Systems Integration Asia February & March 2012 by Spinworkz Pte Ltd

Vol. 11 Issue 3 ~ FEBRUARY - MARCH 2012

AUDIO • VISUAL • LIGHT • CONTROL SYSTEMS MICA (P) 014/04/2011 PPS 1669/08/2012 (022815)

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YOU ARE blends ONLY Visionaire 3 STEPS AWAY AV and IT at YOUR the United Arab PERFECT Emirates University INSTALLATION FROM

Jeff Hastings, CEO of 1.GROUP 2. SUBGROUP

3. FORMAT

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Vol. Vo ol.. 1 11 1 Is Issue ssue sue 3 ~ FEBRUARY su FE EBR B UA ARY - M MARCH ARCH AR C 2 CH 2012 012 01 2

AUDIO A UDI DIO O•V VISUAL ISUAL AL • LIG LIGHT GHT • C CONTROL ONTR T OL SYSTEMS M MICA (P) 014/04/2011 PPS 1669/08/2012 (022815)

Visionaire blends AV and IT at the United Arab Emirates University Jeff Hastings, CEO of BrightSign looks at the year ahead for Digital Signage projectiondesign upgrades Swire Marine Training Centre w w w . s y s t e m s i n t e g r a t i o n a s i a . c o m

CONTENTS

Vol. 11 Issue 3 ~ February - March 2012

64 33 04 FIRST WORDS

70 62 New Formula to motor racing

74 Bethesda Cathedral improves audio system with digital upgrades

06 NEWS

64 IIT Bombay features big AV facility

33 SOLUTIONS UPDATE

67 Cisco’s Dubai ofﬁce integrated with AV

TECH TALK 77 Digital divide to the fore again by Aseem Gupta

INDIA & MIDDLE EAST COLUMN 43 News Interview

68 Human genetics studied through AV

INSTALLATIONS 70 projectiondesign upgrades huge

Solutions Pvt Ltd. Installations

58 Green ICT@UAEU

ahead by Jeff Hastings of Brightsign

Singapore marine training centre

56 Interview with Amit Chowdryi, director of PeopleLink Corporate

VOICE BOX 79 Digital Signage – A look at the year

80 Sanket Sawant, sales manager 72 Concordia Lutheran School features BXB PA System

73 JBLs provide the perfect ﬁt for newly renovated Darra Chapel

(India), Speakercraft on Crafting speakers and audio

FIRST WORDS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

COVER: 3D Illustration of the United Arab Emirates University

The big news that greeted us in the beginning of the year was the retirement announcement of Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D, the Executive Director and CEO of InfoComm International. I will be sad to see him go as he has steered the Association magniﬁcently over some very trying years. As very well put by the Chairman of the Leadership Development Committee and Past President of the Board, Jim Ford, “We are proud of Randy’s extraordinary service to InfoComm International. During an economy when many associations are struggling to survive, InfoComm International has enjoyed tremendous growth under Randy’s leadership, quadrupling revenue and expanding our tradeshow presence to 10 shows worldwide. His leadership has taken us from being primarily a dealer trade association, to a global industry association for the entire AV value chain. His dedication to the industry has inspired all of us.” In addition to initiating online education at InfoComm International, other highlights of Dr. Lemke’s legacy with InfoComm International include: •

•

An extensive international expansion, launching audiovisual exhibitions, events and education around the world, including Europe, Asia, Middle East, Oceania and Latin America. This expansion has contributed to InfoComm International’s current worldwide membership, representing over 80 countries, as well as increasing the Association’s size to nearly 120 employees in eight countries. Establishment of the CTS® certiﬁcations (CTS, CTS-D and CTS-I), accredited by ANSI under the ISO/IEC 17024 standard. These certiﬁcations are recognized worldwide as the leading audiovisual specialist credentials.

•

Leading the development of industry best practices and InfoComm’s ANSI/ISO standards which raised the bar on the AV industry.

•

Advancing the creation of the STEP Foundation, focused on encouraging sustainability to the process of planning, designing, integrating and operating technology systems, as well as reducing long-term environmental impact from technology deployment.

•

Introduction of several industry reference volumes -- starting with the revision to the 1983, Basics of Audio Video Design, to the recent publication of McGraw Hill’s CTS Exam Guide, these books helped establish InfoComm International as the authority of the AV industry.

•

Important acquisitions including the NSCA Expo and their share of Integrated System Events, as well as AV Avenue, now known as InfoComm iQ.

To me he is a man of big stature with an equally big heart to match. We at Systems Integration Asia wish him all the very best in his retirement.

Thomas Richard Prakasam Publisher/Editorial Director

OUR TEAM PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Thomas Richard Prakasam thomas@spinworkz.com INDIA AND MIDDLE EAST EDITOR Ram Bhavanashi ram@spinworkz.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR James Bose james@spinworkz.com EDITORIAL INTERN Josephine Price josephine@spinworkz.com DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Jimmy Chin jimmy@spinworkz.com ADMIN & CIRCULATION Julie Tan admin@spinworkz.com Media Rep in North America Broadcast Media International Michael Mitchell Tel: +1 631 673 3199 mjmitchell@broadcast-media.tv PRINTED BY Print & Print Pte Ltd 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

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.

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IndoVisual Sistem Integrasi - Visual Experience Centre Left: Standard white front screen Right: dnp New Wide Angle Screen

Deco 2000 - Visual Experience Centre Splitscreen comparison

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NEWS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

Mitsubishi Electric’s new 72-inch DLP wide screen data wall cube

Mitsubishi Electric Asia Pte Ltd showcases new visual solutions SINGAPORE: Late November 2011 saw Mitsubishi Electric showcase a range of new solutions to distributors, system integrators, consultants and end-user clients in Singapore. Though the solutions had been launched in the second half of the year at InfoComm International, the “By appointment” showcase, allowed Mitsubishi Electric to engage the visitors with detailed description and answer queries. On showcase was Mitsubishi Electric’s new 72-inch wide screen data wall cube. The new DLPTM wide screen product line is available in three different sizes and two resolutions: *The 62-inch and 72-inch diagonal with WUXGA (1920 x 1200 pixels) resolution and *The 70-inch diagonal with full HD 1080P (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution. All three models are available in either front-or-rear-maintenance conﬁgurations to suit the customer’s installation environment. The various screen sizes were carefully selected to allow system

integrators to conﬁgure systems with maximum surface area and pixel density with the fewest number of cubes. For example, the 62-inch diagonal cube offers the same 30-inch screen height as a 4:3 aspect ratio 50-inch cube, so users can create wider walls while retaining optimal height for two-unit high walls. As part of Mitsubishi Electric’s Seventy Series line of video wall products, the three wide aspect ratio models take advantage of Mitsubishi Electric’s VSWE75U LED projection engine that is designed to operate natively in WUXGA resolution. This new LED engine and Mitsubishi Electric’s LED power driver allows for three power modes: bright, normal and ECO. ECO mode provides optimal power consumption and increases the lifetime of the LED. The LED-lit engine though consuming lower power consumption has also enabled brightness to be largely improved due to its colour overlap technology. Reliability of the cubes is enhanced with LED redundancy and an increased MTBF equivalent to over 10 years of continuous operation.

Clients also have the option to upgrade to the new Cross Black Screen. The new Cross Black Screen offers the best of two screen worlds: greater viewing angles inherent in Black Bead screens, and brightness gain traditionally found in Black Stripe screens. Thus these screens combine high brightness and wide viewing angles to create a dynamic combination. More importantly these new screens offer more installation ﬂexibility for taller video walls, without sacriﬁcing screen brightness.

Mitsubishi Electric’s new 55” VSL55HM70U featuring a Super Narrow Bezel

NEWS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

Mitsubishi Electric’s 50PEF rear projection cube with front access

Also showcased was Mitsubishi Electric’s new 55” VS-L55HM70U. A unique Super Narrow Bezel LCD that offers the functionality and appearance of its 24/7 Video Wall Cube. The design is enhanced for environments that are not continuously operated year round. With the VS-L55HM70U, Mitsubishi Electric implemented its deep knowledge of multi-screen applications to provide a display with a narrow 5.7 mm screen to screen gap and outstanding image uniformity. The VS-L55HM70U LCD monitor is ideally suited for heavy video presentation and monitoring applications. It offers a 3500:1 contrast ratio and a max of 700 cd/m2 of screen brightness providing fantastic image detail even with the darkest of content. These 55” LCD displays offer a compact form factor that is ideally suited in small to medium sized control rooms. Their versatile displays can be used in a tiling arrangement to provide a large overall resolution when depth and ceiling height are at a premium up to 10 x 10 displays in each wall. The VS-L55HM70U’s optional input cards, incorporates built-in windowing of a variety of important sources such as computers, security/trafﬁc cameras, television receivers and many more. The user can easily conﬁgure window images within one screen or move them across all of the screens.

Other key features include: *Dynamic Brightness Balancing: Each Mitsubishi Electric super narrow bezel LCD monitor is equipped with a built-in brightness sensor (brightness is measured every 2 seconds). The Dynamic Brightness Balancing circuit then communicates the measured brightness data between all cubes and automatically performs the necessary adjustments to maintain optimum brightness uniformity across the entire display wall. *Colour Space Control: Mitsubishi Electric developed the powerful Colour Space Control feature, a digital colour balancing and blending circuit that compensates for colour and brightness differences among all of the cubes in a multi-unit conﬁguration. *Perfect alignment: Mitsubishi Electric uses a unique three-axis motorized mount for precise pixel-topixel adjustment, so critical information remains across the screen and text and images line up seamlessly. *12 Bit Dither & Gamma Circuit: Developed by Mitsubishi Electric, the 12bit Dither & Gamma Circuit enables the display of truly natural gradation (grey scale) by accurately rendering both bright and dark areas for precise halftone images. This circuit also processes frame (time axis) direction to ensure smoother gradation and optimum colour ﬁdelity for all images.

*Digital Gradation Circuit: Mitsubishi Electric’s proprietary Digital Gradation Circuit can elevate the brightness level at the edges of the screen where brightness usually fades. This will ensure the optimum brightness distribution and uniformity over multi-screen tiled conﬁgurations. *Image Processing: Giving maximum image versatility, the optional input cards and the built in image-processing capabilities, allow each Mitsubishi Electric’s super narrow bezel LCD monitor to display up to six windows per screen without any external processing equipment needed. Using the optional daisy-chain input board, the LCD monitor can even seamlessly display up to three windows placed in any size and position across the entire display wall. Also on display was Mitsubishi Electric’s latest DLP DarkChip3TM 50” rear projection cube, the 50PEF. Being fully compatible with the existing Seventy Series cube chassis hardware, the cube offers users an easy upgrade path from conventional to solid-state lighting. The 50PEF is the 50” SXGA+ option that features front access, a black stripe screen, 1900:1 contrast and high brightness. It also features motorised alignment capability and three operational modes: bright, normal and ECO. A durable air cooling system ensures an expanded life span. www.mitsubishielectric.com.sg

NEWS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

Panasonic holds systems engineer seminar The three day event revolved around the introduction of the latest high brightness projectors, portable and home theatre projectors for commercial and home application as well as indoor and outdoor monitors and digital signage applications.

(L-R) Tan Tiong Leng and Kentaro Mitsuishi of Panasonic Systems Asia Paciﬁc with a Panasonic outdoor monitor

SINGAPORE: December saw Panasonic Systems Asia hold a three day seminar for systems engineers at Casa Latina in Singapore. The key objective with the seminar was to empower system integrators and Panasonic’s regional colleagues with knowledge to help them be more effective. The invite only seminar provided for hands-on as well as “trouble-shooting” experiences and the opportunity to network with fellow industry colleagues.

Kentaro Mitsuishi, manager, professional audio video department, professional systems division of Panasonic Systems Asia Pacific, highlights that the seminar also took on additional significance as it provided the Panasonic engineers from Japan with an opportunity to talk directly to distributors from Singapore and Indonesia and for them to mingle and network with these distributors. “The seminar enabled the distributors to understand our brand’s solutions better. We also discussed strategies relating to their specific markets so as to enable them to continue to grow their respective market shares,” says Kentaro. www.panasonic.com.sg

MultiTouch Ltd demonstrates largest multi-user asymmetric wall INTERNATIONAL: MultiTouch Ltd., developer of the world’s ﬁrst modular multi-touch LCD screen for large-scale displays, showcased a range of new multitouch applications at its CES 2012 booth with the highlight being the demonstration of the world’s largest asymmetric multi-user touch wall, the MultiTaction® Oblique Wall, which is comprised of the company’s MultiTaction Cell 55” LCD displays. The MultiTaction ObliqueWall, measuring 13 feet long and 9 feet tall, featured six MultiTaction Cell 55” units, running a multi-user visualization application built on MultiTouch Cornerstone SDK, the only toolset designed for building multidisplay multitouch applications. The MultiTaction Cell 55” embedded with Windows 7 product also made its debut at CES 2012. Designed for singledisplay installations, it works effectively with a variety of development tools, including the MultiTouch Cornerstone SDK and Microsoft Surface 2 SDK. “Multi-user multitouch experiences are now part of the lexicon for designers and developers worldwide, and our

MultiTaction Cell 55” LCD display

booth at CES 2012 displayed concept implementations of multitouch applications that explored a wide range of possibilities using our products,” said Timo Korpela, general manager of MultiTouch Americas. “We want to spark a greater level of ideation from the creative community with our new line of MultiTaction Cell products, and these demos characterize just a few of the myriad concepts that we believe will gain greater adoption in the coming year”. www.multitouch.ﬁ

Kramer Asia Paciﬁc conducts 1st AV Essentials Training in Singapore

David Penrose (extreme left) with participants of the AV Essentials Training

SINGAPORE: The National University of Singapore (NUS), a leading global university in Asia and the top ranked university in Singapore recently held a 3 days AV Essentials Course (with Licensed Content from Infocomm) for their AV support team from the 30th of Nov to 2nd Dec 2011. This Course was conducted by Kramer Electronics Asia Paciﬁc’s (KAP) System Specialist, David Penrose at the newly developed NUS University Town campus. The Centre for InstructionalTechnology at NUS which coordinated this Course has always been the leader in the educational sector not only for maintaining the gold standard in designing world class learning facilities for its classrooms and lecture theatres but also constantly improving the knowledge and skill sets of its support staff thus the partnership with KAP to bring this Course to the AV team at the university. The 11 students had a chance to test their understanding of what was taught at the end of 3 days with a fun quiz similar to the American game show Jeopardy with prizes for all. The participants unanimously agreed that they managed to gain additional knowledge on AV including and outside of what their job scope requires and found it 3 days well spent. KAP plans to conduct more similar trainings in 2012 for end –users in the region. For more information, please contact Stephanie Liew (Marketing Executive) at stephanie@kramerasia. com www.kramerasia.com

SmartView Duo is the perfect compact SDI rack monitoring system for post production, broadcast or live events. It features two beautiful 8” LCD screens which can be remotely adjusted via ethernet. It even includes tally. What’s more, it easily handles SD, HD and 3 Gb/s SDI video formats. SDI monitoring everywhere you need it SmartView Duo lets you build your own master control room to monitor all cameras for live production. Use it in editing desks to display all your video sources. Incredibly compact, it’s also great for broadcast vans. You can even install SmartView Duo into portable monitor racks to build lightweight ﬂyaway kits.

Greater SDI compatibility You can rely on SmartView Duo to support multiple SDI video standards, including SD, HD and 3 Gb/s SDI formats. It was designed to meet the needs of both broadcast and post production professionals. On top of this, it supports advanced video formats like 1080p HD and 2K SDI. Mount it anywhere in racks SmartView Duo can be mounted anywhere in equipment racks, even in the extreme top. That’s because SmartView Duo rotates completely upside down for optimum viewing angle. It will instantly sense the screen rotation and automatically ﬂip the images without any need for adjustment.

Intelligent Ethernet control Forget about using little screwdrivers in an attempt to match all your monitors. Now you can conveniently adjust and match every monitor remotely from your laptop or desktop. Simply connect SmartView Duo to your ethernet network and use the included Mac or PC software.

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SmartView Duo

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Learn more today at www.blackmagic-design.com/smartviewduo

NEWS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

Thailand’s Education Ministry builds end-to-end IPTV communications network based on Haivision THAILAND: Thailand’s Ofﬁce of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) has chosen Haivision’s advanced Furnace™ IP video system and Barracuda™ H.264 encoders to create an end-to-end IPTV solution linking the agency’s headquarters with educators throughout the country. The Haivision infrastructure enables OBEC to maintain a reliable, real-time video link with geographically dispersed ofﬁcers and staff, facilitating communications throughout the organization and supporting OBEC’s mission to serve as the education hub for Thailand.

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“In order to meet our growing communications requirements, we sought a reliable end-to-end IPTV solution to link all of our facilities so that they could better share expertise and ensure equal development and access across all regions. With Haivision, we’ve been able to take our internal communications to the next level — and we rely on Haivision’s complete IPTV solution to drive controlled and secure video across our entire network,” said OBEC’s Ajarn Mana. “The Barracuda encoder delivers high-performance H.264 encoding in a uniquely compact form factor, and its ability to deliver multiple streams at different resolutions and bit rates to multiple destinations makes it a perfect fit within Haivision’s Furnace end-to-end H.264 IP video solution.” Fuelled by Barracuda H.264 encoders, the advanced Furnace IP video system delivers media to Haivision Stingray™ settop boxes and InStream™ players (available on any desktop), enabling OBEC to share live video throughout its Bangkok facilities. The IP video network serves multiple purposes on a daily basis; for instance, live broadcast meetings from headquarters to the education office area notify teachers of new policies and keep all staff informed of general announcements. The system has also proved invaluable for distance learning purposes and for officer and staff training by providing a highquality live video link from headquarters to PCs for e-training. With the first phase in place, OBEC is now implementing the second phase of the network to enable recording, playback, and WAN streaming. “As Thailand’s central education authority responsible for teachers and schools across the nation, OBEC has recognized the need for communications and media accessibility across its organization and throughout the country,” said Charles Dobson, senior director, international business development, Haivision Network Video. “The Furnace IP video distribution system provides end-to-end protection of both internal and broadcast content, from the encoders within the OBEC headquarters all the way to the viewers throughout regional facilities.” The Office of the Basic Education Commission, or OBEC, based in Bangkok, Thailand, has established a core government mission to become the education hub for the country. To this end, the OBEC supports a range of strategic and administrative functions, allocating budget and resources to support programs such as developing teaching standards, building infrastructure, ensuring all classes have high-speed Internet connections, and defining programs for studies at the K-12 level. Today, OBEC administers 14,000 schools and has an ongoing program to upgrade or certify at least one school for every Tambon (or regional district) nationwide. www.haivision.com

NEWS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

AMX’s HDCP-solving Digital Switcher opens to record sales

INTERNATIONAL: O AMX Enova DGX G 16 and Enova DGX 32 Digital Media Switchers are available immediately for the US market. The modular matrix switchers are proving to be an industry ﬁrst for end users seeking a futureproof HDMI/HDCP solution that can perfectly scale to any resolution without being limited to a pre-determined list of resolutions. The DGX Switchers feature exclusive AMX technologies SmartScale®, InstaGate Pro™ and builtin NetLinx® control to serve as the centerpiece for today’s network-centric installations. The Switchers are expected to be shipped to Asia from March 2012. Record demand for the Best New Product at InfoComm 2011 is largely due to advances like SmartScale, found on every video output and eliminating the challenges that can occur when sources and displays have different supported resolutions. It outsmarts competing scaling technologies by independently responding to each display’s declared EDID information and scaling video to optimal resolution and parameters without manual setup. “I get a kick out of watching the excitement of dealers trying out the DGX for the ﬁrst time and it hits them, ‘all you do is plug in cables and no matter what source you’re sending or what combination of resolutions you are outputting – a simply beautiful, perfectly

scaled picture appears on every display, without delay,’ ” said AMX Product Manager Paul Hand. “HDMI/HDCP installations and sub-par scaling options have been a time-consuming nightmare and ﬁnally with the DGX, a solid, reliable solution is here.”

Paul Hand of AMX demonstrating the DGX and the SmartScale Technology.

Also eliminating HDMI/HDCP frustrations is InstaGate Pro from AMX. Onboard every Enova DGX Switcher, InstaGate Pro lets installers integrate HDCP into system designs with plugand-play simplicity. Installations are ﬁnished in record time without delays or key constraints. “The number one request I heard from our dealers was for a switcher that can distribute HDMI/ HDCP without complicated workarounds and costly tools,” said Rashid Skaf, AMX President & CEO. “I went to our

k ffor a digital media engineers and asked switcher that would allow an installer to plug in any source and it just works. I couldn’t be happier with the end result. The DGX simply delivers.” Another crucial aspect for dealers is the proficiency gained by the built-in NetLinx Controller. As the only digital switcher with an embedded controller, installations are further simplified and perform in flawless orchestration. “The Enova DGX line is the first ‘real’ solution to the AV/IT installation challenges integrators are facing, and importantly its architecture is enduring for the future,” said AMX Chief Technology Officer Robert Noble. “The Enova DGX has an embedded Ethernet switch and support for AMX DXLink which allows connected AV devices to be centrally managed over the same cable used to distribute media.” The initial Enova DGX shipment includes the DGX 16 and 32 Switcher enclosures, the DGX Input and Output Boards for HDMI and DVI, plus the Audio Insert / Extract Expansion Boards. Further enhancements to the DGX 16 and 32 are on schedule to deliver in the coming months, including DXLink input and output boards as well as fiber boards. www.amx.com

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+ No programming required in applications up to 4 rooms + Surface-mount compact enclosure installs cleanly in tight places including plenum ceilings + Built-in Web brower for remote control + Compatible with Crestron keypads and touchpanels + Easy integration with HVAC systems and Fusion Viridian lighting management software for high performance environemntal system control

Future-proof your lighting design + Allows for future prooﬁng of the room. Starts with a stand alone solution and can be expanded + Start small, then scale to multiple rooms or entire building + Complete built-in networking support

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NEWS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

dnp opens ﬁrst of three new visual centres in Asia One product that created a particular wow factor was the 100” NWA in 16:9 aspect ratio, which has become the world’s best selling optical rear projection for many kinds of applications. “This also gives us true 1800 horizontal viewing angle, best contrast and ultra-ﬁne resolution – with a special dark tint, which enhances the contrast up to seven times higher and twice the brightness of the matte white screen, used with the same projectors,” noted Vivi. “That’s why the optical technology of dnp screens delivers maximum impact, even in brightly lit environments.”

PT Indovisual Sistem Integrasi’s ‘Visual Experience Centre’

INDONESIA: Coinciding with their appointment as sole Indonesian distributor of dnp optical screens and system solutions for commercial markets, PT Indovisual Sistem Integrasi (ISI), has opened the first ‘Visual Experience Centre’ – a showroom where end-users, architects, AV dealers and integrators can see working demonstrations of the Danish Company’s front-and rear projection displays as well as other indoor display technologies, such as flat screens and white screens. As Indonesia’s premier system integrator and multi-brand distributor, Indovisual Sistem Integrasi marked the inauguration with a major two-day event, showcasing to the media, end users and strategic business partners several dnp screens and demonstrating their strength and superiority when compared with matte white screens and flat panels. This was followed on the second day by special dnp training for ISI’s dealers and resellers. dnp’s global sales manager, Soren Kraemmergaard comments, “We are delighted to announce the first of three Visual Experience Centres we will be opening to help strengthen our position in Asia. This will enable customers across the region to see our products in operation as well as being able to offer them the expertise of committed partners such as Indovisual Sistem Integrasi. We are delighted that they have become the first to offer this level of commitment.” Speaking on behalf of ISI, Vivi Media, the dnp brand manager, added, “Becoming the dnp sole distributor for Indonesia is in line with our objective of offering

the best integrated system devices to meet the ever-changing customer needs and higher expectation levels. With dnp now everything is possible; their many strong value propositions will make it a preferred visual solution in many segments including government, private sector, education, entertainment and particularly for military and Search and Rescue agency in Indonesia.” Working in cooperation with dnp, ISI has designed the new showroom around premium front-and rear-projection displays from the dnp portfolio, including New Wide Angle (NWA), motorised Supernova Flex Classic, and Supernova One – all showing their extreme brightness when working in combination with mobile projectors of less than 4000 lumens. Also in the showroom are other examples of plasma and LCD displays, as well as control systems, switchers, routers and processors from other manufacturers. Demonstrations of the dnp screen performance and durability reinforced audience belief that dnp screen quality offers the best projection screen ever.

The PT Indovisual Sistem Integrasi team

Also attending the seminar was Richard Goh, dnp Representative for South-East Asia, who performed a live demonstration – and amazed guests by slamming sections of a dnp Supernova One on the ﬂoor, trampling on it, burning it and even pouring coffee and tea onto the screens – before restoring it in full working condition. Other important representatives present included Anjum Parwaiz, Area Sales Manager dnp Denmark, Maggie Ng, Manager dnp Hong Kong and Joko B. Dumairi, President Director of PT Indovisual Sistem Integrasi. Dumairi summed up the importance of the occasion when he said, “We expect the presence of dnp optical screens to enrich our visual solutions, by being able to tape the huge potential markets that exist. Dnp’s presence in our portfolio will unquestionably strengthen Indovisual Sistem Integrasi’s position as a leading system integrator in Indonesia. dnp Denmark will continue the momentum immediately with the opening of a second Visual Experience Centre in Thailand in January – in conjunction with their territory’s distributor Deco 2000, followed by a third in India in March, hosted by The Sound Room. www.indovisualsistemintegrasi. co.id www.dnp.dk

NEWS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

Wilfred Steeman joins Bosch Security Systems as VP of Sales for Asia Paciﬁc ASIA: Appointed as Vice President Sales Asia Paciﬁc since January 2012, Wilfred Steeman is now responsible for sales operation and general management of Bosch Security Systems in South East Asia, India, Oceania, Japan and South Korea.

was leading sales teams in various countries in Asia and Europe since he joined Bosch group in 1995. For the last 3 years, Wilfred was responsible for Sales and Marketing with Bosch Power Tools Division in the Benelux region. www.boschsecurity.asia

With his innovative leadership and international experiences, Wilfred

VEGA MFG LIMITED appointed as exclusive representative for ASK Proxima Projectors

ASK Proxima C2

HONG KONG: VEGA MFG LIMITED has been appointed as the exclusive representative of ASK Proxima Projectors with the responsibility to recruit appropriate business partners in 76 designated countries as authorized distributors. VEGA MFG LIMITED, found in early 2000, is a well-known and reputed manufacturer and exporter of AV equipment and peripherals such as projection screens, projector mounts and projector lifts. It has developed an extensive network of business partners all over the world. Its headquarters - Vega Technology Ltd. with over 25 years of experience in the Audio Visual industry is a pioneer in providing AV/IT solutions as well as a distributor of various famous projector brands including EIKI, Sanyo, Epson and Barco. ASK Proxima Projectors are ready to make a strong comeback in the projector market under the efforts by VEGA MFG LIMITED. ASK Proxima, formerly known as ASK, has long been recognized as a reliable and high quality brand in the world since

ASK Proxima E1

its establishment in 1984. ASK originally conducted R&D in LCD technology for the production of LCD screens. In 1998, ASK acquired its American competitor, Proxima Corporation and entered the US market with its new name ‘Proxima ASA’. It then became the second largest company in the projector industry in 2005. After one year, it was renamed to ‘ASK Proxima’ after the company had merged with the industry leader, InFocus Corporation. Later, ASK Proxima and InFocus Corporation went their separate ways and the former teamed up with a leading manufacturer of 3LCD, DLP and LCOS projectors. Now there are nearly 200 elite staff in the R&D team and over 60 models have been designed and manufactured with 3 micro-display technologies.

They can reproduce 80-inch image with around 1 meter distance which are suitable for use in limited space environments. The E series for large venue projectors consists of 3 models with high brightness ranging from 5000 lumens to 6500 lumens. The resolution of E1655U can even meet the WUXGA full high deﬁnition standard which can broadcast high deﬁnition content to the audience without any distortion. Also available in the lineup is DLP series of two light weight portable projectors.

ASK Proxima’s C projector series consists of 5 models possessing brightness ranging from 2600 lumens to 4000 lumens suitable for Business and Education sectors. The resolution of C2317W is 1280 x 800 (16:10) while that of the others is 1024x768. S series consists of four short-throw projectors.

Address : 21/F, Wyler Centre, Phase II, 192-200 Tai Lin Pai Road, Kwai Chung, N.T., Hong Kong. Tel : +852 2310 1138 Fax : +852 2310 2068 E-mail : generalm@vegamfg.com.hk

A comprehensive lineup of quality ASK Proxima Projectors are set to be launched in early 2012. Interested business partners are requested to contact VEGA MFG LIMITED for further discussion.

www.vegamfg.com.hk

THINSTALL THE SWING ARM. EVOLVED.

The Swing Arm. Evolved. Chief’s next evolution of swing arm mounts provide up to 635 mm (25") of smooth extension that collapses to an ultra-thin 38 mm (1.5"). Engineered for strength, the Thinstall Series offers post-installation height and lateral shift adjustments, integrated cable management, and Centris® Fingertip Tilt. With Thinstall, the perfect viewing angle never looked so good.

NEWS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

ProAV systems manufacturers reafďŹ rm interest in Middle East and Africa markets MIDDLE EAST: ProAV systems manufacturers have reafďŹ rmed their intention to stay engaged in the MENA (Middle East and Africa) markets, encouraged by their positive experiences at the recently concluded InfoComm MEA 2011 trade exhibition and summit in Dubai, as well as the growth potential in the region. More than 90% of exhibitors in 2011 have re-booked to participate in InfoComm MEA 2012 which will be held from 14-18 October 2012 alongside GITEX Technology Week. The event in 2011 delivered quality sales leads, exceptional branding opportunities and valuable contacts, from a total of 12,131 visitors. A vast majority of the visitors (92%) were institutional end-users, notably from the Corporate and Government sectors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had our eye on the MENA region for a while now, so we were very happy that InfoComm was offering a marketing platform to reach this market. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve not been disappointed. The quality of attendees at InfoComm MEA 2011 has been fantastic. We met with top-notch integrators, as well as key ďŹ gures in government and the private sector, working on speciďŹ c and substantial projects. In fact, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve issued some large sales quotes at the show,â&#x20AC;? said Brady O Bruce, Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Alliances, Jupiter Systems. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were, and still are, conďŹ dent that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s untapped potential for AV technology in this region. The economies here are less affected by the current economic uncertainties elsewhere. Oil and gas revenues have enriched several countries in the region, allowing them to fund ambitious building and infrastructural projects, and we see a commitment by the governments to sustain infrastructure development as a driver of economic growth. We, too, at Jupiter Systems, remain similarly committed to enlarging our presence in the MENA markets,â&#x20AC;? he added.

ASSISTANT SALES MANAGER (2 POSITIONS) Responsibilities t 1SPQPTJOH UIF GVMM SBOHF PG BVEJP WJTVBM * 5 BOE TVSWFJMMBODF QSPEVDUT UISPVHI TPMVUJPOT UP UIF DVTUPNFST BOE BDIJFWJOH UIF TBMFT RVPUB Requirements t .JOJNVN ZFBST PG TBMFT FYQFSJFODF XJUI QSPWFO TBMFT USBDL SFDPSE GSPN UIF BVEJP WJTVBM JOEVTUSZ t 3FTVMU PSJFOUFE XJUI JOJUJBUJWF TFMG NPUJWBUFE BOE BCMF UP XPSL JOEFQFOEFOUMZ t 4USPOH DPNNVOJDBUJPO JOUFSQFSTPOBM BOE QSFTFOUBUJPO TLJMMT t 1PTTFTT PXO USBOTQPSU t 8JMMJOH UP USBWFM PWFSTFBT *OUFSFTU DBOEJEBUFT BSF SFRVJSFE UP FNBJM UIFJS GVMM SFTVNF BOE FODMPTF B SFDFOU QIPUPHSBQI OPU MBUFS UIBO 31 January 2012 UP hr@redbeartech.com

A DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) Economic Note, launched on 4 July 2011 by Dr Nasser Saidi, Chief Economist and Head of External Relations of DIFC, highlighted the importance of infrastructure as an engine of growth. According to the Note, the region is experiencing a secular wave of transformation. The main driver in the GCC is an energy commodity windfallâ&#x20AC;Ś (that) is increasingly deployed domestically to transform the Arabian Peninsula into an advanced 21st century knowledge based economy. The value of projects planned or under way in the GCC is close to USD2.9 trillion, as of April 2011. Economic prospects in the MENA region in 2012 is expected to improve as compared with 2011, with the increase coming from a projected 2 percentage point jump in growth in developing MENA (World Bank Regional Economic Update, May 2011). InfoComm InternationalÂŽ forecast the ProAV market in the MENA region to reach $3.14 billion in 2012. Jupiter Systems is among the ProAV manufacturers which have already booked their stand in InfoComm MEA 2012. Other companies include Extron, Crestron, AMX, Jupiter Systems, Mitsubishi, Sharp, NEC, Hitachi, Wolfvision and projectiondesign. www.infocomm-mea.com

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ONE SIZE FITS MOST. CORE 500i

INTRODUCING THE CORE 500i

Starting today, the possibilities made available by the world’s most powerful network audio solution are within reach for your next project. The Core 500i offers all the audio processing, routing and control of Q-Sys™ in a package that scales easily and cost-effectively to meet the needs of even the most demanding system designers. And because a Q-Sys system operates seamlessly over standard Gigabit Ethernet hardware, the Core 500i integrates effortlessly with existing data networks and future network upgrades. Want to learn how to put the power and elegance of Q-Sys to work in your next project? Visit qscaudio.com or contact your local QSC sales agent today.

qscaudio.com

©2012 QSC Audio Products, LLC. All rights reserved. QSC and the QSC logo are registered trademarks of QSC Audio Products, LLC in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Ofﬁce and other countries. Q-Sys is a trademark of QSC Audio Products, LLC.

NEWS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

Chief’s Certified Partner Program launches two new training course INTERNATIONAL: Chief introduces two new online training courses: Automated Classroom and Elite Home Theater, to its Certified Partner Program. With more than 2,000 active users, Chief’s Certified Partner Program helps dealers and installers stand out from the competition. Courses offered through the program help improve business results, differentiate businesses, and improve overall mount and rack product knowledge. Each track is focused on a specific need and walks through scenarios in common applications. Automated Classroom: Chief is offering the Automated Classroom Training course as a way to understand the number of solutions available for classroom environments. The Automated Classroom focuses on the Interactive Short Throw Projector Mount,

KontourTM Monitor Arms and the SL220 Automated Projector Lift.

hundreds of videos, tips and tricks, and a new rewards site coming soon.

Elite Home Theater: The Elite Home Theater explores solutions available for high-end home theaters, including the PXR Automated Swing Arm Wall Mount, Raxxess(R) E1 Enclosed Racks, and the Thininstall(R) Series of Ultra-Thin Swing Arm Wall Mounts and Accessories.

“At Chief, it’s our ongoing goal to provide industry leading tools for our partners to be even more successful,” said Douglas Bauernschmidt, Chief’s Instructional Design Manager. “We recognise the importance of developing new Certiﬁcation modules and services to keep the dealers and installers updated on Chief’s new products and the best way to install them. Chief believes that with continued knowledge of mount and rack solutions, our customers are able to speed up the sales and installation of our products, plus learn more about products that can solve their project challenges.”

Both courses offer two tracks: Product and Install. The tracks for each course are accredited by InfoComm for 0.5 CTS RUs and by CEDIA for 0.5 CEUs. The additional credits bring the total for the entire Certification program up to 13.5 CTS RUs and 8.5 CEDIA CEUs. That’s almost half of the needed 30 CTS RUs at no cost. Along with free industry credits, Chief’s Certified Partners also receive exclusive benefits, including access to a Certified Partner Portal that includes

To sign up for Chief’s Certiﬁed Partner Program and start the free interactive training, visit certiﬁcation.chiefmfg.com

Mitsubishi Electric launches 3D Home Cinema Projectors

HC7800D

SINGAPORE: Mitsubishi Electric Asia Pte Ltd’s Visual Imaging Division launched its 3D Home Cinema Projectors, HC7800D (black colour) and HC7800DW (white colour), at the International Sound and Sight Exhibition (ISSE) held on 2nd to 4th December 2011 at Parkroyal Hotel. Visitors were swept away by the breathtaking features of this 3D Home Cinema Projector. Incorporating the latest imageprocessing technologies, the high quality projection is simply stunning. Crosstalk, judder, and loss of brightness have been resolved in this new projector.

HC7800DW

The HC7800D/HC7800DW maintains remarkable brightness when converting 2D images to 3D while providing clarity with no loss of deﬁnition. The programmed Frame Rate Converter (FRC), minimal judder and smoother 3D action give you a more realistic cinematic experience. The affordable HC7800D/HC7800DW have variable iris that provide high contrast ratio of 100,000:1 and brightness of 1,500 lumens. This high brightness ensures that both 2D and 3D high resolution images are clearer, sharper and more vivid than ever.

The HC7800D/HC7800DW 3D glasses are incorporated with high-speed liquid-crystal shutter that best match the rapid response of elements in the DLP™ system. These newly developed 3D glasses shorten the blanking (black signal) when switching images between right and left eyes, resulting in ﬂicker-free and unprecedented superior 3D images. www.mitsubishielectric.com.sg/ products/for-home/home-cinemaprojectors

The AMX Digital Generation System – Enova DGX

Analog, Digital, IP and Audio & Video Switching, Scaling, Distribution & Control HDMI/HDCP Compliance End-to-end distirbution of HDMI signals with full HDCP, with the simplicity of analog, without interuption or key constraints using InstaGate ProTM technology. Embedded NI Controller & Ethernet Switch Allows any connected device to be managed, monitored or controlled. 4RU & 6RU Enclosures Comparatively speaking, that’s half the space of the competition.

ASIA PACIFIC I AMX.COM I +65.6846.7960

NEWS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

BAP Technology Consultants Limited holds successful Open House

HONG KONG: With the support of manufacturers and clients, BAP’s open house event held from 23 to 25 November 2011 was a great success. The open house included a focus group discussion about the “Impact of going digital”, which saw an overwhelming sign up response for the discussion. The topic was borne out of the believe that the shift from analogue to digital platform is unavoidable as traditional VGA signals would not be supported by manufacturers in the near future. The focus group members shared their experience relating to audiovisual challenges relating to the transformation from analogue to digital that are currently encountered and how it should be dealt with.

Also held during the open house were product showcases that demonstrated the most recent wireless dimming solutions as well as digital AV technologies. Experts from Extron and Lutron presented to visitors the practical usage and technique of each solution, and also answered adhoc questions. The open house was rounded up with a cocktail on the evening of the last day that saw attendees and the manufacturers enjoying the beautiful scenery at the venue as well as networking and enjoying a few laughs. www.bap.com.hk

Atlona® introduces AtlonaAdvantage Global Partner Support and Exclusive Premier Club Programs INTERNATIONAL: To fulﬁll the business needs of its dealers and distributors, to respond to their daily challenges, and deliver new opportunities to help them build on their success, Atlona® has introduced the AtlonaAdvantage Global Partner Support Program. In addition, for select partners, Atlona is taking dealer support to an entirely new level with the exclusive AtlonaAdvantage Premier Club Program. “With AtlonaAdvantage and the Premier Club Program, our partners are being provided with far more than the quality products they have come to expect from Atlona,” said Atlona President and CEO Ilya Khain. “They’re also receiving expertise and knowledge paired with superior service and support that creates a wealth of opportunities for their business.” “The AtlonaAdvantage Global Partner Support Program goes beyond the great products; it’s all about our customers’ success. This program provides a higher level of service, quality, and opportunity for our customers, giving them the resources and support they need not

only to grow their business, but to thrive,” said Kevin Billingsley, Atlona national director of sales. For Atlona’s partners, AtlonaAdvantage offers a number of unique support features. If an order is placed for a temporarily out-of-stock or back-ordered product, the company will recommend and ship a comparable product of equal or greater value, often at no additional cost. Should an Atlona product require warranty replacement, the Priority Warranty Replacement Service ensures that the replacement part will be sent with priority shipping. Technical support for Atlona’s partners is provided seven days a week, wherever they are in the world, in addition to rapid customer support response via email and phone. Partners have access to the company’s pre-installation advisors for advice while specifying a job, in addition to AtlonaAcademy Training Programs designed to educate them not only about Atlona products, but the technology behind those products.

To protect its partners’ bottom line, Atlona customizes flexible discount programs to match their individual business models, and provides price protection programs to allow them to maintain profitability even in the midst of pricing changes and unexpected market volatility. To maximize sales opportunities and momentum, the company’s dedicated account managers analyse selling trends to recommend products that are effective for stocking. For their marketing efforts, Atlona’s partners have access to a comprehensive online library of sales and marketing materials. For select, qualified Atlona partners requiring an extra level of direct support and service, Atlona is also offering its exclusive AtlonaAdvantage Premier Club Program. A Premier Club partner has direct phone and email access to a dedicated support specialist that intimately knows and understands the specific needs of its business. More information on the AtlonaAdvantage and Premier Club programs can be found at www. AtlonaAdvantage.com.

NEWS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

Paciﬁc Media Associates forecasts 31% growth rate for worldwide projector shipments in 2012 INTERNATIONAL: Paciﬁc Media Associates (PMA), the worldwide market information experts on front projectors, has released the results of their latest projector industry forecasts. Although industry growth slowed in 2011, strong pockets of demand are expected to brighten the outlook for 2012. The projected 31% increase will bring worldwide projector shipments to 12.4 million units next year. PMA divides the front projector industry into three brightness ranges, each associated with its own set of buyer types and applications: New Era (sub500 lumens), Mainstream (500-4999 lumens), and High-End (5000+ lumens). New Era (pico, personal, toy/gaming) projectors continued to see large unit sales gains in 2011, with embedded models (in phones, cameras, and camcorders) on target to grow over 600% this year. These embedded models are also expected to see continued tripledigit growth for the next two years. New Era projectors are the fastest-growing projector category, with sales projected to grow by 115% in 2012. In the Mainstream projector category, economic uncertainty will continue to hinder market recovery in 2012. Doubledigit projector growth is expected in BRIC countries and other developing markets,

but at a lower rate than in the previous PMA forecast. Education tenders will still play a pivotal role in emerging market growth, but PMA has taken a more conservative approach given the potential for additional ﬁscal austerity in these countries. PMA forecasts the Mainstream projector category will grow by a modest 8% next year.

The High-End projector category is also expected to outperform the overall projector market this year and next. PMA predicts an 18% increase in shipments for this category in 2012. This will be driven by an upward migration in brightness and resolution, as well as an increased need for large-venue projectors in developing countries.

According to Michael Abramson, PMA’s VP of Projector Research – “We can expect the second half of 2013 to mark the beginning of a more resilient projector demand, as we expect recessionary pressures to continue to plague Europe in 2012 and the recovery in the U.S will also remain tempered for the coming year”.

In the Digital Cinema market, the worldwide installed unit base is expected to reach 80,000 by the end of 2012, and shipments of 4K D-Cinema units are expected to account for one-third of the total shipments next year.

The Mainstream standard-throw resolution mix is expected to move to more Wide XGA in all regions, though there remains a signiﬁcant gap in widescreen penetration between developed vs developing countries. PMA also predicts that interactive and short-throw projectors will continue to see favourable growth and outperform the overall market. But, as people are opting for these interactive or shortthrow features, they are balancing the incremental costs for these features by choosing XGA models over Wide XGA ones.

Sales of Home Theater projectors are expected to be another bright spot in the market for 2012, with continued positive growth (though slower than the buoyant recovery we’ve seen in 2011). Increased offerings from “Top Tier” brands in the mid-range price segment will drive sales higher next year and beyond, as will more sub-US$1,000 1080p units being sold through expanded channels. 3D projectors will play a part in continued Home Theater growth, which will also be fuelled by sales for major sporting events such as the Olympics and Euro football next year. www.paciﬁcmediaassociates.com

KNX presents ETS eCampus INTERNATIONAL: Building automation with KNX has a great future – it is a business opportunity not only for professionals such as system integrators but also for newcomers. The newly developed eLearning tool “ETS eCampus” from KNX can help set you on the path to success. The tool is available free of charge via the KNX Online Shop (https://onlineshop.knx.org). During the development of the new Engineering Tool Software ETS4, emphasis was placed on simplifying access to bus technology in addition to making other improvements. ETS4 was therefore given an appealing design and a clearer menu structure. New functions ensure that KNX systems can be conﬁgured even quicker and easier. KNX has now made it simpler to get started in the emerging market of building automation: with a new, web-based training tool, the KNX ETS eCampus, KNX newcomers can quickly gain an initial overview of the

basic principles, functions and control concepts of the system and learn the most important steps with ETS4. Those with little experience can thus further their knowledge about KNX. All you need to do is download the software from the KNX Online Shop (https://onlineshop.knx.org). With just a few mouse clicks, you get to the start page of the KNX ETS eCampus. The theory, essential functions and the most important steps are communicated in several lessons. Text, voice prompts, graphics with simulation and interactive ETS4 sequences help to do this. There are different ways to test your knowledge so that you can practice what you have learnt and continually test yourself. This keeps you motivated and it only takes a few hours to complete. With the knowledge that they have acquired, students can set up sample projects with KNX. Those that achieve at least a certain minimum number of points after completing the self-test can even

print out an eLearning certificate and thus obtain an ETS4 Lite version free of charge. The training is aimed at newcomers who wish to gain an insight into building automation with KNX without having to spend time or money first. The eCampus is also the best preparation for visiting one of over 200 KNX training facilities in more than 35 countries. KNX ETS eLearning is based on an object-oriented, learning management system which has been tried and tested all over the world. The two-level learning concept, consisting of the transfer of knowledge about ETS4 and practical online simulation exercises, was developed in consultation with certified KNX training facilities. It is therefore guided by practices which to date have proved to be successful. It is currently available in “English” and “German” with other languages planned at a later date. www.knx.org

NEWS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

DSE 2012 to present robust Pre-Conference Program New – Hands-on Content Workshops: This half-day program includes four individually facilitated tracks designed respectively for content strategists, planners and designers in retail, restaurant, banking and corporate communications sectors to learn to address the unique challenges inherent in content development strategies, tactics, processes, resources and tools by learning how to navigate real-world scenarios designed to instruct them on how to plan, strategize, develop and execute a content strategy within a range of venue settings. INTERNATIONAL: Digital Signage Expo (DSE), the world’s largest International Tradeshow and Conference dedicated exclusively to digital signage, interactive technology and digital out-of-home networks (DOOH), announced that its Tuesday, March 6th pre-Conference program will feature a host of new educational opportunities, to include: DPB Advertising Summit: Designed for Brand Marketers, Advertising professionals and Network Operators, the full-day program, comprised of more than a half dozen presentations will address the current size of the market, its projected growth, the wealth of research and audience metrics available, identify the challenges inherent in planning/buying and designing creative applications for the medium, and how to overcome those obstacles. The Summit is sponsored by the Digital PlaceBased Advertising Association (DPAA) Digital Signage Certiﬁed Expert (DSCE) & Digital Signage Display Expert (DSDE): DSCE & DSDE are individual full-day programs, the former designed for anyone whose professional involvement requires a full understanding of all the elements of digital signage and the interconnected technologies that produce the images on screen; and the latter designed for those who are responsible for video outputs and need a better understanding of calibration technologies. Presented by Brawn Consulting. Digital Signage Guided Installation Tour: DSE’s 6th Annual 4-hour coach tour will provide customer-facing views and behind-the-scenes insights of some of the best digital signage installations in Las Vegas. Spokespeople representing the venues and technology will be on hand to answer questions and speak to the challenges they faced in concept, design and implementation, as well as provide insights into positive outcomes. Recommendation: Reserve early as seating is limited.

3D Workshops – Demystifying 3D:The Complete Guide to Autostereoscopic 3D Display Technology: The full-day program is designed for anyone who would like to have a clearer working understanding of the latest in 3D technology, how to create content for and integrate 3D technologies into existing installations, and how to apply the technology to the greatest effect. Presented by Insight Media University NEW Digital Signage In Transportation: The half-day program will identify challenges and offer solutions unique to engaging consumers on the move. Five individual presentations will address US consumer transit patterns, how to build an effective digital signage network for public transportation systems, key considerations for integrating mobile technologies, digital signage in airport environments and how sign companies can get a ‘foot in the door’ in this sector. Moderated by Leah Harnack, Editor, Mass Transit Magazine NEW – Digital Signage 360: A Global Perspective: Designed to provide technology providers, system integrators network operators and advertising agency executives an overview of the opportunities, challenges and achievements of digital signage and digital out-of-home networks around the world, the half-day event will cover EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa), BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India & China) and take a wider look at industry activity in Latin America and Asia. Sponsored by DailyDOOH Platt Retail Institute (PRI) Retailer Education Forum: The half-day program will provide retailers with unique insights into store marketing, various consumer-facing digital platforms, and digital signage at retail, as well as exposure to retail thought leaders, including an interactive case study and retailer guest speakers. Presented by the Platt Retail Institute

Speed II Digital Signage Training: This information-rich half-day program is designed for end-users and suppliers of dynamic place-based signage for advertising-based, corporate or hybrid networks for customer, patron, staff or student communications to get them “up to SPEED” on the key elements of planning, design, deployment and operations, and the inter-relationships of each. The presentation and planning templates provided to participants provide a solid basis for project, supply, investment and operational success. Presented by the BUNN Company New – Mobile ModelsYou Can Believe In: This half-day program will address the impact of mobile convergence and the resulting technological implications, key considerations and ways to take best advantage of the mobile ecosystem in varying environments such as retail, higher education, corporate communications and large-scale public displays. Presented by Symon Communications Richard Lebovitz, Educational Director for Exponation, LLC, which produces DSE, said, “DSE’s pre-conference program not only offers attendees a great variety of topics, but also the opportunity for a much more in-depth focus and hand-on experience than ever before.” Registration for any of the Tuesday, March 6th pre-conference events, as well as all DSE 2012 educational conference seminars is now available online at www.digitalsignageexpo.net. Mark your calendar now: Digital Signage Expo® 2012, co-located with the Interactive Technology Expo and Digital Content Show, is scheduled for March 6-9, 2012, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. To reserve exhibit space or to attend, contact Jeanne Phillips, (770) 649-0300, Ext 16. www.digitalsignageexpo.net

NEWS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

Cosmovision appointed as latest Calibre UK partner for HQView range HONGKONG: The latest addition to Calibre’s dedicated partner programme is Hong Kong-based Cosmovision. The specialist integrator and supplier will provide HQView processors, scalers switchers, scan convertors to businesses in the China and Hong Kong audio visual market. Already hitting the ground running, Cosmovision recently supplied HQView320 to the Macau Science Museum for a large video wall exhibition display. “For this application, we were searching through the Calibre UK product line and found HQView 320 to be a perfect ﬁt. It processes signals up to 1080p to create a high-resolution image. The geometry correction, warping function and edge blending is utilised to create a soft edge blend and seamless projection

display wall,” says Philip Yeung, Director Cosmovision. “The addition of Calibre UK HQView to our product portfolio complements our existing product offering. We are now able to provide processing, scaling, warp, soft edge blending for projection applications. We expect Calibre UK to be popular in Hong Kong and China. As one of the world’s biggest ﬁnancial centers, there are many convention and exhibition services looking to make the use out of best display technologies. Being a dynamic company, we always aim to serve our customers with the latest and new products including Calibre UK”. Tim Brooksbank, Chairman at Calibre UK adds: “Cosmovision is perfectly placed to offer our HQView product range to this specialist market and we

The HQView320 was recently supplied by Cosmovision to the Macau Science Museum

look forward to hearing more about how our product innovations are used by this exciting market.” www.calibreuk.com

IIR Exhibitions launches exhibition and conference on Houses of Worship Technologies SINGAPORE: The ﬁrst ever dedicated exhibition in South-East Asia targeting the Houses of Worship will be launched in Singapore from 16 – 18 August 2012 to serve the growing demand for new technologies and training in this sophisticated sector. Houses of Worship Technologies Asia 2012 is South-East Asia’s 1st dedicated Exhibition and Conference on Houses of Worship Technologies and is also a new area to the existing section within the highly successful PALME Asia series of exhibitions. This segment has been receiving increasing presence and attendance over the years. Houses of worship have become more sophisticated as technology has evolved over time. With over 55,000 houses of worship around South-East Asia, this multicultural worship area is a fertile ground for media technology. New institutions are being built and older ones retroﬁtted to meet its growing membership. Facilities vary among the institutions ranging from small to mega worship places that boast state of the art acoustics, video and lighting systems. The explosive double-digit growth of the houses of worship over the last few years has demonstrated that multi-media systems are now more a necessity than a luxury for most places of worship. The houses of worship

sector is huge – but it’s also extremely diverse. The requirements for each congregation could differ tremendously from simple technical setups to more complex integrated multi-channel media solutions. Houses of Worship Technologies Asia 2012 provides the industry with a platform that will bring both the buyers and sellers together and to educate and train worship teams in this industry on the use of today’s technologies. South-East Asia has one of the fastest growing numbers of worship places in the world, with an average percentage growth of over 19 % from the main religious groups over the last decade. “We are especially excited about the new opportunities we could offer to our exhibitors for the greater SouthEast Asian region. Houses of Worship Technologies Asia 2012 will allow our solution providers to cater speciﬁcally to the needs of the Houses of Worship sector. Interest has been high and we really look forward to facilitate and assist our valued exhibitors to penetrate this growing segment. One of the key highlights for the event also includes a large and comprehensive educational program to update worship leaders of the latest technologies and trends” commented Anna Cheong, Exhibitions Director.”

The Houses of Worship Technologies Asia team will be embarking on a myriad of initiatives to make this show a very attractive proposition for prospective exhibitors and interested buyers. Visitors to the show will obtain a greater appreciation on the products and services available from the various exhibitors. Key features of Houses of Worship Technologies Asia include a Behind-the-Scene Technical Tour, Handson Training, Product Demonstrations & Workshops, Special Networking Sessions and a Worship Performance. In conjunction with the exhibition, Houses of Worship Technologies Asia 2012 will offer an extensive Seminar & Conference Program presented by key expert speakers from the industry. The Seminar & Conference Program aims to address topics such as houses of worship systems design for traditional and also contemporary places of worship; technology requirements, trends for houses of worship, typical challenges faced by the technical team; current trends in AV design for houses of worship, digital snake system HK cameras, digital transmission and live recording. www.housesofworshiptech.com

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When what you need is a way to stand out, there’s no better strategy than attending DSE®. Ground-breaking and cutting-edge, it’s the place for new product launches, with more technology on display than anywhere else in the world. Over 170 innovative companies use this event to showcase their newest developments—and this is where you’ll see them all.

March 6 - 9, 2012 Las Vegas Convention Center

Ofﬁcial Show of the

Co-located with:

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER: www.DSE2012.com

Presenting Software Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors:

Presenting Hardware Sponsor:

Conference Sponsor:

Silver Sponsors:

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

Kramer introduces Unique VP-81KSi Step-In Switcher Kramer Electronics has introduced the high−performance VP-81KSi, an analog Step-in switcher for computer graphics video. The unit can switch any one of eight inputs to one computer graphics video, one unbalanced and one balanced stereo audio and one twisted pair output. The VP-81KSi is designed to work with a family of Step-In modules: the SI-1VGA, SI-1VGAT and WSI-1VGA. These Stepin modules are part of Kramer’s Table Mount Solution Products, such as the line of TBUS models, which are mounted in or below conference room tables. With the VP-81KSi, meeting attendees can connect the computer graphics video and audio from their laptops into the module located in a TBUS at their seat. The module is prewired to the switcher that is connected to the projector. Every attendee can make his laptop the active device on display by pressing a switch in the module. The VP-81KSi is HDTV compatible and has a very high video bandwidth of 440 MHz (-3dB) to ensure transparent performance for signals with resolutions up to WUXGA. It also includes Kr-isp™,

Kramer’s innovative integrated sync processing technology.

pair receivers to provide long distance signal transmission.

Kr-isp™ restores the sync signal waveform to provide a sharp, stable image even when the sync level is too low.

Larger virtual systems can be created by cascading eight VP-81KSi switchers to form a 57 input virtual switcher for use in a very large conference center installation.

Additional features include: audiofollow-video (AFV) switching and an audio breakaway option that switches video and audio channels independently; DDC (Display Data Channel) communication between the selected input and output on pins 12 and 15 of the 15-pin HD connector; Kramer’s I-EDIDPro™ intelligent EDID processing algorithm that ensures plug and play operation for analog systems; a volume control for the audio inputs; a standard 15-pin HD output connector and a CAT 5 output for compatible Kramer twisted

The VP-81KSi switcher offers several very ﬂexible control options including front panel buttons, remote step-in modules, RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet via a built-in web server, contact closure & IR remote control (remote is included). It has a worldwide power supply that operates on 100-240V AC, ﬁts a standard 19” rack mount and includes a standard pair of rack mount “ears”. www.kramerelectronics.com

Modular Digital Matrix 16x16 Electrical/Optical Router, OMM-1000

Configurable up to 16x16 electrical and optical DVI input/output (HDMI, SDI as an option) Extends DVI signal up to 1km over muli-mode fiber with fiber-optic cards Supports up to WUXGA (1920x1200) at 60Hz Supports DDC/HDCP (Electrical ports only) Equips a multi-viewer card (Quad view, Picture-in-Picture) as an option Provides various control interfaces (RS-232, TCP/IP, WEB, Front panel key buttons) Provides diagnostic function for quick trouble shooting Provides EDID management Equips Dual power for load sharing Has a reference video source and a monitoring output for easy installation Certifies with medical UL/EN60601 and FCC/CE

WWW.OPTICIS.COM OPTICIS HQ

#907 Byucksan Technopia, 434-6 Sangdaewon-dong, Chungwon-gu, Sungnam, Gyeonggi-do, 462-716 South Korea Tel: +82 31 737-8033 Fax: +82 31 737-8079 E-mail: tosales@opticis.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

Clockaudio offers plug and play wireless conference solution UHF receiver. Receiver and transmitter are operable over 32 selectable frequencies for each channel, and feature auto scan and lock to provide transmission on an available interferencefree frequency. Adjustable ‘NoiseLock’ squelch and RFI shielding technology negate environmental RF noise and signal interference. CW-200 dual channel wireless conferencing system

Clockaudio, has introduced the CW200 dual channel wireless conferencing system. The CW-200 provides an affordable, easy to deploy and operate solution for elementary, occasional or portable conferencing applications. The system comprises two boundary microphone transmitter units and a dual channel

The transmitter units are of die cast metal construction with non-slip silicon underpads which minimize vibration. Two half-cardioid electret capsules in each transmitter enable each unit to provide coverage for 2/3 delegates at the table. Infrared upload from the transmitters to the receiver sync power on/off and frequency selection settings made from the control and display mount on top of the transmitter units. The multi-function LCD displays on

the transmitter unit enable monitoring of frequency selection and signal conditions, and controls on the receiver can be locked out. The receiver features both XLR balanced stereo outs and an unbalanced mixed ¼ inch jack output. A rack mounting kit for the receiver is included. Commenting on the addition of the CW-200 to the Clockaudio range, Sales and Marketing Manager Rod Geary stated, “The CW-200 offers a highly cost effective and versatile solution for a part of the market we have not previously addressed, where there is occasional requirement for a conferencing system, but expenditure on or installation of a fixed system cannot be justified. We anticipate significant interest among the likes of SMEs, local authorities, the education and voluntary sectors, and AV hire companies. It’s sheer plug-in and go simplicity means it is perfect for small scale, portable user-operator applications.” www.clockaudio.com

GefenPRO introduces ELR Extenders with Power Over Line (POL) Technology The GefenPRO ELR (Extra Long Range) Extenders for HDMI with POL I and II both offer an extra long range extension of multiple signals up to 330-feet (100m) over just one CAT-5 cable. Innovative Gefen POL technology based on the Power over Ethernet standard enables the delivery of power to the receiver unit using the AC power connected at the sender unit. Each receiver unit is equipped with an additional 5v output to power a supplemental product, such as a scaler, switcher or splitter at the display location. The GefenPRO ELR Extender for HDMI with POL is ideal for installations where power requirements are limited or AC power outlets are not viable at the receiving side, such as when mounting projectors on the ceiling. By reducing the CAT-5 cable requirements from two to only one, it also allows installers to easily tap into existing in-wall CAT-5 type cabling, well suited for retroﬁtting. HDMI resolutions of 1080p full HD, 3DTV support, audio, IR remote, RS-

232 control, Ethernet and power are all delivered over a single CAT-5 cable to the remote location. Advanced HDMI features include 3DTV, deep colour, lip sync and audio delay. Both the IR backchannel and RS-232 connection can be used to control the display from the remote location. Each receiver can be wall mounted for added convenience.

sources, one connected to the sender, and the other connected to the receiver. Both HDMI sources can be alternately viewed at the remote location with auto switching, by IR remote, local front panel selection or RS-232 control. When one source powers down, this receiver will automatically switch to the alternative source.

The GefenPRO ELR Extender for HDMI over CAT5 with POL II offers an optional receiver unit equipped with one additional HDMI input, so users can automatically switch between two HDMI

Both products are rack mountable, come with a built-in internal power supply and are HDBaseT compliant. www.gefen.com

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Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

Sony adds ultra-short throw capabilities to its line of business projectors

SEE YOU AT…INFOCOMM CHINA APRIL 11-13 t BOOTH F10-01

create a sensation Check out the great new features in award-winning Dataton WATCHOUT™ multi-display production and playback software. Highlights of version 5: – 3D effects: position and rotate media in 3D space – 3D content: stereoscopic production and playback – Enhanced live interaction: direct control from inputs

Sony SW535

Sony is adding ultra-short throw capabilities to its line of business projectors with two new models perfect for education, training and corporate applications, as well as a range of other commercial uses.

– Dynamic image server: stream live data in your show – Multiple displays per computer: more cost-effective

www.dataton.com/watchout www.facebook.com/dataton

The new models are the VPL-SW535 projector (WXGA resolution) and the VPL-SX535 projector (XGA resolution), with each delivering 3,000 lumens – which is among the brightest levels offered by products in the ultra short-throw category. Designed to add ﬂexibility to classroom and business presentations, the new models can deliver a large clear image from a very short distance. For example, an 80-inch image can be achieved with the projector located a very short distance from the screen (19 inches for the VPL-SW535; 23 inches for the VPL-SX535, the distance is deﬁned as the distance between the center of the projection window and the screen).

Old Beijing Gets Moving: 56 WATCHOUT sources, 228 m screen. Image courtesy Audio Visual Technique

“The extremely short projection capability is ideal where space is a constraint. It not only allows presenters to stand in front of the screen, but the new projectors are cost-efficient in terms of energy consumption and installation,” said Mr Tsuyoshi Nagata, General Manager of Presentation Display, Professional Solutions Company (PSAP) at Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. The new models are designed for optimum energy efficiency, producing 3,000 lumens of colour light output with just 290W power consumption for the SW535 model and 310W for SX535 model. This is achieved with the use of Sony’s energy efficient Bright Era™ LCD panels, capable of delivering brilliant pictures for a more dynamic visual experience. Also, in the event the projectors are left powered while not in use, they automatically detect no change of signal input and will dim the lamp as low as about 30 percent of original brightness to significantly reduce energy consumption. Additionally, the expected lamp and filter maintenance time for each model can reach up to 6,000 hours depending on lamp mode selected and operating environment. These new models are the industry’s first ultra short throw projectors equipped with optical zoom and lens shift capability. This allows users to greatly reduce the time and hassle needed to fine-tune image position without physically moving the projector and sacrificing image quality. The projectors ship with Sony’s original wall mount, which is capable of adjusting pitch, roll, and yaw of the projector. http://pro.sony-asia.com

Soldier of Orange: WATCHOUT set. Image courtesy Blitz Communications. Photo Joris van Bennekom.

Kennedy Space Center: Multi-display WATCHOUT show with host. Image courtesy BRC & Electrosonic.

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

VTRON introduces Digicom XLAN 800 Processor resolution of the logical screen is the summation of all the display units’ resolutions.

Digital Distributed Processing Structure Design Digicom XLAN 800 Processor

VTRON’s Digicom XLAN 800 Processor caters to the increasing demands for handling hundreds of video signals in the security and monitoring control room markets. The Digicom XLAN 800 Processor not only works with a wide spectrum of analog and digital monitoring signals but also with various types of other conventional video signals. It also allows for digital distributed processing structure design, modular design, an ease of upgradability, and tremendous expandability. These features make the Digicom XLAN 800 Processor a desirable ﬁt for the requirements of a wide variety of monitoring control room applications such as trafﬁc monitoring and public security monitoring.

Enormous IP Video Processing Capacity The Digicom XLAN 800 Processor has powerful IP Video signal processing and display capacity. It supports mainstream image compression standards and video signal types. Zoom-in, zoom-out, crossscreen roaming or full screen display of the IP Video signal window can be realized on the display wall.

Ultra High Resolution Desktop and Application Display on Single LogicalScreen Digicom XLAN 800 Processor outputs a super high resolution Windows as a single logical screen desktop. It supports high resolution display and processes various Windows applications. The

It adopts a distributed data processing structure. The signals of the whole system are processed by each display node respectively.

Modular Design, Easily Upgraded, with Strong Expandability With the modular design, distributed structure, efﬁcient data exchange system, and convenient onsite installation, maintenance and upgrade of the equipment can be realized.

Fully Digital Processing without Signal Format Conversion The IP video signal can be processed by the Digicom XLAN 800 Processor directly without format conversion, which assures high display speed, high quality images, and saves on hardware resources. www.vtron.com

ABtUS introduces Eco energy saving Distribution Ampliﬁer day. Especially in a retail mall or a large museum/stadium where the venue is vast, such application will prove extremely useful. This product also has a great application in schools where there are display panels along walkways and corridors. It is also useful in classrooms and lecture theaters where a simple click of a button is able to power off all integrated appliances. This will no doubt give rise to huge savings.

In recognition with the world’s effort to go green, ABtUS introduces its new Eco energy saving distribution ampliﬁers that can automatically power on/off other multimedia equipment linked to it when the Eco DA is turned on/off. This brings much convenience to users of digital signage solutions and home entertainment as it removes the hassle of going around and powering off each individual display panels/TVs every

How this is done is simple. The Eco DA has a signal sensing capability that can automatically detect if there’s any signal being received. It will go to a sleep mode if it doesn’t sense any input signal for a short amount of time and auto awakes when it detects any signals coming in. Each unit of the Eco DA has a built in command that sends a signal to other electronics once it’s turned on or before it shuts down. Linked devices that receive this signal will do the same and switch on or to standby mode respectively. With an external relay, the main power can even be cut off totally for added safety. www.abtussingapore.com

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

Crestron unveils petite 2.8â&#x20AC;? touch screens Crestron has announced that its new line of petite 2.8â&#x20AC;? touch screens is now shipping. Available in two models, the TPMC3SM and TPMC-3SMD provide the same complete control functionality as the larger TPMC-4SM line, while offering a discreet, stylish and affordable way to add the latest Crestron control technology into the home or corporate setting. Easily installed on a single gang wall box, the TPMC-3SM enables users convenience of one-touch control of lights, climate, home theaters, multiroom audio, and more, while remaining virtually invisible. TPMC-3SM works with Crestron Fusion RVâ&#x201E;˘ software to deliver a powerful room scheduling solution for ofďŹ ce buildings and other large facilities. Installed outside the entrance to every meeting room, the bright 2.8â&#x20AC;? LCD display provides an immediate view of each roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s availability. Look up the calendar for any room on the network and reserve the room right on-the-spot. Networking room scheduling across the enterprise has never been easier. With just few button presses, TPMC-3SM lets users book conference rooms using popular scheduling platforms such as OutlookÂŽ, Lotus NotesÂŽ, and R25ÂŽ. Simply select the room location, meeting time and AV presentation resources needed, and equipment will be warmed up and ready to use when the instructor arrives. Scheduling conďŹ&#x201A;icts are eliminated and instructors can begin presentations promptly, without worrying about room availability or â&#x20AC;&#x153;setting upâ&#x20AC;? AV gear.

TPMC-3SM

Additional push buttons provide one-touch access to commonly used functions. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Todayâ&#x20AC;? button jumps to the current day view, while the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Closeâ&#x20AC;? button quickly closes the currently displayed page. Touching â&#x20AC;&#x153;Selectâ&#x20AC;? button provides a quick way to view a meetingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s details, or select a time slot to reserve a room. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Downâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Upâ&#x20AC;? buttons enable fast scrolling through the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s schedule. Dual-color green and red buttons give passersby a clear indication of a roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s status at-a-glance. For homeowners, the integrated home technology experience has never been this simple and cool. TPMC-3SMD enables customizable touch screen graphics and icons for controlling lights, temperature, home theater, multiroom audio, security cameras, iTunesÂŽ libraries and more. With a tap on the colour screen, any home control feature desired is fast, fun and easy. Built-in streaming video lets users monitor security cameras and see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playing on their Blu-ray player, media server or cable TV. Users can browse through playlists and internet radio stations while viewing cover art and song information. Additional pushbuttons gives users even more control on tap such as adjusting audio volume, scrolling through movie titles and TV channels, setting temperature and lighting levels in every room. Two backlit hard key buttons may be assigned to access userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice of control pages on the touch screen, or to control audio/video system power and room lighting with a single press. Installation is simple, clean and hassle-free. An Ethernet connection from a home network or corporate LAN is all thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needed to wire both models. PoE (Power over Ethernet) eliminates the need for a local power supply or any dedicated power wiring, which allows greater mounting ďŹ&#x201A;exibility in both new construction and retroďŹ ts. www.crestron.com

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SOLUTIONS UPDATE

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

Christie now shipping LX1200 and LHD700 LCD Projectors Christie’s LHD700 is a single-lamp, portable projector that features 7000 ANSI lumen brightness, full HD resolution, 4DColorTM technology and inorganic LCD panels for high contrast and vivid color presentations. 4DColor™ technology gives a 20 percent increase in colour gamut over comparable 3LCD models.

Christie LX1200

Christie® is pleased to announce that its 12,000 lumen Christie LX1200 and the full HD 1080p Christie LHD700 projectors are now shipping to meet strong demand for ‘no compromise,’ affordable 3LCD options for rental staging applications, boardrooms, higher education facilities, houses of worship and more. Christie prides itself in consistently introducing leading-edge 3LCD, 1-chip and 3-chip DLP® projectors to provide the broadest range of brightness levels and resolutions to its customers. The addition of these two new 3LCD models shows its commitment to providing products that offer the performance, reliability and ﬂexibility required to meet Pro AV requirements today and into the future. The Christie LX1200 offers vivid, trueto-life visual displays with native XGA (1024 x 768) resolution. With 12,000 ANSI lumens, the Christie LX1200 gives users complete ﬂexibility for

high brightness applications and costeffective performance. These projectors can be stacked for redundancy or added brightness up to 24,000 lumens. Featuring Christie’s 4DColorTM technology, that incorporates a fourth colour control device to enhance the colour and contrast of contents, the projector is able to deliver truer, life-like colour and skin tones. The inorganic LCD panels provide robust design for long life expectancy, enhanced performance, and improved contrast ratio compared to conventional LCD panels. Setting up and using the Christie LX1200 is easy due to its motorized lenses and digital keystone capabilities. The AutoFilter system rotates new ﬁlter sheets for up to 10,000 hours before the cartridge needs to be replaced. Easy lamp access reduces projector downtime and service and maintenance costs. When used in eco mode, the lamp can last up to 3000 hours.

The Christie LHD700 is easy to set up and use with motorized lenses and 3D Keystone™ capabilities. A variety of input connections and a suite of optional lenses ensure that the Christie LHD700 can meet your application requirements. Crestron’s RoomView® and AMX Discovery Device make it easy and quick to conﬁgure third-party equipment with this projector. The AutoFilter, easy lamp access and up to 3000 hours lamp life (eco mode) help reduce projector downtime, and service and maintenance costs. The Christie LHD700 brings full HD resolution in a single-lamp, portable design that’s affordable and maintains high performance for medium-sized applications. www.christiedigital.com

Christie LHD700

Aviom announces two NEW updates for Pro64 System Aviom’s Pro64® Firmware version 4.35 and Pro64 Network Manager™ version 2.1 are now available for download. The updated ﬁrmware introduces additional ﬂexibility to Aviom’s m-control™ mic preamp control protocol for Yamaha® digital consoles, as well as the ability to seamlessly extend Pro64 networks while the network is running. The new m-control feature allows users to select from two methods of mapping

mic preamp gain settings from the Yamaha console to the gain and pad settings of Aviom’s Pro64 Series mic preamps. For most users, Auto Pad, which automatically switches Aviom pads on and off based on the position of the Yamaha gain control and whether the gain is being adjusted up or down, is a good balance of performance and simplicity. However, for users who prefer separate gain and pad controls, Manual Pad delinks the two settings, mapping

Yamaha gain settings directly to the Aviom preamps and leaving the Aviom pad state unaffected by gain changes. Pro64 Network Manager is a free download from Aviom.com/ NetworkManager and includes ﬁrmware upgrades for all Pro64 Series devices. www.Aviom.com

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

INDIA & ME NEWS

DIS and CIMATECH at ELECOMP 2011 IRAN: This is the third edition that CIMATECH presented products of Scandinavian Conference Specialist Danish Interpretation Systems (DIS) at ELECOMP Show in Tehran. CIMATECH focused on displaying portable as well as ďŹ&#x201A;ush-mount units of the fully digital DCS 6000 System. Highlight on the booth was GM 6620 Shotgun Microphone on FC 6020 and FD 6120 Conference Units and the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Farsi Language Fontâ&#x20AC;? available for DC 6990P Touch Screen Units. Managing Director of CIMATECH, Amir Kord and his team especially appreciated the support of DIS Area Sales Manager Chris Hellmuth who came personally to assist the exclusive distributor on site. www.cimatech.biz www.dis.cc

Reza Kord, Planning and Development Manager and Leila Kord, President and Sales Manager (1st and 2nd from left) with Amir Kord, Managing Director of CIMATECH and Chris Hellmuth, DIS Area Sales Manager (3rd and 4th from right) with staff of CIMATECH.

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Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

TC Group International Assigns Payman Abdali as Sales Manager HD in the Middle East

INDIA & ME NEWS

Plus Business brings Revolabs FLX to India

for Yamaha – and will focus on the pro audio and broadcast markets that are growing rapidly in the Middle East. “I am happy to have Payman Abdali onboard the TCGI HD Sales Team. Payman has been a friend of ours for many years and has as a freelancer, been involved in major TC projects in his home country, Iran. I look forward to develop our presence in the Middle East together with him,” says VP of International Sales HD Ole Jensen.

MIDDLE EAST: TC Group International is reinforcing its presence in the Middle East signiﬁcantly by assigning Payman Abdali as Sales Manager. Abdali has more than 14 years of experience within the ﬁeld – example, as Sales Manager

Abdali will be based in Tehran, Iran, as well as in the TC Group International ofﬁce in Dubai, The United Arab Emirates, and will be responsible for HD sales in Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain and The United Arab Emirates. www.tcelectronic.com

Customized DIS Solution at Qatar University Besides the customized DCS 6000 System in the Auditorium there’s a press room in the building where a small scale CDS 4000 System with one chairman and ﬁve delegate units assures perfect communication. Though the schedule was very tight, Techno Q managed to deliver, install and test all the equipment in time. www.dis.cc Qatar University

QATAR: System Integrator Techno Q has recently installed 135 customized microphone units of Scandinavian conference specialist Danish Interpretation Systems (DIS) at Qatar University. The silver CM/DM 6580F units feature 3 buttons for voting, chip card reader, channel selector, 3.5mm headphone socket, loudspeaker, the brand new boundary microphone BM 6620 plus the printed logo of Techno Q. The 2 distributed language channels at this location can be monitored through DH 6023 stethoscope headphones and the output box AO 6008 allows using up to 8 channels for recording purposes etc. A huge SW 6000 Software Package opens access to additional features like delegate identiﬁcation and guarantees comfortable handling of the system.

INDIA: AVSI Plus Business Machines Ltd. is introducing to India the new Revolabs FLX wireless conference phone designed specifically for small and midsized conference rooms, executive offices and SoHo environments. Based on the Revolabs’ wireless audio technology that for years has delivered superior sound quality for audio and video conferencing to large conference rooms and boardrooms, the FLX brings exceptional performance to smaller settings at an affordable price. Combining wireless operation, high-quality wide-band audio, 128-bit encryption, integrated Bluetooth, support for analog and IP, and a competitive price point, the FLX redefines the conference speakerphone. Available with a variety of compatible Revolabs microphones, the FLX includes a lapel microphone worn by one person; an Omni-directional tabletop microphone that captures the sound of six to 10 participants; and a directional tabletop microphone that enables audio capture from two to three people. Because the FLX dialer operates like a telephone for handset calls and enables the setup of conference calls, there is no need for a separate desk and conference phone. The Revolabs FLX can also serve as the audio interface with virtually any major brand of video conferencing equipment, providing the same high audio performance within video calls. Callers without Internet access can have their phone calls bridged into the video session any time.

The silver CM/DM 6580F unit

www.plus-india.com

INDIA & ME NEWS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

dnp joins InfoComm India 2012 Roadshow INDIA: dnp Denmark will join forces with its Indian distributor, The Sound Room, to participate in the InfoComm India 2012 Roadshow in February, as a precursor to the new Visual Experience Centre in Hyderabad. The InfoComm India Roadshow, which features many of the industry’s leading companies, will tour three cities – arriving at the Ashok, New Delhi on February 13th, the Lalit Intercontinental in Mumbai on the 15th and the Lalit Ashok in Bangalore on the 17th of February. dnp’s aim will be to introduce the Supernova Flex Classic Screen to the Indian market – as an extremely pricecompetitive alternative – alongside a front projection standard white split screen. This will allow customer comparison between Supernova 0885 and 23-23 screen materials. The Supernova Flex Classic is a simpliﬁed version of the awardwinning dnp Supernova Flex Screen. It offers the superior optical performance of the latter in a classic, retractable design, which can be wallor ceiling mounted via a dark grey drop above the image area, allowing the retractable screen to be rolled down to the desired height.

This represents the company’s technical mission of demonstrating that dnp screens offer high return on investment and the best contrast. In addition, dnp Senior Product Manager, Johnny Jensen, will be presenting two seminars as part of the education programme at each of the three Roadshow venues. These will be titled: “Why Optical Projection Screens?” and “New InfoComm ANSI Projection Contrast Standard*.” At the same time dnp will use the Roadshow opportunity to announce the opening of the new Visual Experience Centre in Hyderabad in March. With vast experience in providing Home and Commercial AV solutions extending back more than a decade, The Sound Room focuses on key segments, including Conference; Government (Defence & Public Sector); Worship; Education; Home Cinema and 3D. As such the company is perfectly placed to host what will become the third of these sophisticated dnp visitor centres in Asia. www.dnp-screens.com

*About the ANSI Projection Contrast Standard This ANSI/InfoComm 3M-2011 Standard defines projected image system contrast ratio and its measurements . It applies to both permanently installed systems and live events and to both front and rear projection. This Standard defines four contrast ratios based on content viewing requirements. System contrast ratio refers to the image as it is presented to viewers in a space with ambient light. Practical metrics to measure and validate the defined contrast ratios are provided. This Standard is designed to facilitate informed decision making for projector and screen selection, relative to location and stated purpose. Requirements of this performance Standard apply to: Planning and designing projected image system installations. Settling minimum and optimum contrast ratios relative to stated purposes; Evaluating completed projected image system installations; Assisting in assessing possible remedial solutions when a system is out of conformance with this Standard or otherwise inadequate for the stated purpose.

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

INDIA & ME NEWS

InfoComm completes AV Design series training rounds

INDIA: InfoComm Internationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third and last round of AV Design classes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Level 3:DES312 Design: Applied AV Design â&#x20AC;&#x201C; was conducted recently in the Indian national capital of New Delhi, and IT capital Bengaluru consecutively.

it could be so deep, so intense,â&#x20AC;? the professional said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of the nuances are truly fascinating, though intriguing to some extent.â&#x20AC;? Most trainees opined they needed more of such programmes.

DES312 focused on imparting training on how to determine and analyze the needs of the clients, collaborate with other professionals, develop AV designs and conduct project implementation activities. It may be recalled that InfoComm conducted the ďŹ rst two rounds â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AV Design Classes DES212 and DES213 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in August and October last year where the initial subject domains forming the AV Design Track were addressed. According to InfoComm, this series of AV Design training is an effective stepping stone for design professionals preparing for CTS-Design Specialized CertiďŹ cation examination to be conducted by InfoComm International. â&#x20AC;&#x153;InfoCommâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three-pronged commitment to professionalism â&#x20AC;&#x201C; extensive AV education, accredited certiďŹ cation and standards development â&#x20AC;&#x201C; brings the most comprehensive training programmes to the AV industry,â&#x20AC;? says Andy Tan, CTS, Regional Director of Asia, InfoComm International. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The audio-visual facility and system design is both a skill and an art,â&#x20AC;? says Andy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;InfoComm Academy teaches both; regardless of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career level, one discovers new insights about the design process.â&#x20AC;? A total of 25 participants took part in the training. Those who attended all the three included a team from Integrated Audio Visual (I) Ltd., led by its CEO Kaushik Mukhopadhyay-CTS, and T2 Consulting, led by Chandrashekhar Naik-CTS. The others included professionals from AGC, TCS and Actis, besides others. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always good to complete the course for it gives a complete perspective of what exactly it is,â&#x20AC;? says Kaushik Mukhopadhyay. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe in serious learning as it helps us hone our skill sets,â&#x20AC;? he said, adding, â&#x20AC;&#x153;it is indispensable for those seeking professional excellence.â&#x20AC;? The training rounds did change the whole perspective about AV and the role of CertiďŹ ed Technology Specialists (CTS) in impacting professional AV, admitted a trainee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We never knew

The programme was jointly sponsored by AMX India and Kramer India. www.infocomm.org

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Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

INDIA & ME NEWS

Mindstec brings Evoko Room Manager to India

INDIA: Following rapid growth in Europe and success at the InfoComm Middle East & Africa 2011 trade show, the recent Swedish innovation in meeting room scheduling - Evoko Room Manager application - is now being introduced to India. Evoko Room Manager allows for easy, hassle-free scheduling and an efficient use of meeting rooms. It can even be set up automatically to free up booked rooms that are not being used. The installation of Evoko Room Manager is simple: a touchscreen showing bookings and other information is installed outside the meeting room and is connected to the company’s Exchange server. It is no more difficult than setting up a new e-mail account on the server. Moreover, the system requires no new software. All that you then need to do is schedule meetings as usual using Outlook. Spontaneous bookings can even be made directly on the touch-screen, and just as quickly a meeting in progress can be cancelled or extended. Evoko Unlimited AB is a wholly owned subsidiary of SMS Smart Media Solutions AB, one of the world’s leading suppliers of brackets for flat panel displays and projectors, as well as interactive boards and other media systems. Evoko Room Manager is marketed by Mindstec Distribution Pvt Ltd in India.

“Many people are drawn to the screen’s Scandinavian design. Earlier this year, the product won awards at the prestigious German design competition, the iF Product Design Award.” explains Prakash. www.mindstec.com

Simple Affordable Flexible

According to Daniel Assarson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Evoko Unlimited AB, the success of the product is a result of an accumulated need. “Timing is a vital factor; Evoko Room Manager comes at a time when more and more are thinking of ways they can more efﬁciently make use of time,” says Daniel. “Meetings are not the least of such vital considerations. The product solves these problems by simplifying this very process.”

New Digital Discussion System by DIS

DV Prakash, Mindstec Regional Manager, India adds: “We are excited to announce our new partnership with Evoko. The addition of Evoko Room Manager to our diversiﬁed offering will allow us once again to be in the forefront, bringing creative solutions to our clients and helping them to grow their business.”

Visit us at ISE booth 3C119 and www.dis.cc

Scandinavian Design: Using icons and text, the screen interface clearly shows who has scheduled the room and for how long, as well as upcoming free periods. It is readily visible from a distance as to whether or not the room can be booked thanks to the screen’s green or red LED background illumination.

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Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

INDIA & ME NEWS

Cue Systems India trains engineers to hone their skills

INDIA: CUE Systems India recently organized a two-day workshop on integration with its valued partners in the country. The workshop was intended to provide hands-on experience to the engineers of Cue India partners. Cue Systems Asia Pte Ltd Managing Director Andy Ng, who oversaw the training, brought out the distinct advantages of Cue’s much favoured and popular Visual Composer (CVC) software.

The participants were made to try out for themselves the software, drivers and modules and learn about its implications hands-on. That the CVC includes a graphic library- both for the touch panels as well as smart device interfaces the programmers got a good exposure to its sophistication-driven software. They learnt the importance of using CVC as a one-ﬁle project software application tool.

Engineers, sales persons and technical teams alike were comprehensively exposed to the nuances of systems and processes that make up the CVC, amongst other solutions from Cue during the two-day intensive sessions. Being highly interactive, the sessions were highly productive that they elicited interesting and beneﬁting viewpoints from the participants.

The end of the sessions had most of the engineers pleased with the way the whole thing went about. That the CVC included many features and tools that other application software could not accommodate makes their jobs much more easier and better, they felt.

Two sessions covered areas of critical importance- how to create interfaces between device and CUE; the validation loops using any smart device to control equipment, power controls, etc.

www.cuesystem.com

Chief Appoints SCO as Master Distributor in India INDIA: Chief has announced that SCO Tech Distribution (India) Pvt. Ltd has been chosen as the Exclusive Master Distributor for the Chief product line in India. Selected for their outstanding level of service and knowledge of the audiovisual industry, SCO was granted the exclusive right to sell Chief mounting solutions across India. Following the appointment, Ben Osborne, Director of Sales & Marketing - Milestone Asia Paciﬁc commented, “This is an exciting appointment. In SCO we have found a like minded business which prides itself on excellent customer service levels and industry knowledge, and we look forward to building and bringing the Chief brand to India with the guidance of such an excellent partner.” Mike Gopal, President of Sales & Strategy at SCO, remarked, “This marks an important step for SCO as we strive to become India’s leading distribution and logistics partner. Chief is a bestin-class solutions manufacturer and we are proud to represent them in India” For enquiries contact: Shivakumar G Tel: +91.80.4190.3577 Mobile: +91.990.001.6323 Email: shivakumar.g@chiefmounts.in www.chiefmfg.com

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Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

According to the integrator, the Mediasite not only brings an unmatched playback experience but also gives an expert audio and video production of live events. It also does on-site as well as remote support to enhance the user experience. More, besides being reliable, it is also highly secure. “It’s impossible to sign in to the system without correct and approved/veriﬁed credentials,” afﬁrms the AllWave AV chief. “That the solution comes with highest grade of security using the https protocol, permission is granted by administrators only to the authorized users.” The same security principle is applicable for all forms of e-learning as it is a holistic webcasting and knowledge capture solution.

All Wave AV launches Mediasite package for India INDIA: Mumbai-based AVSI solutions major All Wave AV Systems announced the introduction to the Indian market a new revolutionary e-learning and knowledge management package on a simple and cost effective platform! Mediasite, from Wisconsin, USA headquartered enterprise Sonic Foundry, is being brought into India to redeﬁne the domestic e-learning domain. Claimed to be able to capture one’s knowledge as it’s naturally shared – in real time – and deliver the information over the web to the people instantly, the Mediasite solution is also sought to be pushed into Indian marketspace by virtue of its technical and economical advantages. Besides being a real time enabler, the solution also facilitates ondemand content availability through any web browser at any chosen time. Mediasite makes possible affordable, myriad multimedia webcasts by means of a slew of tools: *Conducting online lectures *Continuing education *Research and collaboration *Recruitment and orientation *Events and conferences *Executive brieﬁngs *Workforce development *Community outreach The reportedly user-friendly solution is said to work with just one-click playback

on all web browsers. Moreover, it doesn’t require any additional software, and no presentation uploads; it instead leverages on the existing AV infrastructure of the given environment with minimum settings. “The system requires a server capable of handling traffic,” says Kuldip Kamat managing director of AllWave AV Systems. “However, the server is recommended to have a bandwidth of at least 200kbps per end user.” According to him, detailed specifications could be provided before the actual installation, depending upon the requirement. While there are many e-learning solution suites with seemingly similar offerings, what made AllWave AV choose Mediasite is apparently the latter’s visible and latent capacities to benefit the end-user. While a patented webcasting technology by Sonic Foundry recognized as best in class acts as a big USP, its interactive player design encourages viewers to click, watch and learn instantaneously contributes to its user preference. “It’s a comprehensive webcasting and knowledge management solution offering interactivity with error-free streaming and recording capabilities,” endorses the AllWave MD. “It also does professional collaboration with third party AV, IT and other event production teams.”

The latest offering: Mediasite has come out with its latest version, the sixth edition. A highly user-friendly solution that it is, the Mediasite 6 is a featurerich suite with a slew of attractions. The agnostic nature of the application makes its presentation on any portable deviceiPad, iPhone, iPod, Blackberry or Android device; it has an auto-device detection for optimal playback experience on mobile device, Mac or PC, using HTML5, and it can be live and on-demand streaming using Windows; it can also broadcast live for iOS devices. In addition, the system supports HD resolutions up to 720p while the touch screen gestures for presentation control and navigation. Compared to the advantages the solution sinks in, the cost it commands is worth investing, opines Kuldip who is highly positive about its acceptability, given the ﬁrm’s promotional offers and special packages. The total cost of ownership works to about US$40,000 including the on-site support. With a view to ensuring that the solution is affordable to larger number of users, AllWave AV is offering special pricing for education segment, besides lease and debt options. “Education segment is our prime target,” explains Kuldip, “it’s not only huge but also exploding with number of players willing to invest in sophisticated teaching mechanisms.” Corporates spread across different geographic locations come a close second as their frequent training processes stand to gain immensely with the modules and modes that Mediasite brings to place, explains the integrator. www.allwaveav.com

INDIA & ME NEWS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

Crestron celebrates leadership excellency at CresMEET-2011 to Highly Available” session. “We’re building the technology for the new AV industry. We’re innovating at an unprecedented rate. We’re averaging a new product every single business day,” Jason said, adding, “but more than just introducing new products, we’re offering you a glimpse into the future. And this is just the beginning.”

INDIA: Crestron India held its ﬁfth consecutive and its most successful CresMEET-2011 event on 10 January this year in Bangalore. CresMEET was experienced and witnessed by an overwhelming contingency of participants from around Crestron’s global network: USA, China, India, Hongkong, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Taiwan, SriLanka, Nepal and Bangladesh, besides the Middle East. It was estimated that the gathering totalled over six hundred attendees. With a very new and innovative approach, CresMEET was organized into two different forums, “LEADERSHIP”Forum and “INNOVATION”Forum. The event was inaugurated by Crestron Asia Regional Sales Director Ben Lim, extending a warm welcome to the participants and lighting up the pathway to the new expedition ahead. His Welcome Address was followed by a Special Address by Crestron’s Executive Vice-President Randy Klien. “More than just a leader of technology, Crestron is about creating new opportunities. It’s our mission to develop tools and support to ensure the success of our partners,” said Klien. “We will deliver technology, training, and leadership to take our industry into the future.” The event hosted several seminars about new opportunities, latest upcoming technologies, global trends, consumer behaviour, market approach, and corporate social responsibility. It sought to manifest Crestron’s philosophy and mantra “We Make It Easy”. Kanny Leong, Crestron’s DirectorAsian Operations, shared his innovative insights and ideas on the new opportunities available and how to capture them together. “We can’t afford to be solely focused on hardware

and software. We can’t afford to deﬁne ourselves by the past – by antiquated ideas and obsolete technologies,” he said, adding, “it’s not about building a new processor or touch panel; it’s about building a new business.” Crestron Asia Director Tony Yeung shared his vision in the “Transforming Life through Education” session. “Education has taken a signiﬁcant overhauling,” he said. “With technological advances being widely used in effective teaching and mentoring, today education has become one of the main stream businesses for all of us.” The dynamics of technology are changing at its fastest pace today than ever. The landscape has a total change. To change the perception of Crestron in the market place, Jason Tirado, Crestron’s Director of International Sales shared his insight about this transition and its impact on industry and individual in the “From High End

Evidently, there’s more technology and systems on the network for a commercial building today than ever. Figuring out all the pieces one needs and putting them together to work is hard. Making it easy was Crestron India’s Asst. ManagerSales & Application Jayaprakash who revealed the mystery about the digital AV and how digital media makes it simple and easy. “The systems need to be networked, managed, and controlled in fundamentally new ways. From infrastructure to interfaces, Crestron has them all covered,” Jayaprakash detailed. Many industry conferences and seminars were conducted in the INNOVATION forum, giving a glimpse on Crestron’s new and upcoming technology and solutions. Patrick Yeung, Technical Director, Crestron Asia, kicked off the event by delivering a Welcome Speech to the gathering which was followed by an intriguing session on Crestron’s latest development and up-gradation of Crestron’s most successful enterprise wide management software solution RoomView Server and its successors Fusion Room View and Fusion Energy Monitoring software. Mike Leung, Application Manager, Crestron Asia(Hongkong) and Aneesh Kumar, Asst. Manager-Application, Crestron India(Bengaluru) shared their thoughts on these developments.

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

INDIA & ME NEWS

Biamp expands India distribution with Ingram Micro points in the country to inventory Biamp product range, but also channelizes the same through its partners in areas other than Biamp’s own presence and reach. The combined strengths of the two enterprises, therefore, is expected to signiﬁcantly expand the foot-print of Biamp. A session on Technology driven business Transformation had as its speakers Vincent Lum, Business Development Manager, CrestronAsia(Singapore) and Farhan Walele, Sales and Application Engineer, Crestron India (Hyderabad). They emphasized on the impact of technology in current and future business environment. A session on Dream Media was conducted by Crestron Malaysia’s Manager Sales Edmund Leong and Crestron Chennai(India)’s Assistant Application Engineer Arun Kumar. The session sought to acquaint the participants on the advancement in Crestron Digital Media Technology and the transition happening in the Industry. While the convergence of AV and IT turned the AV industry topsy-turvy, posing a threat to the AV industry as a whole, Crestron turned this threat into opportunity and has invented and developed many IT enabled AV products solutions. Passing this advantage to AV people, the session on Innovative Solution enabled by IT was conducted by Crestron Mumbai(India)’s Sales and Application Engineer Sumesh Shenoy and Crestron India (Pune)’s Asst. Application Engineer Muthamizh Eshwaran. The second half sessions had the audience actively interact at the CresQUERY session, where the participants got ample opportunity to share their views and hear from the top management on various business aspects. It was followed by the allimportant CresAWARDS to celebrate the excellency and professional approach taken by the integrators and programmers in their jobs. Crestron Asia also showcased different, innovative lighting and AV solutions catering to a range of vertical markets. The event was concluded with a thanksgiving address by Crestron India’s Country Manager Murugan Paramasivam. www.crestronasia.com

Prashant Govindan with the Tesira system

INDIA: American audio electronics solutions pioneer Biamp Systems has entered into a strategic alliance with Ingram Micro India Limited (IMIL) – the Indian arm of Californian technology sales and distribution major – towards signiﬁcantly ramping up its distribution dynamics in the country. The agreement allows Biamp Systems to leverage Ingram Micro’s vast experience and reach in India. “We are looking forward to working with Ingram Micro’s winning team in India to deepen our reach and coverage especially in the meeting room and distance conferencing verticals” commented Prashant Govindan, Regional Manager-India Middle East and Africa, Biamp Systems. “This partnership will enable us to offer our product solutions to our channels with multiple billing options and faster availability across the country,” he added. The Beaverton, Oregon-headquartered leader in professional installed audio electronics currently spans a network of around 45 dealers in India, located mostly in metros and major cities. Increasing demand for its products offerings, particularly from smaller cities and towns in recent years, has been exerting signiﬁcant pressure on demand-supply proposition. Furthermore, limited number of stocking points in the country had also been a challenge in timely shipment and delivery of products. It’s in this light the current alliance with IMIL becomes very strategic, as it not only allows the latter’s stocking

“We are excited to be able to offer Biamp Systems’ leading professional installed audio electronics products to our customers,” said Jaishankar Krishnan, Managing Director of IMIL. “Through this collaboration, Ingram Micro and Biamp Systems will extend the reach of Biamp family of professional audio solutions in the AV/IT space” he commented. IMIL will position Biamp products alongside its display and video conferencing products to their channels across India, as part of a larger bundling strategy, to offer better value and cost savings. As India’s largest IT distribution company, IMIL enjoys a nationwide reach through its presence at nearly 42 locations. Working with over 90 vendors to serve a customer base of around 10,000-plus partners, IMIL boasts extensive market expertise in providing comprehensive product line from a single source. That it enjoys excellent reputation and market credibility as a leading wholesale provider of whole big spectrum of IT solutions (computer systems and components, peripherals and printers, networking solutions, storage systems, supplies and accessories, application software and support services) Biamp stands to gain immensely towards effectively expanding its product permeation. Biamp Systems is recognized for delivering high quality and innovative electronic products, including Tesirathe ﬁrst truly scalable media system for digital audio networking using audio video bridging (AVB), the award winning Audia digital audio platform, the Nexia family of digital signal processors, the Sona AEC algorithm and Vocia- a completely standards-based networked paging and voice evacuation system. Their products are designed to meet the audio requirements for a wide range of applications, including corporate boardrooms, conference and convention centers, theater complexes, courtrooms, houses of worship, educational campuses, R&D spaces, public venues and other installed audio applications. www.biamp.com www.ingrammicro.com

INDIA & ME INTERVIEW

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

Seeking to link people, globally The global video-conferencing domain is evidently dominated by the Western based multinational giants. However, breaking into the hot market space – rather confidently and ambitiously – is an Indian firm. Named very symbolically, PeopleLink, from Hyderabad, the capital of South Indian State Andhra Pradesh, boasting a competing, betterdynamic videoconferencing solution, is aggressively forging ahead. “We link people much better way than others,” says Amit Chowdry, director of PeopleLink Coporate Solutions Pvt Ltd. SIA interacted with Amit to know more. Excerpts: SIA: Tell us about the genesis, mission and vision of PeopleLink. Amit: PeopleLink, as a company, is driven by constant innovations, unique business models and high quality products; all combine to make it standout in the market. Its mission is to create unique solutions by integrating best of the breed technology solutions while its vision is to become No.1 global Indian brand in the audio/video conferencing and multimedia solutions. While many brands in AV/conferencing have come from the West and have established strong foothold in India, we have resolved to spread worldwide from India. SIA: What made you go for a start-up like this? And what went into making this initiative? Amit: I have been running an entrepreneurial streak right from my childhood- I made my first successful business venture when I started a Comics Library while I was just in 5th Standard. Along with a few friends, I started collecting old comics; made a library; and started renting them out. It was a very successful venture which we were forced to close by our parents as it grew too big and hampered our studies. On the other hand, later, Gauri (my wife)

started this organization with focus on RPO solutions. When I joined the cause, it turned a good and strong team to start the Videoconferencing initiative which clearly has been an exponentially growing market. SIA: An initiative like this takes high-level technical competence and wherewithalhow do you explain? Amit: We both (I and my wife) are B Tech to begin with. While Gauri acquired all that required for a technology entrepreneur through her sizeable stint with Satyam Computers, I got substantial exposure to IT sales through my career with HCL, Teknotron, and DELL. My association with ClearOne as Channel partner brought me competencies in Audioconferencing technologies while the same with FVC Inc. gave me strengths in software based Videoconferencing. SIA: You claim to be both OEM, and software/hardware solution provider- why did you have to take this combination? Amit: Since we are into a channel sales model, our resellers expect us to give end-to-end solution and support, so it is important for us to give that comfort level to our partners. When we launch a new product or technology they accept it quickly. SIA: You have a slew of solutions. What is your ﬂagship product, and /or solution? What USP of the same? Amit: Our core product is software based multi-location HD video conferencing and telepresence (1080p) solution which consumes very low bandwidth and can give exceptional video quality even in home broadband connections and data cards. Having said that, PeopleLink is not just a VC solution company; it has additional set of about 50+ features that cater to the needs of every single vertical in an organization like sharing

whiteboard, applications, documents, evaluation, H.323 Gateway, SIP gateway, VOIP Gateway, PSTN Gateway, 16 Display Immersive TelePresence feature, Conference Grouping, Broadcasting, etc. SIA: In a market dominated by MNC brand imposition, how did you establish your cause? Amit: PeopleLink today is the one of the most reputed and trusted VC brands with large install base and MCU market. Two important qualities enabled us to this position. One- our product offering is a cut-above both in terms of performance and features. Two- our unique 3-tier business model of inside sales, channel sales, and ﬁeld sales; they together helped us maximize our reach. SIA: What is your most prestigious and challenging install / business deal till date? What made it so special? Amit: We have many, including all the major newspapers in the country. But the most challenging one was with MT Educare, a leading education brand in Maharashtra. Implementing the project was so tough that what we did there was almost equivalent to the support we gave all the customers in the last three years! While the initiative MT Educare took up itself was very ambitious, the unique feature of the programme was taking live video conference class to home-based high school student with full interaction. It was challenging in that the student logs in from his/her home broadband; apart from live AV of the trainer, (s)he needs to see high quality animated PPTs that are very bandwidth consuming. Apart from customizing many features like attendance measuring and evaluation system, we had to create a new licensing model towards making the system ﬁnancially viable. We devised a system that makes the student access to the AV training only through paid-login.

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

That it was not a controlled environment the system did have its own pitfalls as the students were observed to be discretely downloading movies and other entertainment material during the live sessions, badly affecting the quality of the video due to high pressure on low bandwidth. We had to plugin these loopholes. We worked closely with MT Educare to identify potential spots of such abuse and create a preventive mechanism. It was an enduring engagement but a hugely fulďŹ lling one. Now that this system has largely been streamlined, MT has launched live VC classes for its other verticals of higher learning like CA where they are doing interactive videoconferencing in HD. MT is also planning to roll out the pattern for all its verticals, including home-based learning. SIA: How did you hit upon the idea of online (via VC/TP) business model for your sales? How would you explain its success rate? Amit: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing new for me, as I acquired the expertise through my stint with MNCs. However, doing the same in India is a different ball game since the model is not so popular with the market when compared to that in the technologically advanced West. We have

26TH-28TH APRIL 2011 VISIT US AT STAND S2 E30

INDIA & ME INTERVIEW

persevered a lot to attain the current positioning where as much as 60 per cent of our revenues are driven by inside sales and the rest through partners.

SIA: How would you compare Indian AVSI industry with the global industry? What strengths and/or weaknesses do you see?

SIA: What R&D did you do before initiating such a model? What were the ďŹ ndings?

Amit: Indian AVSI industry has just started growing while it is matured in the West, and to some extent in the Far East too. Companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; spending on AV in India has largely been conďŹ ned to IT sector till recently, but now it is permeating to nonIT sectors too. Boardroom technologies are being increasingly taken by Indian corporates.

Amit: We did small pilot projects to see its effectiveness. We then created a training module for our Inside Sales team in terms of how to convince a corporate customer into placing the order without meeting us in person. This was essential before we actually went ahead with the business process. Once we were convinced with our strengths, we pursued the model and it worked. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been working since then. SIA: How is PeopleLink leveraging the same to its beneďŹ t? Amit: Primarily, the cost of customer acquisition has become far less giving us substantial cost savings; simultaneously the time spent on ground coverage for reaching out customers has also been minimal- these two factors alone have enabled us to dedicate more of the two important resources towards furthering our R&D, thereby seeking more opportunities.

SIA: Where do you think you are positioned right now? How and where exactly you intend to position yourself in the next ďŹ ve years? Amit: We are right now positioned as a videoconferencing brand in India. Our focus for the next ďŹ ve years is to position as a strong global brand, with presence in as many international markets as possible. This apart, we are also focusing on our next gen product InstaVC which is a clientless architecture. We intend to launch it as a SAAS model. www.peoplelink.in

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Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

labs, 259 classrooms, 42 lecture rooms, 22 meeting spaces, library, a large administrative building with auditoriums and grand hall, cafes, dining rooms, recreation, gymnasium, sports facilities for basketball and an Olympic size swimming pool- all equipped with electronic sensors and timers which automatically displays lap timings. The third phase adds another 300 venues for the men’s campus.

Green ICT @UAEU Visionaire blends AV & IT

by Bhavanashi Ramakrishna

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) – the foremost and most comprehensive institution of higher learning in the UAE – has recently achieved yet another accomplishment furthering its ambitious academic cause in the Arab land. The institution has not only completed the second phase of its mega initiative with a touch of what is referred to as ‘world class Green ICT’ but also won a global accolade for its unique stride- Middle East Green Award for Sustainability.

One of the largest such academic networks in the region, it comprises over 350 wiring closets connecting over 25,000 IP ports linked to the UAEU Data Center via redundant ﬁber. The SkyNet (802.11 n wireless network) – one of the three networks, meant for generic access for students and guests – consists of over 2500 wireless access points making an across-the-campus coverage. The ICT network design is based on full layer 3 routing from the core-to-access which provides multiplied performance as compared to the traditional design of having layer 3 between core and distribution. This is meaningful for AV support of lecture capture, IPTV, Digital Signage, Telepresence and HD Video Conference.

The University’s new campus at Maqam in its home city of Al Ain, is a proclaiming statement towards its ﬁnal goal, being deﬁned audio-visually by Visionaire, the AVSI pioneer from Dubai. SIA seeks to present an in-depth account of what is one of the most ambitious AVSI installs in recent times. The new UAEU campus at Maqam in Al Ain is designed to be one of the grandest performing ICT campuses in the contemporary higher education domain. It is expansive in scale, sophisticated in infrastructure, sustainable by design, high-performing by function, and hence ambitious in objective. Spreading over 120 hectares or approximately 300 acres, it is dotted by a built space of nearly

290,000 square meters with as many as 55 buildings that comprise state-of-theart teaching and recreational facilities, including accommodation for students and university staff. Consider the scale: The ﬁrst and second phases of this three-phase project together make up a total of 134 shared laboratories, 84 computer

Typical classroom lab at the FIT Building

Centering the new campus, geographically, is the Faculty of IT (FIT) Building which hosts over 20 of the most cutting edge ICT laboratories in the world that include a 8.3 T-Flop super grid computer, claimed to be the fastest in the region.

UAEU Data Center wins Middle East Green Visionaire’s exceptional work at the UAEU Data Center has been awarded the prestigious Middle East Green Award for Sustainability for 2011. Announced during the Data Center Middle East Awards ceremony on 15 November, 2011, in Dubai, the award was presented as part of the Data Center conference organized by BroadGroup. The London-based, multi-focused consulting ﬁrm examines and rewards outstanding work in diverse professional domains including Data Centers.

ICT Fund CEO Dr. Eesa Mohammed Bastaki, who ofﬁcially opened the event, exhorted business ﬁrms for wider adoption of cloud computing services which would generate cost-effective opportunities for businesses operating in the UAE.

place across the Middle Eastern region which will generate sustained demand for data centers,” he said, adding, “the huge opportunity cloud computing presents for small and medium businesses to increase their IT agility and competitive edge.”

“We hope that this year’s event has contributed to a wider industry discussion about the role of data centers and the emerging adoption of cloud computing,” commented Warwick Dunkley, Vice-President of BroadGroup. “Clearly there are developments taking

Going forward to the second round of its Green ICT Philosopy, the UAEU brought to place substantial sustainability advantages to “reduce” new physical ICT infrastructure. The network and connected Cloud computing facilities, allow the faculty to directly access all

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Over US$ 45 million project that it is, the UAE University Integrated Residential Campus is audio-visually designed and built by the locally-based AVSI solutions pioneer Visionaire.

The Vision & Mission: The mega initiative is envisaged to increase utilization and ubiquity of information access to research, academic and administrative resources on the new Maqam campus towards improving overall learning and research experience by providing “green,” open standard, orchestrated, highquality converged voice, video and data communications system. Central to this vision is leveraging the beneﬁts of various web, audio-visual and data technologies into a single, cohesive and intuitive ‘Immersive Collaborative Next Generation Experience’ with customization to work practices and organizational culture of the reformed UAE graduate research institution. The project’s mission is to pursue effective ways for learning spaces within its research and educational communities to facilitate better communications towards contributing to higher learning.

The Making of ICT@UAEU Incredible, as it might sound for this mega project, Visionaire was involved in this project from the ground-up stage to procurement and commissioning in just ﬁve months. The solution provider’s project management and install team integrated an exhaustive set-up of high-end equipment systems and

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commissioned it to meet the massive requirement – weaving in its solution and integration expertise. The learning systems content delivery follows an integrated approach to what can be termed as a “three-Point” integration using converged AV-IT device platforms. Arrive RoomPoint: A Media Processing Appliance which is a “thin” device which essentially eliminates the need for PCs in classrooms; includes an audio-video signal switch and processor that connect directly over the network to a central Cloud Based Content Delivery System

Arrive InfoPoint

Arrive CloudPoint: A software user interface that connects the UAEU Cloud for application delivery and publishes all the interactive tools and software applications required by faculty centrally (without needing to have them reside locally); works with all types of Interactive Whiteboards and provides virtual interface for students, faculty and the network enabling a seamless operation without the headache of managing remote PC updates and ﬁxes. Arrive InfoPoint: A Resource Schedule Management system that ties directly with the Timetable software of Khadamat, the joint-venture operator of the campus; it also ties with the UAEU’s Banner system to accurately publish an entire semester timetable to touch screen interactive displays mounted outside classroom doors, provides

digital signage page ﬂips and user interaction. All the three system solutions are custom designed, developed and installed by Visionaire to combine a holistic ICT experience, which provides the faculty and users a standardized experience no matter which type of venue they are teaching in and reduces technology familiarization costs for UAEU. While all the three “Points” have an equal role, the experience begins with the RoomPoint which plays an integrated platform to converge AV and IT- meaning replacement of PCs with AV switcher/processors. The user interface to the faculty is provided by the CloudPoint integrated software solution. Every teaching space is connected via UAEU Cloud for delivery of centralized applications, including MS Ofﬁce and Adobe Apps. The CloudPoint, with its inbuilt 2 x VGA, 2 x DVI-HDMI, 2 x USB

UAEU & its AV Scenario • 134 Shared Laboratories • 84 Computer Labs • 259 Classrooms • 42 Lecture rooms • 22 Meeting spaces • 3 Telepresence rooms • 3 Auditoriums; Educational Court Room for the Law School • Cafes; Dining rooms; Recreation • Gymnasium; Sports facilities for basketball • Olympic size indoor swimming pool • Integrated IPTV, Digital Signage and Way Finding in public areas • Network Operations Center • Virtual reality and holographic projection theatre

Arrive RoomPoint

Data Center Sustainability Award intranet and Internet, including virtual and physical desktops, remotely with a touch of their ﬁngers. This has effectively allowed UAEU to eliminate the use of teaching desk keyboards, mice and monitors from the classrooms. Further, all battery consuming devices have been replaced by integrated and modular low current devices that do not require batteries. UAEU has also eliminated the use of equipment racks in classrooms by a wall mounted modular media processor appliance from Arrive Systems which

provide network access via a thinclient and audio-visual switching. Use of this architecture eliminates the use of individual high energy consuming switchers, control processors, lecture capture devices and audio ampliﬁers. The Arrive RoomPoint MPA, built around robust Intel manufactured electronics and solid state hard disks, is claimed to be designed for highly energy-efﬁcient and powerful media processing solution that operates in a fan-less state with the integrated Arrive CloudPoint resource management portal providing content

delivery from the data center virtual computing platforms. By replacing the use of high energy intensive equipment with low voltage-based systems, the electrical consumption and wiring requirements in the classroom have been substantially reduced as compared to previous ICT deployment at UAEU.

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS auto switch, allows the faculty to connect external laptops or AV devices to the system with automatic source switching. The Cloud network essentially comprises three conﬁgurations, catering to three major activities: SpaceNet for research and speciﬁc info exchange, SkyNet for students and guests, and EarthNet for faculty and admin staff. Given the vastness of the campus, time management across the learning spaces is an arduous task as it requires students and faculty to move across different locations rapidly for optimum space utilization. The integrator brought into play the InfoPoint time-tabling system that integrates with the room reservation system which automates the content delivery and other functions in the classroom based on Active Directory log-in. Over 1500 application using devices are simultaneously connected to the Arrive InfoPoint Server with full database integrity for such a large deployment on a WAN providing central control and system status visibility.

Typical classroom

The Voice of ICT: That UAEU mandated a sophisticated voice-reinforcement system for all the teaching venues Visionaire equipped all the classrooms with ceiling mounted array microphones and speakers that are integrated by the Arrive GreenSuite SoundField solution. The microphones, integrated through a microphone mixer and audio amplifier to provide speech reinforcement via ceiling speakers, and thereby eliminated use of battery driven electronics for microphones and energy consuming audio amplifiers. Moreover such a system ensures that the teacher’s voice effortlessly reaches the back of the classroom without having him/ her strain vocal cords. In USA and some other countries it is mandated that each classroom has a sound field system installed as a Health and Safety Requirement. User Interfaces Standardized: That the consultant-installer was also mandated to standardize user interfaces for access to pervasive technology that seamlessly blends the virtual with the

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physical, each teaching venue has been equipped with a small touch screen display which displays the UAEU timetable and provides information on the room calendar. Besides acting as communication interface, the screen also allows for anonymous feedback to surveys. Every classroom is equipped with standardized dual-interactive whiteboards coupled by a short throw projector or a table-mounted podium device which displays the UAEU resource management portal providing a uniform experience across the venues. Extensive use of electronic mountings, cabling and separate devices have been replaced by an integrated Media Processor Appliance which works as the Room PC, power adapter, AV switcher and content delivery platform for external laptops and USB sticks. The install has thus removed the need for teachers to bring laptops to the classroom; and enabled them teaching using just their ﬁngers through software applications as if they were using a macro-size iPad.

The UAEU Maqam campus install is characterized by an environmentally sustainable design philosophy of 3R’s – Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse – and meant to deliver a high performing technology integrated campus in a “green environment.” In line with the objective, the project has ‘reduced’ the entire carbon footprint of creating a separate, dedicated data center by retro-fitting the FIT building to ‘reuse’ existing space, along with cooling, UPS system and back-up generator. By creating a highly efficient in-row rack integrated cooling platform, UAEU has also gained energy efficiency by reducing the total heat load on the servers and storage equipment. By consolidating its existing storage capacity, UAEU has further reused its resources to efficiently manage its ICT infrastructure. The electrical consumption in classrooms got reduced by as much as 50 per cent compared to similar classrooms that were furnished 3-4 years back.

Digital Signage and WayFinder Integration: Expansive that it is, size of the campus did come with communication and navigational challenges. To effectively address this situation, a meticulously designed digital signage system and bespoke Way Finder solution had been incorporated all over the place to provide information broadcasts as well as navigational routing, otherwise it is easy to get lost within the restricted entry campus.

Massive, as it is, the UAEU Green ICT campus did not come through without challenges. While the timeline was obviously one of the key challenges, the other was the acoustics. Pursuit of special architectural designs at venues like the Great Hall, swimming pool and basketball court resulted in coffered ceilings that challenged the distortion free audio distribution. That the ﬂoor area was also highly reﬂective, acoustics was a big issue. Visionaire sought to address this issue using EASE data, beam forming and Tannoy’s QFlex Beam Engine.

Fast Track Project: The UAEU Maqam install has been done like a ‘fast-track’ project since the first occupation areas of the project provided Visionaire just five months to complete. The solution provider faced a Himalayan task in that it had to do design, procure, install, test and commission both wired and wireless networks for classroom AV, lecture rooms and meeting rooms with the highest focus on quality and programme management. Apart from the full wired and wireless network cabinets, data center, unified communications and network security, the task included as many as 477 Smart Interactive Whiteboards with integrated projectors, 42 lecture rooms equipped with dual edge-blended front projection custom wide screens with HD video conferencing and 477 in-room sound field systems. Further, other facilities like swimming pool, gym and basketball court had to have LED displays, scoreboards, audio and display installations.

The Green ICT That the UAEU by virtue of its vision and leading example of knowledge citizenship has a “green” ICT mandate.

The Challenges:

Sophistication made simple: While the complexity of such a large campus seems to be subdued as it works like a perfectly synchronized orchestra, but with so many fine and intricate points of complex integrations it does give an overwhelming feeling. The success is in the simplicity in which the end-user is able to benefit from all that makes an observer wonder in amazement at the great example of human and technology working in perfect harmony. The integration is made possible using a very high speed, best-of-breed, backbone comprising Brocade Networking, Cisco Wireless and Unified Communications and Juniper Security. The Cloud-based delivery system comprised high-end virtualization platforms from Citrix. The unified cabling system using real time management for visibility and manageability over the campus LAN employed iTracs Real Time software. “UAEU’s planned focus on using green ICT as the key driver of its educational emphasis is paying off with the campus providing faculty and students high

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performance access to UAEU IT and Audio-Visual services, the Internet and Internet 2”, said Dr. Abdullah Al-Khanbashi, Vice Chancellor of UAEU and the primary stakeholder of the UAEU Green ICT Vision. UAEU is headed towards a ‘paperless’ and ‘inkless’ teaching environment with the faculty having the ability of conducting lectures using all the resources available on the UAEU Cloud without their having to bring laptops or other such devices into the classroom,” says Aneeta Gupta, President of Visonaire.

TECHNOLOGY SPECIFICATIONS: • Interactive Whiteboards – Smart Technologies Inc. Short Throw SB685 integrated projector IWB • Interactive Podium – Smart Technologies – Smart Podium • HD Projectors – Mitsubishi LCD & Christie Digital DLP with LAN control

Apart from regular academics, UAEU is, thus, teaching the region what is Green ICT.

• HD Video-Conferencing – Cisco-Tandberg

www.visionaire.com

• Telepresence – Arrive FacePoint with Polycom ATX300 • MCU – Tandberg / Codian • PC to PC Video Conferencing – Tandberg Movi with Microsoft Lync Integration • Digital Hybrid Mic Mixing – ClearOne • IPTV solution – Exterity • Audio Integration – BiAmp Nexia / Audia • Room Media Processor – Arrive Systems – MPA 102 with integrated Cloud based Media Delivery Appliance and MPA 402 – with integrated multi-channel processing and edge blending • AV Switching and Routing – Arrive Systems – RoomPoint – Multi-Array Matrix • Room Scheduling Systems – Arrive InfoPoint – 10:1” Resource Scheduling Appliance • Large Venue Audio System – Tannoy – Qﬂex 48 with QFlex Beam Engine – VNET • Sports Arena Speaker System Soundsphere • Sound Field System – Arrive SoundPoint • Voice Array Microphones – Arrive VoicePoint

The Olympic size swimming pool featuring Daktronics LED display

• Control Systems – Crestron / Arrive UI services • Video Mixing Consoles – Panasonic • HD Cameras – Sony BRC, Panasonic HEC – PTZ series on Fiber • LED Large Display Systems & Scoreboards – Daktronics • LCD Large Screen Display – Sharp 108” LCD Displays • Flat Panel Displays – Sharp • Cloud Content Management : Arrive CloudPoint over Citrix Zen Platform • Projection Screens – Dalite Custom - Front and Rear Projection Screen • Wayfinder solution – Arrive TouchPoint • Digital Signage Solution – Cayin / Arrive InfoPoint / Arrive TouchPoint • Signal Management - Atlinex • Musion – holographic films • Active Network – Brocade with wireless network by Cisco • Unified Communication – Cisco – integrated with Video Conferencing • Security – TippingPoint (HP) and Juniper Networks

The Great Hall featuring Tannoy – Qﬂex 48 with QFlex Beam Engine

• Single Integrated Cabling Solution – Siemon CAT6A (Copper) and MM/SM Fiber

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Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

New ‘Formula’ to motor racing Barco visualizes race control & media room

recalls. In 2009, Barco installed three OV508 video walls (2x2; 5x3 and 2x2) in the spanking new race control center. The media center featured three OV-808 (5x2) rear-projection systems. Both solutions ensured outstanding picture quality, reliability and ease of use. The advanced Barco Transform A controller and control room management software allowed easy display wall management, content sharing and collaboration. PKE further supplied a wireless touch panel to control the video wall settings – just like the lights, the curtains, etc. Barco took care of its integration. That the Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Circuit was a great success - the word spread fast.

Four new circuits Formula One without doubt provides one of the most energizing adrenalin for millions across the globe! While the F-1 has truly become a big business, of late, the recent circuits have been increasingly hi-tech. SIA takes a look at visual solutions major Barco’s involvement in the Formula One race. When Alonso, Massa, Webber, Button and Hamilton whiz past one another on the tracks of Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Korea, or New Delhi, officials follow their moves on super-sized video walls in the race control centers, while the scribes enjoy it all on giant screens in the media center. While there are many sharing the honours, one of the proudest brands behind the four new-style circuits is Barco. Arguably, world’s most popular sport on television (the only competing one being soccer!), Formula One was watched on television by a whopping 527 million people across as many as 187 countries worldwide. About four million spectators take it all live at the Grand Prix events around the world every year, thereby making the famed motorrace a huge boon to local tourism and a great opportunity to brand a country. No wonder the construction of the Bahrain circuit, back in 2004, was a national objective for the Kingdom, initiated by the Crown Prince himself. The Bahrain International Circuit was the very first official FIA Formula One circuit to be built in the Middle East. Other recent additions to the FIA calendar have been the races in Abu Dhabi (2009), Korea (2010) and Delhi, India (2011). All four races take place on circuits considered to be architectural gems, featuring the most advanced technology.

Exciting motorsport experience Dubai-based system integrator PKE Gulf, who boast many references in motorsports, equipped the new circuits with state-of-the-art technology. Says Gernot Froestl, PKE’s managing director: “when we heard about a tender for a new circuit in Abu Dhabi, we brainstormed how we could help racing circuits create an exciting and safe motorsport experience.” PKE came up with the idea to install video walls at the race control centers and the media center instead of small monitors. “Many media centers feature single monitors hanging from the ceiling. Not really aesthetic,” says Froestl, “besides, this set-up restricted the use of the center.” According to him, “an attractive room with a video wall can be rented out for meetings, seminars and any other events, thus generating extra income.”

Quality, continuity and support Barco was the preferred technology for the new concept. “Our business partners have been installing Barco solutions for over ten years now, and are conﬁdent they are the highest-quality solutions on the market,” explains Froestl. “In addition, Barco ensures continuity: it’s a reliable, sound business with branches worldwide so we’re sure to have spare parts available for many years to come.” That the Barco’s support network is also highly localized, and their local teams are always ready to help and troubleshoot exigency situations, the choice became obvious for them, says Froestl. PKE travelled to Abu Dhabi to demonstrate their concept to advisors to the Crown Prince. “They insisted on only the highest standards, which we could offer,” Froestl

Other new race circuits soon followed the example of Abu Dhabi circuit. In 2010, PKE was able to furnish the race control center of the Korea International Circuit (OV-508 in a 5x3 set-up) and refurbished that in Bahrain with LCD displays. “For Bahrain we chose NSL-4601 displays with WXGA resolution. They require less space, maintenance and power consumption while ensuring a great contrast ratio and exceptional brightness,” informs Froestl. All that only contributed to the spread of the cause as well as the circuitry. The continued success took the company to the historic Indian capital city of New Delhi’s ambitious motor race circuit where PKE installed six rear-projection systems. The enthusiasm that the New Delhi event created, and the experience it provided to those who watched the event on Television made it obvious. A never-before experience! But that is only one side of the whole big show.

Monitor in real time So when World Champion Vettel is racing in Abu Dhabi, Korea, Bahrain or Delhi, race controllers can follow him – and keep watch on the spectators in real time, on a large video wall that projects visual feeds from CCTV cameras set up all along the track. The operators can easily conﬁgure the screen, zoom in or change a viewpoint. This helps them detect problems quickly and take appropriate action almost in real time. A new ‘formula’ to the motor-racing has been discovered, and well-disposed- all with Barco. www.barco.com

Helping produce and transport over 15 million barrels of oil every day

For many years, the oil and gas industry has been familiar with Barco’s visualization solutions. With display systems installed in such key areas as exploration, production, transport and storage segments, Barco systems help produce some 15 million barrels of oil each day.

Liquid-cooled video walls by Barco Barco’s new generation of LED video wall systems have been optimized with liquid cooling technology, considerably expanding their lifetime and reliability. Combined with Barco’s Sense6 auto-calibration system, the new LED video walls offer: • excellent power efficiency • 80,000 hours lifetime • usability in 24/7 applications • 4:3 and 16:9 compatibility • display sizes from 50” to 80” • also available in 3D Find out more on www.barco.com/cool

Barco Electronic Systems (P) Ltd., A-38, B&C, Sector-64, Noida-201301, India Phone: 91-120-4020000 & 91-9810163963 • Email: sales.in@barco.com

www.barco.com/cool

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Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

To meet the client specification for each space, the AVSI major has ingeniously developed and integrated several technology tools. While the entire VMCC complex – designed by famed Mumbaibased architect Hafiz Contractor – is a fine blend of material and methodology, the interiors sport a good mix of ‘architecture,’ both in structure and integration.

Boardroom

IIT Bombay features big AV facility Actis does the act at VMCC by Bhavanashi Ramakrishna IIT Bombay – one of India’s most reputed institutions of technology learning – has embellished itself with yet an accomplishment- a new facility with state-of-the-art infrastructure and built to futuristic purposes. The new Victor Menezes Convention Centre (VMCC) – named so after its illustrious alumnus Victor Menezes – has come to be the institution’s biggest structural statement till date. Boasting comprehensive audiovisual systems integration, the complex promises to take the IIT-B cause to further highs. Exhaustive that the project is, SIA seeks to present in two parts the AV act played there by Actis Technologies. Here is part one. When the Indian Institute of TechnologyBombay decided to have a facility that could address its diversely growing demands of academics and R&Doriented conventions the thought process led to the ideation of creating a holistic venue. That it was planned to be an expansive facility with multiple spaces and customised sophistication, the project apparently turned ambitious, scaling to the tune of over Rs. 40 crore. (approximately USD8 million) Pune-born Victor J Menezes – one of the institution’s greatest alumni – contributed as much as USD3 million, which is over one-third of the project cost, towards reciprocating the “priceless education” he received from the place- hence the name for the new facility. A B-Tech (Electrical Engineering) graduate of the 1970 batch from the IIT-B,

Victor Menezes rose to global heights of professionalism with Citi Group, after he received his MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management. He retired as Senior Vice-Chairman of City Group in 2004, and currently Chairs the Advisory Board of City Group (India). Sizeable as it is, the VMCC comprises a host of academic and meeting spaces that include a 389-seat auditorium on the ground floor; a 23-seat Boardroom on the fourth floor; a 20- seat Conference Hall on the fourth floor; six 150-seat capacity lecture halls on the second and third floors; ten 75-seat lecture halls on the ground and first floors; a VIP Lounge and a cafeteria and pantry “Manuel Menezes Center - Civil Engineering Annex” will occupy the top two floors of the Centre. Given the positioning, size and scale of the institution, the new venue required extensive audio-visual and systems integration. Locally based AVSI major Actis Technologies was tasked with the execution of the solutions. “IIT Bombay aspires to be the fountainhead of new ideas and of innovators in technology and science,” says Abhimanyu Gupta, Director of Actis Technologies. “They also recognise that today’s students demand sophisticated, high quality interactions and content presentation,” he vouches. “This is why they needed a state-of-the-art Convention Centre for dissemination of research through conferences and continuing education programmes.”

The Boardroom with videoconferencing set-up stands testimony. Integrationwise, the space features a LifeSize Room200 videoconferencing system that is interfaced by a LifeSize PRI/RBI Networker, and complemented by Extron HDMIF-DVIDM adapter, and Extron HDMI M-M/50 patch card. An Epson 4000-Lumen EB1915 LCD projector is suspended from ceiling facing a 60” x 80” 72606E motorized Da-Lite screen which is actually flanked by two wall-mounted 50-inch Panasonic PF5011 HD plasma displays in the backdrop of an aesthetically designed veneer-covered wall. The video electronic functions are assigned to a Panasonic DMP-BD60 Blu Ray player. The audio system is characterized by 13 C004E-RF table-mounted boundary layer microphones from Clock Audio aimed at capturing the voice of speakers (one mic for every pair of speakers), and five Extron SI 26CT ceiling-mounted speakers and two Extron SI28 wall-mounted speakers meant for distribution of audio across the space. The wall mount speakers are installed on either side of the plasmas to enable better audio throw. The audio is mixed by a pair of NEXIA (VC & TC) mixers from Biamp while it is powered by an MCA 8150 amp from the same DSP major which also installed the five TDT150 transformers. The microphones are connected by as many AS 13 NC3FX XLR plugs from Neutrik. To facilitate high performance and smooth switching between audio and video sources, an Extron CrossPoint Ultra 8x8 HVA 60-336-21 Wideband Matrix Switcher does the interfacing, in combination with Extron WPB 101 (60-786-11) Wall Plate. The whole switcher interfacing is held by an Extron Cable Cubby 200 surface mountable enclosure, a new way of holding the switchers.

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INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS All the system controls are, however, driven by an Actis-supported Crestron control mechanism that includes a pair of STI-COM Cresnet RS-232 modules, and another pair of IRP 2 infrared emitter. A Crestron TPS-6LB-T touch panel integrates all the functions that are supported by a Crestron MC2E processor. A 4M/3A/CH-01 high power relay, an AEB-R-01 contactor, and a custom Back Box – all chipped in by Actis – complement the control system in the hall.

Conference Room

An STI-CP2EPAK-C17 control system from Crestron does the whole process control in association with a 4M/3A/ CH-01 high power relay system and a AEB-R-01 contactor, both coming from Actis itself. Actis also provided a CAW camera mounting plate to support the videoconferencing system. The lighting control is again by Crestron which does it through its CLSI-C6B iLux integrated lighting system and DINAO8 analog output module.

Conference Room The system set-up in this space is almost all the same as that of the Boardroom but for the absence of the videoconferencing system, the HD plasma displays and a matrix switcher. The Extron switching interface here is a CrossPoint Ultra 84 HVA (60-337-21) which is an 8x4 Wideband Matrix switcher. Further, that it is a 20-seat space, the number of Clock Audio boundary microphones and Neutrick XLR plugs is just 11- to be shared between the pairs of participants.

Lecture Halls

speakers that are wall-mounted by means of HK IC7 Renkuz Heinz kits. Suspended from the middle of the ceiling in each hall is a Sony EVI-D70P camera held by an Actis CAW camera mounting plate and driven by an Extron SVEQ 100 (60-813-01) S-Video Line Driver. While Renkuz Heinz column speakers do the audio distribution, the audio capturing is tasked to beyerdynamic devices - SHM 805 AS (464.791) podium mic, an Opus 650(700.606) lapel microphone, and three Opus 660 (700.622) handheld microphones, besides a Nexia CS Biamp DSP audio mixer. The task of facilitating seamless switching between audio and / or video signal is assigned to a pair of Extron switchers- MVX-44 VGA stereo audio matrix switcher, and MAV 44 SVA video and stereo audio matrix switcher that are again supported by a pair of Extron Extender D VGA Line Drivers as well as Extron WPB 103 wall plates.

Keeping in view the diverse academic requirement, the lecture halls have been designed to cater to both small and large gathering occasions. The larger halls can accommodate up to 150 participants while the smaller “classroom” halls can accommodate half the number. The larger halls, going by their scale, feature dual display system characterized by two Epson EB 1915 LCD projectors and two Da-Lite 74029E motorized screens each. The system is held in proper functional format by means of two Actis PRC 4259 ceiling mount kits and two Da-Lite 40973 Low Voltage Control systems each. The motorized screens adorn the two ends of the podium, and are ﬂanked by a pair of Renkuz Heinz IC7 line array column

The smaller lecture hall

The smaller, “classroom-like” lecture halls, are similar to the large halls to a large extent, but for the replacement of column speakers with ceiling mounted Extron SI-26 X speakers in four numbers each for audio distribution. Instead of Biamp mixer, the solution provider chose an Extron mixer and amp combination – an MVC 121 mixer and an MPA 152 amp. Generically, every room has a touch/button panel installed to control all the equipment in the room without complications. One of the big advantages with the technology here is that it opens the students up to more experiences and allows them even more opportunities to learn and implement. “Seeking state-of-the-art technology goes without saying, given the status IIT Bombay positioned itself in,” says K V Krishna Rao, Dean (Infrastructure, Planning & Support), and Professor of Civil Engineering. “The more important aspect is ease of use,” says the Professor, adding, “our teaching practices and experiences have been greatly beneﬁted from these new technology set-ups.” www.actis.co.in (SIA will present the incredible AV act at the VMCC Auditorium in Part Two of the April-May issue.)

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Cisco’s Dubai Ofﬁce Integrated with AV Electrosonic takes the honours

did pose a programming challenge,” informs Joka, “since they can operate in various conﬁgurations – stand alone, combined with another room and all combined.” However, the design team was able to address the challenge. Two of the training rooms feature Tandberg video conferencing systems that can be used in independent or combined set ups. All of the rooms are equipped with ClearOne audio conferencing systems.

The lobby featuring Orion seamless plasma screens

When Cisco Systems, worldwide leader in networking solutions and driver of Internet economy, moved into its new office in Dubai’s Knowledge Village free zone, it needed a matching solutions provider for its extensive corporate AV and systems integration. The project involved equipping and fitting out as many as 12 meeting rooms, five training rooms and two meeting/briefing rooms, in addition to a digital signage in the lobby. To meet Cisco’s need for an array of flexible A/V solutions throughout the building, Electrosonic designed and implemented a wide range of equipment and an array of display technologies to facilitate diverse product presentations and client interactions. The AV experience begins right from the lobby itself where the visitors are greeted by a ribbon of six 42-inch Orion seamless plasma screens adjacent to Cisco’s colourful wall sign, “That’s The Human Network Effect.” The plasmas are configured to display diverse content simultaneously across all six screens – the content can be the same all across them or different for different displays with combinations. To begin with, the first and last screens have been programmed to display TV feeds while the middle four screens show corporate news distributed via the Cisco Digital Media Player. In addition, the lobby’s seating area features a stand-alone 40-inch NEC LCD screen streaming content from the Cisco Digital Media Player. Further, the E-café areas on the first and third floor areas have also been equipped with two more wall-mounted 40-inch NEC LCD screens meant for

displaying the same content as that in the lobby. Each of two meeting/briefing rooms on the first floor, which are used for equipment presentations and customer meetings, feature a combination of a wall-mounted Smart Board SB660i2 screen and Smart Technologies’ Unifi 45 projector. “Smart Board is touch sensitive and shows content from a laptop plugged into a table pop-up box,” explains Marko Joka, Electrosonic’s project manager. “It is also connected to the laptop via a USB to make use of its touch-sensitive surface.” Opposite the Smart Boards is a pair of 50-inch NEC plasma screens with speakers meant for displaying content from the laptop plugged into the table pop-up box. The system connectivity is designed to allow simultaneous operation of two laptops. A Crestron touchpanel selects and controls the laptop input being displayed on the screens or the Smart Board.

The Training Rooms have either 100or 84-inch motorized projection screens depending on the location. The motorized screens are concealed within wooden boxes aligned with the ceiling, contributing to the architectural design of the space. Moreover, they can be rolled out when required by means of a touch panel. The venues feature NEC NP2150 projectors to play the video part. The install also allows displaying input from any connected laptop via six inputs in each room. Control of the inputs and the video and audio conferencing systems is done by means of Crestron touch panels in each room. Six small meeting rooms, which can accommodate eight to ten people, are installed with 52-inch NEC LCD screens meant for presentations. Laptops can be plugged in to the table pop-up box and control is again via Crestron touch panels. The other six large meeting rooms, accommodating 10-12 people, sport 84inch motorized projection screens and NEC projectors. The audio conferencing task is done by ClearOne systems and control mechanism handled by Crestron touch panels. “The project execution went very smoothly,” reports a happy Joka. “Everything was installed on time, tested in our ofﬁce and worked ﬁrst time on site.” www.electrosonic.com

Both meeting/brieﬁng rooms equipped with high-end audio conferencing systems wherein mics can be plugged into the table pop-up boxes with the sound reinforcement done by JBL ceiling-mounted speakers. A streamlined credenza houses Electrosonic’s equipment rack, camouﬂaging the AV gear out of sight.

are

The ﬁve training rooms are designed to cater to multiple needs either singly or cumulatively; they can be conﬁgured in a host of different ways to accommodate The training rooms that can be combined into a sessions of any size. “The rooms single room

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

Human Genetics studied through AV Hansa Pictures, Tannoy take honours When the Bengaluru-based Centre for Human Genetics (CHG) – a Government of Karnataka supported R & D initiative – wanted to create a state-of-the-art facility that could address the institution’s growing needs in academics, one of the first things it did was consult the administration of the fellow, larger Stateowned institution located on the same premises- the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB). The latter, having already done a similar exploit through a locally-based AVSI and entertainment firm referred the same firm to take the honours once again. Thus came in Hansa Pictures Ltd., a multi-faceted SME with trusted domain expertise in AVSI. The SME had previously solved a lot of audio issues like echo, feedback, noise in the audio chain etc. in the IBAB’s lecture halls which earned them confidence and credibility from the institution. “We also had an opportunity to install an audio system in their training room,” reveals Gautam Shah, Director of Hansa Pictures. “There we introduced the DVS series speakers from Tannoy. Impressed with the sound quality, the customer had been in constant contact with us,” Gautam explains, “when the CHG felt the need of a new auditorium, they

called us in good faith through reference from IBAB.”

The Brief: According to the Hansa Director, the brief from the client was truly brief. That the intended facility would host seminars and debates involving top scientists from across the globe, it had to be a world-class space with the best-inline audio-visual environment. However, the AV set-up also had to be simple but effective, besides being cost-effective and eco-friendly. “We examined the drawings of the builtup space, and we were clear that the audio had to be Tannoy,” affirms Gautam. Tannoy has always been his choice for such projects as the product, technology and quality has been superior, especially the dual concentric VX series speakers, he says, they are ergonomic, portable and install friendly designs. “We have a very good rapport with (Krishna of) Tannoy India and his suggestions have always worked in our favour, so we were very confident of the newly designed product as well,” said Gautam with confidence. The best part about the VX8.2 speaker, according to him, is their sound dispersion, he

explains. “The speakers have a lovely, sweet and clean sound.” Hansa thus proposed a pair of the new Tannoy VX Series 8.2-1 speakers claimed to throw immaculate sound coverage and found most suitable for the space.

The System: However, before the VX Series speakers get into action, the audio system chain is characterized by a Sennheiser gooseneck mic for the podium, an AKG lapel mic and a Samson headworn mic for the speaker. The audio produced is mixed by a Peavey 4-channel mixer before sending the same to the Tannoy VX speakers. The video / display part comprised a dual projection system with a pair of NEC M300W WXGA projectors ceiling mounted in the hall that is wider than longer in a crescent format. Both the projectors focus onto two 120” x 75” pixel-less Grandview Wide Format projection screens that ﬂank a big magnetic whiteboard- all installed to the back wall of the stage. The audio-video signals are powered by a Dynatech ampliﬁer and a Biamp Nexia VC while the signals are switched by means of a PTN AV Switcher. A

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

Furman Power Conditioner does the power monitoring act for the whole process.

The Challenge & Solution: Like every single project of such scale comes with its own share of challenges, this one proved to be one too. One of the challenges was the time limitation of a mere two weeks due to which certain vital aspects had to be compromised on. Acoustic wall paneling was put on the back burner due to which the echo/reverb was not adequately addressed and thus sounded less impressive despite worldclass equipment. That there was no specific architectacoustician working towards equipping the auditorium with the necessary infrastructure and networking was a potent hassle and apparently pushed Hansa into the saddle to oversee the complete requirement fulfillment. “We had to co-ordinate a lot of people and material movement as we were involved in the complete audio set-up,” recalls the Hansa top exec. “Getting acoustic grid work with gypsum ceiling in place was one; and getting the AV system on time was the other; and coordinating with the AC vendor was another. All exerted high level pressure on us.” While Poornima – an architect from National Centre for Biological Sciences, a Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) initiative – reportedly helped the integrator with architectural requirements, a technical team placed thereof contributed with their suggestions for HVAC, safety, fire alarms etc. The Director of CHG Prof. H Sharat Chandra was largely helpful in executing things faster, hails the Hansa chief. “He is a man of vision, and action,” compliments Gautam. “He not only

INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS

provided insightful suggestions to improvise the conditions, but also helped us with faster decisions, thereby enabling the accomplishment of the task.” Taking a cue from there, the ceiling of the auditorium was treated with an acoustic grid of .9NRC with gypsum tiles taking the stage ceiling to ward off any sound echo produced thereof. The AC trap door space was also treated with gypsum ceiling tiles. The entire auditorium and the stage ﬂoor were carpeted to nullify reverb from the ﬂoor. Further, huge windows measuring 11 x 11 feet were blacked out with motorized blinds to block direct sunlight as well as to also perform acoustic function. Some commercial lighting was also roped in to improve the lighting factor.

The integrator also got the speciﬁcation for the projection system changed from the original XGA to WXGA to suit the conditions better. The only area the integrator felt compromised was the walls that were bereft of acoustic treatment and thereby stand to abet echo. Timeline being the biggest challenge the move to incorporate videoconferencing solution was also deferred. “We wish we had some dimmers and lighting controls to further qualify the brightness,” Gautam says, adding, “we, however, left no stone unturned to make the space sound and look better.” Overall, the CHG auditorium has a reasonably good AV that works ﬁne for most occasions, the integrator sums up. www.hansagroup.in www.tannoy.com

INSTALLATIONS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

projectiondesign® upgrades huge Singapore Facility takes advantage of F82 sx+ projectors and Multiple Image Processing Responding to the need for speciﬁc imaging requirements for ﬁelded display systems in visualization, training and simulation, projectiondesign® has supplied 26 of its F82 sx+ DLP® projectors and WB1920 multi image processors to the Swire Marine Training Centre in Singapore.

The WB1920 processors provide edgeblending and image-warping to ensure a seamless display in both locations. All content is computer-generated, and the simulators are used eight hours a day, ﬁve days a week, with predicted usage including testing and maintenance being more than 50 weeks per year.

The delivery was done in cooperation with local partner 1Ab Comms Pte Ltd. The upgrade has given operator Swire Paciﬁc Offshore a more rugged, reliable, and realistic simulation system than the setup previously installed when the facility opened in 2007. The projectiondesign F82 sx+ projectors have been installed in two separate bridgesimulation spaces. The ﬁrst of these is a 360-degree space powered by twelve projectors, with a further four providing a lower row of visualization measuring 125 degrees horizontal and 70-plus degrees vertical. The second system comprises eight projectors in a four-plus-four setup, and effectively duplicates the ‘aft’ view of the 360-degree space.

Project manager Mark Randall, a ship’s Captain by profession who has worked at the Marine Training Centre since it opened, explains the need for an upgrade: “As our ﬂeet of vessels has expanded, so the need for additional training has increased, and we felt it

was necessary to replace the original projection system which could no longer provide acceptable display performance or reliability. “The brief was to source a projection system that would as far as possible be a drop-in replacement for the original system, be highly reliable, maintain an acceptable light output for better than 10,000 hours, and preferably be a 3-chip, dual lamp design. We also wanted low cost of ownership, which was to be a function of reliability, lamp running hours, lamp cost, minimum ﬁxed service intervals and the ability to train in-house staff to provide on-site, realtime support.” The projectiondesign units were installed in July of 2011, and Mark Randall concludes: “After some 700-plus hours’ use, the projectors have been perfect and the system’s performance has been virtually ﬂawless. I spent three years with the original projection system and this solution is a huge improvement.”

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

marine training center Mike Raines, Visual Simulation Manager at projectiondesign, adds: “We introduced the F82 sx+ projector to address the specific need for a 3-chip projector capable of optimizing pixel usage in 4:3 or closer-to-1:1 aspect ratios. These ratios have often been used in simulation and training displays, and are common in legacy systems where customers want to take the performance and reliability of their displays to a new level without completely dismantling the original installation. “The Swire Marine Training Centre is a prime example of this. The facility was built around its displays, so they needed high light output from compact packaging and flexibility in lens selection. The application requires a large vertical field of view facing ‘aft’, and the SXGA+ format is perfect for this. In addition, Swire determined that the external warping and blending the WB1920 processors provide was a benefit for future-proofing, a distinct advantage for the projectiondesign offer. The first facility of its kind in Asia, Swire’s Marine Training Centre has the ability to fully simulate the working environment of an offshore support vessel in a safe, well-managed setting. The facility’s bespoke simulators have been created to provide training in bridge management, anchor handling, dynamic positioning, and engine-room operations. Swire itself operates anchor-handling tugs and supply vessels to support the offshore oil and gas industry, and uses the facility to train its own crews. www.projectiondesign.com

INSTALLATIONS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

Concordia Lutheran School in Hong Kong features BXB PA System Full system features 64 units of WMP-60D decoders, the WMP-2100 main controller and the WSC-2100 software Concordia Lutheran School located in Kowloon, Hong Kong was founded by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in December1953. It has been providing children with academic excellence in a Christian environment since then. The school begun renovating and expanding its buildings in 2011. In February 2011, Sunrise Trading Co., one of BXB agents in Hong Kong took part in the ﬁrst phase of the reconstruction project relating to the public address equipment; the second phase of the project is expected to be done in February this year. Jeff Li, sales representative from Sunrise and its partner PCCW were in charge of the whole PA project from planning to design, construction and installation.

Jeff comments, “The reason why we chose BXB PA system was that it’s easy to install and use. We do not need to wait until the entire building renovation is completed to start installing the PA system. We just worked on the renovations parts that were completed and the PA system could work. All we had to do later was to add decoders, speakers and extend the main cable to the rest of the classrooms to integrate the existing broadcasting system”. In addition, two customized decoders were installed on campus. Featuring priority broadcast, school staff could play music or broadcast to two different zones, and also broadcast through the main controller the WMP-2100. www.bxb.tw

JBLs provide the perfect fit for newly renovated Darra Chapel ASV Audio Visual design and install the audio system The existing Darra Chapel, was built in the early 1920’s, and its existence has played a significant role for the community of this Brisbane suburb. Recently Cottee Parker Architects renovated the Chapel and added an extension, engaging ASV Audio Visual to design and install the audio requirements. “The design and architecture of the Chapel, being long and narrow, required a particular small frame speaker but they also had some band requirements too,” explained Rod Fishwick, managing director of ASV Audio Visual. “That meant I had very few speakers to choose from and the JBL CBT 70J fitted the bill perfectly. It offered both voice intelligibility as well as the fullness to support organs and some light band music.” The JBL CBT 70J, with Constant Beamwidth Technology, represents a breakthrough in pattern control consistency, utilising complex analogue delay beam-forming and amplitude tapering to accomplish superior, consistent vertical coverage without the narrow vertical beaming and outof coverage lobbing that are typical of straight form-factor column speakers.

As well as fulfilling the performance and technical requirements the JBL CBT 70J speakers fit the architectural design of the building blending into their surrounding location. The slim, compact design fits well into virtually any architectural décor. The 70 cm tall line array height provides consistent pattern control throughout the intelligibility band, making the CBT 70J work well in difficult acoustic environments. Five pairs of JBL CBT 70J are positioned down the length of the Chapel whilst

JBL Control ceiling speakers service the foyer area. “We’ve had so many favourable comments on their sound quality,” remarked Rod. “The opening of the Chapel was attended by the Archbishop who also made comments on the quality of the sound. In fact everyone involved has been blown away by the sound as no matter where you are in the Chapel every word is heard crystal clear.” www.jands.com.au

INSTALLATIONS

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

The chapel on the ﬁrst level with a iLive system consisting of T80 & IDR-32 MixRack and speciﬁed TOA white speakers

The third level worship hall

Bethesda Cathedral improves audio system with digital upgrades IPK Broadcast Systems provides the solution Bethesda Cathedral is a vibrant, independent charismatic church located in Chai Chee, Singapore. The vision to build the current church building was given to Pastor Tay in 1987 and the result was the construction of a majestic, white church that was completed in 1995. Further expansion was made over the course of 7 years and in 2002 the church added a new wing that completes the building that is what we see today. An audio system was installed at that time and has been serving the church since. Over the years minor upgrades were done in relation to the audio system without any overall direction for future system upgrading. There were bits and pieces of equipment added to the system but no standard work ﬂow for volunteers to follow. This also resulted in multiple points of contact for church staff to call when equipment needed servicing. Thus in 2010 the church leadership decided that they wanted to address two key areas – one was to improve the audio system work ﬂow /infrastructure from the operator’s point of view and the other was to improve audio coverage in the worship halls.

It was also at this point that the A&H iLive system consisting of T112 and IDR-48 MixRack were installed including Aviom Personal Mixing via M-MMO expansion card for the musicians on stage. “Our approach with the first phase was to ensure that the church staff, volunteer sound operators and volunteer musicians were given time to become familiar with the new gear and work flow.” After the installation was complete, the first thing that was immediately noticed was the reduction of excessive stage volume. “This used to be a problem as the stage volume often would compete with the main mix. The positive feedback we received from the musicians was the increase in clarity of their own instrument, which made them want to play better and since they are now able to hear each other better, the band sounds much tighter,” says Isaac.

1st Phase In the third quarter of 2010, Isaac Eng, project consultant for IPK Broadcast Systems was contacted by Bethesda Cathedral to help them achieve their objectives. After much discussion and planning amidst budget considerations, the first phase of the revamp of the audio system earnestly started in June 2011. The initial focus was on the third level worship hall which could sit 2000 worshippers with the emphasis on recabling and re-racking the equipment in the third level AV room. “We made every effort to understand the existing system beforehand and how we can re-utilize existing cables and equipment. It was a long process to trace old cable runs but it was needed to save major re-cabling costs. We also made sure that every equipment specified had a logical purpose and was part of the entire system work flow. Every equipment recommended was heavily scrutinized by the church leadership to ensure that it all fits into the long term plans of the church.”

Aviom Personal Mixer

To further enhance the musicality, Daniel Chew, a technical staff of the Church had requested that the band be able to “feel” what was going on in the congregation. To achieve this objective multiple ambience microphones were installed on the lighting trusses that were above the stage and the sound fed to an Aviom channel for the musician to add to his/her mix. This greatly enriched the musician’s in-ear monitoring experience and reduced the “isolated” feeling.

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

2nd phase The church leadership was fully satisfied with the first phase of implementation and decided to discuss further upgrading of the system. IPK recommended having the existing loudspeakers replaced with a system that would enable better audio coverage at the third level hall. The first level Chapel audio system which is used for Chinese Services, Community Outreach Programs and Weddings was also assessed at this time. The installation team took the same approach as the third level and installed another iLive system consisting of T80 & IDR-32 MixRack with Aviom Personal Mixing via M-MMO expansion card for the musicians on stage, 3 weeks before starting on major installation works. This ensured that the church volunteer sound operators and musicians had time to familiarize themselves with digital mixing. It was also key to have similar mixing platforms for both Level 1 and Level 3 so that volunteers are able to operate at both venues without any further training required. The iLive mixers were specified as they met a number of criteria key among which is its ability to integrate seamlessly with the new system workflow that includes, Aviom personal mixing system, separate control of subwoofers, overflow/cry room distribution, multitrack recording, wireless in-ear monitoring and that it offered expandable options for future upgrading. Another criteria met was that the system had to be user friendly and simple for full-time staff to train current and future volunteer users who are generally new to live sound reinforcement mixing. Finally iLive is flexible enough to accommodate additional inputs and change in stage layout during special events held throughout the year.

The third level worship hall due to its unique fan shaped sitting provided a challenge for audio coverage. “With the help of TOA engineers, we were able to calculate using EASE software whether the recommended speakers could achieve the coverage we needed for this unique hall shape. Paper calculation alone was not enough and we conducted a speaker system test at the hall to showcase the coverage and audio quality these speakers could deliver. This test showed the Bethesda Cathedral leadership what TOA was offering and remove any doubts that they might have about the system,” says Isaac.

INSTALLATIONS

x TOA SR-A18 subwoofer speaker and 2 x TOA HX5 compact line array speaker, all processed through a TOA DP-K1 speaker management processor. The speakers were clustered into six sets across the stage with each set comprising a SR-C8L on the top with 2 units of SR-C8S in the middle and bottom. 2 units of HX5’s were placed at the extreme right and left as sideﬁll speakers. The combination of long-throw and short-throw line array speakers ensured uniform coverage throughout the hall. The control room rack at the third level also featured an adaptive loudness control processor by Junger Audio featuring it’s proprietary Level Magic processing. “Level Magic is a combination of adaptive Auto Gain Control (AGC) and transient processing. We are using the Junger Audio processor to make consistent the audio feed’s volume before sending to other rooms who are in need of live audio feed. The Junger unit is fed directly from the IDR48 MixRack via matrix send and sent to various locations using the existing multi-location distribution equipment,” says Isaac.

The TOA HX5 compact line array speakers that were placed as extreme right and left sideﬁll speakers

Level three’s 2nd Phase included removal of existing main and delay loudspeakers, installation of 12 x TOA SR-C8S shortthrow line array speaker, 6 x TOA SRC8L long-throw line array speaker, 2

As Christmas 2011 approached, the full audio system was in place and achieved the objectives set by the church leadership. Christmas worship at the Bethesda Cathedral never sounded better than in 2011. www.ipk-broadcast.com.sg

To ensure even audio coverage for the 500 capacity chapel on the first floor the speaker installation for the first level consisted of 2 x TOA HX-5 compact line array speakers, 2 x TOA FB-120 compact subwoofer speakers and 4 x TOA F-2000 Wide Dispersion speakers. All the speakers were specified in white to make the venue more visually pleasing especially for wedding events. These specification of speakers provided clarity at a controlled volume. Due to the low ceiling height, the use of conventional line arrays or long throw point source speakers alone were not possible. The choice of using the HX-5 was to ensure that there was a controlled coverage area and that the main speakers volume were not overlapping to the audience listening from the F-2000 delay speakers.

(L-R) Koh Huimin of Sindo with Isaac Eng of IPK Broadcast and Daniel Chew from Bethesda Church

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

TECH TALK

Digital Divide to the fore again by Aseem Gupta Interestingly, this gave me a strong inkling that 2012 will be the year where a traditional analog driven social change will transform our lives into a new digital stream with the many GenNext intelligent minds (like my son, who will shortly join the workplace in the “ﬂat world”)! Professional AV Integration has become more and more complex in the ‘alldigital age’ and the complexity of AV and IT integration provides exciting new opportunities as well as some hitherto unknown technical challenges to the mostly-analog dependent community of AV installers.

2011 was a year that proved the human ability to create unpredictable chaos and messups. It was also the year that reaffirmed the tenet “the world is flat” with social media taking on the mantle of “free-speech” and a new transparency evolved between the common citizens of the world. The impact was felt all the way in India (thanks to Anna Hazare) and the Arab Spring that changed many established regimes in the Middle East. I felt this digital divide first-hand closer to home and just to share this experience with you in brief. While I spent two full days fretting over tuning up my analog landscape audio and open air speaker systems to do justice to the carefully choreographed sequence created by my wife on an iPad for the NewYear bash, my 18-year-old son and his team of “socially networked and aware” individuals were rigging a ‘Mac’ environment driven entirely by self-amplified PC sound systems. When I suggested a surround sound system as a better option, it was casually ignored and additional selfamplified systems were daisy chained to get their “indoor” party start at 8 pm. We, anyway, enjoyed both the sounds; but ‘the GenNext party’ – even as it reveled in the bash – were busy with a bizarre Facebook/Twitter integrated display solution that was constantly buzzing with pictures and messages (some of which would not pass the Indian Censor Board nod)! I have to admit- both the indoor and outdoor groups had their music experiences well into the wee hours of the New Year.

There’s no doubt that AV and IT are converging and all signals are going digital. These complexities tend to get more challenging due to the narrowing gap between professional and consumer video display market. I also see a higher level of “technology understanding” among end-user customers and the inevitably increasing permeation of enterprise CIO in procurement decision making for Professional AV cycles. Year 2012, thus, would be an interesting transition for the Pro-AV marketplace. An interesting development is what is called as “Analog Sunset.”This term is being used confusingly to describe a major trend in the Pro-AV industry – that of new digital video formats displacing analog video. An overwhelming majority of new video technology developments in display devices, video sources, HD and 3D formats is digital in nature. In broadcast television, while the US has completely transitioned from analog NTSC broadcasts to digital ATSC, the switchover for individual countries is varying; it could happen in small packages, like the UK where each region has a separate date to switch off, or in totality of geography, as did Finland on 1 September 2007. France took the latest honours when it switched off all its analog services on 29 November 2011; the next country to do so will be Japan, which will go all-digital on 31 March 2012. The other tech-disruption coming our way is the new IT standards based Audio-Video Bridging (AVB). For those newly following AVB, here is a cut-paste from Wikipedia: Audio Video Bridging (AVB) is a common name for the set of technical standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The charter of this organization is to “provide the speciﬁcations that will allow time-

synchronized low latency streaming services through IEEE 802 networks.” In simple terms, AVB standards based network products will allow streaming of several thousands of channels of audio and video on a standards-based IT network that will not require any known AV device to participate in the signal distribution. AVB devices have their own spec by calling themselves “listeners” and “talkers.” AVB will ultimately replace CobraNet in networked installations for large audio systems followed by video integration over the AVB network. More shall follow on AVB in due course in this column. With digital ports such as HDMI and DisplayPort becoming standard on most video equipment, practically every device that plugs into a display has an HDMI port; the latest Apple products provide mini DisplayPort outputs; laptops now include built-in Blu-Ray players, and the latest video conferencing systems feature HDMI/DVI outputs exclusively. Analog products being used currently will become more cumbersome to connect and manage in the professional AV installation systems and there is a need to resolve the resulting cable and image resolution mess-up. Several manufacturers are seriously trying to resolve Analog Sunset, AVB, transport over UTP cable and sourcebased scaling to all digital formats. Crestron started this early on with the introduction of Digital Media. In 2012 you will find manufacturers providing integrated cable infrastructure to meet the digital signal transport challenges. Industry events would soon showcase several new products and platforms to help transition. The one that I am most familiar with is the Arrive Edgeless Media (AEM) platform. I am excited at what our digital future holds for us, and 2012 will be the year that we will make the transition. Aseem Gupta is the President of Arrive Systems, Inc. (www.arrivesys. com) a Green AV innovator and Chief Visionary of the Visionaire Group (www.visionaire.com) , a diversified business entity with deep domain knowledge in both AV and IT. With over 25 years in the industry, Aseem has been recognized with developing and supporting the ICT industry. He is first Asian to be nominated to the Board of Directors of InfoComm International.

SYSTEMS INTEGRATION ASIA AUG/SEPT 2010 50

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Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

VOICE BOX

looking, feel good digital signage – with a greater focus on measurement metrics that enabled management to more precisely determine the honest ROI of their investments but also to test/ evaluate alternatives in near real-time. Marketing managers have been at the forefront in this aspect and have been able to tangibly see that they can very finitely measure almost every aspect of their signage investment – types of messages, timing of messages, signage location, movement, tie-ins with social media. Along the way our team has become much more adept at providing consultative assistance with organizations that are carrying out trial deployments to assist the organizations in developing – and measuring – the efforts and their results. Organizations in every segment – screens, players, software, services – are feeling tremendous price pressure to deliver more, better solutions for less. Our channel partners who previously enjoyed “reasonable” margins are relying more on established partnership relationships not just for profit assistance but in leveraging experience and expertise to produce and deliver unique and measurable solutions for customers. It is highly doubtful if we will ever return to the “good old days” of minimal support/service and aggressive profits.

Digital Signage - A Look at the Year Ahead

by Jeff Hastings, CEO BrightSign

The digital signage industry is only just beginning to hit its stride and move into more “non-traditional” areas such as education, hospitality, retail. We are seeing a rapid drive of broader range environments that are finding that they must “bid, compete” for people’s time and attention. Waiting areas in pharmacies, healthcare institutions, call centers/support organizations, offices are using digital signage to present a high interest, highly effective controlled message. Even in manufacturing operations and employee communications firms are using their intranet to keep employees abreast of company and industry information as well as enhance their training/education. Digital signage has matured to a point

where it is no longer simply a paper sign replacement but in the case of retail is a seamlessly integrated part of the total point of sale system/operation. This integration will become even more prominent in the coming year and years as digital signage will become so ubiquitous that it will be there delivering your message but most of the information will be registering without your fully being aware. This coming year we’ll see music, and focused as well as open information systems being widely adopted as well as real-time message management. 2011 marked the beginning of much more responsible management and marketing going well beyond – good

We believe that 2012 could mark the beginning of industry consolidation in every segment including channel partners. The freewheeling days of fragmented efforts and activities are either gone or disappearing very rapidly. We simply have too many companies – in every segment – that are losing money because they have poor process control or the signage area is simply a sideline activity and not part of the company’s main business venture. In addition there are organizations that are under capitalized so that they can’t afford to invest in the necessary volume, market ownership to become a strong, viable market participant. The weak, undernourished, under committed organizations will be displaced or absorbed by the industry’s most reﬁned and focused companies. While consolidation is often traumatic for individuals in the companies it does weed out the weak, inﬁrm and ultimately produce a healthier, more vital industry. Jeff Hastings can be contacted at jhastings@brightsign.biz

VOICE BOX

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

Crafting Speakers & Audio “Some wise man once said, ‘always try your level best to get whatever you love otherwise you would be forced to love whatever you get.’ At least in my case, I’m happy to say that I am doing what I love the most,” says Sanket Sawant, Sales Manager(India) of audio major SpeakerCraft. With passion for music enthusing to ﬁnd a place that he “would rather be,” Sawant says quest for perfection is one thing he shares with the Californian architectural audio inventor. SIA caught up with Sanket to capture a few soundbites from his passion. SIA: SpeakerCraft has originally/ essentially been a home entertainment focused consumer brand. How did it evolve into B2B and corporate AV entity? Sanket: SpeakerCraft is committed to supporting its customers. As our industry grows and evolves, our customers get involved with different types of projects. This creates a demand for different products, programmes and services. This creates multiplied opportunity for every solution provider in the industry. More, high quality audio is a pleasant addition to any environment. Just the same with Speakercraft too.

SIA: There are too many brands in the market in the given segment itself. How does SpeakerCraft differentiate itself from the rest? Sanket: SpeakerCraft invented the category. We differentiate ourselves by understanding our customers and their needs better than most. That every installation is different in its own right, customization becomes indispensable. We believe we mastered this act which is why our range is deeper and wider than the others. SpeakerCraft believes in providing high quality products. We strive to improvise every time, if not innovate to be able to offer the best of the day- which is also why we offer limited warranty on our Speakers. SIA: What is the range of products that Speakercraft brings to market? To what segment(s) of the market? Sanket: As I mentioned, SpeakerCraft offers the widest range of architectural speakers available in the market today. We offer a multitude of in-wall, in-ceiling and in-cabinet speakers. Additionally, we also offer audio distribution system, power ampliﬁers, subwoofers and many accessories necessary to complete a high quality system.

SIA: What is the ﬂagship product under the brand? How is it special from the rest of the brand, and also from similar products in the market? Sanket: I would say the ﬂagship solution of the SpeakerCraft range is AIM Technology. The sound directional ability of the system to reach every listener is impressive. We offer many speakers with AIM Technology, particularly in the AIM Cinema line. AIM Cinema is a comprehensive line of home theater speakers, designed to provide an incredible sound experience at reasonable price points. SIA: Of the three main product categories of the company, which, according to you, has made the biggest impact/difference to market? Why? Sanket: Our biggest impact, by far, has been the invention of architectural loudspeakers. This is evident by the number of companies offering the category these days. Most system lovers in the world want a big television hanging on the wall and they want to control it with their iPad/iPhone! Intriguingly, the market economies in either of these two cases do not support manufacturers in this line. It’s rather the addition of in-wall speakers, labour, programming and cabling that helps our industry keep going.

Systems Integration Asia February - March 2012

VOICE BOX

SpeakerCraft’s second largest category is Multi-Room Audio. The MZC platform was the first of its kind to allow an iPod to distribute sound throughout an office or a home as a music source. We even created an, “App,” before the App Store existed. We saw the first opportunity to use iPhone as a controller for our system. Additionally, the MODE & MODE Free Keypads allow control of any music source, including iPod, to be controlled from any room. We even display metadata on the LCD screen for easy navigation. Now, many people use the iPod throughout their homes and enjoy music more than ever. Additionally, the number of Custom Installation Accessories offered by SpeakerCraft, has made life easier and more profitable for many of our partners worldwide. Customers demanded us to become a broad supplier of amplifiers, speaker selectors, volume controls and infrared solutions. This enthused us to become more focused on our customers, as they are able to deal with fewer salespeople and purchases are combined for greater profit margins. SIA: What is the most impacting (contributing) factor for the cause of SpeakerCraft in Indian AVSI market? Sanket: Customer focus. Our dealers are committed to SpeakerCraft and love the support they receive from us. Right from quoting to completion of the install, we strive hard to provide best service. Despite the time difference from our California headquarters we make sure that the dealers get a quick solution for all their needs as we are available to our dealers 24x7. That has been most impacting. SIA: What is the most challenging factor that SpeakerCraft has addressed or has been consistently working on to improve its presence in the market? Sanket: Getting shipments to our dealers and distributors in a reasonable amount of time has been the biggest challenge thus far. We are constantly trying to improve on this. This year, we will open a warehouse in Asia, paving way for shorter delivery times and reducing shipment costs for our partners. Furthermore we are also striving hard to provide the same level of customer service as that to our USA customers.

SIA: In the current times of video communications taking precedence over audio or data communication, how does SpeakerCraft make its audio audible and appealing to market? Sanket: Simple. Speakers will always be a necessary component in an audio system. SpeakerCraft is committed to providing its customers with the right products. This apart, we pride ourselves on providing the best customer service. As an American company, it’s difficult to provide the same level of service to Asia, as we do for our domestic customers. This is why we have representatives located around the world. SIA: What is the single most impacting technological contribution that Speakercraft has brought to market? Sanket: The in-wall speaker. SpeakerCraft invented a category that helped create the Custom Installation industry. Today, you can find in-wall speakers in homes, offices and practically everywhere. I would say that’s a pretty big impact.

SIA: How active and demanding does Speakercraft ﬁnd the Indian AVSI industry in comparison with the global or regional players? Sanket: India is a market with exploding prospects. Despite competition and global economic crises in the last few years, we saw constant growth. Today’s customers are very“informed” that they know what they want- which is why price plays an important factor. It does put some pressure on the manufacturers but SpeakerCraft doesn’t compromise on the quality of the product and our pricing too is very competitive. We offer the best to our customers, and so in case of a product failure, we don’t believe in repairing it; we replace it. SIA: How do you look into the immediate future? Sanket: As the world-leader in architectural audio and audio video distribution, 2012 is the year that we will introduce NIRV to the world. NIRV will be a major contender in A/V Distribution. We will be ready for Asia around midyear, and looking very very positively ahead.

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