Systems Integration Asia June-July 2013

Vol. 12 Issue 5 ~ June - July 2013

AUDIO O • VISUAL S • LIGHT G • CONTROL CO O SYSTEMS S S S

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Video Conferencing Feature • InfoComm China 2013 Review

• dnp: Vision South Asia. Mission Mainstream

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

Vol. 12 Issue 5 ~ June - July 2013

AUDIO • VISUAL • LIGHT • CONTROL SYSTEMS

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Video Conferencing Feature • InfoComm China 2013 Review

• dnp: Vision South Asia. Mission Mainstream

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. 12 Issue 5 ~ June - July 2013

79 58 04 FIRST WORDS

92

56 Tips on Video Conferencing for End-users

EXHIBITION REVIEW 79 InfoComm China 2013

SPECIAL FEATURE 58 25 Years in the Making: Media-Go Engineering

TECH TALK 86 Digital Cooking: EDID

06 NEWS 25 SOLUTIONS UPDATE EXHIBITION PREVIEW 40 INSTALL Asia 44 Integrate 2013 FEATURE: VIDEO CONFERENCING 48 The Role of User Experience in Video Conferencing 50 Video Conferencing Saves Time, Money and the Environment 52 View from a Systems Integrator on Video Conferencing 54 End user Portal for Video Conferencing

INDIA & MIDDLE EAST COLUMN 60 News Consultant’s Say 72 Hemant vas – Principal Consultant, Extreme Global Systems Installation 74 Airtel NEC – Part 2

VOICE BOX 89 David Labuskes on re-defining the industry 90 Listening to People, To Make Them Hear ‘beyer’ 92 Hagai Gefen on New Developments in System Integration 93 dnp: Vision South Asia. Mission Mainstream 96 Christie Digital – Keeping a Step Ahead

04

FIRST WORDS SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

COVER: Video Conferencing Feature OUR TEAM PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Thomas Richard Prakasam thomas@spinworkz.com INDIA AND MIDDLE EAST EDITOR Ram Bhavanashi ram@spinworkz.com WRITERS Rosalind Tan rosalind@spinworkz.com Elissa Nadine elissa@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 0072 mjmitchell@broadcast-media.tv PRINTED BY Stamford Press 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.

Sexing up the industry’s image...

It seems a major bug-bear with many in the industry, is manpower – the lack of it, that is. It is, after all, a niche industry and I think we as an industry have an image issue when it comes to attracting talent. In my conversation with the CEO of InfoComm International, David Labuskes, CTS, RCDD, he mentioned, “It is hard for me to imagine that anybody involved in the AV industry not having heard of InfoComm.

What is almost as obvious is that once you step away from the AV industry almost nobody has heard of it...”. Building up the image has to be an industry effort. We cannot leave it to just the Association but every one of us has to play a part. Audio visual solutions is so pervasive that it encompasses an individual’s experience - though for the man on the street, it is almost so subtle that they do not realise it.

The AV industry plays an integral role in many aspects: security, disaster management, education, entertainment and the list goes on - so why has it been difficult, at least in this part of the world to attract talent? I think we need to sex up the image of the industry. In Singapore, a couple of the Polytechnics have started courses with AV being an elective subject. The Institute of Technical Education has also started courses that will enable young men and women to join as technical support for the Rental & Staging and the installation industries. These students do intern-ships within the industry as part of their course. For the Polytechnic courses how do we get the students to choose AV as their elective subject and for the Technical Education institute how do we showcase the possibilities that the industry offers them as a career? Maybe we should go on a publicity blitz using print and social media platforms showcasing AV in the different environments and how we play a part in the experience of an individual. Maybe we should get “AV ambassadors” to hold talks at the education facilities about the industry. We need to attract good talent and we need to work on this soon. And most importantly, whichever the tool we use, let us not make ourselves look like a “dull” industry because WE ARE NOT. If you have some thoughts and comments on this subject please email me at thomas@spinworkz.com InfoComm 2013 is upon us and one of the most exciting things about the InfoComm shows in the USA is the huge number of conferences, seminars and trainings that are held in and around the show. Many of the topics touch on current and future trends and issues facing the industry. If you are heading up, go a little earlier to catch some of these sessions as they are really worth your time and effort.

Enjoy the read.

Thomas Richard Prakasam Publisher/Editorial Director

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific sets up a new office in Taiwan TAIWAN: In line with Kramer's corporate vision of expanding their presence within Asia, Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific has set up a new office in Taiwan. With the main aim being to strengthen the support for the local market, Kramer has appointed a new Sales representative, Richie Lee, who will be taking care of the business in Taiwan, together with Jacky Lin, who will provide all levels of support for local partners and customers.

Richie brings with him more than 20 years of experience coming from the AV IT background. Prior to joining the Kramer family, he was the Sales Manager for Philips and Robert Bosch. One of his main responsibilities in Kramer will be to develop and grow the market in Taiwan as well as to expand Kramer’s identity beyond Taipei. With 25 years of experience in the Audio Visual industry, Jacky has accumulated a strong base in the Sales and Technical field. He will play the key role in providing all levels of support for all partners and customers in Taiwan.

With both Richie and Jacky bringing with them their vast experience and expertise, they will be instrumental in developing business solutions whilst retaining and ensuring the quality and high level of customer service that Kramer is well known for. Together with the full support from Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific, Kramer is confident that they will be able to enhance their support and response to their partners

and customers in Taiwan, and bring Kramer Taiwan to greater heights.

In line with this focus, a product seminar was held in Taiwan led by Richie and Jacky with support from Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific. (Ed: Read other news item on page 18) www.kramerasia.com

iRoom Asia Pacific appoints Stephen Miller as Sales Director for the Asia Pacific Region ASIA PACIFIC: iRoom Asia Pacific recently announced the appointment of industry veteran Stephen Miller to the position of Sales Director for the iRoom brand. Miller brings over 20 years of industry experience in integrated technologies and custom installation industry, and will use this experience to continue the expansion of the iRoom brand through-out the Asia Pacific Region.

Before joining the iRoom team, Miller recently held the position of Executive Director at the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association Asia Pacific for over 8 years. Vic Scona, Director of iRoom Asia Pacific notes, “Stephen’s knowledge and understanding of the integrated technologies and custom installation industries within the Asia

Pacific is a key asset to iRoom. I am sure that he will prove to be a valuable addition to the iRoom team.” iRoom offers stylish and sophisticated in-wall docking solutions for any interior for the iPad™ and iPad mini™. It turns your iPad™ or iPad mini™ into an inwall control, audio and video streaming or digital signage device. The unique motorised opening and closing system of iRoom’s iDock offers the possibility to utilise the full portable functionality of the iPad™. With unique features like audio output, iPad™ secure functionality and docking status notification, iRoom offers a variety of iDocks that are highly suitable for any residential and commercial application. www.i-room.com.au

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NEWS SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

CONGRATULATIONS MultiDyne® celebrates 35 years of technology innovation MultiDyne was founded in 1978

by Vincent Jachetta, a broadcast television industry veteran who spent his career working as an engineer for several major U.S. television networks including CBS and NBC. With this extensive experience, Jachetta saw a significant need for technology solutions that were more functional, compact, and easy to use. Thus, he developed the first portable test signal and ID generator, which he subsequently sold under the MultiDyne brand. Over the last 35 years, MultiDyne has grown substantially, supporting a wide range of leading broadcasters, cable and satellite providers, and government agencies around the world.

"My father, Vincent Jachetta, created MultiDyne 35 years ago out of a basic necessity," said Frank Jachetta, president of MultiDyne.

"He saw a critical need and fulfilled it. Today, MultiDyne continues that tradition of listening to the needs of our customers and designing cutting-edge equipment to solve their everyday problems. Aside from offering the industry's most robust fiber-optic circuitry and user-friendly design, a key to MultiDyne's success is our ability to maintain close relationships with our customers. All of the company's executives, engineers, and support team members make themselves easily accessible to customers around the clock. Thanks to this close contact and insights gained from our customers, we're able to develop fiber-optic transmission advancements that push the envelope of innovation." www.multidyne.com

AMX holds inaugural North Asia Technology Forum for consultants

HONG KONG: Held on 19th March, at Cyberport in Hong Kong, the inaugural AMX North Asia technology forum for consultants was attended by 10 consultants from Mainland China, Hong Kong and even Singapore.

AMX hosts several dedicated consultant events worldwide. Such events provide an excellent venue for AMX to interact with those individuals who are driving the requirements and specifications of future leading edge projects. This year AMX extended the invitation to consultants in Hong Kong and China to join them for an interactive discussion about current and future market trends, emerging AV technologies and the challenges they were facing in the region.

The half-day programme featured a presentation on “The Perfect Meeting Room” as well as a video-conference link with the AMX product development team in Dallas who joined the consultants for a forum on “The Future”.

The highlight of the event was the Future Forum, which provided an opportunity for the AMX Product Development team to gain insight about the latest technology requirements of end users in North Asia according to the consultants, while the consultants got a sneak peek at new technologies that AMX would be focusing in the upcoming product launch at Infocomm 2013.

of the AMX Modero X Panels – including NFC applications and sending content from the touch panel to an iPad with a flick of the finger.

“This was a very useful event for us to interact directly with the team from AMX HQ, sharing our thoughts and needs, while exchanging a mutual understanding of current and future product and market trends," said Adrian from iHD. Chris Yang, managing director of AMX Asia Ltd, adds, “It is exciting to sit at the table and discuss the solutions (and the technology behind the solutions) that are going to be required to meet the needs of the future. This dialogue with the consultant community allows AMX to extend and validate our product roadmap as well as assure the consultant community that AMX will have the solutions they need when they need them.”

Robert Noble, Chief Technology Officer of AMX, reiterates, “We have been participating in consultant events for many years. It brings a smile to my face when I can sit down with someone we met with years ago and they tell me they feel like their finger prints are on our newly released products. That only comes about from having those in depth discussions and sharing visions for the future of AV systems and solutions.” www.amx.com

During the event, AMX also conducted live demonstrations of the latest features

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NEWS SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

InSIGHT Ronald Goh, managing director of Electronics & Engineering Pte Ltd gives us his view of the current business climate in Singapore for the AV business.

Which sectors still provide opportunities for the AV business in Singapore?

Looking at the past 12 months in specific, we have seen opportunities in various sectors including houses of worship, education institutions and some corporations too. Most of these industries have growth opportunities.

It is mainly about keeping close relationships with our existing customers but also looking beyond these horizons to enable us to penetrate and tackle new sectors.

In your opinion, what is the challenge for the AV business in Singapore?

The major challenge that is apparent is that the newer clients are sometimes not familiar with the options that are available to them. Due to this, we always ensure that we give them detailed solutions and map out their options clearly as this will help them make a decision for what will work best for their needs and especially within their specific budgets.

What is your expectation for your business for this year?

My team and I will endeavour to continuously drive the business. We aim for growth as all businesses do and have set the necessary systems in place to ensure that we reach these set goals.

What steps are you taking to ensure that your business continues to grow?

Our Company's Mission Statement is "To offer the best services and expertise by providing the best working solutions possible to our customers and getting it right the first time to their complete satisfaction" and we endeavour to ensure that we live up to this at all times.

The company's Values focus on especially People, Innovation and Customers. We will continue to invest in our staff by giving them the relevant training as well as skills upgrading that will in turn help us achieve our business goals. We also ensure that we stay current with the latest technology so that our customers can benefit from this when we provide solutions for them.

Can you name any of the major projects your company is involved in, in Singapore?

This year, one of the major projects we are working on is the Singapore Sports Hub. It is a project that is very dear to E&E and to me, especially because we were responsible for the original outdoor and indoor sound system installation for the National Stadium in 1973. www.enepl.com.sg

Marc Goossens joins Meyer Sound as Business Development Manager, Installation Markets INTERNATIONAL:To strengthen support for the global AV installation network, Meyer Sound has appointed Marc Goossens to the newly created position of Business Development Manager, Installation Markets.

In this role, Goossens will serve as a key point of contact supporting principal players in the global installation market. Goossens will identify growth opportunities and coordinate company efforts to ensure that consultants are equipped with the necessary tools for all stages of their Meyer Sound projects, from initial systems concept through to final commissioning and user training.

Working as part of the company’s sales team, Goossens will report to Antonio Zacarias, vice president of worldwide sales.

“Collaboration with consultants is pivotal to Meyer Sound’s ability to extend our presence in the installation market,” says Zacarias. “Marc has worked on some of the most complex AV systems, and brings with him invaluable technical expertise and industry knowledge that are sure to benefit our installation projects.”

Prior to Meyer Sound, Goossens was most recently senior vice president, CTO, and CIO at FUNA International Inc., which specializes in the design, integration, and project management of large scale and highly complex AV systems.

Goossens was co-founder and CEO of TeleDimensions International Inc. (TDI) before it was merged with FUNA in 2007.

“I am thrilled to join Meyer Sound,” says Goossens. “The company’s innovative spirit and dedication to quality has been an inspiration during my 24 years as an active Meyer Sound user. Together with the team at the company, I look forward to supporting the installation community and helping to facilitate their project needs.”

Marc Goossens will be based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and can be reached at marcg@meyersound.com www.meyersound.com

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NEWS SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Wo Kee Hong Group holds Ecler product seminar

SINGAPORE: Wo Kee Hong Group – Singapore, held a half day Ecler product seminar on 5th April at the Orchard Hotel. The event saw a mix of consultants, integrators and dealers numbering about 40, congregating, to get an insight to Ecler's solutions. Chia Kwang Liang, Director of Wo Kee Hong started off the proceedings with a quick introduction about Wo Kee Hong. Wo Kee Hong has been representing Ecler for over 2 years in Singapore and in that time has had Ecler's solutions installed in a number of venues including Chinatown Point and Fullerton Hotel.

Ecler's Luis Hinojar specially flew down for the seminar and took the opportunity to highlight some key aspects about the 45-year old company such as owning the patent on Switching Power MOSFET

technology and that the company was proud of having one of lowest returns of warranty in the pro audio world at 0.7%. Luis also highlighted that Ecler is the first pro audio company to work in collaboration with an industrial designer – GiuGiaro, thus giving its solutions a stylish look. He also reiterated to the audience that Ecler provides the entire audio solution from sound source to signal, processing and speakers under one brand.

Luis then elaborated on all the key Ecler solutions highlighting that Ecler provided versatility with its solutions that would fit any environment from low and high impedance speakers, to ceiling, in-wall, surface mount, indoor and outdoor speakers. Luis highlighted the Audeo Series, Verso Series, ICPlus

Series, IC Series, UMAI Loudspeaker, iC108 speakers before providing insight to the Ecler amplifier series such as the LP Series, DPA-T Series, MPA-R Series, HZA-F Series, NPA Series and NXA Series. The second half of the presentation was dedicated to the MIMO88 multi-channel amp with integrated DSP and Ethernet remote management capabilities.

After the presentation, guests got a closer look at some of the solutions including demonstrations showcasing their capabilities. The event rounded off with drinks, food and networking at a nearby pub that featured Ecler installations at work. www.wokeehong.com.sg www.ecler.com

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NEWS SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Cisco celebrates 20 years in Singapore

SINGAPORE: Cisco, the worldwide leader in IT, has opened its new regional headquarters in Singapore, marking 20 years of operations in the country. The new office houses Cisco’s operations for Singapore and the region, including operations, sales, marketing, human resources, finance and Cisco Services.

It also features a Customer Briefing Center (CBC), where Cisco’s latest technologies and solutions are available for demonstrations, and proof-ofconcepts with customers and partners.

Singapore is the headquarters for Cisco’s operations in Asia Pacific, Japan and Greater China.

Located at UE Biz Hub, within the Changi Business Park, Cisco’s new office brings together 1,000 employees from Cisco’s previous four offices around the island.

Reinforcing Cisco’s commitment to a connected workplace and sustainability, the new office in Singapore combines intelligent building structures and efficient energy consumption. Some of the green initiatives by Cisco include: • Using Cisco TelePresence® to reduce global travel: saving 700,000 tons of attributable CO2 emissions, • Implementing motion based sensors for energy efficient control of lighting, • Quarterly e-waste exercise: responsibly disposing electronics and recycling where possible, • Power down system: IP phone screens are switched off after hours and on weekends,

• Reduction in paper use: badge and password-access printing to limit waste, • Utilization-based space allocation, which combined with mobility technologies enable employees to sit at any desk, on any floor, hence reducing real estate footprint, using less infrastructure resources, and providing flexibility to allow for team expansion.

Over the years, Cisco has introduced leading-edge technologies that have transformed the way Singaporeans work, live, play and learn. For example, in 2000, Cisco and IDA created Singapore’s first Internet Home, completely transforming a four-room Housing Development Board (HDB) flat in Bishan.

The Internet Home, at that time, boasted always-on, broadband Internet access connecting nearly every household appliance and device in the flat.

Cisco has also made significant contributions to developing networking technology skills training in Singapore, through its partnership with 15 educational institutions through the Cisco Networking Academy™ Program.

Over 46,000 students in Singapore have been trained using the Program since 1998.

The Networking Academy® Program is the flagship of Cisco’s social investment programs worldwide. The Networking Academy uses a public-

private partnership model to create the ‘world's largest classroom’ working with educational institutions, nonprofits, governments and other international and local agencies. The program teaches students worldwide the skills needed to build, design and maintain networks, thereby improving their career prospects while meeting the global demand for networking professionals. Cisco has established over 10,000 academies in 165 countries, helping individuals build ICT skills and prepare for industryrecognized certifications and entry-level ICT careers in most industries. Students develop foundational skills in ICT while acquiring career skills in problem-solving, collaboration and critical thinking.

“Singapore stands out as a shining model in the world of what can be achieved by an economy through information and communications technologies (ICT). Singapore’s vision is very much aligned with Cisco’s especially when it comes to Internet and education, two of the great equalizers in life. These have formed the foundation for Singapore’s success and Cisco is proud to have played a role in both of them from building the Internet infrastructure to developing the skills in young Singaporeans through the Cisco Networking Academy program,” said Gary Moore, Cisco president and chief operating officer. www.cisco.com

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Media-Go celebrates 25th anniversary with AV Fair HONG KONG: As part of Media-Go's 25th anniversary celebrations, the company organised the Hong Kong Macau AV fair on the 14th to 16th of May at their head office in Kwun Tong, Hong Kong.

The three day event was broken up into morning and afternoon sessions each day and featured presentations

by Cabletime who touched on Digital Media in the Corporate office; Crestron who presented on Integrated Building Technology & Energy Management; Absen presented on LED Display Applications in AV and other fields whilst Shure presented on New Wireless Microphone Technology; ZTE on Smart Surveillance System management and Panasonic who did an introduction of their Solid Shine Eco projectors.

Crestron Showroom

The Media-Go head office was also turned into a mini exhibition venue with various brands showcasing their solutions. These included Absen, ACE, Cabletime, Chief, ClearOne, Crestron, Epson, Kramer, LifeSize, Muxlab, NEC, Newline, Panasonic, Scala, Stewart Filmscreen and ZTE.

Both days saw a huge turnout of customers from across Hong Kong and Macau. The event also provided the opportunity for Media-Go staff to discuss in details the needs of some of the customers and also to provide them with answers to their queries face-to-face. www.mediago.com.hk

Absen team with LED display applications

Professional sound systems presented by ACE

Innovative media distribution systems brought

by Cabletime

Variety of AV mounting solutions presented

by Chief

Audio and video solutions presented by ClearOne

3D vision experience brought by Epson

Video signal processing solutions presented

by Kramer

LifeSize team with their latest Icon series demo

Latest matrix switch technology demonstrated

by Muxlab

Installation projectors demonstrated by NEC

Interactive presentation solutions presented

by Newline

The Solid Shine Eco technology presented by Panasonic

Digital signage solutions featured by Scala

Stewart FilmScreen integrated with NEC and Panasonic solutions

ZTE team demonstrated the CCTV and video conference solutions

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NEWS SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific holds successful seminars in Malaysia and Taiwan

Seminar in Taiwan

ASIA: Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific held 2 very successful product seminars in Malaysia and Taiwan with both their key distributors in the month of March.

The event in Malaysia was held in 2 sessions, one for the end users and the other for the AV SI partners. Both saw close to a hundred participants attending. These participants came from diverse industries like hospitality, houses of worships, rental & staging companies and property developers.

The seminar kicked off with a Kramer introduction by Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Candice Siow. Mr Lam of Vector-X Technology, Kramer’s distributor in Malaysia and the host for this event, shared with the audience on the latest technology in the AV industry. Rounding up the session was David Chua, Kramer’s Regional Technical Manager, who shared on the enhanced digital solutions offered

by Kramer.

In between the sessions, participants had the opportunity to look at some of the key products from the wide range of Kramer Core as well as their applications.

The participants also had the opportunity to try out the products and were greatly impressed with the features, capabilities and wide applications. The event was rounded up with a networking lunch and dinner for both sessions.

With a steely focus to expand to other territories outside of Taipei, Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific partnered with its authorized distributor, Sunligt International Corporation and embarked on an island-wide seminar in Taiwan, touching on the latest AV Technology and range of products from Kramer Core solutions. The event which took place end March, spanned 6 days and covered areas like Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Chiayi, of course not forgetting Taipei, and saw a turnout close to 200 participants.

The seminar was opened by Kramer Taiwan Sales representative, Richie Lee, who gave an introduction on Kramer. A representative from Sunligt International Corporation did a presentation on Step-In Technology followed by Jacky Lin, Kramer’s Technical representative from Taiwan, who shared on the Technical aspects of AV Technology. To show the fullest support for this event,

Seminar in Malaysia

Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific sent their Regional Business Development Manager, Eileen Lim, to join in this event and share with the participants, the road map of 2013 for Kramer.

Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific also took the opportunity at the event to display their latest presentation scaler – Kramer VP-790, for its geometrically warping & edge blending features, as well as the Kramer Core products especially the VS-1616D modular unit which is one of the most well received models.

These solutions received many positive feedbacks.

Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific intends to continue to organize such significant seminars in near future to further promote Kramer products to even more participants in the regions. www.kramerasia.com

Symetrix expands global CTS certification both on site and online INTERNATIONAL: Symetrix, manufacturer of high-end professional audio solutions, specializing in DSP hardware and software, is pleased to announce the global expansion of its INFOCOMM accredited training. The announcement parallels the growth of Symetrix’ international sales.

“As we continue to expand internationally, the need for training also increases,” said Mark Ullrich, International Sales Manager with Symetrix. “We’re excited to now offer worldwide training courses that are INFOCOMM accredited. We have trainers covering Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, and the full-day course carries four CTS renewal points. Alternatively, for those

who are unable to join in person for training, our self-paced online training provides renewal points as well. With CTS becoming more popular everyday among A/V professionals we’re glad to be able to offer this extra benefit for those attending our training.”

Ryan Curtright, Senior Technical Sales Engineer with Symetrix, will deliver domestic training throughout the United States. Hock Thang, Symetrix Technical Sales Engineer for Asia, will cover Asia. Iain Cameron, Director of Technical Support and Training with World Marketing Associates, will provide training throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Udo Stoof, Product and Project Manager for Digital Audio Products with TRIUS GmbH & Co., will

focus on training in Germany. Matt Vance, Technical Training Specialist with Production Audio Video Technology, will deliver trainings in Australia. Mark Ullrich himself will provide training throughout the world based on demand. Online trainings are also available worldwide. www.symetrix.co

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NEWS SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Yamaha's AFC3 Active Field Control System showcased in Singapore First implemented by Yamaha in 1985, Active Field Control (AFC) is an acoustic conditioning system designed to adjust and enhance the architectural acoustic characteristics of facilities such as performance arts venues, houses of worship, theatres and concert halls— while maintaining the natural sonic characteristics of the space.

AFC3 represents the third generation of innovative Active Field Control (AFC) systems from Yamaha.

SINGAPORE: Yamaha Music Asia, Singapore showcased the new Active Field Control (AFC3) system in late February 2013, at the Yamaha-Digital Audio Creative Centre (Y-DACC).

state-of-the-art audio technologies or designing performance halls and theatres, Yamaha is always seeking new ways to deliver the best possible listening experience.

Various industry guests were invited and attended the seminar cum workshop event including acoustic consultants, key system integrators, theatre management, school management, facilities operators and many more. Yamaha Asia Pacific groups’ subsidiaries were invited to the launch and separate training was provided for them in Singapore at the Yamaha-Digital Creative Centre (Y-DACC).

Active Field Control is an acoustic enhancement system that is used to improve or enhance the architectural acoustic characteristics of a room and optimize reverberation while preserving that room's natural acoustic ‘signature’.

Yamaha DSP technology enables users to realize this system with a small set of core devices.

The AFC3 system was presented by Takayuki Wantanabe and Masahiro Ikeda from Yamaha Corporation, Japan, who have been involved as acoustical consultants in a number of high profile projects.

For over 125 years Yamaha craftsmen have created some of the world’s finest musical instruments. Superior sound quality has always been the driving force behind all of Yamaha's efforts. Whether manufacturing instruments, developing

AFC adjusts acoustical conditions by using an acoustical feedback system which makes AFC different from and superior to, other techniques that are based on the use of digital reverbs to simulate room characteristics.

With increasing pressure for facilities to become more multi-purpose and accommodate a wider range of applications AFC3 provides a costeffective alternative to mechanical means of modifying room acoustics. A truly scalable solution which can be installed in a wide range of venues AFC3 makes it possible to hold classical concerts in a very large hall without a sound reinforcement system, to accommodate an organ in a small church, or to enhance crowd response in a stadium.

Reverberation changes can be made at the push of a button, allowing the performance environment to be adjusted almost instantly. In addition AFC3 is able to deliver the same high-quality sonic experience to every performer and member of the audience.

Yamaha AFC systems are currently installed in over 80 facilities in the U.S. and Japan, and now with the release of AFC3, a much wider range of facilities worldwide will now have access to the best acoustic enhancement system available today. www.yamahaproaudio.com

Visit Asia’s largest integrated ICT event

NEWS Systems Integration Asia June - July 2013

23

Hong Kong MTR “Super Control Centre” chooses VTRON Video Wall

HONG KONG: VTRON, one of the leading suppliers in the global control room market (*ranks No. 1 in the Rear Projection Cube Volume Shares in both the Global and APAC regions), is proud to be involved in the MTR’s centralized control centre project “Super OCC” to supply large-scale rear projection system solutions with powerful signal processing ability.

The Super OCC monitors the entire heavy rail network operations, work which requires exacting reliability and sophisticated systems for its demanding 24/7 network operating needs. The VTRON Visionpro® 3x33 80” SXGA+ LED DLP Video Wall (99 cubes) forms the giant screen, ensuring guaranteed image quality in up to 150 million pixels, and allowing traffic network operators to monitor the overview of the fullyintegrated MTR rail network.

The VTRON video wall uses the latest LED light source, allowing for low maintenance costs, high image quality, environmental friendliness, etc. It combines the intelligent features of advanced technologies such as unique full cycle colour, and automatic colour and brightness management (AutoCBM) for ultimate colour performance and brightness uniformity. The redundancy of the system: LED light source and 1+1 hot redundant power supplies provides a backup in order to enhance the system’s lifetime with lower cost of maintenance and to also provide the system with reliable performance to suit 24/7 critical operations.

Another competitive advantage of the VTRON system is the combination of Video Wall and Processors. It allows for massive signal processing in real time (RIET), which also plays an important role in operations. According to the official Press Release by MTR, “Something happening on one line can have an impact on another line. So it makes sense for our traffic controllers to be able to get an overall picture of what is happening in the network. This will make it easier for them to assess situations arising in the train service and decide on the appropriate action to take. It will also further enhance communication amongst the controllers of different lines,” said Jay Walder, Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation.

In OCC operations, the massive and complex signals have to be processed in real time, therefore the capability and reliability of the VTRON Processor are essential to signal processing.

In accordance with the various requirements, Digicom ARK 3000 Series was the best option for the OCC operations. Not only does it provide 180G/s high speed bandwidth bus technology, but also different kinds of signals can be made in real time, it has a perfect and vivid display, as well as powerful scalability. The signal inputs are designed using embedded input cards, hot swappable for maintenance function, and hot redundant structure.

To cope with all sorts of emergencies, Super OCC uses an ultra high bandwidth

(10G) network server in the Video Wall system. The Super OCC utilizes the centralized monitoring system to integrate all the main railway lines signals, it does its power system monitoring by supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), it has a comprehensive monitoring system (including the FAS, BAS etc.), and the image signals from the CCTV provide centralized monitoring. Hence, all the signals are integrated and can be displayed through the VTRON Video Wall. The combination of this information sharing, concentrated displays, coordinated dispatching and unified command, ensures that the Super OCC has high efficiency in railway operations and any emergency situations can be resolved quickly as well as smoothly, returning traffic and safety to the customers.

“We believe all the advanced systems used in the Super OCC perform the greatest efficiency no matter in current network operations or future expansion, those are dedicated to create as much convenience to traffic operators,” expressed Mr. Michael To, Technical Support Manager of VTRON Overseas Operations who is the Project Manager of this MTR Project involved in the project solutions design, equipment installations and maintenance issues.

The VTRON System Configuration includes 3x33 80” SXGA+ LED Series, 9 x ARK 3000 Series Processors and 2x2 46” LCD Series. * Futuresource Report: Data is extracted from the Report announced by Futuresource Consulting, 'Quantifying & Analyzing The Key Trends In The Global Landscape', for Videowall Display Solutions in the First Quarter of 2012. www.vtron.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia June - July 2013

25

Kramer: VP-28 Multi-format switcher The VP−28 is a 14−input presentation switcher that handles composite video, HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, computer graphics video and stereo audio and microphone signals.

The VP−28 operates as a 3x1 composite video, 3x1 HDMI, 3x1 computer graphics video, 3x1 DVI−I and 2x1 DisplayPort switcher, each with unbalanced stereo audio. The 3x1 DVI (digital) sections can be used for DVI signals or it can be used for 3 more computer graphics video (analog) signals using special breakout cables that are included with the device.

The VP−28 can operate as a 5x1 video switcher and a 14x1 audio switcher. The unit’s Audio Level Memory remembers and returns to the last audio level setting for each audio input signal during switching. It has button selectable

options for condenser or dynamic microphones and microphone & audio mixing options, including muting of the master audio output when a microphone signal is sensed. The VP−28 is also HDCP compliant and HDTV compatible.

The VP−28 has flexible control options including IR remote, Ethernet, and

RS−232 (supplied with PC control software), and two microphone inputs with a mixing facility.

The VP−28 is housed in a 19” 1U rack mountable enclosure, with rack “ears” included. www.kramerelectronics.com

JOB OPENING Kramer Electronics Asia Pacific, a Singaporebased Asia Pacific HQ of international manufacturer, Kramer Electronics Ltd, is looking for suitable candidates to fill the following job openings: Business Development Representative (Vietnam/ Indonesia) Responsibilities: - Develop new business and grow existing business within Vietnam/ Indonesia - Provide basic Audio Visual system solutions to customers - Map out aggressive sales and action plans to achieve annual sales targets - Provide preliminary pre-sales support to local partners

Requirements: - Local citizenship - Proficient in English (written & spoken) - Well connected with local Pro Audio Visual Market - Proficient in basic Audio Visual terminology - Capable of basic Audio Visual designs - Experience in Channel Management - Good record in achievement of sales target - Experience in Broadcast environment a plus - Team player with interpersonal and effective communication skills - Ability to work independently with self discipline - Have experience working with international companies Assisting the Regional Business Development team, the incumbent will be part of the dynamic company that designs, manufactures and distributes

signal management products which are used in professional AV, broadcast & production and residential AV markets worldwide.

As one of the leaders in the industry, Kramer is committed to deliver high level of quality and customer service that our brand is synonymous with. We believe in looking for the right people to deliver high quality standards to our customers because they deserve nothing but the best.

We seek high performing individuals who are looking for a rewarding career and help us expand our footprints in Asia. Be part of the Kramer family.

Interested applicants, please send your resume to: eileen@kramerasia.com

26

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Crestron: Unveils New 64X64 DigitalMedia™ Switcher

Built-in Web server - You can even access remotely from the Internet. The built-in Web server enables full operation and monitoring through any web browser, no custom software needed.

64X64 DigitalMedia™ switcher

Rear shown with I/O blades installed.

Crestron’s new 64X64 DigitalMedia™ switcher is the newest and most powerful addition to its family of industry-leading digital AV networking solutions. Crestron DigitalMedia™ is the world's only complete, engineered digital AV distribution solution and the most extensive audio/video networking platform ever developed. The 64X64 DigitalMedia switcher (DM-MD64X64) is built to meet high-definition and analogue AV distribution requirements for large commercial facilities such as stadiums, arenas, university campuses, and corporate enterprises.

also includes an onboard Web server, enabling full operation and monitoring through any web browser without the need for custom software.

The largest capacity DM switcher to date accepts, manages and distributes 64 AV sources of virtually any signal type across long and short distances over a Cat5e wire or fibre - all on a single platform. In addition to increased capacity, the 64X64 DM® switcher delivers valuable new system features including an innovative modular blade I/O expansion system and a built-in 15" colour touch screen.

The intuitive touch screen also serves as a single point of control for diagnostic testing. Certified DM engineers & technicians can employ many timesaving diagnostic capabilities such as monitoring each i/o blade status, fan tray and power supply, detailed troubleshooting of every signal path, loading of custom EDID settings, control of transmitter and receiver settings, and backup and loading of the entire system configuration.

Product Highlights

A built-in 15" colour touch screen enables complete setup and operation with button-touch simplicity. As a result, integrators and installers no longer need to setup and connect their PC to the switcher to perform configuration and troubleshooting. DM-MD64X64

Through a user-friendly graphical interface, integrators can direct the routing of AV signals and view resolution and format information for every input and output signal, including a live video image of any input. With the press of a button, the single-file update function updates all the firmware for every connected device, saving hours of upload time.

4K Ultra HD Resolution Distribution 4K is here and only Crestron offers a 4K compliant switcher that enables the highest quality resolutions from displays and projectors.

Additional Features A new hot-swappable modular blade I/O expansion system makes it easy to configure, modify, and upgrade a DM system in the field, giving you the ability to make changes to the system as requirements change. Input and output blades are offered to support the choice of HDMI®, DM 8G+™ HDBaseT™, DM 8G®Fiber and DM 8G Single-Mode Fiber.

Each blade provides eight inputs or outputs of any one type, and seamlessly integrates copper & fiber outputs on the same platform. DigitalMedia is the only solution that provides a fully integrated HDCP compliant fiber solution that also can be mixed and matched with copper on the same matrix.

Hot-swappable redundant power supplies ensure continuous operation in mission critical applications throughout the life of the system. Each of two onboard power supplies have a MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) of over a half million hours. In the unlikely event of an individual power supply fault, the switcher will continue to operate unhindered on only one power supply.

The 64X64 DigitalMedia™ Switcher compliments and seamlessly integrates with the entire DigitalMedia™ family of switchers, offering the largest selection of configurations Same compact size as our 32x32 DM switcher, same rack space, double the capacity. Advanced blade technology optimizes space while allowing exponential scalability.

Email: southasia@crestronasia.com www.crestronasia.com

Vietnam’s International Showcase for Professional Audio, Lighting, AV, Broadcast, Systems Integration, Music Software and Entertainment Technology Exhibition

6 – 8 November 2013

Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Book Your Booth Space NOW to Secure a Prime Location!

Please contact Mr. Christopher Lim at +65 6411 7709 or email at christopher.lim@informa.com

www.palmeseries.com/vietnam (Formerly IIR Exhibitions Pte Ltd)

Tel: +65 6411 7777 | Fax: +65 6411 7778 www.informa.com | www.informaexhibitions.com/sg

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia June - July 2013

29

Gefen: New Daisy Chain System extends 100 Displays by Daisy Chaining over IP Technology Gefen's new Daisy Chain HD System creates a large infrastructure for wiring displays using CAT-5 cable. The system includes sender, splitter and receiver units—all interconnected in a daisy chain concept. All three units work together to extend 1080p full HD with RS-232 and IR control signals using the same CAT-5 cable.

Similar to a tree scenario, the system uses splitters to create new “branches.�Users can create up to ten branches each supporting ten displays.

Individual displays can be mounted next to each other or up to 100 meters apart.

Source video is sent to the sender then over a single CAT-5 cable to the splitter.

The splitter outputs two signals: one that connects to a receiver and display; and another that connects to another splitter.

Each splitter also provides one HDMI output for a local display connection.

Alternatively, the Daisy Chain HD System can create a straight daisy chain to 30 displays from one splitter to the next splitter.

displays on and off and switching source inputs. www.gefen.com

This new system works with all hi-def displays and video sources using HDMI supporting Blu-ray players, satellite set-top boxes and tablets. IR and RS232 controls key features of the display, including powering

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30

SOLUTIONS UPDATE SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Sony: New Flagship Video Conferencing System

PCS-XG100

Sony has unveiled two new video conferencing systems – the flagship Full HD 1080p PCS-XG100 and high definition 720p PCS-XG77 from the IPELA™ range. The new models are powerful, compact and available at very compelling cost levels. Offering outstanding video resolution over low bandwidth connections, the video conferencing systems are ideal for medium to large enterprises, education and government applications due to their high performance and flexibility.

The new systems from Sony deliver trueto-life images in high definition, with new levels of clarity that make blurry and grainy video images a thing of the past.

The PCS-XG100 and PCS-XG77 both employ the latest H.264 High Profile video compression technology that delivers the highest quality images at half the bit rates required. This reduces bandwidth congestion and ultimately lowers the overall cost of usage, which is useful for organisations that operate within regions with limited bandwidth.

The PCS-XG100 is able to transmit H.239 dual streams at 1080p 30fps (SXGA 30fps for PCS-XG77). This feature enables HD transmission of both camera and PC display images, letting users view shared data such as documents or presentations in high clarity. With an embedded MCU (optional), the PCSXG100 can also support up till 9 sites of Continuous Presence (CP) connections and up to 16 sites through cascade connections, making this product an ideal solution for enterprises looking for

a video conferencing solution that offers the highest return on investment.

The PCS-XG100 was designed with builtin Quality of Service (Intelligent QoS) that is crucial in realizing high-quality visual communications and maintaining a connection even in low bandwidth conditions. Audio is also another integral part of any pleasant video conferencing experience, thus Sony has built the systems to adopt the high quality MPEG4 AAC stereo audio codec standard with cutting-edge stereo echo cancelling technology. This addresses common audio issues such as voice echoing and sound quality drop when multiple persons are speaking simultaneously, and allows the speaker to be clearly heard despite being far from the microphone.

The PCS-XG100 and PCS-XG77 systems each support up to a maximum of 6 omni-directional microphones (PCS-A1).

A new feature of the PCS-XG100 is the Triple Monitor Mode, where far, near and shared PC images can be simultaneously displayed on 3 separate monitors (2 x HDMI outputs, 1 x DVI-I output). This eliminates past problems of low quality self-images using RGB outputs. It is also possible to display three video images

(far/near/PC) on a single monitor if the user prefers. The software features a very intuitive user interface, and grants the user a great variety of screen layout selections including “Full Screen”, “P in P”, “P and P” and “Side by Side” for unrivaled flexibility.

Both the PCS-XG100 and PCS-XG77 models can perform HD recording and HD streaming, whereby HD video/presentation data (including annotations) and audio can be recorded to USB memory media and shared with participants after the session. HD video and audio can also be streamed out as Multicast or Unicast streaming via a web interface.

Other convenient features include video annotation capabilities, dual network interface for LAN/WAN connection and a Kiosk Mode. The PCS-XG100 and PCS-XG77 also comes with a RF Remote Commander unit (PCS-RFZ1) featuring new wireless technology. The unit allows for convenient one-touch dialing which lets users easily connect with any registered contacts with the simple touch of a button on the unit. http://pro.sony-asia.com

PCS-XG77

ATEN: New Fiber Optic HDMI Video Extenders

ATEN International, has announced the availability of a new series of fiber optic HDMI extension products designed to deliver full HD-1080p and 3D video content and applications across long distances. The product series includes the VE882 which supports distances of up to 600 meters (2000 feet) and the VE892 for distances of 20 kilometers (12 miles). Both are ideal for various applications requiring long distance transmission of high quality HDMI content, such as government, airport, military, university campuses, industrial monitoring applications and large-scale conference sites.

A point-to-point solution, the VE882 and VE892 take advantage of single-mode and require only one fiber optic cable for the connection of transmitter and receiver units, providing easy and quick installation and long-range extension of HDMI signals. Through its compact, small form-factor pluggable modules, both products simplify the maintenance process and reduce administration costs.

Each product utilizes the unique FPGA design which offers clock regeneration that ensures exceptional high resolution video performance. Engineered for reliability and long distance transmission, the VE882 and VE892 uses fiber optic technology to eliminate signal loss between transmitter and receiver units and is immune to electromagnetic interference.

Rack-mountable and hot-pluggable, the VE882 and VE892 combine a transmitter and receiver for extending HDMI, RS-232 and IR signals utilizing a single fiber optic cable.

Compared to other solutions, the VE882 and VE892 offer the best price-to-value in terms of video quality and extension distance. www.aten.com

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SOLUTIONS UPDATE SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Bosch Security Systems: IP-based DCN Multimedia solution screen technology in elegantly and ergonomically designed conference devices. The high-resolution, capacitive touch-screens provide users with the information they need literally at their fingertips, allowing participants to share documents, retrieve and display presentations, as well as access the internet.

Bosch Security Systems has released DCN multimedia, a revolutionary conference system that utilizes IP-based OMNEO media networking architecture and user-friendly touch-screen conference devices for participants using a version of the Android™ operating system.

The DCN multimedia conference system perfectly combines audio, video, meeting content and touch-

The DCN multimedia system features the excellent sound quality that has come to be associated with the Bosch name. Voices sound completely natural thanks to the innovative highdirective technology in the unobtrusive microphone, and due to the built-in, two-way loudspeaker system. Advanced audio settings allow for optimized room equalization, while integrated intelligent Acoustic Feedback Suppression supports higher volumes with maximum speech intelligibility.

As an IP-based system built on the OMNEO media networking architecture, DCN multimedia makes use of fully standardized network technology for ease of integration, cost-effective installation and simple maintenance.

In addition, the system enables easy expansion with OMNEO audio devices and a wide range of audio products supporting Dante™ technology.

Enhanced functionalities can also be added to the multimedia conference devices via software and integrating third-party or custom-made apps.

Finally, all audio and control data flowing through the system is securely encrypted in accordance with internationally recognized standards. This means that it is safely protected against tampering and unauthorized access. www.boshsecurity.com

Philips: Commercial grade EL Series When it comes to LCD displays, you need a product you can rely on, 24/7.

Designed around current and future market requirements, Philips range of commercial LED backlit LCD displays is one of the most comprehensive in the market today. These displays are offered in four categories: from entry level to higher-end usage, namely: Q Series, Economy line, Value line and Special Application series.

Engineered for maximum performance at an affordable price, the EL series is available in 32”, 42”, 46”, 55” and 65”.

To deliver quality images with clear visibility, the brightness ranges from 400 to 500 nits with 1920 x 1080 panel resolution and a high contrast ratio of 4000:1.

Redesigned from the inside out, the new family of EL comes with more standard features than ever before making it ideal for a stunning video wall set up. The

advanced colour calibration is a powerful tool that automatically adjusts all displays to ensure colour consistency, which is crucial in ensuring your messages gets across professionally. One of the critical factors in public displays is to keep your content up and running without fail.

The Failover feature is a revolutionary technology that plays back signage content when the primary input fails.

Developed for the Digital Signage market, the Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) slot is fully compatible with any media player from entry to high end level.

This gives more flexibility of choice for your hardware/software to ensure a truly tailor-made solution.

Via an RJ45 or RS232 connection, the Smart Control feature gives you all the power to set the video input, modify the colour settings, set the display's ID when creating video walls and even diagnose each display's status from one

42” EL Series LCD Display

central location. For creating seamless digital menu boards and video walls, the edge and image alignment maintains accuracy and precision for edge to edge alignment of letters, graphics and other content characteristics.

Designed to be more energy efficient than consumer displays, the EL features SmartPower, Power Save, an eco-friendly Edge-Lit LED panel that is Energy Star Certified for greater power savings.

Standby power is as low as 0.5W which lowers the total cost of ownership in the long run.

The new EL series comes with a 3 year warranty and is now distributed in Singapore through Jnissi. www.jnissi.com.sg

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia June - July 2013

35

Bosch Security Systems: PLENA Matrix Digital Sound System The PLENA matrix Digital Sound System features audio quality tailored to a wide range of applications – including live music, business music, highly-demanding speech environments and zone announcements. The system delivers full-featured digital audio control, with a maximum of flexibility and reliability.

As a result, such applications as gyms, small hotels, restaurants, bars, business centers, retail stores and schools can now experience professional audio with an extremely cost-effective and easy-toinstall platform.

The new system includes an intuitive graphical user interface, a DSP processor, two types of 4-channel class D amplifiers, a call station and a wall panel. Up to eight zones can easily be addressed with different announcements, music or live speech, and can be controlled wirelessly via an iPad, iPod or iPhone.

PLENA matrix is characterized by a number of features supporting ease of operation and cutting-edge performance. The main benefits include a single-cable approach to enable efficient and quick system setup. The “Amp link” feature and daisy chaining of call stations and wall panels reduce installation costs.

Further, a wireless control via the iOS app on an iPad, iPod or iPhone is integrated for both the DSP processor and amplifiers. The user needs to simply select a particular zone or channel to adjust the mix levels and master volume.

The app provides freedom of movement for the operator and flexibility when choosing operating panel location during installation.

Another benefit is the PC software graphic user interface that is designed around the needs of the installer and end-user. Although straightforward and easy to understand, the amplifier and processor DSP feature set is more powerful than competing alternative solutions. The software allows for the easy upload of pre-stored scene settings and can also be password protected.

Regarding sound, a maximum audio control ensures premium quality. Input controls include multi-band equalizing, gain control and dynamic range compression on each input. Output control includes multi-band equalizing, filtering, dynamic range compression, delay, and limiting, plus the ability to mix several inputs for up to eight outputs in real time.

Also environmental aspects have been paid respect to. Bosch motion detectors enhance amplifiers with a smart “AutoStandby” mode when zones are inactive.

This reduces both power consumption and operating expenses while increasing amplifier life.

The sleek modern design makes the PLENA matrix an aesthetically impressive solution, ideal for the most demanding environments. It has been tested with and perfectly complements Bosch, Electro-Voice, and DYNACORD loudspeakers used for music, speech and announcements. www.boschsecurity.com

They’re Gonna Like What They Hear.

Advanced, secure microphone systems for all your audio & video conferencing needs.

Great audio solutions for enterprise audio, education, government (GSA), and heathcare.

Learn more at www.revolabs.com/GreatAudio Visit us at InfoComm - booth 2181

Featuring AES-256 Encryption

36

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia June - July 2013

ECLER: MIMO88 Digital Audio Matrix MIMO88 is an 8 in/8 out digital audio matrix set that can be utilised for a variety of applications such as P.A management and installations that require remote supervision, diagnostics and adjustments via the internet. Fully programmable, the matrix can be linked to a second unit to become a 16x16 matrix. It can be configured and managed via EclerNet software either through a straight PC-MIMO88 cable connection or by means of a Ethernet network.

Within the hardware sits the EclerNet Manager. An Ethernet remote control based on multiple webserver clients which can include several control panels, all of which, can be customised to suit the needs of individual users. The panels can be recalled and operated from client devices such as computers, tablets or smartphones. A new FREQUENCY SHIFTER function has been added to avoid feedback loops and is available for each input channel.

Accessories

The MIMO88 comes with accessories such as the MPAGE16. A digital paging station for the MIMO88. It features 21 touch-sensitive keys that, together with the hardware, allow for an easy configuration of a paging system that can coexist with not only MIMO88 functions but with other hardware/ software control systems as well. The MPAGE16 comes with a gooseneck integrated microphone and also ables several MPAGE16 paging stations that can work simultaneously.

Also adding to the MIMO88 collection, the WPTOUCH is a useful digital wall panel control accessory for zone source selection, preset recall, volume and mute, etc.

Rounding up the features and functions of MIMO88, the MIMO88 CONFERENCE has been specifically designed for applications that involve conferencing, automatic mic mix processing and feedback loops cancellation. It differs from the MIMO88 mainly because the firmware is different while the hardware

is identical for both versions. Therefore, any MIMO88 hardware unit(existing/ new) can get a firmware upgrade to be converted in a MIMO88 standard unit or into a MIMO88 CONFERENCE unit. The upgrade process is fast and simple and can be done as many times as required. Other advantages include, keeping a single physical stock from the hardware and still being able to deliver to customers both versions no matter what projects.

Better yet, there is no fear of losing value as most of the standard MIMO88 features are still available in its CONFERENCE version.

Singapore Distributor: Wo Kee Hong Distribution Pte Ltd. Ecler’s S.E.Asia contact: Lawrence Lee (65) 9630 5155 Scan here for a first hand tutorial on the MIMO88 www.ecler.com

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SOLUTIONS UPDATE SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Community: Introduces the Commercial Design Series Community Professional Loudspeakers is introducing the new Commercial Design Series, a comprehensive family of ceiling, surface mount and pendant loudspeakers designed to meet the needs of installations requiring high performance at a competitive price.

Commercial Design models offer a choice of 4.5-inch, 6.5-inch and 8-inch driver sizes, and deliver Community’s legendary sonic quality, exceptional speech intelligibility and proven reliability. The entire Commercial Design family features uniform sound quality throughout the series, providing excellent consistency from model to model.

The Commercial Design Series was designed to complement Community’s Distributed Design family of highperformance ceiling, surface mount and pendant loudspeakers in a combined installation. For this reason, Commercial Design utilizes many of the same

technologies as Distributed Design, including real compression drivers and Tru-Phase™ phase plugs for high output and low distortion. Commercial Design ceiling models also incorporate labour-saving installation innovations like Community’s exclusive Drop-Stop™ technology, while the use of compression drivers and proprietary LF transducers results in higher sensitivity and higher maximum output than competitors’ models in a similar price range.

All Commercial Design models feature Euroblock input connectors, Community’s exclusive external loopthrough wiring design, weather-treated drivers, and corrosion-resistant duallayer powder-coated grilles. Commercial Design ceiling models are ETL listed to comply with UL1480, UL2043 and CSA60065, and the pendant model conforms to UL1480 as well. Commercial Design surface mount models have passed compliance testing for MILSTD-810G and include a low profile

Commercial Design Series

multi-angle pan-tilt mounting bracket for precise aiming over a broad pan-tilt range. All Commercial Design models can be painted to match room décor and are equipped with a built-in autoformer for selectable 8 Ohm or 70V/100V operation.

The new Commercial Design Series from Community provides an affordable solution to unobtrusively provide even coverage and great sound quality from zone to zone throughout an entire venue. www.communitypro.com

Extron: Long Distance DVI Twisted Pair Extender

DTP DVI 330

The DTP DVI 330 is a transmitter and receiver set for long distance transmission of DVI-D video, audio, and bidirectional RS-232 and IR control signals up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a single CATx cable. The extender provides an effective means for extending single link DVI-D or HDMI signals. In addition, the DTP DVI 330 accepts analog stereo audio signals and digitizes them for simultaneous transmission over the same twisted pair cable. The transmitter is equipped with a buffered DVI loop-through output

to support a local computer monitor. The compact enclosure and remote power capability make the DTP DVI 330 ideal for extending DVI-D, audio, and bidirectional control in spacechallenged environments.

The DTP DVI 330 supports computervideo to 1920x1200, including HDTV 1080p/60 Deep Colour and 2K, and is fully compatible with HDMI signals when used with the appropriate DVI-HDMI adapters from Extron. The extender can transmit HDMI signals, supporting Deep Colour up to 12-bit, CEC, and embedded HD lossless audio formats.

It also allows a direct connection from devices with an analog stereo audio output, such as desktop computers or laptops, and provides balanced and unbalanced audio output from the receiver.

In addition, the extender continuously maintains DDC communication of EDID and HDCP between a source and display for reliable operation, ensuring direct compatibility and optimal signal transmission between devices. The DTP DVI 330 is compatible with CAT 5e, CAT 6, CAT 7, and Extron XTP DTP 24 twisted pair cable, and can be used as a pointto-point solution or integrated within DVI switching and distribution environments to extend inputs or outputs to remote locations. For added flexibility, either the transmitter or receiver can be powered over the original twisted pair cable, allowing both devices to share one external power supply. www.extron.com

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EXHIBITION PREVIEW SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

INSTALL ASIA 2013 The 8th edition of INSTALL Asia 2013 will be held concurrently with PALME Asia 2013 & LED Asia 2013. INSTALL Asia is the unique showcase of AV installation and systems integration technologies and applications for commercial and residential projects. LED Asia 2013 is the inaugural international exhibition on LED Technologies.

In line with the emerging trends in South-east Asia, the 6 key focus areas of this year’s show are: 1. Live Event Staging 2. LED Technology 3. Architectural Lighting 4. Houses of Worship 5. Music Software and 6. Information & Communications Technology

PALME Asia 2013, the 27th edition, is South-east Asia’s most established international professional audio, lighting, AV, systems integration, music software and entertainment technology exhibition. The PALME Asia series of shows have since year 2000 been on a circuit around Asia, and they are back in Singapore this year!

These specialized key focus areas will pave the way for exhibitors to bring to life the practical applications of their latest state-of-the-art technologies and solutions.

Alongside the exhibition, a full-fledged seminar programme, hands-on training workshops and exciting activities on the show-floor such as the following, is being planned:

INSTALL Asia together with PALME Asia and LED Asia 2013 will be taking place from 17 – 19 July this year, at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. The event will be featuring a myriad of over 200 established brands and companies from over 30 countries spread over an estimate of 5,000 square meters of exhibit space.

On The Floor • Conferences & Seminars: Safety in the Entertainment Industry, EcoSolutions for the Entertainment Industry, Audio Technologies, Houses of Worship Technologies & Architainment Lighting Technologies.

• Smart Technologies Showcase: Focus on Classroom Technologies.

Industry Night

• Education: DJ Competition, Electronic Dance Music Production Clinics, & Education Hub • Buyer/Seller Program: Industry Night, Great PALME Sale (GPS) & Happy Hour @ PALME Lounge.

• Live Demo & Hands-on Session: Live Performance@5, Manufacturers’ Presentation/Hands-on Demo Area.

Knowledge Upgrading – Seminar Programme @ PALME Industry will also be presented to you

by Adjunct Associate Professor Bob Fleming from NUS Business School; Craig Gamble, Associate specializing in performing arts venues from Entertech (Australia). They will impart tips and tricks for making your venues and events earth-friendly, along with a discussion of case studies.

A series of seminars and workshops presented by key expert speakers from the industry will take place during the exhibition. Visitors can expect to engage themselves in the Core Principles of Audio training by renowned audio education specialist SynAudCon who will be presenting for the first time in Singapore.

Core Principles of Audio is a 2-day course specifically designed for those who need to round out their knowledge of technical audio principles, and enjoy a live, interactive learning experience.

This is a concise and information-packed seminar taught by Pat Brown. You’ll acquire knowledge that is essential for the setup and operation of a sound system. Important subjects such as signal flow, component interconnection, grounding, signal processing and mixer setup are covered. The emphasis is on the practical, using real-world explanations of potentially complex subjects.

There will be a 1 ½ day Conference on Safety in the Entertainment Industry and a dedicated Safety Forum brought together by the following technical directors and safety experts: Bill Sapsis, Sapsis Rigging (USA); Chris Hannam, Author of Health and Safety Management in the Live Music and Events Industry, Health & Safety Consultant at Stage Safe (United Kingdom); Mac Chan, Technical Director at Stage Centre Line Associates (Singapore); Rob Peters, Executive at Theatre Systems and Designs and one of the original writers of ‘A Guide for Safe Working Practices in the New Zealand Theatre & Entertainment Industry’ (New Zealand); Roderick van Gelder, Chairman of Events Safety Alliance Australia and Risk Manager & WHS Consultant at Stage Safety P/L; Seet Choh San, President of the Singapore Institution of Safety Officers and expert consultant of Singapore’s Workplace Safety and Health Act (Singapore)!

In addition, a 1/2 day seminar session on Eco-Solutions for the Entertainment

Visitors will also be able to network and learn how to make the most of the AV technology in their own houses of worship by attending the half day workshop on Houses of Worship Technologies conducted by Robert Soo, Principal Consultant & Trainer at Cogent Acoustics (Singapore) and EC Tan, Trainer (Live Sound) at Livewire Media Ministry Network (Malaysia). Whatever your faith, advanced technology can help you most effectively deliver your message.

Last but not least, hear about the latest trend in Lighting Technologies Architainment Lighting shared by the following lighting experts during the ½ day seminar session: Chris Dales, Consultant at ARUP (Singapore), Ken Wheatley, Director of Sales (Asia-Pacific) at Christie Digital (Singapore) and Matt Marshall, Project Director at Klaasen Lighting and Design (Singapore) Manufacturers and Distributors will also be conducting their hands-on product workshops, featuring their innovative solutions and cutting edge technologies.

Visitors can expect to obtain a greater insight and knowledge of the latest offerings from the various leading manufacturers and distributors.

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EXHIBITION PREVIEW SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Look out for a range of products being showcased for the first time in SouthEast Asia

multiple time slots to maximise immunity to multipath interference. Finally, Space Diversity uses two antennas on each transmitter and receiver to maximise signal integrity.

experience for presentations as well as fast moving video.

ACT-72

Ascender 48

Analog Way will complete its LiveCore™ series with Ascender 32 and Ascender 48. Fresh from their release at InfoComm International, these two powerful Multiscreen Seamless Switchers with 32 and 48 scalers respectively will be shown for the first time in Asia at INSTALL Asia 2013. Both the Ascender 32 and Ascender 48 offer 12 seamless inputs and 42 input plugs: 6 x HDMI, 9 x DVI-I, 3 x DisplayPort, 12 x 3G/HD/SD-SDI and 12 x Universal Analog. The devices can handle any source from composite video, up to 2560x1600, and outputs a variety of formats, including HD-TV and Computer format up to 2560x1600 and 4K.

Audio-Technica’s System 10 wireless offers reliability and ease of use at an economical price point. Operating in the 2.4 GHz range, System 10 offers amazingly accurate sound and extremely easy operation with instantaneous channel selection, sync and set-up.

System 10 ensures clear communications by providing three levels of diversity assurance: frequency, time and space.

Frequency Diversity sends the signal on two dynamically allocated frequencies for interference-free communication.

Time Diversity sends the signal in

Be prepared to be wowed by AV-Science Marketing exhibit of a range of HighDefinition, Interactive and Eco-Smart AV Technology Solutions. Highlights include Hitachi Super Short Throw and Interactive Projectors; LifeSize Intuitive Video Centre and Video-Conferencing Solutions, Casio Laser & LED Hybrid “Green” Projectors, Christie HighPowered Large Venue Projectors, Sony’s Ergonomic Portable Projectors, AverVision Flexible Portable Visualizer, Samsung Sleek Platform Visualizer and Large-Format Displays, and many more.

ELMO, is proud to introduce a visual presentation solution for professionals on the go. Successfully combining function with style, BOXi becomes one of the most attractive and highest quality mobile projectors currently on the market. Smaller than a lunchbox and weighing only 1.3 pounds, BOXi is ideal for today’s mobile professional. BOXi’s shortest throw in its class provides convenient access to a high quality projection in almost any situation. BOXi’s specially developed LED optical engine produces true colour reproduction in 1080p, creating a superior viewing

Mipro's ACT-72 and ACT-74 wireless microphone systems which were released early this year will be exhibited at Mediatec's booth. The ACT-72 is a Dual-Channel whereas the ACT-74 is a Quad-Channel system. Both are 1U RackMountable Metal Receiver featuring 400 Selectable Frequencies and 48 Preset Compatible Channels. The systems offer True Diversity Reception with 72MHz Wideband.

RCF's new TT+ series represents another prominent chapter in the long history of RCF sound system.

On exhibit will be the TT1-A, TT2-A and the TT-5A which are compact, active loudspeakersdesigned specifically for high quality indoor and outdoor near field sound amplification, equipped with varying watts of digital simplification.

Sennheiser's LSP 500 PRO promises to be a real game changer in the public address segment.

This system will liberate you from hassle and hardwired cable. Up to 3 wireless microphone links, Bluetooth music streaming and built in USB player/ recorder guarantee optimum audio connectivity. Its dual batteries are hotswappable even during live operation. It is stackable from 2 to 20 speakers to fit small to large venues. www.palmeseries.com/asia

44

EXHIBITION PREVIEW SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013 Visitors will also enjoy a series of practical seminars and workshops covering all aspects of sound, light, vision and electronic systems, including a program of real-life case studies and panel discussions.

Show Floor

A thriving show floor will host more than 500 brands presenting the latest innovations in conferencing, multimedia control, digital signage, video projection, wireless technology, residential technology and pro audio and lighting.

AMX, Extron, Hills SVL Group, Kramer, LG, Jands, Production Audio Video Technology, Alloys International, Kordz and Philips Dynalite are just some of the leading suppliers that will be on show.

Integrate 2013, in association with InfoComm International and now CEDIA, returns to the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre from 27-29 August 2013, to showcase the latest innovations in integrated AV IT and electronic systems.

For the first time, Integrate will bring the commercial and residential sectors together in one complete industry event to create Australasia’s most influential hub for networking, education and technological innovation.

The new look event will showcase the latest industry trends and technologies in AV IT for the education, government, corporate, healthcare, venues and events, retail and worship sectors, alongside the very best in residential technology including audio, video, lighting, security, home networking, software, hardware, environmental controls, automation and more.

Industry Seminars and InfoComm University

InfoComm University will return in 2013 bringing the latest global trends and

insights fresh from InfoComm 2013 in Florida, with a series of a la carte seminars on a variety of subjects as well as a special track for higher education technology managers. This year’s InfoComm University will culminate with an exciting keynote from InfoComm’s new Executive Director and CEO, David Labuskes, CTS, RCDD.

This year’s event is set to showcase hundreds of exciting products like Sony’s next generation WUXGA installation projector, which is set to be the world’s first to use 3LCD Laser Light Source Technology; Extron’s highly anticipated IN1606 presentation switcher, which combines multi-input switching and signal format flexibility with advanced scaling functionality to deliver a high performance, onebox solution for today’s presentation systems; and Mitsubishi Electric’s new generation of projectors that use Solid State Illumination, to lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and reduce power consumption.

Centralized control.

It’s in here.

CENTRALIZED AV/IT APPLICATIONS:

AMX ENOVA DGX AMX understands the demands of AV and IT worlds. That’s why the DGX includes an integrated NetLinx Central Controller and embedded Ethernet switch, which enable management of the entire AV solution— all from a single point. The DGX is an all-in-one control and distribution solution that combines a modular matrix switcher, a built-in controller, an embedded Ethernet switch and video scaling to every output. This integrated solution simplifies the end-to-end distribution and management of audio, video and control.

• AV Conferencing • Control/Automation • Media Switching • Media Distribution • Remote PC Access • HDCP Management

CONTROL & AUTOMATE | MEDIA SWITCHING | ARCHITECTURAL CONNECTIVITY | DIGITAL SIGNAGE | RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

www.amx.com © 2012 AMX

AMX Asia Pacific +65.6846.7960

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EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Technology for Worship Pavilion

Sponsored by Technology for Worship Magazine, the TFWM Pavilion will return by popular demand providing technicians, volunteers and house of worship staff with the chance to participate in a series of workshops and seminars. Designed specifically for the worship sector, sessions will include hands-on training for microphones, streaming, lighting and much more.

Real-life Application Simulations

For the very first time, Integrate 2013 will present a series of real-life application simulations on the show floor, where visitors can experience the latest technologies working in situ. The Pro AV Solutions e-health feature will showcase live and recorded demonstrations from the likes of AMX Australia and KVM Australia across touch panels, controllers, resource management software and

audio and video conferencing solutions.

This mock-up environment is an exciting new addition to Integrate, providing first-hand demonstrations of how different solutions work together to provide superior patient care.

With the biggest show floor in its history, as well as some exciting new features, Integrate 2013 will be the definitive industry event in the southern hemisphere. Free online registration is open at www.integrate-expo.com

Exhibitor Listing (Correct as of 23 May 2013) A Brighter Image A1 Systems Access Communications Alloy Altronic Distributors Amber Technology AMX ATDEC Audio Products Group Avation AVerMedia Technologies Inc Avico Electronics / Philips AVW Axis Audio Visual BosBox Bosch Communication Systems Canohm CEAD Group CMI Music & Audio Colebrook Bosson Saunders CommBox Pty Ltd Creston Dawntronic Australia Elairsar Elite Screens Emersive Technologies Epson Extron Electronics Gencom Technology Glux Tech

E40 i48 N43 A24 D26 F22 C30 K24 C2 K20 L20 i10 A33 J48 A13 C40 A19 K58 C14 A29 E10 A30 J54 F40 G44 B39 G10 D2 N32 H48

HAI by Leviton P34 Hills SVL Group A14 Home Theatre Group L50 IDT B48 InfoComm International G56 Interactive Controls i34 Jands Pty Ltd D14 JE E30 JEA Technologies Pty Ltd J60 Just Lamps (Australia) J21 KINGRAY N44 Kordz N34 Kramer Electronics B40 KVM Australia D34 LG Electronics A2 Lightware Visual Engineering G40 Madison Technologies J20 Mareor Procella Audio Q44 Mega Vision Sound & Lighting A9 Middle Atlantic Racks J43 Mitsubishi Electric Australia H10 NEC C22 Network Audio Visual i43 OCTAVA/SCREEN SCIENCE A17 Oz Sound M25 Philips Dynalite N38 Positv Media J39 Pro AV Solutions F30 Production Audio Video Technology B2 PUSH O32

Quinto Communications Radiance AV Radio Parts Resi-linx Screen Technics Seewo Sfere Group Australia Sharp Corporation Australia Snap AV Sony Stagetec Mediagroup Syntec International SZ Reach Tech Taiden Industrial Teammate Australia Techmedia Digital Systems Technologies for Worship Magazine The Rigging Shop Pty Ltd TouchIT Technologies Ultralift Australia Universal Lighting & Audio Vaddio Vidyo ViewSonic Visual Fidelity VR Solutions WES Australasia Wilson & Gilkes You Touch Technologies

M44 L57 L54 M32 D30 L26 O44 D40 M38 B30 J40 E22 F18 E16 D22 J26 D48 H56 i20 i39 i26 i40 A24 E34 P38 i30 i47 B24 K34

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY INTEGRATE IS A STRICTLY TRADE ONLY EVENT; entry is restricted to professionals in the AV, entertainment and IT industries. Children under the age of 15 will not be admitted. FR4172

48

FEATURE: VIDEO CONFERENCING SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

A Frost & Sullivan Business Brief

The role of the user experience in video conferencing more, employees expect the same level of simplicity in the tools they use at work— and organizations should make sure that any new technology they deploy fits the bill.

“Video is the new voice.” So goes the thinking in many organizations today, where employees are increasingly working remotely from home offices, satellite offices, client sites and the road.

But even as companies grow increasingly virtual—and increasingly global—they continue to see budget cuts that limit travel and demand a clear return on investment from any new technology deployment. Enter video conferencing, which boosts productivity, cuts costs, decreases cycle times, speeds decisionmaking, and ultimately impacts the bottom line.

While video conferencing can offer significant, measurable benefits to companies and their employees, all video conferencing solutions are not alike. To ensure adoption, a successful deployment and implementation— and to maximize return on investment (ROI)—managers must choose their video conferencing tools wisely, matching the right technology to the right use cases. This is critical to ensure that employees actually benefit from the technology, and to keep management costs and headaches as low as possible.

Companies should look for video systems that are easy to use, that integrate well

with existing communications platforms, and that require little-to-no management support, especially for day-to-day use.

This is especially important as company’s look to make video communications as comfortable as placing an audio call or sending an e-mail or text.

This article highlights the key elements companies should look for in a video conferencing system, and offer bestpractices recommendations for identifying and working with a video solutions provider.

Ease of use

The most important consideration for any video conferencing deployment is how easy the technology is to use.

Whether implementing hardware or software-based applications and services, any solution offering must be naturally intuitive. This has always been important to technology (even technology that has nothing to do with IT), but it is increasingly critical in a world in which consumer devices and apps succeed because of simple, elegant design. There’s a reason Apple’s products fly off the shelves: they are so easy to use that new owners can navigate new systems and features without having to consult lengthy training manuals or FAQs. More and

This is especially true for video conferencing, which is saddled with a reputation for being difficult, cumbersome and ineffective. To overcome that false perception, new video technologies must sport interfaces that work at the touch of a button— every time and for every user. Launching a video conference should literally be as easy as placing a phone call or sending a text message. Finding and using features within the conferencing application should not require time or extra thought.

And devices and applications should be designed in a way that makes people feel in command of the technology, and therefore want to use them even more.

Simple management and administration

Good end-user design should be coupled with good management and administrator design. The easier it is for employees to launch a video conference on their own, without the need for intense training or IT support, the better the solution is for IT. This, in turn, allows support teams to spend their limited time on more strategic or complex ICT initiatives.

At the same time, even the simplest video conferencing tools must give IT robust management and administrative controls. This is one of the things that distinguish business-grade technology from consumer services like Skype.

Centralized control, streamlined provisioning, bandwidth management, security and compliance capabilities, and advanced reporting tools will ensure that IT can effectively deliver a high-quality service to their internal users.

Reliable performance on any network, at any scale Today’s employee is extremely mobile and is as likely to be working from

a home office, commuter train or airport lounge as from a cubicle, conference room or office. To fully participate in video collaboration with colleagues, partners and customers, these employees need access to the technology from a variety of devices— including notebook PCs, smart phones and tablets—running on a variety of networks with varying bandwidth availability.

In some cases, users will be willing and able to attend a video conference from a standard conference room or telepresence environment, one designed for maximum performance over a bullet-proof corporate network.

But as companies look to deliver video capabilities to all their employees, they must ensure the endpoints map to their users’ devices, and that the solutions work on public Internets and sketchy private LANs. Furthermore, they must be able to handle the increased network traffic (once companies run more than a handful of video calls at any given time, traffic will increase) and deliver the best possible performance tailored to the given environment. So, for example, an employee using a room-based HD system has a different experience than someone using an iPad app, but both get the best possible experience for their device and connectivity.

Integration with other communications tools Unified communications (UC) is the new normal for most businesses and organizations. The goal is to integrate a suite of communications capabilities— including voice, e-mail, instant messaging and presence; audio,Web and video conferencing; and social media capabilities—and give users a single interface from which to access them.

Advanced UC deployments are even starting to integrate communications tools into other business and productivity applications. For example, an employee can launch, say, a video conference from within another application without having to leave the environment he is working in. That not only increases usage and productivity, but it also improves business processes.

Figure 1: Unified Communications in the Enterprise

Just as important as integration is interoperability: the ability to connect video conferencing systems from different vendors that may have been built on proprietary standards and/or to connect different types of endpoints to one another, so that someone using PCbased video conferencing software from vendor A can meet with someone else in a conference-room environment hosted by vendor B.

Conclusion

While video conferencing offers many benefits to organizations and their employees, none of these will materialize if users resist adoption of the technology.

The best way to ensure the investments being made are worthwhile is by deploying a conferencing solution that is easy to use, manage and administer, while delivering reliable performance at any scale and on any network.

Leading-edge vendors are looking to the consumer market to develop user interfaces that are intuitive and welldesigned, and which make using the new technology not just effective, but also fun. Ultimately, that will drive adoption and use, which will deliver the promised benefits to IT and the organization at large, boosting productivity and dramatically improving ROI. Companies should look for a video conferencing solution that integrates easily with common communications

platforms from leading vendors, including IBM, Siemens and Microsoft.

SIP-based systems are easier to integrate than others, but deep partner relationships are equally important. www.frost.com

A good video conferencing system should enable more than just face-to-face communications, including: • Multi-point conferences that incorporate mixed-device users in a single meeting • Record-and-playback capabilities • Allow audio and video callers into the same conferencing session • Native integration with desktop UC tools • Web collaboration and content sharing • Integrated directory and presence awareness • High-definition video and audio quality • Firewall traversal without sacrificing security.

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FEATURE: VIDEO CONFERENCING SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Video Conferencing saves time, money and the environment, says Cisco Bill: Cisco drafted the TIP protocol in early 2006 and made it public with IMTC. Since it was made public, it has been widely adopted by the other technology vendors. TIP provides an integrated RTP transport mechanism for multiple channel video and audio. For integrator and end users, it provides a future proven platform to expand extra audio video systems.

SIA: Cisco has maintained that communication will become more visual. How does broadband capacity affect the experience?

SI Asia features our Q&A with Bill Zeng, CTO for Cisco’s Collaboration business in Asia Pacific, Greater China and Japan.

SIA: What is Cisco's view of the challenge of interoperability of video conferencing systems in relation to endpoints?

Bill: Cisco believes in and is committed to open standards and interoperability.

In TelePresence and video conferencing, we are innovating based on SIP protocol and H.264 codec for all products – from immersive TelePresence systems to Jabber mobile clients on iOS and Android – and this ensures interoperability between all types of video systems. We also believe in developing the use of video across industries and our commitment to interoperability ensures that customers can connect across devices from other vendors.

SIA: We understand that Cisco's Telepresence Interoperability Protocol (TIP) has been transferred to IMTC thus making the protocol open. Your comments.

Bill: Technology and visual communication is transforming how people and businesses connect, communicate and collaborate with each other. It starts with video reducing business travel, resulting in cost savings and expands to have a profound effect on accelerating business decisions and improving customer service.

The pervasive broadband has had a positive impact on the adoption of video enabled conferencing - and of course this is helped by the increased capacity. In addition, the video codec has been improving in terms of quality and bandwidth reduction. For example, in H.265 we will be able to reduce 50% of the bandwidth with the same video quality.

SIA: What is your opinion on UC platforms?

Bill: Unified Communications, video and IPT platforms have been merging into a single system. Customers are asking more about “how can we have a simplified collaboration platform to cater for all our needs, regardless of voice, video or IM/Presence, conferencing?”.

With video and mobile video devices transforming our communications, Cisco technologies like the EX 90 executive video desktop, DX HD video phone and Jabber on iPad, have blurred the line between a video device and a personal voice device. Furthermore, the ability to escalate a conversation from messaging to video, and transfer from a personal voice device to a large conferencing room with team drives complex interaction between devices and human interfaces and is achieved with a robust and secure unified communications platform like Cisco.

SIA: Finally we would like to get Cisco's view about Telepresence since its introduction how far has it progressed and are corporate willing to spend such significant amounts for a Telepresence system?

Bill: The first thing I would like to correct is that the product portfolio has expanded from immersive TelePresence

Impressive Figures At Cisco, since its launch, Cisco TelePresence and other video enabled endpoints (including software) have resulted in: • 32% meetings avoided travel.

• 2,211,745 TelePresence scheduled hours used by endpoints • USD 1.35 billion in cost savings (large screen) to include single screen, integrator’s codec, and personal TelePresence and software video endpoints.

TelePresence helps you: Make the Best Use of Employee Time Frequent video participants report saving at least two hours weekly, with onethird reporting at least one day saved per week. Telepresence solutions have helped them save money, improve worklife balance, increase their competitive advantage, and bring people closer together.

Speed Decision Making - Accelerate business-critical decision making, shorten sales cycles, reduce time to market, and create new forums for collaboration.

Cut Travel Costs - Many customers reduce their business travel by 30 percent or more when implementing TelePresence. In fact, the cost of two international business trips will pay for a video conferencing system. Trygvesta, a large Nordic insurance company with 2 million customers, reduced travel from 180 to 130 trips per month, saving at least $120,000.

Consider the Opportunity Costs - The true cost of travel is not just a plane ticket and hotel. Time on the road could be spent being more productive, bringing new products to market, reducing repair time, or meeting

with more clients. Use the Business Advantage Calculator to see how video can benefit your business in particular.

Transform Business Processes TelePresence makes it easy for teams to collaborate, innovate, and resolve issues. Now you can bring those benefits to customer service, supply chain management, and training; redefine best practices; and accelerate ROI even more.

Be Greener - Here is another way to reduce CO2 emissions: 100 employees using video once a week instead of commuting would save the equivalent of a forest the size of five football fields. www.cisco.com

from reduced travel • 728,577 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions saved from travel avoidance • U$ 506 million cost savings from productivity cost savings to date based on the number of meetings that avoided travel, with 4 average participants per meeting, at 4 average unproductive travel hours.

• 2,238,516 total calls by all personal video endpoints

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FEATURE: VIDEO CONFERENCING SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

View from a Systems Integrator on Video Conferencing b. Reduce Bandwidth required to establish a HD resolution Call - which in turn will reduce IT infrastructure cost required. c. Reduce Steps involved to make a video conference call - improved user interface to make it as easy as comparable to using a mobile to establish a call.

SI Asia talks to Vincent Chua, managing director of Spectrum Audio Visual, based in Singapore, about Video Conferencing issues from a Systems Integrator's point of view.

Established since 1999, with more than 70 Staff, Spectrum Audio Visual Pte Ltd specializes in Design and Build for Professional Audio Visual and Unified Conferencing Solution to MNCs, Government and Institutions.

Vincent, what are the key challenges being faced by SIs in relation to implementing video conferencing solutions?

One of the key challenge that SIs face when implementing video conferencing solutions is that in most of the cases the video conference vendor is only awarded the project at a later stage of the renovation work. And by that time, the ceiling work has been done or the frontal display area has been designed and fabricated for before taking into consideration the optimal position of the camera and display for video conferencing purposes. This often causes an issue for the integrator to implement the conference solution as they would need to strike a balance between the

equipment positioning and the aesthetic aspects of the room.

In your opinion, which sectors are more open to implementing Video Conferencing and what would their key reasons be?

We have seen an increasing trend in MNCs from the information technology sectors, where there is strong growth in their industry as they are seeking expansion into the Asia region due to the significant strong growth in their business. With globalisation and the increased need for communication, they will turn to Video conferencing to meet their business demand.

What is your view about video conferencing - is there anything that the AV industry or solution providers need to do to help increase the implementation of VC solutions?

In order to encourage the implementation of Video conferencing, VC providers would need to constantly find ways to help the customer to: a. Reduce VC system Cost further - to make it affordable for local SMEs that have small budget for technology implementation.

More marketing efforts are also required to share on the advancement of the commercial Video conferencing solutions available today. Not many people are aware that they can now enjoy a good quality call through PC, smart phone or tablet instead of restricting to traditional Video conference codec and such devices can easily communicate with commercial codec seamlessly. Beside video, content from tablet and PC can also be easily shared remotely for collaboration.

How does mobile, cloud-based conferencing solutions and UC platforms affect traditional conferencing solutions or can they all work together?

Having a Visual meeting is no longer restricted to a room environment now. The latest trend of Cloud based conferencing allows secured meeting to be carried out be it whether you are on the road, vacation at a beach, business travel, resting in a hotel - so long as you have a PC, smartphone or tablet you are able to join in the meeting straight away.

It gives a new dimension to a typical traditional boardroom conference. It enhances traditional conferencing. Of course you will have to accept the quality compensation based on the network you are joining from. This type of cloud based conferencing would suit SMEs who needs to join in meetings regularly but without the budget to own the infrastructure or business travellers who want to join in the business meetings anywhere anytime. www.spectrum.com.sg

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FEATURE: VIDEO CONFERENCING SSystems Integrati Integration on Asia June - July 2013 0 3

End user Portal for Video Conferencing

UCi2i, the global cloud-based video conferencing managed services provider, has launched a video user portal set to transform how businesses manage and support their B2B and B2C video calling and conferencing.

UCi2i believes that the future of video conferencing is universal and intuitive cloud-based business video, with no limitations or barriers, built for everyone.

V-Book, the new web-based portal empowers users and support teams to take control; from managing contacts and Virtual Meeting Rooms, to planning and launching calls within the application – meaning you never have to learn a new interface again and it can be accessed from anywhere, on any device.

With V-Book users have visibility of all their call usage stats. This not only helps businesses to justify their video investments but it also helps them to optimise their company’s usage by allowing you to monitor adoption.

V-Book doesn’t care what device is being used and it allows users to personalise their profiles and to be searchable within the public V-Book directory if they should so choose.

Michael Grant, Founder and MD of UCi2i says, “V-Book gives users functionality usually only available in highly technical management software. It has been

designed specifically for non-technical end users making video conferencing easier than ever.”

V-Book allows end users to take control of their own Virtual Meeting Room from changing their secure PINs, to launching and managing calls. It maximises selfmanagement, making it so easy and intuitive that no one needs to show you what to do, it’s just obvious – making the complicated appear simple, and taking the pressure off your IT support team.

The daily activities of a video helpdesk are largely spent providing video call bridging assistance, V-Book solves this problem and leaves the video support team to focus on more pressing issues. www.UCi2i.com

Key features • Contact management and directory • ‘Plan a call’ video conferencing meeting invite function and integrates with users email and calendar accounts • Users can remotely connect any endpoint to the call • Call history statistics of all incoming, outgoing, missed and unanswered calls • Missed call alerts • Virtual Meeting Room PIN management and self-concierge V-Book can be licenced to businesses and white labelled with preferred branding, as well as being a tool for end users that sign up to UCi2i managed video service plans.

UCi2i is the world’s first global, independent and vendor agnostic Video Managed Services Provider, headquartered in London and Hong Kong. Founded in 2009, UCi2i enables you to communicate face to face, through secure and high definition video, wherever you are.

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FEATURE: VIDEO CONFERENCING Systems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Tips On Video Conferencing for End-Users Contributed by OSINet

Singapore Companies can take advantage of PIC If your company pays taxes in Singapore you can take advantage of PIC.

TIP 1: Two main points to consider to achieve good video quality.

The bandwidth: Is certain bandwidth allocated to the video conferencing purpose or will this usage slow down your other company’s users since it might be a shared bandwidth? Stable bandwidth connectivity definitely enhances real-time communication without jitters or delays.

The camera: HD cameras are now a reality and a must have: it will give you a clear and neat image with vibrant colours. Highly recommended as well is to look at the Megapixels (at least 4Mp) and optical zoom of the camera (7x zoom recommended).

TIP 2: Integrating Skype users.

A number of companies have launched cameras to integrate Skype users in the meetings. Aver is one company that has also launched a new camera for Skype users. This means that even if your customers only have Skype or someone is in a business trip, you will still be able to communicate with them using your video conferencing solution. Don’t forget

also to look if the video conferencing is compatible with most video camera brands.

TIP 3: Option of zero upfront investment

If you are thinking to get a Video Conferencing system or upgrade an existing system, be aware that you have a couple of options: you may buy all the equipment upfront OR get a managed video conferencing service. A managed service is a type of “leasing” that is fairly quite cost effective. It is a pay-per-month alternative where the provider provides 24×7 support, replacement of faulty equipment if needed and even bundle the internet connectivity to assure smooth video conferencing. This option is very popular for those companies with budget constraints. Companies such OSINet offers this service.

TIP 4: Be aware of other convenient tools you may like to have Wireless content sharing: to share images or see your product modifications as they happen with your mobile, ipad or pc.

Video recording and Snapshot features: to record your meeting and avoid losing any details.

Multi-site conferencing: some video conferencing solutions allow you to interact at the same time with more than one site integrating all the participants together. www.osinet.com

Do you know that many companies are aware that PIC plus PIC bonus can pay out the entire Video Conference leasing investment for the first 2 years? An example of this is the following: Let’s imagine the customer signs up for a S$200/month leasing agreement, so the total investment including OTC of S$500 for 2 years will be: S$5,300.

With PIC 60% cash payout you will get back an amount of: S$3,180.

PIC Bonus represents another payout to you of: S$15,000.

So your total investment is actually covered by PIC and furthermore, you have an extra $12,800 to invest.

PIC is a scheme offered by the Singapore Government that offers tax deductions and cash payouts for companies that invest in innovation and productivity improvements. Certain terms and conditions must be met. The PIC Bonus gives businesses a dollarfor-dollar matching cash bonus for YAs 2013 to 2015, subject to an overall cap of $15,000 for all 3 YAs combined and is on top of the PIC Scheme. For more details please visit www.iras.gov.sg This information and calculation above is provided by OSINet who specialise in Video conferencing leasing. For clarification and verification you may contact OSINet at Tel: 6746-3822

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SPECIAL FEATURE SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

25 Years in the Making – Media-Go Ahead of the Curve

Tony Yeung, the Managing Director of MediaGo Group of Companies

Kanny Leong, the Executive Director of Media-Go Group of Companies

Media-Go Group of Companies recently reached a milestone by turning 25 and like any well-oiled machine, the company started by Tony Yeung and Kanny Leong with just three friends back in 1988 is enjoying the fruits of their labour. 25 years on and the MediaGo business entity has spread its roots and subdivided into specialized areas of expertise that include distribution, installation and system integration for contracts of varying sizes. SI Asia visited Media-Go at their headquarters in Kwun Tong, Hong Kong to get to know the company better and celebrate with them this remarkable milestone.

staff strength of 300 people and taken on new challenges.”

Back to the Beginning

Media-Go Engineering Ltd. was the first company to be established in 1988 offering specialized support and advanced services for user-friendly audiovisual solution to customers across Hong Kong. They were one of the first companies in Asia who saw that the future of businesses and communications would be with the use of AV and IT systems. Kanny prides himself with establishing the first Crestron regional office in Hong Kong, under the same umbrella.

What’s it like running a business in the technology space that’s constantly changing, we ask Kanny Leong, Executive Director and man at the helm of the company. “It’s been a great 25 years, and I’m not trying to sound cliché, but we’ve had amazing highs and markers (milestones) that have allowed us to grow our business. We started with just five people and on the one hand, 25 years seems like a long time but it has also flown by as we’ve grown to have a

“Crestron Asia is special to me. We set up the first sales team here back in 1988 and it has also been around 25 years since I began working with them and they are an integral part of the Media-Go family. I am most proud of that and count Crestron as one of our greatest achievements,” he smiles with recollection.

The Media-Go Group of Companies comprises of Media-Go Engineering, which provides total AV solution for businesses, while Media-Go Technology is the distribution arm, and MediaGo iArchiTech Solutions combines IT solutions with AV integration for advanced system setups. Media-Go Engineering also has a joint venture company called NETe2 MG with NETe2 Asia in Singapore that provides total system solutions, operates conferencing systems and other multipoint bridge services. Another main business is the operation of Crestron Asia offering integrated solutions to control audio, video, computer, IP and environmental systems. Last but not in the least is Cabletime Asia utilizing MediaStar family of TV, multimedia and digital signage delivered over IP and CAT5/UTP networks.

Running a group of companies takes discipline. Kanny recalls two periods that challenged their verve and staying power. “The SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) outbreak in 2003 and the 2008 financial crisis were critical periods that really solidified our position. We continued to service our clients and gave them the support and attention needed to seamlessly integrate new systems to traditional organizations and provide continuous upgrading and training services to their in-house technical teams. What is critical to our business? Internal training. My team continues to upgrade and educate themselves to ensure that they can offer the best technical support to all of our

Media-Go provided installation and integration services to the Civial Aviation Department.

“It’s been a great 25 years, and I’m not trying to sound cliché, but we’ve had amazing highs and markers (milestones) that have allowed us to grow our business.” Kanny Leong, Executive Director

One of the larger projects that Media-Go was involved in was the Tamar Development Project.

Media-Go provided integration services to Hong Kong and Macau Pavilions at the Shanghai Expo.

clients. Second is the after-sales support and maintenance to our customers.

These relationships are long term and no matter the size of the project, dedicated persons work with our clients, sometimes staying with them indefinitely until they can internally manage their systems. “ Kanny has special memories of working with Cable & Wireless HKT Ltd. (the former of Hong Kong Telecommunications Ltd.)back in the days of the British and notes that they looked after all of their AV needs for at least 20 years before the company was taken over. “Marlboro is another long term client whom we provide after sales services with a monthly system check

and it’s only natural that they become more than just clients, they are friends.”

Is there a secret to MediaGo’s success?

From their impressive list of clients that include the Hong Kong government, the MTR Super Operations Control Centre, the ICC Sky 100 Observation Deck, Bloomberg L.P., Chinese University of Hong Kong and City of Dreams, to name drop, it is clear that something is working for Media-Go and Kanny explains what he thinks is their formula.

“There are no shortcuts. First and foremost, you need to know what you’re

providing as a systems integrator or solution provider. What is my value? We optimize our service by offering system design, design deployment, pre and post training, offering resident engineers where necessary, choosing the right software and hardware and ensuring all of these work simultaneously on a day to day basis.”

Most recently, Media-Go concluded working on the Hong Kong government’s Tamar Central Government complex, which houses the office of the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, the legislative Council of Hong Kong and the Central Government Offices. Needless to say, this was a major installation that involved integration of Simultaneous Interpretation System and Electronic Voting System and Information Display systems in the LegCo Complex; Video Conferencing system and Conference facilities in the Central Government and LegCo Complexes as well as Display systems in the Multi-purpose hall of the Central Government Complex.

We naturally wanted to know what is in the immediate future for Media-Go and its group of companies, to which Kanny thoughtfully replied. “We need to think of ways to make us bigger and better always. We started with just five people and look where we are. I can’t wait to see what the next 25 years will bring us. I sincerely believe that we are in the right industry - technology.”

Kanny’s mission is clear for Media-Go and that is they are first and foremost, a professional audio visual solution provider. “We are in the professional AV business. Our customers’ satisfaction must be guaranteed and my staff and team of engineers, technicians must be happy internally with our training and support because they are my asset.”

Sound advice for any business operator, we say. Congratulations to the entire Media-Go family of companies and staff on your 25th year anniversary and here’s to the next milestone. www.mediago.com.hk

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INDIA & ME NEWS SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

beyerdynamic launches India office in Bengaluru According to him, ‘the year 2012 had been a milestone year for the company, and the first quarter of the current fiscal has given an impressive 18.4% growth in sales. The company has added more workforce, increased its product portfolio, and invested significantly towards expanding operations.’

“India happens to be one of the company’s top 20 markets,” said Michael Kinzel. The growth was possible due to the tremendous trust that the Indian user community has reposed in the quality of beyerdynamic products, he said, and added that the company will strive to better its positioning in the market.

German audio solutions major beyerdynamic on Monday, 6 May 2013 officially launched its India office in Bengaluru. Having begun its direct presence operations from its India office at the World Trade Centre in the city a few months ago, the company formally launched the office as part of its India Partners 2013 programme at the gala evening on Monday.

The programme was graced by the top brass of the company that included Managing Director Wolfgang Luckhardt; R&D Director Ulrich Roth; Asia Pacific (Sales&Marketing) Director Michael Kinzel; Finance Director Christian Sandrisser; Conference Business Unit Manager Mathias Holz; and Market Manager, Asia-Pacific/India, Saadet Yilmaz.

It had a sizably big gathering that included major players from the AV consulting and integration community from across the country. That the India office is just one of the three beyerdynamic locations in the world outside its headquarters in Heilbronn, Germany, explained the significance that the audio major accorded to its Indian operations.

“Asia Pacific had accounted for 27 per cent of the company’s growth in the year 2012,” said Luckhardt. Expressing his happiness and excitement at the launching of India-centric office, he said “India happens to be one of the important markets in the region giving significant growth figures.”

Ulrich Roth took the gathering through a detailed presentation of the company’s new product portfolio. Naveen Sridhar, beyerdynamic’s India Sales Manager welcomed the gathering in the beginning, and thanked them for making it a success.

Training: The company’s top management also conducted a one-day training on 7 May for its partners from across the country. The attendees were exposed to the technical competence of the latest products from beyerdynamic.

SIA interacted with Naveen Sridhar, Sales Manager-India, beyerdynmaic (India) Pvt. Ltd. on what’s up from the India enterprise. Excerpts: How do you intend to take the initiative forward?

I think the most important factor is to set up direct presence. beyerdynmaic (India) Pvt. Ltd. seeks to take the company closer to the customers.

As we all understand the Indian AV and systems integration market, it is very difficult to get closer to the customers without local support.

We did that in a very demonstrative manner.

We started off with conferencing solutions where we are strong; the model we had was a self-sustainable model. It’s a kind of selling a solution and reinvesting the proceeds back into the local business. This is working perfectly. Going forward, we want to concentrate on Consumer and Pro Audio business.

How about expanding the partner-base?

Yes, that’s very critical. We all know how it works here. We have tier-I, tier-II and so on. Bigger SIs who operate in tier-I regions cannot go to smaller cities and towns which are actually developing rapidly but with small SIs operating locally.

So, we need to reach out to those tier-II and tier-III cities to be able to access those opportunities. That’s

something we are missing. Right now, we are focusing on metros, and our next step certainly is to reach those II and III tier cities. I believe this will be key focus for success for many players in the AV Industry.

NEC India’s first Indian Managing Director

Is there any particular figure or time line for the growth map?

It’s a bit difficult. We just started, and it will take some time to ideate on how it is going to be. We are, however, sure about growth. We do have competition; we know the market has a few big players. But we also know we are unique and enjoy a few competitive edges; we will leverage them. We have some products which are very unique- people know them more than the brand, for example the DT770- it’s a brand by itself.

NEC India, a subsidiary of NEC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, announced the appointment of Partho Dasgupta, as its first Managing Director from India. He will take over the leadership of NEC’s business operations in the local market and report to Toshiya Matsuki, regional CEO at NEC Asia Pacific based in Singapore.

How about the promo programmes?

We do participate in exhibitions and tradeshows; we have focused trainings and workshops; going forward we would like to leverage the online channels to reach out to the Netsavvy generations as well as Indiaspecific newsletters to reach out to the mainstream traditional segments.

We would still ideate on whatever innovative mechanisms possible.

Associating with celebrity figures for promoting brand appears to be an effective channel. Your take on this.

We do not want to follow what others have done; we want to be different. We would have on ground more technicians and experts who appreciate our products and understand the end customers. Going to a celebrity artiste involves lot of processing, including a big financial component. We do not want to get into that. We rather spend the same time and energy in more customeroriented programming.

We have brand awareness; we have unique products; service model in place; and trusted partners- all that makes up our strength. www.beyerdynamic.com

Dasgupta will be responsible for fostering the growth of NEC India and integration of computers and communication (C&C) technologies to build an information-friendly society.

He will also work to empower societies through CSR initiatives. In addition to advancing NEC’s commitment to the Indian market, Dasgupta will also focus on building NEC as a global leader in the IT and telecom space, as well as to deliver cutting edge technology in the fields of Public Safety, Unified Communications, and Cloud Services.

“As the new Managing Director of NEC India, I am excited to be leading a reputable and acclaimed company to promote and bring in NEC’s cutting edge technologies and solutions to the Indian market,” Dasgupta said, commenting on his appointment to the coveted post.

“With his valuable and extensive experience in various management roles of the IT industry, I am confident that Dasgupta will provide significant contribution toward the success and growth of NEC Asia Pacific and lead our business in India to greater heights,” said Toshiya Matsuki, Regional CEO at NEC Asia Pacific. www.in.nec.com

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INDIA & ME NEWS SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

First ProAV & Events Technology Summit makes a mark

ProAV Events & Technology Summit – an industry platform in India seeking to bring together the synergizing domains of Professional audio-visual systems integration and Events – got off to a promising start in Hyderabad. Organized

by ProAV Society of India on 25 and 26 April at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), the first edition of the event had many positives to hope for.

The event had some of the big and best known brands exhibiting their range of products on sizeable stands; and the technical sessions were well attended by a good number of delegates. The event was inaugurated by Sreecharan Atluri, Managing Director of Highbrow Production Services Pvt. Ltd. Highbrow, which had actually organized the first edition of the event as “AV Week” last year on the same premises, decided to rebrand the event with new name and under a new holding entity with a view to creating an education platform for industry professionals.

ProAV Society of India aims at developing a community of its own by

inviting all the potential players and stake holders of the professional AV and Event industry domain to be its members.

Proving a point or two, the event had displayed a wide array of products and systems that make up the synergizing domains. Visual solutions major Barco was conspicuous with its large stand where it exhibited some of its latest projection systems, including those from its recently acquired projectiondesign.

This apart, there were big brands like Bosch, Shure, and ElectroVoice, besides an assortment of different brands like NEC, Sanyo, Analog Way, Watch Out, Diventix II, Marshall Sound, and more.

“We are happy with the way the event took off,” said Sreecharan Atluri, “we hope to better it for the coming editions.” www.proavexpo.in www.highbrow.co.in

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INDIA & ME NEWS SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Sennheiser’s 'Sound Impression‘ in Delhi turn gives rise to the need for effective and customised audio solutions,” explained Claussen. “Sennheiser is always known for being an innovator and we want to aid this growth by providing the best audio solutions keeping in mind the needs of the consumer,” he said and added, “at the core of Sennheiser’s Integrated Systems is ease of use, invisibility and total cost of ownership.”

Peter Claussen presenting

Sennheiser Electronics India Private Ltd, the wholly owned subsidiary of German audio specialist Sennheiser electronic GmbH, recently conducted the first Sound Impression in New Delhi. Having already conducted four successful Sound Impression sessions across India since its inception in February this year – reaching out to hundreds of audio professionals in West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala – the New Delhi edition was a much anticipated event. It did turn out to be true to the expectations with over 200 system integrators, AVSI consultants and architects, besides those from rental companies from all over India who participated in the day-long session.

The programme comprised live demonstration and product training in addition to other interactive sessions

by Sennheiser’s global experts who were led by the company President (Integrated Systems) Peter Claussen.

The focus of the session was on some of Sennheiser’s most popular installed sound products catering to corporates, educational institutes, hospitality, museums, art galleries, houses of worships and live concerts among others. On display and live demo were also products from Apart Audio and L-Acoustics, two global brands that have joined hands with Sennheiser India to offer complete installed sound solutions.

The Delhi edition of Sound Impression was essentially aimed at engaging the audio professionals through Sennheiser’s offerings in the installed sound sector, a booming segment in the country.

Sennheiser Sound Impression, part of the Sennheiser Sound Academy (Germany), travels to different corners of India with the aim of reaching out to audio professionals, aiding them in the understanding of techniques and updating them on the latest audio solutions.

“Globally, the pro-AV market is over USD 70 Billion and the figures in Asia-Pacific are also looking great with India leading at CAGR of 25 per cent. This growth has been triggered by tremendous growth in infrastructural development, and this in

Gunjan Srivastava, MD, Sennheiser Electronics India said on the occasion, “Sennheiser’s core mission is to offer the best audio solution based on our heritage, innovation culture and passion for excellence. With the Sound Impression at New Delhi, we aimed at reaching out to as many system integrators from India to engage in a lively discussion with Claussen, who specially visited India owing to the favourable growth opportunities in the Installed Sound sector in the country and to reiterate our focus in this growing segment.”

According to Vipin Pungalia, VP, Sales & Marketing – Professional Segment the installed sound business at Sennheiser forms an integral part of our future growth plans in India. “We are extremely happy with such a great response we have received for Sound Impression in Delhi and other parts of India,” he said, adding, “conducting such interactive sessions for audio specialists forms an integral part of our growth plans.” www.sennheiserindia.com

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INDIA & ME NEWS Systems Integration Asia June - July 2013

SISPL Launches Client Experience Centre Similar inputs follow from a lift-mounted projector which silently comes down from ceiling along with screen and plays the content. The idea to replicate the content on display and projector is keeping in view various constraints which the clients are normally considered to have- budget or size but they should not be deprived of seeing and experiencing any content whether on display or projection.

Solutions India Systems (P) Ltd (SISPL), one of the Mumbai-based AVSI solutions providers has launched an exhaustive Customer and Client Experience Centre at its headquarters. According to the company, the facility was felt necessary by the enterprise to be able to enable its customers/clients experience its solutions before they decide on investing in the same.

“While creating Experience Centres to promote business causes is a norm these days, the trend of launching them was actually started by us way back in 2005,” informs Mustafa Rampurwala, Head-AV Projects at SISPL. “We created a Single Room set-up showing different concepts which could be used for achieving various functionalities for Boardroom, Conference Room, Movie Watching etc.,” he explains, “we wanted to take our stride to further high to be able to help customers experience the changing trends and the latest in higher detail.”

In tune with the initiative, the company created at its new office what it calls a ‘Walk Through’ with latest concepts shown under one roof. Exhaustive, as the company claims it, the centre boasts showing some demonstrable competencies.

The Reception welcomes the visitors with a 92-inch Video Wall showing

different videos, presentations, texts and images on a single screen. Visitors can experience their own content in any format on the Video Wall for the real to live experience and feel which they may want to see at their facility.

The visitors are then guided into a seven-seat capacity Meeting Room presents a blend of aesthetics and technology. It has a 32-inch monitor that is configured to display any content with easily accessible receptacle plate.

The audio-visual, air-conditioning and lighting functions are controlled by a 4.5-inch wall-mounted touch screen that is programmed in a very user-friendly fashion- any entrant with minimum exposure to technology can set-up the required AV combination by reading the icons on the screen.

The next experience is the Boardroom where the visitor can make out right at the entry the details of Room Scheduling on the wall-mount panel adjacent to the door. Inside, the visitors are greeted by a 103-inch professional monitor that can play content both from a connected laptop or an iPAD leveraging the wireless compatibility. The audio provision is Bluray enabled, while the DTH compatibility will beam HD content- even as the virtually invisible Visualiser starts showing live images captured from the objects kept on tables.

The visitor is then taken through the Convergence over cloud and Unified Communications set-up. Designed for four to eight people, the facility makes the client experience a virtual handshake with the far side team. The System can share / show PC / visualiser / additional camera etc. as content to other side on VC. The audio flow is so smooth and flawless, with the quality rendered by very high quality condenser ceiling mics and programmed using acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) on each of them.

Elevating the experience further high is the wide screen panoramic projection image configured using edge blending technology. The set-up thereby can blend images from multiple sources and numbers into one single large image giving a large-than-life experience.

The Room has six zones of lighting control where the lights change on all the above concepts according to the mood. If the room is unoccupied for two minutes, it goes into standby mode saving the energy consumption. The drapes covering the backdrop of Real Presence video conferencing set-up are controlled by a touch panel designed with and eye-pleasing and user-friendly GUI. The 8.4-inch Wi-Fi touch panel along with an iPAD controls all the sequences and operations of the room.

The entire control mechanism is also made available on the Web for remote monitoring and diagnosis.

The Room has two different audio set-ups, viz. 5.1 channel system for programmed audio, and FOH speakers for voice- thereby differentiating on the audio clarity.

Finally, the visitor is taken through the training facility. The 22-seatr facility is equipped with a projector, interactive system, recording, streaming provision, and connected to all SISPL branches through VC. To complete the experience, a touch screen Feedback Form greets the clients who can put their feedback on the 42-

inch portrait touch screen. The panel also acts as path navigator used in malls/ shopping centres and large enterprises.

Complementing the whole tour is the pleasantly calibrated PA and BGM playing multiple sources and mics for announcements.

enterprise can use and benefit from,” explains the SISPL AV projects Head. “It’s a whole big basket of solutions suitable for any size organization.”

According to him, the centre has already wowed many a visitor and gained encouraging feedback.

“We have tried to create an ideal and holistic environment that any business

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INDIA & ME NEWS Systems Integration Asia June - July 2013

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Vector Systems, AMX join hands to herald Smart, futuristic homes

Hyderabad-based AV solutions provider Vector Systems Pvt. Ltd., and global automation and control systems developer/provider AMX India have come together to usher the citizens into a new, futuristic world of ‘Smart Homes.’

The two companies have jointly set up in Hyderabad a first-of-its-kind Experience Centre that showcases simulated environments of state-of-art ultra-luxury and futuristic homes.

The Centre was inaugurated recently

by Akkineni Nagarjuna, popular movie actor in Tollywood. The 5000-square feet facility located in the highly potentially up-market Jubilee Hills – as part of its process of simulating the new age smart homes – showcases latest trends in ‘unified control’ for commercial buildings as well. The concept of ‘unified control’ brings Unified Communications and building management systems (BMS) on to one platform for a seamless integration of automation controls for smart living and commercial activities.

At the heart of experience at this centre are AMX hardware and software

solutions. Vector System has put its ingenuity into the best of its expression showing how AMX simplifies the way people can interact with technology.

The solutions include control and automation, system-wide switching and audio/video signal distribution, and technology management. These solutions are renowned for their implementation worldwide in conference rooms, homes, classrooms, network operation / command centers, hotels, entertainment venues, and broadcast facilities, among others.

Mayank Gupta, Director & Country Manager, AMX India, said “the increasing number of technologies and operating platforms at work and home add to the complexity of usage and comprehension. Vector Systems – through this Experience Centre – seeks to solve the complexity of managing technology with reliable, consistent and scalable systems.”

Vector Systems Managing Director Sesha Reddy said “this experience centre will provide greater insight to the architects,

interior designers, CIOs and CTOs to feel and see first-hand all the technologies coming together on a single platform, thereby improving productivity, efficiency at work or at play at home. “This facility will help architects and interior designers plan for technology inputs in their projects much more effectively, prudently and cost-effectively to create state-of-art infrastructure whether in a smart home or a smart office.”

The centre also showcases smart AV systems from Genelec, Hego, Rowland, Bowers&Wilkins, Screen Goo etc. brands to complement the experience.

“We already have some prestigious installs with these products across South India,” said V Anil Babu, Director at Vector Systems. “Now that we have a dedicated and well-designed customerfocused platform for all these products, we believe it brings about an overall benefit to the customers and the brands being in display here.” www.vectorsystems.in

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INDIA & ME NEWS SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

FVC, Omantel sign MoU for Managed Video Service an invaluable communications tool for businesses in the Sultanate.”

MOU Signing

Omantel, the pioneer integrated telecom services provider in the Sultanate of Oman, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FVC, a leading Value Added Distributor in Middle East & North Africa, to set up and launch Managed Video as a Service (MVaaS) in the Sultanate. The new service – to be launched soon – will allow businesses in Oman to access telepresence and video-conferencing services.

Dr. Waleed Heloo, FVC’s General Manager for Gulf & Pakistan expressing his happiness on the occasion, said “this is a great opportunity for us to partner with a visionary operator like Omantel.

This new service will definitely widen the adoption of video conferencing as

Under the MoU, FVC will work with Omantel to set up the Sultanate’s first VNOC (video network operations centre) based on Polycom’s industry-leading infrastructure, to offer Managed Video Services. This would provide Omantel’s customers with a unified service that includes bandwidth, conferencing services, and device management. The VNOC service is powered by expertise from FVC in successfully delivering video conferencing and VNOC services.

“We are committed to providing local businesses with the latest tools to enable them to focus on running successful practices,” said Huda Al Habsi, General Manager of Marketing Omantel Business. “Video conferencing is a strong communications tool and will help facilitate better internal and external communications for our enterprise customers without the large CAPEX investment.”

Omantel’s managed services are aimed at helping enhance the value of IT business investments through improved operational efficiency and service

levels. The new MVaaS services allow businesses to maintain as much or as little control over their IT operations and infrastructure as they desire, while they focus on their core business activities.

Earlier this month, Omantel actually announced the launch of Unified Communication Solution for its corporate customers through Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft Lync.

Commenting on Omantel’s new products, Huda Al Habsi, GM Marketing for Omantel added “We are thrilled to be able to offer our corporate customers Unified Communications solutions through our partnership with Microsoft and FVC. Omantel is proud to be providing a viable way to increase communications and support businesses throughout the Sultanate at affordable rates.”

“OmanTel is a strategic partner for us in Oman, helping us to promote unified communications as an effective productive tool within enterprises and SMBs in the country,” said Dharmendra Parmar, GM for Marketing at FVC. www.fvc.com

AGC Networks announces acquisition of Transcend United Technologies AGC Networks, Inc. announced acquisition of the business of Transcend United Technologies LLC. Transcend provides global IT systems integration focused on Unified Communications, data center infrastructure and managed services having annualized revenues of approximately $43 million and 130 employees. This acquisition is in line with AGC’s growth strategy of offering seamless delivery of 10 key solutions, through 10 key alliances across 10 key geographies. The acquisition of business of Transcend is hoped to impact AGC’s solution offerings, newer alliances and

its inroads in the large American market.

It represents a strategic opportunity for AGC and Transcend to combine their respective strengths in innovation, technology and customer experience.

Together, AGC and Transcend will provide clients with intelligent solutions that address the growing need for unified technology systems in enterprise organizations spanning multiple industries.

Speaking on the occasion, S K Jha, Managing Director & CEO at AGC Networks said, “AGC Networks has

built a strong reputation as a leading global technology solutions integrator providing innovative technology in unified communications, data center & virtualization, networking and enterprise applications. This acquisition will equip us to leverage Transcend’s strong expertise and customer base.

Furthermore, the on boarded clients will benefit from AGC’s seamless technology solutions delivered across the globe and AGC’s clients benefit from Transcend’s technology alliances in North America.” www.agcnetworks.com

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72

INDIA & ME CONSULTANT’S SAY SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Knowledge, The domain of AV sounds both simple and complex, with different perceptions meaning different things.

While the stakeholders of the domain – manufacturers/suppliers, solution developers, consultants and integrators – have their own way of interpreting the domain, what all probably agree on is the criticality of knowledge.

Emphasizing the same is Hemant Vats, of Extreme Global Systems.

In the continuing series of IME Consultants Say, SIA spoke to the Principal Consultant of the Delhibased consultancy firm that is striking a different chord of knowledge with ‘open-source’ initiatives. Excerpts:

Hemant Vats – Principal Consultant, Extreme Global Systems

SIA: What is your view of the current state of Indian AVSI industry in terms of dynamism and technical competence HEMANT: AVSI industry in India is growing at a steady pace. Though the last few quarters have been slow, primarily due to poor global economic conditions, it appears to be turning for the better. We continue to grow better than other Asian geographies like Middle East, Hong Kong or Singapore.

Few sectors are actually faring better than before, for example, the ultraluxury homes segment, energy efficient green buildings etc. Though real estate developers are finding it hard to get rid of their ever-expanding ultra-luxury apartments and condominiums inventory, home owners are themselves looking at new technology upgrades for their homes. A very big chunk of this space is going to the semi-pro and unorganised AV/lighting/automation retailers. Their solutions are sometimes half baked but they have local presence that makes a critical difference.

While Corporates appear to be pushing for energy efficiency, the AV industry somehow seems less ready for it. There

is an encroachment happening from our peers in other verticals and they are coming out with products and solutions that replace traditional AV. We tend to resist change; that’s the reason we still have so many legacy systems. There is also delay and in-fighting over standards for new technologies.

There is always a talk of clients not willing to invest but still wanting everything under the sun. This is true and false. A lot of times poor design, association with a particular brand, unskilled team leads to compromised solutions that escalate the cost.

AV industry in India (and for that matter most of Asia-Pacific) is a very niche vertical industry. It’s very difficult to find right skill set. There is no curriculum that deals with AV as AV. There have been efforts to create “AV Schools” but most of them failed primarily because AV can’t be learnt in a class – it’s in the racks! Having said that, certification by international organizations does help the employer, employee and the client.

SIA: What technologies you feel are driving the industry today?

HEMANT: There has been an outburst of new technologies lately. One in particular could be a game changer, that is HDBaseT. This allows transmission of uncompressed high-definition video, audio, 100BaseT Ethernet, high-power over cable and various controls over Cat5e/Cat6 for up to 100 meters. This simplifies a lot of design, interconnect and service related issues. Being based on standard Cat5/6 cables and connectors it’s easy to wire and install.

There are flavours appearing in the market where each manufacturer is adding their own salt and putting their own name to it, we just hope that in the end they are all compatible.

Another new phenomenon to watch out for is the integration of iOS and Android

key to Excellence devices. Here again everyone has their own solution, and unification would matter the most!

SIA: What is the biggest challenge facing the industry today?

HEMANT: The biggest challenge today is expertise or the lack of it. There is shortage of skilled professionals from top to bottom. We need experienced designers, project managers, installation engineers, technicians, marketing and sales professionals, and, last but not least, educators.

SIA: Has the emergence of MNC establishments been a contributing factor to the growth of AVSI industry in the region?

HEMANT: Definitely. MNCs have contributed to the rapid growth, and growth in standards of AVSI in the region. There is more awareness among the user communities for AVSI now honestly this couldn’t have happened at this pace had the MNCs not brought the awareness with them to the country.

SIA: Would you associate ITES and AVSI in any aspect? If so, what are the areas that are similar or overlapping?

HEMANT: There is a deep relation between ITES and AVSI and sometimes the line is blurred. In corporate environment AV still operates under IT. With the transformation from analogue to digital, we are moving closer to IT. This would continue to happen as convergence is like evolution. The question is who sets the standards and who adopts? Right now we are living in the shadow of IT. We need to form our own identity if we don’t want to end like dinosaurs, or the Dodos since Dinos were at least bigger in size!

SIA: While India's prowess is proven in ITES, why is the same not happening with AVSI?

HEMANT: Comparison between ITES and AVSI is a little unfair. IT and ITES are quite different. When we talk about ITES and its services that we are selling to the outside world, the market is huge and we are cheap, at least for now. If we look at IT there is not much happening, AND definitely not happening as ‘Brand India.’ There are IT parks and R&D centres but most are under the hat of a foreign company. The real, big Indian IT companies can be counted with the fingers of one hand!

A whole lot of global AV manufacturers have also put up development centres and research labs here. We feel this trend would continue to grow as India has a huge workforce of engineers, doing R&D here makes good business sense. But don’t expect any brands coming out of this region any time soon.

SIA: Would you be able to quantify the worth of Indian AVSI industry?

HEMANT: We are no experts at this.

Annual turnover could be anywhere between USD250 to USD 400 million, or may be more. (No authentic account yet, for reasons obvious!)

SIA: Not many AVSI equipment manufacturers are setting up direct presence in the country – what reasons do you see for this?

HEMANT: They probably don’t take this market seriously enough. The size of the market is quite small when compared to other developed markets.

But this trend might change fast. With the West already struggling to avoid recession, Asia looks very promising, especially large economies like India and China. Opportunities are really huge and we hope slowly but steadily manufacturers would line up setting their direct presence here. Some have already begun moving in the direction.

SIA: Would manufacturers' direct presence here help the cause of the industry- either directly or indirectly?

HEMANT: We believe direct presence would help a lot, directly in improving the skill sets, and indirectly in awareness of AV as an independent industry.

SIA: How has Extreme Global Systems contributed to the cause of the industry in the region? What specific initiatives? Would you please elaborate?

HEMANT: At EGS, we are always looking for new and innovative ideas and solutions. Our designs are based on the latest technology, and we take pride in being early adopters. We also exchange ideas in industry forums and keep upgrading our in-house skill sets by regularly attending training programmes.

We are also involved in R&D specific to AV in this part of the world. We believe the challenges in terms of technology in the “developing world” are very different from the developed world - which is why we are trying to develop solutions for our own world. We are quite active in open source projects and open initiative organizations, for example, Mozilla. We also put out our own designs, intellectual property and ideas on the web for people to share and use.

Currently, we are looking for opportunities to share our knowledge and expertise with upcoming AV professionals and help the industry in creating a better AV workforce in Asia.

SIA: What is the way forward for the industry?

HEMANT: In one word - Knowledge! www.hemantvats.com

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INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Setting a new benchmark AV @ Airtel NEC

Part 2 by Ram Bhavanashi

The Ground Floor: Inviting into the Experience

The Bharti Airtel Network Experience Centre in Gurgaon has been talk of the industry for some time now for its sheer technical brilliance that is also rendered aesthetically appealing. While its massive LED video wall takes the centrestage, there are many other facilities that are equally critical to the overall appeal.

Having presented an exclusive account on the video wall in Part-I in the last issue of SIA, we present this time, in this second and concluding part, the unique audio-visual systems integration that characterizes the install, and the whole initiative. Read on: The audio visual systems integration at the Airtel NEC is yet another statement of wizardry in action that permeates throughout the facility- many a time giving a tangible experience. Exhaustive as it is, the install tuned in a wide array of product systems. A cursory look at the composition: • Sound masking for main auditorium • Background music in each floor and in main auditorium. This feed can also take the TV audio feed in an emergency situation for news channel monitoring

• Complete BiAmp-based audio reticulation system allowing any audio to be sent from any input to any output across the facility • BGM in Guest Lift • Digital Signage- two screens on each floor as welcome and communication signage, and two at Employee Entrance. Airtel’s proprietary DMX (Digital Media Exchange) system allows these systems to receive and display content from the Video Wall and elsewhere within the system

The intent of ushering the customer into a unique experience begins unfolding right from the ground floor, where the Reception is treated with a curved wall of glass columns as if an indication of ensuing experience of transparency and techno-creative work.

The back wall behind the reception is another concavely curved wall done in a slightly wavy pattern but fitted with as many as 12 numbers of Samsung 55inch LCD displays that are powered by Airtel DMX. That they are programmed to receive AV feed from the eight DTH channels provided in the system or from the video wall over Barco CMS system make them all the more interesting.

“They play various themes to highlight Airtel’s celebrated status and customer focus,” explains Jagbir Singh, the Airtel CTO. According to him, the content here can include Airtel’s history, evolution through the years, product offerings, strengths and customer focus. “The intent is to create a unique excitement,” informs the CTO. The ground floor also houses the iBMS Room, and Security Room using IP security monitoring system and latest video surveillance software. It also features a 5.7-inch Crestron TPS-6L wall/ flush mount touch screen to automate the floor AV.

easy intuitive pre-selection of local and building-wide content sources; interfacing with Barco CMS system; and routing the desired audio to the speakers. The power in this system is the ability to draw content from input and to be able to scale and configure it for display in this location- allowing near real time information to be displayed.

The Command Centre

The Command Centre (Second Floor)

The self-explanatory Command Centre controls events and situations for team meeting and strategy sessions. While it seats 15 people at the table, it has room for an additional 10 people in side seating. Equipped with five Supervisor Consoles, the set-up allows the Supervisors to monitor the activities on the floor and to direct actions during events.

Essentially, the Command Centre features a two-camera Full HD videoconference system, with a pair of Polycom MPTZ9 EAGLE EYE III 720/1080 systems, enabling the facility to communicate with Airtel nodal points across the network. Two 65inch Samsung 650TS LCD displays are tasked to handle the video display while the audio capture is tasked to eight Shure MX 418D 18-inch gooseneck microphones, integrated with tablemounted multifunction switch and on/off indicator.

The speech audio (reproduction) system functions are entrusted to 15 Tannoy CVS 4 loudspeakers and augmenting the system further is a pair of Tannoy Reveal 601 two-way speaker cabinets for program soundtracks. Amplification is tasked to one each of XLS 1000 and 280A Crown amps. The RGB, HDMI AV inputs and LAN, besides power connections are held by eight Extron CC-600(60-525-01) boxes on the table.

Users can connect three laptops from the table. A pair of Crestron PRO2, and one each of Crestron C2ENE C-1 and C2COM 3 control systems are tasked with control mechanisms of a host of functions that include port interfaces to all AV, VW and other equipment;

A Sony DVP SR700 HP non-Blu Ray DVD player is also incorporated into the system to play select content as and when required.

Customer Observation Deck (Fourth Floor)

The Customer Observation Deck or Experience Centre is more or less similar to the Command Centre, but with a little more elevated AV, aimed at creating an enhanced experience. Guests are met in Reception and bought up in the 16-person Guest Elevator to the fourth floor. The Deck is treated with windows looking out the cone onto the NOC floor and video wall but this is hidden at this point in time by Electro Luminescent Glass which is Opaque. The glass is activated when required to reveal the Video Wall and the NOC Centre. Three units of Samsung ME55B 55-inch LCD displays are mounted in front of the EL Glass to provide presentations and information to the visitor prior to or after the reveal. The interesting factor here is these are mounted on ceiling lifts so that they can be lowered or hidden as per requirement. In addition, a pair of Sharp E702 70-inch LCDs is mounted on the wooden console in the back of the Chair to enable customised presentations and videoconferencing. The room is totally aligned to provide custom presentation to specific clients and addressing their specific requirements.

Like the Command Centre, this room is also equipped with a two-camera Full HD video conferencing, featuring a pair of Polycom MPTZ9 EAGLE EYE III 720/1080 systems fixed one on either side, while the audio capture part is handled by eight Shure MX-418D gooseneck table top microphones that are integrated with table-mounted multifunction switch and on/off indicator. In addition, one Shure ULXP4+ULX1+ WCM16 UHF wireless

headset microphone augments the audio capture job.

The speech audio system is entrusted to 15 Tannoy CVS4 loudspeakers and five Tannoy DC12i cabinets for programme soundtracks. In addition, one POWERVS 10 BP subwoofer from Tannoy augments the job. The amplification here is entrusted to one Lab.Gruppen C10:8X amp, in addition to one more 280A amp from Crown. While the CrestronExtron combination is just the same as the Command Centre, adding the enhancement element is Sony DVP SR 700 HP (non-Blu Ray) DVD system, and one MC-12 HD Surround Sound processor from Lexicon.

Taking the tech experience still higher is a Crestron Digital Media and a pair of touch panel configuration. A 24-inch large V24-WALL-C-W Crestron wallmount HD touch screen display panel handles much of the AV functionalities in association with a V12-TILT-W 12-inch medium tilt touch panel while a DM-TX201-C complements the set-up with 8G digital media transmission capability.

The Fourth Floor also has a Video Production Studio allowing for preparation of video content and presentations specific to a visit.

A Story to tell; an inspiration to feel The Airtel NEC is indeed a story to tell, and an inspiration to feel about, technologically or otherwise. “The mandate for the NEC was not about dumping technology; it was more of creating a story teller,” says Mohana Bharat , CEO of Tech Connect, the AV systems integrator for the ambitious project.

That ‘they were driven by a vision, and took it up as a mission’ the final outcome is such that the story telling begins right at the entrance on the ground floor. The concave wall behind the reception is indeed a ‘story wall’ featuring as many as eleven Samsung ME55B 55-inch LCDs wall-mounted all across, and fed with different content items telling/displaying various phases of Aitel’s evolution; its business offerings; and services. As the customers move from one panel to the other, they hear only the respective

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INDIA & ME INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia June - July 2013

audio whose content is being displayed on the LCD panel.

Two Panasonic TH-42E5DCP 42-inch displays adorn the Employees Entrance while one each of the same Panasonic display adorns the east and west kiosk on the ground floor, beaming a variety of content. The same kiosk set-up is replicated on the second and fourth floor corridors performing the same job as other kiosk displays. All these displays are meant to comfort, if not amaze the customer with the expanse of technology service that Airtel is competent about.

NEC: the NOC of NOCs

Understandably, Jagbir Singh exudes a sense of pride talking about the expanse of the technology experience that the Airtel NEC is. “We were driven by a vision; took it up as a mission; did it

with passion,” explains the CTO. “The accomplishment is just a reinforcement of our passion for enhancing customer experience.”

other hand, Airtel NEC, being afresh, had everything that a passionate mind could envision, and, more importantly, did not have any legacy systems to tie it down.

“There was indeed a multitude of challenges,” admits Jagbir. “With a vision driving us, and the passion for excelling, we overcame everything to stand this NEC like what it is today.”

According to him, the story doesn’t stop here. There are more amazements being envisioned.

The Airtel NEC Execution team

For him, it’s like ‘a NOC of NOCs.’ There are some awesome NOCs in the world, he says, but they are built at least a decade ago, and did not have the benefit of today’s technology. On the

Let’s wait to experience that too. www.airtel.com www.techconnect.co.in www.t2consulting.co.in www.biamp.com www.barco.com

Audio reticulation: a Biamp showcase While there are many unique aspects in this prestigious install, one important, intangible yet experiential factor is that of Biamp.

The entire audio set-up is reticulated by a wide array of Biamp systems that comprise DSPs, amps, interfaces, and alarm systems.

The vital job of noise masking in the UNOC Auditorium is entrusted to one unit of Nexia SP which also handles the dual pink noise signal generation.

The sound generated here by means of 25W recessed ceiling loudspeakers here is affectively handled by the deftness of the device integration.

The reticulation of PA/BGM across the facility which is exhaustive in its own right and is achieved by a combination of Vocia and AudiaFlex Biamp systems.

The Vocia system features two EWS-10 ten-button wall mount paging stations; an MS-1 Message Server; 4 zone outputs provided by VO-4 four-line output interfaces as well as 12 analogue inputs through two units of VI-6 six-channel input devices. In addition, an LSI-16 life safety interface coupled with a CI-1 control interface integrated the Vocia system with the fire alarm system and BMS. The output amplification for all paging and BGM zones is handled by five units of the VA8600c digital networked multi-channel amplifier with over 35 AM600c power amplifier cards installed in the chassis. The amplifiers and cards coupled with 38 units of the Vocia ELD-1 offer the critical feature of line monitoring of the 70/100V speaker lines across the premises in addition to ground fault detection.

Five units of Biamps AudiaFlex CM configurable DSP with CobraNet audio networking capability are configured with various combinations of IP-2e input cards, OP-2e output cards, TI-2 telephone interface cards and AEC-2HD

cards with Biamps proprietary and award winning Sona AEC algorithm.

These are placed around the premises to handle i/o and processing, including AEC processing, and to act as telephone interfaces in various areas that require that functionality.

“The enterprise wide networked Biamp system at the Airtel NEC is an excellent example of what is possible using networked digital signal processing and paging,” says Robin Ghose, Biamp’s Regional Manager for SAARC. ‘The design leverages the capabilities of various components of the system optimally.” According to him, in addition to the processing capability, great audio quality and flexibility of the systems, the industryleading Biamp warranty and support structure made the system an ideal fit for the critical application that a NEC is. “A definite pat on the back is due to the various teams involved in design, installation and commissioning of this unique AV experience,” compliments Robin.

sophisticated technology, in-house and securely. This confidence should be complemented by a comfort that their business or service is in safe hands. We followed the mandate meticulously.

Technology at the centre of WOW

Tech Connect, a leading AVSI solutions provider broke new grounds when they were taken onboard the prestigious install of Airtel Network Experience Centre for integrating the AV across the premises. SIA interacted with Mohana Bharat, CEO of Tech Connect to know from him what exactly was their scope and work. Excerpts: SIA: What took Tech Connect into this initiative?

Bharat: Our partnership with Airtel dates back to over three-and-half years.

We’ve done quite a few installs there.

The mandate for the NEC was not about dumping technology; it was more of creating a story teller. Much of the project time went into just debating and fine-tuning the design requirement.

Once we had our specs on table, it took about a year for us to accomplish our task.

SIA: How would you describe your role?

Bharat: It’s a complete design-buildcommission-manage solution. Right from the stage of understanding from stakeholders what do they want to present to their customers, to translating their ideations into design; then build and demo; then commission; and finally manage the facility to the satisfaction of the user.

SIA: What was your brief? How did you go about executing that?

Bharat: The brief was quite simple.

Building world class facility, second to none, and a story teller install. When a customer walks in, the NEC should give him/her a confidence that Airtel has the capability to adapt to and manage

SIA: So desire preceded the design…

Bharat: Yes. In a holistic perspective of the initiative, that passionate urge stayed central to the initiative.

SIA: Holistically, the design appears very ambitious. What was the specific spec that was part of your brief?

Bharat: One- the user, i.e. Airtel, should be able to view the health of the network sitting anywhere. The primary driver is, it has to be location-free operation. The user should be able to access the data from anywhere, sitting anywhere, and be able consolidate all the network data to the chosen location. Two - when the customer walks in, he/she should get a WOW experience, like out of the blue!

Three - ease of usability. These are the three drivers that determined the whole install process.

SIA: How about the challenges of realizing the specs as per the desire…

Bharat: Now the “WOW” feeling is a catchword across the facility; it was oft repeated during the design discussions and spec’ing stages. But how do you understand about what this WOW experience is after all? How do you narrow down to the nitty-gritty of each of the elements that together create the WOW feeling? Without demonstrating to the customer, narrowing down to one or two choices that can potentially fit the bill? That’s a bigger challenge. It is something like showcasing a product without actually creating it, knowing that there is always an element of uncertainty.

We had that kind of challenge.

That as many as three and half years of the nearly five-year project have been spent on determining the design explains the amount of details that went into it. Just to prove a point, when the facility was inaugurated by Union Communications Minister, his first feeling when he stepped in was WOW! That explains the whole story, objective and experience that the facility summarizes.

SIA: If you were to figure out the problem situations that you had to troubleshoot…

Bharat: Integrating the entire facility and its technology has been a bigger and bigger challenge. There have been multiple challenges structurally as well as on the design front.

SIA: Much has been said about the video wall as the centre of attraction.

Your take?

Bharat: For a common visitor it appears so. In fact, to a good extent it is reasonable too. But for a technology user and enthusiast, it’s not just about the video wall; it’s about the technology and ‘experience’ that takes over when somebody walks in - the meticulously chosen products; their configuration; and the clinical precision with which they perform.

A notion that was in wide circulation during the built-up time was that when Mr. Mittal visited a NOC of a service provider in the USA, he got a feeling of WOW. He felt that he not only needed to build something like that, but also better it. That’s where the desire started, leading to the vision and then to this scale of the NEC.

SIA: How would you put as the best part of the job…

Bharat: Creating the WOW feeling I can say as the best part. Many a time, technology sounds dull and drab because it works in the background and not visible. But here, technology has come out like the form of an art. It’s tangible- which is why the WOW feeling.

SIA: Apart from the WOW factor, how do you distinguish this NEC with those you may have done or seen elsewhere…

Bharat: It’s best in class, quake-proof, green, LEED Certified and more. The important fact is that these elements were factored as integral parts of the design, and driven from the day one - which is why it stands apart from the rest… www.techconnect.co.in

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia June - July 2013

79

InfoComm China 2013 scores many positives Chinese AV industry demonstrates itself, audio-visually IFC is getting better by the year, opined Kenneth Cheung, chief of Audio Visual Technique, Dataton’s Premier Partner for China. “It’s not only getting bigger, but also well segmented and organized,” he said adding “we had satisfying numbers.

We would, however, want to see it going still better.”

“It’s been really good for us this year at the IFC; the crowds are more in number and appeared more professional,” said Anjum Parwaiz, dnp’s Area Sales Manager (Asia-Pacific). “IFC is a good platform to get to interact with Chinese market. It’s here we can hope to meet diverse spectra of people.”

A Quick Look

Total number of visitors: 19431 Total number of exhibitors : >300 Total floor area of tradeshow: 35000 sqm Exclusive space for Chinese SMEs InfoComm China 2013, the twelfth edition of the annual convention and exhibition initiative of InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd – held from 10-12 April at the China National Convention Centre in Beijing – scored many positives opening up new optimism for new opportunities and growth. The three-day event was bigger than the preceding event held last year at the same venue - not only by the number of stands and exhibitors but also by visitors; booth sizes and business opportunities.

This year’s event, according to the organizers, attracted 20 per cent higher visitor-ship than last year. The visitor attendance for the Summit programmes stood at 2,367 which is found to be 53 per cent higher than that of last year. The number of exhibitors totalled to over 300 companies occupying a floor area of 35,000 square meters. That the show floor was spread over two levels, against just one level last year explained for the expansion of the event by size and scale.

More, that while most exhibitors had larger stands than last year, and some

have already booked their floor spaces for the next year’s event, affirmed their increasing confidence in the event.

New Comer Excitement

There were a host of newcomers and or re-comers in terms of exhibitors, indicating the growing influence of the event in the Chinese AV and associated domains.

"Infocomm China 2013 was well organised and well attended; we were very happy with the quality and number of the visitors,” said Rod Sommerich, Regional Sales Manager for Far East and Pacific Rim at the ProAV Group.

“We expect to close a number of opportunities as a result of the show,” he said and added, “we look forward to the 2014 show next year."

“We had been trying to get into this market for a few years now; we thought this InfoComm China event would be the right platform to do it effectively,” said Michael, Jarl Christensen, Co-owner and CSO of Danish control systems manufacturer Neets who came to the

According to Christie Digital Systems' Marketing Manager for China Lu Yi, ‘the number of visitors to the show has clearly increased this year.’ “Just on our first day alone, we received more than a thousand name cards; visitors were really from the professional side” Yi said, adding, “overall, we feel the organizers have hit the right promotional channels in attracting more professionals to the show this year."

Dnp Team: (L-R)Anjum Parwaiz, Area Sales Manager –AP, Maggi Ng, Regional ManagerHK, and Niels Hermansen, Chief Operating Officer.

“It’s been a great show for us,” said Kramer Electronics’ Sales Director for China Zhang Zhixiang. “We had a good visitor flow, and much of it were professionals,” he said adding, “we always believed in this kind of events; InfoComm China show helps us meet our target market players.”

Mark Wadsworth, International Marketing Manager, Digital Projection

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EXHIBITION REVIEW SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

John Stark, Senior Director-Collaborative Visual Solutions, Christie Digital

Zhang Zhixiang, China Sales Director, Kramer Electronics

(L-R) Aaron Lange, Sales Director, Bertrand Jenner, Technical Director and Ryon Gong of Lightware

event for the first time. “We are happy with the way the event has turned for us,” he said adding, “we believe we have been able to generate an audible buzz; we look forward to finding workable opportunities through that.”

out, we’re hoping for the best. The event is certainly very promising.”

corporate sectors; the system solutions for education and corporate markets on display at the show really blew me away.

We're glad to be able to speak to some compatible manufacturers, to assist us with the company's future business development."

For Belgian conferencing major televic conference who is also a first timer at the IFC 2013, the event was a good opener to get into the Chinese market. “The event is good, the numbers appear to be impressive,” said Remi-Brice Magne, Business Development Manager-Asia Pacific for televic conference. “We had some good quality visitors” he said adding, IFC does provide a quality platform for manufactures coming from outside to understand and access the Chinese market.”

Visual solutions major NEC returned after almost nine years. The company last participated in the InfoComm China event in 2004, and made its reappearance this year, apparently with a view to reaching out to the growing market size and be able to capture a larger share.

“We have been watching how aggressively the market is growing,” said the company representative on their booth. “We have actually been exploring various avenues to reach out this swelling market,” he said, adding, “our coming back to InfoComm China show floor was one of the most hoped of platforms. We just did that, and are very happy with the response.”

“The Chinese market is growing exponentially; InfoComm China event reflect that, which is why we are here” said Bertrand Jenner, Technical Director at Lightware Visual Engineering Asia.

“We are pleased with the way it turned

Participating in the show only for a second year, Blackmagic Design's China Regional Manager Cai Jin said, "we still remember when we first took part in the show last year, not many people knew about our products. We were pleasantly surprised when visitors from last year, having developed an understanding of our brand, returned to our booth this year to enquire about our new products.”

According to him, in addition to the old, there have been lots of new customers who visited their stall and enquired about their offerings.

Rewarding experience for visitors

IFC 2013 was found to be rewarding not only for the exhibitors and delegates but for the visitors too. "I'm delighted to have found suitable large format splicing screens, conferencing system products, and solutions for my company's building projects here at the show,” said an excited Beijing New Era Architectural Design Ltd. engineer Zeng Xiang. “It's really exciting to see so many state-ofthe-art video, conferencing and audio products by big brands like Samsung, NEC and IML Asia. It's really an eye opener for me; I'll certainly be back next year!"

Tianjin-based, Sheng Nuo Wen (Tianjin) Communication Technology's Chairman Liu Li Hua observed, "the large video screens, conferencing system products and technologies on display at InfoComm China 2013 are of advanced standards. We are a system integrator with customers mainly from education, defence and security, and

One of the attractions at the IFC 2013 was the huge digital signage deck near the entrance to the main exhibition hall.

The digital signage displayed the details of technical sessions, speakers and venues from time to time on all the three days.

The technical sessions were well attended too by a good number of enthusiasts.

Majors flex their muscles

Exhibiting AV biggies made a ‘big’ difference to the IFC 2013 by showing their strengths in large booth spaces making their visibility that much more prominent. Best exemplifying this were Christie – who made their show in as many as eight zones demonstrating the visual solutions major’s product expanse – and Crestron – who themed their solutions ‘integrated by design’ in as many as six core sections – besides AMX, Digital Projection, Harman and Jupiter.

Christie’s eight zones comprised Broadcasting; Projection Mapping; Control Room Monitoring; Virtual Reality; Display; Waterproof flat panels; and Business Products. An expansive stand right at the entrance of Hall-1, the visual solutions major accounted for a major draw of crowds at the show.

“We pride ourselves as a market leader by defining the future of visual technology as we constantly survey market needs and push the envelope of

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innovation,” said Lin Yu, vice-president at Christie Asia Pacific. “At Christie, we strategically merge our cutting-edge technologies to deliver solutions that offer highest performance and flexibility at lowest costs and best customer service.”

According to John Stark, Senior Director for Collaborative Visual Solutions at Christie, “IFC has always been an important platform for reaching out to the diversely expanding Chinese market.”

Crestron’s stand of six core areas comprised DigitalMedia; Integrated by Design; Lighting; Fusion; Keypads and Touchpanels. The automation major under its Digital Media section debuted its new revolutionary product, the 64x64 DigitalMedia Switcher (DM-MD64x64).

With 4K high-definition display spec support, the new DM-MD64x64 claims to provide highest screen and projection quality, bringing high-performance audio and video quality for large enterprises and customers. Besides this, Crestron also highlighted the 3-Series integrated building management platform; DMPS300-AEC digital media presentation system; TWS touch panels; and TST wireless touch screens.

Global automation major AMX brought to the show floor its latest Epica DGX solutions, besides the popular Modera X Series and Enova DVX series. The modular fiber optic matrix switcher is designed to transport uncompressed video, embedded audio and one-way control up to 3000 feet away over single strand multimode fiber. With its exclusive DGX Technology, the system offers simple signal conversion between analog and digital signals and vice versa.

Supporting 4.95 Gbps, the DGX ensures

(L-R) Kanny Leong, Executive DirectorOperations, Asia of Crestron Asia with William Yeung, Business Development Manager

perfect pixel for pixel reproduction for all video resolutions up to 1920x1200.

Designed with flexibility, the compact 16 RU enclosure is expandable from 16x16 to 144x144 by increments of 16 and supports DGX Fiber, DVI and HD-15 input boards and DGX Fiber, and DVI output boards.

“IFC is an effective platform to reach out the Chinese market. It resembles the potential of the industry,” observed Chris Yang, General Manger-North Asia Region (China) at AMX. “We believe it provides the exhibitors the best chance to meet the diverse market segments that we operate in,” he said and added, “it’s been good for us; we hope it will be.”

Digital Projection brought to the IFC show floor a whole big range of projection systems that was highlighted, literally, by the new, 6000-lumen HIGHLite 335-3D projector that expanded the British projection major’s already expansive 3D projection line.

The models on the floor comprised the single-chip E-Vision and M-Vision Series, including the DomeProjection where a 6-Channel dome showed the versatility and stunning light output of the budgetrange. The star of the show was the Titan Super Quad, the smallest, lightest, brightest and quietest 20,000- lumen projector on the market. Two of these were edge-blended to project onto a screen that spanned the width of the 12m booth, showing the brightness and versatility of the projector.

“We are very happy about how the show went,” said Mark Wadsworth, DPI’s International Marketing Manager.

“We saw a good amount of customers on the booth, and it also gave us the opportunity to meet customers, new and

Sidney Rittenberg, Jr, Vice-president/General Manager, Prysm Greater China

old, and demonstrate our full range of projectors in one place.”

Swedish AV solutions major Dataton debuted its Watchpax media server solution as part of its Watchout solution for the Asian markets. On the extended show floor (in Hall -6) was Analog Way showing its new generation high-end AV processors NeXtage 16 and SmartMatriX Ultra- aimed at SI and Rental markets in China. First LiveCore-based new generation systems, the two new processors offer innovative functionalities and first-rate quality of make.

Kramer demonstrated its new VOIP, HDBaseT and HDBT range of solutions while Extron exhibited its Quantum elite, IN1606, MGP Series, Wallnut Systems, and VN matrix solutions. Elite Screens demonstrated their StarBright AR&ST, and A4k screens while Grandview showed its SkyShow series screens.

Gefan Pro highlighted its new GAVA (Gefan Audio/Video Automation) system processor among a big range of systems; Harman demonstrated its new IDX network communication system; Jupiter continued its Catalyst and Canvas solutions; and Reach exhibited its Bee 7 and 7 Pro lecture capture systems, Kite camera tracking system, and Bee 8 Pro recording systems- all aimed at education market.

Creator demonstrated their full digital wireless conference systems; RTI displayed their range of SurFir; KX7, RK10 and XP-6 solutions while projection majors Epson brought to show floor its range highlighted by the CBW 16SK projector; NEC demonstrated their PH-800T+, Panasonic showed its TH-55LFV50C; and Sony brought its solutions for the bulging education market in China.

Rod Sommerich, Regional Sales Director-Far East & Pacific Rim, Gefan Pro

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EXHIBITION REVIEW SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

(L-R) Chris Yang, General Manager (North Asia) & Peter Low, Sales Director (North Asia) of AMX

Kenneth Cheung, Director, AVT - Dataton Premium Partner in China

The televic conference team

Elsewhere in Hall-1, visual solutions major Prysm demonstrated what was said to be the biggest LPD display ever seen in the region. The 18 tile by 4 tile (9 by 1.5 metres) video wall displaying a variety of content showed LPD can be utilised across different sectors. Its green credentials of 75 per cent less power consumption than LCDs have reportedly made it popular in China. Sidney Rittenberg, Jr, Vice-president/General Manager for Prysm in Greater China observed, “AV market in China is seeing a massive expansion at the moment, particularly within the digital signage, broadcast and entertainment sectors.

Infrastructure development is a key factor within this as everyone is striving to be more sustainable, replacing older technologies with new green solutions.

LPD has been extremely popular with its eco credentials dramatically lowering the total cost of ownership throughout the product lifespan.”

Distribution Strengths at IFC

InfoComm China Summit - a knowledge sharing platform

As one of the best highlights of the IFC 2013, Lightware Visual Engineering Asia – the Asian arm of the European AV gear manufacturer Lightware – premiered for the global stage a range of AV solutions that included the world’s largest HDBaseT matrix with 4K and 3D capabilities (80x80 matrix); and a 25G platform with 160x160 I/O fully HDMI capability. The company also demonstrated its Modex modular extender (1 video, 3 audio, 3 control and KVM) over single fiber among many others.

“We’re pretty much pleased with the turn out of the event here. It has reinforced our belief in the event,” said Aaron Lange, Sales Director at Lightware.

An important aspect of the IFC 2013 is a significant share of the show floor taken by distribution companies bringing in a wide range of solutions from global majors. Prominent among them were Wincomm – who exhibited Danish screen major dnp on a huge stand on one side, and Shure-DIS solutions on an equally big stand on the other side; DET – who exhibited a host of solutions from Barco, highlighted by the Belgian major’s latest HDQ2k40 projection model; Beijing Oriental Prime Connection who demonstrated QSC solutions; Beijing Pacific Budee Technology Development Co. Ltd (Budee Group) – who demonstrated a whole big range from TC Group, and Sennheiser, besides the new Neets control systems; TIO Group – who exhibited latest ranges from beyerdynamic and Hitachi, besides others; and Beijing Sanecore Electronical Acoustics Technology – who demonstrated televic conference solutions that were highlighted by the Belgian conference major’s latest uniCOS conference sytem.

Overall, there are many positives to hope for- for the IFC 2014.

InfoComm China 2014 will be held from 9-11 April 2014 at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. Going by the current indications, the event next year promises an even bigger showcase, with innovative pro AV technologies and new products. www.infocomm-china.com

The InfoComm China Summit, held in conjunction with the exhibition – comprising InfoComm University Seminars, Industry Tracks and Manufacturer Presentations – was also a huge draw. Over 40 sessions over three days attracted as many 2,367 participants, an increase of over 53 per cent over last year, and drew rave reviews from attendees.

Jia Hong Shuai, General Manager of Beijing Itsync Tech Co., Ltd. took part in the summit and found the program useful. "I've just attended this afternoon's seminar on SMART Interactive Display, and learnt a great deal! It's not easy to access such expertise domestically, and for a technical professional like me, as a system integrator, it is a big help in enhancing my level of knowledge and technical skills, this is an extremely valuable learning opportunity."

The enthusiasm of summit participants had also left great impressions for the speakers. Dataton's Marketing Director Fredrik Svahnberg was all praises for the summit attendees. "We've participated in the InfoComm China Summit over the past two years. Compared to the US and Europe, participants here are very eager to learn and their level of technical knowledge is also getting better by the year. Since 2011, I have seen significant improvement in their level of knowledge.

The format of the InfoComm China Summit is good in keeping audiences interested, and it's the right approach to keep the content commercial-free."

9 - 11 April 2014 China National Convention Center (CNCC) Beijing, China

www.infocomm-china.com

SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS IN A GLOWING CHINA WHILE TRADITIONAL MARKETS DIM, CHINA STILL GLOWS BRIGHTLY. China’s share of the global pro-AV market has been projected to expand from 27% in 2009 to 35% in 2015; while the US’ share stagnate at around 40% for the same period, and Europe’s pro-AV market shrink from 23% to 19%. Pro-AV systems sales in China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan) is forecast to double from $8.8 billion in 2012 to $15.3 billion in 2015 – or 73% of the entire EU market!

InfoComm China’s history of successes mirrors China’s AV market growth. The number of exhibiting companies increased from 191 in 2007 to 300 in 2013; and visitor attendance more than doubled from 8,500 to 19,400. InfoComm China has become an important source of learning and leads for both the Chinese pro-AV buyers and international AV systems sellers.

Sustainable success. Go for it. At InfoComm China 2014.

Organised by:

A project of:

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TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Digital Cooking: Proper Recipe for EDID

by Bertrand Jenner and Aaron Lange In this installation we would like to continue with our Digital Cooking theme from the previous installation, where we pointed out the differences between Hybrid Digital Matrix Switchers and Signal-Agnostic Fiber Matrix Switchers.

This time around, we will be discussing a term that is now ubiquitous throughout our industry and yet it is still confusing and often misunderstood: EDID. In this article, we will look at EDID from a cooking perspective in order to give you a “recipe” for applying it to your daily lives.

Our “ingredient”: EDID So, let’s start with the basics of EDID to give us a foundation with which to build our “recipe”. VESA created EDID back in 1994, not knowing the impact that they would have on the video world even 20 years later! EDID, which stands for Extended Display Identification Data, is often referred to as the passport of a digital display, as it is a data structure which describes the details and capabilities of it. For traditional VGA and DVI displays the EDID contains 128 bytes of information such as manufacturer, model number, serial number, product type, phosphor or filter type, native resolution, supported resolutions and timing, display size, bezel size, etc.

With the addition of HDMI in the year 2000 came EDID version 1.3 with an additional extension containing 128 bytes of information about video timing, audio capabilities, speaker allocation, and colour information (Deep Colour, xvYCC, etc.). This “passport” file resides in one or more read-only chips within each digital display in the HEX format, so unless you are intimate with this file structure, it will look like Alphabet Soup (hey, this is Digital Cooking, right?) when opened with a text editor. Of course, there are many software programs which can read and help you make sense of this file (See Figure 1 for an example).

timing and send the picture to the display (See Figure 2 for a snapshot of this process).

Figure 1

OK, but how does it work?

Before the DVI era, most of the EDID fields were obvious, but with the DVI mechanism, they became essential, because bad values or misinterpretation would result in a ‘No Picture’. For DVI and HDMI, the mechanism is quite straight forward. The source tells the display it has just been connected by applying +5V to the +5V power line of the DVI or HDMI connector. Then the display acknowledges by sending back +5V on what we call a Hot Plug line.

At that moment the source queries the display about its EDID thru the I2C bus (DDC line). After analyzing the capabilities of the display, the source is going to formulate the video signal

Now the recipe gets complicated If all we ever did was plug a source into a display directly, the story would be over and we wouldn’t be writing this article, because there would be few problems with EDID implementation.

However, too many chefs entered the kitchen when we started placing other equipment between the source and the display (or Sink, as it has been termed). By chefs, we mean manufacturers; you see, each manufacturer has their own implementation of EDID, and the poor source does not know who to listen to.

In the case where you wish to use an HDMI splitter to route a source to two locations, does the source listen to the EDID coming from the 1080P LCD in location one, or the EDID coming from the 720P projector in location two? Thus, we can use a colloquialism to explain the situation: “too many cooks spoil the broth”.

Figure 2: Taken from “Lightware: Behind the Scenes”

In cases where we have multiple displays, the signal issued by each of the sources has to fit all of the displays, in order for it to be a successful installation. But, this task is not as easy as it may seem. If you think by having the native resolution, aspect ratio, and interface for all the displays will solve the problem, think again! It’s like saying that a bowl of noodles will taste the same every time so long as they have the same noodles; it’s what’s in the broth that matters.

Even worse is trying to mix these fancy 2560x1600 resolution monitors with Full HD 1920x1080. This, my friends, is a recipe for disaster.

Everyone has their own EDID Management recipe these days Do you remember the time when all the HDMI product manufactures were blindly stating that they were HDMI 1.3 compliant? That wasn’t too long ago. What we found out, however, is that many of them were only compliant with one or a few of the specifications of HDMI 1.3 – not all of them. This led to many problems that would not have happened if everyone had played by the same rules. Unfortunately, the same situation is now upon us with regards to EDID management. Most DVI and HDMI product manufacturers are stating that they have EDID Management, or even Advanced EDID Management, but we need to look into the details of their management to see how effective each one is. The difference varies greatly.

In the past, EDIDs were read directly from the display when each crosspoint was made. Maybe you can remember experiencing black flickering while changing cross-points? When using a matrix, most everybody now understands that they have to present an EDID to all the sources regardless of whether the matrix is actively routing the source to a display. This way, sources that are not routed to actual displays think they are connected to something because the matrix keeps the Hotplug line high and they can read an EDID from the matrix.

This is called EDID emulation. In this way, we can ensure that our sources will consistently output a signal.

So how does one manufacturer’s EDID management recipe differ from another? Well, the main difference is how the optimal EDID is derived which will eventually be presented to each source. One method is to read the EDID from a connected display and present it to the source. This is commonly referred to as a setting called ‘External Mode’.

Memorizing and emulating an existing EDID that works for a source and a display is the common scenario in EDID management. Unfortunately, if you can’t analyze what you are sending to the source, this stage can be time-consuming and is not error proof. It requires that installers take the ‘try and apply’ strategy (which is largely unsuccessful) of learning the EDID while testing the last combinations of sources and displays.

An emulated EDID taken from an HDMI display, for instance, may contain a lot of resolutions that can be scaled up and down to fit the native resolution of the display. But this is specific to the equipment inside that particular display, and may not be common with all the displays, even though they share the same native resolution. For example, let’s say you want to transmit your content through a video conference codec while also displaying it locally.

A lot of codecs, especially the Full HD ones come from the video world and its broadcast standards. One known issue is that 3G-SDI 1080P timings are way different than consumer HDMI 1080P timings, and the signal that might work on your local display won’t be accepted by the codec.

Yet another strategy to attain the optimal EDID is to present a so-called Universal EDID to the source. The Universal EDID is one which contains a very broad timing range and almost all existing computer resolutions, DTV resolutions, along with all possible audio formats.

Some devices have this Universal EDID presented to the source if they select the device’s ‘Internal EDID’ switch. Most likely, presenting the Universal EDID to a source will result in some picture and sound being output if your source is 100% compliant, but it often isn’t the best match for your equipment. In a professional AV environment, using the Universal EDID could see even worse

results: guest laptops would be free to select resolutions that match their internal displays if the resolution is listed, and this weird resolution might not be compatible with all the displays!

Common laptop resolutions are 16:10 aspect ratio (1280x800, 1440x900, 1680x1050), making them difficult for many video displays to accept.

Now you can see that not every EDID Management recipe will produce the same “taste”.

The proper recipe Given the right utensils, an average chef can quickly elevate the taste level of their food, and create dishes that were here-to-for unattainable. The same applies with EDID Management. Ask yourself this question: am I currently able to read all the display EDIDs and analyze them, mix them, and ultimately find the common working ranges by stripping the unwanted resolutions and adding the right EDID features for audio that are needed? If your answer is yes, then you’ll be able to route any signal to any end point (display or audio-video decoder or other sink device) with the desired effect. One thing is for sure: this can’t be achieved every time with fixed EDID selection, memorized, or cached EDIDs. Bullet-proof EDIDs are either built from scratch or manually adjusted by the engineer while commissioning the installation. This task requires foresight and planning to be properly implemented. Just as in a kitchen where you must be the master of the ingredients, in AV installations, you must acquire the knowledge and experience to be the master of EDID and be able to concoct your own unique EDID recipe for proper EDID Management of each installation.

This article is contributed by Bertrand Jenner, Lightware Visual Engineering Asia Technical Director and Aaron Lange, the Sales Director at Lightware Visual Engineering Asia. You may get in touch with them at bertrand.jenner@ lightware.asia and aaron.lange@ lightware.asia respectively. SIA thanks them for their contribution. If you have an opinion on the piece please do write to thomas@spinworkz.com

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VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia June - July 2013

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Re-defining the industry David Labuskes, CTS, RCDD, CEO of InfoComm International To date, as an association, we have tackled the need for education, the need for quality and the need for certification and we have created a maturity around the AV discipline very effectively in the previous years – what I think comes next is an awareness of that discipline beyond the realm of the AV industry.

David Labuskes giving a speech at the “Meet the CEO” reception that was held in Singapore in March 2013.

It is hard for me to imagine that anybody involved in the AV industry hasn’t heard of InfoComm. What is almost as obvious is that once you step away from the AV industry almost nobody has heard of it – we have made efforts in the past and have had some success. So this is the next phase – we need to support our members by broadening the recognition and appreciation of the AV industry to the rest of the built environment and the rest of the professions that are involved in delivering solutions. We need to strengthen the live events aspects of our industry. And we need to reach out to those industries that are related to ours across the globe.

There is another piece of that – another question that requires an answer. What is the definition of AV and consequently, what is the definition of InfoComm? If we leave our definition so broad – that it is moving information from point A to point B then how do we focus – how do we develop any depth? If we limit ourselves as audio reinforcement and display then it becomes so narrow that the entire concept of enterprise, network and working in delivering information to human beings and solving their problems is lost.

If we truly want to solve problems we cannot just focus on a small portion.

This is a challenging issue that has been at the core of the resistance toward definition. Should we be called the Unified Communications rather than the audio visual industry?

Should we be talking about enhancing communications...those questions have to be answered. I think if we acknowledge and accept the fact that the basis of the entire industry is two things – that there is technology and human beings – and that maybe the definition of our industry is the inter connection of those two. Bringing the technology to human interface. If we focus on this then there will be better awareness and we as an association can help our members differentiate themselves for the end user and be recognised as a specialist field.

This will lead to a premium that justifies the AV companies’ investment in training their employees. This training will help to ensure that the installations are done at a certain benchmark quality. Almost any customer is prepared to pay for quality once they understand the definition of quality. I think that is part of our industry challenge – that our end customers often times do not understand what the potential for quality experience is. We all want exceptional experiences when interacting with technology in any way.

Our vision includes helping our members define or communicate what an exceptional experience can be, helping end-users acknowledge and experience it, and then to value it and pay for it.

“Almost any customer is prepared to pay for quality once they understand the definition of quality. I think that is part of our industry challenge – that our end customers often times do not understand what the potential for quality experience is.”

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VOICE BOX SSystems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Listening to people, to make them hear ‘beyer’ German audio major beyerdynamic’s recent India Partners 2013 programme in Bengaluru brought the company’s top brass in direct contact with the Indian market; its movers and shakers. While the company sought to present itself to the market through its recently set up India office, SIA took the opportunity to interact with the company's Managing Director Wolfgang Luckhardt, to know beyerdynamic's ideations on business. Excerpts: SIA: It’s been close to nine decades for beyerdynamic which is a unique attribute by itself. Tell us about its genesis and evolution through the decades…

Luckhardt: Well, it’s indeed a long story. However, my association with the company began just a little over a decade ago. Having said that, I can tell you that beyerdynamic – having been founded in 1924 by Eugen Beyer in Berlin – enjoys an illustrious history and many milestone achievements to its credit, and more for the benefit of the industry. Being an audio inventor himself, Beyer developed the world’s first dynamic headphone and first dynamic studio microphone, besides other industry-leading initiatives. The break-out of World War-II put some breaks on the company growth, and a little after the war ended, Beyer moved his business to Heilbronn. The company went on charting newer highs as it was always driven by passionate audio technologists. Continued innovation remained at the heart of the company evolution, and the essence remains the same to this day.

One of the biggest milestones, however, was the development of the first wireless conferencing system about 15 years ago. The company’s dynamism is also characterized by its foray into installed sound, particularly in microphones and headphones- a domain it continues to enjoy a dominant stake across the world. Then of course is the wireless microphone domain.

As the industry progressed, beyerdynamic established itself in three main segments: installation business; Pro Audio business for studio and broadcast and musical performances; and Consumer segment which took off on a great scale by the ‘80s. With the company’s focus being thoroughly on

technology innovation for install sound, the Consumer business admittedly got smaller by the end of ‘90s.

The turn of the century also brought about a decisive turning in beyer’s administration. The Founder’s son who was then General Manager had to retire owing to aging; so the family-owned business had to search – for the first time though – for someone from outside to lead the company. That’s exactly where I got the opportunity to be in the hot seat.

SIA: That’s a decisive move. How did it guide or determine the direction of the company?

Luckhardt: Oh, direction of the business under the new management! That’s a good question! I first listened to everyone, and watched the business we were doing at that time. I took sometime before I made my moves. First thing was to see that the healthy financial situation was maintained. I founded the management team with a flat hierarchy system; I invited managers from different sections to come to table; talk strategies: what did they think about the company's strengths, competition, and areas that needed plugging in. We spent some serious thought processes and worked out some remarkable characteristics to say ‘Yes, this could be the right way to do business and characterize beyerdynamic for the next 80 years.’

SIA: What exactly were the characteristics? How did you go about pursuing them?

Luckhardt: The characteristics did impact our direction. One- I was clear from the beginning- to maintain the three important businesses the company was operating- Install, Pro Audio and Consumer. Consumer business was arguably low with just three per cent of our total business, and was indeed reactive to our profits. However, we

wanted to maintain it since we did see a hidden promise in the domain. While maintaining that, my first big task was to develop the international market.

Logically, Germany being our home ground, we had a very large market domestically and in Western Europe; we also had a good share in the Americas too. So we needed to expand Eastwards, particularly the Asia Pacific, and countries like India, China, Japan and other potential geographies.

Another important direction was in the install sound domain. We needed technology brains who could constantly innovate product portfolios; consultants to grow the business; knowledge to experiment with technology models.

Moving accordingly, in the last ten years, we have developed significantly in all the chosen three domains, particularly in the consumer segment. As a result, our Consumer business grew from mere three per cent to close to 20 per cent; close to 48-50 per cent is Pro Audio, with remaining growth coming from Conferencing business.

Now, we are looking for good partners in various geographies to help us take our agenda forward, particularly in the Consumer segment.

SIA: Being a German manufacturer, you do have competitors who make almost equal if not bigger claims. How do you maintain the competitive edge?

Luckhardt: Hah! That’s indeed a big challenge. We manufacture products whose technology is unique to us, and we communicate this diligently to all our customers. More, we have our own representatives staying close to our customers and connecting the company on a regular basis.

SIA: How about the service factor?

Luckhardt: Yes, that’s been very important for us. We work to strengthen

our service network even as we update our distribution channels about latest solutions. We train them in various aspects so that they are able to handle any exigency situation without having to wait for the company engineer. As part of the current Partners’ Programme itself, we organized training for our India partners on the latest technologies.

Our Indian partners are now exposed to the new Quinta conferencing system, and the latest TG1000 digital wireless system.

SIA: Is beyerdynamic considering setting up a Service Centre in Bangalore or elsewhere?

Luckhardt: If our business in the region grows and demands us in the direction, we would certainly go for it. It does help us consolidate the business.

SIA: Enterprises globally have seen some tough times in the recent past due to a variety of upheavals. How has beyerdynamic fared in these times?

Luckhardt: Fortunately for us, we have been in a very positive situation. We have had some really encouraging business which was why we doubled our sales over the last ten years. We actually inferred a big crisis in 2009 when we had a sales drop, but we could maintain the positive tag overall. While the global scenario was admittedly very challenging, we identified many niches to do intelligent business, and that helped. I’m very optimistic that we can continue to do so to overcome challenges. We do see many opportunities as well. Our consumer business – which has grown to 20 per cent – is still low; so there is room and potential to grow. A big case in a point is India itself which has tremendous potential in all three domains of our business.

Summarizing, we were fortunate to stay independent of global upheavals, and maintain the positive growth.

SIA: Where do you see beyerdynamic positioned now, and where do you intend to position it in the coming years?

Luckhardt: We are a well-recognized brand in the professional audio business; we increased the brand awareness pretty much in the last ten years. However, we honestly do not believe we are so well placed in the consumer business, and that’s what we would like to achieve.

Our efforts have been to leverage the Internet medium to reach out to the younger generations which are more promising for the consumer business.

We want to have double digit growth every year in all our businesses. We do see tremendous potential in Asia Pacific, and particularly India.

We do see a few challenges as we move ahead. While we want to maintain the ‘made-in-Germany’ tag, we may have to involve some local content in some specific countries owing to the import regulations. We see this as quite logical in terms of employment, etc.

SIA: Would you be able to quantify the growth percentages and time factors?

Luckhardt: We want to maintain the ideology we have been practicing over the last nine decades- which means an overall double digit growth every year. For, the growth rate in Europe may not be the same as Asia and vice-versa, and so are the Americas. So, a 10 per cent or above annual growth in each segment overall would be ideal.

SIA: Having decided to have

direct presence in the India, how do you look at the strengths and potential in the region?

Luckhardt: India is a very special geography, a very unique culture; and offers a unique opportunity as well. I guess it was a perfect match that we met Naveen and developed a business model for the country. We would now have a bit of warehousing; service functionalities; and focus on increasing partners. Naveen has already prepared plan to go about and we are geared up for that. Surely, we would do this in a very different fashion than our big competitors.

SIA: How would you see the Indian market vis-à-vis other AP markets?

Luckhardt: Well, that’s a good question.

The world is different in different geographies; people, their cultures and thus their mindsets are different. So the challenges and opportunities for business would also be different which means we have to develop products keeping all this mind. What works well in Japan or China may not work in India and vice-versa. So, everything is challenging, and at the same time promising. The key factor I can say is ‘listen to the people, watch them, and understand what they want.’ We follow the same principle in every market place. www.beyerdynamic.com

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New Developments in System Integration

by Hagai Gefen, President, Gefen In the world of connectivity, large trends are taking shape that are changing the very landscape upon which we’ve operated for years. One of the most influential developments upon which our future is based is the rise of IP in audio/video installations. Today, nearly every AV device, most particularly displays, comes equipped with Internet connectivity. For years, Blu-rays and gaming consoles have been equipping their devices with Internet connectivity, making IP one of the most compelling trends we see shaping the future signal extension.

The ability to seamlessly switch between multiple sources and displays—all connected on a Local Area Network (LAN)—is of paramount importance. The multi-room, AV anywhere/anytime model is a development that has had a major impact on our own (Gefen) product development. This includes the first product in the industry to be officially certified by HDBaseT: the HDMI over CAT-5 with Ethernet extender. It uses just one CAT-5 cable to deliver 1080p full HD with Ethernet connectivity up to 100 meters in distance. It offered the first extension of all Ethernet 100BaseT features, enabling Internet access to be extended over the same CAT-5 cable as the HDMI signal.

Today, being integrated on a network offers greater possibilities for system integration than ever before, particularly the ability to monitor and maintain the entire system remotely using any interface with access to the network. In anticipation of the need for an inherent management solution for all hardware connected on the network, Gefen released its new GAVA (Gefen A/V

Automation) system. GAVA provides access to all audio/video devices as well as lighting and window shade control using a LAN. You can select sources, control volume, distribute video and more from any device that has a web browser, including smartphones, tablets and laptops. Automated systems can be accessed from anywhere, delivering always-on access 24/7. GAVA makes it simple and effective to control displays, sources, matrix switchers, distribution amplifiers, scalers and more from a central interface.

We see that the rise of smartphones and tablets has absolutely turned the industry on its ear. The ability to access, control and monitor your AV and more from anywhere on the planet, provided you have internet access, is a viable reality today. Anything that can link all your devices, be as easy and intuitive to operate as an iPhone and is simple to program like GAVA will be a compelling solution for integrators and end users seeking easy and convenient ways to control their connectivity.

This integration of traditional A/V equipment on a network brings up another key trend: the merger of IT and A/V. A/V has always separated itself from IT but this is changing. Tomorrow’s successes will be awarded to those who can offer a solid understating of the unity between computers and all other devices in the home. If you are not already training in IT basics from an A/V perspective, now is a critical time to prepare for adding new IT-based business services to your skill set. www.gefen.com

Vision South Asia - Mission Mainstream Danish screen major dnp – in association with its India partner The Sound Room – has recently launched its expansive dnp Visual Experience Lounge in Hyderabad. Ambitiously planned, and exquisitely designed to reflect a boutique impression, the Lounge is actually pepped up as the company’s ‘regional hub’ for its operations across Southeast Asia. The screen major has indeed drawn up grand plans, and is on what it called ‘mission mainstream.’ SIA interacted with Anjum Parwaiz (Sales Manager-Asia), Jaleel Sabir and Dharma Teja, Directors of The Sound Room to know what exactly is their grand vision, mission and passion. Excerpts: More, we see Hyderabad as a very strategically located and well connected with all the major market points in and outside India, particularly the SAARC and GCC regions besides countries like China, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Complimenting all that is the business potential the city has been growing with. It is turning more modern than ever, better than most developed cities in India, with an industry-friendly infrastructure. It also has many promising market segments around it than most other cities in the region.

SIA: What is the purpose of setting up the dnp Visual Experience Lounge, that too on such an ambitious scale?

Anjum: Yes, we are ambitious. In that we want this to be not only an Experience Lounge but also scale up – as we move ahead – as a regional hub for our operations across Southeast Asia.

We have some solid reasoning for this.

Obviously, we want to generate good business out of the highly potential market that this region is, and to achieve this, we need to educate various vertical market segments that we address.

While we do enjoy a very high level of brand awareness, we also needed some aggressive promos of the diverse range of solutions we have. To be able to do all that we needed a very demonstrative module where people can easily understand and experience the value, unique quality, technology, and services that we bring to them.

Like I said, we do not intend this to be just an India-centric space. Our vision is

to evolve this into a holistic regional hub for entire South Asia showcasing and supplying a whole basket of solutions and services across the region.

SIA: You must have done your research before launching the facility- would you please elaborate?

Anjum: Of course, we did. We started this initiative almost three-four years ago; we looked into several aspects like location, potential, capex, local partner support and more. For us, it’s a coincidence of two major aspects.

A strong local partner, and a strategic location. Our philosophy in having an efficient local partner is key to having good business. We have The Sound Room, our able long-time partner, based in Hyderabad and very strongly positioned in the region. That made Hyderabad a natural choice for us to have this base. The Sound Room is also our R&D Partner apart from being the Authorized Distributor, with whom we are developing new products/solutions.

SIA: What is your focus and perspective of business from this initiative?

Anjum: The initial part in phase-1 of our business is done. We set up the ‘spine’ of our operations in the region; we now need to add muscle and operative network to this - spread awareness across the verticals; attract user communities to experience the value proposition it gives; consolidate our position in the premium segment as well as make effective roads into the mainstream segment.

With our ‘base camp’ ready, we will now focus on spreading to the four metros, tier-I and tier-II cities in India.

Interestingly, since our stepping into the country in 1998, almost over 90 per cent of our installs were outside Hyderabad.

Having made such roots already, we want to strengthen them and proceed further, to expand to the mainstream.

SIA: What do you mean by mainstream? How do you intend to expand in the domain?

Anjum: For some (technical) reasons, we have all along been focusing on the premium segment. Admittedly, our product range has always been premium.

But we also see a pretty large segment

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lying outside which cannot take the premium costs. We call this mainstream for its sheer size. Our mission is to tap into this segment; develop solutions that are taken by it, at lower price points acceptable to it; and thereby build a substantial business domain for a long and sustained growth.

We would not obviously touch the low of the Low End; our focus is primarily the high end of the big Low End. Now the challenge is how do we do this without compromising on our technology standards.

Dharma Teja & Jaleel: There are two primary segments– Home and Commercial. When we say Home, it has to be high-end home; we cannot get into normal homes for the simple reason that we provide ‘premium’ home cinema solutions that cost anywhere between Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 50 lakh which is not possible in normal homes. When we say Commercial, we can bifurcate it into ‘critical’ and ‘non-critical’ applications.

Our edge has clearly been on the critical side- like Control Rooms, NOCs, Conferencing, Meeting Rooms etc. whether it is through channel sales or through dnp OEM route.

Technically speaking, this facility demonstrates two game changers. We intend to bring people to conferencing and meeting rooms with one - a very high ambient light, and still do the proceedings comfortably and clearly with front projection; two- dnp’s unique optical technology with rear projection.

This will continue to be our strategy in the times to come. The clear image viewing experience despite high ambient light setting was not known before the arrival of Supernova. The Hyderabad Experience Centre will demo this to its best level.

SIA: It’s been common manufacturers saying they would ship downgraded products to match lower price points.

Does it mean the same for dnp for addressing ‘under-premium’ segments?

Anjum & Dharma Teja: Certainly not.

We are exploring ways and means to provide same quality and standard solutions at lower price points. There are some components, in our manufacturing processes, that are non-critical. Maybe we would have assemblage base(s) in Hyderabad or elsewhere where we would procure/manufacture those noncritical, support components – matching our technology standards – locally and ship the dnp proprietary components to ‘develop’ customized finished goods locally. That we would have saved the costs of importing those non-critical components, those savings can be passed onto the customers. More, that such an initiative would obviously employ local workforce, it would also mean creating employment opportunities for local talent. That’s part of our vision, and in fact that’s what probably would be our next phase- should our plans now go well.

That this market spectrum – when considered across South Asia – makes a phenomenally huge geography, it offers a huge opportunity for us to expand.

We are currently working on how do we

develop a basket of solutions for the mainstream.

SIA: What product range does this initiative bring to market?

Anjum & Dharma Teja: We would like to bring all the products that the market takes. However, we would begin with motorized, retractable screens. This is for the simple fact that as much as 80 per cent of the market has been found to prefer these models.

SIA: Your vision and mission needs more nodal points of partnerships.

Your comments.

Anjum and Dharma Teja: We do have a partner in Mumbai and two to three in Delhi too. These partners essentially propagate the dnp technology and educate the market about the benefits and value proposition. They may not have a direct role in selling. However, these issues would have a better shape as we move ahead. While we haven’t authorized any particular AV player to represent us, we work with almost all them. On the principal side, it would be The Sound Room doing all the corporate activity. We would soon have our direct rep in Mumbai and elsewhere to carry this agenda forward.

SIA: These are also the days of Roadshows and focused programmes

to do promos. What would be dnp's route?

Anjum & Dharma Teja: We would not have promos that way. We believe experiencing dnp technology and product systems directly is more impacting. We, therefore, have exclusive demo teams to take the products and solutions to customers. At the same time, we will also invite the target community members to the Experience Lounge, and demo the range.

Going forward in time, we would have our main central Experience Lounge in Hyderabad, and Mini Centres or showrooms all over the country. We have already firmed up our plans for Mumbai and Delhi- most likely these two cities would have the showrooms this year (2013) itself; we are actually considering a big showroom initiative in Delhi. For the rest of India and outside, it may take roughly five years to have a perfect network.

Maybe we have not focused beyond the premium all these years, but like I said earlier, our goal is to capture the mainstream market, besides consolidating our premium business.

20 per cent market is Pakistan and the rest is taken by remaining geographies in the region. That India is central to this whole chain we made it central to our expansion plans too.

SIA: What is dnp’s perspective about the market size, strengths etc. in India?

Anjum: I think our grand plans, efforts and investment into this initiative itself make our perspective clear. We would not have done this if we had not seen the potential and specific advantages I listed above.

At End User level, our brand awareness is admittedly very low, that’s what this Experience Lounge seeks to improvise upon. It’s not just India, but China, and other neighbouring markets too, we are in the same situation. It’s therefore our effort to increase our brand awareness among the ‘end user’ communities as well as mainstream segments.

We do enjoy a very huge brand identity in the AV channels- almost close to 80 per cent. However, when it comes to sales, it is only around one per cent of the total identity area, i.e. premium.

SIA: How do you compare Indian potential vis-à-vis that in SE Asia?

Anjum: Oh, that’s very huge. Almost 60 per cent of our market is accounted by India. Coming a close second with some

SIA: Where does dnp intend to position itself in the next five years’ time?

Anjum: First of all, we would want every single player in the AV value chain - like consultants, integrators, vendors etc. to be fully aware of dnp solutions and service value adds. We would want to have a situation where every single AV player must ask him/ herself and the project developer ‘why can’t we have dnp solution here’. To have such a situation we need products that essentially match the price points.

Technology wise we are already there.

There is a wide and popular mindset for going for flat panels televisions today.

However, there is little realization that beyond the 60-inch flat panel, the cost is so huge that it often sounds prohibitive.

However, 100-inch dnp screen solution is much cheaper compared to the same size flat panel. We want to develop this awareness across the user communities – particularly the mainstream – to have better, cost-effective solution which is also technologically superior and long lasting. www.dnp.com www.thesoundroom.in

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VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia June - July 2013

Christie Digital - Keeping a Step Ahead Christie, without a doubt is a leading name in the Digital Cinema field. The company which is owned 100% by Ushio Inc of Japan continues to transform its business model in the Digital Cinema segment, to ensure that it stays ahead of the competition. SI Asia recently interviewed Lin Yu, the Vice President of Christie Digital Asia Pacific on how the company is keeping ahead of the curve. move from film to digital. Our ability to transform and take key decisions is what has made us a leading player in Digital Cinema.

SIA: Lin, could you start off with a brief about Christie's involvement in the Cinema industry?

Lin: Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. as a company has a strong tradition in Cinema. Christie acquired Electrohome in 1999 and that was the start of Digital Cinema. However we were already manufacturing projectors for the Cinema industry prior to this purchase and we were one of the four projector companies who were involved in the Cinema industry. Christie had won the Technical Oscar award for Cinema twice in 1983 and 1998 respectively. We are pleased and fortunate that we are the only one who have survived. For this we need to thank Jack Kline (President and COO of Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc.) who was sharp and identified that digital was the future. Of course this would not have been possible without the full backing of Ushio.

SIA: It is interesting that Ushio, which is in the lamp business, is actively supporting technologies that will affect them.

Lin: Ushio and Christie are innovative companies. We have been there right from the start when we introduced the

SIA: What are some of the milestones achieved by Christie in Cinema?

Lin: I am pleased to say that Christie has a number of Firsts in the industry.

Christie has different product lines and has been the First for different industry and market. Just speaking for the Entertainment business (Cinema), Christie was the First company who licensed DLP from Texas Instruments; the First to produce Digital projectors; the First to provide 3D capability for digital projection; the First to launch 2K DLP and the First to use 3D in 2K DLP. In 2010 everybody knew digital technology was the future but there was no real movement. Why should exhibitors spend on digital solutions? One reason was that digital could help in saving money on the distribution end. Christie was again the first one to recognise this and came up with a DCI compliant projector.

We also were the First to offer a 4K DLP commercial projector and the First to add the High Frame feature in 2011.

SIA: Christie offers a total solution package for Digital Cinema. Can you elaborate?

Lin: Of course. For Digital Cinema it is not just the projector but we offer a total solution. We come from a film background so we know what the end user wants and needs. Thus our solutions are very user friendly and reliable.

One key component is our Christie Xenolite lamps that provide very strong brightness which is great for 3D content projection. Our lamp technology ensures very high image quality, is reliable and offers high performance.

In addition we offer our own server, the IMB (Integrated Media Block) which now comes as part of our 4K and Solaria One projectors which makes it very easy for

the end-users to implement our systems and not rely on third party solutions. As options we offer the Cine-IPM which is a comprehensive image processor that offers image scaling, image processing and reformatting capabilities on standard and HD sources. Used with Christie’s line of Digital Cinema projectors, Cine-IPM 2K converts analogue or digital signals and can display almost any content, no matter the source. Then there is the Christie SKA-3D processor which connects digital cinema projectors to the widest possible range of 3D alternative-content feeds available in a single product. Combining powerful audio and visual processing, the Christie SKA-3D makes alternative content look and sound as spectacular as feature presentations.

For full theatre control we offer the Christie ACT which is a very powerful and flexible web-based programmable automation solution. Being web based, it is conceivable to have full control over all auditorium functions whether it’s light dimmers, masking motors, audio levels or the projector and server from any web capable device on the same network.

For theatre management purposes we offer the Christie Avias-TMS that enables the end-user to manage their content files, playlists, automation cues, Key Delivery Messages (KDMs) and hardware diagnostics, ensuring each screen in their fully-digital multiplex shows what they want, when they want it. Christie® AviasTMS™ Theater Management System helps by providing simple and efficient centralized management of a multiplex’s entire projection operation.

SIA: How does Christie intend to continue to be a leading player in Digital Cinema?

Lin: 2 years ago, Ushio America purchased a laser company. This is a very important step as laser represents the future. The company that was purchased

is called Necsel which is the developer and owner of the proprietary Necsel™ laser technology.

The Necsel technology, which was invented in 1998, is the first high power visible laser light source to combine mass manufacturability with a compact, low-cost package.

Necsel is able to deliver the necessary red, green and blue wavelengths to enter the consumer lighting marketplace in projection applications such as digital cinemas and front projection.

Laser wavelengths allow for desirable attributes like higher brightness, more saturated colours with wider colour gamut, and higher reliability for longer lifetime and lower operating costs.

SIA: How is this significant?

Lin: Laser has many advantages – Just to name a few, one is brightness and the other reduction in cost as there is no lamp. Brightness is very important for 3D. Exhibitors currently are not pleased with the 3D projection outcome because it is not what they expect.

Having said that, we did a demo in Beijing recently using laser projection. It was very well received. The brightness reached 72,000 lumens. In March this year, Christie also achieved a major breakthrough of projecting the 3D movie of G.I. JOE: RETALIATION at brightness levels of 14 foot lamberts (ft-L) – a ‘first’ in the world of commercial cinema projection – on a 65-feet wide screen.

The laser projection demonstration lasted for two weeks at AMC Theatre's (AMC) Burbank 16's ETX theatre.

As technology improves we expect the brightness to reach even higher lumens.

This, of course, also augurs well for 2D. We hope to be the first commercially available laser projector provider for Cinemas. This will be a game changer.

SIA: Till that comes about, what other steps has Christie taken to maintain its position in Digital Cinema?

Lin: Digital Cinema has increased tremendously worldwide so management has become a challenge. Film projectors are not so expensive and not so sensitive but digital is different. The cinemas

spend big money to install the digital projectors but how it runs, how it is maintained and how it is serviced is very important for the end-users.

So Christie again is the first company to build a Network Operation Centre (NOC) to monitor the customer's screens and manage it for them. This started 6 to 7 years ago. Currently this is available in USA. This actually came about when Christie offered this service to one of the largest exhibitors in USA, AMC. Now the NOC service is extended to different customers including those using our competitors' products.

However this is not enough – aside from this, we have a technical support team.

Where NOC or the customer is unable to resolve an issue, we send our technical team to fix it.

potential in this segment and thus came up with Christie Duo. Since our introduction of Christie Duo we have had significant traction. The first system was installed in Hoyts cinemas in Australia and there are also Christie Duo kits in Megabox in Korea. Interestingly one of their screens that feature the Christie Duo hold the Guinness record for the size of the screen. Christie is also instrumental in the installation of 12 Christie Duo in China under Wanda Group of cinemas.

Christie is committed to continuous innovation in technology. After digital cinema there is still a lot to do – the full solution, NOC and laser which will be a revolutionary upgrade. We are still contributing effectively to the Cinema industry.

Christie Duo solution at HOYTS

SIA: How does the Christie Duo fit into all these plans?

Lin: In essence the Christie Duo is a dual-projection integration kit. With it, you can generate twice the projected brightness for sharper, superior 2D and 3D images. But you get none of the high cost or hassle that comes with current industry ‘big screen’ premium solutions. You can purchase the Christie Duo integration kit with either 2K or 4K Christie Solaria® Series digital cinema projectors or as a stand alone integration kit for other Christie projectors.

The solution is similar to an IMAX system. IMAX has a very good brand name and they are strong with their technology. Our view is that our Christie Duo solution in comparison to IMAX is not significantly different in terms of the projected result. Customers were looking for an alternative that is a more affordable system and we saw the

SIA: In conclusion is it fair to say that the Christie Duo solution, the NOC for monitoring and maintenance and the impending introduction of commercial laser systems is going to keep Christie ahead of the curve in the Digital Cinema segment?

Lin: Yes, absolutely. In addition training is also very important. What we routinely do is schedule training for our own staff, partner staff and for our end-users. This coming together to ensure that we go beyond sales helps ensure that end-users get true value from their investments and more critically ROIs that will enable them to embark on new ventures. www.christiedigital.com

www.dbaudio.com

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