Network Media Player

ViewSonic is more often than not associated with LCD monitors which are easy on the pocket, alongside HDTVs which fall under the cheaper, more affordable range that do not skimp on quality. Well, the company is back this time round with a device that will surely make people do a doule take – after all, what they are offering has nothing to do with displaying moving images on a display on your work space or living room, but it comes in the form of the NexTV VMP75 network media player instead. This network media player is touted to deliver the ultimate entertainment experience to consumers’ HDTVs with Full HD 1080p playback from external storage devices, with the option to stream media from home networks and the Internet.

Internet and Download Capable TV

Samsung recently introduced its newest television model called LCD TV Series 8 which features advanced technology to maximize the viewing experience of people.

This 52-inch LCD television is designed with Internet capability which allows users to download digital contents. This feature is complemented with Content Library with pre-loaded categories including cooking, fitness, game and children, etc., providing the needs of each family member.

One notable feature is the WiseLink PRO connection which is a USB 2.0 Interface which allows the TV to display digital photos, videos, and music, and office documents

Animated Globe

Global Imagination makes the Magic Planet® digital video globe - the digital display with a sphere-shaped screen. We also supply software, content and services that enable you to present global information and promotional media in the most compelling and interactive way possible. Together with our partners and our user community, we can provide you with complete solutions that deliver an excellent return on your Magic Planet investment in the shortest possible timeframe.

With its stunning visual impact, Magic Planets provide a truly captivating experience – people take one look and drag others over to watch. Owning a Magic Planet means that more people will pay attention to your story, they’ll pay attention for longer, and they’ll have a more lasting connection to you and your organization.

Audio over a Network

This unit has come in handy when audio is required in separate building structures.

TOA NX-100 SERIES NETWORK AUDIO is a reliable and easy to use solution for transporting mic or line-level audio signals over IP-based local and wide area networks (LAN/WAN), as well as the Internet. Applications include wide area paging, background music or messaging audio distribution for airports, convention centers, railway stations and transit systems.

The flagship model NX-100 transports variable bandwidth, bi-directional audio, up to 14 kHz, as well as serial RS-232 and contact closure data. Each half-rack sized unit includes a balanced mic/line input and output and a 10/100BaseT Ethernet jack for connection to standard network hardware. The rear panel includes eight programmable trigger inputs to initiate and terminate audio transmissions, eight programmable open collector control outputs and an RS-232 serial port for data transmission/reception.

Dual-N band

The New Linksys WRT610N is a simultaneous Dual-N band wireless router and entertainment router for faster gaming, music, and HD video streaming.

The sleek Linksys WRT610N Simultaneous Dual-N Band Wireless Router works in two radio bands at the same time, delivering twice the bandwidth for smooth high-definition video, lag free gaming, and uninterrupted music in one band, while browsing the Internet, sharing files, sending e-mail, and printing in the other. Wireless-N gives you incredible range and speed in both bands, while Linksys' Entertainment Optimized Networking (EON) technology prioritizes network traffic so that time-sensitive applications like HD video stream smoothly.

The Storage Link feature lets you connect a hard drive or flash-based USB storage device directly to your network to easily add gigabytes of storage. Access your music, video, or data files from any PC within your network, or securely through the Internet. The 4 built-in Gigabit ports provide far faster connections to your wired devices than standard Ethernet ports.

Projected Touch Screen

An interesting product has been introduced by Light Blue Optics. If you ever seen the key-less keyboard or known as the Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard from ThinkGeek, you’ll have the picture of what this Light Blue Optics Projector Holographic 10-inch Touchscreen Display.



The device is capable of projecting an interact-able display as large as 10-inch to the flat surface and it is colorful, unlike the virtual keyboard mentioned above.

It could virtually turn any flat surface into a touchscreen display where you can touch whatever buttons displayed in front of you. This Optics Projector is also having 2GB onboard Flash Storage and a microSD slot that allow you to expand to 32GB.

Digital Signage on Transit Buses

On the heels of CONTI’s recent deployment of a comprehensive digital signage network on Vancouver’s SkyTrain rapid transit system, CONTI Electronics has now entered an agreement with LiteLogic Systems of London, England (www.litelogic.com) to act as the onsite service organization for their digital bus-side billboards being deployed on metro Vancouver transit buses. Under the agreement, CONTI’s technicians have been trained to diagnose and repair the state of the art outdoor LED billboards that are installed on transit buses. CONTI will provide a local support mechanism to complement the global monitoring and tracking systems developed by LiteLogic in the UK. “We are the local hands and feet dedicated to supporting this unique technology.” Said CONTI’s President, Colby Harder

Laser TV

The evolution of television goes a long way, from the old school knob laden black and white CRT based TV, to color TV, (remote control was introduced somewhere here), to LCD flat screen, to Plasma screen and finally, the now emerging LED TV. What’s next? You know what they say, when you hit the peak, there’s no way to go but up and Mitsubishi might just be the next “up” of the “tube”. Mitsubishi just marked the laser era with their new LaserVue Laser TV. It uses the world’s purest light source to deliver the greatest picture in the planet. The laser beam brings unmatched range of rich and complex colors, unparalleled clarity, and realistic depth field. It can deliver up to two times the color of today’s leading HDTV with just around one-third or one-fourth of power consumption. The LaserVue TV produces great images in Full 1920 × 1080 HD resolution.

Robocoaster

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World includes a robocoaster and projected images in combination with real movie props. Once you have flown out of the observatory, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley emerge, flying on brooms ahead of you. They are dressed in their Quidditch outfits and want you to follow them to the match. However, upon approaching a large Hogwarts Castle bridge, you briefly slow your flight as you spot Hagrid standing there, holding a large broken shackle at the end of a chain. He wonders if you’ve seen a dragon around. Well, sure enough, a huge dragon appears moments later and begins to chase you, Harry, and Ron, spitting fire while twisting and turning around you. Ultimately you take a turn toward what appears to be the Forbidden Forest.

How it’s done: This entire sequence is a video projection onto a dome surrounding you on all sides. Since the projection stretches all around you, you and the other three passengers with you in your vehicle are essentially immersed in your own private flight around Hogwarts. It’s a very unique twist on the motion simulator technology that makes The Simpsons Ride and Soarin’ possible. Unlike those attractions during which you’re likely to catch a glimpse of other riders and their vehicles, there is no chance of this happening on Forbidden Journey.

Remote for Soccer (Football) Fans

Armchair soccer fans everywhere will love this Soccer Remote.

Pre-programmed to control all brands of TV, VCRs as well as Satellite and DVD systems, it’s padded and durable enough to take being thrown at the TV when your team’s not doing well.

With an effective range of over seven meters, it’s ideal for even the biggest of living room sports events and you can even throw and catch it, in the unlikely event that you’re willing to give up control!

So, next time there’s a big game on, break out this remote and really get into the spirit of things.

How do you Media Stream with Windows 7

1. Set up your home PC so you can access your media libraries while away from home
2. Allow other Windows 7 PCs and devices to push media to your Player and control it
3. Quickly authorize all home PCs and devices to access your media collection

HomeGroup introduces the concept of “shared libraries” for music, pictures, and video. These shared libraries are accessible from within the navigation pane of Windows Explorer and Windows Media Player, and from the “shared” view of each media category within Windows Media Center. The scope of these libraries is the same from each of these views

Windows Explorer will automatically discover and provide access to shared media libraries on other HomeGroup PCs. In addition, Windows Media Player and Windows Media Center will automatically discover shared libraries from:

1. Windows Media Player 11 and 12
2. Windows Home Server
3. All DLNA compliant media servers (e.g. network attached storage

In addition to all HomeGroup PCs being able to access your media, we made it easy to allow devices to access shared media libraries on Windows 7 PCs. This can be done conveniently from either HomeGroup settings or within Windows Media Player:

LifeSize Video Conferencing

I was sitting in on a conference call with Tim Alguire, Senior Account Manager at Conti Electronics, he was explaining the benefits of LifeSize Video Conferencing. There are quite a few differentiators other than the best price and product. Not only can LifeSize perform HD specs at less than a Meg but also has multipoint x8 capabilities. Why stop there, add streaming and you have the complete package.

The LifeSize phone can cover a 60 person boardroom no problem. LifeSize also offer Multipoint x12 and x24.

Ask for a LifeSize demo.

Three Years of Battery Life!

Wireless keyboards and mouse combos are really great additions to your computer. No wires getting tangled up and spilling your coffee all over your desk and no restrictions as to where you place your keyboard and mouse. However, there is one major drawback to having a wireless system – batteries. They are rather costly, and from previous experiences don’t last very long in keyboards and mice. Logitech have however launched a new wireless keyboard and mouse said to offer up to three years of battery life.

To achieve three years of battery life, Logitech’s 2.4 GHz wireless technology transmits information much faster and more efficiently than typical 27 MHz wireless systems. Furthermore, by reducing the amount of time the keyboard and mouse remain in active mode when left idle, the Wireless Desktop MK710 conserves power and minimises lag when you resume typing or mousing. (Battery life of Logitech keyboards is based on a calculation of an estimated two million keystrokes per year in an office environment; battery life for Logitech mice may vary based on user and computing conditions.)

R2D2 Video Projector

This R2D2 replica (1/2 scale) is fully remote control; you can move him in any direction, rotate his head and even tilt him backwards, has all the usual realistic sounds and lights but is also a video projector that can show your video etc. onto any wall (or ceiling) with max screen size of up to 80 inches. With 20W of integrated stereo speakers, the sound ain't too bad either.

The R2 unit is more than just a video projector, it is a full blown multimedia player. It has an integrated DVD and player and ports to connect external devices such as memory cards, USB flash drives and even an integrated iPod dock in a hidden compartment on the front of Artoo’s body.

Fully motorized and with built in sensors to stop it going over the edge of stairs and to prevent it's legs getting tangled, the Artoo unit is control by a remote unit modelled on the Millennium Falcon, that also controls all the video and audio functions and iPod to boot. Check out the demo at http://www.nikkor2d2.com/

Controller Free Control

If you're used to using the Wii, take it one step further with the new
Xbox 360 console, a deal with ESPN were among the announcements Microsoft’s Xbox team made to kick off its presence at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles.

In what they called the “biggest year ever” for Xbox, Microsoft’s Xbox team also shared details about – and in some cases demonstrated – anticipated new installments of Halo, Call of Duty, and Fable. The company also announced Kingdoms, a brand new gaming franchise for Xbox 360. Voice control is also part of this package.

This takes us one step closer to a keyboard less and mouse less society.

Skinput Touch Interface

Skinput is a new futuristic interface currently being developed by Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University. The system is the combination of two technologies, the ability to detect ultralow-frequency sound, and a microchip-sized projector.

This amazing interface can recognise which parts of the body has been tapped using the sounds that is created by the sin, bone and skeleton. The Skinput technology uses a band which is strapped on to the arm. The armband contains piezoelectric cantilevers, or sensors that measure pressure, acceleration and force.

True LED Projector

NEC has shown off the “world’s brightest” LED projector, which pumps out an eye-burning 2,000 lumens from its hefty body. It manages this by simply adding more red, green and blue LEDs to increase light output.

But even this doesn’t outshine the other kinds of projectors we normally buy. LCD and DLP projectors can get brighter, and NEC plans to match the 3,000 to 4,000 lumens commonly found on home machines. This actual device will never make its way outside of the lab, or at least outside trade-shows like InfoComm 2010 in Vegas where it is being shown off, but we suspect the tech will trickle down into other products eventually.

More impressive than the brightness thrown out is the wide color gamut displayed. According to NEC, it can display 98% of the colors in the Adobe RGB color-space, compared to the more usual 60%. This should make a big difference.

We hope NEC uses this tech in a consumer product. LEDs don’t burn out, break down or get hot. They just sip power, shine light and sit there quietly. That’s exactly the kind of projector I want.

Facial Recognition Advertising

In advertising these days, the brass ring goes to those who can measure everything — how many people see a particular advertisement, when they see it, who they are. All of that is easy on the Internet, and getting easier in television and print.

The ad is equipped with a camera that gathers details on passers-by.
Billboards are a different story. For the most part, they are still a relic of old-world media, and the best guesses about viewership numbers come from foot traffic counts or highway reports, neither of which guarantees that the people passing by were really looking at the billboard, or that they were the ones sought out.

Now, some entrepreneurs have introduced technology to solve that problem. They are equipping billboards with tiny cameras that gather details about passers-by — their gender, approximate age and how long they looked at the billboard. These details are transmitted to a central database.

Behind the technology are small start-ups that say they are not storing actual images of the passers-by, so privacy should not be a concern. The cameras, they say, use software to determine that a person is standing in front of a billboard, then analyze facial features (like cheekbone height and the distance between the nose and the chin) to judge the person’s gender and age. So far the companies are not using race as a parameter, but they say that they can and will soon.

Free Digital Signage Software as a Revenue Maker

VUKUNET. THE UNIVERSAL AD PLATFORM THAT CONNECTS DIGITAL OUT-OF-HOME NETWORKS WITH ADVERTISING REVENUE
You have the display screens and the audience. VUKUNET will connect your screens with advertisers to earn you money through advertising. The system is totally automated and can run with your existing content management system.

Ultra Short Throw Projection

The SMART Board 685ix interactive whiteboard system has an ultra-short-throw projector, the SMART UX60, which virtually eliminates shadows, glare and distracting projector light. The projector is positioned directly above the SMART Board interactive whiteboard, projecting crisp, bright images from only 12" (30.5 cm) away. And because the system's interactive whiteboard is widescreen, it has 20% more working space than a standard interactive whiteboard.

The 685ix comes with SMART Notebook collaborative learning software, which connects you to dynamic content, tools and support that will help you create, deliver and manage compelling lessons. And like all SMART Board interactive whiteboards, this system enables you to write in digital ink, control applications and save your work.

Wireless Power

I have a couple of devices at home with this technology like my electric tooth brush.

Wireless energy transfer or wireless power transmission is the process that takes place in any system where electrical energy is transmitted from a power source to an electrical load without interconnecting wires. Wireless transmission is useful in cases where instantaneous or continuous energy transfer is needed but interconnecting wires are inconvenient, hazardous, or impossible.

Wireless energy transfer is different from wireless transmission of information, such as radio, where the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or the percentage of power received becomes critical only if it is too low to recover the signal successfully. With wireless energy transfer, efficiency is the more important parameter.

Yes, we still require batteries but at least we don't have to find the right power supply and attach the cables any more.

LED Displays

LED large-scale displays have been the preferred choice when quality and reliability are mission critical. For both indoor and outdoor uses a variety of screen sizes and resolutions can match any requirement. LED Video displays have been star performers at major events worldwide. Sports stadiums, race tracks, arenas, coliseums and concert halls have come to depend on LED's for the highest resolution, the brightest, most colorful and clearest imaging available today.

LED is the only way to go outdoors. Images must be bright and durable enough to compete with the sun and weather.

What Ever Happened to OLED TV's

The Sony XEL-1 OLED TV is a beautiful display. Its contrast ratio makes pictures pop, it's thinner than a credit card, but with an 11-inch screen, it's too small, and at $2,500, too expensive.

But it's been a year since it was introduced in January 2008, and as of today, it still has no competitors. Where are they?

Though we've been long promised that the era of OLED (organic light-emitting diode) TVs is just around the corner, it appears we're going to have to wait even longer. The major players in electronics who have the resources to build OLED TVs have been whacked by the global financial meltdown along with the rest of us. In other words, the timing to jump-start a brand new TV technology is terrible.

There was some hope that Samsung and Sony would be able to release larger OLED TVs this year. But if they were, they'd have brought them to CES in January in order to stir up excitement for them. That didn't happen. Instead, Sony brought the same 11-inch XEL-1 product that's been available for a year, as well as a 21-inch prototype. Samsung brought out a 40-inch prototype.

It's not that OLED is completely impossible to produce. There are a variety of gadgets sporting OLED screens made by these companies, but they're really small: cell phones, GPS devices, and now portable media players.

360° Panoramic Video Conferencing

I'm not saying that you shouldn't buy this product, but make sure you know the facts before you do so. Setting up a vidcon unit in the centre of a boardroom table is definitely thinking outside the box but it probably won't give you the meeting interaction everyone is looking for when it comes to videoconferencing. This is when the engineering part of a project kicks in. Designing a room system doesn't consist of buying a consumer product at a store and plugging it in, there are quite a few other factors to consider. The object of videoconferencing is to make it feel like you are having a face-to-face conversation with someone who isn't in the room. placement of the display, camera, microphone and speakers is imperative. The better the placement the more immersive your meeting will become.

360° panoramic view of the conference room when used with Microsoft Live Meeting 2007 is not going to do this for you.

iPhone 4

iPhone 4 makes calling with video on a cell phone a reality. With the tap of a button, you can wave hello to your kids, share a smile from across the globe, or watch your best friend laugh at your stories — iPhone 4 to iPhone 4 over Wi-Fi. No other phone makes staying in touch this much fun.

iPhone 4 has two built-in cameras, one on the front above the display and one on the back next to the LED flash. The front camera has been tuned for FaceTime. It has just the right field of view and focal length to focus on your face at arm’s length. So it always presents you in the best possible light.

The Retina display on iPhone 4 is the sharpest, most vibrant, highest-resolution phone screen ever, with four times the pixel count of previous iPhone models. In fact, the pixel density is so high that the human eye is unable to distinguish individual pixels. Which makes text amazingly crisp and images stunningly sharp.

Shoot your own movies in high definition. Capture impressive video even in low-light settings, thanks to the advanced backside illumination sensor and built-in LED light.

Crestron has an ap to control audio visual, HVAC, security and lighting.

Software

I have used all types of software to run an AV business. Some software can run every application to manage a project from start to finish. Others are piece-meal. Be very careful when looking at software packages. Quite typically software is oversold by the rep and doesn't follow-though with all the promises made. I have seen many software packages customized to meet AV integration requirements. Changes, revisions and add-ons' cost a lot of money. Even software that claims it can do everything often requires custom programming. I have seen companies spend anywhere from $100,000.00 - $500,000.00 for software and even after spending that much money more often than not systems and processes related to the software are very clunky. At this point in time you would think that we would have figured everything out. It possibly could be because AV is such a niche industry that you can't quite fit a "square" software peg into a "round" requirement.

Streaming

The Polycom RSS 4000 recording and streaming server is a network-based video conferencing solution that gives companies the ability to record conference calls, produce archive files of the recordings, and simultaneously stream the conferences to thousands of employees worldwide. It uses the video conferencing network as the source for employee-produced videos, such as training modules or CEO broadcasts, thereby leveraging the investment in a video conferencing network.

The Polycom Video Media Center (VMC) 1000 solution is a complete, scaleable video-on-demand content management system and live broadcast/streaming solution. Linking the worlds of video conferencing and Web streaming, Polycom VMC plays a critical role in any comprehensive video strategy. Video content is packaged with presentations and other media in a secure and easy to navigate user interfaces. Customized Broadcasts are easily set up with question submissions and polling for live Webcasts and quickly turned into Video on Demand content

8 Channel Wireless Microphones

I have specified the Revolabs 8 channel wireless mic systems for quite a few boardrooms and video conferencing systems. I like the idea that each microphone has a great pick-up pattern and is rechargeable. Revolabs has thought outside the box with this one, the design for table top or lapel application does very well. Each mic has its own output, this works very well for audio dsp matrixing which is standard for most high-end applications.

Document Cameras

Remember the old days when teachers put a piece of paper on an overhead and projected it on a wall or screen? This is still done with document cameras.

Document cameras can connect directly to a projector or laptop and project on a screen. Advantages with the new system is that images can be stored, manipulated and/or emailed.

There are also fixed ceiling document cameras. They flush mount into a ceiling and take a snap shot usually to a table. This is handy for large drawings and schematics.

3D Telepresence

To date, teleconferencing between colleagues and offices is a convenient way of communicating despite being separated by thousands of miles. Unfortunately, the level of quality isn’t exactly up to par as you won’t get what you see on high definition TV today, let alone standard definition. Telepresence technology aims to change all that, offering an alternative to traditional video teleconferencing. Imagine expanding your traditional fabric business to international clientèle by using Telepresence technology to beam images of the current fabric you’re designing, much to your client’s pleasure at seeing a masterpiece being unveiled as if he/she is located in the very same room.

To get a better idea on just how clear the images are, imagine viewing a face that was ruddy, spotting moles on a lady’s arms, while seeing sweat patches in the underarm area of your superior appearing on high definition TV. The size of these images are just stupendous – what you get over Telepresence is near life-size proportions in vivid color, letting people in either room to make eye contact with one another while holding a decent conversation with over 6,000 miles standing in between them. Sounds like executives who are frequent globe trotters no longer need to rack up their frequent flier miles with Telepresence technology since they can spend time in the “presence” of their families (and vice versa).

This new technology has not yet proliferated across offices just yet, with just a small percentage of the video teleconferencing market using Telepresence. One of the main reasons would be its prohibitive cost – setup at a few sites as well as a year’s worth of expenses could rack up a bill worth a whopping $500,000. Not only that, you still have niggling problems such as different standards being established, running the risk of incompatibility between systems. Ghosting problems are still prevalent, while slow bandwidth will result in slow loading times.

May the flash be with you

Never mind a specific date; the whole month of May is synonymous with Star Wars. So, in a final nod to The Empire Strikes Back’s 30th anniversary, consider storing your stuff on one of these five flash drives from Mimoco, purveyors of the Mimobot flash drives with character (including four other Star Wars series).

Specialized Projector Mount

Premier Mounts came out with a short throw projector mount for interactive whiteboards.
It extends from 7"-27" from the wall, supports projectors up to 50 lbs and includes two, 25-watt two-way speakers with 5" woofer and directional tweeters with an integrated 50-watt power amp, The wall mount can also house a PC, MAC Mini or control modules and has integrated cable management.

This is very helpful when you have no storage for equipment. Definitely a bonus for the K-12 market.

A common problem at the boardroom table is microphone pick-up. Most people don't know how to speak into microphones. This creates issue when tele or videoconferencing. Beyerdynamic has come out with the Reoluto to combat this problem. It provides a so-called corridor characteristic which ensures a wide range of good voice quality. Within this range the speaker can move freely, i.e. he/she can stand up or sit down, move his/her head and move towards or away from the microphone.

I have had quite a few demos and it works as described.

Digital Signage

Digital Signage is used for many applications. These applications include advertising, public information and any other type of messaging. LCD display is typically used in multiple or single display applications. Many programs are available to manage the content.

Corporations and public institutions don't realize that digital signage infrastructure is only some of the cost. The system requires maintenance management and some type of content provider. Messages can change in real-time. If a store would like to sell-off overstocked items at a particular location, their digital signage system can instantly display the sale price on any given item. This type of automation is currently available.

Delegate Microphone Systems

Delegate microphone systems are commonly used in a council chamber or round table discussion groups. Most have integrated speakers, on/off, voting and request to speak buttons. They run in a daisy chain configuration and usually have ring lights to indicate whether they are on and off. Delegate mics can integrate into existing sound systems, tele-conferencing or video conferencing systems. There can be some issues with sound quality and integration because each mic cannot be controlled individually. This can affect sound quality and dsp.

Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

A common way to process audio is through a DSP. DSP's can combine room audio systems, equalize and connect with keypads to control volume. Common uses are in hotel convention rooms and boardrooms or council chambers. AEC Audio Echo Cancelling is used for teleconferencing. DSP's require trained personnel to program them. A programmer can make or brake your system.

Ensure that your system comes with a custom schematic. This is the first sign that the AV company is professional and established.

Crestron on iPad

Crestron has released a new software ap that can be used on your iPad. I have already tried this on my iTouch and it works great. A common problem today is that we have too many remotes for our electronics.

The iPad can be used as a touch screen to control all your devices. It is much like any other ap, touch a button, the device sends a command to the controller and the controller tell the equipment what to do. The device can also do macros and program events, such as light on/off at a certain time of the day.

Ask your programmer how to apply this program to your own system.

Lifts

There are many types of projector and flatscreen lifts. They are used to hide projectors or displays. The most common types of lifts are;

Scissor Lifts - used to drop down projectors considerable distances

Bombay Lifts - this release a bombay door and the projector drops down about 12"

Mirror Hinge Lift - uses a mirror on a hinge which drops down and reflect the image onto a screen. The projector doesn't move, only the hinged door.

Orbitor - this rotates the projector 180 degrees

Flatscreen Lift - lifts a flatscreen out of a cabinet or portable flight case.

Draper manufactures many types of these lifts.

Network Convergence

Over the last couple of years a network convergence has been appearing in the AV industry. Audio Visual devices can network. You're probably asking why this matters. Like AV, networks work behind the scenes.

At most universities projectors and rooms are networked. 10's - 100's of rooms are monitored on campuses. If a projector lamp goes down or if someone needs assistance, notification is now immediate. This can mean that an email is automatically sent to a technician, or an IT control centre is monitoring vital information.

In our digital world, many electronic devices must be up and running 24/7. Network convergence allows this to happen.

Interactive Whiteboards

There are many types of interactive whiteboards out there. They typically consist of a projector, touch sensitive whiteboard and laptop/PC.

The most popular brand in Canada is the Smartboard. This brand caters mostly to K-12. Teachers have adopted to this technology well and share lessons online.

Smart Notebook software consists of many tools that can be utilized much like the old whiteboards, but also go well beyond. lessons can be built much like PowerPoint and then saved. Lessons can link to websites, videos and animations.

All lessons can be saved and replayed which makes it great for students who want a review.

Some countries like the U.K. have mandated Smartboards in every classroom. There are many accessories that work with Smartboards including specialized software for math, document cameras, audio and interactive response systems.

Edge Blending

Have your ever seen a really wide screen image at a trade show, conference, show or digital signage?

Edge blending technology is used to do this. Multiple projectors are projected side-by-side, the image is overlapped and then blended into each other.

The effect is a beautiful panoramic. Panasonic has perfected edge blending.

Bad Vibrations

What happens when your ceiling mounted projector vibrates. This is not good, especially when you're looking at a detailed image of an excel spreadsheet.

Because this issue is quite prevalent, some manufacturers have come out with some solutions for this problem.

Chief has manufactured a vibrating isolator coupler. This product mounts between the mounting pipe and the projector mount reducing building vibrations transferring through to the projector. It works.

Building vibration can be caused by hvac systems or seismic designs.

LEED

What is LEED?

LEED is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. This is an internationally recognized certification for community and building design using strategies improving performance across all metrics including energy savings, CO2 emissions reduction, water efficiency and other impacts.

How is LEED related to the AV industry?

LEED has a huge impact on the AV industry. We currently have the capability to automate anything electrical in a building including shades, HVAC, lighting and any type of AV equipment.

Sensors can be installed in such a way to measure the lowest impact on the environment. When a room is unoccupied, why heat it or light it? When the sun is shining, why not use the sun and shades to control the light and heat. If someone hasn't been using the audio visual equipment for an hour, automatically shut it down.

The AV industry has a larger impact on our everyday lives than you may think. This type of technology can be used anywhere and will eventually surround us all.

Wireless Mics Infrared-vs-RF

What is the difference between Infrared and RF wireless microphones?

Infrared cannot pass through walls. This is the perfect microphone when security is a concern and you don't want a signal to pass outside a room. An infrared emitter passes the signal to an infrared receive in the room and then usually to an amplified speaker. These types of systems are popular in schools and government offices.

RF (radio frequency) can pass through walls. There encrypted mics that can be used in special circumstances but they are very costly. We use RF microphones because the sound quality is much better.

Have you ever thought how your laptop signal travels from the boardroom table to the projector? Probably not.

Wireless still has a long way to go, it can be cumbersome and needs to be set-up individually on each laptop.

Running wire is currently the best way to go. How do we do that? We can core through the floor, but this can be costly and requires x-rays. Building management also requires approval.

Extron has come out with the AVTrac, this product solves many of the expensive coring issues. AVTrac is a small ramp enabling wire of any type to pass along a track through the floor.