The What: Epson has introduced the ELPLX03 ultra-short-throw lens, designed for use with the Pro L25000U2 and Pro L30000U pro projectors. The ELPLX03 joins the ELPLX02S and ELPLX01S UST lens family, which offers the same 0.35 throw ratio and pairs with Epson’s Pro Series laser projectors from 6,000 to 30,000 lumens.

The What Else: The ELPLX03, ELPLX02S, and ELPLX01S leverage their periscope design for zero offset while minimizing shadows and light path obstructions. With the ability to project large images at a short distance, Epson’s ultra-short-throw lenses enable the display of content up to 1,000 inches for space-constrained environments such as low-ceiling, rear projection, and narrow or tight spaces.

[Epson Launches EB-PU1000 Range of Compact Large-Venue Laser Projectors]

Epson’s UST lens family now features an integrated mount point for Epson’s optional ELPEC01 external camera (shipping soon). The external camera will provide access to automated tools to simplify and speed up setup, such as auto color calibration, screen matching of multiple projectors, tiling assist for edge blends, a stacking assist function, and more. 

“Epson’s UST lenses have proven extremely popular with AV designers and integrators as a simple solution for challenging installation scenarios,” said Ramzi Shakra, product manager, large venue projectors, Epson America. “The availability of the new ELPLX03 completes Epson’s UST lens offerings for Pro Series laser projectors. Our UST lenses have been particularly adept in interactive and immersive applications where their large image and extreme angle of light facilitates the audience’s close interaction with the display while minimizing shadows.”

The Bottom Line: Pairing the Pro L30000U with the ELPLX03 lens delivers very large, extremely bright images to locations a projector could not previously be utilized. Epson’s UST lenses offer flexibility to accommodate a variety of projection installations, including low-ceiling, rear-projection, and stealth applications where just the projector’s lens is visible.

The What: ViewSonic is introducing a new pre-assembled solution kit with a movable flight case for its All-in-One Direct View LED Display (108- and 135-inch).

The What Else: The newly introduced pre-assembled solution kit with a movable flight case is available in 108 and 135 inches. The movable flight case packaging design allows it to be transported easily and securely from one venue to another. This makes it well suited for museums and art galleries that require the highest visual quality and flexibility to showcase artwork. It can also be used in the rental business for short-term commercial exhibitions and events to achieve fast installation and easy mobility. Additionally, it is suitable for workspaces as it naturally merges with surrounding environments such as lobbies, auditoriums, boardrooms, and conference rooms.

[The Technology Manager's Guide to Inspired Video Walls]

The entire solution kit—with LED modules, cabinets, system control box, and floor stand all pre-assembled—fits into a movable flight case. After being taken out of the flight case, the display can be moved and positioned freely with the stand’s 360-degree silent wheels and stabilized with push-button locking. The built-in, motorized floor stand allows height adjustment at a maximum range of 60 cm and up to 4 sets of height preference that can be saved for convenient recurring use.

“As an innovative and leading company in the industry, ViewSonic is constantly dedicated to providing cutting-edge LED technology and applications with a customer-orientated mindset and delivering great value for customers,” said Dean Tsai, head of LED display and projector BU at ViewSonic. “In 2020, ViewSonic launched a new product line, All-in-One Direct View LED Display, which offered an integrated solution new to the industry and received positive feedback. To get more people to benefit from this innovative product, we are now introducing a new pre-assembled solution kit for the All-in-One Direct View LED Display, making it easier to move and set up, fulfilling more types of demand, and meeting diverse application scenarios.”

The Bottom Line: The new solution kit enables the LED displays to be moved easily and set up in less than 10 minutes, offering users short-term rental options and more diverse application scenarios at galleries, commercial events, exhibitions, and other sites.

The What: MSolutions has released a redesigned GUI for MS-TestPro devices, offering a more intuitive and responsive experience for AV installers and tech managers, along with more accessible features that simplify and accelerate the testing and certification process.

The What Else: Installers will find less clutter and more legible menus with simpler navigation. The home screen now prominently displays the main functions and highlighted features, with straightforward visual enhancements that guide users through test, certification, and other processes faster. Users have more direct access to all new and improved features whether using the handheld touchscreen or web interface on a laptop.

Related: The Importance of Testing HDMI Integrity

Elsewhere, the MSolutions development team updated previous applications with new feature sets that improve overall job performance. This includes the popular Log Analyzer, which now allows users to choose from eight popular time durations for test functions; or schedule custom time durations (up to 24 hours) using a digital clock.

Job certification represents the most improved user enhancement. Installers can now enter specific customer and job site information for each project, and immediately get certification results in PDF format. Previously, customers had to save job details and convert documents outside the user interface, which added several steps and lengthened the procedure.

“Everything about the user interface is now straightforward, whether using the touchscreen functionality on our handheld device or navigating the web interface on a laptop,” said Eliran Toren, CEO, MSolutions. “Most importantly, we have refreshed the entire user experience based on useful feedback from installers that use the MS-TestPro day in, day out on jobsites around the world.”

MSolutions is allowing commercial and residential AV customers to test and evaluate the new GUI and user experience through a special simulator on its website.

The Bottom Line: The new GUI, available immediately, is designed to ease the process of working on HDBaseT, HDMI, and AVoIP projects. All MS-TestPro customers can upgrade to the new GUI via the new firmware, while customers with older generation devices can work directly with MSolutions on upgrade plans.

The What: Audinate has announced the immediate availability of the Dante AVIO Bluetooth adapter, which allows mobile devices and computers to wirelessly connect to any Dante audio network for playout or recording.

The What Else: The Dante AVIO family of adapters allow users to easily use non-networked audio equipment on a Dante audio network. Dante AVIO is available in one- or two-channel analog input or output configurations as well as AES3/EBU, USB, and now Bluetooth versions.

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Networked Audio

The Dante AVIO Bluetooth adapter brings Bluetooth 5.0 performance, delivering high-quality audio from phones, tablets, and computers to any audio devices on a Dante network. Pairing devices is straightforward, allowing for automatic connections to paired devices when in range. 

“The new Dante AVIO Bluetooth adapter provides a cost-effective way for audio professionals to get the benefits of networking while using the familiar devices they already own,” said Mark Gerrard, senior product manager at Audinate. "Bluetooth connectivity brings Dante audio networking to the world of wireless devices."

In addition to Bluetooth, a USB-C compatible version of the Dante AVIO USB adapter is slated for release soon.

The Bottom Line: Dante AVIO Bluetooth is well suited for playback to larger sound systems, and for connecting networked speakers and microphones to mobile conferencing software running on tablets and smartphones.

The What: ATEN Technology has launched the UC3021 CAMLIVE+, designed to allow users to capture their professional camera or game console’s video image to an Android smartphone or a PC to live-stream in 1080p60 format, improving the quality of streaming on the go.

The What Else: The UC3021 supports 60W USB-C power delivery pass-through, which charges a laptop or Android phone. An HDMI loop-out port features latency-free video preview. Allowing for Plug and Play video capture for recording or streaming through leading broadcast software and having a compact and aesthetic design, the CAMLIVE+ provides users with a high-quality live streaming/video editing experience whether they are streaming inside or outside at an event.

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Videoconferencing and Streaming

“For anyone who wants to stream an event on the go, needs power pass through to stream a video console or laptop while using a video capture device, the CAMLIVE+ allows for quality professional-level content creation,” said Aaron Johnson, senior product manager, ATEN Technology, Inc. “With its lightweight design and hot shoe adapter, the CAMLIVE+ can be mounted on the top of a camera or any mounting system while allowing the user to install a mic and a LED light to elevate production quality and make set up neat and clean.”

The Bottom Line: The ATEN UC3021 is well suited for vlogging and live events, fulfilling the growing demand for content creation studios, wedding and event videographers, live-streamers, and online worship by allowing users to publish and stream professional-level content.

The What: ARISTA Corporation has announced the ARS-200-HD HDMI Audio to Dante Audio converter and the ARS-200-DH Dante Audio Stream to HDMI Audio converter.

The What Else: The ARS-200-HD extracts audio from devices like DVD players and converts the audio stream to Dante format. This enables the audio signals to be transmitted over long distance and used with public address (PA) systems—ensuring that everyone can hear the sound that accompanies the visuals. The converter/interface uses an HDMI Type A female connector for HDMI input and an HDMI Type A female connector for video loopback output. The HDMI input and loopback output maximum supported video resolution is 4096x2160 / 3840x2160 at 60Hz (4:4:4).

Related: The Integration Guide to Dante-Enabled AV

ARISTA’s ARS-200-DH Dante Audio Stream to HDMI converter is well suited for presentation environments where audio is being handled via Dante in order to cover long distances, such as in a large hall while audio and video is desired in the most outlying areas. In such cases, Dante audio is being received by the ARS-200-DH while it is also receiving video input via HDMI. In this case, the ARS-200-DH merges the audio with the HDMI signal so that it can feed external displays. The ARS-200-DH outputs stereo audio (20Hz–20kHz) with a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz. Maximum video resolution is 4096 x 2160 / 3840 x 2160 at 60Hz (4:4:4) and both the video input and the video loopback ports are HDMI Type A female connectors.

Power for both the ARS-200-HD and the ARS-200-DH can be handled via either a DC 12V feed or PoE (Power over Ethernet). Both units are housed in a rugged metal housing, and the dimensions for both units are 3.3 x 3.9 x 1.1 inch.

“The ARS-200-HD and ARS-200-DH are two new building blocks adding to Arista’s Pro Audio products baseline and filling the products gap in the audio installation market,” said Paul Shu, ARISTA’s president of sales and marketing. “The ARS-200-HD enables the integrator to add HDMI audio into a Dante audio network and the ARS-200-HD enables integrators to add Dante audio to HDMI audio output in a very quick and easy installation. I believe these two new products can help integrators streamline their installations, saving time and effort in the process.”

The Bottom Line: The ARISTA ARS-200-HD and ARS-200-DH are designed for presentation environments where audio needs to be converted from one format to the other and where long-distance transmission is involved.

The What: Barix is now shipping its IP Former for transforming analog loudspeakers into networked IP speakers. 

The What Else: Replacing the 70/100V transformer traditionally used with analog loudspeakers, IP Former adds IP networking capabilities to new or existing speakers. It provides an IP network interface, audio stream decoder, and amplifier front-end for a 2- to 8-ohm speaker, with power supplied over PoE for streamlined cabling and installation. Current analog speaker installations can be retrofitted by simply switching their transformers with IP Former units, maximizing the lifecycle of customers’ existing investments.

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Networked Audio

IP Former is well suited for bringing IP capabilities to applications ranging from background music and in-venue announcements to paging and emergency warning systems. The flexible device decodes audio streams delivered via HTTPS, RTP or UDP in codec formats including PCM, AACplus, MP3, Opus, G.711, and G.722. SIP negotiation provides compatibility with VoIP phone systems and enables each speaker to be addressed individually, while pre-recorded messages can be stored within the device for fast playout. Native support for the Singlewire’s InformaCast and Syn-Apps’ Revolution platforms enables speakers equipped with IP Former to integrate as endpoints for the popular mass notification solutions.

Built on Barix’s programmable and secure IPAM 400 IP audio module, IP Former can be extended with new or custom functionality, providing future-proof flexibility. The solution's standards-friendly, open architecture enables it to integrate into multi-vendor environments.

“Many end-customer projects include advanced IP audio features among their requirements, but they already have perfectly good analog loudspeakers in their facilities,” said Davide Nossa, product manager, Barix. “IP Former lets integrators and systems designers simply upgrade those existing speakers with powerful IP functionality, saving the customer significant money compared to new speakers while avoiding the environmental impact of discarding the old ones.”

The Bottom Line: Enabling upgrades of existing audio deployments to support advanced IP functionality, the new module lets systems integrators and installers offer customers a digital audio environment without jettisoning their current speakers.

The What: QSC has announced a complete portfolio of Microsoft Teams-certified meeting room accessories developed in partnership with Sennheiser and Logitech.

The What Else: The Teams Rooms accessory portfolio centers on the Q-SYS Ecosystem and the Q-SYS 110f Core processor, which combines audio, video, and control capabilities for QSC native or third-party peripherals into a single integrated appliance. Further support is provided by a full line of QSC ENERGY STAR-qualified SPA Series power amplifiers and the complete range of QSC AcousticDesign Series loudspeakers. Q-SYS NS Series network switches designed and manufactured by Dell EMC and pre-configured by QSC can be used to further simplify installation, setup, and management. QSC and Sennheiser have also partnered to include the Teams Rooms-certified Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling 2 microphone, including a control plugin for software integration into the Q-SYS Ecosystem.

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Conference Rooms

The Q-SYS Ecosystem also provides scalable, standards-based AV infrastructure that simplifies integration with many other Teams Rooms certified accessories, including the Logitech Tap touch controller and Logitech Rally Camera. Full room solutions can now be easily designed and configured to address the unique needs of larger physical spaces including additional processing requirements and more challenging audio/speech/video reinforcement typically required in more complex, high-value, specialized spaces.

“These newly certified solutions give IT and AV Mmanagers the opportunity to extend their Microsoft Teams experience into rooms that traditionally required complicated programming, separate DSP and control integration schemes,” said Jason Moss, VP of alliances and market development, QSC. “We have worked with Microsoft to remove the guesswork out of specialty room design and deployment for Teams Rooms.”

The Bottom Line: These accessories are designed to provide complete room solutions that simplify installation and management for high-value divisible spaces, training rooms, executive boardrooms, and all-hands spaces while delivering a high quality Microsoft Teams experience for end users. 

The What: Shure has temporarily removed all in-app purchases from ShurePlus Channels for iOS. Since 2014, ShurePlus Channels has enabled RF coordinators to freely move around venue spaces, providing remote, real-time precision monitoring and control of Shure wireless systems. 

The What Else: With the ShurePlus Channels app, setup is designed to be quick and easy. Users connect over Wi-Fi to automatically discover and connect to compatible Shure-networked hardware. The remote control of wireless channel settings can now be added for free. Unlock the feature for each compatible product family to adjust frequency assignments, audio gain, muting, and more. When combined with ShowLink Remote Control for Axient Digital systems, transmitter and receiver settings can both be adjusted simultaneously.

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Networked Audio 

“As a way to alleviate additional costs for Shure wireless users, we are temporarily removing all in-app purchases for ShurePlus Channels,” said Corey Peoples, global product manager, Shure. “It’s more important than ever to understand and respond to the industry needs right now, which is why we listened to customer feedback and decided to remove in-app purchases until further notice.”

The Bottom Line: With ShurePlus Channels, users can monitor critical channel information, including audio levels, RF signal strength, and battery life with compatible wireless systems such as Axient Digital, Axient, UHF-R, ULX-D, QLX-D, and PSM 1000.

Visit the Apple App Store to download ShurePlus Channels for iOS. New users will be charged $0.00 when proceeding through the purchasing process to edit gear.

The What: Epson has released a new version of Epson Projector Professional Tool (EPPT), a free software utility that helps users set up multiple Epson networked projectors in a large space. 

The What Version 1.3 provides support for macOS for the first time, in addition to Windows. The software enables users to control projectors without a remote, including lens shift, shutter, and power. Intuitive operation allows for control of multiple networked projectors—projectors in the same network are automatically found and displayed. Users can access built-in tools in the Pro L-Series projectors including geometric correction and edge blending, and auto calibration quickly adjusts the brightness and color of networked projectors via their built-in cameras. With tiling assist, the software helps deliver seamless multi-projector displays. This functionality is currently available for the Epson Pro L20000UNL and Pro L12000QNL.

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Projectors and Screens 

“The EPPT software has been very well received and we’ve seen many live event production companies leverage this tool to execute unique projection applications,” said Ramzi Shakra, product manager, large venue projectors, Epson America, Inc. “We are excited to launch the latest version with updated functionality and support for macOS, allowing even more users to take advantage of this advanced and intuitive software.”

The Bottom Line: This software is designed to provide easy access to the projection features built into the Epson Pro L-Series laser projectors, including geometric correction, edge blending, auto color calibration, and screen matching.

The Epson Projector Professional Tool is available for free and works with macOS 10.12 / 10.13 / 10.14 and Windows 7 / 8.1 / 10 devices. 

The What: MSolutions is now shipping its IP Network Analyzer software. Available for use on its MS-TestPro portable test device, the specialized, secure software provides a toolset to test AV signal integrity and performance over IP networks.

The What Else: The MS-TestPro HDBaseT tester integrates AV over IP test capabilities, eliminating the need for an expensive standalone network tester. The initial software release is compatible with Cisco network switches and is activated upon connecting the MS-TestPro to the network switch. Customers can download the IP Network Analyzer software to their existing MS-TestPro devices for an immediate 14-day trial, or purchase the software for use on new devices.

Related: The Importance of Testing HDMI Integrity 

The IP Network Analyzer software provides immediate, detailed feedback on network and switch information and settings, and a general overview of IP network conditions and connections. The information received allows integrators to quickly confirm if network settings fit AV over IP performance requirements, and that the switch configuration can support smooth video streaming. Specific features and capabilities include identification of network configuration faults; identification of network port status (open or blocked) and present network nodes; confirmation that pertinent multicast settings are correctly enabled; IGMP Snooping, including VLAN setup and fast-leave supports; and SNMP compatibility for network status queries.

MSolutions is actively testing its IP Network Analyzer software with other leading network switch manufacturers, with additional compatibility announcements expected over the coming months. As with Cisco switches, the software will be pre-populated with specific vendor parameters for custom testing and reporting with each compatible switch moving forward.

“This industry-first innovation represents an affordable value-added option for technicians seeking to minimize the number of testers they carry from job to job,” said Eliran Toren, CEO, MSolutions. “As Cisco switches are among the most widely used network switches in AV-over-IP installations today, the software will provide a near-immediate ROI for our customers installing complex AV-over-IP systems today. Installers will achieve the same problem-free installations and certifications they enjoy today using our testers with HDBaseT and HDMI systems. And, they can do so with no security risk to the customers’ IP networks.”

The Bottom Line: The ability to test HDBaseT, HDMI, and IP performance from a single device is ideal for technicians managing hybrid installations, both in commercial and residential environments. This added value amplifies MSolutions’ “all-in-one” value proposition by offering customers a single, modular device for testing AV over IP, HDBaseT and HDMI performance, and DC Resistance.

The What: tvONE has released updates to its CORIOmaster app, a control tool for CORIOmaster, CORIOmaster mini, and CORIOmaster micro video processing systems. In addition, upgrades have been made to the Crestron Control module.

The What Else: The CORIOmaster app is updated to version 1.4 for CORIOmaster, CORIOmaster mini, and CORIOmaster micro. This update adds REST and websockets capability to CORIOmaster to allow connection via HTTP and HTTPS for secure communication. The popular macro feature is still available for connections via TCP. Parallel connections from multiple devices (App, CORIOgrapher) to a single CORIOmaster is now possible with the new update.

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Command and Control 

Additionally, the new upgrades to the Crestron Control module for CORIOmaster allow seamless control for CORIOmaster, CORIOmaster mini, and CORIOmaster micro. New features include the ability to route sources to windows, recall presets, and Canvas level audio adjustment including mute and volume control. This enhanced development evolves from the previous module, by enabling REST-based control facilitating multiple connections to the CORIOmaster from a range of control clients. 

The Bottom Line: The CORIOmaster app is a free and secure application for smartphones and tablets that extends the control of CORIOmaster video walls onto mobile platforms. Users can execute all simple control functions through the CORIOmaster app, including viewing all canvases, viewing “source to window” assignments, activating presets, switching inputs, and assigning fresh sources to windows. More sophisticated control is possible by sending single or command chains using API commands set.

The transition to HDMI 2.0 was overwhelmingly driven by the urge to support higher resolution signals, notably 4K HDR 4:4:4 with a 600-megapixel flow rate. HDMI 2.0 is furthermore built to accommodate the carriage of 8K signals which, while still some years away, will eventually become an important part of the AV ecosystem. In the meantime, the industry eagerly awaits what HDMI 2.1 and future specs will offer for visual quality benefits.

Surprisingly, many cables on the market today are still limited to 1080p and 4K 4:2:0. On a short transmissions, the viewer might still receive and see a 4K image using these connections. In any scenario, a quick 10-to-20 second test will generally help determine the capabilities to carry HDMI 2.0/1.4/1.2 signals over each connection. The kind of tests you run will make a big difference as to how quickly the problems are solved, if at all.

Related: New Mandatory HDMI Cable Certification Assures HDMI 2.1, 8K Support

There are a number of testing options on the market today, though many fall short when it comes to HDMI testing. Most HDMI testers focus on pattern testing versus physical layer testing. These pattern-oriented devices understand how to read a video stream, and run through a loop with the HDMI cable from transmission to receipt. These provide an appropriate comparison of the pixel levels through the loop, and confirm that the cables can carry HDMI 2.0, for example. 

This provides value to a degree, but there are additional physical layers in the mix that can adversely affect signal integrity. The wiring inside the HDMI cable can have a remarkable influence. In the short term, the video activated and transmitted through the cable will work fine, and the image will appear exact, even if there is damage on or underneath the shielding. 

Testing the cable itself will identify these more advanced issues. For example, one increasingly common problem is the reduction of shielded wire from within the cable. HDMI cables have 18 standard conductors for video, audio, Ethernet, and data moving over twisted pairs of wiring inside. Each of these wires should be shielded to maximize performance, which represents a 19th conductor.

Testing with a pattern generator will provide return information that suggest all 19 conductors are functioning properly. For short cable runs, this may happen even if there are issues with some of the conductors. The problems visibly surface on longer cable runs, and/or if there is a continuous signal moving through shorter cables for hours. For example, a 24/7-hour system with internal conductor shortcomings will gradually leak outside the wiring. This will inevitably cause signal degradation and ultimately affect performance.

There is no question that testing with an HDMI pattern generator will affect the overall depth and integrity of test. HDMI transmitters and receivers use equalization for error correction to improve the HDMI transmission. Not all the HDMI transmitters/receivers use the same equalization, which means that testing high-bandwidth HDMI signals with a pattern generator will often hide issues caused by the cable’s physical layer and associated wiring quality.

Modular Connections

This can feel like a complicated situation for tech managers that have no way to reliably troubleshoot the connections. Perhaps the integrator installed the system and verified integrity through a pattern generator, and everything checked out. 

Then, perhaps, the system remained dormant over a holiday week or between semesters after the integrator left the job site. The moment the system was turned on with the goal of passing 18Gpbs, the video drops surfaced. There is no HDBaseT extension—just a 3-foot cable connecting the source and sync devices. The HDMI cable simply cannot carry the high-bandwidth content between the two points. 

There is also the issue of overuse. Consider a meeting space where user after user is connecting to an HDMI cable. Most HDMI cables can accommodate up to 500 connections and disconnections, but the possibility of earlier damage certainly exists to do a more consistent flow of different users. Today’s more diverse, portable test devices will help installers verify signal presence and integrity through a variety of key parameters, including activation of links to transmit through the cable, even without a source or sink to receive the signal; the quality of transmission on the uplink (much higher bandwidth) and downlink; and improper terminations or crimps that cause faults through the twisted pair wires.

These and other problems can be identified and fixed on the spot, without the need to bring in a 4K display or projectors to confirm and evaluate the link. Special HDMI test modules are emerging to connect the tester directly to the wire, and return detailed physical layer readings to the handheld or a connected laptop. This allows the tech manager to immediately confirm whether the HDMI cable can reliably carry high-bandwidth signals over the long term by performing tests that transmit the video, verify terminations, and verify cable quality.

Attaching a professional HDMI module to both ends of the cable will provide instant access to crucial cable-quality data, including the presence of each of the 19 HDMI-standard conductors, with instant feedback on missing or defective wiring (called an HDMI Swipe Test); HDMI bandwidth requirements for signal carriage (called an HDMI compatibility test); confirmation if any of the cable’s conductors are shorted or missing; and gauge (AWG) measurements for each of the conductors.

A final important consideration is certification. This is something that tech managers cannot achieve with a common network analyzer, for example. Devices that can immediately offer a report that displays the minimum and maximum parameters, provide details on signal degradation and improvement, and what artifacts influenced the transmission provide major benefits to everyone involved. 

Manufacturers’ warranties are further protected through a certification report that verifies the performance of their equipment. Furthermore, if problems arise several months down the road, comparisons of the initial certification can be made with the current measurements to isolate problems and failures. For example, if someone ran electrical wiring for an air conditioner next to the AV system, that can be isolated as an outside interference problem.

The ability to accurately and thoroughly test each cable’s quality and performance is paramount to long-term viability of a new AV system. Using a modern HDMI test device will better assure the end user that their system can move high-quality, high-resolution signals with maximum integrity, while having better insight into a broader array of testing parameters. 

Ariel Marcus is co-founder and chief technology officer at MSolutions.

The What: Audinate has announced the addition of two new models to its line of Dante AVIO audio adapters, offering USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity for use with Dante networks.

The What Else: The Dante AVIO USB-C adapter allows devices with USB-C ports to deliver and receive two channels of audio with a Dante audio network. It is a class-compliant USB audio device that requires no additional drivers and works with any application, making it well suited for rapid setup of conference rooms, background music, and more. The Dante AVIO USB-C adapter may be powered by the connected device or via PoE and it works with common USB-C to USB-A adapters. When using PoE, it features power pass-through for mobile devices, enabling smartphones to remain charged while connected to a Dante network.

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Networked Audio 

The Dante AVIO Bluetooth adapter provides wireless connectivity to Dante networks for mobile devices and computers and is well suited for both playback from smartphones to larger sound systems, and for connecting networked speakers and microphones to conferencing software. Once configured, a user may rely upon Bluetooth to switch from local smartphone audio to a complete conferencing system to share what is being said with others.

“With the addition of those two models of Dante AVIO, we’re continuing to expand the availability of cost-effective ways to utilize non-networked equipment,” said Joshua Rush, SVP of marketing and product management at Audinate. “Both of our new models bring unheralded connectivity to mobile devices by embracing popular USB-C and Bluetooth technologies.”

The Bottom Line: The Dante AVIO family of adapters allow for the use of non-networked audio equipment on a Dante audio network. Dante AVIO is available in one- or two-channel analog input or output configurations as well as AES3/EBU, USB, and now Bluetooth versions.

The Dante AVIO USB-C and the Dante AVIO Bluetooth adapters will be available from authorized resellers in Q3 of 2020. 

The What: Christie has launched Christie Mystique Lite and Christie Conductor, two new free software solutions designed to make it easier for customers to install and maintain seamlessly blended images and monitor and control their projection systems.

The What Else: Christie Mystique is a camera-based alignment and recalibration solution for supported Christie projectors that can quickly install, align, calibrate, and maintain multi-projection systems.

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Projectors and Screens 

Like the other software editions in the Mystique family, Christie Mystique Lite removes the time-consuming work of image alignment in multi-projector arrays. Mystique Lite is a free software download. It works with an inexpensive third-party webcam to warp, blend, and align up to three supported Christie projectors in a single horizontal projector array on a flat surface or screen with the press of a button. The intuitive interface automatically detects the projectors and webcam, allowing users to mark the corners of their screen to then align, blend, and warp an image. For more complex applications, there is an upgrade path to any of the other Mystique editions.

Christie Conductor is a free monitoring and control software solution for up to 256 Christie 3DLP projectors. Conductor enables end users to proactively diagnose technical issues, execute repetitive processes with a single click, and keep projectors working optimally, reducing the risk of downtime and saving hours of manual work. Originally designed for the Al Wasl Plaza dome at Expo 2020 Dubai to monitor and control the 252 Christie D4K40-RGB projectors installed, Conductor allows operators to perform remote firmware updates of many projectors at once, view the health status of multiple projectors via a list or status map, as well as automatically power up and down the projectors, all from their desktop.

“Mystique Lite and Conductor software save time and make complex projection systems easier to operate and maintain, removing hours of manual work,” said Brad Martin, senior product manager, Christie. “Both are available for our newest 3DLP projector, Griffyn 4K32-RGB, which is not only the smallest and quietest 34,000 lumen RGB pure laser projector on the market, it’s now easier to manage.”

The Bottom Line: Multi-projector arrays, projection mapping, and complex screen shapes and surfaces require expert image configuration, alignment, warping and blending—processes that can take hours of painstaking work. These setups are also often in inaccessible locations, making monitoring difficult. Christie Mystique Lite and Christie Conductor software solutions are designed to make it easier to set up and maintain these deployments.

Christie Mystique Lite will be available early July, and Christie Conductor is available now for free download at www.christiedigital.com.

MSolutions has upgraded its MS-TestPro HDBaseT tester with a profile for verifying the integrity of Extron’s XTP DTP 24 Shielded Twisted Pair Cables. The handheld test device provides data to analyze the status and stability of HDBaseT installations. 

Features include quick signal analysis, built-in monitoring, logging and diagnostics capabilities, and comprehensive troubleshooting tools. By selecting the Extron cable profile, all parameters necessary to certify the link quality and status are compiled and summarized for immediate use. Users can generate an HDBaseT test report to certify link quality and status. This report can be saved as a PDF file and included with system commissioning documentation. The integration of the Extron XTP DTP 24 cable profile into the MS-TestPro analyzer guarantees the highest performance and reliability within your DTP and XTP installations.

Related: Extron Now Shipping DTP2 CrossPoint 82 4K60 Presentation Matrix Switcher

"The ability to test XTP DTP 24 cable installations with the MS-TestPro is an exciting development," said Casey Hall, vice president of worldwide sales and marketing for Extron. "Its convenient certification report provides the details needed to perform system commissioning while ensuring your cable infrastructure delivers professional results."

“Systems integrators have long lacked reliable, cost-effective test tools built with the AV industry in mind,” said Eliran Toren, CEO, MSolutions. “As we bring our message to more AV integrators worldwide, we are strategically partnering with industry leaders such as Extron that value innovation and interoperability. Using our MS-TestPro device, Extron installers can rest assured that they can test and certify cabling infrastructure with speed and accuracy, and leave job sites with peace of mind that their installed systems will function as advertised.”

XTP DTP 24 cable is performance-optimized, twisted pair cable that features 24 AWG solid copper conductors within overall braid and foil shields. It utilizes an SF/UTP Shielded Foil/Unshielded Twisted Pair design for high performance in digital video and audio distribution system applications. Both non-plenum and plenum-rated versions enable signal extension of AV, control, Ethernet, and power up to 330 feet (100 meters). XTP DTP 24 cable is available in lengths from three feet to 300 feet (90 cm to 91.4 meters) and in bulk spools of 1,000 feet (305 meters).

The What: AV accessory manufacturer Gig Gear has introduced the Cam-A-Lot, a dual-sided videoconferencing screen that provides a clean background during video calls.

Related: Enterprise Connect Virtual Session Talks Strategies for Remote Work, Management

The What Else: The Cam-A-Lot slides and secures onto the back of almost any chair—including folding chairs—and completely blocks out the entire background of a user’s video. The screen is dual-sided with one side featuring a white background for a clean look while the opposite side features a green screen that can be used to project a virtual background.

The Cam-A-Lot is 57 inches in diameter. When not in use, it collapses and folds down to a compact 22-inch diameter and can then be packaged in an included tote bag, making it a portable solution so users can have a clean background wherever they may be working.

“During a time when we are all videoconferencing from our homes, there can be many distractions in the background, whether that’s a family member walking into the frame or just an unkempt room,” said Danny Shatzkes, founder of Gig Gear. “At Gig Gear we strive to create solutions for problems professionals face on a day-to-day basis while helping to make their jobs easier. With Cam-A-Lot we’ve done just that and created a clean, professional background for every videoconferencing situation.”

The Bottom Line: The Cam-A-Lot is well suited for a wide range of video calls—from those working at home to teachers and students practicing distance learning, to AV professionals in virtual meetings. 

Cam-A-Lot is available now for pre-order and will ship soon.

The What: Sennheiser has released version 3.2.0 of Control Cockpit, designed to provide an intuitive way to set up and manage all networked Sennheiser microphone systems such as evolution wireless G3 and G4, SpeechLine Digital Wireless, and TeamConnect Ceiling 2.

The What Else: In version 3.2.0, Sennheiser has further optimized workflows, providing graphical indication of the wireless link status, improved filtering for device types, and the ability to select multiple charging units.

“Digital workflows unlock wholly new ways of product interaction such as remote management of devices, and remote troubleshooting and support,” said Kai Tossing, head of product management, business communication. “They shift tiresome routine tasks such as checking microphones’ battery status into the digital domain where they can be performed with greater ease and efficiency.”

To make routine procedures and workflows as convenient and efficient as possible, Sennheiser Control Cockpit offers a combination of automatic notifications, display of status information, and the possibility to share responsibility and delegate tasks. Settings or firmware updates for microphones can be made remotely, as can troubleshooting, with error messages helping to identify problems and often allow for these to be rectified remotely too.

“Universities find that troubleshooting has become a lot easier,” Tossing said. “When they get a phone call from a lecture hall saying that the microphone does not work it is often sufficient to take a look at the dashboard to see that the microphone has been muted or the sensitivity has been modified—things the IT staff can immediately rectify via the Control Cockpit.”

The advantages of a centralized control software are especially obvious when it comes to battery management. While in the past the university’s IT staff had to visit every single lecture hall or classroom to check the battery status on each and every microphone, they now just need to take a look at the dashboard to identify all microphones with low batteries and their location.

For campus-wide installations, a very helpful feature provided by Sennheiser Control Cockpit is the out-of-range detection for wireless microphones. When activated, the system administrator will be notified via e-mail and/or text when a wireless microphone leaves the range of the receiver, thereby avoiding situations where microphones get mixed up or misplaced on campus.

The Bottom Line: Sennheiser Control Cockpit software provides centralized monitoring and control for Sennheiser microphone systems ranging from evolution wireless G3 and G4 to SpeechLine Digital Wireless and TeamConnect Ceiling 2. The software provides IT staff with a real-time overview of all networked devices on campus, including their location and status, and is accessible from anywhere in the network on all common platforms.

The What: Middle Atlantic Products, a brand of Legrand | AV, has begun shipping its new Forward installation solutions. Forward is designed around an innovative new rackrail and Middle Atlantic’s patented universal hole pattern that allow the family’s blank and vent panels, cable management, lighting, and other rack solutions to be quickly installed without tools. 

The What Else:  The Forward family includes Forward Lighting toollessly mounts in the rack to illuminate the entire workspace, assuring that integrators can work with the best visibility even in the darkest closets. Forward Cable Management and Power Bracket Solutions keep cable runs tidy with horizontal and vertical options, while the power bracket simplifies any button power strip installation—eliminating the need for tools.Forward Blank and Vent Panels simply click into the new rackrail to achieve optimal rack design in minutes and without needing hardware.

Forward Small Device Mounting Clamps quickly mount and secure small non-rack mount devices vertically or horizontally using absolutely no hardware. Forward UPS base comes preinstalled, saving integrators’ backs from lifting and placing the heavy and large unit into the rack. Further simplifying the design process, Middle Atlantic is also offering a BGR enclosure that comes preconfigured with Forward installation solutions and can be ordered using one simple part number. This preconfigured option gives integrators the assurance of the industry's most trusted AV rack, packed with the benefits of Forward.

“When we asked installers where they spend a majority of their time and where they experience the biggest challenges, they told us it was inside the rack,” said Paul Dolynchuk, director of product management at Legrand | AV - Middle Atlantic Products. “Using that feedback, we created Forward. The highly anticipated family of options cleverly solves the most time-consuming rack-building tasks—from working in pitch-black spaces, mounting panels, and anchoring unwieldy cabling spaghetti, to dealing with power blips—without ever picking up a drill. Now integrators can release their inner speed demons, building an AV rack system more quickly and efficiently than they ever thought possible.”

The Bottom Line: The Forward accessory and options line addresses the entire system lifecycle and builds upon products that integrators have depended on for decades. With Forward, integrators can install everyday rack builds five times faster and with the reliability to ensure a satisfying and positive AV experience, according to the company.

The What: Symetrix has released Composer 7.2 for Windows, the latest version of its programming software for Edge, Radius NX, Prism, and Solus NX DSPs. Composer enables integrators to program a complete end-to-end DSP signal path using just one application.

The What Else: Version 7.2 adds several important features. The new Emailer Module enables sending email notification directly from the DSP hardware, triggered by any event in the DSP design. By using commonly available email-to-text gateways, SMS text messages may also be sent.

Amplifier monitoring and control has been added for the Powersoft Duecanali, Quattrocanali, Ottocanali, X4, and X8 amplifiers, and for Panasonic WP-DM9XX amps. This enables Powersoft amplifiers to communicate current, alarms, thermal, and impedance stats directly to the DSP for real-time display on portable and fixed devices.

The number of simultaneous TCP/IP connections Control Server can host has been dramatically increased from 6 to 1,000, allowing far more simultaneous users and control interfaces.

A new right-click Change Unit Type option has been added that transforms a site file DSP into any other Symetrix DSP hardware type, making it easy to convert a design from, for example, a Radius 12x8 EX to a Radius NX. In-place copy transfers all processing, control assignments, and SymVue control screens that are not connected to physical device I/O. This makes every design file a viable template.

Composer 7.2 adds a host of other features. The new UpDown fader type changes any fader images to create user-friendly touch controls for incrementing or decrementing a parameter. You can edit text in place for buttons, label, and text objects, which is faster and more intuitive than using the Properties pane. A hot key enables changing font size when designing control screens. A reorganized Toolkit in Site View lines up audio, network, and control tools logically by type. In matrix selectors, the display of the selected input now shows the input name instead of the channel number.

The Bottom Line: Composer for Windows handles end-to-end configuration of Radius, Prism, Edge, and Solus NX DSPs, including creation of customized GUIs, scheduling, presets, logic, security, and integration of Symetrix and third-party control solutions. A complete end-to-end DSP signal path can be designed using this single app.

The What: Shure has launched VPH, a long microphone handle engineered for on-camera interviews and live reporting. The VPH features a Shure RPW interchangeable cartridge interface and convenient XLR connectivity to broadcast mixers and recorders.

The What Else: On-camera reporting can change drastically from situation to situation. With VPH, reporters can choose from a wide variety of high-quality, interchangeable Shure wireless capsules that provide opportunity to maximize sound based on situational needs. Choose from different polar patterns, including cardioid, supercardioid, hypercardioid, and omnidirectional with PG58, SM58, SM86, SM87A, Beta 58A, Beta 87A, Beta 87C, VP68, KSM8, and KSM9 cartridge options. External phantom power is required to power the VPH.

“Our customers asked us to bring the flexibility of interchangeable wireless capsules into a wired microphone product, making it simple to switch between different polar patterns or from dynamic to condenser,” said Stuart Moots, associate director for pro audio sales. “Capsules such as the KSM8 have proven exceptionally popular in this market thanks to its near-zero proximity effect. The long handle of the new VPH now brings the KSM8 capsule into a form factor that is suited to broadcast production.”

The Bottom Line: With a handle long enough to accommodate network broadcast flags, VPH gives reporters plenty of reach to capture each and every quote. VPH is ideal for sideline and locker room use, when getting the mic to the player or coach is essential. It’s also designed for news reporters in the field, at breaking news events, or on the red carpet at awards shows.

The What: Point Source Audio (PSA) has launched Mic Finder, an interactive web-based tool designed to help sound teams pinpoint specific mic elements and mic styles to suit specific applications from corporate presenters to rock ‘n’ roll musicals, to violin miking.

The What Else: Expanding beyond traditional lavalier and headset style microphones, recent advances in the company’s approach to body-worn mics include the patent-pending Confidence Collection microphones highlighting built-in redundancy, and the EMBRACE Collection of concealable microphones that are twice patented. The company emphasizes that these additions present a world of fresh possibilities when sound teams are challenged with unique requisites—from facial hair to drop hoop earrings—when fitting mics on actors or speakers.

“What we’ve learned in working closely with our customers is that no two miking situations are the same; the smallest variable can make one mic selection perfect in one situation, and a disaster in another,” said Yvonne Ho, sales and marketing VP for Point Source Audio.

Users looking for the right microphone simply select the relevant application with various considerations from Mic Finder’s menu settings. Product recommendations are then presented along with customer use cases including:

• Mics that hide
• Mics that survive heavy water/sweat
• Mics for fast-moving musical theatre
• Mics for preaching
• Mics that fight feedback
• Mics that shape and bend
• Mics that accept custom color
• Mics for bearded performers
• Mics that backup themselves

Besides finding the right microphone performance features, sound teams must also battle variables such as costuming, concealment, venue size, loudspeaker placement, vocal projection, and more. Ho explained with examples: “We get questions routinely on how to head mic an actor with no hair, or one who sweats heavily, or sometimes both at the same time.”

The novice sound person can learn about mic choice with consideration for speaking or singing, whereas those new to Point Source Audio mics can discover unconventional miking possibilities including how EMBRACE microphones can be used for violinists or boom headsets for flutists doubling on several instruments in one performance.

The Bottom Line: The Mic Finder web tool is accessible online via desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. The tool presents a series of questions to narrow microphone choice and shares successful experiences from real-world examples that best match the users’ needs.

The What: At IBC2019, Black Box will showcase the new Emerald ZeroU DVI transmitter for the company's high-performance Emerald Unified KVM platform. A little bigger than a smartphone, the ZeroU transmitter works with the Emerald SE receiver to give users a seamless desktop experience anywhere on a TCP/IP network—with actual hardware housed securely in a corporate data center or in the cloud. 

The What Else: With dimensions of 7cm wide by 15.5cm long by 2.5cm high, the ZeroU device is well suited for applications in which space is limited or costly. Emerald enables the same high fidelity experience of a desktop PC even for media-rich applications, like watching videos, photo editing with Photoshop or 3D design with AutoCAD. Like all Emerald devices, the ZeroU transmitter can be managed by Boxilla, the award-winning KVM network management system from Black Box.

The Bottom Line: Supporting visually lossless full HD DVI video up to 1920x1200 and requiring less than 40Mbps of bandwidth for 1080p video, the transmitter brings high-performance connectivity to a wide variety of applications including broadcast, postproduction, and more. 

FSR has revealed plans to demonstrate additions to its core infrastructure product lines at InfoComm 2019 in booth 3942. The company will show a revamped version of its PWB-100 flat panel display box, a new SmartFit 10-Inch Poke-Thru floor box, and covers for its FL series of floor boxes.

The Revamped PWB-100

The revamped PWB-100 is an installation accessory for any flat panel display. It installs in the wall behind the display allowing the screen to sit flush against the wall. This unit provides a neat and secure environment for audio, video, control, and power connections and can be used with retro installations.

The PWB is delivered with a triple play mounting bracket, one decora device, one low-voltage device, one provided Gem box, and is compatible with FSR’s four and six IPS inserts. The unit is available in white or black and is suitable for painting or other finishing, giving it the flexibility to match any décor. It has a cable exit slot for the display connections and the excess cable can be hidden inside of the box making the entire installation as clean as possible. The cover screws onto the front of the box once all connections are in place.

SmartFit 10-Inch Poke-Thru

FSR’s new 10-Inch Poke-Thru floor box provides capacity, aesthetics, and installation ease. These sturdy core hole products combine flexibility via recessed mounting bracketry to accommodate a wide assortment of power, data, and audio-video connection options. Covers are available in three architectural finishes: brushed aluminum, black and brushed brass, providing an attractive appearance with durability and technology that exceeds UL scrub water testing requirements. The entire cover door swings open 180 degrees and the two smaller cable access doors fold down for cable egress while the cover door is secure. The floor box has eight gang openings: four in the middle, two on top, and two on bottom, and a complete line of sub-plates for device mounting is available to populate the interior, middle, and end areas of the housing. It can handle 0.5- to 2.5-inch conduit connections up to a maximum of eight.

FL Painted Floor Box Covers

FSR’s new FL Painted covers offer a cost-effective solution while still providing versatility. The units feature a silver painted cover with no flange.

The What: Shure has introduced version 3.1 of SystemOn Audio Asset Management Software, designed to empower AV/IT managers and system integrators to stay one step ahead when overseeing large scale installs. 

The What Else: SystemOn 3.1 provides users a 360-degree view of inventory. The software constantly monitors device health and history to help ensure events run smoothly (tracking network connectivity, low battery status, RF performance, audio levels, etc.). Users have access to additional Shure products supported through the latest version of the management software to solve problems proactively.

“SystemOn is like a virtual system tech for AV/IT professionals,” said Chad Wiggins, senior category director for networked audio systems at Shure. “Version 3.1 adds support for our latest networked microphones and DSP products, making it an even more expansive management tool. As enterprises deploy various Shure products across multiple locations at increasing scale, the need to manage endpoints remotely is why we’ve developed, and now updated, SystemOn to make users’ lives even easier.”

The growing number of devices, endpoints, and locations creates another huge task for AV/IT professionals; Shure is committed to making those connections feel effortless with continually evolving technology.

“AV managers have a lot of demands on their time, and we believe system monitoring and maintenance shouldn’t be one of them,” Wiggins said. “With SystemOn, users can devote their attention to other matters instead of literally running across a campus to manually check status on their array mics, DSPs, and wireless systems.”

The Bottom Line: SystemOn 3.1 now supports Shure’s ULX-D Digital Wireless System, Microflex Advance MXA910 Ceiling Array and MXA310 Table Array Microphones, P300 IntelliMix Audio Conferencing Processor, ANIUSB-MATRIX USB Audio Network Interface, and SCM820 Automatic Mixer.

SystemOn software is sold through a subscription license. The software is available for purchase through any authorized Shure system integrator or distribution center.

The What: Optoma, with Navitar—a designer, developer, and manufacturer of optical solutions—has announced the addition of two new interchangeable lenses compatible with Optoma ProScene projector models. Long throw and extra-long throw Navitar NuView replacement lenses allow greater versatility and maximum projector performance in professional environments.

The What Else: The new Navitar lenses complement Optoma’s current line of interchangeable long, standard, short, and ultra-short throw lenses. The NuView 578MCZ500 has a long throw ratio of 4.85–8.66:1 and the NuView 578MCZ087 has an extra-long throw ratio of 9.15–15.24:1. Both lenses are compatible with Optoma ProScene models ZU660, ZU750, ZU850, and ZU1050 and feature manual zoom and focus. 

“Our pro AV customers were looking for more flexibility in projector placement for their large venue installations,” said Brian Soto, head of product management, Optoma Technology. “With throw ratios up to 15.24:1, Navitar’s extra-long-throw NuView lenses address this problem by allowing projectors to be placed more than 100 feet from a projection surface while ensuring image fidelity.”

“Navitar is excited to partner with Optoma to offer two NuView replacement lenses designed specifically for Optoma ProScene projector models,” said Laura Ann Nice, projection optics sales manager with Navitar, Inc. “NuView long-throw lenses offer greater installation flexibility to end users and accommodate a variety of projection distances and image sizes through manual zoom and focus functions. By using these lenses, pro AV customers are not only able to produce bright, crisp projected images, but they can also execute innovative installations with little to no restrictions.”

The Bottom Line: Optoma ProScene projectors were designed specifically for demanding professional applications. Interchangeable lenses, control system compatibility, and edge-blending technology enhance the line’s functionality for installers and end users. 

The What: Crestron launched the FT2 Series FlipTops at ISE 2019. The new FT2 FlipTops fit into almost any standard cut-out and can be installed in half the time than most competitive products, according to the company.

The What Else: The FT2 is designed for unobtrusive operation—users push a button and the door silently retracts and disappears. It comes in a black or alloy finish, with no exposed screws or gaps, and features backlit symbols. It is designed for easy installation with a clamping mechanism that swivels into place from above the table, and fits a standard sized cutout. It features one-touch cable retraction and modern power options, including 40W fast charging USB-C and USB-A power.

The Bottom Line: Once installed, the new industrial designs sit flush on the surface and match the décor of nearly any table or lectern. When presenting in a meeting, a single touch of the button on the FT2 FlipTop activates its door, which silently retracts and disappears. All connectors and cables are conveniently revealed at table level to power, rapidly charge, and connect devices. A comprehensive line of accessories is available, ranging from retractors to international power modules.

HP has launched its first Display and Accessories (D&A) Accelerator in the U.S. as an extension of its current HP Partner First program, designed to arm HP’s channel partners with the tools and solutions needed to meet individual company business needs while allowing exploration for new avenues of future growth.

“HP is always keeping a close eye on trends and opportunities that will drive profitable growth for our channel partners,” said Gary Simms, head of AMS Channel Programs and Enablement, HP. “We’re excited to offer this new accelerator as we double down on displays & accessories in the U.S. while partners take advantage of incredible opportunities fueled by current market conditions.”

[HP Launches Retail Solutions for Small Businesses at NRF 2019]

Recognizing the rapidly growing D&A landscape, as well as HP’s valued partners within the space, the accelerator will double benefits and incentives for U.S.-based Platinum and Gold PC Partners on multiple commercial displays and accessories SKUs including:

• Commercial Desktop Accessories
• Commercial Displays
• Commercial Notebook Accessories
• Detachable Accessories
• Workstation Accessories
• Workstation Displays

The enhancement comes as HP continues to expand its portfolios of Personal Systems and Print offerings and now arms HP’s Gold and Platinum PC channel partners with the products, services, and support necessary to address customer needs.

These types of enhancements reinforce HP’s commitment to partners while furthering its commitment to accelerate channel growth with relentless execution and innovation.

The What: D-Tools, Inc. has announced new capabilities to its on-premises estimation, design, and project management System Integrator (SI) software solution: System Integrator v12. 

The What Else: Available February 4, 2019, SI v12 delivers new productivity features: workflow management rules that help business managers maintain control over operating standards and business processes, project notifications that help ensure project stakeholders remain fully informed, and calculated items that provide a new method for establishing pricing parameters.

“The advancements provided through this release represent a quantum leap forward in the areas of pricing, team communications, and workflow management,” said Randy Stearns, CEO of D-Tools. “Each of the three key features adds flexibility and the potential for new and creative ways to run your business using System integrator.”

Workflow Management Rules

SI’s new workflow management rules enable managers to enforce standards and operating procedures by setting admissible thresholds by which employees must comply. Workflow rules provide the necessary checks and balances that ensure minimum profit margin requirements are being adhered to, large proposals and purchase orders are acknowledged and approved by management before issuance, necessary team members are notified in response to customer needs, and more. Workflows can be configured to trigger an action and/or send a notification based on user-set criteria.

Project Notifications

SI users can set project notifications to inform internal and external team members of specific project- and sales-related activities such as when a proposal exceeds the stated budget or the profit margin falls below the acceptable minimum, when a contract is approved, when a project requires engineering drawings, when a change order has been created and is ready for review, when tasks have been assigned, and much more. Notifications ensure that project stakeholders remain informed so they can adapt, respond, and stay on task as project parameters change. Notifications can be sent to SI users in-app, as well as emailed to both internal and external stakeholders.

Calculated Product Costs and Labor Items 

Cost and sell prices can now be calculated based on user-defined pricing parameters. At the most basic level, this feature allows SI users to calculate a unit cost or sell price of a product or labor item based on some established value and formula. More importantly, system integrators can now use a project’s equipment total to calculate project labor, design fees, freight charges or a budget for installation materials. Additionally, the field labor total may be used to calculate a project management budget, or the project total can be used to calculate pricing for a service contract, and much more. In short, SI customers can now apply percentages, mark-ups, mark-downs, and other functions to maintain accurate and consistent pricing across projects. 

The Bottom Line: D-Tools will also host a webinar titled “What’s New in SI” that will detail the latest enhancements and capabilities of this new major release, designed to help streamline the business process for electronic system integrators. The session will take place on Wednesday, February 13 from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. PST, and is free to all attendees.

Registration is now open here: https://bit.ly/2G18ELv.

The What: BTX Technologies has released the version 2.7 release of the BookIT room scheduling solution. 

The What Else: BookIT 2.7 includes many new enhancements, but the most significant features are the addition of digital signage capabilities—BookIT panels can now be used to display digital signage and company information via HTML5 when meetings are not scheduled—and enhancements to panel usage—a new meeting duration picker and a default Meet Now meeting title work together to further simplify the process of adding meetings directly from the BookIT touchpanel.

“We’re proud of this release as it directly addresses the feedback we’ve gotten from our customers,” said Greg Schwartz, CEO of BookIT and BTX Technologies. “Organizations want to use our BookIT panels for digital signage and messaging when meetings are not scheduled and now, they can. Our customers also want complete simplicity when setting up impromptu ‘Meet Now’ meetings from a BookIT display. Version 2.7 reduces that process to three simple touches. While this release is substantial, look for another release this year that continues to expand BookIT’s capabilities.

Customers with current software maintenance can upgrade to Version 2.7 for free. The complete list of new features and fixes for 2.7 are listed below.

New Features and Enhancements:

• Digital Signage: BookIT panels can now be used for digital signage via HTML5. Display useful information such as corporate messaging on BookIT panels when meeting rooms are not in use.
• Default Meet Now Title: Set a default title to be used when adding a meeting with the Meet Now button.
• Meeting Duration Picker: When adding meetings, users can now simply select a meeting duration.
• Allow Anyone to Release or Extend Meetings: With new settings, an organization can allow anyone to release a meeting room or extend a meeting from the BookIT display, not just the meeting owner.
• Optimized Calendar Lookahead: Calendar items will now load even faster, which makes booking future meetings directly from the panel easier.

The Bottom Line: BookIT, a division of BTX Technologies, is a room scheduling solution that helps organizations optimize their ROI on shared meeting spaces. It allows users to choose rooms and schedule or change meetings from their BookIT panels, computers, or mobile devices and integrates natively with MS Exchange, Office 365, and G Suite, requiring no additional server nor middleware. 

The What: Panasonic has announced the immediate availability of the LiveCTRL mobile application enabling control, streaming, and switching of select Panasonic pan/tilt/zoom from an iPad Pro device.

The What Else: LiveCTRL for iPad is now available in the iTunes store for free. LiveCTRL for iPad allows you to monitor/control a single camera, while in-app purchases unlock multi-camera features and enable streaming production and control of up to four cameras.

The LiveCTRL app is a partnership between Panasonic and Cinamaker Inc., the iOS-based live video production platform. LiveCTRL is a simple system affording streamed video, camera, and audio control, and power from a single cable. The app is compatible with Panasonic AW-HE40, AW-UE70, and AW-HE130 PTZ cameras as input sources. Users can also add iPhones as camera sources in addition to Panasonic cameras.

Live-streamed preview and control of a single camera inherits the current web user interface functionality with a more elegant and modern interface, with the addition of camera presets with thumbnail preview so users can quickly remember and trigger presets for PTZ cameras.

With LiveCTRL, a single camera stream can be sent to streaming platforms and social media outlets such as Facebook Live and YouTube Live. Upgrading to the premium license permits a user to switch between multiple cameras, live stream, and record, record and mix audio, add graphics, titles, logos, and b-roll video, and push a finished production to the same streaming platforms and social media outlets. Free and premium features are powered by Cinamaker technologies.

In terms of operation, Panasonic cameras, iPhone camera clients, and the LiveCTRL application running on an iPad Pro device will be connected on a network, further advancing Panasonic’s innovative network workflow.

The Bottom Line: Panasonic’s current generation of PTZ cameras features advanced video encoding and control for IP networks. LiveCTRL leverages this functionality and can facilitate single or multi-camera live streamed monitoring and control that utilizes a newly designed software joystick and remote operator interface for enabling smooth control and fine-tuning.

The What: tvONE has launched the CORIOmaster app, a control tool for CORIOmaster video wall processing systems. The CORIOmaster app is a free application for smartphones and tablets that extends the control of CORIOmaster video walls onto mobile platforms. With the new app, users now have access to the powerful video wall processing systems in the palm of their hands.

The What Else: Users can execute all simple control functions with ease through the CORIOmaster app, including viewing all canvases, viewing “source-to-window” assignments, activating presets, switching inputs, and assigning fresh sources to windows. Additionally, more sophisticated control is possible by sending single or command chains using API commands set.

The Bottom Line: The app provides a secure wireless control platform, allowing users to control CORIOmaster wirelessly on an internal Wi-Fi network. Additionally, the app gives users the ability to control CORIOmaster without having to launch the CORIOmaster design software, CORIOgrapher. The new application works with Apple (iOS version 9 and above) and Android (v5.0 [Lollipop] and above) devices.

The What: Bose Professional announced enhancements for the S1 Pro multi-position PA system — an all-in-one PA, floor monitor, practice amplifier and primary music system, and the latest addition to the Bose portable professional product line.

The What Else: Based on early customer feedback, Bose is now shipping each S1 Pro with a pre-installed rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack and compatibility with the Bose Connect App for streaming Bluetooth audio to as many as two S1 units. New accessories include the S1 Pro Backpack and S1 Slip Cover.

The rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack comes pre-installed and allows users to play the S1 Pro without AC power for up to 11 hours on a single charge. The Quick Charge feature allows users to recharge their S1 Battery Pack in a hurry (when in use in standard mode and plugged into AC power, the S1 Pro is trickle-charged). Additional S1 Battery Packs are available to purchase separately for users looking for a backup or extended play option.

The durable S1 Pro Backpack is designed for hands-free transport of the Bose S1 Pro system. Three zippered compartments allow cables and other items to be safely stored, while the adjustable shoulder straps, molded foam back panel and convenient handles allow users to comfortably carry their S1 Pro system anywhere they travel.

The S1 Slip Cover allows users to protect their S1 Pro system while on the go. This custom-fit cover easily slips onto the S1 Pro, providing scratch protection while carrying, traveling in a car, placing in an airplane overhead compartment, or when just storing. Made from durable nylon, it features an embroidered front Bose logo and a top opening for accessing the S1 Pro carry handle.

Other enhancements include compatibility with the Bose Connect app (which allows access to additional options and features like Stereo Mode) to wirelessly stream audio to a second system for even more output.

The Bottom Line: The S1 Pro multi-position PA system is currently available with a U.S. MSRP of $599.

The What: Audience announced the introduction of its Hidden Treasure in-wall power cable, designed to provide AC power delivery in custom-installation audio, multiroom, architectural and other in-wall applications.

The What Else: Audience's Hidden Treasure connects from a home's circuit breaker box to the user's audio system. It is UL CL2-approved for use in 120-volt and 220-volt AC in-wall applications. Hidden Treasure is engineered for maximum signal conductivity, durability, and shielding from electrical interference.

Hidden Treasure features three 10 AWG stranded 99.9999 percent pure oxygen-free copper (OFC) conductors. The wire is cryogenically treated to relieve stresses that can be imparted to the wire during manufacturing and to re-align the microstructure in the copper for improved conductivity. The conductors are foil-shielded to provide rejection from external electrical noise. The dielectric (insulation) is made from XLPE cross-linked polyethylene insulation with a PVC sleeve for unmatched durability.

The Bottom Line: Hidden Treasure is flexible and easy to install and has a diameter of approximately 0.75 inches (18 mm). Audience Hidden Treasure AC power cable is currently available at a suggested retail price of $22 per foot.

AV distribution company Starin is debuting ProAV Outfitters, a new means of providing complete “deliverables,” at InfoComm 2018 booth C4120.

Over the past year, Starin has developed, prototyped, and piloted a new means of providing complete “deliverables.” It works under the banner ProAV Outfitters. More than a bundle of key components, it is cables, accessories, and all materials.

“Down to the toggle bolt,” said Starin's VP of marketing, Bobby Swartz. “It’s more than a bundle. We have step-by-step instruction sets to enable the least experienced technician to know how to assemble quickly. We used the Ikea assembly model to make it easy. Resulting in our being able to provide the gift of time.”

Versus attempting to source from 30 or more separate providers of components and parts, with the hassle of chasing down arrival and staging. Everything can now come from one place, at one time to the shop or job site. Which in turn, saves procurement and purchasing headaches.

The instruction manuals also give integrators the opportunity to provide provisioning to the Do-It-Yourselfer market where many Higher-Ed and enterprise level organizations that have in-house installation staff.

ProAV Outfitters is not just the name of the service Starin has to assist in enabling growth potential in the market. It is the network of reselling integrators working within the Starin community. ProAV Outfitters is an eco-system. While integrators attack their primary custom projects, they have a fast lane for more business that does not include extra resources.

ProAV Outfitters has two categories of deliverables for integrators to provide, Collaboration Stations and Video Walls. The UC-based Collaboration Stations have Huddle and Conference Room configurations. Designed for Zoom Video Conferencing, Starin has Zoom-approved ZoomRooms with all the brands in the Zoom eco-system. Starin also has packages for any other general Unified Communications platform.

Video walls of LED or LCD displays are the second category of deliverables. Barco Uni-See, Neoti, and LG displays enter into the product mix. “We also have additional labor or supervision services. In our early pilot runs with one 12’ x 40’ wall, the team was in and out in two days with time to spare. An almost identical project was eight days from a manufacturer,” said Mitch Rauch, strategic development manager for Starin.

ProAV Outfitters aims to make the customer experience more reliable and enjoyable while helping integrators satisfy new expectations.

Audinate’s line of Dante AVIO adapters is now shipping and available from several key online retailers, including Full Compass, Dale Pro Audio, and Thomann, in addition to key regional distributors around the globe. For a complete list of dealers, visit https://www.audinate.com/avio.

Dante AVIO adapters are a family of endpoints that enable audio professionals to connect legacy analog and digital audio equipment to Dante networks. Starting with a list price of $129 USD, the Dante AVIO series features six adapters including line-in and line-out analog adapters, a bi-directional AES3/EBU adapter, and a bi-directional stereo USB adapter.

The Dante AVIO Analog adapters are available as dedicated inputs or outputs with one or two channels of audio. Analog input adapters allow mixers, mic preamps, stage DIs, and more to connect to a Dante audio network, while analog output adapters are perfect for driving amplifiers, powered speakers, or recorders. Long runs of noisy analog cable can be eliminated and all signal routes are managed via Dante Controller software.

The Dante AVIO USB adapter connects any computer to a Dante audio network without additional software, providing class-compliant stereo input and output that can be used by any audio application. Ideal for presentations and conference rooms, the Dante AVIO USB adapter may be passed between computers without altering networked audio connections.

The Dante AVIO AES3 adapter provides stereo input/output, preserving investments in AES3-connected DSPs, mixers, compressors, preamps and more. Any AES3 device may be fully connected to any Dante network with no degradation of signal due to extraneous D/A and A/D conversion.

Audinate will showcase the complete line of Dante AVIO adapters at InfoComm 2018. Daily drawings will be held, providing attendees a chance to win a free Dante AVIO adapter. Visit Audinate at InfoComm in booth C456 for details.

The What: ATEN Technology has introduced the UH7230 - Thunderbolt 3 Multiport Dock solution. Designed to create a simplified, yet productive 4K workspace, the UH7230 offers more multiport connectivity and charging capabilities to MacBook or Windows laptops via a single Thunderbolt cable.

The What Else: The UH7230 Thunderbolt 3 Multiport Dock quickly connects peripherals and displays video content from a laptop. Thunderbolt 3 provides high-speed data transfers, powerful performance, and light weight in a single form factor.

“Dongles can be used to transfer the interface, but for mobile workers who use a variety of legacy USB Type A gadgets, the multiple dongle approach can be very inconvenient,” said Rojin Liao, senior product marketing manager, ATEN Technology. “The ATEN Thunderbolt 3 Multiport Dock provides the necessary power to charge multiple devices, daisy chains multiple Thunderbolt devices, drives dual 4K monitors or DisplayPort, and provides easy access for flash or hard drives with multiple USB Type A ports.”

The UH7230 supports dual 4K or 5K resolution for graphics-intensive multitasking, and allows users to connect one 5K display or two 4K displays (one DisplayPort and one Thunderbolt 3 USB-C port). With up to 40Gbps bandwidth, users can transfer files faster, and it supports up to 85W of power delivery for charging a laptop and USB accessories. The UH7230 can provide power to matched USB-C Windows or Mac laptops with PD Profile specifications of 20V/4.25A, 15V/3A, 9V/3A, and 5V/3A.

The Bottom Line: The UH7230 Thunderbolt 3 Multiport Dock is well suited for creative professionals and those who work with high-resolution, graphic-intensive images, video, and CAD drawings, such as video producers, graphic and web designers, architects, or any field requiring optimal quality displays and USB devices. It is now available for $220 USD via ATEN’s channel of distribution and reseller partners.

The What: Platinum Tools will feature its Net Chaser Ethernet Speed Certifier and Network Tester (p/n TNC950AR) during InfoComm 2018, held from June 6-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth C3445. Now shipping, the Net Chaser has an MSRP of $1,899.95.

The What Else: To certify Ethernet speed performance of cable runs, the Net Chaser conducts Bit Error Rate (BER) tests by sending data packets down specified cable runs at defined data rates to check for errors at the maximum throughput of the link. The Net Chaser reports on signal quality that can degrade high-speed data transmission by measuring signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Skew measurements report on the signal time delay between pairs that can impact Gigabit data transmission. Finally, the Net Chaser unit provides continuity testing that detects opens, shorts, miswires, split pairs, reversals, and high-resistance faults while accurately measuring distance to faults and total cable length.

“Made in the USA, the Net Chaser Ethernet Speed Certifier and Network Tester offers a complete solution to test and speed certify the data-carrying capabilities of Ethernet network cables up to 1Gb/s by testing for noise in the network, detecting faults in the cable wiring, and ensuring that cables are able to support the speed capabilities of active equipment,” said Jason Chesla, Platinum Tools marketing manager. “The Net Chaser’s advanced discovery gives the clearest vision of network layout and interfaces between active components such as servers, switches, routers, etc. All the information is collected, stored, and ready for reporting Ethernet speed certification (Speed Certification to IEEE standards 802.3ab; cable testing to TIA568A/B). Installers have asked for a tester that validates data cables by testing all the parameters they need to test beyond verifying proper terminations. The Net Chaser is a proven product that does just that."

In addition, the Net Chaser measures and displays length for each pair in feet or meters, and improperly terminated cables are clearly displayed on a color graphical wire-mapping display. It verifies continuity for RJ45 and coax cables, generates professional test reports with company details and logo, and has up to eight available testing and ID remotes.

The Bottom Line: The Net Chaser includes a comprehensive set of features for testing active network capabilities, including measure Power over Ethernet (PoE) to ensure the correct power is available on the correct pins, use Port Discovery to ensure the correct speed and duplex capability are available; connect at gigabit Ethernet and run ping tests to verify connectivity to IP hosts; discover network devices using Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) or Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP); VLAN discovery; Traceroute function displays the path internet packets travel to reach a specified destination. The Net Chaser also saves test reports and exports to PC’sin PDF or CSV format.

The What: ACE Backstage has introduced the 175SLBK Stage Pocket, which is designed to be permanently installed in the stage floor and is configured to receive PreSonus Networked Stage Boxes (NSB 8.8, NSB 16.8) for portable onstage use and passive storage.

The What Else: One PreSonus NSB slides easily in and out of the ACE Stage Pocket Nesting Frame. The NSB is secure while resting inside the stage pocket, allowing I/O cables to egress neatly through hinged cable exits in the lid, and onto the stage floor. Additional room for a single space rack panel inside the Stage Pocket makes it possible to add additional connectivity at the stage floor.

Constructed of heavy-duty, 10-gauge steel, its lid and bezel are designed to resist bending even under the most severe stage loads, and are finished with matte-black textured power coat for scratch and wear resistance. Dual-hinged cable exits on opposing sides of the stage pocket lid pivot down to allow many cables to exit, or pivot flush to close all openings. Mounted internal rack rails mate with an exclusive nesting bracket and allow for additional single rack panel capacity.

The Bottom Line: The 175SLBK is designed to support the specific indexing of one NSB 16.8 or NSB 8.8 Stage Box for optimal onstage accessibility and organized stage aesthetic. The nest positions the stage box so cable-end connectors have appropriate clearance when the stage pocket lid is closed while protecting connectivity and electronics. Power and digital connectivity can be accessed through provided single gang access positions in the bracket base.

New classroom teaching models are changing how students learn. At William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey, instructors are embracing the newly installed active learning classrooms (ALC) in the school’s new building, University Hall. These classrooms are designed to foster interactive, flexible, student-centered learning experiences. Unlike a traditional lecture hall, there is no front of the classroom where instructors stand to lecture on course material. Instead, instructors move freely around the room—coaching and interacting with the students who are grouped in clusters of tables where they have access to technology that allow them to easily present their work to their peers.

This new teaching platform enables instructors to help their students demonstrate a process, analyze concepts, and apply the learning material to real-world situations, encouraging more dialogue than a traditional classroom. A crucial part of making these kinds of classrooms successful is granting instructors quick and easy access to the technology they need to control and send content on the fly to the displays at each of the student tables. Selecting the right piece of furniture that was not only approved by the architect but was built for AV wasn’t easy, but the school says that Middle Atlantic’s C5 Credenza alleviated the headaches that often come when working on a new build.

Working with the architect

“In the past, we have relied on the architect to specify everything in the room, but they have a very specific look in mind. It can be challenging trying to find a solution that balances their vision with our AV system needs,” said Bill O’Donnell, CTS, EAVA, DMC-D, AV/Network Design Engineer for Instruction and Research Technology at William Paterson University. “For our ALCs, the architect wanted custom-made millwork cabinets. We were installing about $20,000 worth of equipment into these cabinets, so it was critical that whatever we put into these rooms would ensure the system’s reliability and really allow the faculty and students to reap the full potential of this new learning platform. We had concerns that the custom cabinets wouldn’t guarantee the best system integrity, so we opted to search for a purpose-built solution that could meet our needs and hopefully match the aesthetic the architect had in mind.”

The available options were mostly limited to desks, a solution Deputy CIO Sandy Miller specifically wanted to avoid because it would have made the room look and operate too much like a traditional lecture room. Instead, Miller requested a more inconspicuous piece of furniture that would centralize all the technology while providing instructors with a user-friendly operation base. Middle Atlantic’s C5 Series Credenza provided the perfect balance of look, functionality, and flexibility.

Designing the rack

Once O’Donnell had selected the size and style of frame he needed, Middle Atlantic built, assembled, and shipped the frame immediately — an exclusive Middle Atlantic feature that the company calls Frame to Furniture™ and really saves time on the job. With the frame ready, it was down to selecting on the wood skins, which simply snap onto the frame once they were ready.

“The Frame to Furniture feature allowed the architect to choose the style, color, finish, door style, vent finish, and handles,” said O’Donnell. “With both contemporary and modern styles and more 30 color and finish options, the architect was able to really customize and select the details that met their aesthetic priorities while the integrator kept working — it was seamless. We were all impressed with the final product and I was happy that our equipment wasn’t going to cook thanks to the quiet internal fans — the C5 provided a reliable infrastructure built for our AV.”

“If we had gone with the traditional millwork that the architect was looking at, we would have needed two or more people to move that piece into place,” said O’Donnell. “And if it didn’t meet the rack sizes, we would have had to cut the bottom out in order to get all the equipment to fit. I’ve seen that happen and it’s really compromises the integrity of the furniture and of the system. It’s like moving a house of cards. But we didn’t have to worry about any of that with the C5 and Frame to Furniture concept sped up the installation even more.”

In addition to easing the design process with Frame to Furniture, Middle Atlantic also provides configuration tools that are available on its website. The tools enabled O’Donnell to confidently design a two-bay frame using the program’s built-in intelligent pre-selected options that provided him with the appropriate components to mount a PC, document camera, and VCR/DVD combo as well as a laptop connection within the rack. It also allowed him to build in plenty of room for any future rack additions. All the inputs and outputs for the room feed to an 8x8 switcher also housed within the credenza and a driving component for the rack frame. With a depth of about 19 inches, O’Donnell discovered that, as he loaded up the rack within the system, he need to size up to the 24-inch credenza model.

“The program alerted me to the fact that I only had one inch of space between the back of the switcher and the back of the panel when I originally selected the 20-inch model. I hadn’t even factored that in. With the program’s help, I was able to see that the extended depth model made more sense. Had it not alerted me, it really would have slowed down the installation and put us behind schedule because we would have had to cut the back out in order for the switcher to fit,” said O’Donnell. “The extended depth model allows us enough room for all the cables and connectors to plug in nicely without them butting up against the panel or forcing them into a hard right angles and causing cable damage and system failures.”

Easing the bid process

With the website’s configuration tools, O’Donnell was also able to set up the rack elevations and add them to the school’s bid specification when the installation when out to public bid. The elevations allowed integrator TBS Network Intelligence, which won the final bid, to be on the same page throughout the project and prevented some headaches down the road.

“It really helps integrators thoughtfully layout the systems inside the rack, giving them a guide to refer back to throughout the process. I have experienced an installation where a rackmount power strip was put right underneath the big 8x8 switcher, which is a huge hassle when you’re squeezing your hand in there to plug and unplug devices. Middle Atlantic saves integrators trouble and saves us trouble.”

A new look for a new kind of classroom

With its polished look, the C5 Series Credenza blends so well into the aesthetic of the classroom that instructors and visitors are surprised to learn it’s housing all the rack equipment.

“In the past, we built a Middle Atlantic frame into a desk, but the C5 credenza is a much more seamless solution,” said O’Donnell. “And with all the active cooling built into to it, we rarely have to worry about the equipment. Nine times out of ten, the calls we get for the ACLs are operator error.”

The brand-new ALCs have had such positive reviews from the faculty that the school is currently looking into converting one of the classrooms at its satellite campus. Because of this great experience with Middle Atlantic, O’Donnell wants to install the C5 Credenza in the new ACL but he also has his eyes on Middle Atlantic’s new Hub collaboration table for the students. The Hub, which wasn’t available when O’Donnell specified the tables for the main campus, is specifically designed for ACLs and ships fully assembled with cable management, power, and mounting systems already integrated — shaving off critical time and errors on the job.

• The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois recently granted ClearOne’s request to add a claim of infringement of ClearOne’s new patent, U.S. Patent No. 9,813,806 (“the ’806 Patent”), to its existing lawsuit against Shure Inc. The ’806 Patent, titled “Integrated Beamforming Microphone Array and Ceiling or Wall Tile,” describes, among other things, a beamforming microphone array integrated into a ceiling-tile form that is designed to be used in a drop ceiling. ClearOne alleges that Shure is infringing the ’806 Patent by making, using, selling, and offering to sell the Shure MXA910 beamforming microphone ceiling array product.
• “ClearOne is a leading innovator of audio conferencing technologies,” said Zee Hakimoglu, chief executive officer of ClearOne. “These innovations are the product of extensive research and development that is often rewarded through the grant of strong intellectual property rights, including patents. Shure is using ClearOne’s patented technology without permission, forcing us to defend our valuable intellectual property in court.”
• ClearOne’s existing lawsuit against Shure also alleges that Shure, itself and jointly with others, infringes ClearOne’s U.S. Patent No. 9,635,186 (“the ’186 Patent”). Although Shure recently added the claim that the ’186 Patent was unenforceable, ClearOne rejects this claim and will vigorously defend the ’186 Patent and prosecute Shure’s infringement.
• On February 14, 2018, the court held a hearing on ClearOne’s request for preliminary injunctive relief seeking, among other things, to prevent Shure from selling, or encouraging others to use, the Shure MXA910 and the Shure P300 audio conferencing processor in certain configurations that infringe the ’186 Patent. A preliminary injunction is extraordinary relief and requires, among other things, a clear showing that the party seeking relief is at risk of irreparable harm. The court is expected to issue its order in approximately two weeks.

• Gig Gear, maker of Gig Gloves—protective work gloves designed specifically for live event and entertainment production professionals—has been selected to the InfoComm 2018 Innovations Showcase, which highlights new tech companies and products for the commercial AV market.
• While not a technology-based enterprise like most companies traditionally selected to the showcase, Gig Gear’s Gig Gloves are designed to provide an invaluable service to the professionals who work within the AV industry: helping them complete their jobs more safely and effectively.
• “Gig Gear is very excited to have been one of the few companies selected to participate as an exhibitor at the 2018 InfoComm Innovations Showcase,” said Danny Shatzkes, founder of Gig Gear. “We’re aware that the Innovations Showcase has been very selective and includes mostly tech companies showing their cutting-edge technology products and services. However, behind all of the technology in pro and commercial AV, installation and integration, there are actual human beings that need to do the physical work required to get these systems working flawlessly.
• “Gig Gear manufactures products that make the actual physical jobs and work of the people in the industry safer, easier, and more efficient. This recognition of the human component is just as important, if not more so, than quoting, installing, and integrating the latest and greatest technology for each job. I’m sure that professionals in the industry would agree and I invite all attendees to visit the Innovations Showcase and check out what we have to offer.”
• Featuring strong nylon threading throughout, Gig Gloves include TPR molding on the back of the hand and fingers to ensure ultimate protection against impact, abrasions, or pinching. Fold-over fingertips allow for use of smaller tools and items, and Gig Gloves work with touchscreen devices without needing to be removed. They are available in three models—Original Gig Gloves, all-black Gig Gloves ONYX, and fleece-lined THERMO Gig Gloves—and come in six sizes (XS-XXL).

The What: Roland Professional A/V is now shipping the V-60HD, a compact, integrated video switcher and audio mixer.

The What Else: Compact and portable, the V-60HD supports six video channels from a variety of inputs, including 3G-SDI, HDMI, and RGB sources with scaling on HDMI and RGB inputs to support both video and VESA resolutions from 480i up to WUXGA. A de-interlacer enables 1080i and 1080p SDI video sources from multiple fixed-lens, PTZ, or ENG-style cameras to be used simultaneously without the need for an external signal converter. The V-60HD also supports still image capture and import with two dedicated cross points to have images ready to go and easy to switch to.

Program, preview, and AUX bus sources enable flexible outputs for multiscreen environments such as churches, conference centers, hotels, and trade show facilities, supporting a confidence monitor, presenter notes, plus a main output for IMAG. The dedicated AUX bus may be assigned to any of the four discrete SDI or HDMI outputs providing switching from the eight input channels, including four SDI, two HDMI, or one RGB and two still images uploaded via the USB port.

A front-panel, 3-inch LCD display allows quick access menu navigation and access to switcher parameters. A multiviewer supports program and preview feeds and up to eight video sources with audio meters and labels. A free software application, V-60HD RCS (Mac or PC), provides setup and control information for the unit through a network port. For fixed installations, the V-60HD can be remotely controlled through the LAN or RS-232 port using touchpanel or other programmable interface devices.

The LAN port also supports Roland’s new Smart Tally system for PC, iOS, and Android devices, providing wireless tally to mobile devices from a Wi-Fi access point. In addition to enabling still image uploads, the USB port allows the user to save program files and memory settings plus software updates.

The professional user interface also includes broadcast switcher quality cross-point buttons with PGM/PST LED color indicators, a rugged T-bar, and DSK (downstream keyer) quick-edit knobs for key level and gain. Two sets of dedicated controls enable center framing of split and PinP (picture-in-picture) placement. The DSK can be used to apply up to three layers of composition incorporating titles, song lyrics, logos, or graphics coming from the video sources. The DSK supports both luminance (black/white) and chroma (blue/green) keying for compositing two video sources, plus the additional layer of PinP, plus background video. Video processing enables cut, mix with cross-dissolve, and NAM/FAM transitions, with up to 30 different wipe patterns. Seamless transitions between six video sources and two still buses are enabled by time-based correction and frame synch.

The V-60HD also features an 18-channel audio mixer with four TRS/XLR combo jacks with 48V phantom power, an RCA stereo pair, plus audio de-embed from the six video inputs. Audio processing capabilities include dynamics and effects, such as a high-pass filter, gate, compressor/limiter, three-band EQ, delay, and the ability to select audio-follows-video channels. The unit’s multichannel audio embedding function allows users to select which audio source to embed separately to SDI outputs 1 and 2, for example, to fix audio issues or separate multi-language audio sources post event. An auto-mixing function automatically adjusts the audio level based on weighting, ensuring even levels for the room mix, recording, and web streaming.

The What: Visual solution engineer Datapath is now shipping its Wall Designer software for the MacOS platform. After listening to customer feedback—especially from the creative industries—the software has been completely recreated for the MacOS platform taking advantage of Apple’s modern Mac 64-bit architecture and multi-core processing. The software is available as a free download for Datapath’s customers.

The What Else: Wall Designer is designed to take the stress out of configuring hardware for a project by automatically adding one of Datapath’s range of multi-display controllers, projects, and assigning each output to a monitor. By redrawing screen assignments to suit the project's needs, it speeds and eases installation builds. Connecting a number of wall controllers to a Mac and Wall Designer will allow users to assign the wall controller to monitor and program them. Full monitor EDID management is available for timing adjustments.

One of the benefits of the Wall Designer software is the information it provides for configuration. Information such as screen dimensions—in pixels and millimeters, bezel sizes, and refresh rates are all included. The ability to choose from a list of previously used monitors as well as adding other monitors and even bespoke RGB LED configurations has created software which makes display wall configuration and implementation easier.

Wall Designer also features a user-driven monitor database. The range of monitors in the application’s database has grown to cover an large and constantly growing number of unique devices, as users have added their own monitors and submitted these back to Datapath for inclusion.

"Datapath has developed Wall Designer for MacOS after listening to its customers and their requirement to run Wall Designer on the same computers they are creating their videos on,” said Mark Rogers, Datapath’s product manager for software. “This is a high percentage of Apple hardware, so we have developed the software to take advantage of the modern Mac’s architecture and processors, but retaining the look, feel, and features that the PC version has to offer. This will provide seamless usability across platforms for our creative users.”

The Bottom Line: Wall Designer is engineered to provide an easy and intuitive visual interface for the Fx4, Fx4-SDI, and Hx4 multi-screen display wall controllers offering an advanced video wall design and Implementation suite. It enables users to place projects across a virtual canvas. Adjusting the input resolution ensures the project matches the content, with Wall Designer automatically arranging the capture regions or adjusting each region to suit.

The What: Auralex Acoustics is now shipping its expanded line of ProPanel ProKits acoustical room treatment systems, now offering a total of six fabric choices. ProKit-1 and ProKit-2 room treatment systems are now available in four SonoSuede fabric choices: red, black, tan, and brown; as well as the standard fabric colors, sandstone and obsidian.

The What Else: Both kits include 2-inch by 24-inch by 48-inch beveled wall panels and reverse mitered corner bass trap panels to provide low-frequency absorption, critical in small to medium-sized rooms. All mounting hardware is included. Additional ProPanel Cloud and monitor isolation solutions are also available.

ProPanel ProKit-1:
For Rooms 12 feet by 12 feet and up:
Seven B224 Beveled Edge
Two M224 Mitered Edge

ProPanel ProKit-2:
For Rooms 18 feet by 20 feet and up:
Twelve B224 Beveled Edge
Six M224 Mitered Edge

The What: Epson has launched the Epson Projector Professional Tool (EPPT), a software utility that helps users set up multiple Epson projectors and allows access to advanced features such as edge blending, geometric correction, and auto image calibration. The software is free to download and is designed for use with Epson’s Pro L-Series large venue laser projectors.

The What Else: The Epson Projector Professional Tool automatically finds and displays all projectors on the network and makes changes easier by allowing users to adjust focus and lens shift, and control basic projector functions, such as turning power on and off or displaying a test image. In addition, the software offers a straightforward graphical interface for the installer right out of the box and allows the user to drag and drop individual projectors to change the image layout.

“We listened to our rental and staging customers and realized there was a need for a tool to simplify and speed up projector installations,” said Ramzi Shakra, product manager, large venue projectors, Epson America. “With the new EPPT software, we offer an easy tool for users to set up and execute unique projection applications. This new tool is intuitive to use and will allow our users to take advantage of advanced techniques, such as edge blending, point correction and geometric correction.”

The What: Bose Professional ControlSpace Designer software (CSD) version 5.0.1 is now available for download today from pro.bose.com. This latest release features a powerful suite of new features, tools, and algorithms, allowing designers to effectively and quickly create versatile audio systems.

The What Else: CSD 5.0.1 includes specific functions aimed at streamlining the workflow of audio conferencing installations with the new ControlSpace EX conferencing processor and under-table Dante endpoints.

Other upgrades include support for the ControlSpace EX-1280C conferencing processor including new DSP blocks: Acoustic Echo Canceller, VoIP, PSTN/POTS, USB, Conference Room Router, Room Combine Group, Enhanced AGC, linkable gated and gain-sharing auto-mixers, simplified logic control, and AmpLink. Support for Panaray MSA12X modular steerable array loudspeaker has been added, including a new MSA12X device block, MSA12X control panel, and basic steer/spread beam steering directly from within ControlSpace Designer software; also included is support for ControlSpace EX-UH, EX-4ML, and EX-8ML under-table Dante endpoints; and support for various Dante-enabled products including popular Shure MXA910 and MXA310 microphones, Audio-Technica ATND971 and ATND8677 microphones, and Audio-Technica’s ATND8734 microphone power module with Dante output. User experience improvements such as multi-wiring, adjustable port spacing, audio routing, and an updated graphical user interface, and additions to the Bose Loudspeaker Database, with speaker EQs for newer EdgeMax EM90/EM180 loudspeakers and the MB210 subwoofer round out the upgrade.

The What: RF Venue, provider of antenna, spectrum analysis, and RF signal management tools, for the professional audio-visual industry, is now shipping its WaveTower software-as-a-service (SaaS) product, designed to provide system integrators and end users with a powerful new weapon in the battle against RF spectrum interference.

The What Else: WaveTower features small remote sensors that report back to a cloud-based web application, improving management of radio spectrum usage across multiple sites and reducing incidents of interference. This opens up new revenue streams for RF managed services, offers greater centralized oversight of multi-venue systems, and provides remote troubleshooting and planning capabilities.

WaveTower also makes it possible to identify and circumvent longer-term problems by capturing and saving up to two months of spectrum data. This can then be assessed remotely in order to more fully understand and plan for periods in which RF spectrum is especially congested. The web application’s 24 Hour Max Hold and Average functions make it possible to gauge overall RF spectrum activity from the previous 24 hours in a single click.

Covering VHF, UHF, ISM bands and more at 25KHz resolution bandwidth, WaveTower comprises a connected-hardware platform that features small remote RF sensors called ‘Towers’ that continuously send RF scan data to the WaveTower web interface. Each of the Towers sport a BNC input, allowing it to be connected directly to any brand wireless microphone system or antenna to scan the venue. The devices also feature GPS modules to determine their location worldwide, along with a scanning range of nearly 3GHz.

“We recognized a while ago that a great deal of resources were being ploughed into staying on top of changing RF spectrum across different sites,” said RF Venue CEO Chris Regan. “In situations where problems were occurring, integrators or contractors would historically be required to undertake several visits to a venue—for example, to do a site survey, then back again to make changes to the system configuration. But with WaveTower, a comprehensive analysis can be achieved remotely via the web, saving both time and travel expenses.”

The Bottom Line: Designed to allow organizations to monitor and manage their RF systems in a more streamlined and cost-effective way, WaveTower reduces travel and labor expenses by permitting systems techs to undertake analysis and make RF spectrum changes remotely. Corporations, touring productions, and houses of worship operating in multiple locations across town or across the globe, as well as universities are among the beneficiaries of the WaveTower feature set.

The What: Peerless-AV has introduced the new IF Mount for Samsung Direct View LED Displays.

The What Else: The new mount securely holds the Samsung IF display to form a properly aligned, seamless video wall. Its height and depth adjustment overcome pixel irregularities and wall imperfections for optimal alignment, and its low-profile design meets ADA requirements. It features a modular, lightweight aluminum design to minimize wall load, ease installation, and allow for a wide variety of configurations. It also features wall plate spacers to reduce the need for measuring, and to help improve parallel installation.

“For customers who have come to trust our LCD video wall mounts, we are proud to offer not only the most comprehensive mount on the market for LED video walls, but a solution that can be customized to meet end users’ needs,” said Nick Belcore, executive vice president of global sales and marketing, Peerless-AV. “Our Custom Solutions Team worked closely with Samsung to create this custom mounting solution that simplifies even the most complicated of installations. From uneven walls to limited spaces, Peerless-AV’s mounts make every integration a success.”

The Bottom Line: Designed for creating video walls in public and nonpublic spaces, such as corporate lobbies, stadiums, airports, shopping malls, train stations, control rooms, and more, the IF mount is a modular solution that comes kitted together for ease in configuration. With this mount, integrators can tile LED displays to create a large video wall.

Peerless-AV’s IF Mount for Samsung Direct View LED Displays will be showcased at ISE 2018, from February 6-9 in hall 12, booth F90.

• Evertz Technologies’ MMA10G-IPX high-bandwidth switch fabric and MAGNUM-SC-CC system controller have been listed on the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) product compliant list. Both products have been evaluated at an accredited testing laboratory using Common Methodology for IT Security Evaluation (version 3.1) for conformance to the Common Criteria for IT Security Evaluation (version 3.1). NIAP certification ensures the products evaluated meet the strict security protection profiles as determined by the 28-nation Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement (CCRA).
• By achieving a NIAP listing, customers can be assured that EvertzAV’s MMA-10G routing solution has been independently verified to support all of the necessary security features to allow it to be deployed in highly sensitive spaces without concern for breeches to their security.
• “Evertz’ commitment to providing customers what they need has never been more evident than in this latest development,” said Rakesh Patel, CTO at Evertz. “Our undertaking to meet the NIAP protection profiles, a process that took several months and a great deal of effort and investment, shows just how committed we are to our customers. Once again, Evertz has shown great leadership by being the first in the market with a network-based AV routing solution which offers Common Criteria level compliance for our core mission-critical components.”