Las Vegas isn’t usually cloudy, but Interop 2012 — a show devoted to IT innovation — was full of cloud signs, cloud talk, and cloud-related give-aways. Large and small vendors praised the idea of data, telephony, and video in the cloud. It seemed as if every major vendor at the Las Vegas show was on the bandwagon. HP and Dell made a big splash by having large booths facing visitors as they entered the show.

Also, there were subtle messages in smaller booths about the future of computing. LG, who hadn’t been at the show before, was showing the Cloud Monitor, a desktop visualization device. By any ordinary definition, these devices were TV/monitors. Yet, they were also full-featured VMWare clients using a Teradici Processor. Are we going back to the days of mainframe dumb terminals?

One of the big surprises, especially to their competitors, was the large and very busy booth hosted by videoconferencing vendor Huawei (pronounced like "wall-way"). This Chinese manufacturer made it clear that they intend to become part of the American market. With telepresence systems priced well below Polycom and Cisco, they were the only major conference vendor present at the show. Huawei was also active in the press room, seeking visibility by giving dozens of interviews to the American press agents.

One important announcement made at the show revealed that IXIA, a large test equipment vendor is acquiring Anue Systems, manufacturer of network simulation devices. Ixia’s booth focused on measuring network performance at strategic points, including entrance and exit points, to any cloud service provider.

Another exhibitor, Avaya (like Cisco, HP, Juniper, and Enterasys) has entered the BYOD (Bring Your Own Devices) market. Avaya's new software, Identity Engines 8.0, runs on the company's access control server and helps IT control mobile device management. The company says that the software is designed to deliver consistent wired and wireless network access to all user devices in a facility, whether they are on wired or wireless networks. Once some case studies of the software are available, we will share them with you.

Phil Hiippensteel, PhD, is a professor of information systems at Penn State Harrisburg.

“Talk less, show more,” was the motto at this year’s Streaming Media East conference. Taking place May 15-16 at the New York Hilton, the conference provided a nice balance of both.

In addition to the many exhibitors, such as NewTek, Haivision, Wowza, and roughly 40 others, a device pavilion allowed attendees to get hands on with almost every tablet, phone, smart TV, and set top box (Roku, Slingbox) on the market. They were all internet connected, and of course ready to stream.

For those that came to learn, 20 how-to sessions on encoding, videoplayers, webcasting, etc., and four tracks of panels and discussions satisfied every curious bone in their bodies.

Keynoting the conference was Matt Frost, senior business product manager for Google Chrome. While Frost’s speech largely focused on the promise of HTML5 and Google’s goals for the web, it also served to highlight both the distance that web video has come, and the relatively clunky rules under which it still operates.

“The web video experience we put up with these days really isn’t that good,” opined Frost, blaming the lackluster state of affairs on the painful memories of streaming (remember Real Player?) that we used to put up with.

Frost emphasized that the pace of innovation must increase, but because of the way we all used to experience video—a new cable box every five years, rewinding videos, TV remotes, etc.—progress moves far too incrementally, and not in a fluid fashion consistent with the rest of the web. After all, the web changes on a daily basis; video on the web changes like it is still being provided by a cable company.

While Frost may be frustrated with the pace of innovation, that opinion may have been jolted once he toured the show floor. It’s impossible to remember the days when your television was your only portal to video, when a crew and a studio was your only avenue to broadcast. The world now holds in its pocket what used to be housed in a warehouse. As those devices continue to become more prominent and powerful, streaming can only continue to play a larger role in everyday life.

Chuck Ansbacher is the managing editor of Systems Contractor News and AV Technology.

Wow. I’ve been out of town the last week and the number of new exhibitors jumped from 188 to 192. The show gets bigger and bigger. Will you be there?

RFvenue

What Tech Manager wouldn’t want to end audio dropouts caused by wireless mic interference? RFvenue offers a patent-pending antenna system to eliminate the problem.

Boardshare Inc.

No installer needed to use this portable white board system. Purchase the camera, stylus, and software and be able to ‘create, capture, collaborate.’ For about $400, what do you have to lose?

Savant Systems

I used to worry whether residential products would work in commercial environments but according to this firm's tag line “ Now You Can.” Savant's relationship with Apple and other industry leaders means this bodes well for connectivity and AV control for end-users.

Members of the Rental and Staging Network (RSN), a network of 22 geographically-diverse live event and staging companies, have offered their expertise on future trends in the industry.

“Coming off of another insightful National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in April, we are seeing some interesting trends that not only RSN members should be aware of and ready to embrace, but the entire live event staging industry should know how these may enhance their businesses,” said Donald Guzauckas, President of RSN and General Manager of Connecticut-based, HB Group.

1. More sophisticated software available – RSN members were impressed with non-linear, 2D, 3D, realtime editing, playback and control software showcased at NAB this year. They found it user-friendly, creative and flexible with a the ability to use 3D in realtime a major plus.

2. Digital signage for meetings – Digital signage is common in airports and retail, but they may soon be seen more in meetings and breakout rooms, allowing for conveniences such as wireless minute by minute updates.

3. The migration to digital signal flow – RSN sees Fiber, Cat5, HD-SDI, HDMI and DVI increasingly being used over analog. There are now more production products on the market with few or no analog video inputs.

4. More 4K resolution video being introduced and developed – RSN members see 4K resolution video becoming a required premium product within the next 18 months and a standard offering within three years.

5. Cross-over to new product lines – Vendors you previously associated with one type of product are going to be branching out into new territory, including cinema cameras and direct view monitors.

6. Increased mainstream usage – Digital mapping, for example, is not necessarily new, but RSN members see it becoming more a part “main street meetings” than ever before. Similarly, LED lighting is becoming more diverse and affordable with new products being released onto the market.

RSN Board members are available for interview to discuss these trends in more detail.

Taking the plunge into the already-crowded control system market, Key Digital introduced its Compass Control product line to press at its Mount Vernon, NY headquarters this week.Mike Tsinberg, founder and president of Key Digital, said that his company’s investment in control technology started around 2010, and he “sees it as a natural growth to connectivity,” which Key Digital is already known for, also noting that “our customers demanded it” in both the residential and commercial markets.

Key Digital's Compass Control system's iPad app.

• The demand was more a result of product complexity and the level of tech support Key Digital offers than any fault in the existing control system offerings. Tsinberg said users that are comfortable with the brand wanted to extend their positive experiences into control.
• Another major influence in the decision to launch Compass Control was the “tsunami” that occurred in the control market when Apple’s iOS mobile devices entered the playing field. Viewing the iPad as a game-changer, Tsinberg jump-started the investment in control system technology. “We want to ride the tsunami, not be swept by it,” he said.
• Compass Control is distinguished in part because it was built from the ground up to use iOS devices as its backbone with Key Digital’s established digital video hardware supporting the system; for the initial release, this comes as the MC2500 driver, which is the brain or master controller of the system. Additional drivers and accessories, including an in-wall charging plate, are scheduled for an extended launch in line with CEDIA EXPO in the fall.
• The system works via bi-directional IR, two-way RS-232 with feedback, and two-way TCP/IP, as well as relays and sensors. Three different database managers are available to installers for programming, and they can also edit command code sets for individual customization.
• Tested driver support for a wide range of hardware is provided from Compass Alliance Partners (CAP). Thus far, CAP includes Aprilaire, Boston Acoustics, ClearOne, Denon, Furman, ICRealtime Security Solutions, iPort, LG, Lutron, Luxul, Marantz, MechoSystems, Onkyo, Panamax, Primeview, Russound, SurgeX, and WolfVision. This network allows Compass Control to extend its reach beyond the scope of audiovisual technology to “everything that lives on the network,” noted Jonathon Ferry, technical group manager for Key Digital.
• Ferry demonstrated the intuitive functionality of the app, employing standard flick and slide function, as well as a pop-up remote feature to control selected video displays.
• Though the system works with any third-party hardware, the advantage of the CAP alliance is that the partners have provided support from engineering teams and command code sets for control to Key Digital’s engineering, allowing them to test the products in-house and provide direct technical support.

Front and back views of Key Digital's MC2500 driver, the brain of the Compass Control System.

In preparation for such a major product release, the digital video connectivity provider amped up tech support 30 percent in the last few months. The tech support staff works directly with Key Digital’s in-house engineering team, providing customers instant access to designers. Tsinberg described his engineers as extensions of technical support.

Compass Control was also beta tested internationally from Singapore to Russia and Norway, acknowledging the different methods of installation employed by dealers and integrators in different countries.

The MC2500 has an MSRP of $2,500, and individual licenses must also be purchased for each iOS device used, at $300 per license. All other technical support and apps will be free. Compass Control will be distributed by AVAD, and there are no plans for the system to become available via traditional retail channels.

The conceptual development of Compass Control was heavily influenced by Apple’s mobile device platforms, so the natural progression would be to offer Android compatibility as well; however, Tsinberg doesn’t feel the Android environment works well enough in terms of reliability for such an extensive control system as Compass. He noted that for commodity consumers, Android works very well, but pointed to the variations in the operating system between different devices as a challenge to broader use. “Android is not yet at the level of reliability for our customers,” he said. Eventually, “they probably will be there,” he continued. “We’re watching [Android] and will try to integrate with them when we feel that it’s ready.”

Glenn Gentilin, national training manager, ran through the Navigator software for attending press, citing some programming details and how Apple is a strong control partner. Key Digital is a licensed MFI (made for iPhone) developer and distributor; this affords them deeper access to Apple resources, he said, while they are not constrained by any limits of existing hardware.

Aside from the software’s apparent simplicity, the most groundbreaking feature stressed is an artificial intelligence interface that is built in. This “intelli-builder” auto creates pages, actions, and buttons, among other elements. The feature works off an algorithm that basically does most of the programming work for installers by applying IR codes from basic information that dealers input.

Dan O’Donnell, national sales manager, has previewed the process for dealers in a video and, “their jaws just drop,” he said. “I can’t wait to show it at InfoComm.”

Key Digital will have dealer sign-up and training courses for Compass Control at InfoComm 2012 in Las Vegas.

The NAB Show Daily News, the official newspaper of the NAB Show, offers a look at some of the top stories that made headlines at the 2012 NAB Show. For additional coverage of conference sessions and exhibitors on the show floor, visit nabshowdaily.com.

In The News
NAB's Smith Says 'We Can't Let Down Our Guard'
Smith said battles with the telecommunications industry over spectrum, among other pressing issues, won't subside any time soon.

Genachowski: Hear Us Out on Spectrum Auction
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski once again attempted to sell the FCC's spectrum incentive auction plan to broadcasters, many of them skeptical, at the NAB Show.

Industry Is in New Golden Age
Bruce Rosenblum, president of Warner Bros. Television Group at Warner Bros. Entertainment said, “The business has never been better.”

Notable Sessions
Drama, Laughs Part of Netflix’s Content Future
Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix, revealed details of the new role his company is taking on, that of original content distributor.

‘Walking Dead,’ A Runaway Success
It’s a television series so gruesome its own creators consider hanging out on the set creepy.

Woz Brings Computing Power to PPW
A capacity crowd paid rapt attention as the four panelists were guided through their separate topics, and then noted the bonds that join them conceptually.

Cameron, Pace Talk Up Live 3DTV
"3D is the future, and a big part of that future is in broadcast," Cameron said.

‘The Best Shows Are Riddles’
Non-fiction television thrives on strong characters, a clear story arc and knowing your audience.

Broadcast Television Seeks Migration Path
To maintain any kind of relevance in a dynamic television market, terrestrial broadcast TV must have a migration path forward.

• Spotlight On Technology

See what some of the NAB Show Daily News reporters found interesting on the exhibit floor.
Reporting from South Upper Hall

Reporting from North Hall

Reporting from Central Hall

HDMI, CEC, EDID...Is the tornado of digital acronyms making you dizzy? This glossary of easy to understand definitions — provided by Crestron, edited by AVT — will help tech managers and your staff demystify digital media. Watch the video glossary of crestron.com/digitalmedia.

CEC

CEC stands for Consumer Electronics Control. It was designed to simplify communications and control of HDMI connected devices. It allows up to 10 AV devices to discover and talk to each other via HDMI. CEC is intended reduce or eliminate the need for multiple remotes and button commands.

CEC is a single wire bus inside standard HDMI cables. It is mandatory for HDMI devices to have CEC. While it is not mandatory to implement it, AV manufacturers have started incorporating CEC into their products.

Inconsistent support among manufacturers has made it difficult to enforce industry standards for interoperability. If there's no control system, CEC offers simplicity and convenience. But CEC commands are automatic. They are programmed to occur whether you want them to or not. So, if you have a distributed AV system or a control system installed, the CEC data can interfere with the functionality of the system.

CEC technology is more commonly known by brand names such as LG SimpLink, Panasonic EZ Sync, Sony BRAVIA Theatre Sync and Samsung Anynet. Unfortunately, none of these systems are compatible with each other.

DisplayPort

DisplayPort, released in 2008, is the latest generation interface between computers and monitors. The DisplayPort standard was developed to provide a single high-bandwidth digital interface for the laptop and desktop computer markets.

DisplayPort is both an internal firmware, or "chip to chip" technology, and an external transport technology, often referred to as "box to box".

Historically, there have been three different interface technologies used in PCs. VGA and DVI for connectivity to external monitors; and LVDS for connectivity between the internal display driver of a laptop and its embedded LCD screen.

Because it can support both internal and external communication, DisplayPort can replace the other three.

VGA, DVI, and LVDS all have limitations, such as transmission distance, clock speed and bandwidth. DisplayPort resolves most of these issues.

As a packetized protocol, DisplayPort carries its own clock within the data stream. This eliminates skew issues and requires fewer wires. Packetized data uses available bandwidth more efficiently, so DisplayPort can handle higher resolutions and more types of audio, video and data than VGA or DVI.

Similar to HDMI, DisplayPort consolidates signal transmission into a single cable and supports full, uncompressed HD video—1080p and Deep Color—as well as HDCP content protection and multi-channel audio.

On the other hand, DisplayPort does not support CEC device control or Dolby and DTS 8-channel audio. Today, many PC laptops and MacBooks feature only DisplayPort outputs; VGA and DVI ports are disappearing.

Most HD video displays offer only an HDMI input. So, a converter cable (otherwise known as a dongle) is needed to connect a computer to a video display. The DisplayPort chip inside the laptop or computer detects the connected dongle and automatically converts the output signal to HDMI. It is common today to have computers as content sources, both at home and in the office. So, the need to manage PC and Mac-based media is growing.

EDID

EDID stands for Extended Display Identification Data. EDID is information that a display sends to a source, telling the source its native resolutions. The source then analyzes the data and sends the best audio and video formats that the display supports.

HDMI, DVI, VGA, and DisplayPort are able to transmit EDID. Analog signals cannot.

So, for example, when a Blu-ray player is powered on, it reads the EDID from the display. The EDID could report that the display is a Samsung 32-inch LCD with a 1280 x 1024 native resolution; it supports 480p, 720p and 1080i video formats and it's an HDMI device with two-channel audio.

The Blu-ray player compares this information with what it can output and sends 1080i video with stereo audio from the HDMI port.

EDID was designed for single point to point communication. It was not intended for distribution. So, what happens when you want to send that Blu-ray movies to multiple displays? What if the displays have different audio and video specs?

Some HDMI switchers will collect EDID data from all connected displays, and then send the lowest common resolution to the source.

Other devices manage EDID by copying the data from one display and pushing that resolution to all displays. So, if the first output is to a 1080p display, then 1080p goes to all displays—even if they can only support 720p. This will result in a blank screen, or even damage lower resolution displays.

On the other hand, if the first output is only capable of 720p, then that's what gets sent to your full 1080p display, too.

There is no standard for managing EDID. How EDID is managed is important for the performance and functionality of your system.

HDMI

HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. HDMI is a port, a cable and a transmission technology. Originally, HDMI was developed as a means to transmit digital HD audio and video on a single cable from a source, such as a cable box or DVD player, to the display. As a simple point to point solution, HDMI was designed to only go about 50 feet. Today, it is the standard format for handling HD signals, but HDMI presents real challenges as custom installers and customers try to distribute these signals—something that HDMI was never intended to do.

Unlike analog AV, HDMI is bidirectional and the cable includes 19 wires rather than one to five, depending on what type of analog signal you're transmitting. HDMI cables come in pre-fabricated lengths from 6 to 50 feet. Bulk cable is not currently available due to the distance limitations. Also, similar to RCA or S-video, the connectors do not lock in place.

HDMI carries multiple audio and video formats including full, uncompressed HD and multi-channel audio. HDMI can transmit either surround sound audio or two-channel stereo, but not both at the same time. HDMI also supports two-way communication protocols such as HDCP, EDID, and CEC. It is the worldwide standard for HD signal transmission. Along with fiber and DisplayPort, HDMI is the only way to handle true HD. However, distance limitations, cable installation, and two-way data management have frustrated custom installers and consumers, slowing full adoption.

HDCP

HDCP stands for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection. It is a form of digital rights management developed by Intel. Content protection was mandated by the FCC at the request of the movies studios to prevent piracy. By blocking illegal distribution, HDCP has prevented all signal distribution. This has caused some frustration among consumers who used to watch movies in rooms throughout the house, but now they can't. HDCP handshaking also causes the delay when changing channels on your HD cable box or satellite receiver.

Margot Douaihy (mdouaihy@nbmedia.com) is the editor of AV Technology magazine. She has covered the AV industry since 1999 and has taught at Marywood University in Pennsylvania.

Our list of InfoComm newbies continues...

Aydin Visual Solutions

AVS serves as the North American sales channel for eyevis. They have roots in defense simulation and virtual reality. If you are looking for control room solutions, add them to your list.

Gear Source

Okay how much do you love a section on website called “NEED ZONE”? Gear Source is a source for used stage equipment, used professional lighting equipment, used Pro Audio gear, rigging hardware, staging and video equipment. The Need Zone is a place to post what gear you are looking for.

LED Source, LLC

Everything LED including financing for retrofits and franchise opportunities. If you are a Tech Manager tasked with saving money, check them out. Interestingly, Marcel Fairbairn, one of the LED Source founders, started Gear Source.

Sue Horwitz is the publisher of AV Technology. Reach her at sue@audientmarketing.com.

Today my fingers are walking through new and interesting (to me) websites. My husband teaches college-age students how to build websites. This makes me somewhat jaded when I am doing research online. A former marketer, I am really sensitive to what companies project about their mission, services, claims, etc. I find myself making decisions about whether or not I want to work with a firm based on what I read about them on their site, and then a quick Google on customer comments. Do you do that?

Anyway, here’s today list of newbies that I hope to check out at InfoComm.

Wave Ware

This TX based company delivers pagers, paging systems, LED signs, messaging software and “much more.” I found a handy product guide that helps users sort through options.

Monoprice

Monoprice is an e-commerce firm that will be connecting with us in person at InfoComm. High quality cables, adapters, networking, computer, and security supplies are shipped the same day, if you order by 2 p.m. PST. According to their site, we can shop with confidence for the "lowest price and solid warrantees."

Blue Jeans Network

They've been the media darling lately. And what’s not to like about a firm that claims to “democratize video conferencing and bring everyone a cloud-based video conferencing service that’s every bit as easy and affordable as audio conferencing”. It is fitting that this company is a Bay Area “Best Places to Work." They have case studies on the site for HR, Education, and Healthcare. They have a low-cost MCU alternative for multi-party video. If you are charged with developing a collaborative environment, check them out.

As the economic recovery wobbles along at an unimpressive rate, I am indeed impressed that so many brand new companies are investing the capital and the time to attend InfoComm. Our InfoComm new exhibitor preview continues with today's installment... Part 3

Severtson Screens

Severtson is a 26-year -old firm that specializes custom screens for Cinema and Pro AV market place. They got their start in the family kitchen developing a product that worked for the air force simulation programs. Check out their 3D screens for live, corporate, medical, rental & staging applications.

Comnet

Comnet is all about fiber optic connectivity and Ethernet solutions for Security, ITS, Government and Gaming markets. This world wide company provides design support as well as a wealth of resources to make integration as easy as possible.

DJ-Tech

Just like the name suggests this company manufacturers DJ products. Check out the new Party Kit designed for Non-DJ Users. This sounds perfect for schools, hotels, and places where a roadie may not be available.

Perceptive Pixel

Perceptive boldly introduces the world’s first multi-touch desktop display on its website. This R&D driven firm displayed its first products in 2006 at the TED conference. You’ve seen their screens on CNN for election coverage. Look for an 82-inch LCD interactive display that’s built for multiuser collaboration.

I am feeling very audio today. And today’s coverage takes me back to where I got started — Colorado.

Studio Six Digital

Audio Apps for Iphones and Ipads. AudioTools is a test & measurement app. They now have an app for SMAART as well as interfaces for phantom powered mic input, digital audio output, internal battery. Cool stuff for AV Techs.

Elite Core Audio

Cables, Snakes, Personal Mixers, Flight Cases and Microphones is what Elite Core offers. They have user reviews on their site and seem to be popular with Houses of Worship.

VueAudio

This new company is lead by well-known innovators in professional sound. It seems as though they are innovating with Truextent beryllium for advanced acoustic applications. If you are involved with professional sound, they’ll be showing three new loudspeakers.

I haven’t confirmed this, but it looks like 170 new exhibitors will be brand new at this year's InfoComm. This means more products and services for AV/IT Tech Managers to store in their little black book of solutions for any problem. I am a bit of a research junkie so I thought perusing sites might help me uncover trends and valuable information we can use in the magazine. It is too early in my research to draw conclusions, but here is the 411 on the companies I discover as I go….

I could not figure out how to pronounce the name of this firm, so naturally it was my first click.

AAdynTech

Made in the USA Green ECO LED’s and Camera, Grip & Electric Products. Products are used in video shoots, broadcast and live events. Go Green at InfoComm.

This company’s name is exactly what you think.

TV-Armor

Covers, Enclosures, Guards and more common sense products to protect your flat panels. This is one of those smart ideas that should do well at the show.

Videotel Digital

This San Diego firm manufactures a DVD Player that can run continuously for 4 years 24/7. Their customers include Hotels, Healthcare, Museums and Universities.

Sue Horwitz is the publisher of AV Technology. Reach her at sue@audientmarketing.com

Dear Professor Phil,

I continually hear people talking about digital video and IP video as if they are the identical. Are they the same?

Sam, Hershey, PA

Sam,

They are not, but they are closely related terms. Consequently, you are correct that many people who are very familiar with analog video seem to confuse the two terms. Let’s consider each one separately.

Digital video refers to encoding a signal from a source in ones and zeros, called binary representation. That doesn’t mean that the signal has only two states or levels. In fact, if it has eight levels, each level can represent three bits (ones and zeros). The usual form of digital representation of an analog signal is pulse code modulation (PCM). In this process, the signal is measured and the level is designated as one of 256 levels. Each level corresponds to 8 bits. Hence, PCM is a form of digital representation. If the result is transmitted in a stream exactly or essentially in the form it was created, we call the method a digital transmission. T-1 may be the most common digital transport mode for PCM encoded voice. Mpeg transport is the standard method of sending digital video streams. These streams may use IP but they do not need to use IP.

On the other hand, video or audio that is transported in a method called IP transport is packetized. That is, the digital bit stream is separated into blocks of bits and inserted into IP packets with a source address, destination address, and generally an additional UDP or TCP header. These packets can carry a fixed number of bits or a variable number of bits. However, each individual packet can be transferred by the network on any path the network routers choose. Non-packet digital streams almost always follow a prescribed path established at the start of the transmission and we say that they have a switched circuit.

Phil Hippensteel is a professor of information systems at Penn State Harrisburg.

RADVISION Expands Video Portfolio to Include Mid-Range and Fully Integrated ...
MarketWatch (press release)
TEL AVIV, Israel & FAIR LAWN, NJ, Apr 24, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- RADVISION(R) Ltd. (NASDAQ:RVSN) , a leading technology and end-to-end solution provider for unified visual communications, today announced the expansion of its SCOPIA video conferencing ...

Sonic Foundry Boosts NCREN Video Capabilities in North Carolina
MarketWatch (press release)
This integrated approach allows MCNC to reach more clients, many who were not at avideoconferencing endpoint for the live broadcast, by letting them now watch thevideoconferences on-demand. Since MCNC provides the Mediasite webcasting and video ...

Enterprise wish list: Video conferencing interoperability
TechTarget
Video conferencing is emerging as an important form of communication for the enterprise by providing cost savings benefits and ensuring business continuity. There are many video conferencing service providers and vendors on the market touting different ...

Vidyo Demonstrates Phenomenal Growth in FY 2011 of 82 Percent Year-over-Year
MarketWatch (press release)
HACKENSACK, NJ, Apr 24, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Vidyo, Inc., the world's fastest-growingvideo conferencing company today announced that it completed another record year, increasing billings for Vidyo branded products by 82% in FY 2011.

2012 Channel Champions: VideoConferencing
CRN
By Chad Berndtson, CRN When it comes to videoconferencing, Cisco has the goods. Cisco beat out Microsoft as the Channel Champ in the Videoconferencing category this year. It rules not only in market share--it commands 52.5 percent of the global ...

Moot court through video-conferencing: Result of BVP tie-up with UK varsity
Indian Express
Video-conferencing is not new but for the first time in India, this technology -facilitated by a tie-up - was adopted for a moot court competition in the city, which allowed students in UK to participate. It was video-conferencing that allowed Nasreen ...

ePlus Technology Expands Managed Services Offering to Include Video ...
MarketWatch (press release)
"Video conferencing solutions are being widely adopted in the marketplace, with the use of video becoming pervasive across our customer base," said Kevin Detsch, vice president, business development of ePlus Technology. "While many organizations are ...

PV spotlights foreign exchange
NorthJersey.com
BY TINA PAPPAS LITTLE FALLS – Passaic Valley High School's (PVHS) Contemporary Issues through Videoconferencing class (CITVC) recently participated in a videoconference and spotlighted their own special brand of "foreign exchange.

2011 was a banner year for its videoconferencing business
FierceEnterpriseCommunications
Videoconferencing startup Vidyo this week said its billing in fiscal year 2011 grew 82 percent. The New Jersey-based company said its fiscal year 2011 billings in North America and Asia-Pacific regions increased 115 percent.

Don't Look Now, But Vidyo Is Messing Up the Videoconferencing Business
All Things Digital
It has been almost a year since I declared that the videoconferencing business was about to get interesting, and it has, due in no small part to the trouble that the New Jersey-based start-up Vidyo has caused its entrenched rivals.

In its ongoing mission to help educate and empower AV professionals to embrace sustainable and green practices, Project Green AV has partnered with TCO Development to present a webinar series. Green AV University: The What, Why & How of Sustainable AV was the inaugural webinar last week; it focused on the theory and practice of sustainable audiovisual installations and innovations.

Hosted by Project Green AV Director Gina Sansivero, the webinar speakers included Clare Hobby, Regional Manager, North America, at TCO Development; Elizabeth Eames from Project Green AV, and featured presenter Bill Lally, LEED-AP, Principal of Mode Green, a solutions-driven automation and integration company based in Orlando, Florida. Each speaker took end-users and integrators into the nuances of sustainable systems. Major differences between "green AV" and "sustainable AV" were explained.

Their initiative couldn't be better timed. InfoComm International reported in 2011 that half of the total energy consumed in the U.S. is by commercial, institutional, or industrial buildings. Any increase in energy pricing is set to effect the operating cost of these sectors. Case study after case study proves significant ROI on energy-saving strategies in new builds and retrofits. Building managers, tech managers, and end-users must consider ways to lower bills through the efficient use of water, heat, and electricity. Innovative "ecylcing" initiatives by Projector Lamp Services and Project Green AV are taking us in the right direction. Adopting LEED standards for environmentally-sustainable design and performance can help significantly. It is worth learning the nuances of upfront costs with LEED. Additionally, advancements in Energy Star help conserve energy — one amp at a time. For professionals confused about green technology, the PGAV green webinar series can help demystify sustainable techniques and contextualize trends.

As I have previously stressed, to see quantifiable "green" and or sustainable results, end-users must take personal, daily accountability. Are you ecycling your end-of-life equipment, ecycling projector bulbs, using energy-saving software, or buying eco-friendly devices for your facility? Visit Project Green AV at ProjectGreenAV.com to share your sustainable AV stories and learn more about best practices and products.

Margot Douaihy is the editor of AV Technology Magazine.

Live from Las Vegas, it’s the NAB Show Daily News. The official daily newspaper of the NAB Show keeps you up to date with the innovations and events happening throughout the show. For additional coverage from NAB Show Daily News, visit nabshowdaily.com. You can also read today’s issue on your iPad by downloading the free app here.

Drama, Laughs Part of Netflix’s Content Future
Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix, revealed details of the new role his company is taking on, that of original content distributor. Read More»

Industry Is in New Golden Age
Warner Bros.’ Bruce Rosenblum said “Business has never been better.” Read More»

‘Walking Dead,’ A Runaway Success
It’s a television series so gruesome its own creators consider hanging out on the set. Read More»

Online Video Exhibit Goes Out of Bounds
The goal is to pool together companies that are part of the lifecycle chain and connect. Read More»

Content Theater Examines KidVid, Cross-Platforms and Telenovelas
Content is king this week at the aptly named Content Theater. Read More»

Mobile DTV Facilitates Advertising and Purchasing
Mobile video services on small screens outside the home are thriving. Read More»

Hunger Games’ Team Talks Sound
To keep the audio scaled to the experience of the film’s lead character, Bender and Dean alternated between real and subjective sounds. Read More »

Trends Shaping the Media's Future
Not so long ago, media professionals confined themselves to their respective radio, television and film production turfs. Read More»

Stay up to date with broadcasting and professional AV news with the NAB Show Daily News, a sister publication of AV Technology. The official daily newspaper of the NAB Show keeps you up to date with the innovations and events happening throughout the show. You can also read today’s issue on your iPad by downloading the free app. For additional coverage from NAB Show Daily News, visit nabshowdaily.com.

Day 1 News

Convention Embraces Multiplatform World
This year’s NAB Show cements the show's transition from an over-the-air broadcast-centric show to one that's shining a spotlight on the entire professional media industry.

'It's a Great Time to Be a Broadcaster'
Smith shares thoughts on issues and the show.

Increasing Revenue With 5D
Filmmaker James Cameron and acclaimed cinematographer Vince Pace, co-chairmen of Cameron|Pace reveal the strategies and details behind 5D productions.

Technology, Artistry Enhance Filmmaking
The Creative Master Series Conference brings together an impressive list of major participants in the feature film, episodic television, advertising and online communities.

HD Radio Sees Promise of Mobile
The system pairs HD Radio broadcasts with the phone's data channel to deliver features.

Newsrooms Revamp to Stay Local
The traditional tagline of "First, Live, Local" will remain relevant in the digital world.

Smart TVs Getting Smarter Tech
At the end of 2011, MagnaGlobal estimated there were approximately 5.4 million smart TVs.

TV Spectrum Auction Authorized
Legislation authorizes the Federal Communications Commission to "encourage" broadcast licensees to "relinquish voluntarily some or all of [their] licensed spectrum usage rights."

Creators, Distributors, Advertisers Find Hot Spot
In the growing multiplatform realm of many screens, it's more about content and content rights than ever before.

Providers Tap Growing Mobile Audience
Nearly 60 percent of all new phones sold at the end of 2011 were smartphones.

A few short months after the introduction of Amazon's $199 Kindle Fire, the situation I will henceforth refer to as the "tablet wars" went from warm to simmer. The players in this imaginary contest include Apple's iPad of course, along with a collection of Android-powered devices from the likes of Samsung, Asus, Acer, the aforementioned Amazon, Motorola, and even the unlikely Barnes and Noble. With the introduction of Apple's iPad 3, featuring its stunning new Retina display and 1080p camera, the wars have reached at least a low boil, as a quick look through the comment area of any tech-oriented website will confirm.

The specific devices in the tablet wars arrange themselves into two distinct "value" categories: low-cost with bargain-level build quality versus high-cost with higher-level build quality. Most of the current Android-powered tablets appear to fall into the former category, while a scant few presently seem able to join Apple's iPad products in the latter category. Of course, the functionality of tablets in both categories is dependent entirely upon the features of the software apps they run, which at present is at parity in many cases. However, it is true that Apple's customers have historically been willing to pay higher prices for software apps than have Android users, and as a result there are more expensive and more capable apps and accessories available for iOS devices than for Android-powered devices.

ENTER MICROSOFT
Now Microsoft has indirectly tossed its oversized chapeau into the ring with the beta release of Windows 8, and promises a version for ARM processors that features a tablet-friendly interface. More importantly, they have announced that the ARM version will have a desktop on which it will be able to run applications from the company's Office suite.

Some tech pundits opine that Windows 8 for tablets is a game-changer, and has the potential to present the iPad with serious competition. At the very least, one can expect that at least some of the current manufacturers of Windows-based computers will join the tablet fray. According to the tech rumor mill, the possibility of Windows-powered tablets has drawn significant interest from Dell, Asus, Nokia, and even the once-burned Hewlett-Packard. Other makers of Android tablets may defect to Windows, should version 8 fulfill the expectations of its supporters. So the market will also split by operating system: Android, iOS, and Windows.

However, should Microsoft's tablet vision come to pass, the most important market dynamic of all may well be the familiar user segments that still exist today in the personal computer industry: business, education, and consumer. The winners of the tablet wars will be those companies that can replace desktop and laptop computers for those segments. Consumers are already there; tablets are replacing laptops as an acceptable way to watch a movie or TV program, on the road or at home.

CONSUMPTION VS. CREATION
The education segment is still somewhat hit-and-miss. I see an increasing number of faculty walking to class carrying an iPad and a notebook. This column has discussed replacing expensive textbooks with e-books, although publishers have been unwilling to adjust the cost of electronic textbooks relative to paper. Several colleges and universities provide students with tablets to encourage the use of e-textbooks, and the potential of e-textbooks still exists, but publishers remain a roadblock. So do some faculty, who have indicated a preference for paper textbooks over virtual ones.

However, it is the business segment may present the biggest obstacle to the tablet, and to a Windows-based tablet in particular. After all, is it not the case that Microsoft Office has defined the personal computer's value for business use? One of the problems with tablets in general is their lack of a usable keyboard. Consider using Microsoft Word or Excel without a physical keyboard — does this represent a reasonable use case? What about Powerpoint? A tablet is ideal for displaying a finished presentation, but what about the process of creating that presentation?

Yes, there are external keyboards and other input devices available, but at that point the portability benefit vanishes, and the entire product concept falls down. If and when voice recognition software becomes accurate and competent enough to allow dictation to replace the keyboard entirely, the tablet may indeed fulfill its destiny as a reasonable replacement for laptop computers. Until then, tablet devices may remain primarily a presentation and consumption device for media created elsewhere. Apart from potential videoconferencing use, I suspect its value to the business segment is still limited, and the tablet wars are just beginning.

Steve Cunningham is an assistant professor of practice at USC's Thorton School of Music.

I’ve enjoyed writing for AV Technology Magazine for nearly two years and I would like to thank them and particularly the editor, Margot Douaihy, for providing me the opportunity to contribute. It has been a wonderful platform to share my thoughts, opinions, and technical expertise on a variety of topics. It has also been an amazing journey into a world that was fairly new to me (blogging), but that has given me the chance to explore and communicate industry insights from my vantage point of 28-plus years in AV and IT.

Blogging was new to me. I had written before—mostly articles and technical white papers—so the concept of blog posts was refreshing. I was given the opportunity to write about whatever I felt was timely or saw as an important trend in the AV industry. When my blogs started getting “ranked” on the monthly email blast and I made the top 10, I was as excited like the kid who just received a gold star in elementary school. At one point three of my blogs made the top 10 including the #1 spot. Sweet. I think my mom was posting them on the refrigerator at home.

Throughout the AV industry we have certainly faced our share of changes over the years, whether it is evolving technologies, mergers between companies, the changing of the guard for industry organizations, the analog sunset, the integration of our equipment with building systems, the rise of the iPad or the convergence of AV and IT. Whether accepted willingly or reluctantly each of these changes presented themselves and took place and in doing so enabled growth and movement in a market and an industry that is all about innovation. Change IS good….however, being prepared for it is even better.

To my AVT blog followers, thank you for your support and your feedback and for being part of an industry that I still get excited about every day.

So for this blog I thought I would provide a recap of my work, which represents my thoughts, insight, hindsight and to some extent my predictions. I hope that through my blogs I have been able to provide you with information or a new way of looking at things that has helped you “change” in some way and perhaps build stronger opportunities and business for yourself and for the companies that you work with.

Below in chronological order is a list of my blogs for your use and enjoyment.

AV Meets the IPad
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/72236.aspx

AV Touch Panels are Out of Control
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/71198.aspx

How CES 2012 Will Influence Commercial AV
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/69706.aspx

Where are we going in AV in 2012?
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/69208.aspx

2011 AV Review
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/69118.aspx

AV Project Process: No Shades of Gray Allowed
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/68100.aspx

As AV and IT Collide, What Are We Worth?
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/67110.aspx

AV – Sometimes it’s Just Inconsistent Nonsense
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/66796.aspx

Impressive Women in AV
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/65786.aspx

Streamlined Classroom AV Systems
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/64934.aspx

Are You Ready for AV Week – Take Out the AV Garbage
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/64860.aspx

Daily Room Checkout 101 – An End-User FlyBy Course
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/63880.aspx

AV Groups in an IT World – How to Survive & Grow
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/63390.aspx

Why Does UC Matter to Tech Managers?
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/63302.aspx

Will the AV Industry Be Overrun?
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/61230.aspx

InfoComm 2011 Review – Was it The Center of IT All?
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blogArticle.aspx?id=60698

Christie Digital – This Company Really Knows How to Make Video Projectors
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blogArticle.aspx?id=60406

AV System Energy Conservation
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blogArticle.aspx?id=59130

IT Groups Want to “Own” the AV Departments – Good Luck
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/58352.aspx

InfoComm 2011, Here We Come
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/57944.aspx

Analog Sunset – Did We Forget About Audio?
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blogArticle.aspx?id=56970

AV Department – You Will Likely Be Working For IT, If You Aren’t Already
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/56254.aspx

How is the End-User – Distributor Relationship Changing?
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/55486.aspx

The AV Industry is due for a change
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blogArticle.aspx?id=54596

Digital Video Pain – You Are Not Alone
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/53238.aspx

The Top CES Products with Commercial Promise
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/53104.aspx

Post-CES Wrap: 3D’s Real World Impact
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/52876.aspx

CES … coming soon. A peek into the future of commercial AV…
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/51890.aspx

Help Wanted – Architect with AV Technology Savvy
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/51776.aspx

STEP – Should we step lightly at first?
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/51206.aspx

AV Equipment Manufacturers: PLEASE STAND BY
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/50790.aspx

Will the real Project Manager please stand up?
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/50138.aspx

The AV Project Process: Two Methods
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/49908.aspx

The Ramifications of Crestron DigitalMedia
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/49468.aspx

Are Personal Electronics Changing AV?
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/48384.aspx

Do You Get II?
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/47618.aspx

AV Done Properly
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blogArticle.aspx?id=47026

Will AV Systems Become a Commodity?
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/46178.aspx

The Conflicting World of Intellectual Property
http://avtechnologyonline.com/blog/45864.aspx

Now let me break out the AV crystal ball, and tell you what I see for InfoComm 2012:

1. Extron will not have a booth or throw the Extron Bash. (Who could have predicted this?)
2. Cisco will have a larger booth and presence and continue to make inroads into the AV industry.
3. The term “Telepresence” will appear (incorrectly) on any videoconferencing product.
4. iPad apps will continue to proliferate everywhere.
5. AMX will have a strong presence and push for their Enova line of Digital Media Switchers
6. Gary Kaye will Rant, Rave, Tweet, FB, Video and social media us to till we say “Drunk Unkles”
6. Commercial AV products will be revealed for interfacing an iPad to an AV system.
7. My accredited training session ISO10 “Managing Multiple AV Facilities on Wed June 13 will be a huge success (as it has been for the past three years).

See you in Vegas!

Christopher Maione, CTS-D, is president of Christopher Maione Associates, a firm specializing in all aspects of AV business, technologies, emerging trends and marketing strategy. Christopher serves as an InfoComm Adjunct Faculty, Approved CTS RU Provider and sits on several AV standards committees.
Email:cmaione@chrismaione.com
Twitter:CMAav
Facebook:Christopher Maione Associates

I attend a lot of industry trade shows and conferences. Their value is unparalleled to me, both as an end user for most of my career and a technology consultant now. There is however a disturbing recent trend of some manufacturers deciding to skip very useful industry trade conferences.

They provide reasons such as cost, ROI, bad time of the year, etc. However, the reality is these firms have reached a point in their growth where they feel they no longer need to offer their customers information when it is in comparison to other firms. Their business strategists (or their egos) tell them it’s their ball, and if they can’t control everything about the event then they won’t play. These manufacturers evoke images of “spoiled children.” For the sake of this discussion, let’s call them that.

Read the entire blog by IMMCA's David Danto at imcca.org

With its usual media blitz, Apple released its third version of the iPad — a device which has already changed the face of mobile technology and now in its latest generation includes a high-definition retina display, 4G network, and 5 megapixel isight camera.

Well, I’m not an Apple user but I’m certainly a fan of the company. I think Apple has always been innovative and truly revolutionary with bringing new products to the market and providing technology to the masses—with a lot more staying power.

Still got your Sony Walkman laying around the house? Probably not. Why? Because Apple changed the face of mobile music listening with the introduction of the iPod and iTunes and there has been no looking back. How about those Palm Pilots? Still holding on to that one? Nope, today they are practically gone. Does any kid today want just a cell phone? No way! They want an iPhone. Indeed, for most people today it is not even a matter of “if” you have an iPod, iPhone or iPad, it is more a matter of “which one” you have and what generation.

When the first iPad was introduced in 2010 many ditched their laptops and picked up this new “flat” mobile technology, and they loved it. Apple sold nearly 15 million iPads in 2010 and the iPad 2, released in 2011, brought the total number to 50 million. It is expected the third generation iPad will bring total sales to 100 million by the end of 2012. The rate of growth is staggering and Apple believes they could possibly sell 175 million units in a single year, 2015. Never mind the market created for apps and the inventory at the App Store which now has over 200,000 apps for the iPad. What a revenue stream!

Now what has this meant for business? Well companies and organizations around the globe now have demanding executives that want to use their iPads for business and someone has to pave the way. Our previously primarily Windows environments (PC’s and laptops) is being invaded by this “toy” and IT departments are cringing, but the reality is that the iPad is here and IT support must follow.

So, what will the impact be for the AV world? It means we are also going to have to interface with the “toy." Understandably so, AMX, Crestron and Extron have already integrated their control systems and offer iPads as control panels and just about every other AV equipment manufacturer has an iPad app to interface and control their equipment directly.

So since it is inevitable that we’ll need to learn to play nice with Apple, let’s take a look at some technical matters that we need to understand and consider:

The new iPad is supposedly six times faster than the iPad 2. The never ending “need for speed” in the technology world.

The iPad 2 resolution is 1024 x 768, also 4:3. The resolution of iPad’s third generation is 2048 x 1536 and the aspect is also 4:3.

Interesting how in this world of 16:9 wide screen HD format that the iPad is a 4:3 devices. So when displaying HD content in wide screen format on an iPad, there are “letterbox” black bars at the top and bottom of the display.

At present the iPad output is only available in landscape format, so the output signal does not “rotate” like the iPad does.

Now, if we look at the output of the iPad we will see the Apple proprietary 30 pin connector. Adapters are available which will break-out either VGA or HDMI and this is what we are going to need to be prepared for short of installing an Apple TV device behind every video projector or flat panel display.

From an AV system design perspective we will need to interface with the iPad and process both audio and video via the HDMI port. Once we peel off the audio we can easily route this into our audio matrix to get sound out of our speakers.

However, video will be a bit more difficult as we have to deal with the resolution and aspect ratio. Since most of our flat panels are 16:9 and video projectors 16:9 or 16:10, it’s going to mean we’re going to have to letterbox (black bars) the image top and bottom if we want to maintain the iPad aspect ratio.

So, the world of tablet computing meets the AV world — so say hello AV world — and get ready to take a “bite” out of the Apple.

By the way, I don’t have an iPad (yet). But my new Android phone came with a mini USB to HDMI adapter—you know what that means don’t you?

Tech tip: how to utilize the "segmentation" feature found in TITAN Quad and HIGHLITE 660 displays.

TITAN Quad, TITAN 800 and HIGHLITE 660 series projectors incorporate a Segmentation capability, which is very useful for applications that employ multiple projectors to create one very bright contiguous image. The Segmentation feature serves as a basic, built-in video wall processor, and is enabled within the projectors' setup menu. The installer simply defines the number of columns and rows of the projection array they are building, then identifies the position that each projector will serve within the array.

When using the Segmentation feature, each projector needs to receive the same source content. When enabled, the Segmentation feature automatically adjusts each projector to display only its portion of the content. This makes it possible to provide a single source to all of the projectors. Note that each projector displays its portion of the content by utilizing the advanced scaling within DP's electronics.

Please keep the following limitations in mind when considering the use of Segmentation.

• The image resulting from the use of Segmentation will always be displayed in the same aspect ratio as the source that is provided to the projector, regardless of the aspect ratio of the multichannel projection wall. Thus, to use the wall properly, one must arrange the channels of the projection wall to maintain the same aspect ratio as the source or vice-versa. The basic rule of thumb is to employ DP models with an aspect ratio that matches the source, then employ those projectors in 2 x 2 or 3 x 3 arrays.

• If one were to examine the example of 4 WUXGA projectors in a 2x2 projection wall arrangement, and the provided signal was 1920x1200, the wall would display an image that was scaled up to nearly twice the vertical and horizontal resolution of the original WUXGA source. From a scaling artifact perspective, this will produce a similar appearance as observed when scaling standard definition video through a high definition display. This example is provided to illustrate the visual result of employing so much scaling. There will be significant artifacts.

• Given it is based on scaling, the built-in segmentation function is not able to produce an image that with the native resolution or quality that a dedicated video wall processor can produce. Segmentation it is a great and easy to use solution for applications with long viewing distances, such as digital signage, or IMAG. However, we do not recommend employing the internal Segmentation feature if the application will include short viewing distances, or source resolution needs to be maximized.

• Note that the segmentation and scaling is accomplished within the projectors' electronics. Thus, the scaled image it is not available on the dual link input of the projectors.

For additional application information and ideas, contact DP's Applications Support Team at either 770-420-1350 or application.support@digitalprojection.com.

• News a few weeks back that Samsung’s LCD biz had been realigned—and pundits’ and mass media pronouncements that LCD was on the way out, well, that “news” brought laughter from this analyst. The LCD panel has never been stronger in this market. It will continue to dominate the TV market. Any move to OLED or other platforms is years away—well beyond any need for a reevaluation of the market. (And BTW—Samsung’s LCD display business is healthy. In fact the reorg at Samsung in February was an internal accounting move to allow Samsung to develop a price structure whereby they increase profitability from sales from one Samsung division to another, and also to allow Samsung to more efficiently price and distribute their glass to their many OEM partners. Essentially, Samsung is both a competitor and a manufacturing partner of other large LCD display providers, hence the need to change their distribution and pricing structure to reflect that.)
• A few hours on the show floor at the Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas, wrapping today, should convince arm-chair experts that the LCD panel is not only here to stay… in fact, this year there is a bumper crop of new LCD technologies.
• The most important development in LCD panel product introductions this year is the ability to now get more brightness out of the LCD panel. Specifically, the LED-backlit LCD panel. The use of LED as a light source replacing CCFL, began several years ago (they are more energy efficient, and have other advantages including the color temperature of the image produced. LEDs permit the manufacturers to provide a wider gamut and tune the LED backlight to produce more accurate colors on screen). But just as in LED-light engine video projectors, there have to date been some brightness limitations on LED-backlit LCD panels. This is not to say LED-backlit LCD panels have not been bright, the last few years since their introduction– in fact they achieved brightness levels greater than the CCFL they replaced. But LED’s, when you try to juice them up to get more light output, produce excessive heat. So before this year, you could not get much more than about 1500 nits out of the screen.
• But a walk around the show floor at DSE this week– wow. A variety of LCD display manufacturers were showing brighter LCD displays. The brightest out there– this week at DSE at least: the DynaScan DS? LED backlit High Brightness Series (they have a unit rated at 5,000 nits—put on your shades, and check out the unit’s back, it has a heat radiator like a Ferrari’s, just a lot smaller). And what’s interesting is that this company did not have any LCD panels at last year’s DSE show (they have their own glass supplier in Taiwan, and do not rely on the big glass makers like Samsung—how they kept all this a secret in Apple-worthy.) Also showing LCD panels with impressive brightness were LG Electronics (showing the 47WX50MF with 2000 nits), Planar (Planar’s Clarity Matrix HX60 video wall, 1,900 nits) and Sharp (the Sharp PN-A601, with 2,000 nits). Logically, some of the units above were being shown at DSE in outdoor configurations. The next wave in sales in the digital signage market will come in the outdoor arena like QSR drive-through displays.
• The above list of high-brightness LCD displays is not complete–but a quick look at some highlights from DSE. We’ll be covering this trend in Digital Signage Magazine—including a roundup of products shown at DSE. Meanwhile, when the show floor closes today I’ll offer to buy a drink for all the pundits who announced the demise of the LCD display business just a few weeks ago.

David Keene is the executive editor of Digital Signage Magazine.

Dear Professor Phil,

I hear vendors talking about "high profile" or "main profile" when they are discussing their implementation of video. What is a profile?

Rose, Columbus, OH

Rose,

Profiles in video serve essentially the same purpose as they serve in more general discussions of computer accounts, systems, and configurations. They are groups of attributes, settings or choices to be determined. For example, in MPEG-2 there are six profiles: Simple, Main, 4:2:2, SNR, Spatial and High. Simple profile supports only 4:2:0 format, 720X576 resolution, and no B frames. When a codec is configured, the software will allow the user to simply check a box next to Simple, rather than confront the user with three choices that might make the task seem more complex.

If a user picks Main profile in MEG-2, they will also be forced to pick a Level: Low, Main, High 1440 or High. Since most codecs use only Simple or Main profile, the set of sample methods, resolution and GOP (group of picture format) could be configured by making no more than two choices.

At their origin, control systems were, for the most part, custom designed and engineered electronics.

They were combinations that included lots of detailed wiring, punch blocks, switches, lamps, and relays. A typical lectern “control panel” was made from about 40 EAO momentary switches with a lamp in each one. Wiring to a lectern control panel would typically be via (2) large 50 conductor cables that terminated in bulky Amphenol “D” connectors. Techs used to sit at a bench for hours soldering control panels and connectors. Each button had its own very basic functions and would illuminate when “on."

Typical operator and lectern control panel functions included:

• System On/Off
• Screen Up/Down
• 35mm Slide Left / Center / Right On/Off
• Slide Focus In / Out
• ¾-inch UMatic Play/Stop/Rewind/FF/Pause
• ½ VHS Play/Stop/Rewind/FF/Pause
• Audio Tape Reel Play/Stop
• Lav Mic On/Off
• Speech & Program Volume (actual knobs on potentiometers)
• Shades Up/Down
• Lighting General/Conference/Meeting/Special

To my knowledge, the first AV control panels were designed and engineered by the original AV consultants at the firm of Hubert Wilke. Hubie is, by all understanding, the grandfather of AV. I consider myself privileged to have worked as a young engineer under the direction of the consultant at his firm.

Operator and lectern control panels required depressing a button for each and every function. The EAO buttons used made a definitive “click” followed by the incandescent button being illuminated.

Then, of course, the amazing Mr. George Feldstein brought us Crestron. A few years later, a company called York Control Systems appeared on the radar which later evolved into AMX.

Later in the control system evolution, FSR began building us all sorts of neat switchers, relays, and gizmos needed to make control system design, engineering, and wiring simpler.

The touch panel was introduced in mid- to late-1990s and opened an entirely new world of control system design. Clunky old control panels were replaced by a not-so-sleek, single color touch panels (the original panels had either orange or green buttons). Our wiring of EAO switches was replaced by this touch screen “pallet”.

Fast forward to today; we have more than a dozen control system manufacturers. This line-up of companies provides us with wired and wireless touch panels, in more colors than we can comprehend, with 3D buttons and sleek looking touch screen control panels that can be wall mounted, tabletop, furniture mounted, and are available in a large variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.

Unfortunately for control systems, I believe that touch panel design became a clutter of buttons with screen after screen of page flips, menus, pop in, pop outs, ups, and downs. There are all sorts of colors and buttons which light up, change color, change state, change text, disappear, and appear. I believe that touch panel design was (and in many cases still is) out of control. No pun intended.

In 1994 I began working closely with some brilliant Crestron programmers to develop standard templates and what we called a control system “medley” of touch screens. One of those rookie programmers was Steve Greenblatt, now president of Control Concepts, a leading third party programming firm.

Together, Steve and I developed standard templates for a host of our clients and did our best to “standardize” how touch panels looked and operated. We focused on a clean “look” that had a nice graphical design and an intuitive simple to use, “user friendly” layout of buttons. We had a firm rule. There was to be a maximum click path of three—meaning that the AV function could be controlled with no more than three button pushes on the touch screen.

Since then, touch panel design, now called the GUI, has again exploded. AV equipment has become more complicated, more control of equipment is available, and software based equipment has added menus for even more control. Programmers believe the need to include all this functionality into their touch panel designs and the GUI’s have become a cluttered mess. Side note—hey InfoComm—how about a standard on proper touch panel design? The last InfoComm paper on Dashboard design was issued in 2005.

So here we are today; I see touch panels everywhere. I’ve reviewed and operated hundreds of different GUIs and they are, in my opinion, a complicated mess. Because we CAN control a particular function (or 1,000 functions) should we add a button on the touch panel to do so? Has anyone heard of Apple? Simple = Better... that's the mantra.

End-users across all markets want a simple to use AV system. And that starts with a simple to use, intuitive touch panel. I challenge anyone out there to present to me a simple and intuitive GUI for a basic AV system (which must include audio and videoconferencing functionality, this is the challenging stuff).

I am not sure what is the best approach is—but the way AV designers and system integrators are going about it is not the answer. We need a different approach to AV systems control, and it needs to be simple and easy to operate. And oh, yeah, it needs to be intuitive. It shouldn’t be so hard. Think about this—we’ve each used ATM machines all over the world; they have, for the most part, a clean, intuitive and uniform look and feel. We need AV control systems be the same.

One other note, InfoComm registration is now open at infocommshow.org.

Christopher Maione, CTS-D, is president of Christopher Maione Associates, a firm specializing in all aspects of AV business, technologies, emerging trends and marketing strategy. He serves as an InfoComm Adjunct Faculty member since as well as on several standards committees. What is your perspective on touch panel design? Email Christopher at cmaione@chrismaione.com, reach him on Facebook at Christopher Maione Associates, and Twitter via cmaAV.

• As a technology manager you may have contract help assisting you with the daily support schedule and maintenance. Internally you may report up through IT or Site Services, but where do you go when you need assistance? For many in the technology management role you are the last time of support for technical issues. You may also be only in your department so questions about career goals, training or personal development are left to you. What options are available to the AV tech? Here are a couple suggestions.
• If your company outsources AV support from an outside company inquire about their training and technical back office support. Chances are they provide technical services to the staffers and may extend that support to you as a "value add." If your contract is with an AV centric staffing company then they may have an internal training program setup for the onsite techs. I have sat in on training classes provided by the contract service providers. Not only was it educational but it provided an opportunity for you to sit with your site support team, work together as a group and demonstrate some of individual strengths within the group. Another benefit of hiring an AV centric company is that they also have resources with resellers, distributors and product manufactures that can assist you and the staff.
• Building partnerships with a product manufacturer is probably the most import piece of advice that I can share with you. Some AV manufacturers will also provide training directly to their customers. In instances where your company has standardized on a particular product manufactures have been very responsive in assisting the site support staff in implementing and maintaining the equipment. Not only does this benefit the manufacturer by watching their products perform in a real world situation but they will also have access to unfiltered customer experiences. The smart company takes those issues back to R&D and works out the bugs. For you the customer you now have access to designers, engineers and programmers who want to see you and their product succeed. Further exploring the manufacturer partnership leads to a greater depth of product knowledge and training that the webinars and sales pitches won’t give you.
• I personally developed relationships with most of the manufacturers that supplied products to my former employers. Due to the ever-changing vendor carousel and the involvement of procurement departments I couldn’t control the supplier or vendors of our products. As a technical team our responsibility was to find the right product and assist procurement in finding an authorized reseller for the selection process. It was obvious that we needed to be involved with the manufacture in this case in order to keep current with the updates and high-level support. Our interaction with the manufacture provided them with better sense of how their products were being used by the end-users and in some cases they discovered new opportunities that their products could grow. Watching their products take bumps and bruises really became beneficially to the account managers who would then report back to their management for future product updates and development.
• Another area where you can find help is online by using social media. By joining LinkedIn, Twitter and Google social networks you now have open access to people across the globe. The advantages go beyond having your resume and profile out on the internet. Joining and participating in LinkedIn AV groups, for example, brings the benefits of hot news items, opinions and real world applications. Chances are someone in the group has had similar experiences with technical issues or may see the same issue but from a different angle. Though you will wade through a lot of posts eventually you may or may not find the specific answer to your question that you’re looking for. If that happens then do not be afraid to post to the groups. By posting the question you have now reached out to thousands, in some cases, and eventually your answer will in the form of a post or via email. But by not posting your question then you’re missing out on the whole advantage of networking group and social media. Seek out groups where the members are posting daily. These groups will tend to be the most responsive to questions and along the way you may make some network connections. Great examples of active AV groups within LinkedIn are the InfoComm Group, the various CTS groups, AV Industry Professionals, ProAV, Professional AV and their sub groups and the AV Technology Magazine groups just to name a few. Search them out and do not discount the niche groups that cater to more specific AV topics such as AVB, telepresence, or control systems.
• Industry associations are still the most focused source of expertise out there. Yes, many members are on the social networks but associations are the common group that unites AV professionals. Industry groups like InfoComm were built for technology manager as well as the vendors, manufacturers and consultants. Their industry studies, educational opportunities and their own internal network of groups and councils provide a wealth of information. The Technology Managers Council within InfoComm meets regularly. More importantly, they share information on a daily basis. That information can be anything from product tips, new ideas, training information and survey participation. Associations put a lot of time and development in standards and documentation to help the industry further develop. They can serve as a conduit to the rest AV industry and the resources available to you.
• The information is out there whether you have a question about a product or career advice. Use your available resources and along the way you may uncover some other opportunities you didn’t know existed.

Christopher Neto, CTS, is an Audiovisual Consultant with AV Helpdesk Inc., a firm specializing in all aspects of AV Design, Engineering, Project Management, and Programming. He is also an active member of InfoComm and part of its membership committee and various councils. Reach him at cneto@avhelpdesk.com or visit his blog at avshout.com.

When iPad first hit the headlines, Kleiner Perkins invested $100 million in iPad app building startups. Consumers were hit by lower eBook prices across the board. Hundreds of colleges like Seton Hill and George Fox decided to grant freshmen iPads.

If the game is changing, what’s your position? AV Technology has the iPad app manual for AV and IT professionals.

AV Technology knows that for our readers, the best iPad apps aren’t text-based planners, eBooks, or messaging tools. So we’ve listed some iPad apps that showcase audio, video, and the ever-evolving capabilities of the AV industry.

They’re the apps that understand what AV professionals love about their work, and what clients love about AV professionals: cutting-edge capability paired with creativity. They’re the apps that make work a little more like play, and make play a little more like the best parts of work. They’re efficient. They’re cool. They’re the iPad apps that every AV tech manager must have, and haven’t found already.

AV Technology Magazine’s Must Haves for the iPad

Crestron Electronic’s Mobile Pro G ($99.99) allows Crestron system users to control multiple locations from a Crestron graphical interface that registers room temperature, lighting levels, shade position, volume and digital media metadata anywhere throughout a building or campus, in real time. The new app “transforms the Apple iPad into a full Crestron Touchpanel.”

Savant’s Rosie 4i ($9.99) is a magic wand - er, pad - for home automation clients who have Savant’s Rosie or Protégé system installed. A demo mode showcases the app’s intuitive interface, multi-zone whole house control, and a built-in media search function. Best of all, the user-friendly app makes home automation hardware inexpensive, pushing home automation software onto another list of must-haves, proving that the iPad is a good thing for clients and integrators, whose professional expertise is integral to making the magic happen.

Extron's GVE is a powerful, convenient app, used in conjunction with Extron GVE—GlobalViewer Enterprise—that allows users to effectively manage and control large-scale AV installations from an Apple iPhone or iPod Touch. This mobile device application is now available for free in the iTunes App Store.

• CommandFusion’s iViewer (Free) is an all-in-one package for the AV professional who needs two way remote control of more than a few TCP/IP capable hardwares and softwares, including Crestron, AMX, Control4, GlobalCache, IRTrans, and others. Users can run commands/macros with page specific timers, create custom commands, and design a custom interface via CF’s guiDesigner software, which takes advantage of the iPad’s 1024x768 screen resolution. With improved subpage transitions, configurable statusbar visibility, Winamp control, and other fixes through feedback processing upgrades, iViewer for iPad is looking good.
• TInSys VideoCalc ($2.99) maximizes the quality of your projected presentation - literally. With AV technology advancing faster than you can say, “iPad,” AV pros have the attention and the ideas, which they’re presenting on the big screen. VideoCalc computes ideal projector and viewer seat positioning based on entered screen dimensions, projector throw range, audience and room size, making the projection as riveting as your ideas.
• TInSys AudioCalc ($2.99) emphasizes the qualitative difference a professional sound systems makes. By evaluating prime speaker positioning with a frequency, period, and wavelength converter, it enriches the audio experience in any space. A band tool compliments the AV professional’s expert parametric EQ setup, which is further enhanced by tools that ensure optimal speaker distances, delays, required amp power, and your client’s unparalleled audio experience.
• LogMeIn’s Ignition ($29.99) offers a VNC option with multi-monitor support so you can log in to your Mac and/or PC with virtually no setup - just download the universal app for access from your iPhone, iPod Touch, or your iPad. You’ll get iPad-optimized resolution, network speed and display options, keyboard mapping, desktop shortcuts, settings control, right and left click capability, function keys, and navigation options so you can move around the screen with your finger or navigate with your mouse. Ignition for iPads has yet to include all the VNC features of its desktop and USB versions - but LogMeIn is working on it. If they work as fast as their iPad app does, Ignition might just drive MobileMe out of Tech Town.
• ElasticFiction’s Splitbrowser ($1.99) is the app Apple would have built in to the first-generation iPad, if the iPhone OS 4 release date wasn’t already circled on the Climaxes of Cupertino calendar. Though users can’t multi-task in this generation of iPads, Splitbrowser facilitates dual-site browsing so you don’t have to alternate tabs when comparing app offerings, recipes, or the utility of different AV equipment for your company. With portrait or landscape view options, adjustable site margins, and independent toolbars, Splitbrowser is like having two iPads in one: imperfect, but pretty cool. It also gives users a tiny taste of what they should expect in iPad 2.0 .
• Bonnier’s Popular Science + ($4.99) ran with the iPad’s advanced opportunity for graphics and content layout, and other digital magazines on iPad are racing to compete. Intuitive swipe-based navigation provides science and technology professionals with a seamless experience of images and articles together or in the spotlight. The offline library makes each digital issue well worth the cost of the paper edition - who wants a filing cabinet full of stellar photos that have aged in a cellar?
• For end-users in the education sector. Vito Technology’s Star Walk ($4.99) adds technology to natural wonder. User-controlled settings enhance your personal experience of the universe in this 3D planetarium experience, which showcases the magnificent technology Samsung and other 3DTV developers realized, with the content that hasn’t been initialized. While waiting for iPhone OS 4, new iPad apps, and more 3D content to be unveiled, the Star Walk time machine feature shows off the wonders of our current technologies - and reveals the sky scape of a future night.
• Autodesk’s Sketchbook Pro ($7.99) isn’t an app like Elements or Marvel Comics. It’s an app like you want it to be, and it likes you whether you’re a visual tech professional, an artist, or if you can’t draw a straight line with a ruler - though for $8, this is a prime option for the latter to learn. The painting and drawing app is for iPad users who create technology, and use technology to create. Though it’s more of a creation-stimulation game than an office tool for AV professionals, this one shows promise for iPad productivity.
• iSpy Cameras (iOS) $1.99
• Your new favorite time waster. One of the most fascinating apps for i-devices takes you to public webcams from all over the world. Cams ranging from the incredible (beaches in Honolulu) to the surprisingly fascinating (a hotel desk in Moscow).
• Splashtop Remote Desktop (Droid/iOS) - $9.99
• While there are a wealth of remote desktop apps on both platforms, Splashtop remains the best buy for casual consumers and professionals alike. At $9.99, the app gives you all the features of either your PC or Mac when you are on the go. Even as businesses switch to cloud storage, it can be a valuable tool to access what’s on your computer when you need it.

A staggering manufacturing system in China has made it possible for Apple and other companies to make devices almost as quickly as they can be dreamed up, but for workers, it can be dangerous.Read the full NY Times piece by clicking here.

I recently sat down with two friends for lunch. We are all in the AV business and each of us has spent some time working in the corporate AV support function. As we ordered our food we exchanged updates of “what happened to him” or “where did they end up?”. The conversation would eventually become centered on our corporate AV experiences and some of the issues we encountered. Each of us has a horror story of sorts but I find it odd that through all these years some of these issues are still unsolved mysteries. Fact is some of the most challenging issues facing corporate AV support teams are not technology related or entirely AV related. As you read through this article you will noticed that these issues revolve around ownership of responsibilities, funding and how corporate silos hinder progress.

One of the issues that have remained a problem for as long as I can remember is Room Classifications. This may appear to be an easy topic but for those in the day to day support role this can be a nightmare. Let me try to explain. There are Conference Rooms with Technology, Conference Rooms without Technology, Standalone Video Conference Rooms, Integrated Video Conference rooms and Specialized Rooms such as divisible spaces and Auditoriums. Then there are the subcategories such as Private, Public or Special (More of those Later). The issue at hand is usually who owns the room. The simple answer would be the AV group since we provide the in room support & setup. Where it gets ugly is when something breaks, reaches end of life, renovations, relocations, and Upgrades. All of these issues will require an AV budget. Most AV budgets are centered on maintenance, supplies and consumables such as lamps and cables. When an item breaks this causes a strain on the budget unless you plan for emergencies by setting aside a percentage for those moments. Renovations and Relocations pose their own set of Problems since these mandates usually will come from a group outside of AV or IT. In these instances a groups such as Facilities or Engineering will lead the projects and with that you would assume that the technology would be funded by them. Not necessarily the case, as all three of us can attest. Both Facilities and Engineering will argue why they will not pay for technology. In most instances they may purchase the Mounts, Floor boxes, data and electrical. Again the AV group is asked to help. Like one of my lunch buddies said “After a couple renovations we are scrambling around the site to reset the projectors to a low setting and hope the bulbs last”.

As we continued on with our Lunch and Stories another infamous corporate AV struggle raises its ugly head. The exact quote was “So have any of you solved the Private vs. Public Room dilemma?” Private vs. Public sounds more like a legal battle on Capitol Hill rather than an AV support problem. AV Support team will provide a service regardless if it’s private or public. Where this gets really tangled is when Space Planning and Facilities ask for you to “attend a meeting”. As I previously stated public and private are not a problem from the support side. Where it can become an issue is when a private room “owner” wants an upgrade. The “private” title becomes a gray area of sorts. Since it is “private” the room owner in most companies will fund the upgrade. A side effect of Private room renovations can be non-standard technology entering the company which will cause unplanned issues for the support team. Imagine being the technician who needs to replace a bulb and you discover a new projector & lamp that you don’t have in your immediate supply stock.

By the time dessert comes around we are now knee deep in new Monitor and Projector talk and what the Latest digital connector is this month. As we ordered our coffee and our talk shifted towards “let’s do this again” someone blurts out Digital Signage like it’s a dirty curse word. Let me start by stating that we all love Digital signage and the benefits it can bring to companies. In our experience Digital Signage requires “Top Down buy in”. It starts with a high level request and quickly moves downhill faster than an Olympic skier on ice. Along the way the request flies by the various IT groups that should be part of the decision. Chances are Facilities will not see if until the final person in the chain receives the request to have Monitors installed in areas where there isn't any infrastructure i.e. outdoor signage.

In an ideal world a Group within IT would receive the request and prepare a team to handle the servers, connectivity and player units. While public/internal Communications would write, approve and develop the content with alongside a graphics group. AV support would assist with the Display maintenance and system display design and qualify the AV vendor’s installation work. But that’s an ideal situation. What we each have seen is various groups owning a piece of the pie but nothing is very clearly defined. User created material is posted, IT does not want to monitor the system, communications only gets involved for major announcements and no one has money for replacement parts or future expansion. So how does AV become the project lead? Simple AV vendors sell Digital signage but most of those sales happen without AV in the room. This is area where AV and IT do not converge. AV will now carry the responsibility to communicate to IT the project and IT will fight AV on Security issues and Bandwidth. Is there a Brightside to digital signage? I’m sure there is but it’s hard to see it during the initial rollout. If the company as a whole embraces the technology and makes a financial investment in the product then there is a very good chance of success.

So what’s the solution? Room Classifications are tough to solve. I guess accepting that there are many types of rooms is the first step and trying to find a single group to own the rooms and its technology would be a vast improvement. The group that makes the most sense would be Facilities but they have been down that road before with PCs and Telephones and those business machines are funded by IT. Maybe IT should own the technology in all Meeting spaces with or without technology since a projector could be used in a non tech room. This topic will continue to be debated for years to come. In Public vs. Private debate we feel it should be treated by corporation the same way a hotel treats its guest rooms. Essentially they are yours for the day, night, week, etc. You can sleep there but it is not your place of residence. It’s private since you own a key but you pay a price to have your bed made and the rooms vacuumed. If the TV does not work a maintenance person will come up to fix or replace the unit. The Hotel concept would also introduce a Hospitality software package and a Front desk to reserve spaces and better manage and control the rooms. The key is that rooms are the property of the corporation and Funding should come from them. The current situation would be like asking the hotel staff each fund a floor. Within months you would find differences just by taking the elevator and stopping on each floor. The best part is that software and solutions exist today that can help. It also helps that Hotels have been in business for years and the model works. Finally Digital Signage just needs a single owner who holds the budget and power to form a committee made up of various team members with the same goal in mind. That goal would be to maintain the existing and future deployments of the system, Develop fresh new content to engage the users, discover additional opportunities to increase the Return on Investment and keep an eye on the ever changing technology on the horizon.

In conclusion Lunch was great and we solved a few corporate issues along the way. I’ll save topics such as room scheduling issues, open space planning and how the “analog” sun is still at high noon instead of setting for some companies for another day.

Christopher Neto, CTS, is a consultant with AV Helpdesk Inc., a firm specializing in all aspects of AV design, engineering, project management, and programming. He is also an active member of InfoComm, its membership committee, and various councils. Reach him at cneto@avhelpdesk.com or follow him on twitter at @Chris_neto.

Recently back from Las Vegas and indeed, CES is electronics overload. Never mind the technology, the show itself is overwhelming with 1.8 million square feet of convention floor space and 150,000 of your closest friends attending. I make it a point to attend this show every year to get a pulse on the technology that is up and coming and to see just what from the consumer world will be making its way into our commercial world. As an industry analyst and armed with press credentials, my focus is on finding the consumer electronic technologies that will likely trickle into our professional lives and businesses. So cutting through the thousands of gizmos, here are the items that I think will be making their way into commercial AV this year.

LG Flat Panels – LG showed the most impressive and thinnest OLED flat panel I‘ve ever seen. The guarded and roped off booth area (they wouldn’t let you get too close) showed bright, brilliant displays which were nearly as thin as a credit card (actual thickness 4 mm).

These panels were demonstrating the most incredible 3D content I have ever seen and I wasn’t alone in my amazement as I shared the booth space with a crowd that was six deep in front of the displays. The custom produced demo content was jaw dropping – taking 3D to an entirely new level.

Samsung – Galaxy Note – This was one of the hottest PDA’s at the show and Samsung did a brilliant marketing job having artists throughout the convention center and on the corners of the Las Vegas strip drawing your caricature on the device and then emailing you the image. Attendees lined up for over an hour to have their pictures drawn. The Samsung booth included thousands of caricature images made from all over the world. Of particular interest was the PDA’s “Note” application which was far more advanced than other tablet note / sketch programs. In considering its application for professional use, it would be an excellent tool for jobsite notes or field sketches which could be prepared on-the-spot and sent out to the project team instantly.

Vidyo – Multipoint Videoconference Bridging
Vidyo provides a variety of software applications which provide “HD Videoconferencing without boundaries.” Their product line includes applications which will allow you to videoconference from just about any type of videoconference device including room systems, telepresence suites, portable systems, desktops, laptops, or even your PDA. This is amazing technology which finally “links” all the various videoconferencing platforms and provides interoperability. Keep an eye on this company.

Cloud Services
Just about every company at the show now had some sort of “cloud service” where their product or services could be backed up, controlled and/or accessible via “their cloud”. This growing trend is interesting but I do have concerns about all the information and data which could potentially be acquired from cloud services….like, is it really secure – and how will the companies use this data? Also – does anybody really know how big this cloud thing is? It’s certainly something we need to get our arms and our heads around to best leverage its capabilities without potential liabilities.

Ski Goggles with Heads Up Display
OK – I have to throw this one gizmo in – as a skier this caught my eye. Recon Instruments is a company making an electronic “insert” for ski goggles which, in essence, turn the goggles into a heads-up display. So I say to myself, why would I need a heads-up display in my ski goggles? And then the demo began. I put on the goggles and they activate “the chip” and in the lower ban of my view appears information on my speed, altitude and degrees of incline. Connected to my PDA the heads up display shows the names of incoming calls and text messages. Now I’m giggling at this technology when the next screen blows me away and overlays the mountain’s ski map trails and lift locations over my actual position.

So CES 2012 leaves us with new and improved tools that will inevitably have an impact in commercial AV – whether it’s from unbelievably thin flat panels, PDA’s that pack a punch and great new applications, boundary-less video-conferencing, looming cloud services or gizmos that you have to see to believe. As for me in 2012, I’m prepared to meet it all head on, right after I get myself a pair of those goggles.

Special Note for 2012: Please – Follow Me!
Twitter: cmaAV
Facebook: Christopher Maione Associates
LinkedIn: Christopher Maione / Christopher Maione Associates
Christopher Maione, CTS-D, DSCE, is president of Christopher Maione Associates, a firm specializing in all aspects of AV business, technologies, emerging trends and marketing strategy. Serving as an InfoComm Adjunct Faculty member since as well as on several standards committees, he continues to promote the betterment of the AV industry through his extensive involvement. Reach him at cmaione@chrismaione.com.

Stop for a moment to think about the dream marketing vehicle for your organization.

In your mind’s eye, this medium would deliver engaging, interactive content. It would be cheap to produce, easy to target and offer ample ways to measure impact on business performance.

That description just happens to match the profile of online video. Lurking as a business communications venue for more than a decade, Web video is gaining momentum as a viable alternative for organizations looking to deliver messages to outside partners, customers and prospects in engaging ways.

Certainly, online video is gaining more and more credibility as a viable marketing tool. In a survey of 1,002 executives conducted last year by Interactive Media Strategies, 64 percent of respondents said that their organization would expand the use of video on their corporate Web sites through the year. And the biggest gain in corporate adoption for specific applications can is uses of video in external communications applications, such as marketing presentations.

So, chances are good that – if your organization is not already experimenting with how to you online video in outbound communications – then you are already behind.

That’s because incorporating video in corporate marketing is not a simple matter of posting a television commercial to YouTube. Rather, gaining competitive advantage requires an understanding of the varied ways that online video can be effectively leveraged in external communications. And you can’t understand the possible uses of online video in marketing if you don’t develop an understanding of the varied types of software applications that are being developed to optimize the implementation of video in external Web communications.

This is an area of the business video market that is moving at light speed. Advances in content management, viewership analytics, social media and other areas are transforming how and why companies are leveraging online video to develop an edge on their rivals.

Organizations like AT&T and Office Depot, for instance, are leveraging emerging tools that automate the process of creating videos by pulling information from product databases to create video animations that deliver customer information in an engaging way. Long-time video pioneers like Oracle, meanwhile are leveraging online video to deliver relevant marketing content to key target audiences.

The issue of online video in marketing communications will be a key theme addressed at the Business Video Expo to be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center February 1 to February 3. At the conference, industry leaders will be discussing trends in automated video development, social media integration and key trends in online video adoption. For more information on the conference and the marketing-oriented panels that will be part of the show, please visit the Business Video Expo 2012 site at business-video.tmcnet.com

Steven Vonder Haar is Research Director of Interactive Media Strategies and can be reached at Svonder@InteractiveMediaStrategies.com

Open the Gates –
With more than 31 football fields of show space, CES attendees have to crowd in opening day and walk themselves ragged in hopes of not just seeing all the show but seeing what will win/fail big in the coming year.

While a few folks have said CES is on its last leg, we wonder if they were at the same show we were this month. More than 3,100 exhibitors squeezed into a mere 1.861 million net square feet (31+ football fields) of exhibit space and the show drew more than 153,000 attendees.

There was the urban sprawl of the big boys trying to out-glitz each other (even as they experienced record losses or marginal profits).

Microsoft announced that this was their last keynote, last time of exhibiting, and folks immediately said, “See, the show is losing its relevance in a real-time world.”

These same folks probably said Ballmer couldn’t get out of his own way.

Suddenly he’s brilliant?

Folks pointed out that really big things in the past have gone on to bomb, die. You know, Palm/WebOS, netbooks, 3D TV, etc.

OK:
- Palm/WebOS – It was a year+ between announcement/delivery and nothing changed even though everyone else looked at what they did and leapfrogged them! Of course, Leo didn’t help.
- Netbooks – Cheap, weak knock-offs of the Mac Air (that’s about it). We liked the idea, but you couldn’t do squat with ‘em! Google didn’t help ‘em either.
- 3D TV – Hey we were blinded by them; but once you got past watching a few movies and maybe some football, there was nothing to watch. If content isn’t there, why sit in front of the set with glasses on?

This year, we’ll probably be caught up in the hype (again) and miss some of the winners, but whose fault is that?

Ballmer’s Farewell
There was a lot of noise about this being Microsoft’s/Ballmer’s last showing and probably more folks attended his keynote than normal.

We quickly read one headline that we thought said “Ballmer Bonzo keynote.” Read it a second time and it said “Ballmer’s Gonzo Keynote.” Guess we read too much into it.

Bear Hug –
With some stroke of genius, Microsoft changes the form of Ballmer’s farewell keynote. This year, Ryan Seacrest jumped into his waiting arms before conducting a Mutt, Jeff “interview” with Steve and it worked…well.

He did a pretty good job with his scripted interview and probably enjoyed it a whole lot more than his past appearances with teleprompter pitch and cameo guests.

But the last time at CES? Don’t count on it.

Bet he’ll be at 2013 with a big suite and entourage of 3-400 people supporting partners on the floor.

And, they’ll subsidize a whole new generation of computers, tablets, phones, cars, refrigerators, houses and more.

Remember, he has to make the Windows smartphone a rocking success and will need to hype tablet/computer cloud/Win 8 solutions. He’ll have his hands full at CES 2013!

Folks who said CES is in its final stages noted Apple didn’t participate.

They should have walked the floor:
- Half a gazillion iPhone cases
- Quarter of a gazillion iPad cases
- Cars with iPhone/iPad support
- Boatloads of tablets, all claiming serious iPad contention
- Truckloads of ultrabooks that even Intel’s Pat Gelsinger said were Air “enhancements”

And, they had a couple of hundred people at the show checking stuff out, making certain the company message got thru.

No CES presence?

All About Noise –
The blogs, Facebook posts, Tweets were a good way to take the pulse of interest at CES this year with TVs, tablets, ultrabooks and gaming apps gaining top ratings.

Most folks poured their attention on the usual stuff – TV, tablets, computers and other things.

That other was a lot more important this year:

· Technology in every inch of concept and soon to be released cars that made your eyes and mouth water
· Home automation products, ideas, systems that could be standard in every new home of tomorrow
· Every major mobile carrier and device supplier was there hyping their networks, speed, performance, quality, ideas
· Apps of every shape, kind, purpose including excellent healthcare and fitness apps as well as a lot of great business, consumer, just fun apps

Breathtaking –
LG’s giant OLED screens featured finely crafted video art that wooed even the biggest television cynic. They weren’t alone, as every big set player tried to out glitz the guy next door with more color, more action, more noise, more everything. Again, big eye-popping TV sets grabbed lots of attention; and the biggest news was LG’s OLED (organic light-emitting diode) 55-in set.

Great looking, but at about $8K +/-, it better look good!

Of course the return of Apex with their low-cost LED screens looked “good enough” and left a lot of change in the bank account.

You had to admire the brave front, show sprawl the TV folks put on at the show after coming off a couple of bad years.

It was still about clearer, sharper images, whispers of 3D, better/smarter TV – you know, watch anything from anywhere, anytime.

They slid over the fact that to make it really smart you needed to plug in something like Roku’s little $50 USB dongle. Roku has done what the OS folks promised … hammered out agreements with all the content producers/offerers to make it easy to find the entertainment, news.

Like Apple and Amazon, it’s all about the library, relationships.

Something the pay-per-click guys just don’t get with their Google TV.

• Toshiba had a pretty good looking tablet, but they were far from alone in the new units they introduced at CES. Lots of promises, but there are always the questions: which ones will ship, which ones will last?

If you were even close to showing – or thinking about – a tablet, it was there at CES.

While IDC pointed out the iPad has the $499 and up category and Amazon has the $150 and below space, it didn’t stop folks from hoping.

The Google whatevers will have try to convince folks their ice cream device is best in the $150 - $400 price category, and the content garden will suddenly grow.

The problem is, their clouds only have more clouds… gotta’ work on that!

Google gives their OS to anyone.

The majors – Asus, Acer, Toshiba, Lenovo, Dell, HP – have to really work at differentiating themselves from the white boxers.

It’s probably why so many are pushing Ballmer to give them something to fight with.

Magic Acts –
Intel’s Mooly Eden did a great job following Gelsinger with a fast-paced set of ultrabook demos--and most of them worked. He also gave the audience a peek at what we can expect with the new light, sleek systems including touchscreens, voice recognition and even better battery life. Guess we’ll still be carrying three mobile devices for a few more years.

Intel and its partners brought out a wide array of really sleek-looking ultrabooks.

We’re looking forward to getting our hands on one to use for real work along with our iPad for email.

The units were outstanding:
- High performance quad-core CPUs
- Cool running
- Good set of USB connectors, some with HDMI
- Fast
- Pretty rugged
- Decent battery life

The high-speed processor plus semiconductor SSD (solid state drives) are changing the face of computing. They’re a little pricey right now; but by mid-year, they should be in the $700 - $800 range.

Bump battery life to six-eight hours, add external HD (personal cloud), and viola! Dynamite machines.

Layers Lower
Folks like to focus attention on the big players, but CES is a whole lot more.

There were probably 3,080 booths spread across the acres of thinly covered concrete. Sure, there was some hopeless garbage, but there was also some really cool stuff you wouldn’t notice until you hit the outer halls.

Everything was at CES – OK, nearly everything.

Over in the North Hall Other World Computing (OWC) was wowing folks with their UL-Listed AC/USB outlet.

They also had families of swap-out SSDs that could give almost any Mac or PC – desktop or notebook – a new performance lease on life.

They weren’t alone.

The dark recesses, corners of the outer halls hid products, ideas that could change things for individuals and businesses.

All they need is visibility.

Eye Candy –
CES has always attracted big names that don’t just perform but also use their minds to develop/invest in products, services, companies. This year, you could bump into/ squeeze by Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, LL Cool J, Will Fox, Ludacris, Xzbit, Will.i.am, 50 Cents and lots of folks we didn’t know. It’s Got bling!!!

CES is show biz; and this year was no exception.

A lot of the celebs weren’t there as window dressing, but actually had a profit interest in helping promote and sell their earphones, robots, apps, games, ideas.

Some are more than eye candy and are active investors, active board members in the companies they represented.

That’s going to continue because the companies and products at CES are going mainstream.

Higher Plane-
While it wasn’t on the show floor, one of the activities we feel deserves more credit is the push Gary Shapiro’s team is doing to recognize women in the industry.

Okay, it won’t change the business climate. But the association’s efforts to encourage more females to become involved in the industry, rise in the ranks, mentor others is one of the reasons it will continue to grow and prosper.

Sure, we’re not happy CES makes us miss the December holidays.

Heck, we even get in a couple of days early to attend an associated show — Storage Visions — which focuses on how, where we’re going to store all the stuff we produce, stream, enjoy, work with.

How else would you know one year ended, a new one began?

No Meal Here–
Folks who talk about CES fading in relevance are either just jealous of/ worried about the show’s success or don’t like hitting Vegas in January. It’s not too big to fail but the constantly changing set of educational/technical/business sessions and a stream of new aspirants and now products just keep feeding the market’s thirst for more. If they could fix communications, we could actually stay in touch with the outside world.

Anyone who says that the fact that Microsoft and Apple are no longer displaying and keynoting at CES is a sure fact the show is doomed isn’t seeing the industry evolve.

CES gutted Macworld, PMA rolled in to stay relevant, phone/mobile folks are there in spades.

Business and government officials attend because it just feels too important to miss.

Vegas isn’t our favorite town (and with everyone in town phone/computer service sucks) but when CES is there what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas.

Well, I survived the first day of my first ever CES. Attempting to break down what I saw seems daunting now. Since I’m working with a small window of time before dinner plans with Somfy, I’m going to run through a few things rather quickly.Wisdom Audio
One of my earliest appointments was with Wisdom Audio, where I had the pleasure of meeting Wisdom president Mark Glazier. He gave me a refreshingly short and sweet introduction of the Insight Series of in-wall, passive speakers launching at CES, which offer a pretty significant price reduction from previous Wisdom speakers at $1,500 each. Glazier said the new series is an attempt to reach a broader market. For what could be a $30,000 complete system, can now be done at $5,000 he said.

Wisdom Audio's Insight Series of in-wall, passive speakers offer a significant price reduction from previous Wisdom speakers at $1,500 each.

Wireless Speaker and Audio Association
I then had a really interesting meeting with WiSA, the Wireless Speaker and Audio Association. I won’t go into too much detail here since I’ll be writing a wireless audio and video feature for the February issue of RS when I get back. It seems like some exciting technology that the association’s president Jim Venable and chief technologist Alan Ruberg were clearly very excited to be working on and bringing to market soon. Ruberg said it’s a great time for wireless audio “to take hold of the market.” It’s hard to disagree there.

Basically, the speakers operate on the Unii band unlicensed spectrum that was historically used for radar operations by the government and features 24 channels, opposed to the couple of channels the 2.4 GHz WiFi band carries. The system relies on a master box that basically detects all speakers plugged into power within a 10m x 10m square space and determines each one’s delay, and distance from one another, so there’s no calibration or programming necessary. And of course, there are no wires connecting the speakers to each other.

WiSA was demoing material on Aperion speakers and Klipsch speakers. Venable said the association is talking to many other loudspeaker manufacturers he expects will be on board producing WiSA-compliant speakers by 2013. He couldn’t name any of these manufacturers, but he said they include, “a lot of folks you know and love.”

Onkyo
I got a look at Onkyo’s latest AV receiver technologies: InstaPrevue, a next gen picture in picture just with multiple screens; and MHL (mobile high definition link) to connect a smartphone through an HDMI outlet. The catch here is the smartphone must have an MHL input. Samsung’s Galaxy S II is one. I briefly discussed the recent news of Gibson’s controlling stake in Onkyo. Paul Wasek, national marketing and product planning manager said he was “very excited.” At this point, he didn’t know much about what the partnership would mean for the brand, but he said “it should be interesting.”

Klipsch's Console is designed to mirror the acoustical output of a live event; it’s capable of 120 dB output in a traditional living room.

SunBriteTV
SunBriteTV is planning a significant new product and marketing push into both residential and light commercial video markets Tom Dixon, VP of marketing, told me. Dixon recently came onboard for SunBriteTV following several years at Pioneer. The new products are coming under the Signature line mantra and will begin coming to market in April. The line will eventually include what Dixon said would be the largest outdoor TV coming in “well above 62 inches,” however the SunBriteTV folks were still deciding between two different specific sizes. Dixon also said they are in the process of rebuilding the entire company, so there seem to be some exciting things to come from them this year.

Lenbrook (NAD and PSB)
A quick trip to Lenbrook (NAD and PSB) provided me with a really nice overview of the business from Mark Stone, marketing manager. After running through the latest Viso wireless digital music system, as well as a range of other new products, I enjoyed a great listen on PSB’s new over-ear headphones, which were previewed at CEDIA. They feature a monitor technology, allowing you to mute music to hear what someone around you is saying in stereo. They gave me the impression I was sitting in a big room that tightly sealed out all outside noise.

Velodyne and Polk Audio
I had several other headphone demos in the afternoon, further articulating a trend we’ve been seeing for sometime now. I’m really looking forward to getting a full listen on my flight home of Velodyne’s vPulse earbuds the folks there were kind enough to send me off with. I also later tried Polk Audio’s over-ear headphones, which were super comfortable, have a microphone and control on the cord, so you can pick up a phone call without having to hit play again after your call ends, and a different concept of the controls on the outside of one of the ears, opposed to on the wire.

RBH
As the day was quickly coming to an end, and I still had a few people on my list to see, I made some quick stops to chat mostly. I had a few minutes to demo RBH’s new speakers, which have a funky dual-modular design. It’s essentially a large triangle cabinet with a long oval one on top of it. They were very geometric, but I loved how different they looked. If you’re going to have speakers that big, do you really want them to just blend in and try to be super sleek? They’re never really going to blend in anyway. Though, RBH offers 30 different veneer options.

Screen Innovations
I thank Screen Innovations for whipping through a Black Diamond screen overview, highlighting the Zero Edge frame introduced at CEDIA 2011. The Zero Edge is “taking off like a rocket,” I was told.

The last few quick stops brought me by GoldenEar and Bob Carver. I demoed the latest equipment pretty quickly, and I really enjoyed getting to know industry veterans Sandy Gross and Bob Farinelli.

• Business Video Expo
• Feb 1-3, Miami Beach

So much is happening in the Business Video sector these days, it can be easy to overlook the fundamental building blocks of what makes video a compelling tool for fostering engaging video communications.

Lots of people like to talk about social media and how to use it to draw viewers to business video content. Others are enamored with the concept of making video available on a mobile basis through users’ tablets and cell phones. Still others get excited about how today’s technology platforms make it possible for almost any desk-bound employee to upload their own videos and distribute them throughout a corporate network.

People walking the halls at next month’s Business Video Expo in Miami Beach will be talking about all these issues, of course. But we’re also going to be talking about the technologies that get companies started in business video communications as well. And there’s no better place to start than in talking about the world of live video.

Live video always feels so exotic to first-time users of business video technology. The simple idea of re-inventing a business meeting that leverages video to deliver a huge communications impact while trimming travel expenses is might attractive to corporate users. And the emergence of online video alternatives for live video collaboration is making this form of video communications more affordable than ever before.

And technology changes set the stage for live video to become more pervasive than ever before. One Business Video panel session to be held next month describes the evolution in technology as the emergence of “video dialtone.” Some may see it as hubris to describe video communications in the same terms typically associated with standard telephone service. But, like it or not, that’s where advances in the marketplace are taking us.

In the last year, Google has made strides in offering multi-party video communications while Microsoft has pushed its chips to the middle of the live video communications table with its 2011 acquisition of Skype.

Understanding the evolution in live video in the business sector is crucial to staying ahead of the video pack. Historically, advances in live video ultimately have translated into the capture and re-distribution of content viewed on an on-demand basis. So, as live video evolves, the entire video eco-system is poised to evolve right along with it.

Don’t get left behind on this revolution. Join us Feb. 1 to Feb. 3 in Miami Beach for the Business Video Expo. For more information on this conference, follow this link: business-video.tmcnet.com

The conference will feature input from corporate video adoption leaders like Bank of America, Coldwell Banker, Office Depot, Oracle and others. I invite you to join these thought leaders at the show to find out whether your organization is prepared for the corporate video revolution.

Steve Vonder Haar is Research Director of Interactive Media Strategies and can be reached at svonder@interactivemediastrategies.com.

If I could predict the future I assure you I would be picking lottery numbers, not forecasting the ever changing trends in technology and business - however when it comes to AV I’m probably a reasonable source to peek into what this year may bring. So let me shake up MY crystal ball and see what appears.

First, the economy is still hurting our industry. I really don’t care how “good” anyone thinks their business is doing – it’s not doing as good as it could, thanks to the financial mess this country (and world) is still in. We are in a recession (no crystal ball required) and as the markets continue to struggle, money will be tight and expenditures for capital improvements (such as AV systems) will be limited.

Next, the IT shakeup is still knocking at the door. As much as we would like the AV industry to remain “independent” the reality is we are slowly but surely being “absorbed” by the IT world. In 2012, this will continue. Throughout all vertical markets (business, healthcare, government, etc.) we are seeing AV being moved into the IT department. Let’s face it; IT typically has budgets while AV struggles for funding. For years AV was the misfit department – with reporting channels through the Facilities department, food services, conference services and even the mailroom. As our technology continues to evolve and our products and systems continue to ride on the network, it just makes sense our reporting channels will land in IT. This migration should be as concerning to the IT folks as it is for the AV world. So my suggestion, today’s AV professionals need to be up to speed on changing technology and presentation tools, so brush up on how to interface your audio and video presentation equipment with that iPad and the next great tablet.

Videoconferencing systems will continue to be an important part of our business. However, if the big bad Cisco gets their way – videoconferencing facilities will just be another “endpoint” on the evil empire’s network. Telepresence rooms will continue to be included as amenities on executive floors and other conference center facilities. It will be interesting to see how the conventional “dedicated” videoconference systems will fare against the next generation of desktop and portable videoconference systems.

Digital Technology Growth
From a technology standpoint I anticipate growth in these two areas:
1. routing of digital video signals
2. audio over Ethernet (the AVB standard)

Digital audio/video signal routing continues to challenge AV systems designs. The various signal resolution and formats must be carefully transcoded and routed in order to preserve the integrity of the video signal. In the instance of an HDMI signal, it must also maintain HDCP compliancy. So until the world agrees on a video format (and this will not occur anytime in 2012) we will still need to process, route and distribute signals including:
· XVGA / WXGA / WUXGA etc. (component)
· DisplayPort
· HDMI
· DVI
· SDI
· HD Resolutions of 720p, 1080i and 1080p

With this the war of 16:9 vs. 16:10 will continue to rage on with (hopefully) 16:10 winning.

The Audio Video Bridging (AVB) standard (IEEE 802.1) will provide a new means for routing audio and video signals over the network. We can expect a variety of audio products brought to market which will utilize AVB for transporting audio signals from point A to point B. A host of new interfaces will evolve which will connect AV systems to the “network” via AVB. Microphone mixers (better known these days as Digital Signal Processors), matrix switchers, amplifiers etc. will be fitted with AVB interfaces.

Energy Management will continue to grow. Energy efficient components and complete AV systems will become more mainstream and I expect just about all AV systems designed & implemented in 2012 will have some form of power saving / energy management control. If all goes as planned, the InfoComm / ANSI standard “AV Systems Energy Management will be completed and put into practice. The STEP rating system and pilot programs will occur in 2012 – it will be interesting to see if and how STEP grows.

Energy Monitoring—and what good is energy management without monitoring? You can’t show what you’ve saved unless you find ways to truly monitor your power consumption. AMX and Crestron both continue to develop their energy management “suites”. Expect also to see growth in this area with companies which provide power control equipment (such as like APC, Furman, Lyntec, Middle Atlantic, SurgeX and Tripp Lite) For more info on this see my earlier blog: avtechnologyonline.com

BMS vs. IBT
Expect also to see more of a move away from conventional Building Management Systems (BMS) presently dominated by firms such as Honeywell, Siemens, and Johnson Controls and a move toward Integrated Building Technologies (IBT) where we firms such as Crestron and AMX are going after total building management controls – a large market niche outside of the AV world. I find this the most interesting topic to watch in 2012. I think Crestron and AMX have their work cut out for them, since the incumbent companies have been deeply imbedded in building controls for quite some time and what’s more – they market through the channels which provide most of the building management equipment (HVAC systems, backup generators, power conditioning, lighting, fires / alarm systems etc.) As I mentioned, IBT is a completely new and different (from AV) market niche – which involves an in depth understanding of how building mechanical & electrical systems “work” and a complex programming model which automates the processes. Big, big challenge but one probably worth pursuing.

Christopher Maione, CTS-D, DSCE, is president of Christopher Maione Associates, a firm specializing in all aspects of AV business, technologies, emerging trends and marketing strategy. He is also an InfoComm Adjunct Faculty member. Reach him at cmaione@chrismaione.com.

Dear Professor Phil,

We’ve encountered a problem when getting video conferencing calls established through our firewall. A consultant solved the problem but I don’t understand how his changes eliminated the difficulty. The calls used H.323 and he indicated that he made the firewall H.323 aware. What does that mean?

Kyra, Tampa Fl

Kyra,

Some protocols create a particular problem to conventional firewall operation because they list the IP address in some part of the packet other than the IP header. Of course, the IP header must carry the source and destination IP addresses in order that the packet can be properly routed. But in part of the H.323 protocol, the IP address of the endpoint making the call may also be listed twice. First, it’s in the IP header, in order that the packet can be routed properly. Then, it’s written again in the H.323 part of the packet, which will appear after the TCP header. Here it is used to define the address/port combination to which the voice packets will be delivered. H.323 uses multiple ports for this purpose.

Under normal operation, the firewall might be doing network address translation in order to protect the identity of corporate devices. In this process, an address such as 10.3.4.5 could be changed to a registered address that would be routed on the Internet. However, unless the router is configured at the factory or by an engineer managing the firewall, the second address may not be changed. Consequently, a packet may arrive at a gateway or H.323 server with a mismatch between the IP header address and the H.323 address. An unpredictable behavior, like discarding the packet, could be the consequence.

To address this issue most modern firewalls allow for a rule that looks for a second appearance of the IP address and makes sure that any secondary appearance of the address matches the one in the IP header. Your consultant likely added such a rule to the firewall.

Phil Hippensteel, PhD, is a professor of information systems at Penn State Harrisburg.

As the New Year begins, part of knowing where we’re going is knowing where we’ve been. Let’s look back at the big events that affected end-users, integrators, and consultants in the commercial AV world in 2011.

IT Continued to Take Over AV
More and more we saw “AV” being migrated into the IT department and with the proliferation of IP addressable equipment. We're also seeing facilities build AV and IT hybrid teams and what that means for the Tech Help Desk. There seems to be no end in sight for this migration. Indeed, going forward as our technologies continue to grow and become more network concentric, this is probably a logical path. However, most IT groups still do not understand the depth, complexity, and level of support required for AV systems.

As this migration continues those of us who work in and support AV will continue to be affected and we need to be prepared. Our strengths are about supporting people, not just hardware, and we understand the experience that we need to deliver clients, not just the equipment. If we use these strengths to our advantage we can find ourselves on the successful end of any AV/IT migration.

Control Manufacturers Up the Ante on HDCP-Compliant Matrix Switchers
Crestron DigitalMedia entered the market in a big way in the past year. Crestron DM 8G+ was introduced at InfoComm 2011. (Their first version is referred to as “Classic DM.") Extron and AMX now offer competing HDCP-compliant digital matrix switchers.

I believe that HDCP-compliant/digital signal routing will change the face of AV systems design going forward in the post analog sunset. Digital media routing, transcoding, and matching input and output resolutions are now critical to every AV system design going forward.

Cisco Continued to Absorb Tandberg; CODECs Will Evolve
Yes, post buy-out we see Cisco entering (or trying, unsuccessfully) to enter the AV marketplace. They even had a booth at InfoComm and tried very hard to fit in. Unfortunately, I believe that they don't know how to market, distribute and sell within the current AV industry. Cisco begins to migrate their IT distribution model into the AV industry. We are all completely enthused and excited about this distribution model (yeah, right).

Access to Cisco/Tandberg products will change how CODECs are procured and supported. In many instances, the CODEC’s will now be procured and supported through IT channels vs. AV channels. Or we will all just start specifying Polycom exclusively.

AV Distributors have provided a means for many (smaller) AV dealers to have access to equipment which was normally only available to the large system integrators. This opened the market up for the “smaller” AV system Integrator to be able to compete more aggressively (financially) against the larger AV system integrators.

Flat Panels
Flat Panels become nothing more than a commodity. Margins in selling professional flat panels lost the battle to the influx of consumer and prosumer panels which could be purchased for a fraction of the cost compared to a true “commercial grade” flat panel.

As more AV components become a commodity dealers will need to adapt services and support models to make money will survive.

InfoComm Establishes the STEP Foundation and Launches Website
Joining forces with CompTIA, The STEP rating system is presented as the model for developing “Green” AV and IT projects. This in depth rating system will (hopefully) become an industry standard in both the AV and IT worlds for how the project process from start to finish can be administered with energy conservation and sustainability in mind. As larger AV and IT projects follow STEP, we will begin to see more and more emphasis on the equipment and systems designed to meet the sustainability technology requirements. Part of STEP’s acceptance by other green organizations and industries will come from its proving its success through pilot projects, so be sure to consider if any of your projects can be targeted as a STEP pilot project.

Women in AV
Women in AV has taken hold and this group is getting a lot of momentum. They are a relatively small group compared to the size of our industry but they are growing, they are very active, and they are articulate. They started a CTS-certification prep group. They have a strong “voice” in social media and people are definitely listening.

If you are woman in the AV world I suggest you join this group, and if you are ANYONE in the AV world, I suggest you follow them. You will learn something new every day on their Linked In page. www.womeninav.com
The Earthquake and Other Important Losses

These are just a few of the events and business trends that we saw in 2011, but there were also other things that made an impact on nations, in industries and in our AV “families.” Life changing events such as the March 2011 earthquake in Japan and the resulting tsunami that followed. The loss of some much respected colleagues and friends. Kevin Collins, past president of InfoComm and leader of HB Communications, who, though he is truly missed, has left an indelible mark in this world and our industry.

We Are a Resilient Industry
What strikes me most as I look back on 2011 is the resiliency of our industry. Whether reacting to the day to day challenges as we handle migration of technologies and departments; or as we trend towards new ways of doing business and working in our market channels and through social media; or while we deal with the devastating effects of an earthquake and its impact on lives and our supply channels; or as we help each other cope with the loss of good friends—we truly band together and become stronger for it.

As an industry, we need to continue to do more of this so that we can meet the challenges and the great opportunities ahead of us in 2012 and beyond.

Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year to all.

Christopher Maione, CTS-D, is an InfoComm adjunct faculty member and the president of Christopher Maione Associates, a firm specializing in all aspects of AV business, technologies, emerging trends and marketing strategy. Reach him at cmaione@chrismaione.com.

When some people click on an online video they apparently see little more than dollar signs.

That’s because financial considerations continue to be the pre-eminent gauge that individuals use when measuring the effectiveness of Web communications in the enterprise.

When Interactive Media Strategies asked 1,002 executives to cite factors that are “very important” in gauging the effectiveness of Web communications, the most frequently cited issue was “cutting travel costs.” Overall, 59 percent of all respondents to the first quarter 2011 survey described the attribute of cutting travel costs as a very important measure of effectiveness – placing it ahead of other considerations, such as “improves productivity,” “increase frequency of communications,” or “improves comprehension.”

Clearly, executives in today’s fragile economy are not necessarily worried about the appearances associated with their technology implementations. The factor cited least frequently as a very important gauge of communications effectiveness was the idea of “places company on cutting edge,” an issue cited by only 42 percent of survey respondents.

In short, executives are not looking to online video and other Web technologies as a venue for polishing up their image. Rather, business leaders are demanding tangible results from their implementation of this emerging technology, regardless of how nifty it may make them appear. So, that calls for a new playbook for video production professionals seeking to boost their work in the corporate sector. Getting new business clients may not depend so much on the quality of the video you produce but on the quality of business results your video can help you clients deliver.

Future success in corporate video production, as a result, will depend not only on shooting or editing high-quality video. Rather, it will hinge on having – and sharing – knowledge on how organizations can leverage video to build business benefit. While no one would expect a video producer to become an information technology guru, here’s a list of five business video technology issues where a little bit of market awareness on your part could go a long-way in helping your clients see the big picture value in producing more video to distribute online.

• Business Video Analytics: A range of technology tools and platforms makes it easy not only to measure total viewership for online videos but to keep tabs on how viewership results translate into the achievement of business objectives. Tracking capabilities, for instance, can be used to verify that employees watch enough of a training video to satisfy compliance requirements. Likewise, systems can be used to count up the number of prospects turn into customers after watching a particular marketing video.

• See the Spectrum of Possible Video Applications: Recognize that video can play a role in more than just distributing a CEO message in an employee all-hands meeting. It can be a key component of employee training in one case, used to deliver product information in another and integrated into enhanced customer support applications in still another application. As you help executives identify more uses for weaving video into business communications, the opportunity for video production engagements will grow in step.

• Understanding the Role of Social Media: When it comes to online video, social media can be a useful tool in drawing an audience. If a corporate client shies away from commissioning a video production because they fear not being able to attract an audience, show them how aggressive use of Facebook, Twitter and other social services can help generate a crowd for videos that may otherwise be lost to the world.

• Tout the Prospects of Mobility: The emergence of tablet devices and the growing ubiquity of smart phones creates a new venue where executives can consume business video on the go. Help corporate clients identify and create videos that leverage the unique attributes of mobile environments. For example, companies can develop video libraries of clips that answer common objectives encountered during the sales process and give field reps access to mobile devices that allow them to play these clips on-demand when they encounter the issue during a sales meeting.

• Identify Paths with Low Commitment Costs: Companies new to video do not necessarily have to spend six figures just to launch a video communications initiative. An emerging array of hosted solutions – while sometimes not as sophisticated as leading on-premise deployments – can help corporate video newbies get started with video without major up-front investment. Familiarize yourself with a couple of these “software-as-a-service” options to present as technology platform alternatives for companies considering their first dip into the video waters.

Steven Vonder Haar is research director of Interactive Media Strategies and can be reached at svonder@InteractiveMediaStrategies.com

• Read the full article by IMCCA’s Director of Emerging Technology David Danto here.
• Think about the last time you went shopping for a car. You probably had a pretty good idea of the type of car you wanted – size, features, etc. You also probably had an idea of how much cars like that cost. Sure, you’d negotiate and try to make a good deal, but you didn’t have any expectations of walking out of the dealership with your desired car for free.
• Just imagine what would you have to sacrifice on that car to take it home for nothing or close to nothing? It would probably be one of those “guaranteed price for any trade-in” cars that someone recently pushed down the street to the dealership. It would probably have no radio, no breaks, no airbags… probably no engine either. You’d have to get around like Fred Flintstone did - dropping his feet through the open floor and getting up to a good running speed.
• It’s a pretty good bet that none of us buy cars with those sorts of price expectations, or are willing to make that many sacrifices in reliability and features, yet many organizations today are looking at visual communications products with just that mentality. “We don’t need to invest in reliable hardware and/or software - we can just use a free program.” “We don’t need to invest in a reliable network - we can just run everything over the free internet.”
• Now I’m not referring to personal use video – like when I’m on a business trip and want to say hi to my kids and find out how they did in school. Free internet video is just great for that. Odds are that I would simply not use video in that circumstance if it weren’t free.
• I’m referring to businesses and professional organizations. From SMBs just starting to use visual collaboration tools up to enormous Fortune 500 firms - including some that were designated “too big to fail.” Some of these firms and the IT managers that work there have either seriously considered “free consumer video” applications for their enterprises or have already begun projects to switch over to them.
• If you’re asking what is wrong with this, “Think Fred” pedaling with his feet out of the bottom of the car – you get what you pay for.
• The history of the visual communications industry has clearly shown that in order to achieve any consistent adoption, positive ROI, or other actual benefit from video technology the experiences have to be reliable. People expect video communications to have good quality, ease of use, a high probability of making a successful connection on the first try and then keeping that connection for the duration of the call.
• Free internet video does not rise to achieve any of those goals. When the call doesn’t connect or becomes so poor after a few minutes that it’s unusable we often don’t care. We’ll see our kids tomorrow or call on the phone if needed. How do you explain that to your firm’s remote location when they had to review products with you for decisions needed today? How do you explain that to your co-worker that needs data for a project? Even scarier, how do you explain that to your CEO when his customer call just dropped for no reason?
• If we look objectively at available solutions in the visual communications space, we’ll see a large menu of choices, each with plusses and minuses. Free internet video is clearly at the bottom of the list – with users getting exactly what they paid for. Up a bit from that are video enabled collaboration and UC suites. These are typically very good for establishing a “face to name” alongside content that is the point of the presentation. The lower quality and lower bandwidth required are also ideal for participating from a remote location (like a hotel or airport) where the network stability may not be guaranteed. But if a user or salesperson tries to tell you that the video conferencing engines in these suites are “good enough” for extended enterprise quality video collaboration between people - then here again you have to“Think Fred.” Postage stamp sized video stretched over a PC desktop which is relying on a single processor that may be simultaneously crunching numbers, providing market data, doing email and lord knows what else is not a reliable platform on which to risk important, extended length video collaboration.
• In order to achieve the quality and reliability needed for true enterprise grade communications we move up the menu some more and look at a hardware or software product created specifically for that purpose. These products have advanced algorithms that optimize the video, they have appropriate management tools to obtain usage metrics and report anomalies and outages, and they have teams of product engineers hard at work to bring you the next generation of advancements.

As most of us know, there are two paths to getting an AV project completed (three if you count “do it yourself”). Design/Build and Design/Bid/Build. The most common process is probably Design/Build as this process is very well suited for most (smaller) AV projects. However, as the projects become larger – and more complicated, we see the Design/Bid/Build process the more appropriate path to take. Please note that these are two very different processes and each provides an acceptable working model depending on the particular project.

There are several factors which can help an end-user, architect or owner’s representative determine which process is best suited for their AV project. This decision can be based on a variety of factors including:
· Size of the project
· Complexity of the project
· Estimated value of the AV systems
· Duration of the project
· Project team structure (Owner’s Representative / Architect / Engineers / Consultants etc.)

In the Design/Build process a client works directly with the AV Systems Integrator. The Design/Bid/Build process is typically led by an AV Consultant and bid to several AV Systems Integrators.

First, let’s take a look at the simpler AV project and the path of the Design/Build. In this process an end-user, architect, or general contractor works directly with an AV Systems Integrator. The AV needs are defined by the client, the scope of work is developed and a detailed proposal is submitted from the AV Systems Integrator to the client. Typically the proposal is reviewed, some revisions made, perhaps some direct negotiations and the project is awarded. Fairly straightforward and simple. This is certainly a good model for fast tracking a project.

Next, we look at the longer term, more complex project – where there is an established project team of design professionals. Here is where an AV Consultant is typically brought on board to design and engineer the AV systems. The consultant defines the client’s needs, develops detailed AV facility and system drawings and prepares a detailed specification and “bid package” which is sent out for competitive bids to several AV System Integrators

For a very long time these two models were the sole means for implementing AV projects.

Shades of Gray Appear
For better or worse (and I can argue both sides) there are now some variations on these two models. In the Design/Build model we are now seeing end user clients, architects and general contractors developing their own (AV generic) scope of work documents and soliciting proposals from several AV System Integrators – in sort of a mixed up hybrid Bid/Design/Build scenario.

The advantage to this is the potential value realized by the competitive bid, however the disadvantage is that each AV Systems Integrator will provide varying solutions with different quality and caliber of equipment (think Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes), so that an “apples to apples” comparison cannot truly be made.

Another project process - and this one just appalls me as I deem it marginally unethical – is when an AV Systems Integrator is used by a client to define the AV needs, design the AV systems, develop a detailed equipment list and then is asked to send a “bid package” out for competitive pricing. First, it is not the role of an AV Systems Integrator to develop a bid package – that’s the role of a consultant – and when the AV System Integrator is bidding on their own bid package – heck, that just ain’t right!

I do not support this model as it is “wrong” on so many fronts, I couldn’t possibly list them all here.

I have heard so many horror stories about how clients began a project in the Design/Build model and then, when they realized that the project value was over $100,000, their management required competitive bids – and hence the AV System Integrator was essentially asked to bid on their own work. This is absurd. First, there isn’t even the slightest chance that this would be considered a “fair” bid as the prior detailed knowledge of the project would either work in strong favor for or against the incumbent AV Systems Integrator.

I’ve also heard of projects where an AV Systems Integrator is doing the design for a Design/Bid/Build project but will not be allowed to bid on the project – yea, right. Most of the time they end up on their own bid list (which I also consider unethical) and even if they don’t actually bid on the project – I assure you that there is not a fair and “equal” bid process underway.

You know, I’ve been in the AV industry for 25+ years on both the Consultant Design and AV Systems Integration side – and I know how the games are played. So here is my advice on choosing whether to take the Design/Build or the Design/Bid/Build path:

Figure out what type of AV project you are undertaking and PICK ONE of these conventional project process models. , understanding things like the size, complexity, value, timeline, and structure of your AV team will help you to know what your project needs are and help you to choose the right path. Don’t try to create a hybrid by mixing these two processes together because the end result smells like sulfur and water.

Christopher Maione, CTS-D, is an InfoComm Instructor and president of Maione Associates.

What is the Size of the Global Video Conferencing Industry?

Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalog: Global Video Conferencing Industry. This report analyzes the worldwide markets for Video Conferencing in U.S. millions of dollars.

TripIt debuts Kindle Fire apps and videoconferencing appointments.

TripIt launched a couple of Kindle Fire apps and separately now can include certain video conferencing appointments in your travel itinerary.

How Avaya Is Embracing Social, Consumerization Trends

The idea is to use a directory of social profile pictures to quickly assemble the group of people you want to talk with, without fussing with conference call codes of videoconferencing complexities.

ATIS Launches Telepresence Interoperability Initiative
via Atis.org — ATIS recently launched an initiative to validate the concept of inter-provider, multi-platform telepresence services and develop use-case studies surrounding the technology that encompasses high-quality videoconferencing.

AGT Launches a Mobile Video Conferencing Strategy That Redefines How Unified ...
Applied Global Technologies (AGT) is announcing the release of its new website that includes mobilevideo conferencing and Unified Communications research vital to Video & UC Managers, IT Directors, and Department Heads.

Dear Professor Phil

There is something that confuses me. I know that changing channels in an IP video network takes longer because of a fact related to IP addressing, but I not sure of the details. Also, why do these changes happen quickly in some cases but much more slowly in other cases?

Kevin, Houston, TX

Kevin,

The change in channels, in an IPTV network, is slower because of three factors. The first is because multicasting is almost always being used. Therefore, a leave packet must be sent upstream to tell the routers not to copy the current channel; then a join must be sent up stream to locate a copy of the new channel. When the router with the copy of the new channel receives the request, it begins to copy the channel downstream.

The second factor is the need for the play out device to receive an I-frame. Typically frames are presented every 1/30 of a second. But, in and MPEG-2 or H.264 stream, such I frames typically only appear every 12 or 15 frames. So there could be as long as a half second until the receiver has the required frame. I-frames are crucial because the decoding process depends on using that frame as the basis for decrypting all frames that follow until a new I-frame appears.

The third factor is whether encryption was used on the content and a key might need to be retrieved. This can take as little as a few milliseconds to a full second or more.

So, the variability depends on the availability of the I-frame, encryption key, and distance to the copy of the channel that is requested. Several technologies are being developed to address each of these issues.

Phil Hippensteel is a professor of Information Systems at Penn State Harrisburg.

IMCCA's blog explores the role of eye-contact in telepresence and videoconferencing. Below is an excerpt, but you can read the original blog in its entirety here: imcca.org

The Visual Communications industry is exploding with new technology. From the highest end Telepresence systems to the latest offerings on iPods and iPads, the focus has been on how the technology will improve our ability to communicate and collaborate. Very little focus has been placed on how the technology might impede effective communication if not applied correctly.

Once such potential pitfall is how these technologies handle eye-contact between participants. In the world of telepresence, this is sometimes referred to as “eye-line” or “gaze angle”, and it is worthy of some additional analysis.

Psychology dictates that there are certain key elements that allow for effective communication and interaction between two or more individuals. How successfully we relate to one another depends greatly upon eye-to-eye contact.

-When you make eye contact in conversation, heartbeat rates actually increases exposing a physiological connection between you and the person you’re having conversation with.
-About 80 percent of any random conversation you have with a colleague or client involves your “None Verbal communication skills," not the words you speak.
-Eye-Contact is the most important, yet least understood component of “Non-Verbal Communications”
-People who have difficulty providing and maintaining eye contact with other suffer from a real psychological disorder known simply as “Gaze avoidant personality disorder”

The video-conferencing and telepresence options available today treat this aspect of their product in very different ways. Some have a camera matched with each display of a single or multiple display system, others have a multiple camera unit placed in the center of all displays. Each of these options approaches a simulation of eye contact to varying degrees. For example, if you are in the end seat of a three screen telepresence system, looking directly across at a far-end participant also seated on the end, but the cameras are in the middle, you will unconsciously perceive that something is “off” about the person across from you. In this case, the technology that is supposed to be neutral is actually introducing a psychological element that does not exist, effecting the communication.

In addition, most HD Videoconference and Telepresence systems have a significant problem caused by high camera placement.

Read the original blog here: imcca.org.

The article was written co-written by Jeff Machtig and David Danto and contains solely their own, personal opinions.

Jeffrey S. Machtig is the co-founder of Digital Video Enterprises — a firm that manufactures Telepresence and video conference systems that have perfect eye-line. More details on his firm’s products can be found at devtelepresence.com. Jeff can be reached at jeff.machtig@dvetelepresence.com.

Throughout my career, I have strived to increase my value and the value of my firm to clients. I continually ask myself – what is my skill set and the skill set of my staff worth.

Let’s say that that I am an experienced AV “expert” with over 25 years in the industry and that my team includes AV project managers, engineers, CAD, and administrative support staff. All team members have 10+ years experience working in AV, are well educated and maintain CTS certifications to stay relevant and on top of industry innovations. They are true AV professionals.

Now–how do I charge enough for our services, without charging too little – and still deliver the exceptional value that my clients expect? Degrees and certifications are one thing, but what is the value of experience? Does it count? How much is it worth? And what as an industry should we be charging for it when estimating / billing projects?

Well, first, let’s look at the two facets that represent the total cost of any project; equipment and non-equipment costs.

Equipment costs and margins vary – at the low end the “commodity” equipment may yield a few margin points while more complex, sophisticated equipment could represent a 20% markup over cost. However, in these tight economic times – the margins on overall equipment and services on projects must be very competitive if there is any hope in securing the work.
Next, non-equipment costs represent the labor cost associated with:

· Project Management
· Engineering
· Design / CAD
· Fabrication
· Programming
· Installation
· Test & Commissioning
· General & Administrative

So what is a fair and reasonable rate to charge for services performed by skilled, technical individuals in a specialized industry? Unfortunately, I feel our industry is undervalued.
Case in point, let’s look at some typical hourly bill rates for other professions:

Attorney: $250 (and up)
Copier Repair Technician: $14
Auto Mechanic: $120
Pool Service: $110
Graphic Artist: $90
Web Programmer: $80
Flight Instructor: $60
Personal Trainer: $45

Now let’s look at the hourly billable rates for persons in the AV industry:
Senior Consultant: $200 – $250
Senior Engineer: $120 - $150
Engineer: $100 - $125
Programmer: $100 - $125
Senior Technician: $100 - $125
Design / CAD: $90 - $110
Technician: $90 - $110

Again, please note, these are typical hourly rates – however when pursuing a project (particularly in a bid situation) the rates tend to be reduced in efforts to win the project.
Also the rates above are AV firms billable rates, they obviously don’t pay their employees these rates otherwise they wouldn’t be able to survive and make a profit. In addition, salaries and pay scales will vary based on location.

So let’s look at a typical (seasoned) AV professional with a yearly compensation of $90,000.
Based on a 50 hour work week, 50 weeks / year = 2,500 hours / year. This AV professional is making $36 per hour. This is before taxes. Ughhhh.

I don’t know about you – but this just doesn’t seem fair. Even entry level AV professionals have two to four year technical degrees and on the higher end, Acoustical and AV Consultants are degreed engineers with certifications, tremendous practical experience and the skill set of a demanding craft. Indeed, our abilities and education seem to outweigh our pay scales.

But there may be good news. The IT world (which is converging on us) is a higher paid industry. Where many seasoned AV professionals (in the NY area for example) draw salaries in the $80K - $100K range, their same counterparts in the IT industry are making $100 - $120K. Is this fair? Probably not – but good for them – they are making more $$$ and so should we.
My advice for those in or entering the AV industry is simple. Pursue your degrees and get your certifications, in both the AV and IT worlds. Cross train and be fluent in the latest and greatest technologies of both AV and IT. As our technologies and markets continue to grow I would expect our pay to grow with it. Now, I’m not expecting a “flood” of college grads pursuing AV anytime soon – but I’m comfortable that AV is still a specialized and worthwhile career to pursue. But heck, what do I know, it’s only afforded me the chance to build several successful businesses and has paid my bills for the last 28 years.

To make sure you get what you’re worth, keep on learning and for more information on further educating yourself in AV or IT, visit the following:

InfoComm.org
CompTIA.org

There are several items, in the AV industry which just don’t make sense. I am going to make an attempt to present them here – and set the record straight for how they “should” be – based solely on my humble 28+ years experience in the AV industry.

First, let’s start with the word Audiovisual. It’s a SINGLE word. It is not “audio visual”.

The same goes for Boardroom. It is not a "Board Room."

InfoComm is properly spelled with a capital C.

Audio - You would think “balanced” would mean two conductors (a nice even number). But no, balanced audio requires three conductors (+ - shield) and unbalanced requires two conductors. Just another one of those things that don’t make sense, get used to it.

Rack Spaces - 1 RU = 1.75 inches. If you are working in metric, you are basically… well… good luck.

You cannot ask a millworker or carpenter in the U.S. to grab his drill and 25mm bit for your microphone holes. The U.S. is still an Imperial measurement nation – for good or bad, so please, it’s an inch – get with the program. ClockAudio – your microphones are either 20mm (.79-inch) or 30mm (1.18-inch) – you’re killing us.

Audio equipment, input and output connectors, is Pin 2 or Pin 3 hot? Frankly, it doesn’t matter to me – but COULD ALL THE MANUFACTUERS OF AUDIO EQUIPMENT PLEASE AGREE ALREADY? (Sheesh.)

Laptops – could the laptop manufacturing world please WAKE UP? I’m tired of wondering whether the output connector is going to be SVGA, DVI-D, DVI-A, DVI-I, DisplayPort and now HDMI. Before this goes too far – could we all agree on HDMI and then settle on one standard size connector?

Control Signals – please reduce the serial clutter – RS-232C, RS-422, RS-485. Pick one! Or better yet, let’s ditch all of these and mandate a WORKABLE, programmer friendly IP control for all AV devices.

Videoconferencing - Just because you can “see” the other person on the screen – doesn’t make it Telepresence. But don’t tell that to Cisco, they are working on a Telepresence wrist watch.

Audio conference is two words and videoconference is one word. This makes NO SENSE but that’s the way it is.

On the biggest loser front – is the USB cable. Now, to be clear – the USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an amazing development in the world of computers and other electronic devices. Finally, a successful attempt to “standardize” a control protocol for all the various devices which need to connect to a computer. USB cleaned up and standardized connectivity for our PC keyboard, mouse, webcam, external drives, thumb drives (what the heck was a floppy disc?) and just about anything else you wanted to connect to your PC. However, why is it that there is only ONE side of a USB cable which is “standard”? (the side which connects to the PC). It seems every manufacturer of just about every device has decided to develop their own “mini USB” to connect to their devices. HELLO world of mobile phones, Blackberry’s, external drives, card scanners, printers etc. etc. etc. – COULD WE PLEASE ALL AGREE ON ONE STANDARD USB MINI CONNECTOR?

Apple Users – I know, most of this doesn’t apply to your world of proprietary Apple cables and connectors.

Next sore spot – AC power adapters. We are FINALLY starting to see AC power adapters be more “universal” and that have a USB connector at the side which connects into the wall outlet. This is a big help. Now if the manufacturers would just all agree on a mini USB (as noted above) we could all clear out our drawers and boxes of all the various interconnecting cables.

Finally, Internet Protocol (IP) – the staple in the confusing technology world - is now changing. We’ve been running IP v4 and the whole world is going to have to change. Seems we ran out of IP addresses in v4 as it only supported 4.3 billion addresses so with the change to v6 we are good for 340 undecillion (3.4 x 1038) discreet IP addresses – and a host of other new security and network capabilities. Lot’s more confusion on its way – stay tuned.

I’d like to give the award for “the most long withstanding connector in our industry” – to the ¼-inch stereo plug. It has been around for decades, is still readily used in many professional and musical industry products – and has provided us an off shoot - another staple in our lives – the stereo mini (the connector used for every set of ear buds you ever owned). Good job!

So this is a call to the industry to get their act together and find ways to make sense where there is chaos, to provide leadership where there is none, and to standardize whenever possible. Particularly with the industry’s push for more compatibility and open platforms, interoperability needs to be so much easier and maybe, just maybe it starts with things as simple as the connections between the devices we use and having consistency wherever possible in the ways we communicate with our equipment and with each other.

Makes sense, right?

Christopher Maione, CTS-D, is president of Christopher Maione Associates, a firm specializing in all aspects of AV business, technologies, emerging trends and marketing strategy. Christopher serves as an InfoComm Adjunct Faculty, Approved CTS RU Provider, and sits on several AV standards committees.

The school’s technology committee, of which I am a member, met again today. This particular committee is charged with developing recommendations on how we can improve our use of technology in the classroom and in research, and which specific technologies we should implement. These recommendations, if approved by the dean, become part of the school’s master plan and budgeting efforts.

The theme of today’s meeting became one of outreach, especially to our fellow faculty members within the school, many of whom have yet to embrace the technology that our students have come to expect. During a conversation about the recent changes made to some classrooms, several members noted that some faculty members had difficulties using the AV controllers in lecterns. Others were only using the most basic features of the Blackboard CMS, eschewing the more advanced Wikis, virtual classrooms, and the like. Worse yet were reports that some faculty believe that fiddling with the projector was simply not part of their job.

BACK TO RESEARCH
It occurred to me that I'd heard these things before, so I went back to a column I wrote back in December, 2009, which mentioned a research study prepared for the Government Division of computer vendor CDW by market research firm the O'Keeffe & Company. I found the 2011 version online, entitled "The 2011 CDW-G 21st-Century Campus Report," (downloadable and free with your email address). As with the previous report, the company surveyed students, faculty, administrators and IT staff regarding the value and use technology in the classroom.

According to the report, the one thing that hasn't changed is the perception that faculty still lack the necessary skill set to actually use the technology. This brings me back to the results of today's Tech Committee meeting and the issue of tech outreach to our own faculty. Clearly, more training and more training materials and sessions are required to raise the technology skill "floor" level of some faculty. The problem will be getting those who need these skills to regard training as important enough to take time for it. Moreover, those who feel that developing these skills is somehow unnecessary or perhaps even below them must be made to understand that this is not the case in 2011, and that specific understanding may be more important than the skill development itself.

IT'S NOT MY JOB
I'm reminded of a sidewalk conversation I had recently with a distinguished member of the classical music faculty. This professor complained that when it was time to update his profile page with recent accomplishments, he asked the marketing department how to get it done. He was given a set of instructions that began with logging on to the server via ssh. Not only did he not understand the instructions, he wondered if that was even his *job*. After all, he bemoaned, "don't we have people to do this?" I politely explained that he was correct to the extent that the school should make it easier for faculty to update their bios. But in a Web 2.0 world in which users regularly author their own content online, the answer is not "having people" but learning to do it oneself. Experience shows that faculty will do that only when their need is pressing.

This blog is not one of my usual technical blogs – instead the focus will be around Women in AV and in particular about an individual who I have known for over 7 years. Yet the blog isn’t really just about HER, or her accomplishments, but rather it is about what she stands for and how she has made an impressive mark on an industry that she literally jumped into and then grew up in.

First, a little background – I am a very demanding and meticulous manager. In every part of my work day, I strive to improve processes, make things better and most importantly – keep clients happy. In my career, I have had over a dozen administrative assistants, but only a handful who have been able to live up to the challenge of riding in my wake.

Working in the ever demanding world of corporate AV is difficult, to say the least. Corporate Fortune 1000 clients are THE most demanding clients in our industry – and make some of the most ridiculous requests with regards to completing projects with absurd schedules. Case in point, I once told a large investment banking client we needed four days to complete an upgrade to a trading floor AV system. The trading floor manager (a sweet lady named Lucy) looked at me and said: “No problem – you can start the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving but you better be done come Monday morning.” She was dead serious. I make this point to stress the fact that this is not an industry for the faint of heart, or those who are easily rattled.

The role of business owner means you get to handle LOTS of stuff. In addition to client / project work, business owners are responsible for accounting, payroll, 401k plans, HR, medical and insurance plans, employees, running the IT department, implementing CAD standards, overseeing engineering – and unclogging the pantry sink – you get the idea. Anyway, in this type of management position, one person cannot successfully be in all these places without a trusted administrative assistant. A truly competent “Number One” (for those who understand the Star Trek reference) is critical to making one manager as effective as three.

So, when my last administrative assistant burst into flames I went in search of a replacement. At the time, a client and friend mentioned she had a friend – who was moving back to Long Island and that had worked in a photographer’s studio as a general office assistant. My friend convinced me to interview her, which I did. Immediately, I saw a talented person with a strong work ethic and a willingness to “give it a try” (she was warned prior to our meeting working with me wasn’t going to be a cakewalk and she was hired on the spot.

Nancy didn’t even know what “AV” was when we met, but she was a fast learner, and she worked diligently beside me as we pursued and managed some of the most prestigious clients and most sought after AV projects in the world. Nancy learned AV. She grew from a glorified secretary to top notch administrative assistant. She helped me manage and oversee all aspects of my duties and responsibilities – project and non project related. She kept pace with me and learned to anticipate my needs and the needs of our clients. Nancy is one of the few that “get it” and she quickly learned the ropes and the ins and outs of the AV world. (Refer to my article on this subject “Do You Get IT?")

I brought her to InfoComm where she established her own place among many much more seasoned colleagues. With regard to clients, Nancy became the “go to” person on all of my accounts and clients were supremely confident that when they called her, she would address and resolve whatever issue had arisen and that she would handle it promptly and professionally. .

Over time, Nancy morphed into a position I coined “Project Coordinator” as she became the air traffic controller for all of the “planes” I had flying in the AV sky. She scheduled, juggled, processed and managed our very busy AV world. Somewhere along the line she picked up enough technical knowledge to understand the fundamentals of AV design, equipment, processes, assembly and installation.

In every way, Nancy exceeded my expectations. She embellished the position and created a niche in which she continued to learn, to grow and to succeed.

Fast forward to the present day. After I moved on to build another business, Nancy also decided to move on and further her career in AV. She took a position as an associate at Cerami & Associates, a well known acoustical & audiovisual consulting firm and considered to be one of the “best” consulting firms in the U.S. (and incidentally run by another great woman).

It took just over a year and a half, but last week, Nancy was promoted to senior associate for Cerami, an honor and a position that she well deserves. In fact, I smiled from ear to ear when I heard the news, and took pride in knowing that I contributed to her growth and in doing so, to the growth of our industry. Somehow, this photographer’s assistant that I took a chance on, and believed in, morphed herself into a valued senior associate at one of the most prestigious AV consulting firms in the nation.

Nancy stands for the fact that with hard work and great determination you can become anything you want to be. She leaped and knew the net would appear because she had confidence in herself and her abilities. I applaud her, and all the women in AV who are making their mark and making this industry better and stronger for being in it.

Nancy – way to go. Congrats on your success and I expect nothing less than it will continue in the future.

To support Women in AV, join them today on LinkedIn at Women in AV and follow them on Twitter @WomeninAV.

• by Dan Rayburn

Over the past five years, very few companies have single-handedly help jump-start the streaming media industry and propelled the market forward as a whole. Looking back, companies like YouTube, Adobe, Netflix, Akamai and others have impacted the market in ways that most companies will never be able to. That's not to say that many small companies aren't innovating or are responsible for contributing to the growth of the market, (think Brightcove and ViewCast) but to truly move the entire market forward you need size and scale that most companies can never achieve.

If you asked people to make a list of the companies that have had the most impact on the online video market, Apple would probably be mentioned by many. But while Apple gets a lot of credit for completely changing the mobile and music markets, and deservedly so, Apple has done little to truly push the streaming market forward. Apple is single-handedly responsible for starting the tablet market, yet when it comes to the iPad, the fact it provides a broken web experience and makes viewing video difficult, not to mention is lacking a content subscription offering, means that Apple's inclusion on the list could be debated. One could argue that the iTunes platform by itself is enough to get them on the list, and I wouldn't disagree with that, but I think others deserve more credit.

While no one would debate the impact of YouTube, in the coming years, other Google platforms like Google TV will reach the right size and scale to push the market forward, but for now, the impact of Google TV is a few years away. The next company I think should be added to the list who has truly impacted this market and will continue to help everyone in the online video value chain is Amazon. Thanks to Amazon's AWS services and CloudFront they have made distributing video easy and affordable with their self-service model not to mention, provided a cloud based platform for a lot of other vendors in the industry. Add in the fact that Amazon now offers more than 12,000 movies and TV shows for free with Amazon Prime and Amazon's got the content offering growing quite nicely and will drive more consumer video consumption with some of the same scale Netflix did.

For me, these offerings in the market from Amazon would be enough to earn them a spot on the list. But the thing that will really propel Amazon to the top of the video food chain will be the Kindle Fire. At no time in the industry, that I can remember, has a product come to the market that is affordable, dedicated to the consumption of video and will be sold by the tens of millions in such a short period of time. Some might argue that with more than 100M of the latest gaming consoles from Microsoft and Sony deployed in the market that they would classify, but those devices are still dedicated to gaming. The Kindle Fire truly is a product that was developed to consume video and will be adopted by the masses, with video being front and center.

When Amazon announced the Kindle Fire they didn't stop at only thinking about the hardware and also developed technology, Amazon Silk, a new web browser powered by their Amazon Web Services that will optimize the browsing experience as well. And while many have talked about how much faster web pages will load with Silk, Amazon has confirmed for me that Silk "is not limited to small objects" and will be used to build full pages, including video, which should mean Amazon's Kindle Fire will see crazy fast startup times for video. Amazon also has a very good track record of coming out with newer versions of the Kindle quickly, so just imagine how the second and third generation Kindle Fire's are going to perform.

Kindle Fire's are going to sell like crazy and Amazon is going to do something even Apple couldn't do and that's jump-start the streaming media industry to all kinds of new growth and consumption of video related content. And that growth is going to help not only content owners but also all of the vendors who help those content owners create, ingest, transcode, store, manage, protect, monetize, distribute and track their content. Within the next two years, the Kindle Fire is going to become to the online video industry what Apple's iPod was to the music industry. Many times I am asked what the next catalyst is for the streaming media industry and without a doubt, my answer would be Amazon.

Dan Rayburn is the executive vice president of StreamingMedia.com. This article originally appeared on Streaming Media.

• Over the past 2 years, I have seen more and more missteps taken by facilities managers and building owners, related to “green” or sustainability. These have typically been both costly and ineffective in meeting their goals. First off, the main focus being missed, seems to be a lack of an overall, global, holistic view of the building as a system of systems. Each system should be considered and included in any sustainability plan. Some of these systems are mechanical, electrical, or simply insulation and other sub-systems. When a manager/owner should call in a professional (who this is, is also a murky area) to audit or analyze their building, they often rely on a few inaccurate sources. In-house support in many cases, which means someone simply did some research in the internet and found something they thought was “cool” or looked like it would work for them. This is typically done without regard to technical shortcomings, functional issues and how it would really benefit the system. The best professionals, in my opinion, to deliver these services and products, is your Systems Integrator or ESCin some fields. Why, read on and see, but here are a few reasons; they have been integrating disparate systems for more than 20 years (it is what we do), the equipment they use is often designed to speak with devices using multiple protocols, the equipment is designed specfically to offer a better, often custom, user interface than typically comes with these various sub-systems/devices.
• Since many sustainability efforts involve electrical work, many hire their local electrician, who is typically not versed in any of the areas involved (I encourage them to become moreso, but clearly most are not), other than being licensed to connect them. I saw one instance where an electrician was asked to install some LED lighting, replacing existing fixtures. The electrician hadn’t done any LED work to date and did the old “cover their butt” method of way overcharging for the system, in case something didn’t work out. This resulted in a price more than 5X what is should have been and the customer did nothing, which obviously didn’t lower any utility bills. When someone does specify LEDs to replace an existing light, it seems they do the most minimal amount of research possible and purchase 1000 units of “not the best part," or worse, completely wrong part, before ever testing. I suggest hiring a lighting professional who is at least familiar with LED, preferably with some experience in control system and dimming, as this also requires some special selecting of LED lights.

We worked with one customer, whose corporate HQ had spent over $500k developing a system that only provided electrical consumption data from 24 hours ago, and allowed no control. So, now they can see what happened yesterday at noon, but still can’t do anything about it. What good is a system that doesn’t report real time data, in today’s environment, not too mention, how can you manage and change things from the past, with an active system? For way less than 1/2 what they spent, we could have custom designed a system to do much more. Another customer had their local electrician come in an install $50,000 worth of occupancy sensors to save money. What no one understood was how to best install and setup those occupancy sensors. In this case, the electrician actually did the worse thing they could. Cut the light switch out of the circuit and put an occ sensor inline with the light in each room/area/zone. This resulted in several problems. First off, no manual controls or over-rides. So, no matter what, the lights now only worked with the occupancy sensor. There is no way to turn it on manually, no way to turn it off manually (what if I am giving a slide show or projector presentation – whoops). Another issue was placement of the occupancy sensors. The sensor were not placed properly nor had much setup or adjustments available to them, which resulted in poor sensing, lights turning off when the room was occupied and vice versa. One area was full of cubicles (probably not the best place for occupancy sensors in the first place) which resulted in a hilarious display of arms waiving around every 10 minutes or so. In the end, that customer basically wasted $50,000 and not only realized no savings, but also ended up with more problems than they started with and will end up spending even more money to fix it.

The best way (meaning most bang for your buck, most effective, most integrated, most able to control anything) to install and wire in any sensor or system is to centrally control all systems. This can be simply running communications wires between sub-systems or between sub-systems and a main control unit. Using the occupancy sensor mentioned above as an example, a better, more versatile occupancy sensor could/should have been chosen. Occ sensors come in many flavors and various levels of quality, but generally fall in the $80-150 range. Some have daylight harvesting, some don’t. Daylight harvesting, a photo cell basically, allows the user to adjust each occupancy sensor so that if there is X amount of natural light in the room (from the sun we presume) then the lights will NOT turn on, even when occupied. This saves a lot more than just occupancy sensor-ing. Next, the occupancy sensors could be connected to a central control system, as opposed to directly in-line with lights. This offers a plethora of new opportunities and cost little more (sometimes less due to less electrical work) than the method mentioned above. If your occ sensor is connected to a controller, now you can use that sensor for any device in that room. So, if this is a conference room, that same occupancy sensor could turn on the lights, HVAC and anything else located in the room, via programming. For monitoring systems, it could tell a facilities manager, via remote software, that the room is or is not occupied, allowing them to control or maintain the room based on whether it is actually occupied or not. The sensor could also be used to control any other features in the room, from drapes and shades to temperature, based on occupancy or natural lighting. So, as you see, simply installing a sensor in a more integrated fashion can give a great deal more in functionality, for little or no more money.Speaking of drapes and shades, we’ve seen many corporate board rooms that install electric shades/screens yet do not integrated those either. Controlling shades and drapes can be a way to keep major amounts of heat out of an unused room. These too, can be controlled automatically, based on various sensors, timers, etc. So aphotocell could be set to close the drapes whenever light is too bright in a room, or a timer could tell the drapes/shades to close between the hours of A and B (when the sun shines directly in a room). This saves energy, time, wear and tear on furniture and flooring and more.

Several other sensors and systems are great examples of how to better use and install a system. For instance, when doing a renovation or build-out, most businesses are already getting several components of the systems that can be integrated. Most are getting a security system, HVAC system, even an access control system. By simply specifying and purchasing systems that are able to communicate with eachother (typically little or no more cost), you get a much more effective and robust system. So, your security, HVAC and access control can now work in tandem to create benefits such as locking doors and turning off HVAC when the security is armed, or locking the doors when only one person is in the office (secure the building). By integrating more systems, lighting control, audio/video and adding more sensors to a central controller, you can have a super robust and completely effective and efficient energy management system that rivals what is seen as the standards on the market and save more money.

A photo cell attached to one light is OK (this is what your electrician will do, put one on each light, outside your building), but a photocell connected to a controller that talks to all the lights in the building, allows for almost unlimited uses and programming of various sub-systems in the building, and you buy ONE photo cell, not 100. An occupancy sensor tied directly to one light can actually do more harm than good, but a occ sensor connected to a central controller, can be used to not only control lights, but HVAC, drapes, AV and more, for little or no extra financial outlay.

One thing we continually see in high-end, residential homes and some commercial establishments, is folks being talked into high-efficiency HVAC systems that are often oversized, instead of looking at better ways of reducing their cooling needs. So, instead of getting the highest SEER rated HVAC system, focus on how to make the buildings envelope more efficient and leak less, thus in turn, requiring a smaller HVAC system and saving money in both areas. The so called low hanging fruit are usually simpler, cheaper and easier to accomplish than replacing entire systems. It is not always about technology either, but in getting that holistic approach down, so you know precisely where to direct your efforts and dollars and can determine a real ROI and measurable rewards. Also, it is not neccesary to use BACNet, Modbus, or Metasys or other industry communications standards. These have all been around for some time and work well, but often mean additional communications equipment such asField Servers that convert one protocol to another. These all claim to be open protocols, but rarely are, often having their own flavors and designed in a proprietary way. Most system can communicate via RS232/485/422, TCP/IP, I/O, or a number of other means, any of which can be mixed and matched in the same system. So you do NOT need all BACNet equipment or 100 percent Modbus system to fully inegtrate, in fact, most of the system we’ve done, require a multitude of protocols or languages as we are talking to new and old equipment. The key here is a controller that can talk multiple languages.

Energy monitoring or usage monitoring can be done in many facilities with existing metering equipment. Eaton and many other manufacturers also offer multiple communications methods to “talk” with their products, which in many cases, are already installed in the electrical rooms of many facilities. With a little research, one can simply “plug-into” these units and get detailed data on electrical usage and consumption, negating the need to purchase a new metering system. This brings up one last point, energy monitoring. Energy Monitoring is a nice, neat, cool feature, but in the end, it is little more than a novelty after 30 days or so, as people will stop watching it and will neglect to adjust things. Thus, in our opinion, any energy monitoring device, must be integrated with a main control system. This allows for full control and management of consumption, so now a system can react, automatically, to adjust various things based on usage. For instance, if a manager wants to set a maximum electrical usage stop, then once the building approaches a set number of KW hours, the system can do several things; set back HVAC in unused areas (based on occ sensors), adjust lighting in same unused areas, etc. If you go to generator power or use solar power with inverters, you can set various metrix that allow the system to make adjustments based on energy produced, used, run-times, and more. It simply leads to a more integrated and robust system.

HVAC is another major area with issues of interoperability. HVAC installers typically have little or no working knowledge of anything related to a buildings other systems, thus a traditional BMS/Building Management System basically only controls the HVAC system and are proprietary and don’t share parts, sensors and communicate well. Another recent example is an HVAC system designed and installed, supposedly, with integration in mind, by engineers, but everyone on the HVAC side neglected to see if it could actually be integrated with anything, except their own $5000 DOS looking software, that did give remote connectivity, but otherwise didn’t integrate with anything. This was done before the integration firm was hired or consulted with (another reason to work with a holistic view point from the start and work early with your Systems Integration firm). Furthermore, after much investigation, it was found the entire system could have been designed with BACNet, for nearly the same cost, but now was a $30k+ upgrade, to a system that cost a little more than that. BACNet, the “new” buzz word of HVAC has been around since 1996 and was immediately adopted by many HVAC manufacturers, Alerton being one of the first to offer a complete system. However, it is mainly used to make the various components of a manufacturers system talk “within” that system (offering more individual control) and less focus has been given, and in many cases deterred, from outside/external communications to 3rd party products/systems.

Many of the “newer” systems claim to use and be BACNet compatible, but in fact, have tweaked their systems to only talk with their systems and components. You can still get converters, known as Field Servers to help these communicate with standard controllers on the market, but they are rather expensive. So BACNet does not guarantee that you can integrate something, if the manufacturer is preventing outside parties from doing exactly that. I suggest choosing a different HVAC system, not more expensive, but one that is more interoperable (more on this in the next Blog). Manufacturers should start to open their products up to more interoperability. Certainly integrating any product with more and different products and systems, isn’t going to diminish the quality of that product. I argue the opposite in fact, integrating products properly, gives what I call theBASF effect – “we don’t make the things, we make them better.”

These are just a few examples of mis-steps, omissions and mistakes we see many making in today’s jump into “going green“. If one would do a little more to analyze the main systems and get a good overview of your building’s sub-systems, it would go a long way to help identify problem areas? Once you do this, it, or a professional, can assist in identifying the low hanging fruit for your buildings energy optimization plan. Planning is the key, hiring someone who is versed in all of these areas (not necessarily a pro in each area, but knowledgeable in each area that may be integrated, so they can help you envision these unrealized benefits and needs and get the most out of the “green” or sustainable products or systems that you purchase. This is not rocket science, nor is any of this new. This is technology, companies like Fultech, have been using for nearly 2 decades. We have 100's of using similar systems now, that have been operational for 15+ yrs and many buildings. The difference is simply a new, holistic way, of looking at energy efficiency. Instead of doing things in a sub-system by sub-system fashion, look at the entire building as one system and how to make the entire system more efficient. This also means one important key thing. A systemdesigned in this fashion, is also almost completely scalable. Simply adding more of anything is a simple upgrade or add-on. You can do each sub-system at different times, choosing which nets the most savings within your budget at any time. Start with insulation, then HVAC control, then integrate your security and access control, then add lighting control, etc. The bottom line is a good analysis of your building systems, and the building as a system, could provide many more and less expensive methods of improving a buildings energy performance. FulTech has been offering our own IBS/Integrated Building System since 2009 and has had excellent success in both energy savings and functionality with the system. It has proven to be reliable (over 3 years in service with no problems or calls), easy to use (no one has to do anything but swipe thier keycard to gain access to a building and all other aspects – HVAC, lights, etc- are handled automatically), and saves real money and energy (our offices have received an Energy Star score of 93 and we have shaved roughly 30 percent off our electric bills). As we like to say, the proof is in the pudding. If interested in seeing this system operate first hand (see electric bills, Energy Star Score, monthly savings), feel free to schedule an appt to visit our fully operational and sustainable showroom.