SIA December 2015 - January 2016 by Spinworkz Pte Ltd

Vol. 15 Issue 2 ~ December - January 2016

AUDIO • VISUAL • CONTROL • COLLABORATION • UNIFIED COMMS MCI (P) 014/04/2015 PPS 1669/08/2013 (022992)

• Integrated Teaching Beyond Distance

• Country Analysis: Indonesia

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CONTENTS 86

Vol. 15 Issue 2 ~ December - January 2016

96 04 FIRST WORDS 06 NEWS 31 SOLUTIONS UPDATE COUNTRY ANALYSIS 44 Indonesia SPECIAL FEATURES 50 Education Technology Trends 53 Integrated Teaching Beyond Distance EXHIBITION PREVIEW 56 ISE 2016 EXHIBITION REVIEW 58 iFair Shanghai 2015 60 InfoComm Middle East & Africa 2015 66 Visual Asia Expo 2015 TECH XPERIENCE 69 Boosting Gardens Tour With BYOD Audio

TECH TALK 72 Automatic Gain Control: The Power of an Algorithm CONSULTANT SPEAK 74 Alpha Acoustics: Audio Visual Affairs INTERVIEW 76 Sudhir Tiku, Head, South Asia (Security Systems Divisions), Bosch Limited INSTALLATIONS 78 S.KOREA: Kwanglim Church Premieres With Sound From d&b audiotechnik 80 TAIWAN: MIPRO Provides Total Wireless Solution For Historic Church 81 THAILAND: Architect Firm Sees Immediate Benefits With Interactive Projectors 82 SINGAPORE: New Mosque Takes Full Advantage of AV

85 INDONESIA: Creating Inspiring Effects At Ciputra Artpreneur 86 SINGAPORE: FiberOne Asia Spearheads Operations And Exercise Room Installation 89 THAILAND: Central Embassy Secured By Bosch Integrated Security Solution 90 HONG KONG: Theatre Setup For Sun Hung Kai Properties Showroom 92 INDIA: ATME Auditorium Plays Revamped AV 93 INDIA: A Venue Of A New Breed VOICE BOX 96 Putting Customers Centre Stage Earns Us All New Roles 98 ON OUR WEB

FIRST WORDS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Where Are My End-Users? (I Want Training Too...)

Interestingly, InfoComm International® recently announced the release of seven research studies which was commissioned to investigate trends in various customers segments served by the proAV industry. Titled InfoComm 2015 Vertical Markets End-User Perspective Studies, it offers critical insight into the Corporate, Education, Government, Retail, Healthcare, Hospitality and Venue (including Houses Of Worship) markets.

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

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

ASSISTANT EDITOR Elissa Nadine elissa@spinworkz.com

DIGITAL PLATFORM EDITOR (Freelance) Rosalind Tan rosalind@spinworkz.com

With the worldwide market for proAV products and services to hit $114.2 bn in 2016, knowing more about your customers and end-users couldn’t be a wiser strategy. For corporate clients, growing influence of consumer products is changing employee expectations of AV technology in the workplace. As technology gets more and more integrated with our daily lives, employers are driven to invest in more AV solutions in workplaces to meet staff needs. Similarly, governments are also investing in AV solutions for training and meeting rooms, with a particular demand for more mobile and video collaboration. Likewise for education clients, who realise that AV is no longer a luxury, but a need to deliver greater outcomes. With blended learning getting common nowadays, investing in good AV solutions has become important to capture the attention and imagination of students. In the retail sector, most of the growth remains in high-end retail while the low-end retail sees opportunities in lowcost displays and plug-and-play digital signage offerings. With regards to healthcare, the high demand for quality AV technology (i.e. live video streaming) in medical education facilities is one not to be ignored. With hotel and cruise industries growing worldwide, AV is also in high demand in the hospitality segment. Driven by guest expectations, implementing guest-facing AV technologies is of growing importance for brand competition.

ADMIN & CIRCULATION Julie Tan admin@spinworkz.com

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Jimmy Chin jimmy@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.

As another year draws to a close, we can’t help but look back and reflect on what we have done. Not sure if you have realised (I hope so!) but in the past year, SI Asia has grown from a trade publication to the ‘listening ear’ of the industry. By keeping in touch with the ground, we hear our readers’ wants and concerns loud and clear, and one of which was the call for more training. And we gave it to you. Together with prestigious trainers and established principals like SynAudCon, InfoComm, NEC, Sennheiser etc, we are more involved with the industry in Asia than ever as we believe that whatever your needs are, is the industry's and the region's concern, and as a result, it becomes our concern too. So we have got that part covered and hopefully in 2016, we will be able to invite you to more of these sessions in time to come. Shireen Ho Assistant Editor shireen@spinworkz.com

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Industry Acquisitions At A Glance In case you missed some of these big announcements on our E-newsletter, check out our webpage now for more details!

Christie Acquires Allure Global Solutions

Christie Digital announced the acquisition of Allure Global Solutions, Inc. (Allure), an engagement and transaction technologies provider, as well as all of its products and services. Going forward, the firm will operate as “Allure, a Christie Company.”

Dataton Acquires Immersive Media Specialist IXEL

Dataton announced the acquisition of software developer and production company, IXEL. Based in Sweden, IXEL specializes in the development of software for immersive environments and content production for full-dome applications.

Sony Acquires Belgian Image Sensor Softkinetic

With this acquisition, Softkinetic - which possesses time-of-flight ("ToF") range image sensor technology, as well as related systems and software - has become a whollyowned subsidiary of Sony.

InFocus Expands With Acquisition Of Jupiter Systems The acquisition expands InFocus’ offering to include display wall processor technology, bringing a 360-degree view of operations to any control room, conference room, and mobile device.

Audioprof Acquires Majority Share In Community Professional Loudspeakers

Audioprof Group International has announced that it has acquired a majority share in Community Professional Loudspeakers.

LG Debuts World's Largest OLED Display At Incheon International Airport SOUTH KOREA: LG Electronics (LG), the world’s leading OLED TV manufacturer, has unveiled two of the largest OLED displays in the world at South Korea’s Incheon International Airport. LG worked closely with the renowned French design firm Wilmotte & Associés to develop the massive structures which adorn the main terminal of the award-winning airport. Each sign is composed of 140 55-inch curved OLED panels, resulting in displays that stand 13 meters high and 8 meters across, equivalent to three large-sized shipping containers. The two curved displays will feature a variety of content to demonstrate the capabilities of OLED technology, such as brilliant fireworks set against a night sky. And because every pixel in an OLED display emits its own light, there is no need for heavy LED backlighting, making both of the airport displays incredibly light and flexible,

allowing them to hang from the ceiling with minimal support. “These OLED displays perfectly complement the advanced technology that our airport has become known for,” said Park Wan-su, president and CEO at Incheon International Airport. “We are always eager to showcase to the millions of travelers every year the cutting-edge technology that originates from Korea. OLED is a prime example of that.” “While the world’s largest OLED sign is certainly something to be proud of, we are more excited about the opportunity to introduce travelers from across the world to the magic of OLED,” said Ro Se-yong, senior vice president and head of business-to-business solutions at LG Electronics. “The benefits of OLED technology can only be viewed, they cannot be described with mere words.”

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Powersoft Announces New Distributors For North & East India including Biamp, Audix, AMX, TW Audio, Community, Beyerdynamic, Christie, Emotiva, SVS and Velodyne.

INDIA: Powersoft has continued its growth momentum in the India market with the appointment of Acoustic Arts Pvt. Ltd and Namdhari Impex as its latest distributors for North and East India respectively. “We have known Powersoft for many years and have always had great respect for the brand. We were earlier involved in the distribution of a competing amplifier brand that got acquired by another company. So, we figured it was time for us to move on and incidentally, Powersoft was also restructuring their business in India at around the same time. The decision was unquestionably the next logical step and we have high hopes for a hugely successful partnership,” shared Sidharth Chhibber, Director of Acoustic Arts. Founded in 1999, Acoustic Arts is involved in the sales and distribution of AV products from some of the most established manufacturers in the world,

“In the build-up of our new sales and support efforts for the Indian Subcontinent (ISC), we welcome Mr. Chhibber and his team at Acoustic Arts joining us as our Distribution Hub for the northern region of India,” said Karl Kahlau, Executive Director - India at Powersoft S.p.A. “Their excellent reputation and recognition on the Indian market is already evident to become a valuable asset to us and their profile fits perfectly into the general plan we have for our expansion for the region.” Representing Powersoft in East India, is Hyderabad-based Namdhari Impex, coowned by brothers Gurmukh and Gurprit Singh, with the parent company being one of the largest rental companies in India. Gurprit Singh, Director for Sales and Marketing of Namdhari Impex, an avid user of Powersoft amplifiers for the past 8 years, is excited to grow and further

establish the brand in the Indian market, “It is a great honour and privilege to become one of the distributors and to be associated with the most technologically advanced brand in the world. The premium quality of their amplifiers is what sets them apart. They have been tested here in India time and again and have proven to be one of the best in the business.” “The minute we met with Namdhari Impex, it was apparent to us at Powersoft that this company and its team is truly professional. It was also clear, and pleasantly surprising, Gurmukh and Gurprit heading the company, already had a solid thought through plan for Powersoft before we met... I am especially pleased, already now we can see the fruits of their actions,” added Kahlau. “We have no doubt there are a lot of good things to come in our cooperation with them and it is a joy and privilege to have this company leading the way for Powersoft in the East India region.” www.powersoft-audio.com www.acoustic-arts.com www.namdhariimpex.in

Hewshott International Awarded By Juniper cafeteria with Prysm Video Walls and high-end audio for events; NOC and SOC, and Divisible Training Rooms, apart from the standard and high- end Video Conferencing, Presentation and Meeting Rooms.

INDIA: In recognition of its outstanding contribution towards successful completion and commissioning of AV install in Bengaluru, Juniper Networks IEC has honoured Hewshott International with an Award of appreciation recently. The accolade related to delivering a world-class AV infrastructure for Juniper’s new campus at the Elnanth (Block) Project in Bangalore. Juniper Networks has been complimented by their peers, employees and clients alike for achieving this feat in a record time of 6 months. The state of the art facility, spreading over 4,00,000 square feet area at the Prestige Tech Park on the Outer Ring Road in the Garden City, is Juniper’s

largest data and command center outside the US. One of the most expansive audio-visual and systems integration projects in the region, the install features latest technology deployment with Lync Collaboration Rooms; Telepresence Rooms; a worldclass Town Hall facility within the

Juniper also awarded Hewshott’s consultant Vipin Nair for leading the project as a Programme Manager for technology envisioning and executing the project along with Juniper Networks’ IT and Unified Communications team led by Richard Leong in the US. www.hewshott.com

NEWS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

ZeeVee Expands in Southeast Asia With Mercoms Systems SE ASIA: ZeeVee, Inc. has announced it has added Mercoms Systems as the Malaysia-Brunei distributors of its SD-HD RF products, and HD/Ultra-HD/4K over IP video distribution solutions. “With the expansion of ZeeVee’s RF business and the launch of its new IP distribution products, ZeeVee has seen accelerated global demand for reliable, cost effective video distribution platforms,” said Bob Michaels, CEO of ZeeVee. “It’s imperative that we partner with distributors with a proven track record in AV, broadcast and IT leaders.

Herman Pro AV in the United States, TDL in Canada and Mercoms in Malaysia and Brunei are uniquely suited to manage the distribution of our products and offer support to dealers and integrators in their respective regions.” All three distributors will have access and stock to the full line of ZeeVee products in their respective regions. ZeeVee’s newly enhanced version of ZvPro, the ZvPro iSeries, now offers dual capability support for RF/Coax and/ or CATx infrastructures. The ZyPer4K is the only solution today that switches

and distributes uncompressed Ultra-HD (4K) video, audio and RS232/IR control signals leveraging off-the-shelf 10Gb Ethernet switching products. These products offer end customers the ability to future proof their investment with technologies that will scale with their business from SD to Ultra-HD/4k and beyond. www.zeevee.com

KXWELL PTZ Solutions Utilized In World Athletics Championships controllers are also able to adjust camera parameters such as AWB, ABB, Gain, Master Black, Camera Menu & etc.

Panorama view of the Bird Nest Stadium

CHINA: The World Athletics Championships 2015 was held in Beijing National Stadium from 22nd – 30th August 2015. About 2,000 athletes from all over the world competed in 47 sport events. China CCTV 5 was the official games telecast channel. KXWELL Solutions provided CCTV 5 the camera

Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) system to control the ON AIR Cameras. KXWELL camera Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) system was used to fully control camera functions with control panel via RS422 (RJ45) interface. Beside Pan, Tilt, Focus, Zoom and Iris operation, KXWELL

The camera system was installed in various location of the stadium with ENG cameras and special cameras that are designed for sport events such as warmup area, waiting area for athletes and roof of the stadium to get a panoramic shot of the Bird Nest Stadium (Beijing National Stadium). This was to enable CCTV 5 to get good coverage around the stadium during the event. KXWELL camera Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) system have been used for various applications such as Youth Olympic Games held in Nanjing, ON AIR for China satellite launch centers, Shanghai World Expo etc. www.kxwell.com/en

Preventing Drones From Flying Into Restricted Airspace An advanced ‘geofencing’ system that will not only warn users of temporary and permanent flight restrictions, but will actually prevent them flying into the zones. Do you think this is the answer to some drone-ing problems?

NEWS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

QSC Announces Partnership With VIVID AV Media to be working with VIVID AV Media at a very exciting time for QSC Systems. With VIVID’s knowledge of the systems business in the Middle East, they are an ideal partner to build a strong sales channel for the company’s recently announced Corporate AV solution based around the new Q-SYS™ Core 110f, TSC-7t and SPA amplifiers”. MIDDLE EAST: QSC has expanded its global influence by bringing AV marketing & sales consultancy VIVID Audiovisual Media onto its team. Glen Harris, QSC Director of Sales EAME (Systems Group), said, “I am delighted

INFOGRAPHICS: Asia Pacific Becomes Frontline For IoT China, South Korea, India, Indonesia and Australia tops the chart for IoT spending, marking an un-ignorable opportunity of $583bn for the market. According to IDC, Digital Signage is one of the top IoT applications.

QSC looks forward to helping corporations improve collaboration experiences in boardrooms, conference rooms, and more by allowing users to focus on their meetings rather than worrying about the room’s technology.

Chris Hellmuth, Managing Director of Dubai-based VIVID AV Media, said: “It’s great having QSC on board. The company has a clear picture of where they want to go and how to set up their distribution channels accordingly. With our connections and experience, we’ll support QSC Audio to achieve their business objectives for the systems group portfolio in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Egypt.” www.qsc.com www.vivid-avmedia.com

Shure Now A Polycom Technology Partner

INTERNATIONAL: As part of Shure’s strategic focus on providing innovative solutions in the A/V Conferencing and Integration market, the Company is excited to partner with Polycom, a leader in the UC&C space. Shure is working with Polycom SoundStructure, HDX, Group Series, and Vortex Solutions to connect wireless microphones to Polycom audio and video conferencing equipment.

audio or video conference room and training room configurations. Innovators like Shure help extend and enhance Polycom’s UC&C solutions by delivering real value and reliable interoperability – and because of that, Shure has earned the Polycom Ready badge,” said Ted Colton, Polycom Group Vice President, Technology Partners & Alliances at Polycom.

“We are very proud that the Microflex Wireless System has earned the Polycom Ready designation,” said Chad Wiggins, Category Director. “It instills in our customers the confidence that they can easily deploy our wireless solutions within their Polycom UC&C infrastructure.”

As a Premier Polycom Technology Partner, Shure collaborates with Polycom to develop unique, customer-focused solutions that collectively broaden the portfolio offerings of Shure, Polycom, and the nearly 7,000 members of the Polycom Partner Network.

“Our customers sometimes need to add wireless microphones to their Polycom

www.shure.com/asia

NEWS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Crestron Opens Service And DM Assembly Lab in Dubai The DigitalMedia assembly laboratory enables Crestron to offer its customers a bespoke service. Integrators can send their customers’ specific requirements to the laboratory and they will be able to configure the system in line with those requirements. Crestron will conduct all the testing to ensure that the configuration is working perfectly before it is sent out.

DUBAI: Crestron has announced the opening of its new service centre and DigitalMedia Assembly Laboratory located at UPS, Jebal, Ali Free Zone (South), Dubai. The new centre is part of Crestron’s growth strategy to expand its business

in the Middle East and to be the number one service provider in the region. The centre has been specifically designed to integrate all logistics activities including RMA repairs, DigitalMedia orders, customs and warehousing to deliver an improved and faster service to Crestron’s customers.

“Having a repair and DigitalMedia assembly activity locally in the Middle East is an important milestone for Crestron as we will be able to significantly reduce repair and assembly time to just one to two days,” says Robin van Meeuwen, CEO of Crestron International. “This will ultimately have a profound impact on our business and demonstrates our commitment to our customers, continuing to provide them with the best service in the industry.” www.crestron.eu

Tannoy & Lab.gruppen Deliver Exceptional Sound At Ashoka Performance INDIA: With a captivating story of war and peace presented through a dazzling display of visuals, what more can one ask for? But Tricolor India Schauspiel knows otherwise and they will tell you that a good sound is important in order to complement the vivid visuals. True enough, when the Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) commissioned a 35-minute projection show to be projected onto the prestigious Dhauli Shanti Stupa, a white peace pagoda, a good sound system was another key component for Tricolour India Schauspiel, the key integrator for the fixed installation. Titled “The Enlightened”, the projection mapping show is a story of a king who upon seeing the destruction caused by war had a change of heart and took to Buddhism and became an emissary of peace.

Using 3 units of Tannoy VX 15HP-WP as main sound and 2 units of VS 18 DR-WP as sub woofers, the audio setup is further enhanced with 8 units of Tannoy Di8C surround. On the amplifier side, Tricolor used 1 unit of Lab.gruppen's C88:4; C48:4 and C20:8X each. The system is managed by Biamp's Digital Signal processor, Audiaflex, for a 12-analogue input and 12-analogue output. In addition, Tricolor had used a MOTU MK3 as an analog interface between play back and amplifiers to create a 5.1 surround sound setup. In terms of technical guidelines, Tricolor commented that since the place of install was sacred, the installation had to be minimalistic and should not interfere with the look of the facade and the area. Keeping this in mind, Tricolor fabricated some special structures to camouflage the install so that it blends well with the surroundings.

Not a stranger to Tannoy and Lab. gruppen solutions, this is Tricolor's fourth install in India using the brand’s products. “Because of its unmatched performance and stability, we would certainly go with them again,” said Himanshu Sabharwal, creative director of Tricolor India Schauspiel. www.tannoypro.com http://labgruppen.com

NEWS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

New Executive Appointments

Atlona Names Business Development Manager For India

Calibre Appoints New Sales & Marketing For China

ARTHUR HOLM Appoints Two New Regional Execs

Jan Villumsen

INDIA: Continuing to expand its presence in emerging markets, Atlona has named Sanket Sawant business development manager for India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, a new post for the company.

CHINA: Calibre UK, a developer of switching, scaling and processing technology for use with LED and largeformat displays, has appointed Grace Gao as Sales and Marketing Associate, China.

Sawant, formerly with India-based operations at Kramer Electronics and Speakercraft, comes to Atlona with more than a decade’s experience in AV sales and distribution in India, Pakistan and the Middle East. He will lead Atlona’s residential and commercial sales efforts in the region and be responsible for developing and managing relationships with local system integrators and distributors. He is based in Mumbai.

Based at Calibre’s Bradford, UK offices, Gao responsibilities include conducting in-depth market research, developing the company’s presence and profile of Calibre branded products as well as expanding OEM relationships.

“Sanket is well-known in this market, and he knows this market very well,” said Ronni Guggenheim, general manager of Atlona International in Zurich. “We’re fortunate to have someone with his experience, contacts and enthusiasm join our team. We have great expectations for 2016.” www.atlona.com

“This is a great success story. Calibre is setting the standard for UK businesses that increasingly are having to work on a global basis and they will provide Grace Gao with great practical experience and knowledge,” remarked Yiyun Ling at The University of Sheffield.

DUBAI: Jan Villumsen, a veteran of over 20 years exposure to the global AV markets, including the last 15 years to the Middle East region, has been appointed ARTHUR HOLM’s new Regional Sales Manager with focus on business development for the Middle East and Scandinavian markets. “As we have been focusing in the Middle East market during the last years, we knew that we needed to bring additional resources,” says Henrik Holm, the company’s general manager. “Jan will provide customers in the region with extended technical and sales support, helping them to develop their turn key projects.”

“Grace has terrific business skills, and is a great fit to the Bradford team. We have customers in China and we need to expand this market to help them achieve international sales. She understands the languages, cultures and technically what we are manufacturing to fit customer requirements,” said Pauline Brooksbank, managing director at Calibre.

At the same time, ARTHUR HOLM also made a key appointment for reaching out to distant markets with Edoardo Curreri being appointed as the Regional Sales Manager for Asia, Turkey, Brazil and Portugal. Coming onboard with an international background, a Bachelor in Business Administration and a Master Degree in Management and Finances, Edoardo brings with him deep technical knowledge on modern technologies. In his new role, Edoardo will support distributors and system integrators in Asia as well as Turkey, Brazil and Portugal.

www.calibreuk.com

www.arthurholm.com

NEWS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

NEC Conducts CTS Prep In-person Training in Manila business opportunities and knowledge upgrading in the region. This is just the beginning as we have plans to bring more exciting programmes to some of the countries within Asia." As for the CTS Prep in-person training, Alvin Arrieta of EZ Touch Corporation commented, "This is the first CTS prep training that I am attending. I am from the sales group and to me I am hoping this training will help me get more knowledge after which I hope to get my CTS certification."

PHILIPPINES: NEC Asia-Pacific Pte Ltd together with InfoComm International brought the CTS Prep in-person training to Manila in early November. The 3 daycourse kicked attracted 40 attendees comprising of SIs, distributors and independent delegates. The course was conducted by Ranjit Singh, CTS-D, CTS-I, a qualified and recognised trainer by InfoComm International, who is also the Display Solutions Architect under the Multi Media Platforms Business Unit of NEC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. A Networking event was also held the day before with Andy Tan, CTS, Regional Director â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Asia, InfoComm International, Ranjit Singh CTS-D, CTS-I of NEC and Thomas Richard Prakasam, Publisher of Systems Integration Asia magazine giving their presentation to over 40 attendees about the InfoComm Certification and creating an exceptional experience, as well on technologies and trends that the industry needs to be aware of. The event saw many of the top honchos from the AVSI industry gathered for the event. Tatsuya Tsutai, NEC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Multi Media Platforms Business Unit, commented, "I am very pleased with the turnout for the Networking event. Many of the key players are here and many of

them stayed back after the presentation to network and chat. For NEC it was a good opportunity to renew our brand with the industry." Andy Tan of InfoComm International highlighted that more of such activities will be done for the coming year as well. "The time is ripe to be more engaged with the Philippines market. The AV industry is active and there is a thirst and hunger for many in the industry to upgrade their knowledge and learn as much as possible." Thomas Prakasam from Systems Integration Asia magazine highlighted, "We are pleased to be involved with these programmes, as we evolve to become more than a magazine - we want to be the conduit for networking and

"We are excited and happy for the opportunity. This is definitely a good thing for the industry in the Philippines and we thank NEC and InfoComm in making this happen. As for us as a company this is just the beginning. We intend to invest more on improving and attaining InfoComm Standards," said Jappeth Hampac, Sales Director of I-Connect. Cipriano Hilanio of Imatech highlighted that he is very happy that the training has finally landed in Manila. "We need this. I am also so pleased to see that the delegates attending the training are top calibre AV personnel who have many years of experience. It shows that they want to get certified even though they have years of experience, which is good for the industry." www.nec.com.sg www.infocomm.org

Delegates all geared up for the CTS-Prep Training

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e better! h t r o f , s s e in s for your bu , u o y r o f , s y a rd SE 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fou IS ISE 2016 will be the launch pad for hundreds of new product premieres and upgrades from the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading AV equipment manufacturers. At ISE you will have four full days to evaluate the cutting-edge products of today and to discover the technology of tomorrow.

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Middle East & Africa To Spend USD600 Million On Education Technology by 2016 MIDDLE EAST: According to industry experts, Middle East students will have the skills to succeed in the digital economy, as the region’s educational investment in audiovisual technology is set to top USD 600 million by 2016. Governments, schools, and universities in the Middle East are embracing digital technology such as whiteboards, interactive displays and projectors, video collaboration, and distance learning. The Middle East and Africa educational audiovisual market is set to reach USD 639 million in 2016, a 71 percent increase over USD 373 million in 2012, according to a report by industry association lnfoComm International. In

is GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis in Dubai, which has installed a 15foot wide by 5-foot high Prysm Cascade 190 video wall, with a 75 square foot digital canvas.

the UAE, education will be the thirdlargest audiovisual segment by 2016, when spending will cross USD 200 million. “Middle East educational institutions are at the forefront of using interactive audiovisual tools to provide students with the collaborative skills of the digital economy. Whether in large or small groups, collaborative solutions facilitate more engaged learning and easier teaching,” said Swadesh Khetawat, Managing Director of Dubai-based Taxan Gulf FZCO, which distributes audiovisual products in 20 countries. One standout regional example of audiovisual technology in the classroom

“Using video walls, Middle East educators and students can share and interact with different types of digital content to facilitate collaborative, online, and blended learning. Thanks to leadership from institutions such as GEMS, the Middle East is enhancing its global leadership in educational innovation,” said Dana Corey, Vice President of Global Sales, Prysm. www.infocomm-mea.com

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

Email : sales@analogwayasia.com

www.analogway.com

NEWS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Crestron Asia (India) Appoints New Regional Manager

Farhan Walele

INDIA: In an attempt to extend its reach in India's West Region, Crestron Asia (India) has appointed Farhan Walele as the Regional Manager for Crestron's businesses in the West Region.

Having joined Crestron as an engineer, with the passion to learn new technologies in AV Industry, Farhan's sheer commitment towards Crestron and belief in providing Customer Delight has made him grow from an engineer to a manager.

Farhan currently oversees the entire business operations in Mumbai. He has extensive exposure and hold in the Western India market. With his excellent PR skills, he manages the Dealers/ Partners from the west region and adds to the growth of Crestron in terms of sales and business development. Farhan said, “I really thank Crestron for this opportunity and recognition. I will further explore new market opportunities like hospitality, education, and healthcare and closely work with all our partners and consultant across the region.”

Google Unveils Chromecast Audio Google has announced a device that lets old hifis and speaker systems stream music and podcasts over wi-fi.

www.crestronasia.com www.crestron.com

“Analog Way systems ran 24/7 for three weeks and never let us down” Jimmy Geelen, vision tools NL

ZĞůŝĂďůĞ͕ sĞƌƐĂƟůĞ ĂŶĚ ,ŝŐŚůǇ ƌĞĂƟǀĞ͗ dŚĞ ůĂƌŐĞƐƚ ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ WƌĞŵŝƵŵ ^ĞĂŵůĞƐƐ ^ǁŝƚĐŚĞƌƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌůĚ To learn more, connect with us on:

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

Email : sales@analogwayasia.com

www.analogway.com

NEWS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Panasonic Showcases Its Latest Visual Solutions Line-up SINGAPORE: Hosted by Panasonic Visual Solution Team, the 3rd edition of Professional Display Solution Show saw a great turnout of systems integrators and valued business partners of Panasonic. Kicking off with an opening speech, Hiro Asai, General Manager, Visual System Solution Team, Panasonic Systems Solutions Asia Pacific – presented a business overview and future direction of the company. Shortly after, Panasonic system engineer, Eric Tai, gave a brief run-down on some of the latest display and projection solutions and the key new features. Amongst the wide range of new and updated solutions was Panasonic's latest LED video wall series, the LFV60 and LFV6 displays. Featuring Ultra Narrow bezel, professional image fine tune, wide angle viewing, anti-glare etc, the new panels also comes with a new failoverfailback function and is able to display portrait images too.

For indoor applications, Panasonic has recently launched the AF1 series. Using Android-based OpenPort Platform, these professional digital signage displays features high performance SoC (System on a Chip) with 1GHz QuadCore CPU, 1 GB RAM, 8GB Storage, and Android™/HTML5 compatibility. With a built-in media player and onboard WiFi, it simplifies installation and cabling complexity. Scheduled to ship in Q4 2015, the full HD LCD Display will come in three size options: 42”, 49” and 55”. Next, the visual solutions expert also introduced its latest 4K UHD products from its LQ series – the 98” LQ70L and 84” LQ70L displays, as well as two new lineups for its LF series – the LF80 and LF8, which will be replacing the LF60 lineup. Available in 42”, 49” and 55”, the latest lineup will have functions such as Digital-Link, USB media player capabilities, features smaller bezel size, and can be tilted or rotated 45 degrees to create creative display solutions.

Also present at the event were Panasonic's industry partners ATEN (represented by Simply Connect) and m-fusion. During which, Tan Kong Ming, Director of Simply Connect, presented several switching technologies from ATEN such as the VM1600 (ATEN's flagship product), the VM6404 and the newly-launched VM3904/9H. At the same time, m-fusion also took the opportunity to introduce its cloud-based Ultimate Edition digital signage software to the invited guests in attendance. www.panasonic.com/sg

Bosch Opens Asia Paciﬁc Customer Experience Centre in Singapore

SINGAPORE: Featuring a host of interactive exhibits, the Bosch Experience Centre showcases the extensive portfolio of Bosch’s security, safety and communications products available for small to large project applications. Highlights of the security solutions featured at the Centre include the latest ultra-high resolution

FLEXIDOME IP panoramic 7000 MP and DINION IP ultra 8000 MP cameras as well as 4K ultra HD storage solutions. Also on display were communications solutions including the Electro-Voice portable and fixed installed professional loudspeakers, the EVID Compact Sound System, DICENTIS Wireless Conference System, new RTS Keypanels and the highly-anticipated PAVIRO sound system, which was launched in August. The Bosch Security Systems Experience Centre was unveiled by Wilfred Steeman, Vice President of Bosch Security Systems Asia Pacific, and Takashi Nobuto, President of TOWA Engineering, which has been Bosch’s partner for

over 47 years. The opening ceremony also welcomed numerous media representatives, partners and Bosch associates from the region.

With the opening of the Centre, visitors can look forward to exploring the latest products and experiencing the cuttingedge solutions and various applications Bosch offers. “The versatility of this Experience Centre will allow Bosch to demonstrate the latest products and solutions to various groups of stakeholders from project specifiers and consultants to end users. The Centre is a highly visible representation of Bosch Security’s commitment and investment in the Asia Pacific market”, commented Mr. Steeman, Vice President of Bosch Security Systems Asia Pacific. www.boschsecurity.asia

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Shure CEO Announces Retirement, Names Successor

of the most respected and recognized audio companies worldwide. Under his charge, Shure has continued to thrive, bringing to market industry- leading innovations, championing the needs of customers, and expanding its global footprint.

Santo LaMantia

INTERNATIONAL: Shure Incorporated has announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Santo (Sandy) LaMantia will be retiring with effective from July 1, 2016. As part of a planned succession, Sandy and Mrs. Rose L. Shure, Chairman, will appoint current Executive Vice President of Global Operations, Marketing, and Sales and Chief Operating Officer Christine (Chris) Schyvinck to succeed him as President and CEO. On Jan. 1, 2016, Schyvinck

Christine Schyvinck

will take on the added title of President, and will serve in this role until her appointment as President and CEO on July 1, 2016. LaMantia joined Shure in November of 1995 as Vice President of Engineering and was later appointed President and CEO in May of 1996. For 20 years, LaMantia has contributed significantly to the Company’s strategic growth, solidifying its global leadership as one

Televic Appoints VenueTech As Distributor For GCC Countries & Egypt MIDDLE EAST: Already Televic’s partner in the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 2013, Venuetech LLC now expand their activities for Televic in the Middle East region by adding the following countries: Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Egypt. With the new appointment, Venuetech will strengthen their team with dedicated sales and support engineers in each of the countries. Nour A. Assafiri, CEO of Venuetech LLC states: “We are proud to expand our co-operation and we see a very bright future in Televic and their continuous development. Our partners in the whole region will get the support we provide in UAE and Saudi.” “Partnership requires appreciation and that’s what Televic and Venuetech enjoy”, he concludes.

“Extending our partnership with Venuetech will allow us to structure, professionalise, and improve our sales and support presence in each country of the GCC and Egypt. With the help of Venuetech, we aim to become the leading manufacturer for conference solutions in the region,” says Bart Deschodt, General Manager for Televic Conference. www.televic-conference.com

Schyvinck joined Shure in 1989 and led the Operations Division before being named to lead Global Marketing and Sales in 2006. More recently, she was promoted to Executive Vice President of Global Operations, Marketing, and Sales and Chief Operating Officer. “Sandy and I selected Chris as a possible successor almost 15 years ago,” said Mrs. Shure. “It is very rewarding to see our long-range plan for her come to fruition.” www.shure.com

Challenges & Opportunities In Wireless AV & Content Sharing This white paper explores today’s wireless AV solutions - how they work, and the challenges that AV professionals face when asked to create wireless contentsharing solutions that meet proAV standards for exceptional user experiences.

Control panel

Teacher analysis cam

Teacher’s close-up cam

Director system

Bee9

LAN/WAN

Media Center Students’ full view cam

SDI cable Audio processor

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VGA/HDMI cable Audio cable RS232 cable

Computer

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

ITE College Central Holds Inaugural AV Technology Seminar SINGAPORE: Held in October, the “Audio Visual Technology Seminar 2015” saw a turnout of SIs, end-users and leading manufacturers of the proAV industry in Singapore The key objectives of the event were to encourage more AV related companies to offer internship to ITE students as well as to motivate the students with regards to the career potential in the AV industry. The seminar kicked off with a keynote session by Lim Chin Siang, Director/ Technology Division from the Media Development Authority of Singapore. With the local industry needing about 400-500 skilled proAV personnel per year, he explained how this growing industry can encourage the learning spirit and what are some of the job opportunities for skilled graduates.

Next, Infocomm International's Senior Director of Development, AsiaPacific region, Jonathan Seller, gave an optimistic insight into the proAV industry. Advocating that “AV is Everywhere”, Seller explained that 'as long as you are communicating, you need AV'. The value of having visuals in communication is crucial and creating an exceptional experience with the right content, space and technology medium is key to having an engaged audience. Wrapping up the keynote session with a personal insight of his career journey, Mohd Ambran Abu Bakar of Hewshott International presented a session that highlighted his experience in working with different AV projects across Asia and around the globe. At the end of seminar, attendees were also given a glimpse of the students'

I N N O V A T I V E

D I S P L A Y

internship with various industry partners. Some of the key partners include Crestron, Kramer, Extron, Christie, E&E, ESCO, MAXX Media, PAVE, NEC, Domus Integration, Lifelong Learning Institutes etc. ITE College Central hopes to invite more industry players to participate in their internship programmes in future and interested parties can contact Michelle Ong at michelle_ong@ite.edu.sg or Lee Seck Kuang at lee_seck_kuang@ite.edu.sg http://central.ite.edu.sg

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SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Christie: Enhanced Monitoring Capabilities With Phoenix Quad-T

remote video and control signals over IP networks, enabling teams to work with the same data, regardless of location.

Christie® expands the data monitoring capabilities of the Christie® Phoenix® with the launch of the Phoenix Quad-T. In control room environments, accessing up-to-the-minute information from multiple information sources is critical, the Phoenix and Phoenix Quad-T ensure that data presented in a control room is precise, even in the most demanding situations.

The Phoenix Quad-T is a stand-alone device that can be installed anywhere on a network to seamlessly expand a Phoenix system by adding additional inputs in a cost effective manner. Featuring four HDMI connectors that each support resolutions up to 3840x 2160 pixels and four mini-USB ports for soft KVM control, the Phoenix Quad-T allows users to acquire high-quality,

“Monitoring and controlling multiple information sources is critical in control room environments,” says Karl Johnson, product manager, Control Room Processors, Christie. “The Christie Phoenix Quad-T allows users to integrate 4K/UHD resolution sources into their Phoenix system and easily expand the system scalability.” The new Phoenix Quad-T also comes with HDMI embedded stereo audio available on each input and one gigabit Ethernet port for image transport and control. It is also compatible with HDCPencrypted signals. www.christiedigital.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

VTRON: New Slim Visionpro® EF Series VTRON’s Visionpro®EF series is an affordable slim profile DLP™ rearprojection cube for small to medium sized control rooms that demand a tight operation space. The series works perfectly in control rooms which require high reliability and availability for continuous 24/7 operation. With its small depth, front access maintenance and seamless screen gap, Visionpro®EF video wall cube is a perfect alternative to LCD panel. The Visionpro® EF series provides brightness up to 900 ANSI lumens. The series is designed for an entirely maintenance-free operation over years without replacing consumables. With a Long LED lifetime of up to 80,000 hours, the cube is environmentallyfriendly with no mercury, sodium or other harmful substances. Durable with low operating costs, VTRON’s LED driver

adopts intelligent current protection technology which detects the failure of certain LED and maintains the same level of current passing through other LEDs automatically. Using Automatic Colour and Brightness Management (AutoCBM), any change of colour and brightness of the Visionpro® EF series slim cube can be detected by the built-in colour sensors automatically in real-time. Hence, the red, green and blue lights can be adjusted individually with its control balance system ensuring colour and brightness uniformity over the entire video wall over long period of time. With VTRON’s Image Sharpness and Vivid (ISV) video processing technology on optional boards optimising the signal performance of composite video, S-video and component video, the

Visionpro® EF series slim cube offers texture-rich and realistic video images with exquisite sharpness and vivid colour. The new EF series slim cube also offers 4 types of optional boards. Each optional board is provided with built-in processor to support flexible and direct inputs. The series allows built-in signal synchronisation and unlimited loopthrough of signals from cube to cube without any additional signal distribution devices. Images can be displayed simultaneously and picture-in-picture (PIP). http://en.vtron.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

B-Tech: Brand New System X Range Following teaser showings throughout the year, B-Tech has finally announced the launch of its new System X mounting solutions. The range consists of four new models: BT8370; BT8371; BT8330; and the BT8340. The lightweight yet incredibly strong design of the System X range allows for premium mounting solutions of video walls, digital signage and menu boards, as well as being ideal for broadcast and video conferencing applications. The high-end aesthetic quality of System X gives a premium finish and, when used for multi-screen applications, it provides almost limitless configuration combinations for any video wall. As an ‘out-of-the-box’ video wall stand, the BT8370 is designed for the most common 2x2 and 3x3 video wall configurations, but, if needed, can easily be specified for screen permutations

up to 6x4 displays. With its premium aluminium finish, 8-point tool-less micro adjustments, and in-built cable management, it provides a stylish and reliable mounting solution for video wall screens of 46 to 60-inches. Similarly, B-Tech’s new BT8371 mount offers all the style and features of the BT8370, but with the added benefit of being mobile, courtesy of its nonmarking lockable castors. The growing trend for menu boards has been addressed with the BT8330 – a modular mounting system designed for menu board installations of any length. As part of the new System X range, the BT8330 can be used in thousands of different configurations and is available to users’ exact requirements by using the B-Tech online configuration tool. Designed to work seamlessly with B-Tech’s System 2 poles, the BT8330

provides a superb single row menu board solution wherever needed – whether that is suspended from airport ceilings or above counters of fast food restaurants. What’s more, B-Tech’s rail mounted System X technology allows for portrait or landscape screen orientation. Available to order now in either readyto-go kit form or in modular components for custom requirements, the range is also compatible with B-Tech’s System 2 50mm pole and collar range - together providing one of the most versatile and comprehensive ranges on the market today. www.btechavmounts.com

SOLUTION UPDATE Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Planar: LookThru OLED Transparent Display The first-of-its-kind Planar LookThru OLED transparent display utilizes cuttingedge Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology to eliminate the need for a backlight or enclosure. Transparent OLED technology overcomes one of the major hurdles to transparent LCD display adoption by making it possible to create truly see-through installations unobstructed by enclosures that sit behind the displays. The Planar LookThru OLED transparent display allows users to view video content, digital images and text on a virtually frameless glass display while enabling designers to overlay this content onto real objects or scenes that sit behind the glass. The large, 55-inch Planar LookThru OLED transparent display is self-emissive and offers brilliant picture quality, exceptional contrast and wide viewing angles. When paired with a Planar image processing solution, the display can be

tiled to create large, impactful video wall installations. The new display is ideal for a broad range of applications including retail, corporate and museum settings. The Planar LookThru OLED transparent display is also available with optional touch screen interactivity offering 32 simultaneous touch points. Featuring proprietary Planar® Extended Ruggedness and Optics™ (ERO™) technology, the display uses a damageresistant optically clear Corning® Gorilla® Glass bonded to the front surface of the display. The combination of Planar ERO technology and Corning Gorilla Glass improves perceived contrast by more than 300 percent when compared to traditional large format cover glass, making the display more readable and impactful even in bright public venues. In terms of source compatibility, the OLED display comes with standard digital inputs including HDMI and

DisplayPort. It is fully controllable using RS-232, LAN, Crestron and other control systems, and is compatible with sources ranging from PCs and players to consumer video devices that rely on High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) compliance. The display is also compatible with processing solutions from Planar including the Clarity® Visual Control Station™ (VCS™) for tiling applications or advanced source management. www.planar.com

Aurora: Pro 4K Tuner & Presentation Scaler/Switcher

V-Tune Pro 4K is one of Aurora's 4K offerings. Delivering a true 4K2K High Definition, the product offers tuning solution for any integrated system which requires IPTV, ATSC, QAM, & NTSC. The tuner is capable of decoding MPEG2, MPEG4, VC-1, H.264, and H.265 with resolutions up to 4096x2160 @ 60Hz via RF and LAN. There is also an onboard 4K scaler for viewing 1080P HD content on 4K displays. The V-Tune Pro 4K is integrator-friendly with IR, RS-232 and IP-based control. With the ability to program any channel for OTA/Broadcast or streaming content from the LAN, the V-Tune Pro 4K empowers the user to easily switch

between content by simply changing channels. Channel/Setup-Configuration is "clone-able" for ease of setup. Together with V-Tune Pro 4K, Aurora has also launched DXP-62, a presentation scaler/switcher designed for multi-signal processing of HDMI®, VGA, Component (YPbPr) and Composite inputs scaling all up to 1900×1200 HD resolution output. Small enough to mount under a table/ surface and with Auto Input detect, the DXP-62 is easy to install and easy to use. It accepts up to four (4) HDMI® inputs and two (2) VGA/YPbPr/Composite inputs and scales all to the on-board HDMI® and HDBaseT simultaneous outputs.

Leveraging One Room – One Cable™ features, the HDBaseT output will pass PoH power to the included HDBaseT Receiver as well as RS232 and IR control for the display. With the addition of four (4) external audio inputs, additional MIC input with independent volume control, de-embedding line level stereo output and auto sensing/switching video inputs, the DXP-62 is perfect for Classrooms, Conference Rooms and AV Cart applications. http://auroramultimedia.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Crestron: Industry's First & Only Single-Gang 4K Controller Crestron now has a clean, simple, and low-cost solution for AV pros in need of an easy way to send 4K signals or connect 4K displays in a room, plus control other devices. Now shipping, the industry’s first and only Wall Plate 4K DigitalMedia™ Transmitter (DM-TX-4K-100-C-1G) and Wall Plate 4K DigitalMedia Receiver & Room Controller (DM-RMC4K-100-C-1G), features serial and IR ports for convenient device control. Direct replacements for the DM-TX1-C-1G and DM-RX1-C1G, and fully HDBaseT® compliant, the DM-TX-4K-100-C-1G and DM-RMC-4K-100-C-1G provide a simple signal interface and control solution for a single HD or 4K display device as part of a complete DM system. Neat, discreet: Available in black or white, these low-cost 4K transmitters and receivers drop right into standard one-gang electrical boxes. No special back box or wiring is required, just standard category cable. They can be powered using the included wall mount power pack, or via PoDM (Power over DigitalMedia). Mounted discreetly in the wall, with only a single HDMI® cable protruding, they complement today’s sleek, super-thin 4K displays – especially desirable in more sophisticated spaces. Ideal for conference spaces: The DM-TX-4K-100-C-1G and DM-RMC-4K-100-C-1G are ideal for applications such as banquet halls, hotels, and convention centers with room divider systems. These spaces typically don’t have displays and TVs permanently mounted. Multiple transmitters and receivers can be mounted in the wall all around the room and in 4-inch deep floor boxes. Then you can just wheel in your 4K display and plug it in wherever and whenever it’s needed. 4K and more: A single cable connects either device to a DM switcher, transmitting or receiving video, audio, control, networking, and power signals all through one category cable. A single HDMI® input (DM-TX-4K-100-C-1G) or output (DM-RMC-4K-100-C-1G) port supports video at resolutions up to 4K (4096x2160). Rooms in which an HDBaseT display is installed, the DM-TX-4K-100-C-1G can transmit the HDBaseT signal directly to the display without any converters or receivers required. Embedded Device Control: Every Crestron system is designed to deliver precision control and a seamless user experience. The DM-TX-4K-100-C-1G and DM-RMC-4K100-C-1G include built-in serial and IR control ports to allow programmable control of the connected display or other devices, such as cameras and Blu-ray™ players. They also support CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) as an alternative to conventional control methods.

Connected to a Crestron control system, the DM-RMC-4K100-C-1G can control the room display, eliminating the need for any dedicated control wires or IR emitters. www.crestron.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

QSC: Additional AcousticPerformance Loudspeaker Models QSC has announced the addition of two new models to the popular AcousticPerformance loudspeaker series. Consisting of a multipurpose 12" coaxial loudspeaker and a dual 12" subwoofer, these additions expand the AcousticPerformance series with high versatility and performance in mind. “The new additions to the AcousticPerformance Series offer versatility without compromise. In addition, when you combine these new loudspeaker with the QSC PLD4.2 or CXD4.2 processing amplifiers, you create a very formidable yet cost effective package,” said Travis Nie, QSC Product Manager – Install Loudspeakers.

The new AP-4122m is a 12-inch two-way coaxial system with 40 and 60 degree wedge angles, top hand hold, pole cup, and M10 fittings for flown or yoked applications. The coaxial design delivers true source point performance with 90 degrees of conical DMT™ coverage. DMT (Directivity Matched Transition) matches the HF to the natural conical performance of the woofer at the crossover point. This innovation provides a smooth power response both on and off axis, resulting in better sound within real rooms. The AP-4122m is available in black (RAL 9011). The new AP-212sw is a dual 12-inch direct radiating subwoofer specifically designed to complement the full range AcousticPerformance models. The AP-212sw features four hand holds, an optional caster kit for ease of transport, two M20 pole mount plates

(top/side), and a unique input plate having two NL4 connectors in a crossed configuration. This input plate feature allows a single NL4 cable to power both sub and top without the need for a custom turn cable. The highly versatile AP-212sw matches the width of the popular AP-5122m and new AP-4122m allowing for elegant stacked or pole mounted solutions. When deployed horizontally, the AP-212sw is just 15 inches tall, making it ideal for under riser deployments. Available in black (RAL 9011). For your system integration needs, complete EASE, CF2, CAD, and BIM files are available for download at QSC.com. The AP-4122m and AP-212sw are available and shipping now. www.qsc.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

RGBLink: Dual SDI Output for Presentation Switcher RGBlink continues to expand the range of options for their flagship VSP628pro presentation switcher and scaler. The latest announcement provides options for Dual SDI output over and above the standard DVI/HDMI outputs. Currently, RGBlink offers a single channel SDI output option (which also supports HDBaseT and FiberPort on the same module), the single channel being the Program output only. This new Dual SDI output option allows both video presentation channels to be delivered on SDI. While the two channels are typically in Program and Preview configuration, the VSP628pro can be configured on board as separate 2K/Full HD output channels, meaning two independently configurable output channels for resolution and scale. This new option will

open up new possibilities in applications where SDI is a must. VSP628pro supports up to 3G SDI Level A and B, extended to the new dual SDI output option. This brings to two additional output options available to VSP628pro, while input options is now eight, including the 4K input option announced in October.

That is not to say VSP628pro is underdone with as standard inputs – the standard out of the box offering already includes inputs for SDI, DVI and HDMI – all with loop – as well as VGA, DisplayPort. The VSP628pro includes Genlock in and loop as standard also – an important feature for the broadcast markets. www.rgblink.com

DVIGear: Powerful Cables For Advanced Display Applications The transmitter module converts the electrical signals from a DisplayPort source device to optical pulses that are transported over the fiber optic cable to the receiver. The receiver module converts the optical pulses back to the original DisplayPort signal for display on a monitor or large screen projector.

Capable of extending DisplayPort signals with resolutions up to 4K / 60Hz (4:4:4) at lengths up to 40 meters (130 ft.), DVIGear’s DVI-26xx-FO Series cables are a powerful solution for a growing number of advanced display applications. Designed to overcome the limitations of sending digital DisplayPort signals over copper wires, DVIGear's fiber optic cables provide unmatched signal fidelity and transparency at resolutions up to 4096x2160 @ 60Hz with lengths up to 40 meters (130 ft.). These cables utilize high-speed electro-optical converters integrated within the cable.

DVIGear’s DisplayPort v1.2 Fiber Optic Cables are designed for use in mission critical applications where image quality and dependability are paramount. The video signals are transmitted over four optical fibers, which make them immune to interference from environmental noise sources. The optical transmission path provides a very low RFI / EMI profile, which allows the cables to be installed in sensitive applications with strict security requirements. These cables draw power from the connected DisplayPort source, which eliminates the need for an external power supply. These features make these cables ideally suited for critical display applications that require long DisplayPort cable runs with ultra-high resolution and flawless image quality. These cables are

available in a range of standard lengths up to 40 meters and are shipping now. For cable lengths of 15 meters (~ 50 ft.) and under, integrators and system designers may turn to DVIGear's existing line of DisplayPort High Resolution™ Copper Cables. These cables are designed to transport high speed digital DisplayPort v1.2 signals with resolutions up to 4K / 60Hz and bit rates up to 21.6 Gbps. over long distances while maintaining pristine signal integrity. These cables are constructed using heavy gauge 24AWG copper wires that provide superior ruggedness and durability. The heavier wire gauge has increased cross-sectional cable area and decreased cable capacitance, which allows signals with higher data rates to pass with minimal jitter. DVIGear's DisplayPort HR™ Series Copper Cables are available in standard lengths up to 15 meters (~ 50 ft.) and are available now. www.dvigear.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Attero Tech: New Flexible Logic Inputs/Outputs For unD4I The unD4I-L, a 4 input mic/line Dante interface with four network connected logic inputs and logic outputs, is now in full production and shipping. The unD4I-L adds very flexible logic inputs and logic outputs to the already existing unD4I. The four logic inputs can read switch closures or analog pots and report the readings over the network. These network messages can be customized to match the requirements of a wide variety of DSPs and control systems. Mute or PTT switches can easily be interfaced to the unD4I-L.

where a local switch needs to control a local indicator without a control system.

In the same way, the state of the logic outputs can be fully controlled over the network by 3rd party devices. Each logic output can source up to 10mA at 3.3 V, and sink up to 50mA from 5V to 24V. Microphone LED indicators, halos, or any other type of indicator can be driven from these logic outputs. The unD4I-L also support a mode where the logic output state mirrors the state of the associated logic input for situations

The unD4I-L features four balanced mic/line inputs, each with software selectable +48V phantom power and 8 gain levels. Front panel indicators show each channel’s gain and phantom power status for easy troubleshooting. The unD4I-L has two network connections to allow Dante Daisy Chaining. Dante Daisy Chaining further simplifies system infrastructure wiring by allowing multiple unD4I-Ls to use a single CAT 5 home run

connection to a network switch. Power can also be daisy chained. The unD4I-L is powered by either external +24VDC or any PoE network switch. All adjustable parameters, like mic/line gain and phantom power, are software controlled. Some possible applications include hotel ballrooms, conference/meeting centres, conference rooms, sports facilities, convention centres, houses of worship etc. www.atterotech.com

AVer: New EVC Series Video Conferencing Systems

AVer has launched three new EVC series video conferencing systems: the EVC150 for connecting 2 points, the EVC350 for connecting up to 4 points, and the EVC950 for connecting up to 10 points. These three systems feature a powerful new camera that further strengthens the EVC series’ position as the video conferencing industry’s price-toperformance leader. The EVC150, EVC350 and EVC950 all come with AVer’s versatile new eCam Pan Tilt Zoom camera, ideal for a variety of environments. This camera boasts

18X zoom, ample for getting close-in views of people or objects and ensuring no important details are missed. It also provides an 82° field of view that can capture all participants without being moved. Its pan range of ±130° and tilt range of +90°/-25° provide users with excellent flexibility for changing focus during meetings and getting a complete view of the far site. The new eCam PTZ camera is also available for purchase separately for users of earlier EVC series systems who would like to upgrade. In addition to the eCam PTZ camera, the EVC150, EVC350 and EVC950 all provide vivid full HD 1080p live video and content sharing. Other handy features include one-touch recording to USBs and microphone daisy chain capability, which lets users expand microphone coverage by linking four microphones in a chain. All three systems provide enhanced stability thanks to upgraded

firmware, which is also available as an upgrade for older EVC systems. EVC systems’ functionality can be expanded even more using AVer’s free valueadded software, such ScreenShare for wirelessly sharing images from personal computers, or VCLink for sharing images from mobile devices. More powerful features are available for multipoint EVC systems with AVer’s EZMeetup and EZDraw software. EZMeetup allows users to connect to multipoint EVC systems from their desktop, laptop, tablet or smart phone, so they can participate in meetings from nearly any location. EZDraw adds a new dimension to video conferencing by allowing participants to make notes on shared images, helping them better build on each other’s ideas and have more productive discussions. www.aver.com

COUNTRY ANALYSIS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

by Thomas Richard Prakasam

A Glimpse of the AV Industry In Indonesia There is much potential but possible stumbling blocks may derail the opportunities

ndonesia consists of 17,508 islands with more than 251 million people, making Indonesia the fourth largest country in the world in terms of population. The IMF projects that Indonesia will see the top 3 fastest economic growths among G20 countries According to Indonesia's Finance Minister, Mr Bambang Brodjonegoro, the government has a goal to spend 290 trillion rupiah ($22 billion) this year on infrastructure. However it had only spent 7 trillion rupiah as of April 27th. Nevertheless, it seems that the spending has been ramped up with more projects coming on board in the last two quarters of 2015. The AV industry, however, is concerned that the full budget may not be able to be absorbed before the next budget seating, which will affect government related projects.

When we spoke to the industry there is no doubt that there is much potential in Indonesia. These potentials for now seem to be concentrated on Government projects, Corporate and Hospitality. Houses of Worship (HOW) seem to be constant and unlike the past, HoW projects are not limited to just churches as mosques are also upgrading their AV systems. When it comes to Hospitality, Bali alone sees continuous development of hotels â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not surprising considering that almost 3.5 million people visit the island yearly with the number expected to grow. One industry source highlighted that it feels that there is at least one new hotel coming up every month in Bali!

Potential Stumbling Blocks

One immediate impact has been the Indonesia Rupiah's fall against the US

Dollars and other major currencies. The fluctuation in the currency is compounded with a policy that came into effect as of June this year, where all invoices must be reflected only in Rupiah. This means that AV companies must be very conscious of their invoices if their payment is in another currency but their billing is in the local currency. A industry source mentioned that

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COUNTRY ANALYSIS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

in a recent project he had to bear a difference of USD30,000 due to the fluctuation, as the project had been quoted and accepted much earlier before the regulation came into play.

Another policy that is being touted as a possible stumbling block is the government's renewed focus on imports. All imports must go through officially appointed Freight Forwarders or companies that have an import licence. This also means that AV equipment will be subjected to higher taxes. Previously there was a “grey” area of how goods were brought into the country. From what SI Asia understands, the policy and related taxes are being discussed for implementation soon, though some aspects are already being implemented. “This policy should be fine as long as everyone plays by the rule,” said William Gendri of PT Albeta. Pratam Budiman of PT Kairos MultiJaya highlighted that the policy is not new but is expected to be reinforced more vigorously and those who play by the rule will not be affected much. Interestingly whilst I was in Jakarta for this report, I had visited the malls near Mangga Dua and noticed that many of the shops were closed. When I enquired more on this, it was brought to my attention that these was the direct result of raids in relation to imports – where many shops had either evaded imports or were bringing in fake products. Another aspect that was mentioned was in relation to the regulation of frequency distribution specifically in relation to Wi-Fi solutions. Companies importing

Wi-Fi enabled equipment need to get approval from the Directorate General of Posts and Telecommunications who will then issue a SNI (Indonesia National Standard) sticker confirming its approval for that particular product. Each product is treated independently and not as a group. Pratam Budiman comments, “We install a fair bit of Shure solutions and the distributor, Goshen, has already put in place a system that ensures that approval for the wireless Shure systems are done effectively. This will be a bit of a bother for distribution companies that might not have the expertise or manpower to apply for the approvals.” I must highlight that this is not a new regulation. However implementation has become more forcible recently.

Other Challenges

Other challenges that the AV industry faces revolved around the inability to attract skilled manpower. There are no specialised courses for AV in the polytechnics or universities. There are however private schools that offer audio training such as School of Audio Engineering (SAE) and School of Sound Recording (SSR). William comments, “There is a general lack of knowledge where AV is concerned and thus, the difficulty in hiring skilled manpower. Many in the industry learn on the job, which means there is a longer learning curve.”

As in almost all parts of South-East Asia, price-sensitive customers was the other area of concern where costs played an important role in projects rather than the overall solutions.

The other concern amongst industry players is the challenge to their rice bowl from vendors outside the AV Realm as well as from outside the country. This challenge is mainly from IT vendors who are dabbling in providing AV solutions as a bundled package with their IT solutions. As for solution providers from outside the country this related to regional System Integrators. The challenge from IT vendors is a small percentage as of now. But it would be interesting to see how the Asean Economic Community (AEC) which is expected to come into full effect as of 2016, will impact the industry as policies allow companies across borders to bid for projects across South-East Asia in a supposedly even playing field.

Bright Spots

Thomsen Phen of PT Garcia reiterates what was mentioned earlier with regards to government spending. “The first half

COUNTRY ANALYSIS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Thomsen Phen, PT Garcia

was tough as government budgets were only approved in April. However, we are seeing a pick up in this quarter and I hope that this will be maintained. I am fairly optimistic that 2016 should be a better year for the AV Industry.” Rudi Hidayat of V2 Indonesia highlighted to us about the Smart City project that is being implemented within the 33 provinces in Indonesia. “One key element is the set-up of control rooms for better management and quick reaction amongst the Ministries, President's Office, the Governor's offices and key departments within all the provinces. We are currently involved in completing the control room for the Land Transport Authority in Jakarta. There is a long way more to go for all the various departments to be interconnected.”

William Wangsa, Mario Susteyo and William Gendri of Albeta

According to Peter Agus of PT Smart Integrator, the hospitality and corporate segment offers great opportunity. “In the hospitality sector, it is not just Bali and Jakarta. There are opportunities across this vast country. In fact we are currently involved in a 5-star hotel project in Solo in central Java. There are also hotels that are looking into upgrading their systems.” Concurring about the hospitality segment, William Gendiri highlights that they will be involved in what is considered one of the biggest AV jobs for the Westin hotel in Jakarta that is due to be completed within the second quarter of next year. “Our latest projects are a mix of hotels, university auditoriums and a local bank HQ. We are also seeing some interest in control

Rudi Hidayat, V2 Indonesia

rooms. From that aspect we are seeing projects from a variety of segments.”

Conclusion

Government, Corporate and the Hospitality segments are expected to lead the growth for the AV sectors. Houses of Worship is expected to maintain its pace of projects as in the last couple of years. Government policies being implemented are expected to, at least in the short term, create some discomfort for the industry. In the long run however, most of the industry see this as a positive step. Where solutions are concerned displays, projectors, control systems and sound reinforcement solutions are expected to lead the pack. The current government is putting in much effort in trying to cut down on corruption, bring about a more transparent system for businesses and in fact are working hard to cut down red tape to get more foreign investment. With a sizeable population that has a significant proportion being under 35 years of age, the future does look bright for Indonesia.

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Education Technology Trends by Steve Montgomery

Mediasite classroom

n many countries, educational methods have remained unchanged for well over a century. Students have traditionally sat in front of a lecturer who writes notes on a board and talks to pupils, while they jot down their own notes. Even as recently as 2012, the MIT Technology Review asked: What’s been the single biggest innovation in education in the last 200 years? That question couldn’t be answered by most people either inside, or outside, the industry and today remains somewhat elusive. However recently technology has been employed more widely to alter methods of teaching as schools and universities seek more efficient and effective techniques in a drive toward better student outcomes. Much of the technology is based upon audiovisual tools and methods that have been adapted from commercial applications or developed specifically for education.

Today’s students are far more familiar with visual technology and interactivity than previous generations and use it freely and regularly in their social lives, dipping into new areas of interest and communicating widely with friends and colleagues. Educational establishments recognise this and are turning toward an active learning strategy that allows groups of students to learn together, under the direction of a teacher. “Young students no longer appreciate the traditional classroom teaching methods as the only method of learning. They much prefer to collaborate and interact in small groups in a shared learning environment that is overseen and guided by the course tutor,” remarks Brian Davies, European Technical Director at AMX. “At the University of Western Australia for example students work in six-seat pods with two screens and their own computers. The main screen presents material from the lecturer

whilst the other links to their devices and allows them to share data and compare outcomes together. The teacher can access any device and distribute it to other pods.” Kramer is also investing in collaborative learning technology and set up the Kramer Education Solutions Circle in early 2015, comprising AV professionals from leading academic institutions initiative to develop innovative education solutions. The result, says Aviv Ron, VP of business development and strategy, resulted in the Kramer Collaborative Classroom: “A complete wireless classroom solution that combines advanced control and wireless presentation and collaboration with the convenience of BYOD. Students can share any file, collaborate on documents in real time and turn the group or main display into an interactive whiteboard. In addition, the teacher has full control

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

presence of lecture recording relieves the pressure students may feel to take notes on everything being discussed. They can always watch the video after class for note taking and studying. However, flipped instruction is not yet widely adopted and cultural differences mean that what works in one country may not necessarily be as effective in another.

of the room facilities as will as switching and sharing content around the class.” Collaboration can extend to remote participants too. “Montage, a wireless collaboration hub allows off-campus students to be involved as naturally as if they were in the room: they can share content and communicate via video and voice,” explains Ed Morgan of DisplayNote Technologies. “The lecturer and students can easily view, compare and analyse information from multiple sources and devices on one screen, providing everyone with the same information and reduce the risk of misunderstanding. Many higher education establishments are taking advantage of video recording and streaming technology to make lectures available online: to their own students or a wider audience. Rob Lipps, executive VP of Sales Sonic Foundry, maker of Mediasite, advises universities to consider simple recording and uploading of lectures as a first step in a longer process: “We are continually asked about the concept of the future classroom and how to best deploy flipped instruction.” He explains: “Flipped instruction involves students watching a pre-recorded lecture before class. This can result in a more engaging classroom experience where the

“We advise customers to take the simple initial step of recording lectures and making them available for students to review. It will then become clearer what tools they value. More universities, particularly in the West, are exploring the concept of student technology fees which are used to adopt technology which directly impacts the students. Through student involvement in such decision making, the technologies they value become more immediately apparent and can influence future funding decisions. Video is often on their short list.” IP video solution provider Exterity has experienced growing demand for video distribution systems in the Asia region, as Colin Farquhar, Chief

Executive Officer explains: “Online lecture recordings can be combined with a rich library of content to support the learning process,” he says. “The integration of these resources into the student environment is becoming more common. Content can be delivered to students over the campus LAN and WAN to their halls of residence direct to their own devices within a full TV and video entertainment service that also carries foreign language services, personal communication and news updates as an integrated service.” LCD screens are rapidly becoming larger and thinner, increasing their suitability for use as whiteboards, especially as educational establishments look to replace first generation units. NEC’s range of touch screens with ShadowSense extends up to 98” and delivers fast response that responds to multiple objects touches of different sizes, including pens, erasers and fingers. The analogue sensing system rejects accidental touches from palms and clothing, even in brightly-lit classrooms in direct sunlight. Despite the growing attractiveness of large flat panel displays there is a strong demand for projection equipment. Penny Wilkinson from Optoma explains the benefits: “Large, interactive, ultra wide screen projection equipment

A pilot project in 2013 at the Temnasek Polytechnic's School of Engineering in Singapore, showcasing a Collaborative Learning space created by Panasonic Singapore.

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

provides an ideal mechanism for multiple student interaction and this will be enhanced with higher resolutions that allow more information to be displayed to facilitate collaboration as students expect iPad-like response from displays.” “Interactive projectors are able to easily achieve much bigger screen sizes of up to 100” without a huge price tag compared to flat panel displays. This allows every student in the Siew Jin Kiat classroom, even the ones sitting in the last row, to clearly see the interactive projector screen, “says Siew Jin Kiat, Regional General Manager, Epson Singapore. “Teachers and students alike are generally intrigued by the interactive projector functions. However, while there is growing adoption of interactive projectors in the education sector, there are still

barriers to adoption: there is a lack of awareness of interactive learning in Asia, as compared to schools in US. Education budgets and investment costs are also major concerns for the region. New features and specifications are adding to the attractiveness of projectors in education, as Phil Clark, head of projectors, Casio UK explains: “Ultra Short Throw projector models Phil Clark Head of are top selling Projector Division products within the Casio UK higher education environment as they generate an image of 80” from a distance of just 27cm. This means the light doesn’t shine in the presenters eyes making it a much more comfortable presenting experience. Remote management is a desirable feature that can reduce maintenance overheads or time spent walking around a site to switch off products at the end of

the day. This has been a strong focus for Casio. Solid state light engines, with a 5 year or 10,000 hour warranty, well above the lifetime of any lamp, are accelerating the trend towards solid state projection and this will continue over the next three years, with these units needing significantly less maintenance and having increased reliability.” Whilst we cannot easily answer the question about the single biggest innovation in education, we can, as Duncan Peberdy, international consultant for active learning spaces believes, respond that: “the combination of several AV technologies in new ways to create full-participation collaborative learning environments in higher education has undoubtedly contributed to radical improvement in student outcomes: in significantly broadening and deepening students’ understanding of their subjects. It has the added advantage of introducing them to participatory methods of business operations and consequently enhances their future employability.”

Casio UST in action at the Manchester University

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Integrated Teaching Beyond Distance Redefining the standard for 'flipped classroom' learning

he trend of studying in traditional classrooms is quickly losing its appeal among the more techsavvy learners nowadays. Whether it is young learners at primary levels or adult learners at colleges and universities, technologies such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, netbooks etc., are enabling students to learn at their own pace.

Termed as 'flipped classroom', 'blended learning' or 'e-learning', students can watch lectures at home and then do the homework tasks with their teachers together later in the classrooms. Started initially for adult learners to manage work and study at the same time, this type of teaching took off when students found that it is much more effective for them to absorb information at their own pace.

Motivation Behind SightDeck An integrated solution for presentation capture, SightDeck is a new lecture capture system. It functions as a presentation system with video output that can be streamed and recorded. The videos from these captured lectures are characterised by natural, high energy performances and high quality visuals. Created with the layman in mind, the system is easy enough for anyone to operate.

“We have been in business for over 40 years, making special effects etc., so our target market has been very niche and broadcast-focused. When we started iMatte back in 2000, we wanted to produce more consumer-type systems based on our expertise, and SightDeck is a combination of those years of experience,” said Larry Uichanco, Vice President, Product Development, iMatte, Inc. “We realised that a lot of people are looking at video conference systems or lecture capture systems and they spend

Since then, many education institutions have adopted this teaching method with different types of lecture-capture technology. Some common ways to record lecture teaching include traditional video recording with a camcorder or using a tiled lecture capture programme (also known as the 'talking head'). For education institutions with deep pockets, some even invested in chroma key studios (green screens) for such recordings. However, each method mentioned above has its own pitfalls. Traditional recording is simple and straight to the point, but the teaching content on the projection screen is often blurry due to ambience lighting in the room. The “talking head” programme seemed like a solution to resolve this, but having

By Shireen Ho several windows on one screen can be quite confusing to look at. Lastly, chroma key studios – the amount of work and resources that goes into the set up, recording and post-production is enough to cause many headaches. In addition, the presenter will have to be fairly experienced as the green screen background provides no visual reference at all. Hoping to address some of these lecture-capture issues, iMatte, Inc., a spinoff of Ultimatte Corp. – an Oscar and Emmy award-winning technology company in sophisticated matte extraction and compositing tools for the film, video and graphics communities – developed an innovative presentation display system called SightDeck.

a lot of money on it but seldom use it because it’s boring. So we thought, let’s think of something that can be used in schools and corporate boardrooms, but with no green screens because you can’t really teach with those.” Thus, SightDeck is born.

metre) with optional free-standing legs; the light-sensitive SightDeck Camera with optional mounting frame; and at the heart of the entire video display system, the SightDeck Video Processor – which is responsible for putting all the video sources together as one final image.

The Magic: What Makes Up SightDeck?

As for the projection, SightDeck remarked that any projector can be used as long as it is of low latency and have at least 3,000 lumens. Of course, the distance between projector and the screen plays a part in decision making

There are three main proprietary components in the SightDeck display system: the SightDeck Active Screen Panel measuring at 11' x 6' (~ 3 x 1

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

as well as the distance between the SightDeck Camera and the screen.

Picture 3

The equipment list may seem trivial at first, but when put together, it creates the ultimate high-def video output where the presenter can be seen interacting with their content seamlessly and effortlessly. Now, how did THAT happen? “What we are doing basically, is taking the presenter video (from the SightDeck camera) and marrying it with the native graphics on the background. This way, a high res foreground and high res graphics background can be produced and when you combine the two (using the SightDeck video processor), the final video/image output will look very sharp, and in our case, a HD video is created,” explained Uichanco.

A Learner’s View: What Do You See Exactly?

The final SightDeck video output that the student/learner will see on their screens is shown in Picture 1 and 2. It may not seem like a big deal at first but considering how the highdef content background looks and how clearly you can see the presenter narrating and pointing – it has already won over the 'talking head' tiled lecture capture system and traditional video recording. In addition, there is a layering function where you can insert a foreground picture (i.e. the awards table in Picture 1) while keeping the presenter between the foreground and background – what

Picture 1

a neat trick to have to create interesting presentations! With the vivid high-definition graphics, students can see the presentation content clearly and when their lecturer points or interacts with a certain spot on the background, they easily see that too. For the learners, it is as if they are physically there, given that all the visual cues are clearly presented.

A Teacher’s Perspective: What Do You Need To Do?

So the students get to see this highquality, snazzy video that looks like something from a sci-fi movie and that makes you wonder if there is a huge team of production experts behind it... Now, look at Picture 3. What we have here is just the presenter standing in front of the screen – no special lighting, no massive production crew, no complicated setup.

The screen on the right in Picture 3 (behind Uichanco) is the one the presenter will be using to help with the presentation. The screen is touchinteractive and what he sees or does on the screen is what will be shown to the students. At the same time, the screen on the left is the final video output which acts as a guide to the presenter so that he can see how the final output will look like (note that the “awards table” in the final output is placed in front of him but on the right screen it is not). To begin, the presenter just needs his or her laptop and presentation content. The content can be anything on the computer: powerpoint slides, website browser or a programme application. There is no need to book an entire team of production crew, but having one or two IT people around will be helpful in case of troubleshooting.

Picture 2

Larry Uichanco, Vice President, Product Development, iMatte, Inc. demonstrating SightDeck capabilities.

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

What Else Can SightDeck Do?

Besides presentations, SightDeck also allows presenters to collaborate with other remote lecturers using the SightDeck Collaboration tool. With up to four remote SightDeck locations, guest lecturers who are based at different locations physically can co-teach simultaneously by ‘appearing’ on the same screen. Each location is immersed in the same graphics that allows each lecturer to guide the sightline of the student. Every presenter involved can also annotate and control the same graphic background.

the lecturer during a live presentation. Through Looking Glass, the graphics is inserted between the teacher and remote student, allowing them to reference any part of the presentation by simply pointing. The whole engagement and interactivity will be broadcast to the rest of the students watching the presentation. “All you need is a webcam and the participant can interact with the presenter and presentation!” added Uichanco, “If you are using a mobile device, any videoconferencing app will enable you to use the feature.” Another interesting SightDeck feature is the Pick-Up Editing and Recording during production. Featuring a dual internal video and audio recorder, the built-in recording system eliminates the need for post editing, hence reducing the need for skilled video editors and professional video editing software.

Uichanco demonstrated SightDeck collaboration capabilities with a colleague based overseas

At the same time, SightDeck is also a distance learning tool where distant students (one at a time) can engage

Is It A Worthwhile Investment? As of publishing, the cost of a SightDeck system is approximately US$125,000. It is a hefty amount for some to invest in, but for education institutions who are

This is the final video output which looks as if the two presenters are indeed standing side-by-side!

planning to do a lot of flipped classroom learning and collaboration with overseas lecturers, SightDeck can help to achieve those goals in an efficient way and in the long run, it might even be more costeffective. Besides cost, operators should also bear in mind that a space to contain the setup is also required. Although the setup is not as complicated as a chroma key studio, the setting up of camera, screens, projectors etc., will still require time and proper installation by the technical guys. The ideal space should be where the unit can be fixed permanently and not moved around each time. Some possible spaces for installation include classrooms, meeting rooms and auditoriums http://imatte.com/ Want to know more about SightDeck or see a live demo? Interested parties can contact Swee Lee Projects, SightDeck's Southeast Asia partner for more information. Simply email Vincent Tan at vincent.tan@ sweelee.com.sg.

EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

ISE 2016 Gets Set For Its Biggest Ever Show

SE 2016 will return to the Amsterdam RAI on 9-12 February 2016 for the 13th edition of the largest AV tradeshow in Europe. This year will see the show format expand to include a fourth day for the first time. With more show time comes the promise of even more visitors than the 59,000 attendees who flocked to see over 1,000 exhibitors at ISE 2015. ISE 2016 will once again occupy the entire Amsterdam RAI - Including halls 1-12, plus the Diamond Lounge and the new Amtrium building. The show floor has sold out, resulting in 43,000 square metres of exhibitions space - an increase

of 11% on the 2015 edition. The increase in sold floor space at the show supports the decision to extend the exhibition to four days, as exhibitors look to embrace the development by maximising the networking and business opportunities.

The show floor will once again be split into themed areas covering Digital Signage, Residential Solutions, Unified Communications, Audio Solutions and Smart Building.

“The fact that the four-day ISE is sold out indicates that it was the correct decision to expand the show and it is a vote of confidence from our exhibitors and partners,” explained Integrated Systems Events’ Managing Director Mike Blackman. “We are certain that it will deliver a richer experience for everyone who attends,” he concluded.

ISE is recognised for the high standard of its pre-show and at-show events. Prior to the Opening Keynote and Opening Reception, held at 19:00-21:00 on Monday 8 February, visitors have an opportunity to attend the Audio Forum or the Smart Building Conference.

ISE 2016 will attract professionals from every link in the systems integration value-chain, including manufacturers, distributors, dealers, contractors and consultants. The show is also a key event for end-users, from a range of industries, including education, sports, corporate facilities, hospitality and live events. Professionals from over 150 countries will attend the show looking to network, pursue new business opportunities and see over 1,000 new product launches.

Pre-show and at-show events

The Audio Forum, presented by one of ISE’s media partners Connessioni, is returning to ISE 2016 as one of the pre-show events. The full-day event will include seminars hosted by qualified audio professionals. This year’s theme is ‘Theories, Technologies, Legends and Myths’ about audio’. The keynote speaker is Donato Masci, an acoustic designer and consultant from Studio Sound Service in Italy. The Smart Building Conference - a joint venture between ISE’s co-owners InfoComm International and CEDIA

EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

- returns to Amsterdam on the eve of ISE 2016. As in previous years, the Smart Building Conference will stage a full-day’s programme, including expert speakers from across the smart building industry. It will be chaired by Bob Snyder, Editor in Chief of Channel Media Europe. Delegates can expect to discover key insights into emerging trends, energy savings, home automation solutions, as well as the best practice approaches needed to meet Smart Home and Smart Building design and efficiency objectives. The second annual ISE Capital Summit, which takes place on 11 February, will bring together AV and IT industry entrepreneurs and executives with financial professionals and business experts from the world of investments, mergers, and acquisitions. The event will include a discussion co-moderated by John Bowen of MediaBridge Capital Advisors and John Stiernberg of Stiernberg Consulting, featuring leading European financial experts, equity funds and strategic investors. Neil MacTaggart of Media Asset Capital is the returning panellist and gadfly for the event. The Sport Venue Integration Summit will also be held on 11 February. SVG Europe, in conjunction with RH Consulting, will explore a day in the life of the contemporary connected stadium. Topics to be covered include new approaches to fan engagement, AV/ IT integration, event preparation and temporary overlay.

New on the show floor

An exciting first for ISE 2016 is the Drone Pavilion. Hosted by Stampede Global, the new area will welcome leading

drone manufacturers, and will deliver a programme of presentations and demonstrations. More details about the Drone Pavilion will be announced in the coming weeks. ISE 2016 will see the addition of a fourth Show Floor Theatre. The Audio Solutions Theatre (sponsored by The Music Group), joins the already established Residential Solutions, (sponsored by KNX); Commercial Solutions, (sponsored by KNX); and Unified Communications (sponsored by Crestron) Theatres. The four Show Floor Theatres will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to hear industry experts, consultants and manufacturers present the latest in workflow solutions, case studies, technology innovation and business analysis in an innovative and intimate setting situated in the halls of the RAI. All sessions in the Show Floor Theatres are free to attend. IT will continue to grow its prominence at the show. Research has shown that ISE

is increasingly becoming a ‘destination of choice’ for IT professionals operating within the AV industry and for those looking to gain entry or secure partners within the international installation and integration marketplace. For IT vendors, IT professionals and the IT channel, ISE brings together the world’s largest gathering of display and digital signage manufacturers and service suppliers under one roof.

Professional Development

In addition to the Show Floor theatres, ISE’s co-owners CEDIA and InfoComm International will present an even wider range of courses at ISE 2016. Both associations will offer more of their popular technical and business education, with offers in place for early bird discounts, as well as on-site certification, allowing attendees to gain globally recognised qualifications without leaving the show venue. More news on pre-show events, professional development and new features taking place at the show are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. For the latest show updates, check the Integrated Systems Europe website on a regular basis. To register for the show free of charge, saving the EUR 80 on the on-site registration fee, please visit www.iseurope.org and use registration code 379543

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

iFair Shanghai 2015 from Intel, Philips, 56iq, All View & Bus Online etc., to explore the multiple developments and revolution of digital signage industry. The conference saw a good exchange of industrial knowledge between the trade professionals.

2015 China Intelligence Industry & IOT Forum

eld from 16th – 18th September, iFair Shanghai drew over 22,000 attendees and 250 exhibitors. Organized by Shanghai UBM Sinoexpo International Exhibition Co., Ltd and the Shanghai Multi-media Industry Association, the show was supported by the Shanghai Communications & Broadcasting Industry Association, Beijing All-view Technology Co., Ltd and the Shanghai Internet of Things Industry Association. A comprehensive show, iFair comprised the 12th China International Self-service, Kiosk & Vending Show; Shanghai International Digital Signage, Audio Visual Integration and Equipment Show, and the Intelligent Education & Online Class Show. Covering an area of 20,000sqm, trade exhibitors plied their latest technologies

to visitors. The show also attracted visitors from over 70 different countries including Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, India, Thailand, Singapore, USA, Philippines, Australia, Russia, UAE, Indonesia, UK and many more. At its industry forums and summits, close to a hundred industrial leaders participated in these education programmes.

2015 China Digital Signage Conference

The Digital Signage Conference gathered numerous well-known experts

Supported by the Shanghai IOT Chamber of Commerce, this forum focused on intelligent products and innovative services. Inspiring speeches were given by the executive chairman of the Shanghai IOT Chamber of Commerce, the Intelligent Health Branch and the Intelligent Logistic Branch. The chairman, in his speech, has called for more communication between elites in the IOT industry and has inspired attendees with his professional insight.

Debut of “Smart Day”

An interactive exhibition presenting life in the future as enabled by the latest smart technologies, the “Smart Day” exhibition area was made up of five sections: Smart Shopping Mall, Smart Hotel, Smart Restaurant, Smart Classroom and Smart Waiting Room. The sections were all decorated with the latest display technologies from

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Keewin

SuperBrandMall, LeTV, Huangtaji, Richintech and SEEYOO. Visitors to the area were able to experience the technologies made interesting by digital windows, transparent LED walls, outdoor 3D projection, digital posters and selfservice ordering machines. The products showcased are expected to affect our daily lives in the future and has left a deep impression amongst many visitors.

On The Show Floor

From local manufacturers such as SEEYOO to international brand names such as Panasonic and Intel present, visitors were treated to a visual feast of display technologies. Some notable exhibitors include VE Global Vending

Zhou Zhenghua, OCC

(www.vegv.net), who showcased their 3D smart vending machine that comes with social media content management; Giada (www.giadapc.com), who showcased their G320 videowall processor; Propd (www.propd.com. cn/en), who presented their 65”-84” interactive touch panels; Keewin (www. keewin.com/en/), who exhibited their Ultra Thin (8cm) Double Screen Digital Signage. Last but not least, visitors also saw OCC, who brought along with them interactive digital signage solutions from SWEDX and Beabloo. For smart education, watch out for Wisdom Garden (www.wisdomgarden. com), a Hong Kong-based enterprise founded by a group of former teaching staff. Though relatively young, the company has an innovative suite of user experience-focused room control solutions such as the ROOMIS series touch panels.

VE Global Vending

Next, visitors also saw visual communication specialist, V-Cube (http://sg.vcube.com), showcasing their latest online meeting platform “Ask & Learn” for the education sector. Headquartered in Japan, the company's all-in-one communication platform can linked up to 100 participants and their solutions have been implemented widely in schools in Asia such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan etc. www.ifairchina.com

Wisdom Garden

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

IFMEA Show Grows in Scale; Charts Independent Course Five years into hosting the annual event, InfoComm MEA has grown in scale and appeal posting encouraging numbers from one outing to the other. While new exhibitors, technology solutions, programming offerings and event propositions have contributed to its growth, new demands from the region, new dimension, and new vision for event is going to make it a much-anticipated standalone outing in 2016.

• Over 200 manufacturers and suppliers • Up from 184 manufacturers and distributors in 2014 • From >30 countries • 40 new exhibitors • 75 new products • 14,659 visitors in total • 3 per cent increase in visitor attendance

esides the excitement of new exhibitors and technologies, “What's new” for InfoComm MEA 2015 was its charting of ‘independent’ course. Simply said, this meant that the annual AV industry ensemble from the region would no longer be co-located with the popular GITEX Technology Week. Come 2016, it will rather be co-located with Digital Signage Summit MENA, scheduled to be held from 6-8 December. However, the event would still be hosted at the same venue, co-organized by the InfoCommAsia Pvt. Ltd, the Dubai World Trade Centre, and with ‘deep involvement and support from GITEX marketing team.’ So, the IFMEA’s tryst with the Dubai WTC, and the organic connect with the GITEX will continue, though it seeks to scale up its independence. The AV industry market in the MEA region is estimated to reach US$4.63 billion by 2016, up by as much as 76 per cent from its standing of US$2.79 billion in 2012 – with UAE alone accounting for roughly a quarter stake. Riding on

an exponential growth in demand for AV, Lighting and Control and Command Centre solutions due to the on-going and yet-to-take-off mega projects in infrastructure, retail, and hospitality segments, the apparent feeling among the industry stakeholders has been that they needed some deep, and dedicated setting for pursuing focused growth dynamics.

“The Middle East and Africa are among early adopters of audio-visual technology, and InfoComm MEA will be a standalone show in 2016 to foster the growing audio-visual business ties in the region,” said Richard Tan, Executive Director, InfoCommAsia. “The event aims at capturing the full attention of visitors, and as a result, exhibitors will be able to gain more quality time with visitors, and attract more enduser visitors.” For the record, the InfoComm MEA 2015, themed ‘Digital Interconnect for Peak Performance’ attracted over 200

manufacturers (of which 40 are new to the show) and distributers from about 30 countries, showing a measured increase from previous edition that had 184 exhibitors with a mix of manufacturers and suppliers. As many as 75 new product were also launched, with some making worldwide/global appearance. "This is the first time that we were participating in InfoComm MEA and it was a great event to connect with the current partners,” said Sarah Cox, Regional Sales Manager – EMEA, d3 Technologies Ltd. “The quality of visitors was very good, and we have also met with new potential partners,” she added. There have been other debutants too, who made an impressive show - such as Absen LED; Auro Technologies; BrightSign; Cayin Technology; d3 Technologies; elo Touch Solutions; NanoLumens; M2L Co.; multiCAM systems; Multi-Caisses; RMG Networks; Samsen Group; SenseMirror; Shure MEA; TimeLink and Zaag Technologies. RMG Networks, which participated in GITEX Technology Week for the past

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

four years, switched over to InfoComm MEA this year – which the company termed it as a ‘great decision.’ "It (IFMEA) had a very focused group of high quality visitors, and we were kept very busy," said Joe Rabah, Managing Director, RMG Networks.

the show floor. Together with DigiCom, the entrance-located booth showcased a range of signages that included a pre-historic park with both giant land and marine fora, and space-walking astronauts. “Our solutions generated huge enthusiasm among the visitors,” said Eric Chan, the company’s General Manager for the Middle East. “We have had some very promising enquiries too; the show has been a big hit for us.”

Abba Electronics’s Mohammad Rizwan (second from the right) with Team IDK Corporation

Auro Technologies, a 3D cinematic audio solution developer, took its revolutionary audio format to IFMEA with huge success. To demonstrate the solution, the Belgian audio maker had set up an acoustically treated theatrical set on the show floor.

Another debutant will be Timelink Technology Company, a Shenzhenbased multi-touch solutions developer. Kept fairly busy by inquisitive visitors during the show, the company’s global launch of TimeLink Cloud Educational Solution appeared to have captured the imagination of many visitors. “The show has been very good for us,” said Flora Lee, Director-Overseas Sales. “We not only have a very focused and potential visitors; our products also generated a great amount of enthusiasm among the visitors.”

Another Shenzhen-based debutant and LED digital signage solutions developer Absen Optoelectronic Company also made a big buzz with a virtual experiential digital signage on

“The IFMEA show lays a gateway of sorts for the Middle East markets where we get to interact with a whole big diaspora of the region’s AV buyers with a discernment for high-quality 3D sound, so we decided to present them with a demo suite,” said Robert Bose, Vice-President (Business Development & Marketing). “We’re happy, we have had a tremendous response.” In other news, Jan Villumsen, a veteran of 13-years experience in the Middle East markets – was also recently appointed as the new Regional Sales Manager for the Middle East (and Scandinavian markets) for Spanish monitors major Arthur Holm. “AV industry had always been doing good in the region, and InfoComm is an important platform for it.”

From the Show Floor…

The show had a good representation from distribution companies such as Taxan Gulf, who participated with a large booth demonstrating a wide range of solutions, highlighted by new brand additions Lutron, Qomo, TvONE, ViewSonic, and WolfVision. VenueTech also showcased in IFMEA with multiple brands while the Dubai-based Abba Electronics debuted with their Japanese 4K switching/routing solutions principal IDK Corporation. There were other regulars like SGTC, V.V. & Sons, and GSL Professional. Vivid Media showed ILS solutions.

TaxanGulf MD Swadesh Khetawat with TvONE’s EMEA Sales & Marketing Manager Frithjof Becker

While IFMEA 2015 have an internationally-diverse crowd of exhibitors from over 30 countries, interestingly, there has also been a perceptibly higher representation from Asian manufacturers and solution providers particularly from China and Korea.

Connecting the Digital Audio

An important aspect of the Audio contingent at this year’s IFMEA was the direct coming of Shure with its Dubai-headquartered regional division Shure MEA DMCC created last year. While the microphone company did not make any new product launch, it demonstrated an array of conferencing solutions aimed at diverse applications ranging from Parliament to performing settings and huddle rooms to education environments.

Designed to simplify installations, AudioTechnica's new, entry-level AT-One comes with two frequency groups of four channels each – one for the Europe-wide license-free frequency range, and one for the LTE duplex gap. Users can choose up to four channels from one group. The arrangement allows installers to run two four-channel AT-One systems (using separate groups) in close proximity without fear of interference.

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Concurrently, Biamp also launched its new Orneo mobile platform software for Tesira-controlled conference set-ups. Simple to deploy and easy to use, Orneo can run on any mobile device, and does not require any client-side software to power the operations. The system comprises three components of Orneo Creator; Orneo Manager, and Orneo User Interface. “The AT-One is an entry-level, single but very versatile system that can address diverse applications,” explained Matthias Exner, A-T’s Business Development Director for EMEA. “It’s simple and sturdy, yet stylish and sturdy in design.” Biamp launched its Tesira 2.4 and HD-1 hardware dialer. Created to meet the needs of today’s VoIP and POTS conferencing requirements, the new Tesira comes with new Lync Enterprise Voice and Skype for Business integration capabilities. It also features an intuitive physical dialing device and a number of networking enhancements. According to Martin Bonsoir, Biamp’s Applications Engineering Manager for EMEA, the Tesira 2.4 increases the flexibility of teleconferencing applications that utilize either of the Microsoft suites as the VoIP server by turning a TesiraFORTÉ into a VoIP endpoint for any Microsoft-based system. Additionally, Lync Enterprise Voice and Skype for Business integration can be used on AVB and non-AVB configurations of TesiraFORTÉ VI, as well as Tesira SERVER and any SERVER-IOs equipped with the SVC-2 card.

“The solution is aimed at addressing the requirements smaller conferencing set-ups of around 20 people,” explained Martin. “Tesira is already a popular platform with wide range of applications deployment, the new version will take it further with added value,” he added.

Auro Technologies demoed their 3D sound system in an acoustically customdesigned, set-up, while beyerdynamic presented their highlighted solution - the Coretis system. Bose Professional also demonstrated a wide range of solutions that included ControlSpace Series processors and FreeSpace Series amplifiers; L1 Line Array and F1 Flexible Array loudspeaker systems.

Revolabs stand was Yamaha YVC-1000 UC microphone and speaker system that is claimed to feature the Human Voice Activity Detection technology. Making an important debut at the IFMEA this time was Samcen, who came with its Digital Congress and Wireless Infrared Conference systems. The highlight was of course, the wireless conference system which comes with an automatic on-off feature based on speaker's voice and distance from the microphone.

Ryan Burr, Sennheiser EMEA

Kaushal Garg, Bose Preofessional , Middle East

Clockaudio – together with their regional distributor SGTC – presented a wide range of corporate AV solutions that were highlighted by the Tri-Element Array Hanging Microphone C303-RF and Retracta Motorized Ceiling Microphone CCRM 4000. Designed for audio or video conferencing, the new C303RF Tri-Element hanging microphone array offers consultants and designers a new option while specifying hanging microphones in applications. Featuring three RF-immune, high quality Cardioid capsules covering a 360-degree pick-up pattern provides for speech intelligibility, the CCRM4000 is a great alternative for applications that can’t have any microphones on the table, but need the best quality of sound possible. Unified Communications and enterprise collaboration solutions provider Revolabs demonstrated its full range of FLX UC conference phones that was highlighted by its FLX UC 1500 IP and USB conference models. Also on

German audio major Sennheiser’s stake at the show this time was a continuation of what it had showed at ISE 2015 and InfoComm India 2015, with its SpeechLine Series Digital Wireless microphones dedicated to speech applications. Widely publicized as a Future-Proof system with license-free 1.9 GHz frequency band, and an advanced 256-bit AES encryption, the system is claimed to bring to place wireless communications with maximum security.

Herman Geerinck of Televic with Nour Assafiri of VenueTech

Although Televic Conference did not showcase anything new, the company has used the show platform to announce the expansion of partnership with VenueTech across the GCC, and Egyptian markets. “It's not about the system solutions that we are talking here;

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

it's our commitment to this whole region and expansion of our partnership with VenueTech,” said Televic’s Channel Sales Manager Herman Geerinck. Last but not least, Yamaha also launched new amplifier MRX-7D, besides highlighting its recently introduced ranges, including QL5 and QL1 digital mixers.

Displaying Digital Video Connect

The visual solutions at the event was exciting, with the Digital Signage segment and Control Room/Command Centre displays accounting for a major share. Exhibitors who came with ambitious global launches include Mitsubishi Electric, Prysm, SiliconCore and Sharp, while exhibitors Absen, BrightSign, Cayin Technology, Cinique, d3 Technologies, elo, M2L, Multi-Cam, Net Display, RMG Networks, and Timelink made their IFMEA debut. Then, there were the regulars such as Leyard, Matrox, One Lan, RGBlink, Triumph Board, Sharp etc, who came to reinforce their presence .

such as surveillance, process or traffic monitoring,” explained Alistair Duthie, Mitsubishi Display Systems Group’s Regional Manager for UK & ME. “It’s among the slimmest, as well as the most cost-effective in its class.” Prysm highlighted its product demonstration with its new Olympic 4K UHD Video Wall with Remote Control Collaboration. Tailored for auditoriums, broadcast studios and command and control centers, the new Olympic Video Wall comes with HD touch-display, which users to control content on the Olympic with Prysm’s Synthesis collaboration platform. This is a new feature was launched for the world markets just a few days before IFMEA 2015.

installation, helps to reduce weight and depth and provide multiple mounting options such as curved and creatively shaped displays. The frames also provide the option of dual redundant power supplies and dual redundant processors, providing piece of mind for the end user that should one system fault the other will instantly take over, resulting in no down time. Delta Electronics, Inc. unveiled what it claimed to be the industry’s slimmest DLP video wall that features depth of 450mm. The display company also demoed its IP-based control system, DVCS, for comprehensive display and monitoring solutions. The new DLP video wall also features super-efficient projection engines, redundant power supplies, auto alignment, and auto color calibration used in missioncritical, control room and broadcasting applications.

Tim Messegee, Prysm Vice-President-Marketing

Alistaire Duthie, Mitsubishi Display Systems’ Regional Manager-UK& ME

At the show, Mitsubishi Electric launched its latest LCD videowall display LM55 P2, an advanced ultra-narrow bezel LCD display designed for compact control rooms requiring a cost-effective visualization solution with a near seamless display. With a combined bezel width of just 3.5mm, the 55” displays deliver Full HD resolution. When combined in a 2x2 configuration, the display create a compact 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) display with only a single mullion vertically and horizontally. “This makes the LM55 P2 an ideal system where high resolution images need to be viewed across the entire display,

On the updated product, Tim Messegee, Prysm’s Vice-President-Marketing commented, “Simply put, the system allows users to present the data on the large wall-mount display through a remotely placed monitor, without having to walk up to the wall and do a manual presentation, and, often block the view for those watching the presentation.” SiliconCore launched its Front Service Accessible (FSA) LED display with a 4K Magnolia 1.50mm display. The new solution is compatible with SiliconCore’s complete direct view LED range such as the Lavender 1.2mm and Lily 5.2mm etc. Front service access enables ease of

Leyard presented a wide range of LED video wall solutions that was highlighted by 1.2mm pixel pitch and 8K resolution. Other products in the range included 1.6mm and 4mm, which is aimed at the rental and staging market. The TW Series 8K 1.2mm video wall, available in 54-inch cabinet is said to be an ideal solution for highly demanding applications like Control Room, TV studios and digital signage set-ups. Up next was British digital signage player BrightSign, who brought with them its platform software that claims to make it easier than ever to harness the power of HTML5 content in digital signage applications. The stand, co-hosted by DigiComm, showcased BrightSign’s latest low-cost LS model digital signage players – shown for the first time for the Middle East.

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

From Taiwan we have CAYIN Technology, who debuted its newly developed Queue Management System, a 2x2 video wall information center and the new SMP-8000, a web-based digital signage player. A powerful tool for digital menu boards, bulletin boards, information center and more, the SMP-8000 contains multiple outputs and display modes to accommodate each and every applications. The new Queue Management System brings a slew of benefits to financial, medical or government institutions, amusement parks and other services often forming lines.

Hong Kong-based digital signage solutions developer Cenique took the IFMEA opportunity to launch its new Intellisense2.0 Video Analytics Platform. Building on the rich demographics of IntelliSense1.0, version 2.0 provides users a more responsive dashboard with the ability to precisely capture shopper impression data and compare viewership metrics. “Together with our CMS partners, we are thrilled to introduce the next generation of digital signage analytics to InfoComm MEA 2015,” said Shylesh Karuvath, Co-Founder & CEO of Cenique Infotainment Group. d3 Technologies exhibited its current range of servers, including the new d3 2×2plus for smaller shows and installations, the d3 4×2pro and the d3 4×4pro, demonstrated using the accessory d3 VFC cards. The video solutions company also showcased its r12 software that comes as a package of a range of new and improved features, helping users design and deliver their shows better than ever before. From South Korea, we saw M2L debuted with a wide range of solutions that included Video Wall and UHD IFP

Series premium displays corporate and command/control rooms; FHD IFP Series commercial-grade for education, meeting rooms; OLED Series, Kiosk, and digital signage displays for retail and hospitality segments. Matrox Video came to the show with interactive demonstrations using its Mura IPX Series 4K capture and IP encode/ decode boards. The system comprising – Matrox Maevex H.264 encoders and decoders as well as IP camera streams – captures IP sources via a Mura MPX video wall processor card to power a 2x2 video wall display. What's interesting is that the Mura IPX will encode the outputs in the same controller system, then, in a separate appliance, and decode them for display on a single Matrox C680-powered 4K monitor, illustrating the ability to stream and monitor (or record) an entire videowall anywhere on the network.

Sharp Middle East and Africa unveiled its AQUOS XU Series - the world’s first TV with 8K Up-converter. Sharp’s new flagship model stands at 80” and is powered by the X8-Master Engine Pro TV engine and will include an 8K Up-converter, which will allow users to scale 4K content on the screen to 8K resolution. Using Sharp’s patented pixel splitting and Quattron technologies, it delivers four times greater resolution than traditional 4K Ultra HD screens.

Switching on Control Automation

Control and automation major Crestron demonstrated its Crestron RL2, the latest version of the Lync-based system that enables video, voice and interactive content sharing all from one touch screen interface – bringing Crestron DigitalMedia and Microsoft Lync software into a single device to transport the Lync experience from a desktop to the conference room.

Dutch display solutions provider Net Display Systems introduced their new Smart Meeting Room Signage solution to the Middle East markets. Easy to install and use, the system facilitates users schedule their own meetings in MS Office 365, Exchange, or Google Calendar using PC, notebook, or any other smartphone. Not a stranger to the show, ONELAN demonstrated its latest 4K media players and Reserva Room Signage Solution to the Middle East markets. Designed to eliminate confusing meeting room schedule situations, the Reserva Room Signage brings in a range of compact and attractive digital meeting room signs which clearly displays the availability of the room and a summary of future bookings.

Crestron PinPoint Mobile app was also in action, rendering enterprise technology a personal productivity tool. Knowledge workers can now perform all calendar and room scheduling functions they previously could only perform at their desks, anywhere, anytime, from their mobile devices. Also on the stand was Crestron’s latest wireless touch screens including the TST-902 Wireless Touch Screen, a tablet-styled design 8.7” touch screen. Dexon Systems, continuing from what they have shown in ISE and InfoComm India, have exhibited their intelligent matrix solutions - 16 x 16; 32 x 32; 64x64. Meanwhile, American Touch Solutions pioneer Elo Touch Solutions, made its debut at IFMEA with a wide range of

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

touch-screen solutions aimed at diverse applications. Available in sizes ranging from 10-70 inches, the touchscreen features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet Connectivity, Micro HDMI, Micro SD, and SIM card slots as well as USB. A frontfacing HD webcam, integrated earphone, with a microphone input and a stereo phone output is also integrated. Like every time, Extron Electronics exhibited a suite of solutions from its latest and popular stalk; and the highlight of its show was the MediaPort200- an HDMI to USB bridge for integrating pro AV sources or systems with software codec conferencing applications. Featuring an HDMI input with HDCP-compliant loop through, the system accepts signals up to 1920x1200, and scales video to a USB 2.0 output. Audio features include program and mic inputs, HDMI audio de-embedding, and USB bidirectional audio. The MediaPort200 also includes DSP with EQ, filters, mixing, dynamics, and ducking allowing it to serve as a complete soft codec interface.

with four audio connectors for audio insertion and two audio outputs for deembedding purposes, making it a unique offering on the market. For more video processing technologies, we also saw RGBlink showcasing their Venus X1 and X2 video processors, among a whole big range of switching and routing solutions showed on booth. RMG Networks presented its Visual Internal Communications solutions with InView messaging. The InView desktop dashboard and mobile solution is designed to bring internal communications messages to all employees. Messages can be customized by person, team or location and include employee performance metrics.

Monitoring and Mounting Solutions

Versatile monitor solutions provider Arthur Holm exhibited a number of new solutions that included the latest version of its popular DynamicShare and Dynamic3Talk. With DynamicShare, any user in a set-up can send a HDMI signal to all other meeting participants and to any other large display or projector installed in the room. Users can also display their own private sources in the monitors, without interfering with the shared signal. The control commands are transmitted through HDMI, without the need to have additional cabling.

“Till now, web-conferencing, and other conferencing set-ups have not been possible without a PC interface,” commented Wilfred de Nijs, Extron’s Director of Product Marketing-Europe. “This Media Port eliminates the need for PC, and bridges the Lync environment conferencing without a PC.” At Lightware Engineering's booth, the MMX6x2-HT Matrix switcher was on display. A standalone matrix switcher specifically designed for meeting room and classroom environments, the compact MMX6x2-HT200 has six video inputs (four HDMI 1.4 and two TPS) and two independent HDMI video outputs. 4K@30Hz, 3D capabilities and HDCP are fully supported. The system comes

Dynamic3Talk is a multi-position motorized monitor which includes an independent lift for gooseneck type microphones to be easily integrated into board, meeting and conference tables as well as into information counters. It is a unique system for furniture integration, totally built in aluminum and glass. The screen opens and closes with a motorized movement similar to a laptop, with the peculiarity that it can turn 180 degrees.

Spanish LCD-TFT monitor solutions company Soltec introduced two new models at the show; the LTN Series- lecterns with retractable touchscreen monitors and two gooseneck microphones, as well as the Professional Transflective Monitors with ~1500cd/m² brightness with UV Filter and a surface cooling system – an ideal solution for any shopwindow application where the sunlight is extremely high.

The B-Tech Tabenclosure BT-7393

Jan Villumsen with AH's new monitor fitted to chair

B-Tech AV Mounts launched its System X mounting solutions at the event, bringing in diverse options of mounts for video walls, digital signages, and menu boards. Lightweight and aestheticallypleasing, the System X is offered in ready-to-go, and modular components for custom requirements. A highlight of the stand was the Tab-enclosure BT-7393 and curved video wall mount.

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Visual Asia Expo 2015 A Spectrum Of Visual Communication Solutions

ith recent high profile events in Singapore, such as the SG50 National Day Parade, the accompanying light-up of the iconic Fullerton Hotel, and the Formula One Grand Prix winning local and international accolades for outstanding lighting projection and installations systems, the spectacular visuals have put Singapore on the map as one of the leading countries in deploying state-ofthe-art visual technology. Against this strong backdrop, the first edition of Visual Asia Expo (VAX) was held from 5 to 7 November 2015 at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. The inaugural event was officially opened by Guest-ofHonour, Mr Tai Lee Siang, President of the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS). As the first professional trade show in Singapore and Asia to showcase a

full spectrum of visual communication solutions that range from visual effects and technology, imaging, lighting, production solutions and many more, VAX 2015 also hosted a two-day expert forum which offered a multifaceted perspective of the trends, challenges and opportunities to help businesses create powerful shared visual experiences for maximum impact. Themed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Transforming Ideas into Creative Expressionsâ&#x20AC;?, show visitors saw an interesting discussion of new ideas and possibilities for experiential environments that push creative boundaries. Attendees also had the chance to share insights on current trends and latest developments in the ever-evolving media landscape. Vincent Leclerc, Creative Technology Officer of PixMob, the company which has wowed audiences with their spectacular use of LED technology

for international shows and concerts by artistes such as Taylor Swift and Coldplay, was present at VAX 2015 to discuss the challenges and opportunities of designing new technologies to enhance large crowd experiences at events. He also showcased the latest technologies developed by PixMob. Other professionals on the panel included Ken Wheatley from Christie Digital and Sebastian Tan from Shooting Gallery Singapore, who touched on how to transform ideas into creative expressions in their respective fields. They also shared personal insights on building a strong business foundation and expansion into regional markets which local entrepreneurs and industry practitioners found valuable. In case you missed the action, here is a quick summary of some key solutions and technologies on the show floor:

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

VAX 2015 EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS Over at Audio Light Asia (http://audiolight.com.sg), the Orion 42” Convex Curved LCD caught our attention. Suitable for Digital-Out-Of-Home advertising, the curved surface enables a 'warp around' pillars and columns, creating a seamless viewing experience. A fully customisable product, Orion accepts design requests with regards to open/closed frames, display size, radius or convex/concave blending. With 3-4 curved displays, a radius between 800mm to 1000mm metres can be formed. The displays are also stackable and features narrow bezel. The first batch of curved LCD panels are expected to ship in Q1 2016. ALA also exhibited Orion's PCAP (Projected Capacitive) Touch Monitor. Using PCAP touch technology, the display is more responsive and has a higher level of accuracy, optics and durability that exceeds most IR touch monitors. Speaking of displays, ViewSonic was also present at the Spectacular booth with Foster AV (www.foster-av.com). Two key solutions present at the show include the 55” Interactive Commercial LED Display (CDP5560-TL) and 50” ePoster Digital Kiosk (EP5012-TL). Equipped with 6-point multi-touch functionality, the CDP5560-TL features a slim 19.5mm narrow bezel design, Full HD 1080p resolution, 450-nit high brightness, as well as dual 10W stereo speakers. On the other hand, the ViewSonic EP5012-TL is a 50” all-in-one free-standing ePoster digital kiosk with a sleek, slim design. Great for grabbing attention in busy, high-traffic areas, the EP5012-TL comes with a scratch-proof tempered glass, Full HD 1080p resolution, 50-nit brightness, and 3 and dual 6W stereo speakers. Photo and video files can be played back using the integrated media player, or directly from a USB hard drive. Having difficulty projecting images on tricky surfaces? AVSA Media took the opportunity to showcase what their VIOSO player can do. A professional video playback software for mapping content upon custom screen surfaces (including full dome displays, round screens and 3D objects), generating a homogenous image has never been easier with its auto-calibration feature that only requires a webcam. With large-scale videoplay back, VIOSO player supports hundreds of video formats and comes bundled with all required codecs. Concurrently, AV Stumpfl was also present at the booth to showcase their latest Wings AV offerings. Another interesting product showcased was the HATOScreen Projection Film Paint, where AVSA demonstrated how the paint can be applied on walls, wooden surfaces and fabrics to create a projection-ready screen. Making their very first trade show appearance was Apix, Inc, a 3-year old Taiwanese LED display manufacturer. When passing by Apix booth, one can't help but notice their 65” 4K Glasses-free 3D display. Using a specialized screen and media player, the video content played out as if it is really moving inside the frame. As an additional service, Apix also does customised content for client, and should they be interested to play 3D content but have no means to create one, Apix can also help with converting 2D content to 3D. Other products on showcase were the RA375, an outdoor LED display with 3.75mm pixel pitch and RA250, a 2.5mm pixel pitch for indoor application. Partnering Light10 Industries, we saw Hiverlab (www.hiverlab.com), a young startup that produces VR content, showcasing 360-degree videos. With content easily downloadable and available on mobile devices, viewers have the option of choosing to view it as it is on their mobile or simply put on a VR headset like Google Cardboard for a more immersive experience. As shown in one of their projects showcase, Hiverlab had once developed an interactive 360-degree video for a show flat. Using live footages instead of 3D images, the interactive content is life-like enough to replace/assist physical viewing to a certain extent, hence creating an opportunity for property developers and the likes to reach out to potential customers who are overseas.

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Also making their show debut was Autvi (http://autvi.com), a new entrant to the local proAV industy. Partnering with Barco, the distributor showcased a number of visual collaboration solutions such as Clickshare, X20 and the new NRC-200. Advocating 'Digital Workplace', visitors were shown how the X20 Media Platform can create dynamic channels for any screen. Users can build channels and link them to multiple inputs, then publish them to one or multiple end-points i.e. interactive kiosk, digital signage etc. Content is rendered dynamically in real-time at each end-point, which means network traffic is kept low and updates can be delivered to any screen within seconds. Looking for a visual display solution where you can jazz up a place without blocking what is behind it? DET's (www.det.com.sg) Transparent LED display could be an option. Headquartered in Hong Kong with offices in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, DET holds over 20 patents for its transparent LED displays. At the show, visitors were given a preview of the said product, which gives close to 80% transparency when viewed from 5m and beyond, blending seamlessly into building architecture and facade. Suitable for a wide range of applications such as storefront window display, shopping malls, airports, museums, financial institutions etc, the transparent LED display comes with pixel pitch ranging from 5mm to 31.25mm and brightness from 6000nit to 7500nit.

Another interesting product spotted at the show was the Infinity Cube, a LED enclosure based on the infinity-room concept. A project collaboration between Ideas Empire (www.ideasempire.com), mediaProAV (www.mediaproav.com) and Miracle Concept (www.miracleconcept.com.sg), the product is targeted at brand owners and end-users looking for a unique platform to deliver immersive media content. Using LED technology and mirroring concepts, visitors who walked into the Infinity Cube immediately felt the visual immersive-ness when the images are projected on all six sides of the reflective cube, complete with a good surround sound system to deliver a clear audio. The Infinity Cube gives off a sense of mystery and would be an interesting solution for roadshows, retail, shopping malls, property developers, events, or anyone who is looking for a creative audiovisual solution. Greeting show visitors right at the entrance was 3 Square Media Solution. Together with their partner Leyard, the professional indoor & outdoor LED panel solutions specialist showcased the TV1.9, arousing the curiosity of passer-bys with its vivid colours and sharp images. With super wide viewing angle to maximize audience coverage, the LED video wall is flicker-free, low noise, and requires no fan or cooling equipment. At the same time, 3 Square also exhibited some video processing solutions from RGBLink such as the VSP 5360, a processor that supports seamless switching between 14 inputs, DSK for subtitle overlay, preview and program separately, 1 to 4 layers layout with seamless switching and multiple cascade with sync splicing. For visitors looking for projection-related visual content solutions, Circus Maximus's (www.circusmax.com) presence at the show proved their worth. Partnering Panasonic, their key projector partner, Circus Maximus put up a dazzling projection mapping dance at their booth. A premium content producer for multiple mediums â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from video, sound and print to digital content and projection mapping, Circus Maximum's portfolio includes high-profile projection design projects such as Multiverse 2015, Garena Carnival 2015 and many more.

www.visualasiaexpo.com

TECH XPERIENCE Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

By Shireen Ho

Boosting Gardens Tour With BYOD Audio Wireless audio syncing enables multiple language selection for tourists A relatively new startup that focuses on building audio technology related to BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), Citrine is a young company led by Managing Director, Jimmy Kang. Hoping to address the audio perspective of things in public spaces, Citrine and its engineers have been working to develop solutions that can broadcast synchronised audio from Digital Signage to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The audio solutions, ListenIn and iNarrator, are some of its fruits of labour and it has been implemented in several public spaces. Besides broadcasting audio from Digital Signage displays to mobile devices, Citrine also has a solution that enables tourist attractions to make use of the location detection function in smartphones to deliver wireless synchronised audio in multiple languages.

In order to understand more about the solution, SI Asia went on a mission to Gardens by the Bay where the said audio solution was implemented in one of the Gardens Tours.

The Venue

Spanning over 101 hectares of reclaimed land in central Singapore, Gardens By the Bay is a famous tourist attraction

in the tropical city-state. Consisting of three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden, the nature park also conducts different tours for its visitors. Of which, the Outdoor Gardens Audio Tour is a popular outdoor tour. Taking visitors on its 22-seater Garden Cruiser tram for a 25-minute ride around

TECH XPERIENCE Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Bay South Garden, passengers onboard can tune in to informative commentary as they take in stunning views of the Cooled Conservatories, Themed Gardens, the Meadow and the Supertree Grove. In February 2015, Gardens by the Bay implemented Citrine's BYOD audio solution to have the audio tour commentary in Mandarin in addition to English. To listen to the Mandarin commentary, visitors will have to download the Citrine app via the local WiFi over at the Golden Garden, the purchase point of the audio tour.

The Xperience

After a brief introduction about the audio tour by Aziz B. Ismail, Assistant Manager, Visitor Services for Gardens by the Bay, I began to download Citrine's ListenIN app on my iPhone. At first, there seemed to be some connection problem

with the WiFi, and I had to switch off and on the phone in order to get into the network to download the audio app.

'stress' off the driver so that he can concentrate on the road and not worry about playing wrong commentary.

And viola! With some patience, I finally managed to download the app. While waiting for the ListenIN app to complete downloading, I noticed a small information sign in Mandarin at the reception desk.

By then the next Audio Tour had started and I was ready to go. I climbed on the red tram and joined a group of tourists for the outdoor gardens tour. Sitting next to the guide, I could see that he had the same iPad that Aziz showed me earlier. Used to control the audio, the iPad is connected to a sound amplifier system within the tram. By default (and since there were no Chinese visitors), the audio played out in English. For me, my objective is to test out the ListenIN app, so I had chosen Mandarin for this experience.

“Oh, that's for letting the tourists know about the ListenIN app. Since we have it only in Mandarin now, the download instructions are in Chinese too. It's mainly for Mainland Chinese tourists who wants to listen in their preferred language for the audio tour,” said Aziz. But downloading the app can be challenging for some, according to Aziz. “It's easier if it's an iOS phone because we know where are the standard settings and we can help them out quickly. But if it's an Android phone, with phone settings menu being different for different brands, plus the language barrier (because the language of medium used in tourists' phones are usually in Chinese as well), it's difficult for us (if the assisting staff does not understand Chinese) to help them figure out the downloading.” Moving on, Aziz explained to me on how the ListenIN app works. Available in English or Mandarin, the commentary can be triggered by either GPS points via location detection or have it run as a track sequence. Ultimately, the technology implemented is to take the

Soon after the tram started moving, I encountered a problem - I can't seemed to get the audio I wanted to hear! Although the app is working, the audio was not what the tour was playing at the time. I asked the guide for help and he had kindly told me to restart the app again and reconnect my phone to the iPad in the tram via Bluetooth. After I did as told, my app began to work accordingly and I was able to hear the Mandarin commentary on my phone. The Mandarin audio synchronised well with the English audio that was played in the tram and it was interesting to hear it. But about the little blunder earlier, I thought, what if the tourist wasn't tech-savvy? He or she might encounter the same issue as I did and while I had help, many tourists would probably give up trying. I believe more detailed instructions are required to inform tourists how to use the app onboard. The tram continued to move at a designated speed - slow and steady, for the guide had to give the commentary some time to play before moving on to the next attraction. As it was a warm and sunny day, I was able to take in pretty good views of the gardens while listening to the Mandarin commentary on my phone. Oh, did I also mention that the ListenIN app has a camera function as well? Not wanting to interrupt the

TECH XPERIENCE Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

“What we have developed is that, the audio will always be in sync with the video. Even if the video is playing a particular language, we can still listen to different audio perspectives on our mobile devices. The user is able to listen to the video in their preferred language, be it Mandarin, Japanese, Korean or any language. As the audio continues to be in sync with the video, users won't miss out understanding any content of the video.” - Jimmy Kang, Managing Director, Citrine playing commentary by opening up my phone's camera app, I can use the camera function within the app to take pictures of the gardens. I think that was thoughtful and enhances the user experience. The audio clarity was good too. For visitors who did not bring their earpiece with them, the Audio Tour provides them with a brand new one at the beginning of the tour. I'm not sure about the quality since I didn't use them but I think that's pretty well-prepared. The whole tour took us almost 30 minutes. Overall, the experience was

pleasant and the app delivered what it was supposed to do. Except that when the tram went into the Fruit & Flower section, the audio stopped for about 5 minutes before it resumed again. Although it is not detrimental to the whole experience, but I guess some technical glitches still needs to be resolved.

Garden's Take

Back at the starting point, Aziz waited for me to finish my tour experience. When asked about the feedback from the tourists who used the app, he said, “It was pretty good, they like what they hear and find that it was money well

spent.” (As of publishing date, the Audio Tour costs $8 per pax per ride). Since the interview, Citrine and Gardens have launched Japanese narration for the app as well. Besides audio synchronization, Citrine has also added advertising features to the application where banner ads can be incorporated onto the main splash of the app. In addition, the ListenIn app will also be able to send notifications to visitors when they are in close proximity to an advertiser’s retail space, prompting location discounts etc.

Are You Considering BYOD audio? In conclusion, what are some of the pros and con of BYOD audio, especially if you are considering to implement a similar technology at your venue? Here are some key points for reference.

can download the app on their mobile device using the local WiFi available at the venue. Tourists won't have to worry about incurring expensive roaming charges and are able to enjoy the technology experience!

Pros:

- Multiple languages! Although only one language was demonstrated here, but the technology can definitely go much further.

- One key advantage of BYOD audio is that no additional hardware is involved and users only need their mobile device to experience it. So say goodbye to the bulky tour transmitters! No hardware also means reduced logistics and maintenance work. - As seen in this application, Citrine has built a software platform for Gardens by the Bay where visitors

Cons:

- As the technology makes use of the functions and features available in a smartphone/tablet, it was pointed out that some people might not feel comfortable downloading a foreign app to their mobile devices...

- For a fairly new technology, there are technnical glitches that still needs to be resolved, especially location detection. And I don't just mean Citrine as there are several other developers out there with similar technology. Troubleshooting and making it work perfectly is always a pain... at first. For business enquiries and more information about Citrine and ListenIN, please contact Jimmy Kang at jimmy@citrine.com.sg http://citrine.sg

TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Automatic Gain Control: The Power of an Algorithm Kane Zhang is a Senior Application Engineer for Biamp Systems, based in Hong Kong. He has extensive experience working with audiovisual systems, including various conferencing systems, BGM systems, and PA systems; with a unique specialization in DSP programming, networking, and 3rd party control applications.

others may speak more quietly and even sit further back from the microphone. The AGC process can solve this problem and allows both speaking styles to be heard at a uniform level to far-end participants.

Automatic Gain Control (AGC) has been widely employed in many audio applications throughout the world for over 90 years. The AGC process regulates the level of an audio signal by adding or subtracting gain as needed, in order to bring the level of the input signal closer to the desired target level. Through this process, a relatively consistent output level can be maintained, even when the input level fluctuates. What I want to specifically focus on now is the functionality of the AGC as a voice-balancing tool.

The Minimum Threshold is a predetermined amount of level required to trigger and engage the AGC. When the input level from the microphone or source exceeds the Minimum Threshold, the AGC will start to adjust the gain, working to reach the Target Level. If the Minimum Threshold value is not reached, the AGC will leave the signal as is.

One of the most frustrating scenarios in a conferencing installation is finding a way to consistently balance the voice levels of the different participants in a meeting. While some people tend to speak quite loudly, and may even hold the microphone close while speaking,

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s start by examining how the AGC processing works.

The blue line in the graph below represents the input level received from a microphone by the AGC processor; the red line represents the output level after the AGC process has taken place. The Target Level is the final output level desired. Ultimately, the purpose of the AGC is to keep the output signal amplitude uniform, despite possible variations in the amplitude of the input signal.

Automatic Gain Control Target Level process

TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Consider point “a” (left side of the graph) where the input level from the microphone is exceeding the Minimum Threshold. The AGC is triggered, and automatically boosts the audio level until it reaches the appropriate Target Level. At point “b” the input level experiences a sharp decline and falls below the Minimum Threshold; this would be when a person stops speaking into the microphone. This causes the AGC process to disengage until the next time the Minimum threshold is exceeded again (or when the person begins speaking again). Another variable that can be configured when using AGC is the Hold Time. Hold Time refers to how long the AGC will continue to apply the Gain after the signal drops below the Minimum Threshold. The purpose of specifying a Hold Time is to avoid the AGC having to readjust whenever a speaker pauses, or stops talking for a short duration of time. Without the implementation of the Hold Time function, each pause would render the AGC process idle; when the person resumed speaking the system would need to reevaluate the change and bring the output level back to the Target Level. The AGC’s gain resets back to zero after the hold time expires. At point “c”, the input level exceeds the Target Level, suggesting that the speaker is too close to the microphone or speaking too loudly. When this happens the AGC will be engaged immediately and attenuate the gain to bring the output level back more towards the Target Level. The implementation of the AGC has been exceptionally popular in mobile phones, social communications software, and soft codecs. You have probably experienced poorly implemented AGC while speaking on a mobile telephone. This is usually evident when the person you are speaking to stops talking and the background noises seem to be amplified. This occurs because the AGC adjusts any signal that exceeds the Minimum Threshold, and does not

take into account whether the signal is speech or not. So how can this issue be solved? Through the implementation of equipment utilizing algorithms to account for these audio differences. An algorithm that looks at the fricatives and plosives found in all human speech and applies these variations to the ACG processing. At Biamp, we call this SpeechSense™ and have made it available in Tesira® Server-class and TesiraFORTÉ devices. Well-designed algorithms can be used to differentiate between speech and non-speech audio signals regardless of the language spoken. This prevents the AGC from engaging on nonspeech signals like laptop fans, paper rustling, and keyboard typing. Note that the non-speech sounds shouldn’t be removed from the audio signal; they should still be heard at a normal level, but well-designed AGC will not increase or decrease the gain in response to these noises.

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Innovative AGC should also be nimble enough to be used with other types of audio signals besides speech, such as music or program sources. As you can see AGC is an excellent addition to any digital signal processor toolbox. After understanding the concept you’ll find this to be an excellent feature that works well. If you would like to learn more about AGC or how to configure various settings specific to Biamp equipment, head to our Technical Support Knowledgebase Cornerstone (http://support.biamp.com/), or just give us a call. We’re always interested in sharing what we’ve learned. www.biamp.com

Or Visit www.systemsintegrationasia.com

CONSULTANT SPEAK Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Michael Wee (L) and Gary Tan (R), directors of Alpha Acoustics Engineering Pte Ltd.

Audiovisual Affairs

Established in 1995, Alpha Acoustics is a Singapore-headquartered consultant firm specializing in acoustics consultancy. However, as far as the name goes, the company has since metamorphosed to include audiovisual consultancy too, turning it into a comprehensive AV consultant firm. One of the winners of Singapore Promising SMEs 500, 2014, the company has a branch office in Sydney, with Malaysia and Thailand in the pipeline. Staying true to its acoustics roots while stepping up its range of consultancy services has made Alpha Acoustics a familiar name with many government institutions, banks, corporations, schools, industrial entities and high-end residences in Asia Pacific. SI Asia spoke to Michael Wee and Gary Tan, Directors of Alpha Acoustics, on their thoughts about the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business outlook, audiovisual technologies that caught their attention, and the relationship between consultants and integrators.

SI Asia: In your opinion, what is the current state of the proAV industry in Singapore?

MICHAEL: In Singapore, I think there is a lot more exposure to the pro audiovisual scene. We have done a few projects recently where some of the commercial clients are building blackboxes and building auditoriums that they can rent out. We just completed a project for an international school that uses a constellation system to simulate acoustics. Moving on, we are beginning to see a lot of clients who are willing to fork out a proper budget to create stateof-the-art performance centres like this in Singapore. GARY: We also noticed that local school curriculum are getting more comprehensive. Some junior colleges and secondary schools nowadays have AV production or post-production

modules in their teaching pedagogy, and because of the need for these spaces, it has guided a fair number of audiovisual systems into the venue.

SI Asia: In terms of proAV developments, how different it is for Singapore compared to rest of Southeast Asia?

MICHAEL: I think the rest of Southeast Asia is not far behind, especially if you look at Thailand. Their usage of audiovisual is actually quite advanced. They have got a bigger market, and from what we have noticed, their advertisement budget is a lot bigger too. Wherever you are, you will see LED screens and huge projection systems everywhere - in train stations, shopping malls, building facades etc. So they have a huge exposure to audiovisual system which I think is in their culture.

There are things we can learn from other countries, whether is it in Indonesia or Thailand or anywhere else. There are things that they do differently from what we do here in Singapore. By working on different projects around the region, we indirectly learned how people in some countries do certain things, which may be more efficient than what we are doing here. Some Southeast Asia countries that we think will be interesting to look at will be Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Philippines. Overall, I feel that the AV industry in Southeast Asia region is growing as a whole.

SI Asia: What are some audio and visual solutions that has caught your attention recently?

MICHAEL: The latest one will be the Constellation acoustic system.

CONSULTANT SPEAK Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

When I saw the success of the whole system; how it provided feedback to performances and artificially generate room acoustics etc, it’s amazing. When we looked at it closer, we realised that it has many other usages as well. For example, theatre operators can use the system to create necessary feedback to the performers while they are on stage, rendering the heavy and cumbersome acoustic shell redundant. Another usage of it will be to localize sound for emergency exit, where speakers nearest to the doors will sound to inform people the way to exit. There are a lot of new applications in terms of audio systems recently and how you can control it is interesting. GARY: In terms of video, WiFi sharing of video and content from individual’s smart devices onto displays is another key technology that I think will impact the industry. Because everyone is carrying a smart device nowadays, this technology makes it a lot easier to share content during meetings and conferences. You can play images, videos, enlarge it and go into details if you want to – this easy sharing of information is something we are seeing more and more. Though some solutions are still not yet as stable or reliable as expected, it will get there someday.

SI Asia: Has there been a lot of queries from customers regarding the solutions you mentioned?

MICHAEL: Yes. Normally when the client has a good understanding of the technology they will know exactly what they want to do or apply, but then again there is a limitation when you go into WiFi sharing because you have got security issues and network protocols you need to look into. We are beginning to see a lot of integration between IT and AV infrastructure, and that is the tricky part, when do you draw the line, and where does IT start or end and AV comes in? When you need to piggyback on the IT infrastructure you need to understand what the design is and learn to understand it so that you can

tie it together without conflict. That’s beginning to be the trend.

SI Asia: So you see a lot of AV-IT convergence nowadays...

MICHAEL: Yes, and there is always this issue when we do the tender documentation. Client wants the latest, they want it digital, but when the price comes out, they realise that they need to change a bit. So lately we have doing a lot of hybrid systems whereby they do have digital capabilities but it is running on an analogue system. However, the architecture is upgradable to a digital system if required in future. So that is the middle line we try to draw. But if budget is not a concern, then we will of course go down the digital path where we do full digital systems.

SI Asia: What kind of business opportunities do you see for integrators?

MICHAEL: I think that moving forward, there will be a lot more usage of fibre optics and I find that some SIs are not really training their key people to do the necessary work. Because working with fibre is very different from CAT5, CAT6 or other AV cables. A lot of the prices we received from tenders when specified for fibre optics are actually quite exorbitant as there is a lack of people with the technical know-how. Besides that, I think the other part will be the project management side. A lot of the SIs I met have a good team of installers and project managers, but the paperwork somehow falls behind in most cases. The hard part of doing the actual work is all negated by the fact that they don’t follow up with the necessary paperwork. Many a times when they have to do handover, training for clients, project files etc, they have problem going through with it. In my opinion, I think it kinds of spoils the whole customer-SI relationship because the after-sales is lagging behind. GARY: As consultants, we are always caught in the middle, so when certain things are not delivered or not conducted well, we have to come in and reorganize the things again. But if the

SI follow up and do all the necessary, it makes handover a lot easier and the SI can get the client satisfaction and referral they want.

SI Asia: What are some key challenges for consultants and SIs?

MICHAEL: From the consultant’s POV, the problem is that we are always too tied down with day-to-day operations that we don’t get enough time to gather information, see the latest technology or go for the necessary trade shows to make sure that we get exposed to what is available in the market. For the SIs, I think nowadays they have the tough task of balancing profitability with work and raising cost. Whether it is equipment, labour – it is getting tough for SIs as they are also getting very competitive, so it becomes a key challenge for them too.

SI Asia: In terms of technical knowledge, do you think SIs nowadays have a bigger shoe to fill?

GARY: Yes as they are the ones doing the integration work on a daily basis, they have more exposure and experience in handling and troubleshooting. For consultants like us, we usually design from the backend and see the workings at the end. But the SIs are the one who do the physical work itself and it adds value when they feedback to the consultants on what can and cannot be done, or what should and should not be done etc. That’s invaluable. MICHAEL: I always believe between the SI and the consultant, there should always be a two-way communication and information flow where we can feed off each other to understand how things can work. From us, they can get information on how the client is, and what are the requirements the client has asked for etc. so we act as an intermediary between SI and client. It is a three-party communication where everyone needs to work together. www.alphaacoustics.com

INTERVIEW Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Advantage Bosch; Security Opportunities Aplenty The very manner the world is transitioning from one age to the other, has been posing challenges to human existence in safety and security. While technological advancements have widened threat sources, they have also strengthened the ways and means to handle threats. Leading the way is Bosch Security Systems. A brand that doesn’t need any more introductions! SI Asia interacted with Sudhir Tiku, Head – South Asia, (Security Systems Division), Bosch Limited to know what the major has to offer to the safety of lives and property. Excerpts:

SI Asia: What are your thoughts on the security and surveillance market evolving over the years in South Asia? SUDHIR: The security industry, as such is becoming more mature. Latest technologies have undoubtedly been creating a great potential for varied benefits for society at large. Surveillance technologies are a prime example, having both enabled improvements in law enforcement and security systems. There is a constant need for safe and secure living while ensuring the protection of infrastructure and property – this has propelled a global demand for surveillance and so also for South Asia. Digitization, convergence and Internet connectivity of Things, services and people are key trends. Capability to compress bandwidth is a trend along with intelligent analytics.

SI Asia: Security concerns are a global phenomenon today. How do you look at South Asia faring in that perspective?

SUDHIR: It is a fact that concerns of security are not restricted to a particular region, it is a global phenomenon, though the degree may vary from region to region. It is also a known fact that there is no delay in arrival of technology in any segment to South Asia. Trends existing in mature markets are seen and adapted quickly in this part of the world.

SI Asia: How would you describe Bosch Security Systems evolving to the market requirement over subsequent periods?

SUDHIR: Whatever business unit we talk of – be it Video, Communication, Fire Detection, Access Control, Engineering Solutions or Integrated Solutions– there is a drive towards quality, convergence and digitization. That means products

should be capable of getting seamlessly integrated with one another, talk to third party systems and further throw up intelligent data and alerts. I think this is where Bosch Security Systems (BSS) has traditionally played a vital role, as we are a big votary of new technologies and promoters of open platforms. We were one of the founding members of the Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF) – an open industry forum for the development of a global standard for the interface of IP-based physical security products. Of late, the emerging platform in Communication Industry is OMNEO and we are contributing by launching products around this platform. OMNEO is an audio communication protocol which provides for high-quality multichannel audio transmission and powerful, reliable system control via standard Ethernet IP networks. It enables development of audio products capable of cooperating and exchanging audio signals using industry-standard IP digital network equipment.

INTERVIEW Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

In the security industry, we see tremendous convergence of audio, video and data control over a single pipeline. We observe, from Bosch and the Security industry perspective, it is good news for the customers. This trend ensures scalability and offers customers the opportunity to take control of their buildings, premises and locations very effectively. As far as Bosch’s journey in Security industry is concerned, we will continue to deliver high quality products that have been our tradition. So to summarize, we feel that both Bosch and the Security Industry are at an advantage point.

SI Asia: What has been the most defining phase/time for BSS in its journey to the position where it is today?

SUDHIR: Execution of Iarge infrastructure projects in time, in key verticals, has helped BSS to consolidate and strengthen its ground in India. Interesting products have been continuously churned out in all the three segments of Security, Safety and Communications, where BSS is active in. Introduction of technologically advanced products from time to time has helped our growth story. A motivated and knowledgeable workforce helps drive the business from the front. Training of Channel Partners and End Customers through our Training Academy at Bangalore has come a long way in helping the industry and the business alike. Presence of BSS in the market through diverse marketing activities is something that the company will continue to do. For developing markets like ours, it is imperative that the span from concept to reality is continuously shortened to achieve sustainable levels of Total Cost of Ownership for all stakeholders. This in itself is a great motivator to improve value to the market place in terms of offering futuristic and easy-to-use technology.

SI Asia: What would you rate as the single most impacting technology or solution from BSS that played a gamechanging role on market?

SUDHIR: We operate in multiple business segments – Security, Safety and Communications, and further there are sub-segments. There are several aspects which have helped BSS grow and become one of the dominant players. Most of the products that we have are traditionally sold as technologically advanced products, defined for challenging environments and conditions. Our specialized PTZ cameras can be made of such housings which can withstand extreme temperatures and survive harsh weather conditions. We also have Starlight cameras which enable the user to see in very low and challenging light conditions. We have introduced innovative and acoustically superior conference system. To better suit dusty environments we have in our portfolio Dual Ray fire detectors. In addition we have a deep range of products in the Professional Sound and Access Control domains. Further, we have enterprise software to integrate all of these product categories. For the mid segment market, we have created products that can easily find place in Small and Medium Enterprise market segment. These products are technologically smart and value for money. We are seeing good success in this segment and will grow this segment with our new product lines in Communication, Video and Fire businesses.

SI Asia: What have been the most demonstrative markets/ verticals and geographies? SUDHIR: Based on the features loaded on the products, different product categories cater to different business verticals – Industry; Transportation; Government; Commercial, etc. We have realized the benefits of the vertical approach to market and will continue to work in this direction. We are expanding our presence directly and also through our Channel Partner network across the region in order to achieve greater coverage.

SI Asia: In today's concepts of Smart Cities, and ICT architectures, what role does BSS see for its security and surveillance solutions? SUDHIR: With the ever growing trend of urbanization and the need for energy efficient systems and solutions, technology needs to play a pivotal role in creating a convenient and safe eco system for people. Bosch is very much aligned to the concept of Safe Cities – we possess technology, products and solutions to support this. Though it may take some time, I believe this concept is going to be a strong stimulant for the Industry.

SI Asia: Apart from common attributes of quality and technology, what sets BSS apart from the other solution providers on the market?

SUDHIR: We aim to continue to deliver innovative and reliable products and solutions. We are committed to add value to our customers and society at large through our knowledgeable and motivated team. As stated earlier, we are expanding our presence directly and also through our Channel Partner network across the region in order to achieve greater and efficient reach. Professional training to the target audience along with suitable marketing initiatives will continue to be our endeavor.

SI Asia: Where do you see/ visualize BSS positioned by 2020?

SUDHIR: I strongly believe that there is a considerable market when it comes to Security and Safety Industry. As stated earlier, there is good growth potential in the region -drivers being urbanization; globalization; increased awareness; need for energy- efficient systems and solutions; demographic change and Internet connectivity. We would want to consolidate further and continue on our growth path. To be able to achieve this, we are committed to delivering quality and reliable products in the Security Industry. www.boschsecurity.com

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

SOUTH KOREA

Kwanglim Church Premieres With Sound From d&b audiotechnik

Specialized Installation Amplifiers 10D and 30D From d&b

riginally constructed in 1978, the Apgujung Kwanglim Church in Seoul (there are other Kwanglim Churches in various locations worldwide) was designed to accommodate the sound from the huge organ that dominates the stage to this day. The marble pillars left and right of the stage, the enormous floor to ceiling stained glass windows, the polished wood walls and the extensive balcony that protrudes long and low over the floor seating, all contribute to a space with a plethora of acoustic challenges, as Jung Hawon, one of the elders in the Apgujung Kwanglim Church in Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea and Chairman of the Broadcasting Department, recognizes. “Our church has historically suffered from awful sound; low intelligibility and very reverberant sound due to the acoustics of the worship space which was

designed for the more traditional style of Christian worship, with pipe organ accompaniment. Of course, times have moved on and we now offer different styles of worship to suit all generations: traditional including choir, organ music and sermon, and contemporary with band music and sermon. Our Sunday services are broadcast to other countries, such as Japan and France, so it is not just three thousand eight hundred worshippers in the hall who hear us.” Hawon clearly understood there would be many hurdles to overcome, and spoke to Kevin Kim at d&b audiotechnik Korea for advice. “I explained that the new amplifiers can deliver ArrayProcessing to installed line array systems, so in addition to the cost saving, the church would still have access to the features available on the more familiar D20 and D80 amplifiers,” comments Kim. “The 10D is for the E8 loudspeakers and

the 30D for the V-Series including the V-SUBs and J-SUBs on the specification. Between them the two models cover almost all install applications and the comprehensive DSP capabilities can accept new updates from d&b firmware making them future proof investments.” “The cost always has to be one of the decisive factors when one is contemplating a sound system installation,” Hawon continued. “The opportunity to use the brand new specialized installation amplifiers, the 10D and the 30D, from d&b

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

audiotechnik meant that the savings, when compared to other quotations, were more than persuasive.” Even with that said, Hawon was very thorough when determining which system demonstration met with his congregation’s approval. A group from the eighty thousand strong global worshippers were provided with a form of grading sheets so they could rate the three systems vying for the contract. The d&b V-Series system, augmented by some E8 loudspeakers and driven by the newly developed 30D and 10D amplifiers won the day. Not simply content with the democratic vote, Hawon did some independent

investigating. “Before making the final decision, I researched and visited some of the churches and arts centres where d&b systems have been installed. Without exception, they were all very satisfied with the quality of the sound, the after sales service and the supportive attitude of d&b audiotechnik Korea. I felt very confident that we were making the right decision from a quality point of view and extremely fortunate that we were able to acquire the same quality as these other venues but at a lower cost due to the new amplifiers.” Once the hardware was installed, d&b Regional Application Support and Education Manager, Gert Sanner visited to help set the system up. “This was quite a tricky task with all the acoustic challenges. Once all the measurements were acquired we went onto setting up ArrayProcessing on the 30D amplifier – for the first time ever. I have to say it sounded pretty special. The balcony that previously used to be a little loud at the front now featured a very even coverage

and we achieved tonal balance in the whole auditorium.” And the end result from Kwanglim’s perspective? “Before the installation, my hope was that changing the system to d&b would produce a positive improvement and create a more immersive worship experience for the whole congregation, regardless of worship styles,” says Hawon. “I can honestly say that my expectations have been surpassed. The entire congregation, staff and ministers are very satisfied.” “I was fortunate enough to get the chance to hear before and after applying ArrayProcessing,” Hawon concludes. “Even though I don’t consider myself to be an expert, I could clearly hear the difference. To me, this means that worshipping experiences can be identical regardless of seating locations. I believe d&b audiotechnik describe this as ‘democracy for listeners’.” www.dbaudio.com

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

TAIWAN

MIPRO Provides Total Wireless Solution For Historic Church

The compact wireless speakers met the church's aesthetics concerns as well as provided clear quality sound

he beautiful Sainte-Ode Catholic Church is located in Chiayi, a city in the southwestern plains of Taiwan. This 55-year-old mosaic architectural style church was the first of its kind in Taiwan and is widely considered one the most beautiful churches in southern Taiwan. Funded by Lang Ode, an American philanthropist, and designed by a Mexican Father Francisco Borboa, the church is named after Ode to honour her contributions. The church has a striking appearance featuring high ceilings, ornate glass and classic lines. Due to the reduced number of priests in the area the church has been closed for more than 10 years. In 2015 that changed when Father Pu Ying Hsiung was ordained and assigned to Sainte-Ode by the area Bishop. Coincidently, MIPRO, a solutions provider of portable PA systems, has its headquarters just 10 minutes away. MIPRO’s applications consultant, Daniel Ku, felt the acoustics posed a challenge as the sanctuary was highly reverberant and the existing sound system needed to be replaced. Working on a limited budget and being concerned with preserving the church’s aesthetics, Daniel needed to be certain to meet certain

criteria. The main concerns were that the sound system installation cannot include large or medium-sized active or passive speakers as well as unsightly cable runs should be eliminated as it would blemish the aesthetics of this historical and sacred environment. Finally costs due to a limited budget. After a careful on-site analysis, Daniel suggested the MIPRO MA-303 PA System would meet the needs of the church. The system is compact, slim in size and lightweight and has the wireless portability making it an ideal fit to overcome the various financial and visual obstacles. Daniel Ku commented, “This is an unparalleled totally wireless solution utilizing the MA-303 PA Systems. Besides the tremendous time & initial cost savings, there is very low-maintenance requirements and is easily expandable by adding more MA-303 systems with built in receivers to cover more areas in the church. Since MIPRO wireless PA systems can be powered by either AC or rechargeable battery, the MA-303 systems offer the ability to place remote speakers where other active speakers cannot be easily added or installed. This system can be used effortlessly for indoor & outdoor applications.

After conducting several Sunday Masses Father Pu was very impressed and commented, “The seamless integration of the speakers into the décors was completed beautifully which was a major concern before the actual installation. The powerful yet clear sound quality and reduced feedback were clearly noticeable and pleasing to the congregation during Masses.” Father Pu was very pleased with the results and recommended this innovative wireless PA solution to other churches with similar requirements and concerns. www.mipro.com.tw

SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS

• Four MA-303S Single-Channel Wireless Portable PA System • One ACT-312B Dual-Channel Diversity Receiver • One ACT-312BT Quad-Channel Diversity Receiver • One AD-707a 4-channel antenna divider • Four ACT-32H Handheld Transmitter Microphones • Two ACT-32T Body Pack Transmitters • Two MU53HN Head Worn Microphones • One MT-90A Wireless Interlinking Transmitter

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

THAILAND

Architect Firm Sees Immediate Beneﬁts With Interactive Projectors Epson’s 3LCD interactive projectors enable more productive and engaging discussions at Tadah Collaboration Architects

RCHITECT Pholkrit Sangthrong used to sketch drawings on pieces of paper while collaborating with his team to design a new building. And after a discussion, his team of designers and architects at Thailand Tadah Collaboration Architects would snap pictures of those drawings to record them. That cumbersome method of working with colleagues and digitising drawings has given way to a more productive way of collaboration – through Epson’s 3LCD interactive projectors. Epson’s interactive projectors can turn any smooth surface into an interactive whiteboard, allowing users to use their fingers and interactive pens to sketch on the projected screen, making it as simple as using a smartphone. “With the interactive pens, I can just capture the sketch, and print or save it into a document,” said Sangthrong. “Now, we have a document of our design process in digital format.” He added: “Rather than working on paper, we now work on the big screen. I can present the big picture of the project so my team can better understand my design intentions”.

With wireless PC connectivity, Epson’s interactive projectors have also enabled Sangthrong’s team to pull out information from the Internet and print-out easily during meetings. “The projectors have changed the way we work.” Tadah’s clients were just as impressed with Epson’s interactive projectors, which feature an ultra short throw distance that reduces shadow interference. “When I stand in front of the projector to present our project, it doesn’t cast my shadow onto the screen. Our clients

wondered how that could be possible,” Sangthrong said. “I think that has impacted how our clients made their decisions to engage us to design their work. In addition, the ultra short-throw advantage lets businesses project images in tight spaces, such as a retail window display. They can also even transform a table into an interactive screen, letting employees collaborate on the fly without the need to book a meeting room. www.epson.com.sg/interactive

"With the interactive pens, I can just capture the sketch,and print or save it into a document."

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

SINGAPORE

New Mosque Takes Full Advantage Of AV

Electronics & Engineering follows through with yet another House of Worship

ith so many distractions in the world, it has become more important than ever that the attention of worshippers is focused towards what is being preached. In this aspect, audio plays an important element in Houses of Worship, when it comes to preaching and ensuring the message is heard coherently by worshippers. Visual solutions too are now being included as part of the overall worship experience. This helps in engaging larger congregations, especially where there may be break-out rooms to cater to the growing number of worshippers. The built from ground up Al-Islah mosque is a recent example which was out-fitted with audio-visual systems, installed and integrated by Electronics & Engineering Pte Ltd (E&E) to help the mosque better serve worshippers. The key objective was to enhance the experience of the worshippers and yet ensure that the AV blends in with the

mosque architecture and environment so that it does not become a distraction.

About Al-Islah Mosque

The Al-Islah mosque is located in Punggol, which is a fairly new town in the Northeast of Singapore. The mosque is the 24th mosque to be built under the Singapore Mosque Building Fund and is meant to cater to the needs of Punggol's young residential profile. The four-storied building which also features a roof terrace and basement car-park, has room for 4,000 worshippers and features seminar rooms, a multipurpose room, prayer room for ladies, a conference room, offices and of course the main prayer hall. The mosque has ensured that all space is used effectively including the basement which features audio systems and projectors for spill-over during services, which acts as an extension of the Prayer Hall.

“As this was a ground-up build project, it gave us the opportunity to work with the consultant early on the AV requirement. There were some challenges but we managed to resolve them to suit the requirements of the client. The mosque team were also very forthcoming and enthusiastic in ensuring that the AV systems implemented are to be used effectively and efficiently,” said Soon Chee Boon, Sales Manager, Electronics & Engineering Pte Ltd.

The Audio Solutions

All levels feature audio reinforcement except for the roof terrace. The main sound reinforcement solution installed throughout the mosque, including corridor areas by E&E, include EAW CIS300 4” ceiling speakers with volume control handled mainly by Atlas AT100 with a couple of Atlas AT35 wallmounted panels for ease of control by users; EAW SMS4 weatherproof loudspeakers are installed at areas that are subjected to weather elements, and

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Mackie speakers are installed where monitoring is required. The Main Prayer Hall is an exception as it features 3 units of EAW UB52i compact two-way full-range passive speakers that feature acoustic fabric colours to match the Interior Designer's specifications. These speakers are complemented with 25 units of 8” C8 Community ceiling loudspeakers. Two units of EAW UB52i also feature in the Multi-purpose hall. The speakers are all driven by a mix of 8 channel and 4 channel MTS PAG-series power amplifiers, except for the EAW UB52i which is driven by Ashly KLR-2000 amplifiers. Speech reinforcement is handled by a mix of Shure microphone systems that include the wireless Shure BLX14R/ MX153 that comprises of a transmitter,

25 units of C8 Community ceiling loudspeakers were installed at the Main Prayer Hall

receiver and 'invisible' Headworn microphone and Shure BLX24R/ PG58 wireless microphone system with wireless handled transmitter that are complemented with Shure UA844 + UA874 x2 wireless antenna distribution system. The Shure SM58LC wired handheld microphones are also included in the inventory.At the Main Prayer Hall as well as in the MultiPurpose Hall, 2 units of Shure MX418/C Gooseneck microphones feature at the Mimbar, which is the pulpit where the Imam (prayer leader) stands to deliver sermons.

The carpark area that also doubles up as a spillover space and the multipurpose hall each feature a BenQ PU9730 7000 ANSI lumens WUXGA resolution projector. The conference room has a BenQ 5000 ANSI Lumens WUXGA resolution projector whereas the 8 seminar rooms in level 2 and the two Religious seminar rooms in level 5 each feature a BenQ 3500 Lumens LCD projector. Motorised and manual pulldown Remaco projection screens are installed in all the projection spaces. A Panasonic PT-DZ870EK is installed at the Main Prayer Hall, at the side of the Pulpit and in-front of a glass panel window. Due to the very limited space, between the screen and projector placement, a Panasonic ET-DLE030 ultra-short throw lens is used to project onto the 3.5m (W) x 2.2m (H) motorised Remaco TEN-3522C tab tensioned screen. The 8,000 Lumen WUXGA projector ensures sharp crisp images in what can be considered a bright environment.

The Visual Solutions

EAW CIS300 4” ceiling speakers installed across the mosque.

A mix of projectors and LED panels have been installed within the mosque building. They are used to project the worship services and in the case of the classrooms as teaching aids. A range of mainly ceiling mounted Samsung 60” LED panels with a couple of 32” LED panels that come with in-built speakers are placed strategically where there is a need for the congregation to visually join the services.

LED panels dot the mosque to help the congregation to be visually connected to the proceedings

A Panasonic PT-DZ870EK, with an ultra-short throw lens is installed at the Main Prayer Hall, at the side of the Pulpit and in-front of a glass panel window.

2 units of Shure MX418/C Gooseneck microphones feature at the Mimbar

EAW SMS4 weatherproof loudspeakers

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

the mosque; a Panasonic DV-Recorder with TV Tuner and a 17” Samsung LCD Preview monitor. All the power amplifiers are also installed within the AV Control Room Racks. Each control room also features a Symetrix Radius 12x8 that are responsible for the audio DSP. Level 1 features an additional Xin12 and 2 units of XOut12 expander cards whereas Level 4 features an additional XOut12 expander card.

The AV Control room

AV Control Room

The building features 3 separate control rooms at the basement level, level 1 and level 4 which allows for easy control of the AV in the entire building. All the equipment are racked on a Grandbright 42U AV Equipment rack that comes with a ventilation fan. Kramer solutions form the backbone of the video infrastructure. Both the level 1 and level 4 Control rooms feature a Kramer 8 input and 16 output Digital Matrix Switcher whereas the basement level features an 8 in and 8 out Digital Matrix Switcher. A Kramer VIA Collage wireless presentation system is also racked-up at the basement and level 4 control rooms. The key purpose for the Collage is to cater for presentations. There are also Fiber to HDMI and HDMI to Fiber Kramer output cards installed within the Matrix Switchers, with the respective cables running between the Basement and Level 4 AV Control Room to enable fast transmission. Each of the Control rooms also feature a unit of Sony RM-BR300 camera control unit for the PTZ cameras that are installed within

“We have almost exclusively used the Symetrix DSPs for our projects simply because we find it reliable and easy to configure. With the expandable cards we were able to keep the costs down within a 1RU unit. Being a six-storied building with a number of different areas using audio, the Symetrix was the perfect choice to control the routing and distribution as well as zoning of the audio for a more effective management of the sound. Being Dante-enabled we were able to connect each of the Symetrix Radius within the three different levels with Ethernet, making the installation a breeze. In addition, we were able to integrate the ARC-WEB within the Crestron CP3 interface making it easy for the user to control or check on preset configurations via the iPad,” highlighted Chee Boon.

An iPad featuring Crestron CP3 control system interface to the AV equipment that enables the users to wirelessly control the systems should there be a need.

Control At The Finger Tips

An Apple iPad with docking for charging can also be found in each of the control rooms. The iPad features Crestron CP3 control system interface to the AV equipment that enables the users to wirelessly control the systems should there be a need. The Crestron App enables the user to control the audio, projectors and screen, video routing and includes audio presets from the Symetrix app that has been integrated into the control application. Chee Boon commented, “With the mobile Crestron control system, it made it easy for the mosque's technical officer to walk around the mosque and adjust settings should there be a need, making his job not only effective but productive. The user interface is easy to understand and manipulate which is of course useful for the end-user.” The mosque that started its services just at the tail end of the Puasa month (the fasting month of July 2015) has been welcomed enthusiastically by the Muslim community in the Punggol area.

www.enepl.com.sg

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

INDONESIA

Creating Inspiring Effects At Ciputra Artpreneur V2 Indonesia installs Christie projectors

iputra Artpreneur is a venue located at the top floor of the Ciputra World 1 complex in Jakarta. Amidst offices, apartments, a mall and even a hotel is Ciputra Artpreneur that occupies approximately 10,000 sqm and comprises of a gallery, museum, international standard theatre, and multifunction rooms, and other supporting facilities. Within this space is the Ciputra Gallery 3. It is designed as a large tunnel with a tall glass wall on one side, showcasing the majestic side of Jakarta, and a beautiful balcony on the other side which are connected to 2 curved gorgeous stairs. This is also the space where V2 has installed 14 units of Christie WX10KM projectors vertically to project images onto a 8m (Height) by 60m (Width) motorised curtain that when brought down covers the tall glass walls.

“As this space can also be used for events, the idea by the venue operators was to create an exciting visual feast for guests through the seamless blending of images onto the huge canvas. It could also be easily used for branding purposes and thus we proposed using projectors,” said Rudi Hidayat of V2 Indonesia.

The Christie WX10KM DLP projector offers 10,000 lumens brightness in a compact body form, featuring dual Osram mercury lamps with WXGA resolution. A brightness that fits the needs of the huge canvas.

The Christie projectors are supported by 14 units of Geobox G-104 edge blending and geometry correction processors. To ensure cutting-edge images, the Geobox is further augmented with Auromage PG4K pixel generator that features a USB port, two Display Port inputs and 4 DVI outputs. “Considering the height and width of the screen, we had to ensure that we had the right tools to project the images in a variety of sizes with a smooth look that the space users might require. Together with the Christie projectors the Geobox and Auromage pixel generator allowed us to create the experience in a cost effective way for the client without compromising on the images to be projected,” said Rudi. www.v2indonesia.com

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

SINGAPORE

FiberOne Asia Spearheads Operations And Exercise Room Installation

Extron solutions form backbone of AV Infrastructure

The Exercise Room

FiberOne Asia recently commissioned and handed-over a number of rooms to a Government organisation in Singapore which is meant to handle sensitive matters. Being the case, SI Asia is not able to mention the organisation's name. Though FiberOne Asia handled the AV integration for a number of rooms, within the building, for this article we are concentrating on the Operations and Exercise room. There were a few unique requests that the company had to weave into their solution provision but the main objective was to ensure a seamless experience for the client, which FiberOne Asia achieved.

he Exercise Room is a fairly large room that is about 20m in width and which can be divided into two separate rooms if need be. The front part of the room features the large meeting table that is surrounded by display systems. The further part of the room has space for observers to sit-in as well as a table nearer to the equipment rack that provides for staff to help with

technical support. The room features 6 units of LG 65” Direct LED IPS Monitors that are mounted on monitor stands. The displays are complemented by 2 units of Sony VPL-FHZ700L Laser projectors which are ceiling-mounted at each end of the room, that project onto LAV 120” Tab Tensioned motorised screens. 2 units of Sony SRG300H Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras have also been installed at each end of the room for recording purposes. Streaming media encoding and recording is handled by two units of Extron SMP 351 units. An Extron XTP Crosspoint 1600 video matrix switcher featuring the appropriate transmitter and receiver boards as well as HDMI input and output boards, supports direct HDMI, DVI, VGA, video and audio connection to the local sources and displays. Speech reinforcement is handled by 14 units of Clockaudio CRM 102-RF retractable microphones. The tabletop microphones work in tandem and to mitigate the speech reinforcement

Clockaudio CRM 102-RF retractable microphones

should the room be split, two handheld Clockaudio CW9000 wireless handheld microphones will do the job. “Should the room be split up, the table top microphones become redundant, as they only work on full room mode and thus we provided the wireless handheld microphones for such purposes,” said Johnson Mutaya, Director, FiberOne Asia Pte Ltd. Sound reinforcement is provided by 10 units of Extron SI 26CT Two-Way ceiling speakers that are driven by a unit of Extron XPA 2002-70V Two Way Channel amplifier. Digital signal processing is handled by an Extron DMP 128 and an Extron DMP 128C that comes with AEC to handle analogue calls.

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Due to the width of the room, FiberOne Asia created 3 zones in relation to the ceiling speakers. The Extron DMP has been programmed to enable the audio to be controlled such that seats near the person who is talking, has the audio reinforcement kept to a minimum and it picks up along the table length to the furthest end. “You do not need sound reinforcement to be at a high dB for the person nearest to the person talking. However you do need to ensure that the people further down the meeting table are able to hear the person talking. We did it as such so that it creates a better experience to those in the meeting,” highlighted Johnson.

with one look the user could easily identify where all the AV equipment was and to make it easy for he or she to control them,” said Johnson. The running theme with the installation again is to ensure an exceptional experience for the users.

of the wall for conferencing purposes, offering HD resolution.

The Operations Room The Polycom EagleEye III camera

The Operations Room

The rest of the zones provide sound reinforcement to the observers area as well as the control area. Two 10” Extron Pro 1020T Tabletop TouchLink are also provided for AV control. One touch control is placed at the meeting table whereas the other is at the rack should it be needed for the tech support personnel.

Facing the videowall are 3 units of LG 65” monitor displays

“As this is a sensitive space all the AV solutions are cabled. There is no wireless transmission in this space. With that in mind, the Polycom HDX 8000 also features the Polycom Video Border Proxy VBP 7301. This is especially useful to prevent hacking as unknown numbers are not received,” said Johnson. The VBP is a firewall traversal and security solution that removes communication barriers and allows teams to collaborate effectively over audio and video without worrying about security issues. It is to be noted that the VBP works with the specific IP address that is provided. Should there be a shift and a different IP address is used, it would no longer work. This is to ensure that security is maintained at an optimum level.

The Extron Touchpanel features a 3d design layout created by the FiberOne Asia team

The outstanding feature with the Touch panel is the 3D design layout created by the FiberOne Asia team. It took them about 4 weeks to design the interface with another 2 to 3 weeks for programming. “This was quite a process for us. We studied the schematic drawing of the room, took photos of the layout and where all the displays and connection points were. The objective was to ensure that

Sony VPL-FHZ700L 7000 lumens laser projectors

The Operations Room features a 2x4 video wall comprising 8 units of LG 55” Direct LED IPS video wall monitors that feature 3.5mm bezel to bezel configuration. Facing the video wall are 3 units of LG 65” monitors spaced out to ensure good viewing experience for those using the systems. Either end of the room feature two LAV 96” Tensioned Motorised Screens with two ceilingmounted Sony VPL-FHZ700L 7000 lumens laser projectors. One unit of Polycom HDX 8000-1080 with EagleEye III camera has been installed at one end

The meeting table once again features 14 units of Clockaudio CRM 102-RF retractable microphones with the main use being for conferencing. 6 units of Extron SI 26CT Two-way ceiling speakers driven by a unit of Extron XPA 200170V Two Channel amplifier have been installed for sound reinforcement. Once again an Extron DMP 128 and 128C are engaged for audio digital signal processing. The videowall processing duties is handled by an Extron Quantum Elite 408 system with 4 units of HDMI input and 4 units of HDMI output cards. The

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Extron Quantum Elite 408 videowall processor

Quantum Elite is a scalable videowall processing system that can easily expand to handle more displays as well as more input and output cards if necessary. Complementing the processing system is an Extron XTP Crosspoint 3200 Video Matrix Switcher with the necessary in and out boards, ensuring reliable digital and analogue switching and distribution to the displays. “The scaling engine of the Extron Quantum is amazing. Even if it is a minimal window, the details are sharp. LG’s IPS panel technology delivers the most uniform and accurate brightness, colour reproduction and widest viewing angle, making LG video wall displays the best fit for integration with Extron Quantum Elite 408 video wall processor to deliver the best user experience.” highlighted Johnson.

the client. More importantly we had to ensure that the AV solutions worked accordingly. This project was very satisfying for us as wanted to push the bar in terms of design and I believe we achieved it. The installed solutions look good on the surface, are aesthetically pleasing and more importantly work as they should,” said Johnson. “We kept to a minimum the brands that we worked with so as to ensure easy support and maintenance. Extron and especially Redwan provided strong support and helped us with the design element as well. All the AV solutions installed are of top calibre and we

believe they will work seamlessly for the client for years to come.” Johnson added, “Of course none of this would be possible without my team who worked long and hard to make the systems operational. The design and programming for the Touchpanel in the Exercise Room especially is something we are proud of as it enables anyone who is new to the space to quickly identify what he or she needs to control. Another aspect is the gradual increase of the sound reinforcement in the Exercise room which really makes a difference to the users' experience.” www.fiberone-asia.com

2 units of Extron TLP Pro 1020T 10” tabletop Touchlink panels allow the user to control all the AV equipment within the space. “We added a small touch of making the background similar in colour to the table for aesthetic purposes,” added Johnson.

SI's Viewpoint

“We had to design the space taking into consideration all the input from

(L-R): Johnson Mutaya (Director), Selvanathan Saravanan (Project Manager), Redwan Razib (Applications Engineer, Extron Asia) and Damian George Netto (Programmer)

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

THAILAND

Central Embassy Secured by Bosch Integrated Security Solutions

State of the art video surveillance and public address solution for Bangkok shopping mall

nchoring Bangkok’s most prominent crossroads, Central Embassy is ideally placed as the sole retail development on the busy Wireless and Ploenchit Road junction. This prominence ensures constant passing traffic from the nearby affluent areas. In order to maximize its security systems and secure all their international premium customers, Central Embassy Limited decided to seek the top of the line security solution to meet its top-tier image. An evaluation was done with a range of key competitor brand systems. Bosch was chosen for its clear images and superb sound quality which were essential qualities to enhance the entire security performance. The fact that the multi-language option from Bosch’s video systems software is also userfriendly with the Thai language edged that Bosch advantage. To ensure the compound was safely secured, a video surveillance solution was proposed with Bosch fixed and

auto dome cameras. Complete with 720p and 1080p HD resolution and live recording capabilities, Bosch cameras are packaged all in an ultra-compact aesthetically pleasing and rugged design that is built to last. All of Bosch products were installed on 7 floors of Bangkok’s premium shopping mall. In the event of an emergency or any safety threats, a public address system is needed to ensure safety evacuation announcements are loud and clear. The mall decided to invest in Praesideo. The system offers superior speech intelligibility and it is fully programmable and easily integrated with security and safety systems.

The whole installation comprises 1 Praesideo system, 10 LBB series Power Amplifier (PA2400T and PA2500T) and 424 numbers of Electro-Voice EVID C8.2 30W 2-way ceiling speaker that designed for high ceiling to offer maximum fidelity and intelligibility. Proposed and installed by Patararungroj Ltd., this total solution comes backed with Bosch quality and professional maintenance services. The project team from Central Embassy Hotel Limited – owners of the property have expressed their satisfaction with Bosch products. www.boschsecurity.asia www.th.boschsecurity.com www.patararungroj.com

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

HONG KONG

Theatre Setup for Sun Hung Kai Properties Showroom

Beyond 4K Resolution Media Projection Show Pushes Show Business to a New Level

ong Kong has always been one of the world’s hottest real estate markets and it is not surprising that property sales is a major business activity in the city. One distinct feature about Hong Kong’s property market is that residential properties are being sold long before completion, which means that buyers do not have the opportunity to inspect the property before signing the purchase agreement. Sales brochures, sales office showing the model block of the property, demo flats mimicking the real completed flats, among other things, are the common tools used by real estate developers to sell properties still under construction. On top of these, one recent trend is the setting up of a theatre in the showroom for the staging of promotional movies or entertainment programmes. The whole setup and projection visual show are highly professional and sophisticated in order to give a better-than-cinema viewing experience for potential buyers.

The Experience

The SHKP showroom is located at the International Commerce Centre of Hong Kong. Occupying several floors in the building, the showroom is divided into different zones showcasing information like the model block, demo flats, and of course, the theatre. On the day of property launch, the theatre runs a video show of the residential property project. The theatre is enclosed by sound-proof structure to minimize the disturbance of music playback inside the room. Upon entering the room through the sliding doors, visitors’ attention will be led to the centre of the theatre; where a 9 meters wide main screen with 2 adjacent side screens forming a stunning 270 degrees surrounding screen – awaits them. In front of the screen stands a huge diamond structure measuring some 3 meters in diameter. A spectacular projection show then begin.

The show is a 6-minute video with rich imageries and astounding surround sound effect which provide a full immersive experience for the audience. As a train in the video darts forward, viewers will also feel as if they are being pulled away in the same direction. Graphics and images fly

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

in from all angles and appear across the surrounding screens, dancing and overlapping to form the whole picture. Adding to this, projection is cast onto the multi-faceted diamond structure, simulating the sparkling radiance and splendour of jewellery and making it the centrepiece of the entire show. Everyone is completely absorbed in the beautifully projected dream house environment rendered in CG and impressed by the breathtaking theatre experience.

The Installation

The creation of such high-impact visual projections is attributed to a huge projection system, equipped with 8 projectors projecting at different angles. The main screen projector deployed is the industry-leading Sony SRX-T615 4K cinema projector, providing a true 4K image of high-contrast level 12,000:1. Perfect alignment of grids and careful calibration are essential to a multiple channels projection installation. The

seamless blending and wrapping among different projector images is done with the help of a camera-based autocalibration system. The diamond projection, on the other hand, is calibrated by a projection mapping software tool loaded the actual 3D digital model file of the diamond props. A high performance playback cluster server group supporting a maximum of 12 DVI channels can deliver media content of 10-bit dpx image sequences at 25 frames per second. The active show during the visit was playing three 4K 10-bit dpx sequence and two 2K 10-bit image sequence at server’s native format. Show and lighting control are integrated into the video playback timeline that can be adjusted on the fly. The visual setup is accompanied with 7.1 sound systems, creating an immersive audio and visual experience comparable to theme parks, planetariums and other visitor attractions.

The Team Behind

onActivity, a Hong Kong based DOOH (Digital Out-of-Home) media solution provider, designed the display system and media serving solution, and managed the complex project from concept development to installation execution. onActivity successfully staged this multiple projection installation with its state-of-the-art solutions and has created many more similar projection visual shows with various property companies in Hong Kong. “We are proud to be commissioned by Sun Hung Kai Properties to produce this theatre setup, a challenging yet wonderful project which sets a new milestone in projection visuals. Property sales events will never be the same again.” said Kelvin Lam, Director of onActivity. www.onactivity.com

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

INDIA

ATME Auditorium Plays Revamped AV EV, Kramer, Biamp & NEC Share Honours

“While acoustics was a real big problem, doing the right acoustics was only half the challenge,” says Gautam. “Getting a good, suitable design was a big deal; we had to really think hard, send multiple designs back and forth, before they froze on a design in conjunction with the Architect.”

The Academy for Technical and Management Excellence (ATME) Engineering College in Mysore had recently refurbished its auditorium into a modern, sophisticated mutlipurpose facility that can address academic as well as cultural, and social gathering of the institution, with a video-conferencing provision. Bengaluru-based Hansa Pictures had been roped in to design, supply, install and commission the project that was a prestigious facility for the institution.

hen the solution provider visited the site, they found it barely done with its basic structure. With only walls white washed and a little work of false ceiling and HVAC work done, it had a huge amount of work to be done to be able to install a ‘performing AV system.’ One of the biggest challenges was that the false ceiling was made as low as 14 feet below the main ceiling for a hall that measured 65 feet in length, 62 feet in width, and 14 feet in height (28 feet total height). So, acoustics was a big potential problem, and the AVSI had to turn themselves into acoustic solution providers as well.

“We addressed this issue with Himalayan Acoustics whose cement boards come with 1 NRC and aphony fibrette wood fibre,” explains Gautam N Shah, HeadProjects at Hansa Pictures. “The height was really good at 14 feet till the false ceiling and the remaining 14 feet was going to be used for AC ducting, electrical to run through. So we worked out a design in such a way that we could suspend speakers and avoid using the side walls as the venue was very broad. We had to consider a 5.1 surround system set-up as well in the design.” Having addressed the acoustics part, the task was to weave in the audio and video design. The SI chose to install audio systems from Electro Voice; the audio processing systems from Biamp Nexia and Red-one; switching systems from Kramer, and video projection from NEC.

Finally, the client was happy with the job executed to ‘near perfection.’ “For us, it was big challenge to do it the right way. Hansa came good with the design, and the quality of work they executed,” says the project coordinator Mohan of ATME who is all praise for the SI. “Gautam and team did a splendid job; they have been with us at every stage supporting, and qualifying our ideas with feasible solutions. That was great.” www.hansagroup.in

SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS: Audio • EVU-2082 for L-C-R- 3 units • EV Q-99 amplifier-1 unit • EV-R300 hand mic-2 units • EV-R300 lapel mic-2 units • EV-RE90P Gooseneck mic.-1 unit. • Furman PL8CE Power conditioner-1 unit • Biamp Nexia VC-1 unit Video • NEC P451W Projector-1 unit • Fixed frame screen-1 unit • Kramer VP-438-1 unit • Kramer RC-78R 8−Button Room Controller-1 unit • We present wireless presenter-1 unit • Tvix HD Café Media Player-1 unit Control • Biamp Red-one-1 unit • Kramer RC-78R 8−Button Room Controller-1 unit

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

A Venue Of A New Breed INDIA

MG Hall at GE-JFWTC Bengaluru Gets Refurbished AV; Acoustic Control Takes The Honour PROJECT FACTFILE

The refurbished MG Hall at GE's John F Welch Technology Centre-Bengaluru

Project Name: John F Welch Technology Centre-Bengaluru (JFWTC) Multipurpose Facility Project Location: Whitefield, Bengaluru Project Owner: GE-John F Welch Technology Centre-Bengaluru (JFWTC) Project Segment: Corporate/IT Project Install type: Multipurpose facility Project Management: In-House AV & Acoustic Consultant: Acoustic Control, Bengaluru System Integrator: Acoustic Control, Bengaluru Project Install Highlights: Smart technology play, BYOD type

GE’s John F Welch Technology Centre-Bengaluru (JFWTC) – the first and largest integrated R&D facility of the American industrial solutions conglomerate outside the US – is a unique proposition not only to India, but a showcase of global ICT prowess too. A US$175 million investment initiative with over 5000 engineering contingent, and over 3,000 patent applications, the JFWTC Bengaluru is a multidisciplinary R&D behemoth in its own right. The centre recently recreated its multipurpose meeting facility in a very unique fashion- befitting its size and scale. An SIA Exclusive…

he JFWTC Bengaluru, coming as it did exactly 15 years ago as GE’s first R&D centre outside the USA, plays a very crucial role in the company’s global research and development initiatives. The centre works closely not only with its headquarters, but also with facilities in Germany, China, the Middle East and Brazil, making it a critical role in determining the company’s global R&D pursuits. As part of the activity, the centre hosts diverse programmes of interaction amongst its researchers from within, as well as from across the four other facilities. To host such interactive programmes on a regular basis, the facility required a dedicated venue that could also meet all their requirements. It had to be a multipurpose, designer facility with state-of-the-art technology application, yet coming at a costeffective proposition.

“With almost 5000-strong workforce, and a pole position in the company’s R&D initiatives, the role of JFWTC – being the earliest and largest of all – is very critical,” said Vishwanath Chidambaram, Team Leader for IT, Global Service Delivery , “As it hosts a lot of conferences, technology seminars and symposiums where confidentiality is one big priority, not to mention award ceremonies, we needed a venue to play all that to perfection.” It was a challenge in its own right in that they could hardly find a place in town that met all these requirements. Moreover, that the Centre is located in Whitefield which is considerably far flung, commutation of people was another potential challenge. One single solution to all that was to create their own facility that was multi-functional and technologically futuristic. The visualized TCO (total cost of ownership) factor was

much higher compared to the recurring spending they had been till then making on hiring private venues and AV systems, and commuting contingents of R&D professionals, besides admin staff.

The Venue & The Team The JFWTC actually had an old facility that was built in 1999 on its premises, but it wasn’t quite matching up to the company’s growing demands, hence forcing them to scout out every time. When the company finally decided to revamp, redesign and remodel this venue into a state-of-the- art multipurpose venue, thus came into being the Mahatma Gandhi Hall (MG Hall). Viswanath and his team, in association with the JFWTC’s in-house IT team deliberated on the modalities of the intended venue to identify a solution provider who could fulfill the

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

The solution also involved a 16 channel SoundCraft Digital Mixer, and three Samsung display monitors in front of the stage. Besides, hall interiors were also recommended for acoustical treatment. Ceiling to be treated with acoustical absorbent material of > 0.85 NRC, walls to be treated for >0.75 NRC, and the floor to be carpeted. All this was to bring down the prevailing RT (reverb time) from @ 1 second to <0.5 second so that the audio is rendered intelligible.

requirements. Thus came onboard Bengaluru-based consultant-SI Acoustic Control whose task was to recreate a new high-tech venue out of an old space. “The client wanted a system that would provide seamless audio across the venue with the ability to use multiple audio devices and video conference with little or no user intervention,” explained Sanjay Mudartha, Director of Acoustic Control. “We studied the prevailing settings of the premises, and post submission of report, they asked us to revamp the entire system and bring it up to latest standards.” Considering the very nature of the venue, and its requirement, the task was challenging in its own right, and required a close interaction between the solution provider, and JFWTC’s inhouse IT department. “We mulled over the design, studied several venues and their functionalities before deciding on what we see today,” said S. Narenthar, IT Operations Manager, “We normally do a lot of homework on latest solutions available on the market, and then ask our vendor(s) if they could deploy that,” he elaborates, “we did the same here too; the solution proposed by Acoustic Control appeared a good fit.” The venue was closed for 30 days to enable the new AV solution to be deployed.

The Solution

“We found the acoustic ambience to be acceptable, but the audio system had turned obsolete, considering the new

Three pan-tilt-zoom cameras are installed within the space for video capturing of proceedings.

The Installation

The MG Hall, very typical in its shape, is indeed a spacious ambience providing

The podium on the stage features two gooseneck microphones.

demanding situation,” explained Sanjay. “We had to revamp this, and in addition, weave in video conferencing solution too- that meant quite a bit of work as it involved substantial drawing of cabling, fitting custom brackets for special ceiling-mounted speakers, concealed screens, and projectors.” That it was an essentially a retrofit install where the consultant-SI could not tamper with the existing interior finishes, putting it all in place posed quite a potential challenge.

The control room set-up featuring the entire AV Rack system is stationed at the rear wall of the hall

The solution essentially comprised: • Two BSS London processors as the heart of the audio to provide for mixing, equalization, AGC and loudspeaker processing • A Crestron touchpanel with processors employed as User Interface • AKG DMS 700 Series wireless microphones • JBL VRX Line Array box in a not exactly an array set-up but a distributed design That apart, the video system comprised • Three Sony BRC-H700 HD CCD pantilt-zoom cameras and Sony FH500L 3LCD projectors for video • Three 120-inch ACI Grandview motorized screens with 16:9 aspect ratio • A Cisco C-60 Telepresence system

Three conferencing monitors have been weaved in as a multiple display system right in front of the stage and are synchronized with the screens on the stage, and play the content simultaneously with the bigger screens, mainly for the presenter's benefit.

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

for a very scalable system deployment. It is characterized by the absence of a speciality Control Room as such – the entire AV Rack system is stationed at the rear wall of the hall – but a seemingly three-dimensional stage positioned angularly at the interception point of two side walls, thereby providing for equilateral view of the stage proceedings. The seating is made modular to provide for situations of diverse requirements- classroom type, stadium type or round-table type etc. The stage features at its centre, suspended from the ceiling, a 120inch 16:9 aspect ratio, ACI Grandview motorized screen that is flanked by two screens of same specs on either side, facing the audiences in two directions. The three screens are matched in a similar fashion by three Sony FH500L 3 LCD 7000 lumen projectors. The podium on the stage features an AKG GN50 gooseneck module, along with a windscreen. On either side of the stage facing the two sides are one ceiling-mounted Sony BRC H-700 CCD pan-tilt-zoom camera each aimed at capturing video proceedings. There is a third camera with same specs on the rear wall, mounted to the ceiling above the AV Rack, meant for capturing the stage proceedings from front. “The BRC-H700 supports analog RGB, Y/ Pb/Pr output as a standard, and is also equipped with a slot for optional cards responding to diverse needs,” explained Sanjay. “The BRU-H700 HD optical mutliplex unit with the BRBK-H700 HD optical multiplex card enables the BRC-H700 to transmit uncompressed digital data without deterioration through the CCFC-M100HG HD optical fiber cable.” As an additional feature of the video set-up, three Samsung conferencing monitors have been weaved in as a multiple display system right in front of the stage, along with one JBL PRX stage monitor flanking on either side. The display monitors are synchronized with the screens on the stage, and play the content simultaneously with the bigger screens.

Many a time, the speaker making a critical presentation doesn’t have the freedom to walk around, or look at the presentation on the screen. With this display system in place the speaker can see his/her presentation even as he or she walks around and interacts with the audience. The audio essentially comprised a combination of AKG’s DMS 700 Series of digital wireless microphone systems weaved in combination with BSS London Processors and JBL’s VRX Line Arrays and PRX stage monitors. The AKG family comprised six each numbers of DSR 700 V2 19-inch dual channel digital wireless microphone receivers; DHT 700 D5 digital wireless handheld transmitters; and DPT 700 V2 digital wireless body pack transmitter. This digital wireless audio system is complemented by a HUB4000Q network connector, and a pair of PS4000 W wideband antennae. The audio mixing is done by means of a 16-channel SoundCraft digital mixer Si Compact16. The audio reproduction tasking has been done, essentially, with 9 numbers of 12-inch, two way Line Arrays from JBL VRX. These arrays are augmented by 4 numbers of 18-inch flying subwoofers. Interestingly, this particular audio solution is said be central to the revamped AV install. Says the Acoustic Control Director: “We used a Line Array box in a situation that did not require an array in the true sense of the term; we deployed the speakers in a distributed design but used the VRX box to achieve a very precise vertical dispersion of audio enabling us to direct it where and how exactly we wanted it- this is something unique, and it paid off tremendously.” “Another important aspect of the audio algorithm we got to place by means of which the mics pick up the audio, irrespective of their pitch, and enhances to an intelligible level, uniformly, across the hall.”

Smart Technology Play

It’s not just innovative use of line array systems and uniform audio algorithm

that characterize the space. The entire facility has been wirelessly connected, which enables anyone with a smart gadget to share/display content from his/her device on to the screens. “This is more or less the ‘build-your-own-device set-up,’ ” Sanjay elaborated, “This makes it rather easy for content sharing; by any chance if a speaker has arrived late to a programme, he/she can share content from their smart gadget to the screen, and keep interacting. While the video-conferencing solution has been weaved in by means of CiscoTanberg C-60 codec, the entire video feed was tasked to be in HD. The AV switching jobs are entrusted to an Extron XTP1600 16x16 matrix switcher. HDMI transmitters, receivers, and scalars, RGB, and stereo audio are all done by means of Extron systems. “For us, it is a very futuristic technology deployment and we are happy that we got what we visualized in terms of the benefits of technology,” compliments Viswanath. Through a consultative approach on budgeting, there was enough flexibility to allow the consultant to explore the possibilities and weave in a near-perfect AV ambience. “The best part of it was when the client experienced the audio it was much better than what we had simulated earlier, and what they had heard in the earlier set-up.” www.ge.com www.acousticcontrol.com

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Putting Customers Center Stage HARMAN Professional Solutions is evolving to address new opportunities opportunitie in changing end-user markets Blake Augsburger, President H HARMAN Professional Solutions about HARMAN's organizational Division, explains to SI Asia ab end-user communities in APAC. changes to channel and end-u

rowth, personal and p professional, is the reason many businessâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;we wanted to make a positive of us got into busines workplace, the marketplace and difference in the work requires a capacity to evolve. in our own careers. Growth re An organization like HARMAN Professional Solutions must technologies and offer new innovations, continually evolve its technolo but we also must evolve as an organization to address changes most of opportunities we see on in the market and make the m the horizon. significant restructuring at HARMAN We recently undertook a signi Professional Solutions with the goal of placing a much higher emphasis on our customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vvertical markets. For a start, Strategic Business Units (SBUs): we organized into three Strate Enterprise, Entertainment and Product. In addition, a shared SBUs with Finance, IT, HR and services group supports the S Each SBU and shared service Marketing Communications. E accomplished, experienced leader. function is led by an accomp and Enterprise SBUs are broken The Entertainment a down into Customer Custome Solutions Units (CSUs). The CSUs are dedicated dedicate teams with a simple, yet powerful, mandate: mandat Provide vertical market customers greater greate market expertise and marketspecialized solutions. Our CSUs are empowered solut with the resources required to deliver on that resour mandate. The Entertainment SBU, led by Bryan Bradley, Entertain is made up of two CSUs: Retail, led by Scott Robbins, and Touring & Cinema, led Robb by Brian Divine. Our Enterprise SBU, led D by Kevin Morrison, is made up of three CSUs: Hospitality, led by David McKinney; Ho Large Venues, led by Jaime Albors; and Ve Corporate, Education and Government, Corpor led by Kevin Bowyer. I am confident that we w have strong talent within our ranks and that this new customer-

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia December 2015 - January 2016

Earns Us All New Roles centric organizational model will equip HARMAN Professional Solutions to be more effective, innovative and responsive to the needs of our customers across the globe. Our customer-centric organizational model will make it much easier for customers in this region to do business with HARMAN Professional Solutions. There will be a single point of access and accountability with specialized teams, technologies and programs for each vertical market. And, because they’re customer-centric versus brand- or technology-centric teams, they will have a better understanding of the customer use case today and clearer insights as to where markets are headed tomorrow.

systems like IDX, but also support the technologies with application engineering, services and a host of vertical market programs. I know all of us are inspired by the prospect of integrating our technology roadmaps with our product roadmaps in order to more quickly and efficiently provide customers with powerful solutions tailored to the needs of their respective markets.

We expect the positive change to be very apparent in Asia. Our organization is now completely global, with an important design center from the Products SBU in China and customer support teams from the Enterprise and Entertainment SBUs throughout Asia. The restructuring has also streamlined communication and facilitated new efficiencies. Until quite recently, in the Kuala Lumpur and Singapore region, we had At the same time, we don’t intend to miss a beat on teams operating from separate AMX, HARMAN Professional product innovation. Our new Product SBU, led by Mark Solutions and Martin Ureda, combines Professional offices within our expert technical "I think one of the most exciting aspects a 350-mile radius. Now, talent and deep R&D investments across of this restructuring is that we’re unlocking all that talent is one team, under one roof and the organization to specialized talent and applying it directly housed providing partners with a deliver groundbreaking to the challenges that systems integrators single point of access for technologies, products all HARMAN Professional and, most importantly, and customers face in the market." Solutions. customer solutions. From acoustics and Other advantages that extend to distribution partners have video and control to electronics and lighting, this team is emerged. Before, we challenged distributors to be specialists going to be a true systems powerhouse. It’s a group that in an array of vertical enterprise and entertainment disciplines, is committed to performance, connectivity, interoperability but now, our approach is to work with proven experts in each and the best user experience possible. Right now, they’re vertical discipline. As a result, our long-standing distribution working on powerful systems that run natively, which would partners need not invest in new vertical expertise, but can immediately reset the rules of systems integration and provide grow their businesses where they’re strongest. We also have a massive efficiency boost to systems integrators and their the latitude to go direct—as AMX and Martin Professional customers in Asia and around the world. have always done—or partner with specialists in other vertical markets. Another aspect of our solutions strategy is scalability. Having consolidated the recent acquisitions of Martin, Duran Audio, AMX, SM Pro Audio and SVSI, HARMAN Professional Solutions Even though a lot has changed at HARMAN Professional Solutions, some things will remain the same. As we finehas a wide array of technologies and IP at its disposal. Our tune our organization and improve our processes, HARMAN organization is now equipped to provide a linear progression Professional Solutions will retain and strengthen the culture of good-better-best solutions, from small fixed-analog of our unique and valuable brands. We’ll continue to build solutions to medium-scale digital solutions to enterprise-grade amazing products, and we’ll always keep customers and open architecture solutions. systems integrators center stage in our business. There is considerable talent throughout our organization, which I I think one of the most exciting aspects of this restructuring is believe will become even more apparent in the weeks and that we’re unlocking specialized talent and applying it directly months ahead. to the challenges that systems integrators and customers face in the market. Working together, our product and customer www.harmanpro.com SBUs will be in a position to design application-engineered

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M O V E RS & S H A K E RS

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T O

S U B S C R I B E

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