e-Control

e-Control allows you to control your system via web browser. You can use it for anything you want to control including your TV, lights, alarm, cameras, the list goes on and on.

If you want to stay clear of touch panels, this is the way to go. I use it at home, everybody knows how to use it including my 5 year old.

A programmer can design the GUI (graphical user interface) any way you want. Your system can be accessed anywhere. So if you forgot to turn something off, or turn on the alarm, you can do it anywhere, even if you're in Mexico basking in the sun.

There are tons of features including many macros (touch one button to activate a sequence of events) Automatic timers, heat, lights security etc.

Video Walls

There are still some misconceptions about projectors. Most projectors should only stay on 5 hrs at a time (read the fine print). Some people think that you can install a projector in a foyer point it at a screen and create affordable large format digital signage.

Most foyers are bright, this is an area where mid to low end projectors are still lacking. They are brighter these days but still can't compete with our all mighty sun.

The best solution for digital signage in your foyer is LCD displays - They are bright, robust and nowadays very easy to tile. All the major manufactures make thin bezel versions in various sizes. These are pro displays, you will pay more money in the short-term, but these displays are robust and will last quite awhile long-term.

Touch Screen Control Systems

When I speak to an executive at a Fortune 500 company and mention touch screen control systems, they are first reluctant to listen why implementing this type of system is good for their company. It is quite easy to explain;

A typical boardroom scenario usually includes some type of display or multiples, computer input, maybe some video conferencing and audio. We could probably add-up 4-5 remotes and instructions to boot for this type of system.

A touch screen control system can select what you want happen instantly and any embarrassment each time they want to present in their boardroom.

Furthermore, reception can easily set-up the call, presentation for any other form of media through her own PC, it's that easy!

Calculating ease-of-use and time saved over a period of a year will more than pay for the control system.

Hire someone who knows Crestron control systems - you will find out quickly who is capable.

The Bygone Era of Projector Lamps

We new it was coming. Casio has released a projector with LED & laser technology. This projector is rated at 20,000 lamp hours. If you've had any experience with projectors - lamps usually last 2000 - 4000 hrs and dim over time. New lamp, filter and replacement cost between $400 - $900.

20,000 hours should last you until a newer technology is developed. The brightness varies between 2000 - 3000 lumen's. Quite impressive for the sticker price.

I can see many education institutions coming on board with this projector due to its earth-friendly low maintenance.

What's the difference between Skype and Executive Style Video Conferencing

The great thing about using Skype is the free part, well not really. Take into account that you need to buy a laptop $$, and then you're usually on the hook for a high speed network connection $$ ... and you've got Skype for free?

ok, the difference comes down to the video and audio quality. There are some amazing products developed by 4 main players, Tandberg, Polycom, LifeSize and Sony. Each has their own niche, Tandberg is all around high-end, Polycom is versatile from small to large, LifeSize is the affordable version and Sony makes great cameras.

so, why do the execs spend lots of $$ on Vidcon, it's easy, ROI (return on investment). Let's say that you send a couple of managers across the world in a plane, rent a car, hotel etc. Your $100,000.00 boardroom can pay for itself very quickly.

The reason then why the better Vidcon systems are purchased is the high quality image and sound (and bandwidth) that comes with it. Managers want to feel like they are meeting face-to-face. Attending these meetings is like being there - it's amazing!

3D TV and 120Hz

3D TV is the latest rage, there are a couple of 3D technologies out there, here are the basics:

Passive red-cyan glasses - each lens is chromatically opposite colours and TV images are made up of two colour layers.

Passive Polarized glasses - this uses light polarization in each lens to create a 3D image.

Active Shutter glasses - the TV tells the glasses which eye should see the image exhibited causing a 3D effect.

No glasses - I've seen this at infocomm, it is pretty amazing, not perfected yet, you stand at a certain distance and keep still, the image then looks like 3D with no glasses. The TV's are lenticular lenses giving you a perception of depth.

120Hz is the refresh rate of a TV, most were 60Hz. 120Hz will give you less motion blur with moving objects on a TV.

LED - the new buzz word

Sometimes I think manufacturers throw out these buzz words to induce us into buying the next best thing. That's not to say LED Back light technology is bad, but let's tell it how it is.

The manufacturers have replaced the "old" fluorescent light technology for LCD TV's with the new LED back lights. There are 2 forms of this:

Dynamic RGB LED's which are positioned behind the panel.

Edge LED's which are positioned around the rim of the display and the light is evenly diffused across the back with a special panel. This allows the display to become very thin.

Another bonus with this technology is the small amount of power it uses.