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Administering Academics with AV Campus Placement
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New Directions: HDMI Goes Pro
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BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center Connecting Entertainment Wirelessly
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TRENDS & TECHNOLOGY
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Exploring the Universe AudioVisually
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An AV City of Dreams
This issue of SS-SoundSolutions has two sets of page numbers - SS-1 to SS-52 for SoundSolutions, pages OS-1 to OS-26 for OfficeSolutions and AS-1 to AS14 for AudiSolutions. OfficeSolutions and AudiSolutions is inserted between pages SS-42 and SS-43 of SoundSolutions.
Commercial AV Grows Impressively
The growth of digital signage, videoconferencing, and command and control facilities resulted in an eight percent compound annual growth in demand for AV products and services between 2006 and 2009. Despite a troubling economic environment in 2009, spending on AV goods and services did not contract. The study finds that the audiovisual industry was a $68 billion a year industry in 2009. A compound annual growth rate of 10 percent is projected for the three-year period from 2009 to 2012. The fastest growing product categories are displays, AV conferencing equipment, streaming media and webcasting, wireless connections and software. There is also an increasing demand for directional and cone speakers in digital signage applications, designed to create an immersive experience for the consumer. "As the global trade association for the commercial AV industry, InfoComm International is a leading provider of market research that sizes the AV industry in terms of products and services to identify trends," said Randal A. Lemke, Executive Director and CEO, InfoComm International. "While we are heartened by the findings of this study we are not surprised. The audiovisual industry is growing because society relies on AV technology to provide essential communications solutions."
AV applications such as digital signage, videoconferencing and digitized high-end audio systems will continue to drive growth for the next three years. In addition, the top AV control systems manufacturers' ability to provide total building automation will create additional growth because of emerging concerns relating to energy efficiency and building sustainability . Contracts for service and maintenance of audiovisual systems are also increasing. The fastest growing services are programming, maintenance and training and other services. Technology managers have expressed a growing need for service contracts as AV systems have become complex and more mission-critical to the government, institutions and corporations.
The corporate, education and government markets are the three largest consumers of audiovisual products and services. The growing need for communication and collaboration in these environments fuels reliance on AV technology. The findings of The 2010 InfoComm Global AV Market Definition and Strategy Study, which include a global overview and information by regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Africa-Middle East, were released at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), the largest audiovisual and systems integration tradeshow in Europe. The study can be purchased in its entirety or by regional section at www.infocomm.org/store or at InfoComm's booth, HCE 01, at ISE.
InfoComm Focused on Digital Signage InfoComm International, the leading trade association representing the commercial audiovisual industry, has announced several new initiatives cementing the organization's commitment to digital signage.
training, and is a logical extension of our tradeshow brand," said Lemke.
"For more than five years, InfoComm has developed a variety of programs and training to help AV professionals enter the world of digital signage," said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., Executive Director and CEO, InfoComm International. "Due to the continuing evolution of the growing application, InfoComm is developing additional programs to address this evolving and growing segment of the audiovisual industry."
In addition to creating new digital signage initiatives building on InfoComm's significant existing commitment to the digital signage sector, InfoComm 2010, being held June 9-11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will feature the world's largest Digital Signage exhibition. The Show will include a Digital Signage Pavilion, and exhibits showcasing displays, mounts, and networking and software solutions. InfoComm 2010's Digital Signage Application Showcase, now in its fourth year, will feature digital signage in fully-integrated environments.
InfoComm is partnering with NewBay Media to offer a new virtual Digital Signage event April 22, 2010. "This online event will offer substantial education and manufacturers'
Beyond the show floor, InfoComm 2010 will feature a full array of digital signage training. Two half-day sessions, Digital Signage Business Planning and Digital Signage Fundamentals, will be offered.
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A new study is projecting that audiovisual products and services will become a $91 billion global industry by 2012. The 2010 InfoComm Global AV Market Definition and Strategy Study, conducted by Acclaro Growth Partners on behalf of InfoComm International, is the first worldwide study of its kind aimed at sizing the commercial AV industry.
Other digital signage classes include 25 "Gotchas" of Digital Signage, Best Practices in Selling Digital Signage, A Time of the Signs, What Does the $90B Display Industry Know About Digital Signage?, and Emergency Mass Notification Systems - Best Practices in Design. In addition, sessions, such as Technology Trends, will contain important information on a variety of AV applications, including digital signage. InfoComm has also partnered with the Strategy Institute, to offer a two-day Digital Signage Technology Summit June 7-8.
Throughout the year, InfoComm offers training related to digital signage. InfoComm has offered Digital Signage for AV Professionals and Digital Signage for Sales Professionals at regional training events run by InfoComm and our partners. These classes provide attendees with the tools needed to communicate an AV pro's value to a digital signage installation. InfoComm also publishes news and valuable market research that includes information about digital signage sales and trends.
Digital signage technology has been embraced by a wide range of industries, particularly hospitality, retail, corporate, education, and transportation, primarily because of its ability to improve communication and shape the customer experience. "InfoComm is proud of being ahead of the curve in providing members with valuable information about digital signage," said Lemke. "We believe our new activities will provide additional value to the professional AV channel, institutional buyers around the world."
RF Guru: New Wireless Microphone Application Audio-visual system integration consultants or sound reinforcement professionals or even informed space users dealing with wireless microphones and bothered with intermod, i.e. interference problems need no longer nurse the concern. A new coordination tool aimed at alleviating the 'intermod' issue is being brought to the market- by Stage Research, the leader solutions developer for the audio technology market. The Northfield, Ohio-based technology major has announced the release of what it called the RF Guru that is designed to find the best combination of wireless microphone frequencies to be used at a venue and alleviate intermod problems. It calculates based on existing microphones, area TV stations, user-entered known bad frequencies and even mic data from nearby neighbouring venues.
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RF Guru was previewed in August at the successful launch of Stage Research's Sound 411, a two-day informational event designed to bring together sound professionals and students in New York City with leaders in the sound hardware and software industries. "The new application was an immediate hit," notes Carlton Guc, cofounder of Stage Research. "People told us RF Guru is what they've been waiting for." The new tool has two key features. It informs wireless mic users setting up their systems of the maximum possible optimum frequencies they can safely use without interference, and it tells those with an existing wireless mic setup of any
problems that might lead to intermod. When users give RF Guru their location, it will even take into account local TV signals practically anywhere around the globe. "RF Guru is a unique and invaluable tool for choosing wireless microphones for a new production or event and for testing for problems in a production that already has chosen frequencies," Guc reports. Utilizing the editable catalogue of frequency manufacturers, RF Guru permits users to build a system of all available frequencies for a specific wireless system then run it through the RF Maximizer(tm) which narrows down the frequencies to the most they can use at any one time with no intermod problems. Included in RF Guru is the FCC database of TV antennas that can be added to the test to eliminate problems associated with TV frequencies. RF Guru enables users to discover possible intermod problems, inch out one more available frequency, and maximize frequencies at busy venues. "Just enter the frequencies used in the Intermod Checker and RF Guru will indicate what frequencies may or may not affect other frequencies in your system," Guc explains. "If you really need to inch out just one more frequency you can select additional frequencies from the 'Bad Frequency' list and RF Guru will show you what other frequencies could affect or be affected by your choices so you can plan what frequencies to use simultaneously."
And when neighboring venues are using frequencies, "you just enter their frequencies in RF Guru and run the RF Maximizer(tm) to pick frequencies around the neighboring venue," he adds. "Or use RF Guru to help build neighboring venue frequencies so everyone gets to maximize frequencies with no problems." For users building a tour, RF Guru can maintain a route of venues, including TV data based on the zip code for each tour stop. According to Guc, RF Guru is more effective than other wireless mic tools on the market today for a number of reasons. "When calculating good frequencies that work together, RF Guru doesn't simply output the first set of numbers it finds," he points out. "Instead, it works its formulas until it finds the largest number of frequencies that do not conflict. When it finds conflicting frequencies it tells users why." If users find themselves tapped out on good frequencies but still need more, RF Guru can help. After designing your system, if you need that extra frequency or two, RF Guru will help pick out the least bad frequency from the bad frequencies that can be used and it'll show you what frequencies to stay away from," adds Guc. RF Guru also maintains a library of common wireless manufacturers and equipment and allows users to print out a report or customized labels with frequencies, actors, character names or more.
World's Largest HD Virtual Reality Cave Christie has designed and built one of the world's largest HD virtual reality CAVE systems for the U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM). A fiberglass, superstructure customengineered by Christie, the CAVE delivers seamlessly blended, highdefinition images on five integrated screens (or walls) using 16 Christie Mirage HD6 stereoscopic DLP projectors that supply 32 million pixels of resolution. As the primary display system integrator, Christie provided a turnkey solution that included display system design engineering, project management, implementation of all audiovisual controls and automations, fabrication, shipping, installation, hardware integration and training on all Christie supplied equipment.
capabilities of U.S. forces worldwide. The 5-sided system with 750 sq. ft. (69.7 m2) of projection surface will also demonstrate the value of immersive technology and act as a showcase for a wide range of military applications.
to converge and integrate our intelligence capabilities, improve joint war engagements, and provide a measurable return on our investment."
program sponsors. Christie designed the display system to offer USJFCOM the cutting-edge technology it needs to investigate, develop, test, evaluate and report its findings on the joint intelligence products and
and multinational capabilities to meet the present and future operational needs of the joint force. USJFCOM with its component commands will respond to combatant commanders' operational requirements by providing timely and mission-ready joint capabilities. To accomplish this USJFCOM will become a harmonized force made up of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and civilians who excel at joint war fighting.
The high-resolution projectors feature Christie Twist image warping and edgeblending software for consistent performance at peak operation. The CAVE™ has a footprint of 48' x 22' (14.6m x 6.7m) and is supported by a single superstructure
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Christie was employed to satisfy the The superstructure consists of two challenging requirements put forth side walls measuring 10' by 10' (3m x by the system architect, Penn State "Joint Transformation Command 3m), as well as front/back walls and a Applied Research Laboratory Intelligence (JTC-I), a subordinate walk-on floor each measuring more (PSUARL), for delivery to JFCOM in command of USJFCOM, is dedicated than 18' by 10' (5.5m x 3m). One of Suffolk, Virginia. The PSUARL is an to seeking technology that enables the unique features of this integral part of one of the leading our diverse global military personnel installation is the entrance. It consists research universities in the nation to operate at peak efficiency," said Lt of an electro-pneumatic operated and serves as a university center of Colonel William Robinson, Director horizontally sliding back door, one excellence in Defense science and of Intelligence Experimentation. of the largest of its kind to be fully technologies. As a DoD-designated "The sophisticated virtual reality automated. It opens and closes at the UARC (University Affiliated Research environment is a marvel of visual touch of a button, effortlessly sliding Center), ARL maintains a long-term technology that will better enable us the door out and along the entire strategic relationship with the DoD, 18.5' length of the performing basic and CAVE. An AMX control applied research, system handles the exploratory The United States Joint Forces Command provides push button door development, and operation and control, mission-ready joint-capable forces and supports the advanced projectors, switching development in development and integration of joint, interagency, and audio control. support of military
Altinex Gains ISO 9001:2008 Certification Altinex, recognized globally as a leading manufacturer of Modular AV Signal Management Solutions, is pleased to announce the company has received ISO 9001:2008 certification after an extensive analysis of its quality systems. While Altinex was previously certified ISO 9001:2000 compliant, certification with this latest revision to the internationally renowned management system standard represents yet a further commitment to quality and reliability that customers can expect from the company and its many product offerings. Released toward the end of 2008, ISO 9001:2008 is the fourth release of the standard. The 2008 revision represents more of a fine-tuning of the standard with clarifications to the existing ISO 9001:2000 requirements based on user experience over the last eight years. Intended for use in any organization regardless of size, type, or product, ISO 9001:2008 provides a number of requirements that need to be fulfilled to achieve customer satisfaction through consistent products and services which meet customer expectations. This includes a requirement for continual, or planned, improvement of the Quality Management System.
With its recent ISO 9001:2008 certification, Altinex' customers are the big winners. The certification represents affirmation by a third-party registrar that when purchasing Altinex products, the customer is assured of world-class quality and reliability. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) audit of Altinex was carried out by Southfield, MIbased Perry Johnson Registrars, one of the world's foremost authorities in quality certification. Chris Hart, Chief Operating Officer at Altinex, commented on the company's recent ISO 9001:2008 certification. "Altinex has always had a
commitment to quality," says Hart. "This is a core value that permeates every level of our company, from management to customer relations and at every step of the manufacturing process. All of us at Altinex are committed to delivering quality products with outstanding reliability and the best service and support in the industry. Our new ISO 9001:2008 certification is yet another example of this ongoing commitment. For our customers, it represents further assurance that when they purchase a product bearing the Altinex name, they are investing in a superior product backed by an organization that stands behind everything it sells."
InfoComm's New AV Certificate Programme
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InfoComm International, the trade association representing the commercial audiovisual industry, is releasing a new certificate programme aimed at recognizing those who have demonstrated basic competency in the audiovisual field. The InfoCommRecognized AV Technologist certificate program allows employers to verify the basic level of entry-level AV personnel, while providing industry newcomers and non-technical personnel a way to showcase what they have learned. To earn a certificate, AV professionals must score 80 percent or above on a new, online test which is taken at the desktop, not at a testing centre. Content
for the test is based entirely on the newly-updated course, Essentials of AV Technology Online. "We are debuting the InfoComm-Recognized AV Technologist certificate programme to bridge the gap between those just starting in the industry and InfoComm's rigorous Certified Technology Specialist program," said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., InfoComm Executive Director and CEO. "AV employers need a way to quickly train and assess new hires, and this new program provides a way to establish basic AV competency. It is our hope that as AV professionals who secure this certificate gain more experience they will develop into candidates for the
more demanding CTS programme that is accredited by ANSI to the ISO/IEC 17024 standard." The 90-minute long test costs $150 for members and $200 for non-members. The fee includes the opportunity to take the online test three times in a 30day period. Essentials of AV Technology Online costs $99 for members, $150 for non-members. Members can use InfoComm EduBucks to pay for the full cost of the Essentials of AV Technology Online course, but not for the test. To learn more about the program, visit http://www.infocomm.org/ avtechnologist.
New 'Viewpoint' to Communicate Over IP CBT/SMARTdesks, a leading supplier of computer classroom and conference room furniture, introduced a new model for HD videoconferencing with the Viewpoint self-contained mobile studio for HD communications over IP. Viewpoint packages all components required for HD conferencing in one compact solution, allowing businesses, educators, healthcare professionals, lawyers, government agencies, and many others to easily achieve professionally produced results. Designed for mobility and placement at the appropriate space where communications take place, instead of occupying a fixed position in a conference room, the quickly deployed Viewpoint overcomes the limitations of other solutions by turning any nine-foot by nine-foot space into an on-location HD studio. "We are proud to introduce Viewpoint, the HD conferencing equivalent to the first time a cinema camera left its fixed position in Edison's Black Maria studio and was
placed on a train," said Jeffrey Korber, president of CBT/SMARTdesks. "Other solutions - such as cheap and ubiquitous software programs produce a low-grade experience or are tethered to a conference room, which is typically the case with HD teleconferencing. "Viewpoint overcomes these limitations by allowing professionalquality HD productions from any location that best fits the context, such as laboratories for distance learning or the corporate office for business presentations," added Korber. "Furthermore, Viewpoint can reduce travel costs in a number of applications. For example, in legal depositions the lawyer, stenographer, and depose can be on camera while other legal counsel participates remotely. Patients in healthcare facilities can visit with their families at a distance, or even their physicians, when time or budget don't allow for travel. The possibilities are virtually endless.
Viewpoint includes a high-definition Sony Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) video camera, a 16:9 monitor, and LED video lights mounted to a standard atop a sturdy tripod, which is positioned to support Viewpoint's deck for vibration-free performance. The HD camera may be positioned at eye level or just above, and can be adjusted to frame other subjects, educational demonstrations, industrial processes, etc. The LED video lights are batteryoperated, feature-adjustable variable intensity, and include a diffuser and warming gel for pleasing skin tones. Viewpoint's deck can be positioned for sitting or standing, and offers three cutouts for positioning on-camera subjects. The phone or microphone system is placed on the deck, while the system's codec is mounted to a bracket on the column. Users can apply graphic backgrounds with Viewpoint to further enhance the communications experience, and options for laptops and Web cams are available for participation from remote locations.
Mitsubishi Commits on Environment
Projector owners can now have peace of mind when replacing and disposing of their older projectors. Customers who purchase a new Mitsubishi projector can access the company's new recycling program online. The programme is based on a one-to-one replacement rate: For example, if an end-user purchases five new Mitsubishi projectors, they will be eligible to recycle up to five projectors of any size from any manufacturer.
"Mitsubishi Electric is committed to being as environmentally friendly as possible, and this programme is just one of several steps we are taking to be 'green' in every way we can," said James Chan, Senior Director, Product Marketing, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America's Presentation Products Division. "We understand the impact that some high-tech products can have on the environment, and our new recycling program lets us do our part to help keep our planet healthy." The programme starts with a visit to http://mitsubishirecycle.tradeups.com where users input information about their new Mitsubishi projector purchase as well as the projector(s) to be recycled, including
manufacturer and model number. Once the purchase is verified, the customer will receive a kit with appropriate recycling shipping information. Once the old projector is shipped by the customer to the recycling center, Mitsubishi takes over and will be responsible for the rest, including the processing fees for material breakdown and recycling. "We are all concerned about the environment, and many communities still don't have recycling programmes for tech products," added Chan. "Our customers want to be sure that their old projectors are being responsibly disposed of, and we're glad they can rely on us to take care of this important responsibility."
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In its continuing effort to lessen its impact on the environment, conserve natural resources and be socially responsible, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America's Presentation Products Division is announcing a recycling programme for projectors.
that is free-standing and independent from the building's facility. This design simplifies facility integration and stabilizes the system during normal building movement, which can affect image quality. In addition, the fiber optic switching system uses 144 x 144 DVI inputs and
outputs, allowing USJFCOM to securely display sensitive data sets. "Virtual reality environments present extraordinary challenges that require new and innovative approaches to design integration that push the boundaries of visual technology,"
noted Zoran Veselic, vice-president, Visual Environments at Christie. "Christie is proud to provide USJFCOM with the world's best visualization system, delivering the cutting-edge tools it needs to conduct its mission."
Microtiles: Christie's New Digital Canvas Unique MicroTiles digital display technology that creates a virtually seamless digital canvas in almost any size or shape - and offers spectacular, crisp visuals at any distance - is now available from Christie. Christie MicroTiles are modular digital display tiles that can be stacked and clustered like building blocks to create display walls of any shape or scale, using an entirely new, advanced optical design that produces unparalleled levels of brightness, contrast and color reproduction. The Christie MicroTiles system represents a huge step forward in large-format digital display technology, offering superior color and image reproduction, the widest possible viewing angles, and a near absence of seams on display walls, with only a 1mm gap between the tiles. The groundbreaking LED- and DLP-based system is designed for long, reliable commercial use in public areas, with no lamps or other consumable parts to replace. The LED light engine, a key component of MicroTiles, is rated at 65,000 hours to half brightness usage, or nearly 7.5 years of continuous operation.
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With a screen size of 16 inches (408mm) wide x 12 inches (306mm) high, the tiles also feature a shallow depth of only 10 inches (260mm) and require just 2 inches (50mm) of minimal clearance for rear ventilation. Christie engineers designed the MicroTiles to be fully and easily serviced from the front. The tiles are "self-aware" - meaning that time-consuming and costly color calibration needed to keep
conventional "video walls" looking uniform, is automatically completed by the sensors built into the MicroTiles. While the engineering behind the display tiles is extraordinarily sophisticated, walls of tiles are controlled by a simple unit that processes the signal from the most popular digital signage and media players. Known around the globe for high quality digital projection systems, Christie has had its new tiles in R&D for two years. Technology and visual design experts who've seen sneak previews this year have described the system as "one of the wonders of the world in displays." "MicroTiles represent a distinct revolution in display technology, that allows users to create their own digital canvas or digital wallpaper," said Bob Rushby, the co-inventor and Chief Technology Officer at Christie. "With MicroTiles, users can express their creativity and vision, and assemble the displays in ways that have previously been unattainable using current flat panel LCD, plasma or LED walls." "Assemble the tiles any way you like, take them apart and re-assemble them in a new configuration, and they 'recognize' each other every time and adjust the image automatically," Rushby added. "Our partners are discovering new ways of using digital display that would have been impossible or impractical before MicroTiles." The spectacular image quality and modular flexibility of the MicroTiles
system opens up wide possibilities for companies charged with designing and creating large, vivid visual displays for architectural installations, out-of-home advertising, event centers, command and control facilities and retail environments. MicroTiles can easily be incorporated to fit within the physical constraints or opportunities of a building and eliminate all the compromises made when using other display technologies. "Christie MicroTiles open up a whole new world of possibilities for the various display markets," Rushby added. "They offer an innovative, visually striking digital solution to deliver messages and make them memorable."
Crestron Asia's Intelligent Summit Crestron Asia held 2009 Crestron Intelligent Summit from 9-10 November 2009, at The Great Wall Sheraton Hotel in Beijing, China. This 2-day summit was held concurrently with InfoComm China 2009, aimed at introducing our latest products, sharing our innovative ideas and successful case studies with the visitors. The summit combined product showcases and professional seminars. With the continuous support towards Crestron from consultants, system integrators, dealers, end-users and business partners, around seven hundred visitors from all over Asia attended this event. On the first day, the event had a series of professional seminars throwing light on innovative and interesting ideas with the attendees. Kanny Leong, Director-Asia Operations and Ben Lim, Regional Sales Director presented opening speeches. "We are glad that so many business partners support our event. This summit provides a bridge for us to share views and ideas with our business partners," Kanny Leong said. The technical programme had as special presenters Horace Yiu, China Asset Manager of Microsoft, Zheng Jianwei, Chief Lighting Designer of Beijing Institute of Architectural Design, Professor Zhong Xiaoliu of Tsinghua University's resource center and Shi Jichang, Property Project Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. Using various project references such
hundred VIPs, including endusers and dealers came to join the tour. Through the detailed explanation and demonstration, they definitely experienced the powerful functions and advantages of Crestron control systems.
as Lei Shing Hong Plaza, Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium (Bird Nest), the resources center of Tsinghua University, and Dragon Lake International Community as examples, the presenters introduced the applications of Crestron intelligent AV and lighting systems in commercial, education and residential sectors. The topics discussed included 'advanced technology seamless convergence,' 'the trend of education resource management,' 'the new technology of digital video processing,' 'light up the future for world expo 2010,' 'green light solutions in hotel application,' 'intelligent home case study: Dragon Lake International Community,' and 'digital media leads digital age.' Every attendee was very interested in the topics and inspired by the excellent presentation. The second day programme included VIP booth tours and demonstration along with live presentation conducted by Crestron professional engineers and sales persons. Over two
At the event, there were six zones of product showcase, including Home & Hotel, RoomView, Lighting, Touchpanels, Education and DigitalMedia & DVPHD. Simulated intelligent home and classroom were set up for demonstration, showing the integrated control solutions for residential and education respectively. Besides, we displayed different latest products and technologies; for examples, TPMC-4SM 4.3" wall mount touchpanel, TPMC-3X 2.8" handheld WiFi touchpanel, DM-MD8x8 DigitalMedia switcher, High-Definition Digital Video Processor, and DIN-Rail modules. The new products captured all the attention from the visitors, especially DigitalMedia series. With gaining support and contribution from the business partners, guests and staff, the 2009 Crestron Intelligent Summit was successfully finished. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the dedicated customers. In the next year, Crestron Asia will keep on bringing you the latest integrated control systems in InfoComm Asia 2010.
Phil Mercer has been appointed as the new MD of XL Video's busy Los Angeles office. After five years on the project management team at XL Video UK, Mercer is looking forward to taking up the new challenges and "Exciting opportunity" of heading up the LA operation. "My role is to ensure that the rigorous
quality standards for which XL Video has become known in Europe for providing the best equipment, personnel and service are also operational in the US," he says, "This will enable us to offer all our clients particularly those touring across both continents - an international continuity second to none".
The LA facility based in North Hollywood is currently working on touring shows with U2, Kings of Leon, Jay-Z, Pink, Blink 182, Staind and The Killers, other recent work includes Seal, Coldplay, Depeche Mode, Lady Gaga, Sunday in the Park with George (Seattle), the CMT Awards and Miss Universe.
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Phil Mercer New Chief of XL Video LA
Crestron Powers Saleem's Honour Situated in Lahore, Pakistan, and rivaling the very best commercial cinemas in term of AV performance and ambience, the 3,400 square feet Saleem cinema has taken the concept of home entertainment to an entirely new level. It has earned the installers Synergy Technologies an award for 'best home cinema installation over ÂŁ100,000' at CEDIA Awards 2009. This home cinema is in the basement of Saleem Residence. This unique property is a permanent vacation resort for the owner's family, which features intelligent automation and highperformance audio and video systems throughout. Each of its 30 Crestron wall mount touchpanels, such as TPS-6L and TPS-4L, offers total control of all the functions available to its owner, from lighting and environment, through to AV and surveillance. The Saleem cinema has the widest possible screen and a lavish interior that paid tribute to the 'golden age' of cinema without being overly ornate. It is filled with a sense of luxury which even extends to the seating provision: state-of-the-art electric recliners and love seats allowing for an indulgent viewing experience with sightlines unhindered. Technology could bring the sights, sound and unmistakable ambience of the cinema to life.
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The core of this home cinema is its technology. Boasting an easy-to-use Crestron integrated systems, which allows full control and operation over all the equipment, including a digital cinema projector and a 37 feet curved screen provide for a breathtaking image and a truly immersive movie experience. Crestron PRO2 and CP2E processors are the core of the whole
One of the principal requirements is that the system should be particularly user friendly. Automation powered by Crestron system helps to simplify and streamline the operation. With a single touch on any touchpanels, the curtain opens, the lights dims and the movie plays at the right level.
system, which are used to monitor and control all the AV gears and lighting system. The cinema's audio capabilities are equally impressive. The active speaker system, fed through a surround sound processor, provides the level of sound quality required to do justice to the visual set-up. Moreover, the speaker system provides full status reports back to Crestron central control system for each speaker and amplifier, so that any faults are knowledge and can be quickly rectified. Crestron touchpanels offer a user interface that is menu-driven and simple to use. 5.7" TPS-6L and 3.6" TPS-4L wall mount touchpanels are installed for routing video and audio signals and calling for different lighting scenes. The cinema features pre-movie, interval and finale modes of lighting preset. In order to deliver the right visual depth and drama, a coffered ceiling has been incorporated and carefully illuminated.
In addition to the dedicated home cinema in the basement, there is a smaller home cinema near the bedrooms and a projector-based system in the pool room. Wall mount touchpanels have been installed just a foot above the water level and duly protected against splashing by a water-proof membrane. The homeowner could keep control even whilst swimming. These touchpanels not only access all functions in the pool area, but also provide full control of the massive 20 feet wide pool theatre screen, which retracts from the ceiling and floats 8 feet above the water level, providing spectacular entertainment. With the extensive house-keeping and support staff in the residence, it was vital to have multi-level access to the touchpanels. This has been achieved through a combination of password protection and biometrics. Only partial access is allowed to specific personnel. TPMC-17-CH-L 17" wall mount touchpanel in the entrance foyer provides a birds-eye view of the house, through which the family members can quickly see the status of lighting, music, security, television, blinds and HVAC in any areas and control the desired system intuitively. By using Crestron eControl, the same function has been provided to them through computer or PDA for true remote, anywhere in world.
CY Commns. to Distribute WOW Solutions CY Communications has been appointed to manage the distribution and promotion of WOW-Vision's wireless and interactive AV solution for boardrooms and classrooms into Hong Kong, Macau, and China.
These territories represent exciting opportunities in part due the education reform and overhaul in Hong Kong, and in part to the general trend of adopting new technology to facilitate interactive learning.
WOW-Vision is a Singapore-based company that designed this revolutionary wireless and simple to use collaborative presentation and interactive learning solution all the way back in 2006. Since that time it has been installed in Republic Polytechnic of Singapore, the University of Southern California, University of North Carolina, and more recently the University of Trinidad and Tobago.
An enthusiastic John Lee, from CY Communications says 'wowVEOS and proVEOS devices are unique - they revolutionise how presentations are made and enable collaborative working and environment with a host of features like interactive whiteboard, file sharing, e-notice board, Q&A etc. It is a simple device to use and is also easily managed as in the case of wowVEOS, it is managed as a network device.'
Now, following the launch into the USA, South Asia and Australia/ New Zealand at InfoComm, Broadcast Asia/ CommunicaAsia, and Integrate respectively, this collaborative presentation tool is to be introduced to Hong Kong, Macau and China.
The VEOS system is unique because it automatically handles functions like switching users, scaling video resolutions, and seamlessly controlling the projector without any additional hardware. It replaces multiple VGA cables, matrix
switchers, and video scalers, making it a cost effective solution but without compromising functionality. Benefits are numerous. For in-house IT and AV professionals, the key benefit is its integration with an existing network and infrastructure and management as a network device, so technical support is minimised. A key benefit for decision makers, e.g. CEO's in blue chip organisations and administrators in schools and colleges, is the cost. The purchase price and maintenance costs are vastly lower than comparable products. "The functions of this extraordinary wireless presentation gateway, and the extensive benefits for users and installers alike make the VEOS solution an exciting proposition," Lee says. "As no other products are currently available that directly compete with wowVEOS and proVEOS range, we are delighted to introduce it to the market."
'Spyders' on Dow Jones Videowalls
"The Spyders act as engines for the videowalls providing multiple windows of information and broadcast video to the trading floors," explains Ralph Capria, president of A-V Services. A total of seven Spyders consisting of a custom-configured mix of Spyder 200 and 300 series systems, are required for the three different videowalls. Nick Asadourian of New York-based consulting engineers Lilker Associates provided AV design
for the project. One Spyder is dedicated to a large videowall of 40-inch bezel-less Orion plasma screens in a 12x3 configuration. "It scrolls a constant stream of Dow Jones business information through a customwritten application from A-V Services," says Capria. Another Spyder is on hand for a videowall that spans two stories in portrait mode on another trading floor. Its 40-inch bezel-less Orion plasmas take on a 4x8 configuration in the atrium space where they display Dow Jones broadcasts and feeds of FOX News. This wall is also surrounded by a U-shaped perimeter videowall suspended below mezzanine level. It consists of 40 displays, edge-to-edge in a ribbon configuration. Three Spyders are needed to process the threesection perimeter videowall.
All of the videowalls can display single large images or multiple images combining the latest financial data and broadcast feeds. They feature Crestron control systems and custom GUI interfaces by A-V Services. A-V Services is a longtime user of Spyders in major corporate installations and has "always been happy" with the equipment, according to Capria. So Spyders were a logical choice for the new Dow Jones videowalls. "The Spyder is a powerful and versatile video engine," he says. "They're able to create any configuration needed which makes them ideal for a lot of these applications. When you deal with large videowalls like Dow Jones', multi-window capabilities are essential."
OS-13 • January-March 2010
Audio visual integration company AV Services has installed Vista Spyder video/widescreen display processors for three large videowalls on the trading floors at Dow Jones's new midtown Manhattan space. Based in Fairfield, New Jersey, A-V Services designs and installs boardrooms, conference rooms, distance-learning centers and videowalls for Fortune 1000 companies.
SNP Goes Green for Climate Change The Climate Change Summit 2009 (COP15) - which was held recently in the Danish capital of Copenhagen - had, among its many eco-concerning features, one important 'bright' aspect. UK based video control solutions specialist SNP Productions Ltd supplied leading Danish rental company LiteCom A/S with their 5th Catalyst v4 PRO media server for the 'Bright Green Expo' that formed a vital component of the whole event. The Bright Green Expo was the largest parallel event during the COP15 summit, uniting 170 companies from 19 countries in an exhibition environment at the Forum Exhibition Centre in Copenhagen, to show the world their cutting edge climate solutions. Leading Danish set and lighting/video designer Kasper Lange was entrusted with the task of designing the LEDpowered video beaming for the expo. The design featured a cylindrical screen made with 310 panels of Element Labs Stealth LED screen, measuring 4 metres high and 4 metres in diameter. This was surrounded by 90 'rays' of HD VersaTUBES, each one made up of a 4 metre aluminium pipe, each rigged with 4 HD VersaTUBES, utilising a total of 360 HD VersaTUBES. Lange roped in Catalyst systems from LiteCom A/S to control all video content for the massive LED centrepiece. [Lite]Com A/S asked SNP's Simon Pugsley onboard to assist in setting up the Catalyst for the event. The two companies have been working together over two years, and SNP often supplies additional kit and technical expertise to their larger shows and events. Pugsley worked with project manager Kristian Dreier and Christian Olsson of [Lite]Com A/S, plus a team of technicians who constructed the impressive LED sculpture onsite.
January-March 2010 • OS-14
An additional 100 panels of Stealth screen in a 20 tile high x 5 tile wide format was positioned at the end of the central walkway in the exhibition centre, and also fed by Catalyst with continuously scrolling exhibitor promotions. The content was developed by [Lite]Com A/S and combined a
selection of Bright Green branded logos and company sponsorship idents with ambient video patterns. Pugsley and Christian Olsson programmed the Catalyst using a grandMA console, which was also used to control the rest of the lighting rig supplied by [Lite]Com A/S. The Catalyst's 'wrap rotate' functions and transparent effects, used to animate and overlay the sponsor logos on the stealth screens, proved extremely valuable. The biggest challenge was in creating the generic background content so that it seamlessly joined together around the cylindrical screen. Klima 09: SNP also supplied [Lite]Com A/S with a fully flightcased dual Catalyst system, a Hog iPC control desk and two engineers for the Denmark Radio COP15 Klima TV studio show. This ran simultaneously to the COP15 Conference in DR1, the national TV Studios of Denmark Radio. The rental package for the TV show included two 8core MacPro
machines, complete with two Active Silicon Phoenix SDI capture cards, Solid State Drives, 24 inch LCD, Artistic Licence DataLynx ArtNet interface and a UPS - all built in to SNP's unique Catalyst system flightcase. SNP sourced 26 square metres of Barco O-Lite 510 10mm LED panels with the help of JeanPaul de Beurges from VER in the UK. SNP engaged the services of Ian Henderson (LED) and Finn Ross (Catalyst operator) 'to make it all work' in the TV studios for director of [Lite]Com A/S, Morten Bremer Sørensen. The schedule was somewhat tight! SNP received the final confirmation at midday Wednesday and shipped everything the same day! The kit arrived on Friday, and was ready for rehearsals on the Saturday and in time for the start of the show on Sunday 13th December. Simon Pugsley comments, "We are proud to have supplied [Lite]Com A/S with their latest Catalyst media server, and work alongside them on this hugely prestigious event."
Volcano Show in Dreamland Dreamland Aqua Park in Umm alQuwain is one of the largest water parks in the UAE with over 25 attractions for children and adults, surrounded with palm trees, and replicas of several wild animals, besides a roaring volcano. Towards making the newly-built 'Volcano Dreamland' a truly volcanic experience, the Park management contacted Jean-Paul Jeannet, Director of The Brain Concepts company - a special effects design company working for the entertainment industry - to design and execute the programme. The Brain Concepts selected Medialon to be the main show and media control system of 'Volcano Dreamland' attraction which is located in the water park and offers visitors a unique experience inside the volcano itself.
One Medialon Manager V5 Pro license embedded in a Medialon Show Control Machine, allow controlling and synchronizing all the AV devices of the attraction, including a 15 000 Watt JBL & Yamaha sound system, a 14-meter long RGB LED wall, a smoke and fog generators, as well as a 16-meter long mist effect machine for spectacular special effects. Medialon also controls four propane-based flame projectors, especially designed for the park, which can reach a 15meter height and that are displayed on a 16-meter long fire line. A fire ball and thermionic explosions, are also ejected up to 20-meter high above the volcano crater. Several water jets are surrounding the volcano to create an even more amazing show! Thanks to Medialon Manager Panel, free touch panel design software, Jean-Paul Jeannet designed friendly-
user control interfaces enabling the park's technical staff to remotely control the entire "Volcano Dreamland" attraction's show. For safety purpose, an emergency stop button has been created to propose immediate turning off of the flame burners and propane flow of the fire line. The Brain Concepts has also installed a weather station in the volcano which measures wind speed, humidity, heat, etc., to offer maximum reliability and to ensure a successful show. All this info is sent via email to Medialon Manager central workstation. "Medialon system is the main "brain". Thanks to it, Dreamland's park staff can start the show and check everything what is happening inside while the show is running.", said Jean-Paul Jeannet, The Brain Concepts director, special effects designer and constructor.
When coming to the Volcano, visitors can watch a spectacular three-minute show filled with fire and water explosions, roar The Volcano Dream sounds and many other special effects. The show • 3,000 meters of electric cables pulled runs two times daily, at 5 • 385 meters of pipes built p.m. and 7 p.m., each day • 180 liters of water propelled for water jet each day of the week, and the background fire and • 12 cubic meters of propane used each hour atmospheric effects run 10 • 80 liters of propane used during each show hours a day.
"The Medialon system is used for the full control of the show and attraction automation part. Without it, it would have been impossible to design such a great interface and to turn the volcano into life", concluded Jean-Paul Jeannet.
How do hotels and conference facilities stay relevant and hip, embrace the latest technologies to attract new clients, and do it all without breaking the bank? For the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure, the answer is dynamic electronic displays featuring the latest digital signage technologies. Based on the award-winning Xpresenter digital signage platform and creative services from X2O Media, with installation and on-site management by PSAV Presentation
Services, the Hilton's new bilingual system sports many cutting-edge features, such as advanced touch screen technology, live video feeds from outside media, and HD-quality video and graphics. When guests and conference attendees arrive at the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure, they are greeted with five state-of-the-art 46inch lobby displays. Each provides complete information about the day's schedule of events; real-time content such as weather, news, and
flight information; and professionally designed video advertising - all in HD. One of the lobby displays is fully touch-enabled, featuring a sensing device to detect the presence of guests and wayfinding maps to provide comprehensive directions to meeting rooms and conference facilities. As guests make their way down the escalators and into the main conference area, two enormous screens are fed HD-quality, sponsored content from ceiling-mounted LCD
OS-15 • January-March 2010
Xpresenter Dazzles with Digital Signage
projectors. Finally, as attendees approach the 29 meeting rooms, each room features a 15-inch display showcasing content relevant to the event being held in each room. Each display also provides an additional opportunity to display sponsored content.
look, feel, and playback on all of the Hilton signs, X2O Media provided all creative design and graphics implementation for the different types of displays with stunning results."
"From its use of touch screen technology to live video feeds, the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure is a great example of the exciting digital signage experiences we've been able to accomplish through our partnership with X2O Media," said Denis Lesak, Corporate Director of Digital Signage Services at PSAV. "In addition to supplying the Xpresenter
X2O's Xpresenter is an end-to-end platform designed to make creating, managing, and distributing broadcast-quality digital signage content on networks of all sizes available to all. The X2O Xpresenter patented authoring module allows Microsoft® PowerPoint® users to produce compelling graphics that incorporate animations, clip art galleries, video clips, and real-time data sources - all without ever leaving
software modules that drive the
the familiar PowerPoint interface.
"Our installation has certainly achieved the wow factor, with numerous guests constantly clustered around the lobby signs. We have also received very positive feedback from conference sponsors who place advertising," said Stéphane Morin, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure. "Our digital signage network has had a definite impact on our ability to sell and give the hotel a brand personality that is forward-thinking, green, and tech-savvy. Since going live with the solution on June 18, we've twice sold the entire inventory of sponsored video footage - a sales figure that far exceeded our initial expectations."
Crestron Drives Volkswagen Hong Kong Volkswagen - Europe's largest carmaker and the world's fourth largest automaker - had long been aiming at offering attractive, safe, and environmentally friendly automobiles that are competitive. Volkswagen Hong Kong boasts the most spacious showroom with café and lounge. Volkswagen chose Crestron to provide integrated control systems across the state-ofthe-art showroom. Conveniently located in The Morrison Place - the heart of Wan Chai, The Volkswagen Hong Kong Centre is the largest showroom in the city. With a floor space of almost 1,700 square meters, the modern, three-storey venue is the perfect place to display more than 10 latest models with the legendary Volkswagen style. To provide wonderful experience and excellent service for the customers, the showroom also has a café and lounge, offering fresh coffee and tasty snacks.
January-March 2010 • OS-16
The Crestron system allows seamless control over the three-storey showroom. Crestron PRO2 control system is the "brain" of this complete integrated solution with every audio, video and lighting command easily
accessible through touchpanel control. The PRO2 processor is used to select and control all the AV resources including projectors, plasmas, DVD players, screens, speakers, lighting and more. PRO2 processor is unmatched for power, performance and scalability, providing the ideal choice for today's demanding control applications. Crestron touchpanels offer a user interface that is menu-driven and simple to use.TPMC-8X 8.4" WiFi touchpanel and TPS-4L 3.6" wall mount touchpanel are used for routing video and audio signals and calling for different lighting scenes. Various audio signals could be switched as background music source via the touchpanels. The lights could
also be dimmed by a single touch on the touchpanel. Moreover; there is a special lighting effect over the showroom. When a guest touches a car's photo on the touchpanel, that car will be spotlighted to get the attention from the guest. The Volkswagen Hong Kong Centre incorporates audio, video and lighting to create a desired atmosphere for customers to experience its automobiles. Crestron offers integrated control system for Volkswagen to control and manage all AV and lighting systems by easyto-use touchpanels.
• TRENDS & TECHNOLOGY •
New Directions:
HDMI Goes Pro The High-Definition Multimedia Interface - or HDMI as the format is conveniently referred to as - is changing fast its operational ground! Or breaking new grounds per se. From being a widely popular consumer AV entertainment model, the format is fast turning professional. Since technology - at least theoretically - has no bounds so appears with its commercial applications as well. Whether or not it will benefit the industry in the long run at a macro level is to be seen in the coming months. But for now, it's HDMI Pro.
"There's been a decided shift in the pro AV market towards HDMI in just the past six months," says Chris Kopin, Vice-President of Product Development for Kramer Electronics. "There are more customers who utilize HDMI in high definition systems at home and want the technology in their offices. And enough devices are finally present in the market with HDMI connectors that AV installers have to pay attention; you can even find a $600 laptop has an HDMI connector today." According to HDMI.org, the web site run by licensing agent HDMI Licensing, LLC, 229 million HDMIenabled devices shipped in 2008. The 2009 projection brings that number closer to 300 million. Those numbers make HDMI hard to ignore. "HDMI is gaining popularity with PC computers and laptops; it's more than just Blu-Ray," says Jim Scrivner, Manager of Product Marketing for Extron. "Digital video represents the Holy Grail for perfect image transfer and commercial AV systems should be
designed to support HDMI signals along with other digital video formats like DVI, HD-SDI and DisplayPort." Perhaps the biggest challenge in dealing with HDMI and other digital video formats are the vast differences between analog and digital video infrastructure and behavior. The pro AV market has worked with analog video for so long that integrators know all of the tips and tricks to tweaking the perfect picture without noise or shifts. "If you are having a problem with a digital video signal, there are a number of potential reasons why: an issue with digital rights management, the cable is too long, too many connections, or there is too much jitter," explains Scrivner. Michael Goldman, Regional Manager, consultant and educational market development for Crestron, adds, "Switching and distribution of HDMI can be tricky because HDMI can carry HDCP encrypted content. If the HDCP communication (from source to destination) is interrupted for any reason the stream is shut down which clearly creates a bad user experience. When done correctly, HDMI can provide a better user experience than analog, especially with display of computers. In the HDMI realm the display instantly communicates with the laptop and the laptop automatically outputs the correct resolution video eliminating the need to spend precious time before a meeting trying to get your laptop to look good on the display."
Kramer's Kopin notes that "There are challenges to the technology. HDMI was designed for home use in a small, closed system that wouldn't often need to change. In a professional AV system, there are differing signal paths and sources. Distribution and distance are big problems and big factors when using HDMI signals in a pro AV system. Even the order in which you power on/off devices can also affect a system designed based on HDMI or digital signals because of the importance of the handshake communication." Another challenge is that the 19 pin HDMI connectors are not easily fieldterminated and "is difficult to pull through conduit," says Scrivner. Highquality HDMI cables usually provide the performance needed for typical installations within a room; however twisted pair and fiber solutions are available to support applications with longer cable runs. "Digital signals degrade quickly over distance; the higher the resolution, the shorter the distance of cable," says Goldman. "There are very large quality variances among products with HDMI interfaces. Reputable manufacturers use HDMI testing labs for testing and certification which in turn allows them to use the HDMI logo," agrees Kopin. "I always give the advice that if you are testing components in your shop to see if they will work in a system, it is necessary to
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OS-17 • January-March 2010
HDMI is one flavour of digital video technology, along with other formats like DVI and DisplayPort, which hold the promise of a single cable for audio, video, and data. The rise of HDMI popularity in the consumer market is attributed to Blu-Ray DVD players that required HDMI connections in order to function. For better or for worse, HDMI is now showing up in more and more pro systems.
• INSTALLS •
Security Video Wall Mexican Style The Secretariat of Public Security of Mexico - which works under the ministry of the Mexican Executive Cabinet - is one of the most powerful and well-equipped law enforcement agencies in the American contents. It is also one of the most sophisticated security agencies in the region given the kind of advanced technology it employs as part of its objective of preserving freedom, order and public peace. That the demands of its duty are also equally challenging, the agency exploits technology to the optimum extent in its pursuit of public safeguard. As part of the same initiative, the agency recently deployed what is claimed to be one of the most awesome a/v installs by a government organ. An OS snapshot.
January-March 2010 • OS-18
Christie high performance rear tiling projection systems are the high-tech 'face' of Mexico's new, state-of-the-art security and surveillance facility. A total of 80 Christie DLV1400-DX 3-Chip DLP projectors are powering the control room video walls of the massive Federal Police Intelligence Center of the Public Security Secretariat, the sophisticated 'eyes and ears' of Mexico's most ambitious effort to centralize intelligence gathering for the government. An ultra-modern showcase that reflects the government's commitment to national security, the center more than quadruples the country's intelligence capabilities. It is the largest
• INSTALLS •
With the control room serving as the focal point for intelligence gathering, Christie systems will help Mexico's Federal Police keep an eye on the country's vital infrastructure. The 80 projection modules are configured on 4 video walls, each approximately 65 feet (20 m) wide by 10 feet (3 m) high; the middle room contains a glassed-in boardroom with glass that can be dimmed for top-level security briefings. Located in a classified, multi-storied bunker in Mexico City, the center will help the Federal Police connect with multinational intelligence forces to monitor events that can impact national security. It will be a key part of the institutional framework and security infrastructure in the country, monitoring activities in four areas: strategic installations, national alerts, public security and anti-crime operations. The center's opening day celebrations were attended by the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderón. Addressing an audience of Federal Police authorities and officers, President Calderón praised the facility for the strategic and technological value it
offers the country. He called the center a highly advanced electronic brain "that will enable us to keep a step ahead of crime." He noted it will also allow them to make the best possible use of Platform Mexico, the International Interconnection Network of municipalities, states, departments, and the Federal Government itself, which will give the authorities timely information to combat crime. Christie was selected by Mexico's leading integrator, Grupo Covix, a long-standing partner with more than a quarter century of experience in the design, installation and maintenance of some of the industry's most sophisticated multimedia environments. Grupo Covix is a leader in surveillance and security installations that include control rooms, business applications, 3D facilities, and other high-end multimedia solutions. According to Juan Carlos Alcázar, sales
director at Grupo Covix, the company's valuable relationship with Christie is based on a solid trust in Christie's superior control room solutions. The facility is operated by Secretaria de Seguridad Pública (SSP), an arm of the Mexican government for which Christie has previously provided control room solutions. With national security a top priority in Mexico, SSP is committed to working with companies like Mexico's Grupo Covix and Christie, which bring proven track records of success in control room installations for governments of all sizes, with products that meet their highest standards for quality and reliability. Zoran Veselic, vice president of Christie's Visual Environments division, noted that Christie control room products are found in government facilities around the world. "When it involves matters of the highest national security, failure is not an option. Every installation must meet the strictest standards of 24/7 operation," he said. "Christie products are purpose built for display wall environments under the most challenging conditions. We are pleased to be providing Mexico with cuttingedge products that contribute to the security and safety of the country."
OS-19 • January-March 2010
government security installation in the world utilizing high-level performance display equipment.
• INSTALLS •
Exploring the Universe Audio-Visually Umevatoriet - the sophisticated science center attached to the University of Umeå in Sweden recently made yet another big stride when it upgraded its planetarium with a comprehensive digital audio-visual set-up for providing immersive experience to the visitors. Powered by the new, state-of-the-art technology and systems, the science centre is bringing to virtual reality some of the most awesome threedimensional space journeys. The venue is now one among the world's most advanced space centers with 'full-dome' shows. An OS snapshot. "In our old planetarium, our visitors remained seated in their chairs on the ground and observed outer space. In this new planetarium we can take our spectators on a virtual tour throughout the universe… we can land on Mars or the Moon, and observe our planet from those viewpoints. It will also be possible to visit other galaxies and the outer limits of the universe."
January-March 2010 • OS-20
Tommy Jonsson, project manager for Virtual Worlds (UVIV - Umeavatoriets virtuella världar) - which is the heart of the Umevatoriet - was quoted as saying during the recent launching of the upgraded space centre facility in Umeå. Such was the excitement that the recent audio-visual and threedimensional digital projection system integration has generated among the visitors to the facility. A specialised venture that took shape with funding from as many as four agencies besides the European Regional Development Fund, and the Umeå University, the UVIV's mission is to enhance the public interest in science and technology, especially among children and adolescents through creation of attractions, applications and work processes.
To bring their space vision into reality space, the Umevatoriet administration contracted Antycip Simulation Ltd., a subsidiary of Singapore-based ST Electronics (Training & Simulation Systems) Pte. Ltd., and IT giant HP's Swedish distributor Pedensia who, together, have weaved the fascinating imagery with a combination of projection and server devices as well as a speciality imaging software MersiveSOL from Kentucky, USA-based Mersive Technologies. The planetarium seats 27 people in two rows of seats under a five-metre diameter hard curved dome screen. Though it was popular from the beginning of the project, Umeå University administration asked Antycip Simulation to completely overhaul the audio visual systems so that they could broaden the range of content on offer, as well as raise the quality of the images to the extent of immersive experience. According to Malin Hallbeck, Account Manager at Antycip Simulation Sweden, Umevatoriet opened in as a 'space-themed' meeting point for the university, schools, local companies, organizations and the general public. The idea was to raise interest levels in
science and technology among people of all ages, playing on man's natural fascination for outer space as the starting point. To enhance Umevatoriet's content-generation capabilities, Antycip Simulation has installed Uniview Theater and Uniview Producer software from Sweden's SCISS AB, a specialist provider of visualisation tools for planetariums. Developed in close collaboration with Linköping University and the American Museum of Natural History in New York, Uniview software acts as an online data browser for global satellite imagery, while at the same time providing the wider context of the universe in breathtaking 3D imagery. To project the imagery on the screen, Antycip had roped in new generation DLP projectors from Norwegian manufacturer projectiondesign. The powerful F22 digital projectors with 1080p resolution have been chosen for their compact size as well as the high-performance specs. While the use of high-performance DLP projectors has vastly improved the image resolution and sharpness, the
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• INSTALLS • University of Ottawa, one of the oldest
Administering Academics with AV
Campus Placement
universities in Canada, is known not only for its acclaimed academics but also for its grand historic buildings and extensive researching facilities powered by technology. With a view to ramping up its infrastructure towards aiding its research and other academic pursuits, the university authorities have summoned for incorporation of state-of-the-art audio visual technology integration. The task was, simply put, as huge as the campus size itself. An OS snapshot:
Well respected within the film, broadcast, and theater technical communities since 1971, Lectrosonics wireless microphone systems and audio processing products are used daily in mission-critical applications by audio engineers familiar with the company's dedication to quality, customer service, and innovation. One of the most notable facilities on the University of Ottawa's campus is the Desmarais Building (DMS). Completed in the fall of 2007, this
impressive structure with more than 248,000 square feet, including twelve floors of classrooms and offices, is the home to the University's Telfer School of Management as well as the Faculty of Social Sciences. The complex houses several Lectrosonics-equipped presentation spaces, including room DMS1110, an 89-seat lecture/ presentation hall so popular on campus that scheduling for the facility is centrally-allocated and controlled by the Registrar's Office, as well as the VIP multipurpose room. Room DMS1110 is equipped with a Lectrosonics R400 UHF diversity receiver and an LMa UHF beltpack transmitter used in tandem with a Lectrosonics M152/5P lavaliere microphone. Audio mixing and processing tasks are handled by two
Lectrosonics DM84 digital matrix processors that are daisy-chained together and integrated with a DMTH4 digital telephone hybrid to manage a variety of external audio sources. An AMX® control system provides users with convenient access to the room's many multimedia capabilities, including the DM Series processors. The VIP multipurpose room is outfitted with a Lectrosonics Venue Series receiver system currently stocked with four VMS receiver modules (expandable to six channels) and four LMa transmitters. Should additional wireless microphone channels become necessary in either room, the University has a second, portable 4channel Venue Series setup with LMa transmitters that can be integrated
OS-21 • January-March 2010
As one of the oldest universities in Canada with a student population of more than 35,000 from 150+ countries, the University of Ottawa is a bilingual, research-intensive, nondenominational institution where students study in their choice of English or French with the option of pursuing French immersion undergraduate programs. With 38 buildings, 625 research laboratories, and 278 teaching laboratories spread over three campuses that total 105 acres, the University has numerous lecture halls and presentation spaces to support its large and diverse student population. Sound reinforcement is critical in many of these spaces and to ensure the best possible performance, the University has deployed an extensive assortment of Lectrosonics equipment, including over 100 channels of wireless microphones and multiple digital audio processors throughout the campus.
• INSTALLS • into either space. Most of the wireless equipment deployed campus-wide utilizes Lectrosonics' highly acclaimed Digital Hybrid Wireless technology. Mark Gareau, Manager of the University's Multimedia Distribution Service (MDS), which is part of the University's Teaching and Learning Support Service, oversees a myriad of responsibilities involving the multimedia equipment deployed campus wide. Managing a staff of 16 people, Gareau designs the University's teaching spaces and also specifies and installs the equipment selected for the various locations. He commented on his choice of Lectrosonics equipment. "The Desmarais Building is in close proximity to the Department of National Defense," explained Gareau, "which is responsible for the Canadian Forces. As a result, this is a heavily congested RF area and numerous other manufacturers of wireless microphone equipment have not fared well here. We quickly realized that to provide efficient and effective service, we needed a product that would be more stable, reject outside interference, and be robust enough to last at least four years. With our Lectrosonics gear, we can easily
identify available frequencies and lock them down. Further, the metal housings of the Lectrosonics equipment are far more robust than the plastic enclosures found on competing products." Gareau was equally complimentary of Lectrosonics' DM Series audio processing equipment. "The DM Series equipment used in DMS1110 is a terrific choice for that room," notes Gareau. "This space is used primarily as a classroom but due to its aesthetically pleasing look and first-rate multimedia capabilities, it is also used for VIP conferences and special events. Here, the DM84's provide the best of both worlds in terms of usability. When technical intervention is required (most of the time, the AMX system provides simplified control of all functions), the technician or student can use one DM84 as a manual mixer for microphone settings while the other is automated for all other sources. Auto-mixing enables us to increase gain before feedback and increase intelligibility. The DM84's simple design ensures reliability and efficiency." Because of its rugged build quality, stellar performance in crowded RF environments, and trouble-free
nature, Gareau has deployed a wide assortment of Lectrosonics equipment throughout the entire University of Ottawa campus. "We currently have 116 Lectrosonics LMa transmitters and R400 receivers, 44 DM84 processors, and 25 DMTH4 hybrids," notes Gareau, and we're adding more Lectrosonics equipment all the time. Our VIP room at Desmarais was the first to deploy Lectrosonics' Venue system and the sound quality has been a crowning jewel in this beautiful and important space. Due to the success we've experienced, the University is creating two more rooms similar to this one and Venues will be introduced to both of them." "As a policy and procedure mandated by the University," Gareau continued, "MDS is responsible for assigning frequencies to wireless microphones on campus. We have standardized on Lectrosonics since the early 1990s. Lectrosonics customer and technical support services have been first rate, and this is yet another key factor that influences equipment procurement decisions. As we move forward, Lectrosonics will most assuredly be an integral part of this University's growth."
...contd from page OS-20
Exploring the Universe Audio-Visually visual thrills are accompanied by a 5.1 channel Dolby Surround Sound system that took the audio experience to a new high altogether. The Mersive SOL software enables handling the edge-blending, image warping and auto calibration of multiple projected images.
January-March 2010 • OS-22
"Mersive SOL software enables automatic calibration of the F22 1080 projectors, thus significantly reducing the time to install while increasing the stability of the display," explains Randall Stevens, CEO at Mersive. "Calibration which has traditionally taken hours and even days to achieve has been reduced to a few minutes, such that installation and maintenance costs are greatly reduced."
Sondre Fauskanger, product and application manager for visualization and simulation at projectiondesign, elaborates that the intimate feel and very broad range of appealing content of this installation offers a new blueprint for compact planetarium design. "The Umevatoriet shows that our F22 1080 projectors can be used to give the end user a compelling immersive video experience," he said, adding, "we are delighted to play such an important role in bringing it up to the latest imaging standards." According to Hallbeck, the combination of projectiondesign projectors and Mersive software products is a fantastic offering to the market as the new system had been
enthusiastically received by the management at Umevatoriet. "The projectiondesign F22 1080s, allied with the right imaging and database software tools, have allowed the unique Umevatoriet space to take a quantum leap forward in terms of audience interaction and engagement," he said, adding, " now, one will be able to see millions of stars instead or merely thousands." Another advantage is that the staff at Umevatoriet can program their own exhibitions, custom-made for different audiences. The Planetarium is also dovetailed with European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA's servers, making it possible to view images from the latest cutting-edge research.
• INSTALLS • BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center
Connecting Entertainment Wirelessly The Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center - Downtown Manhattan's premier presenter of the arts - enjoys rare distinction. It plays venue to several performing arts not only for the aspiring artistes from its own academic set-up but also for the neighbouring business and residential communities. The Center had recently ramped up its infrastructure with state-of-the-art wireless systems to augment its comprehensively laid audio-visual set up. An OS snapshot.
Mark Goodloe, Technical Director for the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, was assisted by Patrick Weaver, the center's Master Sound Engineer, in replacing the wireless system. They, along with the rest of the technical staff, oversee the day to day operations of the college's two theaters, which includes the 913-seat Theatre One and the 260-seat Theatre Two. Goodloe discussed the wireless challenges they faced that led to the purchase of the new MIPRO wireless equipment. "With our previous system," said Goodloe, "we were using a large number of AA batteries that were only lasting about 4 hours-if that. We also
experienced excessive dropouts due to the lack of proper antennas and the fact that the gear itself was just plain outdated. We routinely encountered very bad distortion with the microphone capsules and we only had a portable 8-pack of receivers to split between our two theatres, and this simply wasn't adequate for the number of events taking place. The biggest challenge, however, was the up in the air question of whether the equipment was still viable because of the change with wireless frequencies above 700 MHz." Goodloe and Weaver ultimately selected two 8-channel MIPRO wireless setups featuring MIPRO's highly acclaimed ACT (Automatic Channel Targeting) technology, solid RF performance, and 128-bit digital encryption for secure transmission. On the receiving end, the PAC's new equipment incorporates eight ACT-82 single rackspace dual channel diversity receivers and four ACT-90 UHF wideband dual directional antennas. Transmitters include sixteen ACT-8H digital handheld microphone transmitters, and sixteen ACT-8T digital bodypack transmitters. Sixteen Avlex HS-09 headset microphones and sixteen MIPRO MU-55L lavaliere microphones were purchased for use with the bodypack transmitters.
MIPRO's DVU control software for PC's is used to make changes to system configurations. Each of the PAC's two theaters are now equipped with an 8channel system. After installing the equipment, the new MIPRO gear was first placed into service in September for Jack Kleinsinger's Highlights in Jazz, New York's longest-running jazz series. This program featured pianist/vocalist Barbara Carroll and vocalist Paula West. The MIPRO digital wireless system makes an excellent choice for musical programs as the system features very clean, natural soundwithout the companding noise common in lesser wireless equipment. When asked about the MIPRO features he appreciates most, Patrick Weaver offered the following thoughts. "The rechargeable lithium battery cartridge has been a big plus for us," notes Weaver, "as well as the overall frequency coverage of the new system. The LED readouts on both the transmitters and receivers are extremely useful, as they show battery life, AF level, and the frequency. This information is very useful. I've also been very impressed with MIPRO's Automatic Channel Targeting
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BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center (PAC) strives to present a broad global perspective through the presentation of high quality artistic work. Concerned about changes in the FCC's (Federal Communications Commission) regulatory policies related to the DTV transition and the sell-off of the 700 MHz band, the decision was recently made to implement a new state-of-the-art wireless system. This ultimately led to the purchase of a MIPRO digital wireless setup-distributed throughout the United States by Kansas City, Montana-based Avlex Corporation.
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An AV City of Dreams
It's a 'City of Dreams,' not only for entertainment, but also for the technology that powers and enlivens the entertainment, audio-visually! An integrated township in its own right, the entertainment destination is also a demo centre for delightful audio-visual systems and control mechanisms. Playing central to the dazzle of what is acclaimed as a $2.1 billion gamble - arguably the largest in the world - is Crestron's audio-visual control system wizardry. An OS snapshot.
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Located in the heart of Cotai in Macau, City of Dreams is developed by Melco Crown Entertainment Limited, and is an integrated entertainment resort. It combines electrifying entertainment, a diverse array of accommodation, international dining, designer brand shopping and a spacious casino. The resort brings together world-renowned hotels such as Crown, Grand Hyatt, and Hard Rock to create an exceptional entertainment experience that appeals to the broadest spectrum of visitors from around Asia and the world. City of Dreams includes a 42,000 square meters casino; around 20 restaurants and bars; over 200 shopping facilities; and The Bubble, an iconic and spectacular audio visual
multimedia theatre. It has been constructed in the style of a podium, with four towers including a Hard
Rock Hotel, Crown Towers, and two towers of Grand Hyatt Macau. The hotel features an integrated Crestron
• INSTALLS • AV and lighting solution, providing streamline control over the facilities. The control systems are installed in the suites, villas and boardrooms of Hard Rock Hotel and Crown Towers. Rock Star Suites at Hard Rock Hotel
Villas at Crown Towers Villas are the epitome of contemporary luxury and opulence with unrivalled views of Cotai. This villa features a separate lounge room, a dining room, living rooms, bedrooms and a large multi-function room. Crestron Adagio AMSI processor is the "brain" of this integrated AV
solution, accessing and controlling each audio, video, and environmental element. The AMSI is used to select and control each room's AV and environmental resources, like lighting, AV system, karaoke system, airconditioner and curtains. In the multi-function room and living rooms, customers could enjoy their favorite movies or music with a stateof-the-art Adagio home theatre system and a multifunctional iPod docking station CEN-IDOC whilst relaxing in the comfort of the custom designed leather sofa. With a single touch on TPMC-8X wireless
touchpanel, the lights dim, the shades close, the screen opens, the plasma turns on, the inputs are selected, the volume is set and the blu-ray player begins to play the movie. All the lights and curtains are controlled by PAC2M processor, CLXI1DELV4 4-channel electronic lowvoltage dimmer module, CLXI-1DIM4 4-channel dimmer module and CHHREL8-D6 high voltage relay module. Customers can feel free to adjust the lights, curtains and sheer via Cameo keypads C2NI-CB for creating different kinds of scenes. A master key at the main entrance is provided for master
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Rock Star Suites are all about attitude, style and brazen sophistication. Blending the legendary rock and roll lifestyle with ultra-chic details, these contemporary suites feature sensational designer décor with advanced Crestron control systems. Adagio AMSI is used as the main processor to control all of the AV gears; including LCD TVs, projectors, a blu-ray player, a DVD player, a music server, amplifiers, speakers, 94" screens; and the lighting system. Also, Crestron iPod docking CENI-IDOC is provided for guests to play music from their own iPods. TPMC-8X WiFi touchpanel and TPS-6L wall mount touchpanel are installed for controlling all the equipment, such as calling different lighting presets, routing video and audio signals.
• INSTALLS •
on/off all the lights and airconditioner, offering the ultimate lifestyle of convenience and efficiency. Boardrooms The boardrooms accommodate an array of gatherings with meeting spaces ranging from 53 to 180 square meters. Flexible configurations are available in theatre, classroom and u-shapes. Equipped with Crestron system, CP2E
processors are used for controlling the audio, visual and lighting systems of the rooms. A plethora of amenities including projectors, projection screens, switchers, video conference systems, blu-ray players and more is controlled via TPMC-8X and TPS-6L touchpanels. Crestron integrated system helps to simplify the control over all equipment and provides a user-friendly interface to access both AV and lighting systems.
The initial opening of City of Dreams was followed by the opening of Grand Hyatt Macau and the Dragone show. Grand Hyatt Macau, offering approximately 800 guest rooms, is scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of this year. With gaining support from City of Dreams, Crestron integrated control system will be installed in the suites of Grand Hyatt.
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New Directions: HDMI Goes Pro test them with the exact make and model of the source and display to be ultimately be used. Some displays have an HDMI equalizer built into the input of the display device and some do not. That can make a huge difference with distance and overall performance." Analog video may not disappear overnight, but today's professional AV
systems must also pay attention to the many types of digital video technologies on the horizon. "Computers are moving to HDMI or DisplayPort and content is moving towards encryption and security," says Crestron's Goldman. "Very soon, commercial systems will have to handle encryption."
Scrivner adds that "In the near future, there will be more integration tools and continued engineering to make digital video easier to use." Kopin has his eye on Apple's sole adoption of DisplayPort and the possible challenges it brings to signal conversion. (Courtesy: InfoComm International)
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BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center
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technology. In crowded RF environments-and New York certainly qualifies-this feature makes identifying available frequencies and locking them down very quick and easy." With the new equipment fully operational and some experience with the new gear under their belts, Goodloe and Weaver are enthusiastic about the wireless prospects for
forthcoming events at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center. "Already, the system has proven to be far superior to anything that we had before," Goodloe remarked. "In addition to the new system's wireless capabilities, the Avlex and MIPRO microphones are delivering a warmer, rounder tone that further adds to the attributes of the overall sound. Our
first show using a full 8-channel setup occurred mid September with a Polish play called Dinner for Fools. Everything worked exactly as we expected-with dropout-free performances, excellent sound quality, and plenty of gain. I believe our new MIPRO systems will deliver an exceptional experience for all the artists using our theaters."