July 2005
Features
The Next Killer App
By Brad Gleeson
New industries evolve; they don’t emerge overnight. The digital signage industry has reached the stage in its evolution. People are talking because virtually everyone notices the impact of high-resolution digital displays in an airport, a mall…
Technology Showcase: Digital Signage Content Software
By Jay Ankeney
Electronic digital signage is rapidly becoming the most dynamic outlet for digital visual communications. Digital signage, sometimes called narrowcasting, dynamic digital displays, electronic billboards, or even the Outernet, is rapidly…
Technology Showcase: Fiber-Optic Audio Snakes
By Bruce Borgerson
Fiber-optic audio snakes appeared with great fanfare in the late 1980s, carrying with them high hopes for quickly supplanting passive copper snakes across the full spectrum of applications. Alas, to the consternation of the companies…
Installation Profile: Carmike Cinemas
By Daniel Keller
As any Madison Avenue ad exec will tell you, in today’s media-manic world the number one endangered species is the customer’s attention span. As the MTV…
Reviews
AKG C 414 B/XLS
By John McJunkin
On the short list of uber-popular, high-quality, large-diaphragm condenser mics is AKG’s C 414, available in several versions. This mic was based on the landmark C 12 A, which first appeared in 1962. The C 12 A was the first AKG mic with the “trapezoidal” windscreen. Since that time, the mic has progressed through several variations. Current iterations include the C 414 B/XL II and the C 414 B/XLS…
Canon Realis SX50
By Jeff Sauer
When Canon announced the Realis SX50 last fall, it rightly raised some eyebrows. After all, any native SXGA+ projector for less than $5,000 ought to catch…
Columns
Dueling “Out of Office” Replies
By Mark Johnson
I just returned from InfoComm 2005 in Las Vegas (look for our show wrap-up online and in the August issue). It was a bigger show this year more exhibitors,…
Picture This: 3D Digital Signage
By Jeff Sauer
I suppose everyone has a different reaction to 3D video. It’s a novelty, of course, and I have to admit that I’ve never really been very taken by it. That may be for the simple reason that the silly one-eye-red, one-eye-blue glasses give me a headache. Newer polarized 3D glasses don’t seem to cause the same physiological reaction, and that’s helped me enjoy 3D…
Associations Focus: Education Foundation is Making the Grade
The programs and initiatives of the NSCA Education Foundation have been gaining momentum as members of the industry join in a quest for success through…
Associations Focus: Summer Events from CEDIA
CEDIA EXPO SEPTEMBER 7-11, INDIANAPOLIS Time is running out to receive the early-bird discounts at CEDIA EXPO. July 15 is the last day you can register…
Associations Focus: City Hall Spending Big
ICIA estimates that spending by state and local governments in the United States for AV systems is $1.2 billion annually. Additionally, this number is…
Security Watch: Combining Fire and Security Systems
By Steve Filippini
I am currently employed as a security and fire alarm designer for a respectable Midwestern alarm company. I deal primarily with national accounts, which consist of businesses or chains that have several hundred branches…
POV: Talking Trends at InfoComm 05
A cross section of professional audiovisual and communication industry leaders explored current and future trends in technology development last month…
Departments
The Buzz: Install of the Month
Mike Lethby
Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, UAE Fit for an Emir Partially opened in February 2005 and scheduled for completion later this year, the new seven-star Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates…
The Buzz: Newsmakers
Texas-based Rupert Neve Designs has appointed Josh Thomas vice president of sales and strategic alliances. Andy Fliss has joined Aurora Multimedia as…
The Buzz: 20 Years Ago in
Sound & Video Contractor
Mark Johnson
The July issue in 1985 focused on theater design. Regular columnist David Scheirman kicked it off with a feature article about the new Turbosound loudspeaker system installed in the Grand Ole Opry. Next up was a comprehensive overview by various contributors of the Orange County Performing Arts Center (OCPAC). John von Szeliski’s “Genesis of an Arts Center” started the section detailing the design goals of the not-yet-completed facility. Von Szeliski was the theater design consultant for the Blurock Partnership…
The Buzz: Industry News
PSA Security Network presented its Vendor Appreciation Awards at a banquet held during the PSA 2005 Convention. CSC/Southwest Wire, Dedicated Micros,…
The Buzz: Upcoming Events
July 22-24 NAMM International Music Products Association Indianapolis www.namm.com; August 23-24 DisplaySearch HDTV Conference 2005 Los Angeles www.displaysearch.com/hdtvconference…
The Buzz: Contractor’s Web Watch
www.audiocontrol.com AudioControl has launched four new websites designed for dealers and enthusiasts in each of its core businesses: www.mobileaudiocontrol.com,…
The Buzz: Letters
What’s New
What’s New: Video Technology
Displays Samsung The new plasma lineup includes the 42in. high-definition PPM42M5H (pictured), the 42in. standard-definition PPM42M5S, and the 50in. PPM50M5H. All of the new plasmas offer a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and a 1,100cd/m2 brightness level and can be mounted either horizontally or vertically…
What’s New: Audio Technology
Loudspeaker OAP Audio Products The new SM-281 loudspeaker system is a bracket-mountable, two-way, full-range stage monitor with an ultra-low profile…
What’s New: Residential Technology
Loudspeaker Canton The new LE 100 series features six models: LE 190 and LE 170 full-range tower speakers; LE 150 CM center-channel speaker; LE 130 and LE 120 compact two-way speakers; and LE 110 on-wall speakers. All models feature silk dome tweeters employing a finer silk…
What’s New: Security Technology
DVR/Server Infinova V3010 series DVR/servers are available with 4, 8, 12, and 16 channels. They provide realtime viewing at resolutions…
