QSC ACOUSTICDESIGN PENDANT-MOUNT LOUDSPEAKERS: NOVEMBER 2016
QSC engineers and product designers have brought a lot of value this year to their AcousticDesign installed speakers, taking advantage of a technology they call Directivity Match Transition (DMT) designed to ensure consistency of tonal quality across a range of installed form factors. The ceiling-mount models in the line got a lot of attention earlier this year and the new pendant mount models received the most votes from SVC readers in this year-end awards. Whether surface-, ceiling-, or pendant-mount, AcousticDesign pendant-mount, two-way loudspeakers are pitched at foreground and background sound reinforcement applications that utilize 70/100V or 16ohm bypass configurations. The range also benefits from the company’s Intrinsic Correction (QSC’s custom loudspeaker voicings) which can be drag-and-drop implemented when using the Q-SYS platform. And they look good.
QSC Q-SYS DESIGNER SOFTWARE: OCTOBER 2016
Intuitive and easy to use, the Q-SYS Designer Software is a simple, mature and advanced DSP software reflecting decades of experience with the powerful Q-SYS Integrated System platform. It enables the user to create sophisticated yet clutter-free designs for the platform, without complicated multi-level menus. As a result, the software allows system integrators to focus their energy on building the audio system, rather than laboring over a complex software learning curve. Q-SYS Designer Software can be used with all Q-SYS Cores and peripherals. With this software, integrators can build the majority of the system without hardware, you can control external devices through available LUA scripting, and you can design custom buttons, import graphics, and build user controls for touchscreen controllers. qsc.com
AURORA MULTIMEDIA VLX-TC1-C: OCTOBER 2016
This unique visually-lossless IP streaming solution is based on Aurora’s IPBaseT technology, which the company describes as synergizing various IP/AV standards to work together as one. It is the industry’s first 4K UHD transceiver with only 1.5 frame (25ms) latency and visually lossless compression. Beyond the compression engineering, the product innovates in form factor. The components of VLX-TC1 Series can be set up as either transmitter (encoder) or receiver (decoder) and carry a single SKU, simplifying installation, inventory, and troubleshooting and allowing customers to maintain universal spares.
MACKIE AXIS DIGITAL MIXING SYSTEM: OCTOBER 2016
With full Dante integration, the modular AXIS system combines the power of Mackie’s 32-channel DL32R digital mixer with the company’s innovative DC16 control surface for an integrated, modern system, designed to provide an innovative tactile mixing experience through the controller. With 32 remote-controllable Onyx+ mic preamps and 16 outputs paired with extensive built-in DSP, the system is pitched at medium and large channel count live sound production and system integration applications. The system relies on Dante for communication between the DL32R mixer and DC16 control surface.
TOA ELECTRONICS MA-725F-AM AMPLIFIER: OCTOBER 2016
The innovation here is in bringing higher-end features to a simple, cost-effective and tamper-resistant platform. This mid-level background music and paging system can deliver high power for multiple zones, without complicated setup or programming. It’s a six-input matrix mixer: four are configured for BGM or other line-level sources, while two balanced inputs are designated for priority sources, such as paging mics or message players. It’s paired within a single chassis with a 4 x 250W (@70 or 100V) Class D amplifier; totally digital at 24Bit/48kHz. The simple front panel provides source select buttons and four output level (zone) controls. All other controls are placed on the rear panel to prevent unauthorized tampering.
INFOCUS INF7023 DISPLAY: SEPTEMBER 2016
Several of the voters’ favorites were collaboration tools, reflecting the reality that innovation is valued in this area. InFo- cus’ 70-inch Mondopad Ultra touchscreen collaboration system takes an all-in-one approach, combining videoconferencing, interactive whiteboarding, presentation, and data sharing display for across the conference table or the globe (as InFocus envisions it). The 70-inch UHD 4K Mondopad Ultra is the first to combine projected capacitive touch technology with 4K screen resolution combining image clarity with striking industrial design and an intuitive lineup of multi-touch capabilities.
MEYER SOUND GALILEO GALAXY: SEPTEMBER 2016
The Galileo GALAXY network platform offers incredibly advanced processing power and networking standards—it’s a real flagship from the minds at Meyer, combining open-source networkability (via AVB), pristine audio performance, and Meyer’s meticulous algorithms. It’s the first Meyer Sound loudspeaker processor to be fully networkable, with multiple units sharing 24-bit/96 kHz multi-channel audio via an AVB network. Maximum input count has been increased from six to eight for easier implementation of 7.1 systems, and a new generation of FPGA-based processing with 96 kHz floating point resolution delivers increased dynamic range, a lower noise floor, and super-low latency of 0.6ms analog in to analog out.
CRESTRON DMPS3-4K-50: AUGUST 2016
Creston’s been killing it with this range of configurable presentation products. The DMPS3-4K-50 is a UHD presentation switcher and control solution pitched at small- to medium-sized huddle rooms, conference rooms, and classrooms. It integrates the control system, multi-format switcher, 4K video scaler, and audio DSP all into one compact device that mounts conveniently under a conference table or in an equipment rack. Built-in Crestron Connect It affords a complete collaboration solution that can be easily configured for a variety of media presentation applications without programming.
CRESTRON DMPS-4K-100-C: AUGUST 2016
Like the DMPS3-4K-50, the Crestron DMPS3-4K-100-C provides a UHD presentation switcher and control solution ideal for collaboration spaces, integrating the control system, multi-format switcher, 4K video scaler, and audio DSP all into one device that can be mounted under a conference table or in an equipment rack — plus, it integrates the mic preamp, as well. It provides fully automatic operation and DigitalMedia or HDBaseT output, and it works seamlessly out of the box with up to four Crestron Connect It Cable Caddies. The DMPS3- 4K-100-C allows simplified configuration using built-in .AV Framework technology, or is fully-programmable for completely custom applications.
AUDIO-TECHNICA ATND931 CONDENSER GOOSENECK MICROPHONE WITH DANTE NETWORK OUTPUT POWER MODULE: JULY 2016
Want to integrate a microphone with a Dante network without the need for a separate, standalone audio interface? The ingenious ATND931 Dante six-inch gooseneck microphone comes standard in all configurations with the ATND9734 Micro- phone Ceiling Mount Power Module with Dante Network Output. A simple Ethernet connection allows the microphone (powered by network PoE) to communicate across an existing network of Dante-enabled devices. It’s available in black and white color options in three polar patterns (cardioid, hypercardioid, and MicroLine).
MATROX MONARCH LCS: JULY 2016
This compact, easy-to-use, two-input lecture capture appliance solves a common lecture capture/distance learning problem: how to combine and stream and record high-quality video and high-resolution CG. The Monarch LCS accepts video from any SDI or HDMI camera and presentation content over HDMI from computers. These inputs can be encoded independently and in sync for use with the latest multi-stream video players. Alternatively, the inputs can be combined prior to encoding in a variety of production layouts, including picture-in-picture and side-by-side, for use with video players. A comprehensive set of HTTP- based control APIs allows for customized user experiences. A Crestron control module is also available.
PEERLESS-AV SMARTMOUNT SUPREME FULL SERVICE VIDEO WALL MOUNT
SVC voters typically like mechanical as well as electronic innovation. This light, ingenious mount supports lateral micro-adjustments and convenient pop-out serviceability that are just what’s needed for creating video walls in retail, transportation, and entertainment settings. Installers can make simple, tool-less micro adjustments for 1.5 inches of travel on each of the X, Y, and Z axes. The mount supports display alignment without calculations and onsite. The Supreme Mount offers reusable display-dedicated wall plate spacers, which can be used for both portrait and landscape applications. Additionally, the Supreme Mount is 25 percent lighter in comparison to previous models.
TVONE ONERACK: JULY 2016
The ONErack tackles a known reality: beautifully tied rack mounting has a shelf-life of…well, exactly until the first component fails or a new component has to be added. This deceptively clever rack allows for the clean, independent integration of components with varying sizes and power supply voltage requirements. The rack design supports devices from any manufacturer, transforming them into slide-in modules that can be installed quickly and cleanly and serviced and replaced easily in high-density configurations. The ONErack’s front and rear access provides uniform cable management for variable voltage and built-in cooling. For service, just slide out a failed device, no cable ties, no guessing.
1 BEYOND COLLABORATE AVS: JUNE 2016
During a videoconference with multiple people on multiple microphones, how can the camera know where to point? The Collaborative AVS wireless mic receiver system supports multiple push-to-talk microphone set-ups; the camera automatically switches to whoever is using the mic. This simple innovation opens up more possibilities for companies, schools, churches, and others to expand their communication with streaming video.
ANCHOR AUDIO LIBERTY PLATINUM PORTABLE PA: JUNE 2016
The Liberty Platinum is pitched for both voice amplification and music. It’s a stand mountable portable sound system that offers up to two built-in wireless receivers. Standard built-in Bluetooth is also included in every unit with an optional built-in CD/MP3 combo player. The Liberty also has an optional built-in transmitter that wirelessly connects to one or more Liberty AIR battery powered companion speakers. Use the Liberty indoors and outdoors for school functions, corporate events, political rallies, military ceremonies, indoor and outdoor auditoriums, houses of worship, and more.
MIDDLE ATLANTIC DC POWER DISTRIBUTION: JUNE 2016
Power clutter has long been a hurdle in AV, networking, and security installations, but with DC Power Distribution you can eliminate the wall warts. The universal power solution supports most DC powered devices like extenders, scalers, converters, and media players. With flexible mounting options, DC Power Distribution can be placed within typical rack units, small enclosures, or wall boxes. This space-saving solution is intuitive to install, with a color-coded screw terminal connector platform and polarity labeling. Leads can be trimmed to length, which is one of the ways this solution reduces design modifications and the accompanying costs.
PANAMAX VT4315-PRO: JUNE 2016
This compact, full-featured power management solution is a vertically mounted, IP-enabled power conditioner that leverages Panamax’s BlueBOLT IP control technology to control 12 outlets in eight banks – four individually controlled outlets and eight in paired duplex banks. This also utilizes Panamax’s Protect-or-Disconnect surge protection and Automatic Voltage Monitoring (AVM) over/under voltage protection, plus Linear Filtering for best performance of protected equipment. Gigabit-ready and high-bandwidth coaxial signal-side protection are included to safeguard from lightning damage that may come from incoming signal lines.
YAMAHA NEXO ID SERIES SPEAKERS: JUNE 2016
In acoustically challenging spaces, the NEXO ID Series has some new answers. The NEXO ID Series loudspeaker cabinet is a very compact, low profile, small format, yet high-output single speaker for use under balcony, for front fill and side fill applications; Yamaha positions it as the perfect accompaniment to NEXO line arrays. With a variety of mounting options, the cabinet can fit into almost any environment, offering high SPL output with variable directivities enabling it to ‘beam’ sound into difficult spaces. Currently, the new series is comprised of the ID24 full-range compact speaker that uses twin 4in. drivers, V formation, in combination with an HF compression driver offering two preset directivity options. Complementing the ID24 are two extremely low profile subs: ID S110 (1x10in.) and ID S210 (2x10in.).
BENQ LU9715 BLUECORE LASER PROJECTOR: MAY 2016
This projector is all about brightness—8000 ANSI-lumen brightness and 100,000:1 contrast ratio, even under bright ambient lighting. BenQ’s Total Inner Reflection (TIR) prism is designed to calibrate center and corner brightness for uniformity. The BlueCore laser line claims significantly improved color performance through a dual color wheel system, which claims purer whites and accurately saturated RGBY. Mechanically it comes with support for 360-degree and portrait installation, and 24/7 operation for expanded application opportunities. The native WUXGA/1080p LU9715 is also compatible with a selection of lenses for a wide range of installation possibilities, to accommodate the diverse needs of museums, entertainment venues, and large enterprise spaces.
STARDRAW.COM STARDRAW DESIGN 7.2: MAY 2016
The latest version of the Stardraw Design 7 software package has features that solve a number of challenges and proved popular with voters. First is PDF Import; you can now import a PDF file, which creates a new project with a drawing tab for each page in the PDF. Vector PDFs are converted into faithful, editable vector drawings, meaning that you can edit the text as well as other objects, like lines, rectangles, arcs, etc., as if they were native SD7 drawings. Other new features include the addition of Plan View symbols and support of the CTA/CEDIA/InfoComm standard, J-STD-710 “Audio, Video and Control Architectural Drawing Symbols.” Also, the Available Symbols palette enables any product in your project to be simply dragged into a Plan View drawing where the symbol will appear complete with all its Attributes.
YAMAHA SWP1 L2 GIGABIT NETWORK SWITCHES: MAY 2016
Complex network switch setup that was previously better left to an IT technician can now be easily accomplished by anyone through this deceptively simple device: a DIP switch setting is all that is required to optimize the SWP1 Series network switches for Dante operation. A dedicated Windows application provides “network visibility” for comprehensive monitoring and control. The SWP1 simplifies switch configuration by having settings for QoS, IGMP Snooping, and other parameters pre-configured optimal Dante performance. It is ideal for audio engineers who may be new to IP networking.
BLACKMAGIC DESIGN VIDEO ASSIST 4K: APRIL 2016
Here’s an easy way to add professional monitoring and recording to any SDI or HDMI camera. The Blackmagic Video Assist provides a bright touchscreen display that’s larger than the displays found on DSLR cameras, a monitor that supports 3D LUTs and includes focus assist and exposure tools, making it easier to accurately set focus, expose, and frame shots. Blackmagic Video Assist features high speed SD card recorders for HD or Ultra HD recording in incredible 10-bit 4:2:2 quality ProRes, DNxHD and DNxHR files in Quicktime and MXF formats. With both 7-inch Ultra HD and 5-inch HD models, Blackmagic Video Assist works with any camera that needs better quality monitoring and professional format file recording.
CANON REALIS WUX450ST PRO AV LCOS PROJECTOR: APRIL 2016
The REALiS WUX450ST Pro AV Short Throw LCOS projector has won numerous industry awards this year. Combining native WUXGA resolution (1920×1200), 4500 lumens of brightness, and Canon’s LCOS technology with AISYS-enhancement, this projects bright, highly-detailed/contrasted and color accurate images, in a 13.9 pound package.The REALiS WUX450ST’s short throw ratio of 0.56:1 and 0-75 percent vertical lens shift help provide installation flexibility, as does the model’s HDBaseT receiver which allows uncompressed HD video, audio and control signals to be transmitted over one single LAN cable up to a maximum distance of 328 feet (100 meters).
DRAPER ULTIMATE ACCESS XL/SERIES V: APRIL 2016
With its precision timing and quiet, fluid movement, this unique tab-tensioned electric projection screen supports ceiling recessed installation up to 22 feet and saw multiple innovations this year. The Ultimate Access XL/Series V carries over improvements made to the original Access case, including the same re- engineered Access bottom closure panel which is easier to attach, and has an improved overall engagement with the screen housing. An improved “T” bracket engagement allows the panel to hinge downward for service, eliminating the need to make extra trips up and down the ladder carrying the closure. It also has an independently motorized ceiling closure. In its closed position, the motorized closure forms a solid bottom panel giving the ceiling a clean appearance. At the touch of a switch or wireless transmitter, the door of the Ultimate Access/Series V opens into the case before the viewing surface descends into the room.
SENNHEISER TEAMCONNECT WIRELESS: MARCH 2016
For managers running remote conferences, ease of use, better sound quality, and reliability are the things
that matter most. This time-saving BYOD system makes any device immediately capable of establishing
a professional-quality conference call in seconds. Users can quickly connect their own Bluetooth smart device or computer wirelessly, with NFC making pairing with compatible devices simple. Wired connections are also possible via USB, or jack cable, so it can readily fit in to a broad range of hardware set-ups. The system brings a new level of usability to conferencing that makes it easy for anyone to operate with minimal instruction.. Simply slide the four units from the case and they automatically power up and link together.
SHURE MICROFLEX ADVANCE WIRELESS SYSTEM: FEBRUARY 2016
If you saw the impressive demo at InfoComm, you know what Microflex Advance can do for speech intelligibility in conferencing with a portfolio of networked ceiling and table array microphones, audio interfaces and control software. Just one example: the “toroid” polar pattern in the table array. And it’s high-end aesthetic visually: For example the Ceiling Array can flush-mount alongside standard ceiling tiles. As part oft this powerful package, Shure further evolved the company’s IntelliMix Digital Signal Processing Suite, including Steerable Coverage technology, enabling incredibly accurate control of audio capture in any location of a meeting space. The range is network-friendly—Dante-enabled, with all control, audio, and power signals carried through a single standard Ethernet cable connection.
BIAMP SYSTEMS DEVIO: JANUARY 2016
This year there’s been a continued focus on video and audio quality in conferencing, even for smaller spaces like huddle rooms. Biamp’s intuitive Devio device combines with an advanced beamforming microphone (Devio DTM-1), to equip meeting presenters with high-quality laptop-based audio and video conferencing. It’s proven that more comfortable audio enhances user engagement and productivity, and ease of connection saves time and stress. With as little as a single USB 3.0 connection to a Windows or Mac OS X-based computer, Devio brings high-end audio input and output and easy connectivity to in-room technology like displays, web cameras, and more. Once connected to the CR-1, end users can share content locally and initiate their preferred soft codec from their computer – no additional software applications or devices required.
DA-LITE PARALLAX THIN: DECEMBER 2015
This latest iteration of Da-Lite’s innovative Parallax virtually eliminates the bezel to provide a competitive option to flat-panel displays. The new extreme wide-angle screen features an ambient-light rejecting technology that utilizes a micro-layered optical lens system; each layer plays a role—some absorb light, while one layer is shaped like a microscopic saw-tooth that blocks light from above. The screen mimics the look of a television, but without reflecting glare from windows or lighting fixtures, even in brightly-lit environments.
ELECTRO-VOICE EVID COMPACT SOUND SPEAKERS: OCTOBER 2015
Last fall, the EVID compact range joined the globally popular EVID (EV Innovative Design) family of small-format installed audio products from Electro-Voice. The Compact Sound speakers were designed for high performance-to-size ratio in the small-format installed sound category. The series includes five sonically and aesthetically matched models: subwoofer and satellite speakers for surface-mounting, subwoofer and satellite speakers for ceilings, and a pendant speaker. Individual models may be mixed with one another for optimal results according to application and design.
EPSON PRO L25000U: OCTOBER 2015
This projector has performed strongly with expert judges over the past year, and was also popular with the SVC voters. It is claimed as the first 3LCD laser projector with 25,000 lumens of white brightness and 25,000 lumens of color brightness, acknowledging the importance of measuring both. Designed for high-impact live productions and other large venue applications, the Pro L25000U combines a sealed optical engine with a laser light source and inorganic components. It offers up to 20,000 hours of virtually maintenance-free operation, including 24/7 use for applications that require continuous projection. It includes 4K-ready powered lenses with lens shift and lens memory. It’s flexible for 360-degree installation and carries diverse connectivity options. With Epson’s 4K Enhancement technology, the projector accepts 4K input and enhances a 1080p signal to surpass full HD image quality.
