Sound & Video Contractor’s Pick Hits for InfoComm 2004
Jul 12, 2004 8:02 PM
The 2004 InfoComm Pick Hits are products that help push the envelope by applying advanced technology while exhibiting immediate practicality for use in the systems integration industry. Some of the products may be more sophisticated in the implementation of technology or design, and others are just downright useful. The criteria for selecting the 2004 Pick Hits are as follows:
- The products must be new, and not shown at a previous InfoComm show.
- The products must be available for purchase within the calendar year 2004. In some cases, we must take the exhibitor’s word on availability dates, but intended ship dates are confirmed.
With a record number of exhibitors at this year’s InfoComm, there was certainly a broad selection of products to choose from, and the judges definitely had their work cut out for them. When the dust settled, 19 products emerged as Pick Hits of InfoComm 2004.
Adtec Digital Soloist3-DMS
The Winners
The Adtec Digital (www.adtecinc.com) Soloist3-DMS digital media server is a self-contained digital media engine combining the functions of a digital video recorder, player, switcher, and server in one unit.
Avocent AutoView Wireless
The Avocent (www.avocent.com) AutoView Wireless is a wireless keyboard, video, and mouse switching and video broadcasting solution. The AutoView Wireless allows two users to wirelessly connect to as many as 16 servers from 100 feet away. The system also provides for video broadcasting from one computer VGA source to as many as eight displays.
Barco iCon H600
The Barco (www.barco.com) iCon H600, 6,000 ANSI lumen LCD projector features native 1920-by-1080 HDTV resolution. The projector can display as many as four picture-in-picture inserts and allows for video material to be streamed over a network. The integrated server enables meetings between remote sites. In addition, an internal hard disk provides for video on demand. Multiple projectors can be controlled over a network from a central IT location.
Christie DS+60
The Christie (www.christiedigital.com) DS+60 ultra-high-resolution projector is a dual-lamp single-chip DLP projector and features a brightness of 6000 lumens and a variable contrast ratio up to 4000:1.
Crestron TPMC-17QM
The Crestron (www.crestron.com) TPMC-17QM 17-inch wide-screen display Isys I/O touch-panel media center integrates touch-panel control and digital media presentation. Capabilities include streaming digital media, desktop videoconferencing, and multimedia presentation with annotation.
Crown I-Tech4000
The Crown (www.crownaudio.com) I-Tech4000 power amplifier features integrated networking capabilities and digital signal processing (DSP) for custom settings and factory presets, including 64 assignable filters with nine filter types. Front-panel LCD screen and controls allow for amplifier monitoring and diagnostics, configuration, and DSP preset recall.
Endeleo Managed TV
The Endeleo (www.endeleo.com) Managed TV and Display Management System supports 16 users and as many as 192 video channels over distances to 1,500 feet through standard twisted-pair cable. It also allows for Web-based central management of hubs and displays and messaging.
Extron MGP462
The Extron (www.extron.com) MGP462 dual-image multigraphic processor combines video and RGB input sources and enables simultaneous display of multiple images, including custom picture-in-picture functions.
The High End (www.highend.com) DL1 digital light is a multifunctional, moving digital lighting fixture that can project any signal from any RGBHV or S-video playback device. The DL-1 allows for 400-degree pan and 270-degree tilt movement.
InFocus TD61
The InFocus (www.infocus.com) TD61 ultrathin rear-projection system provides a high-definition, 61-inch (diagonal) image at a unit depth of 6.5 inches.
Mercury Online Fred Network Edition
Mercury Online (www.mercuryonline.com) Fred Network Edition is a Web-based tool for managing digital media for digital signage applications across multiple locations and screens
The Meyer Sound (www.meyersound.com) SIM 3 audio analyzer is designed for sound system alignment and other uses, including determining the frequency response of audio components, such as a processor; verifying polarity of system components; and noise and distortion measurements.
Peavey NION
The MediaMatrix (www.mm.peavey.com) Nion is a programmable digital audio-processing node designed for professional and commercial audio and communications applications. Four module bays support as many as 32 simultaneous analog audio channels, and the integrated CobraNet port provides an additional 64 channels, for a total of 96 audio channels.
Vaddio CeilingVIEW 70 PTTZ Hideaway
The Vaddio (www.vaddio.com) CeilingVIEW 70 PTTZ Hideaway motorized camera lift system has a motorized extension arm that, when activated, lowers and reveals the camera. The system features a Sony EVI-D70 PTZ camera mounted into a recessed plenum rated ceiling camera enclosure with the Vaddio EZCamera cabling system, which allows the installer to use Cat-5 cable to run power, video, and camera control.
Yamaha PM5D
The Yamaha (www.yamahaproaudio.com) PM5D digital mixing console offers 64 input channels, with 96 kHz audio with 32-bit internal processing. Outputs include 24 mix, 2 stereo, 8 matrix, 8 Mute groups, and 8 digitally controlled amplifiers. The Model PM5D includes 48 XLR analog mono inputs with manual mic preamps, each with balanced TRS insert I/Os and with an additional four stereo line level inputs. The Model PM5D-RH includes 48 XLR analog mono inputs with recallable mic preamps, with four stereo inputs that will accept mic level signal.
AMX NI-700
The AMX (www.amx.com) NI-700 NetLinx integrated controller is designed for single room or small residential or commercial installations. The NI-700 includes two RS232/RS422/RS485 serial ports, one IR /Serial port, and four Digital I/O ports for controlling most devices in a small conference or classroom.
FSR Twister
FSR (www.fsrinc.com) Twister multimedia twisted-pair distribution series enables sending RGBHV/3xCV/S-video/YUV over Cat-5 cable for distances up to 1,000 feet. The system can be powered from either the transmitter or the receiver at cable runs 700 feet or less.
Major Custom Cable Easy Pull
Major Custom Cable (www.majorcustomcable.com) Easy Pull SVGA cable is for any application where an SVGA cable needs to run a long distance. It allows for easy pulling through 3/4-inch conduit.
Middle Atlantic MW Enclosure Top
The Middle Atlantic (www.middleatlantic.com) MW Enclosure Top facilitates effective cable management, allowing integrators to service or replace the installed or existing top while keeping all cable runs and connections intact. Available in solid, vented, one 10-inch fanmount, or four 4-inch fanmount configurations, the MW Series top options are optimized for both passive and thermal management capabilities.
The Judges
Jeff Sauer — Director, Desktop Video Group, Cambridge, Mass.
Bill Schuermann — Senior Project Consultant, HFP Acoustical, Houston
Bill Platt — President, Platt Design Group, Pasadena, Calif.
Rick Shimer — Owner, Blackhawk Audio, Nashville
Bennett Liles — Freelance TV engineer and AV technician, Atlanta
Derick Hill — Director of Operations, Clark Promedia, Alpharetta, Ga.
Brent Harshbarger — Technology Implementation Manager, CNN, Atlanta
