SIA OCT-NOV 2019 by Spinworkz Pte Ltd

Vol. 19 Issue 1 Oct-Nov 2019

[COVER] STORY

The 'First (of His Kind) Guru' Mapped in Technology

Systems Integration Asia Vol. 19 Issue 1 ~ October - November 2019

Feature: The Future of Meeting Rooms

Interview: Blake Augsburger of LEA Professional

InfoComm India: From Excellent to Exceptional

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CONTENTS Vol. 19 Issue 1 ~ Oct - Nov 2019

Immersive Experience for a Technologically Futuristic Town

FIRST WORDS

NEWS

76 54

FEATURE

The Future of Meeting Rooms

56 20

TECH TALK

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

'TAP' into the New Meeting Room Solution

SONY ADVERTORIAL

EVENT REVIEW

INDIA: COVER STORY Adiyogi - The 'First (of His Kind) Guru' Mapped in Technology

CHINA: Immersive Experience for a Technologically Futuristic Town

UAE: CT Installs 'A Palace in Motion' at Qasr Al Watan

INDIA: The Piano Man Jazz Club, Gurgaon

INDIA: Vesta Tech Collaboration Centre Finds New Vistas of AV

NIXT!

TRADESHOW PREVIEW

INTERVIEW

BOSCH: The Three Layers of Smart Building Solution

88 SI India Awards - Launching Indian AV on to A New Horizon

TRADESHOW REVIEW

Niclas Brattberg, Biamp: Mapping Market Strategy with Aggression

Blake Augsburger: LEA Brings A Differentiated Value Proposition

Integrate 2019: Interviews from the Show Floor

IFI 2019: From Excellent to Exceptional

INSTALLATIONS

ISE MD Mike Blackman on the Show's Widening Appeal

Navigating Archived Assets with Sony

Swadesh Khetawat, Green Sources: Value-Adding the Client Service Audio-Visually

Paul Fouracre: avt Charts its Course with its Eyes on the Future

Nvincy: Customizing AV Applications, Experience

VOICE BOX

The Changing Landscape of AV

ON OUR WEB

FIRST WORDS

The third edition of Systems Integration India Awards (SIIA) was definitely larger in scale in a few aspects than our previous editions. To accommodate the nearly 350 guests, we took up all the halls of the Grande Hall. We are also pleased that more brands joined our efforts as we expanded this year from our original six partners to 11 partners. A total of 12 Awards were presented from as many as 36 submissions from 22 systems integration companies. SIIA has also gone annual from this year and we look forward to an even more grander 2020 edition. InfoComm India continues to exceed expectations. There was a 17% increase in visitors and according to the organisers nearly 50% of the visitors were end-users. There certainly was a large contingent from the Higher Education segment comprising India’s top 35 Universities. Where solutions were concerned as many as 86 ‘new-to-market’ products or technology solutions stretching the whole big spectrum of AV-ICT, and allied industries were showcased amongst the 200 or so exhibitors. This issue seems to be inundated with interviews - we were just eager to hear from so many of the movers and shakers in the industry. We hope you will enjoy reading the thought process of our interviewees. Enjoy the read. Thomas Richard Prakasam Publisher / Editorial Director thomas@spinworkz.com

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

ART / LAYOUT Shankar Venugopal

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PUBLISHED BY Spinworkz Pte Ltd 71 Bukit Batok Crescent #06-13 Prestige Centre, Singapore 658071 Tel: (65) 63162716 www.spinworkz.com PRINTED BY Stamford Press Pte Ltd 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. Please be informed that products and company names mentioned in this publication may be protected with tradenames, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Our non inclusion of such symbols is not an indication of us not recognising the copyright but rather to have a common look across our articles. Misuse of tradenames, trademarks or registered trademarks is strictly prohibited. It is the obligation of our readers to check if company names and products are protected with tradenames, trademarks or registered trademarks.

NEWS

AVIXA Announces 2019 India Award Winners

INDIA: AVIXA, the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, has announced the winners of its first India Awards, which recognise outstanding AV professionals for their achievements and commitments to the AV industry in India. The winners in the six categories were named and celebrated during the awards ceremony held in the evening of the first show day, Sept. 18, at InfoComm India in Mumbai, in partnership with the System Integrations Awards, which honoured projects of the year. A dedicated awards committee selected the winners for the following categories, after reviewing nominations from across the AV industry: India Young AV Professional of the Year, India CTS Holder of the Year, India Women in AV, India Educator of the Year and India Distinguished Achievement awards. The winner of the Volunteer of the Year Award was selected by AVIXA staff. “The winners of our first awards program in India are accomplished AV professionals who have each made significant contributions to help grow the industry,” says Jonathan Seller, Senior Director of Development, Asia-Pacific, AVIXA. “Behind each nominee and award winner lies an inspiring story of passion, determination and leadership. The winners

of the AVIXA India Awards inspire their peers and represent examples of how this region continues to grow fast thanks to individual commitment and achievement.” The 2019 AVIXA India Award winners are:

•

India Volunteer of the Year Award – Rakesh Kumar, CTS-D, CTS-I

•

India Young AV Professional Award – Nitin Manjunath

•

India Women in AV Award – Sonali Singh, CTS

•

India CTS Holder of the Year Award – Leo Thomas, CTS-D, CTS-I

•

India Educator of the Year Award – TS Gopalakrishnan, CTS-D, CTS-I

•

India Distinguished Achievement Award – Manmohan Gupta

www.avixa.org

dnp Supernova at the Belt and Road ASEAN Big Data Laboratory

CHINA: The Belt and Road ASEAN Big Data Laboratory researches cooperative development and innovation in politics, economy, national defence and diplomacy in the China-ASEAN context. Regarded as a reference for future conference rooms, their new lab is designed with flexible podium and research spaces. And it follows the principle that users should be unaware of the technology supporting them. The rostrum area is used for big data visualization, decision-making and reporting. Its scale demands a very large, very high-resolution screen, which is why Wincomn recommended and installed a massive dnp Supernova Infinity Screen. At 12.6 m x 3.6 m and with 8K resolution, this modular front-projection screen delivers crisp and vivid high-contrast images unaffected by the bright ambient light. The research spaces have multiple zones, each with an ultra-short throw projection dnp Supernova STS 100” 16:9 Screen. Optimized for standard viewing angles, these cost-effective screens offer high contrast and image quality for demanding user environments - ideal for collecting, editing and publishing big data. The dnp Supernova Screen offers LED-like saturated colours while avoiding the eye fatigue caused by long-term exposure to bright active LEDs. It is also fully in line with the institution’s objectives for saving energy and protecting the environment. www.dnp-screens.com

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NEWS

Absen Delivers ACE Training in New Delhi

Leyard and Planar Named No. 1 Global Leader in Narrow Pixel Pitch LED Video Wall Market GLOBAL: Leyard and Planar, global leaders in visualization products, announced the company was named the No.1 market share leader in the $2.6 billion narrow pixel pitch LED video wall market according to the 2019 Video Wall Display Solutions Report by Futuresource Consulting.

INDIA: Absen held the 93rd ACE (Absen Certified Engineers) training session in New Delhi from Aug 28-30, India with 20+ technicians and engineers representing their different customers attending the training.

well as SI market. We plan to have at least 3-4 training sessions every year for the next three years so that we can help improve the knowledge level in the service industry. This is a start Absen will certainly benefit from.”

As a free-value added program for Absen customers, the training covers the basics of LED displays and expands to include more advanced technical knowledge and knowhow. Participating engineers and technicians had the opportunity to learn and master advanced LED display technologies, with hands-on experience troubleshooting real-life scenarios. Only the participants who passed both the written and hands-on exams were recognized as qualified Absen Certified Engineers (ACE).

As a trusted LED display supplier, Absen has a proven track record globally, and has occupied the position of leading Chinese exporter of LED displays for ten consecutive years. Absen has a 12 years’ history of exploring Indian market and also a close relationship with all their partners. According to Brian Cao, the sales director of Absen’s APAC market, “After years of innovation and development, Absen leads the way in LED display standards. We not only provide our partners and customers products of solid quality, but also service. We value the ecosystem of this industry and maximize customers’ value by providing professional and prompt service to our customers when collaborating on a project. Absen’s ACE training is part of the service systems, we also provide door-to-door maintenance service all across India.”

Absen provides not only high-quality products but also excellent service support, demonstrating its committed to providing maximum value for its customers. ACE training is a critical aspect of this commitment to service and support, as it ensures the human capital necessary to resource after-sales service in India and across the world. To this end, Absen has held 93 ACE training sessions that have produced more than 1300 certified engineers worldwide.

To know more about Absen’s ACE training schedule, follow @Absenled on Facebook platform. www.absen.com

According to Rajesh Patkar, Absen’s sales director of Indian market, “The first training session by Absen in India has been a success. It was attended by our partners in rental as © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

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The highly anticipated annual Video Wall Display Solutions Report by Futuresource Consulting was published in July 2019. As a result of recent industry innovation, the report defines narrow pixel pitch LED as a display with a pixel pitch of 2.5 millimeters or less, a decrease from 3 millimeters in previous years. In 2018, the narrow pixel pitch LED market, pioneered by Leyard and Planar, demonstrated a 33 percent growth on the previous year. “Earning these market leading positions in LED is a true testament to our extensive portfolio of video wall products available today,” said Zach Zhang, CEO of Leyard International. “Being named the No. 1 global leader in narrow pixel pitch LED for three years in a row, reinforces our commitment to introducing industry-leading display innovations that deliver the best visual performance, reliability and customer service, while setting a path for others to follow.” The report by Futuresource Consulting follows major LED video wall product announcements from the company, including the introduction of the new Leyard TVF Complete, a family of LED video wall solutions optimized for Full HD and 4K resolutions and available in 109-inch, 137-inch, 164-inch and 219-inch diagonal sizes. www.leyard.com

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NEWS

Vega Indonesia Celebrates 3rd Anniversary

INDONESIA: PT Vega Technology Indonesia celebrated its 3rd Anniversary at Wyl’s Kitchen, Veranda Hotel – Pakubuwono with the theme Vega for Indonesia. In its brief three years of being in the AV scene in Indonesia, the team has already conferred several milestones proven by its track record of delivered projects for both local and multinational companies in the region. In his speech at the Anniversary Dinner, Melvin Halpito, Vega Indonesia’s Country Manager, thanked all the employees, partners, and clients for the joint effort that lead to Vega’s success in Indonesia. Staying true to its slogan “Communications made easy”, Melvin hopes to elevate further the level of solutions and services that they provide for their clients. The Anniversary Dinner was supported by Vega’s partners lead by AMX by Harman,

Shure, and Epson. Kramer Electronics, ECS Indo Jaya, and Samsung also expressed their support for the event. A total of 75 people consisting of Vega Indonesia employees, loyal customers, and partners, as well as distributors, attended the 3rd Anniversary Dinner of Vega Indonesia. www.vega-global.com S

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Ayrton Chosen for Church of Our Saviour SINGAPORE: Ayrton MagicBlade-FX and Mistral spot luminaires were recently supplied to the Church of Our Saviour in Singapore by Ayrton’s exclusive local distributor, Total Solution Marketing Pte Ltd. The Ayrton fixtures were chosen for this very special space for a number of reasons, as technical director, Ron Chiam, explains: “Because we only have a small space, we needed fixtures that were small and compact, but at the same time powerful

enough to create a vibrant atmosphere. It was the first time we had heard about Ayrton, but soon realised that these were the fixtures to go for in the space that we had. They are used during moments of worship and are also used to create 3D-like lighting for our camera crew, so that they can capture what is on and off stage with ease. “We have four MagicBlade-FXs rigged up on our flybars in a V-shape, so that we can fan them out to create some eye candy effects, or close them in for that extra breath-taking moment when there are solo performances. Two Mistrals are situated on the floor on top of boxes at our stage lip. These help to colour and project patterns to the roof and side walls. Another two are hung out on our side bars to give the audience some colour.” Chiam was delighted with some of the special features and ease of use of the Ayrton fixtures. “One of the moments where these lights stand out is when you can blend two gobos together to create some sort of texture, without it looking like a messy array that distracts the congregation. Instead, each gobo is blended with another in different rotations to create a certain type of mood that makes it special and unique. The prism and gobos work well in the Mistral, and the MagicBlade FX’s tightness of beam and the ability to have different colours on each pixel is great. “These fixtures are straightforward and easy to use so my volunteers got the hang of them in less than an hour and, using an MA Dot 2 lighting desk, they were able to programme the most creative and alluring displays.” www.ayrton.eu

Ayrton MagicBlade-FX and Mistral add colour to the Church of Our Saviour in Singapore. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

NEWS

BAP Technology Consultants Holds Successful Showcase Event

HONG KONG: Occupying 7500+ sq. ft and featuring the latest AV solutions from 12 leading manufacturers, BAP’s showcase event held on 15 and 16 August 2019 in the Crystal Grand Ballroom in Holiday Inn Golden Mile, Tsim Sha Tsui was a great success. 12 exhibition booths showcased a wide range of latest Audiovisual and lighting solutions, including laser projector, LED wall, conference system, 4K signal processor, AI video content, streaming and recording, and collaboration furniture. The international brands represented included Absen, Aoto, Bosch, Epson, Extron, Lutron, NEC, Panasonic, Poly, Reach, Sony & TeamMate.

Targeted at end-users, designers, architects and contractors, guests were not only treated to the solutions showcase but could participate in focus group discussions and seminars which were hosted by industry professional who possess a wide variety of expertise, knowledge, and practical experiences. On showcase was Absen CR Series narrow pixel LED; Aoto Mini LED; Bosch DICENTIS wireless conference system; Epson’s new BrightLink EB-1485Fi interactive ultra short-throw, ultra-wide laser projector; Extron NAV Pro AV over IP solution; Lutron – myRoom guestroom control system; NEC – new 65 inch professional 4K UHD Display;

Panasonic zero offset lens range; Poly G7500 content and video conferencing solution; Reach Bee3 Plus lecture capture solution; Sony REA-C1000 artificial intelligence-based video analytics solution and TeamMate motorized height adjustable lectern. www.bap.com.hk

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NEWS

Clair Brothers Provides Unconventional Sound System Upgrade At Sokcho Art Center system as two line arrays in one cluster.”

SOUTH KOREA: Located in the far northeast of South Korea, Sokcho City (population: 84,000) is part of the Gangwon-do Province, which lies north of the 38th parallel only an hour south from the DMZ. In fact, until 1945 and the end of the Korean War, the city belonged to North Korea. This fact is one that makes the presence of an educational center for art and culture all the more important in the region; and why Clair Brothers takes special pride in playing a role here, with its multiple loudspeaker sound reinforcement system key to the delivery of music and cultural education in a part of the world where such things were once denied. Sokcho Art Center recently underwent a major renovation in its main hall/auditorium that involved interior upgrades to lighting, seats, acoustic wall treatment and the installation of an entirely new Clair Brothers sound system. Interestingly, the sound system is designed in a very specific manner that would be unexpected in most other markets, with the subs deployed in the middle of the main P.A. line array. J.J. Song, VP of sales, Clair Brothers Korea, explains that, “While this configuration is used on a case by case basis, it exists because of the size of our buildings and the available amount of land they sit on, especially in the center of the city, where to handle the necessary amount of people the rooms are designed to be taller and shallower than typical theaters. In these cases, the subs in the middle of the line array usually face toward the edge of the balcony and divide the top section of the array from the bottom. The key with this set-up is to have the ability to control and process the

The main P.A. is made up of nine Clair Brothers C8 line arrays per side; four flown CS118 subs; two stacked CS218 subs; three CAT115s as center fill; two kiT15s for stage fill; four 1AM stage monitors; and four 8CXs under the balcony – all powered by Clair Brothers/Lab.gruppen amplifiers. For this 600-seat room, considerations were made with regard to the quantity of speakers in each array as part of a determined speaker cluster’s location and height, and the system’s ability to fit within a set budget. An Allen & Heath dLive S5000 mixing console was also installed. How did it come to be that Clair Brothers was specified for this install? Seong Keun Ahn, chief engineer, Clair Brothers Korea explains: “In 2018, we did a C8 line array demo for a selected group of audio engineers in Korea. They were impressed and praised the quality of the sound and the high SPL out of a such a compact box. Especially noteworthy in the C8 speaker design is the ‘integrated passive crossover network’ that can reduce the amp channel count required while functioning as a bi-amped three-way speaker. We must give a great deal of credit to Josh Sadd, Clair Brothers chief design engineer, for designing technology that saves client budgets without compromising sound quality. Here in Sokcho, we held a competitive system demo right in the art center – Clair Brothers versus two other top brands. The demo took place in front of Sokcho Art Center officials. Of course, they chose Clair Brothers!” Hyo-Seong Song, technical director and chief sound engineer at Sokcho, elaborates, “Our Clair Brothers system is like an extremely well-built car. It drives as you drive without compromising quality.” This is saying a lot given the dynamic range of performances taking place in the auditorium, everything from city conferences and dramas for kids, to classical music, Korean traditional music, K-Pop performances, and even heavy metal bands. “We are enjoying every bit of it!” www.clairbrothers.com

PT. ENE Indonesia Moves To New Building To Support Growth

INDONESIA: Electronics & Engineering Pte Ltd (E&E) is pleased to announce the recent relocation of their Indonesian branch PT. ENE Indonesia office in Jakarta. The new 4-storey office space provides ample capacity and brings together customer support, sales, engineering, and a showroom to showcase products to potential and existing clients. ‘’We were fortunate to find such a wellserved space. Our new location and enhanced operations efficiencies will help us continue to grow and develop to keep pace with our clients’ needs,’’ commented Mr. Ronald Goh, Managing Director, Electronics & Engineering Group of Companies. PT. ENE Indonesia is now located at Jl. Gunung Sahari Raya No. 1, Mangga Dua Square Blok A No. 9, Jakarta Utara 14420 and can also be reached via email at: eneindo@ eneindonesia.com www.enepl.com.sg

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NEWS

Tripleplay and ONELAN Unite to Create Digital Signage and IPTV Powerhouse expansion and service plans.

Steve Rickless with Jeff Hiscox, Uniguest CEO

UNITED KINGDOM: Tripleplay, a leading developer of IPTV, digital signage, and video streaming solutions has been acquired by Uniguest; following its acquisition of ONELAN in June 2018. Merging Tripleplay into the Uniguest portfolio provides mutual access to technology, expertise, and partners as the digital signage industry continues to undergo a period of consolidation amongst providers. As part of Uniguest, this new division will be a key component of a global organisation that enables Tripleplay and ONELAN to leverage the group’s financial and support infrastructure to drive significant global

With ever-increasing demands to deliver live TV and video as part of a digital signage solution across key verticals, combining the respective strengths of the two organisations ensures customers can confidently access the best-in-class IPTV and digital signage as a complete solution from a single global organisation to meet their customers’ specific requirements. The newly formed group of Tripleplay and ONELAN shares a common customer-centric approach, are culturally complementary, and will be able to exploit the significant levels of technical skills, sales, research, marketing, and product sets from both organisations, thereby benefiting clients and partners globally. The acquisition presents the strategic opportunity for Uniguest to market Tripleplay’s award-winning IPTV and interactive portal to its own hospitality and senior living clients, while extending its reach with a complementary partner base for

products; specifically, in the stadium, large enterprise, and banking verticals. The combined Tripleplay and ONELAN organisation will be led by Steve Rickless, Tripleplay’s CEO, with the support of the Tripleplay and ONELAN executive teams. Tripleplay and ONELAN will continue to operate from their respective offices with their current team members. “This acquisition is a game changer for Tripleplay and will bring significant advantages to our valued customers and partners,” Rickless said. “Our market-leading solutions combined with the ONELAN product set will be one of the most powerful combinations available in today’s market, and the partnership will allow us to deliver innovation and enhanced service. Backed by the strength of Uniguest, this gives us the opportunity to deliver our aggressive strategic vision for the business.” www.tripleplay.tv S

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HARMAN Professional Solutions Raises the Curtain at the National Academy of Performing Arts console to ensure professional mixes and dbx processors to further refine the sound. “At NAPA, we host a wide range of worldclass performances throughout the year by artists from around the globe,” said Ashad Mehmood, Engineer, NAPA. “We required a high-end audio system that delivers impeccable sound without the aid of a rental company. KYAF suggested a comprehensive HARMAN audio solution to meet our diverse requirements and we have been very impressed with the results.” PAKISTAN: Pakistan’s National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) recently partnered with KYAF Corporation (KYAF) to upgrade the performing arts studio experience with world-class HARMAN Professional Solutions audio systems. KYAF Corporation equipped the studio with JBL Professional speaker systems, including VRX932LA line array systems, PRX818XLF subwoofers and EON 612 portable speakers.

The team powered the speakers with Crown XTi Series amplifiers. To ensure clarity and balance throughout the venue, KYAF Corporation supplied a wide range of AKG microphones, including WMS420 wireless microphones, D5 vocal microphones, P4 instrument microphones, HM1000 hanging stage microphones and a Drum Set Session 1 drum microphone set. KYAF Corporation also provided a Soundcraft Si Impact digital mixing

“It’s been our pleasure to collaborate with NAPA and bring engaging audiovisual experiences to the forefront of their program,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “We thank KYAF for their unwavering confidence in HARMAN products, delivering quality sound during engaging lectures and immersive performances.” www.harman.com

NEWS

India’s First Integrated Control & Command Centre Goes Live

Xtreme Media, BOE Join Hands on Digital Signage

Sanket Rambhia, Managing Director, receiving the Certificate of Strategic Partnership from Guo Chao, VP-Global Sales Platform, BOE

INDIA: India’s hard rolling Smart City Mission received a major boost as the central Indian State of Madhya Pradesh recently launched the country’s first Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC) for all seven Smart Cities to be developed in the State. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurated the ICCC at a glittering programme recently. The ICCC – set up at the Bhopal Smart City Development Corporation Limited (BSCDCL) edifice at Barkheda area of the State capital Bhopal – essentially runs on a cloud-based Universal Internet of Things (UIoT) platform developed by IT giant Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) who custom devised the end-to-end solution comprising industry leading servers, Edge compute systems, HPE PointNext services and a broad ecosystem of partners. The UIoT platform functions by virtue of a multitude of discrete GPS sensors installed in all public utility services and vantage points, across the seven cities’ locations and networked to the dashboard of ICCC. It thereby effectively captures the real-time data from across those locations in diverse areas such as traffic management, transport management, waste management, water management parking, street lighting, and

public safety besides the weather situation, and generates on-the-spot data. The authorities, therefore, can remotely monitor, manage and control various citizen services via the single dashboard. The authorities, therefore, can take proactive measures and informed decisions towards a smart administration. Commending the authorities for the prestigious ICCC commissioning, Hardeep Puri said the ICCC would keep an eye on civic amenities in the chosen Smart City areas like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It may be reckoned that Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Satna, and Sagar have been selected for development of Smart Cities under Mission in Madhya Pradesh. These seven cities are part of the 99 cities approved by the Government of India at a budgetary outlay of approx. US$ 30 billion, as part of the country’s most ambitious development programme ever. Launched in 2015, the Government of India has already approved as much as ₹98,000 crore (approx. US$ 14 billion) for the 50:50 Centre-State partnership programme. About 1,300 projects are said to be underway. S

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INDIA: Leading Indian LED display solutions provider Xtreme Media, and Chinese intelligent interfacing solutions major BOE Technology Group have entered into a strategic alliance towards forging a new formidable digital signage solutions business. Xtreme Media has a legacy in LED displays and digital signage solution with many prestigious projects and noteworthy client portfolio. This partnership with BOE will not only expand the product portfolio of Xtreme Media but will also help them provide a turnkey solution to its clients. Xtreme Media is known for its web-based software which is currently powering over 20,000 displays worldwide while BOE is globally recognised for its innovative display design and manufactures professional panels of 4K resolution with ADS technology. For any large-scale project, the smooth execution with reliable service and support is as important as the product itself. This is where Xtreme Media’s versatile experience play an important role. “Xtreme Media and BOE partnership brings together best of both worlds,” said Sanket Rambhia, Managing Director of Xtreme Media. “Revolutionary ADSDS display technology meets the powerful XtremeSignage software,” he said. “This expands Xtreme Media display portfolio to LCD displays and standalone displays such as kiosks.” Xtreme Media with BOE will be able to execute turnkey projects with an end to end responsibility of designing, supplying, installing, commissioning and maintenance of professional displays providing world class solutions. www.xtreme-media.in www.boe.com

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SOLUTIONS UPDATE

Lightware Introduces Three New VINX Models

B-Tech Unveils New and Improved Screen Mounting Interfaces for their System X Range

VINX 110AP-HDMI-DEC

Lightware VINX series devices are popular products ideal for gigabit networks. They can also run in point-to-point configuration and have diverse application possibilities, especially recommended for applications where scalability, flexibility and rapid deployment are in focus. They are simple to install and to operate, and have numerous built-in services. The open API of the VINX devices allow easy integration with third party systems. The three new models are the VINX-110APHDMI-DEC, VINX-120AP-HDMI-ENC and the VINX-210AP-HDMI-ENC. The operation of the models can be expanded from a simple point-to-point application to unlimited endpoints for the ultimate in virtual matrix switching, digital signage and signal extension. The extenders include Advanced EDID Management system and the decoders are capable of scaling the video signal up to the maximum supported resolution of 4K UHD @ 30 Hz. RS-232 and IR control channels are supported. The built-in USB ports support KVM function and can also handle USB 2.0 mass storage. The units are HDCP compliant. These models feature options for fiber optical transmission in the form of an SFP port, audio embedding and de-embedding, and also return audio features. These VINX devices can be powered by PoE remote powering. Contrary to common belief, PoE systems, like VINX, can run on much less power than PoE+ devices, contributing to carbon footprint reduction and energy saving. Nevertheless, VINX devices can also receive power from PoE+ sources as well. While VINX-210APHDMI-ENC has a direct VGA input port,

VINX-120AP-HDMI-ENC features a local HDMI output port for monitoring. One of the most popular of unique features of VINX is the Video Wall setup, reducing the time needed to install a video wall to a fraction of the time needed with other systems. The feature options include gap and bezel adjustment, which can be performed in batch. The efficient design of all VINX models allows passive, fanless cooling that ensures noiseless operation, fitting even the most silent application environments. VINX series also features crosspoint view: available in both the free Lightware Device Controller (LDC) management software and the built-in web in the devices, the crosspoint view shows the available input and output ports of all connected encoder and decoder units, and allows switching the signals across them. The signal can also be switched to a video wall output assembled from several VINX units and acting as a single display sink. A special keyboard combination can be linked with various sources to switch signals. The built-in, selectable Video and Graphic Modes optimize streaming and compression to match the transferred media. The Variable Bitrate feature provides an even more accurate adjustment option for smart bandwidth management, adjustable between 10 Mbps and 800 Mbps. lightware.com

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B-Tech AV Mounts, has announced a series of performance enhancing updates to its System X VESA 400 interface arms with microadjustment (both the standard and pop-out variations). Ideal for assembling videowalls, menu boards and other multi-screen applications, the range provides customers with a clean and uncomplicated solution for mounting any medium to large size screen (up to 50kg) to B-Tech’s System X horizontal mounting rails. With universal compatibility, tool-less micro adjustments for perfect alignment of displays (in either landscape or portrait orientation) - coupled with its simple ‘hook-on’ design for a quick and easy installation, the System X range has become the go-to choice for integrators. Developed further by B-Tech’s leading design team using invaluable feedback from the market, the company has recently added some significant enhancement to its standard (BT8390-VESA400MAF) and pop-out (BT8390VESA400MAP) interface arms. Updates to both models, which are now in stock and available, include increased height and depth adjustments using thumbwheels with directional guides to assist with the micro-adjustment, a more compact design allowing for a closer to the wall installation and improved lateral movement of the screen once mounted. Screen size compatibility has been expanded and the interface arms now feature two rows of interface holes for a more user-friendly attachment to screens. www.btechavmounts.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

Canon Unveils Three New LCD Panel Projectors with Long-Life Lamps use — from corporate meetings and other professional occasions, to classroom lectures and workshop demonstrations. These projectors are also commonly used in digital signages for retail outlets, to meet a wider and more diverse range of customer requirements.

Canon raises the bar of high-performance projection by adding three new models with LCD panels to its LV Projector series. Each of the three new LCD models — the LV-WU360 WUXGA, LV-WX370 WXGA and LV-X350 XGA — features a newly designed, long-life lamp with a lifespan of approximately 20,000 hours in Eco Mode operation, twice the capacity of other comparable projectors. These new LCD projectors are amongst the most in-demand machines for daily

New microlenses 1 on the RGB LCD panels of both the LV-WU360 WUXGA and the LV-WX370 WXGA models enable the use of a 3-primary-colour LCD shutter projection method that results in improved light-use efficiency and greater brightness. In terms of brightness, the LV-WU360 WUXGA (1920 x 1200 pixel resolution) achieves 3,600lm, while the LV-WX370 WXGA (1280 x 800) achieves 3,700lm and the LV-X350 XGA (1024 x 768) achieves 3,500lm. The new LCD projectors also come equipped with improved colour balance of projected

light, resulting in bright and vivid image projection. All three projectors are also equipped with an Auto- Keystone function that automatically corrects distortions in projected images. With improvements to the drive system, in addition to the long-life lamps in the three new LCD models offering 20,000 hours in Eco Mode, the projectors also provide 10,000 hours of lamp hours in normal operation mode, meaning lamp replacements will be less frequent, saving on maintenance costs for users. On top of overall projection efficiency, the three new projectors are also highly portable and lightweight, with dimensions of 345 mm (W) x 99 mm (H) x 261 mm (D). The LV-X350 XGA and the LV-WX370 WXGA weigh approximately 3.2kg, while the LV-WU360 WUXGA weighs approximately 3.3kg. www.canon.com.sg

PHONUM YOUR WORLD YOUR CONNECTION The Wireless Bluetooth® Speakerphone for all types of calls – speaking freely one-to-one or with a group of people EXCELLENT 360° VOICE RECOGNITION GECKO beamforming technology with three voice tracking modes: FIX, FOLLOW, 360° PHONUMENAL 360° SURROUND SOUND Downfire Speaker provides equally distributed sound FOCUS ON ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Best-in-class Echo cancellation especially in double-talk situation

www.beyerdynamic.com/phonum

beyerdynamic Asia Pte. Ltd. • 66 Tannery Lane, #01-04H Sindo Building © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019 347805 Singapore • Phone +65 62844980 • E-Mail: jannavie.dhillon@beyerdynamic.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

Christie Announces World’s First True HDR 4K RGB Pure Laser Projector for the Pro-AV market and can connect directly to a Christie Terra SDVoE system. Christie Eclipse also supports Christie Mystique an automated, camera-based warping and blending tool that simplifies the deployment and maintenance of multiprojector arrays. www.christiedigital.com Christie continues to push the boundaries of projection technology with the launch of Christie Eclipse, a 4K RGB pure laser projector featuring Christie RealLaser illumination, true HDR and an unparalleled colour gamut for the Pro-AV market. Christie Eclipse is capable of a degree of detail and depth of colour that has never been possible with any Pro-AV projection system. With true HDR, Christie Eclipse can process and reproduce HDR content on screen, in 4K resolution, at both high and low brightness levels. The result is a contrast ratio of up to 20,000,000:1, which ensures that the finest details are visible, even in extreme black and white ranges. With an expansive colour gamut approaching the full Rec.2020 and Rec.2100 colour space, Christie Eclipse produces highly saturated colours for truly immersive experiences and exceeds the Rec. 2100 200,000:1 contrast ratio specification by 100 times. With RealLaser illumination, 4K resolution and high frame rate capability of up to 120fps, Christie Eclipse can deliver smooth, dynamic content without distracting blur, which is critical for planetariums, giant screens and themed attractions such as dark rides and flying theaters. Christie Eclipse offers the flexibility to customize the brightness level to suit the environment, from 2000 lumens up to 30,000, features Christie TruLife electronics for 4K at 120Hz performance, and Christie Twist software for warping and blending capabilities. An optional Christie Terra input card is available, which offers more efficient AV integration and connectivity solutions for Christie projectors with TruLife Electronics

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Tripleplay Launches Trio of Brand-new UIs for all IPTV and Video Streaming Solutions

user interfaces, ensuring Tripleplay’s platform remains at the pinnacle of the enterprise video industry and continues to deliver a quality experience for clients across the globe. The platform is optimised for use as a video communications and training tool for use by day-to-day employees, not technical experts. This redesign allows Tripleplay to deliver a solution more akin to what the end user expects, with an experience that is simple and intuitive and an interface that is modern, eye-catching and professional. Tripleplay’s new Enterprise Portal is available on Samsung, LG and Philips Android Smart TV, Amino STB and BrightSign Media Players, on Windows, Mac and Citrix for desktop delivery and on Android and iOS for mobile. www.tripleplay.tv S

I A

Audio-Technica New Low-Profile ATW-A410P UHF Powered Wideband Antenna

Tripleplay has announced a major revamp and relaunch of its IPTV and video streaming solution, with full redesign of front-end user interfaces with a focus on enhancing user experience and creating a unified, professional platform for delivery of enterprise video. The revamp brings a brand-new interface for the Tripleplay Enterprise IPTV Portal, Mobile Media App (MMA) and Media Portal for its MVP desktop app; a trio of solutions that when aligned with Tripleplay’s TripleSign Digital Signage creates a full, end-to-end enterprise video platform. Tripleplay’s enterprise video solutions allow businesses and organisations to deliver video everywhere its needed, across an IP network, wherever and whenever on the device or display its needed. Working with expert UI and UX designers,Tripleplay has created three new

Audio-Technica’s ATW-A410P UHF Powered Wideband Antenna, is a low-profile UHF (470-990 MHz) antenna that mounts to a wall or ceiling. It features a 4-position switchable amplifier (-10 dB/0 dB/+6 dB/+12 dB) to compensate for cable loss, along with an LED indicator to display the current gain setting. To accommodate various installation environments, the antenna’s BNC cable can be configured to exit from the top, side or rear of the antenna. Mounting bracket and screws are included. www.audio-technica.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

Symetrix Composer 7.2 Adds Email Notification, Amp Monitoring, and More to-text gateways, SMS text messages may also be sent.

Symetrix, has released Composer 7.2 for Windows, the latest version of its powerful, yet intuitive programming software for Edge, Radius NX, Prism, and Solus NX DSPs. Composer enables integrators to program a complete end-to-end DSP signal path using just one application. Version 7.2 adds several important features. The new Emailer Module enables sending email notification directly from the DSP hardware, triggered by any event in the DSP design. By using commonly available email-

Amplifier monitoring and control has been added for the Powersoft Duecanali, Quattrocanali, Ottocanali, X4, and X8 amplifiers, and for Panasonic WP-DM9XX amps. This enables Powersoft amplifiers to communicate current, alarms, thermal, and impedance stats directly to the DSP for realtime display on portable and fixed devices. The number of simultaneous TCP/IP connections Control Server can host has been dramatically increased from 6 to 1,000, allowing far more simultaneous users and control interfaces. A new right click Change Unit Type option has been added that transforms a site file DSP into any other Symetrix DSP hardware type, making it easy to convert a design from, for example, a Radius 12x8 EX to a Radius NX.

In-place copy transfers all processing, control assignments, and SymVue control screens that are not connected to physical device I/O. This makes every design file a viable template. Composer 7.2 adds a host of other features. The new UpDown fader type changes any fader images to create user-friendly touch controls for incrementing or decrementing a parameter. You can edit text in place for buttons, label, and text objects, which is faster and more intuitive than using the Properties pane. A hot key enables changing font size when designing control screens. A reorganized Toolkit in Site View lines up audio, network, and control tools logically by type. In matrix selectors, the display of the selected input now shows the input name instead of the channel number. www.symetrix.co/products/composersoftware

L MALLER BEFORE S EVER 4K ONGER Than

WWW.OPTICIS.COM NEW PRODUCT

Than

DPFX-300-TR DisplayPort 1.2 Optical Fiber Extender

www.opticis.com Opticis HQ 7F, 166 Jeongjail-ro, Bundang-gu, Sungnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13558, South Korea Tel: +82-31-719-8033 Fax: +82-31-719-8032 Email: tosales@opticis.com

- DisplayPort 1.2 data rate up to 21.6 Gbps over one LC multi-mode fiber (OM3) - Extends 4K 60Hz (RGB: 4:4:4) up to 200m (656ft) - Supports Dual-mode DP (DP++) - Supports Auxiliary/IÂ˛C channel over fiber - Supports Multi-Stream Transport - Provides compact design allows direct connection toÂŠDisplayPort source and display Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019 - Provides data security with negligible EMI emission

SOLUTIONS UPDATE

Sony Releases NextGen NUCLeUS, Smart Imaging Platform for Hospitals •

Workflow enhancement through NUCLeUS smart applications such as rotation correction.

IT-oriented features:

•

Fully scalable solution which can be easily extended to other rooms or hospital buildings at any time.

•

Provides IT managers with a secure and encrypted way of remote and preventive solution maintenance, including selfmonitoring capabilities.

pro.sony Sony has released a new, more user-friendly workflow version of its vendor-neutral medical imaging platform, NUCLeUS. The next generation will offer hospitals a streamlined digital imaging workflow and create valuable efficiency improvements. It can also easily deliver key information, such as video and audio wherever and whenever it is needed across the whole hospital campus. NUCLeUS offers hospitals a host of new revolutionary benefits. From enhanced training and education tools to costeffective networked medical image content management. It can boost the performance of all imaging applications and service offerings in interventional suites, operating and examination rooms. It also provides users with a real-time transmission function, which helps clinicians and management teams make more informed decisions. A new world of smart medical applications is emerging, and Sony is committed to helping healthcare organisations streamline their imaging workflows, so clinical staff can provide the best professional offerings. NUCLeUS aims to be the ‘operating system’ for medical imaging in hospitals by contributing to operational efficiency, safety and quality improvements and providing tools for better informed clinical decisions. The secure and ultra-fast connectivity to an almost unlimited on or off-premise computing power, a toolbox for signal

processing and new AI technologies bring OR integration and real-time data processing in hospitals to a completely new level of workflow efficiency in healthcare. NUCLeUS showcases the continued Sony investment in providing a flexible and futureproof software-based environment for the healthcare industry. It introduces a new suite of NUCLeUS smart applications and is designed to utilise existing hospital network infrastructures as much as possible ensuring a fast return of investment. The new additions and improvements available in the next generation of NUCLeUS include: Workflow-orientated features for clinicians include:

•

Ability to handle multi-format, multistandard and any resolution up to 4K.

•

Enhanced streaming and recording of high-quality audio and video, powered by advanced video switching and routing capabilities.

•

Improved image routing and viewing options, enabling smoother imaging workflows through all phases of a surgical intervention, from the planning stage to post-operative patient reviews.

•

Updated education and teaching broadcasting capabilities by using real-time communication tools such as smarter annotation features.

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Just Add Power Introduces New Instant Install Application

Just Add Power (J+P), a leader in Ultra HD over IP video distribution has expanded its Just OS firmware ecosystem with the addition of the Instant Install application. With the Instant Install app, installers can easily incorporate any gigabit switch that supports jumbo frames — managed or not — into their J+P matrix. They simply connect their devices anywhere on the switch and click a single button, and their devices are found and configured, and a driver is built — all in less than two minutes. In addition to the Instant Install app, the Just OS ecosystem comprises J+P’s PlugPlay-Present logic control for intuitive and reliable connection and switching of sources; the Switch Please web application for matrix switching of any J+P device from any web browser; and the Every Switch Supported firmware, which allows integrators to build any size 4K matrix on an existing network without having to change switches. www.justaddpower.com

ADVERTORIAL

Navigating Archived Assets with Sony With the explosion of data, the importance of timeless data management is crucial where assets are managed effectively, stored safely and utilized along with older assets effortlessly. Choosing the right archive workflow is the only way to protect and extend the life of your valuable assets.

•

Efficently manages assets, using metadata extracted and recorded in a database that displays a list of archived files, thumbnail images, and proxy video for preview

•

Advanced powerful searches is possible using speech-to-text and/or face recognition

Being well prepared in advance is the best data management policy. As an industry standard concept, the 3-2-1 backup rule ensures that data survives any likely harzards. It requires users to have at least three copies of the data, with two copies stored on different media and the last copy located offsite. The multiple copies required by the rule provides a safety net for users from losing primary data together with backup copies – mutiple locations ensure that there is no single point of failure.

•

Retrieves archived files on cartridges to a computer

•

Manages a range of offline features such as printing of cartridge labels

•

Supports Checksum Archive functions

Content Manager allows users to effortlessly manages their assets

Applicable to most industries, the 3-2-1 backup rule is a way to protect valuable assets from loss or corruption. A good example of media would be the Optical Disc Archive (ODA) solution from Sony. A tapeless high capacity digital archive system suitable for both nearline and deep archive application, Inter-generational compatible and scalable, ODA from Sony ensures data are stored securely with its future-proof technology and reliability. With a low total cost of ownership, the solution involves the use of multiple bare discs contained within a very robust cartridge, and a dedicated disc drive unit with an associated software. Setting the benchmark with its speed and dependable access, ODA ensures business continuity for now and in the future. Archive application software features Apart from the hardware aspects, operating the system is equally effortless with a variety of content management software applications from Sony. The Optical Disc Archive Software is a basic tool that allows users to copy and paste files from a computer connected to disc drive unit. With the Content Manager, users are equipped with the necessary tool to streamline the storage, retrieval and management of data and content with a simple to navigate user interface. Complimentary with every purchase of the drive unit, the software offers a wide array of features including:

•

Perform quick, easy browsing, search and retrieve of content for both shelf-managed cartridges (offline) and cartridges inserted in drives (online)

A list of supported format for creating metadata is set out below: File Format

XAVC

MXF

MPEG HD 422

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MPEG HD 420

MXF

MPEG HD

MP4

ACVHD

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MPEG IMX

MXF

HDV

M2T (Windows), MOV (MAC)

AVI (Windows), MOV (MAC)

ProRes

MOV

DNxHD

MOV

Retrieving archived assets through the Content Manager is definitely a breeze, where users can rely on the information such as text, dates, people as search criteria. Quicker than tape and more reliable that hard drives, ODA solution offers user super-fast access to archived content whenever it is needed. With the 100-year rated media life and no special storage requirements, assets are always secure with the future-proof and scalable archive solution that can be easily integrated into existing workflow, thanks to its open-platform and vendor-neutral nature. For more information, please visit pro.sony

TOGETHER, WE CAN CHANGE THE WAY PEOPLE EXPERIENCE THE WORLD. AVIXAâ&#x201E;¢ members believe audiovisual technology can change how people communicate and experience the world. Find out how top AV companies in India are using AVIXA membership and resources. Visit avixa.org/membership2

EVENT REVIEW

SI India Awards Going Places, Scaling New Highs

Launching Indian AV on to A New Horizon SIIA – India’s one and only Professional AV systems integration awards programme – is arguably going places, scaling new highs of excellence and value adds to the industry. The 2019 edition – the event’s just third outing – which was organized at the Grande Hall of Bombay Exhibition Centre on 18 September evening was a veritable show piece in terms of its size and scale. Larger space, larger stage, larger setting, and larger stakes. An SIA snapshot by Ram Bhavanashi:

THE WINNING SMILES: Winners of Systems Integration India Awards 2019 © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

EVENT REVIEW ‘Make it large,’ – the otherwise popular phrase among a section of people – came in for a full larger view last evening at the Bombay Exhibition Centre’s Grande Hall where the third edition of Systems Integration India Awards (SIIA) was organized last evening, amidst a high degree of excitement and elation. The larger spectrum of the prestigious awards initiative came resplendent in:

•

the programming even as he characteristically maintained the momentum of winning excitement, it had a matching verve of musical performance of The Family Band whose stunningly young exuberance enthralled the professionals of AV to the hilt. The young Dhruvi Singh, accompanied by her team, simply pulsated the audiences with some refreshingly new verve. They practically enlivened those few hours with a scintillating performance.

The event’s occupying the full venue space of three halls- A, B, & C of the Grande Hall The event’s AV fraternity audience being a nearly 350-plus strong gathering A single largest contingent coming from Higher Education Segment comprising 35 top Universities of the country The event having as many as 11 Partners, apart from the industry’s association AVIXA joining as its Awards Partner, with its own unique set of Awards Larger number of Nominees, and Awardees as well As many as 12 Awards were presented to winners from as many as 36 submissions from 22 integration companies One integration firm creating a ‘hat-trick’ of Awards in under Government Segment

Much in line with the tradition, Thomas Richard, Managing Director of Spinworkz Pte Ltd, presented a perspective of the Awards 2019 initiative- the numbers, combinations, judges, the company methodology etc.

The third edition of SIIA set an ‘Indian’ tone to the grand setting with the traditional lamp lighting, and the Invocation rendition of Ganesha Stotram by the charismatic MC Mihir Joshi.

The 90-plus-minutes of SII Awards presentation – simply put – was a journey through Celebration of AV Excellence. It was a very pleasant and reassuring combination of some big-ticket winners, as well as new fresh flavours, together offering the diversity that the Indian AV industry symbolizes.

• • • • • •

This, followed by presentations of two sets of Awards – Awards of Individual brilliance from Avixa, and Awards of Institutional Excellence from SIIA – truly presented a ‘larger’ perspective of Indian audio-visual industry. The presentation of the Awards – shown on a grand, 55-feet stage, featuring 19 x 9 feet large LED screen, and in front of 350-strong industry fraternity, spread over the combined space of Grande Halls of A, B, and C appeared truly big. One of the many hallmarks of this, third edition of SIIA is its singlelargest contingent of higher education segment – comprising top Universities of India – presented the immensity of opportunities that the segment offers to AV industry. While Mihir’s seasoned hosting skills ensured a smooth flow of

Ram Bhavanashi, Spinworkz’s Editor for India & Middle East Region, and Director of Shyamindira Media Networks, which is a new start-up, and Co-Organizer of SIIA 2019 felicitated the event’s Partners before the Awards presentation took off. Judges for this third edition included Owen Ellis, Chairman, AV Users Group; Richard Morrision, ANZ Information and Communication Technology Practice Lead, AECOM; Paul Cullum, Director, Asia-Pacific, Vertex; and Chadi El KFoury, Founder-Director of Kuwait-based Smart Entity Telecommunication System & Material Co.,WLL.

David Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA in his Closing Remarks to the event, observed that it was a true celebration of AV excellence for its expanse and spirit of participation. While congratulating the winners, he exhorted the participating SIs to get inspired for tuning in for their turn in the next, or near future editions. “Every one of you (here) should feel proud of what AV is doing to change the way people experience the world. That’s what we celebrate tonight; that’s what we celebrate when we come together as an industry, as a community,” Dave said. “Looking forward, somebody in this room will win an award next year; or five or 10 years in time; they would be looking at you, and the work you have done as an inspiration for them,” he said. “An inspiration to drive our industry

EVENT REVIEW

SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INDIA 2019 AWARDS AWARD CATEGORY SEGMENT WINNER ₹ 1 Crore to 5 Crore Government Lux & Decibels

PROJECT Son et Lumiere at Sri Varasiddihi Vinayaka Swamy Varit Temple at Kanipakam

₹ 5 Crore to 10 Crore Government Bharat Radio Centre

SITC of Audio Video System for UP Vidhan Parishad, Lucknow

₹ 10 Crore & Above Government

AV Science & Technologies Pvt Ltd

NASC, ICAR, Pusa, New Delhi

₹ 1 Crore to 5 Crore Education

Collaboration & Communication Pvt Ltd

AV Design and Build for Global Indian International School

Actis Technologies Pvt Ltd

Covestro – Navi Mumbai

₹ 5 Crore to 10 Crore Corporate

LESS THAN ₹ 1 Crore

Corporate

Online Instruments (India) Pvt Ltd

Amazon HYD13 Multipurpose Hall – Cafeteria

₹ 10 Crore & Above Corporate

AV Integration Distribution (India) Pvt Ltd

Large Global Institute

₹ 1 Crore to 5 Crore Entertainment

Guardian Media & Entertainment Pvt Ltd

Multimedia Laser and Fountain Show – Swadesh Darshan Project

₹ 10 Crore & Above Entertainment Pyramid Technologies forward; an inspiration (to perhaps take a chance they wouldn’t have taken), to track talent…We at AVIXA – having joined Thomas & Ram for this prestigious platform – share the obligation to help the industry move forward.”

THE SIIA 2019 AWARDS: As if taking the right cue from the auspicious Ganesha Vandana in the beginning of the event, the first Award of SIIA 2019 evening was won by a project of grand AV weaving around the sacred Kaanipakkam Vara Siddhi Vinayaka temple in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The Government Segment project with the budget range between ₹1 crore and ₹ 5 crore was a design-build credential of Chennai-based SI firm Lux and Decibels. The Award was announced and presented by Richard Yang, General Manager at AOTO Display Business Group, to Shiva Pillai, Managing Director of Lux and Decibels. Second Award of the evening too was a record of sorts- with the Lucknow-based Bharat Radio Centre making a hat-trick of Awards with its prestigious AV deployment at Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Parishad in Lucknow winning the Best Application of AV in Government Segment with a budget range ₹ 5 crore - ₹ 10 crore. Amidst wide cheers of applause, Epson India General Manager for Visual Products Harish A K presented the Award to Vikram Sabharwal of BRC. The Best Application of AV in Government Segment with Premium Range of ₹ 10 crore and above has been won by the New Delhi-based AV Science Technologies for their excellence of AV deployment at the National Agricultural Science Complex of Indian Council of Agricultural Research in New Delhi. The Award was presented to Gopiram Malik, Managing Director of AVST by Yual Kramer, Director-Audio from Kramer Electronics. While this project had its AV design done by the Bengaluru-based 3CDN Workplace Tech Private Limited its Managing Director Mradul Sharma could not make it to the event. (It was later handed over to him in his office in Bengaluru.) © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

3D Projection Mapping and Laser Show at Statue of Unity, Gujarat

Another record for this year’s Awards was the Education Segment, as it scored its first Award with the ESCO Group concern and Mumbaibased Collaboration and Communication Technologies (COLCOM) making a winning entry in the budget range between ₹1 crore and ₹5 crore. Brian Cao, Absen Holdings (Hong Kong)’s Director of Sales for AsiaPacific did the honours of Award presentation to COLCOM’s VicePresident Soheb Siddiqui for their AV design& build project at Global Indian International School. Next in line was the Entertainment Segment that had competition in two segments. In the budget category ranging between ₹1 crore and ₹5 crore, the Award was won by Guardian Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd for their stunning multimedia and laser show at India’s first saline water multimedia laser show at Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. The honours of presenting this Award was taken by Logitech Electronics India’s Country Head & Director-Video Collaboration V Srinivas Rao, while the Award was received by K Eeshwar of Rhino Engineers who had done the AV design consultancy for the project. The firm’s Managing Director Narendra Naidu received the Consultant’s Award from Ram Bhavanashi, Shyamindira’s Director and SIIA’s Co-Organizer. The premium category Award of ₹10 crore and above in Entertainment Segment was one by the big-ticket project of Statue of Unity at Sardar Sarowar dam executed by Pyramid Technologies. Christie Digital India’s National Sales Manager Rishubh Nayar had the honours of presenting the Award to Pyramid’s first couple- Ajay and Aarti Parwanay. The Corporate Segment had a stiff competition in three segments. The starting budget category of less than ₹ 1 crore project Award was won by Actis Technologies for their integration expertise at polymer major Convestro India’s Navi Mumbai establishment. The Award was presented to Sachin Prabhudesai and Sukrut Parb of Actis by Shivanand Mahashetti, MD of Online Instruments, the Promoting Company of Logic Displays.

EVENT REVIEW

Consultant Awards SEGMENT AWARD CATEGORY ₹ 1 Crore to 5 Crore ENTERTAINMENT ₹ 10 Crore & Above

GOVERNENT

CORPORATE ₹ 10 Crore & Above

WINNER RHINO ENGINEERS PVT LIMITED

PROJECT Multimedia Laser and Fountain Show – Swadesh Darshan Project

HEWSHOTT INTERNATIONAL

Large Global Institute

3CDN WORKPLACE TECH PVT LTD

3D Projection Mapping and Laser Show at Statue of Unity, Gujarat

This segment did have an entry with a budget range between ₹1 crore and ₹ 5 crore, however, the principle of average percentage points weren’t enough to win the Award for the SI. The next level project under the same segment was one by Benglauru-based SI Online Instruments (India) Pvt Ltd, while the Award was presented to Shivanand Mahashetti by beyerdynamic CEO Edgar van Velzen. The Premium range (₹ 10 crore) project Award in this segment was won by Bengaluru-based AV Integration Distribution (AVID); the Award for the same was presented to AVID’s Director Mahua Mukhopadyay by Harman International (India)’s Prashant Govindan,

Sr. Director for India & Sri Lanka. The project had the design consultancy rendered by Hewshott International, and the Award was presented by Green Sources Managing Director Swadesh Khetawat to AVID itself, on behalf of Hewshott, as the Consultant could not make it to the event. The third edition SII Awards, has therefore, launched the excellence of Indian AV onto a new horizon of celebration. Watch out for SIIA 2020. www.siindiaawards.com

Lux&Decibels

Rhino Engineers

AV Science Technologies

JUDGES COMMENT

Pyramid Tech

Guardian Media

“It is gratifying to see in India a vibrant and active AV industry which produces such excellent and diverse projects. I could see that all contestants had exerted all efforts to provide successful customer-oriented solutions overcoming many challenges. Without doubt every contestant deserved to be selected for competing for honors in this prestigious award programme”. “Judging performances and efforts from a remote vantage point is never an easy task. I am certain that the true nature of the work process with all its contribution components to reach a successful handover to an appreciative customer can never be captured in such detail that would be more deserved”.

AVID © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

Online Instruments

Bharat Radio Centre

COLCOM

Actis Tech

TRADESHOW - REVIEW

Integrate 2019: Interviews from the Show Floor

There was a 7% increase in visitorship to Integrate 2019 held in Melbourne compared to when it was held in the same city in 2017. A total of 6,764 visitors attended the three day exhibition with almost half of them visiting the exhibition for the first time. Impressively 40% of the attendees were end-users. Needless to say exhibitors were satisfied with the outcome. SI Asia walked the show floor and spoke to some of the key exhibitors.

avt Creates a HARMAN Experience Centre at Integrate

It might sound dramatised but the HARMAN room on the top floor of the Melbourne Convention centre was every bit more an Experience Centre than a demo space. ÂŠ Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

Conceptualised by avt, the JBL Sound Experience room had 40 different JBL loudspeakers, powered by 40 Crown DCi and CDi amplifier channels, controlled with BSS Digital System Processors running Dante and Harman BLU-Link for digital audio distribution, programmed and operated using Harman Audio Architect with a wireless touch screen user interface. Also on display were the latest releases from AKG including the DMS 2.4GHz Digital Wireless Microphones and CBL conferencing microphones with user selected pickup patterns; from BSS the 555 four room Conferencing Processor, and JBL Blue-tooth connected commercial amplifiers.

More than just a pretty face

For more information on TurboRay, visit highend.com/turboray

etcconnect.com | highend.com

etcconnect.com

highend.com

TRADESHOW - REVIEW

Benjamin Page, Brand Ambassador, Harman Professional Audio for avt comments, “The idea behind the room is to get the end-user around the product in a way that they would be doing that themselves in their own space. So instead of us say sending a product to them to have a play within their own back room, we are inviting them to come in here and play with all of them, pick a track and have a listen to it. Feel it and be organic around it. They can even see how the speakers are mounted to the wall and how it all comes together to make the system work. We have a huge range of speakers in the room and they are all wired. Every speaker in the room is connected so you can select any loudspeaker and compare it to the other loudspeaker or decide on different combinations of either full range boxes with subwoofers or for comparison between each individual subwoofer. We’ve selected a lot of products that are relative to daily use case scenarios. So in everyday scenarios of boardrooms or function spaces or small performance spaces or even stadia, there’s a representation of all those boxes in this room and also all the amplification that you would use in each application and all the control processing as well. We also got the EASE software on demonstration. This is to highlight that if a client comes to us and they’re looking at a particular project or particular design, we can help them on the journey of their modelling design. Our microphone segment in this room allows visitors to choose a microphone and listen through the headphones. All this is quite a bit of work. This is the first time we have done this at Integrate. It took three of us 36 hours and about a kilometre of loudspeaker cables on top of other network cabling to create this Experience room. Visitors to the room could walk around with a programmed touch panel to select any speaker to listen to. It is truly meant to help the visitor experience the speakers in its totality.” www.avt.tech

Exterity Confident of Continued Growth SI Asia had a brief chat with Jamie Hind, Regional Director, Asia Pacific for Exterity on the Integrate show floor about the ANZ market and its strategies. “The Australia and New Zealand market for Exterity is now fairly robust and resilient. It’s one that we’ve been in for a while now and we see consistent year-onyear growth. I think that’s due to our highquality products and also our relationships with the system integration teams we work with. We’ve also invested heavily in local pre and postsales support. We’ve very much gone with the idea of investing in service. So, we not only want to innovate by product, but also innovate by service and make sure that the service we deliver to our partners is second to none. We see manufacturers in the same disciplines as us as reducing the number of local staff or not having any direct presence in the market at all; we’re actually investing in people to make sure we deliver the service expected of us. It’s important for people to know that there is local expertise to help them if they need it. There are six of us managing the ANZ market. From an HQ perspective, innovation is constant, and the roadmap is growing all the time. As examples, our solutions now integrate with meeting room booking systems and offer support for built-in Chromecast with Sony and now Philips. We are also working on point-of-sale system integration. Overall, we are in a strong position to deliver digital signage and IPTV into many vertical markets across the region. We are already seeing our solutions penetrating more in military, government, corporate and stadiums. We’re deploying systems to casinos now too and that’s helping us grow in Asia. The cost-effective ‘high availability’ features that we’ve included to enable resilient and redundant system architectures have also contributed to our growth. From a regional perspective, different markets are at different stages of their IP and other technology adoption, so we’re spending a lot of time and effort in educating those markets by meeting with end users, consultants and system integrators. The remit for the team is to spend time and ensure that, when we do installations, everybody is happy.

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That is an important part of what we do. You can’t sell a solution and then walk away; we need to make sure that we are around and supporting people technically and commercially in the long term.” www.exterity.com

Christie Continues to Shows its Strength with its Latest Solutions Michael Bosworth, Executive Director, Head of Enterprise, Asia Pacific, Christie Digital gives a brief run-down of Christie’s business in Australia and what was shown at the show floor. “We have been consistent in our strengths of providing products and platforms that are used in the public spaces such as projection mapping, museums and those kind of projects. I think we can probably accurately say that we’ve got the lion’s share of the market for the Conference Centers in Australia. We have to thank the Melbourne Convention Center for once again investing in our platforms as well as the Brisbane Convention Center and the Adelaide

The award-winning Christie MicroTiles LED, launched early this year to critical acclaim actually makes its Asia Pacific debut at Integrate 2019. The MicroTiles LED with Christie’s proprietary QuickMount system eliminates alignment challenges typically associated with installing LED by using precisely-machined mounting sheets and wall anchors that can be easily installed onto nearly any surface. Proprietary cabinet-free Click-n-Go LED tiles can be arranged in near-limitless ways that let users build their display in virtually any shape or size. Smaller, brighter, more powerful, and more flexible, MicroTiles LED delivers P3 colour space, fully compliant HDR-10 and patented software that keeps the wall calibrated at 97 percent or greater uniformity. As a direct view LED, it is easily viewable from different angles. As a modular system, the modules are hot swappable. If one fails, you just pull it out and replace it. The modules always lock exactly to the same place every time. Once clicked on, the module finds its own IP address, turns itself on, recolours and adjusts to be in sync with the rest of the modules. www.christiedigital.com

Gearing up to Taking Barco Ecosystem to a Wider Audience

Convention Centre who have also trusted the Christie projection platform. We’re also seeing more emphasis on ways people are manipulating images. So our Pandora Box sales have started to increase along with the video processing products. In relation to our three-chip projectors, Christie’s demonstrates its expertise in the way that we can bend, blend or stretch and fit projective images to actually fit whatever application requires, this is illustrated on the many projection mapping events that our projection and image processing products are used on. An example of this would be Christie has been selected as the projection partner for the 2020 Expo in Dubai where they’ve ordered 250 of our latest product the D4K40-RGB which is our single chassis pure laser product. We are obviously very proud of that particular achievement. It shows our strengths and what the company is known for – high brightness with very good colour saturation. At Integrate we of course have the D4K40-RGB which is our flagship laser projector and the MicroTiles LED featuring the P3 colour gamut that offers high contrast and colour saturation. Complementing the projectors and LED are our image processing Pandora Box software and Terra video distribution signal that allows us to send video signals through the internet. We are also showing our second-generation single chip which is a laser phosphor product. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

Newly minted Managing Director for Australia, Claudio Cardile, was only 8 weeks into his appointment at Integrate when SI Asia spoke to him to share his thoughts and plans relating to Barco’s Australian operation. My appointment to the Australian operation is to support the new direction and journey that Barco’s embarking on. For us, the business is evolving in terms of not just our solutions to customer’s but also our go-to market strategies and our business models. We are still heavily involved in the traditional spaces such as the control room market, rental and staging but for us now the solutions that are being created, can essentially be called the Barco ecosystem that really resonates into the fixed install market. Barco has commenced engagement with end customers including education, government, and key enterprise customers. Equally important are the associated

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stakeholders or influencers such as the consulting community and system integrators. We have traditionally played in specific markets but we’re evolving in terms of having solutions across many applications within the market, addressing system integrator channels and creating that network to facilitate not only the sales component, but the commissioning and ongoing support.

DeWitt is really driving commercial initiatives about shaping and morphing our business. So for me personally, he is amplifying what we want to achieve globally as a company and really have Barco as a standout from the perspective of us as a technology company and a partner that you can trust. We provide solutions to support, and we are responsive to market insights and market feedback.

With regards to the approach from a structural perspective Barco has created regional business units. We have the region of North America, Europe and we are in Asia-Pacific. We’ve got a structure now with Olivier Croly who is our senior VP for Asia Pacific in regional headquarters that provides product group leaders support, marketing, engineers and then extending out within each country. So we’re still investing in each country resources.

Tell us a bit more about the Australia operations.

We want to have the support in terms of administration, service, which is really critical and we are bolstering our support programs here. It’s expanding on what we’ve already achieved in the mission critical customer base. We’ve got the control room customers, we’ve got the staging and events customers where obviously it is mission critical because it’s a show, it’s a live event and now taking that and having the structure that we have and expanding on the fixed install market. That’s certainly a much wider audience that we need to address, and we are targeting specific verticals, in general the enterprise market, but certainly we’re looking at education, government and then specifically in particular verticals such as banking and finance. So very much gearing up to taking the Barco ecosystem to a wider audience.

Barco Australia is a long-standing organization here in Australia and what they have here are innovated in terms of what they’re delivered to market, which has actually received some accolades from our overseas offices and our head office. The business has been quite consistent. I looked at the last five years and it’s been consistent over certainly what we’ve seen as market opportunities for growth and if you look at some of the solutions, if we look at collaboration space, we’re still innovating with new solutions to Market. Our focus of addressing pain points - that is our strength. So receiving the feedback and delivering. It’s one of our core strategies in focusing on the solution outcomes. The main office is in Melbourne where we have part of the sales team, sales engineers, administration and warehousing service. We also have a Sydney office which has both sales and service service capability as well. We certainly have an aspiration to grow and we certainly have some some ambitious targets over the next two years and with that we look to invest in the operation and growing sales support service.

We are still very much customer-centric, but then looking at the supply chain from the perspective of influencers, the Consultants, the system integrators and getting their support in terms of advocating Barco and why Barco.

We of course will continue with our engagement process by hosting specialists in particular vertical segments, as well as AV consultants and of course the channels. Getting our message across and what we offer as part of the Barco ecosystem.

Our mission statement is still the same in terms of us enabling broader outcomes from that perspective. Our strategy is still core to what we do, based on region, based on operation, and individuals. We lead by Innovation and we drive performance, look at delivering outcomes and solutions and the big piece to our organization is sustainability as well. So that’s people and that’s environment. We also have a corporate social responsibility. We have some ambitious targets in terms of carbon footprint and so forth from a sustainable system. We’ve got our values which resonates with what the staff do regardless of sales, service and installation.

www.barco.com

Is there a personal goal for yourself? As you know I have been with the organisation less than 8 weeks but I can say that for me it is really to amplify the brand Barco and what’s our value that we bring to market. What are the pain points that we address in the marketplace, you know in meeting rooms, in collaboration and active learning and Barco whilst at the heart is an engineering company, it has certainly transformed over the last two or three years. We have a leadership team, our global CEO, Young

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IFI 2019: Integrating Technolgy Experience

From Excellent Thing to Exceptional Zing

by Ram Bhavanashi

YES. InfoComm India 2019 – the seventh edition of India’s largest professional audio-visual industry platform – sought to push the envelope up. The game changing proposition it had made in the preceding edition has apparently evolved to an elevated proposition that integrates technology experiences further up- the way people experience the world around through technology. Organized at its regular venue of Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai from 18-20 September, the event – with its growing numbers – sought to prove a point or two in that direction. An SIA perspective: ‘This exhibition is always fascinating; it never fails to capture the imagination of their subjects.’

top 35 Universities.

That was a passing remark of two seemingly seasoned visitors walking through the aisles of the event. That, perhaps, reflected the mood of the visitors that generically appeared ranting the air at the InfoComm India 2019 exhibition.

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An AV Forum technology session – for the first time – as prelude to the convention

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As many as 86 ‘new-to-market’ products or technology solutions stretching the whole big spectrum of AV-ICT, and allied industries

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Some of those being global launches reflected the growing stakes of Indian AV on global stage

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While Bart Kresa’s now-signature 3D sculpture Sviatovid created a new experience, the experience is given altogether new, elevated and Indiazined expression by AVijit Samajdar’s 3D genius on Incredible Threads of India

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More incredible products like pocket-sized PCs

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Over a dozen new exhibitors including Absen, Adtechno, AOTO, AWAN India, BOE, ClearOne, d&b audiotechnik, Genelec, Globus

Seventh in the row, the three-day convention and exhibition – organized at the Bombay Exhibition Centre from 18-20 September – primarily lived upto its reputation of bettering its preceding edition, and then sought to push the envelope further up. Admittedly, the show had most of the things an exhibitor or a visitor could ask for, as it had the numbers and time for both of them. For, it had for the visitors what appeared a nicely balanced mix of technology solutions from both audio and video domains, dished out by as many as 200 exhibitors coming from over 20 countries, besides those technologysimplified seminar sessions while for the exhibitors, the Organizers ensured the show floor has some serious sizeable footfalls, including a largest contingent from Higher Education segment comprising India’s © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

Look at the array of offerings that the show presented:

TRADESHOW - REVIEW Infocom, Leyard, Liberty, Peerless AV, Taiden, Vivitek etc. from mainstream ProAV, and

had a very good experience with the crowd,” said Wasat Hussain, the Product Manager – VP at Epson India Pvt Ltd.

Integrating (Technology) Experiences

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ACT Power, Bluestream, Eyeviz, Hyundai-IT-VDS, Jabra, Kripa Electronics, NVincy, Newline Interactive, Partilink, PlayAV, Vivaldi, Williams AV from allied industry streams

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New business deals- meaning new technology pathways into Indian AV

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A good 17 per cent increase in visitor numbers that included a single largest contingent from Higher Education segment comprising India’s top 35 Universities,

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AND more…

It was pleasantly notable to find the visitor composition at the show this time comprised a wide spectrum of end-user verticals, besides AV and IT channel representatives. According to InfoComm Asia Pte Ltd, the Organizers of the Show, as much as 50 per cent of the visitor footfalls comprised those from End User communities. A case in a point is provided by Public Works Department (PWD) of Government of Madhya Pradesh who came searching for LED wall solutions for their Command and Control Centres being created as part of their Smart City initiatives. The State Government – having recently become the first Indian State to commission what it called Integrated Command and Control Centre to connect and monitor all its seven Smart Cities (in the State) – is apparently scouting the technology landscape for its Smart City solutions. (Read this separately in the NEWS couumn, P.18) “What also impressed me was the Smart Classrooms featuring interactive video conference that allow teachers to teach in remote locations where accessibility is an issue and there is a lack of good teachers available,” Chandra Prakash Agrawal, the Chief Technical Examiner of MPPWD, said. “Such technology can also be used in the medical field and allow better access for doctors to diagnose and treat patients remotely. I am very impressed by the show and the exhibitor’s showcase,” he commended. “I saw many new technologies for the first time.” Ashok GD Datta, AGM of Security at the Bank of India observed: “InfoComm India has allowed us to link-up with manufacturers and attain relevant quotations.” “There was a lot of interest in the use of projection mapping in education and people were asking us how to use projection mapping in real-life applications. We

While experiencing technology has been the common attribute for the show, it appeared to take the proposition further up to create ‘integrated experiences.’ This is arguably best exemplified by two 3D projection mapping creations: one- at the Modern Stage Service booth- done by noted 3D projectionist Bart Kresa with his Sviatovid human head sculpture; and the other at the Epson booth- done by Avijit Samajdar of AXIS 3D Studio, who technologically wove the grand Indian textile heritage with 3D projection. (Read separate box: ‘Incredible (Technology) Theards’ Woven on InfoComm India Show Floor) While these two appeared to hog a larger limelight, there have been other equally significant demos as welljustifying the integrated experiences. Swedish media technology solutions major Dataton – stepping onto the IFI show floor directly for the first time – demonstrated, amongst other exhibits, the sensational Adiyogi project which is a first-of-its-kind projection mapping install in India, if not beyond. That’s not all. The IFI show floor did have a notable number of exciting things, some of which were global launches- signifying the growing stakes of Indian AV in global fare. Some of those include:

InfoComm India 2019 in Numbers

• • • • • • •

No. of Exhibitors: >200 No. of Countries represented: >20 No. of New-to-Market solutions: >80 No. New Exhibitors: >25 No. of total Visitors: 11532 (17% up) No. Technical Sessions: 74 No. of Sessions Attendees: 2512

HIGHLIGHTS: 3D Projection mapping; NextGen LEDs; Digital Signage, Meeting Room Solutions; Microphone Arrays; Steerable Microphones; 8K-ready Switcher & more…

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Aurora Multimedia launched their newest, next-generation huddle room solution AirShare-100, that boasts many industry firsts

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ProAudio giant Yamaha launched their latest all-in-one portable PA system Stagepas IK for the first time to an exhibition on a global scale

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ProAudio major Bose Professional launched, probably, the widest basket of speaker solutions ever in one single go

46 •

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Indian LED solutions enterprise Logic Displays launched a new fascinating solution- Estilo intelligent LED

More, there was a particular Indian-global connect on the show floor to see.

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Emerging Indian AV technology solutions enterprise NVincy launched its latest CMS solution, besides bringing MultiBrackets’ motorised ceiling mount

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Leading Indian LED solutions provider Xtreme Media made a big splash with its collaboration with Chinese intelligent interfacing solutions leader BOE Technology

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Another fast-growing Indian ProAV solutions provider EIS TechInfra Solutions broke new ground with its collaboration with French high-end ProAV gear manufacturer Analog Way, besides many others

Besides these, there has been a host of exciting solutions brought in by global majors, following their launches primarily at ISE/InfoComm Orlando, or commercial roll outs before IFI. Notable among those were:

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Absen ICON C-138 LED video wall

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AOTO curved LED video wall

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Peerless AV Indoor Portrait Kiosk

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Genelec Smart IP platform

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Elite Group’s pocket-size PC

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Audio-Technica hanging microphone

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ClearOne Beamforming Microphone Array ceiling tile

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Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Ceiling 2, AND more…

Aurora Multimedia India scored a very prideful point in that it got their AirShare-100 Huddle Room solution almost straight from Aurora’s R&D lab in the USA, even before it was to be readied for a planned promo. While it is said to be the world’s first Huddle Room solution that is PoE-powered, thereby staying free of all external power supplies, it is an ensemble of many industry firsts. For, it packages four-each wired, wireless, and built-in mini control systems, besides a combination of VGA Input for legacy devices on one hand, and 4K scaled HDMI Output for 4K60 4:4:4. The system allows user to choose and switch between wired and wireless ports seamlessly creating tremendous flexibility. Says Nataraju Upputuri, Director at Aurora Multimedia India: “we, as Aurora Multimedia India team, are super excited with our first © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

ever launch of product outside of USA, and Europe.” According to him, the AS-100 is practically an integration of a bundle of superlative experiences. Yamaha Corporation had its own share of honour in this area at IFI this time, with its first exhibition outing of the STAGEPAS 1K- an all-in-one portable PA system that allows users to quickly and easily transform any location into a stage. Delivering professional level audio performance with a setup so simple it enables aspiring artists to focus on their music and get the most out of their performances. According to Yamaha’s Manager PreSales Harisha G N, the STAGEPAS 1K surpasses other portable PAs with the highest standard of sound quality and sound pressure, lightweight cabinet design, professional mixing functions, and simple operability. By adopting a concert-quality mixer and speaker, they have defined a new standard for portable PA by utilizing Yamaha’s unique experience and know-how developed over decades of producing innovative, professional audio equipment. Bose Professional too sought to make a record of sort when it launched a whole big new range of DesignMax loudspeakers that offer the flexibility and style to deliver outstanding audio and aesthetics for commercial spaces. With ten loudspeakers and two subwoofers to choose from – including ceiling-mounted, surface-mounted, and outdoor-rated options – it’s easy to create tailored DesignMax systems for any application, large or small. DesignMax loudspeakers range from 2-inch low-profile models to 8-inch high-SPL compression-driver loudspeakers. All models deliver

instantly impressive sound, with no EQ or DSP required. Enabling Bose EQ voicings on select Bose digital sound processors and smart amplifiers provides even better sound. SmartBass processing can also be enabled to deliver enhanced sound at any listening level. Elegant form factor surface enclosures, sleek, minimum-bezel grilles, removable logos, and attractive styling allow DesignMax loudspeakers to blend with any décor. “We have been very aggressive in ProAudio space; now we want to get aggressive in ProAV,” affirms Vibhor Khanna, Nantional Sales Manager. “The DesignMax can integrate unique experiences, in tune with the space and décor.”

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‘Incredible (Technology) Threads’ Woven on InfoComm India Show Floor The expression of Integrating Experiences at the InfoComm India 2019, perhaps, found one of its best interpretations at two places: At the Modern Stage Service (MSS World) booth – which brought the noted 3D projection mapping exponent Bart Kresa’s Sviatovid human head sculpture – and EPSON India booth – where Indian 3D projection genius Avijit Samajdar (AXIX 3D Studio) wowed the visitors with his weaving of ‘Incredible Threads of India.’ An incredible match indeed! The Sviatovid – as the 3600 projection mapping glitz of human scalp is named – first greeted the AV industry at ISE early this year, and travelled through the Polish city of Lubin, followed by InfoComm Orlando, and New York, before coming to InfoComm India – was not exactly 3600; it was a 2700 mapping, but with a difference. The difference is that one quarter of Sviatovid stood atop a stage flanked by many mirrors in a new 2700 projection mapping. For the first time, in its journey of seven months and five cities, the Sviatovid made the visitors an involuntary part of the creation- as the dazzle of the mirror multitude reflected the visitors into itself- there by creating an incredibly fanciful experience. Bart continued to use Panasonic DLP projectors for his work. The Incredible Thread of India 3D projection – on the other hand – had very distinctively Indian emotion to it. With a view to ‘projecting three-dimensional visual of India’s rich cultural heritage, Avijit chose the grand Indian textile tradition as matrix of his subject matter. The hardware component of the 3D showcase here comprised a central concave curvature screen, with protruding miniature

square blocks, flanked by two mannequins of women, and the set-up is faced by three 8000-lumen 3-LCD projectors by EPSON. The map of India, with clear demarcation of each State, is programmed on to the central curvature screen. Each of the States keep on popping out regularly, and every time a State pops up, the textile tradition of the respective State wraps around the (female) mannequins on either side. This is done by means of UV programming (Unwrapped Vertices). “There are two important things here,” says Avijit. “One- we wanted to highlight the richness of Indian heritage, and its continued relevance with the contemporary world; two- highlight the immensity of the possibilities in 3D projection mapping,” he explains. “And what better way than the grand Indian textile tradition to showcase this blend?” According to him, Indian textiles are as grand and ethnic as contemporary they are keeping in pace with the vogue. This, when highlighted by means of technological brilliance, the experience is simply wowing- as had been the case with most visitors to the booth. “We drive home the message of immensity,” says Avijit, “both in terms of Indian heritage and immersive experience with technology.” Interestingly, the software component for both these creations is by Dataton WatchOut/WatchPax media servers. Says Ashok Sharma, Regional Director-SAARC for Dataton: “These creations prove the immensity of experiences technology can weave around people. We pride being part of such integrating experiences.”

Logic Displays – the LED solution brand of Online Instruments – launched a brand new product Estilo that promises to combine the best of interactivity and efficiency to offer a much more live and involving experiences to customers. Said to be a blend of powerful vision and intelligence the super large display comes with a cinematic viewing angle, and can be used in conference rooms, lecture halls, multipurpose halls, multimedia rooms and studios. The beauty of the display is that it is capable of integrating with video conferencing and collaborating; the smart flat panel is compatible with Android, MacOS/Ios and Windows, making the presentations simple and impressive. It can be switched from one screen to multiple number of screens where the user can simultaneously display various © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

aspects of a presentation while seamlessly combining it and making it one. The best part of the displays, however, is its auto-adjustable

TRADESHOW - REVIEW screen brightness from 600nits to 800nits according to the ambient lighting. Bengaluru-based AVIT solutions developer/distributor NVincy Solutions debuting at the show, showcased Signage Web digital content management system (CMS) it developed in collaboration with a European company. Say the NVincy Director duo of Mohammed Haaris and Saugato Siddhanta “the Signage Web CMS is developed to provide users with simple and straightforward tools to build complex, dynamic and powerful content without the need for expensive custom development.”

Powered by three essential components of Control Panel, Sever, and Palyers, the Singage Web is said to differ from others by its drag-anddrop Content Editor, animation of Elements, easy-to-connect Live Data Integration, interactive content without HTML coding, and API tool for custom application, besides compatibility with Android, Windows, BrightSign, LG, and Samsung displays. “This is our global launch,” prided the NVincy Directors, “it integrates many things into one.” According to them, Indian AV market today has global connects; the launching here makes for a strong launchpad for scaling international markets. NVincy also launched new motorized ceiling mount 32”-55” from MutliBrackets, an ideal mount for TV installations in homes, offices, schools or stores. With a flexibility to fold screens down or up -75°- 0°, this under the cabinet/ ceiling mount includes a locking system to keep the screen in position. That aside, Finnish audio giant Genelec launched in Indian market its unique open IP networking technology platform. Aimed specifically at installation market, the open-IP solution promises to deliver power, audio, scalable loudspeaker system configuration, supervision and calibration features via a single standard CAT5 cable. According to Arun Kumar, Genelec’s India Sales Manager, this technology will be rolled out over a range of Genelec’s installed loudspeakers, commencing in Q4 of this year. Based on IP and Power-over-Ethernet

(PoE), the Genelec technology platform includes a proprietary internal power supply that delivers much higher SPLs than was previously possible via any conventional PoE- a world’s first feature. Mounting solutions major Peerless AV was another pleasantly exciting proposition at the IFI. The British company essentially highlighted two exhibits among its offerings: the award-winning mounting solutions alongside the KIPC2555-EUK Indoor Portrait Kiosk, and the SmartMount Supreme full-service video wall mount with quick release. The KIPC2555-EUK kiosk features an aesthetically pleasing curved design and is fully customisable for indoor self-service, advertising and wayfinding applications in corporate, retail, QSR, transportation, hospitality settings, and beyond. It also supports the latest ultra-thin displays and touchscreen panels ranging from 40”55” and measuring less than 101mm (4”) deep. The DS-VW775-QR SmartMount, on the other hand, is designed with the needs of integrators and end users in mind. It offers innovative, timesaving installation features, including tool-less micro adjustment, easy hang wall plate for an effortless one-person install, quick release mechanism and reusable spacers for both portrait and landscape applications.

Hot, Hotter, Hottest… For some time now, the global markets have been witnessing some intense, somewhat intriguing, technology bouts- particularly in the arenas of LEDs, hanging microphones with steerable picku-up, beamforming microphone array ceiling tile, not to speak of the 1G-10G. InfoComm India was no exception to this. As many as six LED players – with as many as five new entrants – took to the IFI show floor. Absen Holdings (Hong Kong) Company highlighted its debut at the show with its iCon C-138 all-in-one FinePitch 4k/UltraHD LED display that is ideal for conference rooms, reception areas and auditoria where multiple screens can be shared via WiFi or Bluetooth while Shenzhen AOTO Electronics – with a fairly large booth space – highlighted what it called the world’s only curved LED video wall solution. “The other curved video walls on the market are LCDs, not LEDs” remarked the AOTO representative on the booth. “Only AOTO makes curved LED video walls.” Leyard Hong Kong International Co. Ltd. highlighted its product demos with what it called the world’s only tamper-free, impactresistant high contrast LED solution TWA 1.2 ERO-LED, as also the world’s only 100-inch 4K LCD display. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

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Xtreme Media – collaborated with Chinese intelligent interfacing solutions leader BOE Technology Group – to launch a new array of LED solutions, besides its existing staple of LED video walls and kiosk solutions.

IFI Plays Place for True ‘Liberty’

Steerable pick-up, hanging microphones is another hot area. After Clock Audio, ClearOne, and Biamp, it’s the turn of Audio-Techinca to pitch its own version of hanging microphone solution- the ES954. The four-capsule microphone promises to steer 360-degree to capture voice from every person in the given environment, with the only limitation being the capacity of the mixer and DSP in action. Similar is the situation with Beamforming microphone array ceiling tile. Even as the marketplace continues to be steamed with the debate over ClearOne-Shure BMA-CT solutions, Sennheiser brought into the game its TeamConnect Ceiling 2 solution for apparently similar environment and applications. It was a big draw of enthusiasts too on the show floor.

Big, Defining Deals Two important business deals are among the defining developments at the InfoComm India 2019:

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One- Xtreme Media’s strategic alliance with BOE

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Two- EIS TechInfra Solutions signing on Analog Way

While Xtreme Media created a big market buzz with a grand programme on the second morning of IFI, EIS TechInfra made the big move rather soft and silent. Given the strong positioning Analog Way enjoys in the image processing solutions domain, and also given the fast growing and sizeably big Rental & Staging market in India, besides the ProAV, EIS opened a new vista for Indian ProAV as well as Rental&Staging markets.

InfoComm India 2019 show, besides being the best of all its preceding editions, apparently notched up a prideful achievement. Liberty AV Solutions – the WESCO Distribution LLC owned American AV gear OEM – debuted at the InfoComm India this year, and is too happy to be ‘in the happening place’ for a very special reason. While the company had been shipping-supplying all its products from its USA factories all the while, it’s been facing what it called a ‘counterfeit’ product problem from an Indian company. Now, its’ coming to the InfoComm show, it was able to figure this out, and tried its best to prove it is the ‘original’ Liberty. “It’s both pain and pleasure,” says Suresh Arumugam Pillai, the company representative on the booth. “Practically every second/third visitor to our booth asked me if we are the same Indian company; that’s a pain,” he said. “I have been explaining them what are we, and how the Indian company is creating illusion in the market with similar products and similar-looking LOGO. People seem to be now convinced, and that’s a pleasure.”

EIS TechInfra Director Prakash DV with Tat Nam Yee, Analog Way AsiaPac Business Development Manager

“Analog Way is a world-leading designer and manufacturer of innovative equipment dedicated to the professional audiovisual industry; associating with them will bring us those unique competencies which are otherwise difficult to acquire,” said D V Prakash, Director of EIS TechnInfra. “They engineer a wide range of cutting-edge image processing solutions; they have developed unique expertise in delivering uncompromising video presentation experiences to high-end customers not just for the Rental & Staging segment but also Corporate, Broadcast, Institutional, Higher Education and House of Worship markets,” he explained. “Having © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

According to him, the Liberty AV Solutions sport a sprinter logo, which has been cleverly morphed a bit by the ‘counterfeit’ company (SIA withheld the name) and selling products as if they were the real Liberty material. He is both piqued and delighted for two contrasting situations. “Coming to InfoComm India show did help me dispel the false impression,” said Arumugam. Interestingly, even as Arumugam was explaining his pain, SIA noticed at least two visitors coming to him asking “are you the same company? I thought it is you, we buy many Liberty things.”

TRADESHOW - REVIEW

consolidated ourselves in the ProAV domain, we had been trying to foray into Rental & Staging domain; our partnership with Analog Way will largely augment that initiative.”

boundary layer microphone; Kramer highlighted its 8K-ready 34-port VS34FD Matrix Switcher, besides their own version of Enterprise Room Booking Solution, and upgrades to the VIA platform.

Other Attractions…

On the Green Sources booth, Liberty AV Solutions appeared to take some good attention, alongside the Audio-Technica’s ES954 steerable microphone.

InfoComm India 2019 had a sizable number of new entrant attractions from exhibitors such as Digital Projection, Eyevis, Globus Infocom, Logitech Electronics, and Newline. Globus Infocom attracted significant eye-balls essentially with what was one of the largest booths on the show floor that was adorned by its new launches such as 3D Science Lab, Digital Language Lab, and Virtual Classroom, besides their innovative software solution Digital Token System designed for banks, hospitals and rail stations.

QSC showcased their QSC-Ecosystem solution while SunInfonet showed Meyer Sound’s Ultra-X40 speakers, and Shure’s MXA-910 ceiling microphone array.

Logitech Electronics highlighted its booth exhibits with its fancied TAP solution aimed at Huddle Room video-conferencing environments. The made-easy, installer-friendly and all-encompassing solution comprises the Logitech Tap touch controller, a small form factor computer, a room-optimized video conferencing software from Google, Microsoft or Zoom, and a Logitech conference Cam. The small room AV bundle includes Logitech MeetUp; the medium room AV bundle includes Logitech Rally and Rally Mounting Kit; and the large room AV bundle includes Logitech Rally Plus, Rally Mic Pod Hub, and Rally Mounting Kit. “Traditional AV controllers are expensive, and often require custom programming by an AV specialist. While tablets are used in meeting rooms because they’re affordable and can be installed by an IT generalist, they have their own set of challenges,” says V Srinivas Rao, Director-video collaboration at Logitech India and SW Asia. “We wanted to simplify all this. Video conferencing in virtually any sized room; hence theTap.”

The Regulars…. The regular IFI majors such as beyerdynamic, Christie, Delta, Green Sources, Harman, Kramer, Panasonic, QSC, and Sun Infonet- all continued from their respective previous show outings. Beyerdynamic highlighted the Phonum, Christie projected its 40,000-lumen RealLaser, Harman launched for India its AKG CBL

Integrated Experiences… The InfoComm India show did appear to be one, as there were one too many technology experiences that were integrated to create newer solutions, aimed at creating newer experiential environments. Says Richard Tan, Executive Director of InfoCommAsia: “in tandem with the growth of India as one of the most exciting emerging economies in the world, InfoComm India has soared in seven years. We are now well-known in India as the platform of choice amongst exhibitors who want to tap into the promising Indian market, and amongst business and organizations which want to plug into the latest experiential technologies from the best companies in the world.” A rightful assumption indeed! InfoComm India returns in 2020, on 2-4 September to the same venue.

TRADESHOW - REVIEW

TPV Technology Showcases New Enterprise Philips Professional Display Models at InfoComm India 2019

Visitors to InfoComm India witnessed five new Q-Line Philips Professional Display models, targeted at the Enterprise segment. The screen sizes included the 32-inch, 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch and 65-inch. The five new models will intensify the signage experience with round the clock priceless performance. They deliver startlingly clear images with optimized 4K Ultra HD display. These displays are an innovative solution for any signage application along with also being eco-friendly. Using the android feature, customers can run their own app or choose their favourite app to run. The CMS application lets the customer take control of the displays and they can schedule what they want and when they want with SmartPlayer. The SmartPower feature adds an energy saving factor to the product line-up that enhances the business functionality of the products. Commenting on the participation and the new launches, Atul Jasra, Business Head (India) - Philips branded Professional Display Solutions, said, “The immense value proposition India holds in terms of business for signage solutions is growing at a steady pace. In addition to this, government initiatives such as Digital India have contributed significantly to the industry. InfoComm India is a valuable opportunity for us to engage with our existing customers and establish new relationships by showcasing technologically advanced product range and its impact on the sector. At TPV, our aim is to constantly provide our customers with best-in-class products and we’re happy to be present here.”

Q&A with Atul Jasra, Business Head (India) Briefly who is TPV Technology India? TPV is the world’s leading monitor, LED and LCD TV manufacturer headquartered in Taipei. TPV technology India Pvt. Ltd. is a subsidiary of the TPV group © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

and exclusively markets and sells Philips professional displays in India. Philips professional display solutions was established in 2009 through a brand license agreement between TPV subsidiaries (MMD & TP Vision) and Philips. Subsidiaries of TPV exclusively market and sell Philips professional displays and Philips monitors worldwide. By combining the Philips brand promise with TPV’s manufacturing expertise in displays, TPV uses a fast and focused approach to bringing innovative products to market. In India, TPV India Pvt. Ltd., is headquartered in Gurugram. What is TPV India’s business model for the Professional Display segment? We have regional distributors to cover all corners of India. For very big projects we deal with the system integrators directly. The reason being there will be better cost efficiency. Generally distributors carry 49-inch screens and below. System Integrators require screens that are 89-inch and larger. Thus we have this flexible business model. Having said that, I would like to highlight that 70% of the Pro Display Market in India integrates displays that are below the 50-inch size with the 32-inch and 43-inch sizes being the most prevalent. How has TPV performed in terms of growth relating to Professional displays? I am pleased to say that we have seen continued growth of between 10 to 15 percent. In terms of revenue we have been growing 100% year-on-year between 2016-2017 and 2018 and expect to finish off 2019 in the same manner. We currently hold the number three position as far as the professional display market share is concerned.

TRADESHOW - REVIEW

What is fuelling this growth? One is the major digital push by the government. Complementing that is the more stable power supply that is enabling growth in the second and third tier cities. Data has also become more affordable with better speeds. Consumers are also more technologically savvy. Another key factor is the abundance of software suppliers in India. These enables us to work with them to create a total solution for customers. We are able to give the customers what they want be it analytics, verification or interactive touch points. When these elements come together, digital signage and interactive displays play a more prominent role. A perfect example of this is our supplying of displays to 3,500+ Nextgen Vakrangee Kendra outlets. With the customised software embedded on our displays, information is controlled centrally with our seamless cloud solution with real-time data being displayed instantly. How does TPV intend to keep up its growth momentum? We offer various sizes, brightness and connectivity ports to meet any requirement. More importantly we offer after sales service effectively should it be needed. But what will help us with our momentum is more about the relationships that we have built. We ensure that we deliver on time with minimum fuss and that has built confidence in our solutions. In addition to continue to stay relevant we have released the 3110 Q Series, which is an entry level, all features display that has been specifically tailor-made for the Indian market. Being a large manufacturer offers us the ability to customise displays at a more competitive cost and we are confident that these displays will further our growth.

TPV Partners with Vakrangee to Provide Philips Professional Displays across rural India Philips Professional Displays have been installed at 3,500+ Nextgen Vakrangee Kendra outlets spread across 19 states, 366 districts and 2,186 postal codes. More than 68% outlets are from Tier 5 and tier 6 cities.

a central display and is controlled at the Vakrangee head office in Mumbai. This is implemented through technology-driven real-time connectivity and intensifying the integration of BFSI Services. Speaking about the association, Atul Jasra, Business Head (India) - Philips branded Professional Display Solutions commented, “We are happy that the Vakrangee management has trusted us for this partnership for their pilot project. At TPV, we are always looking at driving innovation and providing the best in class technology to our consumers. Through this collaboration, we are not only giving technology solutions to millions of Indians but also helping the country leapfrog into an inclusive growth by providing the masses with basic services which will help expand financial services to the entire country. We look to the next phase of expansion with Vakrangee, further supporting them to the best of our ability.” Commenting on the same, Anil Khanna, Managing Director & Group CEO at Vakrangee, stated “We are moving beyond the 2020 horizon and expanding our canvas, exploring new opportunities for growth and value creation. Firstly, our objective is to significantly deepen our physical presence on a larger scale. Our primary aim is to ensure that there is a Vakrangee Kendra outlet within walking distance of each citizen, no matter where he or she lives. This will be made possible with the support from our partners such as Philips. With the installation of Philips Professional Displays’s in the Kendras, it has helped us to enhance the interaction between Customers and Service Partners through the digital marketing and awareness campaigns for all our services “

In an effort to offer banking, financial and other Retail services to India’s unserved and underserved population, TPV has partnered with Vakrangee to provide Philips professional displays across 3,500 Next-gen Vakrangee Kendra outlets in India. The aim of the project is to create a technology intensive distribution platform for last mile retail touch points delivering services across Banking & ATM’s, Insurance, e-Governance, e-Commerce, Financial services and Logistic services on a real-time basis.

A technology driven company, Vakrangee’s main focus is on creating India’s largest network of last-mile retail point-of-sale. They have unparalleled execution capabilities, to potentially enable every Indian to seamlessly benefit from financial, digital and social inclusion and Government programs.

Running successfully and enabling digital content to reach the deepest pockets of rural India, the Philips professional display provides a seamless flow of information. Content is curated on

www.tpv-tech.com

The extensive product and services offering at Vakrangee encompasses across BFSI services, G2C services, B2C services, governance, and strategic projects.

FEATURE

The Future of Meeting Rooms

by Reid Rasmussen

Yesterday’s corporate meeting rooms are evolving into tomorrow’s collaboration rooms

You do not need a crystal ball to understand what the typical meeting room in Asia will look like in five or seven years. Instead, just look at meeting room trends in North America. The US has proved to be a global trendsetter in meeting rooms, helped by USbased multinationals having offices around the world and promoting US office trends beyond US borders. Huddle rooms are a good example. They started as a uniquely American phenomenon. US-based multinationals began rolling them out to their offices around the globe, and huddle rooms have gained widespread popularity with local companies outside North America, especially in India. The interest in India is driven by the effectiveness of huddle rooms for call centers.

Screen sharing is an important element of the collaboration taking place in meeting rooms. Futuresource Consulting conducted an end-user survey of executives as part of its recent Global Video Conferencing Report 2019. The most common type of sessions that respondents connect to on a regular basis from their organization’s meeting rooms or meeting spaces were audio with screen sharing, followed by audio and video. While screen sharing is a key part of the collaboration process, video is definitely on the rise. 84% of the organizations surveyed in North America and Western Europe are promoting a greater use of video for communication, with half of those ‘very strongly’ promoting it.

The plethora of cloud- and softwarebased collaboration, conferencing and screen sharing solutions and services, with new ones constantly being introduced, provide innovative ways to collaborate remotely.

Looking at the meeting room trends in the USA, as well as Western Europe, expect to see corporate meeting rooms in Asia that are more collaborative, smaller, more flexible, and more aesthetically pleasing.

Meeting rooms are becoming venues for greater collaboration, with more remote participants, more screen sharing and a greater use of video. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

The plethora of cloud- and software-based collaboration, conferencing and screen sharing solutions and services, with new ones constantly being introduced, provide innovative ways to collaborate remotely. Examples include TeamViewer, SharePoint, join.me, BlueJeans, RingCentral, Zoom and Amazon Chime. These services are attractive because they require little or no capital investment and are easy to use. Not only are there more services enabling collaboration, but it is becoming easier to connect to those services. In particular, wireless

FEATURE

rooms. A large assortment of AV solutions, such as room control, interactive whiteboarding, digital audio processing, LED displays, wireless presentation, screen sharing and video conferencing are providing greater levels of flexibility and efficiency for meeting rooms. These solutions are all experiencing good growth, and are increasingly found in meeting rooms in Asia as well as North America. These solutions make it easier to share and collaborate, whether the attendees are in the same room or in another continent. This is good news for AV consultants and systems integrators who have the expertise corporations need to implement and integrate a wide range of AV products and solutions into meeting rooms. Meeting rooms are becoming aesthetically more pleasing, including a greater use of nature and colour. AV suppliers and channels presentation technology is an increasingly popular way to enable worldwide report that interior designers are more involved in the meeting attendees to easily share and collaborate. design of meeting rooms, seeking to make them inspiring centres The survey of executives conducted as part of the Global Video of creativity. Interior designers are looking to better blend AV Conferencing report also found that audio quality was the most products into the room’s design. For example, a key factor driving frequently mentioned ‘main problem’ respondents the strong growth of beamforming ceiling microphones faced when joining a remote conferencing is interior designers specifying beamforming ceiling session. There is a growing appreciation of the The survey of microphones over gooseneck or boundary importance of good audio for conferencing, microphones. The result is less obtrusive executives conducted and a growing frustration with poor microphones and clutter-free tables. as part of the Global Video quality audio. As a result, businesses are Room design and the ability to blend Conferencing report also found not only buying better microphones AV technology into a meeting room’s that audio quality was the most for meeting rooms but also buying more of them to make sure people frequently mentioned ‘main problem’ decor will have a growing impact on all AV products used in meeting rooms. can be heard. respondents faced when joining a For example, interior designers are The increased use of VoIP and the remote conferencing session. There also looking for amps and DSPs with a greater bandwidth as compared to smaller form factor that can be more easily is a growing appreciation of the landlines and Plain Old Telephone installed, and hidden, in small spaces. importance of good audio for Services (POTS) is also encouraging When it comes to meeting rooms, Asia is conferencing. companies to purchase better microphones following North American trends, although to take advantage of that bandwidth. VoIP can some are further behind in adapting to the trends handle higher frequency bands and resolution than than others. Regardless, expect Asian meeting rooms in the POTS and this has led to increased content-driven demand future to be more collaborative, smaller, more flexible, and more for higher specifications. aesthetically pleasing. Meeting rooms are getting smaller. A Futuresource report produced last year, “Corporate Meeting Room: End-User Perspectives Western Europe & US,” found that most companies in the US and Western About the Author Europe expect to see an increase in the number of meeting rooms Reid Rasmussen, is part of the pro-audio they operate over the next three years with only a small percentage analysis team at market forecasters expecting to see a decline. The growth is strongest with smaller Futuresource Consulting. Based in meeting rooms, helped by the popularity of huddle rooms. Mid-size Singapore, Mr. Rasmussen has over 30 rooms are largely staying the same and large rooms are decreasing in years of experience as an AV market size as they are being re-purposed and made more flexible. researcher and market analyst covering Meeting rooms are becoming more flexible. This is happening in global markets. two ways. First, there is the increased flexibility of room design. For example, meeting rooms designed with removable wall dividers, so one large conference room can be broken up into smaller meeting areas or several spaces can be merged together to fit a big group. Second, technology is helping to provide greater flexibility in meeting © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

TECH TALK

‘TAP’ into the New Meeting Room Solution Video Conferencing and Collaboration are the two big things that have been characterising AV requirements and deployments at most business establishments world over. There have been a plethora of solutions from a host of developers and providers, and most look more or less same with minor variations. Against this oft-said notion, here is one seemingly distinct solution that promises to redefine the market dynamic. The TAP, from Logitech. Announced at ISE and, shown at InfoComm USA, the 10.1-inch touchscreen tablet device working in tandem other HW & SW, has already spread fast to dominate the collaboration domain. SIA interacts with Sumanta Datta, Managing Director and Cluster Head- India, Indonesia and SW Asia, to know more about it. TAP into it. SI Asia: What made Logitech come out with a solution like the TAP programme? SUMANTA DATTA: Tech challenges in meeting rooms have continued to plague workers, with meetings taking an average of eight minutes to start. The remote controls that are used in these rooms usually have too many buttons and are not intuitive to use. Meeting control also often varies from room to room. Traditional AV controllers are expensive, and often require custom programming by an AV specialist. And while tablets are used in meeting rooms because they’re affordable and can be installed by an IT generalist, they have their own set of challenges. Hence, to cater to these challenges Logitech decided to simplify the deployment and use of video conferencing in virtually any sized room, and came up with the idea of Tap. Logitech Tap delivers the best of both worlds for both AV and IT professionals. It enables the team to easily collaborate through features such as pre-configured room solutions for major collaboration platform such as Google Hangouts Meet Hardware, Microsoft Teams Rooms (formerly Skype Room Systems), and Zoom Rooms. SI Asia: What specific reasons inspired the development of TAP solution? SUMANTA DATTA: A recent report by Frost & Sullivan quoted that meetings today are far less effective than they could and while business professionals spend 40% of their time in meetings only 50% of that time is productive. A major reason for this less productivity is because only 3.6% of meeting rooms have video conferencing technology. We, at Logitech, are committed to modernizing the meeting room. With the inclusion of Tap, Logitech Room Solutions simplifies the deployment of video conferencing to virtually any sized room at a global scale. Designed from the ground-up as a touch controller for the workplace, Logitech Tap combines one-touch simplicity for users © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

with IT and AV-friendly features like multiple mounting options, up to 25m of in-wall rated cabling, and robust cable retention mechanisms. Logitech Tap is a USB-connected touch controller designed for the workplace. With multiple mounting options, long and strong cabling, Logitech Tap integrates beautifully into almost any interior location. DisplayLink technology offers plug-and-play connectivity as an additional display and opens the door to new applications and user experiences SI Asia: What is Logitech’s core competence and contribution to the whole solution? SUMANTA DATTA: Over the years Logitech has continued to innovate and have served an incredible number of global customers. With the launch of Tap, we aim to democratise teamwork in meeting rooms. As an integral component of Logitech Room Solutions, Tap couples the purpose-built utility and robust quality of a meeting room. It is simple touch control panel which is as affordable and flexible as a tablet. Tap delivers one-touch video calling and simplicity for users in an ITfriendly design ideal for deployment at scale. SI Asia: While hardware part is apparent, what exactly is at its core? SUMANTA DATTA: Logitech Room Solutions with Tap include all necessary components in one package: the Logitech Tap touch controller, a small form factor computer, room-optimized video conferencing software from Google, Microsoft or Zoom, and a Logitech conference Cam. The small room AV bundle includes Logitech MeetUp; the medium room AV bundle includes Logitech Rally and Rally Mounting Kit; and the large room AV bundle includes Logitech Rally Plus, Rally Mic Pod Hub, and Rally Mounting Kit. SI Asia: Can you elaborate on your partnership with your Cloud Video Partners? SUMANTA DATTA: Cloud software applications are expanding collaboration to every office, room, and workspace. Liberating organizations from the high cost and technical difficulty of traditional

TECH TALK

for the forecast period At the segment level, revenues from huddle room systems for CY 2018 was around ₹161.20 crore and this segment is expected to be the fastest growing with an estimated CAGR of 27.8% until 2023 The IT and ITeS companies continue to remain the biggest consumers of video conferencing endpoint solutions. These businesses prefer board room kind of setup for their main offices and at the same time have also been adopting huddle rooms for their main offices and other locations.

video conferencing systems, our cloud video providers offer software solutions that work beautifully with Logitech ConferenceCams, webcams, and audio products. Logitech works closely with its cloud video partners to enhance usability and design product roadmaps to meet your changing needs. Logitech is strategically partnered with Google, Microsoft & Zoom. We are compatible with Blue Jeans, Vidyo, Cisco, Pexip, Fuze, TruConf and more. SI Asia: What market verticals and segments is the TAP aimed at? SUMANTA DATTA: Logitech Tap provides a consistent Teams experience and are core to helping organizations get the most out of Teams meetings. Tap is not designed for a specific vertical market - it addresses the needs of small, medium and large organizations across a broad range of industries. It delivers reliable convenience from boardroom meeting to even classroom. It makes collaboration rooms easy to deploy and use, with pre-configured room solutions for major collaboration platform providers such as Google Hangouts Meet Hardware, Microsoft Teams Rooms (formerly Skype Room Systems), and Zoom Rooms. With Logitech Tap it’s lot easier than ever before to deliver functions like one-touch start, calendaring, and seamless content sharing. SI Asia: Is it available in Asia Pacific region? SUMANTA DATTA: Logitech Tap is available globally through distributors as part of pre-configured room solutions for Google Hangouts Meet hardware, Microsoft Teams Rooms (formerly Skype Room Systems), Zoom Rooms and other leading collaboration platforms. For India, it will be available from October onwards. The major markets of Asia such as Japan, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, etc will also be getting it shortly. USA & Europe Markets has availability since the past couple of months. SI Asia: How do you look at the collaboration solutions market in the APAC, and in particular India? SUMANTA DATTA: If we look at the India market, the overall Video Conferencing Endpoints Market CY 2018 was ₹505.54 crore and is expected to reach ₹1071.90 Crore by the end of CY 2023 growing at a CAGR of 16.2%

These large enterprises continue to remain the biggest revenue contributing segment to the overall video conferencing market in India and contributes around 77% of the overall video conferencing endpoint revenue as of May 2019. SI Asia: With 4K and 8ks on one side, and IOT and Cloud or AV/IT over IP on the other, how do you see the collaboration segment shaping up currently? SUMANTA DATTA: The Video collaboration segment is being used to a very large extent in large and small places to overcome the geographical gaps and to avoid the hassle of long and tiring business travels. Cloud technology being one of the biggest drivers in the video collaboration segment has made it much easier for enterprises. Logitech’s vision is to see video conferencing in every meeting room. With cloud-based video and solutions like ours coming at an affordable price point and are easy to use, we are moving towards making this vision into reality. At the same time, AI and computer vision are helping deliver a seamless video experience so people can focus on the meeting, not the technology. And while 4K and 8K have yet to take off in the video conferencing space due to bandwidth requirements, Logitech’s newest conference cam are future-proofed with support for 4K video. SI Asia: Where does the TAP can tap into the current dynamic? SUMANTA DATTA: As mentioned earlier that Logitech Tap delivers the best of both worlds for both AV and IT professionals. It delivers a high-quality, beautifully designed, universal controller at a reasonable price. It provides a sleek form factor with high-performance cabling, secure mounting, ease of use, versatility, and global appeal. Logitech Tap delivers reliable convenience in the meeting room. It makes team collaboration rooms easy to deploy and use, with preconfigured room solutions for major collaboration platform providers such as Google Hangouts Meet Hardware, Microsoft Teams Rooms (formerly Skype Room Systems), and Zoom Rooms. And coupled with intuitive products from leading collaboration service providers,

Video Conferencing domain is still faced with a slew of challenges. Logitech decided address all that, and simplify the deployment and use of video conferencing in virtually any size room. Hence the idea of Tap.

it’s easier than ever before to deliver functions like one-touch start, calendaring, and seamless content sharing. www.logitech.com

TRADESHOW - PREVIEW

ISE MD Mike Blackman on the Show’s Widening Appeal Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events, talks about ISE 2020, and why the show has become the ‘must attend’ event for users of AV technology as well as for AV industry professionals.

ISE has enjoyed year-on-year growth since it began. Will ISE 2020 be the biggest and best yet?

What’s new in the way of conferences and professional development?

Unquestionably. At the last ISE, we had over 81,000 visitors – and we expect more in 2020. In 2019, we had 56,100 sqm of net exhibit space, and that will increase in 2020 by over 800 sqm.

All the conferences held at ISE 2019 will be back in 2020 – covering smart buildings, XR, digital signage, digital cinema, hospitality, visitor attractions, stadiums and pro audio, plus AVIXA’s two What’s Next... conferences, focusing on enterprise and higher education. In addition, we have a couple of new ones – the Control Rooms Summit and the CEDIA Design & Build Conference. Like in 2019, many of the conferences will be held at the Hotel Okura, near the RAI, which proved very popular with our attendees.

Two important changes for this year are that the Hall 5 extension has been made larger and permanent, while Hall 14 will be the home of a new Innovation Zone – a specially designed area for companies that are new to ISE to showcase their technology. The ISE Main Stage theatre will relocate to Hall 14, and will offer a full programme of free-to-attend thought leadership and best practice sessions from ISE, AVIXA, CEDIA and AV Magazine. Following the success of our spectacular projection mapping on the nhow Hotel during ISE 2019, there will be another exciting projection showcase on another part of the RAI complex. And we have a dynamic and thought-provoking Opening Address lined up; we will announce the speaker when registration opens at the start of October.

As well as its conferences, AVIXA is running 20-minute FlashTrack sessions on its stand. CEDIA has a four-day programme of training sessions, beginning on the Monday with a workshop on cybersecurity, as well as hosting free CEDIA Talks on its stand. What are the challenges presented by the event having become so large? One of the biggest is ensuring that visitors can easily locate what they’re looking for – and relevant exhibitors can easily be found.

TRADESHOW - PREVIEW

One of the ways we’ve addressed that is with the creation of six Technology Zones – for audio and live events, digital signage and DooH, education, residential, smart buildings and unified communication. The Technology Zones mean that visitors can quickly locate the part of the show where they’ll find the technology and product trends that are most relevant to their interests. The ISE app has proved a big hit with visitors, and its wayfinding features are a key part of that. How has the average ISE visitor profile changed over the years? Back when we first started, our audience almost exclusively comprised systems integrators and other AV channel professionals. Increasingly, though, the show has become a destination for endusers; our exhibitors want to engage directly with them, as well as meeting their existing and prospective channel partners. Today, ISE has become as much of a ‘must attend’ event for end-users as it is for the channel. How have you made ISE more attractive to end-users? We’ve added substantially to our conference programme over the years, because end-users have told us they get enormous value not just from the opportunity to talk directly to manufacturers and to find out about the products and technologies that will shape their companies’ AV strategy – but also to network and to learn from industry experts and their peers. Our Special Interest Group programme is designed to bring attendees from specific key vertical market sectors to ISE, helping end-user technology buyers to meet technology vendors and solution partners. They’re the result of formal agreements between ISE and a variety of associations, media partners, companies and consultants, and they’re tailored to meet the information needs of the visiting executives with planned stand visits, presentations, networking events and dinners. You mentioned sessions by AVIXA and CEDIA. What is their role with ISE? ISE is owned by AVIXA and CEDIA, two trade associations with a focus on professional development – so education and training have always been an important part of the show. Another priority for both associations is reaching out beyond the industry, to other stakeholders within AV projects. Establishing and awarding

professional qualifications plays an important part in establishing the expertise of the industry as a whole, as well as demonstrating the competency of the individuals who work in it. AVIXA and CEDIA are hugely instrumental in helping deliver the outstanding visitor and exhibitor experience that ISE has become, setting the tone and themes for the event and helping us continue to develop and create ever-more engaging content for our channel and various vertical market end-users alike. Between them, the two associations provide a wealth of market intelligence, guidance and education initiatives, as well as many entertaining and thoughtprovoking opportunities for development. What trends in technology should visitors to ISE 2020 look for? I think we’ll start to see AI permeate a number of AV applications. It’s already being used in digital signage, but many see opportunities for it in other customer-centric applications, such as hospitality. AI is also being used to improve the quality of meetings and collaboration. ISE 2020 will, I think, provide evidence of the rise of LED-based screens. They have advantages over LCD – and prices are dropping rapidly. It will also be interesting to see the progress that OLED technology has made. Visitors should look out too for new generations of application-specific projectors. On audio: object-based sound will be heard everywhere. With the move to Barcelona in 2021, ISE 2020 will be the last one at the RAI. How do you feel about that? The RAI has been a great venue for us for over a decade now, so of course, there’s some sadness: I’ll leave with many fond memories of our time there. It’s served us very well, and has been part of our rapid growth to become the world’s largest professional audiovisual event. The downside is that we’ve become too big for a convention centre even of the RAI’s size and facilities. However, I’m also excited. The Fira is a fantastic facility and a much larger space, located in a very attractive destination. The move isn’t simply about growing the numbers: it’s about delivering a betterquality experience to our exhibitors and visitors. www.iseurope.org

INTERVIEW

Biamp Systems Opens SAARC Office in Bengaluru

Mapping Market Strategy with Aggression Innovative, networked media systems solutions provider Biamp has become the latest member of the global OEM league that has made Bengaluru as their regional hub for the entire SAARC region. While Biamp is almost a household name in the industry with a strong presence for many years now, the Beverton, Oregon-headquartered AV major’s focus on India vis-à-vis SAARC explains its new focus. SIA tries to map it through an interaction with the company’s Vice-President (International Business Development) Niclas Brattberg, who is a familiar name in India. Excerpts:

SI Asia: What bring you to India this time around? NICLAS: We had long been planning to open our SAARC regional office here in India-Bengaluru. As you saw it, we have opened our office now, in a grand fashion, with all our regional tema members joining the big cause. I’m here essentially for this reason. I am also taking this opportunity to both meet and invite some of our esteemed partners and clients here in Bengaluru, and update them about what all Biamp brings to them from this office establishment. I’m delighted I have largely achieved my objective. SI Asia: What all the functions does this India office handle? What all it is equipped with? NICLAS: We will do sales & marketing, product demos, training and technical support. That’s one type of the jobs handled here. While we already have a whole big range of Biamp’s products showcased here, we would soon get to demo the products from our recent acquisitions such as Crowd Mic, Community, Cambridge Sound, and Apart Audio. Moving forward, we would have more ranges from the group. Even as it does all these jobs, this establishment functions like a Customer Experience Centre where our Partners and Clients can converse and get to ‘experience’ the Biamp solutions how exactly those systems work in an ideally installed condition. That’s two. Third- this office is Biamp’s regional hub for the entire SAARC region. So, the Biamp team members from this office cater to the needs of our Partners from across the SAARC, and help them gain deeper

understanding of Biamp’s solutions from time to time. This office is equipped with Conference Room, Training Room, Technical Support Room, and Demo Area as well, besides normal administrative spaces. In design and application, this office resembles that of Biamp’s office in Beverton. So, it imposes that feel of being in sync with the HQ in application and approach. SI Asia: Now that you have a fully-defined regional establishment here, what are your sales and marketing expectations from this setup? NICLAS: India, in its own right, has always been a very positive growth market for us. As Biamp continues to pursue its organic growth by acquiring contributing technologies, India continues to be one of our top market geographies. So are other markets. That we are now better equipped in terms of infrastructure and product supply/solutions demo, we expect to have a better reach and better presentation of Biamp’s competencies to Partners and Customers. That this is all happening in the light of some impressive industry growth for the last few years in the region, we look forward to having an exciting market path in the times to come. SI Asia: These are the days of OEMs creating CECs as a conduit to reach out End Users directly rather than pursuing through channel distribution. How about Baimp? NICLAS: I don’t think we have the bandwidth to reach out to the End Users straightaway; nor we would be keen to. We believe our partners

(Left) Niclas Brattberg opening champaign bottle in style; (right) Team Biamp after the Opening programme © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

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are competent enough to understand the market better, address the clients’ requirements efficiently, and bring us business. We would therefore rather like our partners to bring us business; bring their customers here, show them our solutions experientially, and create business cases. More, we would not want to cause ambiguities among partners and market by seeking any direct connect with the End User. We’re here to strengthen our Channel Partners, to equip them with better set-up, and of course networking. SI Asia: Having done this, any particular plan on how to take this forward? NICLAS: We do have our plans chalked out, and we do it two formatsone here at the office set-up, and one out on the field. Historically, Biamp accounts for a smaller part of the big value chain that the industry is, as its success depends on other OEMs as well. Keeping that in mind, we encourage our Partners to bring their End User customers, as also other OEM partners here, showcase our solutions for their better comprehension and adoption. On the field side, we have already been doing a good amount work conducting trainings and road shows even in Tier-B and C cities, besides the big Metropolitan cities. An important aspect here is Bimap’s online training programme where the partners can capture the latest and finer nuances of Biamp applications. The on field hands-on training and online programme go hand-in-hand in a wellplanned manner, and this office does play its role in that aspect. SIA: In what market verticals does Biamp enjoy strong presence, and in what verticals it feels challenging? And why? NICLAS: Our choosing Bengaluru as the base of our India operations, perhaps

answers one part of the question. Silicon Valley of India, as this city is known, is home for numerous Enterprise segment companies where Biamp has a strong presence. That’s one. Two- over the last few years, we have grown with Government business in areas like Transport segment, and SmartCity projects; we are getting a larger pie of the segment now. The challenging segments, per se, would mainly constitute Education, particularly the low & mid-end. While we are present in higher and professional education segment that comprise IITs and IIMs, we do not have a product that can go to low and mid-end education. The other segment we find challenging is Hospitality. While we have pretty good presence in most SAARC markets, it is certainly not so in India. The reason is the market being so cost-sensitive, the standards of AV deployment are often not followed, which is difficult for Biamp, as we always stick to standards. We have been trying our best to educate the market of the imperatives of a standard AV solution to be competent to face any challenge. It’s a matter of time. SIA: What’s your immediate priority now?

NICLAS: After the acquisition of Bimap by Highlander Partners, there has been a new momentum; things have been happening at some rapid pace. There have been a handful of acquisition, and there by a widening of the product-basket. So, the priority, as we see it now, is to let the market know the products and solutions that Biamp is bringing to it- which is what this office will do, showcasing the product ranges, demonstrating the solutions and explaining to market makers the experience these things will bring “We are now better equipped in terms of along. infrastructure and product supply/solutions

demo, we expect to have a better reach and better presentation of Biamp’s competencies to Partners and Customers.”

www.biamp.com

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Blake Augsburger: LEA Brings A Differentiated Value Proposition LEA Professional launched at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California in January 2019. The company showed its product at InfoComm in June 2019. Heading the company is a renowned figure Blake Augsburger. Blake joined Hubbell as Director of Engineering in 1994 and in 1999 became VP and General Manager with P&L responsibility for four business units totaling more than $70m. Later Blake went on to join Crown International as President in 2001 and grew that business, becoming President of Harman’s Professional Division and North America Country Manager for Harman International in 2006. Blake left Harman ten years later. Blake has also been a board member of the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Organization in North America. SI Asia talks to Blake about what LEA is bringing to the table.

What prompted you to start this venture (LEA)? I saw the evolution of amplifier technology and the revolution in IoT technologies but these movements existed in isolation and no one was looking at advancing them together. I believed the idea of coupling the very best in amplifier innovation and IoT connectivity would yield significant improvements in system performance and system management but also how integrators designed, installed and managed sound systems. I shared the idea with friends and partners — including integrators and dealers in this region — and received overwhelmingly positive feedback. I built a team and now it’s much more than me and an idea. We’ve gone from start-up to established industry player and the idea that prompted it all is now inspiration for a can-do organizational culture of innovation and entrepreneurship! In such a crowded space (Professional Audio), what is LEA bringing to the table that it is worth considering? Is it filling any particular gap? The space for commodity (professional audio) components is indeed crowded but I see us serving a distinctly different market with a very differentiated value proposition. The amplifier market has headroom for innovation and we have the most experienced, talented engineering team in the business. I also think that the mission to bring non-proprietary connectivity and control to audio is unique and compelling and that it’s resonating with dealers, integrators across the globe and especially here in Asia. Another gap that I think we are filling is that we’re a new business with a proven organization and a fresh approach to technology and business. Our extended team — comprising the factory team and partners like Generation AV (based in Singapore)— is deeply committed to the professional systems integration community meaning we understand the market dynamics and we serve the professional in ways that prosumer companies cannot ever do. Please provide us with a brief on each of the models of your solutions that is currently shipping . In September we will begin shipping our Connect Series amplifiers for small to medium size installations. These amplifiers will offer © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

IoT capabilities as a standard feature by providing remote control and monitoring of installed systems without having to VPN into a local area network. We will leverage the AWS IoT Core as the infrastructure that will safely and securely transmit data to and from the amplifier. When our cloud services come online shortly after we begin shipping amplifiers, the Connect Series will be able to connect and communicate with the cloud via our LEA Connect Series Apps, which will also include data analytics capabilities and push notifications. Our LEA Connect family of amplifiers will include two, four and eight channel amps with direct HiZ (70V or 100V) or LoZ selectable by channel with the ability to connect from a built-in Wi-Fi access point, the venue’s WiFi, or using the FAST Ethernet to connect to any local area network via Cat5 or Cat6 cable. Who are some of the key team members and what are they bringing to the table? I have been very lucky and I am very grateful for our team. We founded the business in South Bend, Indiana which is famously a cradle of amplifier innovation. Jeremy Bules is Vice President of Engineering & Operations. He spent 18 years at Harman and in doing so led the development of some of the most successful and iconic amplifiers in our industry. Scott Robbins, Vice President of Sales, is also a Harman veteran. We worked closely together at Crown and at the group level and he was responsible some very smart programs and sustained growth over many years. Matt McLain is Vice President of Finance and Administration and joined us from Schafer Industries. He’s a great organizer and is helping us stay lean and agile. Brian Pickowitz is Vice President of Marketing. He was at Harman for more than 15 years in engineering, marketing, and business development roles. The team and the culture here are among the most positive aspects of starting LEA Professional! There is deep belief in our mission and confidence in the products we’re offering and the platform we’re

INTERVIEW imagining! I think the market understands this and it explains the phenomenally positive reaction LEA Professional has garnered! What else can we look forward to in terms of product releases from LEA in the near future? We had a strong idea for the amplifier as a central building block of a connected infrastructure platform. That’s already leading to some exciting ideas and innovations that you’ll see as product introductions in the near-term. In addition to new products and platforms from LEA Professional you can also expect new, innovative programs! We want this company to be an organization that integrators want to work with and is easy and efficient to work with! I am very bullish on the potential of the global AV industry to provide comprehensive value to the technology enterprise and I’m similarly bullish on the contribution of LEA Professional to the advancement of the global AV industry. Please brief us on LEA plans for Asia including distributors who have already been appointed. We appointed the newly-formed Generation AV as our representatives in Asia to provide sales, application engineering and technical support to all distributors and partners in the region. Generation AV is led by David McKinney whom I have worked with SI ASIA_210x140mm橫式01.pdf 1 2019/9/20 下午 04:11:47 extensively and know very well. Both organizations have a shared

sense of purpose and a shared energy to realize our potential. Here, again, the timing has been optimal with David starting his firm just as we were seeking a partner in the region. Do give us your view about Asia’s potential for LEA as well. I think the global market for AV has strong potential. Audio and video technologies serve as end-points and gateways for advanced networks featuring artificial intelligence and machine learning engines that provide amazing experiences. Today, we’re seeing those experiences in theme parks, universities and high-end retail but as technology gets less expensive and even easier to deploy and operate, you’ll see huge growth of AV in hospitality, healthcare and the enterprise! LEA Professional is right there at the cusp of this innovation and we’re driving growth of our business and that of our partners and customers. The Asia market has considerable potential for growth. There are many greenfield developments planned; infrastructure spending is generally strong and there is a broad cultural attachment to entertainment and sport. We see opportunity in the built environment here and our partners and systems integrators share this optimism. leaprofessional.com

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Value-Adding the Client Service Audio-Visually AV Distribution in India has come of age. It’s been contributing its value-adds to make the eco-system of OEM-to-End Users in its own right, and continues to do so even as the of late concepts of OEMS wanting to have their own distribution network. Mumbai-based Green Sources Private Limited is one leader in the business with many a global brand of repute characterizing its positioning in the market, as also credentials of business leadership. SWADESH KHETAWAT, the company’s Managing Director shares with SIA his perspective of the business and where the domain of AV distribution as whole is heading. Excerpts:

SIA: Ten years of AV distribution business- can be a milestone in itself! How would you describe the journey? SWADESH: As they say, the older you grow, the wiser you become. Green Sources has had a flourishing and supportive experience in the AV and now, in IT industry. Last 10 years have been a quick and replenishing course of journey where we have kept growing as an organization and building brand associations. A great journey in deed. SIA: You first had TaxanGulf in the Middle East, then followed it up with Green Sources. Is there a particular thought process to have a separate entity for India? SWADESH: The thought of creating two separate identities has helped us create a niche and an organized platform to grow in their respective environments. As the companies are professionally managed and growing leaps and bounds, at that time it was one of the best decisions taken. SIA: What particular achievements you think have defined the Success that Green Sources is today? SWADESH: To start with, we consider ourselves proudly associated with the A1 category of brands in the AV & IT sectors which give us the best opportunities in the global outlook. We also believe that the culture and recruitment of an organization holds equal importance in today’s world. We strongly credit our success to all our team members and brands associated with us today. SIA: What kind of testing times has the company traversed? Could you explain? SWADESH: We have had our fair share of challenging situations. From fluctuations in Dollar exchange rates to the transition period from VAT to GST. This may also be a common factor for most business enterprises in India. The VAT era was the most painful. However, the subsequent One Country = One Tax regime has been nothing more than a blessing for most businesses.

SIA: Ten years is also a big time. How has the distribution scenario changed or evolved over this period in the country in various aspects of the business? SWADESH: First, in terms of demand for new technologies and availability of such solutions- our associated brands come from globally specked solutions for many organizations which make them easily acceptable for System Integrators. Established brands need distributors of equal reputation. Such new technologies face lesser resistance when supported by value added distributors such as ours. In terms of price sensitivity amongst AV buyers- today, India has become one the largest economies which makes us a price sensitive market. However, creating a demand and meeting the supply has been our forte. We believe our customers keep coming back to us for the value added services which we provide without a doubt. Even though AV buyers are price sensitive, they are mature enough to value presales and after sales services offered by us. I think most of our customers are willing to pay a minimal premium for the comfort and security provided during the lifecycle of the product. In terms of policy regimes in different States and probable impactthis is simply a thing of past. We are in a new era of taxation which is moving away from regional policies. With the introduction of GST and abolition of local regional levies like Octroi, the impact is minuscule. Yes, the customer spends are still is dependent on the policy regimes in different States. However, the competitive spirit inter-state is picking up and will only augur well for all businesses. In terms of tendency of OEMs wanting to have their own distribution network- AV industry, to a good extent, is both organized, and unorganized too. Every OEM /distributor would prefer mutual admiration instead of cutting throats. Some of the mid-level OEMS are at times quite short sighted and fail to acknowledge the value add provided by good distributors. It’s not only about the product, but also the local comfort which plays a great role in winning a case. No better person than the familiar distributor who can support the customer in more ways than documented on paper.

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SIA: What has been the most impacting technology OR technologies that you saw coming to Indian AV in recent times?

SIA: How do you divide your time between Green Sources, and TaxanGulf, your business concern in the Middle East?

SWADESH: It is not the most benefiting state when it comes to SWADESH: Cloud along with AI (Artificial Intelligence) has been one your social life, but since Middle East is just a 3-hour flight, it’s of the most impactful technology in the Indian AV industry. Heavy, quite easy to fly in and out between these offices. Fortunately, both power guzzling, expensive and highly unreliable hardware has been Green Sources and Taxan Gulf are managed by some very reduced considerably to minuscule connectors and minimal talented and committed team members. Modern day hardware at a very small cost. That has eased out technology of video conferencing fills the greys many challenges the industry eco-system had Today, India has become more often than not. The only sore point is my been living with for many years. The cloud one the largest economies weekends at Green Sources are now work based solutions seem to be replacing nearly days at Taxan Gulf, and this is something every other technology today. which makes us a price sensitive which will not change in the foreseeable market. However, creating a SIA: What role have you got to play in future. demand and meeting the supply has this techno impact? been our forte. We believe our SIA: Is there a thing or two that you feel SWADESH: We as a value add customers keep coming back very prideful about the company, and distribution business could see this to us for the value added its contribution to Indian AV? Please coming and took the plunge well in explain… services which we provide advance to train and prepare ourselves. without a doubt. SWADESH: We do take it as a matter of pride That was one very crucial reckoning. It and great satisfaction of having introduced some helped us introduce and support our partners in of the leading AV brands and technologies to the adapting these technologies seamlessly. We believe Indian AV markets. Our business ethics and prime focus on this is just the beginning, and we plan to further invest in customer satisfaction are second to none. training ourselves and updating our partners regularly. SIA: Do you think the word ‘Competition’ does exist in your business (AV distribution)? If so, of what kind? SWADESH: To speak about it in the right spirit, there is competition in every industry. Good competition creates the strive to achieve more, and customer satisfaction. I strongly believe the stronger you grow, more you will face competition and the mindset to grow the organization. We are happy to work with our competition and provide more value to our customers.

SIA: Having come thus far, what’s your Next or Near Term priority? SWADESH: Our next or near term priority is to get the AV industry a little more organized. We as a company would be investing much more in training, maybe even look at creating a real AV University. www.greensources.co

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avt Charts its Course with its Eyes on the Future avt with its headquarters in Australia, established an office in Singapore in 2018, with the aim of bringing cutting-edge solutions and its expertise to the Asian market. In Australia the company represents the full range of HARMAN solutions for the Installation market aside from other complementary offerings. SI Asia speaks to COO, Paul Fouracre, avt about what lies ahead for the company. avt commenced operations in 1987 founded by Kevin Chatfield as AV Technology. In 1991, AV Technology became the distributor in Australia and New Zealand for AMX, having previously distributed York Controls. The company was rebranded to avt in 2016 after having traded for the prior decade as AMX Australia and AMX New Zealand. Today, we proudly continue distribution of the AMX range in Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, in Australia we represent the Harman Professional Audio brands of JBL, Crown, BSS, and AKG for the installation market. Given the inevitable rise of software platforms entering the commercial AV landscape, avt also strategically added Utelogy to our portfolio providing an enterprise software- defined management, monitoring and control platform to our solutions suite. We also represent Utelogy throughout Asia via our Singapore-based team and their expanding partner network. In early 2018, we capitalised on the opportunity to represent another global leader in Tripleplay; a software-centric IPTV, digital signage and video streaming platform. We collaborate with Tripleplay to ensure effective coverage for the Asian region with the Tripleplay platform. avt has continued to expand our operations. Our headquarters is on the Gold Coast in Australia. We also have offices, showrooms and training facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth as well as Auckland, New Zealand and we established a presence in Singapore in early 2018. Tell us a little bit about avt in Singapore. Why did that come about? As part of avt’s growth strategy, our Founder, Kevin Chatfield decided to expand our operations into Asia to leverage growth that was occurring in the Asian economies. Given our broad portfolio of new and innovative technologies, we were confident that several of the solutions we were representing were relevant to the region. We also thought it was a great opportunity for us to leverage our skills and capabilities around value-add distribution which has made us successful in Australia and New Zealand markets. Whilst we don’t have Harman distribution rights in Asia, we certainly have several key solutions relevant to the AV market that we sell into our channel partners in Asia.

Was it like a push-pull factor regarding the other brands representation in Asia? It was part of our overall growth strategy and thankfully our suppliers were very supportive of that and we’ve certainly bought on new suppliers since then and now with the mindset of not only growth in Australia and New Zealand, but also the vast opportunities that exist in verticals such as Hospitality, Corporate & Education in Asia is an attractive proposition for both avt and our suppliers. Therefore, it has certainly been a multi-faceted approach around how the av industry is transforming from typically hardware-based platforms into software driven solutions. Our continued portfolio investments, attraction of key leadership, sales and technical talent and our value-add distribution approach will fuel our expansion plan strategy into Asia. avt is strictly a distribution company? That is absolutely the case. We are a value-added distributor. We distribute world-class audio visual hardware and software brands across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. We are passionate about technology and living our purpose which is to lead our industry, advance our people and partners, creating memorable experiences every day. So, what does value-add mean? Well it’s because of services such as our technical support, pre and post-sales, our audio EASE modelling and design-assist capability and deep product understanding across all markets. We value working with our partners whether that is behind the scenes or customer-facing with the end user. avt positions with our customers, that we just don’t sell, we support during the sales process and continue to support them post sales which is the end-to-end distribution value add service that avt provides. We also engage with the consultant community as well to earn specification preference and have discussions around our technology platforms with the goal of optimising end-user experience with our technology. Similarly, we engage with end users as well to share how our solutions can provide positive, seamless and intuitive experiences to their staff and customers. When a decision is made to integrate our solutions, our valued partners take the client lead to complete the sale.

INTERVIEW What are avt’s expectations regarding the Asia office in Singapore? We planned in the first two years, it would be a start-up mode. So, we understood that, and it remains on track in this phase. But we’ve managed to sign on a lot of partners as part of our strategy. We are engaged with several consultants and we’re generating traction in that market for solutions such as Utelogy, Panacast, Mimo and more recently with Tripleplay. We are certainly pleased with our progress and penetration across key customers early in our Asian expansion phase. What about the manpower and service support for Asia? We continue to invest in our technical capability across the business and have some great talent based in Singapore. That said, we have technical resources spread throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia who have and will continue to support any avt customer throughout Asia Pacific. We are receiving great accolades from our Asian customer base, which is the ultimate objective. Do you see avt further expanding its portfolio any time soon and in which areas? One of the things that we are seeing is certainly the role of the major UC platform providers such as Teams and Zoom and how the mid-size conference room has essentially been collapsed into a very simplified video conferencing solution. I think this industry change has impacted the entire supply chain from manufacturer through to consultants and integrators because that space was previously a key design and implementation solution, but now it’s become vastly simplified. It’s a case of camera, speaker, microphone, a display and a OneTouch start and there’s your room. That resonates with CFOs and CIO’s who want low-cost simplified options that deliver a consistent user experience. avt is looking at ways on how we address that across all our markets. We also acknowledge that we need to have price-appropriate solutions for the markets we address. Watch this space for more interesting announcements in the near future.

an Enterprise Network behind the firewall. The Mezzocast software ingests the people and object-count capability from the Panacast camera which through an open API can be interrogated by the various BI platforms to report on room usage and utilisation. It also delivers auto room booking capability to room book panels such as Mimo simply by leveraging the Panacast people count detection capability. I briefly mentioned Panacast, it is essentially a data appliance which just happens to deliver an amazing video user experience due to its native 4k, one hundred and eighty degree field of view. It seamlessly stiches three, thirteen megapixels cameras together to achieve this outcome. The value of solutions such as Mezzocast is to provide data driven solutions for actionable insights and it’s where I believe the industry is heading. CIO’s and CFO’s want more value from their investments and data insights is a key element of this. As a further example if you look at our Utelogy solution and how you can monitor devices in the in the room. Utelogy is software defined control, management and monitoring solution so you can control any device that has an open API or you can simply monitor that device or do both. The beauty about Utelogy is you don’t need to be a programmer to set up rooms, it’s all about configuration instead of hard-core programming. That said, there is a great opportunity for the programming community to build drivers and enhance and tailor the solution for their clients. When you have the capability to have your various conference room devices monitored and with the recent launch of the Utelogy U-Manage 2.0 dashboard platform, you can leverage proactive device reporting capability from the cloud dashboard. That proactive ability to know when you’ve got a problem with components in the conference room and reporting on your fleet of rooms is very compelling. So it’s an evolving portfolio, arguably an eco-system in the making and we’re connecting the various elements and we’ve got a solid strategy around this. On a final note, what’s the buzz around the avt booth at Integrate? Well we formally announced the representation of two new products. These are Joan, a low cost, room booking solution for easy scheduling of office spaces and meeting rooms, built on sustainable and power efficient e-paper technology; and Airtame, an all-in-one wireless screen sharing solution with customizable digital signage, remotely managed in the cloud.

I noticed the MezzoCast software integrated with PanaCast. The software is an avt solution?

The solutions have generated amazing interest. In regard to Joan, it has a number of fantastic features but the thing I love most about it, is that it’s like your Kindle. It’s a low-power energy efficient solution. It is battery operated and each charge lasts for 3 months and when the power level reaches 20% a notification is sent so you can simply recharge the unit. We are all trying to reduce our energy consumption, so I really like this product and how avt is helping organisations achieve that goal. www.avt.tech

Yes you’re right Thomas, MezzoCast is an avt solution and the second in the Mezzo family. It can be delivered in the cloud or on © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

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NVincy: Customizing AV Applications, Experience AV distribution is as exciting as it is challenging. While it gives an opportunity to get exposed to multiple brands and their technology on one hand it takes a particular professional expertise and value-adding skills on the other to get them taken by the industry. Bengaluru-based AV distribution firm NVincy Solutions promises characterizing the both. The company Directors MOHD HAARIS and HAARIS & SAUGATO SIDDHANTA explain how and why. On the genesis, purpose, and journey of Nvincy Solutions through highs and lows...

On post-AMX/Harman legacy in Nvincy solutions offerings, and marring this into the distribution business…

HAARIS & SAUGATO: Well, earlier, we had been working with large OEM organizations and building their businesses from scratchhelping them to evolve into potentially strong brands in the country. While we have been in that activity for quite a long time, it slowly got to our mind that if we could build and run businesses so successfully for others, why can’t we try and create our own organization, build a brand of our own, and carve out a space for ourselves in the domain we have been living for so many years- the AV/IT.

HAARIS & SAUGATO: Admittedly, we have had a very long association with the brands- almost two decades, which is long enough by any standards. With such long prideful association in place, it is quite but natural we will have a legacy, particularly when our experience coming from such strong technology giants. At Nvincy Solutions, we use that carry-forward expertise to be a seamless application in our new solutions for customers. We are happy that we still continue to associate with them, and try using their latest offerings in our solutions. We do have a team of professionals to support us and our partners with design and programming.

We tried, and hope we made it. On the name Nvincy, if there is any special significance/symbolism behind it… HAARIS & SAUGATO: We started earlier with a proprietary company named ‘Invincy solutions.’ However, when we wanted to convert the company into a Private Limited firm we did not get the required name for registration. We didn’t want to go for quaint names; we rather wanted to have name that similar to the one we had in the beginning so that the brand recall is almost spontaneous, and also it is easy on our partners. That’s how the Nvincy is culled out of Invincy.

On whether it as a strategy to carve a niche in a ‘no competition’ domain…

I hope both the names sound similar, right?

HAARIS & SAUGATO: We look at it differently. As mentioned earlier, with our OEM and Systems Integration background, we had planned to do things differently. We did want to get in to distribution as it would give us the opportunity to introduce a multitude of global brands to our customers, but we consciously choose those brands where we could value add with our technical knowhow so that we grow together, even as we contribute to the industry’s betterment with superior solutions.

On the thought processes behind turning from OEM team to distribution + custom applications business…

On what competencies have been built into the company in terms of team building; technology certifications; brand-worthy installs etc…

HAARIS & SAUGATO: Prior to our OEM background, we were working for a system integration company, where we had an opportunity to see and understand the gaps between OEMs and SI companies. Our strength has been always our ability to understand technology traits and develop custom applications for clients. We wanted to elevate and present a new expression to that competence by our own business enterprise being a ‘value-added partner’ to the Systems Integration community, rather than being a mere box pushing distributor.

HAARIS & SAUGATO: We have been able to create a strong in-house team for digital signage content creation and custom application development with our principals. One of the biggest success stories for us has been with BrightSign. That we are approved and authorized content Partner for BrightSign we have been able to create many custom content and application projects involving BrightSign products for clients in North America and Europe.

While our standing expertise gave us a good footing, we built a strong technical team to consolidate our presence in the market, by continuously supporting our partners with system designs and online installation support, as well as custom application and content creation support. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

In addition, we have developed our own Room Scheduling Solution on BrightSign Platform that integrates directly to Office 365, MS Exchange or Google G Suit. This solution was showcased at ISE 2018 at the Brightsign Booth, and it did attract a good attention from discerning visitors.

INTERVIEW On how they make it good with heavily-competed distribution business in India, and outside… HAARIS & SAUGATO: First and foremost, we believe India and SAARC region is a huge market place, with an exponentially growing potential. So, place for everyone to make it good, provided they have a good business model and expertise. The market does provide enough space for all existing, and new distribution players to coexist and make businesses. Secondly, every distribution company has their own principals, and so do we, with our own set of unique technology partners. I say technology partner because, like I said earlier, we do not merely push boxes; we rather custom create solution with the products which we believe is a critical differentiator. That we brand ourselves with a variety of value-adds based on the product and requirement of the user, that’s been creating a great variety of opportunities for us. On what thinking they do while choosing a brand/product?... technology, price, relevance, ease of install… HAARIS & SAUGATO: I would say it would be a combination of all the points you mentioned. However, having journeyed through technology traits over so many years, I may look a little more inclined when I say we try to bring new and innovative technology products and solutions to our client’s place. More, we tend to select brands where we see some opportunity to add some custom solution/application so that the combined offering is both exciting and compelling on the client. That’s actually we want to grow, create value to the partners through not just the brands we bring, but also through our value-add applications. On whether they would detail a product/brand or two that brings all the four together… HAARIS & SAUGATO: I would want to talk about BrightSign in this regard. It is one good example for filling in all the four criteria you mentioned. Arguably among the global leaders in digital signage market, BrightSign brings a very exciting range of solutions that are cutting-edge in technology, innovative in applications, easy to deploy and use, and affordable in costs. More, they come with no complications of subscription, licensing and renewal etc., which go very well with the integration community as well as end users. Then we have SIEMON’s IT infrastructure and structured cabling products and solutions. It may be a point of interest to you that with an illustrious history of over 116 years, they are one of the world’s oldest, and leading manufacturers of IT infrastructure and cabling products. Their leadership is reflected in as many as 400 patents they have obtained for their structured cabling solutions. They have a specific focus on the AV Industry and AV projects. Their solutions include cost-effective AV Racks, cables, and connectors that go into all kinds and levels of AV projects. I would also want to talk about the Dutch AV major AVONIC’s that blends industry-leading innovation with exceptional product quality

and ease-of-use which enables the integrators focus on the delivery of content, rather than the nightmare of tech-setup. The company’s fixed install, single-wire cameras mean that regardless of nature of the function the user can record at highest quality for remote access, distribution to wider audiences, or simple recordkeeping and review. It’s great experiential technology take for an AV enthusiast. We also bring to market the MULTIBRACKET brand of brackets and AV accessories. The interesting thing this is a brand that is comparatively cost-effective with most other European brands without compromising on quality. Another important solution that we bring to market is the BOOK IT Room Scheduling Solution. This cost-effective and easy-to-deploy system can schedule any room on the network from a BookIT touch panel located outside a meeting room, the user’s mobile device or computer. The sleek design fits into any décor and the intuitive interface requires little to no user training. BookIT is directly integrated with MS Exchange, Office 365 and G Suite (formerly Google Apps for Work), so no additional server is needed. On how tech-savvy the Indian AV buyers vis-a-vis other markets? HAARIS & SAUGATO: Indian buyers are equally knowledgeable and tech savvy, if not more than any other market buyers. In this age of Internet and explosive information, every nuance and detail is available for anyone from anywhere in the world. That makes them more informed and better positioned than ever. One observation that helps me say this is till recently most multinational enterprises building AV projects here used to ask integrators replicate the designs of their offices in the West here in India as a standard, but slowly there is tendency in Enterprise managements reversing it- exploring newer AV builds here in India, and taking the same to replicate in their Western offices. That goes to demonstrate the levels of technology takes in India today. Last few years we have seen several large Multi-National Organizations, who earlier used to replicate/standardize technologies used in their Office in US & Europe to their India Offices are now looking for New Solutions/Technologies and implementing them in their India Projects and the same getting replicated in their US / Europe offices. ON what’s Nvincy’s immediate priority?/Goal? How strongly it is positioned to achieve the same HAARIS & SAUGATO: We have two immediately priorities. Onefurther strengthening the brands we are carrying with us, and two- expanding to the regions we have not been able to concentrate earlier. We are also continuously looking for new, innovative products and dishing out solutions that improve our value-adds to the principals as well as the clients. www.nvincy.com

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INDIA

Adiyogi: A New Dimension in Projection on an ‘AXIS’ of 3D

The ‘First (of His Kind) Guru’ Mapped in Technology Every weekend, as the dusk settles thick along the high slopes of Velliangiri mountain range – some 30 km from the industrial city of Coimbatore in the Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu – there raises a gigantic Yogi Form, from the plains of Ishana Vihaar inside the Isha Yoga Complex steeped in the foothills of Velliangiri. Primordial in posture, galactic in scale and ‘Guinness-esque’ in sorts, Adiyogi – as the Form is etymologically called – is a story as massive as the bust sculpture is. As many as 24 EPSON 3LCD High Brightness Laser Projectors are made to glow it up three-dimensionally; powered from inside by domain leader Dataton, and pulsating 5.1 immersive audio by Pulz- together scripting a first-of-its-kind project in Indian AV, if not beyond. An SIA exclusive: By Ram Bhavanashi On 4 March this year – the big Indian festive day of Maha Shivaratri (Lord Shiva’s Incarnation) – the Isha Vihaar ground on the premises of Isha Yoga Complex, given the same name as the festival, bore an unprecedentedly super surcharged atmosphere. An indefinable fervour- for all the spirited reasons! President of India Ram Nath Kovind was to inaugurate the big festive event Adiyogi Divya Darshanam (Divine Appearance of Adiyogi) at the world’s tallest bust statue of Adiyogi there. A very prideful project of Isha Foundation’s Founder Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, and created with clinical attention to every detail. More, a first-of-its-kind AV technology blitz was to vibrate and animate on the massive 112-feet steel bust of the Lord, to captivate a 350,000-strong Shaivaite gathering waiting in anticipation. It did happen, and cast a magical spell on the devotees. A wonderment for those who watched it in awe, and a greatly reassuring fulfilment for those who created it. It took two years for the Isha Foundation to design the statue and eight months to manufacture, while it took five months to create the AV blitz around it.

Adiyogi – Primordial Principle of The Self! Adiyogi– the very name spells magic, transcends common comprehension, and connotes an esoteric wisdom. Primordial Self (unto Liberation), one might want to equate it with, but even that may not fully satisfy one who presumably knows Him. It can be that cryptic. Facing south, it is also sometimes referred to as Yoga Dakshinamurthy the Ultimate Teacher of Yoga- the omniscient and omnipotent, personifying the Ultimate Awareness, understanding and knowledge. That makes it still cryptic for some. That’s one. Two- it’s a bust of Lord Shiva in deeply meditating posture, made of steel, weighing 500 tons, and painted black, with a mercurial finish and polish. Topography- highly uneven, making it difficult for anything to settle on. Three- with 112.4 feet height, excluding the 147 x 25 feet plinth, it’s been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the tallest

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The glory of the Lord: Sea of humanity at the Adiyogi on the Maha Shivaratri day

bust in the world. It is also said that the 112 feet symbolize as many Chakras (nerve circles) that are in human body, and also that many possibilities of Liberation. With that subtlety of the matrix, when Sadhguru (Jaggi Vasudev), the Founder of Isha Foundation – the parent institution of Isha Yoga Centre – ideated to weave in the timeless tale of Adiyogi with equal subtlety by means of pervasive audio-visual technology, it presented both a prideful opportunity, as well as a challenge of rarest kind.

Team Project Adiyogi Sadhguru – erudite as he is – chose his team with such discretion that the team composition spoke for it all. “The brief itself was amazing,” recalls Avijit Samajdar, CEO of Kolkatabased AXIS Three Dee Studios Pvt. Ltd., the Content Creator and Project Owner for Adiyogi projection mapping. Entrusted with the task of executing the prestigious project, Avijit produced and directed the project, assisted by his team, and supported by domain experts.

According to him, the theme was to narrate the story of Adiyogi who became Adiguru (the First Teacher), when He first imparted the ancient science of Yoga to Sapta Rshis (Seven Sages) – His seven disciples; to His Consort, Devi Parvati and to His constant companions, the formless Ganas (Shaiva army ranks) in three different ways. For the content part, Three Dee Studios took on board

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Overseas Producer : Sangman Lee

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AV System Integration, Programming & Project Management: Sirvinder Pal (Lucky) Singh, Purple Vector, from Chennai

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Projection Mapping : Manesh (Manu) Kadam from Bengaluru

It was a task cut out for each of them. While Sangman Lee – the visual effects expert who handles Three Dee Studio’s office in the South Korean capital of Seoul – produced all those special visual effects for the project from Korean office, the AVSI and projection specialist worked with Three Dee Studios locally. A good part of the rendering was also handled by Lee, and to much appreciation.

“We were tasked to create a spell-binding projection mapping on the 112-feet massive statue to narrate the timeless tale of Adiyogi,” explains Avijit, “to create it in a way that would touch people deeply within, using state-of-theart technology for an immersive amalgam of light, visuals and sound.” Avijit Samajdar with Sadhguru: A genius connect

For the AVSI, it was to handle complete installation of projectors and mapping of Adiyogi statue- right from rigging of projectors to configuration of complete hardware setup, underground cabling, audio and laser integration with server

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systems. The programming part of projection mapping and integration of lasers with audio was handled by specialist projectionist Manesh (Manu) Kadam. “It was an experience of a lifetime as this project was one of the most complicated projects that anyone would have ever done in India,” says Lucky Singh. “First, the black surface of the bust; second, the environment that we worked under.” Says Manu Kadam, a Dataton-certified projection specialist: “It was a very unconventional way of projection mapping; starting with a bust that is unique for both structure and texture.” According to him, the size and surface finish of the statue and placement limitations of projection equipment posed a distinct set of challenges. For the hardware part, it was decided to work with:

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Projection Systems: Epson Laser projectors

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Audio Systems: Pulz Electronics Ltd.

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Projection/Media Servers: Dataton (WatchOut, WatchMax)

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Music: Sounds of Isha “The entire project was a complex coordinated effort spread across content development, projection mapping and system integration,” says Harish A K, General Manager-Visual Products at Epson India. “Epson had a very prideful contribution to the project, for the very way it was fashioned.”

“The WATCHOUT system was chosen due to its strong track-record in the industry as a reliable and versatile tool for cutting-edge mapping applications,” prides Ashok Sharma, Regional Director-SAARC at Dataton. “As the first performance of the show was to unfold in front of none other than the Honorable President of India, there was absolutely no room for anything less than perfection.”

Visualizing Adiyogi Subtlety As the deliberations with Sadhguru went deeper, Avijit quickly realised that the intended story telling had to transcend all known understanding of Time and Space. For, the simple fact that the very concept of Adiyogi itself is beyond all time and space. Yet, it had to be created in a way that is lucid enough for everyone to understand. So, the Content Producer-Director decided to work with the Five Eternal Elements of nature- Earth, Space, Water, Wind and Fire. That they embody everything that people see around, it was pertinent these five elements formed the connecting tread to traverse through the storyscape. © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

Adiyogi during daylight conditions

“There is an immense sanctity to Adiyogi; it was not some building or monument where we could show sudden cracks happening, walls crumbling, and creepers climbing or striking multi-coloured geometric forms,” reminisces Avijit. “We had to very cleverly weave these elements into the story telling, and that’s what we did. That actually made our story telling deeply immersive.” The total surface of the statue to be shone in projection measured as many as 8,000 square feet of highly uneven topography explains the magnitude of the project.

Mapping Adiyogi While Sadhguru himself took the scripting and story narrative part, the content design, and production had to be executed by AXIS, which was an arguably challenging task, given the intricacies involved. In order to map the massive task in tune with Sadhguru’s vision, AXIS team recreated and remodelled an exact replica of the original statue in their studio in Kolkata, with exact dimensions in 1:16 ratio with seven feet height. “We did all our trials and tests on this replica,” explains Avijit. “That helped us to do any rectifications and plug-ins.” The Adiyogi is made of steel and the surface is painted black. According to Avijit, black is never a preferred projection surface for a simple fact that no colour can be seen (technically, black absorbs everything; it reflects no colour for the human eye to capture). So, they had to choose a projection system that will overcome the

THE CG TECH TEAM Studio Head

Ms. Mayuri Dutta

VFX, Rendering Supervision

Arijit Haldar

Creative Design & Art Supervision

Priyam Modak

IT Supervison

Gautam Mondal

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FACTFILE Project Name

: Adiyogi Divya Darshanam

Project Location

: Isha Yoga Complex, Coimbatore

Project Segment

: Infotainment

Project Client

: Isha Yoga Centre

Project Owner

: AXIS Three Dee Studios Pvt. Ltd.

Content Creator

: AXIS Three Dee Studios Pvt. Ltd.

Producer & Director : Avijit Samajdar, AXIS Three Dee Studios Pvt. Ltd. Oveseas Producer

: Sangman Lee, Seoul, South Korea

Projection Mapping

: Manesh (Manu) Kadam

: Sirvinder “Lucky” Singh AV Systems Inegrator, Programming & Management Purple Vector Music

: Sounds of Isha

THE LORD LOOKS DOWN ON HIS SUBJECTS: A grand view of the setting from a high point. Observe the lighting fixtures aimed at Him from the ground.

challenge and produces a reflective brilliance that can be seen and appreciated.

on it. Though this makes it look very beautiful during day and evening when sun or moon light falls on it, projecting vivid colours onto it is a real big challenge. Most colours appear differently when they fall on that surface.

“We chose Epson’s laser projectors of 15,000 lumens, and they worked brilliantly,” informs Avijit. “It is anybody’s guess that people want best technology available within the budget; we tested various brands and types, including DLP and LEDs,” he explained. “But we chose Epson’s 15,000 lumens EB-L1755UNL WUXGA Laser projectors for their vivid images and strikingly beautiful rendition of colours. Especially on a black surface, these projectors worked commendably well.”

“We devised a unique method of ‘real-time colour cancellation’ by creating a Primary, Secondary and Tertiary colour palette used as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd layers” the Three Dee Studios chief revealed. “That’s why the colours on Adiyogi stand out so vivid and vibrant,” he explained. “All interfering colours of light, reflected off the surface of Adiyogi get cancelled out in real time by the different layers.”

The black surface colour posed one more challenge. It does give a very deep sheen, and glow beautifully on the statue when light falls

The very positioning of Adiyogi on the Isha Vihaar plain actually required two towers to house the projectors to be ideally positioned

Mission Project Adiyogi : The project teams working out different aspects of the project at different levels © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

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in front, or slightly off the centre of the statue. They required to be permanent structures, but the project team could not do it as it would obstruct the view of the devotees coming to see Adiyogi everyday. The projection team, therefore, had to move the two towers far apart from each other at an angle that would be at 45 degrees to the surface during projection. “The location of projector placement towers as advised by the Ashram team gave us very little tolerances to work with,” recalls projectionist Manu. “Two towers at 90° apart from the centre of the bust, with the focal point being off the AXIS of audience view point was really challenging.” Explains the SI Lucky Singh: “we had custom designed the projector frames in order to stack them with interlocking facility. We, however, used industry standard equipment to integrate the audio and laser equipment which was a further set-up with the Watchmax Server.” The projection team therefore worked out a unique stacking layout of projectors so that they could achieve an optimum angle of incidence of light without casting any interfering shadows on the surface. The 24 laser projectors therefore are stacked in a 4x6 configuration. “That’s a total of 360,000 Lumens of light, or as many as 90,000 Lumens illumination on every point on Adiyogi,” recounts Harish. Epson projector professional tools facilitated surface mapping while overlaying as many as six images accurately, point wise.” In essence, two sets of six projectors each are stacked vertically mapping the upper sides of Adiyogi’s visage on both sides while another pair of six projectors each are horizontally stacked mapping the lower sides of Adiyogi’s bust. “The installation dispelled the popular myth that it is near impossible to do mapping on black surfaces,” Harish declares. “We did that.” It was, therefore, multi-layered 4K content at 30FPS and 5.1 Surround Sound to be distributed across the two towers at great distances. They needed a hardware that is able to take that whole AV content forward absolutely seamlessly. “That’s why we chose two Dataton WatchMax WX9100 servers,” informs Avijit. “Plus, the WatchOut software enabled mapping and smooth edge-blending on the highly contoured surface.”

Says Ashok: “the technology competence of Dataton WatchMax, came up, perhaps, for one of the best showcases ever. The conditions couldn’t have been tougher, for the very intricacies.” According to him, the show creators appreciated the easy-to-navigate interface in WatchOut and how smoothly changes could be implemented, even on the day of the launch. While a majority of the focus appeared to be on the projection side, a matching audio couldn’t be discounted. It, therefore, had its own challenging ‘ground’ to play and prove. As it is, people famously say ‘half of AV experience comes from sound.’ Chips in Ramakrishnan M K, Chairman of Pulz Electronics Ltd, the Mumbai-based manufacturer of audio brand Pulz that went into the design and install: “We had to custom-design/develop the audio system for the Adiyogi project. The very environment of the setting made it all the more demanding.” According to him, the open-air nature of the place, and the exposure of audio systems to the weather vagaries was one big challenge. It had to be portable, to be able to be moved as per the Ashram people’s choice, and yet give adequate coverage of at least 3,000 audiences. Besides, it had to be of compact form factor to avoid restriction of viewing angles. The spec was to make less number of units cover the same audience area. So, Pulz specially designed and manufactured the audio systems that met the requirement- audio with controlled and well defined directivity, plus withstand day-to-day outdoor weather conditions. “We did it with dedication,” informs MK.

The projection stack: A very typical structural array of projectors on the site © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

The system thus comprised five main speakers IAM12X4 for a 5.1 Surround Sound setting that is augmented by a Subwoofer channel, powered by nine units of dual 18-inch SIC 218 subwoofers, strategically positioned in a cardiod configuration, to beam low frequencies to the audiences, and at the same time avoid spreading

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The Spirit of Adiyogi: Devotees thronging the site for that grand view at the Lord

of those sound waves to undesired areas. These systems are driven by Pulz high efficiency DPT Series amplifiers and digital signal crossovers capable of delivering 40,000 Watts for maximum impact and dynamics. “We also worked very closely with the content producers and integration team, as our audio component was integral to the whole experience,” explains Anirvan Ghosh, Managing Director of Pulz. “The system application did demand certain nuances of calibration without which the experience couldn’t have been immersive.” Observes Lucky Singh, the integrator: “it was practically a monumental effort, with so many intricacies and people with neverbefore challenges, and more, for the aura surrounding the project.” The projection mapping, lasting 12 minutes every time, is a visual depiction of transmission of Yoga by Lord Shiva to His consort, Goddess Parvathi with a powerful voice over from Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev himself. The 350,000 plus audience were spell bound to witness the wonderment of sound and light on the metal of rare mettle. Admits Avijit: “In fact, on that day, of Maha Shivratri when the 350,000-strong audience were screaming in frenzy, to show their appreciation, awe and sheer wonder, it made every effort of the over 150 personnel, including our staff, partners, vendors, Indian and overseas professionals as well as volunteers from Isha Foundation, who worked tirelessly for over six months, seem all so worthwhile.” Understandably, the production team from Three Dee Studios played central to this monumental effort. Staying at the head of all that was the Studio Head Mayuri Dutta, who handled various areas of pre- & post-production, including close liaison with the Director, the Korean and Indian teams. The VFx, compositing and rendering supervision was done by Arijit Haldar, while the creative design and art supervision was rendered by Priyam Modak. Gautam Mondal as

the IT supervisor, ensured that the entire production pipeline, for the systems hardware and software functioned smoothly and seamlessly in India and remotely in Seoul.

Challenges of Adiyogi Scale With such efforts going into it, the Adiyogi project was a success in every sense of the effort. “We did succeed; but the purple patch has many factors, says the Purple Vector chief- Lucky Singh. “It was an experience worth a lifetime.” The main challenge, according to the integrator, was during the demos, due to the non-availability of infrastructure at the site. They had just three nights to get all the projectors aligned and be ready for the launch. With all the other vendors working side by side, it made the job even more difficult. “The demo sessions were most stressful,” chips in Manu, the 3D projectionist. “After every demo, we had to uninstall the projectors and reinstall again; I had to move around constantly on site to get the right point-of-view for the alignment.” Sums up Avjiit- the owner-producer of Adiyogi project. This project is result of the coming together of some of the best technologies and finest professionals in contemporary AV technology, mapping, sound as well as visual creative. It’s a getting together to create an audio visual spectacle, the likes of which was never attempted on such a scale, and for a surface with such unique attributes so far.” www.axis3dstudio.com www.purplevector.in www.epson.co.in www.dataton.com www.pulz.co.in

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CHINA

Absen 8K HD LEDs Depict 7200 Panoramic View at Tonghu Sci-Tech Town

Immersive Experience for a Technologically Futuristic Town

Tonghu Sci-Tech Town is in a very important geographical location of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and in the junction of Shenzhen, Guizhou and Dongguan. Developed by Country Garden the vision is to create the the Sci-Tech Town as the “Silicon Valley in Guangdong,” to test-bed promote and integrate advanced technologies within an ecological comfortable living space, thereby becoming the new critical growth pole on the industrial belt in Guangdong Gold Coast. The vision for the town has attracted a number of large companies to move in focusing on technologies such as the Internet of things, 5G, unmanned vehicle, drone, face-tracking and so forth. So it’s a town for futuristic and high-end technologies. But the town is still in the construction phase. To show potential “tenants” how the town will look like when the whole construction is finished, a CAVE hall was built. Instead of using 3D models, the CAVE hall offers a naked eye 3D, 7200 immersive panoramic digital experience.

Located withing the “Smart City” control centre of Tonghu Sci-Tech Town of Country Garden, the LED CAVE hall features 283 sqm of Absen’s N 2.5 product (1092 cabinets), offering over 8K resolution of

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dynamic 3D content for visitors to truly experience the futuristic town before it is completed. The LED Cave Hall In the seamlessly immersed LED giant screen immersive experience space, the audience can watch the panoramic CG (Computer Graphics) video, combining scene and sound effects, so that the visitor is completely immersed in a high-level virtual simulation environment surrounded by stereoscopic images. Through the LED giant screen and multi-terminal control platform, combined with multi-dimensional huge image display space, integrated with data visualization and intelligent control technology, the CAVE hall can integrate large digital film and a large number of data presentation media to create a smart city image display area. Challenges Absen’s LED displays needed to provide a Naked eye 3D, 720° panorama view, over 8K HD screen. The seamless design of the 90° corner screen, the flatness of the whole screen, the ceiling screen, and the screen on the floor were all challenges during the installation.

there were many corners to deal with during the installation. To deal with the 90-degree corners it required high resolution LED display products, perfectly synced to provide a seamless experience for viewers. The ceiling screens feature 11x22 cabinets, each weighing 9kg. Obviously safety was a priority. Though the Absen LED module used magnetic, there was a high probability of the panel falling down due to gravity. To ensure that does not happen, Absen’s engineers used screws to fix the ceiling screens as further precaution. The Absen N2.5 is a slim flat panel display which enables fast installation and easy maintenance with access to front and rear of panels. That the entire installation, calibration and commissioning of the Absen LEDs took only 20 days and only four hard-working engineers is testament to the ease of the installation process of the Absen LEDs. The CAVE Hall has certainly achieved the objective of the developer in creating a stimulating experience for visitors to see the future! www.absen.com

The LED screens were installed on all 5 sides of this CAVE hall（the ceiling, the floor, the front, the left and the righ), which meant that

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UAE

Panasonic Projectors, disguise Media Servers, d&b Sound Systems, SGM and Philips Lighting Fixtures and grandMA3 Console Help Create Experience

CT Installs ‘A Palace in Motion’ at Qasr Al Watan

Qasr Al Watan ‘Palace of the Nation’ is the UAE’s newest cultural landmark situated in the presidential palace compound in Abu Dhabi. It was opened to the public on Monday 11th March with the aim to give visitors a deeper understanding of the UAE’s values and traditions while preserving the heritage of the country. The opening of Qasr Al Watan is aligned with the UAE’s Vision 2021 to become a knowledgebased economy. Palace in Motion: The palace runs a spectacular light and sound show daily as part of its efforts to showcase the UAE’s culture and history. The story which is projected onto the façade of the iconic building is told in three acts about the past, present, and the future vision of the nation. Creative Technology (CT) was contracted to provide technical design, installation and integration of the AVIT systems for the Palace in Motion show. Damian Rowe, CT’s Director of Special Projects, explains “CT was given an original design for the Palace in Motion show which we expanded on to produce a working solution that fit our clients brief.” © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

The Palace in Motion is one of the largest projection installs in the region. CT was responsive for the design and installation of 52 x 31k Panasonic projectors and 6 disguise 4x4 Pro Media Servers. The

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extensive audio solution comprised of a full d&b system and the integrated lighting system consisted of a Grand MA3 lighting control, 36 x SGM fixtures and 100 x Philips fixtures which added to the overall show experience.

Rowe states “The equipment was specified by the consultant, during the early design stages. It was CT’s responsibility to confirm the design meets the technical specifications and provide changes to scope as required to validate the system.”

The venue production communications are managed with Riedel Artist 32 communications matrix, smart panels located within the two primary control rooms and a distributed Bolero solution.

Rowe goes on to say “We were asked to design the PA systems and lighting systems to be fully removable, with this in mind, CT provided an integrated design approach which allows full flexibility within the design while still maintaining the system integrity.” Andy Reardon, Managing Director of CT Middle East, “We are incredibly proud to have been part of this project and what our team has achieved. Damian Rowe and the Systems Integration team have been committed to this project for 12 months and have done a fantastic job of bringing the clients vision to life. The Palace in Motion show looks incredible, and I would highly recommend everyone to go see it.” www.ctme.co

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INDIA

Club Features Full Gamut of Harman Professional Solutions Audio and Lighting System

The Piano Man Jazz Club, Gurgaon

Three and a half years, thousands of whisky sours and nearly 1,300 shows later, The Piano Man Jazz Club (TPMJC), a one-of-a-kind live sound bar/restaurant venue in the country that puts the ‘Music’ and the ‘Artist’ before everything else is all ready for its second venue at Gurgaon’s 32nd Milestone with complete new installations of HARMAN Professional Solutions audio and lighting system comprising JBL Loudspeakers, Crown Amplification, BSS Processors, AKG Microphones, Soundcraft Mixers, and Martin Lights. The owner, Arjun Sagar Gupta, with a background in engineering, a trained pianist, Fulbright music scholar and restaurateur, and a deep love for music, was looking to combine his passions to propel the performances of the artists. So he wanted a comprehensive, welldesigned and holistic live entertainment system that would justify his commitment to those ideals. When the three-storey TPMJC opened its doors to the public in September 2015, one could only guess how a venue that put together a bakery, a restaurant and a jazz club would fare. However, © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

the opening night nailed out the things completely making it unquestionable. Arjun wanted to take jazz out of black-tie concerthall venues, making it accessible and offering a stage that would welcome all. So whether it is Indian jazz stars, international brass band ensembles or young singer-songwriters, The Piano Man stage is all about showcasing talent. It is one of the best places in Delhi for jazz music, fabulous music, and live music. Jazz clubs and the live concerts requires high quality audio and lightening products with exemplary sound quality and strong technical competency. The design for TPMJC created a unique set of acoustical challenges when it came to plotting out and installing the HARMAN solutions. THE PIANO MAN takes pride in capturing the artist’s feelings and emotions during live performances. Getting a rich and warm sound can sometimes be a challenge, with a lot of artists cupping the mic and losing the high end, but then HARMAN came into the picture with more well put heat maps, a comprehensive, well-designed and holistic live entertainment system that would justify his commitment to those

INSTALLATION

ideals. They were not generic ones like he encountered with the other brands, moreover one of the company offered their products free of cost, and still they choose HARMAN, said Arjun Sagar Gupta, Owner, ‘THE PIANO MAN’. He added that the application team spent 2 full days tuning light and sound, working meticulously and systematically to ensure a great output. Initially, the plan for stage lighting was designed to be minimal, however, after seeing the simulation of HARMAN’s Lighting application team, a more elaborate plan was agreed on for its potential to augment the sound performance of the musicians with a well-designed visual impact, said Ashish Mahindru, AV Consultant, AM Integrated. Also The Hazer machine, another suggestion by Harman to make light beams visible, is used every night to add a little drama to the performance, everything comes together to elevate the evening from a performance to a concert. Arjun Sagar Gupta, hired Vineet Wadhwani, Owner, Crescendo AV to design and install a complete HARMAN audio and lighting system. The main HARMAN audio system comprises of two JBL AM7212/00 loudspeakers as the main FOH and four ASB6115 subwoofers, as well as AC16/18 loudspeakers for side fills and six EON615 self-powered loudspeakers for stage monitors and two EON618/230 self - powered subwoofers. Audio is mixed on a Soundcraft Si Impact 32 – channel digital mixing console, AKG microphones provide exceptional clarity and perspicuity for live concerts, live music and band shows and Martin lights that complemented the elegant color schemes which not only produces a spectacular lighting design, but turns the club into a unique experience. ‘The Piano Man’ at 32nd Avenue Gurgaon is a wide, oval-shaped venue – a design that was chosen specifically to achieve a close and intimate seating plan of the house with respect to the stage. This put the position of the main FOH cluster in a “tight spot” with almost zero margin for error.

The application engineering teams at HARMAN helped achieve just that by offering an elaborate and comprehensive simulation of the solution enabling a satisfying decision process, said Ashish Mahindru, AM Integrated Solutions. “Harman group brings an all embracing mix of sumptuous variety of products across the globe ensuring that our customers are spoilt for superiority from splendour to vivacity by brands that are par supreme.”

Impact Jazz clubs and the live concerts requires high quality audio and lightening products with exemplary sound quality and strong technical competency. The HARMAN solutions work perfectly for the venue, the efforts being appreciated by every artist who visited and performed so far, said Arjun Sagar Gupta, Owner, “The Piano Man.” The speakers are of the quality which makes the audience feel that the voice impended is directly from the stage making it highly incredible. We choose iconic brands by HARMAN Professional Solutions because we wanted the system to transform the customer experience and the entire scenario by creating a uniquely immersive environment, said Vinit Wadhwani, System Integrator, Crescendo AV. Harman provided them with twenty-four martin lights, without being asked for and I saw the value of those lights, said, Arjun Sagar Gupta, Owner, The Piano Man. We hope to expand small chains of jazz clubs all over the country to provide an extraordinary platform to the artists to showcase their talent and to the customers to listen the best jazz and feel the most lavishing place with best of the services. pro.harman.com

INSTALLATION

INDIA

BT ‘Convergence’ of Intelligent AV with Aurora, Epson and Logitech Solutions

Vesta Tech Collaboration Centre Finds New Vistas of AV

Vesta Technology Solutions LLP – the Campbellsville, Kentucky-headquartered multi-faceted, ITES provider – recently set up its India base in Hyderabad that is characterized by a Collaboration Centre with a very intelligent integration of audio-visual learning application. Hyderabad-based BT Convergence Technologies took the honours of the integration, in collaboration with OEM majors Aurora Multimedia, Epson and Logitech. SIA presents an account of the unique install: Vesta Technology Solutions LLP – founded as a Joint-Venture by Andhra NRI Palla Kiran Kumar with the Campbellsville University – in the historic city of Campbellsville in Kentucky, USA, is a multifaceted IT Enabled Services enterprise with a primary focus on online collaborative learning system solutions. Just three years into the professional ITES domain, the company has quickly grown to be a 4+ million dollar company. With a view to expanding its domain competence as also reaching out to wider audiences in India, the company has recently set-up a new office establishment in Hyderabad that is characterized by an online collaborative learning centre featuring two uniquely designed e-learning training rooms. The brief from the client appeared to be simple, recalls Yateendra, Director at BT Convergence Technologies, the Hyderabad-based systems integrator who was taken onboard for the task. BTCT’s track record of handling similar jobs in challenging ambient situations

FACT FILE Project Name : Vesta Technologies Online Collaborative Training Centre Project Segment

: ITES Collaboration

Project Location

: Hyderabad

Project Owner

: Vesta Technologies, USA

Project AV Design : BT Convergence Technologies Project AV SI

: BT Convergence Technologies

Project Interiors

: BT Convergence Technologies

Project Highlights: Kaptivo Whiteboard Camera; 3M Projection Wall Fills forming an experiential setting Major Brands Making the Project: Aurora Multimedia; Epson Projectors; Logitech VC system; Kaptivo Whiteboard Solution

INSTALLATION apparently added the credentials for winning this job. According to the BTCT Director, the client wanted a facility that can facilitate the delivery collaborative learning system between remote as well as local locations in real time. “The client was essentially looking for a one-stop solutions provider who could build the fully-defined AV set-up, with a proper acoustics and interiors, and in a very cost-effective manner,” says Yateendra. “It was more of a turnkey project than a simple AV,” he explains. “In that perspective, it was challenging- more for the ambience treatment and décor, than for the technology.” Having come onboard the project for a design-build-integrate-test&commission task, BTCT quickly evolved a design for the two training rooms which was to be state-of-the-art by specifications. However, a few rounds of deliberations have resulted in a conclusion that they wouldn’t need two equally rated set-ups; they would rather have an advanced system set-up in place for the larger (50-seater) Training Room while the smaller, 30-seater Training Room would do with basic system set-up. That the smaller Training Room has only 30 seating capacity, it was also tasked to perform as a Conference Room as well, as and when needed. “We, therefore, had to evolve an interior design toofeaturing the surface furnishings as well as furniture that will suit both the conferencing and training environments,” explains Yateendra. The AV set-up model evolved by the designer-integrator, therefore, essentially comprised: •

Collaborative whiteboards from Kaptivo

•

Projection Wall Fills from 3M

•

UST (WXGA) projectors from Epson

•

Wireless collaboration from Polycom

•

Video conferencing system & Group expansion mics by Logitech

•

Audio systems from Audio-Technica, beyerdynamic & ClearOne (DANTE-enabled), AND most importantly,

•

Video distribution & Control System by Aurora Multimedia that plays central to the whole install.

While every single component has its own role in the install, the most critical aspect of the whole is accounted by Kaptivo Collaborative Whiteboards, Projection wall fills and Aurora multimedia Transceivers and Control System, details the Integrator. “We haven’t gone for any cost-intensive systems; we have rather innovated to choose the most cost-effective and experiential AV gear,” asserts the Integrator, “this is well demonstrated by Kaptivo, Projection wall fills, and Aurora AV gear.” The first important player is the Kaptivo Collaboration system. A transatlantic company innovation that it is, the Kaptivo is simply an award-winning solution that transforms any dry-erase or glass board into a real-time collaboration tool. It’s a sleek device – comprising a camera module and lens, augmented by a computing engine and polarizer – that sits above a standard whiteboard to seamlessly capture images, live stream content, and integrate with video conferencing and productivity software platforms. The beauty of the system is it allows saving and sharing content over any browser or video conference. “In a practical scenario, it creates sessions of the users’ class at the other end for the trainer giving a real-time environment of classroom,” explains the integrator, “in essence, creates a web link – by virtue of internet connection – for students with user authentication credentials. Any web browser, any smart device, from anywhere in the world, can join the session. It can, therefore, convert any plain surface into an interactive screen.” Further, instead of deploying the traditional whiteboard solution, BTCT brought in yet another innovation- four units of 8x4 feet transparent projection wall fills by 3M. “These low-cost transparent fills will function as interactive whtieboards,” asserts the integrator. The Large Training Room: The AV set-up in the 50-seater large Training Room is essentially characterized by three units of 3M-manufactured 8x4 feet projection wall fills with two of them equipped with one each of EPSON 3200 Lumens EB-675W (WXGA) Ultra Short Throw projectors while remaining one projection wall fill is accounted by the Kaptivo. A Logitech full HD 1080p PTZ Pro2 video camera is tasked to handle the video capture for VC application while a Polycom Pano

INSTALLATION

(now Plantronics) wireless collaboration system is entrusted with performing the collaboration processes. The audio configuration here is designed with two-way communication system featuring six units of ClearOne LS6CT ceiling speakers that are augmented by four units of DANTE-enabled, ceiling suspended Ceiling Mic Array capsules. A pair of ClearOne Converge Pro2 120 DSP mixers, and a 4-channel, 60-Watt Class-D ClearOne audio power amplifier power the audio application. For handling audio presentation functions, a pair of beyerdynamic 9.5-inch TG 500 UHF Diversity systems – comprising one TG-L558 lavalier mic, and TG-V550 vocal set hand-held microphone – is also roped in completing the audio configuration. Video Distribution & Control: The All-Important Element While the Kaptivo and 3M took one aspect of the uniqueness of this project, it is actually completed and complemented for a seamless and experiential functionality by the Aurora Multimedia Video Distribution and Control System. Two pairs of Aurora VLX-TC1-CF Transceivers with 4K 1Gbps lossless streaming capability – augmented by one unit of VLX-TCW2VC-W Transceiver Wall Plate – handle the entire video distribution responsibility. The entire programming and commissioning is monitored by Aurora Multimedia to ensure the install process is precise and meticulous. More importantly, the video distribution mechanism through the Aurora Transceivers is controlled by one unit of 10-inch Aurora RXT-10 in-wall IP Touchpanel. Running on Android 7.1 OS with ReAX core engine, features one RS-232, one RS-485, four figital I/Os and a home button with room status lighting- offering a whole set of convenient controls to monitor and automate the function of video distribution. “Aurora Control system is at the heart of the entire signal management of the install, with desired routing,” explains Yateendra. “The system can route either or both A/V content from any source to any display across the network over VoIP,” he elaborates. “That all the AV devices are connected and controlled through the IP network, it seamlessly facilitates any remote session.” Small Training Room: The smaller Training Room, with a seating capacity of 30, has more or less similar set-up, but has one each of EPSON EB-675W projector, 3M projection wall fill, Logitech video-conferencing camera plus group expansion mic, and Polycom Pano wireless collaboration system. The audio is one area of difference though, in that it six units of 6.5inch Apart CM20T ceiling loud speakers, powered by Apart MA120 mixing amplifier, in addition to one Audio-Technica ATDM-0604 digital SmartMixer.

The audio capture, on the other hand, is entrusted to one each unit of Shure SVX wireless hand-held microphone and wireless lavelier microphone. The video distribution signal management here is handled by a pair of Aurora Multimedia VLX-TC1-CF Transceivers, augmented by one unit of VLX-TCW2V-C-W Wall Plate. All this is again controlled by one unit of Aurora RTX-10 Control System touch panel delivering similar functions as in the large Training Room “This is again entirely built on IP network – with complete elimination of conventional/legacy systems,” asserts the BTCT Director, “it, therefore facilitates seamless transmission across the network.” According to Nataraju Upputuri, Director at Aurora Multimedia India, it’s very cost-effective system in that one single unit controls multiple number of devices; it’s also highperformance in that it streams 4K video content at 1Gbps capacity. For small and mid-sized enterprise setups, it’s the most ideal solution. “It’s a very ambitious project for us, giving us the scope to control multiple training rooms, both large and small, using AV over IP concept,” Nataraju said. “Despite challenges, BT Convergence made it look so easy and simple; kudos to them,” he said. “However, this being a complex project in terms of programming, Aurora has done the complete programming. We are happy that we had such a prestigious client and really glad that we lived up to the clients expectations.” Palla Kiran Kumar, the Director at Vesta Technologies is apparently happy with the install quality. “When we decided to come up with an infrastructure for Vesta Corporate Office with multiple training rooms facilities, we wanted it to be a technology-enabled space with robust systems,” says Kiran Kumar. “Aurora Multimedia India, along with their integration partner BTCT did a wonderful job during the installation and execution of this project,” he commended. “The professionalism and technical competence to get to the bottom of the situation quickly exceeded our expectations and helped us to make this project live and deliver on time.” www.aurora-in.com www.btct.in www.epson.co.in www.kaptivo.com

NIXT!

BOSCH: The Three Layers of Smart Building Solution NIXT! is our new column in collaboration with InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd, the organisers of Beijing InfoComm China, InfoComm India and InfoComm SEA. The acronym stands for Next Integrated Experience Technology. NIXT! took the form of a conference at the 2020 Beijing InfoComm China. In our first edition (Aug-Sep issue) we spoke to InfoCommAsia Executive Director Richard Tan, who is the driving force behind NIXT! to find out what is NIXT! about and why it is relevant to our industry. This second column highlights a company that has integrated AV, AI and analytic thus offering more value to end clients. things, it does not deter us from having a shared vision of smart buildings.” Using the Bosch office building in Singapore as an example of a smart building, Jason shares the vision of what a smart building can be. The First Layer

Jason Ong, Senior Officer, Regional Business Development, BOSCH

SI Asia visited the Bosch booth at the INNO Build Asia 2019 exhibition that was held at Marina Bay Sands in early September. The Bosch booth showcased a myriad of connected solutions, where we spoke to Jason Ong, Senior Officer, Regional Business Development to understand how Bosch is addressing the needs of the building management sector.

Seamless Access Control via Facial Recognition

Bosch looks at smart building as a three-layer cake and the first layer cake is where a smart operational scenarios are built. One of the example is the Facial Recognition Access Control where using face as a credential allows access into areas The building owners concern is mainly about making Bosch looks easily. There is no need a card nor a fingerprint. smart decisions on what is happening in the at smart building as This is part of an IoT application. A camera at building. As such they like having plenty of data a three-layer cake. The the access control captures the image and to better understand the utilization rate in searches the database to recognise the level first layer is where smart their building. operational scenarios are built. of accessibility. It also logs in access in and out time. The other group is the facility guys who Jason Ong kicked off highlighting that generally in the smart building context it means very different things to different groups of people.

The second layer is about the data collected and how it can be Jason highlights that in the Bosch building used effectively. The final layer they also use a single camera to count the number of cars in the outdoor car-park is about providing valuearea. Just one single Bosch camera covers 60 Third,is the everyday user who may just hope for added services. just want to have an overview of all the systems, particularly the main systems like HVAC, Surveillance and PA system.

the building to be more interactive.

Hoping to meet the various stakeholders expectation is the Building Technology Providers like Bosch who want to make better products for people. As Jason puts it, “Though it means different © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

to 70 lots. The analytics collected helps Bosch to understand when is the peak and non-peak period.

Another example is the use of camera and PA system at the lift lobbies. As in most buildings there is a separate passenger and goods

NIXT! lifts. However often they experience users pushing their delivery trolleys into the passenger lifts. When the sensors detect the use of trolleys, an audio announcement informs them to not use the lift for delivery purposes. The above examples are the first layer of smart operational scenarios. The Second Layer

Some hotels might have also built a large gym. It is possible looking at the historical data to see if the usage matches the investment made. If not, the hotel could probably lessen the space for re-purposing. So for the building owners, these are really great data from smart scenarios collected through the smart systems collecting a whole reservoir of information. The Third Layer In a smart building, the data collected can also provide value-added services to end users. This led to the development of Bosch Assist. It serves the purpose of getting the building to be more interactive. Using the data collected, Bosch Assist can offer specific services in real time for different people within the building. For an every day user, it offers an interactive process. And with Bosch Assist, one can directly interact with the building. For example, when users want to know when is a good time to go for lunch or the gym. They are able to have access to these information easily through texting Bosch Assist and make a decision on whether to go to the gym or canteen and even avoid it if the areas are packed.

Collected data helps make better decisions

Having built the scenarios, there is a need to think about the second layer. With all these smart sub systems what comes out of it is data. Data is the new oil. Data is where one gets relevant information. Bosch calls the second layer Connected Building Services.

Bosch Assist can offer specific services in real time for different people within the building. For an every day user, it offers an interactive process.

Data is collected from the individual smart systems. The data allows building management to better analyse how the place is being used. For example, with the cameras installed in the Bosch building at places like the canteen, gym and car park areas, they are able to understand the historical usage over time. So what does this historical data mean to the building management?

For the car-park it allows them to adjust the car-park rates accordingly to maximise revenue and use of the lots by creating dynamic pricing. The rates can be lower when usage is minimal and higher during peak periods. Similarly for the passenger lifts, on the back-end it allows building management to study the data and try to understand why the passenger lifts are being used for delivery â&#x20AC;&#x201C; could it be that it is more convenient? It is harder to get to the delivery lift? Or maybe the signage is not clear?

Another example is a push notification from the Bosch Assist. If a car has been parked too long in an illegal spot, the camera captures the licence plate and sends it to the system. Bosch Assist will alert the security who can then take the necessary measures. The three different layers addresses each stakeholderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pain points so that everyone can enjoy the building. The interactive part is as though the building has come to life.

The above are just examples and the tip of the iceberg. You can imagine using sensors for better lift maintenance and even energy management throughout the building. It is up to the building owners to understand what they want to understand and achieve and then start creating the right scenarios, data collection and the interactive aspect. Encompassing AV, IoT, Data Analytic and even AI, a building can be managed far more effectively. www.boschsecurity.asia

For the gym and canteen if translated to a hotel situation, it enables management to know the busy period and plan their staffing better. ÂŠ Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

VOICE BOX

The Changing Landscape of AV By Brad Price, Senior Product Manager at Audinate

Dante Domain Manager management software provides a boost to the fan experience at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota with reliable, efficient and secure AV streams

In 2019, AV is at a crossroads. While analog has been successfully supplanted by digital, the devices and products handling digital signal flows are still expensive and largely single-purpose. They use a variety of connection technologies that made sense when coming from an analog background - AES/EBU, MADI, SDI, HDMI, etc. - which were still designed as point-to-point schemes, just like analog. This means a cable must go from one device to another, often carrying only one type of signal. Any further distribution required costly “switchers” to split and isolate the signals going to different receivers. A primary change today is the replacement of point-to-point connections with networks. A network intrinsically allows communication between any and all connected devices over a common fabric, allowing any device to send data or signal to any other with no dedicated connection required. Software dictates where the signals go. This change has already had a profound effect upon the professional audio industry, and is now poised to similarly disrupt video as well.

Purpose built - and purpose limited Dedicated devices in point-to-point systems are inherently “brittle.” That means they are very intolerant of changes, and even small alterations can disrupt system operation. If, for example, my signals must physically flow from one device to another to another, then © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

any break in that chain causes total system failure. The “purpose built” nature of such devices and connections makes them easy to understand, but limited both in the scope of their functionality and in their ability to use alternate signal paths. On a networked AV system, all devices are connected to a common switch that allows any type of data to flow between them - audio, video, control, and more. There is no “daisy chain” to disrupt, so if a device is disconnected it does not affect the connectivity of other devices. Legacy AV devices employ a variety of different connections, from RCA jacks to HDMI ports, each of which is dedicated to a single type of data or signal. This “purpose built” thinking again makes the devices easy to grasp, but means systems require considerable manual labor to install and repair - and comes with multitudes of cable running through installations, each carrying its specific type of signal. It means maintaining a library of connector types at different lengths, including older connectors that are no longer current. Networked AV uses only one connector type: an Ethernet jack and cable. Any single Ethernet cable can simultaneously carry hundreds of channels of audio, all control traffic, video, and even email and web browsing, without conflict or difficulty. Cables can be up to 100 meters in length per leg, and distances can easily be extended using additional switches or fiber optic cable.

VOICE BOX

Purpose-built devices will be around for a long time yet, but as AV moves into networks with nearly infinite connectivity, it makes less and less sense for physical devices to each perform a single type of task. Increasingly, it will become clear that networking opens possibilities for far more flexible, multi-purpose devices that can handle the jobs of dozens of legacy devices at once.

There’s probably an app for that In addition to providing easier installation and far greater flexibility in deploying an AV system, networked AV has another card to play: software. A networked AV system is essentially a group of interconnected computing devices handling audio or video, and those computing devices can include familiar Windows and macOS computers as well as dedicated Linux computers. Software products such as Audinate’s Dante Virtual Soundcard or Merging’s AES67 for macOS interface allow AV users and designers to connect audio software products directly to an audio network. This eliminates the need for dedicated hardware while delivering large bidirectional channel counts and low latency. Tasks such as multichannel performance recording, lecture capture and media playout are easily done using familiar software tools. In turn, this reduces the learning curve and allows a single endpoint - a computer - to perform many different jobs without moving any gear or cables. The same computers being used to record and playout content can themselves control the entire AV network, employing easy-touse software to route signals, set names of devices and channels, configure clocking and much more. The native connectivity of computers to AV networks brings new levels of power, flexibility and control, all while reducing costs and complexity.

Benefits of software-driven AV More and more AV products are computer-driven, regardless of their physical appearance. Most modern digital mixers, for example, are - at their heart - capable computers running software that is controlled using the familiar faders and knobs. As AV networking replaces traditional point-to-point systems, AV products are increasingly likely to take on roles we consider to be those of computers: creating and managing network connections, discovering other connected products, and providing the tools to connect different resources to the network. By replacing bespoke physical products with software (where applicable), systems become far less costly to purchase and deploy, and components are easily updated like standard computer applications are today.

Where to begin AV networking is here and is at work in thousands upon thousands of installations. There are several competing AV networking systems, but

Dante AVIO adapter in use at Target Field

the key to success is choosing one that not only offers an expansive number of products across a diverse number of manufacturers, but also one that is providing a partnership in terms of support and training. For end users, this can be accomplished by working directly with the developer of the enabling technology, with the manufacturer, or with an integrator. It may also involve a blend of two or three! The point is to ensure the backbone technology - i.e. the protocol on which you choose to run a system - is interoperable, scalable, observable, manageable and comes with a support structure. For integrators, the advice is extremely similar: make sure you are both partnering with the technology developers and with your clients in a way that provides long term benefits. Not only should integrators be taking advantage of training on networked AV systems, but they should also be looking to offer support to clients in a way that both provides troubleshooting and future upgrades. With the right blend of interoperability, control and support, the world of networked AV is demystified - and the results are impressive solutions that improve everyone’s experience in work, school, broadcast, live entertainment and more.

About the Author Brad Price is the senior product manager at Audinate. He works with the development team to create solutions such as Dante Audio Networking, Dante Domain Manager and Dante AV. Dante has become the most ubiquitous networked AV solution, with more than 2,000 available products from over 430 manufacturers. An up-to-date listing of products may be found at https://www.audinate.com/ products/dante-enabled © Systems Integration Asia | VOL. 19 ISSUE - 1 ~ Oct-Nov 2019

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Here are articles you might have missed from our web and eNewsletter coverage

Jabra Showcases Smart Panoramic4K Video Conferencing Solution in Singapore

Aveo Systems Appoints Jands as Exclusive Australian Distributor Aveo Systems has announced the appointment of Jands Pty Ltd as its exclusive distributor in the AustraliaNew Zealand region. In business for more than 40 years, Jands combines design, manufacturing, and distribution to bring a wide range of audio-visual solutions to customers. Offices are located in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with additional representation in Adelaide, Perth, Auckland and Wellington.

RCF Appoints AVenger Electronics for UAE / Oman Distribution

Dynacord & Electro-Voice Announce SVI as National Distributor for Indonesia Dynacord and Electro-Voice have appointed SVI (Suara Visual Indonesia) as their new national distributor for Indonesia. SVI is one of the largest pro AV distributors and system integrators in Indonesia, and Dynacord and Electro-Voice join their portfolio of premium brands. In addition to AV solutions, SVI also offer musical instruments, lifestyle products and music education.

VITEC Sets Course for Rapid Expansion in Middle East Riding a wave of increased spending by the military and defence sector, and bolstered by the pressing need for Oil & Gas and broadcast organizations to streamline operations and optimize operational costs through the use of advanced technologies, VITEC has doubled down on its investment in the Middle East.

Xilica Announces Distribution Changes in China & Hong Kong SAR

Christie Adds A&L as Distributor for Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand Christie has appointed Acoustic & Lighting System (A&L) as the distributor of its 3LCD projectors and large format Secure Series LCD panels for the Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand markets. Headquartered in Malaysia with nine physical premises catering to diversified markets, A&L has established itself as an industry leader in the distribution of professional sound, lighting and accessories solutions since its inception in 1994.

Tripleplay Expands Middle Eastern Operations Following a year of significant growth in the region, Tripleplay has moved to a new office in central Dubai to accommodate its expanding sales and technical team in the Middle East. The new headquarters will be the centre of business for Tripleplay in the Middle East with purpose- built demonstration facilities and will be home to the regional sales and technical services departments.

Jabra has unveiled the Jabra PanaCast, the world’s first smart panoramic-4K plug-and-play video solution. This real-time immersive intelligent vision system offers 180-degree panoramic vision which ensures that everyone in the room can be seen. Providing wall-to-wall video coverage, audio and data that are critical to modern video collaboration, Jabra PanaCast provides unique value for huddle rooms and spaces.

In a move that both underlines and reinforces its growing presence throughout Asia, digital signal processing manufacturer Xilica has announced new distribution partners for the key China & Hong Kong SAR markets. IAG and Sound Classy will now handle distribution for the manufacturer’s new Solaro Series in China and Hong Kong, respectively.

Looking to establish a new AV distribution company, and apply their collective knowledge of the local market requirement to a well-known audio brand, Anil Kumar and his team at Dubaibased AVenger Electronics approached RCF. “Since RCF had the entire range of professional audio products in its portfolio, catering for the installation, touring, MI and Evacuation segments, we considered them as our preferred choice for servicing the markets in the UAE and Oman,” stated AVenger sales manager, Joseph Ninel Rebero.

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