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Hot Products...

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•SPECIAL FEATURES•

contents

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SoundSolutions

Aida at Masada

A Galaxy of Effects

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28 48 72

INSTALLS Schönbrunn Palace Glows in Light

•INSTALLS•

A Special Collaboration

Entertainment Lighted

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Summer Night Impact

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TRADESHOWS REVIEWS

REVIEWS

• Palm Expo • Infocomm

• Pro Sound & Light Expo Leading World into

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•INSTALLS•

Digital Domain 'Exploration Space' Multi-sensory Thrills with AV

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TECHNOLOGY Pioneering 'Digital Media'

•INSTALLS•

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Essentials of Videoconferencing - The User-Level-III

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INSTALLS Berkeley Repertory

Sounds with Countryman

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•INSTALLS•

AudiSolutions

Fox Riverside Comes Alive, Anew

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SoundSolutions Issue # 35 / July-September 2011

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Ashish Saraf ashish@sandy.in; +9198 4587 2794

Bhavanashi Ramakrishna Bobby Chetia bobby@sandy.in; +9198 9250 4871

Raghavendra T Yashodhara S Printing Ramya Reprographic, Bengaluru Published by Sandeep Mittal on behalf of Sandy Media 231, 7th Cross, Indiranagar 1st Stage, Bengaluru 560 038, India Phone +9180 2521 5107 / 2527 2812 Fax +9180 2521 5094 info@sandy.in www.sandy.in

MINDSHARE SS EDITORIAL

Sharing the Mind...

It's been nine long years I've been sharing my thoughts through this column. Quite an elating feeling at that!

In the current volatile settings and mindsets, however, such a stint is often considered 'static!' But it does give me a stat or two to rave about. Not many would have the privilege of occupying these columns - let alone ranks - for so long.

Recalling the days when SS (erstwhile SoundSolutions) was re-launched, and sought to transform what till then carried a mistaken identity of a researcher's handbook into an industry 'facebook' where anyone and everyone with an authentic connect to the industry could have their contributions posted on the publication pages.

While that was one, rebranding the mag as SS brought it closer to the minds of many in the industry who have got accustomed to live with short forms, abbreviated expressions, if not acronyms‌

Regional Offices 17 Kuky Villa Jagdeep Cottage, 4th Road, Khar (W), Mumbai 400 052 Phone +9122 2604 2917-22 Telefax +9122 2604 2264 67 Masjid Road, Jungpura Bhogal, New Delhi 110 014.

Phone +9111 2437 8061 Telefax +9111 2437 4848 B5, 2nd Floor, Gems Court, 14, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006 Phone +9144 2833 0906 Telefax +9144 2833 0907

Despite the increasing impact of 'no-time-to-read-it-full' and 'say-in-short,' SS stuck to its ground that when it comes to detail, it must. That's what has been the identity - reinvented and rebranded in the industry jargon - that stands SS what it is today.

And, sharing regularly through these columns how we went about doing it assiduously every time is the source of a great elation that topped this column.

Like no live form can be static, this is to say I'm moving on, but with a feeling of exhilaration and elation.

RNI # KARENG02795/10/1/2002-TC SS (SoundSolutions) is a quarterly publication on AV, sound, architectural acoustics, noise control, technical lighting and design for private circulation. SS reaches to architects, interior designers, acousticians, performing space owners and trade professionals in India and select cities in the world. SS seeks a healthy promotion of acoustics, AV and allied fields through dissemination of useful information. Some of the information is compiled from industry sources, trade journals, company brochures, etc. for the benefit of readers. SS acknowledges with thanks the authors and publishers of these source materials. SS is a trademark under registration and the contents are under copyright registration. All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Unsolicited printed material is welcome but no responsibility is undertaken for the same and will not be returned. Letters to the editor are welcome but subject to editing for publishing. SS does not take responsibility for absolute accuracy of information published.

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It's been great pride, to occupy this stage for so long, and I carry this stat with me.

Thanks very much and good bye!

Bhavanashi Ramakrishna Editor

Products...

Check Them Out! The domain of audio-visual technologies is a very hot space. Exciting, often amusing, if not crazy! With technologies impacting the space faster than even one's imagination, there is a new concept, if not a product straight away, coming to the market almost every day, to take the user communities by wonderment! SS continues its effort to present some exciting products that have either hit the market recently or going to hit soon. They might as well be in the market even as this feature goes to press, or reaches you! (Bear with us, in case you know these products already!)

OHM Brings New Gen HD-MX Floor Monitors With labour cost soaring, storage and stage space coming at a premium a powerful monitor, compact in size is indeed a need of an hour. OHM has now cracked this problem with the new HD – MH monitors. OHM has always followed a very comprehensive R&D programmes to ensure the use of latest and finest technological advancements for all its products and the new HD-MX Floor Monitors indeed promises to be another feather in their cap.

Technologically, two way conventional stage monitors can employ time-offset correction using modern DSP but this only works for a single on-axis point. However, with coaxial drivers, minor delay synchronizes both transducers throughout the entire coverage pattern.

The latest offering by OHM, HD-MX Floor Monitors are compact and high powered full range stage monitors that contain advanced Neodynium Co-axial driver with 80x60 dispersion.

Apart from its light weight, compact frame, the monitor has been designed with two well placed ergonomic handles that allow easy handling while on the move. The kick-proof steel grills are uniquely concave and offer extra rigidity

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without popping when used as foot rest. They are finished with reticulated black foam and a stainless steel OHM logo. The attractively sculpted design of these enclosures makes the HD-MX Floor Monitor aesthetically pleasing and really practical to use.

The signal input in HD-MX floor monitors is via 4 pole Speakon connectors linked through to allow multiple daisy chaining and Bi-amp connection. Cable connector concealment has always been the weak point in conventional floor monitors. The HD-MX floor monitor has provided an excellent solution for this problem. The cable connector concealment in this monitor has been cleverly recessed into two pockets. This enables the cables to be connected and easily accessed while keeping the cable management neat and tidy. The connector back-plate also has the switch that changes the monitor from passive to Bi-amp mode.

HD-MX 12 and HD-MX15 are the two versions of this new floor monitor by OHM. The Bi-amped version of the HD-MX monitors has become popular requiring the LF and horn to be powered with their own amp channels. Each amp channel is filtered for the frequencies its driver

reproduces with an active or linelevel crossover. A user depending on demands of the singer can switch the monitor from passive to active with a switch of a button.

Multi-function use can be achieved with the introduction of a stand mount connector and a cradle making the HD-MX suitable for other applications. These are low profile and have a shallow angle which allows the audience to have a better view and the artist to be able to stand up close to the monitor. The co-axial speakers give a distributed sound across the whole frequency range. The excellent sound quality is what you would expect from an OHM loudspeaker.

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Solar-Powered, Weather-Proof, All-in-One A/V Device Powersoft has patented a new technology that incorporates solar power with bi-directional wireless A/V communications. The first product showing the potential of the concept, the DEVA 1S, consists of a power/control module and an interface module. The power/control module consists of a solar panel, batteries, as well as processing, WiFi communication, and amplification.

The interface module consists of loudspeakers, light, and optional devices such as camera, microphone and telemetric sensors.

“The DEVA technology has endless possibilities,” explains Thomas Mittelmann, Powersoft Business Development Manager. “Theme parks, sport venues, corporate and public facilities, transport hubs, emergency/ rescue services, even shopping centers – they all difficulties distributing sound and surveillance over large areas because of the infrastructure it demands. DEVA is a self-contained, completely independent concept providing everything needed and it is wireless. It can be easily tailored to the exact requirements of an application and can be installed very easily.”

“Powersoft has always prided itself on its extremely efficient amplifier technology,” adds Claudio Lastrucci, managing director and head of R&D. “Efficiency was also the key when designing DEVA. Solar power is ‘green’ and freely available, but to keep a product compact, you must reduce the power consumption of everything running off it. The DEVA 1S is a fairly small device and capable of running longer than necessary even in complete darkness.

Lastrucci continues, “the same is true for the video or surveillance features of the unit. The DEVA unit(s) is configured according to the customer’s specifications, connects via WiFi to standard equipment, and does not cost anything more once installed.”

The DEVA 1S is extremely efficient for long periods of operation and stand-by use. The high-capacity battery, which is being charged through the solar panel even in low light conditions, offers approximately 30 days of stand-by. The

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integration of an ultra-efficient Class D amplifier into the unit helps support up to 40 hours of continuous audio playback equivalent to 5 days at 8 hours/day.

An energy-efficient high-powered white LED supplies optical signalling or lighting as video image support for up to five hours. Due to its compact size DEVA 1S can be installed permanently or temporarily. It can be mounted to walls or poles, allowing the power/ control panel to be aimed at the sun and the interface module at the audience. Weather resistant moulded plastic enclosures are available in custom colours to match specific applications.

AMX’s All-In-One Presentation Switcher AMX announced the launch of Enova DVX-3150HD “all-in-one” presentation switcher. The Enova DVX-3150HD features advanced technology for endto-end distribution of HDMI signals with full HDCP – with the simplicity of analog – and without interruption or key constraints using InstaGate Pro™ technology. The hybrid system is a complete solution for control, audio and video, all in 3 rack unit spaces.

“The DVX-3150 solves the installation nightmare that HDCP has caused for installers,” said AMX Chief Technology Officer Robert Noble. “Our dealers’ customers typically have many different rooms, each with various components; analog and digital video sources, audio sources and more. Now installers have one product that does it all and adapts to the needs of virtually any room.”

The DVX-3150HD from AMX is an allin-one 10x4 switcher, controller, scaler, transcoder and converter with built-in professional grade audio processing.

This “future-proofed” solution easily integrates HDCP into system designs delivering hassle free plug-and-play operation of digital and analog video and audio. It simplifies installations by eliminating HDCP key constraints – sending HDCP signals to every display with no delays.

“No tools, no delays, and no key constraints; the Enova DVX-3150HD just works because of InstaGate Pro Technology,” said Jeff Burch, AMX product manager. “AMX’s exclusive InstaGate Pro Technology allows traditionally key limited sources to be switched freely to all connected HDCP compliant displays – eliminating HDCP key limitations that plague large applications.”

Designed to simplify system design and provide a future-proof solution, the multi-format video inputs of the DVX-3150HD support analog, digital and HDMI with HDCP sources. The state-of-the-art professional grade audio DSP delivers quality audio throughout a room. Its built-in SmartScale Technology outputs video that is perfectly scaled for each connected display, eliminating the integration challenges that can occur when sources and displays have different optimal resolutions - making the DVX-3150HD easy to specify, easy to install and easy to use.

Says Burch: “When you have one unit that does so much it creates so many advantages for the installer and enduser; less assets to maintain, less rack space utilized and less training of AV staff. The Enova DVX-3150HD simplifies installations – unquestionably.”

Calibre UK brings innovations to InfoComm 2011 From the green landscape of Yorkshire to sunny Orlando, Calibre UK returned to InfoComm 2011 with its biggest ever line up of highquality image-processing products.

The company showcased their range with master representative Marketing Specialists on booth #3071.

“Our products and their proprietary technologies are expertly designed with the integrator and user in mind.

Visitors to the show will witness the company’s flagship image warp processor that’s upgraded for accurate passive 3D processing, HQView video scaling and scan converting as well as LED video wall processing. In support of our products, we will be hosting hourly dedicated education sessions on our stand offering advice and support for our partners,” says Tim Brooksbank, Chairman at Calibre UK.

HQView universal video scalers and scan convertors: Unmatched by any other image processing manufacturer, Calibre’s HQView range encompasses no more than 13 editions enabling integrates to perform scaling, switching, scan conversion, up, down and cross conversion, edge blend, geometry correction and warp mapping of projected images on to almost any surface.

InfoComm forms the North and South American preview and launch of the latest versions of three models of the HQView universal video scalers, switchers and scan convertors (HQView520, HQView500S and HQView400S).

All new three HQView models accept a wide range of HD, SD & Computer inputs including 3G-SDI/HD-SDI, DVI, HDMI, YPbPr/RGBS, VGA/RGBHV, SVideo, Composite PAL NTSC & SECAM. Some models include 3GSDI, DVI/HDMI, VGA/RGBHV formats

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with support for progressive and interlace output modes and genlock to bi-level sync, tri-level sync or black & burst.

Power of LED video wall processing: Offering extremely high-quality, low latency image processing at a price point, the company’s LEDView510 and LEDView400 LED video wall processors bring excellent image quality to LED screens and a wide range of applications.

Harnessing the power of the Reon video processor from IDT, the LEDView400 runs state-of-the-art HQV algorithms with expertly designed hardware and firmware from Calibre, ideal for digital signage, public information and high school sports ground LED displays.

The LEDView510 is a flexible routing switcher and interface for connecting LED screens to almost any HD and SD video source. The LEDView510 takes the feature set of that product and adds a number of key enhancements, most notably a multiple-unit mode with auto-zoom functionality. This allows several LEDView510s to be connected together, each powering its own LED screen. A huge wall of up to four screens high by four screens wide can be created, with a maximum screen resolution of 7680 x 4800. With low latency and genlock capability, LEDView510 is ideal for rental/staging hire fleets and for incamera use on TV sets and at large sports grounds.

For optimum inventory utilisation on hire fleets, LEDView510 now can be switched into a projector mode which includes the warp and blend capabilities of HQView520, so can be used for LED or projection displays as required.

Passive 3D processing and image warping: The latest version of Calibre UK’s PVProHD-IW Image Warping video processor/scaler – a product destined to improve the technical and commercial prospects for dualprojector passive 3D in cinema, themed attraction applications.

The PVProHD-IW works by extracting left or right eye data automatically from 3D HDMI content and is compatible with BluRay and set-topbox 3D formats, converting it to the native resolution of the projector and warping it to suit the screen shape and to align with the second projector. This is all undertaken by one processor per projector, a Realta scaling engine with up to 1024-tap video filtering ensuring exceptionally high image quality, even on very large cinema screens.

The latest version of the PVPProHDIW can extract left and right projector images from all mandatory HDMI 1.4 3D formats, while alignment of pre-separated left and right eye content provided over DVI or HDSDI from media servers is also supported.

Calibre is highly respected worldwide as a specialist manufacturer of image processing technology with 23 years (1988-2011) of experience. Calibre continues to evolve its product range and make further technical advances in the broadcast, ProAV, aerospace, defence, medical and industrial markets through the innovative use of modern technology. Utilizing its own in-house hardware and software design teams for all product development including OEM programmes.

QSC Premieres New Products to Enhance Q-Sys QSC introduced at InfoComm 2011 two new products which enhance the powerful capabilities of their successful Q-Sys integrated system platform.

Both the new TSC-3 Controller and CCN32 CobraNet Audio I/O Card expand the offerings of the Q-Sys system, which has become the preferred choice for audio system control of large-scale venues including the hospitality, transportation, entertainment, worship and sports venue sectors.

The Q-Sys TSC-3 is an elegant touch screen controller which enables simple and cost-effective control for Q-Sys systems and other devices under Q-Sys control. The TSC-3 utilizes Q-Sys Designer software to create custom control panels (called User Control Interfaces or UCIs), with buttons, faders, custom navigation and other software tools including bitmaps and other graphical images, and then deploys those control panels to this interface. These UCIs can then be utilized to control any aspect of a QSys system and other elements that are put under Q-Sys control including CD and DVD players, projectors, video switchers and other devices.

Designed to be wall-mounted and fit into a standard US 2-gang wall box, the TSC-3 employs Power over Ethernet (PoE) making it easy to install, and utilizes a Capacitive Touch surface so it is very intuitive for the end user to be able to control any part of a Q-Sys system.

QSC also introduced the Q-Sys CCN32 CobraNet Audio I/O Card, which enables system bridging between QSys and a CobraNet legacy platform.

The CCN32 fits in either a Q-Sys Core or I/O Frame and provides up to 32 x 32 channels of CobraNet audio in/out of a Q-Sys system.

Designed specifically for those customers who have a very large networked legacy system, the CCN32 provides a very cost-effective means for a phased approach to bridge between an existing CobraNet

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platform and the conversion to the QSys platform.

Q-Sys, the complete integrated system platform that encompasses everything from the audio input to loudspeakers, provides all the audio routing, processing, control and monitoring necessary for any facility while maintaining the audio quality and reliability QSC has come to be known for. Designed specifically for the rigorous requirements of large-scale applications, the power of Q-Sys has been demonstrated worldwide in a variety of applications, including stadiums and arenas, attractions and theme parks, performing arts venues, transportation hubs, legislative and judicial chambers, hotels and casinos, houses of worship, corporate campuses, and educational facilities.

Extron Unveils 7-inch Touchpanel Extron Electronics unveiled two newlydesigned 7-inch touchpanels. The TLP 710MV and TLP 710TV are fully configurable, 7-inch touchpanels featuring contemporary, thin bezel designs that complement the aesthetics of any environment. The Extron TLP 710 Series has an 800x480 resolution touchscreen and incorporates PoE Power over Ethernet, which eliminates the need for a local power supply. Each model has a built-in MTP – Twisted Pair receiver, which accepts either S-video or composite video signals over

standard CAT 5 cable. This enhanced connectivity provides integration flexibility and aids in cable management by minimizing the number of connections at the touchpanel. The TLP 710MV mounts on a wall, lectern, or other flat surface, while The TLP 710TV is designed to sit on a tabletop or install on a VESA mount. Both are ideal for control environments requiring a 7-inch control surface within an elegant touchpanel design.

“Our customers asked for a touchpanel that incorporated the sleek look and feel of our 10-inch TLP 1000 Series, but in a more compact form factor,” says Casey Hall, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Extron. “The TLP 710 Series fits the bill, with the same powerful features, including PoE and an integrated twisted pair receiver, but in a slightly smaller package.”

GUI Configurator software makes configuration of the touchpanel easy, without the need for additional graphics programs. This software offers ready-to-use templates for single display rooms, dual display rooms, divisible rooms, multi-image systems and video conference suites. These designs may be used as is, or customized for the application by simply changing individual graphic elements.

The TLP 710MV and TLP 710TV work in conjunction with any Extron IP Link Control Processor, such as the Extron IPCP 505 Control Processor. They are designed for use in AV system applications that require complete, interactive control of conferencing systems, displays, switchers, and source devices. The touchpanels and IP Link Control Processors communicate using a standard Ethernet network, allowing utilization of existing infrastructure.

Shaan & Shure Go Together Star of stage, television and Bollywood, Shaan, has added his hugely-popular voice to a chorus of Shure product endorsement from recording and performing artists all over the world.

The singer, songwriter and TV host is also the voice behind many hit songs in Bengali, Telugu and Tamil films plus the Hollywood blockbuster The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

Just before embarking on a US tour in July, he said, “I have been using Shure for the last 15 years and soon got to the point where if someone offered me another microphone to use, I’d say ‘no! I want my Shure SM58’. It became my standard.”

He began his career as a child by singing ad jingles, then aired his voice in the 1989 film Parinda, after which he teamed up with sister Sagarika to record albums that included the million-selling “Q Funk” – all before becoming a star in his own right. As part of his work with artists around the world, Shaan’s 2006 album, “Tishnagi” featured collaboration with globally-renowned Danish “boy band” Michael Learns to Rock, which has sold more than 11 million records, mainly in Asia.

When Shaan became the centrepiece of spectacular stage shows, he could no longer be tethered by a trailing microphone cord, so went wireless.

“Getting into more of a pop act meant there would be dancers and lots of movement, so I quickly moved to Shure’s cordless variety, which made more sense because I then had the freedom to be more energetic,” he said.

As Shaan broadened his career, he looked to Shure for a microphone suited to his maturing vocal talent.

He explained, “I graduated to the KSM9 and discovered that the frequencies cut through well and I get a very bright sound. The KSM9 is a very powerful and wonderfully clear microphone and I am now totally addicted to it! Shure has a great R&D team that seems to work hard to make their products better every year.”

Shaan’s glittering career has given rise to many top awards that have included best playback singer accolades in the Bollywood Movie Awards and other film industry schemes, the MTV Asia Music Award for best solo album and a best TV music director title for creating the music for his “Lipstick” TV show.

QSC Sounds ‘Loudest’ at Türk Telekom Arena Leading Turkish football team, Galatasaray, recently moved to its new home stadium, Türk Telekom Arena and immediately established a world record as officially having the loudest fans in the world.

Passionate and partisan, when they played local Istanbul rivals Fenerbache on 18 March, an impressive 131.76dB was registered in the 52,695 capacity, all-seater stadium, qualifying it for entry in the Guinness Book of Records.

It was left to Asimetrik, QSC’s Turkish distributors, who were awarded the AV installation contract, to design a networked QSC system, based around DataPort-equipped ISA and CX amplifiers, and BASIS signal transport operating under QSControl.net™, to overcome the mighty roar on match days.

Construction firm Varyap-Uzunlar was awarded the contract, and duly appointing Makro-Safir to handle the electrical infrastructure. The A/V infrastructure of the installation, in turn, was then subcontracted to Asimetrik.

The stadium needed to meet all international standards, including broadcast quality media suites and a compliant evacuation system.

Asimetrik project co-ordinator Kadir Ulusoy proposed his preferred brands supported by EASE acoustic calculations. According to UEFA regulations, the sound system for the stadium needed to be able to generate an SPL of 105dB - however, Asimetrik have managed to create a system capability much greater than this.

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rooms - with corridors for public announcements and local PA. Using the HD15 DataPort facilities on the CX amplifiers, Asimetrik set up a QSControl.net network to control the main system, creating two IP-rated rack spaces - just under the roof and in the catwalks. According to Asimetrik’s Technical Supervisor, Erçin Ural, ten CX702 amps are positioned in each rack to drive the PA system - with a QSC BASIS 902zz processor handling the network distribution.

“There are fibre optic converters in both racks feeding directly to the audio room, which is stationed in the north west corner of the stadium.

There we have another BASIS 922uz processor where we make all the inputs to the system (four channels covering the North, South, East and West stands) - fed from the main mixing desk.”

Helping to optimise the sound are presets stored in the QSC devices for full- and half-capacity houses to help mitigate reflections - the presets are simply recalled depending on the size of the crowd, aided by an automatic sensing structure.

Speaker and tone processing facilities reside in the catwalk racks - and via the QSC environment Asimetrik can conduct full system monitoring, healthchecks and diagnostics. “Thanks to QSC we can monitor the entire system via PC - checking the load capacity and retrieving all the information we need,” explains Kadir Ulusoy.

BASIS also ‘links’ the main PA with the evacuation system covering the public concourse and ancillary areas, and to this end a further BASIS 922uz DSP is located in the south west corner of the stadium. By interfacing with the other PA system ‘brain’ signals can be routed to the respective zones system via the G+M Elektronik APS System to feed the 20 ISA-Ti 2-Channel 100V commercial amplifiers which drive this system also from two (main and slave) rack locations.

Makro said they were delighted with Asimetrik’s work.

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Bengaluru Revels in Summer Music Fete The Garden City of Bengaluru recently revelled in what was touted as the first multi-stage summertime dance music festival in India bringing to place the best of the DJ thrills from both domestic and overseas spectrums.

Branded as Submerge Supernova, and organized at E-Zone Club, the event was supplied with audio and lighting solutions from locally-based J Davis Prosound & Lighting. Bringing in the latest L-Acoustics rigs for each of the event’s four stages, the audio-lighting firm created a fascinating ambience that enthralled the crowds as well as the participants.

The main area – This Stage – comprised L-Acoustics V-Dosc enclosures with SB 218 subs with the poolside dance area called ‘That Stage’ and an indoor area called ‘That Too’ complementing the whole experience. The official second stage, called the Other Stage, used a system based on L-Acoustics Arcs constant curvature line source boxes. A Dolby Lake Processor was also supplied alongside BSS Omnidrive loudspeaker management, while LA 48a amplifiers were deployed for power.

The event was unique in that it brought to stage a host of internationally renowned DJs performing several thrilling items, including Markus Schulz. Other artists included DJ Swing, DJ Clitus, Vachan Chinapa, Arjun Vagale, Ma Faiza, Dale Anderson, Nawed Khan, Brute Force, DJ Ajit, Techno Tourettes and Anish Sood. The event was judged so successful that a second Submerge Supernova has already been planned for the winter months.

Clay Paky Alpha Spots, Robe washes, and, for the first time at a dance event in Bangalore, an LED mesh.

J Davis Prosound & Lighting was also responsible for the lighting and LED designs, supplying PR Lighting beams,

“It was an absolute delight,” says Santana Davis, chief sound engineer.

“Working with Submerge crew was a great experience.”

Compliments Submerge’s technical head Srikanth: “without the brilliant lighting and PA setup provided by J Davis, this wouldn’t have been half the experience it was.”

Historic BBMP Hall Sounds Anew The Council Hall of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP)’s – the historic seat of Garden City’s civic administration – recently took an altogether new ambience with a total overhaul of its sound system. That the 500-year-old structure is known for its characteristically wooden architecture, and forms an integral part of the city’s heritage, the sound reinforcement was a potential challenge.

That no part of its architecture should be disturbed, let alone dismantled, compounded the challenge. More, the demand was to make the PA uniformly audible all across the hall seats 140 Council members in a circularly arranged patter with ample legroom and speech provision. Delhi-based audio

solutions major SunInfoNet, in association with its locally-based partner Reynold’s Inc., took on the challenge and implemented the PA System that won instant appreciation from the administration.

The equipment chosen comprised eight PS10-R2 full-range cabinets and a PS10-UTD controller from Nexo powered by four D-Power amplifiers from Camco. In addition, as many as 143 Shure MX418D/C wired gooseneck microphones were selected to ensure effective audio coverage of the historic hall. According to SunInfoNet, the BBMP Council is ‘extremely satisfied’ with the results- so much so that a similar PA system has been commissioned for its other council halls in the State of Karnataka.

Coke Studio’s ‘Soundcraft’ in Music When Coca-Cola Company decided to bring to India its hugely popular Coke Studio project – an internationally acclaimed platform the American beverage firm launched in association with MTV – for showcasing best musical talent in the country, it didn’t have to scout for long. The company chose India’s well established and renowned sound reinforcement company - Sound & Light Professionals (SNL Pro) for complete audio set-up at Coke Studio @ MTV.

Pathak, Sunidhi Chauhan and Wadali Brothers, Kailash Kher and Papon, Shankar Mahadevan and Khogen Da, and Bombay Jayshree, Richa Sharma and Rashid Khan among others. The result is a divine fusion of music that embraces the essence of India. As many as 45 singers from across the country of various genres like folk, classical and qawwali, will team up with other artists and churn out new composition with various interpretations.

Coke Studio India is based on the unique, internationally acclaimed format - The Coke Studio project, which started in Brazil in 2007 and then went to Pakistan the following year. The show, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company, invites musicians from different genres to jam together and records the resulting collaboration on the spot.

The expectation of sound output for a format like that of Coke Studio is very high. Considering the live nature of the program in a studio set up, the sound systems and the mix has to be impeccable in order to ensure that the audience and television viewers are treated to pure auditory bliss. The choice of equipment had to necessarily be of international standards, given that every minute detail had to be monitored.

Sound & Light Professionals, with an undisputed track record of handling audio and lighting (both rental & installations) for some of the most challenging events in India, provided the entire range of audio equipment and the backend support for the equipment, stage setup and RF technicians. For this celebrated project, SNL Pro made the perfect choice of deploying Harman’s Soundcraft Vi6 mixing console at the audio mixing position, for the main reason that the Soundcraft Vi6 an optimized system for a versatile, multi-act show.

Since its launch in India, this platform aims to bridge contemporary and traditional styles of music, celebrate differences and explore the musical depth that spreads out across the vast cultural panorama of the country. The hour long episode of Coke Studio on MTV features 6 songs - a diverse mix of music from alternative genres including Carnatic and Hindustani, compositions by new musicians, recreated Bollywood tracks, and a special song created on the show. The collaborations are so diverse as to bring together Shafqat Ali and Shruti

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Soundcraft by Harman digital mixing consoles are the hot favourites among sound rental, installed sound companies and sound engineers in India. Among the best selling consoles, Soundcraft Vi6 continues to create the perfect digital mixing experience for the users of the consoles for both live sound and studio applications in India.

“We are extremely proud to bring alive the magic of live recording and performance with Coke Studio @ MTV. SNL has a vast selection of equipment to choose from and we had to ensure a very high quality mix in a project that requires achieving the best possible multi-track recording for post production. We chose to work with Harman’s Soundcraft Vi6 console for its convenient operation, and tried and tested performance. We have been deploying the Soundcraft Vi6 for many large, live events in the past.

This system has proven to be perfect

for our needs, is intuitive in nature and offers great mix and output especially in situations which require dynamic mixing requirements” said Manish Mavani, Director, Sound & Light Professionals.

The Vi6 is easy to use — it is flexible, reliable, sounds good and has all the facilities required for the sound engineer at the console. The console provides the best overview due to Vistonics II touchscreen interface with all dynamics, inputs and outputs available at a glance. The console even has inbuilt Lexicon and BSS audio processing.

The compact dimensions and the FaderGlow (illumination of fader tracks), offers at-a-glance status display.

Also, two engineers can work on the desk at the same time (via the fourth flexible input bay). With this console one can assign upto 16 busses as matrix busses, with up to 32 sources. So in the same way it works with the other masters, selecting a matrix master can assign the matrix sources across the board for easy access. For this project the MADI interface output from the console was used for a multi track recording (64 track). “In a live sound situation, the ease of operation is essential for a smooth functioning and a successful event. The Soundcraft Vi6 digital mixing console, since its launch in India, has gained popularity amongst all leading sound engineers and sound rental companies. We are extremely excited to be part of this popular and unique show where Soundcraft Vi6 has been successfully deployed by our long term partners, SNL Professionals. The highlight of the console is definitely the surface ergonomics, which is a definite boon to the sound engineers and operators of the console,” said Ankush Agarwal, Senior Manager Marketing, Harman Professional India.

With hi-quality audio products like SoundcraftVi6s and its industry leading reliable features &interface, combined with the expertise and experience of SNL Professionals, MTV Coke Studio is fast gaining viewership In India. The programme stands out for its unique format and the sound mix is perfect for the confluence of different genres and an eclectic mix of artistes and musical instruments.

RAVIDRUMS Beats with JBL LSR From international performances and private celebrity birthday parties, to composing and recording tracks for network television shows and his own records, renowned DJ, drummer and producer Ravi Jakhotia, aka DJ RAVIDRUMS, is busy on top broadcast and music projects.

Jakhotia relies on Harman’s JBL LSR4300 series studio monitors to ensure his projects hit their mark when heard on a wide range of playback systems.

Ravi’s impressive list of credits includes projects with Britney Spears, Bono, Lil Jon and Pit Bull and birthday bashes for Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian and Jamie Foxx. He’s performed on numerous television broadcasts including NBC’s Howie Do It, commercials for Major League Baseball, and has given international performances in Beijing, Rio, Norway, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Istanbul. Throughout his career, Ravi is producing dramatic background scores for television shows, and highenergy tracks for shows such as Paula Abdul’s Live To Dance on CBS. “With every project, I need be confident in my mixes. I make sure they sound great in my studio through my JBL studio monitors before I send them out. My LSR4300’s are workhorses,” Jakhotia continued. “The entire musical weight of my shows and albums rests on my shoulders and my JBL LSR’s.”

providing accurate frequency response and high output, the LSR4300 series studio monitors include RMCRoom Mode Correction that measures response at the mix position and compensates for low frequency inaccuracies in the room.

“The room-tuning capability ensures a mix that works for me in the studio will sound the same everywhere else.”

While recording for Live to Dance, DJ RAVIDRUMS also deployed a set of stereo Harman AKG 414 XLS microphones, a D112, C 518 M’s and a pair of AKG K 181 headphones on the drums. “There was a wide variety of music, and we wanted to make sure contestants and viewers heard great sound,” Jakhotia said. “We used the 414’s on nearly every instrument, with the D112 on the kick drums.

Everything sounded fantastic using AKG mics and mixing the tracks on JBL LSR4300 studio monitors.” ”If you want to win the race, you need a top-of-the-line, fast car.

Harman has put me in the lead and I have no intention of stopping!”

Jakhotia said.

Prior to a demanding broadcast project, Ravi picked up a set of JBL LSR4328P studio monitors and LSR4312SP subwoofer.

Working on his latest project – a high-energy electronic dance album, Jakhotia said, “My LSR4300 studio monitors let me hear all the detail of the entire track. When I’m mixing a track in my studio I’m confident the mix will sound great in a 6,000-person club.” In addition to

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Clubbing A Trilogy of Sound Trilogy – the newest entity emerging onto India’s commercial capital Mumbai’s nightlife domain – sounds true to its name. Founded by two sisters of upwardly dynamic India Neha and Minal Gundecha, the nightclub sports an ambitious appeal in every respect- architecture, ambience, and now, the sound.

Referred to as ‘a box within a box structure,’ the venue appears architecturally isolated from the main design spectrum of the house. With the new audio system from d&b, installed by Mumbai-based Soundframe Consulting, the nightclub is a much sought-after hang out today in the city.

Located within the Hotel Sea Princess in Juhu, the club is sandwiched between a coffee shop beneath it and the hotel’s most expensive oceanfacing VIP suites above, necessitating extreme sound isolation of the kind more normally associated with orchestral concert halls.

Sound, if not noise, isolation, was of course of prime concern, says Milind Raorane of Soundframe Consulting, who designed the space. However, the challenge for him was that he had to blend the element of premium into the design. Working in combination with Digital Advantage, the d&b audiotechnik distributor for India, Soundframe devised a complete acoustics and audio design, presenting the owners with acoustic prediction data and 3D sound mapping.

Music is relayed throughout both floors of the club, with Digital Advantage providing for a distributed system comprising, primarily, d&b ESeries loudspeakers. The dance floor area appears totally enveloped with high energy sound- a quad configuration, with an inward facing four corner array of E12 loudspeakers each and with a pair of B4-SUBs and an E12-SUB. The B4 subwoofers are so aligned as to significantly reduce the amount of low end energy on the rear walls making it a zero fatigue environment.

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Apart from the club area, the 183 sq-m mezzanine between floors, and the approximately 457 sq-m lower lounge are covered using a variety of E8, E3 and E0 loudspeakers, with the lower floor again employing a quad design based on E3 and E12-SUB combinations.

Meanwhile, the floated ceiling, floor and walls are enhanced by an air-lock entry lobby, double doors and vacuum sealed double glazed windows. The ceiling has also reportedly been treated with cellulose spray for internal reverberation control.

According to Trilogy promoting systers, Raorane’s expertise was very vital for ensuring sound isolation and acoustics of the installation while Digital Advantage had been very helpful, prompt and responsible for the entire sound installation at Trilogy.

WorldMUN Gets Social with Mackie HDA In 1991, a group of Harvard University students joined together to create a new and different Model United Nations experience, inviting 300 college and graduate students to join together and participate in conferences and debate on pressing international issues. Two decades later, the annual WorldMUN conference has

grown to become a week-long event, with more than 2,200 college and graduate students from more than 65 nations attending the 2011 conference in Singapore.

At this year’s WorldMUN, Singaporebased Mastana Entertainment provided high-end audio and video systems for social events throughout the conference, including a massive Mackie HDA-based sound system for the WorldMUN 2011 Ice Breaker Party at the Greek Theatre, at the foot of the iconic Singapore Flyer.

The system was centered around Mackie HDA two-way 12-inch powered line array cabinets, along with HD1521 15-inch two-way powered loudspeakers. The system was augmented by 18 SRM450 two-way powered loudspeakers, with low frequency reinforcement handled by Mackie’s HD1801 powered subwoofers.

Pioneer and Denon DJ gear and an Allen and Heath console completed the system.

WorldMUN was the most recent in a series of events that has seen Mastana Entertainment grow from a modest startup company to one of Singapore’s leading events services companies. As Surinder Mastana, the company’s Chief Engineer and Event Consultant, explains, the Mackie gear has been a big part of the company’s growing profile.

“For us, it has been the realization of a dream to bring our own unique blend of music and mixes to the regional party scene, and having great quality equipment is a big part of our success,” says Mastana. “The Mackie HDAs are truly one of the best sounding powered array speakers available. They are so fast and easy to deploy – hassle free, plug and play, and their definition... simply wow!

They sound incredible. We can’t wait to get more of them.”

DiGiCo India Workshop Mixes Success Mumbai-based Rivera International, Indian distributor of DiGiCo, recently organized a one-day programme of focussed demos and technical sessions with a view to taking the hosted a full day of demos, workshop and seminars in the calm confines of the Colonial Club in Mumbai this week.

Although the event was designed to focus primarily on introducing attendees to the new DiGiCo SD10 and SD11 desks, product specialist, James ‘Digger’ Bradley also took the opportunity to present the SD8 and SD9 desks to a large audience of just over 100 people. Interspersed with the DIGiCo introductions, Christian Stumpp from HK Audio also flew in to showcase the Elements and Icon range of speakers.

Coming directly from the Palm Expo exhibition in Beijing, Mr Bradley was enthusiastic about the seminar. ‘This is probably the biggest workshop I’ve done here in India. I started the presentation with a brief introduction to the company, history about the development of the product and then a bit more about the technology for the entire range of products. There’s also been a chance for Q&A and some hands on time.

‘It’s been pretty busy but there have been lots of good questions and I’ve seen lots of really qualified people including engineers and rental companies. I’ve had some genuine questions towards purchasing potential, configuration questions – what will work with what, if I buy this now what will I need for the future, all those sorts of things. It’s taken a few years for people to believe that DiGiCo are actually real about this market and that they’re sticking with it, but we’ve now got a few more references and sales under our belt and that makes a big difference.

DiGiCo is now on their minds more seriously – today there are lot of people I’ve seen before but also a lot of new people too.’

Christian Stumpp of HK Audio was equally positive about the turn out

and reaction: ‘This morning went very well and the attendance was really astonishing, a nice double headline show for me! We are just starting distribution in India so I gave the audience a brief overview on who we are, the factory, what we do and the other markets we are involved in. I concentrated on two products as examples – Elements, which is our latest baby, showcasing its flexibility and scalability, and Icon which is the latest product to be added to our concert sound series. It’s been very good and it means a lot that Rajesh (Sadarangani) has bothered to do something like this. Overall, a very well prepared day and you don’t always get such a good turnout at workshops like this.’

Owner of rental company Groove Temple, Kaveer Shahani was pleased he’d come along. ‘Events like today are very important to the Indian industry, it does a lot to enhance the learning curve here but I also think that one day for such a vast subject like audio engineering is too short,’ he explained. ‘Today has been extremely well attended and well put together by Rajesh and I think we should have more of these as more education is definitely needed. These events are lacking in the Indian market and there are many companies in India where the technical expertise leaves a lot to be desired.’

Rivera International owner Rajesh Sadarangani pronounced himself ‘very pleased with the turnout, we’ve put on a serious event today. We’ve had people here ready right from the start, some have driven down over a

1,000km. Others have flown in from different states and reorganised their appointments to be here so that’s a good sign. For this year, I wanted a mix of attendees – rental companies, engineers, TV guys, installers and we’ve achieved that. I would like to do this more regularly as it’s a great chance to meet so many people but we would include different product lines each time. It’s moving in the right direction though.’

While demonstrations were taking place on Sound.com’s recently purchased SD10 desk, the rental company’s senior sound engineer Sunil Karanjikar looked on happily.

‘It’s amazing that everyone has been able to experience the products from the ground up, which is what most of the people here need,’ he enthused.

‘You don’t need too much expertise to attend something like this. It’s been very well laid out for a one day introduction. If you need a full technical run down you would need more time and more hands on experience.

‘For the amount of time we had and what this was intended to be it was very good, it’s a clear overview. I’ve seen a lot of other rental companies here in the audience, from small ones to larger ones, regional as well as those from the mainstream. I’ve also spotted visiting engineers who travel around with bands – it’s been a great attendance. It’s time that people realise that line arrays aren’t the only solution, they need to look around in the market.’

Mr Karanjikar added however that more events outside of large cities were required. ‘We need a lot more events like this but they need to go into lot more places outside the metro towns. Accommodation in Mumbai is expensive. If owners are also here for the Palm show then it’s a long time to get them to leave their companies. It’s a busy time of year, out of the 12 engineers in our company I am the only one that has been able to spare the time to come.’

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EAW Rocks Rimrock Auto Arena West coast-based audio-video integrator Pro Media/UltraSound has completed the installation of a large EAW loudspeaker system at Rimrock Auto Arena, which is located within the MetraPark multi-facility events campus in Billings, Montana. The EAW AX Series speakers, SB Series large format subwoofers and CIS Series ceiling speakers are part of a multimillion-dollar total refit of the 12,000-seat arena, which was badly damaged by a tornado in June 2010.

According to Demetrius Palavos, senior sales and design engineer with Pro Media/UltraSound, the unique architecture of the arena had a significant impact on the design of the rigging and positioning of the new speaker system. Mark Graham of AV systems design consultants Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams, Inc. (WJHW) of Dallas, Texas, was the lead consultant on the project.

Palavos elaborates, “due to large roof trusses that run down each side of the building through the main seating, it required a different approach to the overall design of the loudspeaker system. Typically in an arena like this, you would have a center cluster that would handle two-thirds of the seating bowl with some type of smaller two-way delay devices that would handle the upper seating areas.

But these large beams hang down low and would be in the main cluster’s coverage pattern, leaving portions of the audience out of the sound coverage.

WHJW’s design called for a multicluster arrangement, Palavos continues, incorporating EAW AX344, AX364 and AX396 Three-Way, FullRange, Arrayable Install Loudspeakers.

“There’s a center cluster that consists of EAW SB528zp Large Format Subwoofers. Then there are two different styles of clusters. On the north and the south sides there are four AX boxes with a single AX hung below for down fill. There’s another large lateral truss running through the building, so on the east-west clusters

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they had to do this unique rigging solution that has a pair of AX boxes with a single down-firing AX box. That handles about half the seating of the facility,” says Palavos.

He adds, “then there are five AX boxes per side on the outside of the large roof trusses that handle coverage for the majority of the audience in the east-west portion of the arena.”

In addition, there are a number of MK2399 Two-Way, Full-Range Install Loudspeakers providing scoreboard fill in the center of the arena. He adds, “and they do also have what they call the south stage clusters, which are two – one left, one right – AX396 enclosures that allow them to do some end-stage events like graduations and other things.”

Palavos notes, “WJHW not only did the electronics package design – speakers, wiring, consoles – but they also did a substantial improvement to the facility’s acoustics.” Bass traps are located down each side of the arena.

As you approach the top of the seating area, the audience seating gets pretty close to the bass trap ceiling, which allowed us to install EAW CIS400 [two-way, 6.5-inch] Ceiling Loudspeakers for additional fill coverages, he reports.

“The system tuned up very quickly – much more so than anticipated, given the architectural constraints of the loudspeaker locations,” said Mark Graham. “This was a tough project with a lot of emotion involved, given the high number of complaints specifically directed at the old sound system (vintage 1975) and previous

acoustical treatments or lack thereof.”

One interesting comment Graham received from the Architect before system commissioning was this: “If it sounds as good as it looks, we’re in good shape,” and once the system was up and running, the County Commissioners heading up the project wasted no time in coming to audition the system, leaving with smiles on their faces.

Originally the site of a fairground in the early 1900s, MetraPark (METRA is an acronym for Montana’s Entertainment, Trade and Recreation Arena) is situated next to the Yellowstone River and covers 185 acres within the Billings city limits.

MetraPark’s Rimrock Auto Arena hosts Montana’s largest concerts, family shows, rodeos, ice shows, motor sports and other events, including local school and college sports tournaments and graduation ceremonies.

Barco Glows in Awards Glory at InfoComm 2011 Visualization pioneer Barco received several awards and recognition for its technology innovation during InfoComm. The OVL-815 received an award for ‘Best Video Wall’ and the RCP-120 received an award for ‘Best Remote Control’ from Commercial Integrator magazine. The publication also honored Barco’s HDX W-12 as one of the “12 Hot Projectors from InfoComm” and named the FLM HD20 as one of “9 Must-See Video products at InfoComm.”

Barco products were also used in several projects receiving awards at the 2011 InfoComm/LSA Staged Events Awards: •

Best Use Of AV Technology for a Tradeshow Booth for a Corporate Client - Barco’s NX4, DX700 Processor, Encore 3M/E Processor, ImagePRO Scan Converter, and Encore Small Desk were used in the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons 2010 show in New Orleans, LA, produced by awardwinner Riverview Systems Group

•

Best Overall Staging for a Corporate Industrial Entertainment Event – Barco’s ScreenPRO II, ImagePRO HD Scaler Package were used in the Robin Hood Foundation Gala produced by award-winner Scharff Weisberg

•

Best Overall Staging for a Corporate or Association Event (Technology Budget over $200,000) – several Barco products were used for the Transitions Optical’s 2010 convention produced by award-winner PSAV

•

Best Overall Staging for a Corporate or Association Event (Technology Budget: $50,000199,999) – Barco’s ImagePRO HD Scaler was used in the Oracle 11G Product Launch at the Guggenheim Museum, produced

by Honorable Mention-winner Scharff Weisberg

Just prior to InfoComm, the American Eagle Outfitters project in Times Square, New York received a 2011 Live Design Excellence Award in the Architainment category, in which over 15,000 square feet of TF-20 LED panels and OLite 612 modules were used, in addition to 21 NSL-46 monitors and dual DX-700 LED digitizers.

At the show, Barco treated hundreds of AV producers and rental and staging professionals to an expanded offering of visualization products designed to optimize and display content for live events, corporate AV, digital branding/signage and control rooms. Featuring superior brightness, contrast and color, Barco’s projectors and LED displays were demonstrated, often in combination with Barco’s 3G presentation systems, to convey the high-performance capabilities of its robust AV platforms. ”At Barco, we’re continually innovating and discovering new ways to boost the “wow” factor of

live shows, corporate meetings and special events,” commented Todd Hoddick, VP Entertainment for Barco North America. “We’ve developed a unique set of tools and technologies, applying our in-depth knowledge of the events business to help producers bring their ideas to life. Coupled with our outstanding reliability, customers enjoy a single-source solution that enables them to stretch the boundaries of their imagination to consistently deliver amazing presentations.”

Barco also made a strong showing of its control room technologies, introducing the Galaxy 4K-23, a 4096x2160 resolution, three-chip DLP projector. Featuring 23,000 lumens light output, the new model produces high-fidelity, active 3D stereo imagery for use in virtual reality installations.

Also on display were the awardwinning OVL-815 LED-lit video wall and the new ECU-100 controller for Barco’s Transform A and Transform N universal visualization platforms. ”Barco’s reputation for best-in-class control room visualization continues to be unsurpassed, giving operators greater control and flexibility, while enabling them to project the very best image quality,” commented Hans Dekeyser, VP Sales Control Rooms & Simulation for Barco North America. “Our award-winning video walls are quickly becoming the industry standard in traffic centers, utilities and other mission-critical operations centers around the world.

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DiGiCo Wins Queen’s Award Digital mixing console manufacturer DiGiCo has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category. This is the first time DiGiCo has won the award in this category, having previously received an award in 2005 in the Innovation category. The current award has been granted for almost doubling its overseas earnings and exporting the vast majority of its products since its incorporation in 2002. ”Being a UK company, it’s especially gratifying and significant to be recognised by Buckingham Palace and the board of the Queen’s Award Office in this way,” says DiGiCo managing director, James Gordon.

“It’s testament to the strength of the DiGiCo team and to all our international partners, who have worked extremely hard to help us achieve this. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

DiGiCo’s first digital console was the D5 Live, which helped to revolutionise the way engineers think about mixing audio. Since then it has developed Stealth Digital Processing™, which is utilised in the current SD Series and has taken the concept of digital mixing forward by a quantum leap, increasing functionality, processing power and audio quality, and establishing the company as a market leader. ”We’ve worked very hard to ensure that our products satisfy the needs of the engineer,” continues Gordon, “and that we provide excellent after sales service. Again, this is testament to our international distribution partners, who offer the same high quality of training and support to their customers as we do directly at DiGiCo.” Following a reception to be hosted

by Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace in July, a local, formal presentation of the award will take place at DiGiCo.

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AMX Wins F&S Award for Automation Frost & Sullivan presented its 2011 Europe Product Line Strategy Award in Building Automation Systems to AMX. Frost & Sullivan recognise AMX’s exceptional product line strategy which has enabled it to maximize on its capabilities to address a wider range of building types and applications and consolidate its brand name in the non-residential buildings space.

“The key factor in AMX’s product line strategy is not only the width and depth of its offerings, but the quality and after-sales service support that accompanies it,” notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Neetha Jayanth. “This makes AMX’s strategy the benchmark for best practices in product line design for building automation.”

“To receive such commendation from a company with Frost & Sullivan’s stature is an honour and we are thrilled to accept this award,” said Kevin Morrison, Managing Director and Vice President, AMX Europe.

“This recognition is testament to our investment in, and commitment to, the building automation systems market. We have worked hard to ensure that we can provide the most capable and proven solutions for centralized control and management available in the industry today. This award is yet further confirmation of our success.”

Recognizing that buildings have their own set of automation needs, AMX has created a solution set for eleven industry-specific markets within the non-residential building space and an additional three for residential. While its competitors might sometimes follow a similar approach, the sheer breadth of segmentation offered by AMX underlines its superior experience and capabilities.

With its wide product line, AMX has successfully increased the size of its target customer base. The company’s solutions cater to niche segments, such as private transport and offshore

facilities, as well as places of worship.

In addition, the company also offers widespread solutions for government, healthcare, businesses, retail buildings, hotels and others.

“AMX’s products effectively address the key needs of building occupants,” remarks Jayanth. “Its solutions help conserve energy costs and limit overall outlays. Outstanding after sales service and customer training, coupled with product ease-of-use, have earned the company strong customer loyalty.”

For instance, AMX effectively addressed the problem of communication between, and control of, the worldwide offices and multiple offshore vessels of a large UK-based seabed-to-surface engineering and construction company. For this project, AMX technology was used to integrate multiple rooms within the context of wider building automation functions like heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting, which allowed for easy facility management.

Similarly, through one of its projects in the educational sphere, AMX proved that it doesn’t just have specialized expertise in audio-visual (AV) integration, but that it can meet a range of other building-related needs. In this instance, AMX integrated the AV systems of the University of Greenwich in over 100 classrooms, plus a lecture theatre. The automation project however, went on to span not just applications of audiovisual systems but also lighting, HVAC, occupancy sensing, energy management, failure and theft detection of equipment.

“In addition, the company installed solutions that aided in monitoring and reporting on equipment and resource usage,” states Jayanth. “This project emphasizes the breadth of applications that AMX is capable of serving, further highlighting the success of its product line strategy.”

Four Product Awards for Extron at InfoComm 2011 Four Extron products won awards at the InfoComm 2011 show in Orlando, Florida. The PowerCage 1600 won the Systems Contractor News Product Award for Most Innovative Video Distribution or Switching Product and the VN-Matrix 300 won the Rental & Staging New Product Award for Best Video Broadcast or Video Streaming Product. Presented at a special ceremony on Tuesday, June 14th, Systems Contractor News and Rental & Staging, who reported a record number of entries this year, gave Extron its awards and will be featuring the winning products in more detail in upcoming issues of their publications.

Commercial Integrator recently announced the winners of its inaugural BEST - Best Electronics Systems Technologies awards. Extron was awarded Best AV Component or Processor for the FOXBOX HDMI and awarded Best Specialty AV Cable, Interconnect, or IR Extender for the LockIt HDMI Cable Lacing Bracket. These

products will be featured in the July/ August issue of Commercial Integrator.

The Extron PowerCage 1600 is a rackmountable, 16-slot enclosure that supports a wide range of Extron fiber optic and twisted pair AV transmitter and receiver boards. Providing an efficient way to power and mount multiple transmitters and receivers, the PowerCage 1600 simplifies integration for large, rack-mounted systems. The hot-swappable, modular design allows for replacing or upgrading boards or power supplies in the field at any time, without having to power down the system. The Extron VN-Matrix 300 streams SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G-SDI video and embedded audio over IP networks. It produces excellent image quality at highly efficient bit rates with low latency. The VN-Matrix 300 utilizes Extron’s PURE3 compression technology, which exceeds many of the performance characteristics of existing compression formats, delivering visually lossless imagery

with low latency and providing exceptionally robust protection against network errors, making it ideal for quality-critical applications.

The Extron FOXBOX HDMI is a fiber optic transmitter and receiver set for long haul transmission of HDCPcompliant HDMI video, audio, and RS232 control signals over fiber optic cabling. Engineered for reliability and high resolution image performance, it uses Extron-exclusive all digital technology. The FOXBOX HDMI can be used for simple point-to-point applications, or in combination with FOX Series matrix switchers, users can create custom, scalable HDCPcompliant systems up to 1000x1000 and beyond.

The Extron LockIt is a cable lacing bracket for securing HDMI cables to a host product’s input and output connectors. LockIt reduces the stress on the HDMI connectors and prevents intermittent or complete signal loss due to a loose cable connection.

Dynacord’s New Powermate3 Powered Mixers

Dynacord recently introduced Powermate3 Powered Mixers. The third generation of the PowerMate satisfies various requirements, delivering accustomed concert sound performance.

The PowerMate3 series comprises the models 1000, 1600 and 2200, the principle difference between them being the number of available input channels. In the case of the 1000, there are 6 mono and 4 stereo channels; the 1600 offers 12 mono channels and, again, 4 stereo ones, whilst the 2200 boasts a full 18 mono and, yet again, 4 stereo channels. All the other features – such as the effects, auxiliary and master sections – are identical in all models.

The PowerMate3 features 6 Line + 4 Stereo Line channels, and a Class D amplifier for 2 x 1000 Watts. Despite a clear reduction in weight, Powermate3 offers considerable gains in terms of power amplifier output and features, as well as being more compact that ever.

Dynamate launched the first generation of PowerMate in 1997.

AETA’s New Audio Recording, Live Broadcasting App AETA Audio Systems launched eScoop, a professional audio recording and broadcasting tool for devices like iPhones, iPads, Macs, and PCs. eScoop provides breakthrough facilities for

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recording, editing, transmitting, and publishing audio for live broadcasting, allowing users to record and transmit simultaneously through mobile wireless networks and on desk-based IP networks as a client or a server.

Developed in collaboration with the Dutch pro-audio developer Technica Del Arte (TDA), eScoop supports protocols such as SIP as well as both one-way SHOUTcast/Icecast streaming and two-way streaming when a return channel is required. In addition to broadcasting live material, eScoop also enables the playout of prerecorded material while broadcasting. A simple editing tool allows the user to isolate any item being used.

Available now as an app for the iPhone, the iPad, Macs, and PCs, and with an Android version available soon, eScoop makes it easy for reporters in the field to capture live audio instantly and broadcast it with professional quality codecs, without specialist equipment other than an external microphone, if required. The wide range of built-in codecs includes MP2, AAC, AAC-HE, AAC-HEV2, G711, and G722, and eScoop is the first professional software codec to include support for the N/ACIP standard. A high degree of service protection is guaranteed by the use of the SIP protocol, which makes it easier to establish a connection and maintain network security through session border controllers.

“The design of eScoop is focused on convenient, easy use in the pressure of a live situation,” said Claudia Haase, international sales manager at AETA Audio Systems. “eScoop’s very clear and elegant interface allows anyone at an event to set up a link to the studio and begin broadcasting audio within seconds, choosing from a wide range of professional formats. eScoop will be an handy tool for reporters reacting rapidly to unfolding news, and will help widen the contribution of crowdsourced coverage of different events.

With eScoop, anyone with an iPhone can be a live reporter.”

Armonía Pro Upgrade Released Powersoft recently launched the upgraded version of its Armonía Pro Audio Suite software. The new version includes I/O Signal Integrity Monitor feature. Armonía was designed to deliver comprehensive control of all aspects of the amplifier/speaker audio chain to the audio engineer. The I/O Signal Integrity Monitor furthers this control by providing information on input signal irregularities.

“With the release of Armonía version 2.1.707, the product just got better with the addition of I/O Signal Integrity Monitor element,” says Ken Blecher, executive vice president of Powersoft Audio Technologies. “With Armonía, the engineer can make informed choices when setting up any touring or fixed installation employing suitably equipped Powersoft K Series, M Series with DSP+ETH, Duecanali, Q Series and D Series amplifiers. The I/O Signal Integrity Monitor puts one more critical tool in the hands of the engineer.”

The I/O Signal Integrity Monitor notifies the engineer of any system irregularities due to a missing input signal or loudspeaker failure. The software enhancement was designed to work effortlessly without complicated initial measurements, yielding genuinely accurate information thanks to a programmable pilot tone and trigger threshold. The I/O Signal Integrity Monitor will raise the alarm even if a single loudspeaker within a complex system dies, no matter if it is one of multiple lo-Z drivers wired in parallel or one of many in a hi-Z 70/100V line.

When dealing with very large and complex audio systems, the I/O Signal Integrity Monitor streamlines system setup before an event and helps relieve troubleshooting panic during a show by instantly providing the necessary information to locate and fix any problems quickly.

Yamaha Launches Acoustic Echo Canceling Card Yamaha is extending the potential of its DME series of digital mixing engines by introducing the MY4-AEC Echo Canceller card. This card offers high definition sound and flexibility to the audio and video conferencing markets.

Remote conferencing systems allow significant reduction of travel time and costs, aiding the implementation of environmentally friendly policies and improved productivity. With the introduction of high definition (HD) video in this area, Yamaha’s DME systems are becoming increasingly popular as a means of improving the quality of conference audio.

Echo canceling negates the echo that arises when the sound from a loudspeaker is picked up by a microphone in the same room. With DME systems being very popular in installations such as conference halls and meeting rooms - where complex, high-quality processing and routing is required - Yamaha has received many requests for a dedicated processor to deal with the complex issue of echo cancellation. These requests have been answered with the introduction of the MY4-AEC. Suitable for use in large conference rooms and for multi-location meetings, the card features four channels of adaptive echo canceling (AEC), which automatically calculate the best settings according to the environment and the equipment being used. It is also equipped with a powerful noise reduction algorithm, meaning that any constant noises like fans or air conditioning can be attenuated. To accommodate large spaces where microphones are used with a PA for voice amplification, the MY4-AEC’s four channel feedback suppressor employs 42 notch filter bands per channel. Each channel also has Width and Depth parameters that can be adjusted to achieve optimum level. Thanks to its very long delay time capability, the card can remove delays up to a maximum of max 400ms, providing clear sound even when used in very large rooms or for long distance conferencing.

The MY4-AEC also has several more features which further enhance audio quality. Its sample rate is 48 kHz, but it can also be used in 96 kHz systems by reducing capacity from four to two channels. Meanwhile, the quality of web-based remote conferencing can be significantly improved, thanks to the card’s wide frequency range (20 Hz - 20 kHz), which ensures a natural sounding conversation.

To facilitate the use of other digital equipment, the MY4-AEC has four channels of AES/EBU I/O. The I/O ports include sampling rate converters, which ensure easy connection to equipment with different sample rates.

WorxAudio Introduces New Loudspeaker WorxAudio Technologies has launched the I/O-4 loudspeaker system. A small format, high performance sound reinforcement system designed for high quality foreground and background music applications, the new surface mount I/ O-could be used a wide range of settings, including restaurants / bars, retail environments, hotel lobbies, under balcony fill, and corporate industrial training / meeting spaces.

includes a powder-coated, stainless steel mesh grill to protect the transducer complement, the new I/O-4 blends aesthetically with a wide range of decors.

Ideal for use in 100 -Volt distributed audio systems, the new WorxAudio I/ O-4 employs a multi-tap transformer defined for 50-, 25-, 12-, and 5-watt settings. The new I/O-4 may also be easily configured for a standard low impedance direct input.

Harman Expands JBL’s CSS Series Harman’s JBL Professional announced at InfoComm 2011 the addition of the CSS-1S/T surface-mount loudspeaker to its CSS Commercial Series Speaker lineup of cost-effective ceiling speakers and backcans.

The first three models of the CSS Series were introduced at last year’s InfoComm show. Each of those models were cost-effective ceiling speakers.

JBL is expanding this affordable segment of the product line with a new full-range, 2-way, surface-mount loudspeaker.

The new CSS-1S/T is a compact 2-way 100V/70V/8Ù surface-mount loudspeaker with a 5¼-inch lowfrequency and ¾-inch high-frequency driver and a frequency response of 85 Hz–18 kHz. The 10-Watt multi-tap transformer for 100V or 70V distributed speaker lines (10W and 5W taps, plus 2.5W at 70V only) and 60Watt 8Ù capability make the CSS-1S/T ideal for low to medium-level background music applications. A balltype wall-mount bracket is included.

With its injection molded, high-impact polycarbonate enclosure, the new I/O4 makes a terrific choice for use both indoors and outdoors - wherever quality music and speech reinforcement is specified. Available in black or white, the system also includes a standard mounting bracket with weather-resistant, stainless steel hardware designed for flexible aiming and easy installation. Featuring a contemporary appearance that July-September 2011

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Audio Precision’s New Interface for APx Range Audio Precision, the recognized standard in audio test, launched two new interface options for its APx500 series audio analyzers - the APx Bluetooth option for measuring audio over Bluetooth wireless technology, and the HDMI option with Audio Return Channel (ARC) for measuring ARC audio in HDMI 1.4a devices. Version 2.8 of the APx500 software has also been released, bringing support for the new interfaces and new audio measurements with feature improvements.

The APx Bluetooth option combines an integrated Bluetooth radio with comprehensive setup and operation controls and APx’s best-in-class speed, ease-of-use and performance. The APx module’s built-in Bluetooth radio and stack allow engineers to measure their Bluetooth devices directly, eliminating the uncertainty, lack of control and inconvenience of third-party adapters.

Bluetooth audio test is now faster, easier and much more reliable.

The APx HDMI option has been updated to include the Audio Return Channel, part of the HDMI 1.4a specification. ARC allows two way audio over a single HDMI cable, so the need for a separate audio cable to route TV audio to the receiver is eliminated.

The APx Digital Serial Interface option supports transmitter slave mode, where the transmitter can synchronize to an external frame clock when required. That a SINAD measurement has been added the APx generator can now be configured with a DC offset when desired. Digital sample rates have been extended down to 6 kHz in support of voice communications protocols. Dolby HD compliance testing has also been made easier and faster with the addition of new sweep signal definitions and direct generator playback of .MAT files. Analysis filters have been added to Multitone measurements. The Measurement

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Recorder can now save audio records of practically unlimited length.

The v2.8 upgrade for APx500 is available for download immediately at no charge.

EAW Unveils SBK Series Subwoofers EAW, a world leader in audio system solutions for over 30 years, recently debuted its new SBK Series Subwoofers. The SBK subs are designed to perfectly complement EAW’s MK Series Full-Range Loudspeakers in construction, size and sound, but they can also be used as stand-alone subwoofers in a system from any other manufacturer.

The line includes three models: SBK150 (Single 15-inch), SBK180 (Single 18inch) and SBK250 (Double 15-inch) Subwoofers. All three units operate in passive mode. Applications can include concert halls, houses of worship, arenas, large ballrooms, live theater products, gymnasiums and much more.

Premium components and optimally tuned ports match the performance associated with EAW’s SB line of direct radiating subwoofers. The SBK line includes a variety of forms of subwoofer providing a system designer with selections that can be specifically matched to their application. Multiple 3/8-inch mounting points allow for flexibility when installing subs in standalone applications.

The design of the enclosures is based on the dimensions of EAW’s MK2300

and MK5300 loudspeakers, giving a homogeneous appearance when arrayed together. When used with the optional Flybar, two full-range MK loudspeakers can be mounted one to either side of an SBK using preconfigured and optimized splay angles.

The optional flybar provides single or double pick points with pull back for a total array package. An additional optional stinger provides selectable tilt to an array from a single pick point.

Axia's New Radius and iQ Consoles Launched Axia Audio launched its two newest IP consoles - Radius and iQ - making IPAudio more affordable than ever.

Radius and iQ offer big-console capabilities, and networking features at the lowest prices ever for IP consoles.

Radius is a compact networked mixing desk with four stereo buses, eight faders, 16 audio I/O ports and an Ethernet switch with Gigabit. iQ is a full-featured four-bus IP console (also with built-in I/O and Ethernet switch. iQ consoles can be customized with expansion frames that add more faders, phone controls, and programmable user keys.

Both Radius and iQ plug into selfcontained Integrated Console Engines, fanless, convection-cooled console CPUs with audio I/O, logic, mix engine, power supply and Ethernet switch. “iQ and Radius consoles are engineered as standalone consoles, fully self-contained, but they have networking capabilities too,” explains Axia marketing manager Clark Novak.

“While their pricing makes them the most affordable IP consoles ever, we didn’t leave out important features

just to hit a price point. Instead, our console designers packed in as much power and as many features as possible, while still keeping the price low. Judging from the reaction we’re getting from clients, iQ and Radius are going to be very popular.”

Auralex Introduces Sonolitepro Auralex Acoustics introduced SonoLitePro, an entry-level fabric wrapped Studiofoam Pro panel comprised of Class A fire-rated materials. With a price that specifically targets those on limited budgets, SonoLite Pro presents a low-cost option for sound absorption in studios, churches, schools, restaurants, clubs and any other venue that requires a Class A fire-rated acoustical treatment.

SonoLitePro is available in two sizes: 2’x 2’ and 2’x 4', both coming with 1.5" thickness. It is available in black or tan and features squared edges.

Providing an overall Noise Coefficient Rating (NRC) of 0.90, this product is a cost-effective alternative to expensive fabric-wrapped fiberglass panels.

“Auralex is always looking for ways to bring more acoustical options to commercial facilities that require Class A fire-rating,” says Eric Smith, founder and president of Auralex Acoustics.

“Auralex is proud to be able to deliver this new fabric wrapped melamine–free acoustical foam option to the commercial installation market.

Auralex’s SonoLitePro is an ideal acoustical absorption panel for any facility on a budget, while it is also able to adhere to most public fire codes.”

SonoLitePro is a new addition to Auralex’s range of Class A absorptive panels, which include ELiTE ProPanels, EcoTech, SonoFiber and StudiofoamPro. This product is unique as it bridges the gap between Class A rated acoustical foams and fiberglass wrapped panels.

Many public buildings and local fire codes require that acoustical materials be Class A fire-retardant. Auralex’s Class A products are a cost effective and visually appealing alternative to the current Class A fire-rated absorptive options.

Lectrosonics Releases 64-bit Firmware Lectrosonics, recognized the world over as a leading manufacturer of wireless microphone systems and audio processing products, announces the availability of new, 64-bit compatible software distribution for the company’s DM Series processors and Venue receivers. This includes a new USB driver package which supports both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7, as well as 32-bit Windows XP. Also included is the LecNet 2 Driver Installer program which preinstalls the USB driver package on a PC prior to use. This new tool greatly simplifies driver installation. The updated USB drivers bring a new level of robust, stable performance when integrating the aforementioned Lectrosonics hardware with the company’s LecNet2 software suite on Windows PCs. Designed to simplify and expand the setup and configuration of sound systems, LecNet2 provides a suite of tools designed to increase one’s setup and control options. The programs communicate with either the USB or the RS-232 compatible interface built into LecNet2 components. The LecNet2 control panel programs remain unchanged, but the application “Help” USB driver installation topics have been updated to reflect the improved installation procedure. The LecNet2 programs contained in the new distribution are backward compatible with the old 32bit driver package, so it can be used to update older Windows XP PCs running outdated LecNet2 software versions. In this case, it is not necessary to re-install the USB drivers.

Gordon Moore, Vice President of Sales for Lectrosonics, commented on the new update. “We are very pleased to announce this update,” says Moore.

“With the new drivers, both our DM processors and our Venue series receivers gain the ability to work seamlessly with the latest Windows software while improving the performance of these systems when

used with earlier Windows versions.

I’m confident contractors, theater, house of worship, and touring sound professionals alike will appreciate the ease of operation this brings to the setup and configuration process.”

The new distribution is available to both North American and European users of Lectrosonics DM and Venue Series products as a CDROM image (.iso) file download. Once downloaded, the image file is burned to a blank CD-R disk and the software installer can be run as usual.

TC-Helicon’s New VoiceLive 2 Extreme Edition

TC-Helicon has announced the release of its new Extreme Edition, which offers twice the looping memory, an enhanced microphone preamp for good transparency.

No matter what vocal effects are required, VoiceLive 2 Extreme Edition will deliver: auto-adaptive compression & equalization, reverbs, delays, modulation effects, harmony processing, doubling, and more. All effects can be combined, tweaked and stored as personal presets for anything from ’smooth-producer-like’ sounds to ’dirty-and-in-your-face’ outrage to ’downright-spacious’ weirdness – or anything in between.

And to open creative vistas even further, VoiceLive 2 Extreme Edition’s on-board looper now records for twice the loop time compared to the original version. This allows singers to build layers of vocal loops up to 30 seconds in stereo (60 seconds in mono) for instant enjoyment as well as for a source of endless inspiration.

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Minnetonka Unveils New Loudness Controls Minnetonka Audio Software launched new products for broadcast and postproduction industries - the AudioTools Loudness Control Server and AudioTools AWE. Addressing the recent US-government governmental initiatives and regulations regarding loudness control, the AudioTools Loudness Control Server (ALCS) is an enterprise-level software suite for faster-than-realtime automated processing, measurement and control of loudness in audio and video programs. ALCS seamlessly integrates with existing Service Oriented Architectures without any need for additional hardware. With industry standard interfaces like SOAP Web Services and watched folders via XML commands built in, ALCS is ready for unattended operation.

As a specialized example of the many configuration possibilities of the AudioTools Server platform, AudioTools Loudness Control Server provides automated loudness control of audio files in both linear PCM and encoded formats, such as Dolby E or Dolby Digital (Plus). In compliance with both ITU-R BS.1770 and EBU R 128, and in accordance with the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, AudioTools Loudness Control Server performs loudness measurement and metering, reporting and diagnostics, validation and compliance assurance, and correction and control of the audio essence.

Processing is performed “in place,” directly on remote file servers without need of lengthy local file copies. ALCS can also perform essence extraction, replacement and insertion, and optional reconfiguration of the audio payload from MXF or QuickTime files.

In cases where the incoming file format is MXF, the AudioTools MXF module is used to rapidly extract the relevant audio streams using ReWrap, which extracts only the relevant audio and significantly speeds up data processing.

The company also released AudioTools AWE, a compact, stand-alone entrylevel solution for intelligent batch

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processing of digital audio assets.

Existing files can be post-processed or re-purposed quickly and easily in a completely predefined way. With over two-dozen different signal and file processing functions, AudioTools AWE allows engineers to specify an end-toend file handling and DSP chain of actions that can run automatically.

With new features to enhance operation, along with performance and stability improvements, AudioTools AWE version 1.6 significantly reduces repetitive work loads. The new release adds complete support for the Dolby E format, allowing post houses and DTV workgroups to have all the capabilities of a hardware solution in a single stand-alone software application.

New Digital Audio Preamp, Mixer from Kramer

Kramer Electronics announced the introduction of the 910 Digital Audio Preamplifier and Mixer. The 910 is a high-performance stereo audio preamplifier and mixer that accepts balanced and unbalanced stereo audio, S/PDIF digital audio, and a microphone input. It then processes the signals and outputs them to balanced, unbalanced and S/PDIF outputs. The 910 is ideal for professional audio applications, sound studios, boardrooms, classrooms, and training rooms.

The 910 has 4 inputs; 1 unbalanced stereo audio input and 1 S/PDIF input on RCA connectors, 1 balanced stereo audio input on a 5-pin terminal block, and 1 mono balanced microphone input on an XLR (F) connector. The microphone input has a switch to choose between a condenser and dynamic mic input (it provides 15V phantom power when the MIC switch is set for a condenser

microphone). These inputs can be selected individually or at the same time when using the talk over, mix, or override modes. The 910 has 1 unbalanced stereo audio output and 1 S/PDIF output on RCA connectors, and 1 balanced stereo audio output on a 5-pin terminal block. All outputs are live at the same time.

The 910 features various audio controls, including volume, balance, bass, mid, treble, loudness, 7-band equalizer, delay, mute, expand and compress.

The 910 also features a 24-character by 2-line LCD display, and can be controlled using the front panel buttons as well as remotely by RS232 serial commands (with the included Windows-based control software), Ethernet, or IR with the included RC-IR2 remote control transmitter. The 910 also includes memory locations that store up to four presets to be recalled and executed as needed, and also features a USB port for convenient firmware upgrades.

The 910 is powered by a standard worldwide power supply and is housed in a standard 19" rack mount size with rack mount “ears” included. The 910 is currently in stock and available from Kramer Electronics sales companies around the world.

Telos Launches New Codecs, Phone Systems Telos Systems recently launched its new Zephyr IP codec, designed to extract maximum performance from unpredictable public IP connections. Z/ IP ONE sounds clean and clear, thanks to Telos’ ACT technology that automatically optimizes IP connections for the lowest possible delay and the highest possible fidelity. Z/IP ONE also features a huge list of highperformance codecs - the largest in the industry: AAC-ELD, AAC-HE, AACLD, MPEG Layer 2, MPEG 4 AAC LC, MPEG 2 AAC LC, G.711, G.722 and linear PCM, as well as SIP protocol support for VoIP devices.

Telos also launched Hx1 and Hx2 POTS hybrid versions. Hx1 is a single-line hybrid while Hx2 is a two-line unit; both are inexpensive, immediate ways to improve caller audio. The new hybrids contain the most advanced Telos digital signal processing ever, and include sweetening from Omnia Audio to automatically manage AGC and EQ, along with a host of standard features like built-in auto-answer capabilities, caller-disconnect detection, audio-leveling and antifeedback routines that make the best of open speaker studio applications, call screening and line-hold features, and front-panel meters. A choice of standard analog or optional AES/EBU I/O is available.

EdgeSounds Electric Piano Sound Library Released EdgeSounds has launched the Electric Piano, a 2-DVD-ROM sound sample library for NI KONTAKT and GIGA Studio.

Recognizing the importance of the electric piano sound for the contemporary music, the EdgeSounds Electric Piano Sound Sample Library provides an essential collection of electric piano samples vital for the modern music production. The library realistically recreates distinctive sound of 9 different instruments, ranged from classic Rhodes Piano models to Wurlitzer, and carefully recorded employing the best studio practices resulting in 8.4 GB of studio quality sample material. Each key of an instrument was sampled individually with 5 velocity layers for greater authenticity. EdgeSounds Electric Piano provides all necessary means to recreate the characteristic EP sound in all its details.

Electric Piano features 3285, 24 Bit 96 KHz linear samples totaling the 8.4 GB of sample data, which comprise the 9 performance programs, and is available for NI KONTAKT 2.2 or later, GIGA Studio 3 and compatible instruments.

RME Releases New Gen Interfaces The latest drivers for Windows and Mac PC, now available on RME’s website for download, include several new features and even performance improvements. The updated drivers support all current interfaces, including the Fireface series, Multiface/Digiface, Babyface, and the complete line of HDSP cards, both PCI and PCI Express.

All new Windows drivers feature multi-client playback mixing.

Different programs, WDM or ASIO, can now play back on the same audio channels. As long as only one program uses a playback channel the driver works as before, maintaining the bit-perfect operation RME is famous for. So changing from one audio software to another usually no longer requires to exit the other one.

Classic TotalMix on both Mac and Windows has been enhanced by 4 storable fader groups, plus a temporary one, several MIDI remote functions and options, and an Undo function, which reverts to the last state if a new mixer state (preset) has been loaded accidentally.

The new TotalMix FX, used by Babyface, Fireface UC and Fireface UFX, got a mono (single channel) output mode added to its default stereo mode, real-time operation view in the Compressor graphics, Cue buttons to quickly listen to any outputs, several new MIDI remote functions and options, and lots of other improvements. The UFX has also been updated with DURec, Direct to USB Recording, see related press release.

Both Mac and Windows drivers also include significant performance improvements. Under Windows multi-unit usage on multi-core CPUs needs less resources and runs at lower latencies. WDM-compatibility and operation has been greatly improved, and even small changes like the new Settings dialogs of all units make working with the interfaces more easy, especially under Windows 7. The Mac USB driver has been reworked to gain robustness

and more stable low latency operation in any application.

The operation of the TCO, RME’s Time Code Option for specific cards, has been closely examined and changed. Accuracy and stability of APP-based time code have been increased significantly. This update consists of the new drivers and a new firmware for all products supporting the HDSP TCO.

Kenton’s ‘MIDI USB Host’ for Studios MIDI solutions expert Kenton launched the MIDI USB Host. The new innovation provides a simple and straightforward means of connecting any ‘Class Compliant’ USB device to a standard 5pin DIN MIDI device without the need for a computer. This enables, for example, direct connection of a USB controller or keyboard to another MIDI instrument that has only a 5-pin DIN MIDI connection.

Mains powered, the compact and rugged MIDI USB Host features a USB port (USB A socket) and MIDI In and Out sockets (both on 5-pin DIN). MIDI data received at the MIDI In socket will be sent to the USB device, while MIDI data received from the USB device will be sent to the MIDI Out socket.

Additionally, the MIDI USB Host can provide up to 500mA of USB Buss power to the USB device if required.

The new USB Host weighs just 100 grams and measures 110 x 55 x 32 mm.

The feature-rich device also comes with 5V DC (regulated) power Input; 90mA power with, 2.1mm plug (centre positive), and two MIDI ports- one each for Input and Output.

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New Speakers, Woofers from Beyma Beyma launched a series of high performance coaxial speakers, competitive compression drivers and small size high performance woofers.

The company’s new coaxial speakers family now includes two new models 12CXA400Ndy 15CXA400Nd, designed to offer the features that will cover the needs of any top level pro audio application. The low frequency units are built with a low weight but high resistance membrane, both sided waterproof mounted on a 4" (100 mm) aluminium voice coil, allowing an excellent power dissipation and high performance of the unit in working conditions (800 W program, 98 dB sensitivity). The parameters have been optimized for working in compact sized vented cabinets, therefore, an ideal choice for stage monitors where the size is a critical aspect in the design of the system. The high frequency unit features a 2.8" (72.2 mm) voice coil and a titanium dome with polyester surround composite diaphragm, which response will be finally controlled by the horn allowing a controlled dispersion of 60º. The common magnetic circuit for both units reduces in a significant way the depth and weight of the component.

The company has also introduced the CD1014Nd, a driver based on our existing CD10Nd but designed for featuring a 1.4" exit (36 mm). The moving assembly is composed by a 1.75" voice coil (44.4 mm) and a PM4 diaphragm, which confers a response with high sensitivity of 110 dB, natural tonal qualities and the stability which allows and excellent power handling (140 W program above 1.2 kHz). The integral pure titanium diaphragm delivers a linear response, with low distortion and very high acoustic power (112 dB sensitivity). This may be a solution to simplify in a significant way the cost and the complexity of a high performance system, due to its very coherent, homogeneous and high SPL response from 500 Hz. Beyma has also introduced the new 5P200Fe and 8P300Fe woofers. They

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feature an excellent behavior and performance in the low frequency, allowing high linear excursion capabilities, high power handling (300 W and 600 W respectively) and low distortion thanks to the demodulating rings. Designed for optimum performance in compact bass reflex designs, they will be the perfect element in a compact 2-way or multiway cabinets and the clear choice to reinforce a system using one of our compact coaxial models, as long as the parameters and many of the components are shared in those models, which means that finally, the coherent in the sound and the synergy in the system will be total.

EdgeSounds Launches Studio Grand EdgeSounds announced the launch of Studio Grand, a grand piano sound sample library.

To create this library, two Bluethner grand pianos were used: a Concert Grand and a Studio Grand built in Germany in mid 1950’s. The target buyer of this library are sound engineers.

The concept behind this particular library was to capture the very core of the sound of a piano in an exact way as it would be done at a recording session, and make it not only sound good by itself, but be useful for a broad range music production.

Content includes 795 24 Bit 96 KHz linear samples totaling the 4.3 GB of sample data, which comprise the 3 performance programs.

EdgeSounds Studio Grand sound sample library is available for NI KONTAKT 2.2 or later, GIGA Studio 3 and compatible instruments.

Real Sound Lab’s Coneq Compatible Program Latvia-based Real Sound Lab launched the Coneq Compatible program. The launch is seen as a significant step forward, aimed at global awareness of the unique Coneq Compatible technology. The program makes the Coneq technology much more affordable and easier to integrate in any loudspeaker management system, using non - Real Sound Lab devices that support compatible Coneq equalization filters.

Generation of compatible filters for the Coneq Compatible devices will be done using Coneq Workshop – a loudspeaker measurement and filter synthesis software. Filter generation will require purchase of a separate license that will allow exporting compatible Coneq equalization filters certain number of times. The exported filters will be compatible with BSS Audio London Architect software and will have length of either 1024 or 4096 taps. The pricing is to be announced soon.

“We solve the speaker distortion problem by first identifying it using the Acoustic Power Frequency Response (APFR) measurement and then improving the frequency response of the loudspeaker by applying the Coneq equalization filter without creating new defects.

As loudspeaker coloration is not the only issue in most cases, we believe that Coneq technology in addition to other powerful features of such devices as BSS Audio BLU800 can together solve most of the loudspeaker system problems which is the goal for any sound reinforcement market professional.

Our goal is to make the Coneq technology and APFR measurement approach an industry standard therefore we offer affordable, problem-solving and time-saving solutions which can be used with any loudspeaker system to make it perform significantly better,” states Viesturs Sosars, CEO of Real Sound Lab.

AMX Expands HydraPort Connection Series AMX announced an expansion of the stylish HydraPort Connection Port series. The new additions to the successful HydraPort Connection line include flush-mountable 6-module, 9module and 12-module units. Offered as a value-priced line, these new additions still maintain the versatile modularity of the HydraPort system allowing users an easy way to connect laptops and other mobile devices via connectors for audio, video, Ethernet, USB, power and control. Also announced are 2-inch and 3/4-inch grommets that provide stylish yet practical solutions for routing cables through any mounting surface.

The 6-, 9- and 12-module HydraPort Connections are completely configurable, allowing installers to easily adjust the modules to the unique AV and power needs of any room. These include individual HDMI, RGB+Audio and DVI+Audio connection modules, Ethernet and USB pass-through modules, and power modules meeting regulatory standards for U.S., U.K., E.U., Australia and India, providing a global solution. The elegant units sit nearly flush with the mount’s surface – even with the lid open, and take up limited space. Users can easily connect and control laptops, projectors, document cameras, DVD players, audio equipment and other support devices.

The modular assembly also allows users to easily change connections as needs evolve, making the HydraPort Connections future proof for connection types that have yet to be developed.

“Our HydraPort line has been successful because most meeting space connection systems on the market are either lackluster, expensive, or both,” said AMX Chief Technology Officer Robert Noble. “The new HydraPort Connection series offers customers the elegance and adaptable convenience of the HydraPort at a lower price point.”

Preview (HCP), an easy to use drag-anddrop web application on AMX.com. The HCP guides installers through building a perfect connection port for a specified deployment. HCP is also built with the intelligence to monitor space allocation and advise the installer of potential compatibility and capacity issues. HCP allows the installer to save and store their configuration to re-open at a later date, print an impressive visual reference of the configuration layout complete with project information or job details and produce a comprehensive parts list that details every piece necessary to submit an order.

“HydraPort Connection Preview is a time-saving problem-solver, period,” commented Jeff Kindig, AMX vice president, strategic marketing. “Now installers can print out a photo-realistic layout of the product to show their customer, complete with a parts list for ordering – and that only puts time and money back in their pockets.”

Almo Professional to Offer AMX Line Almo Professional A/V revealed it is offering an expanded line of AMX products, including AMX’s Integrated Controllers, Modero Touch Panel / DVX bundles, switchers, amplifiers and a modular port system. The new additions to Almo Professional A/V’s initial offering of the AMX Inspired Xpress product gives partners more choices to customize and complete their digital signage and other general professional AV projects.

According to Almo Professional A/V Executive Vice President and COO Sam Taylor, “We’ve had great interest in the AMX Inspired Xpress product since

we began carrying it last May. Offering the expanded AMX product line is a tremendous advantage to our partners who can now source their AMX products through one provider.” He continued, “Combined with Almo Pro A/V’s in-house business development consultation, installation support, and AMX programs and product training, we are helping our partners to go further with the creation of every professional install.”

Almo Pro A/V partners now have access to AMX’s Integrated Controllers and RMS software solutions, which allow both the racks and the room to be controlled remotely, thereby reducing the need to send staff to a customer site. They can also get a special AMX distribution DVX bundle, which consists of a DVX-2100HD Environment Controller and the choice of a 7", 10" or 12" wallmounted or tabletop touch panel with preloaded MeetingRoom software, five-room RMS software and the necessary power supply. This solution allows installers, technicians and programmers with limited technical proficiency to configure a meeting or conference room control system by simply answering a series of wizardbased questions directly on a Modero Touch Panel.

Additional AMX products now available through Almo include HDMI and DVI switchers; analog switchers; stand-alone and rack-mounted distribution amplifiers; and HydraPort, a modular, retractable connection port system for routing signals through conference tables.

Almo will also provide resellers with ongoing AMX educational opportunities via live webinars, ondemand classes, and live instructor-led training. Partners have the ability to sign up for the AMX/Almo Pro A/V Digital Signage Solution Provider Program for additional training, product discounts and more.

Supporting the HydraPort Connection Port line is the HydraPort Connection

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Avlex’s New Mipro 7-Series Wireless Microphone Avlex Corporation introduced the MIPRO ACT-7 Series Wideband Wireless Microphone Systems.

Consisting of the MIPRO ACT-717a single channel, ACT-727a dual channel, and ACT-747a quad channel UHF receivers, the ACT-7Ta wideband UHF bodypack transmitter, and the ACT-7Ha wideband UHF handheld transmitter, MIPRO’s new ACT-7 Series Wideband Wireless Microphone Systems feature, stellar sound quality, and the rich feature set MIPRO is wellknown for. These systems are an ideal choice for use in live performance, churches, theater, presentations, and countless additional applications where bandwidth is restricted.

The MIPRO ACT-717a, ACT-727a, and ACT-747a receivers each offer ultrawide 216 MHz bandwidth (482 – 698 MHz) across three 72 MHz wide bands and provide up to 48 interference-free operating channels in band 5UA and 6UA and up to 44 interference-free operating channels in band 5US — facilitating plenty of choice to identify and select an open frequency, no matter how crowded the RF conditions may be. Band 5UA and 6UA receivers offer 384 selectable preset frequencies and band 5US receivers offer 364 selectable preset frequencies in 15 groups for quick easy set up and operation. A 16th user definable group enables users to select and save up to 16 user-defined presets choosing from 2,881 frequencies in each band. As is the case with MIPRO’s ACT Series wireless systems, the company’s highly acclaimed AutoScan and Automatic Channel Targeting (ACT) channel setup technologies are present to make operation effortless.

Additional features of the MIPRO ACT7 Series receivers include PLL (Phaselocked loop) synthesized RF technology with low spurious emissions and increased RF stability, third generation RF circuitry featuring improved anti-interference characteristics and increased interference-free channel operation, and enhanced RF saturated dynamic range that decreases interference and

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THD. Additionally, these True Diversity receivers incorporate MIPRO’s PiloTone and NoiseLock circuitry to improve reception with less interference and include RF interference warning indicators. The displays are easy to read, thanks to the industry’s only multi-functional full-color VFD (vacuum fluorescent display). For even greater control, MIPRO’s RCS27 software enables real-time computer set up, control, and monitoring.

Optimized for use with the new ACT-7 Series receivers, MIPRO’s ACT-7Ta wideband UHF bodypack transmitter offers a wealth of functionality. The new ACT-7Ta features improved RF circuitry, with expanded 36 MHz bandwidth. The transmitter’s high SPL input with MIPRO’s proprietary “Photo-cell Coupling” high dynamic range modulation circuitry further increases audio performance.

Featuring a selectable impedance switch for mic, guitar, or line inputs, full sensitivity potentiometer level adjustment, a silent on/off switch, ACT circuitry for easy frequency setup, and mini-XLR connectivity with a threaded bayonet attachment, the new ACT-7Ta offers a comprehensive feature set.

With durable lightweight magnesium alloy construction, it’s ready for the rigors of everyday use.

MIPRO’s ACT-7HMa wideband UHF handheld transmitter completes the system. Delivering premium performance expected by today’s audio professionals, the new ACT-7Ha features improved RF circuitry with expanded 36 MHz bandwidth, low power consumption, extremely low handling noise, and a lockable silent on/off switch. Most importantly, the

ACT-7Ha is a top performer as a result of its standard premium MU79b cardioid condenser capsule. For even greater performance, the MU89b super-cardioid true condenser or MU39b super-cardioid dynamic capsules are optionally available. Add in ACT circuitry for easy frequency setup , its anti-pop, anti-roll multilayer grill with low handling noise and superior off-axis rejection—not to mention its rugged magnesium alloy housing—the new ACT-7Ha is clearly ready for prime time.

Gefen’s Dual Link DVI Graphics A new GefenTV DVI Dual Link to MiniDisplayPort Converter offers plug and play connectivity between the DVI graphics ports on today’s most popular computers and Apple’s new 27-inch LED Cinema Displays. Housed in an attractive enclosure, this tiny converter supports resolutions up to 2560x1600, delivering vibrant video for professionals and consumers alike.

The GefenTV DVI DL to MiniDisplayPort Converter is cross-platform in capability and can be used to expand the digital workspace or add a second high resolution display to your computer system. It comes equipped with a USB port that powers the device and is used for field upgrades to ensure performance over the long haul.

Though designed to support the connection of existing computers to Apple’s new 27-inch LED Cinema Display equipped with MiniDisplayPort, this converter can be combined with a passive MiniDisplayPort to DisplayPort cable to connect to any other display using full-size DisplayPort.

Extron’s New HDCP-Compliant Scaler Extron Electronics launched the DVS 605, a high performance video scaler that includes three HDMI 1.3compatible inputs, two universal analog video inputs with auto-format detection, and simultaneous HDMI and analog high resolution outputs.

The DVS 605 accepts a wide variety of video formats including HDMI with HDCP, HDTV, RGB, and standard definition video. It features advanced Extron video signal processing with 1080i deinterlacing, Deep Color processing, and true seamless switching for professional-quality presentations. The DVS 605 also features SpeedSwitch Technology that delivers ultra-fast switching speed for HDCP-encrypted content. It is available in models with audio switching plus HDMI audio embedding / deembedding, and also 3 G-SDI/HD-SDI outputs with genlock.

“The DVS 605 features a new, advanced Extron scaling engine that delivers high quality processing for today’s digital video requirements,” says Casey Hall, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Extron. “With this proprietary video processing, we’ve also added features particularly essential for professional AV environments, including SpeedSwitch for HDCP content, picture-in-picture, and seamless switching.”

The DVS 605 features a flexible PIP picture-in-picture mode that allows any two video sources connected to Inputs 1 to 4 to be shown on one display. Several PIP presets are available, including side-by-side windows, and the PIP window can be dynamically sized and positioned anywhere in the image. The DVS 605 also easily integrates analog video sources, with two universal inputs that automatically detect incoming signal formats without user intervention.

All DVS 605 models provide lip sync delay and level adjustments for

embedded HDMI audio. The DVS 605 A and DVS 605 AD add five input audio switching to accompany incoming video sources, as well as audio breakaway. With HDMI audio embedding and de-embedding, DVS 605 audio models can embed any input audio signal onto the HDMI output, and extract HDMI audio to analog captive screw and digital S/ PDIF outputs. The DVS 605 AD, with audio switching plus 3G-SDI/HD-SDI output can embed two-channel audio onto the SDI output.

Extron’s HDCPCompliant Videowall Processors Extron Electronics has introduced new Quantum HDMI Input and Output Cards that add HDMI connectivity and HDCP compliance to the Extron Quantum Elite and Quantum Connect Videowall Processing Systems. They enable presentation of Blu-ray Disc, digital satellite or cable, and other HDCP-encrypted sources on HDCPcompliant displays. The Quantum HDMI Input Cards accept two HDMI inputs at resolutions up to 1920x1200 and HDTV 1080p/60. The Quantum HDMI Output Cards include two HDMI outputs for driving two videowall displays at resolutions up to 1920x1200 and HDTV 1080p/60, and display up to 128 windows per output card. The input and output cards feature high performance scaling technology to optimize real-time image processing and ensure high quality image presentation on videowall displays.

“We are pleased to add HDMI input and output capability to the Quantum Series videowall processors that will allow integrators and their customers to display HDCP-encrypted content on videowalls,” says Casey Hall, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Extron. “These new cards include essential features that deliver fast switching for HDCP-encrypted content, and provide immediate visual indication to warn the user that

protected content cannot be presented if non-HDCP compliant displays are in use.”

The Quantum Elite and Quantum Connect are videowall processing systems that deliver reliable multiimage presentations in demanding, mission-critical environments. They feature high performance, dedicated graphics and video processing, plus a high-speed video bus that maintains real-time performance under heavy input loading. The Quantum Elite and Quantum Connect can simultaneously display hundreds of windows of high quality graphics and video. The Quantum Series supports videowall system sizes from small to very large in environments including public spaces, corporate buildings, surveillance, visualization, and command and control.

Extron’s New Fiber Optic Scaling Receiver Extron Electronics launched the FOXBOX SR HDMI, a high performance fiber optic-to-HDMI scaling receiver for the FOX Series of fiber optic transmitters. It accepts a fiber optic signal with audio, RS-232 control, and HDCP-compliant HDMI, DVI, VGA, or YUV video, scaling the video to the optimal output resolution for the display. Engineered for reliability and exceptional high resolution image performance, the FOXBOX SR HDMI supports resolutions up to 1920x1200, including HDTV 1080p/60. Available in multimode and singlemode models, it also provides many integrator-friendly features such as Key Minder for continuous authentication of HDCP compliance, audio de-embedding, Auto Input Memory, internal test patterns, and a compact enclosure for discreet placement. The FOXBOX SR HDMI is ideal for fiber optic installations that require scaling of high resolution content with the highest quality.

“AV system designers and integrators now have a simple solution for scaling high-resolution video in fiber optic systems,” says Casey Hall, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for July-September 2011

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Extron. “The FOXBOX SR HDMI scaling receiver ensures the highest quality image is perfectly matched to the display, independent of the source resolution.”

As part of the larger, comprehensive FOX Series of fiber optic products from Extron, the FOXBOX SR HDMI is compatible with the FOX Series HDMI, DVI Plus, DVI, VGA, and VGA/YUV transmitters. In addition, the FOXBOX SR HDMI can be used in combination with Extron fiber optic distribution amplifiers, switchers, and matrix switchers for support of enterprisewide distribution of HDCP-compliant HDMI signals. The receiver delivers the optimal resolution to the display, making the FOXBOX SR HDMI well suited for all-digital and hybrid AV systems that include a wide variety of displays and sources with different resolutions.

Extron Shipping HDMI Audio De-Embedder

“The HAE 100 offers a convenient and simple solution for integrators needing audio to be extracted from any HDMI signal when separate routing of audio is required for the sound system,” says Casey Hall, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Extron. “It is part of a growing family of HDMI problem-solving products from Extron, designed to simplify the process of integrating HDMI signals into pro AV systems.”

EDID Minder automatically manages EDID communication between the input source and the display, ensuring the source powers up properly and reliably delivers content to the display.

Input cable equalization compensates for weak source signals or signal loss when using long input cable assemblies.

LEDs on the front panel offer comprehensive, real-time device status monitoring, including HDMI input / output and audio output signal presence, HDCP authentication, and whether the extracted audio is twochannel PCM or encoded bitstream audio for Dolby Digital or DTS Digital Surround. A mini USB port on the front panel provides convenient access for device configuration. The HAE 100 is housed in a compact 1U, quarter rack width metal enclosure.

Kramer Introduces VP-417 Scaler Extron Electronics announces the availability of the HAE 100, an audio de-embedder that extracts the audio from the HDMI signal and provides outputs for analog stereo and digital S/PDIF audio. The HAE 100 supports data rates up to 6.75 Gbps for compatibility with HDMI 1.3 Deep Color. It is HDCP compliant and compatible with HDTV 1080p/60 or computer-video resolutions up to 1920x1200. The HAE 100 is equipped with several integrator-friendly features, including a buffered HDMI video output with EDID Minder® for simplified EDID management between the input source and the display, plus input cable equalization and comprehensive LED status display.

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Kramer Electronics announced the introduction of the high-performance VP-417 scaler for composite video or sVideo signals. The unit scales a video signal to a selected computer graphics video or HDTV output signal simultaneously on 15-pin HD and DVID connectors.

The VP-417 supports composite and sVideo inputs which it scales to a maximum resolution of WUXGA for computer graphics video output and 1080p for HDTV output. The VP-417 has selectable aspect ratio settings for both 4:3 and 16:9 formats. The built-in ProcAmp features video gain, brightness, contrast, color, hue and sharpness (independent H and V) control, with color control features in both the YUV and RGB color spaces.

The VP-417 also features an LED indicator to show if a computer graphics video or HDTV output resolution has been selected, and the LED indicator shows which specific computer graphics video or HDTV output has been selected.

The VP-417 includes a non-volatile memory setup that retains the last settings used, and can be controlled using the On-Screen Display (OSD) for easy setup and adjustment, accessible via the front-panel buttons. The VP417 also features an external 5V DC power supply, making it suitable for field operation.

Kramer’s New Products for HDMI Signals Kramer Electronics announce the launch of the TP-581T HDMI line transmitter, the TP-582T HDMI switcher/line transmitter, and the TP582R HDMI DA/line receiver. These products employ HDBaseT technology to pass HDMI, IR, RS-232, and Ethernet signals over twisted pair cable.

The TP-581T and TP-582R are a twisted pair transmitter and receiver for HDMI, 100BaseT Ethernet, bidirectional RS232 and IR signals. The TP-581T converts HDMI, 100BaseT Ethernet, RS232 and IR input signals to an HDBaseT twisted pair signal. The TP-582R converts the HDBaseT signal back to HMDI, 100BaseT Ethernet, RS-232 and IR signals and provides dual HDMI outputs. The TP-582R also de-embeds the audio in the HDMI stream to an S/ PDIF and TOSLINK digital audio output. The TP-582T differs from the TP-581T in that it has 2 HDMI inputs and can switch between the two inputs.

When used in conjunction with the TP-582R receiver, the TP-581T and TP582T transmitters have a system range of up to 330 feet (100 meters) at the maximum resolution of 1080p. The units support a maximum bandwidth of 6.75Gbps, or 2.25Gbps per graphics channel. Each product features LED status indicators for input, output, link and power. These units are HDMI and HDTV compatible, and are HDCP compliant.

HDMI-complaint Matrix Switchers AMX announced the HDCP-solving Enova DGX 16 and Enova DGX 32 Digital Generation Matrix Switchers. In relation, AMX also announced the new DXLink HDMI Transmitters and Receivers for simplified distance transport of HDMI w/ HDCP signals. AMX will be demonstrating the Enova DGX, and DXLink HDMI Transmitters and Receivers in booth 2525 at InfoComm 2011, being held June 15 - 17 in Orlando.

The Enova DGX 16 and 32 systems extend the boundaries of modular matrix switchers with an integrated NetLinx Controller and embedded Ethernet switch, so users can manage, monitor and control the entire solution, including the connected source and display devices located throughout the building, all from a single point of control. With the powerful combination of analog-todigital signal conversion, video scaling and high speed digital switching this hybrid system delivers perfect video every time – regardless of signal type.

“While competitors go to great lengths creating work-around tools to mask HDMI-HDCP problems – AMX has simply eliminated the problem,” explained AMX Chief Technology Officer Robert Noble. “The Enova DGX and DXLink Transmitters and Receivers allow our dealers to be more profitable as they will spend significantly less time with HDCP integration issues.”

Installers can now easily integrate HDCP into system designs and enjoy hassle free plug-and-play operation.

No tools, no delays, and no key constraints – it just works with the exclusive InstaGate Pro Technology from AMX. In addition to eliminating HDCP delays, InstaGate Pro allows sources with key limitations to be switched freely to connected HDCP compliant displays, eliminating HDCP key limitations that plague large applications. And, with built-in SmartScale Technology on every output, video is perfectly scaled, automatically, for each connected display; preventing inferior video

quality which occurs when sources and displays have different supported resolutions.

The Enova DGX 16 and 32 offer a comprehensive set of hot swappable boards that can be used in conjunction with DXLink Transmitters and Receivers to provide an end-to-end distribution system sending analog, digital – including HDMI with HDCP signals, plus control, Ethernet and power up to 100 meters over one twisted pair cable.

Lightware’s Upgrades for Modular Matrix Lightware, the US distributor for Budapest-based Lightware Visual Engineering, has announced the availability of new CPU2 card ugrades for Lightware’s modular matrix family (16x16, 32x32, 64x64 and 80x80).

“The cards offer a great way for current customers to upgrade their matrix frames,” says sales and marketing associate Blake Dudash.

“With the new cards Lightware users gain many new features, including an extra input and output on the 16x16 and 32x32 matrices; HDCP-compliance in and out enabling customers to see the added control that comes with the HDCP-compliant matrix control software; and true pixel-to-pixel switch from Gen Lockable-compliant sources.”

And that’s not all the new cards offer.

Additional features provide multiple IP connections simultaneously plus a Neutrik Ethercon connector for IP connection. The cards support all HDCP and non-HDCP IO boards in the same frame and offer input signal analysis of any input port switched to preview output. All error events are logged on the SD card. Also available are a SMPTE alarm output and realtime clock function.

Customer will be pleased to learn that the new cards are backward compatible will all previous Lightware frames.

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• SPECIAL FEATURE •

Aida at Masada

A Galaxy of Effects For the second year running Eyal Lavee and his production team at The Design Group in Israel returned to the purpose built site they carved out of the desert last year for the Israeli Opera at the foot of Masada Mountain at the Dead Sea. This historically significant and exquisitely raw setting saw the staging of Verdi’s “Aida”, conducted by Daniel Oren, a co-production with Les Choragies d’Orange in France for the 2011 Dead Sea & Jerusalem Opera Festival 2011.

The Design Group - encompassing 3 different companies - Stage Design, Irgunit and LEDIM - and embracing multiple technical disciplines, handled all aspects of the technical production and site management. Lavee worked with his core production management team of Elad Mainz and Eviatar Banayan, and up to 150 other crew and technicians at peak times on site.

Once again, The Group’s international connections were energised to bring onboard HSL and Britannia Row from

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the UK to provide lighting and audio equipment respectively. “Last year was a huge success, so it made sense to keep the same teams and collaborate with the best companies in the industry to supply the large quantities of premium kit required. Both HSL and Britannia Row did another fantastic job,” says Lavee.

Design Group’s set specialists Irgunit built the elaborate stage set designed

by Emmanuel Favre, part of the French production team, which included four 6 x 2 x 4 metre sphinxes, two 18 metre high obelisks erected by hydraulics and a 12 metre high Pharaoh, the striking centrepiece of the design, lined up with the middle

• SPECIAL FEATURE • of Masada Mountain that overlooked the site, 1500 metres in the background. The colour of the set blended almost seamlessly into the sandy beige of the surroundings.

The Design Group also supplied the seating tribunes and all the trussing and scaffolding infrastructure sitewide, an elaborate array of foyer scenic elements and lighting for that area along with power, which was a mix of generators and hard power from a nearby sub-station.

Sharon Hazan handled the abundance of health and safety requirements and administration for the whole event.

Following 2010’s acclaimed inaugural “Nabucco” show, this year everything was approximately 30% bigger, with several new elements introduced making a truly unique event even more special.

One thousand extra seats were added for the completely sold out programme of 10 performances at Masada.

There were 8 of “Aida” including 2 full public dresses, one “Verona” concert and an Andrea Bocelli show, in total attracting a staggering 75,000 opera and classical music lovers from a very mixed demographic, all prepared to pay at least 130 Euros for the cheapest seats.

The stage area was increased to 150 metres wide by 100 deep; there was vastly more lighting highlighting the mountain; larger side stage lighting gantries; a more expansive foyer area; the toilets were increased and upgraded and high power projections onto the stage were initiated.

The biggest visual WOW factor and the most technically challenging aspect of this year’s production was the installation of the Galaxy Effect, a piece of light art conceived by the show’s lighting designer Avi Yono Bueno (Bambi).

It utilised 900 pixels of LED panels made up as 32 x 300 metre strings, which were hung off the face of Masada Mountain itself. It was the very first time that the mountain had ever been scaled!

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• SPECIAL FEATURE • The Galaxy Effect LED strings were designed by LEDIM (Design Group’s LED specialists) and engineered under close supervision in China. Their 3 minutes of dramatic fame came at the end of the show, twinkling in unison with the stars in the pitch black sky.

Says Lavee, “Aida was more ambitious in all ways than Nabucco, but this was counterbalanced by elements like everyone’s familiarity with the site, the environment, the working conditions and the climate” ... all of which made the overall task of delivering a truly world class show a lot easier and smoother.

The Design Group’s advance crews embedded themselves at the start of April, and began preparing the site.

Everything was ready for the lighting, sound and AV production load ins in mid May, two weeks before the first show.

They had the additional completely unexpected natural blessing of summer arriving later this year, so the temperatures plummeted from 2010’s blistering 46 degrees to a sizzling 37, which made a huge different to the pace at which all could work.

The Galaxy Effect Amassing the lighting kit needed to achieve Bambi’s vision was the first part of this galvanising equation.

After extensive trailing, LEDIM found a solution using a series of 20 x 20 cm LED panels which were connected by DMX data and power lines, with a single DMX and power connector at the top. The 32 strings of LEDs were spread across the 600 metre drop Mountain face at 20 metre intervals.

The logistical challenges of installing The Galaxy Effect were even greater!

Various authorities, including the Israel Antiquities and Israeli Nature & Parks, had final jurisdiction as to whether the Mountain climb was permitted. They watched carefully to ensure that all their stipulations were met.

A major one is that Masada is a World Heritage site, so nothing can be allowed to physically disturb the harsh craggy, uneven face of the mountain.

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• SPECIAL FEATURE • The solution involved a combination of imagination, lateral thinking and ingenuity. Lavee hired the services of 2 crack teams of climbers from Rescue 1, all ex Israeli Special Forces, who made history as the first ever humans to descend Masada Mountain.

First they fired steel cables off the top of the Mountain using pneumatic line throwers, which were pulled in at the bottom and used as guiding lines onto which the LED strings were fed.

The climbers then snappeled (Israeli slang for rappelling) off the cliff face a technique of rope controlled descent - ensuring that nothing was snagging or broken on the strings, and that all the LED panels were facing the right way - towards the stage in the distance.

Once wired, DMX signals from each LED string were fed into a series of data ‘brains’ at staggered intervals along the top of the mountain, and into a City Theatrical wireless transmitter that beamed the signal back to a separate lighting console at the FOH position at the top of the seating tribunes. This was used to trigger content stored on a Green Hippo HD media server.

The same CT wireless system also fed back data signals controlling the 80 moving lights and 200 static lighting fixtures stationed at the base of the mountain to the main FOH lighting console.

Rigging and wiring the Galaxy Effect took 6 days... all worthwhile to produce a truly exclusive effect.

Stage & Mountain Lighting Blackburn UK based HSL dispatched 4 containers of lighting kit by sea and one by road which was used for all the stage and some of the mountain lighting.

It included over 180 moving lights mainly Robe ColorSpot 2500E ATs, with 54 Martin Professional MAC 3Ks, Robe LEDWash 600s and REDWash 3%192s, over 250 ETC Source Fours, single cell cyc floods, bars of ACLs, individual PARs and 6 Robert Juliat FOH follow spots.

Lighting the Mountain were 54 bars of 4 x 600W ACLs, 18 MAC 3s and 60 5K Panther Xenon searchlights (from Stage Design). Masada Mountain played a more prominent role in the onstage performance action and drama this year, so Bambi wanted all the options of the most delicate to the most dynamic styles of lighting.

The Mountain Lighting equipment was deployed by farm tractor/trailer initially, and then by forklift to spread it out over a one kilometre rockstrewn dirt track, together with 11 x 125KVA generators and all the cabling.

This took 3 days, but was still a lot faster than the camels used to rig 60 searchlights in the outfield at the back of the stage last year!

The remainder of the lighting was on the stage. The kit had to withstand the harsh operating conditions, and the Robes once again proved how good they are in extreme environments.

HSL’s crew were Ian and Charlotte Stevens and Rob Starksfield, who worked with an Israeli lighting crew of Tzafrir “Saffi” Dagan, Itay Hafner and Ido Derai.

Lighting was programmed and operated by Alon Cohen and Ronen Ben Harush.

Bambi’s design and techniques fused many styles to produce a very individual ambience for Aida, mimicking the geometric conformation and Egyptian iconography of the set and choreography. He used lots of low level ‘floating’ sources, ballet style in an intricate web of drama and expression which grew starker and more realistic as the story unfolded.

Projection Director Charles Roubaud initialled the idea of stage projections, which were facilitated by AVS for the Design Group with the purchase of four new Christie 18K HD machines and the Hippotizer HD. They were mounted on the top of the side trussing gantries, angled downwards, and run as two doubled up pairs, also fed with content stored on the Hippo.

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• SPECIAL FEATURE •

Projection made a big difference to the depth and feel of the stage, bringing texturing and patterning and an extra layer of visual complexity. The stage was raked with a dramatic 12 degree gradient and so was clearly visible to all, including those in the VIP seats at the very front.

Set

Sound

Britannia Row’s package included a

Construction began in April, simultaneous to the first site preparations, and lasted about a month in Irgunit’s Tel Aviv workshop.

Britannia Row’s crew of 9 was again chiefed by Josh Lloyd who explains that they installed a similar L-Acoustics Kudo system to last year for the main and side left-and-right hangs, with 18 x dVs for front fills in 5 stacks primarily to cover the very wide VIP area in the front.

site wide comms system over fibre for all technical departments. This was run off Yamaha DMEs (digital mixing engines) via Dante protocol, with an “idiot-proof” front end for straightforward control of a complex system involving both wired and wireless stations and some very long cable runs.

The magnificent Pharaoh’s head was constructed in 16 different pieces, originally so it could be split and loaded into a container to be shipped to France for an associated Orange Festival production of Aida 8 days later which was also directed

by Roubaud and lit by Bambi.

However plans changed, and instead, the 4 sphinxes were dispatched in four separate containers, while the Pharaoh went into storage, and will be resurrected in 2013 for the next Aida in Tel Aviv.

Detailed scale models were made of all the main pieces. The one of the Pharaoh’s head was then scanned and imported into AutoCAD and 3D rendered, from which the imposing full scale version was built. This was done by Tomas Ditroy from Irgunit who also sculpted the final set piece.

The whole process was overseen by Nitzan Refaeli from the Israeli Opera.

Stage Design engineered the hydraulics to raise the two obelisks and for a large trap in the floor which opened during the tomb scene.

The obelisks were built on SuperMegaTruss frames, anchored on concrete bases.

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There were two rings of delays, the upper one comprising 8 x L-Acoustics 108s around the top of the seating stands and a lower ring of 6 x d&b E3s and 2 x L-Acoustics 115s, used for imaging.

The system was slightly larger than last year to cover the additional seating. It was designed by Lloyd and Richard Sharratt set up the mix on the Midas XL8 FOH console and engineered the first 8 shows, with Lloyd taking over on the last two. They also had a Yamaha M7 console out front to handle about 30 float, shotgun and aerial mics.

They utilised all the XL8’s onboard processing, adding in a Lexicon PCM 91 digital reverb and a Lexicon 480L digital effects processor, both chosen for their unique sounds and effects, and used on the orchestra and principals.

Monitors were mixed by Graham Blake using a trusty Yamaha PM1D, and the wedges were Turbosound 420s and LAcoustics 115s, all of which were concealed into the set either on custom shelves below grills or behind scrimmed recesses - leaving the stage completely clean.

Like all departments, the environment was tough on both equipment and crew, but it stood up remarkably well, and prior knowledge and experience again proved a great benefit.

The show audio was a rich and graceful blend with a great naturalistic tonality. Opera goers are known for being among the harshest critics of amplified sound, so the pressure was on for all to deliver.

Thinking Ahead...

Nothing stays still for long in Israel, and so with another superlative and inspired production under their belts, The Design Group is already looking forward to next year’s production of Carmen, the final in the initially planned run of three productions at Masada.

This promises to be a completely different concept for the staging, bringing new and exciting ideas and imagineering challenges for the team, while Masada Mountain waits to see what visual trickery Bambi can conjure up next to transform its rocky topography into collaboration with another dramatic spectacle.

• INSTALLS •

A Special Collaboration

Entertainment Lighted A.C. Special Projects (ACSP) has supplied specialist LED and effects lighting, plus a custom integrated control system, to Whisky Mist Beirut one of the region’s hottest and most exclusive new venues, located in the luxurious InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut hotel.

For ACSP, the project included the delivery of over 100 square metres of

Chroma-Q Color Web 250 LED panels, Chroma-Q LED strobes, 165 linear metres of RGB LED strip and 90 linear metres of warm white LED strip, plus the control solution and full technical support throughout.

developing a complete, flexible, easy to operate and manageable control solution. The final specification was then provided to Intramuro Interior Contracting, who completed the fit out and installation in Beirut.

ACSP was contacted by Egham, Surrey based Light Tecnica, and asked to consult on products that would realise their concepts, plus assist in

A Special Collaboration Following the massive success of Whisky Mist London, the rich and colourful mix of international clientele and cultural vibrance in Beirut led to it being chosen as an ideal location to open this second venue. With a capacity of 350, it transports all the glamour, sophistication, amazing service and other serious A-list attributes to the uber-stylish club, lounge and bar scene of Lebanon’s buzzing capital city.

In keeping with the vibe and ambience of the club, the same premium levels of expertise, imagination, service and attention to detail were expected of all involved in the creative design, technical supply and management process.

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• INSTALLS •

“That alone made it a great honour to be involved in” explains Lance Bromhead, adding, “overall it was a great collaboration. We shared a fabulous synergy with Light Tecnica and the end results absolutely speak for themselves.”

From the outset, lighting was seen as an absolutely vital component in building atmosphere and mood in Whisky Mist Beirut’s quest to become a leading global nightspot.

ACSP’s role included comprehensive technical support and a substantial amount of advanced planning, including the supply of detailed drawings, renderings and schematics that were constantly updated, to ensure that Intramuro were kept informed. ACSP’s technical manager Dave Cowan, traveled to Beirut for the final stages of the installation, programming and commissioning process, to ensure the handover was seamless and on time.

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Dancing on The Ceiling The LED ceiling creates a stunning and dramatic kinetic effect and has become a talking point in its own right, commented on in many of the main opening reviews, and now a conversation piece among the beautiful people and VIP guests frequenting the venue. The idea of a ceiling feature was originated by the client and developed by Light Tecnica and ACSP, who wanted it to radiate out across the club, bringing a dynamic selection of movement effects that came alive in a living, breathing, artwork feeding off the positive energy in the space.

Color Web 250 is ideal for this application, fed with low resolution video effects and graphics which can be easily manipulated, changed and edited via a DMX controller. Its lightweight and compact construction makes it perfect for ceiling attachment and the neat construction means the only elements visible are the

illuminated pixels. Being an LED source, the power needed is minimal in comparison to the visual impact!

The clients also wanted a strobing effect, so ACSP suggested 40 ChromaQ LED strobes, an item available by special order through the company.

Running these alongside the Color Web 250 brings a unique LED continuity and feel to the room, also providing a low energy aspect to the installation, which everyone favoured.

To subtly illuminate the back of the fixed seating areas, ACSP supplied RGB LED strip, which is easily mountable and emits high quality light. It is ensconced behind frosted glass and creates a classy, diffused glow effect that can change colour. As a counterbalance, about 90 metres of the same LED strip in warm white was also supplied and is fitted beneath the steps linking the different level of the club, and around the bottom sections of the banquette seating - offering a delicate luminosity.

• INSTALLS • In the VIP Area, reserved for extra special Whisky Mist guests wanting additional discretion and privacy, ACSP supplied GLP Volkslicht 60 Zoom LED moving lights. These are fixed at low levels and wash up the walls and onto the ceiling, giving a rich selection of colour from an almost concealed source, greatly enhancing the intimacy of the space.

ACSP In Control Control for these lighting effects had to be flexible and integrated - involving the Color Web, the linear LED sources, strobes and Volkslichts - from one central point, from which the club also requested there be provision for additional control of some other light sources. ACSP therefore specified a Martin LightJockey 2 system for the strobes, linear LED and Volkslichts, primarily for its flexibility and excellent sound to light features.

The Three ACs A.C. Special Projects Ltd. is part of the worldwide A.C. Group of companies, which has its origins in the early 1970’s. The Group also includes A.C. Entertainment Technologies Ltd., A.C. Lighting Inc., and A.C. Lighting Asia KK. A.C. Special Projects Ltd. provide supply and installation services for specialist lighting, audio and AV projects, from the initial design and build concept through to a finished system. The company has extensive knowledge and experience, as well as access to A.C. Entertainment Technologies’ vast stockholding of leading brands. As a result, it is superbly suited to act as a supplier of all equipment and manage delivery according to your schedule.

A.C. Entertainment Technologies Ltd. is a leading one stop provider of professional equipment and related services to the entertainment industry.

Operating from modern facilities located in High Wycombe and Leeds, the company supplies dealers, distributors and end users in over 80 countries worldwide.

The Color Web is run from a Madrix media control system which allows video clips and other graphic formats to be played through it, creating a myriad of different moods from vivid WOW factors to very subtle mood enhancing ‘liquid wallpaper’ - bubbles, stars, shapes, etc. ACSP interfaced both the LightJockey and the Madrix controllers together. A Pulsar 1-10V universal interface was also supplied to control all the white light sources around the building including the bar and entrance-ways, allowing them to control the light levels in the different areas as they wish. ACSP also recommended the two lasers that are installed in the club, which run through the LightJockey 2 system.

Already Whisky Mist Beirut is a major success, making its mark as an international cool destination for jet and trend setters worldwide, as well as an accessible and welcoming local hub for those wanting to celebrate special occasions or simply relax in a fabulously fashionable atmosphere.

Lance concludes, “It is very pleasing to see the potential of lighting aesthetics taken so seriously in creating a great environment. We are very proud to have been involved and to have assisted Light Tecnica in delivering a truly spectacular lighting scheme.”

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• INSTALLS •

Schönbrunn Palace Glows in Light

Summer Night Impact Lighting designer Helmut Krammer used over 100 Robe fixtures - a mixture of moving lights and units from Robe’s innovative LED series - for the 2011 Summer Night Concert, performed by the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra in the beautiful Baroque gardens at Schönbrunn Palace, one of the most important cultural monuments in Austria, which created a stunning backdrop.

The event was attended by 150,000 people and broadcast by ORF to

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approximately 60 other countries.

Krammer’s challenges included lighting the huge area being used to stage the event, creating a sense of spectacle, illuminating the orchestra in an appropriate way for both broadcast and live audience, and generally bringing additional magic, ambience and WOW factors to the performance with the lighting, some of which was required to cover very wide distances.

The lighting rental company for the event was film and TV specialists LGL

Lichttechnik GmbH from Vienna, and the Robes were supplied by two leading European rental companies Q-99 from Slovakia and HSL from the UK.

• INSTALLS •

The Robe kit included 20 x CitySkape Xtremes, 12 x ColorWash 2500E ATs, 30 x ColorSpot 1200E ATs, 20 x ColorWash 1200E ATs - 14 with PC lenses and 6 with fresnel lenses - and 24 x ColorBeam 2500E ATs. The Robes were deployed in 5 different areas for the show.

The first was lighting a Ballet stage which was new for this year’s event, built in front of the Garden’s Gloriette building, which is elevated on a hill several hundred metres away slightly to stage left of the main stage. The Vienna State Opera Ballet performed on this stage simultaneous to the main concert performance, relayed to all but their immediate audience via LED screen.

A Ballet Stage 2 was built further down from Ballet Stage 1 into the massive audience viewing area, near the pond lower down the hill.

The third area where Robes were deployed was behind the main stage, spread out along the Neptunbrunnen fountains opposite Schönbrunn Palace. Gobo projections

illuminated the wall behind these fountains.

The fourth area was in the roof of the main stage, and then finally, in area # 5, fixtures were spread out to the left and right sides of the main stage.

The Gloriette - the largest and probably most best known example of this type of garden architecture - was illuminated with 14 CitySkape Xtremes. Their power, smooth wash

effect and wide array of colours were perfect to the task. Twelve of the ColorBeam 2500E ATs were also used to light the Gloriette, doubling as high-impact mid air effects for Ballet Stage 1, together with 11 Robe ColorSpot 1200E ATs. On Ballet Stage 2 were 14 ColorWash 1200E ATs with PC lenses - plus Space Canons and Nova Flower effects.

Behind the Main Stage spaced out along the Neptunbrunnen fountains were 6 x CitySkape Xtremes and 22 x Robe ColorSpot 1200E ATs, positioned on the rim of the actual fountain and used for hugely bright aerial effects and gobo projections onto the wall behind. Six Space Canons were also located in this area.

On the main stage, the 6 ColorSpot 1200E ATs were used as specials to highlight the structure, doubling as key lights for some of the performers.

Then, in front of the flowers beds left and right of the main stage, the remaining fixtures - 20 ColorWash 2500E ATs and 12 ColorBeam 2500E ATs - were fanned out. These created awesome beam effects into the night

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• INSTALLS • sky, blessed by the weather with a wonderful clear night.

Krammer operated the show using two Road Hog Full Boar consoles and was absolutely delighted with the results.

“Working with Robe products is especially interesting for me with the wide product range - there is a fixture for every application, and it’s great to have that choice and versatility available,” he enthuses He was well impressed with the power and impact of the 2500 range and particularly the ColorBeams, which he recalls caused some consternation with those tech’ing the searchlight fixtures as they saw and appreciated the output!”

He also enjoyed the high level of support from Robe, whose international sales team and rental partners helped make it happen.

His show has received great critical acclaim and using the Robes on such a high profile event has fuelled plenty of ideas for the future, where he will be using Robe wherever possible.

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AMX Acquires SchoolView Technologies AMX, a leading provider of solutions that simplify the implementation, maintenance, and use of technology to create effective environments, announced the acquisition of SchoolView Technologies, a Texas based company specializing in building comprehensive software that consolidates management and control of diverse school technologies at the district, building and classroom level, on a single, comprehensive platform. AMX introduced a partnership with SchoolView Technologies in February of 2010 and launched the AMX SchoolView solutions combining hardware and software that integrates disparate building systems to deliver a central command center in a single location using existing data networks, and capable of scaling for future technology integration.

AMX SchoolView solutions are hugely successful due in part to its reputation within the education market of controlling costs while providing the highest quality of service, all despite a soft economy. This complete, scalable solution consolidates management and control of traditional bell, clock and PA systems, while addressing the management and control needs of classroom audio, video and presentation tools at the district, building and classroom level. As a result, innovative institutions have found the key to controlling cost is simple; capitalize on their existing disparate technologies through automation and control.

"We have been impressed with both the quality of the products and the people at SchoolView over the past 18 months and are glad to officially welcome them to the AMX family.

AMX is capitalizing on the success of this partnership with a solution that aims directly at controlling costs at a time when K-12 schools are being

challenged more and more to show a true return on their investment," said AMX president and CEO Rashid Skaf.

"AMX SchoolView is the only scalable education solution set that allow schools to start with certain critical components and continue to add more later to eventually take full advantage of our 'unified control' solutions to manage connected technology, automation, security and energy utilization."

AMX SchoolView provides a host of features essential for innovative learning environments.

Administrators and support staff can perform remote system diagnostics, track projector use, lamp life allowing efficient scheduling of routine maintenance such as lamp replacement and instant notification if devices are disconnected providing financial savings through theft deterrence. AMX SchoolView includes components for safe and crime free campuses such as centralized control of security cameras to mass alert notifications. Unlike many traditional notification systems, AMX SchoolView can deliver synchronized alerts and messages to all rooms including portable classrooms. Beyond giving administrators and teachers simplified control of the system, the AMX|SchoolView also offers energy savings. It aligns to green-building initiatives that many school districts are facing as it automates

management of energy-consuming resources like PCs and AV equipment, and further increases cost reductions by simplifying maintenance and support, which extends technology lifecycles.

"The education market is currently facing two diametrically opposing obstacles - lower funding and higher demand for innovative use of technology," said AMX Vice President, Education Sales Michael Peveler.

"Education customers around the world will benefit because AMX SchoolView addresses both challenges without increasing costs or compromising technology."

The AMX SchoolView includes a host of services designed to help K-12 customers. Funding Opportunities Support offers resources to customers for tracking ARRA funds, and grant opportunities. Grant Writing Services help customers design technology upgrade paths for use in the classroom. System Design/Technical Services show customers ways of taking advantage of existing school data networks when designing new solutions. Information, Research & Resources give teachers, technology directors, administrators or education officials the resources like newsletters, white papers and other educational materials chocked full of insightful information about technology tips and trends. Professional Development Services include continual education July-September 2011

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programs dedicated to ensuring customers get the opportunity to learn and experience how to get the most from the technology. Needs Analysis helps customers make more informed decisions when purchasing technology by providing one-on-one consultation/analysis of specific school district requirements to ensure the highest return on your investment.

"SchoolView is excited to be a part of a world-class organization like AMX that has successfully installed solutions in tens of thousands of classrooms around the world," said Michael Yonks, SchoolView Technologies, president and CEO. "As evident over the past year and a half, we realize AMX is the type of company that mirrors our commitment to growth, quality, and personal integrity."

Sencore's OnAir Solutions for OZ Sencore, a leading provider of signal quality and video delivery solutions, announced that it has signed OnAir Solutions to represent Sencore's full line of high-quality signal transmission products in Australia. OnAir Solutions will be the exclusive reseller of Sencore video monitoring and signal delivery products to the Australian broadcast, cable, satellite, and IPTV marketplace.

"Australia represents an exciting, untapped opportunity for Sencore, and OnAir Solutions is an ideal partner to help us build a market presence there," said Tony Oehlerking, Sencore general manager of international business development. "Australian broadcasters are grappling with challenges for which many of our products are tailor-made, such as transcoding from MPEG4 to MPEG2 -and OnAir Solutions has a strong track record of establishing a base for new products that uniquely satisfy specific requirements."

In business since early 2010, OnAir Solutions provides representation to high-quality manufacturers, with a focus on customer needs, technical knowledge of the products, delivering

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the optimal solution to customers, and product support.

"We're pleased to add a significant market player like Sencore to our select group of represented manufacturers. Sencore is bringing to the Australian market a global reputation for products that enable high-quality and consistent video monitoring and signal delivery, while supporting cost-effective operations," said Chris Dredge, general manager of OnAir Solutions.

WorxAudio in Pact with Dimodica Sales WorxAudio Technologies, a leading manufacturer of loudspeaker systems for the pro touring and install markets, is pleased to announce it has selected DiModica Sales, headed by Chuck DiModica, to represent the company's sales efforts in Florida and Puerto Rico.

Well known for its sales representation and strategic consulting capabilities within the professional audio community, DiModica Sales will be tasked with increasing WorxAudio Technologies' presence throughout these critical US sales territories.

Headquartered in Plantation, FL, DiModica Sales is an independent sales and marketing firm with a wealth of experience in residential and commercial audio, audio for video, AV distribution and system integration, as well as touring sound. As such, the company is uniquely qualified to represent WorxAudio Technology.

Owner Chuck DiModica has been operating the firm since 1993. Prior to that time, he was Vice President of the Pro Audio Division for Deerfield Beach, FL-based Ron Tunks Sales Inc. Chuck DiModica commented on his company's new relationship with WorxAudio Technologies, "With its comprehensive product line, WorxAudio Technologies represents a terrific sales opportunity for our organization. Their loudspeaker systems are very highly regarded in the professional audio market and they have a well-earned reputation for their extremely musical and highly

detailed sound. I believe the WorxAudio line will be eagerly accepted among the various parties that we conduct business with. I look forward to developing a fruitful business relationship with Hugh Sarvis and the rest of the WorxAudio Technologies team."

"We're very pleased to have Chuck joining our effort," says Hugh Sarvis, WorxAudio Technologies' CEO and Director of Engineering. "Chuck and his crew have a thorough understanding of the contractor and pro audio markets. I believe DiModica Sales will produce the results we're looking for and I am extremely pleased to have his group representing us."

grandMA2 Light Turns Winner at AAT grandMA may not have made it onstage at the recent Academy Awards telecast, but it was grandMA's night to shine, nonetheless. Jason Rudolph selected a grandMA2 light console to play the crucial role of controlling 34 Hippotizer servers, which fed multiple onstage screens via 70 video projectors. A.C.T Lighting is the exclusive distributor of grandMA in North America.

"It was an enormous undertaking, to say the least," reports Rudolph. "I regularly program multiple media servers with grandMA2 - it's my main console - but I hadn't done anything of this size: The entire set at the Oscars was projection. We had 34 Hippotizer HD units outputting 53 discrete active outputs and some spares with control from the grandMA2 light console. In addition to the screens, we also took care of the scenic tracking for the moving elements which acted as projection surfaces."

Rudolph had three grandMA2 lights on hand: a primary controller and backup plus a separate system located back of house for programming. "We could run one line to the show console and load the entire show into it," he explains. Rudolph operated the console during the Academy Awards telecast.

"Everything worked great. I did a lot of timecode triggers, and grandMA worked without a hitch. The grandMA2 light is a perfect size: It gives me all the features I need and plenty of workable space. I also like the new user interface, the way the macro system works, and the layout view," he says. "It's a very efficient system."

AMX Announces Dell Partnership AMX inked a partnership with leading PC manufacturer Dell. According to the terms of the agreement, Dell's government sales team is able to begin offering a wide variety of AMX solutions including the award-winning Inspired XPress Digital Signage, Enova DVX-2100HD, switchers and keypads.

"Our partnership aligns the best-ofbreed IT solutions with the best-ofbreed AV solutions and makes them easily accessible for government buyers," said AMX vice president of Government Sales John Hanby. "We are very pleased to team with Dell to offer government end-users a onestop shop for advanced, integrated ITAV out-of-the-box solutions."

As the IT and audio-visual worlds continue to merge, the partnership creates a well-timed approach to the market. There is a growing demand for audio-visual equipment to be brought online for streamlined control of these systems, whether analog or digital, throughout a facility. AMX offers a wide array of solutions that integrate A/V, lighting, HVAC and other systems into an IT framework for centralized, simplified management of all.

Speaking of the partnership, Hanby said, "With one P.O., government buyers can easily meet both their AV and IT needs."

AMX is currently working on upgrading Dell's Customer Briefing Centers in Washington DC. The center plays host to many executives and government leaders. Once the facility's installation is completed, AMX plans to offer on-site training classes.

AMX has also been added to Dell's NASA SEWP contract.

Atlona in Pact with True Colours Atlona Technologies, a leading provider of cutting-edge digital connectivity solutions, announced that the company has reached a distribution agreement with True Colours Distribution, the technical solution division of the Midwich Group. Under the agreement, True Colours will market and distribute all three of Atlona's product lines in the U.K. and throughout Europe.

"At Atlona, we have continued to place a heavy emphasis on international growth, and this partnership with True Colours is a key step in increasing the market presence for all three of our product lines," said Ilya Khayn, president of Atlona Technologies. "True Colours has an outstanding reputation for quality and customer service, and we couldn't be happier to have them representing our digital connectivity solutions in the region.

And for their dealers, our extensive product lineup offers reliable solutions for absolutely any application, from consumer retail purchases to large-scale commercial installations."

"We are very excited that Atlona has chosen us to market and distribute their product range," said Jin Khangura, connectivity technology specialist at True Colours. "Atlona's lineup has developed in recent years to cover almost every digital connectivity solution that is required, and at the same time the company is continually designing and developing innovative leadingedge technology products. By adding Atlona to our already extensive range of A/V connectivitybased solutions, we will further strengthen our market position."

To better serve the A/V market, Atlona has segmented its solutions into three product lines to cater to specific audience needs: Atlona Signature (professional and commercial), Atlona Si (system integrator), and Atlona CE (consumer electronics). The flagship Signature line of digital connectivity

solutions is geared for large-scale government, military, digital signage, and other professional A/V applications. With its wide variety of products, the Signature line gives commercial integrators access to a comprehensive array of HDMI matrix switchers as large as 128x128, converters and scalers, expansive fiber optic extenders and DisplayPort cables, and much more - all providing the level of quality and reliability necessary for even the most mission-critical A/V systems.

For installers of home theater and light commercial A/V systems, the Si line is a one-stop shop for a full range of products -- including cables, distribution amplifiers, matrix switchers, extenders, converters, scalers, and much more - that address any conceivable issue in the field, while ensuring the best possible installation for end-users.

Specifically designed for consumers and retail purchasers, the CE line offers a full range of simple, easyto-use solutions that anyone can install and operate, including the new AT-AiR3, Atlona's 1080p wireless USB-to-HDMI converter. In addition, Atlona's CE line offers simple solutions for bringing computer gaming and movie libraries to the HDTV, interfacing older Mac computers and laptops with new Mac monitors, and enhancing the home theater experience."

"Needless to say, we are thrilled about our new partnership with True Colours, which offers an experienced staff, broad channel coverage, and exceptional customer service," said Jeff Meyer from AV Consulting International, European representative for Atlona. "Atlona has been growing rapidly in the U.K. and throughout Europe. Working with True Colors and the Midwich group of companies means we can build on this momentum, expose the Atlona brand to an even broader client base, and take our business to the next level."

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Electrosonic Acquires Excel Media Systems Electrosonic announced its acquisition of systems integrator Excel Media Systems Inc. The new company will become part of Electrosonic's corporate solutions business, offering meeting room and video conferencing systems with full after-sales services from offices in New York City.

The acquisition expands Electrosonic's corporate solutions business in the New York tri-state area and allows the company to better serve its international clients with local offices. Electrosonic's breadth of AV systems knowledge and project management expertise will ensure that Excel Media's customers will continue to receive the highest level of service and support.

"We are excited to bring Excel Media's talented team to Electrosonic," says Jim Bowie, president of Electrosonic Group.

"Together we will continue to expand and develop our systems and service offerings."

"Both our companies have decades of systems experience. By building on our strengths we will provide the highest value for our customers," added Robert Menell, founder and owner of Excel Media, himself with more than 30 years of experience, who will continue within Electrosonic as the Director of Sales for Corporate Solutions.

"Excel Media has many long term clients and an excellent reputation acquired over many years for supplying quality meeting room systems," adds Colin Lemmings, VP of Corporate Solutions. "This fits well with our goal to provide our global clients with local support and to deliver innovative, standardized, high-quality systems and after sales services in any region at competitive prices."

Electrosonic continues to expand and invest in its core markets of entertainment, control rooms and corporate solutions, providing custom integrated systems and a variety of service offerings including on-site personnel and maintenance contracts.

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Kramer Simplifies School Seven Project A confident young speaker rolls a rack of electronics equipment into a high school auditorium for another multimedia show. He is ready to present the Seven Project - a high energy program that emphasizes positive decision making - using a seamlessly integrated audio and video system that will entertain his teenage audience.

Thanks to a custom-designed multimedia system featuring Kramer Electronics products, he can deliver a worry-free, state-of-the-art presentation at the touch of a button.

The Seven Project school assembly is a customized, multi-media event for America's schools. School administrators select the topics to be presented and program materials are professionally produced, featuring big screen displays, video segments, lighting, and quality sound equipment and presented by skilled speakers. The Seven Project is national in scope and local in focus and relevance, communicating real life issues faced by students. They are taught how to be a positive influence at their school when facing issues like violence, scholastic achievement, peer pressure, integrity, substance abuse and abstinence.

Seven Project systems are created and built by audio/video design and integration firm AVMAN Presentation Systems of Springfield, MO. According to Jay Jones, President of AVMAN, the goal was to craft a simple, mobile system that could be used by nontechnical presenters. "We designed a rack that would hold all of the equipment, could be rolled in, plugged in and ready to go," Jones said. "All the cables are color coded for easy hook-up, and the Kramer TP114 and TP-220 VGA over CAT-5 Baluns make it an easy to use system."

A single-cable CAT 5 connects to a custom made "audio snake" that was modified to accept video signals, which are fed through the Kramer TP114 CAT5 distribution amplifier and the TP-220 CAT5 transceiver. Both the TP-114 and TP-220 are designed for computer graphics signals and use the

CAT5 twisted pair technology to convert signals and transmit them at the highest resolution. The Kramer VP729 ProScale™ digital scaler/switcher manages the video sources, and can accept up to nine inputs. The TP-220 unit's two VGA outputs and one CAT5 output allow connection of up to three displays. The flexibility of the Kramer products provides plenty of room for system growth.

"We rely on Kramer products for our switching and distribution needs in all of our projects," Jones said. "The switchers are easy to use and are very reliable, especially in applications that require transparent technology."

As the Seven Project presentation concludes to enthusiastic applause, the young presenter rolls the multi-media system out of the auditorium, already prepared for the next show.

Kramer Makes Video Easy At Houston University When the University of HoustonDowntown (UHD) was searching for ways to upgrade its classroom technology, the design team turned to Kramer Electronics. Already Kramer customers, the team was familiar with the product line and knew the ProScale digital scaler/switchers would make the grade for the first phase of the project. "Kramer has such a wide range of products that are ideal for many applications, and their cost/ reliability ratio is excellent," said Steve Cachia, manager of Video Network Operations at UHD. "We chose Kramer because we were confident in the

product and the support," he noted.

A liberal arts university located in Houston's business district, UHD serves a diverse 12,000 students, offering small classes and specially tailored higher education opportunities. To maintain its cutting-edge position with students and businesses, UHD needed consistent HD video systems supporting high resolution video in each classroom. The technology design team also insisted on a system that was easy to use and offered intuitive controls that did not interfere with faculty instruction & teaching.

They selected the Kramer VP-728 ProScale digital scaler/switcher for the smaller, 30-seat classrooms, and the VP725xl ProScale digital scaler/switcher with additional inputs for the instructional TV room. The units scale video and computer graphics video up or down to HD resolution. The resulting images are projected on an eight-foot screen and maintain their video clarity.

"Kramer's ability to provide multiple units when we needed them was instrumental in getting the job done," Cachia commented. "In addition, they provided back-up product so that there would be no down time in case of a technical issue."

The intuitive control system of the scaler/switcher's allowed the faculty to switch between sources easily, still maintaining high resolution picture quality on the projection screens. The system has been integrated into 13 classrooms, and UHD plans to install the Kramer product to upgrade an additional 13 classrooms this year.

Kramer, Infocomm Join on Education Kramer Electronics entered into an agreement with InfoComm International to offer InfoCommlicensed courses throughout the world. Up until now, Kramer was the only manufacturer offering InfoComm licensed material in the U.S only. This

agreement expands the original agreement to include all markets, in all countries, around the world.

Under the umbrella of the Kramer Academy, Kramer is leveraging the incredible success which was gained with the licensed content from InfoComm in the United States, in order to roll out the curriculum on a global basis. Kramer is proud to be the only manufacturer that offers InfoComm Licensed Content to their partners around the world. Kramer is also pleased to be offering more classes that carry CTS Renewal Units (RUs) than any other manufacturer in the industry.

"We are extremely happy to now be able to professionally deliver InfoComm licensed content around the world," states Dave Bright, President of Kramer Electronics US. "We are committed to providing this valuable content to our customers and potential customers wherever there is a demand for it around the globe, and we are specifically intent on helping as many AV professionals around the world as possible to become InfoComm CTS holders."

Over the past two years, Kramer has developed a niche by successfully offering the CTS Prep Course from InfoComm regionally in the United States. Since the inception of the CTS Exam Prep class, Kramer has provided CTS Exam Prep training to more individuals preparing for the new CTS Exam, than any other entity in the industry. Students who have attended the Kramer led CTS Exam Prep class have a very high pass rate on the exam itself. As a result, many more people are taking and passing the CTS exam and the amount of CTS holders in the United States is growing rapidly.

Now, Kramer hopes to mirror this success around the world, driving the number of professional CTS holders even higher.

Recently, Kramer Asia Pacific held its first CTS Exam Prep course under the new agreement which was conducted

by David Penrose. The 3-day course was held in the offices of Electronics and Engineering (E&E) Singapore, and six participants from E&E spent the

three days going through the same content given by Kramer US. These participants will be taking the CTS exam in the near future. This is just the start of CTS Exam Prep offerings in Asia. Kramer hopes to be offering more classes, in more countries, in the very near future.

"A strong AV industry is dependent on a well-trained workforce," said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., Executive Director and CEO of InfoComm International. "Kramer has worked with InfoComm in the United States to train and help industry members to attain the CTS certification. As we begin this joint effort to take the same training around the world, it is important to say how appreciative we are of Kramer's efforts as a leading company in training our industry and being a strong supporter of the CTS and InfoComm."

As always, the Kramer non-licensed course offering is continuing to expand including new courses on sales and technology. For example, Kramer has recently added courseware on Digital Signals in AV (Plug and Pray), Understanding the Analog Sunset and Twisted Pair Cabling Best Practices.

"We are committed to the InfoComm curriculum and to offering our own educational programs that support the CTS renewal program," states Clint Hoffman, Vice President of Marketing for Kramer Electronics U.S. "We are also committed to making the educational experience as accessible as possible anywhere we can around the world. We often bring our educational offerings, especially the CTS Exam Prep class, directly to our customer's location or to an area nearby that is an easy commute for the students."

Kramer Electronics has printed a new brochure that covers the educational and training offerings contained in their Kramer Academy. The newly printed Kramer Academy brochure can be obtained from Kramer by downloading or ordering it directly from the Kramer web site. Visit the Support tab at the top of the home page, followed by the Kramer Literature option.

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Vista Spyder Chosen by Davita Meetings

Middle Atlantic Achieves ISO 14001 Certification In keeping with its mission and approach to eco-conscious operations and manufacturing, Middle Atlantic Products has been awarded ISO 14001 certification for its Environmental Management Systems. One of many ongoing environmental initiatives, the certification reinforces the

Freelance Technical Services selected the Vista Spyder X20-1608 to manage video processing for Capa Productions, producing the DaVita Inc. national meeting in National Harbor, Md., and Elite Business Productions, producing the Siemens Healthcare Leadership & Sales Conference in Orlando. The Spyder X20 is a versatile hardwarebased video processor combined with the flexibility of a universal routing switcher. Designed to provide maximum versatility, the Spyder X20 lets creative producers blend, window, mix and scale any content format for the most powerful and imaginative multi-window presentations.

"We chose the Spyder X20 for its versatility, powerful feature set and small footprint," said Timothy J. Durr of Freelance Technical Services. "We used the Spyder X20 at both shows and were impressed with its ease of operation, flexibility in live editing situations, instant adjustments and ability to handle every signal type."

DaVita, a leading provider of kidney care in the United States, used the Spyder X20 to run a six camera, multi-screen performance featuring two 32 feet wide by 18 feet high screens on either side of the stage bracketing an onstage backdrop. Two 16 feet wide by 9 feet high screens with 16 x 9 aspect ratios glided above the audience, providing those farther back in the room with prime, unobstructed viewing.

"The Spyder X20 was the only piece of equipment capable of handling all the destinations - four screens, four 42-inch plasma displays on the edge of the stage for front audience views, as well

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as the onstage confidence monitors for the presenters," Durr explained. "The Spyder X20 also allowed us to run PIPs (Picture-in-Picture) of the presenter and his content on the outboard screens, PIPs of the content itself, the speaker's notes and a clock on the confidence displays. Before using the Spyder X20, we had to specify additional equipment to manage the confidence displays."

The Spyder was the solution chosen by Elite Business Productions for healthcare company Siemens and their National Leadership & Sales conference. Using three cameras, the conference featured a 60 feet wide by 20 feet high rear projected wide screen onstage bracketed by four scenic columns. Similar to the DaVita Inc. gathering, two 16 feet wide by 9 feet high (16 x 9 aspect ratio) delay screens glided above the audience while six 50-inch LCD confidence displays were available for speakers.

"The Spyder X20 displayed two PIPs on the wide screen and blended images from two stacks of three projectors," Durr added. "It also provided image processing for the two delay screens, which were fed by stacked 10,000 lumen HD projectors. Due to the small footprint of the Spyder X20, everything fit on an 8-foot table adjacent to the stage. The Spyder X20 doesn't require much space but it offers full performance. And, it doesn't have a complicated set up; we were done in less than a day.

"The Spyder X20 is my tool of choice for image processing at corporate shows like these," Durr concluded. "It was a big asset to each production."

company's commitment to responsible practices rooted in conservation and sustainability.

ISO (International Organization for Standards) 14001 is a management tool that allows Middle Atlantic to identify and control the environmental impact of its activities, products and services and continually improve its environmental performance.

A key facet to the awarding of ISO 14001 certification is the company's implementation of a systematic approach in setting environmental objectives and targets. It involves the active pursuit of these goals and demonstrating steps taken towards their achievement.

Asked about the company's early commitment to ISO 14001, Bob Oehrlein, Manager of Environmental Health & Safety, said, "We are implementing this ISO14001 'green' initiative in an atmosphere that is already environmentally conscious. Middle Atlantic is compliant because we believe in protecting the environment with systems in place that make sense."

In addition to the recent achievement of ISO 14001, Middle Atlantic has maintained ISO 9001 Quality Management System certification for consistent manufacturing and operations since 2003.

• INSTALLS •

'Exploration Space' Multi-sensory Thrills with AV The first exhibit at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to examine the near future of space exploration, 'Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted' is a stunning addition to one of America's most enthralling and best-loved visitor attractions. Combining live theatre, interactive exhibits and new media components, the area was designed by BRC Imagination Arts, Inc, in collaboration with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Delaware North Co. Parks & Resorts, the Visitor Complex's commercial partner.

Filled with light, color, sound and energy, this immersive exhibit gallery features large-scale digital projections, dimensional exhibits and interactive experiences that invite visitors to be a part of the future of space exploration.

Enter a virtual world that can transport guests instantly to Mars or the moon, with vivid action happening all around.

The exhibit audio visual systems were designed and installed by Electrosonic.

They include a giant 12ft x 8ft portal looking out onto a rear-projection screen that displays enormous images of future destinations like the moon, Mars and nebulas for the introductory exhibit, 'Your Destination'. A flat-screen LCD display titled 'On The Shoulders Of Giants' showcases the next generation of spacecraft. Five large 12ft x 15ft trapezoidal exhibit screens immerse the guests in the future of space travel. Six

more screens of various shapes and sizes, including a 14ft wide 16:9 screen a 12ft diameter screen and four trapezoidal screens, support the main show 'Explorers Wanted'.

Twice every hour, the entire exhibit is transformed into a live immersive show environment for a 12-minute dynamic, presentation called 'Explorers Wanted', in which a NASA 'Communicator' walks July-September 2011

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• INSTALLS •

guests through new missions, new discoveries and the immense challenges of space exploration.

"During the show, visitors sit on bench seats, surrounded by digital imagery, as the Communicator inspires the audience to become part of a NASA mission and the future of space exploration," says Tom Brighton, media support specialist, Electrosonic.

"The main show is displayed on a series of fixed, geometrically shaped screens. The primary content is shown on a large 14ft wide center screen and a secondary 12ft diameter circular screen, stage right. Two additional projectors display content on four trapezoidal screens, which grow progressively larger in size as they arc over the top of the center screen."

The exhibit and show is run by a Medialon Manager control system with content served by ten WATCHOUT players feeding nine projectors and one monitor. Electrosonic took advantage of WATCHOUT's inherent programmability to ensure that seven of the projectors could display content onto the nine trapezoidal screens without images bleeding onto the wall.

They also created a custom user interface for the WATCHOUT master PC controller so that staff can add updated content to the pre-programmed show

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to keep it fresh and relevant - a key customer requirement.

"The fact that all the screens are odd shapes and sizes makes the show very visually striking, but did present technical challenges," Brighton reflects. "Fortunately WATCHOUT is not phased by such things and proved itself capable of performing pretty much any task we could throw at it."

Fredrik Svahnberg, marketing manager, Dataton, concludes: "We love projects that push WATCHOUT to new limits and the 'Explorers Wanted' show at Exploration Space certainly does that. The result is an immersive audiovisual experience that educates as well as tells a thrilling story of potential, not just of the future of

space exploration, but also of each individual visitor. We are extremely proud to have been able to help bring this project to fruition in such a technically and creatively satisfying way."

Renowned Swedish show control developer and manufacturer Dataton has firmly established themselves on the international market since the 1980s. The company's flagship products include the award-winning Dataton WATCHOUT multi-display production and presentation system as well as the intuitive Dataton PICKUP audio guide. Dataton is represented in most countries and their products are in use every day in commercial and cultural installations worldwide.

• SPECIAL FEATURE •

Essentials of Videoconferencing - The User-Level-III In the second part of the 'Essentials of Videoconferencing at the User Level,' published in the last issue of OS, we discussed some of the finer aspects of configuring the system and user controls made easy and their reliability, with precautions. We proceed further in this issue, into Part-III, where we discuss the user-friendliness of the control systems. Read on: In addition to using the word "predictable" to help define "reliable", we can make use of [already have made use of] another pair of words "friendly" and "helpful". We have already indicated that these describe an important aspect of the control system representation to the end-user. As we have seen in the discussion elements above, the simplified delivery of standardized and easily recognized icons, along with minimizing the actual number of icons used and the number of definitions assigned to any one icon, can go a long way towards presenting a control panel screen to the end-user that is both "friendly" and "helpful", one that they will not "fear" - one that they can "trust."

Another thing to keep in mind is that this control system access point (the LCDtouch-panel or the handheld remote control) is the front-end [OSI Layer 7- Application Layer to the completely integrated sophisticated videoconference & presentation system, and this control access point is actually the first potentially "intelligent"-layer that any end-user encounters when interacting-with ["using"] the equipment.

Most Control System function, and any hardware designed to provide some sort of command-and-control

functionality, has some ability to provide what we will refer to as "Background Intelligence".

Certainly, the level of sophistication of this "intelligence" is dependent on many elements- amount of memory, type of central processor, load on the system, software operating system, input-output capabilities, etc - and, if "lacking" in one or more of these categories, some systems may have virtually no extra available "intelligence" beyond the base-level that is used to perform the essential control functions of receipt and execution of fundamental command strings ("Play DVD", for instance).

When we are implementing and working with systems that are more capable than performing simple basic functions, however, we can exploit this untapped and unusedintelligence for many things, especially to efficiently aid and assist the end-user.

Our motive for making use of this potentially available intelligence mechanism to proactively aid the end-user community is two-fold.

First - The more that the control systems can "intelligently assist" [be "helpful"-end-user, the "friendlier" the systems will seem, and this improves the quality of the experience of the end-user, bolstering

their confidence in this form of communication.

Second - Every question that the control system can answer imto] the successfully for the end-user, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant, is anotherquestion that does not end up coming into the queue in the already busy and often over-tasked Technical Support Command Center for the video enterprise.

For Control-System Design and Control-System Programming (remember - these are not the same functions) this means a requirement for evaluating complete integration of the full presentation and videoconference system, understandingthe typical and fundamental daily uses, gaining knowledge of the profile and abilityleof the end-user communities (done by actually observing the end-users and making scrupulously detailed observations of their activities and behaviors), and then asking and addressing the most commonly anticipated frequent processes, difficulties and questions before the system [or entire space] is even completed, commissioned and is released foruse to the end-user community or application stakeholders.

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• SPECIAL FEATURE • It is CRITICAL to Also Note 3Essential-Points: 1. Since we have stated here (in "Second" above) that activities at the Videoconference Command Center are directly impacted by the quality of planned and programmed interactions between end-users and the systems, NO design & programming control decisions should be made without thorough discussion with the person or persons responsible for managing, operating and delivering Technical Support to the end-user community.

2. This series and set of analysis (detailed above) are not performed on a one-time basis only at the inception and initial commissioning of a space or system. A clearly defined and scheduled program of constant observation, audience polling and feedback is necessary and essential in order to make certain that the interface keeps-up with the changing maturity levels and unanticipated needs of the individuals in the end-user community. Neglecting to re-visit the interface on a planned and properly documented regular basis sets the stage for systems that slowly [and insidiously, almost imperceptibly] become "unuseable" over time, greatly reducing end-user satisfaction & success and increasing the daily Technical-Support burden.

3. Again - - Control System Design is NOT Control System Programming.

Background Intelligence - As noted - This means taking advantage of the available [unspoken-for] memory, the software tools, the I/O [Input/ Output] and native processincapability of the Control System and putting them [collectively] to use. We can use this "intelligence" to our advantage for several different applications, but we will begin with making use of it, initially, to benefit the end-user in direct and meaningful ways.

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System Intelligence Applied Directly to End-User Assistance: It is best if we "think-this-through" from the activities and subsets of actions that occur within a videoconference communication and presentation space.

For Example: Let us start from an empty or unoccupied room and follow a few of the progress-steps as the room becomes occupied and people elect to use (or elect not-to use) all [or only portions] of the technology-driven capabilities that are integrated and resident there: - A person or group enters the room.

Acknowledging that this might happen for many reasons where there is no intent to make use of the resident technology systems (perhaps it is merely someone arriving to clean the space), perhaps this act alone does not initially "trigger" any intelligent assistance by the controllers. The exception to this might be if we determine it would be helpful to place the lighting for the room on a motion-sensor master array. This would turn the lights "On" automatically when someone enters the room, and turn them "Off" if the presentation / VTC system is not energized and there is no motion "sensed" in the room after an appropriate time-out period (30minutes).

(This would help to reduce energy consumption and also improve useful lamp-life.)

- If, however, this entry is then accompanied by contact with the presentation systems technology components or tools, the control system can be designed to ask some initial questions. FOR EXAMPLE: These might include (but not be limited to) the following: a. Do you wish to turn the Power "ON" for the room technology components? Yes…No [If the answer is "Yes", then display a message* for the period of time it takes the system, including elements like the video projector, to actually power-up, warm-up and be ready to provide the user a "working" system.]

For instance: *After the "Power- ON"

sequence has begun and it's 'on-theway' to providing the ability to see video on-screen, display a message on the control panel that says "Projector Is Warming Up… Please Wait A Moment …" with a countdown timer on the screen. (*see paragraph below that is boldly entitled "AN IMPORTANT LESSON IN CUSTOMER SERVICE AND INTERACTION WITH USERS" to learn more about this and other on-screen message prompting.) When the countdown timer has ended and the system is ready for use, show a message on the control screen: "Thank you for your patience - Touch here to continue", and then move-on to the next series of options / questions. b. Do you wish to make a local-only presentation? Yes…No [If "Yes", then present the screen that applies to local presentation and (if appropriate) automatically switch the PC image onto the display projector / device(s).

Provide an on-screen prompt that asks if they intend to use a resident-roomcomputer or if they will be using a temporary laptop connected to the system. If they answer "Room PC", then provide on-screen assistance to tell them about adjusting any audio and who to call* if they have any PC related difficulties (the PC Support people should provide a name and number that can be programmed [*see next page]). If they say "Temporary Laptop", select that input on the system and await the completed connection of the laptop to the system. Show them a picture sequence for connecting the VGA connector and the audio connector to the laptop, and remind them of the max resolution [for instance - 1280 x 1024 at 75Hz Vertical Refresh], with a simple verbal outline of where to make these adjustments on an XP Laptop.

Additionally, prompt the user with specific "help" answers, such-as: that they must connect using the available VGA Cable on the table that then connects to the projector, that they must make certain that the video for the laptop has been "toggled" to send the VGA signal out of the laptop VGA port, and that the common keyboard

• SPECIAL FEATURE • commands related to this are usually "CTRL Key plus F4 or F5" or "FN (Function) Key on most modern PC's.

Again - advise of a telephone number* plus F4 or F5" and a person to call to get help with this if they have any questions or difficulties.] *REMEMBER - PC "Help" questions do not go to a "Video" "Help-Desk". c. Do you want to contact someone via voice-phone or video? Yes…No [If "Yes", then launch the system to the videoconference control screen, and bring up the Main Camera in Self-View mode on the display projector / device(s) with the camera in the "main" full-room preset. Additionally, ask a follow-up question: "Do you wish to dial using the Directory or are you anticipating an inbound call?" If "Directory", present theDirectory page on-screen and advise how to use the arrow keys and the "connect"/"dial button to actually dial the call. If "Waiting for a Call" and the systems are not set to auto-answer, then prompt them they need to press the "Answer" button when the system "rings" and they see and hear the indicators that a call is being "received" and now must be actively "answered" by the end-user.] " THIS IS BUT ONE-SET OF MANY SUCH EXAMPLES. Every action, process, procedure or combination of actions that can be taken or required-by the end-user mustbe thoroughly thoughtout, documented, put into a flow diagram and analyzed BEFORE any "buttons" are built and screens are laid-out. (It's that Design v.

Programming thing again).

WE NOW PAUSE FOR: AN IMPORTANT LESSON IN CUSTOMER- SERVICE AND INTERACTION WITH END-USERS: (and each other) The lesson here (in what we have just learned in the sectionabove) is that we must make every effort to use our own skills, and the systems' intelligence, to walk users through the step-by-step process of what they want to do, and we do this from a Command Center (if helping someone "live" on the phone or inperson), and with a Control system, in a structured and practiced manner that is friendly, polite, and that looks at the desires & perceptions FROM THE

END-USER POINT-OF-VIEW Likewise - people are generally very forgiving (up to a point - there are real limits to this tolerance within the normal human-factors of timeperception in dynamic ad-hoc electronic & real-life circumstantial encounter) of a short pause or "countdown" that might be required to [for instance] warm-up a system component (like a projector) or complete a set of multipoint network connections . if - and only if - they're politely, simply & immediately told (in <123 milli-sec.):

#1. what they are pausing for, and #2. how long in-total they will need to pause, and finally (as the process moves along) #3. how much time is left before the end-user can continue (take the next step(s)).

Again: This applies to real-life personal communication with users, and to the experience the user has whenever they are "face-to-face" with the System Control Interface screens. ALSO: Remember: End-users do not need the underlying technical details of what is "going-on" with the inner-workings of the technical units. They need only the "big-picture" phrases to frame the issue in a non-threatening and encouragingly cooperative manner, and an accurate indicator of how long it is going to take to complete.

Likewise -If any sequence that is "commanded" should fail, the user needs to be told that the "This did not properly complete. Please _____" {go on to give them the "next-step", as- in "Please check your Laptop Connection if you do not see your computer images on the room display screen" (and show them the connector diagram or pictures again) or give the logical alternative, as-in: if they are using the system for videoconference and the "call" did not complete because the line or remote system was "busy", show a message like, "Please select your Directory entry and press 'dial' again" - or - "The system or person you are calling is currently "Busy" and is not available for your call - Please contact that individual via

phone or email to verify your meeting, or alternately please select the blue Video-Help Button for assistance from the Command Center".

Show them the (a) button…[either show a sample or show the actual menu area and button screen for making a "Help" call from the roomsystem to the staff in the Command Center]

…or show them some other"next-step" details, remembering to use your onscreen timer and your message of "…here is what is happening now…" method to keep them informed, with appropriate Thank you for your patience…" statements placed discretely in the programming.

SINCE WE JUST USED A " " BUTTON, LET'S PAUSE TO ALSO NOTE: The Critical Role of Color Selection For Use In Control Systems Interface Design. There is a "psychology" to color, and color has complex relationships with human thought, emotion & physical response, and we ignore its' potential impact at our peril.

We take this detour because the initial and on-going perception of the "Intelligence", Reliability and Effectiveness of the system will be greatly influenced by the feelings that it creates in the minds of the end-users, and these "feelings", though influenced by many elements, are initially influenced, in great part, by the layout selections, especially the color choices, for the actual interface display. While we do not intend to stray far from the discussion of "Background Intelligence in the Control System" and how we can put this to good use in our design of the full Control System and support elements, it is important and educational, at this point in our topicmaterials to pause for a moment and consider some fundamental elements of "color", after which we will return immediately to our core main discussion topic(s).

(Reprinted under permission from InfoComm International. Authored by S R Sharer - Communication Design Group Inc.)

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â&#x20AC;˘ TECHNOLOGY â&#x20AC;˘

Pioneering 'Digital Media' The seeds of Crestron DigitalMedia were planted several years ago. That's when Crestron engineers began building on their ambitious vision to create a solution to transmit uncompressed, content protected, HD digital video long distance over a single wire that could be run through walls and conduit and terminated in the field. Actually, that was only a part of the vision.

The original goal was to transmit any mix of analog and digital AV signals, high-speed Ethernet to support streaming media and IR/Serial control up to 100 meters using standard CAT5e cable. For longer distances, a fiber solution would be developed.

During the R&D process, HDMI proved to be more multi-layered and sophisticated than originally anticipated. In addition to the audio and video signals carried on HDMI and DisplayPort, Crestron engineers had to manage several other signal paths and data streams, including HDCP content protection, CEC device control and EDID resolution management.

After years of research and engineering, which included developing new software and equipment for testing and diagnostics, Crestron DigitalMedia was introduced - the first solution for long distance digital transmission and distribution.

The first version of DM was truly revolutionary. No other company was working on any technology to transmit uncompressed HD digital signals combined with analog AV signals, data, control and high-speed Ethernet on a single wire. The original DM solution used chipsets from five different vendors, and while using a single jacketed cable, required three separate terminated wires.

Innovative and visionary, Crestron was the lone voice in an analog world, signaling that the digital revolution was heading our way. At this point, all the analog pioneers scoffed and denied the need for a digital solution.

"Just continue to use component and VGA cable and avoid all the issues with HDMI. Crestron is just making things more complicated than they have to be," was their mantra. One even discouraged their customers from buying Blu-ray players.

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Steadfast and committed, Crestron engineers continued to work to achieve their ultimate goal of a standard UTP solution for uncompressed HD digital AV. About this time, a technology company named Valens Semiconductor approached Crestron with the idea of a new chipset that would transmit full uncompressed HD video over standard CAT5e.

Many months later, Valens delivered their very first chip. Crestron extensively evaluated the chipset in its DM Lab equipped with specially designed testing equipment. This initial chipset brought DM closer to a standard UTP solution, but the technology didn't meet the full specification yet. The chipset was successful in reducing the cabling requirements from three wires down to just one, but still required an engineered, shielded twisted pair wire to guarantee reliable performance.

DigitalMedia 8G was born, and Crestron was one step closer to realizing its vision.

Recognizing that there was still significant work to be done, Crestron and Valens solidified their working relationship by forming an exclusive arrangement. Valens and Crestron engineers collaborated to refine the technology and deliver a true UTP solution for full 1080p HDMI. Crestron is now introducing its third generation technology DigitalMedia 8G+, which enables transmission of uncompressed 1080p/ 60 digital video up to 330 feet using standard unshielded CAT5e wire.

After years of research and engineering and three generations of technology, Crestron DigitalMedia 8G+ delivers on what seemed to be an impossible dream that started many years ago.

The collaboration between Crestron and Valens has resulted in accomplishments that are advancing an entire industry. The latest Valens chip is now publicly available, so it's no coincidence that as InfoComm approaches, several of those analog pioneers who denied that the digital revolution was coming, are now introducing their first digital switchers.

Unfortunately, a switcher alone does not make a system, and a Valens chip is only a small part of providing a reliable digital solution. As Crestron engineers learned from years of experience, a reliable system requires a complete engineered, end-to-end solution that includes all the hardware and software.

DigitalMedia... Much More Than a Chipset or a Cable The latest chipset is just the foundation on which Crestron DigitalMedia is built. DigitalMedia is a complete, modular single platform solution. Crestron DigitalMedia distributes all analog and digital audio and video signals, plus Gigabit Ethernet, USB and control - not just HDMI - all through a single matrix (rather than a several independent switchers that require transcoding) over a single wire. DigitalMedia switches any signal to any and all displays without compression, manages all the HDCP, EDID and CEC automatically, and provides the software tools necessary for installation and troubleshooting.

When you design a system with DM, you get years of experience, with the support of thousands of installations and hundreds of thousands of fullytested connection points behind it. It's a full and ever-expanding product line. It is sophisticated, easy-to-use diagnostics software that cannot be replicated or purchased from a third party vendor.

• INSTALLS •

Fox Riverside

Comes Alive, Anew Fox Performing Arts Center – widely acclaimed as Fox’s Riverside Theater – in Southern California spells magic and an inspiring historic tenet with its very name. Traversing a long 80-plus-year history of heydays and low points, the venue had come to occupy an exalted status in the American artistic tradition. Coming over what threatened its obliteration from the domain, the landmark venue on an ambitious scale recently. One of major stakeholders of infusing life into the prestigious institution was Harman Pro’s JBL who revamped its entire sound system. An AS report: Fox’s Riverside Theater opened in1929 as a cinema/vaudeville theater house. It was built with a Spanish Colonial Revival style and attracted well-known performers including Bing Crosby and Judy Garland. It also became popular location for motion picture previews; had the rare honour of playing host to first public screening of Gone with the Wind.

Having been through ups and downs of time and fortume, the historic structure was reinvented as a state-ofthe-art performing arts theater for Riverside and the Inland Empire.

Redesigned by Bayley Construction and R.F. McCann Architects, the new concept incorporated adaptations and additions on all three levels of the original to include an expanded stage, new stage floor, seats, lighting, a restored decorative ceiling and a refurbished lobby. The one important binding has been that it captured the original grandeur of the 1929 building, with updated amenities for patron enjoyment and comfort.

The new system includes 20 JBL VERTEC VT4888 midsize line array elements, 10 each for the left and right main stage arrays, plus a center cluster of six VERTEC VT4887A compact line array elements. Also included are 10 ASB7128 dual-18-inch subwoofers, 11 VRX928LA compact Constant Curvature loudspeakers for front fill and under-balcony coverage, four VRX928LAP powered Constant Curvature loudspeakers for side fill, six AC26 compact speakers in the rear upper balcony, and numerous Control 25T surface-mount and Control 26CT in-ceiling speakers in the lobby for public address and background music.

The system design specifications included initial input from Ted Leamy of Pro Media/UltraSound in Hercules, California and veteran audio consultant Stanley Miller. The size of the theater and the height of its proscenium arch mandated the use of a left-center-right line array format for the main loudspeaker configuration.

Depending on the type and volume requirements of the performance, the center cluster can be used on its own for basic events, or the full left-centerright system can be employed for more demanding productions. The JBL VERTEC line arrays were chosen by the designers for their ability to handle

While the total renovation took two years, a major attraction of the whole is a completely new sound system features more than 50 HARMAN JBL loudspeakers, highlighted by JBL VERTEC line arrays.

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• INSTALLS • various types of program material equally well including live music, theatrical performances, comedy acts and other types of presentations.

they were able to choose the models needed to accomplish this without overly impacting the architectural integrity of the venue.

Systems integrator Sound Image of Escondido, California, headed by system designer and project manager Mike Martin, completed the installation project and as-built documentation for the venue. Having successfully implemented VERTEC systems in numerous similar venues, the company was well prepared to address the challenging project.

The main VERTEC VT4888 and VT4887A line arrays are powered by Crown I-T5000 HD amplifiers, with I-T9000 HD amplifiers driving the ASB7128 subwoofers. Crown CTs Series amplifiers power the Control 25T and 26CT speakers in the lobby. Two dbx DriveRack 4800 Loudspeaker Management Systems are used to control all the speakers, and a number of additional dbx components including ZonePRO Digital Zone Processors and zone controllers are part of the system. System configuration was performed using Harman HiQnet System Architect 2.0 software.

This installation was more challenging than most because the System Integrator had to install the audio system after all the other renovations had already been done, instead of working with the other trades at the same time during the renovation.

They had to take great care to ensure

that the loudspeakers were not visually obtrusive, while still delivering the proper sound coverage. Because JBL offers such a wide range of loudspeaker sizes and configurations,

The Riverside Pedigree!

The Riverside Theatre opened on June 11, 1929 with White Shadows in the South Seas starring Monte Blue and Raquel Torres. Film star Monte Blue appeared in person and the Wurlitzer 2 manual 10 ranks organ was opened by Warren Wright. With a seating capacity of 1,550 in orchestra and balcony levels, it was built for vaudeville and movies originally designed by Los Angeles-based architects Clifford Balch and engineer Floyd E. Stanberry, who were responsible for designing many of the West Coast Theaters chain that was spread across Southern California through the 1920s. However, it took its prestigious ‘Fox’ tag when underwent the most important change of guard in1928 with William Fox of Fox Studios buying a controlling stake in it; and the corporation became known as Fox West Coast Theaters. This alliance with Fox created a seamless production to distribution system for the film industry. The partnership was short-lived, however, due to both antitrust regulations and Fox’s own financial difficulties. The corporation went into bankruptcy in the early 1930s.

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the Skouras Brothers in 1932 and became part of the National Theaters chain, the largest and most successful theater chain in US history.

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the Fox Theater was used by Hollywood to show previews of future releases before final editing. During World War II, the building served as a makeshift dormitory after the soldiers from nearby military bases filled the city’s available sleeping spaces.

Manager Roy Hunt allowed the soldiers to sleep on the thick carpets of the lobby and auditorium.

In 1942, the Fox Theater converted its stage and surrounding dressing rooms into a 536-person secondary theater Lido which served as a ‘second-run’ film house for headline pictures.

Alterations and additions to the original design included the small secondary theater in the former stage

house, alterations to the proscenium and various new sound absorption finishes in the auditorium. However, post-World War II demographics and fading fortunes spelt trouble times for the theater. In 1978, it was acquired by Walnut Properties who used the main auditorium to show Spanish language films, while Lido became the Pussycat Theater running on adult movies.

In 2006, the City of Riverside acquired the property in order to provide a performing arts facility in the downtown area for community use. The renovation of the Fox Theater is part of a $1.68 billion Riverside Renaissance programme that envisaged setting up more projects in five years than were completed over the last 30. The $35 million renovation of the Fox Theater began in 2006 and was completed in 2009.

It reopened on January 15, 2010 as the Fox Performing Arts Center, and presents live performances, live theater and Classic movies. It now has 1,646 seats, with 971 in the orchestra, 234 in the mezzanine and 441 in the balcony.

â&#x20AC;˘ INSTALLS â&#x20AC;˘

Berkeley Repertory

Sounds with Countryman Known for its core values of imagination and excellence, as well as its educated and adventurous audience, Berkeley Repertory Theatreheaded by Artistic Director Tony Taccone-is the recipient of a Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is widely recognized for its exhilarating new plays. Delivering top notch performances-several of which have gone on to Broadway-is a mission that requires keen attention to detail. Sound quality is certainly a big part of this organization's considerations and, to ensure both vocal and instrumental reproduction is as good as can be, microphones and direct boxes from Menlo Park, CAbased Countryman Associates are an integral part of this theatre's productions.

James Ballen is Berkeley Repertory Theatre's Sound Supervisor. A

theatrical live sound professional who has also worked with Chicago's Goodman Theatre and who, for the past ten years has run sound for Berkeley Rep, is tasked with overseeing all aspects of the theatre's sound operations. Over the past decade, he's become an enthusiastic user of Countryman products, including the company's E6 Omni and E2 Uni-directional earset microphones, B6 Omni lavaliere models, as well as the Type 10 direct boxes. He discussed the challenges he routinely encounters and his reason for selecting Countryman.

"When an actor or actress is outfitted with a microphone-be it an earset or lavaliere type model-sound quality is only one of several key considerations," says Ballen. "Comfort is equally important. If, for example, an earset mic doesn't fit well, it

Rebecca Naomi Jones, Stew, and de'Adre Aziza (left - right) wear Countryman E6 earset microphones in the world premiere of Passing Strange at Berkeley Repertory Theatre.

becomes extremely distracting and this is likely to compromise the talent's ability to give their best performance.

Countryman's E6 earset mics have proven to be extremely comfortable, are very lightweight, and sound fantastic. Compared to many competing products, the E6's are frequently preferred by theatrical performers due to their fit, sound quality, and their ability to blend to various skin tones. These mics are used in many of our productions and we keep roughly ten units in our permanent inventory."

In addition to the Countryman E6 earset models, Ballen reports the theatre also has a pair of E2 earset microphones as well as about fifteen B6 Omni lavalieres. "The Countryman E2's have a much shorter boom than the E6's and, as a result, are even less visible to the audience," says Ballen.

"Being uni-directional, their pickup qualities are different from the E6's, so having both models gives us considerable flexibility when outfitting the talent. Similarly, the B6

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â&#x20AC;˘ INSTALLS â&#x20AC;˘

lavaliere mics have proven to be invaluable when it comes to placing a microphone directly onto wardrobe or hiding it within a costume. The sound quality of the E6's and, for that matter, all of the company's mics, is right there at the top-regardless of price point."

The Countryman E6 is a great microphone choice when achieving suitable audio levels proves difficult, as Ballen explained. "We premiered a show called Passing Strange that eventually went on to Broadway," Ballen said. "This show was presented

on our Thrust Stage, which has a rather odd shape that can cause acoustical challenges. This theatre has no right angles and the stage juts out halfway into the house. Because of these factors, feedback is a huge issue whenever we use lapel or body mics on stage."

"We started tech rehearsals with some microphones placed on the actors' ears to make them as discreet as possible," Ballen continued, "but we quickly hit the ceiling in terms of gain before feedback. We just couldn't get acceptable levels. We then switched everyone over to Countryman E6's and these mics completely resolved the issue. The sound was fantastic, with tons of gain. Everyone involved with the production was impressed with the vast difference the E6's made."

Depending upon the nature of the production, live musicians are frequently hired to play the theatre's

shows. Making the Hi-Z unbalanced (musical instrument) to Lo-Z balanced (mixer channel input) conversion can create distortion and color the sound if not handled properly. To overcome this, Ballen often relies on Countryman Type 10 direct boxes. "We had a show a while back that required several guitars, and we used the Type 10's exclusively," he said. "The sound quality was crystal-clear and transparent-absolutely wonderful."

Before shifting his attention back to the business of the day, Ballen summarized his experience with Countryman Associates, "Countryman's customer and technical support services are some of the best I've encountered. They've overnighted products to us in the past and are very responsive whenever we have questions. After working with a variety of Countryman products over the years, I feel as though everything the company makes is of very high quality and is built to last. Their equipment exhibits well-thought-out designs and I can honestly say I'm very happy with them."

For more than 30 years, Countryman has focused on developing microphones and accessories that deliver maximum gain before feedback, with the highest possible rejection of wind, vibration, interference, and other unwanted sounds. The result is warm, clear vocals in speaking and singing applications, delivering natural audio reinforcement that requires almost no attention from the sound engineer or the performer.

Photo credit: www.kevinberne.com

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REVIEW

PALM Expo 2011, the new, rejuvenated avatar of the pan-India popular Palm India, was held from 2-4 June in Mumbai. Evolving from its previous editions into a strong and integrated expression with two important additions – Musicians Expo and Integrate Expo – addressing the two critical areas of musical domain and AV Systems Integration, the event sought to be bigger than ever, and with more focus and purpose, in its 12th year.

With over 15,000 square metres of area spread across two halls, the PALM Expo 2011 increased both in size and appeal. Added to that was the Harman sponsored Performance Arena, an open-air line array demo area, an Indian Acoustic Musical Instruments Village. The enthusiasm was visible in that the event had a good 50 per cent increase in Exhibitors giving new to look to the

The Sandy Team - Raghav, Bobby and Ram

event exposition in terms of brands making their Indian debut, new product launches, clinics, workshops and an extensive three day Seminar and Conference programme.

This year, the Musician Expo took a separate hall of its own.

Interestingly, it was supposed to bring in the spectrum of Indian acoustical musical instruments too from across the country, but that wasn’t to be on the lines of expectation.

INTEGRATE Expo – the new avatar of the INFO Communica Expo sought to bring that all the much needed integration to the event. Organized concurrently, it did have its own set of exhibitors and trade delegates focused AV and Systems Integration domain comprising LED/LCD video walls, large format displays, digital signages, projection, video conferencing, office automation, distribution, networking and control systems. A notable highlight of this INTEGRATE Expo was the KRAMER Technical Class which was actually held from 31 May to 2 June and conducted by renowned trainer Ranjit Singh, CTS-D,CTS-I,THX (Tech II).

A veteran of one-and-half decade in the audio-visual domain, Ranjit Singh sought to expose the participants to the new frontiers of technology and networking by means of focused sessions.

Exhibitors @ Palm Expo 2011

Alcons

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Barco

Benq

E&E

EV

Harman

Kramer

Focal and KRK

Modi Digital

Ohm

Philips

Pro VA

Robe

Sennheiser

Shure

Sonodyne

Tannoy

Yamaha

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REVIEW

InfoComm 2011, the annual conference and exhibition for professional audiovisual buyers and sellers worldwide, was held from 15-17 June in Orlando, Florida. Claimed to be the second largest commercial AV show ever held, the event is said to have attracted over 33,000 AV professionals coming from over 90 countries across the globe. It is the largest event InfoComm has ever held in Orlando.

“InfoComm continues to be the one tradeshow where most professional AV service providers make their important buying decisions for the year,” said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., Executive Director & CEO, InfoComm International. “The AV marketplace has enthusiastically embraced InfoComm as the place to make their purchasing choices, network with product and service providers, and enhance skills through our robust educational program.”

Education at InfoComm Dominates, Interest in Certification Flourishes: Registrations for InfoComm Academy educational courses totaled 6,000.

Super Tuesday, a full-day of advanced instruction for AV pros, attracted 572 registrants in 2011. The Institute of Professional Development (IPD) attracted 473 registrants. More than 4,600 attended seminars and workshops.

Attendees come to InfoComm for the diversity of courses on topics ranging from acoustics to videoconferencing.

Popular courses were Technology Trends and AV Apps. Other popular classes included CTS Prep, CTS-D Prep, and Elements of AV Design. With twothirds of all of the education sessions

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2011

being new, participants flocked to classes on sustainability, net-centric AV and conferencing.

This year, 88 AV professionals passed the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) exam onsite, a new record.

Twelve passed the CTS-D and four passed the CTS-I. The new CTS Exam Guide sold out in the Show store, but copies may be purchased in online bookstores worldwide.

Exposition Shines with Sights, Sounds and Magic: There were 925 exhibitors participating at InfoComm this year. Exhibitors occupied more than 475,000 net square feet of exhibit and special events space.

InfoComm also released its Sustainable Technology Environments Program with CompTIA and a new projected image standard.

Playing true to its purpose of “connect and network,” the event turned and tuned just the same. It actually opened on 14 June 14 evening with a keynote address by Rob Scott, vice-president and general manager, HP Visual Collaboration, who spoke on Extending the Power of Personal Connections - detailing how companies today are using high definition video to extend natural visual experiences across the enterprise. He demonstrated how new software-based technologies for videoconferencing have been transforming total cost of ownership and opening up a new world of opportunity for businesses - erasing distance barriers, increasing workforce productivity and effectiveness while reducing their organization’s carbon footprint.

Opening Reception, InfoComm’s legendary networking event continued its impact. Sponsored by Yamaha, the event featured live music from VALLEJO, a rock band featuring Latin percussion, as well as hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, making it the ideal venue for meeting new colleagues and catching up with old friends.

Rental & Staging Forum and Reception: Held on 15 June, participants experienced state-of-themeeting-industry presentations and best-practices panel discussions, along with an unveiling of Lighting&Sound America’s 2011 Staged Events Awards.

The reception that followed provided a good opportunity for connecting and networking.

International Reception: On the evening of 15 June, international attendees and exhibitors from all around the globe have gathered and sought to unwind at this popular reception. Free access event that it is it provided an opportunity to meet international colleagues, make global connections and partake of drinks and hors d’oeuvres at the end of the show floor’s opening day.

Standards and Best Practices Plenary Session: Through these sessions, the delegates got to know more about the standards and best practices that are being developed by InfoComm volunteers. The event, provided an ideal channel to learn about how these programmess have been furthering the industry and for learning how to join the hundreds of current standards and best practices volunteers.

EVENT CALENDAR 2011

PREVIEW

July 29-31 Pro Sound Light Expo Chennai, India www.cinematoday.in September 9-13 IBC Amsterdam, Holland www.ibc.org September 11-14 PLASA London, UK www.plasashow.com October 20-22 Broadcast India Mumbai, India www.broadcastindiashow.com

NSA

November 17-19 National Symposium on Acoustics Jhansi & New Delhi, India www.acousticsindia.org

2012 February BES Expo New Delhi, India www.besindia.com April 14-19 NAB Show Las Vegas www.nabshow.com April 11-13 InfoComm China Beijing, China www.infocomm-china.com May 1-3 Palme ME Dubai, UAE www.palme-middleeast.com May 31 - June 2 Palm Expo Mumbai www.palmexpo.in May 31 - June 2 Integrate Expo Mumbai, India www.infocommunica.com June 13-15 InfoComm Orlando www.infocommshow.org June 19-22 Broadcast Asia, Singapore www.broadcast-asia.com July Palme Asia Singapore www.palme-asia.com

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Pro Sound & Light Expo 2011 will be a significant event for all the professionals associated with professional sound, light, media technology, music audio-visual, stage, theatre, and entertainment industry.

The 5th edition of this event will commence on 29th July, 2011 and will continue till 31st July, 2011 at Chennai Trade Centre. The event will provide an excellent opportunity for the exhibitors to showcase highly developed sound, light & music equipments. Professional Sound & Lighting Expo will serve as an outstanding platform for exploring the latest innovation and cutting-edge technology in the industry, and play an important role in the growth of this important sector.

The exhibitors at Pro Sound & Light Expo 2011 are companies dealing in professional lighting, audio, broadcasting and recording equipments, A/V technology, laser technology and special effects equipment, stage, studio and event technology, pro-audio and lighting accessories, multimedia systems, audio auditing systems & products, speaker systems, lighting software, lighting filters, projections, home theatre and many more. The previous edition of Pro Sound & Light Expo evoked good response from the industry and its professionals. While the exhibitor numbers were pretty impressive, it was more significant for the presence of some of the most popular brands from inside and outside the country.

A peep into Pro Sound & Light Expo 2010

Leading World into

Digital Domain That today’s world lives in digital age goes without saying.

However, how much of the world is really digital remains a moot point. While many enterprises and establishments world over had been agog about the digital indispensability, one playing a truly instrumental role is Sennheiser.

SoundSolutions, caught up with Paul Whiting, PresidentGlobal Sales at Sennheiser recently on what the German audio major is upto in its latest initiative. Excerpts: SS – It’s been over two years since we interacted. How has Sennheiser progressed since then?

marketing strategy, or was there any product or technology innovation?

PW – Sennheiser continued to develop in all the market areas over the last three years or so. It was certainly the tougher part of the Recession, but Sennheiser has managed to come out clean, though with smaller growth indices, and did achieve some very positive indicators. Particularly the last one year being very promising with global markets coming alive and showing up new highs of confidence, industry segments became reenergized resulting in increased projects for the company. All this meant a substantial growth in almost all the operational areas.

PW – One of our biggest strengths has been continually come up with new products, looking into what’s happening in market place and what needs to happen. So our work in digital technology is ongoing- we do not have a product in this area yet but we are right now heavily involved in that work. The whole wireless market globally, with the analog sell-off and changing frequencies has also added to the confusion in the market, and people do not know what to do.

Given our networking strengths, we are working very closely with several independent local bodies in different countries to lobby with the governments to make sure that they are aware of what is needed in RF and provide for adoption wireless

SS – That you had been able to tide over the crises and come out clean was it by means of sheer

Paul Whiting President - Global Sales Sennheiser

technologies towards improvising living systems. This is because not many governments are really aware of this necessity. We have been successfully moving forward in our pursuit and beginning to use products in the new frequency ranges.

SS – Is this a global initiative or a focused approach to select markets in Asia, or elsewhere?

PW – Problem is global and so is the requirement too. Some markets such as those in Western Europe and some in the North America are indeed ahead of rest of the world markets, but that does not subsidize the initiative since its purpose is large.

Though the focus might seem a little deeper in markets found to be a bit behind the others, the intent is same.

SS – How far are you through, and at what stage is it now?

PW – We are very heavily into it. We have been able to establish a kind of a channel towards educating governments and related bodies on the need changing their ‘operational frequencies,’ and making them understand what is being used in project markets as well as retail segments leveraging digital technologies. Most government establishments that we have been working with today

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understand the indispensability of digital systems and solutions- we can roughly say that as much as 70 per cent of the project markets today are going digital with Sennheiser playing an instrumental role. So, there is a lot of movement in the market, lot of enthusiasm and a great deal of understanding in the parties concerned.

SS – How about the notion of world markets actively considering analog too instead of just digital so that they can straddle between the two concepts and do the best...

PW – That’s of course there. But as I reiterated, Sennheiser is heavily involved in digital technologies and trying educate establishments on the concept before we introduce them to the systems and solutions. On the other hand, there seems to be a bit of blank on whether there is anything downside or upside of digital technology. Actually analog wireless technology offers far better solutions if one can get the frequencies right in the analog domain with specifics that we have today. It may be costeffective too but all depends on what frequency the system was developed for. That’s very critical, and flexibilities may be very limited.

Sennheiser’s direction, however, is very much focused on digital, and more, it’s not a price-driven initiative. We do not fix a price for a product on just how it looks, but how it works and how the customer experiences the same, and then if it is right price.

Sennheiser is known to be a premium brand with premium products and a matching customer experience factor.

SS – How do you rate your success in the new direction?

PW – We can say we have been largely successful though we see still a lot of work – particularly educating the world markets – needs to be done. It’s rather a case of institutional mindset rather than individual that needs to be changed.

SS – There is a kind of product polarization coming to place with some strategic mergers and acquisitions happening in the market place- how does Senneheiser looks at the competition out of this?

PW – Mergers and acquisitions are a set of market dynamics which does bring a sort of polarization. That does make companies stronger. As said

earlier, Sennheiser watches the market carefully and evolves its strategies.

Competition cannot be and never be a worry for competent enterprises and Sennheiser is known to be one.

That it has many subsidiaries and vast distribution network, it leverages those strengths and R&D expertise to stay in the top league, if not at the top of the league- which is exactly what it is doing currently with its digital initiative.

SS – Apart from the digital initiative, what Sennheiser is focused on today?

PW – Yes, for the last one-half-year or so, we have been analyzing the Sennheiser market structure the product strategy for different markets because there are obviously very highend premium markets as well the markets who are capable but are not exposed to the premium solutions. At the same time there are markets that have shown extreme growths and those that have stayed behind. It all needed a re-look at the whole structure and that has already been put in place. We would probably have a new market structure soon based on the analysis we would have.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Company

Page#

Product

Email

URL

Anutone

20

Interiors

info@anutone.com

www.anutone.com

Bose

84

Sound

prosales@boseindia.com

www.boseindia.com

Beyerdynamic

27

Microphone

naveen@beyerdynamic.com

www.beyerdynamic.com

Broadcast India

75

Tradeshow

saicomtradefairs@vsnlcom

www.broadcastindiashow.com

Christie Digital

5

Projection

sales.singapore@christiedigital.com

www.christiedigital.com

EV

7

Sound

sales@mrhdigital.com

www.electrovoice.com

Hi Tech Audio

83

Sound

rajan@hitechaudiosystems.com

www.hitechaudiosystems.com

Ohm

17

Sound

enquiry@harnessasia.com

www.harnessasia.com

Pro Sound & Light

77

Tradeshow

info@buysellint.com

www.buysellint.com

Pro VA

3,9,13,71,79

AudioVisual

sales@provisualaudio.in

www.provisualaudio.in

Setron

39

Microphone

sales@setronindia.com

www.setronindia.com

Sun Infonet

52,66

Audio

info@sungroup.net

www.sungroup.net

Yamaha

2,11

Audio

info@yamahamusicindia.com

www.yamahamusicindia.com

The next issue of SS promoted at Broadcast India, Mumbai.

The advertisement timeline is 25 August 2011. Email bobby@sandy.in

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