic & Lighting Systems - their official reseller in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia – presented the d3 4×4pro with Quad-DVI video conversion cards, the small but powerful d3 2×2plus as well as the latest d3 r13 software.

Christie (www.christiedigital.com) was also seen exhibiting with their valued partner, Total Solutions Marketing.

IHSE

Next, we have Sony Professional (http:// pro.sony-asia.com) who showcased a range of broadcast solutions from IP Live production workflow to HD/4K/HDR

Christie at Total Solutions Marketing booth

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Exhibited at the show was the awardwinning Christie Boxer 4K30 3DLP® projector and Christie H Series 1DLP® projectors, where they are deployed to present an eye-catching projection mapping showcase that is driven by the Christie Pandoras Box media server system.

Fans of Electro-Voice (www. electrovoice.com) were in for a pleasant surprise as the proaudio manufacturer announced a remake of its renowned N/ DYM Series. Named ND Series, the new product line currently consists of four vocal and four instrumental models for live performance and studio application.

At the heart of the new dynamic models is a new large-diaphragm capsule design which takes the technology of the original N/Dym capsule to new levels of sonic performance. Combined with innovative mechanical solutions that resolve typical instrument mic placement challenge, sound engineers and musicians also benefit from an easy set-up.

www.VisualAsiaExpo.com

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

Moving on, RTS (www.rtsintercoms. com) showcased its latest model in the KP-Series, the KP-3016. Taking up only 1 RU space, the KP-3016 comes with 16 keys and supports both analog and IP connection. Featuring built-in speaker; microphone input for dynamic or electret mics; and a wide viewing-angle color screen, it is also fully compatible with OMNEO, an open media networking architecture developed by Bosch.

Also on live production, KXWELL (www. kxwell.com) was also spotted at the show along with their wide array of high performance indoor and outdoor pan-tilt robotic heads. A reputed manufacturer that provides Pan Tilt Head with camera control system solution to end-users in AV, Professional Broadcast Industry and High-End Surveillance Security, KXWELL solutions can be found in projects and venues such as live production, parliament house, theatres, video conference rooms, distance teaching

system, hospital demonstrate operation system, court trial system, prison surveillance system etc.

Compatible with most professional and broadcast handheld camcorder, box camera and shoulder mount, KXWELL highlighted several solutions at BCA that include: the KT-PN695 Series, a high performance outdoor camera pan-tilt head; the KT-RN8810-JZ and KT-PN690.

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Dell also took the opportunity to introduce a new, recommended minimum system hardware configurations that support optimal VR experience for professional users with HTC Vive or Oculus Rift VR solutions.

At the same time, Dell also announced upgrades for its Precision Tower and Rack Workstations for VR content creators who are using professional applications in fields of engineering, science, energy, and entertainment.

Making its show debut at BCA was South China House of Technology (www.schot.com/en/). Known to many as SCHOT, the Hong Kong-based leading audio visual & central control product and solution specialist brought with them proAV solutions from familiar names like Atlona and Olevia.

Over at CommunicAsia2016, Dell (www.dell.com.sg) intrigued attendees as the leading IT company launches new Virtual Reality-ready solutions that refined criteria for optimal VR experience, whether it is for consuming or creating VR content. Together their hardware and software partners, Dell showcased impressive VR content with the demonstration of a multi-dimensional experience ride titled Cry Out: The Lonely Whale Experience.

KXWELL at BCA 2016

Also present at CommunicAsia2016 was Cisco (www.cisco.com), though its hospitality was only extended to invited guests. At its hospitality suite, Cisco showcased a number of video services such as the Infinite Solutions that help service providers/broadcaster/ media companies to deliver content via cloud on any access network. Other solutions on demonstrated include Cisco Virtualized Video Processing and Cisco VideoGuard solutions.

Editor's note: In 2017, the 3-day Broadcast Asia show will be moving to Suntec Singapore while CommunicAsia and EnterpriseIT2017 will continue to take place at Marina Bay Sands. Shuttle buses will ply between Suntec Singapore and Marina Bay Sands.

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INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

HONG KONG

Exterity IP Video Facilitates Decision-making At Bank of China

Keeping Track Of Financial Trends And Regulations In Real-Time

L

ocated in Hong Kong, the Bank of China (Hong Kong) is the second largest commercial banking group on the peninsula, with the biggest branch network of over 300 branches. The bank currently employs 13,900 staff covering a wide range of areas, from personal and corporate banking through to life and casualty insurance, as well as asset management.

The Challenge

The world’s economy is moving at lightning speed, with unseen market fluctuations and bubbles happening at any minute.

With China at the centre of the financial world, Bank of China (Hong Kong) knew that in order to maintain the highest level of services, it needed to provide its staff with the best means to evaluate transaction risks and keep track of the latest financial trends and regulations in real-time.

The Solution

Bank of China (Hong Kong) was planning a refurbishment of its headquarters and decided to implement an Exterity IP video solution to facilitate the live streaming of financial channels in HD, including CNN, BBC World News, Bloomberg and CNCB to multiple screens around the building, as well as to the bankers’ PCs.

Working closely with leading integrator, Tech Vision System Limited (TVS), Exterity provided the banking group with a robust, adaptable and user-friendly IP video solution that easily integrates with the group’s IT network to o er the best quality of service without requiring additional cabling. In addition, the system can be managed from any point of the network, enabling the technical team to monitor authorizations and distribution of content to each screen.

Ongoing support from Exterity and TVS has also enabled the technical team at Bank of China (Hong Kong) to utilise the system in the most effective way, ensuring the consistent delivery of relevant information to each department.

PROJECT FACTFILE

Client: Bank of China (Hong Kong) Segment: Banking/Financial Location: Hong Kong System Integrator: Tech Vision System Limited (TVS) Task: To facilitate the live streaming of financial channels in HD, including CNN, BBC World News, Bloomberg and CNBC to multiple screens.

Solution Highlight: Exterity HD Encoders, Receiver settop boxes, AvediaServer

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

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The Result

The Exterity system is used on a daily basis throughout the building, enabling bankers to receive relevant financial feeds directly at their desks, while ensuring that information impacting the whole group is distributed to screens in public areas, including a video wall.

“The Bank of China (Hong Kong) works very closely with its parent company, Bank of China, who is considered the world’s fifth largest bank according to market valuation. This means that it needs to ensure that it is always one step ahead of the global economy in order to best service its corporate and personal customers,” said Gary Fu, Operation Director, Tech Vision System Limited.

“The Exterity system provides the employees of Bank of China (Hong Kong) with an easy way to access relevant information in real-time, enabling them to make the best decision at any given moment.”

Colin Farquhar, CEO at Exterity, added: “Large banking groups are under tight pressure from the market, and need to know

that they can rely on their information systems to decide on the best course of action at any minute. Being able to support a world leading group like Bank of China (Hong Kong) in this difficult mission shows how reliable and easily manageable the Exterity system is, and we’re looking forward to continuing our collaboration with one of the world’s most influential banking organizations.” www.exterity.com

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INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

INDIA

Helping StartUps With Creative Technology

By Ram Bhavanashi

EnE Systems, Invincy weave in AV innovation at Kstart set-up for Kalaari

FACT FILE

Project Name: KStart Project Location: ITPL, Whitefield, Bengaluru Project Segment: Venture Capital Project Owner: Kalaari Capital Advisors Pvt Ltd Project Type: Design-build AV, lighting systems AV Consultant: EnE Systems India AV Systems Integrator: EnE Systems Integrator AV Programming Services: Invincy Solutions Lighting Consultant: Sreekumar Gopinathan (Poncho)/(EnE Systems India) Achitect: Sunitha Kondur, Hundredhands Design Curator: Raghava KK Project Commissioned: Feb 2016 Venture Capitalism is nothing new. Neither is VCs’ leveraging technology to further their business cause. What’s new, perhaps, is a VC’s embracing AV technology with a blend of art and creative ‘elements’ to stimulate the entrepreneurial ingenuity among the promising young.

Bengaluru-based startups promoting firm KStart – a unique seed programme initiative of VC services enterprise Kalaari Capital Advisors – is living this act while EnE Systems India, EnE Singapore’s Indian arm, weaved in the magic in association with a 3D control systems UI solutions start-up Invincy, besides a host of creative minds. An SI Asia report:

Challenges: “From vision to implementation, it did take time and mindspace. For the simple fact that we have only a vision to share and the solution providers had to come with as stack of solutions. We needed to figure out what we could do with what. That’s significant exerciseabout the selection and number of AV units and their placement. It’s the thought processes that mattered.

Experience: We are extremely happy about the quality of the SI work done; the kind of support they had been giving us. I guess Poncho has been a great find for us.”- Karthik Nageshwaran, CFO, Kstart

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he Park Square Mall, just adjacent to International Tech Pack Limited (ITPL) on the Whitefield Main Road in Bengaluru, might look similar to most other shopping dining destinations in town, but, perhaps, one entity strikes a difference, for ‘StartUps!’ Yes, Kstart – a unique seed programme initiative of Venture Capital Services firm Kalaari Capital Advisors Limited – occupying a good portion of the mall’s second floor, is a truly different proposition for reasons more than one. The company’s Karthik Nageshwaran business area, the approach it took in that pursuit, the environment it created for the purpose, and the genre it strikes thereof.

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“We wanted to create a space where the best of entrepreneurial minds are allowed to seed and shape their business ideations in the best stimulating environment; a space that will kindle the innovative genius of young entrepreneurs that stand to create next big companies in the country; a space that can provide that additional impetus to the thinking minds to innovate better,” explains Karthik Nageshwaran, CFO at Kstart. “We wanted to create an ambience that is a blend of Indianness, its philosophical depth in the form of art, and technology to make the experience as stimulants to germinate and nurture innovative ideas.”

To the right of the Lobby, are the Board Room, Work Space, Executive Rooms, and Mezzanine Floors, while to the left of the Lobby space are the Cafeteria and Gym, and Events Space.

While every space has been carved with a meticulous design and art impartation, with an AV technology underlay, it is the Board Room, and the Events Space that exemplify the most.

The Teams Involved

The Board Room

Being a very unique concept in its own right, Kstart, by default required a team of solution providers. Bengaluru-based design firm Hundredhands Design was taken onboard for the art and architectural planning, the task of technology design and integration was entrusted to EnE Systems India.

EnE India’s Executive Director Srikumar Gopinathan (Poncho), who played central to the technology design, had the collaborative support from yet another Bengaluru-based multimedia and AV programming StartUp Invincy Solutions, who actually stepped in like a VAD (value-added distributor), but had a bigger role to play.

“The functionality part was more defined by the architect, while the control requirement and interfacing was by the client” clarifies Poncho. “We essentially designed the AV, control, and lighting systems.”

Kstart: Start with Art

Upfront, one would feel stepping into a sort of a design studio, or a corporate office of a design firm, with typified art forms of diverse size, shape and appeal, imposing that ‘different’ feel.

The Lobby space sports a ‘reflect’ themed art form in 72 x 96 inch art in mirror and wood by Shilo Shiv Suleman.

The Board Room ambience is characterized by a huge diptych acrylic on canvas, that is made to glow intelligently by a combination of some cleaver lighting scheme and soft ambient colour theme that is also accentuated by large tinted glass windows on the facing side. The emphasis here, as per the creators is that ‘collaboration can create order out of chaos'.

The AV texture here features a Cisco video-conferencing system that is complemented by two displays on the facing wall, above the camera, and six boundary microphones on a 12-seater rectangular table.

The Control System and its GUI here is, perhaps, fitting in with the spirit of innovation at the Kstart in that, it apparently raises above the conventional. Developed based on AMX hardware platform, the solution seeks to create an impact in more ways than one.

Claimed to be the ‘first of its kind,’ at least in this part of the world, the solution not only presents a dynamic 3D userinterfacing, but also renders it in a matrix of colourful and thematic presentation right up from start. Different functional buttons are weaved in soft and vibrant floral patterns making a pleasing screen appearance. This UI is also operable on iPAD and similar devises.

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The Stage of the Events Space

“We have seen numerous control systems and GUIs, nothing new about them,” says Hemanth K Naidu, Director at the Invincy. “This one, take the experience to an altogether new level,” he vouches. “We have not only developed it to operate in 3D mode, but we have also customized it in a significant fashion,” he elaboarates. “The GUI is no longer drab and boring combination of buttons; we made it breath life.”

The functional beauty of the solution, according to Invincy Director is that it addresses and activates each of the devices in the given environment as the case may be, the backdrop of multimedia affects.

Events Space

The experience of the AV and GUI expertise as well as the accentuation of artistic creativity is apparently further elevated in the Events Space, an expansive space on the left of the Lobby. Meant for a sizeable gathering of around 300 people, with a stage on one end, and a stepped up seating area at the other, the Events Space strikes many refreshing elements, both in structure and texture. Most prominent is the huge, mixed media artwork, measuring 294 x 96 inches in wood, done by

Raghava KK and Shilo Shiv Suleman. Themed Re-silient the art form seeks to exemplify resilience with entrepreneurism.

There are three more art formats at three different corners of this large hall. Each of them is unique in its own right, striking a creative element or two. “Yes,” chips in the Karthik. “We have created elements that help the participants sharpen their creativity, and innovate on their business ideas.”

Technology wise, it’s a markedly big play space for EnE and Invincy. While Poncho and team brought in their ingenuity for design and build of the audio, video and lighting systems, Invincy explored the Control System GUI arc to render it more user-involving.

“We created a 3-D User Interface which resembles the actual replication of the space, and its AV equipment gear,” explains Naidu. “This allows users to operate the system intuitively without having to get bothered with a complex multi-page, icon-

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Cafeteria- work as you relish beverages & snakcs

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Workstatations

based UI which is a common fare with traditional UIs.” According to him, the newly custom-developed UI brings in many immersive experiences. One of the advantages as Naidu demonstrates is to tilt or turn the cameras, or wall-mounted display screens on either side of the hall to the direction required. “This is to better present the stage or audience scenario to the viewers,” Naidu details.

In addition to the two wall-mount displays, the Events Space features two more displays in front of the stage, and one large motorized screen on the stage, programmed to deliver diverse functions of showing audience, speakers on the stage, and the ambience. Facing the large screen on stage is a ceilingmounted DLP projector. The audio element is characterized by two hangs of two JBL loudspeakers hung from the ceiling on either side of the stage, and two sub-woofers placed on the floor, in front of the stage.

“We decided to give the stage a theatrical look,” explains Poncho. “Which is why there a backdrop wall design and lighting, and so much stage setting, and special lighting gridboth to the ceiling of the hall, and in front to the screen,” he details. According to him, they did the audio install to precision – without any acoustics – more, they automated the entire audio solution across the premises, by means of an iPAD. The Events Space is also equipped with multimedia and video streaming architecture, so that the programming of the space can be simulcast to the spaces across the premises.

That facilitates the entrepreneurs watch the proceedings of the Events Space without having to move from their seats elsewhere on the premises.

“We also wanted the system to be scalable and futuristic in that whatever technologies that come in future that would add value to our business, should simply be plugged and played,” comes in the input from Karthik.

The Work Space

The Work Space is an expansive space characterized by multiple work stations – each capable of functioning like a mini office – fully equipped with the required technical infrastructure. Facing the entire Work Space is a ceiling mounted display that is meant to show the proceedings happening at the Events Space. Young and aspiring entrepreneurs can function from these workstations exploring

The mezzanine floor- relax, rewind and rejuvenate

their business innovation horizons, and putting them into action.

“The aspiring entrepreneurs coming here do not need to worry on anything that they do not know,” informs the Kstart CFO. “We have a sizeable team of experts on various subjects and business domains,” he explains, “They will come here; share their expertise with the young brains towards sharpening those ideas and help them come alive. The subject matters can be diverse. We are there to provide them thought processes.”

Ingenuity of space planning finds yet another expression with one side of the Work Space expanding into Mezzanine floor which is a long and slender space, provided with separated ‘Re’laxing enclaves. Each of the enclaves is characterized by one art form- based on human organs such as heart, lungs, hand and feet etc.

“This is something where one can relax, meditate and rejuvenate oneself, after a tiring day of work; we know often bright ideas are born that way” explains Karthik. “Even as it offers cool relaxation we made his area into a thoughtprovoking ambience.”

“We didn’t do anything strange; just audio-video, and lighting, with a blend of art,” the Kstart CFO elaborates further. “We wanted do it in a different way that contributes to creativity and inventiveness among the aspiring entrepreneurs.” www.kstart.in www.enesystemsindia.com www.invincy.com

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SINGAPORE

Maritime Simulation Sails Smooth With Digital Projection

Digital Projection Projectors Boost Quality Of Simulated Training

PROJECT FACTFILE

Client: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Project Venue: Integrated Simulation Centre of Singapore Segment: Government, Training & Education Location: Singapore System Integrator: Kongsberg Maritime Pte. Ltd. Task: To replace existing old lamp projectors with new laser projectors that reduces operational cost and maintenance.

Solution Highlight: Digital Projection HIGHlite Laser 11K projectors

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et up by the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore to boost the quality and efficiency of maritime training, the Integrated Simulation Centre (ISC) offers different realistic scenarios for training of ship officers and crew in a risk-free environment.

Established in 2002, the ISC has garnered a strong reputation in the region for providing world-class quality marine simulatorbased training. From ship owners to maritime companies, the facilities at ISC are frequently booked for crew training.

Among its array of simulators, the Full Mission Shiphandling Simulators (FMSS) are two important bridge simulators located within the ISC. Offering 360-degree or 240-degree field-of-view, the simulators are developed and maintained

by Kongsberg Maritime, a leading international technology provider that supplies maritime systems and solutions.

Kongsberg is also one of ISC's key technology suppliers.

Using state-of-the-art computer-generated images generated by the Polaris Ship's Bridge Simulator software (developed

by Kongsberg) and high brightness projectors, the resulting visuals are life-like and interactive.

Captains, 1st and 2nd Officers, Pilot Cadets as well as Seafarers undertaking their Certificate of Competency are some of the end-users who used the simulator to train/test their manoeuvrability skills in a simulated environment that is close to reality.

How It Came About

Being a highly sought-after facility for maritime training, the FMSSs have been subjected to long hours of operation since it was launched. According to Rico Sim, Assistant Sales Manager of Digital Projection Asia, the FMSSs were clocking approximately 10-12 operation hours per day for about 300 days each year.

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Digital Projection team worked very closely with Kongsberg to ensure they deliver what the client wanted to achieve.

A total of 10 HIGHlite Laser 11K projectors were installed for the 360-degree FMSS while the 240-degree FMSS needed only 7. Some key features of the HIGHlite Laser 11K include flexible mounting orientation and built-in edge blend – which was essential for the wide angle visuals.

Equally compelling is the lack of lamp replacement due to the solid state illumination system. This is a key characteristic that gives HIGHlite Laser 11K a much lower cost of ownership over the lifespan of the projector. This was a key factor that was considered by ISC, after having experienced high maintenance cost of using lamp-based projectors for long hours operation.

Due to its high usage, it is no wonder that the FMSS existing lamp-based projectors were unable to take the toll, and that had resulted the centre having to change lamps frequently at every 6-9 months interval.

High cost and maintenance was a key concern for ISC as the replacement lamps are priced at US$1,000 each and they have to change and replace at least 44 pieces for all the projectors every time.

Furthermore, for every lamp replacement, the projectors were moved in the process and this caused its alignment to move, thus affecting the view angle and edge blending in place.

Colour recalibration to ensure the uniformity across the entire system was also required. To calibrate it again takes time and effort was spend which translates to significant downtime.

Therefore when the time came for ISC to upgrade and refit the two FMSSs, the centre was determined to replace its existing projectors with what the best they can find in the market.

Digital Projection's Pitch

Relaying their projector requirements to Kongsberg, a tender committee was set up and Digital Projection went in to propose the HIGHlite Laser 11K projector. Remarkably bright at 11,000 lumens, the HIGHlite Laser 11K has a lifespan of 20,000 hours illumination – which met ISC's key requirement.

“Digital Projection is known in the AV industry as one of the leading brands with the latest visual technology,” said Asraf, Area Sales Manager, Simulation, of Kongsberg Maritime. “At that time, there were few if not none with the 3-chip DLP Laser Technology with 11,000 lumens and ISC has requested for the best Laser projectors.”

Noting that MPA is particular about its night scene visuals, Digital Projection and Kongsberg also proposed to add a piece of optical masking glass in front of the projector to prevent overspill of light, thereby further enhancing the visuals.

The Solution

Setting up the projectors and tweaking them to deliver the best images they could took almost a month. During which, the

In terms of financial scope, the project is estimated at S$ 3.4 million dollars.

The Result

After using Digital Projection laser projectors, ISC was able to cut down their units by using 7 projectors to replace the previous 9 in the 240-degree FMSS. The 360-degree FMSS also cut down 2 units, from 12 to 10. Due to its WUXGA resolution, the Digital Projection projectors gave a wider field-of-view while providing a seamless edge blending at the same time.

Though the initial investment cost in laser projectors was increased by 15-20%, the operational cost of using Digital Projection projector was reduced significantly. The FMSS is also one of the first ship bridge simulators in Asia to use laser projectors to produce visuals.

“I am pleased as well as in awe of the level of realism of the visual scenes. It matches ISC's reputation as a World Class Training and Assessment Facility,” commented Asraf.

Capt Loo, Manager at ISC, was also satisfied with the new projectors. He remarked, “I think Digital Projection has a good product and its after-sales services is excellent. The visual data was fantastic.” www.digitalprojection.com

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INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

NCSM Science City - Part-II

The ‘Digital Panorama’ of Life and Tech Wizardry’ Fusion of minds and machines to showcase human evolution

By Ram Bhavanashi

The Digital Panorama at the Science City in Kolkata, like most other ambitious installs, is a fruition of a massive ‘continental effort’ in that it involved fusion of human talent and technology from three distant geographies- India, United Kingdom, and South Africa. While there were no pressing timelines in this case – quite unlike the most of its scale – it does have its own set of formative factors that are as exciting as any other project of its kind.

Having presented the vital aspects of the install as Part-I of the story in the last issue, SI ASIA now presents the remaining account of what all made it, in this second and concluding part of the exclusive.

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he story of Digital Panorama at the Science City in Kolkata begins with the NCSM (National Council of Science Museums)’s wanting to create a captivating model of story-telling on human evolution, by leveraging latest digital technology. Being the apex and promoting body of science museums in the country, it is tasked by its instrumentation with setting up of centres to spread scientific temper amongst people, and the ideation of Digital Panorama is part of the same pursuit.

Having already built ‘India’s first giant screen (Imax large format screen at Space Theatre) almost 20 years ago, followed by the Kurukshetra Panorama, it was perhaps natural for the apex science body’s seeking to elevate its scientific exploit further with digital technology.

“The concept of panorama is nothing new for us; we did it earlier,” informs A D Choudhry, Director of NCSM. “We did it at Kurukshetra; but that was the conventional type. At Science City-Kolkata, we wanted to do it in digital format, with state-ofthe-art sophistication.”

Multi-tasking: On & Off-Site

That set the ball rolling- a Committee was set up with subject experts from academia and R&D institutions as well as Ministry of Culture, followed by hiring solution providers.

VizExperts, who came onboard as the chief solution provider, had to a multi-tasking job, according to Nehruji Srimurugan, producer with the Delhi-based visual computing enterprisetechnical leadership for the Digital Panorama, content creation, AV integration, acoustic design and installation, and lighting system design.

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That meant they had, essentially, two broad categories of task.

One- design-build of AV set-up on the site, and two- ensuring the required content was produced and beamed as per the specs. That it had in-house expertise and team strengths for AV design-build, it didn’t have much to worry on that, but the content production part which it needed support. It, thus, had to have a content production team in place, and play a perfect coordinator between content subject matter experts and production teams on one side, and Experts Committee, and NCSM leadership on the other.

“We partnered with Graham English & Co. for the purpose,” informs Nehru.

“We reached out to Prof. Chris Stringer too in that pursuit,” he explains. After initial briefing in Kolkata, and a series of deeper deliberations on what and how it was to be made, they had a storyline and template to work on.

Graham English, Creative Director at the company, worked with scriptwriter Mark Gamon (representing Prof. Stringer) to develop the storyline that, given the nature of the audience, was to be both simple and succinct. “Once that was agreed with Science City, we created a storyboard, frame for frame,” Graham recalled. “This process allowed Science City to comment on the content, and to amend it as they felt fit, at each progressive stage. Once agreed, the storyboard became 'the blueprint' for the whole production.”

Graham, and his producer Simone Meyer traveled to South Africa, close to The Cradle of Mankind, and supported by local production manager Mario Le Grange, did an extensive recce to identify locations that best matched the storyboard frames.

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They, however, had the big challenge when they actually began the shoot. They needed as many pixels as possible in order to extract a horizontal ’slice’ from the 16 x 9 frame. Working with their Director of Photography Owen Dell they settled on Red Rocket camera filming with 6K at 25fps. However, they had to reduce the resolution to 4K to over-crank the camera to enable delivery in slow motion.

“Creating life-like prosthetics for human species had its own pull,” recalls Nehru. “That it was turning extremely expensive was one, getting them to our requirement was the other,” he explains, “we contacted a highly skilled local; procured the prosthetics and customized.”

The Indian part of the shooting (in Mathura, Gurgaon, and Delhi) was handled by Graham’s local production representative Gautam Subramanyam, who according to Nehru did as fantastic job as his British colleague. Once Graham and co. was done with the shoot, the CGI (computer graphic imagery) team was put on the act to impart the rushes with VFX enabling the final production that VizExperts was challenged with delivering onto the huge canvas.

“It was a truly international production,” commends Graham.

“An Indian client, Indian systems integrator, production manager; a European producer, creative director, and composer; and a South African cast and crew. We certainly clocked up the air miles, but I’d like to think we clocked them up for the right reasons.”

Prof. Stringer, the globally respected anthropologist, closely monitored each of these processes, as well as the creation of ‘early years of human evolution’ as CGI. According to him, the job came with its own challenges in that they had to compress

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“It took us a fair deal to impart foolproof acoustics to the site,” recalls Diwaker Gaur, Senior Consultant with VixExperts. “The Reverb Time on site was >6 when we moved in; we brought it down to an average of 1.3 post install,” he explains.

To treat the ceiling, they first had to create a baffle wall with acoustical tiles with polyester wool and fabric, and then employ bass tubes – 18 numbers, each measuring 1200/4800 mm – comprising wooden framework, polyester wool, and covered with fabric by means of grippers.

the ‘big subject’ to a manageable length. Devising convincing recreations of various pre-human and human species and ensuring that the story accurately represented current anthropological thinking was a challenge too.

“It was Mark Gamon’s task to distill the story down to the eventual running time - ensuring an engaging experience for the visitor without ‘dumbing down’ the academic content,” Prof. Stringer commends Gamon’s contribution.

On-Site: Transforming Shell to Scale

VizExperts, while ensuring that they had an absorbing content in place from offsite, had to address a different set of challenges on site, the cylindrical shell of panorama. What they got was an empty shell that sounded like a whispering gallery, requiring massive acoustic treatment. They had to build the canopy, with precision-mounting structure that could take the weight of as many as eight DLP projectors (Barco’s HDX W20 Flex), as well as the Surround Sound system (Harman/JBL).

“If we consider the length from pillar to wall as 100 per cent, then each 25 per cent was to be covered in different angles,” explains Gaur “first was flat to the floor, next was 15° and then 30° and then it 45° tilt. The portions left in between the tiles and the pillar were to be flat again.”

The central pillar was also covered with GI framework, with polyester wool, fabric with gripper.

Done with acoustics, they had to treat the cylindrical wall to optimize it for projection mapping surface, using multiple coats of Screen Goo paint. “It took as much as 330 liters of paint,” recalls Diwakar, “and we had to use airless sprayers to obtain a perfect surface.”

“The Digital Panorama project is by far the biggest project

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in this region,” informs Anil Vemulapalli, Direector at Reverb Systems India, the Indian partner of the Singapore-based supplier of the paint solution. “It was a very intelligent decision on part of the project team,” compliments Anil. “Screen Goo paint was the perfect way to go; if the same surface, stretching over 1200 square meters, was to be treated by some other means of conventional screens, it would have costed an astronomical amount.”

So, in all, close to 1300 square meters of ceiling, 157 sqm of pillars, and 228 sqm of floor were treated with precision acoustics.

Stuart Bruce, the composer, balancing the audio on site

The AV Set-up

The audio component comprised an all-Harman system. A total of 24 JBL Control 25AVs, six units of EON305s, and three units of Control SB210 subwoofers went into the site. Four units of Control25AVs, two units of Eon305s, and one unit of SB210 were installed on the ground, in front of the audience, but concealed behind the mannequins.

As many as 12 units of Control25s went into ceiling- four in each section, two each on rear, left, and right. These speakers and subs were powered by three units of CrownDCI600 and 800 amps, and driven by one unit of DSP BSS blu100, and two BOB outputs.

Graham on the location

The entire audio was to be controlled by an AMX2200 panel, while Surface Pro-3 was incorporated to control projectors, lights and playback.

The audio, however, also included two goosenecks and two wireless lapel microphones from Shure.

“The most challenging was the projectors install on the canopy,” recalls Diwakar. “The height of canopy was over 10 feet, and the projectors are heavy and bulky,” that made the mounting very challenging,” he says, “the wall surface being curved in 3600, aligning the projectors with it optically was a big challenge.”

“That was a potential challenge in itself- achieving complete 360° seamless visualization,” value-adds Nehru. “We previously did up to 160°; to be able do it for 360° seamlessly was a challenge, particularly blending the first and last projectors. It requires a high degree of customization, which we did.”

VizExperts, and their creative partners have apparently spent a fairly good time on drawing board for the content to be played on 360°.

The Final Test: Projected Glory

Done with the content, and the site, the baited breaths were to be eased out in sighs of achievement when the cylindrical wall and the diorama was turned into an anthropological journey route.

Photo taken on site: a member of the archaeological team

“It utilised an extreme widescreen format that allowed us to recreate the landscapes and environment of the prehistoric world convincingly,” felt Prof. Stringer. The view is endorsed

by Graham: “It is delivered at an unprecedented scale; one that I believe pushed the capabilities of existing, affordable, technology to the very limit.”

For Choudhry, the whole panorama as a composite fair has come out good. That the whole floor is filled with mannequins, with proper integration merging with the background was pretty engaging. Says the NCSM Director: “The whole work on show engages the visitors in a technology journey, in an immersive environment.” www.vizexperts.com www.englishandco.com www.thecreatureshop.co.za www.barco.com www.harman.com www.goosystemsglobal.com www.ncsm.gov.in

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SINGAPORE

Zytronic Finds Its Way to Marina Bay Sands Singapore

PCT™ Touch Sensors For Touchscreen Directory

PROJECT FACTFILE

Client: The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Segment: Retail, Commercial Location: Singapore System Integrator: Abuzz Task: To install a new way-finding solution that enhances shoppers' experience.

Solution Highlight: Abuzz Landmark Directory (KLMK 2000) featuring Zytronic PCT touchscreen and ZXY110 touch controller.

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leading destination for business, leisure and entertainment in Asia, Marina Bay Sands (MBS) is located in the heart of Singapore's Central Business District. Featuring large and flexible convention and exhibition facilities, 2,560 hotel rooms and suites, rooftop Sands SkyPark, and outdoor event plaza, MBS also often play host to permanent and marquee exhibitions at its ArtScience museum.

Together with their world-class shopping mall that houses over 300 retail stores, celebrity chef restaurants, and theatres, it is no wonder MBS needed a robust way-finding solution to enhance its visitors’ experience.

Engaging the help of global digital way-finding specialist Abuzz, Marina Bay Sand recently find themselves installing one of the most advanced PCT™ (Projected Capacitive Technology) touch sensors for their directory system.

The Goal

The key objective for the MBS way-finding project was to provide a better shopping experience for shoppers.

Though the shopping mall had an existing interactive

directory installed, the client was not satisfied with its current performance as the system had a number of issues which resulted in poor user experience and did not support the MBS brand. Hence, Abuzz was invited by The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands to develop and implement 29 new way-finding points.

Having build a reputation for installing high quality way-finding solutions in top retail malls and resorts across Asia Pacific that includes the ION Orchard, Abuzz proposed its popular Landmark touchscreen directory (Model KLMK 2000) that uses Zytronic PCT™ touch screens as a key component.

The Solution

Customised to meet the MBS brief, the Abuzz Landmark touchscreen directory was chosen as the hardware component of the solution. Its low form factor provide customers with a clear line of sight within the mall, ensuring stores and mall features are not obstructed by the directory.

The Abuzz directories feature 40” landscape Zytronic touchscreens which are driven by the new ZXY110 touch

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controller. The controller provides enhanced performance such as better immunity against electrical noise in the environment and the ability to dynamically retunes itself to avoid degradation due to emissions from mobile phones and nearby electronic devices.

“The modern curves and minimalist design of the Landmark draws attention to the screen content, allowing customers to focus on the directory information and brilliant media.”

Although the directories seemed large externally, there is in fact only very limited space within and the ZXY110 board is ideally compact to fit in. The fact that the controller is offered with native Windows device drivers was also an added advantage as it simplifies integration.

Having to deal with the extensive natural light at the shopping mall was a key challenge in this project. As the mall architecture uses a great number of glass walls and ceilings, ambient sunlight was evident during the day. To reduce the impact of direct and indirect sunlight on the readability of the displays, Abuzz worked with Zytronics to come up with a suitable solution.

To bring all these elements together in Sydney before shipping to Singapore would have added a great deal of cost so Abuzz decided to bring the components together on site in Singapore for assembly. To allow the units to be assembled quickly and easily, the touch assemblies needed an acrylic frame with bonded clips to hold the electronics, and fasten directly to the metal frame. Zytronic was able to produce this in Newcastle, which entailed shipping the screens in specially designed cases.

“Together we identified a combination of an anti-glare glass surface treatment and anti-reflective rear film to ensure the high definition display remained readable even under the Singapore midday sun,” said Nicholas Colditz, Product Manager, Abuzz Solutions.

The supply chain worked perfectly. Paul Pettersen, Operations Manager of Abuzz, remarked, “Every single one of the units supplied by Zytronic fitted perfectly into the supporting metalwork, and performed completely correctly on commissioning.”

Assembling the Solution

The Result

Key Challenges

Another noteworthy part of project was the global scale of the supply chain – and here the flexible and extensive manufacturing capabilities of Zytronic come to the fore.

The internal electronics, LCD screens and the artificial marble housings were sourced locally in Singapore, but the metalwork for the directories was manufactured in Christchurch, New Zealand and the touch sensors came from Zytronic in Newcastle, England.

With over 300 retail stores spanning over a distance of over half kilometer, navigation of the space has been vastly improved with the implementation of digital directories. In addition, the media capabilities of the solution allowed the centre to showcase their many high profile tenants using engaging imagery.

“This project was all about creating the best possible experience for the customer,” said Paul. “The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is equipped to the very highest standards throughout, and the brief for the new wayfinding points was to fully match that.”

“Visitors’ expectations are based on the tablets and smartphones they have in their hands. Delivering that accurate and completely reliable touch experience on a 40” toughened screen isn’t easy – but is a challenge that Zytronic fully meets with its latest PCT touch technology.” http://abuzzsolutions.com/solutions.html http://zytronic.co.uk/

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MALAYSIA

1 Utama Shopping Centre Revamps Digital Signage Delivery Leading Shopping Mall Deploys Digital Signage Effortlessly.

PROJECT FACTFILE Client: 1 Utama Shopping Centre Segment: Retail / Commercial Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia System Integrator/Distributor: JD Molecule Sdn Bhd Task: To implement a digital signage system that transmits information effectively and efficiently with minimal fuss and effort.

Solution Highlight: Gefen Video Over IP solutions (EXT-HD2IRS-LAN-TX / RX), Navori Digital Signage Backbone, Avaya Gigabit switch.

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panning over 5 million sq. ft. and boasting 8 retail levels, 1 Utama Shopping Centre is one of the largest malls in the world. Nestled in Bandar Utama Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, the award-winning shopping centre has gone on to redefine the shopping scene since its opening.

Some of its industry-first achievements include the Skybridge, a lush tropical Rainforest inside the mail and its Secret Garden, South East Asia's largest rooftop garden.

“Embarking in technology to enhance customer experience is always our target,” said Angie Hilda Cutter, Managing Director of 1 Utama Shopping Centre. “1 Utama is one of the first malls in Malaysia to implement digital signage when CRT is still common.

The Objective

To give its patrons the best of shopping experience, 1 Utama wanted a digital signage system that can deliver the latest promotions messages and event happenings quickly and effectively to its patrons while also providing its tenants a direct platform to broadcast their promotional messages.

Being an industry pioneer in technology adoption, 1 Utama already had an existing digital signage system in place and is

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

quite familiar with the digital signage system. But because the current system was outdated and needed a lot of maintenance, the management wanted a solution that is robust and user friendly and yet flexible enough for future expansion in other areas without the hassle of laying new signal cables, hacking and other laborious work.

“Since the client began using digital signage many years ago, they understand the hassle of splitting and extending source signals to multiple displays across such big floor space,” recalled Jeffrey Yip of JD Molecule. “They wanted a system that was more flexible in expansion, and cost effective in implementation.”

The Solution

The proposed solution is to duplicate the content from the existing signage players without adding additional players or licenses. In the process, JD Molecule proposed using Gefen solution and the client shortlisted the company because of its ease of deployment, setup, configuration and costeffectiveness.

Using Gefen's Video over IP solution, 1 Utama is able to distribute digital signage content throughout the mall with the addition of just a network point, making the routing of content from various sources easy and flexible.

Key Gefen products used in the project include the sender/ receiver units EXT-HD2IRS-TX/RX, where 17 senders and 55 receivers were installed in different wings at different floors.

The Digital Signage system also runs on the Navori backbone, supplemented with 6 units of Avaya 4000 Series Gigabit switch, a fiber optic network backbone and supported by a Lenovo Mini PC Q190E. In terms of displays, JD Molecule has selected 100 units of Panasonic 55” Commercial Display TH-50LFE7.

“The products used are carefully selected and tested before we propose them to the client. Hence, the entire system works smoothly,” explained Jeffrey.

Key Challenge

With more than 5 million square feet of retail space, equipping every corners of the shopping centre with the digital signage

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is a challenge both financially and technically mainly due to the hardware and licensing fees and the maintenance cost, but that is not all to the challenges the project team faced.

“One of the major challenge we had would be during the initial setup and testing stage,” said Jeffrey. “We need to ensure that the content shown is synchronized on all displays. To achieve that, we had to deploy groups of personnel to monitor the display for various content and sources.”

Client's Satisfaction

So did 1 Utama feels that the installation has met their objective?

“Yes,” agreed Angie. “Our objective was to have the latest technology that would provide us with the flexibility of source switching and routing by wings/ floors and by theme. The system does just what we wanted and beyond.”

When asked what was their favourite part of the installation, Angie commented the simplicity and user-friendliness of the backend digital signage system, the design of standee and video over IP distribution system were the main highlights.

“Most importantly, the feedback we gathered so far from patrons and tenants have been positive,” said Angie. “They are satisfied with the experience and we are glad to have implemented this.” www.gefen.com www.jdm-distribution.com

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VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

The Future of the Hospitality Sector – Personalisation

By Scott Brothers

© 2016 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

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he hospitality sector is being disrupted in a number of ways for all players – from start-ups to boutique hotels.

Innovation is also coming from established companies who are preparing for and reacting to disruption. And as with all industries, technology is at the centre of big changes.

Recent research outlines 92 per cent of hoteliers believe that by 2020 guests will expect their stay to be personalised around a set of choices they make before they arrive. However, 52 per cent of hospitality organisations haven’t yet implemented a strategy for leveraging technology to enhance the guest experience in this way.

Technology is at the centre of experiential innovation and the opportunities for the hospitality leaders to emerge are huge. Some hoteliers are already on the front foot and using technology to transform customer service, redefining the way they engage with guests to create an optimum experience.

Hilton Hotels, for example, has rolled out engaging features in their app, HHhonors, including smartphone based check-ins and room key functionality. The Digital Key can also be used to get access into other areas of the property available to guests including the gym, pool and parking garage.

The Power Of Personalisation

Hotels are using new technologies, drawing upon the efficiency of smartphones and tablets, enabling guest convenience and comfort. A personalised customer service has always been important in the hospitality sector – this hasn’t changed. For instance, the Ritz-Carlton’s three steps to service include: • A warm and sincere greeting • Use the guest's name. Anticipation and fulfilment of each guest's needs • Fond farewell. Give a warm goodbye and use the guest's name These steps place the customer at the centre. However, with the volume of their guests’ data companies now have available, personalisation is getting easier and so must be implemented for businesses to remain competitive with emergent leaders.

Hotels should now be using video and data analytics as a minimum to enable recognition of guests from previous stays and provide a tailored service to each customer, ready before they get to the concierge desk.

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia August - September 2016

The Journey Is Changing

The customer journey is starting earlier and it’s getting increasingly seamless. Guests typically book online. The ease of a few clicks in an app is making the booking experience easier and more integrated with a traveller’s lifestyle.

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dramatically improve the guest experience. Comprehensive guest profiles allow for a more personalised service.

New mobile behaviours are creating a new journey for consumers. What used to take considerable time and effort in terms of visiting a travel agent and looking through endless brochures, can now take a matter of minutes via an app or mobile-optimised website. Consumers are used to this service and expect their preferences and digitally-savvy needs to be met at every step of their journey.

For instance, instead of having staff fixed in certain places in a restaurant, the use of intelligent 360 degree cameras can use data from ‘hot spots’ to tell restaurant managers where an overcrowded space is and when a table hasn’t been attended to for a while. By implementing smart sensors, hotel companies can more effectively manage energy usage and assets. Sensors can be used in guest rooms to measure natural light and dim artificial lighting as a result, to start heating as guests arrive at their floor, or lock windows if the guest has left the room, for example.

Congruently, hospitality businesses can and should be extending a mobile-centric experience throughout all guests’ visits. Through digitally driven, app or web interactions and some business intelligence, hoteliers can discover to the minute when a guest is arriving and ensure their staff are ready to greet them, by name – and even with their favourite drink.

Tablets, for example, are taking staff out from behind the reception desk and delivering a slicker experience on arrival.

Incorporating IoT and smart sensors delivers business intelligence that can help cut costs and improve customer service. Hotel managers can detect issues within rooms such as a burst water pipe that could cause damage to the room and beyond, impacting costs and making interactions with guests timelier. IoT can detect change in the environment and enable staff to resolve issues efficiently to deliver an optimised guest experience.

IoT And BI Delivering Competitive Advantage

The hospitality sector is waking up to the many opportunities technology can bring to their business and significantly improve guest experiences. For some companies, they’re already advancing their technology and adapting to the evolving landscape. However, other players in the industry are lagging behind.

The Internet of Things (IoT), the concept of connecting any device with an on and off switch to the internet, combined with business intelligence will really change the hospitality sector, enabling switched-on companies to raise the game in total venue management and guest experience.

The hospitality sector caters to millions of travellers daily. Each traveller has their own set of expectations and the onus is on corporates to meet these expectations in order to get them to return and raise their reputations and profits.

Hence, increasingly, hospitality corporates are turning to analytics and business intelligence to help keep their customers happy. Real-time insights on guests can enable businesses to

By 2020, Millennials are projected to spend $4.1 trillion annually, according to Accenture, becoming the largest sector of consumers with disposable income. With 52 percent of Millennials ranking far above average for technology adoption, hospitality businesses risk falling behind customer expectations if they don’t evolve and adapt to give the people what they want – a special experience. www.oncamgrandeye.com

Scott Brothers is the VP Global Business Development of Oncam Grandeye, a pioneer of 360-degree video technology. A global technology company that delivers intelligent video and video-based analytic and business intelligence solutions, Oncam has deep industry knowledge and specialized expertise in retail, critical infrastructure, safe cities, transportation, education, gaming, healthcare, commercial and governmental projects.

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