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Best of Market ’21

The following products were judged from among submitted products for the annual Best of ISE/Best of Market ’21 awards. These winners reflect a commitment to our industry, not only in delivering quality signal and good experiences to endusers but to attempt to solve problems and create value for integrators. Congratulations to the winning companies and product teams.

DVIGear HyperLight DisplayPort / mDP 1.4 Active Optical Cables

HyperLight DisplayPort / mDP 1.4 Active Optical Cables support both full-size and Mini DisplayPort connections. They enable the extension of DisplayPort 1.4 signals with aggregate data rates up to 32.4 Gbps. (HBR3), and support resolutions up to 8K/30Hz 4:4:4 for cable lengths of up to 50 meters and 4K / 60Hz (4:4:4) up to 100 meters. They are HDCP 1.4 / 2.2 compliant. Mini DisplayPort connectors at both ends of the cable provide direct connection to both Mini-DP sources and displays without the need for intermediary adaptors or dongles. Each cable includes a pair of detachable docking plugs to enable direct connection to full-size DisplayPort devices; locking pins prevent disconnection.

The company claims a MTBF of greater than 150,000 hours (> 17 years) and an in-field failure rate of less than 0.1%. Highspeed DisplayPort signals are transmitted over four optical fibers, which make them immune to interference from environmental noise. The optical transmission path provides a very low RFI/EMI profile, which allows the cables to be installed in applications with strict security requirements. Power drawn from the DisplayPort source eliminates the need for an external power supply.

Constructed using a hybrid design of Polyfluorinated Optical Fiber and copper wires, HyperLight cables are plenum rated, rugged, lightweight, and highly flexible, with a minimum bend radius of just two millimeters. To minimize cable diameter during installation, when the full-size DisplayPort docking plugs are detached, the cable’s cross-sectional area measures 8×13 millimeters. An optional pulling sleeve further enhances ease of installation even in narrow conduits or plenum air spaces. From the judges: “Greatly simplifies long-run DisplayPort and mini DisplayPort installations for 4:4:4 color at 4K/60 or 8K/30. Designed with installation in mind–narrow diameter with optional pulling sleeve, locking pins, no adapters, dongles, or external power supply, HDCP-compliant.”

Shure Microflex Ecosystem

The Microflex Ecosystem brings together Shure’s top AV products to provide a customizable, all-inclusive audio conferencing solution, regardless of location and application across small meeting rooms, large lecture halls or full-scale conference centers. The Microflex ecosystem includes components from Shure’s fieldproven lineup. The MXA710 Linear Array Microphone provides audio capture in AV conferencing environments with an aesthetic low-profile design. The Microflex MXN5W-C Networked Loudspeaker offers high-quality speech reproduction; it’s PoE-enabled with an onboard amplifier and includes Dante inputs and outputs. The MXA Network Mute Button—is designed for easy muting of Shure networked audio products, including Microflex Advance Array Microphones, the IntelliMix P300 and IntelliMix Room DSPs and ANIUSB-MATRIX.

This complete solution is collaboration-ready—certified for use with leading third-party software and hardware conferencing platforms, including Zoom, Cisco WebEx, etc. Microphones, DSP, and loudspeakers are Microsoft Teams Certified. Shure offers a variety of product bundles for specific room size requirements. Shure Designer software speeds time to installation and supports monitoring/troubleshooting for scalable installations. From the judges: “It’s a suite of industry-leading products, but it’s the thought put into end-to-end integration, pre-packaged options, and certification with most consumer collaboration platforms that puts this over the top. Meets the challenge for the way we need to work and scale now.”

Audinate Dante AVIO Adapters

This year, Audinate expanded its popular Dante AVIO line with new adapters that add USB-C and Bluetooth signals to Dante audio networks. These new AVIO offerings enable both wired and wireless connection options for mobile devices and computers to connect to any Dante audio network for playout or recording.

The Dante AVIO family of adapters allow users to easily use non-networked audio equipment on a Dante audio network. Dante AVIO is available in 1- or 2-channel analog input or output configurations, as well as AES3/EBU, USB, and Bluetooth. The Dante AVIO USB-C adapter connects to devices with USB-C or A ports (cables included) to deliver and receive two channels of audio over a Dante audio network. It requires no additional drivers and works with any application. The Dante AVIO USB-C adapter may be powered via USB or PoE. When connected to a PoE Ethernet switch, 7.5 watts of power is available to USB-C compatible mobile devices, enabling smartphones and tablets to remain charged while connected to a Dante network. Pairing devices is simple and straightforward, allowing for automatic connections to paired devices when in range. Dante AVIO Bluetooth is ideal for playback to larger sound systems, and for connecting networked speakers and microphones to mobile conferencing software running on tablets and smartphones. From the judges: “A slick, easy, and necessary way to bring non-networked USB-C and Bluetooth devices on to the Dante network.”

Crestron Electronics DM NVX 4K60 4:4:4 HDR Network AV Encoder/Decoder with Downmixing and Dante Audio

Crestron DM NVX technology transports ultra-high definition 4K60 4:4:4 video over standard 1 Gigabit Ethernet with no perceptible latency or loss of quality. Using standard network switches and CAT5e UTP wiring, it supports professional onboard scaling, HDR (High Dynamic Range), and HDCP 2.3 compliance for quality and compatibility for today’s varied media sources.

Crestron DM-NVX-363 is a compact AV-over-IP encoder/decoder designed to function as either a transmitter or receiver. Capable of handling a network AV installation of any size, the DM-NVX-363 includes features such as secure web-based control and management, a scaling HDMI output, video wall processing, an analog audio input or output, surround sound audio with downmixing, native Dante and AES67 transmit and receive capability, USB 2.0 and KVM integration, and support for copper and fiber Ethernet connectivity. In selected operating mode, the DM-NVX-363 can encode or decode a video signal to achieve imperceptible end-to-end latency of less than 1 frame. From the judges: “This all-purpose AVoIP platform brings Crestron detail and integration to 1G 4K60 4:4:4 AVoIP installs. Working as either a receiver or transmitter, DM NVX handles varied audio and video sources (and KVM) with Pro AV priorities for signal quality, scaling, and low latency.”

Datapath Aetria

Aetria from Datapath brings all the elements of control room design, management, control, and monitoring into a single solution, allowing integrators and end users to design systems to meet requirements, including connectivity, video walls, workstations, and source management, ranging from small to very large installations. Aetria has been designed to make content sharing easy for operators, plus providing easy control, management, and security for administrators. It manages the underlying technology, enabling users to focus on their primary objectives with simple and secure ‘any source/any screen’ management to control rooms. With Aetria, Datapath is also introducing several workstation options, depending on end-user requirements and connectivity preferences. The comprehensive Aetria Workstation solution offers almost unlimited connectivity and flexibility of source viewing, sharing and control, and security depending on requirements. From the judges: “An extensive platform built with comprehensive care for modern control room design, management, control, and monitoring, taking advantage of Datapath’s long-standing expertise in secure multi-point sharing of data.”

Ross Video Ultrix Carbonite Mid-Size Hyper-Converged Production Platform

Ultrix Carbonite combines the routing and AV processing capabilities of Ross Ultrix with the creative capabilities of the Ross Carbonite mid-size production switcher. This compact, single-chassis solution consumes less power, takes up less space, and requires less cooling compared with the equivalent racks of equipment it can replace. This greatly simplifies system design, cabling, and equipment installation. Combining the routing platform with the production switcher shrinks the number of inter-rack failure points and reduces maintenance requirements. Overall, significant CapEx and OpEx savings can be achieved over the life of Ultrix Carbonite. Ultrix Carbonite is ideal for mid-size facilities facing the challenges of mixed or changing signal formats or connectivity schemes. Any of the three available Ultrix I/O boards (SDI, IP or SFP) can be installed in available slots and mixed as needed, providing maximum flexibility and convenience now and in the future.

Each Software-Defined Production Engine (SDPE) can be installed in either an Ultrix FR2 or FR5 frame and provides up to two powerful Carbonite M/E banks and versatile MiniMEs. That means a 2RU chassis and 1RU redundant power supply frame can provide a complete, multi-M/E production switcher and a flexible routing platform for HD or 4K UHD. This space-saving solution eliminates the need for audio processing, framesync and multiviewer hardware, as well as the interrack cabling typically required in traditional system designs. The versatile SDPE hardware blade that powers Ultrix Carbonite is designed to provide significant advantages over traditional switchers. New features and functionality can be added without costly hardware replacement. Multiple SDPE blades, configured as Carbonite switchers, can be installed in a single FR5 frame for simultaneous HD and 4K UHD production. From the judges: “This ingenious hybrid of Utrix distribution and Carbonite creative control is designed to save space, minimizes failure points and presents a flexible way to manage and upgrade mixed signal scenarios.”

Bose Professional AMM Multipurpose Loudspeakers

The Bose Professional AMM multipurpose loudspeakers feature a versatile, ergonomic point-and-shoot design and consistent voicing with companion Bose AM array modules and Bose AMU Utility loudspeakers.

AMM loudspeakers are multipurpose, on purpose, and can deploy as one part of a system or in multiple roles within the system. Permanent installations or portable PA setups use the same AMM models as mains, monitors, fills, and delays. The AMM line includes two fullrange loudspeakers–AMM108 and AMM112–and a companion subwoofer. Both loudspeakers feature a passive, two-way coaxial design and Bose DSP. The proprietary Beamwidth Matching Waveguide optimizes the LF and HF transition and allows for greater pattern control and consistency. Located just behind the grille, the Beamwidth Matching Waveguide seals the acoustic volume of the woofer and features a unique vent pattern that controls low-frequency dispersion, aligning the low- and high-frequency beamwidths at crossover. The result is wide-band, symmetrical sound coverage.

The AMS115 subwoofer offers low frequency down to 35 Hz, a 15-inch transducer, ported lightweight enclosure, and integrated M20 threaded pole mount; the cabinet can be rotated for installation options. Ergonomic handles, cutouts, cabinet geometry, and lightweight design make AMM loudspeakers easy to integrate into any application. From the judges: “Like all the winning speakers, these reflect a threedimensional view of what installations really need. Multi-purpose with a purpose means two full range speakers and a subwoofer are designed to provide integrated options for various configurations, as well as support consistent voicing with companion Bose arrays and utility speakers.”

Renkus-Heinz Inc. Iconyx Compact Series (ICC 24/3)

Renkus-Heinz’s Iconyx Compact 24/3 brings the benefits of RenkusHeinz’ Iconyx family to a small footprint array. The ICC 24/3 is one of many models in the new Iconyx Compact Series, a line that offers additional solutions for integrators in “medium-sized” installations, opening up more opportunities in the house of worship, corporate, transportation, education, and government markets.

The Iconyx Compact Series brings performance and directivity to spaces where the classic Iconyx arrays might be too large. The very narrow profile blends into nearly any environment, while the directivity control helps with challenging acoustics, making beam-steered line arrays available to even the most architecturally sensitive spaces. An all-new, 24-channel digital amplifier powers 24 3″/ 7 7 mm full-range, high sensitivity, treated-paper cone drivers. With an amplifier and DSP channel for each driver, the flexibility of Iconyx is available in a package nearly 40 percent smaller than the classic Iconyx.

The ICC 24/3 provides the performance of Renkus-Heinz: full RHAON II beam-steering with the latest U.R.G.O beam algorithms, a movable acoustic center, multiple beam opening angles, and high-pass filtering of individual beams. Wall-mount bracket is included. Standard RN units have analog and AES inputs; RD1 models add Dante audio-over-IP functionality. From the judges: “Now mid-size installations get their turn with Iconyx, part of an important broader trend to deliver quality to a wider range of installations.”

Martin Audio TORUS

TORUS is the first constant curvature array created by Martin Audio in its 50-year history. It combines Martin Audio’s optimized coverage with the SPL profile needed for applications that typically require a throw between 15-30m.

TORUS was in development for three years. Each TORUS cabinet is designed for a flexible horizontal dispersion pattern and this can be manually adjusted between 90°, 60°, or 75° (asymmetrical) via the unique Dynamic Horn Flare – a rotating mechanism accessible from the front grille. This not only moves and locks the waveguide but also adjusts the horn mouth (including the low diffraction termination) into the baffle, to ensure correct geometry and optimal performance in each of those settings. Martin Audio has increased mid-band sensitivity with a phase bung mounted in front of the 12” woofer. This increases the efficiency and allows a higher crossover frequency into the three 1.4” HF polymer dome neodymium compression drivers, minimizing upper mid-band distortion while achieving the required headroom and throw. The three compression drivers are arrayed via acoustic waveguides designed using BEM models to achieve the correct wavefront curvature and phase alignment for consistent coverage. A passive crossover ensures that system deployment is simple and amplifier channel count can be minimized or optimized and scaled for the application as desired. Details such as magnetized rigging clips to avoid rattle are among the many details incorporated. From the judges: “Our manufacturers are each bringing their well-rounded and specialized expertise—and the commitment of their talent–to a breadth of audio installations. Martin’s first-ever constant curvature array honors small to medium throw live events with installation flexibility, efficiency of coverage, and a sound profile purpose-designed for 15-30m.”

 

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