The new IPL EXP PDU4H control system power expansion interface from Extron is designed to provide centralized power management for small to medium-sized AV systems. It can control individual AC outputs remotely and allows for aggregate current sensing. The IPL EXP PDU4H is Ethernet enabled and features four AC outputs, four manual control ports, and a relay for additional system support. It is designed to be used with an IPCP Pro xi Series control processor for secure, encrypted power control of attached devices. It can also operate independently using a secure Extron API, enabling seamless integration for specialized applications. 

“We are excited to offer this next generation power controller to our customers,” says Casey Hall, Extron vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. “There is so much advanced technology designed into this compact package, we're certain it will be the ideal power management interface within your pro AV system."

The IPL EXP PDU4H is housed in a compact 1U half rack enclosure that offers a broad variety of mounting options. The IEC-Edison Cable Kit is a new optional accessory kit that includes four, one-foot IEC male to Edison female adapters to assist in the installation of the power expansion interface.

The What: Martin Audio has released nine new products, including the ADORN series of loudspeakers, the SX110 subwoofer, a range VIA amplifiers, and Ethernet to U-NET bridge U-Hub.

The What Else: ADORN loudspeakers are designed for distributed sound applications that require high performance from visually discreet, ultra-compact enclosures. They provide a sonic transition within a multi-zoned complex using larger Martin Audio systems such as CDD or BlacklineX.Featuring a 4” and 5.5” driver, respectively, the two-way ADORN 40 and ADORN 55 are available in black or white as standard and can be readily painted to match any interior décor and architectural environment.

The new SX110 subwoofer will extend the bandwidth of ADORN on-wall speakers and works for foreground music applications, which require increased impact and low frequency performance. Designed to be able to sit under banquette seating or discreetly placed within a venue, its ultra-compact enclosure features a 10” (250mm) driver and generous bass-reflex porting to reduce air noise. SX110 can also be suspended by means of integral M8 threaded inserts.

VIA is a new range of four high performance, cost effective power amplifiers designed primarily for installation use, but also suited to portable applications. VIA partners with all Martin Audio loudspeakers where networking and onboard DSP are not required, but where full system set-up is necessary, either the existing DX0.5 controller or newly announced DX4.0 can be added. DX4.0 is a 4-in 8-out loudspeaker processor and matrix featuring networked audio via Dante, high quality 96kHz processing, VX limiting as well as FIR optimization support for O-Line with Scalable Resolution.

U-Hub is an Ethernet to U-NET bridge equipped with analog and AES3 digital audio transport. It facilitates PC connection and VU-NET software control of MLA Series arrays and subwoofers via their inbuilt proprietary U-NET network. When used in conjunction with the Martin Audio DX4.0 networked system controller, U-Hub can connect audio and network to an MLA Series system with a single cable via a Dante digital audio network.

The Bottom Line: The products will be on display and demonstrated at the company’s UK Open Days, September 18-20, in High Wycombe.

The What: L-com Global Connectivity has released a new series of right-angle Ethernet cable assemblies that feature a high-flex, braid shield cable construction.

The What Else: These cables feature a specialized channel separator and load bar to achieve true Cat5e performance while maintaining a right-angle bend and are fully shielded to limit EMI and RFI interference.

Built with special, braided high-flex cable, these assemblies are rated for 10 million flex cycles at 8x the cable diameter, making them ideal for continuous motion applications.

Cable configuration options in this series include straight RJ45 connectors to 90° up-angle, 90° down-angle, 90° left-angle and 90° right-angle connector options.

The Bottom Line: The cables feature a tinned copper braided shield to protect against EMI/RFI interference and they are EIA568 color-coded for compatibility with standards based installations. These new high-flex cables are ideal for manufacturing, factory automation and robotics applications.

Editor’s Note: The 1Gb vs 10Gb discussion is an ongoing conversation in the professional AV industry with many points of view. This column represents one voice in the conversation. Tech managers: do you have a different opinion? Are you using 1Gb? Please share your perspective with us by tweeting @AVTechnologyMag.

When it comes to comparing 1Gb versus 10Gb, it is not about which is simply better, it is about what is best for the application. First, the most important matter is to look at what the application requires. If it is medical, broadcast, or virtual reality—requiring 4K60 4:4:4 or higher resolution—10Gb is the best choice as it provides the best image quality and lowest latency. 1Gb is best for digital signage, K-12 education, and low-cost conference rooms, as the latency is low, the image quality is very good, and it comes at a more affordable price.

BUDGET

Beyond the application, the next thing to consider is the budget. 10Gb price points for both the encoder/decoder units and the network switches have come down considerably over the last few years. A 10Gb solution now costs about the same—and in some cases, less—than a high-end 1Gb solution, making the 10Gb the preferred choice. However, 1Gb products for the low-cost applications can be less than half the price of 10Gb (and power consumption, too).

FUTURE PROOFING

Future proofing is another important consideration. Choosing the right cabling and network switches will determine how expandable and capable the installation will be. To get the full distance from 10Gb of 100 meters (330 feet) over category cable will require Cat-6A. 10Gb will go 40 meters with Cat-5e and 55 meters with Cat-6. The one big advantage of copper is PoE, which allows for a clean installation as no local power supplies are required. Fiber is best for applications requiring greater bandwidth, longer distances, and where security is paramount. OM3 multi-mode fiber will go about 1,000 feet at 10Gbps but at around 330 feet, it can do 40Gbps. This can be very beneficial if 8K is expected to be used in the future. Even 10Gb can transport 8K at a low compression of 6:1.

VERSATILITY

Aurora believes in catering to all the AV-over-IP markets and needs with the VLX 1G and IPX 10G Series. This allows users to choose the best fit for their unique need. We started the transceiver concept to simplify installs, increase serviceability, and allow for reversal of signal flow, opening new applications. (A transceiver is a device that can be configured as an encoder or a decoder.) These series also include wall plates, as the ecosystem of the install is just as important, and box units alone will not always cut it in installations. The Aurora AV-over-IP solutions also combine standards, and we were the first company to ever integrate Dante with a video product. This allowed the lower bandwidth audio handling to be done independently of the higher bandwidth video, allowing for the first time a totally digital end-to-end system.

Capabilities can play a big role too. The Aurora IPX 10G solutions can do video walls, windowing, and seamless switching at 4K60 4:4:4 resolutions. The future of AV over IP is bright as the scalability and features keep growing, and with the right infrastructure, users can be assured a path of success.

The What: Extron Electronics has introduced the TLP Pro 525T 5" tabletop TouchLink Pro Touchpanel.

The What Else: In addition to the new, high-performance quad-core processor and eight times more memory, it features a high resolution, 800x480 capacitive touchscreen built with scratch and smudge-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass and a distinctive enclosure with a sleek back.

All TouchLink Pro touchpanels can be customized using Extron GUI Designer software. This interface design software offers ready-to-use templates for a variety of rooms and presentation environments. These designs may be used as is, or customized for the application by simply changing individual graphic elements.

The Bottom Line: The TLP Pro 525T accepts the convenience of PoE - Power over Ethernet, which allows it to receive power and communication over a single Ethernet cable. It is ideal for any environment requiring a stylish, tabletop touchpanel with a fully customizable interface.