The What: Key Digital has introduced the KD-AMP220 compact commercial digital audio amplifier.

The What Else: KD-AMP220 input connections accommodate microphone, line level balanced, and line level 3.5mm stereo analog audio inputs. The output is a mix of audio from the microphone input and the selected audio input. Each input has variable volume level set—perfect for presentation spaces as KD-AMP220’s internal pre-amp accepts direct microphone plugin and can provide 48V phantom power. Speaker level output can be set to bridge, stereo, or mono mode. Integrators can sum left and right channels to a single speaker in bridge mode. For stereo applications, KD-AMP220 can be configured to send left and right channels to separate speakers. Mono mode is especially useful in speech and voice enforcement applications.

The Bottom Line: KD-AMP220 gives integrators RS-232 and IR controllability with variable input and output level and muting, bass, and treble adjustments. The IR sensor wire is of appropriate length for installing the amplifier out of sight while the sensor is able to pick up line of sight signals. Front panel controls can adjust levels or select the line input, but can also be disabled by a professional control system.

The What: BenQ has introduced two new 4K ultra-high-definition interactive flat panels (IFPs) specifically designed for the classroom.

The What Else: Like modern smartphones that automatically turn off blue light, BenQ's IFPs can help reduce potential damage using the company's certified low-blue-light, flicker-free, and anti-glare technologies so educators can create the healthiest possible teaching environment. BenQ's Low Blue Light technology senses when someone is close to the panel and adjusts the light, minimizing blue light exposure and providing a healthier alternative to other LED displays. Certified under TÜV Rheinland, the highest standards body for technical services and technology safety, BenQ IFPs give school administrators confidence that their educators and students are exposed to as little blue light as possible in the classroom.

BenQ's Education IFPs feature advanced touch enhancement, which automatically converts handwriting to legible text, numbers, forms, and drawings. The panels allow 10 simultaneous points of touch. This enables students and teachers to work at the board using two pens simultaneously or using its brush mode that allows creative collaboration with paint brushes or other instruments. A floating toolbar grants quick access to the most-used tools including screen capture, eraser, pen, and whiteboard, increasing efficiency in the classroom. And when lessons are over, screen annotations can be saved as PDF or PNG files onto a USB drive or internal memory, printed, and shared via QR code, helping students commit the material to memory.

Instant plug and play eliminates the hassles of complicated setup by simply connecting to a PC via USB. Teachers can also wirelessly broadcast images, audio, and even HD-quality video from mobile devices with switching between up to 16 participant devices with the InstaQShare app. A blank setting allows teachers to darken the screen, so students can remain focused during instructions, while a freeze feature enables well-timed capture of screen grabs from videos or to highlight the screen itself. BenQ also incorporates several recommended Android apps, taking the guesswork out of finding content and simplifying updates and downloading. Finally, BenQ IFPs come with website control features that block certain websites, preventing students from accessing inappropriate content.

The RM Series features Multiple Display Administrator capabilities that allows operators to remotely control display on/off time or backlight via LAN or RS-232. This software also enables IT managers to control not only IFPs, but also projectors from BenQ and other manufacturers from the same platform.

The Bottom Line: The new RM Series includes the 65" RM6501K and 75" RM7501K IFPs, which allow teachers to tap into the possibilities of the interactive classroom. Putting students' health first, the RM Series IFPs feature TÜV-certified low-blue-light and flicker-free technologies, protecting students' eyes from blue light emissions and flicker that may cause adverse health effects.

(ISC)², a non-profit membership association for certified cybersecurity professionals, has extended its multi-year agreement with computer-based testing company Pearson VUE.

As part of the continued partnership, Pearson VUE’s team of measurement scientists will work with (ISC)² subject matter experts to develop valid, fair and reliable exam content in the ever-changing field of cybersecurity.

The exams – including the acclaimed Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, newly modified to a Computerized Adaptive Testing format – are being delivered via Pearson VUE’s network of secure test centers in 180 countries around the world. Candidates benefit from the convenience of on-demand testing and the ability to schedule their exam at a local test center at a time and date of their choice.

“The extension of our partnership with (ISC)² is great news for both Pearson VUE and security specialists around the world,” said Bob Whelan, president of Pearson Assessments. “Access to this exam will continue to enrich lives and careers, as we continue to provide increasingly sophisticated computer-based assessment solutions in the dynamic field of information security.”

“As demand for cybersecurity certification continues to grow, Pearson VUE offers excellent value and quality for (ISC)² exam candidates around the world with its unmatched breadth in test delivery reach,” said Dr. Casey Marks, VP of professional programs at (ISC)². “By extending our relationship, we will continue to offer a consistent testing environment and the convenience of local test centers to security professionals pursuing our certifications worldwide.”

Waves Audio will be hosting a day dedicated to audio, live sound mixing, and hands-on training at Elevation Church in Charlotte, N.C., on July 25, including two free training sessions. A WavesLive Mixing Masterclass will begin at 10 a.m., and a SoundGrid 201 in-depth training certification session will start at 3:45 p.m. Participants are invited to register for either one or both of the events. Between the two events will be a tour of the facilities.

WavesLive Mixing Masterclass

Featuring live sound engineer Jeff Sandstrom (Chris Tomlin) and Waves SoundGrid specialists Jeremiah Clever and Michael Adams, plus the Elevation Church audio team, this session will include an overview of SoundGrid technology, the MultiRack plugin host and the eMotion LV1 live mixer, followed by an in-depth mixing seminar and Q&A session.

WHEN: July 25, 2018 | 10:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. [breakfast and coffee served starting at 9:30 am]

WHERE: Elevation Church Ballantyne Campus, 11701 Elevation Point Drive, Charlotte, N.C. 28277

SoundGrid 201 — In-Depth Training

SoundGrid Certification Courses offer three levels of training: from dipping your toes in an online introduction course, to hands-on setup training, to gaining advanced expert knowledge of the system. SoundGrid 201 goes deep into the SoundGrid system and covers networking, latency, and hands-on training in setting up a SoundGrid system, whether simple or complex. Please note: SoundGrid 101 online certification is a prerequisite for taking the SoundGrid 201 course. Get certified for SoundGrid 101 here.

When: July 25, 2018 | 3:45-5:15 p.m.

Where: Elevation Church Ballantyne Campus, 11701 Elevation Point Drive, Charlotte, N.C. 28277

Click here to register.

Waves Audio will also be hosting a free workshop at Jam Room Studio (201 South Prospect Street) in Columbia, S.C., on July 23 for producers, engineers, and songwriters. For more on the workshop, which will explore how Waves SoundGrid can help you streamline your studio workflow, click here.

New research from NewBay’s AV Technology and Tech & Learning magazines—from a poll of more than 200 users of educational technology in K–12 and higher education—shows how technology leads to increased engagement and more use of online resources, thereby improving educational outcomes. Although the survey showed that many higher education and K–12 schools remain at a crossroads in terms of making a full transition to technology, the vast majority of those who responded are excited about what they’re accomplishing today and are equally excited about moving quickly to implement better ways of teaching with online curriculum and to take advantage of online avenues for research, better displays, video conferencing, and more. While there’s still a technology gap in many schools, it’s a gap that up-to-date projectors, large displays, better networking/connectivity solutions, and better teaching software can fill. The survey results offer a roadmap showing what technology and tech-based pedagogical methods are working for schools today, as well as what’s to come.

Click here to download the full white paper.