February 2014
Tech Showcases
PTZ Cameras
By Bennett Liles | Posted by Web Editor Jessaca Gutierrez
There have been substantial advances in camera imaging and having this technology coupled to networked and wireless control provides not only an incredibly useful tool for video production, security, and videoconferencing, it also gives us a line of AV gadgets that are incredibly fun to operate….
Large-venue Projectors
By Christopher Maione | Posted by Jessaca Gutierrez
As “serious video projectors,” these units are installed in large venues such as auditoriums, large multipurpose rooms, theaters, HOWs, and other venues where a big, bright video image is required. …
Columns & Features
On the Circuit
By Cynthia Wisehart | Posted by Jessaca Gutierrez
Last month a many-decades-long struggle hit an inflection point. On Jan. 14, the D.C. Circuit Court determined that the FCC has no authority to enforce network neutrality rules, as service providers are not identified as “common carriers.” …
Sight Lines and Sound
On a visceral level, Michael Jackson’s artistry is about music and feet—dancing feet. So for Cirque du Soleil’s permanent attraction, Michael Jackson ONE, every seat in the house has to provide a great sonic experience—and an unobstructed view of the dancers’ feet. …
Fighting Words on Net Neutrality
By David Keene
Why has there been little discussion in our industry of what could arguably be the most important new development in IP and network management in decades?…
Digital Signage Special Report
Rethinking Digital Signage
Digital signage is only one of the outputs of the visual communications ecosystem. Integrators need to think beyond the passive screen and look at how visual communications solutions can provide valuable and measureable benefits to a wide variety of business units within the entire enterprise. …
Digital Signage Products
Some of the latest products in the digital signage market, including displays, encoders, software, and extenders. …
Reviews
Shure MXWS4G15/C Microflex Review
Reviewer: John McJunkin | Posted by Jessaca Gutierrez
Shure Microflex Wireless is similar to a very popular and successful system introduced by another manufacturer in the past decade. Considering that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and Shure’s quality and reliability are very solid, I expected that the system would deliver excellent results. I was not disappointed….
Emerging Technologies: HDBaseT
Inside the HDBaseT 2.0 Specification, Part 1
With Bennett Liles
Chipset manufacturer Valens is at the forefront of HDBaseT and Dana Zelitzki is here from Valens to give us the latest on the new HDBaseT 2 specification. …
Inside the HDBaseT 2.0 Specification, Part 2
With Bennett Liles
Dana Zelitzki of Valens is back with us for part two to get into the power-carrying capability, HDBaseT Class B and some other things on the horizon for Valens….
Emerging Technologies: HDBaseT Products
By Jessaca Gutierrez | Posted by Jessaca Gutierrez
A roundup of the latest HDBaseT products on the market…
Products
PreSonus StudioLive AI-series Active Integration Loudspeakers
The StudioLive AI-series Active Integration loudspeakers line includes the StudioLive 312AI, 315AI, and 328AI and the StudioLive 18sAI subwoofer….
StrandVision Electronic Sign Backgrounds
StrandVision announced electronic sign background templates along with enhancements to the StrandVision service….
Planar Systems Clarity Matrix LCD Videowall
Planar Systems has introduced the Clarity Matrix LCD videowall system with G2Architecture….
Platinum Tools Cyclops 2 Cable Jacket Stripper
Platinum Tools has introduced the Cyclops 2 Cable Jacket Stripper, which is ideal for data, voice, video, audio, security, and other applications….
BenQ MX600 Projector
BenQ has introduced the MX600 mobile-friendly projector….
Bretford MOTIV Soft Seating
Bretford has announced its MOTIV Soft Seating products are now available with Fluid Power….
Riedel Communications MediorNet MNC- OPT-HDMI and MN-HDO-4IO
Riedel Communications has released a new universal video I/O card for the company’s MediorNet Modular realtime network….
Mitsubishi LM55S1, LM55P1, and LM46P1 Monitors
Mitsubishi has announced its line of super-narrow bezel monitors designed for digital signage….
Biamp Vocia PSKIT-1 interface kit and 1.5.2 software
The PSKIT-1 paging station kit allows for direct connection to third-party equipment, such as legacy paging stations and fireman’s microphone panels….
The Buzz
Training? Business Resources? Member Benefits? Check out Your New One-Stop Shop!
Posted by Jessaca Gutierrez
When CEDIA went to work developing the new CEDIA.net, they kept you in mind. This two year project has now been unveiled and it has tools and resources to help you in every area of your business. …
STEP Foundation to Recognize Sustainable Technology Manufacturers
Posted by Jessaca Gutierrez
The STEP Foundation, the non-profit organization dedicated to bringing smart and sustainable practices to the process of planning, designing, integrating and operating information communication technology (ICT) systems, has announced a new program recognizing sustainable manufacturers. …
Meet the Newest CTS Leaders
Posted by Jessaca Gutierrez
The InfoComm International Certification Committee appointed Chuck Espinoza, CTS-D, CTS-I, AV Project Operations Manager, National Capitol Contracting, as the new chair. Also, CTS holders elected six candidates to the InfoComm International Certification Committee….
Biamp Systems and InfoComm Partner to Train on AV Networking in Mexico
Posted by Jessaca Gutierrez
Biamp Systems and InfoComm International announced a partnership to provide networked AV systems training to industry professionals in Mexico. …
Microsoft to Exhibit at InfoComm 2014
Posted by Jessaca Gutierrez
InfoComm International, the trade association representing the commercial audiovisual industry, is pleased to announce that Microsoft will be a new exhibitor at InfoComm 2014, the world’s largest audiovisual trade show. …
Acoustic System Handles Diverse Events
Posted by Jessaca Gutierrez
Antelope Valley College’s Performing Arts Theatre in Lancaster, Calif., is using a Meyer Sound Constellation acoustic system to support its diverse schedule of events. …
What Is the Smartphone Screen-size Sweet Spot?
Screen size has become one of the leading questions that consumers face when considering a new smartphone….
Digital Signposts: When a Crisis Turns Into an Opportunity
By Vern Freedlander, Vice President, Production, X2O Media | Posted by Jessaca Gutierrez
A few years ago Melcrum writer Sona Hathi wrote about News Corp., and how the company “doubled down” on internal communications during the U.K. phone-hacking scandal. It is a great lesson for both integrators and corporate communicators who want to test the effectiveness of their internal communication channels. …