The What: ZeeVee is introducing the ZyPerMX2, a two-channel IP encoder for distributing two independent HD sources over IP networks employing 1GB or faster switches.

The What Else: The new ZyPerMX2 encodes and distributes HD video content up to 1080p @ 60Hz and supports both multicast and unicast UDP and RTP encoding, making it a cost-effective solution for most corporate and commercial HD video-over-IP applications.

Integrators and end users can communicate directly with the encoder using the built-in web server that provides full access to configuration parameters, control, and other features. Once connected to the network, the IP settings on the encoder can be configured automatically by a DHCP server or can be entered manually in static mode. 

The ZyPerMX2 can also pass through up to four channels of embedded audio in Linear PCM, MPEG-1 Audio Layer 2, and other formats, making it a suitable AV distribution solution for churches, stadiums, and other public venues that need an affordable long-distance audio solution. 

Built-in POE capability provides the option to eliminate the need for additional remote electrical outlets to complete projects.

The Bottom Line: The ZyPerMX2-4-MX, capable of supporting four HLS streams, is available now for a MSRP of $1,905 US. The ZyPerMX2-100-MX, which supports up to 100 HLS streams, is also available for a MSRP of $2,858 US. The ZyPerMX-4-MX can also be upgraded to a 100-MX via the ZyPerMX2-Key, which carries a MSRP of $953 US.

DSE’s New Product Showcase, at the Digital Signage Expo March 28-29, 2018 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will feature dozens of new and innovative products that attendees will have the opportunity to see first-hand. Included in the showcase are new interior and exterior displays with touch and multi-touch functionality, full and all-in-one solutions, voice-activated and AI-based technologies, media players, software suites, routers, mounts, mobile app-enabled solutions and more.

DSE’s 2018 New Product Showcase will include new CMS and Media Player technology from:

• Bitvu Ltd: Spark, Digital Signage Anywhere Media Player

• BrightSign: BrightSign Series 4 Media Player

• ComQi: OnSite

• Industry Weapon: MenuBoards.com

• Logic Supply: CL210 Media Player

• Now Mir DMPN-7i5 Media Player

• Userful: Userful Cloud

• XOGO: XOGO Decision Signage

DSE’s New Product Showcase will be located on the trade show floor, but the new products are available to review ahead of time on the DSE 2018 website’s New Product Showcase.

Middle Atlantic Products’ Proximity Series Sliding Mounting Plate was recognized with an ISE 2018 Best of Show Award by SCN sister publication Installation Magazine. The Proximity Series Sliding Mounting Plate is designed to address the growing complexities in residential and commercial applications that stem from ongoing decentralization of systems often located at the display. The editors of Installation Magazine, which covers permanent audio, video, and lighting systems integration within the global market, judged the awards on the show floor.

"To be recognized within the global market for the Proximity Series Sliding Mounting Plate is a real honor for Middle Atlantic," said Timothy Troast, VP of product management, Middle Atlantic. "After identifying the challenges integrators are facing, we developed a solution that is perfect for mounting small devices behind the display, while providing ease of access with the sliding mechanism. The award serves as a confirmation of our mission to provide innovative solutions that enable integrators to deliver amazing AV experiences with every installation."

The Proximity Sliding Mounting Plate mounts directly on the wall behind the display, optimizing unused space to store and reliably support today's AV devices without adding bulky storage furniture in the room or the need for an equipment closet. The plate mounts directly to the extrusion of Middle Atlantic's Vision Display Mount Series multi-display wall and ceiling mounts, increasing both installation flexibility and ease of maintenance. The Sliding Mounting Plate tucks discreetly behind the display, concealing equipment out of view for a clean aesthetic.

• Last week's Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) at the Amsterdam RAI drew record numbers of exhibitors and attendees from around the world for four days of business, education, and networking. It was the largest show in ISE's 15-year history. Below are event details and official figures released today by the Integrated Systems Europe team.
• "Throughout 15 halls, visitors experienced a vibrant showcase of the latest AV and systems integration technologies, products and solutions as ISE confirmed its position as the international destination of choice for AV professionals.
• The number of exhibitors totaled 1,296, of which 294 were exhibiting at ISE for the first time. Combined, they filled 53,000-sqm of exhibition floor space. Floor space already confirmed for ISE 2019 currently stands at 103% of the total booked for ISE 2018.
• The number of registered visitors by the end of the show had reached 80,923, an increase of 10.3 percent on the 2017 edition. Importantly, almost 20,000 visitors attended the last day of the show. On a distinctly positive note, over 30 percent of the total attendees were visiting ISE for the first time, a key benchmark for exhibitors in their quest to develop new sales leads.
• Mike Blackman, Integrated Systems Events Managing Director, commented: “It’s been a great show that has delivered on all fronts. I’m delighted to report that visitor numbers and exhibitor satisfaction have both been very high. On behalf of ISE, I’d like to thank all our attendees, exhibitors, partners and our co-owners AVIXA and CEDIA. This combination has made ISE what it is today and ensures that we are able to build on our successes year on year.”
• Highlights of the show included: an Opening Address from architect and inventor Carlo Ratti that explored the evolution of smart building and ‘Senseable Cities’, nine dedicated B2B conferences covering a wide range of AV topics from innovation and design to theme park ‘night-time spectaculars’, a Stand Awards competition, ‘Tech Tours’ to three leading AV installations including the Amsterdam ArenA and five days of professional development programming curated and delivered by AVIXA and CEDIA.
• ISE 2018 also saw the debut of the World Masters of Projection Mapping competition, a joint venture between the Amsterdam Light Festival, RAI Amsterdam and ISE. The competition saw leading video artists’ project video artworks onto the EYE Filmmuseum in the centre of the city. The competition culminated in Florian and Michael Quistrebert receiving the winner’s award for their artwork Stripes 5 on the last day of the show.
• Many exhibitors once again used the show as a launchpad for hundreds of new products, technologies and solutions. Technology and business trends included: a growth in IP and the crossover between broadcast and AV; commercially viable virtual, augmented and mixed reality technologies and solutions; the increase of devices for the smart home; the divergence of digital signage with both smart systems and ‘plug and play’ gaining traction; the increase in small pitch LED displays; 4K everywhere; IoT everywhere; the growth of projection mapping; networked audio and the continued progression of the collaboration market.
• For both AVIXA and CEDIA, the show provided a unique platform for the associations to reinforce recent initiatives and to cement their key role as providers of exemplary professional development programmes.
• ISE 2019 will be held at the RAI Amsterdam from 5-8 February 2019."

Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) broke its attendance records yet again this year, with just short of 81,000 attendees compared with slightly more than 73,000 in 2017. The show was visibly busier than last year, with most exhibitors SCN spoke to reporting an increase in the quality of booth visitors alongside the swollen numbers. And, with 1,296 exhibitors to see across 15 halls, it’s likely that visitors went home tired, but satiated. So, how do American exhibitors and attendees view the four-day annual event, and is it worth the investment in time and money?

At press time, the only the broad figures had been released by ISE’s organizers (AVIXA and CEDIA), so we’re unable to say whether or not U.S. interest has spiked compared with 2017. Last year, U.S. attendees were up almost 20 percent (2,333) when compared with 2016, despite the fact that there were 14 percent fewer U.S. companies exhibiting (152), so interest in ISE was obviously growing, amongst attendees at least. What we can say with confidence is that more than 30 percent of this year's total attendees were first-time visitors.

ISE is the largest AV systems integration show in the world, continuing to grow year-on-year since its inaugural, mainly residential-facing inaugural event in 2004. With more than 53,000 square meters of exhibition floor space pushing Amsterdam’s RAI Convention Center beyond its walls and into temporary, bolt-on halls (Hall 15’s Discovery Zone was new for 2018), ISE’s rise shows no signs of plateauing out—although the organizers admit there’s very little scope for further expansion at the RAI. And as the annual attendee and exhibitor number breakdowns show, this is very much a global event, as opposed to a localized European affair.

Indeed, ISE now boasts a broader global reach than any other pro AV show, including InfoComm, and is considered a premium residential event by CEDIA. In other words, it’s hard to ignore. At the same time, an increasing number of manufacturers use the show to launch their new products and services, doubling down on the draw for attendees. Coming as it does early in the year, it provides the perfect platform for making announcements, whether it’s an innovative product, a new marketing campaign, or an organizational restructure.

Certainly, the U.S. manufacturers SCN spoke were effusive in their praise of ISE and its organizers, particularly of AVIXA, producer of InfoComm trade shows and co-owner of ISE. There was also broad acknowledgment of ISE’s importance to U.S. visitors as well as exhibitors—although it’s difficult to say for sure whether attendee numbers have grown year on year. (We’ll have to wait and see what ISE’s organizers have to say about this: numbers are due for release February 16, when we’ll include them as an addendum to this article.)

“The show is growing for us, it’s becoming really important,” said John Monitto, director of business development/sales manager, Meyer Sound. “AVIXA seems to be growing in leaps and bounds, which is exciting. I’d say it’s as busy this year as it has been—it has been amazing these last couple of years. We’ve seen a fair number of American visitors. I think we’re seeing a lot more people from the US coming over, Canadians too.”

AVIXA's conferences are also helping to increase interest in ISE, according to Monitto, giving visitors even more reasons to attend. “It really is getting a lot of attention, becoming a growing thing. I think that they are really supporting ISE too, with the association and everything that goes around it: it helps the show tremendously.”

Nortek Security & Control utilizes ISE as a testing ground for new products, with the international nature of the event helping to ensure that opinion is broad church, although the company didn’t see many U.S. visitors on its booth this year.

“ISE remains a very important international show for us,” said Nortek’s Bill Hensley, sr. director, marketing. “It’s the chance to meet with integrators from all over the world, not just to present our new products, but also to listen to their needs. A number of the products we introduced at the show were inspired by needs expressed by integrators working with our products and solutions.

“For us, the quality of visitors we meet with in the booth is very strong on both the residential and commercial sides of our business. We don’t see many dealers or distributors from the U.S. at ISE,” Hensley continued. “That’s okay, as we really focus on supporting our international distributors, and it’s been a great show for them.”

However, Gary Dayton, VP of U.S. sales at Bryston, witnessed more of a U.S. presence, and was wowed by the diversity of the commercial AV products on display.

“ISE is a well-conceived show combining residential and commercial AV solutions, all under one roof, and I am confident that Bryston benefitted from exhibiting,” Dayton said. “Looking around at the vast and diverse commercial product offerings was inspirational. I also felt that North America was very well represented in terms of both manufacturers and attendees. I saw integrators from all over the U.S. on the show floor.”

Nick Belcore, executive vice president of global sales and marketing, Peerless-AV, could also see the huge value of ISE as a launchpad for manufacturers’ new products, and as a global event. “Peerless-AV places tremendous value on ISE as a resource. The year’s preeminent technology is on display and provides valuable insight into product invention and evolutionary trends, as well as the ability to showcase your innovation to a broad international audience.

And Alex Camara, CEO at AudioControl, confirmed that American visitors were on the up, with valuable insight as to why this may be the case—the combination of commercial and residential all under one roof.

“I saw primarily international visitors but a growing presence of U.S. attendance as well. This is an important show for AudioControl, I would say on par with CEDIA. I met a number of U.S. dealers, from the East Coast especially. I see the ISE premise, combining residential and commercial AV channels together as wise—valuable for exhibitors and something that should be considered in the U.S.”

As ISE continues to grow, both in size (exhibitor capacity aside in the current venue) and influence, it’s clear that its importance to American integrators, distributors, and manufacturers will only keep expanding. This is, after all, a global event of global importance, with exhibitors and attendees from around the world—there were 177 different countries represented by attendees in 2017, and we expect this to have broadened when the 2018 figures are released. Exhibitors love ISE, with the majority of booth space booked for the next year show before the end of each event (according to the organizers, floorspace booked for ISE 2019 currently stands at 103 percent of the total booked for ISE 2019). And let’s be honest, 80,923 AV professionals can’t be wrong!

The What:InFocus has added the 55-inch Mondopad INF5522AG to its Mondopad family of touch-enabled collaboration displays. The 55-inch Mondopad is an all-in-one collaboration system that supports HD video conferencing, interactive whiteboarding, web browsing, data sharing, presenting, document annotation, and wireless casting.

The What Else: The 55-inch Mondopad features Total Touch Control, a system management interface that eliminates the need for a remote or buttons. Users can touch on-screen icons to switch between sources, or to access the home screen, all applications, and control functions. In addition, the 55-inch Mondopad allows for annotation over any input. Content from the built-in PC, an external PC, or tablet connected via wireless casting, HDMI or VGA connections, can be frozen on the screen, annotated over, and then saved as a screen capture to internal storage or an external USB drive.

Like all Mondopads, the INF5522AG ships with a built-in camera with microphone array, remote, stylus, wireless mouse and keyboard, as well as front connections for HDMI and USB inputs. Wireless casting allows users to share content to the display from any Apple, Windows, Android, or Chrome device.

“Mondopad was the first touch-enabled, all-in-one collaboration system, and we continue to innovate based on customer input and our years of experience,” said Brady O. Bruce, InFocus CMO. “It’s a powerful and productive solution for schools, businesses, and public agencies. We’re inspired by our users and the incredibly creative ways they use it. Adding Total Touch Control and Android applications makes the new 55-inch model well suited to a wide variety of installations for presentations in a conference room, video calls in an executive office, collaborative teamwork in huddle spaces, or immersive learning in a classroom.”

The Bottom Line: The 55-inch, 1080p, anti-glare touch display is designed for easy use with edge-to-edge multi-touch supporting 10-point gestures. The Mondopad INF5522AG is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor with 256GB solid-state drive, includes Windows 10, a full version of Microsoft Office, and features built-in Android 5.0 applications including Quick Whiteboard, Quick Casting, and Quick File Viewer for fast access to the most commonly used tools.

The What: Epson has introduced the PowerLite L-Series for corporate, education, and houses of worship. The new Epson PowerLite L615U, L610U, L510U, L400U, L610W, L500W, and L610 are designed to provide high value to customers, featuring an integrated laser light source, up to 6,000 lumens of color and white brightness, resolution up to WUXGA, and enhanced wireless technology to connect to multiple devices.

The What Else: The new PowerLite laser projectors leverage Epson’s 3LCD technology to deliver up to three times higher color brightness than competitive 1-chip DLP projector models, according to the company, and include features to improve the ease of installation and setup.

Epson’s laser technology features full 360-degree installation and projection at any angle, and Epson’s lens shift feature provides additional versatility for both new installations and for upgrading existing lamp projectors. The new PowerLite L-Series also supports advanced wired and wireless solutions, including HDMI and HDBaseT. To support BYOD classrooms, the projectors provide enhanced wireless display technology, allowing teachers to connect the projector to up to 50 Chromebooks, PCs, and Mac computers, and iOS and Android devices. Educators can also simultaneously display up to four screens with the Epson iProjection wireless display solution. The high-end PowerLite L610U and L615U models offer wireless screen mirroring from a smartphone or streaming device with Miracast.

“Epson’s new PowerLite laser series delivers all the benefits of laser technology, in a lighter, smaller design chassis at an affordable price point,” said Remi Del Mar, senior product manager, Epson America. “We pride ourselves in implementing customer feedback into our product roadmap, and the new PowerLite laser models answer a need for strong value laser solutions in the mid-lumen range. We will continue to offer our customers uncompromising image quality, high color brightness with incredible detail, and reliable performance—all backed by Epson’s first-in-class warranty and service.”

The Bottom Line: The new PowerLite L-Series aim to provide strong value for laser projection within the 4,500–6,000-lumen range, and are well suited for corporate spaces, educational institutions, and houses of worship with high ambient lighting. The new series offers virtually maintenance-free operation with up to 20,000 hours of laser light source. Weighing between 17 and 19 pounds, PowerLite L-Series features a compact and versatile form factor for convenient portability or installation, and models equipped with wireless enterprise level security.

The What: At ISE, Leyard and Planar expanded their Leyard DirectLight LED Video Wall System product line to include what the companies say is the smallest fine-pitch LED video wall display in the industry, a pixel pitch of 0.7 millimeters.

The What Else: The Leyard DirectLight 0.7 millimeter display provides high-resolution images at the closest viewing distance. The Leyard DirectLight 0.7 allows for 4K and 8K resolution video walls in smaller spaces, matching the pixel density seen in traditional control room video walls but with a completely seamless and uniform image. With the addition of a 2.5 millimeter model, customers now have a wide range of options from which to build high resolution LED video walls tailored to the resolution requirements of almost any indoor environment.

“As the market leader in the growing fine-pitch LED video display industry, we continue to set the standard with groundbreaking advancements and industry-leading design,” said Steve Seminario, vice president of product management at Leyard and Planar. “We’ve been working hard to tailor our displays to meet every customer need, and we’re pleased to showcase our trailblazing technology to the AV industry at ISE 2018.”

The Bottom Line: The Leyard DirectLight LED Video Wall System is a family of seamless, fine-pitch LED video wall displays that allow for slim, wall-mounted, front-service installations in indoor environments, delivering high resolution and clarity with reliability. Leyard DirectLight incorporates the Leyard DriveSense technology delivering high pixel density with greater power efficiency.

We are pleased to announce the winners from NewBay’s Best of Show Awards at ISE 2018.

As well as Installation, NewBay publications Audio Media International, AV Technology Europe and PSNEurope also presented awards at the show.

All entries were visited by NewBay Best of Show judges between 6 – 8 February and awards were handed out yesterday (Thursday 8 February).

The Installation winners are:

Canon – WUX7000Z laser projector
LD Systems – MAUI P900 active column PA system
Dynacord – IPX series power amplifiers
Bose – EdgeMax In-Ceiling Premium Loudspeakers with PhaseGuide Technology
Cleerline – SSF-CLEER900 Transparent Fiber Optic Cable
Crestron – DigitalMedia 4K60 4:4:4 HDR Network AV Encoder/Decoder
Crestron – XiO Cloud platform
D-Tools – Mobile Quote 2.0 software
EDBAK – ERM100 Electric Flat Screen Wall
Holovis – LearnView training system
Kramer – CA – HM
Leon Speakers – Horizon Interactive FIT
Media Solutions – MS-TestPro
Middle Atlantic – Proximity Series Sliding Mounting Plate
Sepoy Live – SENSE
Showlogix – Showrunner
Shure – Microflex Complete Wireless System (MXCW)
SiliconCore – Z.A.C.H LED Driver Chip
Symetrix – SymVue for Control Server
WolfVision – vSolution MATRIX
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who entered.

www.nbmevents.uk/newbaybestofshow

• ISE, Amsterdam Light Festival and RAI Amsterdam have announced that the winner of the inaugural World Masters of Projection Mapping Awards is Stripes 5, by Florian and Michael Quistrebert.
• The Awards showcase took place today in the Forum with all ISE visitors free to attend. The works of five international video artists were shown to attendees, along with an overview of the technical and production challenges faced by the artists and ISE partners to visualize the artworks onto the EYE Film Museum
• The full list of finalists included:
• Close Up, by Alida Dors and ManuelRodrigues
• Data-Based Dialogues for AlgorithmicLandscapes, by Geert Mul
• TESTFILM#4, by Telcosystems & SpatialMedia Laboratories (Gideon Kiers, David Kiers and Lucas van der Velden)
• Stripes 5, by Florian and Michael Quistrebert
• Call Waiting, by Eder Santos
• The WMPM is a joint venture between ISE, Amsterdam Light Festival and RAI Amsterdam. The theme of this first edition, ‘Bridging the Gap’, encourages the creation of connections, both physically in the city as well as between people and cultures.
• On the International Jury:
• Lennart Booij, artistic director of Amsterdam Light Festival (jury chair)

Jaap Guldemond, director of exhibitions EYE Filmmuseum

Marente Bloemheuvel, associate curator of EYE Filmmuseum

Jozef Hey, founder and owner of BeamSystems

Giny Vos, artist

Paul James, editor in chief of Mondo*arc

Source: The ISE Daily

www.iseurope.org

Sports clubs and federations are embracing new technology and platforms to engage fans, but issues around rights and connectivity are preventing the experience from becoming truly joined up according to an expert panel at ISE 2018’s Sports Venue and Fan Engagement Summit.

In the session, titled Even Closer to the Action, vendors, streamers, and digital content firms had clear visions of what the future of fan engagement should involve.

For Nik Selman, managing director of digital content agency Formidable, creating an authentic experience for Millennial fans requires a different approach than one used with previous generations. “They [Millennials] are hugely passionate about football, but they want to interact with the game in a different way,” he said.

“Authenticity to them means right now—it is very much about providing them with content that feels behind-the-scenes and personal, it’s less polished viewing that you can’t see in stadium or on TV at home,” he added.

Hassan Perymani, director and co-founder of Edinburgh-based streaming outfit Volcano City, added that this engagement should go on throughout the week. “It’s constant conversation about people interacting with your brand—right up until, and including, match days, and engaging with them across different and appropriate social media platforms.”

Other members of the panel observed that one underexploited area was engaging in football clubs’ global fan bases to craft authentic content for those fans and then generate new revenue streams.

Digital design company Ostmodern has been working with Arsenal Football Club to look at the online habits of its international fans. Steven Kelly, the firm’s senior user experience manager said, “An Indonesian fan will visit different parts of the site to a local fan. They will want to know more about the history of the club to feel part of it. We’re doing lots of work in this area, mapping out the similarities and differences between London fans and international ones.”

David Patton, VPP of Suppnor, an augmented reality (AR) technology company focused on sports, added that once this fan data is analyzed, it would allow advertising platforms to produce more relevant commercial opportunities.

“If we, as a platform, can enable a club as to how they can message fans in different countries, then we can create new and relevant in stream advertising,” he said.

However, Kelly pointed out that sometimes firms were too focussed on “trying to think too far past what we can actually do now.”

But what about the future? Besides hopping in a time machine, the other option for figuring out what fans will want and need is data collection. But, a lack of connectivity is currently a hindrance for data mining in sports.

According to Ryan Jespersen, regional EMEA manager of live streaming company Wowza, “trying to scale IP-based unicast delivery” was a challenge, as mobile devices are currently unable to consume multicast content. His firm is currently working with Cisco to design access points across the stadiums to access fan intelligence. He added that for some games, using public internet access was also not an option because of rights issues.

A virtual house that allows trainee electricians, plumbers, and builders to rewire a house in a safe environment or to use piping without wasting expensive materials is a reality for students at the UK’s first College of Advanced Technology in Essex.

At AVIXA’s professional development conference for higher education during ISE 2018, Ros Parker, principal of Essex-based PROCAT, told delegates that using virtual reality (VR) programs to teach construction and engineering skills helped accelerate learning of key vocational skills.

“There are several trial-and-error scenarios we try out with students once the headsets are on. If things go wrong, the TV in the lounge will blow up, or if they walk on the rafters, they will fall through the ceiling—albeit a virtual one,” Parker said.

The college principal added that the technology also allows them to virtualize materials such as piping for the college’s Level 2 and 3 plumbing students, and its trainee engineers can learn about track and rolling stock prior to site visits.

“The technology allows us to be much more cost efficient with our physical materials, and it helps prepare students for real environments much quicker,” she added.

According to Roberts, this accelerated learning meant students that used VR in their studies were were performing tasks in week 10 that those who did not use the technology would be doing in week 20.

If the audiovisual industry wants to be innovative and continue on in the field of virtual reality (VR), producing more quality VR content is key. But it can be tough persuading investors that VR is a technology worth investing in, according to 360-content producer Suzanne Lagerweij.

Speaking at the ISE 2018’s XR (Extended Reality) Summit’s State of the Industry panel Lagerweij, CEO of Dutch production company Fields of View, said “360-content is one of the most accessible forms of VR for consumers, and it performs better than 2D videos, but it still takes lots of convincing to get investors interested.”

Marco Demiroz, co- founder of the Venture Reality Fund (the VR Fund), added that from a venture capital (VC) perspective, Silicon Valley is the source of most VC funding, but “Europe needs to follow”—which could happen, he predicted, in a “three- or four-year time period.”

He added: ‘It often starts with a couple of venture funds getting into sector and then others follow. People looking to use VR in their business need to work with partners who know a lot about the space and they need to bring in VCs at an earlier stage.”

Fellow panelist Daan Kip, founder of Basefund, then jumped in, adding that while public funding in VR is sporadic Finland, France and Berlin all have publicly funded schemes that are fueling VR innovation in the sector.

Some technologies are ahead of their time, but eventually, the future catches up with them. This is the case with fiber optic cable, according to Cleerline Technology Group. “We’re at the tipping point,” Cleerline managing partner Rick Sant told the ISE Daily. “Prices are falling, and more and more fiber-ready devices are appearing. Your typical integrator is now starting to have to consider using fiber for networks or sending 4K video across HDMI. With copper, you have to compress everything.”

One of the biggest challenges facing the fiber optic market has been price of connectors, added Sant: “People looked at fiber and liked what it offered, but then asked, ‘what am I going to plug into?’

“Three years ago, high-end optical connectors typically cost around $3,000 U.S. dealer price; today, some 4K optical connectors sell for less than $500.”

At ISE 2018, Cleerline is showing its fiber optic solution SSF Fiber (it stands for stronger, safer, faster). Cleerline SSF uses a polymer coating that the company claims makes it up to 200 times more durable than conventional fiber. “It’s much easier and faster to terminate,” added Sant. “Any technician who works with a Cat-6 jack can do this.”

He concluded: “We’ve been showing fiber at ISE for the past five years and our sales have skyrocketed over the past 12 months. We’re getting closer to that switchover point where we move from copper to fiber. The future is fiber—and it’s happening now.”

• Google’s Scott Johnston (director, project management, G-Suite) updated ISE delegates with news of the rollout of its latest suite of conferencing products, Hangout Meet, Hangout Chat, and Jamboard services. He said the products were originally designed for Google’s own demands across 40 offices and locations, and was now successfully handling some 275,000 video meetings per day.
• Commercialized last October, it has now been extended across most of Europe (eight countries added on February 6 besides its existing service in the U.K.) and is now scalable to support larger rooms. “While video is in our culture, we also wanted a ROI on how we made use of our meeting rooms,” he added. “We are also trying to remove any potential friction in the use of a room.”
• Importantly, access to the Google solutions was made available without needing a physical location, whether to mobile phones, tablets, or laptops.
• “Our software algorithms are also earning all the time,” Johnston added. “We all know that agreeing a time for a meeting can be a nightmare, but it can learn how flexible some people are and the system will accommodate that. Our aim, as always, is to accelerate efficiency and become a real, living asset to any organization.”
• Stand: 15-B200, BK013
• www.google.com

Source: The ISE Daily

• While delivering a true ‘omnichannel’ experience may still be some way off, digital signage has now reached the point where digital surfaces are not enough. Consumers are looking for a fluid experience.
• Florian Rotberg, managing director of invidis consulting, revealed this insight and other trends in the digital signage market at the opening keynote for DSS ISE yesterday morning.
• According to Rotberg, the market is currently moving toward “a more professional, centrally managed, data-driven model,” which is delivering “positive KPIs and solid ROI.”
• “Everything we’ve preached has finally come to fruition,” he added.
• This is backed by the latest growth figures released by Futuresource that reveal the global digital signage market is now worth $12.6 billion and grew by 22 percent in 2017.
• And with 80 percent of purchases still made offline, Rotberg argued that there is still room in the market for further growth, especially in EMEA, where market share is 23 percent and year-on-year growth is 8 percent.
• In terms of the future role for systems integrators, the analyst said that customers wanted brands they could trust who are able to reduce complexity.
• “This is why you have companies like Accenture entering this market,” he pointed out. “They have no clue, but they are a trusted brand. Maybe if you are lucky, they will hire you for your expertise!"
• Rotberg added that these trusted brands are now driving consolidation among other SIs in the market. There were more than 20 acquisitions in Western Europe in Q4 last year—many of which were triggered by Stratacache’s acquisition of rival Scala.
• In terms of software trends. Rotberg said that three main players would dominate the market—Adobe, Google, and Samsung—because no one will take them over, and they are large enough to deliver services across the world.
• Integrators are also experimenting with complementary solutions for 360 experiences—including “interaction, lighting, scent, and sound”, said Rotberg.

None of this, he added, would replace storytelling. This point was echoed by fellow panellist John Melillo, CEO of global integrator brand Diversified, who said during the presentation that followed: “I don’t like hang and bang—that’s where we were 10 years ago. If you are not working with your partners today and asking about the storytelling, you are missing the point of our business,” he said.

Source: The ISE Daily

• Delivering a 3D holographic visual experience, Hologruf can bring advertisements, signs, or displays to life through its 3D hologram system. Powered by patented proprietary design, Hologruf–a first-time exhibitor at ISE this year—serves as a portable holographic display, delivering big, colorful 3D holograms floating in midair.
• Ted Meng, co-founder and CEO of Hologruf told the ISE Daily: “We use motorised fan technology with a strip of LED running through it, which builds the image when motored. Of course, once it is working, the fan becomes effectively transparent, and only the floating image can be seen. We’re the only company in the market with fans of up to 3 meters and our competitors all use a far bigger motor than us. Hologruf’s motor is up to 50 percent smaller and thinner, making our fans lighter and more flexible and easy to mount in larger configurations.
• “Although it’s our first time at ISE, we have seen a lot of thoroughfare on our stand, and we have a great position just at the entrance to Hall 8. Visitors are loving the creative options that we can provide and I can almost definitely say we’ll be back next year.”
• Stand: 8-R280

Source: The ISE Daily

www.hologruf.com

Sonance's Low-Profile PS-C43RTLPThe What: Sonance has added two new low-profile models to its Professional Series to provide a solution for installations with depth restrictions or in-ceiling obstructions.

The What Else: The new low-profile models include the PS-C43RTLP, a 4-inch, two-way speaker in a 6.5-inch baffle that is 3.43 inches (85mm) deep; and the PS-C63RT, a 6.5-inch, two-way Speaker in an 8-inch baffle that is only 4.37 inches (111mm) deep.

The In-Ceiling speakers feature a bezel-less grille design to minimize visual distraction and reduce shadow lines, while also providing for a one-step painting process. The magnetic retention simplifies installation and reduces the risk of damage during installation. Black grilles are also available, eliminating the need to order a specific black speaker. The optional square adapter allows the speakers to match the aesthetic of downlights or HVAC grilles. The range includes 4-, 6.5-, and 8-inch models and two low-profile two-way models, and an 8-inch woofer, all of which are UL 1480 and UL 2043 certified and shipped with white grille, tile bridge, and C-ring.

The Pendant speakers utilize a minimalistic design similar to pendant lighting to blend discreetly into the environment. The unique integrated top cover hides the hanging hardware and wiring connector. Each pendant is supplied with two 16.4-foot stainless steel suspension cables with snap hook and two Gripple hangers to ensure a safe and secure installation, and are available in black or white (paintable) in 4-, 6.5-, and 8-inch two-way and an 8-inch woofer—all models are UL 1480 and UL 2239 certified.

The Surface-Mount speakers feature Sonance’s FastMount bracket and a front cable connection and tap selector to speed up the installation process and provide a clean appearance. The weather-resistant construction is IPX4, Mil Spec 810, and UV IEC 529, allowing them to be used in either indoor or outdoor applications. They are available in both black and white (paintable) in 4-, 5.25-, 6.5-, and 8-inch two-way and an 8-inch woofer with UL 1480 and UL 2239 certification.

The Bottom Line: Sonance Professional Series includes a total of 24 70V, 100V, and 8-ohm selectable In-Ceiling, Pendant, and Surface Mount speakers that feature a full-fidelity transformer for uncompromised 70V/100V performance, heavy duty voice coil for reliability, high excursion woofer for extended bass response, and a chambered 1-inch tweeter for precise high-end detail. They also share consistent voicing across the categories for improved sonic integration when used together throughout a space.

• Audinate has made its Dante Domain Manager Platform commercially available through a global network of authorized resellers.
• Dante Domain Manager is Audinate’s new network management solution that brings enterprise-grade system administration to the AV world and aims to make audio networking more secure, scalable, and manageable.
• This technology provides AV and IT professionals with the ability to define specific AV device groupings by room, building, and site, through the creation of independent Dante Domains. Each domain has multiple access levels to improve network security, and enables scalability by allowing audio routing across multiple IP subnets.
• “Networked audio systems are commonly being delivered over standard IT data networks,” said Lee Ellison, chief executive officer at Audinate. “Dante Domain Manager provides AV and IT professionals with a scalable and secure network solution that can build upon existing and new installations of Dante-enabled products. Dante Domain Manager puts more control in the hands of the system integrator, delivering enterprise-level network management and security.”
• The network domain concept was first pioneered by the IT industry to differentiate and manage multiple private networks within the same infrastructure. Audinate is applying this same approach to AV, while customizing the features to the needs of AV professionals and end users.
• Available in three editions, Dante Domain Manager can be tailored to meet user needs and budgets.
• The Silver edition is listed at $995 and is suited for installations that primarily require user management, such as smaller houses of worship or schools, with a maximum of two domains and 10 audio devices.
• The Gold edition is listed at $3,995 and includes integration with Active Directory and is suited for many mid-sized business environments, supporting up to 10 domains and 50 devices.
• The Platinum edition is listed at $9,995 and covers management needs of large-scale installations and expands support up to 50 domains and up to 250 devices. This edition includes SNMP alerting and a fully redundant “high availability” option for mission-critical systems.
• Audinate will showcase Dante Domain Manager at the annual Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) at its booth, 6-H160.

Company co-founders John and Helen MeyerMeyer Sound launched its annual marketing campaign at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2018 in Amsterdam, where the new visual themes are incorporated into the company’s trade show presence. This year, the campaign draws from the company’s strengths and attributes with the theme of “A Family of Sonic Solutions: Pioneering Quality since 1979.”

The tagline incorporates a spiral graphic featuring the company’s standard palette of colors and will appear throughout Meyer Sound’s 2018 marketing and communications programs.

“Last year, we celebrated the anniversary of when John and I met 50 years earlier during 1967’s Summer of Love,” explained co-founder Helen Meyer. “So tie-dye naturally was part of our “Sonic Love Story” theme. This year, we are drawing from some of those visual elements while going a step further and evolving them, just as Meyer Sound has and continues to evolve. We will continue our storytelling, but with more of a focus on our extended family—the Meyer Sound team and our customers—along with our ongoing commitment to pioneering quality sonic solutions and audience experiences.”

The Meyer Sound booth will incorporate the new graphics and the visuals will be found across Meyer Sound social media and digital platforms. “As a family-owned company, we continue to have the autonomy to pursue our vision of quality sonic innovation. We are proud of the incredible team of people whose care and passion for well-engineered products and solutions is the hallmark of all we do,” Meyer said. This year’s campaign sets the stage for celebrating the 40th anniversary of the company next year.

The tradeshow stand (1-M90) will feature a comprehensive display of Meyer Sound products and technologies for installed systems. Making its European trade show debut is the elegant new Ashby line of ceiling loudspeakers featuring IntelligentDC technology. The Ashby models will be shown in a static display and also will be heard “live” above the hospitality area.

The entire LEO Family of line array systems will be shown, with the LINA very compact line array set up in multiple configurations. “The LEO Family is a turnkey, integrated system offering high-resolution clarity at any size for a wide-range of uses from houses of worship to stadiums and everything in between,” said Meyer Sound co-founder and CEO John Meyer. “With exceptionally low distortion, this is the most powerful, clear system that’s ever been developed.”

New precision tools have been added in MAPP XT for LEO Family products, new rigging options including Pull-Back Frame options, the LEO Grid Extension Bar and, coming this spring, Low-Mid Beam Control.

The UltraSeries of point-source loudspeakers will be on display in an array of custom colors, while the Tech Bar will focus on the beam-forming CAL column array loudspeaker and the AVB-enabled Galileo GALAXY network platform.

Also on display will be the Bluehorn System, Meyer Sound’s newest studio monitor, a high-power loudspeaker system that achieves absolute phase accuracy across the full audio bandwidth, according to the company.

A slate of special events at the booth includes a series of interviews that will be streamed on Facebook Live on Meyer Sound’s Facebook page at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. CET on show days. John and Helen Meyer will be guests on Friday, February 9, the final day of ISE.

• As ISE underwent its final preparations yesterday ahead of this morning’s opening, we spoke to Mike Blackman, managing director of Integrated Systems Events, about some of the challenges involved in putting on a show that gets bigger every year.
• Of all the issues any MD would like to face, managing growth probably comes high on the list, and one that Blackman obviously relishes. This year’s show will be 20 times the size of the first, and that’s a source of pride for him.
• “It’s been quite a journey,” he smiled. “But a very satisfying one. I would never have believed we could achieve what we have.”
• Blackman notes that this year will see some 16,000 first-time visitors, and he expects overall attendance to be up around 10 percent. The number of companies wanting to be part of ISE has also grown, which means that ISE now boasts a 15th hall.
• “To do that meant building a pavilion where we once had car parking,” Blackman explained. “So that creates the challenge of what we do about providing somewhere to park.”
• He revels in the fact that the growth in ISE reflects growth in a very vibrant industry—an industry of which it seems everyone wants to be a part.
• “What that means is that we have to be very selective about adding exhibitors,” he pointed out. “We have to evaluate very carefully whether a prospective exhibitor adds real value to the show. It’s hard, of course, to turn business away—but we know we need to do it.”
• Blackman is, however, convinced that technologies like XR—an amalgam of VR, AR, and MR—will become integral to the industry.
• “XR is no longer a toy, or something fun,” he said. “It’s rapidly becoming a commercial reality. Here at ISE, we’re showing what the future will look like.”
• In the same way that ISE is focusing on ensuring that it has the right kind of exhibitors, Blackman is also keen to grow the quality, rather than the quantity, of visitors.
• “Our exhibitors want to see more end-user decision-makers coming through the door, and that’s what we’re trying to deliver for them,” he noted.
• Yet another challenge Blackman is trying to resolve is smoothing the flow of visitors across all four days of the show—making for a better experience not only for attendees, but also exhibitors. That means holding some high-profile events, like the final and awards ceremony of the World Masters of Projection Mapping competition, toward the end of the week.

“What we have with ISE are exactly the kind of challenges we want,” Blackman said. “They keep us fresh, they keep us creative, and they keep us busy.”

Source: The ISE Daily

• VR in architecture, engineering and construction is going through a period of "rapid" adoption according to Italian architect Fabio D’Agnano, a presenter at the XR Summit at ISE yesterday.
• D’Agnano, director of the postgraduate masters course in digital architecture at the IUAV, informed XR delegates on Tuesday that at least two thirds of architectural practices are now experimenting with VR, according to his research.
• The architect added that adoption tended to be higher among the larger practices, who have the time and resources to commit.
• For those who have used VR, most have applied it to more than five projects and were using it across the design, construction, and maintenance stages.
• In terms of how far away these new technologies are, for many job, such as 360 rendering, it is possible now and is "no more effort than a standard 3D render," according to D’Agnano: "You press the same button."
• He estimates that real time rendering, which would enable architects and clients to go on a virtual site visit, is less than "a couple of years away" and what is likely to happen in the interim is that a blend of both 360 and VR technologies will be used. D’Agnano added that VR was still very much a "solo technology" and one of the challenges the sector faced was adopting the technology to meet the collaborative needs of the industry.

Companies such as MatrixWorks are addressing this by working on collaborative platforms, he added. Other near future applications included integrating VR with BIM data so that projects can be tested on site via 3D model.

www.iseurope.org
Source: The ISE Daily

In its two conferences yesterday afternoon, AVIXA looked at what’s next in integrated experiences. Focusing on two key market sectors— enterprise and education—Thales’ senior engineer Richard Paker discussed how, if you’re not careful, technology can lead; while principal of Essex-based PROCAT Ros Parker showed how her organization is using VR programs to teach construction and engineering skills.

Thales is a French multinational with a powerful reputation in the aerospace and defense industries, something which presented some serious headaches for Packer, as he sought to bring together the AV demands for some 650 people at its new HQ building in Reading.

He told delegates that his challenges included bringing the IT department on board, as well as having to get the system approved by his senior managers, “many of whom didn’t really understand AV!”

His ‘new’ building was formerly occupied by Cisco but had been empty—other than by spiders—for the past 15 years, and entailed bringing together three separate Thales locations.

Starting with a clean sheet of paper, there was considerable input in terms of ideas and possibilities from potential system integrators. From six would-be bidders the number was whittled down to one – although Packer admitted that he inherited a real “dog’s dinner” in terms of existing facilities.

“We knew we needed many meeting rooms, and settled on 15 which we called 'standard'; a further 10 'special' rooms with a higher degree of equipment; and six multipurpose rooms. For good measure, the CEO wanted something for the reception area that said 'Wow.'”

However, Packer stressed that one element which was rather special to Thales was security: “We could not permit any risks, either by accident or design. This gave us a huge number of extra headaches. We knew that getting something wrong would risk wrecking the network.”

Packer’s end advice to his colleagues was not to be led by technology alone: “Speak to your users and fully understand their aims, but also ensure that you can fully monitor the complete system. And plan for the future—our industry is evolving rapidly and we need to be prepared.”

Meanwhile, Ros Parker talked about a virtual house that allows trainee electricians, plumbers, and builders to rewire a house in a safe environment, or to use piping without wasting expensive materials.

She told delegates that there are several “trial and error scenarios” at the college, which is the U.K.’s first College of Advanced Technology.

“If things go wrong when the headsets are on,” she said, “the TV in the lounge could blow up; or if they walk on the rafters they will fall through the ceiling—albeit a virtual one.”

The college principal added that the technology also allows them to virtualize materials such as piping for the college’s level two and three plumbing students, while its trainee engineers can also learn about track and rolling stock prior to site visits.

The college is also experimenting with other technical innovations such as robots for coding—although she added that the college’s own bot is currently being repaired in France after students programmed it to do Tai Chi, causing it to fall off a table and break its arm.

Following on the heels of last year’s announcement that Skype for Business is now available on its COLLABORATE Pro product line, ClearOne (NASDAQ:CLRO) introduced a system upgrade that allows the CONVERGE Pro 2 48V, 128V and 128VD DSP Mixers to support built-in Skype for Business client for installed audio conferencing applications. The announcement was made at ISE 2018 in Amsterdam in Stand #1-N120.

“CONVERGE Pro 2’s support of the built-in Skype for Business client provides our customers with access to even more options for their professional audio conferencing needs,” said ClearOne Senior director of product line management, pro voice & AV distribution Durai Ramachandiran. “All CONVERGE Pro 2 units outperform in any sized room, any audio environment, and any application, and the new system upgrade introduced today integrates this advanced system with all the unique benefits that Skype for Business client has to offer.”

Skype for Business in CONVERGE Pro 2 VoIP units is available through a free upgrade for the software and firmware, and doesn’t require any changes to the hardware. It works with both cloud and on-premise Skype for Business Servers, and is compatible with all other Skype for Business clients. Skype for Business allows for point-to-point audio conferencing, multi-party audio conferencing, and access to a complete call history. Additionally, there are new and separate CONVERGE Pro 2 Dialer applications for Skype for Business that are available on Android and the Touch-Panel Controller. The Integrator can choose to configure the CONVERGE Pro 2 units for regular SIP based VoIP conferencing or Skype for Business conferencing.

Hogar Controls launched its Pro Solutions lineup of control and automation products for the commercial markets at ISE 2018; the line is designed to provide easy customization, flexibility, and style for building managers.

Touch Panels
The Hogar Controls Touch Panel series challenges every perception of what a smart lighting device looks like in the home, hotel room, or commercial environment. The Touch Panel series allows users to set customized smart lighting and control actions through programmable buttons that can be as simple as dimming the lights to 50 percent, or as complex as controlling multiple devices through smart scenes.

The Touch Panels offer support for Z-Wave or Zigbee to ensure wireless compatibility across a wide range in cooperation with the project design. With features like multi-touch control of devices through pre-programmed touch, tap, or finger swipe, a variety of configurations including built-in sockets (select models), and access via the Hogar Controls mobile app, the Touch Panel series offers integrators easy in-room control.

Available in various styles, colors, and control button options like–One Touch Panel, One Touch Dimmer Panel, Two Touch Panel, Three Touch Panel, Four Touch Panel, Eight Touch Panel, and Ten Touch Panel-the panels offer a variety of options to best fit a property’s size and individual system requirements.

Lighting + Control Modules
The 3-in-1 multi-module is a tiny controller that enables users to turn any existing switch or socket into a Z-Wave smart switch. At just over a half inch (12 mm), the module can be easily installed into most enclosures, flush-mounted junction boxes, behind lights, and in wall sockets to control and dim lighting, blinds, shades, and activate scenes. The 3-in-1 module can be installed within a few minutes and offers the ability to change functionality with a simple program button.

Interactive Demo Toolkit for Dealers
One of the biggest challenges when building end-user customer relationships is working to provide education on the benefits of connected living. Particularly for a whole building automation system, showcasing the power of a suite of devices working together is challenging in any showroom. Making it easy for dealers with or without a showroom, Hogar Controls created a unique Interactive Demo Toolkit. The toolkit is an out-of-the box building automation and control system, with built-in devices to show off the power of devices like voice control, motion sensors, climate control, and more. With a built-in screen, the toolkit is a “home in a suitcase” model that is easy to transport and gives the dealers a mobile sales tool. The Hogar Dealer Toolkit is available to qualified dealers.

The Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) gathering in Amsterdam has revealed the depth and dramatic scope of AV over IP, with hundreds of new solutions, enhancements, and AVoIP iterations on display. Across the 15 halls of the RAI, it’s clear that AVoIP technologies and signal compression methods are the development paths shaping the next chapter of integrated AV experiences.

Approaches
There are myriad protocols for running and managing AV multimedia content over Ethernet, but it’s hard to argue with the market dominance of Audinate’s Dante. There are now more than 1,300 Dante-enabled solutions available, all showing the “Dante Spoken Here” sign at ISE. Focusrite, MIPRO, Yamaha, AKG, Allen & Heath, and dozens more are using the ISE 2018 platform to launch new Dante-powered networked audio products. Legacy equipment can now be patched into a Dante system thanks to the new AVIO adapters.

Audinate is spotlighting its Dante Domain Manager, which is now shipping globally. While you can network more endpoints with Dante, it won’t save your team dollars or hours if you can’t manage sources easily. Enter the new Dante Domain Manager, now shipping globally via Audinate.

While Dante is dominant, it’s not the only protocol for IP-based media transpor (check out Q-SYS, SMPTE 2110, AVB/TSN, and Ravenna AES67, to name a few), nor is it an open standard. While there may be higher priced switches and less OEM endpoints Dante, open standards require no licensing royalties.

To that end, the Alliance for AES70, the open network control standard, is offering classes and training this week. On ISE Day One, Avnu Alliance, the industry consortium driving open, standards-based deterministic networking with AVB/TSN, held its AVIXA Master Class at ISE called “The Evolution of Ethernet and IP for Audio, Video and Beyond.”

On display at ISE are AVB/TSN-enabled solutions from Meyer Sound, Extreme Networks, PreSonus, L-Acoustics, Audix, and Biamp. Genio Kronauer from L’Acoustics added that “AVB is an important step forward for the industry and it’s amazing to see equipment from many different independent platforms working together smoothly on an open standard, without needing to call upon an off-the-shelf, single-source implementation.”

At last year’s ISE, Biamp’s big news was the TesiraLUX, which included an AVB video encoder and video decoder, and support for 4K/60 4:4:4, high dynamic range (HDR), and the Rec. 2020 color space. While TesiraLUX debuted to industry acclaim and has been shipping since September, Rashid Skaf, Biamp’s president, CEO, and co-chairman, acknowledged the company’s desire to meet customers where they are and evolve toward a protocol-agnostic approach. “We have the best solutions in the world, and we will put them on your network,” he said.

Panasonic's new PTZ camera leverages NewTek's NDI interface. Skaf underscored that Biamp is not abandoning AVB, but so-called “protocol wars,” or planting a flag in one camp or another is “not our fight to take,” he said. Rather, the company would focus on platform innovation and developing solutions of the highest class that work cohesively and “elevate the user experience.”

A manufacturer hedging its bets on an internal but open standard is NewTek, whose NDI (Network Device Interface) brings IP capabilities to the broadcast and production world. By integrating NDI, manufacturers can make PTZ cameras available for use in NDI-based video production workflows without additional configuration. Panasonic is demonstrating its NDI-enabled line. NewTek's NDI Version 3 offers SDK enhancements that improve encoding performance and multicast support with FEC (Forward Error Correction).

1Gb or 10Gb?
Another spirited debate in the AV-over-IP conversation at ISE 2018 is the question of whether a product is best designed for use on a 10Gb or 1Gb network. While still a sizeable investment, 10Gb switches have become more affordable, as have UHD displays. If you can offer 4K content at 60Hz and 4:4:4 over the Ethernet with a 10Gb network switch, why not?

That’s how the SDVoE Alliance sees it. The consortium of manufacturers standardizing Software-Defined Video over Ethernet around the Aptovision chipset, has established a 10Gb platform. At ISE, SDVoE celebrated its one-year mark and announced extensive SDVoE training, case studies, and an array of new members adopting the 10Gb strategy.

Crestron's DM NVX solution allows transport of 4K60 video over existing 1Gb networks.One of those new SDVoE members is WyreStorm, which is showcasing a 10Gb Ethernet solution. "A lot of 4K-over-IP solutions claim support for 4K60 4:4:4 with HDR over just 1Gb, so why go 10Gb?” asked James Meredith, WyreStorm EMEA sales manager. “Well, think of the banding, blockiness, and overall image softening resulting from the 20-1 compression needed to fit such a small bandwidth. Only a 10Gb solution gives you a lossless image and audio indistinguishable from an uncompressed source."

MuxLab is also firmly in the 10Gb camp. The company’s new HDMI-over-IP uncompressed extender helps connect one or various sources to one or many displays through a 10Gb Ethernet switch.

In a new video by Aurora Multimedia, Paul Harris, CEO, explains why a 10Gb solution is necessary for 4K60 4:4:4. He suggests that 1Gb works for 4K60 4:2:20 or 4K30 4:4:4 and below where bandwidth requirements are less demanding. "Applications determine what's the better solution." That’s why Aurora offers the IPX line as part of the SDVoE Alliance.

But Crestron and Matrox Graphics disagree. The Canadian manufacturer Matrox Graphics offers streaming of 4K60 4:4:4 over an existing 1Gb network with its Maevex solution. The belief is that if you can leverage an organization’s current system without a quality or performance compromise, it’s a more practical and sensible approach than replacing and building out new core switches, cables, and necessary elements for 10Gb. At ISE, Matrox also announced that its “Matrox Knowledge Net: Tips and Techniques for AV-over-IP Training Program” is now accredited by AVIXA as a CTS Renewal Unit-recognized program. The Knowledge Net seminars are formatted to meet the high ethical and professional practice standards of the AV industry.

Altona's focal point was its Velocity cloud-based AV control platform. Crestron used the ISE spotlight to showcase its DM NVX line for networked AV, as well as the new DM XiO Director, which provides browser-based monitoring, management, and control of DM NVX endpoints. DM NVX offers 4K60 4:4:4 over a standard 1Gb network.

Ultimately, though, AV-over-IP reality is nuanced, and every use case has specific requirements. Additionally, some stakeholders are already eyeing up higher-bandwidth IP like 25, 40, or 100Gb, waiting for prices to drop. Can you imagine a world where we need systems capable of managing less bandwidth? Not a chance.

Even the most harmonious alliance still requires some fancy fixes and creativity. One of the gaps in the marketplace occurs when users want to extend uncompressed HDMI 2.0 signals, as full-bandwidth HDMI 2.0 cannot yet be sent long distances over copper without some compression. Fiber optics is one approach for uncompressed AV transmission in 4K, therefore companies like Gefen are debuting new extenders at ISE 2018 that meet this need.

From end users and integrators alike, it is clear that the demand is growing for networked AV, but challenges remain, such as security, legacy equipment, and the shift to the cloud. Cloud-based AV control is one of Atlona’s focal points at ISE as the company demos Velocity, a cloud-based solution for scalable AV control. At ISE, they welcomed attendees to participate in the Velocity Challenge to see how fast users could set up a system. “You don’t need to know Python to set this up,” said Garth Lobban, Atlona’s director of marketing. Atlona is also sharing its refined AV-over-IP strategy for its OmniStream platform with three product families (Pro, R-Type, and Audio that supports Dante, AES67, and analog audio transport).

QSC demonstrated its new Q-SYS Reflect Enterprise Manager and Enterprise Core Processor. Cloud-based AV-over-IP control is also a key ingredient in the disruptors at Utelogy. The Costa Mesa, CA, company’s big news at ISE? They are expanding to Europe (and beyond) with the help of Jonathan Mangnall’s new company, U-Topia Technologies, which has been awarded Master Distributor license for the EMEA market (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). The company also announced a Managed Services Portal (stay tuned for more information).

A Costa Mesa neighbor to Utelogy, QSC, made major debuts this week and explained the plan for cohesive Q-SYS control. It is the agile, scalable platform strategy that QSC believes will help bring the AV industry to the next level of maturity. “Product is dead. We are building a platform,” said TJ Adams, QSC’s senior director of product management, Installed Systems. QSC is using ISE’s stage to demonstrate its new Q-SYS Reflect Enterprise Manager and Enterprise Core Processor.

Harman, whose SVSi brand is a benchmark of networked AV quality, and who was one of the earliest networked AV providers, made the ISE debut of its new AMX N2400 Series Windowing Processor, a network-based windowing processor that supports 4x1 windowing for the AMX N2400 Series video-over-IP solution. The new solution can manage multiple real-time 4K60 streams with no video input or output connectors.

Kramer showed its "drag and drop" Network AV-over-IP solution. Not resting on its laurels, RGB Spectrum keeps pushing the AVoIP envelope. At ISE, the command and control room stalwart is introducing its brand new Zio Decoder App for Smart Displays. The Decoder App enhances the capabilities of smart displays by allowing you to decode an IP stream directly on the display, without external hardware and offers access to the Zio system’s advanced GUI and features.

Sharing a devotion to UX (user experience) and “drag and drop’’ ease is Kramer’s Network AV-over-IP approach and the Canadian manufacturer VuWall’s AV-over-IP solution. It is using the ISE 2018 launchpad to showcase the TRx 2.0 solution for distributing AV signals and content over standard IP networks.

Do you have an ISE 2018 AVoIP innovation to add to this list? Tweet @AVTechnologMag.

• Utelogy Corporation, creator of audiovisual control, management, services, and analytics software for use in higher education and enterprises, has released the beta version of its Managed Services Portal.
• The Managed Services Portal is part of U-Manage, which provides enterprise-wide visibility to rooms, equipment, issues, performance and usage. The portal’s features include 24/7 remote monitoring and network management, remote helpdesk support, asset lifecycle management (warranties, updates), control software-as-a-service, and white-label customization.
• In addition to proactive maintenance, the portal can also enable analytics and IoT insights data to deliver other new revenue opportunities.
• “Most service providers in this industry are not used to having this data, but they will soon find the data is the strategic advantage,” said Utelogy CEO, Frank Pellkofer.
• “Our Managed Services Portal offers IT [value-added resellers] and integrators the opportunity to enrich customer deployments with enhanced analytics to provide more long-term value. And for end users, it allows them to use the U-Manage portal to manage their entire global enterprise.
• “The way we work has changed dramatically in the last five years, and as organizations use more and more collaboration applications, the faster vendors can get a handle on pulling this data and learning from it, the bigger advantage they have in acting as a strategic partner that can bring real value to their clients. For as low as $35 a month for control, monitoring, and analytics, this is the kind of intelligence that creates value and longer-term client relationships for integrators.”
• For a live demonstration at Integrated Services Europe 2018, February 6 to 9, 2018, visit hall 14, stand M170.

The What: Biamp Systems introduced the next generation of its Devio collaboration platform, introducing new products enhanced with unique features and patented capabilities that further improve audio quality, while also simplifying installation and programming for integrators.

The What Else: Many conference rooms feature microphones or integrated audio devices that are static in nature, restricting participants' ability to move around a room and still be clearly heard by people joining remotely. Equipped with Biamp's beamtracking technology, Devio microphones not only identify and lock onto a signal source, but also track that source as they move around the room. This ability to capture participants' conversation as they collaborate, while intelligently mixing conversations from around the table, allows far-end conference participants to experience a more natural-sounding conversation as it unfolds.

"The rapid adoption of open-plan offices, in combination with an increasingly dispersed workforce, is driving the need for more informal spaces that are equipped for effective conferencing and collaboration," said Rob Houston, unified communications product manager at Biamp Systems. "We've developed our Devio collaboration platform to address this need, whether it is a small room equipped with a dedicated computer or designed for people to use their laptops when presenting content and joining web conferencing sessions. Companies can tailor the room experience to fit their culture and get audio quality that keeps remote participants engaged and productive."

• Devio CR-1: A fixed configuration DSP optimized for small rooms and ready for the demands of BYOD use cases.
• The new Devio SCR-20: Building on the capabilities of the Devio CR-1 with enhancements that include full integration of HDMI audio, support for 4K30 video, and HDCP 1.4.
• The new Devio SCR-25: Adds to the capabilities of the SCR-20 with support for Bluetooth wireless technology and a wired VoIP/POTS headset interface.
• Devio DTM-1 (tabletop) and DCM-1 (ceiling) microphones: Both Beamtracking microphones feature Biamp's patented technology, require minimal setup, and dynamically track conversations from around the table or room.

The Devio base unit can be mounted under the table or surface, or behind the display. Multiple speaker options are supported, including a ceiling speaker powered by the integrated amplifier, powered speakers connected via RCA line-out, or even the integrated display speakers. The Devio microphone form factors require little or no table space while being centrally positioned within the room.

The Bottom Line: The new Devio models offer enhancements that broaden room design flexibility, deliver improved video capabilities, and expand support for VoIP/POTS handsets and mobile devices. Engineered for huddle rooms and other small meeting spaces, Devio supports a variety of room designs for computer-based conferencing including a BYOD approach or connection via a dedicated in-room PC.

Audix has introduced two new microphones to its installed sound product offering: the M62 boundary microphone and the M65 desktop microphone.

The M62 boundary microphone utilizes The Micros series technology hypercardioid condenser capsule that rests in an industry-exclusive, patent-pending internal shock-mount suspension system. The product is optimized for voice clarity, and designed with logic remote or local programmable on-off switching. It also features a tail out or tail down cable exit to accommodate a variety of installation or mounting requirements. According to Audix, the M62 is an excellent solution for distance learning student tables, conference and huddle room applications.

The M65 provides an alternative to a standard gooseneck microphone for education, conference rooms, and government applications. The M65 features a Micros hypercardioid condenser capsule with rigid tube construction, unique swivel mount, and black nickel-plating. When the microphone is adjusted to the desired position for speech, the M65’s precision machined design provides a quieter and smoother motion than conventional gooseneck microphones. When not in use, the M65 can be simply laid horizontally for an unobstructed view. Built to withstand daily use, the M65 also comes with an attached foam windscreen to reduce plosives.

“We at Audix pride ourselves on our ability to listen to the challenges our customers face and respond with innovative, high-quality products for their needs,” says Gene Houck, director of sales, Audix. “The M62 and the M65 are both direct results of collaborative product development and the resulting sound quality is unsurpassed.”

In addition to the AVB-enabled M3, which Audix announced will begin shipping Q2 of 2018, Audix has also announced its collaboration with ServoReeler, for applications that require hanging ceiling microphones to be stored out-of-sight when not in use.

The M62 boundary microphone and M65 microphone will begin shipping in Q2 of 2018. ServoReeler models of the M3 are shipping now.

IHSE will be introducing a game-changing solution to extend and switch immersive reality signals over long distances using Draco KVM systems at ISE 2018.

The new solution addresses growing interest in virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) systems in a wide variety of pro AV market sectors; in corporate and education applications such as product design and prototyping; in situational training and advanced control environments; and in retail and leisure applications including cinemas, shops, and museums.

Extending the distance between source computers and users, and switching between VR/AR applications, are real challenges today. IHSE's Draco KVM solutions allow high-performance computers for VR/AR systems, CAVEs, and large LED walls to be located at a remote distance of up to 80 kilometers. Only a single Cat-X or fiber connection is required to extend a VR/AR system.

This remote model adds convenience and security while simplifying the setup of immersive reality installations, many of which are in constricted or public locations. A Draco KVM matrix switch enables users to switch multiple VR/AR headsets in different locations to centralized high-performance computers located in a secure room. This approach eliminates the need to locate expensive PC hardware equipment close to users or to purchase multiple high-performance computers. Redundancy options for mission critical systems are also available.

"For VR/AR headsets to provide a smooth user experience, graphics latency and head tracking delay must be extremely low," explained Manuel Greisinger, head of sales at IHSE. "Our extension and switching solutions guarantee a round-trip video processing delay of less than 5 milliseconds. Meeting these extreme requirements is mandatory to avoid motion sickness and nausea and to extend signals with maximum performance and robustness. By opening up a new dimension in terms of flexibility and scalability with an improved ROI, IHSE's industry-first solution will enable customers to rethink their current and future VR/AR installations."

• Collaboration display solution provider Avocor has partnered with Zoom Video Communications with the aim of providing customers with advanced videoconferencing solutions that work together out of the box. The collaboration kicks off with integration between Avocor and Zoom Rooms for Touch, Zoom’s software-based conference room solution that runs on large touch displays.
• “We know that customers want the best combination of solutions and to be able to simply walk in a room, start a meeting, and use those tools,” said Dana Corey, GM and VP of sales at Avocor. “With Zoom we are taking the guess work out of those decisions and creating solutions for both our reseller partners as well as end users, so every collaboration space is super easy to use, reliable, and intuitive.”
• The first integration of Zoom with Avocor is Zooms Rooms for Touch, an iteration of the Zoom Rooms software-based videoconference room system that runs on large touch displays. An alternative to inflexible legacy hardware room systems, it enables companies to set up DIY conference rooms across their entire organization. Zoom Rooms features wireless content sharing, high-quality video and audio conferencing with up to 500 interactive video participants, and integrations with popular calendaring systems.
• Because video conferencing involves both local and remote participants, adding an Avocor display enables a large central visual point in each physical room that integrates with the Zoom Rooms for Touch solution. Adding a large interactive display helps with collaboration whiteboarding accuracy as well as viewing detail and seeing non-verbal communication within the entire gallery view of participants.
• To simplify buying the solution, Avocor will provide bundles with Zoom’s software preinstalled, in various size, performance, and pricing options catered to fit each customer’s need, application, and budget, through their reseller channel and will look to attach other tools from partners that improve the experience.
• Beyond bundled solutions, Avocor and Zoom are also exploring creating proprietary solutions and applications to provide an advanced experience that integrates the sophistication of each system and enhances them being used together.
• Avocor plans to display the initial offering with Zoom at ISE 2018 in Amsterdam at booth 13-C110.
• “Zoom is focused on simplifying the customer experience,” said Oded Gal, head of product for Zoom. “Working with Avocor is a great way to do that. Our systems work incredibly well together and both have been designed to be both robust and easy to use. We want to further enhance the customer experience by taking guesswork out of the hardware and software selection and providing simple solutions to give the customer what they need right out of the box.”

Sony is adding five new WUXGA resolution models to its family of laser light source projectors. Each is designed for a range of commercial mid-range installation applications including education, faith, corporate, and museums.

The new models include the VPL-FHZ120L (12,000lm) for larger venues, the VPL-FHZ90L (9,000lm) for mid-sized classrooms, and the compact VPL-FHZ66 (6,100lm), VPL-FHZ61 (5,100lm) and VPL-FHZ58 (4,200lm). These new projectors grow Sony’s laser offerings to more than a dozen and take advantage of laser light source benefits, including increased brightness, ease of use, and installation flexibility.

Each model uses Sony’s Z-Phosphor Laser with a blue laser as its light source complemented by a 3LCD optical system, to achieve the full spectrum of light and continuous, clear RGB color. The five new projectors feature auto color calibration, a function that enables users to maintain the best picture quality over time and Sony’s instant on/off, which can be used to begin presentations at full brightness, with almost no warm-up/cool down time.

The VPL-FHZ120L and VPL-FHZ90L use a newly developed LCD panel with enhanced light resistance, and for the VPL-FHZ120L, an optical compensator to realize high contrast that delivers stable brightness and high-quality image with vibrant color reproduction.

The VPL-FHZ120L is designed for auditoriums and conference halls requiring AV solutions to support live performances and ceremonies. The projector fully covers sRGB, making it suitable for applications requiring precise color reproduction such as in exhibitions and museums.

The VPL-FHZ90L is suitable for mid-sized classrooms or corporate meeting rooms, even those with challenging installation environments due to natural lighting or bright spaces with ambient lighting. This allows students and meeting attendees to take notes and review presentation materials while still clearly viewing the projected images.

Both models also benefit from a new range of features including industry-leading wide lens shift capabilities and six lens preset positions for instant recall and enhanced usability. New HTML content display functions offer the ability to project customized content including logos, news, or advertisements via the network or a USB memory stick, even when the projector is on with no input signal.

The three new mid-range WUXGA models—VPL-FHZ66 (6100lm), VPL-FHZ61 (5100lm), and VPL-FHZ58 (4200lm)—feature compact bodies designed for small to mid-sized rooms, while taking advantage of the full benefits of laser projection: long-lasting brightness, up to 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation, and no need to replace lamps.

All of Sony’s new models are compatible with the latest software packages such as Vision Exchange active learning solution, Display Power Management software and IP Remote App.

With a nod to its past and a vision for the future, Stampede kicked off its 20th anniversary year at ISE 2018 with the launch of new sales initiatives designed to separate it from commodity-driven distributors. The company is hosting an array of solutions from its vendor partners, along with its Drone Pavilion, at ISE 2018 at stand 14-A100 in the RAI Exhibition Center.

“Since 1998, Stampede has invested tens of millions of dollars to build the AV industry’s best, most robust and diverse customer base,” said Stampede president and COO Kevin Kelly. “More importantly, we have invested countless hours in learning about our customers, their business strategies, core competencies and their staff, resulting in the strongest working partnerships in the industry today. All of this has been done to provide our vendor partners with real growth opportunities that combine the best traditional and new products into the next generation system solutions our resellers need to meet their customer needs.

Looking to the future, Stampede unveiled six new initiatives that are being rolled out this year: Business Intelligence Teams, Reseller Zone, Direct View LED Technology Solutions Centers, Mobile Technology Showrooms, 1:1 Power Networking Events, and a special 20th Anniversary Gold Rush Promotion. These initiatives are in addition to the company’s current mix of sales and marketing programs that include the global Stampede Big Book of AV Tour & Conference Series, participation in industry trade shows in the United States, Europe, and Asia, and strategic partnerships with Unmanned Vehicle University and Unmanned Vehicle Insurance to provide the necessary training and insurance required of today’s growing base of drone and drone video system operators.

Kelly is optimistic that the industry will continue to see sustained growth this year as more and more retail, hospitality, corporate, higher education, and sports brands strive to creative more immersive customer experiences that increase engagement that translates into greater dwell time, return visits, and as a result, higher sales volumes. “The market is ready, willing, and able to invest in our technologies,” Kelly said. “The animal spirits of capitalism have been unleashed, and corporations around the world are using the integrated AV experience to differentiate themselves from their competition.”

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Whether it was Abraham Lincoln or Peter Drucker who first said it, it was certainly a key theme for Professor Carlo Ratti at the ISE Opening Address.

For Ratti, the Internet of Things (IoT), which he sees as the second wave of the internet, can transform our cities no less than it is transforming our homes in the shape of smart homes, or our factories in terms of Industry 4.0. There are, he explained, three key aspects of this transformation: mobility, offices, and retail.

“The future is not written in stone,” he said. “It’s up to us to make the decisions about how we want to live in the future. We have it in our power to invent the way things will be.”

Ratti, architect, engineer and inventor who directs the Senseable City Lab at MIT, believes that the future is full of possibilities about how we want to work and play—and technology is the enabler of those possibilities. He places special emphasis on the idea of convergence: the convergence between different technologies, and the convergence between the digital world and the physical world. Those convergences will enable new applications, new opportunities. He and his team spend significant amounts of time modeling those possibilities for how the city of the future might look, and experimenting with them.

Ratti continued: “What’s most important is not what we’re doing, but that what we’re doing becomes public knowledge. We need to have an open conversation. The results of our work should be out there for people to consider. At the end of the day, decisions about how we will live in the future should not be made by giant corporations or scientists or states-they should be made by the citizens themselves, fully armed with the knowledge of the different possibilities. It’s they who should decide what kind of cities we will live in in the future.”

He takes as an example self-driving vehicle technology. On the one hand, that could mean a substantial reduction in the number of automobiles that our cities need to support. On the other, it could mean that we abandon mass transit systems in favor of individual transportation. One outcome could be considered positive—the other, less so. We need to know about those possibilities, and make decisions, Ratti believes.

Another key theme in his presentation is that, whatever happens in the future, it will be a reflection of our DNA.

“Take something like Facebook,” he said. “Hundreds of years ago, we got together in the village square to exchange news. Then, we sent letters. Then, we phoned. Today, we express that same basic need to communicate with others via Facebook. But, as we’ve seen recently, we need to be careful that we remain masters of that technology, rather than letting it master us. Technology is seldom without unforeseen consequences.”

Arista Corporation has launched its RS-120 Rack Mount/Wall Mount/HDBaseT Extender/Computer. The new RS-120 is a 1RU rack mount unit available in three configurations: the RS-120-A07-TX (transmitter), the RS-120-A07-RX (receiver), and the RS-120-E01 (computer). With its modular design, the RS-120 was developed to minimize installation time and effort while also providing a significant maintenance advantage by way of its ability to swap the transmitter, receiver, or computer modules in seconds.

Arista’s RS-120-A07-TX transmitter is equipped with the company’s ARD-1006-A07-TX HDBaseT transmitter module. The unit features an HDMI Loopback output, a 2-port 10/100 Mbps Ethernet pass through hub, an RS-232 port, IR control, plus Power over HDBaseT. The unit transmits video signals up to 4K/UHD with embedded multi-channel audio and remote power for the receiver. Equally notable, the RS-120-A07-TX provides integrator-friendly features such as IEEE standards-based PoE transmission for safety and compatibility.

The Arista RS-120-A07-RX receiver is equipped with Arista’s ARD-1006-A07-RX HDBaseT receiver module, which can be powered by the RS-120-A07-TX transmitter via PoE or 12VDC input. The receiver features a four port USB 2.0 hub and a 2-port 10/100 Mbps Ethernet pass through hub, along with an RS-232 port and IR control.

Designed as a compact, rack mountable computer to serve as a system controller, Arista’s RS-120-E01 computer is equipped with the company’s MicroBox-1100A-E01 computer module running Microsoft Windows. The system features an Intel Atom E3845 1.9GHz quad-core CPU and up to 8GB DDR3 memory. The accessible ports on the front of the RS-120-E01 include a four port USB 3.0 hub, dual Gigabit Ethernet, one RS-232/422/485 BIOS selectable COM port, a CFast slot, and a VGA port. The unit’s rear accessible ports include one HDMI port, one USB 2.0 connector, one RS-232/422/485 BIOS selectable COM port, an audio out jack, and a power on/off switch.

Recognizing that various installations may want a combination of rackmount and shelf-mount solutions, The Arista RS-120 TX, RX, and Computer units also have a wall-mount mounting solution. This option enables the ARD-1006-A07-RX HDBaseT receiver module, for example, to be mounted on the rear side of a large format LCD display or onto a recessed space behind the video display which can help minimize installation time and effort. This wall-mount also provides maximum flexibility for upgrading or replacing the module.

VuWall, the Canadian manufacturer of video wall solutions for control rooms and collaboration rooms, is introducing a unique product ecosystem strategy to bridge AV & IT, at this year’s ISE show in Amsterdam.

VuWall states that the new ecosystem will be beneficial for integrators "who want to provide an outstanding control rooms experience to their customers."

Software is the core of the ecosystem

What makes the VuWall product line unique is that all products are based on the same core of VuWall2 software. The product range includes the VuScape video wall controllers, along with both VuStation, the line of personal video wall controllers and CoScape, the presentation and collaboration solution. Anyone who is familiar with VuScape will immediately be operational with CoScape and VuStation. This is true for the operator as well as for the AV integrator.

Seamless Communication

The What: RGB Spectrum is launching the new Zio Decoder App for Smart Displays. The Decoder App enhances the capabilities of smart displays by allowing users to decode an IP stream directly on the display without external hardware, and it offers access to the Zio system’s advanced GUI and features.

The Why? The proliferation of network-based sources continues to explode. Security cameras, media players, and other devices encode signals for network distribution. Decoding those streams directly on smart displays simplifies system configuration by eliminating the need for a separate decoder connected to the display. Less hardware and cabling means faster installations and lower costs.

The Debut: The worldwide debut of this unique integration of the Zio Decoder App and a smart display will be at the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show in Amsterdam, Feb 6-9 at the Panasonic booth (1-H20). Panasonic’s AF1 Series displays will be supported initially, with other manufacturers and models to follow.

What is Zio AV/IP?

RGB Spectrum’s Zio AV over IP technology is controlled through a simple, intuitive user interface that offers drag-and-drop functionality for routing streams to the display, allowing even non-technical people to easily operate the system without the need for a 3rd party controller. Live thumbnails of each Zio encoded stream assist the user in routing streams to displays. Automatic discovery of Zio encoders makes it easy to add devices to the network.

The Zio AV over IP system offers a unique combination of benefits:
- Unified Management & Control
- Live thumbnails for instant confirmation of streams from Zio encoders
- An array of hardware options, including encoders, decoders and multiviewers
- An intuitive, user-friendly GUI

Zio AV/IP Hardware Options

Complementing the decoder app for Smart Displays, the complete Zio product line includes separate encoder and decoder units that support 2K or 4K video over IP over a full range of signal sources and display devices.

The Zio Multiviewer allows multiple streams to be decoded and viewed on a single display. The compact multiviewer allows up to four 1080p streams, or equivalents, to be arranged on a screen any size, anywhere.

Zio decoders and multiviewers offer WebView, a unique option to present web content along with live video, particularly suited for digital signage applications.

Ready to Install The Zio App? Free Demo Available.

The Zio Decoder App is easily accessed via the Panasonic App Server. The App can also be downloaded or from the RGB Spectrum website and installed via USB drive.

As part of an ongoing effort to educate the pro AV industry, the Avnu Alliance, the industry consortium driving open, standards-based deterministic networking, will offer their popular AVIXA Master Class at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2018. Included in the AVIXA AV/IT track, the 90-minute, manufacturer-independent education training, entitled ‘The Evolution of Ethernet and IP for Audio, Video and Beyond,’ offers AV and IT managers, integrators and specifiers a thorough look at common challenges faced during A/V networking management, and corresponding solutions for the distribution of time sensitive audio, video and control signals over an Ethernet network with Audio Video Bridging/Time Sensitive Networking (AVB/TSN).

The Master Class is part of an education initiative, more than two years in the making from the Avnu Alliance’s Pro AV market segment to offer best practices and practical, applied examples of challenges network professionals encounter. The course details how solutions like AVB/TSN can be implemented to offer greater reliability, interoperability, synchronized data and more. The course offers attendees both primary networking fundamentals as well as valuable design considerations to be used when specifying, designing and laying out a network for audio video, including converged networks, including IT and AV specific considerations. The course has been offered at both ISE and InfoComm over the last two years, with an increasing demand in interest – the most recent offering of the course at InfoComm 2017 saw a final registration number of over 150 attendees.

“During the time we have offered these classes, we have received very positive feedback. As a result of the feedback, positive survey results and increased attendance we have seen for the Avnu Alliance Master Class, we know we’re serving an important need in the Pro AV education space for more knowledge sharing and training on AV networks,” said Gary Stuebing, Avnu Alliance President. “Our combination of member expertise spanning decades of engineering work in networked audio and video, combined with compelling content has made our Master Class a must-attend training at the AVIXA events. Just as the networks continue to evolve, so too do our trainings. We look forward to the next at InfoComm in June.”

Avnu Alliance members will also participate in the AudioForum, presented by Connessioni, ahead of the show on February 5th starting at 9:30 a.m. with presentations throughout the day, followed by an open table discussion with the speakers and concluded with a cocktail hour at 4:30 p.m. Henning Kaltheuner, Avnu Alliance Pro AV segment member, Head of Market Intelligence and Strategic Business Development at d&b audiotechnik GmbH, will present “AV Networking – One size fits all prospects?”, a look at common network solutions and their compliance across different AV market applications. Henning and other Avnu Pro AV segment members will be on hand during the open table discussion to answer questions about networking solutions like AVB/TSN and offer more information on Avnu Alliance and the work being done to support the progression of the standard.

The Master Class offers attendees 1.5 CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) RUS, making it both an informative and valuable session for those seeking certification. The course takes place on February 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Room D203, and is included as part of both the AVIXA and Super Pass training bundles. Presenters include Avnu members and industry experts Ben Wilmot from Biamp Systems, Richard Bugg from Meyer Sound and Genio Kronauer from L’Acoustics.

Avnu members from the education initiative weigh in on their participation and support for the course, below.

Genio Kronauer, L-Acoustics

“AVB is an important step forward for the industry and it’s amazing to see equipment from many different independent platforms working together smoothly on an open standard, without needing to call upon an off-the-shelf single-source implementation. It’s great to be working with the other leading audio manufacturers on a collaborative effort to establish this MasterClass and I look forward to helping my industry colleagues benefit from it.”

Richard Bugg, Meyer Sound

“For almost two decades Meyer Sound has been moving high fidelity audio over Ethernet. AVB/TSN is our choice for implementing a high-quality media network. Avnu certification promotes compliance with the IEEE standards that make up AVB/TSN, ensuring interoperability between devices. I look forward to continuing to work with the Alliance to help educate and inform the pro AV industry about the benefits of implementing AVB/TSN for interoperability between devices.”

Avnu Alliance members can be found throughout the ISE show floor demonstrating AVB/TSN and Avnu-certified products in multiple locations. Members will present their next session of the Avnu Master Class at InfoComm on June 6, 2018 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

DVIGear will exhibit the latest SDVoE technology in its DisplayNet AV-over-10GbE distribution platform at ISE 2018 in Amsterdam on February 6-9 in stand 1-N30. DVIGear is also demonstrating its suite of end-to-end 4K UHD video distribution solutions at the show, including its new HyperLight DisplayPort v1.4 Active Optical Cables and the DVI-7340 / DVI-7341 MultiPort 4K Fiber Optic Extenders.

The DN-200 Series is an extension of the DisplayNet AV-over-IP product line. Each transmitter accepts multiple source signals including HDMI (with embedded audio and HDCP), DisplayPort, analog stereo audio, bidirectional IR, RS-232, and 1GbE Ethernet. These input signals are packetized into a 10GbE stream and are distributed to destinations via an off-the-shelf 10GbE network switch. The DN-200 Series supports twisted pair (Cat-6a or Cat-7) media up to 328 feet, or fiber optic media using an industry standard SFP+ module supporting extension distances up to 18 miles. The 10GbE switch provides an efficient and reliable means of distributing AV signals from many sources to an array of receiver units, which convert the packetized data to AV output signals at the destination in real time without introducing frame latency or any loss of image quality, according to the company.

The DN-200 Series leverages the latest SDVoE technology to distribute uncompressed AV signals with resolutions up to 4K60 over a 10GbE Ethernet network. The DN-200 Series adds support for HDMI 2.0 with up to 12-bit color, HDCP 2.2, DisplayPort 1.2, and High Speed USB 2.0. A high-performance scaler in both the transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) units enables very fast switching, multiviewer, and enhanced video wall processing. DN-200 transmitter and receiver units are available starting at $1,350 MSRP per endpoint.

DVIGear will also exhibit its latest DNS-200 DisplayNet Server at the show. DisplayNet Server provides a central interface between the control equipment/software and the DisplayNet endpoint devices; therefore, it is an integral component of every DisplayNet system. This server supports web browser-based DisplayNet Manager software that provides a host of powerful control features, as well as tools to facilitate the use of third-party controllers that enable DisplayNet to be integrated into a wide range of professional AV applications.

DVIGear’s HyperLight Series is a new generation of advanced active optical cables (AOC) that supports DisplayPort 1.4 and provides a wide range of features in a compact, lightweight form factor. They are fully HDCP 1.4/2.2 compliant and support signals with data rates up to 32.4Gbps, according to the company. These features enable HyperLight cables to support very high-resolution applications at 4K at 60Hz (4:4:4) with cable lengths up to 100 meters and 8K at 30Hz (4:4:4) up to 50 meters.

HyperLight cables are plenum-rated (UL CMP-OF) and highly flexible. Constructed using a hybrid design of Polyfluorinated Optical Fiber and copper wires, they are rugged yet flexible, with a two-millimeter minimum bend radius. To further minimize cable diameter, DisplayPort docking connectors may be detached making the cables easier to install in narrow conduits and plenum spaces. Video signals are transmitted over the optical fibers, making them immune to interference from environmental noise. The optical transmission path provides a very low RFI/EMI profile that allows the cables to be installed in sensitive applications with strict security requirements. By drawing power from the connected DisplayPort source, the need for an external power supply is fully eliminated. Ready for shipment, HyperLight AOC cables are suited for applications that require ultra high-resolution DisplayPort signals to be extended over long runs while preserving image quality.

The DVI-7340 and DVI-7341 are high-performance 4K Optical Extenders designed to achieve much greater distances than other extension methods such as copper cables or Cat-x extenders. Each extender set consists of an optical transmitter module that converts the AV signals into light pulses for transmission over a single strand of multi-mode or single-mode optical fiber cable. An optical receiver module converts the light pulses back to AV signals for the display as well as other downstream devices. The units handle cable distances of up to 1,000 feet with or without HDCP. In applications where HDCP compliance is not required, optical links up to 1.2 miles are supported.

The extenders manage multiple signals such as uncompressed HDMI or DVI, embedded audio, balanced or unbalanced external audio, bidirectional IR, RS‑232, and Ethernet using a single fiber optic cable. Managing HDMI with embedded audio as well as independently routed balanced audio signal extension, they support ultra-high resolutions up to 4K UHD, and offer three EDID modes. The DVI-7340 and DVI-7341 are shipping now at $1,350 list price per set.

D-Tools will demonstrate the latest enhancements to its estimation, system design, and project management software platform—System Integrator (SI)—in booth 1-N85 during ISE, taking place February 6–9, 2018 in Amsterdam.

D-Tools will demo its new Mobile Quote 2.0 iPad companion app, which is designed to help ndustry salespeople generate a project scope and pricing estimate for client review and approval during the initial client meeting. In addition, D-Tools will demo the new Customer Portal, which enables D-Tools users to publish project documents to the web for client comment, acceptance, and e-signature approval, from any internet-enabled device. D-Tools will also provide insight on tools and ideas that help attendees streamline operations, automate business processes, and grow profitably.

Built on the D-Tools Cloud infrastructure, the new Customer Portal is designed to facilitate collaboration and increase client engagement, even across time zones and mobile platforms. Users can share proposals, contracts, change orders, drawings, cut sheets, user manuals, and other client-facing documents via the web. To review, comment, and accept (or reject) the documents presented, clients simply click on the emailed link and login to a secure web portal. This new web-enabled, device-agnostic capability expedites client communication and approvals, to keep projects moving forward and ensure that timelines and budgets are met.

Redesigned for a more intuitive, and effective experience, D-Tools’ Mobile Quote 2.0 is a native iPad app that enables salespeople to walk prospective clients through available technology options while generating a scope and budget for customer approval. The data collected is instantaneously transferred into D-Tools SI for further design development and project management. Leveraging D-Tools’ extensive product library and workflow concepts such as the specification of devices by location and system, Mobile Quote 2.0 allows salespeople to obtain signed approval of a project scope and budget, and even collect a design retainer, in the very first client meeting.

Barix will evolve its innovation in SIP (Session Initiation Protocol)-based paging and intercom solutions at ISE 2018 (February 6-9, Amsterdam RAI, Stand 8-K255) with its new SIP Zone Paging firmware – the latest cost-effective paging and public announcement solution. To be debuted at ISE, Barix’s latest solution for SIP architectures more fully integrates audio and paging capabilities with IP-based telephone systems in a seamless, firmware-based approach.

The new Barix SIP Zone Paging firmware runs on existing Barix hardware, including Exstreamer decoders and Annuncicom two-way audio devices, and enables systems integrators to implement a zone-supportable paging solution without the need to designate a SIP client for each individual paging point. Page routing and communication is instead accomplished natively in the Barix SIP paging gateway.Configuration for this capability is required only once within the client port gateway firmware.

“This is a hybrid IP paging and complete SIP solution,” said Reto Bader, vice president of sales and marketing, Barix. “The SIP Zone Paging firmware removes the constraints of configuring zone paging in a SIP environment, lessening some of the installation ‘divide’ that exists between paging and audio systems. Now, it’s a simple process to register a new gateway, provide seamless integration to the SIP firmware and enable specific zones for operation. It’s robust, easier to configure, and saves on individual licensing fees.”

As an example, a person will use the SIP phone and dial the gateway number, selecting the zones which are designated to carry the message to multiple loudspeakers at once. The SIP phones can dial into the paging system without a dedicated paging microphone station.

The new SIP Zone Paging firmware represents Barix’s latest approach to SIP and Paging integration. It is an alternative to Barix’s SIP Client Firmware, also to be demonstrated at ISE, which allows systems integrators to equip loudspeakers and amplifiers with a SIP address to receive calls.

An ISE 2018 Tech Tour will take place at the hi-tech Amsterdam ArenA on Wednesday 7 February between 18:00 and 20:00.

ISE Tech Tours take participants on technology-focused tours to local buildings and places of interest. The specially curated trips reveal the details behind unique AV and integration projects, including why, how and where technology is used and the core design principals involved.

The tour of the Amsterdam ArenA will be presented by Hub Pasman, a technology-expert at Amsterdam ArenA Innovation Centre. He commented: “Anyone and everyone involved in IoT will be able to find out more about mobility, sustainability, fan experience, security and urban farming using an open innovation platform.”

Participants will discover game-changing business models which include battery power energy saving (where BYOD has now become BYOE) and arena-wide building management systems.

The Amsterdam ArenA was built between 1993 and 1996. It replaced Ajax’s previous home which had become too small for the club. It is now the base of Ajax and the Dutch national team. The stadium has been chosen to be one of the playing venues of the Euro 2020 tournament, which will be played in 13 different countries. The stadium is located in Amsterdam South East.

Previous Tech Tours at ISE 2018 visited ‘The Canon of the Netherlands’ and ‘This is Holland’.

Tickets for the ArenA Tech Tour are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Please contact: ISEtechtours@greatcentralian.com

As the saying goes, “there is gold everywhere, most people are not trained to see it.” Well, #AVTweeps, it’s time to start looking—Barco is launching a Golden Button Contest at ISE 2018.

The Golden Button Contest will give one winner a piece of gold; the gold will be the same weight as the company’s ClickShare button. To participate, attendees will need to find the golden-button-wearing Barco promo team on the show floor.

Once show-goers find the button-wearer, they will need to take a selfie with the wearer, and post the image to Twitter with the hashtag #CelebrateSharing and tag @barco. The person with the most likes and retweets will win the gold; the winner will be drawn at the end of the ISE Show.

The World Masters of Projection Mapping screenings are now underway in the centre of Amsterdam and can be viewed each day leading up to and during ISE 2018.

Janus van den Eijnden

The World Masters of Projection Mapping sees five leading international video artists participating in a three-week display of 3D video projection onto the EYE Filmmuseum façade and onto a water screen during its final week.

The event is a joint venture initiative from Amsterdam Light Festival, Integrated Systems Events and RAI Amsterdam. World Masters of Projection Mapping climaxes on 8 February when judging takes place on site. This is followed by an Awards Showcase to be held at the RAI Amsterdam on 9 February, the last day of ISE 2018.

Mike Blackman, ISE’s managing director, commented: “This project has come to life in spectacular fashion. The results can be seen each day in Amsterdam in the morning and evening. It involves leading artists, manufacturers and solution providers combining to create something very special.”

The shape of the multi-faceted museum, with no regular surfaces and the close proximity of water from the IJ, created a unique set of technical and production challenges for the artists. To make projection possible, 12 Panasonic projectors are positioned all around the building and on pontoons moored in the river for the water screen.

Amsterdam Light Festival creative director and jury chair Lennart Booij commented: “The quality of the entries is high and the jury is enthusiastic about the final selection of national and international artists. These conceptual and cinematographic works enable us to deepen the scope and the artistic quality of projection mapping.”

The Finalists
• Geert Mul: For over 25 years Mul has been exploring the possibilities of poetry in the language of new (data-based) media. Mul’s practice engages the broader public through audio visual performances and commissioned artworks in public spaces.
• Alida Dors and Manuel Rodrigues: Alida Dors is the artistic director of dance company BackBone. Manuel Rodrigues creates audiovisual installations. He approaches light and video as a choreographer. In his work image and sound are inextricably connected.
• Telcosystems (Gideon Kiers, David Kiers and Lucas van der Velden): The trio research the relationship between the behaviour of programmed numerical logic and the human perception of this behaviour. This leads to the creation of immersive audio visual installations which are shown through various media and live performances.
• Florian and Michael Quistrebert: The duo create ‘optical canvasses’ and video showing angular patterns in which symmetry and reflections are recurring themes. Using a variety of material and techniques they seek to reinvent modernism, futurism and optical art.
• Eder Santos: Santos, a pioneer of multimedia art in Brazil, is recognised worldwide for developing hybrid projects that mix visual arts, cinema, theatre, video, and new media.

On each consecutive day leading up to the final the work of one of the artists will be showcased from 07:00-09:00 and 17:00-23:00 onto the EYE Filmmuseum.

Technical project manager Rembrandt Boswijk from Indyvideo coordinated the services of a range of manufacturers and suppliers to produce the early morning and evening displays. Technical partners are Panasonic (projectors); Disguise (media servers); Alcons Audio (audio) and Lightware (transmission). Creative partners are BeamSystems, (installation and integration) and EYE Filmmuseum.

The video displays will be accompanied by audio through radio frequency FM 88.4 on 8 and 9 February via audio sets available on the quaysides adjacent to the EYE Filmmuseum and near Central Station. Canal boat cruises are also available, leaving from the RAI Harbour during ISE 2018.

World Masters of Projection Mapping Schedule and Timings
• Art Displays: 14 January – 9 February. 07:00-09:00 and 17:00-23:00 each day
• Competition Judging: 8 February – Start 19:45 – EYE Filmmuseum
• Awards Showcase: 9 February – Start 12:30 – RAI Amsterdam, ISE 2018, Forum
• Replay: 9 February – Start 19:45 – EYE Filmmuseum

Technology Partners.

Wisdom Audio will demonstrate the SC-2 and SC-3 system controllers for attendees of ISE 2018 in stand 5-S120 on Feb. 6-9 at the RAI in Amsterdam. The company says that the second-generation controllers are designed to help installers quickly and confidently overcome acoustic problems with calibration tools that solve unpredictable and complex audio distortions in any installation.

"Dirac Live by Dirac Research is the most advanced room correction technology available. With the platform's impulse response and frequency response adjustment, our system controllers can ensure pristine listening experiences, even in challenging environments," said Luc Guillaume, managing director, Wisdom Audio. "Our electronic room acoustic solutions enable integrators to allow the best frequency response of our speakers. This level of precision brings unparalleled high-performance audio and clarity directly from our lab to the end-user's home. We're delighted to have these controllers make their ISE debut."

The SC-2 is a 2RU system controller offering 8-channel in to 16-channel out, while the SC-3 is a 3RU platform providing 16-channel in to 32-channel out. Both units operate at 24-bit 96 kHz and provide the necessary digital active crossover and digital EQ profiles for all Wisdom Audio loudspeakers.

Now featuring Dirac Live, a platform for optimized sound enhancement technology, both controllers are designed to perfect sound in any listening room by removing resonances and acoustic problems in sound reproduction without the need for room treatments.

Expert Mode provides installers with an additional layer of live tuning features, equalization tools and the ability to override delays and trim EQ to optimize system performance in the most difficult acoustic scenarios. With four preset slots to store up to four complete and independent calibrations, installers have plenty of space to perform multiple room correction setups for up to 16 zones or rooms.

MORE INFO: http://wisdomaudio.com

Atlona will come to ISE 2018 (February 6-9, Amsterdam RAI) with a refined and focused AV over IP strategy for its OmniStream platform, significantly broadening its applicability across commercial and high-end residential projects. In addition to the expanded and clearly delineated product family, Atlona will strengthen its portfolio of IP-related services to help systems integrators deploy complete AV over IP solutions as quickly, simply and efficiently as possible.

OmniStream was introduced at ISE 2016 as a networked switching and distribution platform to help integrators build flexible, scalable and cost-effective AV systems. At ISE stand 5-U80, Atlona will demonstrate three distinct OmniStream product families built to provide an AV over IP platform for integration in meeting rooms and classrooms up to the largest whole-house, campus and enterprise-level systems:

● OmniStream Pro, which offers offering unprecedented scalability and reliability for medium-to-large commercial AV systems

● OmniStream R-Type, which improves performance with simplified integration for light commercial and residential AV systems

● OmniStream Audio, a complementary audio line to support Dante, AES67 and analog audio transport in OmniStream Pro and R-Type systems

Atlona will support the new OmniStream AV over IP structure with a full range of services including IP certification and training, system design services, dedicated IP support and commissioning services through its team of CCNA experts. Like all Atlona products, every OmniStream product purchase will also be fortified through a 10-year warranty.

OmniStream Pro

OmniStream Pro comprises the classic single- and dual-channel networked AV encoders (AT-OMNI-111, AT-OMNI-121) and decoders (AT-OMNI-112, AT-OMNI-122) introduced in 2016. Providing the best in ultra-low half-frame latency, uncompromised image quality, and network redundancy, OmniStream Pro brings reliability and value to AV over IP deployments serving large conference rooms and live venues, as well as multi-room and enterprise-wide systems.

Just in time for ISE, Atlona has released a new firmware upgrade (OmniStream Pro 1.1) to provide video wall capability, slate and scrolling text insertion, plus support for encoder grouping. The latter is an Atlona first that allows integrators to program automatic switching across any encoder and decoder on the IP network regardless of physical location. This offers a level of versatility that is both complex and costly to achieve in a legacy circuit-based switching system, while also further reducing physical wiring and connectors required to establish multiple, long-distance connection points.

OmniStream R-Type

Making its ISE debut, OmniStream R-Type is a streamlined version of what is now called OmniStream Pro. In residential applications, OmniStream R-Type offers custom installers a simple way to support whole-house 4K HDR distribution between any number of sources and destinations, using existing structured cable and an off-the-shelf network switch. This is especially useful for end customers that have an imbalance of inputs to outputs – i.e., a minimal number of sources feeding a large number of destinations.

For commercial applications, OmniStream R-Type provides the same integration and performance benefits for AV and digital signage networks in bars, clubs, restaurants and hotels, among other small-to-mid-sized systems. In both residential and light commercial projects, the ability to use existing network infrastructure simplifies deployments where architectural designs limit access to work behind walls and other barriers.

OmniStream Audio

OmniStream Audio was specially created to complement both Pro and R-Type systems in any commercial facility or residence, and streamline integration with Dante and AES67-capable devices. The line incorporates the two-input, two-output AT-OMNI-232 Dante audio bridge, integrates any number of Dante-enabled digital signal processors, microphones, amplifiers or other devices within the OmniStream ecosystem. This makes OmniStream instantly compatible with facility-wide conferencing, paging and/or background music systems, with the flexibility to target specific zones matched to on-screen video content.

New for ISE is the AT-OMNI-238, an IP-to-analog audio bridge that provides 16 audio output channels. Ideal for pairing with multi-channel amps, this enables integrators to target ceiling speakers and other end points in multiple rooms or zones for informational, entertainment, and other needs.

To further simplify system integration and minimize costs, all OmniStream Pro devices and the R-Type encoder can be powered using a PoE-equipped Gigabit switch or using a dedicated power supply. OmniStream products are configured using the free Atlona Management System (AMS) 2.0 software, which serves as a centralized portal to monitor and managean OmniStream system.

As ever with ISE, there are plenty of new products from every sub-section of pro AV debuting. Launch announcements are coming thick and fast in the build-up to the show, here’s a selection of video and audio products set to hit the showfloor.

With a leisure and hospitality theme on its stand, Optoma will showcase a raft of interactive solutions along with a major new visual display technology for the company. This includes new 4K UHD laser projectors using the latest single-chip DLP technology. There will also be an expanded range of professional accessories on show, including a dome lens for non-complex mapping, a range of signal processors and standalone wireless presentation tool.

Visitors to Sony’s stand will learn more about the collaborative future of learning, corporate efficiencies and a display without limits.

Sony is showcasing its co-operation with The University of Wales Trinity Saint David to deploy education technology, including Vision Exchange, across the University’s different campuses.

In the corporate sector, the company will demonstrate how businesses can work together to schedule and monitor content across networked screens, projectors and display with the company’s complete room management solution, TEOS Manage.

Also on show is the bezel-less Crystal LED technology on an 8K by 2K display. The display offers corner-to-corner image uniformity for both brightness and color, and can achieve viewing angles of virtually 180°.

Leyard is set to exhibit the latest in its display innovations at ISE 2018, including a first-of-its-kind seamless LED touch-enabled videowall. Visitors to Hall 12 will be able to view the interactive Leyard LED MultiTouch, which the company says delivers ‘superior visual performance’, enabled by the patent-pending Leyard Pliable LED Touch Surface (PLTS) technology. Available in 0.9mm and 1.2mm pixel pitches, the company claims its proprietary technology ‘revolutionises’ interactivity for narrow pixel-pitch LED videowalls by offering a smooth and durable LED touch surface.

Allsee Technologies is exhibiting core ranges including USB plug-and-play displays, all-in-one network displays, freestanding digital posters, digital menu boards and ultra-high brightness monitors. Also on show are PCAP and IR touchscreens, 10in POS touchscreens, videowall displays and interactive touch displays. Allsee is also showcasing bespoke products, yet to be launched, such as ultra-wide stretched displays, hanging rod screens and advertising touchscreens.

Making its ISE debut is the QR24/110 modular two-way column loudspeaker from Alcons Audio. The speaker combines 1:1 linear and dynamic sound reproduction with superb intelligibility and throw, in even the most acoustically challenging environments, claims the company.

The symmetrical acoustic design, in combination with the wide, 110° horizontal dispersion of the patented RBN high-frequency drivers (up to 20kHz), is said to offer a coherent horizontal pattern control with seamless coverage. This widens the stereo sweet spot significantly for an off-axis positioned audience.

The 63SA-7HO.8 high-output in-ceiling loudspeaker from James Loudspeaker is a new full range three-way system engineered to accommodate the narrow 8in (200mm) ceiling beam widths found in modern construction. Designed for whole-house entertainment and home theatre clientele, the new speaker uses proprietary drivers, including a 6.5in aluminium PowerPipe subwoofer, a 2in midrange and a ¾in tweeter. Power-limiting circuitry aims for high reliability and performance for any application.

The Yamaha YVC-1000MS USB speakerphone – the company’s first product to be officially certified for Skype for Business – is designed to deliver clear audio to help ensure productive meetings. Yamaha subsidiary Revolabs is demonstrating the system on its Hall 11 stand.

Available worldwide, the microphone and speaker system is claimed to provide a scalable and flexible solution engineered to support the audio requirements of large meeting rooms, rooms with special table configurations, and even remote education classes or seminars within the Skype for Business application.

www.iseurope.org

This was originally posted on our NewBay UK sister site: http://www.installation-international.com/ise-2018-preview-video-audio/

RTI's signal processing solutions At ISE 2018, RTI will debut a range of new AV products designed to provide dealers with a comprehensive, end-to-end solution for the commercial market. On display will be a variety of video distribution solutions, presentation switchers, audio mixer amplifiers, interactive displays, and more. These new products will become an extension of the RTI control ecosystem, with the goal of providing integrators with everything needed to automate the corporate, hospitality, and retail environments.

HDMI and HDBaseT Video Matrix Solutions
RTI will display solutions designed for video distribution in conference rooms, classrooms, restaurants, and more. Utilizing HDBaseT technology, RTI's VHD-4 and VHD-8 video matrix switchers extend HDMI, IR, and RS-232 signals up to 230 feet over a single Cat-5e/6 cable. Also new to the lineup are the VHX-4 and VHX-8 HDMI video switchers, featuring the latest in HDMI 2.0 technology. To meet the unique needs of every installation, RTI will also offer a line of HDBaseT receivers/transmitters, video distribution accessories, and wall plates.

To meet the video requirements in today's corporate, education, or retail environments, RTI will introduce high-performance modular matrix switchers. The VMX-8 and VMX-16 modular matrix switchers are configured using cards in increments of four input/outputs. For increased versatility, the VFX-124 and VFX-248 matrix switchers combine fixed outputs and open slots (12 and 24, respectively), each configurable as inputs or outputs depending on application. To handle different video signal types, a wide variety of input and output cards provide support for HDMI, HDBaseT, VGA, and more.

Presentation Scaler Switchers
Designed for meeting rooms, classrooms, and lecture halls, RTI presentation switchers are engineered to make collaboration easier. The compact VSS-51 scaler/switcher comes with five inputs and accepts a variety of input formats, including a microphone. It combines seamless switching with advanced scaling and has mirrored HDMI and HDBaseT video outputs for connection to local and remote displays. The VMS-741 multiviewer scaler has seven video inputs, with seven audio inputs. Video is output at 4K and may be configured for viewing up to four sources simultaneously on one display.

XP-6s and XP-8v Control Processors
Offering all the advanced control options of their predecessors, the XP-6s and XP-8v have been upgraded with new i.MX53 processors and more memory for increased processing power in residential and commercial projects. The XP-6s has been enhanced with a new rack-mountable design, and the XP-8v now features an HDMI output to enable a customizable on-screen display control interface.

Integration Designer APEX v10.2 Programming Software
The backbone of RTI's control and automation solutions, the Integration Designer APEX programming platform combines time-saving automation with the complete freedom to design custom control experiences that will set dealers apart from the competition. The latest update, Integration Designer APEX 10.2, includes a new global controller feature, simplifying the creation of a multiroom control experience for a client. The software also includes a room proxy feature, which uses smart generation of the logic for interfaces in each room. At ISE 2018, RTI will provide training on Integration Designer APEX throughout in multiple languages.