Mounts and Racks
Jan 7, 2014 11:48 AM,
By Bennett Liles
The growing range of new AV gear and its functions have made mounting and housing the hardware an increasingly interesting challenge for system designers and installers. While some devices have shrunk so much that only the operator controls limit its miniaturization, the variety of instruments has conjured more creativity in rack and mount designs. It has all come to an intriguing intersection of modern gadgets and the unchanging realm of human sightlines and reach. The devices shown here illustrate the trend toward innovation and creative functionality in mounts and racks.
Altinex TBL100
For convenient placement of controls and connectors at the edge of a table, Altinex has the TBL100 Table Buddy interconnect box that allows cabling to pass from under a table into the box and to connections on the front panel. The TBL100 mounts with integrated hand-tightened clamps. It can also be permanently attached to the table using wood screws. The connector side can accommodate up to six Altinex sectional plates for customized configuration. These can include audio, video, computer, and AC power connectors.
Atlas Sound AWR3W-HR
For high-security rack installations, Atlas Sound designed the AWR3W-HR 3RU tilt-out half-rack wall cabinet. With welded construction and a locking door, the unit installs between standard 16in. wall studs. The 18-gauge CRS locking tilt-out door, which closes flush against the rack faceplate, is attached to the frame with two-pin style hinges to prevent tampering. The door can be tilted out slightly for equipment operation or opened to a 90-degree angle for installation. The 12-gauge CRS rack-rail mounting holes accept 10-32 hardware.
Avteq UM-1
The UM-1 and UM-1T adjustable universal wall mount from Avteq can be used for flatpanel displays from 32in. to 80in., holding them just 2in. from the wall. With a load capacity of 280lbs., the mount is constructed of solid steel and includes M-10 bolts for most 60in. to 70in. displays. The unit slides out to a width of 27in. and includes mounting hardware. The UM-1 is for vertical-mounting applications while the UM-1T allows the display to be tilted out at the top to as much as 15 degrees.
Chief Manufacturing SL220
For concealing a mounted projector inside a suspended ceiling, Chief Manufacturing offers the SL220 series SMART-LIFT lightweight automated projector mount lift for 120V or 220V operation. The modular unit is made from lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum and requires only one person for its three-step installation. The projector extends about 8in. below the ceiling when lowered. Compatible with several Chief projector mount models, the mechanism quickly and quietly extends and retracts. It has a maximum weight support rating of 30lbs.
Da-Lite MPS-ACM
In any televised presentation a confidence monitor is always a great asset and the Da-Lite Automated Confidence Monitor Stand (MPS-ACM) can keep the top of the monitor around 42in. while providing mobility with lockable heavy-duty 5in. casters. Any display with mounting holes from 1.5in. to 26in. apart can be placed on it and tilted upward between 15 and 50 degrees from vertical. It includes a 6ft. power cord and an RF remote with a range of about 30ft. For aesthetics, there is an optional cloth skirt available. The assembly is composed of steel and it has a welded base.
Draper Credenza Projector Lift
The Credenza Projector Lift from Draper allows a conference or meeting room projector to be concealed inside a credenza and to lift into place with only 1ft. of vertical travel. The interior shelf height is adjustable to fit the specific projector model and the opening through which it emerges requires only a half-inch clearance. The unit comes fully assembled and ready to install with a weight lifting capacity of 150lbs. and a maximum lifting speed of 1.5in. per second. A closure panel can be fitted to the top to match the surrounding surface.
Mounts and Racks
Jan 7, 2014 11:48 AM,
By Bennett Liles
Epson Universal Projector Mount
Projectors can be mounted close to the ceiling with the EpsonUniversal Projector Ceiling Mount with a tilt-and-roll capability of ±15 degrees and a 360-degree swivel. The mount fits most projectors up to 50lbs. Image alignment can be accomplished quickly with a single adjustment point. The projector can be easily removed with a quick-release mechanism, and the cables can be routed through a 1.5in. extension to the attaching column.
Ergotron OmniMount RE-18
The Ergotron Omnimount RE-18 enclosed half-rack system is constructed of heavy gauge steel, and it has top and bottom ventilation including pre-installed cooling fans. There is a lockable tempered glass left- or right-hinged door and removable locking rack side panels. The unit is equipped with casters and adjustable feet to level and stabilize the rack. For cable routing, there are top and bottom knockouts, and the whole product comes completely assembled with one 18-space rack, three 2RU space shelves supporting up to 50lbs., and three 2RU solid blanks. The whole unit supports up to 500lbs.
Extron UTS 100 Series
The UTS 100 series from Extron is a self-supporting, half-rack-width shelf specifically designed for use in environments unfriendly to traditional rack units. The 1RU modular system mounts directly under a table top, without rack rails, and supports any combination of half-, quarter-, and eighth-rack products. For additional rack capacity, one or more UTS 150 secondary shelf units can be attached to the UTS 100. UTS series products are finished in a durable gray powder-coat finish to match other Extron products.
Installer’s Choice SnapRax
Installer’s Choice offers the SnapRax system that assembles in minutes and is available as individual racks and components or as pre-configured units. Available in heights of 8RU, 14RU, 21RU, 29RU, 37RU, and 43RU, the units also come in depths of 20in. and 26in. The 43RU unit has a maximum load capacity of 600lbs. The SnapRax line incorporates a self-squaring HD caster base (casters and leveler brake), tapped #10-32 mounting rails, and flat or curved trim is available.
Lowell Manufacturing LWR-3523
Lowell Manufacturing has introduced two new depths to the current LWR series racks including 28in. and 32in. models. The LWR23 is 35RU high and 23in. deep with a load capacity of 300lbs. The LWR racks are steel and a backbox with 16in. mounting centers, a 10”x10” opening to mount over electrical pull boxes, and embossed dimples on the back plane for installation of board-mounted accessories. There are knockout panels on the top and bottom with two locks on one side. The rack includes PilotPoint screws with 5.1 hardness and captive washers. The mounting section secures to its backbox with spring-loaded L-pins that can be repositioned to change swing orientation.
Lucasey Manufacturing FSF14
For elevating a flatscreen monitor just above a table or countertop, Lucasey Manufacturing has two models with slightly different designs. The FSF12 mount has a rectangular mounting plate, and the tubing that supports the display does not pass through the countertop. Using the FSU adapter plate, it can support displays up to 100lbs. The FSF14 has a circular mounting plate that allows cabling to pass through a hole in the countertop. It is available in three versions to accommodate various mounting bracket widths. Both models permit the display to swivel 90 degrees.
Mounts and Racks
Jan 7, 2014 11:48 AM,
By Bennett Liles
Middle Atlantic Products TechPed
Middle Atlantic Products new TechPed series technology pedestal is a conference table support system that houses equipment and cables. The inner steel rack frame ships directly from stock, allowing integrators to begin the integration of the system immediately. The outer surfaces are shipped separately to the installation site or shop, and can be quickly and easily attached to the core structure to cover the metal and complete the installation. It’s available in three sizes and a range of standard color choices; a custom millwork kit option is also available that provides detailed shop drawings for a woodworker to create a customized look for the TechPed and mounting hardware to attach it to the frame.
Peerless PRSS-UNV-S
Peerless-AV designed the PRSS-UNV-S for projectors up to 50lbs. to have the easiest possible directional adjustments. The mount has separate roll, pitch, and swivel settings. It comes with pre-installed security screws to allow tilt-and-roll locking and tamper proofing. The open frame design lets cables be run through the mount, and there is a quick release thumbscrew mechanism for rapid projector replacement in high up-time environments. The finish is a powder-coat silver, and the mount is configured to secure the projector close to the ceiling and to hold its directional settings during maintenance.
Premier Mounts AM500
Premier Mounts has the answer for installations in which a large display has to be hung in a wide range of possible angles. The AM500 articulating wall mount can hold a display up to 500lbs. and from 65in. to 82in. while allowing it to be pulled out from the wall up to 15in. for maintenance. The 90-degree rotation capability can facilitate landscape and portrait mounting formats. There is a choice of three mounting brackets to suit the width of the display and each can be installed with positive or negative tilt adjustment. The mount itself weighs more than 90lbs.
Rose Electronics RackView
Rose Electronics’ RackView series features several smart and compact KVM stations for controlling everything from KVM switches to servers. The units are housed in mountable sliding 1RU durable drawers that fit into any standard rack. RackView 8-Port DVI-I USB consolidates a KVM switch and KVM user station into one unit. The RackView High Definition offers full HD video. All RackViews include sliding rails and folding and locking mechanisms to ensure easy access while in use, and keep the keyboard and screen from blocking access to rack equipment when the console is closed.
SnapAV Razor Strong VersaBox
Introduced as the perfect companion for the SnapAV Razor low-profile mounts, the Strong VersaBox contains and conceals equipment such as extenders, switches, and amplifiers in the wall behind a flatpanel display. It fits between standard wall studs and attaches directly with screws through the sides, or it can fit into an optional pre-construction bracket installed before the drywall. The box has rubber grommets around the cable holes and its vented cover tilts out for equipment access. SnapAV also produces several lines of pro AV racks including wall mount, cabinet, and floor-standing types.
Spectrum Industries Articulated Flat Panel Monitor Arm
The flatpanel monitor arm from Spectrum Industries comes in three sizes, and it permits a display with VESA mounting holes to be attached to a flat surface through a 3/8in. hole or by a clamp provided with each arm. The 95512 is rated for light duty and can hold monitors from 4lbs. to 11.5lbs., while the 95522 can take monitors from 10lbs. to 27.5lbs. The 95509 heavy-duty model fits monitors from 14lbs. to 31lbs. Once installed, the arm will allow the monitor to be horizontally extended up to 24in. and raised up to 16in.
Mounts and Racks
Jan 7, 2014 11:48 AM,
By Bennett Liles
Vaddio ProductionView Rack Console
The VaddioProductionView Rack Console can be used in a variety of roles, but it is designed primarily for camera control and to house Vaddio ProductionView products. The standard 19in. unit has a 7RU lower bay and an 8RU upper bay with a slanted surface that can accept rack gear up to 14in. deep. The six-degree slant on the lower bay aids with operator controls, while the 39-degree slant on the upper bay minimizes monitor glare. The rack is made of heavy-duty aluminum, and it comes in a black powder-coat finish.
Video Furniture International has a solution for situations in which something more refined than bare metal racks is needed. The mid-sized model in the series, the Rack-16 has a 16RU capacity, a locking tinted acrylic front door, and a solid laminate rear door with a fan cutout for easy access to the connector side of the gear inside. Like the Rack-12 and Rack-21, the Rack-16 is available in a range of wood grain or solid color furniture-grade laminate finishes. The unit contains EIA-compliant threaded rack rails and swiveling casters, two of which have brakes. Options include a six-outlet power bar with a 10ft. cord, 120mm cooling fan, adjustable LCD monitor arm, lacing bar, 6in. soft wheels, and rear rack rails.
Video Mount Products ER-148 Headend Equipment Rack
The ER-148 headend equipment rack from Video Mount Products is a standard 19in. unit made of steel, and it stands 48in. high with 27 rack spaces. The EIA-compliant rack uses rack channels tapped for 10-32 screws, 32 of which are supplied. It has a total load capacity of 400lbs. with an empty weight of 32.4lbs. For secure balance, the unit has a 20in. square base, and the whole structure has a black powder-coat finish. Accessories include casters, a two-post expansion kit, an LCD monitor rackmount, and a vented two-space rack shelf.
