SIA FEB-MAR 2019 by Spinworkz Pte Ltd

S Y S T E M S S Y S T E M S

Vol. 18 Issue 3 Vol. 18 Issue 3 Feb - Mar 2019 Feb - Mar 2019

I N T E G R A T I O N I N T E G R A T I O N

MCI MCI (P) (P) 023/04/2018 023/04/2018 PPS PPS 1669/08/2013(022992) 1669/08/2013(022992)

[COVER] [COVER] SSTTOORRYY

A S I A A S I A

Immersive ImmersiveExperience Experience and andArt ArtInstallation Installation at atReem ReemCentral CentralPark Park

Systems Integration Asia Vol. 18 Issue 3 ~ February - March 2019 Systems Integration Asia Vol. 18 Issue 3 ~ February - March 2019

Ambedkar AmbedkarNational NationalMemorial: Memorial: AATechnology TechnologyBook BookofofVision Vision

Video VideoConferencing ConferencingDisrupted Disrupted

Mark MarkBishop: Bishop: Protecting ProtectingYour YourInvestment Investment

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CONTENTS Vol. 18 Issue 3 ~ February - March 2019

Ambedkar National Memorial: A Technology Book of Vision

FIRST WORDS

NEWS

INTERVIEW

The Right Touch is Central to Today's Retail Customer Journey

LynTec: Protecting Your Investment

56 36

EVENTS

AVCL III: A Reinforcing Statement of its Own

'Women of AV' Make a 'Marathon' Leap

Epson Holds Event for Regional Partners in Bangkok

INSTALLATIONS

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

FEATURE

Video Conferencing Disrupted

ABU DHABI: Immersive Experience and Art Installation at Reem Central Park

VIETNAM: Symetrix Radius Chosen for angelina Bar and Restaurant

INDIA: Ambedkar National Memorial - A Technology Book of Vision

KUWAIT: KMT - The Integrated Motoracing Township

INDIA: Rivera Does an Avant-Garde Audio at NID

AUSTRALIA: Lendlease Creates Versatile Meeting and Collaborative Workspaces for Better Productivity and Efď&#x20AC; ciency

TECH TALK

Evaluating and Selecting the Best Monitoring Method

VOICE BOX

ON OUR WEB

FIRST WORDS

December and January saw many acquisition news. RCF Group’s acquisition of DPA microphones now enables the company to provide a solution for the full signal chain. KLANG:technologies joined the Audiotonix family. The 3D in-ear monitoring specialist will certainly bring added value to the audio brands in the Audiotronix family. It has been mentioned that KLANG will become a key part of DiGiCo’s future. Oddly in our S.I. Asia Dec-Jan issue we had put up a snippet of our interview with Rashid Skaff, CEO of Biamp, in which he mentions that more acquisitions will be on the way and viola Biamp announced their acquisition of Cambridge Sound Management, in late December. It is easy to see the synergy between the companies. Open office spaces have created a situation where sound encroachment has to be managed more effectively. As Rashid puts it, “Together, we offer customers better access to industry-leading solutions that manage sound and video to address a wide array of modern communications and collaboration challenges.” The most recent announcement is that of Bose Professional acquiring Ziiprooms – another company that impressed us that we wrote about them in our Oct-Nov issue. Again we can see the synergy where Bose Professional has been putting in tremendous effort to go beyond their traditional spaces to the corporate environment. Will the acquisition of companies continue through 2019? We are tempted to think so. We even feel that a significant announcement will shake the industry if rumours are true. We only do not know when. You also do not need a crystal ball to know that the Boardroom and large conference room space is getting heated up. From wireless presentation systems to ceiling array microphones there is an array (pun intended) of choices. To make matters more competitive, Plantronics and HP have joined forces to offer highquality native Microsoft Teams video conferencing experience in larger conference rooms.

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

ART / LAYOUT Shankar Venugopal

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OUR COLLABORATORS Elissa Nadine

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

Finally, as AV companies continue to offer solutions for the mobile employee, the recent announcement by AlcatelLucent Enterprise and Samsung Electronics Singapore on their strategic partnership to offer bundled connectivity, security, communications and computing with a cloud-based collaboration application, is something to take note of.

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.

Thomas Richard Prakasam Publisher / Editorial Director

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

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NEWS

Biamp Acquires Cambridge Sound Management

GLOBAL: Biamp has acquired Cambridge Sound Management (CSM) from Gladstone Investment Corp. Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, CSM is a pioneer and the undisputed leading brand in the fast-growing sound masking market. CSM is the only provider of direct and in-plenum sound masking solutions, distinguishing it from all competitors and supporting its ascension to the most recognizable and frequently installed sound masking brand. With approximately 50-percent market share and more than 20,000 installations, CSM systems are being put to work at organizations of all sizes and types including over half of Fortune 100 companies that look to the company to manage sound effectively and create satisfying working conditions within dense open office environments and other settings. Its solutions have broad application across market segments including corporate, healthcare, financial services, education, government, technology, and retail and its products have received numerous industry awards and recognitions, validating their quality and innovativeness. CSM sells through a network of skilled integrators that give it unmatched distribution and support reach. This model and many of the integrators themselves are identical to Biamp’s, which allows a straightforward and speedy combination and expansion of both entities’ distribution networks.

better access to industry leading solutions that manage sound and video to address a wide array of modern communications and collaboration challenges. It has been just one year since I led the acquisition of Biamp with Highlander Partners with the stated intent of leveraging it as a platform to build a respected provider of comprehensive audiovisual solutions. This transaction is the first evidence of that strategy being implemented but far from the last. Biamp is on the move!” Biamp is a leader in professional audio systems for business, education, and government facilities. Under Skaf’s direction, the company has charted an aggressive growth strategy that blends organic product line and distribution expansion with entry into new markets via acquisition. The addition of CSM is the first realization of the second part of that strategy and a significant commitment to an entirely new solution category. Biamp currently offers a wide range of audiovisual solutions that facilitate communication and collaboration in conference rooms, lecture halls, auditoria, as well as paging and notification for open areas like offices, concourses, retail centers, and casinos. CSM adds an important new sound masking offering for these open areas that integrates naturally with Biamp’s solutions technologically and operationally. Users buying from Biamp will now get both capabilities within a single integrated platform that provides more functionality with greater reliability, ease-of-use, and cost effectiveness. CSM will join Biamp as a product family within the company’s portfolio, with business functions gradually being blended to form a single Biamp business. www.biamp.com www.cambridgesound.com

Biamp President, CEO, and co-Chairman Rashid Skaf remarked, “The acquisition of Cambridge Sound Management unites two great brands in the professional audiovisual market. Together, we offer customers © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

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SDVoE Alliance Celebrates Second Anniversary with 40 Members, 158 Interoperable Shipping Products and 300 Certified Design Partners

GLOBAL: The SDVoE Alliance today announced its latest organizational milestones. Launched just two years ago at ISE 2017 with the goal of standardizing the adoption of Ethernet to transport AV signals in professional AV environments, the alliance has grown to 40 member companies shipping 158 products. In addition, more than 300 SDVoE Certified Design Partners have been trained and certified. Member companies are poised to deliver upwards of 150,000 AV endpoints in the coming year. Deployments in education, healthcare, enterprise, entertainment, government and military environments are ongoing and many new products are set to reach production volumes in 2019. “Designers, integrators and end users are embracing the more open and standardized approach to signal management offered by SDVoE. We can clearly see that the days of dedicated matrix switchers and proprietary AV over IP are numbered!” said Justin Kennington, president of the SDVoE Alliance. www.sdvoe.org

Room Scheduling Touch Panel

Meeting Space Collaboration System

Conferencing Soundbar with Web Camer a

NEWS

New Owners Join the Symetrix Team Mark Graham was CEO of LOUD Technologies for the last 8 years. Before that, Graham was the President of Crown Audio, a Harman company. His industry experience includes working for Hewlett Packard in their test and measurement division and owning his own audio contracting business. “Mark has a depth of industry experience and engineering expertise that is exactly the right background to accelerate the growth trajectory of the company, especially with his laser-focus on continuing to deliver innovative products”Ogden explains. Mark and Rachelle Graham

GLOBAL: Symetrix, creators of highperformance digital audio processing solutions, have announced that Mark and Rachelle Graham have joined the Symetrix team as the new owners of the business. As a veteran of over 30 years in the audio industry, Mark Graham brings experience and energy to the team, filling the CEO role. “This is an exciting opportunity for us,”said Graham. “We have admired Symetrix, both the company and the people, for a long time. I’m really looking forward to building on the successful foundation built over the past four decades and maintaining the rock-solid reputation of the company.” Symetrix’s current owner, Julia Ogden, has been considering a change in ownership of the company for some time after 32 years with Symetrix. “I knew I could never sell this business unless it was to the right people. It had to be someone who cared about the business and all the exceptional people who work here, and our business partners around the globe. I was looking for continuity and an alliance with the same high standards and core values that sets Symetrix apart from the crowd. I believe the Graham’s are the perfect fit.”

Rachelle Graham has been a marketing manager for several large organizations, including Agilent Technologies, the University of Kansas and BioServe Space Technologies, one of NASA’s Commercial Space Centers. Symetrix is poised to launch several new, highly-anticipated products in the next couple of months. “The launch of our new products will move ahead seamlessly. We’ve put a lot of thought into how to make the transition as smooth as possible so that none of our deadlines slip. We will assure that Symetrix customers continue to experience the benefit of our ease of doing business, award-winning customer service and tech support, and products that provide the solutions and reliability they have come to expect from Symetrix”explains Ogden.

Shure Names Mark Humrichouser Vice President of Global Sales

GLOBAL: Shure Incorporated has announced the promotion of Mark Humrichouser to Vice President of Global Sales. In this capacity, Mark leads the Company’s Global Sales team, which oversees Shure’s worldwide sales operations for pro audio, retail, integrated systems, and emerging markets. Mark began his career at Shure in 2006. During his tenure, he has held key sales positions, including Vice President of the Americas and Asia/Pacific Sales organizations, General Manager of the Americas Business Unit, General Manager of the U.S. Business Unit, and Director of U.S. Sales.

Symetrix will remain at the same location, and all employees will be retained. Julia Ogden will continue to work for the company throughout a transition period and will also serve on the company’s board of directors going forward.

“I am proud to appoint Mark to this executive leadership position in global sales,” said Ray Crawford, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and Sales at Shure. “Mark’s vision and strategic leadership are extremely valuable to our Company and will be instrumental in helping Shure achieve our sales objectives in 2019 and beyond. I congratulate him on this well-deserved promotion.”

www.symextrix.co

www.shure.com

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NEWS

Audiofrog Shines at The Beacon

The Audiofrog CLA-325 features dual 5.25” midrange/midbass drivers, a 1.3” horn loaded compression tweeter and a 1” x 2” ribbon tweeter. The FOH and delay speakers are driven by Audiofrog D600A amplifiers with a D1100A amplifier driving the subwoofers. Signal processing is handled by a DBX DriveRack PA2 signal processor.

Audiofrong speakers at The Beacon

SINGAPORE: Audiofrog Inc., a US brand established in California in 2013, has quickly made a name for itself in the car audio sector. The company is helmed by seasoned veterans of the audio industry. Co-founders Andy Wehmeyer and Gary Biggs worked at Harman for years before kicking off Audiofrog. Audiofrog has also established an office in Singapore, again helmed by another Harman veteran, Marcus Yeo, who was responsible for Harman consumer solutions for APAC a long time ago. “Our motto is simple. We only build solutions that are better than what is out there. Our designs are rooted in science. We keep a sharp eye on details and use only top grade components. This ensures that we deliver a sonic experience that is unrivalled,” says Marcus. After establishing itself in the car audio segment, Audiofrog has started to move into the commercial audio segment. Audiofrog’s R&D and design is done in the USA with manufacturing in China. Audiofrog’s commercial products are gaining traction in Asia with systems being installed in Indonesia, Hong Kong and Singapore. Audiofrog is proud to announce that the latest of these is at Singapore’s The Beacon. The Beacon, located within central Singapore, is a watering hole that combines elements that makes it a local favourite – delicious food, your favourite tipple, DJ and Live band performances and a standout high-fidelity sound system.

The shape of the venue presents several acoustic challenges. The Beacon is curved with the length of the space from stage to back being around 32m and the width 10m. This excludes the outdoor space which is about another 5m. Access to the outer space is open across the length of the venue. Just behind The Beacon is a nearby hotel. Keeping the sound within the confines of the Beacon adds to the challenge. “In implementing the system, it was important to ensure that the sound could be heard clearly and crisply on both the inner and outer space. However, it could not be too loud as the Hotel management had previously complained about the loud sound emitting from the venue. Because there is a side road which is less than a metre from the outside seats, the sound coverage must be able to reach guests without them having to strain their ears,” said Ramli Ahmad who was brought in by Marcus to help with the installation and calibration of the sound coverage for the space. The Audiofrog installation at The Beacon comprises of three units of CLA-325 Dual 5-1/4” Compact Line Array speakers hung on each side of the stage with two A118S 18” Bass Reflex Subwoofers ground-stacked in a left and right position. There are two delay speakers three-quarters down the space, comprising of one unit each of CLA-325 in a left-right configuration.

“The compact line arrays are light and easy to rig up. Though it might look small, the system packs a punch and provides even coverage. The ribbon tweeter improves directivity at high frequencies—an important consideration in providing high fidelity reproduction and even coverage for listeners who aren’t directly in front of the loudspeakers. It’s our belief that high frequency directivity is inadequately addressed in many of the professional speakers on the market today. These speakers sound great in every seat in the venue,” says Marcus. Ramli adds, “Beacon’s management wanted to provide a quieter space for conversation and mingling at the back of the venue. They wanted the reproduced sound to be easily heard but not to the point of overpowering conversations. So, we adjusted the delays accordingly. In the front of the venue, the sound is at around the 100db level. Of course, if it gets busy and there is spill over to the back, we can easily bring up the sound levels at the back.” “The biggest challenge was ensuring that the sound coverage cuts off before hitting the road. The hotel management has stopped complaining since the Audiofrog speakers were installed. The artists who perform at the venue have also commented on their appreciation of the sound system, and every night guests are still filling in at the venue. I suppose that is a testimony to what we have achieved,” said Marcus. www.Audiofrog.com S

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NEWS

Zytronic’s Ticket for India’s Newest Metro Network

Mikroelektronika kiosks at Lucknow Metro, using Zytronic touch technology

INDIA: Travellers on India’s newest Metro system, in the Northern city of Lucknow, are buying travel tokens through Zytronic projected capacitive touch sensors. Mikroelektronika, a Czech kiosk specialist, is supplying 84 touch-enabled kiosks using Zytronic touch sensors to the network. Lucknow Metro in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh began commercial operations over 8.5km in September 2017. Once Phase-One is completed, the Lucknow Metro will have two more lines with a total length of 33km. Zytronic, a leader in custom-designed, durable Projected Capacitive Technology (PCT and MPCT) touch sensors supplied Mikroelektronika with 17-inch diagonal touch assemblies including 1cm toughened glass for protection. The modules are controlled by the ZXY100. Travellers can purchase RFID tokens for travel using coins, notes, contactless or PIN-enabled credit cards through the kiosks. The touch modules supplied work reliably in the very high summer temperatures of up to 40°C encountered in Lucknow. Commenting on the achievement, Ing. Jaromír Synek, Product Manager, Mikroelektronika said, “Lucknow Metro is a prestige project – a major new network

in a fast-growing economy. The customer sought a completely reliable, intuitive touch interface which could withstand all aspects of the city environment, including moisture and spillages, physical attack, humidity and heat. Zytronic supported us fully in delivering this.” Mikroelektronika supplies ticketing kiosks based on Zytronic projected capacitive touch technology to transport networks throughout the world. Successful installations based on Zytronic sensors include over 200 machines for the Swedish national railway network, 30 machines in La Paz in Bolivia as well as installations in Prague, Czech Republic; Lima in Peru; Klaipeda, on the coast of Lithuania; and Sofia in Bulgaria. Mikroelektronika ticket kiosks provide transport networks with a comprehensive solution for cash and electronic payment. Depending on the customer’s requirements, the kiosks can accept coins and banknotes and give change in either if required. They can also accept credit cards either using contactless or PIN-verified payments, and dispense printed tickets, receipts or even tokens as in the case of Lucknow. Mikroelektronika machines can be entirely cashless if required. “We have partnered with Zytronic since 2007 due to the flexibility of its manufacturing

service and the exceptional indoor and outdoor performance of its touch technology,” Jaromír Synek explained. “Ticket machines are typically rolled out in comparatively small numbers, often 10-50 at a time. Zytronic is always able to supply exactly the number of modules we need with the right specification for our specific project,” he explained further. “We offer customers a choice of 10”, 15” or 17” screens depending on their requirement, and Zytronic is able to support us here also. The performance of the touch sensors in the field is exceptional. We have experienced no failures in this time, and they work reliably whatever the environment. This can range from the coldest Swedish winter to hot Indian summers.” Ian Crosby, Sales and Marketing Director at Zytronic, expressed happiness about making a headway into new market like India. “We were delighted to be able to support Mikroelektronika in winning this prestigious project. Their success in Lucknow underlines their position as a world leader in this sector. Our long-term relationship with Mikroelektronika is based on our ability to supply them flexibly with touch assembles of the specification they need, when they need them,” Crosby said. “The range of climatic conditions encountered by their machines is truly staggering, and is a tribute to the go-anywhere capabilities of Zytronic touch sensors.” Zytronic Displays Ltd’s award-winning touch sensors are used globally in ATMs, digital signage, self-service kiosks and gaming machines as well as by industrial and medical OEMs. The company’s success rests on its patented and highly durable touch sensing technologies, which can be provided in custom designs of 85-inches and beyond. In addition to its manufacturing and R&D centre in Newcastle, England, Zytronic has sales offices in Taipei, Tokyo, Austin, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia and a worldwide network of representatives and distributors. www.zytronic.co.uk

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NEWS

Playtica Injects Excitement and Fun with Christie 630-GS Laser Projectors For slightly older kids, they can challenge each other to solve mathematical questions at the Trampoline attraction (two projectors) via visuals projected on a wall by jumping and touching the correct answers displayed. Likewise, they can score points at the Ball Shooting attraction (two projectors) by hitting projected objects on a wall with rubber balls. Those trying out the interactive Climbing attraction (two projectors) can experience animated graphics projected on the rock climbing wall as they attempt to reach the top, while the highly immersive Bicycle Racing attraction (two projectors) pits players against one another as they race to the finish line. At Playtica, children’s drawings of sea creatures can be added to the large projection of an aquarium

SOUTH KOREA: Christie’s laser projection systems have elevated the fun and excitement quotient to a new level at a new amusement park for kids named Playtica, by combining bright and vivid visuals with various attractions. Located in the outskirts of Seoul at Gyeonggi Province, Playtica is the first indoor kids’ amusement park in South Korea to employ Christie laser projection for its attractions targeted at children of different age groups. Powered by 17 ceiling-mounted Christie 630-GS Series 1DLP laser projectors installed by Christie’s Korean partner, Underdog Studio, the projected visuals have provided much entertainment to the young visitors, immersing them in a range of fun-filled activities that can be enjoyed either individually or with multiple players. “The use of laser projection at Playtica has proven to be a big draw since they became operational, as those attractions that employ projections are highly popular among children of all ages,” said Robert Lee, executive director, Underdog Studio. “Playtica has chosen the Christie 630 GS laser projectors due to their unbeatable combination of long-lasting brightness, image quality, form factor, zero consumables and lower cost of ownership. The usage

of Christie laser projectors has redefined children’s entertainment and increased the appeal of various attractions at this venue.”

The Media Table

The 17 Christie 630-GS Series laser projectors are deployed at seven unique attractions within Playtica. At the Art Drawings attraction (which uses three projectors), children’s drawings of sea creatures are digitally scanned and displayed on a large screen projection showing an aquarium brimming with marine life. Over at the Media Table attraction (two projectors), young visitors can interact with objects projected on the surface of two tables, while lifelike projections displayed on the wall at the Air Bounce attraction (four projectors) immerse players in a fantasy world as they frolic in an enormous ball pool.

Commenting on the innovative use of projections at Playtica, Ernest Bakenie, Director of Sales for Asia Pacific, Entertainment, Christie, said, “Christie has a broad range of high performance projection options available and there is certainly a Christie projector that fits every budget and requirement. It is heartening to see that operators of amusement parks and entertainment venues are increasingly turning to projection technology to elevate the customer experience to a whole new level. Playtica’s creative use of our GS Series laser projectors not only increases the fun factor, it also demonstrates the possibilities that laser projection can offer by transforming a modest attraction into an amazing interactive experience.” Delivering up to 6,750 ISO lumens and equipped with 4,000,000:1 Christie RealBlack contrast ratio, the Christie 630-GS Series laser projectors – available in HD or WUXGA resolution – eliminate the need for lamp and filter replacements, providing 20,000 hours of low-cost operation. In addition, its 24/7 capability, small footprint, low-weight, quiet operation and a full suite of lenses make the 630-GS Series ideal for higher education, corporate, rental markets and other high usage environments. www.christiedigital.com

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USA +1 484 679 1553 sales-us@datapath.co.uk

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NEWS

InfoComm Southeast Asia 2019: A Pro-AV Show for the Region Solutions from globally-renowned companies including Aoto Electronics, DigiBird, Epson, Intel, Kramer Electronics, Panasonic Systems Solutions, Philips Professional Display, Shure Asia and Tricolor.

SEA: Southeast Asia finally has an AV show to call its own. InfoComm Southeast Asia 2019 pulls together the latest innovations in Pro-Audiovisual (Pro-AV) and Integrated Experience Solutions from over 120 exhibiting companies of global repute, which visitors within Southeast Asia can access conveniently in their own backyard by travelling to Bangkok – one of the most exotic, affordable and exciting travel destinations in the world. Slated to run from 15-17 May 2019, the annual exhibition is expected to draw thousands of trade visitors from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. InfoComm Southeast Asia also supports the continuing efforts of ASEAN’s leaders to strengthen the regional economic community, where businesses multiply their impact by building up partnerships with their ASEAN neighbors. The exhibition is organized by InfoCommAsia - which has organized Pro-AV trade shows in Asia for more than 20 years - and comes at a time when Southeast Asia is projected to move from the seventh-largest economy in the world today to becoming the fourthlargest by 2050, resulting in a corresponding surge in demand for cutting-edge AV applications. Research from AVIXA, the trade association representing Pro-AV industries worldwide, shows that the size of the AV market in Southeast Asia is projected to grow 33 percent in the next five years - from $6.035 billion in 2018 to $8.033 billion in 2023. What InfoComm Southeast Asia offers to visiting AV professionals, system integrators and institutional end-users from a wide spectrum of vertical markets in the region, is an exhibition of the world’s best and latest Pro-AV and Integrated Experience

Deeper learning opportunities abound at the Summit, a series of free-to-attend seminars and forums where experts with global experience in a wide array of ProAV solutions shed insights on the latest developments in the Pro-AV world, address AV applications to specific industries and hone in on specific technologies. Some of the stand-out technology seminars address how AV professionals can design for user experience (UX), how to maximize sound quality in spaces based on an understanding of the way in which ambient environments – from walls to floors - affects the quality and propagation of sound, and essential math for AV projects which includes elements on visual and projection, ohm’s law, audio, scales and conversions. Visitors can even join special AV Tech Tours on short trips out to actual installed sites in Bangkok to study how AV solutions are effectively deployed in real-life settings. Sites identified for visit include the Prince Mahidol Hall of the Mahidol University in Bangkok, which boasts state-of-the-art acoustics and staging technology, a university equipped with advanced AV technology, a cinema which was one of the first to use a LED screen and a theme park. Beyond the exhibition, Summit and Tech Tours are opportunities, spread over the three-day show for networking, the building up of relationships with new and existing partners, and the discussion of strategies to address the Southeast Asian marketplace. Richard Tan, Executive Director of InfoCommAsia, said: “Southeast Asia is a unified economic entity which is growing by leaps and bounds, and should no longer be ignored. InfoComm Southeast Asia is the region’s dedicated Pro-AV and Integrated Experience Solutions platform, and what it gives to visitors is not just the opportunity to update their knowledge on the latest products and technologies, but also the

chance to renew and reinforce relationships and enable their businesses to soar into the future.” www.infocomm-sea.com S

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Adamson Appoints Marc Bertrand as CEO GLOBAL: Adamson Systems Engineering has announced the appointment of professional audio industry veteran Marc Bertrand as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Bertrand will lead Adamson’s global operations from its headquarters in Port Perry, Ontario, as company Founder Brock Adamson assumes the role of Chairman. “It’s a tremendous honour to be leading a company as respected and reputable as Adamson – especially amidst an exciting time of growth and continued innovation,” begins Bertrand. “We have one of the most passionate partner networks I’ve ever seen, and close collaboration has led to considerable growth in key territories in recent years. Their connection to the product and the people that support the network provides a solid foundation as we build on Brock’s vision and proven approach to manufacturing with a host of new products and innovations in 2019 and beyond.” In his new role, Bertrand plans to continue building the Adamson brand in the vital North American market while maintaining its strong presence in Europe and supporting its growing Asia-Pacific market position. “The core group at Adamson is focused and skilled,” Bertrand adds. “Our ability to continue the exponential growth that the organization has experienced under the leadership of Brock Adamson is undeniable.” In closing, Brock Adamson comments: “In his time with Adamson thus far, Marc has proven that his esteemed reputation in our industry is well-earned, and that his strengths as a leader complement our direction for the future.” www.adamsonsystems.com

NEWS

Plantronics and HP Collaborate On New, HighQuality Native Microsoft Teams Video Conferencing Solution directional microphones and PolycomHD Voice technology to bring high-quality audio experiences to large conference rooms. The Polycom EagleEye IV USB camera is simple to install with plug and play USB capabilities, and offers 12x optical zoom and wide pan area capabilities to follow and focus on the speaker no matter the size of the meeting space. APAC: Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), an audio pioneer and unified communications technology leader, has announced a new native Microsoft Teams video conference solution in collaboration with HP, Inc. The new comprehensive solution uses the HP Elite Slice for meeting rooms with the G2 Skype Room System – Audio Ready as the controller for the Microsoft Teams video and content sharing, the Polycom Trio 8500 for sound and the Polycom EagleEye IV USB camera for video capture.

“Businesses are constantly looking for ways to simplify the video conference experience,” said Lorena Kubera, VP Commercial Product Management at HP. “Pairing our versatile meeting room system, HP Elite Slice G2 Audio-Ready, with the simplicity of the Polycom Trio 8500 and the EagleEye IV USB camera for the Polycom-HP SRS Bundle creates a seamless way to improve productivity and collaboration through Microsoft Teams.”

Plantronics and HP have joined forces to address the growing customer demand of a high-quality native Microsoft Teams video conferencing experience in larger conference rooms. The HP Elite Slice for meeting rooms G2 Skype Room System – Audio Ready helps simplify meetings with stress-free setup, an intuitive interface, and includes Windows 10 Enterprise which makes running Microsoft Teams meetings even easier.

David Howell, General Manager, Device Partner Engineering at Microsoft said, “Microsoft Teams is the fastest growing business application in Microsoft’s history, and we continue to look for new ways customers can take full advantage of this powerful tool for collaboration. Combining a native Microsoft Teams solution with a high-quality video conferencing experience makes it easier to work together, whenever you need.”

“As customers migrate to Microsoft Teams, Plantronics and HP created a simple Microsoft Teams video conferencing experience in larger conference rooms for employees to use and IT pros to deploy and manage,” said Phil Sherburne, GM, Group Systems Business Group at Plantronics. “Plantronics is all in on Microsoft Teams, and it made sense to work with HP to take video conferencing with Microsoft Teams to the next level of simplicity.”

This new bundle is available immediately in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand through Ingram Micro. The bundle will be available in Japan by mid-February through Synnex Corporation, and is expected to be available in other APAC countries soon after. This collaboration with HP will look to succeed the current MSR offering as Plantronics is in process of transitioning from MSR to Polycom + HP SRS Bundles.

Once the call is started, the Polycom Trio 8500 takes the ordinary conference call experience to the next level using eight

www.plantronics.com

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The Chinese University of Hong Kong Opts for Higher Quality Camera System

HONG KONG: The Chinese University of Hong Kong uses two sets of RoboTRAK presenter tracking system from Vaddio to follow lecturer’s presentation at the large Lecture Hall of the new Cheng Yu Tung Building. Audiences sitting at the back of the hall can also see the presenter clearly. The RoboSHOT 30 HD PTZ cameras in the tracking systems also provide HD image with 1080p/60 resolution. A pair of border-less fixed frame screens - FullVision from Da-Lite were also installed in the hall for projection. The HDBaseT technology of the camera systems enables a long camera extension up to 100m with just one Cat5e/6 cable connection. Cameras can be hanged far away from the control room with the connection of power supply, control and data with just one cable. The camera systems can be controlled on-site by PCC Premier controller or off-site through web user interface over internet through IP addresses of the cameras. During a live event, the operator is able to control the cameras and capture the image of students from the control room or even remotely. The video captured by the system can also be recorded and streamed live. The large tutorial room near the hall is also equipped with Vaddio RoboTRAK presenter tracking system to provide a clear image of tutor to all students inside the room. Consultation for the project and installation services was provided by EduServe International Ltd. www.legrandav.com

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Absen LED at the Myanmar 5G 2018 Forum A stage featuring three HD LED screens was set up in the hall where the speakers delivered keynote speeches. It configured with a 7 x 4-meter Absen DV 3.9mm LED main screen as the stage backdrop flanked by two 1.5 x 4-meter side screens, to ensure the optimum viewing experience and bring key messages to life.

7 x 4-meter Absen DV 3.9mm LED main screen as the stage backdrop flanked by two 1.5 x 4-meter side screens

MYANMAR: The Myanmar 5G Forum 2018 under the theme “5G Bridges Myanmar to Future Digital World” was held in Nay Pyi Taw, capital of Myanmar on 19 December with support from Absen LED. 5G is the fifth generation of cellular mobile communications. It succeeds the 4G, 3G and 2G systems. 5G performance targets high data rate, reduced latency, energy saving, cost reduction, higher system capacity, and massive device connectivity. As governments around the world gear up to usher in the fifth generation of wireless technology atop their digital agendas, Myanmar is following this trend by taking step forward to introduce 5G infrastructure. The event was jointly organized by Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications Department and Huawei Technologies Co. with LED screen support from Absen. It covered the development of 5G and its potential impact on Myanmar as well as introduced the applications of the technology. The forum featured the director general of Posts and Telecommunications department under the ministry, U Soe Thein, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Chit Wai and vice president of Huawei Global Carrier Business Group, Jianjun Zhou, as well as other officials and international experts who shared their insights on 5G and its potential impacts on Myanmar.

“This range offers the best balance of visual performance, ease of use, robustness and budgets”, said sales manager of Absen, Candy Wang. “It is one of the most successful product in Absen’s portfolio. Our partner and final customers are all satisfied with the outstanding result and happy with the success of the event”. She added, “Now we have newly-launched rental products like PL and PL Lite which are easy to rig and flexible enough to cope with a wide range of events that our customers are involved with. They are suitable for use on everything from outdoor festivals to corporate events and exhibition stands”. www.absen.com S

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User Experience Enhanced with ClearOne New Website GLOBAL: Moving to better connect and communicate with a growing global audience of value-added integrators, consultants, and end-user customers spanning all vertical markets, ClearOne (NASDAQ: CLRO), has unveiled a new, feature-rich website designed to present all of its professional

audio, conferencing, collaboration, and A/V network streaming solutions in a compelling new light. “The world is connected like never before, with an untold number of unified communications and collaboration solutions that represent an estimated global enduser spend of over $45 billion in the next few years,” said Zee Hakimoglu, ClearOne chairman and chief executive officer. “It’s therefore critically important for solutions providers to maintain websites that are not simply informative but rather compelling and engaging by highlighting versatile and holistic solution set across a wide range of existing infrastructures, applications, and markets,” Hakimoglu continued. “The new ClearOne website and the products it represents deliver in all of these areas.” Underscoring her point, the new site features the compelling welcome to all visitors, “Better Together.” From there, visitors can initiate their own journey through the site’s main sections of Audio Conferencing, Visual Collaboration, AV Networking, Support & Training, and Company. Each easy-to-identify section features pull down tabs to reveal the individual products contained within the category. A Success Story section showcases specific case studies across a number of channels and a Live Chat option is available on every page of the site to help visitors find out more information faster than ever before. “With a customer base that spans the globe and includes Fortune 500 and Fortune Global 500 partners, a robust website has to be able to function as a stand-alone sales, product information, and training resource,” Hakimoglu stressed. “The new ClearOne website does that — and more.” www.clearone.com

THE NEW REFERENCE POINT

w w w . r o b e . c z

NEWS

SNAPSHOT Olivier Croly, Senior VP APAC, Barco on Growth Potential

Our emphasis in the coming months will very much be on AV over IP, 4K and the Cloud. With regards to solutions, AV over IP is a key trend in the industry. For Barco, we have a solution called Nexxis, which is a video over IP solution. It is currently used mainly for the operating theatres in the medical sector. Nexxis was the result of six years of R&D. It offers uncompressed 4K resolution at low latency. We are now looking to leverage the technology we have developed for the different segments in our industry.

weConnect and Overture are our cloudbased solutions. Overture allows analytics to be shared on the cloud and weConnect enables devices to be connected through cloud technology. Another solution that has been doing well for us is ClickShare. Clickshare is our fastest growing solution. This is fuelled by the need for productivity and more knowledgeable workers joining the workforce. Clickshare also helps customers to move from wireless to collaboration tools. In the corporate sector, there is growth in the collaboration space — one country where we see positive uptake for collaboration solutions is Japan. They are indeed converting the way they operate. On the other hand, merging and developing countries are building intelligent infrastructures where we see significant opportunities for our control room solutions.

We are very much focused in Asia where we are continuing to invest because it is a big market. With our offices in the region, it helps us to be close to the market. We are growing our R&D centres in Asia to create solutions that address the market’s needs. Our India R&D operations manufacture our LED rear-projection video walls and of course is also responsible for some of our software developments. We are continuing to invest in building up the capabilities in the India operations. Our team in China develops and manufactures our projectors, displays and healthcare solutions. On the other hand, the Taiwan R&D office is responsible for developing and producing our UniSee solution as well as our wePresent and Clickshare solutions. Our seriousness and believe in Asia can simply be measured by our commitment - half of our employees worldwide are based in Asia. www.barco.com

Middle Atlantic Expands Customer Service and Support Availability in EMEA Through Legrand | AV providing local sales representation and support. Customers can also purchase from any of the brands within the Legrand | AV portfolio with a single purchase order and receive it in one shipment — making it easier to solve today’s AV integration challenges.

Legrand | AV EMEA Offices

EMEA: Middle Atlantic Products, a brand of Legrand | AV, is expanding its global sales and support infrastructure with additional service and inventory in EMEA. This Legrand | AV service expansion will better serve integration customers globally and help them succeed by reducing lead times and

“As our customers’ businesses grow and expand globally, it becomes even more important for partners like Legrand | AV to be global as well. We realize it’s challenging to create cohesive, consistent AV installations with the same products and services all while

trying to finish on time if they aren’t available regionally,” said Steve Durkee, senior vice president and general manager for Legrand | AV’s commercial division. “By expanding Middle Atlantic’s sales and support structure, we’re able to complement and support this growth, enabling our customers to create amazing AV experiences.” Middle Atlantic will now be available alongside the other Legrand | AV brands in EMEA including Chief, Projecta, Da-Lite, and Vaddio with a larger sales and support organization and local inventory. This team will offer regional design assistance and technical support to ensure integrator and distribution partners have the tools they need to succeed. www.legrand.com www.middleatlantic.com

NEWS

Powersoft Appoints Concept Audio for Malaysia

Concept Audio and Powersoft personnel

MALAYSIA: Powersoft has appointed Concept Audio as a distributor in Malaysia, further underlining the company’s commitment to discovering the untapped potential of new markets in the APAC territories. Concept Audio, which was established in 2002, bills itself as the complete AV equipment distributor in the region, providing gear, system designs, project implementation and system integration for venues that require staging, lighting, sound systems as well as PA / conference systems. The company already has distribution deals in place with some of pro audio’s biggest names, including Shure, Nexo, Quest Engineering, and JBL, as well as other well-known industry manufacturers such as Coolux and Clearcom. Castrit Lim, sales director of Concept Audio, commented: “Powersoft products can deliver more than enough power to any sized sound system, and their reliability is complemented by excellent component quality, compact size, and intuitive functions. We discovered that Powersoft amps would also be the most flexible option for our customers - given the audio products we distribute already - and the value for money is second to none.” The main ambitions for Concept Audio’s new Powersoft inventory are, for now, centred around universities and government departments, but the company confirmed that they expect a good response from integrators, rental companies and end users alike.

Lim continued: “We believe that the install market is a main growth area for our country at this moment. The majority of spending power here falls under middle and entry market levels, so most clients are looking for the best possible products on an affordable budget. Education in this stage is very important, and we intend to conduct more product introduction events and training seminars in order to promote brand awareness. Powersoft has a proven track in helping distributors to educate the markets with their leading sonic technologies, and we are confident that these sessions will be beneficial for the customers as well as the brands themselves, eventually leading to many more Powersoft-driven installations and projects in the region.” www.powersoft-audio.com www.conceptaudio.com.my

East, Frederiksen is ideally placed to head up DPA’s regional office in Hong Kong, which was opened in 2013 to support the company’s sales partners throughout Asia. Commenting on his appointment, DPA’s CEO Kalle Hidvt Nielsen says: “I am very pleased to have Thomas on board. APAC is a very important region for DPA. I know that, with his strong background in the pro audio market and his extensive experience in Asia, and in particular Japan, he will help drive the APAC team to develop even closer links with our distributors, dealers and customers across the region.” A fluent Japanese speaker and formerly Managing Director of Shure Japan, Frederiksen is already a familiar face to many in the live sound, installation and pro audio industries. Throughout his career he has held senior sales and management positions for a range of high profile companies, including a four year tenure at Brüel & Kjær, the company that was the forerunner of DPA microphones.

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DPA Microphones Appoints Thomas Frederiksen as VP of Sales, APAC

“I am delighted to be joining DPA at such an exciting point in its history and I am looking forward to working for a company with such a strong range of high end products across so many different markets,” Frederiksen says. “Personally, I see this as an exciting challenge because it will allow me to learn about sectors such as theatre and broadcast that are new to me. However, I am also confident that my knowledge of the Asian market will significantly benefit DPA and help the company cosolidate the success it is already having in the region.” Thomas Frederiksen took up his new role from January 1st and will be supported by DPA’s existing Hong Kong-based sales staff. www.dpamicrophones.com

APAC: DPA Microphones has announced the appointment of Thomas Frederiksen as its new Vice President of Sales for the APAC region. As a Danish national with extensive experience of living and working in the Far

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NEWS

Sheraton Kuwait Upgrades Conference and Meeting Facilities with Sennheiser Audio Solutions

KUWAIT: In a move that has significantly enhanced the meeting and conferencing experience of its corporate customers, the Sheraton Kuwait has upgraded to the latest wireless conferencing system from Sennheiser. Implemented across the property’s two large ballroom-style conference facilities as well as its many meeting rooms of varied sizes, the audio specialist’s ADN-W system delivers crystal clear audio conferencing with the convenience of flexible and secure wireless connectivity. Intuitiveness and customer satisfaction were top of mind for the 5-star hotel as Eng. Mohamed Monieb, Maintenance Manager at Sheraton Kuwait explained, “Our hotel’s world-class facilities meet the needs of very large to extremely intimate gatherings and the wireless conferencing system allows the equipment to also be ‘right-sized’ exactly as per customer requirements.” Especially beneficial for Eng. Monieb and his team has been the system’s ability to eliminate the RF interference issues that plagued the microphone system they had been previously utilized. “Prior to selecting Sennheiser, we conducted a test between ADN-W, our existing system and another manufacturer’s solution and this not only

demonstrated vastly superior sound quality, but also convincingly addressed our concerns around interference,” he explained. It is the ADN-W’s ability to hop between frequencies in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz ranges that makes this performance possible. Robust and reliable wireless connectivity was also assured through the direct involvement of Sennheiser’s team in the design and deployment of the antennas and central control units. Commenting on this expertise provided during design and implementation, Ryan Burr, Head of Technical Sales & Application Engineering, System Solutions at Sennheiser Middle East said, “The requirement from the Sheraton was quite complex as they wanted to be able to use the system in multiple rooms throughout their premises. Through meticulous planning and modelling, we settled on permanently locating the antennas and control units in three of the rooms and then providing a floating system with accompanying wireless microphone units that can be easily moved between meeting rooms as required.” As a simple ‘plug-n-play’ solution, ADN-W offers instant ease of use and is preloaded with powerful software that Sennheiser regularly updates for continuous improvement and extension of its state-of-

the-art features. Conference participants can intuitively control ADN-W from the integrated PC simply by attaching a monitor and keyboard, or with a 3rd party media control system. The system also offers two USB ports that enable recording of conference audio onto connected drives or memory sticks. Sennheiser, working together with its longstanding partner and distributor in Kuwait, aDawliah Electronics, commissioned the system and on the day the installation was completed, the Sheraton utilized the system for a high-profile event attended by the Ministers of Trade and Industry from across the Arabian region. “We have received very positive feedback from these as well as other clients who have been very satisfied using the new system,” said Eng. Monieb. The following Sennheiser solutions have been deployed at the Sheraton Kuwait: 2 x ADN CU1 Central Unit; 8 x ADN-W AM Antenna Module; 2 x ADN-W C1 Chairman Unit; 60 x ADN-W D1 Delegate Unit; 62 x ADN-W MIC 15-50 50cm (long) gooseneck; Full Charging and Transport Case solution to make the system completely portable. www.sennheiser.com

NEWS

Aurora Appoints Mindstec Asia to Develop Asian Business

ASIA: Aurora Multimedia has seen its foray into India and Korea in the past two years bear fruit successfully. With that experience in hand the company is bullish about its prospects in Asia. Aurora, a dominant force of advanced A/V processors in the A/V industry, has now appointed Mindstec Asia to provide diverse advanced, reliable, and customized audiovisual solutions for China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Japan and Southeast Asia. “The agreement for sure can bring Aurora products into more markets all over the world with Mindstec Asia’s localized service support,” said Paul Harris, CEO of Aurora. Founded in 1998, Aurora manufactures products incorporate state-of-theart technologies that surpass typical specifications and features, from the introduction of the industry’s first nonproprietary, Web-standards-based IP control systems and touch panels, to today’s advanced HDBaseT and IPBaseT IP video distribution solutions for a variety of global markets, including government, education, security, hospitality, corporate, and house of worship. Mindstec Asia will be offering Aurora and IP video distribution solutions along with dedicated local sales, training, and

engineering support. Mindstec Asia specializes in procurement and distribution of high-end audio-visual system-solution to bring the latest audio-visual solutions to the market. The joint strengths of Mindstec Asia and Aurora will help fulfill customers’ demands with competitive products and professional services. “Mindstec Asia as a leader in AV distribution, clearly understand the needs of the customers in Asia,” said Paul Harris, CEO of Aurora. “We are excited to work with Mindstec Asia, as they have an extensive network in the industry and the ability to market Aurora throughout China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Japan and South East Asia. They will broaden our global presence with localized support and education.” Mindstec Asia will provide dedicated sales and engineering support in each country, taking advantage of Aurora’s reputation and deep market penetration in some of the world’s fastest growing economies. Harry Lam, Asian CEO of Mindstec Asia is very optimistic about the future of Aurora. “We want more people to enjoy the benefits of Aurora’s products, their full range of products has very wide range of application, which is why we introduce this robust IP video

distribution solution for the market. We have many advantages when it comes to selling this product in term of our distribution network and marketing capabilities. It is a further step towards strengthening our power and consolidate the leading position in the market with Aurora.” He added: “In the ever-changing technology world, remaining competitive is the key to success. For the sake of proving that Mindstec Asia is always standing at the forefront of bringing the latest cutting-edge technology to customers, we would keep abreast with times and bring future-proof solutions to customers. And now we are busy setting up Aurora training centers, which will train, certify, and empower our channel partners to better understand and support the Aurora products.” Mindstec Asia is going to empower our channel partners with the right knowledge to enable them to support their clients with both sales and after-sales support. As a result, systems integrators and our client can enjoy more variety of the A/V product with fast delivery and reliable local support service. www.auroramm.com www.mindstecasia.com

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NEWS

Gefen Partners Barco to Provide Enhanced Integration with its AV over IP Solutions GLOBAL: Continuing in its effort to provide seamless signal distribution and control solutions for commercial integrators, Nortek Security & Control LLC (NSC) announced a new alignment between its leading signal management brand, Gefen, and Barco’s enterprise AV control and monitoring software, Overture, that makes control of the entire Gefen AV over IP product line easy and intuitive from within the Overture platform’s interface. This new alignment joins together a versatile line-up of AV over IP products with a comprehensive commercial control and monitoring platform, providing greater opportunities for signal distribution, management, and control within corporate and higher education applications. “The Gefen and Barco pairing offers an unparalleled level of connectivity and control for commercial installers,” Gefen Product Manager Jason Fitzgerald said today. “Now, distributing and controlling AV in classrooms, huddle rooms, lecture halls, and conference rooms, is easier and more versatile than ever, regardless of source material or display type.” The Gefen AV over IP solutions combine any source and display, no matter their connection capabilities. HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, VGA, and Audio can all coexist on a single IP network, with the ability to automatically convert analog and digital signal formats and scale up and down from standard HD to Ultra HD, offering a new level of flexibility in any installation.

manage them - as both products are fully compatible with each other. With the ability to adapt to nearly any campus or enterprise environment, the Barco Overture control system offers a high level of customization and management for one or multiple locations. “Our new integration with Gefen further strengthens Barco’s position as the top AV monitoring and control software solution for the education and corporate space,” said Barco Director of Product Management for Overture, Jan van Houtte. The Gefen A/V over IP product line provides a high level of customization to any project with HDMI, DVI, VGA, DisplayPort, and audio senders and receivers that individually address the signal type of each source and display. USB, IR, and RS-232 are supported in addition to A/V for KVM and interactive applications. Beyond support for Gefen’s AV over IP products, the Barco Overture platform also supports Gefen’s 18 Gbps 600 MHz HDMI 2.0 matrixes and switcher products that support the full bandwidth of the HDMI 2.0a specification. These products are aimed at professionals who require the highest level of reliability and performance and are used to manage signal routing for any HDMI device. www.gefen.com www.barco.com S

Barco Overture can maximize signal management in any installation by taking advantage of the versatile line of Gefen AV over IP products. When used with the Gefen EXT-CU-LAN Matrix Controller, there is a single point of contact for the Barco system to communicate with. This eliminates the need to directly communicate with each end-point and thus reduces traffic and complexity when setting up a system. Users can simply integrate Barco Overture with Gefen AV over IP products and directly

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d&b audiotechnik Further Strengthens its Sales organization in Asia Pacific APAC: German audio technology company d&b audiotechnik is further strengthening its organization in Asia, appointing Amos Jen to the newly created position of Vice President of Sales, Asia Pacific. A highly profiled leader

from the pro-audio industry for regional sales management, Jen has joined the d&b team in Singapore on December 1, 2018, and reports to APAC Territory Manager Mike Case. “Amos’ energy and expertise will support us as we continue to establish d&b as the pro-audio brand of choice in Asia Pacific. The creation of this role strengthens the APAC team and is further evidence of our commitment to deliver exceptional audio solutions and services to customers and partners in the region,” says Case. Jen, who was born in Singapore, graduated as Master of Science at the University of Essex, United Kingdom, and earned degrees from the National University of San Diego, California, and the Nanyang Technical University in Singapore. He started his professional life as a software engineer. Most recently Jen worked with Harman Asia where he was Business Development Director, responsible for pro-audio and professional video in the region. Previously, Jen was the Business Head for Broadcast and Professional Products, Sony Singapore, and Head of Sales for Sennheiser Asia’s pro-audio business. The announcement of Jen’s arrival joins a series of corporate announcements about the purposeful growth of the business in AsiaPacific, including the establishment of a d&b subsidiary in Greater China. “The Asia-Pacific region is of huge importance to d&b. I am looking forward to working closely with our partner network to deliver solutions into projects where exceptional sound quality is the priority,” says Jen. www.dbaudio.com

NEWS

Nexo Scores Audio First for Japanese Stadium with Inclusion of Subwoofers grass-covered playing field. In 2019, it will be a host stadium for the Rugby World Cup. With a maximum capacity of 53,738 people, Sapporo Dome is home to two professional sports teams, soccer and baseball, and has served as the stage for various international assemblies and events.

JAPAN: The installation by Yamaha Professional Audio of a permanent audio system at the Sapporo Dome has set a new benchmark for stadium sound, the first in Japan to include subwoofers in its specification. Since its grand opening in 2001 (in time to host the 2002 World Cup), Sapporo Dome has become well known in Japan as one of its five largest domes, and is also the countries only soccer stadium with an all-natural indoor

Major refurbishment has been completed on the main PA system, deploying numerous NEXO loudspeaker and amplification products, including the most powerful STM M28 modular line array modules and GEO S12-ST specialist long-throw line array cabinets, installed in an unusual central ‘bank’ in the centre of the Dome. Three main concepts formed the brief for this project. • Equal sound pressure level distribution • Enhanced clarity of sound • Powerful sound output that is not overwhelmed by the sound of cheering fans in the audience. After a long selection process, NEXO’s line array system with its track record of many successes in stadium events that feature a superior level of entertainment was singled out from multiple candidate speaker brands,

to meet Sapporo Dome’s aim of achieving a world-class audio equipment installation. As a result of this renovation, equal sound pressure levels as well as high sound clarity were achieved throughout the entire Dome. The new sound system has been highly praised by Dome personnel, delivering “massive improvements in the audibility of the announcements and background music.” The NEXO RS18 high-performance 18” subbass cabinets at the heart of the system represent a first for fixed sound installations in Japanese stadia. “The addition of subwoofers has brought us a solid low end never heard before in a stadium, which gives even more impact to our sound performance,” according to Manabu Takeda, from Yamaha. The performance characteristics of the NEXO loudspeaker cabinets belie their compact appearance, delivering powerful sound playback and accurate directionality control, but the positive feedback from Sapporo Dome staff and visitors can be directly attributed to the application of NEXO’s considerable expertise and experience in stadium acoustics. https://nexo-sa.com/

Bose Corporation Acquires Cloud-Based Service ZiipRoom GLOBAL: Bose recently announced the acquisition of ZiipRoom, an innovative developer of productivity and connectivity software for meeting rooms, conferences and devices. ZiipRoom will integrate into Bose Professional, the dedicated group within the company that focuses on the needs of professional audio designers, consultants and system integrators. The announcement was made by Akira Mochimaru, general manager for Bose Professional. ZiipRoom, is the only software purpose-built to connect people and technology to make

every meeting experience consistent, simple, productive and free from vendor lock-in. ZiipRoom is a software subscription offering that complements what’s already in the room. With patented software on BYO devices (Android, iOS, Windows), in the meeting space, and in the cloud, ZiipRoom knows users, their locations and the devices they’re carrying. Within seconds, ZiipRoom’s intelligent software scans users’ calendars (and the calendar for the room) and shares click-to-join buttons to start any scheduled VoIP or UC Video meeting or share wireless presentations directly from their device of choice.

ZiipRoom CEO and co-founder Martin Bodley, former CEO of RevoLabs, will be leading the enterprise conferencing category for Bose Professional at its headquarters in Framingham, MA. “We are thrilled to bring ZiipRoom technology to Bose Professional,” states Bodley. “Bose is heavily investing in developing the next generation of communications tools, and we share their values. We look forward to combining forces to offer market-driven solutions and engaging, user-friendly experiences.” https://pro.bose.com https://ziiproom.com

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NEWS

ALE and Samsung Enter Strategic Partnership to Deliver Workplace of the Future Additional product information: Samsung DeX, which converts Galaxy smartphones and tablets into a desktop computer: •

Connects a monitor, wireless keyboard and mouse for desktop-like

•

productivity

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Accesses mobile productivity apps on a desktop

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Accesses Windows anywhere with virtual desktop solutions

•

Is compatible with Galaxy S8/S8+, S9/S9+, Note 8/9, Tab S4

Samsung KNOX, the enterprise mobile security solution pre-installed in most Samsung smartphones, tablets and wearables delivers the

SINGAPORE: ALE, operating under the Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise brand, and mobile manufacturer Samsung Electronics Singapore today announced they have formed a strategic partnership to offer an integrated mobile solution that assists businesses in creating the workplace of the future. Research shows 80 percent of enterprises say employees can’t do their job without mobility1, and that a mobile employee fulfils 240 hours of productivity per year2. ALE and Samsung address these facts and the challenges of deploying a mobile workforce, including compliance and security, control of the network and personal vs business related usage. By bundling connectivity, security, communications and computing with a cloudbased collaboration application, the two companies deliver a joint offering unique to the market at an affordable monthly fee. The collaboration of industry leading products - Samsung’s DeX3 for mobile, Samsung KNOX security and Alcatel-Lucent Rainbow - are optimally designed to deliver a new level of mobility and productivity. Additionally, the solution can be customised to meet specific business needs and integrate with business processes, applications and technologies, such as AI and BOTs, enabling easy adoption at any stage of a company’s digital transformation journey.

The initial offer will be available in Singapore starting in Q1 2019. “Today’s workplace is evolving to become increasingly mobile. With smartphone and cloud computing at the centre of this transformation, developing innovative solutions and forming open collaborations are key in supporting this shift. As a forwardthinking industry leader, Samsung partners with ALE to create a secure, integrated communications offering that will enhance employee experiences in this connected workplace of the future,” said Eugene Goh, President of Samsung Electronics Singapore. “The bundled solution revolutionizes how businesses in Singapore can adopt a secure solution with enterprise grade management for the mobile workforce,” said Pierre Samson, Vice President, Asia-Pacific at ALE. “ALE is excited for the opportunity to work with Samsung assisting customers in their digital transformation.” 1

Samsung Electronics America and Oxford

Economics http://bit.ly/2CV2gDf 2

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Samsung DeX requires use with external display.

External display and accessories including HDMI adapter sold separately.

following: •

Safeguards against threats at all times

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Protects hardware-based encryption key

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Flexible device management

Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise Rainbow cloud-based collaboration application offers: •

No need for a desk phone

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Conference -10 party with video and sharing

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Corporate managed application – data retention if employee leaves

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Borderless Communications – includes partners and customers

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Customizable UI, ability to add AI, Bots and incorporate into business process and applications

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18 - 20 June 2019 Level 3 – 6 Suntec Singapore

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EVENTS

AVCL III: A Reinforcing Statement of its Own

Ample Technologies emerge champs for the second time amidst records of sorts

Champions-Ample Technologies

The South Indian AV industry’s much-awaited sporting excitement AVCL-III – third edition of Audio-Visual Cricket League – took not just the excitement among the AV ranks but also the stakes of the event to a new high, with several new promises. It presented not just new champs and ‘stars’ but a new dynamism and energy of coming together. SIA being the event’s Media Partner, is proud to bring an essay of the event held on 1st December in Bengaluru. Bengaluru is a cynosure of many eyes for many things. Gardens greens, Silicon blues, Kannada yellows (for friendliness), scholastic whites, rosy pinks and so on! For the AV industry now, there is a new fancied regular- the Audio-Visual Cricket League or simply called AVCL. The 2018 edition of the League – held on 01 December (Saturday) at the Central College Cricket Ground – saw many new ‘lights’ of

the event. New Champs; new venue; new teams; new highs of performances; new attires and attractions; new mode of execution; and practically new visual delights have come to characterize what turned to be the most thrilling tourney ever. Just for the records- Ample Technologies have emerged the new Champions of the tourney, defeating the two-time, defending champion Sigma AVIT in the final, that resembled a true professional cricket match. Ample walloped 119 runs for the loss of just 2 wickets in their allotted 7 overs, and restricted Sigma to 80 runs, having accounted for top 4 scalps of Sigma. While it appeared a losing battle towards the end for Sigma, it did put up a very spirited fight as it kept on shooting back after every fall of wickets. It’s the bowling brilliance of Ample that stood out as the real winner in the end.

Guests of Honour (Standing behind-AVCL ThinkTank) © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

One of the objectives of the initiative – the charity – was also a prideful winner, as the sum of the slightly increased participation fee of ₹75,000 (US$1065 approx.) was donated to Vivekananda Girijana Kendra, the Bengaluru-based tribal welfare institution that had been

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Runners-up Sigma AVIT

Third position team Panasonic

relentlessly working for the welfare and academics of tribal children in Karnataka. The 25-team-strong, knock-out competition of the AVCL-III also presented a very amusing spec of the hidden cricketing competence from the ranks of AV industry. Look at this:

•

Sigma AVIT defeated Ample in the Semi Final for a Final clash with IAV Avengers in the Inaugural AVCL Championship final in 2016, while it was a joint winner of the title with Ample Technologies in the second edition in 2017 as the final match could not be held due to rain wash. The third final clash this year again saw both of them locking horns for the title, and Ample Technologies succeeded in prevailing over Sigma’s competence and take the title singly As losing Semi-Finalists, DNI and Panasonic clashed for the third and fourth positions in 2016, and took positions in the same order. They again clashed at the same level in 2017 and were declared joint third due to rain washout of the tie The third edition (2018) again saw the same two teams clash exactly at the same level, but presented a reversal of fortune- Panasonic defeated DNI by 14 runs to take the third position. More, the third edition – having moved to a new, green and grassy venue of Central College Cricket Ground (from the two-time Ambedkar Cricket Stadium) – and managed fully by professional event manager Events Unlimited, presented new stars of batting muscle and bowling acumen, besides thrilling finishes.

It bettered its batting records with two scores of 150+ (one more stopping at 149) runs, two bowling hat-tricks, and few instances of hat-trick sixes. Surprisingly, none of them looked sheer rush of blood, but a perfectly executed brilliances. Qualifying the tourney further were some truly stunning acrobatics on the field. Catalysing the on-field brilliances were the energies being pumped in from outside the field- scintillating music, cheering and dancing supporters, boosting commentary by a professional Sports Emcee.

Fourth position team DNI

With a bright sunshine matching the on-field and off-field brilliances, the fitness of things for the AVCL III final was characterized by the tossing up of coin by Kelvin Ashby-King, while Frank Anzures of Christie Digital Systems, USA, and Pascal of IdeasAhead from Germany presented some special attraction. Frank was honoured by AVCL’s think-tank trio of Kramer Electronics India Managing Director Bharath Kumar, beyerdynamic’s Directorsales for SAARC region Naveen and Extron’s Regional Manager Mahesh Kumar (Mak) with Karnataka’s traditional turban and shawl. “This edition is arguably the best of three,” affirmed Naveen Sridhar. “It’s like competencies sported together, with the weather also playing up nicely,” he said. “The competition’s growing for the better is proven not only by the better cricketing skills displayed by participating teams but also by the finesse with which it was all organized.” The intention now for the AVCL is to make the first Saturday of every December as the competition day, informed Bharath Kumar. His reasoning is that the weather plays very conducive; not many international exhibitions to bother the Sponsors’ or other OEM teams’ attention, and most other players would have completed or neared their year-end targets. “We will seriously contemplate on that,” he affirmed. Kelvin Ashby-King who has been an avid enthusiast and strong supporter of the cause expressed his happiness for the tournament’s getting better and better. Shyl Kumar Balu while congratulating the champions, hoped that the challenging AVian teams would come up with more spirited performances in the coming editions. Shivanand Mahashetti, Managing Director of Online Instruments hailed the efforts put in by the Organizers for conducting the competition professionally. The seven Guests of Honour – Deepak Srinivas (SigmaAVIT); Shyam Shankar (IdeasAhead); Shylkumar Balu (Genesis ITL); Kelvin AshbyKing (T2 Consulting); Kaushik Mukhopadhyay (AVID-IAV); and Shivanand Mahashetti and Mahesh Ballad (Online Instruments) – were felicitated with a similar honour. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

EVENTS

The New Expression for Clean ‘n’ Green and Fitness Mantras Through AV ‘Women of AV’ Make a ‘Marathon’ Leap

Women of AV Members of AV Marathon Organizing Committee (L-R): Kavitha K; Kirti Shetti; Monalisha Thakur

In yet another novel and noble exploits to popularize the cause of social well-being amongst the members of audio-visual industry community, the ‘Women of AV’ – as the female fraternity of the industry modelled itself as – launched a Marathon initiative. Organized recently in Bengaluru, the event evoked a new high of excitement among the industry ranks with a very encouraging participation. An SIA report. Jan 6, this year, the first Sunday of the New English Year had a special date for the audio-visual industry fraternity from Benglauru, if not India. The famed Cubbon Park in the Garden City appeared to be a fitting platform and the chilly, early morning hours of 5.30 am appeared to be a perfect ‘muhurtha’ (timing) for a new, innovative initiative, with a few hundreds of men and women – wearing track suits, bearing BIBs and braving the cold – eagerly waiting for the unfolding of a new ‘journey.’ As Shivanand Mahashetti, Managing Director of Online Instruments, flagged off the event, the Women of AV-initiated AV Marathon took off from the main entrance of the Cubbon Park heralding a new beginning in the AV domain. A body formed by the coming together of a group of AV women from Bengaluru – comprising Kavitha K from IdeasAhead, Kirti Shetti from Kramer, Prabha Lakshmi from Office-2000, Shobha K from Extron, and Monalisha Thakur from Crestron-the Women of AV devised the programme as the first measure of its endeavour to value-add the social well-being initiatives of the industry in the silicon capital of the country.

Chief Guest Lt. Col. (Retd) Pushkar Raj addressing the gathering postmarathon

Formulated three months ago with a five-point Charter of promoting happiness quotient, fitness, green living, Swach Bharat, and charity, the programme took time to take shape. When it did, and gathered at the venue, it did appear reckonable, albeit an odd or two hiccups here and there. The five-Women of AV body, ably supported by men like Kramer Electronics India MD Bharat Kumar, and Awan India MD ES Prasad, and financially pumped by as many as 11 Sponsors – three Platinum; four each of Gold and Silver – the event campaign quickly garnered AVian’s fancy and mustered reckonable numbers too. If only to go by the analytics of the Organizing women, the event counted a total of 446 runners comprising 335 men and 91 women. Together, there were 91 runners for 10k, 247 runners for 5k and 108 runners for 2k race. A total of 40 companies participated in the marathon, which, for a start-up event, is a very encouraging factor. The Platinum sponsors comprised IdeasAhead, Kramer and Online Instruments, while the Gold sponsors included Christie, Crestron, Epsons and Harman, and Siliver sponsors included Astro, Awan, beyerdynamic and HMPL. Two important highlights of the event was the participation of Lt. Col. (Retd) Pushkar Raj as the Chief Guest, and Manoj Bhat, a renowned ultra runner with 25 full marathons and 13 Ultra marathons marking his credentials over the past 13 years of running track, coming as Special Guest and putting in some incredible contributions to enthuse aspiring runners. A very energising hallmark of Bhat’s contribution reflected in his helping the runners flex their muscles with fitness tips and practices. The roughly three-hour event culminated in a joyous congregation of sharing experiences and extending promises for continued

EVENTS

endeavours. Some very warming up exercises and power yoga marked the preand post-event enthusiasm.

Noted ultra-runner Manoj Bhat “warmed” up the runners with lot of tips

Another heartening hallmark of the event was a total-green turn-out. No traces of any plastic usage- either in the middle of the races, or post-running, and even at the snack-serving warm-ups. Water, orange juices, and lime/sugar placed at frequent vantage points were in total sync with the green initiative.

“It is a nice initiative. A very healthy beginning,” observed Shivanand Mahashetti. “It is very refreshing to gather that way, and running for a healthy cause, is a great feeling.” Says Samba Moorthy N : “We all like it; a very novel measure, we breathe not only free but fresh too.” “This is first ever event arranged by Women of AV, so it was very exciting to be part of it,” says Florence of Genesis ITL. “Also as I am a fitness freak, I didn’t have a second thought to join hands with other women in my industry.” For Madhukar P of Ceeco, the AV Marathon was a fulfillment of a long-waited ambition. “I had always wanted to participate something like this, but couldn’t quite do,” he said. “But now, our own AV fraternity provided this. I’m too glad to be here. It’s a great feeling.” For a marathon-familiar Brian Moras of Ample Technolgoies, it was special because it was a part of his own AV community and there is no better way to connect and bond with people.

Participants warming up

ES Prasad, Managing Director of Awan notes: “We decided to support the initiative for many reasons. It is novel and noble, and organized by women- an area that needs to be encouraged. It is about health, fitness as also finding the fraternity in refreshing mould, away from the regular tussle.” The fine silverline of the event was donation of the event’s proceeds to Mitra Jyothi Blind School in Bengaluru, for the welfare and academic cause of the differently-abled children. “Looking at the event from where we started, it is so much a sense of accomplishment and gratification,” felt Kavitha K. “We began with a great aspiration, and honestly an ambitious one too,” she elaborates, “it is now both fulfilment and asking for more too. We will surely come back with more.”

“It is truly inspiring to see majority of the AV community gathering on a chilly Sunday morning. It was good to meet some of the seasoned runners which keeps you motivated to push your own limits,” he felt. “Professionally it helped to connect with people from different walks of life and personally looking forward for more such events which can only strengthen the bonding of the AV community.”

The Marathon Spirit: (L-R) Enthusiastic female runners; beneficiaries of the Marathon proceeds- students from Mitra Jyothi Blind School; Sponsors of the Marathon event, along with Chief Guest © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

EVENTS

Epson Focuses on High Brightness Segment Epson holds event for regional partners in Bangkok

The launch of the EB-L20000U and EB-L120000Q 3LCD high brightness laser projectors.

8th January 2018 saw Epson hold a full day event at Bangkok’s Shangri-La hotel for regional partners and staff. Guests from the Southeast Asia region gathered to hear about Epson’s latest laser projectors and also had the opportunity to view a series of showcase displaying innovative applications of the Epson pprojectors, LightScene and Moverio Smart Glasses. About 200 guests including Epson regional staff were present for the event. The event kicked off with a welcome message by the managing director, Toshimitsu Tanaka. In his message, he highlighted that Epson had broken new barriers with the 4K native laser projector that it has introduced. He also highlighted that Epson has a 36% market share in the SEA region (2017), thereby maintaining their dominance. Mr Tanaka also pointed out that the market share percentage is historically the highest achieved by any brand as of this point.

The managing director also commented about Epson entering the high brightness segment (above 6000 lumens) about 8 to 9 years ago. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

The market in general at the time accepted laser projectors though they were higher cost than lamp-based projectors. The reason was that of the number of advantages that Epson projectors offered. These mainly being with the combination of Epson’s 3LCD technology with laser light source technology offering a more vivid image compared to other technologies; high flexibility with the number of interchangeable lens including the ultra short throw lens and strong local support. Ishibashi Kyosuke, general manager - Visual Products, Sales & Marketing Division, Seiko Epson Corporation, followed up by giving guests a breakdown of Epson’s market share in the world as well as in specific countries in Southeast Asia. The graphics show Epson generally doing well in most of the markets. Mr Kyosuke also highlighted that Epson’s 6000 lumens and above laser projectors have been gaining steady growth traction since 2015.

Guests from the region

EVENTS Mr Kyosuke also shared with guests, Epson’s vision of continuing to innovate in the areas of signage, smart eyewear, lighting/projection mapping segments through investing in ultra-high brightness technologies; lighter, more compact sensing and AR technology and laser light source and other optical control technologies.

Epson’s Asean market overview Ng Ngee Khiang, the regional director, Epson Singapore, presented an overview of the Asean market. He highlighted that the projector market has been flat since FY14 and declined by 1% in FY17, but Epson still managed to grow its market share by gaining a 2.3% YOY to 36.1%. Epson’s market share was almost 2.8 times the nearest competitor. Mr Ng further shared that based on Futuresource’s latest data, Epson’s share has grown to 38% in the first half of FY18 in Asean. On growth opportunities, the regional director highlighted that most governments in Asean are prioritising investment in education to support economic growth and thus the education segment is the biggest market for projectors in the region. He added that projectors had the advantage of bigger screens vs flat panels and pointed to research that showed 58% of students couldn’t read contents on 70” panel in an average-sized classroom. Mr Ng added that large venue installations, outdoor projection (mapping) also show great potential in addition to growth opportunity in retail stores with their EV-100 LightScene projector. Mr Ng concluded his presentation by highlighting that all of Epson’s projectors use Epson’s proprietary 3LCD technology and produces up to 3 times more colour light output than competitor’s 1-chip projectors and that Epson has a comprehensive range of lamp and laser-based projectors for all kinds of environment.

The projectors

The EB-L12000Q is the industry’s first 12,000 lumens native 4K 3LCD laser projector and is one of the lightest in its class, and the EB-L20000U is Epson’s first model in the 20,000 lumen WUXGA installation projection sector. The new EB-L12000Q projector comes with the Epson-developed native 4K panel, delivering stunning 4K resolution at 3840 x 2160 pixels for more than ultra-high definition quality projections. Driven by Epson’s proprietary laser light source, these powerful projectors are designed to expand Epson’s line-up in the high-end AV rental sector and are suitable for use in demanding environments including rental and staging events, large auditoriums and digital signage installations. The EB-L12000Q and EB-L20000U feature a light and compact design, making them easy to integrate into existing infrastructure, and is a breakthrough concerning size at this level of brightness. The projectors come with a triple layer dust-proof structure housing a sealed optical engine for excellent durability and resistance, reducing airflow by 86 per cent compared to the previous models, significantly reducing the risk of dust and smoke intrusion. A newly developed liquid cooling system maintains optimal temperatures of critical optical elements within the sealed optical engine. Additionally, the projectors come with a mechanical shutter that protects the lens from laser light damage. The projectors are designed to ensure maximum installation flexibility and can rotate 360 degrees in any direction without loss in image brightness. A built-in camera enables remote diagnostics and setup. Epson’s new Professional Projector Tool software simplifies the set-up of multi-projector installations and offers intuitive geometry correction such as automated edge-blending, curve correction and colour matching. Additionally, interchangeable interface boards mean greater flexibility and futureproofing, allowing for new interfaces and interface updates in future. Both models are also compatible with the same 4K-compatible lenses used by Epson’s EB-L1000 series projectors for interchangeable usage. Both projector models are compatible with the new zero lens offset ultra-short throw lens ELPLX02 with wider lens shift, useful for environments with extremely limited lens-to-screen distances. According to Amy, the lens is capable of supporting up to 1000” screen size, with virtually no shadow. The new projectors also feature support for Hybrid Log Gamma and HDR10.

Though both the Epson’s 3LCD laser projectors EB-L20000U and EBL12000Q were unveiled at ISE 2018, this is the first time the projectors are being showcased in Asean.

Amy impressed upon the guests that Epson’s 3LCD technology produces equal white and colour brightness and that Epson puts the projectors through vigorous ageing, dust and vibration test to ensure high reliability before it is released to the market.

Amy Kwa, Regional Manager, Epson Singapore shared an overview of the projectors with guests. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

EVENTS

Other than the technology and features, there are more than 300 projector service centres across the Asean region, with the manufacturer offering three years warranty for the full line of projectors.

textile printer that prints out in minutes. The LightScene projector uses colours and shape filters to mask the projection for a seamless viewing experience.

The EB-L12000Q and EB-L20000U projectors will be in Singapore from the second half of 2019.

Laser projection showcase The showcase offered guests how projectors can be creatively deployed in different environments for maximum impact. The showcase featured a fashion designer workshop, a production showroom, a retail environment and a staff lounge area.

Virtual fitting room using an ultra-short throw interactive laser projector

Epson Moverio smart glasses, KDDI Augmented Reality Recognition software and EB-1470Ui projectors projecting onto an ultra-wide 177-inch interactive panoramic screen working together for efficient communication

The fashion designer workshop showcased a fashion designer efficiently communicating and receiving feedback from the corporate team through the Epson Moverio smart glasses and KDDI Augmented Reality Recognition software remotely. Following that, teams were also able to provide feedback on the designs through annotating on an ultra-wide 177-inch interactive panoramic screen, consisting of two EB-1470Ui projectors via video conferencing. The production showroom demonstrated how the designs are printed on an apron. Designers or users can work on their design through a customised app on tablets using customised designs and templates. They can then view how it looks like on an apron through a projection from the LightScene laser projector, before sending to print on the Epson F-Series F2130 ÂŠ Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

Retail display elevated with Epson LightScene Accent Lighting Laser Projector

In the retail showroom, an interactive virtual fitting room featuring an ultra-short throw interactive laser projector showcased how customers can try on different clothing designs projected on them before purchasing. Staying with retail, Epson showcased how retail displays can be further elevated with the Epson LightScene Accent Lighting Laser Projectors. In the staff lounge showroom that mimics the workplace environment, employees are invited to relax at the bar counter with interactive visual effects, with the EB-L610U laser projector

EVENTS enabling downward tilting installation. They can also work out on a bike in a health cave with different landscape scenes projected by the sleek LightScene projector. They can also watch the big screen with the EH-LS100 ultra short throw home laser projector which projects up to 100-inches with a throw distance of 26cm.

A unit of EB-L610U laser projector creating interactive visual effects on a bar counter

Through these innovative applications, companies can imagine how Epson’s laser projectors can be utilised to

Projection mapping using two units of the EB-L25000U together with the ELPLU05 lenses

improve their workflow and to bring new value to their businesses. In the evening guests were brought by boats to the Museum of Siam to experience the projection mapping on the façade of the Museum. Utilising two units of Epson’s brightest laser projectors, the EB-

Q&A

In the Q&A session with the media as well as individually with SI Asia the following points were made by the Epson management team. * Why introduce the 4K Native projector ( EB-L12000Q)? 4K content is increasing compared to the past, and there is also a demand for multiple inputs, and this presented an opportunity for Epson to manufacture a projector that offers fantastic colour reproduction. * Beyond the classroom Mr Ng highlighted that other than the classrooms where Epson is already in a strong position, partners can up-scale to now offering Epson solutions for the auditoriums in education facilities. * About the rental market Epson is confident that the compact size and image quality of the projector ( EB-L20000U) will be a big hit with the rental market. Mr Ng added that he believes mapping demand will continue to grow; however, he felt that if the software for the content creation and management can be simplified, it will help the market grow further which will result in more projector sales.

L25000U together with the ELPLU05 lenses, the projection mapping on Siam Museum weaved a brilliant visual tapestry of Thai culture, in a stunning outdoor projection display. Designed for installation flexibility, the EB-L25000U delivers 25,000 lumens of colour and white brightness at a contrast ratio of more than 2,500,000:1. www.epson.com.sg

The Epson regional team with management

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

Crestron Flex Unified Communications & Collaboration Solutions

Extron Introduces New XTP HDMI 4K/60 Board with Integrated Dante Audio Output

Complete Crestron Flex Family

Crestron, is now shipping its complete portfolio of Crestron Flex Unified Communications & Collaboration solutions. Crestron Flex clears the way to more productive, stress-free days by providing a simple, consistent user experience in all the places people work and meet, from desks to boardrooms. There’s no more time wasted trying to get the technology in different meeting spaces to work. Crestron Flex provides a native Microsoft Team, Skype for Business, and Zoom Rooms™ software experience, including one-touch join. Crestron Flex solutions come in several forms, but all deliver the same experience, regardless of the space in which they’re deployed: Crestron Flex P100 Series: Crestron’s first ever voice-over-IP desk phone, the P100 Series takes a new approach to the notoriously complex and disjointed world of telephony. It delivers the Microsoft Teams or Skype for Business experience to users of desktop phones. It features a large touch screen that provides convenient tools that connect you to your calendar and co-workers, right at your desk.

for Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, or Zoom Rooms, the B100 Series pairs with a 10” touch screen to deliver a simple, intuitive in-room user experience. Crestron Flex M100 Series: The Crestron Flex M100 Series is a tabletop solution that provides everything you need to instantly and securely call, present, and videoconference using Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, or Zoom Rooms software. An included 4K high-definition camera provides auto-zoom, people-counting, and lifelike image. The premier audio performance is delivered via the incorporated four-microphone 360-degree array. Crestron Flex C100 Series: The Crestron Flex C100 Series is a flexible, integrated UC kit that brings one-touch join to even the most custom spaces. It natively supports Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, or Zoom Rooms, and includes an optional certified UC DSP and ceiling tile microphone array Crestron Flex solutions benefit from zerotouch deployment via the Crestron XiO Cloud platform. https://crestron.com

Crestron Flex B100 Series: With a stunning, yet practical, wall-mount sound bar design, the B100 Series delivers crystal clear audio with a beam forming microphone array, an integrated 4K high-definition camera that provides auto-zoom, people counting, and lifelike image quality. A front of room solution © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

I A

Extron’s XTP II CP 4o HD AT 4K PLUS, is an XTP output board with four HDMI and four Dante digital audio outputs. It is HDCP 2.2 compliant and accommodates data rates up to 18 Gbps for support of video resolutions up to 4K/60 with 4:4:4 colour. The Dante output adds the capability to take any four stereo audio signals that are routed through the XTP system and transport them as Dante audio over a network using standard Internet protocols. This XTP output board also supports AES67, along with Audinate Dante Controller and Dante Domain Manager software. Paired with Extron’s many Dante-enabled audio processing products, the XTP II CP 4o HD AT 4K PLUS board facilitates convenient expansion of XTP Systems as part of a complete networked audio system solution. XTP Systems provide a completely integrated switching and distribution solution for multiple digital and analog formats. They support local connectivity as well as extended transmission capability for sending video with resolutions up to 4K, audio, RS-232/IR, and Ethernet up to 330 feet (100 meters) over shielded CATx cable, and up to 10 km (6.21 miles) over fiber optic cable. Each system is HDCP compliant, and delivers ultra-fast, highly reliable digital switching with Extron’s SpeedSwitch Technology. With hot swappable modular components, a wide selection of XTP transmitters and receivers, and advanced 24/7 system monitoring, XTP Systems are designed to provide continuous, trouble-free operation in the most critical applications. www.extron.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

Electro-Voice Expands EVID Commercial Loudspeaker Family

Electro-Voice has introduced three new additions to its versatile EVID family. The C4.2LP (4” low-profile ceiling), C6.2 (6.5” ceiling) and P6.2 (6.5” pendant) join the extensive EVID product lineup, which includes acoustically and aesthetically matched ceiling-mount, flush-mount, pendant-mount and surface-mount models suitable for installation in spaces of every shape and size, indoors or outdoors. The C4.2LP is a 2-way full-range ceiling speaker with a 4” woofer and a 0.75” HF driver. Its low-profile design offers a

mounting depth of just 3.75” – the shortest in its class and ideal for tighter spaces. The C4.2LP’s wiring runs from the side of the unit for additional ease of installation. The C6.2 is a 2-way full-range ceiling speaker with a 6.5” woofer and a 1” HF driver. Both the new ceiling models have the same diameter as the existing EVID 8” ceiling speakers, ensuring consistent appearance across multi-model installations. Sold in pairs and available in white, both include a 30 watt transformer with an 8 ohm bypass option, and are UL1480A and CSA 22.2 No. 205 certified for indoor use. The P6.2 is a 2-way full-range pendant speaker with 6.5” woofer and 1” HF driver. Its magnetic grille allows for easier servicing and installation. Sold per piece and available in black and white, the P6.2 includes a 30 watt transformer with an 8 ohm bypass option, and is UL1480A and CSA 22.2 No. 205 certified for indoor and outdoor use.

As with all EVID speakers, these three new models are designed with both the contractor and the listener in mind, combining unique time-saving features to simplify installation with best-in-class audio performance, excellent value, low-profile looks and robust reliability. Innovative mounting mechanisms enable fast, flexible and secure placement, and the two new ceiling models utilize the existing EVID ceiling speaker accessories. Along with the already available models, there is now an EVID solution for any commercial audio application – each offering superior sound quality and features at a highly competitive price point. Users can combine various models to create an optimal system design with consistent looks and voicing throughout, whether using a few units or hundreds. www.electrovoice.com

PHONUM YOUR TEAM YOUR SPIRIT FUNCTION Innovative Fix & Follow Voice-Tracking Fix: Defined speaking directions or Follow: Speaker with changing positions. 360º to be heard all over the room. VOICE Excellent voice quality with 360º beamforming microphones throughout the entire room. SOUND Highest hearing performance with 360º downfire speaker from wherever you sit.

beyerdynamic Asia Pte. Ltd. • 66 Tannery Lane, #01-04H Sindo Building © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019 347805 Singapore • Phone +65 62844980 • E-Mail dhillon@beyerdynamic.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

Digital Projection’s INSIGHT 4K HFR 360 Brings MultiViewer 3D to the Industry in 4K

Atlona Unveils DualOutput 4K/UHD HDMI to HDBaseT Distribution Amplifier

Available immediately, the new ATUHD-CAT-2 provides a cost-efficient and integration-friendly Ultra HD distribution solution for smaller-scale AV applications. Prior to the launch of Digital Projection’s newest product, 3D displays have all suffered from a significant limitation: each user sees exactly the same image, regardless of where they are positioned. To address this, Digital Projection has again moved ahead of its competitors with the INSIGHT 4K HFR 360 Multi-View 3D projector, which can finally offer truly immersive, collaborative and interactive 3D experiences. With Multi-View 3D projection, a single projector with ultra-fast frame rates will be able to accommodate several viewers, each being tracked and each having a view of the image that remains appropriate to their changing position. This allows the users to see and interact with each other in a truly shared, collaborative manner. Previously, the ultra-fast frame rates required for a multi-viewer 3D system have meant sacrificing resolution - and therefore image fidelity. Digital Projection was not willing to accept such a compromise. The new INSIGHT 4K HFR 360 offers both native 4K and high frame rate - thanks to the thousands of hours invested by Digital Projection’s team of experts and their unsurpassed experience in 3-chip DLP projection. Instead of providing 120 frames per second, which is enough for single user 3D, INSIGHT 4K HFR 360 delivers an unrivalled 360 frames per second at native 4K resolution, enabling content creators to serve three independent,

high-resolution 3D views with just one projector. Furthermore, the addition of a second projector to the system increases the unique user 3D views to six. The possibilities for this technology are endless. Other than visualisation applications and virtual rides in theme parks, museums are another predestined application for this ground-breaking technology. A virtual tour of an ancient building or a lifelike experience of an invaluable object is now possible. Thanks to a personalised, pin-sharp view for each user, everybody can follow the explanations of the guide from their perspective. Every detail is displayed for each user from the right point of view. To ensure that the projector can be integrated into installations with ease, it works with industry standard synchronisation signals for 3D active shutter glasses. Collaboration with a specialist manufacturer has led to glasses that can switch between the black and transmissive states in around 200µs - three times faster than other commercially available glasses. To enable users to view images from their correct perspective, they must be tracked to 6 Degrees of Freedom [6DOF] and Digital Projection has worked with leading industry partners in head tracking to achieve this. Photo courtesy of Thomas Motta www.digitalprojection.com

The UHD-CAT-2 features one HDMI input, one HDMI pass-through output, and two HDBaseT outputs for distributing 1080p content up to 230 feet (70 meters) or 4K/ UHD material up to 130 feet (40m) over category cable. Each HDBaseT output delivers video, audio, remote PoE receiver power, and control signals – including RS232 and IR, plus CEC for automatic display control – over a single cable, simplifying installation while minimizing cable runs between AV sources, control systems and displays. The new distribution amplifier supports 4K/UHD video at 60 Hz with 4:2:0 chroma sampling and is HDCP 2.2 compliant, enabling reliable distribution of copyprotected content. The UHD-CAT-2 is compatible with Atlona receiver options including the AT-UHD-EX-70C-RX, the AT-HDVS-200-RX HD receiver and scaler, and the recently-released AT-HDVSSC-RX 4K/UHD receiver with advanced CrystalScale™ scaling technology. The UHD-CAT-2 offers TCP/IP, RS-232 and IR control capabilities for flexible integration, and can be remotely configured, managed and monitored over a LAN, WAN or VPN with the Atlona Management System (AMS 2.0) software or Atlona’s innovative, IP-based Velocity™ AV control platform. https://atlona.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

Canon Launches LX-MH502Z Laser Projector +/- 23 percent horizontal enables wider flexibility for installation. The compact design allows the projector to be mounted in either landscape or portrait orientation.

Canon’s LX-MH502Z is a single-chip DLP 4K ultra-high definition (UHD) laser projector. Housed in a compact and lightweight form, the new LX-MH502Z is equipped with an innovative four-way pixel shift technology to deliver its 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution. The projector’s advanced laser phosphor light source generates up to 5,000 lumens, delivering bright and clear projections for a captivating viewing experience. The compact design also allows for installation flexibility, to work in various environment settings. Key features of the Canon LX-MH502Z projector include: * Installation Flexibility - The wide throw ratio of 1.36-2.18:1 and manual lens shift range of +/- 60 percent vertical and

* Long-lasting and Reliable - The laser light source offers up to 20,000 hours1 of maintenance-free operation, keeping the operating costs low. * Image Quality Adjustment Options - The LX-MH502Z offers both pre-set and customisable image modes, as well as a sixaxis Colour Adjustment function that allows users to fine-tune the hue and saturation of each primary and secondary colours. Together, these features offer a high degree of user control to achieve the high image quality. * Versatile Connectivity - The LX-MH502Z offer users varied options to project in 4K UHD resolution. It supports dual HDMI inputs and an HDBaseT receiver, enabling uncompressed HD video, audio and

control signals to be transmitted through one single LAN cable up to a maximum distance of 100 meters. * Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) Simulation Mode2 - The DICOM simulation mode is ideal for professionals in the medical education and training field who require image projection displays with superb grayscale gradation for monochrome digital X-rays, CAT scans and MRIs. This mode simulates the results of devices compliant with the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) Part 14 standard. Notes 1 Actual hours may vary depending on usage and environment. This is not a guarantee of the life span of individual laser diodes. 2

Compliant with DICOM 14, but not approved for diagnostic applications. https://sg.canon

CHECK OUT THE EXTRAORDINARY

ACTIVE OPTICAL CABLE LINE-UP Real 4K over Fiber Solution Stretch & Control digital video audio standards º DVI / HDMI / DisplayPort / SDI Fiber Optic Extender º KVM Extender (Fiber Optic & IP base) º Multi Format Modular Matrix º Various Video Format Converters º Wireless Extender º IP Video Wall Controller

DHFC-200D

DPFC-200D

HDFC-200P

HDFC-200D

DHFC-200D: DisplayPort 1.2 to HDMI 2.0 Converting Detachable Active Optical Cable DPFC-200D: DisplayPort 1.2 Detachable Active Optical Cable HDFC-200P: HDMI 2.0 fixed-end type Active Optical Cable HDFC-200D: HDMI 2.0 Detachable Active Optical Cable OPTICIS OPTI TIC CIS HQ HQ 7F, 166, Jeongjail-ro Bundang-gu, B Sungnam-si, -si, Gyu Gyunggi-do, ggi-do, 13558 Sout South Korea T Tel: ell: +82 31 719-8033 Fax: F +82 31 719-8032 E-mail: E-mai : tosales@optici tosales@opticis.c tosales@opticis.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

PanaCast 3 - World’s First Intelligent Panoramic Video Collaboration Device with Three 13 Megapixel Cameras

Altia Systems, creators of PanaCast 2, the world’s first 180° Panoramic-4K Plug-andPlay video camera system, have announced the introduction of PanaCast 3, the world’s first intelligent panoramic video system with ~40 Megapixels capacity for today’s generation of distributed teams. PanaCast 3 integrates three 13-megapixel cameras, stereo microphones and advanced software to deliver 100% video coverage, 100% audio capture and 100% data sensing. The portable, easy-to-use system made its formal debut at CES. PanaCast 3 easily mounts on top of any digital display or on a wall with available mounting hardware. The USB-C connection allows connection to any compatible device or display for instant setup and mobile meeting capability. PanaCast 3 is compatible with all of today’s leading collaboration software providers, including Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom, Cisco WebEx, Slack, Google Hangouts, GoToMeeting, join.me and more. PanaCast 3 uses three 13-megapixel cameras working as one via the PanaCast Vision Processor to capture the entire room on

video, a digital signal processor and two omnidirectional microphones with 40% better separation for enhanced audio and an advanced multi-sensor AI array that has builtin capabilities to detect people. PanaCast 3 delivers crystal clear video over a 180-degree field of view at Panoramic-4K resolution (3840x1080), without the distortion of ultrawide angle or fisheye lens cameras. PanaCast 3 lets users include all team members in their conversations and utilize every seat in their rooms or collaboration spaces, with lossless zoom up to 6x and real-time video stitching just 18 inches from the camera. Representing an outstanding value, PanaCast 3 is the company’s first model to come standard with Intelligent Zoom, which autonomously adjusts the field of view to include everyone in the conversation, and the PanaCast API, which enables developers and partners to query the system for realtime information, such as people count data. PanaCast Vivid, which maximizes video performance from rooms with widely varying light conditions, will also be delivered at no additional cost for PanaCast 3 customers in an upcoming release. Intelligent Zoom, PanaCast Vivid and PanaCast API are part of PanaCast’s Intelligent Vision 2.0 suite of edge AI software products for the PanaCast line of camera systems.

In addition to the real-time video enhancing features of Intelligent Vision, PanaCast 3’s built-in people detection technologies enable system-wide data analytics by capturing accurate usage and occupancy information that can be used to automate workflows. To deliver the most accurate data, Altia Systems partnered with Intel to develop Advanced People Detection and Counting technology, and provides data free of cost via the PanaCast API, or with built-in capabilities in the latest version of the PanaCast Vision app. The AI software utilizes a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to count the number of people on camera, up to 40 feet away, and provide searchable data which organizations can use to inform decisions on calendar management, room utilization and resource management, or to automate facility assets such as TV monitors, lights, videoconferencing equipment and more. The CNN inference engine is highly optimized for Intel Core processor-based PCs and the Panoramic-4K video of PanaCast cameras. The technology is available through the PanaCast API built for the Windows operating system and can be used for large areas like classrooms, auditoriums and general gatherings. www.panacast.com

Christie FHD553-X Joins Powerful Ultra Series Family of LCD panels The new Christie FHD553-X flat panel delivers better than ever brightness uniformity and can be installed in either portrait or landscape mode. Replacing Christie FHD552-X, the new FHD553-X ultra-narrow bezel flat panel offers full HD resolution, high pixel density and an LED-backlit screen. Images look crisp and sharp at any distance or angle, making it suitable for indoor applications including corporate lobbies, boardrooms, museums, retail, sports venues, and more.

The Ultra-narrow bezel delivers a near seamless display that can be used 24/7 while its high energy-efficient operation means a low total cost of ownership. The Christie FHD553-X comes with a threeyear parts and labour warranty and is now shipping. www.christiedigital.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

SOMMER CABLE Presents Modular UHD Signal Management

SOMMER CABLE’s CARDINAL DVM 4K signal matrix DVM-HDBT-M-F16 enables flexible in- and output configurations. The matrix also offers an integrated PoH voltage supply in connection with HDBaseT interfaces. Users can fall back on 16 slots for input and output cards, 12 of which can be used either as inputs or outputs and another 4 as outputs. Thus all matrix combinations can be realized from 1x15 to 12x4. The CARDINAL DVM signal matrix with hot plug support offers the user maximum modularity and flexibility. The solution is thus not only adaptable during operation, at the same time it also ensures a fully interruptfree signal switching. For this system SOMMER CABLE offers different expansion cards: the three input cards with HDMI, VGA and HDBaseT interface feature a built-in scaler, ample EDID management and an analog audio input. The two output cards with HDMI and HDBaseT interface are equipped with an extra analog audio output by SOMMER CABLE. The HDBaseT cards also offer RS-232 and infrared interfaces and provide the intelligent PoH power supply to the transmitter or receiver. HDMI and HDBaseT interfaces support HDMI 2.0 signals with the HDCP 2.2 copy protection standard as well as resolutions up to 4K@60fps. The VGA input card supports up to WUXGA signals at 60fps. Available is also a plain audio card with a microphone input. The DVM-HDBT-M-F16 4K signal matrix is controlled via touchkeys on the device, via RS-232, with the supplied remote as well as through a web-based interface within the TCP/IP network. www.sommercable.com S

I A

LD Systems’ Award-winning MAUI P900 Audio System with Iconic Design Now Available Event technology specialist the Adam Hall Group has announced that the unique premium-class MAUI P900 column PA system from LD Systems is now available. The combination of state-of-the-art audio technology and unmistakable design was created in collaboration with the design agency Studio F. A. Porsche and has already won numerous awards, including the German Design Award, the IF Award and the Red Dot Award 2018. The LD Systems MAUI P900 is the perfect choice for exclusive live events and installation applications requiring exceptional sound quality and excellent sound dispersion. Its stylish appearance and outstanding clarity also make the MAUI P900 a high-end home theatre system which is both an optical and an aural delight. For elegant integration into virtually any setting, the MAUI P900 is available in Cocoon white, Platinum Grey or Graphite Black. Innovative technology With its total of 50 neodymium loudspeakers and a 1,400-watt RMS class-D power amplifier, the innovative column system delivers a maximum SPL of 131 dB over a frequency range of 42 to 20,000 Hz. The MAUI P900 uses SonicGuide technology in conjunction with LD Systems’ patented WaveAhead tweeter arrangement to create a coherent wavefront. The system’s wide 140° horizontal and closely focussed vertical dispersion provide consistent and longranging sound coverage. The LD Systems DynX 24-bit signal processing delivers detailed, distortion-free and dynamic reproduction, even at high volume levels. In addition, aptX and AAC coding provide high-resolution Bluetooth streaming with full audio bandwidth and a range of 70 metres. TrueWireless Stereo technology enables wireless stereo playback using two systems placed up to 40 metres apart.

The MAUI P900 in a presentation environment

Assembled in seconds The three-section MAUI P900 column system is made of high-strength aluminium with a multi-layered elastic front cover. Specially developed multipin connectors facilitate cable-free assembly in a matter of seconds. A minimalist connection panel provides system and subwoofer volume controls, two XLR sockets for stereo input and two XLR outputs for connecting two systems in a stereo configuration. Reliable protection For easy transportation and protection of the MAUI P900 system, padded carrying bags for columns and subwoofer and a specially designed flightcase (made of high-quality hardware with precision-cut foam inserts) are available as accessories. Due to enormous demand, the first production series of the Maui P900 is already completely sold out. Upcoming deliveries will arrive in March 2019. www.mauip900.ld-systems.com

I A

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

Matrox Ships Powerful Video Wall Capture Cards builders now have a building block to satisfy the increasing requirements of multi-4Kp60 content and can continue to mix and match from a wide selection of Matrox video wall cards to construct scalable, high-density, lowfootprint video wall systems.

Matrox Graphics Inc. is pleased to announce that the Matrox Mura IPX 4K DisplayPort capture and IP encode/decode cards are now shipping. These new dual DisplayPort 1.2 video wall cards feature 4Kp60 with full 4:4:4 colour sampling support alongside a dedicated onboard network interface controller (NIC), offering the most advanced capture, encode, stream, record, and decode capabilities from a single card. The Mura IPX capture cards are ideal for OEMs and system integrators looking to build cutting-edge video wall controllers that deliver fast-moving

video content and high-frequency desktop graphics and text to local and/or networked videos walls. Available in passive and active cooling options, the all-in-one Matrox Mura IPX cards feature two full-size DisplayPort 1.2 connectors for native capture of 4Kp60 physical sources, while the network connector enables the encoding and decoding of up to two 4Kp60, four 4Kp30, eight 1080p60, sixteen 1080p30, or exponentially more SD streams. System

dnp Introduces the New Supernova STW Optimized for wider seating arrangements, Supernova STW is the perfect display solution for conference rooms. Solutions with ultra -short throw projectors and the dnp Supernova STW offer large high-contrast images at around 50% of the cost of a similar

sized LED/LCD flat panel. Now, dnp denmark introduces a new easy installable elegant version of the Supernova STW, that provides the usual perfect image quality in the measurements you want up to 120” in 16:9.

“The new Mura IPX capture cards address two major pain points for the video wall industry,” says Fadhl Al-Bayaty, business development manager, Matrox Graphics Inc. “First, is the ability to capture and transfer multiple 4Kp60 channels over the bus without any colour-quality degradation. Second, is the inclusion of IP technology directly on the board, a critical differentiator only available with Matrox capture cards. The ability to simultaneously stream, record, and decode while capturing physical signals from one board makes the new Mura IPX products the most powerful capture cards on the market. This industry-unique design translates into a smoother, more cost-effective integration process for OEMs and system builders looking to deploy high-density video walls.” www.matrox.com/graphics

Short throw projection requires a perfectly flat screen surface, since even the smallest wave becomes visible when the image is projected from a steep angle. The new screen comes with a very rigid anodized inner frame system and high-tension springs, that ensures perfect flatness. Even though the new frame is stronger, it is slick and appears more elegant in the room, when the screen and projector is not in use. To make installation easier, the old two-piece wall-mount system has been replaced by a single-piece wall-mount. The visible frame is only 18 mm [0.71”] wide and 25 mm [1.0”] deep. dnp Supernova STW is available in the standard sizes 92”, 100”, 110” and 120” in 16:9 and in 92” and 100” in 16:10. Custom sizes are available in the following range: Maximum image width 2.651 mm. Maximum image height 1.491 mm. www.dnp.dk

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

ClearOne Introduces Ceiling Microphone Array With Built-In Dante Interface will offer package pricing for one to four arrays to maximize cost effectiveness and offer integrators improved margins. The array is compatible with Dante DSP mixers from ClearOne and third parties, and features shielding against RF interference to provide consistently clear, static-free audio with wide bandwidth and high signal-to-noise ratio. Integrators can use multiple interfaces to add as many microphones arrays as needed, up to the capacity of the Ethernet switch or DSP mixer.

ClearOne (NASDAQ:CLRO), has expanded its audio conferencing product line with the introduction of its Ceiling Microphone Array Dante, a tri-element ceiling microphone array with built-in Dante audio networking for conferencing and sound reinforcement applications. Each Ceiling Microphone Array Dante utilizes three premium quality microphone elements to deliver 360-degree room coverage for boardrooms, conference rooms, telemedicine facilities and more. Dante networking technology offers simple installation

with CAT5 or CAT6 cabling, and delivers uncompressed, multi-channel audio with near-zero latency and sample accurate time synchronization throughout the network. The microphone array measures just 1.5” x 3”, making it one of the smallest and most unobtrusive multi-element microphone arrays available today.

Installation is a breeze thanks to the expandable nature of the room solution, and each array is easily adjustable to hang anywhere from zero to seven feet from the ceiling. Power is supplied through Power Over Ethernet (PoE), and on-board LEDs indicate power status and mute status of each array. It is available in black or white to match a variety of decors and ceiling types. www.clearone.com

Up to four ClearOne Ceiling Microphone Array Dantes (12 channels) can be daisychained to cover one to four rooms, and the microphone elements in each array are numbered for easy identification. ClearOne

BrightSign Rounds Out Series 4 Portfolio with New HD and LS Media Players

BrightSign, LLC, has unveiled the new HD and LS media players, rounding out its Series 4 player family. The three new BrightSign HD4 and LS4 models feature upgraded player hardware and run the latest version of BrightSign’s dedicated operating system (v8.0), making them exceptionally powerful while maintaining the same price-points

as their predecessors. Both players feature major updates to the HTML rendering engine, with the HD4 now offering 4K native decode supporting HDMI 2.1 and HDR10. Both the HD4 and LS4 boast higher power efficiency than their Series 3 counterparts.

much better, more recent set of development tools for Chrome.

BrightSign OS 8.0 offers a host of enhancements, giving web developers a

www.brightsign.biz

The new HD and LS players join BrightSign’s previously announced XD and XT players to complete the Series 4 portfolio.

FEATURE

Video Conferencing Disrupted: Is There Space for Traditional VC Tools in Today’s Conference Rooms? As a result, more organizations are building huddle rooms—small meeting spaces that can accommodate only four to six people. In fact, Frost & Sullivan estimates that there are now 32.4 million huddle rooms worldwide. “Led by the more collaborative culture of millennials, organizations are seeking to increase the numbers and types of collaboration spaces that are available to their teams. This results in a greater number of huddle rooms, video ‘phone booths’ and tools for mobile collaboration,” says Roshan Gupta, Regional Director for India of ZiipRoom, a maker of productivity and connectivity software for meeting rooms.

The future of work is agile. It’s intelligent, driven by smart, connected systems and devices. It also doesn’t care as much as employers used to about where people work or what devices they use to get things done. Amid these shifting tides of the way we work, many traditional companies have struggled to stay afloat. That certainly seems to be the case for traditional video conferencing companies, whose hardware used to be ubiquitous in the conference rooms of enterprises across the globe. While these systems may still be in place today, many are reaching end of life. This, coupled with the changes in the way organizations operate, leads one to question whether there’s still a place for traditional video conferencing infrastructure in the modern and future workplace. New cloud-based solutions, after all, are meeting companies’ needs for flexibility and cross-border collaboration. As with any disrupted industry, though, some legacy players will survive the turbulence by integrating with new technology, as well as going back to the drawing board to revamp their products and services. Video as part of a collaboration ecosystem Digital adoption and a new generation of workers and entrepreneurs have drastically changed the modern-day workplace. For starters, 62 percent of today’s workforce are already working from anywhere, according to the Future of Work study by Polycom, a provider of video, voice, and content solutions now owned by Plantronics. There’s also a larger emphasis on collaboration, advocated by startups and manifested in the proliferation of open-plan offices in recent years. But that, in turn, has spurred by a push-back from employees and academics; workers complain of the numerous distractions they experience due to the lack of privacy. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

Apart from video- and audio-conferencing tools, huddle rooms are increasingly being equipped with collaboration technologies like digital whiteboards and content-sharing platforms, especially within companies that employ remote staff or work with partners in different cities and countries. Multi-device and cross-platform experiences Many millennials, who will comprise 75 percent of the global workforce by 2025, are more comfortable doing work on different devices than their previous generation. They’re also more comfortable on video, says Gupta. This level of comfort, though, may be even higher among Gen Z—digital natives who are now entering the workforce. This comfort with digital technology has increased users’ expectations of having a good experience no matter what device they’re using and wherever they may be. However, with their reliance on specific hardware and IP address connections, traditional video conferencing tools require users to be physically present in the room where the infrastructure is installed. They don’t allow participants to connect to the video conference with their own laptops, and most require the other party to use the same technology. They also don’t come with collaboration and productivity features. In this aspect, traditional video conferencing tools simply can’t compete with the likes of Skype for Business, G Suite, and Office 365. These cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) suites, developed by technology giants, include audio and video calls, content sharing, and real-time collaboration. For instance, while speaking via Hangouts, people can see and edit the same spreadsheet on Google Sheets. Office 365 offers participants HD video, a shared workspace, a digital whiteboard, file storage and sharing, and more than 140 integrated apps and services. Because they’re hosted on the cloud, these SaaS tools can be used seamlessly across different devices.

FEATURE Cloud-based video conferencing services are also riding the tide of innovation in sectors like education and healthcare, where they can make a huge impact. “For instance, parents would love to see their ward performing at school’s annual day livestreamed on their mobile devices if they are unable to make it to the school,” says Gupta. Similarly, Zoom’s app marketplace, which was launched in October 2018, allows for integration with learning management systems for delivering online courses. It also works with popular services such as Slack, Hubspot, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and others. Video conferencing may also be used to improve the quality of medical care in rural and disaster-stricken areas. “Medical staff have also benefited from quicker knowledge transfer during incidences of natural disasters or disease outbreaks, and can collaborate more closely with counterparts in the cities,” says Mei Lin Low, Polycom’s Director, Solutions Marketing, APAC. These SaaS capabilities for multi-device operation and app integration support the future workforce’s need for agility and collaboration—with no space in the picture, it seems, for traditional video conferencing tools. A lifeline for traditional VCs There is, however, a way for traditional video conferencing tools to be integrated into today’s huddle and conference rooms, as well as personal devices. Unified communications (UC) technology, offered by the likes of ZiipRoom and Polycom, allows different video conferencing software to work together. That means people participating in the same video call may use different software. “We know that many enterprises still have hardware endpoints in their conference rooms and are remiss to throw away these investments when starting their Zoom subscription,” says Tien Tien Sin, Sales, South East Asia, of Zoom. Many have thus partnered with cloud-based video software

and UC service providers. Today, says Gupta, the average enterprise uses four to six UC platforms.

triangulation cameras, simple click-tojoin experiences, and AI-driven calendar scheduling and note-taking capabilities.

“You can already see that many companies are developing products which are crossplatform compatible,” adds Christopher Lim, General Manager of ESCO, a systems integration and distribution company that represents Zoom in Asia.

Plus, with the scalability and affordability of cloud-based solutions, more huddle rooms will be equipped with audio and video conferencing capabilities. Different estimates indicate that only two percent to five percent of huddle rooms worldwide have these functions, representing huge growth potential in this sector.

Another—and longer-term—solution is to revamp one’s products and services. Take for example Polycom, which was launched in 1990 and initially sold audio conferencing speakerphones. Over the decades, it acquired a string of companies in the audio and video conferencing space and built an open collaboration network, eventually launching a UC platform. The future of video conferencing Such interoperability is key to the survival of video conferencing solutions—both traditional and cloud-based—in the future workplace where multi-vendor environments will be the norm. Low explains that enterprises that use both traditional video conferencing systems and Video-as-a-Service subscriptions will thus demand more flexible management tools. These will help them ensure consistent quality while minimizing costs. As Gupta puts it: “You cannot force your ecosystem of customers, partners, suppliers and service providers to only use the platform you’ve selected.” But apart from simply being able to work with different conferencing software, video tools also need to have collaboration and productivity features, or at least integrate with apps that offer them. This is crucial as workforces become more geographically dispersed and seek tools that allow them to work together. That means the future of video conferencing is largely cloud-based. It will also incorporate the use of artificial intelligence for personalization and automation. This includes the ability to offer intelligent face-detection and voice

“As compared to seven or eight years ago, the cost of setting up a VC room has come down considerably. Now you see packaged solutions in a box that can be shipped and set up easily. Basic huddle room set-ups are now so inexpensive to deploy and scale that for the first time, it actually makes sense from a financial perspective on an enterprise level,” says Lim. In addition, the improvement of broadband networks across Southeast Asia will drive adoption of video conferencing technologies across the region. In the end, though, it all boils down to user experience. “We believe that video collaboration is the next best thing to in-person meetings and discussions. The immediacy of video, and its ability to convey rich human emotions and reactions will facilitate more impactful discussions and quicker decision-making,” says Low. Customers will expect ease of use wherever they work. “We see video moving from just formal room-to-room meetings to frictionlessly bringing people on mobile devices, desktops, and meeting spaces all into the same virtual environment, no matter their physical environment,” says Sin. Adds Gupta: “When video conferencing is as easy and valuable as their other productivity apps, [people] will use it.” www.polycom.com https://zoom.us https://ziiproom.com www.esco.com.sg

INTERVIEW

LynTec: Protecting Your Investment LynTec is a leading manufacturer of innovative electrical power control solutions for professional audio, video, and lighting systems. Working closely with system designers, LynTec incorporates electrical protection, circuit switching capabilities, and an operational controller within a common enclosure — saving valuable wall space, lowering installation costs, and simplifying system operation. This state-of-the-art approach to electrical control solutions has positioned LynTec as a trusted resource for any demanding installation with complex power control requirements. SI Asia took the opportunity to talk to Mark Bishop, president of LynTec about the company and its foray into Asia. SI Asia: Can we have a brief about LynTec? How long has the company been operating? What does the company specialise in? MARK: LynTec was started in 1982 and is now a leading manufacturer of remotely operated AC power control systems for the installed sound, lighting, and video industries. LynTec offers panel and rackmounted power control systems that provide on/off control and monitoring through a browser interface. With control and circuit protection provided within the same enclosure, our solutions suited for small audio and video system to large, multizone venues. Our customers choose us because our solutions save space, improve reliability, and reduce installation costs. SI Asia: Are LynTec products distributed in Asia and if yes in which countries? Are there plans to expand into Asia. MARK: Currently, LynTec is actively selling in Asia by way of American-based designers who know and trust our solutions for providing reliable, affordable power control for their audio, video, and lighting installations there. We have installations in the Philippines, China, and we’re currently being integrated in a project in Singapore. It’s a unique marketplace and we’d love to have distribution partners in the region. SI Asia: Please highlight some of your key solutions and what advantages do they offer over competition? MARK: LynTec covers the spectrum of power control, from the lowend, simple one-function relays up to browser-based, web-enabled control with multizone control and utility. For simple on and off control, there is the PDS-10 relay panel. This pushbutton sequencer is a popular and reliable solution that’s ideal for protecting audio systems and video walls from inrush when they’re powered up. It’s very affordable and easy to setup relay panel that lasts for decades. On the other end is our award-winning web enabled RPC motorized circuit breaker panel and our RPCR relay panels. These provide out-of-the-box power control capability that’s compatible with APAC electrical standards and power grids. The RPC is especially beneficial © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

in churches and large venues that are dependent upon volunteers to oversee the management of AV systems. With our panels, it provides them with a self-contained solution that has everything they need built into a user-friendly web server or that can be integrated into a control system. There’s no extra software and no training requited to setup and operate the panel. SI Asia: LynTec has patents pending - please elaborate on this? MARK: Our RPC remote control breaker panel received a U.S. patent in May. This patent addressed the innovation in the solution’s ability to control multiple zones operating with different protocols in one comprehensive system. This is unique not just in the U.S. but in Asia as well, eliminating customers from having to buy multiple control systems to operate each protocol. With the RPC, one system can control all aspects of audio, video, and lighting on a single electrical platform. SI Asia: In the space that LynTec is in where or what are the challenges? MARK: It’s been a challenge for the audio, video, and lighting industry to understand the importance of power control. Our solutions are often ones that many customers don’t even know they need until they have the misfortunate of losing a system. Until now, power control was considered a luxury not a necessity. But as digital audio and LEDbased technology become ubiquitous, integrators and designers are beginning to see how, without power control, those systems will have a much shorter life span. We anticipate that the Asian market will see a similar adoption curve that the United States experienced three years ago and will need solutions that can help protect and prolong these AVL investments. If integrators and designers want to weather the storms of inconsistent power grids and protect systems with large inrush, power control is essential to their design. https://lyntec.com

INSTALLATION

ABU DHABI

Laservision Partners with Aldar Properties to Create Permanent Installation

Immersive Experience and Art Installation at Reem Central Park

Laservision Mega Media has partnered with Aldar Properties PJSC (‘Aldar’), Abu Dhabi’s leading listed property development, investment and management company, to create a bespoke, immersive experience and art installation for the public at Reem Central Park, the AED 200 million (USD 54 million), 1,000,000 square foot modern outdoor lifestyle destination on Reem Island. Alda wanted to create an iconic feature at Reem Central Park which would be both artistic in design and incorporate large-scale media and entertaining creative content to produce multiple daytime and nigh-time immersive experiences. The sculpture, productions and aesthetics needed to reflect the beautiful and family-oriented food and leisure destination that is Reem Central Park.

The initial brief of a sea-side and experiential experience was Aldar’s directive, however, the design narrative, art direction, installations and solutions were all conceived by Laservision’s in-house creative and engineering teams. The immersive permanent attraction features a stunning and modern sculpture fountain, known as ‘The Wave’, and utilises the latest in entertainment technologies including dynamic fountains, powerful lasers, synchronized LED lighting, underwater projection-mapping and drop-screen projection technology. The attraction, which opened on the 1st of December 2018 to the public provides a multi-sensory experience to visitors of Reem Central Park and is a focal point for many ground-breaking productions and events scheduled throughout the year. Paying homage to the rich coastal beauty of Abu Dhabi, the immersive experiences and activations at ‘The Wave’ draw upon this theme and feature beautiful marine life projections, dynamic dancing fountains and other stunning activations throughout the day and night. What’s great about the installation at Reem Central Park is there isn’t just one show. The client (ALDAR Properties) had the vision to create an experience that is activated and enjoyed throughout the day and night. From interactive fountain shows, and beautiful atmospheric states in the day, to activations of the underwater projection

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underwater projection mapping surfaces to entertain and draw in patrons who are located in close vicinity to the feature. These projection mediums along with atmospheric effects, fountains, lasers and of course high-definition audio all add to the experience of creating an immersive entertainment feature.

Key solutions

Laservision used four units of the Panasonic PT-DZ21Ks to produce a seamless image across the fountain pool by raising the projectors above the audience with integrated media towers. The height mixed with the calculated angles around the pool minimises shadows and optimises image quality and reduce hot spots. mapping, light shows, throughout the night time, there is something for visitors to experience at Reem Central Park every 15 minutes.

Considerations

Considering the audience could be positioned 360 degrees around the sculpture, during the design stage the Laservision team modelled various scenarios to optimise the position of the projection whilst minimising the impact on the audience. Laservision took into account the main traffic flow throughout the destination property and designed a custom solution to accommodate the area. The projector for the main screen was specifically positioned utilising a customised short throw lens to minimise any hotspots and also minimise the probability of audience interfering with the projection zone. Laservision also included many other media effects within the experience so patrons around the area and those eating in restaurants and enjoying the rest of the park could also be included. Laservision has created one of the first permanently installed

The company also installed and programmed the activations and experiences with their own custom Digital Data Pump Series III(DDPIII) system of media servers. It features their main DDPIII control unit with expansions of media server modules for Laser, DMX, and Audio control. The video for the water-curtain and underwater-projection mapping was calculated and delivered by Laservision’s XHD Video Server line controlling and mapping the four units of PT-DZ21K Panasonic Projectors for the mapping and one for the main screen. Laservision’s DMX servers drive all the lighting, atmospheric effects, water-curtain, and fountains. Providing an immersive audio experience within the space are QSC AD series speakers driven by QSC amplifiers.

Challenges

Laservision’s biggest challenge for this project was in creating a sculpture that would both be aesthetically pleasing by day and a

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beautiful sculpture and icon, while also discreetly housing much of their multimedia equipment, fountains, pumps and other media for nightly activation. According to Laservision this was by far their most challenging engineering hurdle for the project. Other significant challenges were the extremely tight time frames to complete the project as well as making sure the entire audience, for 360 degrees of the activations, was completely immersed in a great sound scape as well as dynamic rich content and experiences. The bespoke media sculpture took nearly 6 months to be designed, engineered, manufactured, delivered and assembled in Abu Dhabi from Laservision’s facilities in Sydney, Australia. The integration of the systems on-site began in August of 2018, so that took about 4 months of final integration and about 2 weeks of programming and rehearsals. “We are thrilled and honoured to be partnering with Aldar and providing our world-class entertainment solutions to Reem Central Park and Abu Dhabi,” said Shannon Brooks, Chief Executive Officer, Laservision. He added, “This art installation and immersive experience provides a very unique, intimate and beautiful entertainment offering to visitors at Reem Central Park. The beautiful and rich content used in each activation and experience is produced by our award-winning, in-house creative studios and draws in large audiences throughout the day and night. We couldn’t be more proud.” © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

Key Solutions

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Laservision Digital Data Pump III Laservision XHD Video Servers and proprietary projection mapping software Laservision DMX Media Servers Laservision Laser Media Servers Laservision Audio Media Servers Laservision Bespoke Sculpture and integrated custom water-curtain and fountains Laservision custom designed fountains and LED lighting 5 units of Panasonic PT-DZ21K Series Projectors Panasonic ET-D75LE95 Ultra Short Throw Lens Multiple Pea Soup Phantom Hazers 26 units of QSC AD-S282 Speakers 13 units of QSC AD-S112 Subwoofers 10 units of QSC PLD4.3 DSP Power Amplifiers

Laservision Mega Media has previously produced internationally renowned shows including Hong Kong’s ‘A Symphony of Lights’ which won the ‘World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show’ by Guinness World Records, and the award-winning attraction and production, ‘Wonder Full’ at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, Southeast Asia’s largest light and water show. www.laservision.com.au

VIETNAM

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DesignLive Technologies Takes on Integration Responsibility

Symetrix Radius Chosen for angelina Bar and Restaurant

With 364 keys, 6 restaurants and bars, 7 function rooms, a top-end Spa, a temperature controlled swimming pool and much more, the Sofitel Legend Metropole in downtown Hanoi offers guests a taste of colonial-era grandeur and luxury. Its two floor, 330 square meter angelina cocktail bar, whisky lounge and restaurant features a bespoke bar counter with an 8 meter backdrop, a designer whiskey lounge, and top quality comfort food from Europe, Australia, and the USA. It is a high-end destination for an elite clientele and serves as Hanoi’s benchmark entertainment venue. A recent concept change and complete rebuild included a new sound system. Systems integrator DesignLive Technologies earned the contract with a tightly integrated, easy-to-use, customized solution based on a Symetrix Radius 12x8 EX audio DSP, Fulcrum Acoustic loudspeakers, Dynalite lighting control, an AMX NetLinx NX-series integrated controller, and iRidium for AMX touchscreen UI controls. “With a special status as the premier exclusive venue in downtown Hanoi, the renovation of angelina was an important project where the client demanded no compromise on quality,” observes DesignLive’s Thu Ta. “angelina is segregated into many creative nooks and crannies for the elite to saunter and socialize. A back-end Symetrix Radius processor allows hotel staff to manage and manipulate discrete zones via a custom layout UI on an iPad, combining and separating spaces based on immediate requirements. The Radius 12x8 EX DSP’s zone management tools also manage an exclusive private dining room, where an automated AV system enables boardroom meetings, digital signage, and private events.”

8 line-level outputs. Built-in 10/100 and gigabit switches reduce or eliminate the need for peripheral switches, lowering system cost and increasing reliability. The Radius 12x8 EX manages a Dante network that feeds Fulcrum Acoustic Prophile P 8-inch coaxial loudspeakers and US212 dual 12-inch direct-radiating subwoofers. Wall plates provide analog inputs into the network-especially useful for DJs-and DesignLive provided spare CAT6 cable drops around the venue to provide Dante network access throughout the space, enabling the staff to customize the audio configuration for various events. “To tie all the systems together, we installed an AMX NetLinx NX-series integrated controller,” Thu reports. “A custom-programmed iRidium iPad control UI allows the venue’s floor manager to manipulate light, sound, and visuals over Wi-Fi.” DesignLive Technologies has installed Symetrix-based systems in many fine venues but even for the accomplished system integration firm, the Sofitel Legend Metropole angelina was special. “DesignLive will always provide top quality systems for its clients,” Thu attests. “The Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel is world renowned, and angelina is a superb venue. We were determined to live up to their high standards, delivering a system that was absolutely reliable and provided the finest audio quality available. We chose Symetrix DSPs because they are second to none in both respects.” www.symetrix.co

Symetrix’ Radius DSP provides 128 (64x64) redundant Dante channels for reliable multi-channel audio networking over IP. The Radius12x8 EX model provides 12 switchable balanced mic or line-level inputs with 48 volt phantom power for condenser microphones, as well as © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

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INDIA

SIIA AWARD WINNING PROJECT

Ambedkar National Memorial in New Delhi Opens New Chapters in Museum AV

A Technology Book of Vision Museums, all over the world, are taken to be galleries of technology play, often seeking to communicate the message of content in subtler ways. However, the Ambedkar National Memorial in New Delhi seeks to redefine the whole concept of a memorial with a subtler fusion of technology, and the otherwise sensitive content, seeking to elevate the experience to next level. In what is an arguably masterly ingenious work of tribute to one of the most compelling personalities in modern Indian history, a select set of thought leaders and technology players have come together to create a first-of-its-kind memorial in the world. SIA proudly presents the prestigious SIIA (2018)-Award winning Premium AV project as one of its Cover Stories this time. Read on:

FACTFILE:

Project Name: Ambedkar National Memorial Project Location: New Delhi Project Segment: Government Project Type: Infotainment Project Owner: Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (under MoSJ&E) Project Overall Budget: Approx ₹100 crore (approx. US$14.5 million) AV Project Budget: ₹30 cr (US$4.2 million) Project Consultants PMC: CPWD HVAC: CPWD Design Consultant: Civil Consultants, Lucknow Technology Consultant: Design Habit Exterior Lighting Consultant: Philips India Interior Lighting Consultant: Pan Intellecom Ltd Content Consultant: Devender Singh, Associate Professor, DAIC Systems Integrator: Pan Intellecom Ltd. Project Highlights: India’s first- single largest LED Video wall install; multi-layer Pepper Scrim technology; mobile App for hands-free headphone audio; one of the largest projection mapping installs; Interactive browsing table…

The Preamble The 26, Alipore Road, New Delhi, is an address that – rhetorically said – has given an ‘address’ to India as a nation. For, it is the place where Independent India’s first Law Minister Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar – widely revered as the Architect of Indian Constitution – lived his last days; and today, it’s a place made like a grand © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

-By Ram Bhavanashi

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The open-book form exterior of the Ambedkar National Memorial- striking read reference to the Constitution of India with which he is widely identified.

treatise, and in the process earned its address in record books. A modern, technology-powered ensemble of life and times Ambedkar lived and impacted- a new, exalted address for museum AV where technology subtly runs through both poignant and prideful content presentation, making the dissemination of knowledge about the person more immersive experience than ever! A personification of many tenets – jurist, economist, social reformer, statesman, (and a violinist too, besides being India’s first double Doctorate) – Ambedkar defined the bedrock of the country’s polity, besides impacting the thought processes of millions and generations to follow. Initiated by Dr. Ambedkar Foundation – an autonomous body under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJ&E), Government of India – the museum is a unique exemplification of knowledge dissemination about one of the most eminent Statesmen India

has ever produced- by means of its symbolism and innovative ICT. Consider this: • The Memorial is designed like an open book – striking a ready reference to Ambedkar’s architecting the Constitution of India – whose page edges are lined by specialised stainless steel fins, curved like page folds and dotted with as many as 27,000 individually-programmable LEDs for illumination during nights • Entrance to the museum is designed like a Chaitya (prayer hall) arch, while it is fronted from below the staircase by a 36-foot Ashoka Stambh (pillar), made in bronze, besides two sculpted Thorans (entrance arches) resembling those at Sanchi • The Memorial’s ICT design is characterized by as many as 6 numbers of indoor LED video walls, including a pair of large video walls – measuring 10.3m x 3.4m each – lining the back wall on either side of exit arch, and depicting various facets of Ambedkar’s life and times • With a total coverage area of over 192 square meters, the LED

Left: The 7-feet statue of penancing Buddha, made in single, spotless Vientnamese marble adjacent to the Meditation Chamber. Right: The 12 Buddhist mudras adorning the wall lining the pathway to cafeteria. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

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TECHNOLOGY AT ITS BEST: Introduction of Pepper Scrim Screen (multi-layer) technology; Mobile App (for personalized audio); Interactive screens, and 3D-holograms- all come together to characterise an immersive experience.

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video wall is first of its kind in India, and one of the largest in the region, if not the world An expansive wall-to-wall projection mapping above the two video walls by blending as many as seven 3-chip DLP projectors infuse a larger-than-life impression For the first time in India, Pepper Scrim screen technology is brought to design. Coming with a highly transparent and extrawide metallic scrim, the technology is employed to render 3D hologram effect truly immersive, as content can be seen from both sides For the first time again, a dedicated mobile App has been developed and deployed for voice guide inside the museum. The App enables visitors to use their own set of mobile and headphones, to listen to the audio content. Compatible with both iOS, and Android, the app can be downloaded on any individual’s phone, and easy to operate Substantial exploits in animatronics through robotic solutions and ingenious use of proximity sensors made to create hyper realistic human actions As many as 16 units of 55-inch interactive screens and workstations weaved into disseminate diverse traits of information relating to Constitution of India

Constitution of Team Ambedkar Memorial The first major requirement before the Ambedkar Foundation, the apex body empowered to oversee the creation of the Memorial, was to evolve a vision on the model of Memorial- both structure-wise and texture-wise. It had a generic consensus that the intended Memorial had to be a depiction of socio-economic and political world in which Ambedkar grew and endeavoured to impact, and a hint of instruction from the Prime Minister that it had to be technologically world-class. The Foundation had the CPWD working like a typical project management consultant, tasked with calling for tenders, hiring consultants, contractors and integrators, besides evaluating and monitoring the work progress.

According to VK Jain, Executive EngineerDevelopment Project-CPWD, the department • mapped the project task assigning a dedicated expert for each of the jobs. “With the timeline being the biggest challenge, besides the structure • itself, we kept on board a dedicated expert to evaluate the work specifications at every stage so that systemic delays are avoided, and jobs are completed on time.” The first one to come on board the challenging project was the That’s not all, there are more though- like a 7-feet high Lucknow-based architectural firm Civil Consultants, winning an 16 FACETS OF statue of the Buddha in penance posture- made of intense competition through a very innovative design. AMBEDKAR’S spotless Vietnamese marble, surrounded by an PERSONALITY : eye-pleasing mural made in fibre-reinforced “We won the project by sheer inventiveness,” recalls Economist, Nationalist, plastic (FRP); a meditation chamber; and Ajai Behl, chief of Civil Consultants. “That the site Humanitarian, Analyst, Writer, the 12-mudras (hand gestures) of Buddhism is constrained by both vertical and lateral spread Orator, Philanthropist, Labour adorning the wall leading to cafeteria down limitations (just 7,274 sqm plot area, and restriction Minister, Law Minister, Lawyer, under. of 11m height above the ground), we proposed an Political Analyst, Parliamentarian, While these characterizations seek to open-book design that is sunk three storeys below the Sociologist, Educator, Music communicate the tenets of the Buddhist faith ground.” lover and that Ambedkar embraced towards the last phase Animal lover. of his life, the Memorial’s interiors feature a unique “Ambedkar is internationally identified with ICT backbone and weaving of technology sophistication into the scripting Indian Constitution; so symbolizing the story telling via a multitude of exhibits. Constitution making would be ideal, but how!; Looking from the viewpoint of its locationing, size and scaling, besides a flat, closed book doesn’t’ appeal, and neither the purpose and vision, the creation of the Memorial in its totality a vertical book form,” recalls Ajai Behl. “So, we appears to have been necessitated by the ‘situational conditions!’ proposed an open-book form with inventive It’s like the idiomatic situation of ‘invention being the mother of formatting inside.” necessity!’ © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

INSTALLATION THE GENESIS OF THE MEMORIAL The Government of India – during the Prime Ministerial tenure of (now) late Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003 – acquired the adjoining land and site of this house with a view to developing that into a memorial as a tribute to his contribution to the country. Years passed while an autonomous body called Dr. Ambedkar Foundation was set up for the purpose under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E) which in end 2011 initiated a feasibility study through a high-level committee. Seven months down the line, the committee submitted its report following which MoSJ&E in 2013 assigned the construction of memorial to Central Public Works Department (CPWD). The ascension of the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to the seat of Prime Minister in mid-2014 a sort of expedited the process as the MoSJ&E under the new government allotted in June 2015 a budget of of ₹99.64 crore (approx. US$14 million) with a completion time-frame of 30 months. However, the work on the project began only in April 2016, following the laying of Foundation Stone by Narendra Modi, for whom the project reportedly became as prestigious as those of Dandi Kutir and Statue of Unity in Gujarat.

That the design could not rise more than 11 meters above the ground, the only way to spread was to go below. That’s how three storeys of the four-storey structure are sunk into the ground, making for parking, cafeteria and one level for exhibits. This design of three-storeys going below the ground met another challenge as the soil was too rocky and then underlined by soft earth, owing to its being in close proximity with the Yamuna river. “It was something like a submarine floating on ocean,” quipped the architect. “We had to make it solid grounding by means of anchoring piles.” While the structure was thus on, Ajai Behl scouted for dedicated museum content design resource, and found another Behl – Amardeep of Design Habit – who is renowned for technology-woven content, particularly in museums and memorials. Having famed projects like Virast-e-Khalsa, and Golden Temple Plaza standing testimony, Amardeep was like an obvious choice for Ajai. The two Behls thus joined hands- in the sense that Amardeep shall design the museum on behalf of Ajai. Known for exploring technology finer lines, Amardeep Behl brought his ingenuity to place weaving in a technology design that met two essential requirements- time and space. “Those two were the potential challenges,” recalls Amardeep.

“The commissioning date was already announced (by the Prime Minister) and fast-approaching, so no time luxury for story-telling micro artefacts as was the case of Virasat Khalsa, and we needed to act fast; on the other hand, the space limitations inside the building too didn’t permit expansive design exhibits,” he explained. “Same time, we were also required to create a world-class blend of static, dynamic, and interactive multimedia for an immersive, larger-than-life experience. So, it is something like a situational necessity for us to explore newer horizons of design.” Thus came in the ideation for large LED video walls making an important element of content presentation, and message communication. As many as six Direct View LED video walls – including two large video walls measuring 3.4m X 10.3m, besides two more measuring 6m x 7.7m – characterize a major tenet of storytelling at the Memorial.

“It’s actually like encapsulating the Memorial’s story-telling concept with these four video walls,” opines Amardeep. “There are of course other compelling factors like multi-layer Pepper Scrim, animatronics etc.” With a view to creating space for this size of video walls, Amardeep suggested removal of one level that Ajai had created by then, and Ajai accepted in the light of the necessity. According to the Design Habit chief, in the given constrained conditions of space and time, they made good use of technology, to create immersive story telling. Value-adding the PMC and Consultants’ efforts were the coming on board of Gurugram-based Pan Intellecom as the project’s AV Systems Integrator. Having already made a big name with the projects like Virasat-e-Khalsa and Golden Temple Plaza besides others, it was an easy walk for the SI to win the competition and land the project. “It was a very challenging, yet prideful project,” says Harbir Singh, Managing Director of Pan Intellecom. “Prideful, simply because it’s about recreating and disseminating knowledge about the life and contributions of a person called Ambedkar,” explains Harbir. “Challenging, because of not just system specs, but the sensitive nature of content as well.” According to him, “a key aspect of the work was creation of Content Document based on the Content Advisory Note included in the tender, and according to items mentioned in the Contract.” The © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

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creation will involve a high degree of research, interaction with institutions and specialists identified in the Content Advisory Note. The approved Content Document will form the basis of all the content creation for the museum – static, dynamic and audio visual content.” Value-adding their part to content authentication, Pan Intellicom interacted with subject matter experts. “We had personal interactions with noted luminaries like Dr. Nilanjan Sarkar, Deputy Director and Development Manager at the London School of Economics (LSE) from our office at Gurugram and greatly benefitted,” Harbir explained. “We also had ready access to rare documents and artefacts related to life and achievements of Dr. Ambedkar; much of the material was available to us at our workplace in Delhi.” According to the PAN chief, Sue Donnelly, Archivist-Risk and Compliance Unit at the LSE was of immense help in this pursuit. The objective was to focus on real and only authenticated facts and manuscripts so as to convey multiple facets of Dr. Ambedkar, and relevance of his ideology to modern day India. “The client wanted the content to be carefully worded in order to avoid hurting the sentiments of people,” recalls Harbir. “Same time, the content also had to acquaint people with Dr. Ambedkar- without touching dark sides of any religion or community.” Evidently conscious of the sensitive nature that Ambedkar subject matter is often made to be, MoSJ&E with a view to ensuring a flawless content backdrop, appointed a subject matter expert to validate the content at every stage. Thus came on board Dr. Devender Singh, Associate Professor at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, an autonomous academic body under MoSJ&E. Says Devender Singh: “When Government of India decided to create a Memorial on the site, nobody knew it was to be made a holistic ensemble of Ambedkar’s life and contributionthrough such a modern sophisticated audiovisual technology.” According to him, the Government wanted them to create a fascinating model (of letting people know what Ambedkar did to the country, in the same manner as he did); but hadn’t given a concept. It was left to them. The only condition was the model they create had to be world class; “there can be nothing orthodox, as also objectionable.”

“I told the team on task: ‘Sardar Patel was (like) a hardware engineer who assembled this (otherwise-fragmented) country, Ambedkar was (like) a software engineer who provided the Operating System for running the country.’” - Dr. Devender Singh, Associate Professor, Ambedkar International Centre, MoSJ&E © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

Imagery through murals & technology: (Left) Ambedkar’s travails in Barodanotice the LCD window; (middle)Ambedkar’s wedding in the long, vertical display; & (right) Ambedkar’s education, including that at London School of Economics

Thus took shape a Team Ambedkar Memorial. Thus, even as the technology design consultants worked the presentation architecture of Memorial, Devender Singh did an intense research; interacted with diverse personalities, and interviewed as many 40 experts from across the country, collating data about various aspects of Ambedkar’s life and endeavours. Says Dr. Singh: “a generic impression among people is that they know Ambedkar and his contributions; but there is much more that the world doesn’t know about him. It is that objective of knowledge dissemination the Memorial is aimed at achieving.” Apparently, he worked out and weaved in all those things that shaped or marked Ambedkar’s personality. A case in point is Ambedkar’s life at London School of Economics, and that at Columbia University. “There is no other museum in the world that depicts lesser known facts of a Statesman like we did,” vouches Devender Singh. “There are as many as 16 facets of Ambedkar’s personality that are not fully

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known to the world; some of them are little known. We depicted them through hi-tech paneling and projection mapping. These 16 facets make up the content for an expansive projection mapping lining the entire top portion of the back wall above the large LED video walls.

“The mobile app has been developed in-house for the voice guide used in the Memorial,” explains the Pan Intellecom Another case in a point was the presentation of Panch Teerth (five chief. “This enables holy pilgrimage places). It was Narendra Modi’s ideation that five the visitor to use their places that defined five demarcating phases in Ambedkar’s life be own set of mobile presented at the Memorial by means of technology- which why and headphones, to there are exhibits that depict Janma Bhoomi (birth place- Mhow listen to the audio in Madhya Pradesh); Siksha Bhoomi (learning place) the house – content. The app can 10, King Henry Road – in London where he lived during his higher be downloaded on collegiate education; Deeksha Bhoomi in Nagpur, where he converted an individual’s phone to Buddhism; Maha Parinirvana Bhoomi, the 26, Alipore Road house and, is both Androidwhere he lived his last days, the site where the Memorial stands and iOS-compliant. today; and finally, the Chaitya Bhoomi, the site of historic Indu Mills While staying within the confines of suggested BoQ, the integrator at Dadar in Mumbai, where Ambedkar began his endeavours for did pitch their expertise to value-add the initiative technologically and emancipation and empowerment of labourer communities experientially. According to him the three most impressive through unions and organized agitations. exploits have been the integration of multi-layer While Ambedkar Pepper Scrim screen technology; large video walls was a known Ahimsavadi Ambedkar, ‘Inclusive Growth’ Integrated (believer of non-violence), not and the mobile App.

many people know

“For the first time in India, the Pepper Scrim An essential aspect of Ambedkar’s philosophy that he was a violinist too; Screen technology used to create immersive and message was Inclusive Growth- meaning he often used this association of his with violin to say experience,” Harbir details. “Deployed in ‘every citizen must be given equal opportunity/ “Violin, NOT Violence.” gallery No. 5, 13, 14 and 15, the technology right to growth in terms of political, social and provides for highly transparent and extra-wide economical. Ambedkar believed three elements - Devender Singh, Associate metallic scrim are possible through liberty, equality, and fraternity Professor, DIAC for large-scale 3D and sought to explain this through a slogan of his own hologram effects,” he in 1924- Educate, Organize and Agitate- meaning first vouches. “The best part of educate to liberate the thought processes; organize amongst this technology is that video content those suffering from inequality, and then agitate for rights of the can be seen from both sides of the communities. scrim.” Thus opens the systems integration process at the very beginning of The large size Direct View LED video the Memorial, right up at the entry. The philosophy is explained by walls from Delta Displays on as many means of an exhibit and a slogan board. as six surfaces is as unique as they can get, elaborates the PAN chief. As if to give a sense of ensuing technology sophistication, the very Exhibit nos 3 and 4, immediately on next exhibit is actually a mobile App and User Guide, explaining the left of the main entrance, are how visitors can install the mobile App on their smartphones and treated in LED video walls measuring stay independent of any audio device while they walk through the exhibits.

16 FACETS OF AMBEDKAR’S PERSONALITY PROJECTED: The projection mapping above the large LED video walls on either side of the arch depict the lesserknown facets of of the person that Ambedkar was. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

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(Left)As many as 7 Christie projectors combine to map imagery of some of the lesser known facets of Ambedkar’s personality. (right): Visualizing different phases of his life through Holograms

6m x 7.7m and 6m x 3.4m respectively. Exhibit no. 12 features video wall measuring 6m x 7.7m again while exhibit no. 17 is characterized by 6m x 7m Video Wall. Exhibit nos. 18 and 19 – presenting a larger-than-life imagery of the facts of Indian Constitution and diverse aspects of Ambedkar’s life story – are what will arrest the visitors attention, perhaps more than most exhibits- due to their sizing up to 10.3m x 3.4m each, stretching from the middle to the end of the wall on either side of rear entrance arch. “There is no precedent of such a large scale use of high-quality LED screens, in the entertainment or government sector in India,” vouches Harbir. “Almost 200 sqm of LED walls installed in one single site is a rare and prideful achievement,” says Hemant Agarwal, Vice-President, (Display Solutions Business Unit), Delta Electronics India. “Equally prideful is the ability of Delta’s 4mm slim Direct View LEDs to maximise the impact of visual content on the audiences.” According to him, the unique technology brilliance that Delta LEDs bring, with a contrast ratio of over 8,000:1, a light output of over 1,500 nits and native 16-bit color processing, the 4mm LED delivers excellent image and video quality in all types of indoor settings.

With the extensive use of dynamic media, audio-visual content and multimedia technology, the Memorial creates a truly immersive experience of the life and contribution of Ambedkar, he added. Another interesting feature at Exhibits 18 and 19 is the arguably one of the largest projection mapping done by means of as many as seven Christie 3-chip DLP projectors. Covering the wall surface above the LED wall till the ceiling, and stretching from entrance to the edge of the wall the mapping captures the visitors imagination, in a striking contrast with the LED wall below. “Ambedkar Museum is the latest project that Christie has embarked on in India, following several successful museum installs across India,” says Rishubh Nayar, Christie’s National Sales Manager-Enterprise. “This project exemplifies Christie’s dominance in the museum vertical market in India,” he affirms. “With 21 units of 14,000-lumen projectors on show, backed by Christie Pandoras Box media servers, the Ambedkar Museum is a visual feast for all.” According to him, the projection major practically has all leading museums in India powered by their visual solutions and image processing functions. Christie’s ability to design and implement unconventional visual installs, backed by a broad range of high-performance projection and video processing solutions, fitting all budgets and requirements make them the most preferred in their class.

REALSIM THROUGH ANIMATRONICS: (left): Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President signing the Constitution while other national leader watch; (right) Recreation of Dr. Ambedkar’s office chamber © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

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SANKALP for social equality: (left) Ambedkar, having suffered ignominy in Baroda, resolving to crusade for social equality; (right) his leading the historic mass conversion to Buddhism. Notice the Buddha statue - Ambedkar’s final recourse - in the rear end.

Resembling Realism with Animatronics

Ambedkar Envisioned, Realized

There are at least half-a-dozen exhibits done in truly mesmerizing The stakeholders of the Memorial creation, say in unison: “Mission animatronics. Particularly those exhibits that depict the scenarios Accomplished in aplomb.” Given the scale of challenges, and the of Dr. Ambedkar presenting the Constitution copy to Dr. Rajendra fascinating way it turned out to be, an accomplishment that is capped Prasad, India’s first President; perusing the Constitution by with the commendation by none other than the Prime the then leaders of Constituent Assembly, comprising Minister was like a gratification of highest kind. This project Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sarojini was adjudged the Naidu and others; and Ambedkar himself delivering “We were able to complete the project in the shape Highly Commendable the speech are rendered simply spell-binding and manner required by the client in compliance Government AV Installation owing to their AV finesse that create a real life like with the Contract Agreement,” says a prideful in Premium Range at the experience. Harbir. “Our success is reflected in the feedback by Prestigeous 2018 Systems visiting dignitaries as well the Inaugural Address by Integration India Award our Prime Minister.” The hyper-realistic mannequins, made of silicon, Programme. and their exposed parts made of FRP, along with the movement of eyes and hands up the ante of WOW Concludes Devender Singh: “For me, the best part is that experience. I got the complete world of Ambedkar the way I wanted it, and the way the Government has specified to us.” Interactive Table: The Interactive table pavilion, featuring 16 units of 55-inch Samsung displays, is yet another AV exploit as it allows for That’s Ambedkar Envisioned & Realized. browsing of various types, eliciting information of diverse nature and www.panintellecom.in lengths that include speeches of different leaders of the time. www.designhabit.com The Memorial’s AV backbone features extensive deployment of www.deltadisplays.com AV gear from Kramer Electronics that include Twisted Pairs, HDMI www.christiedigital.com cables, Patch Cards, Connectors and Receivers. The audio gear www.kramerav.com is powered by surface-mount 2-way loudspeakers by Eurocom, amplifiers by Lab.Gruppen, and audio interfaces by Behringer. The lighting fixtures comprise those from DTS, SGM, and Neo Neon.

THE MAHAPARINIRVAN & The Highest Halo: The large horizontal display wall depicts Ambedkar’s Final Journey unto Eternity (right). The first image the wall (left) showing the then President of India H.E. Venkitaramanan presenting India’s highest civilan honour Bharat Ratna - conferred on Ambedkar posthumously - to Mrs. Dr. Savita Ambedkar. On 14th April 1990. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

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KUWAIT

Newest Motor Racing Destination in the Middle East Raising High Stakes

KMT – The Integrated Motoracing Township -By Ram Bhavanashi

Kuwait Motor Town (KMT), some 40km south of Kuwait city at Orafjan – hailed to be the most integrated racing township for the adventurous motor-racing enthusiasts – is a veritable phenomenon, with a host of high tech exploits and luxury leisure facilities embellishing it from all around the tracks. Besides priding the world’s first Full HD Track Surveillance System, the racing facilities at the Motor Town boasts world’s first HD SDI timing page system, with an accuracy of 1000 milliseconds, streamable HD media distribution system, and slew of other tech traits. A carefully nourished, passionately pursued, and royally realized dream of the Arab nation’s Amir His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Kuwait Motor Town – as the sporting facility is called – is the new fancy world for motor sport enthusiasts- created by the coming together of Kuwait-based Systems Integrator SmartEntity and Cologne-based Sport Total Venues. SIA presents an Exclusive….

KMT – Integrated Motor Racing Township

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Kuwait – the oil-rich Middle Eastern city-State situated on the Arabian Peninsula in the North-Western corner of Persian Gulf – is quite a name for many things. A country with many ‘larger-thansize’ credentials. World’s largest value currency; world’s sixth largest oil reserves; largest opera house in the Middle East…and NOW…a recently acquired world’s fifth largest F1 racing track, which is not just large; but much more than the most.

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It’s a whole big world of next-gen high-tech motor-racing, an integrated motor racing township itself, with world’s first Full HD Track Surveillance System, world’s first HD SDI timing page system with an accuracy of 1,000th milliseconds, streamable HD media distribution system, and many more. Consider the major acts of AV the KMT performs: © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

Track Video Surveillance – HD-SDI Digital Video Storage Media Distribution System Track Light Signaling Info Displays Time Keeping Marshal Intercom Technical Furniture VoIP Data Network Uninterrupted Power Supply

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Fault Indication System Jumpstart Detection System Cables and Installation Physical Security CCTV & ACS Central Clock Public Address SMART TV & IPTV Outdoor LED DATA Center Security Control Room

The Kuwait Motor Town is the vision of the Amiri Diwan, brought to reality by Hermann Tilke, and others.

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When the fanciful track on the motor racing field pompously opened a few months ago through the hands of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, it actually unveiled a whole big world of sporting technology sophistication- an altogether new dynamic, nay, dimension to the motor-racing domain globally. For, the size and scale with which the township is visualized and accomplished thus far vrooms it to the top of the racing world charts. Built at a Phase-1 cost of KD 49 million (US$164 million), over an area of 2.6 million square meters in 14 months – designed by famed German moto-racing track designer Hermann Tilke and laid by the Arizona National Company in association with the machine control technologies major Trimble – the 5610m KMT Circuit as of now features seven tracks of Formula-1 (FIA/FIM grade), with a 20-corner, anti-clockwise 5+ configuration layout to suit all top-level racing events. At 5.6km length, it doesn’t boast to be the longest; it’s, however, chucked to fifth spot straight – after those at Pescara-Italy; SebringFlorida (USA); Reims-France; and AVUS-Berlin – and, is much more impressive with 1750m in length, much longer than the current calendar F1 tracks of Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi, and Baku in Azerbaijan (both designed by the German fame), as also the historic F1 track in Fuji. Another notable attraction is the four-part sequence of corners from turns 12 to 15, that resembles the turn eight at Istanbul Park- again designed by Tilke. Rendering it with more adrenalin-gushing turns are the thrills similar to the ‘Corkscrew’ turns at Laguna Seca in California and chills akin to what every racer gets wary of at Nurburgring in Germany. More, the Circuit also features a purpose built off-road section catering for MotoX, RallyX, 4×4, drag-racing, kart-racing, dune-racing, and allterrain vehicle racing. The Circuit also characterized by a Training Academy aimed at honing the racking skills of aspiring moto-racers. The currently operative

Race Security System

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Media Distribution System Timekeeping System Uninterrupted Power Supply - Battery System Data Network and Voice over IP-Tele-Communication Cables for the special race electronics system

HD-SDI-Track-Surveillance-System

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First Full HD Track Surveillance System on the World Full Coverage of Tracks by 1080p Full HD 3600PTZ HD-SDICameras Live Operating System out of Race Control with Joystick and Servo Controls Ready to Stream to Internet (for smaller races)

Digital Video Storage System

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Hard disc recording and replay-system for all track cameras HDSDI Recording System with max. 100 frames per second Race Control Management and Fault Indication System Full control and overview of the functionality of all system functions Race Control and Marshal Intercom/radio communication system Radio Communication System for all Marshals and Recovery Services, cabled Backup-System on each Marshal Post Digital Flag System / Driver-Information-LED-Lightflags Full Matrix and colour LED panels for electronic flags in compliance with the FIA ISC Annex H with extreme brightness Starting- and Pit-Exit lights in compliance with the FIA ISC Annex H

Media Distribution System

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Over 1000 centrally managed and remote operated HDTV-Sets in all buildings 15 video walls CMATV-System Access to different satellites including a Cable Head End station Audio/PA System 1510 loudspeakers with covering the full event area with information and security announcements for spectators

A VISION REALIZED: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah having a word of praise for Hermann Tilke, as His Excellence Amiri Diwan Administrative and Financial Chief Abdulaziz Eshaq (right) look on. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

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Tag Heuer Timekeeping Systems

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First system with HD-SDI - Timing Pages in the world Accuracy 1000 milliseconds 100 GPS synchronized Transponder sets Time keeping Loops Decoder for detection of Transponder signals Finish-Line Camera with 10.000 pictures/second

Special Race Electronics System at a Glance

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660 km fiber optics cable 450 km network cables 150 km Loudspeaker cables 1510 Loudspeakers with more than 100 kW powerconsumption 255 km of power cable 3000 KW connection Power 650 KVA UPS Power Approx. 8000 data points for fault indication system More than 300 track broadcasting cameras HD-SDI Recording System with max. 100 frames per second 1013 centrally managed and remote operated HD-TV-Sets in all buildings Full Matrix and colour LED panels for electronic flags in compliance with the FIA ISC Annex H with extreme brightness First Timekeeping System with HDSDI-Timing Pages in the world. Accuracy: 1.000 milliseconds Finish-Line Camera with 10.000 pictures/second On Prem I.T Infrastructure Data Center with D.R on IBM Cloud. Over a 1000 of CCTV and ACS system network on the ground.

TOP AV BRANDS ON THE TRACK • • • • • • • • • • •

Audio-Technica Ashley Atlas Sound BlackMagic BST Cisco Clear Cube Crestron Dell EMC EM Motorsport Galaxy Systems

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Inter-M Leviton Mirisan Mylaps Philips Riedel Samsung Silent Sentinel SMS-Timing Televic

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (right), with His Excellencey Amiri Diwan, Administrative and Financial Chief Abdulaziz Eshaq (left).

phase has seating capacity for around 8,000 spectators, apart from high-tech media facilities and VIP halls, besides as many 32 pit facilities (vehicle repair centres) and parking for around 3,300 vehicles. The next phase of the KMT development includes development of luxury hotels, largest indoor water park, and shopping plazas aimed at making the KMT a complete township, integrated with all the associated elements of luxury, adventurous motor-racing as known by the region’s enthusiasts.

A Grand Vision Realized The KMT is a realization of a dream that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah had been nourishing for over 12 years, as part of his grand vision of heralding the Arab nation into the global league of excellence and acclaimed prosperity. The Vision took the form of a mission, of late, and in recent times, got translated into a passion that only grew in aggression which is evidenced in the Amiri Diwan’s initiating a spate of ambitious projects such as launching of grand new airport, expansion of oil and gas facilities and besides grand construction projects towards projecting a new, modern Kuwait. Visualized as part of the same pursuit, the KMT got its first fillip around late 2016 when the Amiri Diwan initiated the project construction, with a strict mandate for timelines as well as world-class standards of track making. With a clear vision already in place, and a passion being driven directly by the Amir, the Amiri Diwan called for a swift action on the field scouting for the solution providers competent enough to realize the dream. Locally-based leading design consultancy, engineering planning firm PACE has landed the prestigious project for consultancy, while the AV and ICT Systems Integration firm Smart Entity

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FACTFILE

Project name : Kuwait Motor Town Project location : Arefjan, 40km south of Kuwait City Project segment :Racing/ Multi-Motorsports Project owner : Al Amiri Diwan Project operator : BCC in cooperation with MRK1 Consulting Project overall budget : 49 million Kuwaiti Dinars (120 million Euros) Race ICT cost : 8.7 million Kuwaiti Dinars (25 million Euros)

PROJECT CONSULTANTS

Project Consultant : PACE Project Design Consultants : Hermann Tilke, Germany Project Architects/Interior Designers : Tilke in cooperation with Unique Design & Kohen Project SYSTEMS INTEGRATORS : Smartentity in cooperation with SPORTTOTAL VENUES GmbH

PROJECT CONTRACTORS

Construction : BCC Electrical : KCCES ELV : Smartentity HVAC : First United AV : Smartentity in cooperation with SPORTTOTAL VENUES GmbH PA/VA : Smartentity Security : Smartentity Race electronic : Smartentity in cooperation with SPORTTOTAL VENUES GmbH

TECH TEAM

From Design/Architecture : Carsten Reuter From Systems Integration : Youssef Ismail From Install team : Khalid Elhusseiny

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

>2.6 million square meters of racing; 7 tracks of FIA/FIM; 32 pit facilities; a single cable data network. Over 660 kilometers of fiber optic and 450 kilometers of copper cables were used to make this network.

The video wall at the Racing Control Room

Telecommunication System and Material Co. landed the integration job for the prestigious project. The task of designing the ambitious track was entrusted with German engineer and Formula-1 racing expert Hermann Tilke who has made tremendous fame with designs of numerous F-1 racing tracks around the world. Says SmartEntity Founder-CEO Chadi El KFoury: “It is not the biggest project in Kuwait, but it is one of the most exacting in terms of the accuracy required for the low voltage technology, and specifically for the special race electronics system, specified for the project.” According to KFoury, the KMT is a passionately driven project directly from the Amiri Diwan where precision of timing and solutions deployed is of paramount importance. Says the SI: “A small tolerance of delay on some of the services is acceptable like in a monitoring camera or public address, IPTV or SMART TV 2-5 seconds are usually acceptable; but on this project, the degree of error cannot exceed 0.5msec. Therefore; we had to ensure that the design and the installation is accurate to the specs.” The integrator’s adherence to accuracy was monitored at every stage by Tilke on one side, and PACE on the other side apparently leaving no room for any latency. “They are meticulous to the minute detail,” says KFoury, “there is no tolerance for error with them; no mercy.” “It’s the Amir’s vision, and Amiri Diwan’s mission that has driven the project,” KFoury maintains, “we are glad that we were able to execute the job to perfection.”

Enter SmartEntity, with ‘Sporttotal’ Approach

THE RACE TRACK: The beautiful race track as seen from the gallery. Notice the Digital Board that displays images and racking details as well.

Having landed the Technology Integration job, Smart Entity – in association with German specialty sporting electronics leader SPORTTOTAL VENUES GmbH – worked on the preliminary tender specifications for the final design of the track which as vital before getting on to the integration job. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

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THE CONTROL ROOM ELECTRONICS: (Left): Video wall to display the images from the tracks, the systems to analyse the video feed; (right): The AV racks of electronics

The job wasn’t smaller, though, for the integrator. It involved as many as 15 major aspects/departments of the massive work that the KMT ICT was. The tasks included track surveillance, video storage, media distribution, data network, VoIP and more (check the list in the beginning).

One of the characteristic features of ICT deployment at the KMT is that a single cable data network is made to power the entire campus. Over 660 kilometers of fiber optic and 450 kilometers of copper cables have been wired to make this network- which is of a rare piece of cabling.

“Our brief was to follow tender specs, deliver and execute the stateof-the-art technology,” informs the SmartEnitity CEO. “However, our affiliation with Sporttotal Venues GmBH, as their long-term partner has been of immense help.” According to him, their association with the Sportttal at major race track installations such as those at Sochi, Nürburgring, Hockenheim, Bilster Berg helped them to a great extent in understanding the finer aspects of systems integration for projects of KMT’s scale.

The Race Control Building Control Room has been equipped with a video wall of as many as 24 large format screens. That the screens are curved and edged on the sides their displaying the scenarios from the track field comes out much more clearly visible.

“It was of particular help in understanding, designing and implementing the professional Race Electronics System for the Race Control Operations,” KFoury explains. “This design is a result of the long-time cooperation with the FIA racing series. The scalable race electronic system is capable of adapting to any increased demands and systems as the KMT expands in future. It allows easy interconnection of the existing FIA systems.” “While the design evolved by Tilke specified ever detail about the systems to deployed, we took the Dante approach to be in perfect sync with it,” KFoury clarified.

That the region is prone to frequent sand storms, particularly during summers, the building is equipped with weather stations- for generating warnings in case of any weather-induced inclemency and to ensure necessary safety measures are taken to safeguard the equipment. The Start and Finish line on all the tracks are equipped with lights and a system of digital flags- which is a two-sided information board displaying information about the weather, race statistics and other data necessary for the teams and drivers. Special time-keeping system sensors are built into the asphalt surface of all the tracks that allow reception of all the necessary data: the speed, lap times of a driver and much more.

How Technology Race through the Track According to Mohanad Al Farhan, Technology Director at SmartEntity, the Race Electronics System –central backbone of the racing track technology – is a network of complex electronics controls. It includes the lights control system, track data system, track video surveillance system, PA system, timekeeping system and wireless and wired data networks - not to mention information systems. “If all these systems work synchronously, the race tracking is a sheer pleasure for the technology player as well as the user,” says Farhan. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

The Digital displays of racing details

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feeds from the TV over Internet Protocol (IP) to the other parties all over the KMT is certified by Dante protocol. “Our aim was to find roper systems that deliver the lowest latency for live events, flexibility in integration and expandability,” reasons Kfoury on their AV planning. “These factors also need a powerful network infrastructure of fiber optics with fully redundant options. Thanks to the powerful UPS system that will help to keep the system working under any circumstances.”

Racing Against Time The Digital displays of racing details

The main Grand Stand features two big screens, each made of numerous LED units. These LED screens, though come with full HD resolution, are characterized by special anti-glare surface so neither rain, nor sun hinder spectators watching a race on them. The advance video systems in place ensure meticulous and seamless communication- transmitting any signals, whether satellite, live, Internet, or video surveillance. Received data can be combined to form the final ‘picture.’ The implemented PA system allows spectators to comfortably hear a commentator and all audio programmes that are broadcast during the different events. All systems are built and maintained under warranty with SmartEntity, working in association with Sporttotal Venues, whose representatives visit the KMT four times a year to check and ensure everything is smooth and perfect.

AV Weaving in at its Best The AV Systems deployment is primarily meant for distributing the media all over the whole facilities. The media could be background music, special/general announcement, live feed from race areas, time keeping results and local/international TV channels. Also, could be connected to the OBVAN for broadcasting. “The AV deployment for this scale of project is really challenging,” says the SmartEntity CEO. “For, it is supposed to encompass all the facilities across the KMT spread,” he explains. “Staring from PC local area network to Race Control time keeping, race and video surveillance, signaling system and so on,” he explains. “Each system sends/receives signals to/from AV system that reflects the actions on all over the racing areas. So, ensuring all that happens smoothly is a challenge. However, we achieved it.”

While it was all a great experience, it was practically racing against time, says the SmartEntity Chief. “Such a massive project, and we had to deliver all that in just 14 months! That was a greatest challenge,” he says. “The ICT network to be deployed wasn’t either of a small scale, when looked from the viewpoint of the facility ranges.” Their working in close association with their technology and integration partners ensured all that, he maintains.

The Finish Line The accomplishment of KMT as per their visualization has apparently given a great amount satisfaction to the Amiri Administration. The Amiri Diwan Administrative and Financial Chief His Excellency Abdulaziz Eshaq has a sense of grand achievement, and has a great feeling that the Amir’s vision was brought to reality in a great fashion. According to him, designing such a massive track in such a fashion and making ready for action in a span of 14 months is no mean task. That the KMT is given the intended shape, he hoped that it raises the country’s stakes high onto the global league of adventure motor sports. Steve Vuleta, General Manager at KMT, has a special praise for the integrators. “It is an extraordinary vision brought to life by the Amiri Diwan for the people of Kuwait, the region and the world. The facilities are quite exemplary and outstanding but none of them would work without cutting edge technology,” he asserts. “This has been well executed by those involved particularly Smartentity and Sporttotal.” www.smartentity.net www.sporttotal.com www.tilke.de/en www.pace-kuwait.com

All the AV systems brought to place had to be high-end and cuttingedge, asserts the Integrator. A case in a point is the PA system routing voices from the commentator, race operators, music players and any

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INDIA

The Kling & Freitag Sequenza 5 Speakers Installed are Characterized by Simple Handling, Small Size and a Subtle Visual Appearance

Rivera Does an Avant-Garde Audio at NID

The National Institute of Design (NID) establishment in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is considered one of the most reputed design institutions in India. The institute’s newly built auditorium required a precision audio-visual systems integration to help it further its design academics endeavours. Mumbai-based Audio major Rivera International had the honours for the prestigious project. A snapshot by SI Asia. The National Institute of Design (NID) is internationally acclaimed as one of the foremost multi-disciplinary institutions in the field of design education and research. Listed as one of the top 25 European and Asian programmes in the world by The Business Week, USA; NID has been a pioneer in industrial design education and is known for its pursuit of design excellence to make the acclaimed “Designed in India, Made for the World” a reality. NID functions as an autonomous body under the department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (Ministry of Commerce & Industry), Government of India. The institute has been declared ‘Institution of National Importance’ by the Act of Parliament, by virtue of the National Institute of Design Act 2014; and is recognised by the Deparment of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR) under Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, as a scientific and industrial design research organisation.

The iconic institute’s division in Ahmedabad in Gujarat is widely regarded as one of the most revered educational campuses in the country, boasting facilities and infrastructure that promotes worldclass tutoring and training in curriculum and beyond. Among the plethora of facilities at the campus, a definite attraction is the plush auditorium space, which plays host to variety of activities including but not limited to workshops, training sessions, guest lectures, debates/discussions, drama and theatrics, musical events, and more. Designed by a team of highly skilled architects, with key emphasis on comfort, the auditorium space sports ample isle space with luscious seating and designated backstage areas for technical control and artist/performance preparations etc; in addition to being integrated with world class technology which makes it adept to capably reinforce any kind of performance under the sun – musical, theatrical and dance.

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Complementing the quality design ambience with a matching audio environment, the auditorium has recently been equipped with latest lighting and sound equipment. “There is a better acoustics and better visual appeal now; it thus gives the institute a world class structure to explore artistic facets such as theatrics, music and more…” says a member of the management and a key individual in-charge of this development. The audio architecture has been designed and integrated by Mumbai based industry veterans Rivera International- the official distribution partners for brands like ToneArt, Nova Audio, Niles Audio and Atlas Audio. With a view to weaving in an audio environment that is acoustically perfect and syncs aesthetically into the space architecture, the integrator brought to site world class products from renowned brands Kling & Freitag and ToneArt. The FOH system at the audi thus comprised a meticulously designed line array system of the acclaimed Sequenza 5W line array elements from niche brand Kling & Freitag, complete with matching Sequenza 5B sub-woofers. The Sequenza 5 system assures pristine audio playback with impactful low frequency fidelity throughout front-of-stage and flank areas of the auditorium space; with a pair of Scena 15 loudspeakers capably providing high quality audio as the on-stage monitoring solution. The entire loudspeaker setup being powered through a slew of high-quality RSX10Q power amplifiers from ToneArt, with the QU-16 console with the QU-SB digital wireless remote-control mixer from Allen & Heath forming the audio-mixing solution. Says Rajesh Sadarangani, Director of Rivera International, “the K & F Sequenza 5 is characterized by simple handling, small size and a subtle visual appearance – three most crucial pre-requisites that the management at NID put forth during our initial discussions about the project and their idea of the perfect sound system.”

According to him, the Sequenza 5’s fast and secure rigging system named ‘Snap & Fly +’ together with the ‘SafeLock’ system saves time and effort with maximum security; while the fact that the system can be pre-bent on the ground and the units automatically engage at start-up ensures that the space get crystal clear sound and maximum performance every single time. The NID management, and those who use the space regularly are extremely pleased with the quality of sound and the performance of the system. “It’s been an honour and a privilege for our team to have had the opportunity of being a part of such a wonderful project,” Rajesh added. In addition to the impressive audio system, Team Rivera International have also integrated a state-of-the-art video projection system at the NID auditorium, which employs the use of a pair of the highly praised VPL-FHZ60 laser projectors from Sony, processed through the revolutionary G-602 edge blending processor from Geo-Box and controlled through the VS481B 4-Port HDMI Switch from Aten. This cutting-edge projection system, together with the awe-inspiring audio system, forms the heart of every audiovisual performance/presentation to grace the stage at NID. The venue management is apparently happy about the avant-garde AV system integration. “Thanks to the wonderful sound system we have here, we’re able to host any kind of performance event,” hailed the NID representative. “The system sounds absolutely fantastic. And the icing on the cake is the ever-impressive projection mapping system – which acts as the perfect complement to the audio – both of which together create a truly immersive experience. We commend Rajesh and his team at Rivera International for a job well done!” www.riverainternational.com © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

INSTALLATION

AUSTRALIA

Fredon Technology and Audio Systems Logic Select Networked AV Solutions by AMX and JBL

Lendlease Creates Versatile Meeting and Collaborative Workspaces for Better Productivity and Efficiency

Fredon Technology recently partnered with Audio Systems Logic to outfit Lendlease’s new Barangaroo office building with an integrated HARMAN networked AV solution to create an innovative, activitybased workspace environment. Headquartered in Sydney, Lendlease is a leading international property and infrastructure group responsible for many monumental construction projects that have become cornerstones within their local communities, including the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York, the Olympic Athletes’ Village in London, and the Sydney Opera House. With the goal of improving their activity-based working model, Lendlease hired leading AV specialist consultants Audio Systems Logic to design a building-wide networked AV solution. After careful consideration, Audio Systems Logic selected a HARMAN system comprised of state-of-the-art AMX SVSI solutions and JBL Professional speakers. “Lendlease wanted to make sure the AV system in their new building would complement their activity-based workplace office design,” said Aleksandra Deren, Consultant, Audio Systems Logic. “To help them achieve this goal, we proposed implementing a versatile networked AV solution that could support a wide range of presentation styles © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

and activities. We selected HARMAN’s AMX SVSI solutions to ensure the new system is flexible, reliable and easy to use.” The Audio Systems Logic team determined that an IP-based solution would give Lendlease the flexibility needed to achieve their vision. AMX SVSI solutions played a big role in enabling Audio Systems Logic to deliver a reliable network performance and intuitive AV operation throughout the entire building. To minimize the uplink bandwidth between individual floors, Fredon Technology installed AMX SVSI N1000 Series encoders and decoders on each floor. This ensured

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video could be delivered to thousands of destinations across a range of applications and networks. “We have utilized SVSI in previous installations and were immediately impressed by how quickly it allows you to switch between different presentation formats, video conferencing and more,” said Nick Orsatti, General Manager - NSW, Fredon Technology. “The Lendlease installment was a much bigger project in scope, but the intuitive design of the SVSI system helped us overcome the challenges associated with a much larger deployment.” The installation team outfitted the facility with a range of AMX Modero Touch Panels to give staff the ability to quickly and easily set up multimedia presentations. Modero Touch Panels deliver intuitive, gesture-based operation in a streamlined interface that is ideal for interactive meetings and to enhance collaboration. The entire system is controlled using AMX NetLinx Controllers and managed & monitored via the AMX Resource Management Suite.

“As one of the world’s largest property and construction companies, we focus on not just creating the best assets but also activating them,” said Katrina Stewart, Workplace Delivery Manager, Lendlease. “We wanted to showcase to our clients a future-forward workspace that supports collaboration and video conferencing across multiple locations. With this overall goal in mind, Audio Systems Logic teamed up with Fredon Technology to create a unique workspace with a simple user experience tailored to our specific needs. We’re glad to say that the entire Lendlease team is raving about how easy it is to use the AMX SVSI system. We’re excited to see people moving away from booking formal meeting rooms in favour of using more of these open, collaborative spaces.” To offer pristine sound quality throughout the entire facility, Fredon Technology equipped the building with JBL Control 24C and 24CT Micro ceiling speakers. The speakers deliver extremely wide coverage and smooth frequency response to ensure that audio streamed over the network can be heard with clarity from anywhere in the building. “It is a privilege to see our networked AV solutions helping leading companies like Lendlease implement customized, multifaceted solutions for their activity-based workplaces,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “We thank Audio Systems Logic and Fredon Technology for their exceptional service and inspiring workplace innovation by transforming the perception of modern meeting spaces.” pro.harman.com

TECH TALK

Evaluating and Selecting the Best Monitoring Method By Godwin Mathew, Applications Engineer, IMEA at Biamp

TECH TALK

Paging and Voice Alarm (PAVA) systems are mission-critical and thus their integrity and ability to perform should be monitored constantly. In particular, it is vital to know if the loudspeaker circuits are functional and will be able to deliver the message when the system is called into action. Should a circuit present a problem, it is paramount that the operators are notified immediately so remedial action can be taken before the fault prevents a vital message from being heard. Long speaker lines create a vulnerable part of a distributed audio system. They are often connected by long cable runs, often out of sight inside conduits in the ceiling or walls, feeding speakers along the way. Several factors could potentially cause damage to cable runs, from wildlife like rats and squirrels (they do seem to fancy a chew on a good cable) and routine maintenance activities to environmental factors and hardware failure. For obvious reasons, discovery and diagnosis of the fault can be cumbersome and impractical. Without a proper monitoring mechanism, a fault could very well go undiscovered until it’s too late. All mission-critical systems should have a way to periodically monitor speaker lines for any disruptions and raise the alarm should a problem be detected. There are a number of ways speaker line monitoring is achieved. In most cases, some form of test audio signal is played through the

speaker line circuit and analysed for fault parameters. In simpler systems, only the speaker cable continuity is tested using a DC voltage or speaker signal itself. Let’s look at some common implementations of speaker line monitoring.

Impedance Monitoring Any loudspeaker circuit presents a characteristic impedance based on the cable, length, and number of speakers attached to it. Typically, the connected amplifier or a controller in the audio system capable of impedance monitoring generates a real-time impedance versus frequency curve by playing back an audio signal through the

TECH TALK speaker line. This curve serves as a baseline to compare with future impedance analysis, and any major deviation is flagged as a fault. A tone, pink noise or regular program audio can be used for analysing and characterising the normal operation versus a fault condition. Impedance monitoring can be an inexpensive solution if the amplifier or the audio system already supports this functionality, as additional equipment is not required. A critical factor affecting the accuracy of impedance monitoring is environmental conditions like temperatures and humidity which can cause a huge variance in impedance of a loudspeaker circuit. While setting the system up, fault tolerances have to be deployed to account for those variances, or else false alarms will be raised. Often, periodic re-calibration of the baseline impedance curve is required. Naturally, the expected changes in impedance and the fault tolerance required to compensate and prevent false positives, can at times render this method inaccurate and unreliable.

End of Line Monitoring As the name indicates, this method relies on active or passive devices connected at the end of the speaker lines. These are used to monitor for disruptions, and come in various forms: Passive devices are detected and monitored by the amplifier or controller, often by monitoring their characteristic impedance or other property. These offer more accurate and reliable performance than plain impedance monitoring as the variance presented by the end of line device is more tightly defined. This method, however, can prevent the deployment of branched speaker lines, as the monitoring method is seldom capable of coping with multiple end of line devices on a single speaker line. If one of the devices (one branch) fails, the amplifier or controller located in the system rack will still be able to measure the remaining end of line devices and thus fail to raise the alarm. Active end of line devices usually operate by “listening” to a test tone emitted by the amplifier or controller, continuously or periodically, and reporting back whether the tone is reaching the end of the cable run successfully or not. Active end of line devices can draw power from the speaker line or alternative power source, and are commonly more sophisticated than passive devices. They can normally cope with branched speaker lines due to their ability to address the system individually. Test tones for active or passive end of line devices can be within the hearing range (20Hz to 20KHz), or be supersonic (above 20KHz). Test tones within 20Hz to 20KHz are often avoided as they can potentially be heard, although usually very low/high frequencies are selected, in the hope that the speakers won’t be able to reproduce them. Supersonic frequencies are thus usually preferred, although they are susceptible to high-frequency roll-offs that might happen over long speaker runs due to the cable’s electrical characteristics. High quality cables, with sufficiently low capacitance and high conductivity

can certainly help, especially on longer runs. But even then, the unsurpassable wall presented by physics will limit the length of speaker lines that can be monitored.

DC Monitoring This method is akin to continuity testing of a cable. The controller or amplifier in the system applies a DC voltage to the speaker line which is typically terminated at the other end with a resistor to achieve a certain reference voltage. Any break or short in the cable will cause a change in the voltage which can be detected by the system. This is a simple and reliable method, but a major downside is that each speaker in the circuit needs to be fitted with a capacitor. This is done because in a distributed audio system, the transformer in the speakers will otherwise present a DC short.

Loop Monitoring Each speaker line is looped back to the equipment rack and is monitored for the signal that is sent out. In some systems, the loop connects back to the amplifier, which can drive a signal from either end of the loop giving additional resilience in case of line failure. Again, this is a simple and reliable method, but comes at the cost of added complexity and cable costs.

Selecting the Best Monitoring Solution With so many different ways of implementing speaker line monitoring, how do we decide which is best? The answer of course, as with most audio system design related question is: it depends! We have to consider the requirements of the system, budget and site affordances. For example, for compliance with fire evacuation standards like EN-54 16, only active devices can commonly be considered. On the other hand, impedance monitoring usually offers the most cost-effective solution at the expense of compliance and reliable results. If speaker lines are branched – which happens often in PAVA systems – active addressable devices would work best. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but when faced with many different options, research the options available and carefully consider the pros and cons each and how they compare to the various aspects of the project. By asking the right questions, considering the needs of the whole solution (now and in the future), you will find a solution that fits best and meets the needs of the project. Godwin Mathew is an applications engineer at Biamp based in Mumbai, India, and brings more than 10 experience to his customers in the pro-AV industry.

VOICEBOX

The Right Touch is Central to Today’s Retail Customer Journey By Ian Crosby, Sales and Marketing Director, Zytronic Ltd.

Touchscreens are at the heart of a clicks-to-bricks customer journey. Customers love going shopping but retailers need to entice them through the door, and make them feel comfortable completing the transaction in store. Their new digital tools: interactive windows, “endless aisle” displays, kiosks, touch tables – all rely on contact through a touchscreen – these days, most commonly through projected capacitive (p-cap) technology.

speed of touch detection, updating touch co-ordinates in just 1ms at the controller output – helping to reduce touch latency by a third compared to the previous generation controllers, and improving the overall user experience.

Enhanced visual presentation

New touch controllers are raising the bar for performance and enabling new features in interactive video walls and touch tables. They offer a narrower inactive border in line with the trend for displays to be thinner with a maximum display area. Soft keys can be placed around the edge of the screen. Speed of touch response is improved dramatically. New functionality such as contactless payment, loyalty card recognition and even wireless phone charging can be added.

Improved noise immunity The key to these improvements is the drive signal applied to the sensors’ Transmit (Tx) array of electrodes by the touch controller. The level of this signal is a classic trade-off, a low voltage signal can be overwhelmed by electromagnetic interference (EMI) from the environment, a high drive voltage can create interference in the sensor itself, which can potentially degrade performance. Most projected capacitive touchscreen manufacturers are forced to use a Tx signal with a DC current of between 20-30V, due to limitations in available “off-the-shelf” touch control components and ASICs. However, Zytronic’s new ZXY500 range of controllers has been purpose designed to operate at an industry leading Tx drive voltage of up to 40V, enabling full multi-touch detection in extremely challenging self-service and public use applications. The new controller features a unique ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a custom designed silicon chip created by Zytronic. The ASIC increases the © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 18 ISSUE - 3~ Feb 2019- Mar 2019

The higher drive voltages reduce the influence of noise on the data captured. A significant source of this noise is the proximity of the display behind the overlaying touch sensor. With all larger projected capacitive touchscreens, it is necessary to have a gap (air or resin filled) between the front of the display and the rear of the touch sensor, and the new ZXY500 controller now allows this gap to be substantially reduced, depending on the size and type of display selected. This not only enables the whole machine to become slimmer and more compact, it

VOICEBOX also reduces optical parallax between the display and the overlaying sensor, improving the user experience and perceived accuracy of touch. The new controller also enables a substantially reduced non-active border to the sensor: to just 10mm for a 55” diagonal touch sensor. The border reduction has been achieved through proprietary new touch detection algorithms in the controller firmware which allow the Transmit (Tx) and Receive (Rx) electrodes in the sensor borders to be located far closer together without creating interference or “cross-talk”. The ZXY500 controllers also make it possible to design “soft” keys around the edge of the dynamic active area of the projected capacitive touchscreen. These fixed touch “buttons” are managed by the same controller and their function can be defined by the designer – for example keys for dimming/increasing brightness or raising and lowering volume – all via the controllers firmware. A further enhancement is the opportunity to include tactile feedback through the ‘force sensing’ capability. Zytronic has developed further custom touch detection firmware for the ZXY500 which responds to the increased surface area of a fingertip when pressed more firmly onto the screen and graduates its output accordingly. Software developers can then use the variable Z-axis coordinates from the controller to activate different functions depending on the applied pressure, such as issuing an audible message alerting the user to the option selected when the screen is touched lightly, and then confirming the choice when pressed harder.

Contactless payments and phone charging

industry leading signal-to-noise ratios and sophisticated algorithms that change dynamically to reject electromagnetic interference in the operating environment. Zytronic has tested each of these technologies with the ZXY500 controller and demonstrated that they can be implemented very close to active touch area without impairing the performance of the touchscreen.

System integration and communications A key factor in the success of a user interface design is how easy it is to integrate the controller into the rest of the system. USB is an extremely popular interface, but there are some applications that require RS232, I2C or SPI interfaces, and the new touch controller also supports these communication protocols. Size is also an important consideration, and the smallest projected capacitive controller in the new ZXY500 range has been significantly reduced in size to just 61 x 64mm to support Zytronic touch sensor sizes up to ~19”, with other controllers in the family covering touch sensors up to ~90”. The flexible printed circuits (FPC) connecting the touch sensors to the new controllers have also been reduced to just 120mm in length, further simplifying integration. For applications where space is at a premium, the new controllers are also available as a ‘chip set’. Under special agreement, Zytronic will provide the ZXY500 design files to a customer, and just supply the core ASIC and ARM Cortex microprocessor (with Zytronic touch detection firmware pre-loaded). The client can then embed the touch controller onto an existing motherboard within their system, saving space, cost and integration time. Finally, the new controllers have been designed to be HID (Human Interface Device) compliant and offer ‘plug-and-play’ operation with later Windows operating systems, also supporting Linux and Android builds capable of multi-touch input.

Conclusion: A “phygital” experience

The improved noise immunity of the new controllers allows useful additional functions like contactless payment, wireless phone charging and customer tracking close to the active area of the touchscreen, enabling a tightly integrated layout. The technologies used to implement these functions, such as RFID, NFC and Qi, generate signals that can interfere with the operation of conventional projected capacitive touchscreens, but the new controller has

Retailers that get the customer experience and journey right are showing that it is entirely possible to run a thriving physical store alongside a successful online presence, and in doing so out-compete online-only resellers. Customers enjoy meeting and interacting with knowledgeable and helpful sales staff, and the opportunity to see and handle the physical product – experiences that are simply unavailable online. By harnessing the best available touch technologies, however, it is much easier to bring the best of web into the store, and truly give customers the best of both physical and digital worlds. https://zytronic.co.uk

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QSC Awarded Patent for Simplifying Web Conferencing Integration QSC has been awarded a utility patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for its unique Q-SYS Web Conference Integration Solution. This patent (USA 9,973,638) recognizes the solution’s ability to bring an IP camera stream from Q-SYS PTZ-IP conference cameras into soft codec applications (like Zoom, Skype for Business, GoToMeeting, etc.) via a driverless USB connection.

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K-array Welcomes Westco to K-family K-array is making waves on Philippine shores with local partner Westco. By teaming up with Westco, the Italian designer of audio solutions has partnered one of the country’s top and leading electrical engineering services firms, led by President Engr. Roddy Peñalosa.

Vega India Move to a New Home in Mumbai Vega Project India Pvt. Ltd, one of Vega Global’s regional branches, has moved to a new office location to accommodate its growing operations. Vega’s new office is located at Inspire BKC, Office No 215 and 216, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East Mumbai.

Robert Bosch Sdn Bhd Announces New Partnership with Mahajak Trio Electronic Sdn Bhd Robert Bosch Sdn Bhd (RBSB) announced a new partnership with MAHAJAK TRIO ELECTRONIC SDN BHD (MTE) on 13 November 2018. This announcement was made during their Partner Appreciation Dinner at Four Points by Sheraton Malaysia. Attended by Minister of Communication & Multimedia, Gobind Singh Deo s/o Karpal Singh, Mahajak Trio’s dealers, enduser, consultants, suppliers and system integrators.

Adamson Appoints Ben Millson to Oversee New APAC Office In response to its substantial ongoing growth in the AsiaPacific region, Adamson Systems Engineering has established a new office in Chiang Mai, Thailand to better serve its partner network and further enhance its brand profile. Correspondingly, the company has appointed Ben Millson as Managing Director for the APAC region to oversee the new office and its operations.

d&b audiotechnik Reaffirms Commitment to Growth In APAC with New Venture in China German audio technology company d&b audiotechnik has made a further commitment to its Asia Pacific customers by establishing a new subsidiary in China. d&b audiotechnik and its previous partner in China, d&b China, are realigning their successful partnership by establishing a new cooperation named d&b audiotechnik Greater China Ltd., based in Hong Kong.

Sennheiser Electronic Asia’s New Office Rocks As an industry serving the needs of other industries, we design and plan solutions to help achieve objectives. In that vein, hotdesking has become very popular amongst corporations as a way of work. We admit that this is the first time we have seen our own industry operator talk the talk and walk the walk.

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