AVNation TV

Category: Features

  • ATEN focuses on collaboration

    New line of presentation switchers for office, classroom

    IRVINE, CA – January 14, 2019 – ATEN Technology, Inc., the technology leader and global manufacturer of KVM and Pro AV connectivity solutions, today announced its new presentation switch series. Tailor-made with unique and innovative features to satisfy a wide variety of meeting space demands and various presentation environments, the switches are available in two series:

    VP 1000 Core Series – The “VP1920” is suitable for all small-to-medium sized corporate and education presentation environments, such as meeting rooms, classrooms, training rooms, or other presentation settings, such as exhibition centers or hotels. It includes a 9×2 4K presentation matrix switch with video matrix switching, audio processing, and analog-to-digital conversion to deliver high-quality video and audio switching. With nine inputs to two 4K outputs, the 3-in-1 presentation switch was designed to boost the efficiency and impact of professional multi-format 4K presentations. With front panel pushbuttons, IR remote controller, OSD, and RS232, the unit reduces system device count and lowers operation complexity.

    Key features:

    • Multi-format AV switching – Switching among 6 HDMI and 3 combo inputs (HDMI/VGA, HDMI/DisplayPort, HDMI/Component/Composite) to 2 HDMI outputs and supports coaxial, TOSLINK, and stereo audio outputs.
    • USB control routing for PCs and touch panels – USB ports integrate PC and touch panel controls with other devices into one system. Independent switching of USB peripheral ports and keyboard/mouse control focus.
    • Selectable matrix, mirror, and PIP modes – Three different display modes meet the needs of various events or presentation styles.
    • Source preview – Quickly identify and switch to target content means no more guessing which port connects to which content source.

    VP2000 Collaborative Series – The “VP2730” facilitates distance-free content sharing with advanced audio. Ideal for conference and board rooms, lecture halls, or distance learning classrooms, the solution empowers larger meetings and facilitates collaboration between local and remote participants. It includes a 7×3 seamless multi-in-one presentation switch with video matrix scaler, streaming, audio mixer, and HDBaseT extender.

    Key features:

    • Bi-directional distance-free streaming – Expedite collaboration by going live to stream out HD video or stream in content from a remote site via an intuitive web GUI.
    • Ultra-seamless switch with scaler – Zero second switching without any latency while scaling ensures extra smooth presentations for the best output resolution.
    • Multi-view flexibility – Display and switch simultaneously up to six sources in PiP (picture in picture), PbP (picture by picture), quad-view mode, and more.
    • Moderator mode – The meeting moderator can control any output display remotely and discretely without interrupting the meeting flow.
    • Built-in audio mixer – Supports dynamic and condenser microphone input with selectable 48V phantom power, allowing microphone input to be mixed with program audio.

    “ATEN simplifies AV integration and the compatibility challenges that accompany them, by eliminating the need for numerous individual components,” said ATEN Pro AV Product Manager YT Liang. “With multi-in-one functionality, our easy-to-control and connect switching solutions enable workforces to collaborate within a local meeting room or share presentations with multiple offices remotely on any devices, in any-sized spaces.”

    Simplified AV integration and control, ATEN’s multi-in-one solutions are available in a variety of configurations. Users can mix and match video matrix switch, audio, extension, streaming, and analog-to-digital conversion functions, and share unique features in one compact enclosure. Eliminating the need for numerous individual components also reduces the compatibility challenges that accompany multiple devices. The switches are equipped with an accessible OSD and intuitive Web GUI to streamline operation for both local and remote participants, offering a solid, cost-effective foundation for streaming content to next-generation collaborative environments.

    Pricing and Availability

    ATEN’s new presentation switches (VP1920, MSRP: $980; VP2730, MSRP: $2,700) are available through ATEN’s channel of distribution and reseller partners starting this month: http://www.aten.com/us/en/where-to-buy/.

    For more information, product features, and technical specifications, visit:

    VP1920: https://www.aten.com/us/en/products/professional-audiovideo/presentation-switches/vp1920/

    VP2730: https://www.aten.com/us/en/products/professional-audiovideo/presentation-switches/vp2730/

     

  • Somebody could be watching your Ring feed

    Smart doorbell gave access to research company

    Just about a year ago, Amazon announced the acquisition of Ring. The announcement came along with the story of how Ring founder, Jamie Siminoff, had been rejected from the ABC show ‘Shark Tank’.

    Shark Tank is a reality-ish television program where inventors and founders pitch their ideas to a panel of millionaire investors. Each potential investor interviews the founders, offers advice, and ultimately decides to invest, or not, in the product or service.

    The Ring promises the ability to see who is at the front door from your mobile device. In an era when the public at large is increasingly concerned about privacy, Ring was one of the companies ensuring the safety of the content they stored. That is until this week. 

    The Information reported on Ring’s research and development practices that included providing access to all Ring videos to a research firm in Ukraine. According to The Information, the Kiev company had unrestricted access to the Amazon S3 folder that contained every video a Ring customer had saved.

    The firm was using the video for data analytics such as facial recognition and identifying delivery vehicles in the video.

    With the Ring doorbell, you are able to record interactions. Customers also have the ability to record anytime someone comes to the door even if there is no interaction.

    Ring contacted The Intercept with this response, “Ring employees never have and never did provide employees with access to livestreams of their Ring devices.” However, both The Intercept and The Information have sources that are contradicting Ring’s official line.

     

     

  • CEDIA 2019 awards open up

    Get your home technology firm recognized

    FISHERS, Indiana – CEDIA is now accepting award entries for the 2019 home technology professional awards program.

    “2019 marks CEDIA’s 30th anniversary as an association and with those year-long celebrations in mind there has never been a better time to enter the awards program,” said Giles Sutton, CEDIA Senior Vice President of Industry Engagement. “Year over year, we are impressed with the incredible work our members submit and these projects serve as inspiration for the entire industry.”

    Home technology professional categories include: Integrated Home; Media Room; Home Cinema; Innovative Solution or System; Showroom; Auto, Marine, or Aircraft; and Multiple Dwelling Unit Design. Projects can be submitted in multiple categories, and cost categories will be determined by the judges based on the entries. Entrants will compete for recognition within their respective region — Americas, EMEA, or Asia Pacific.

    Watch all of AVNation’s CEDIA 2018 coverage

    CEDIA will announce finalists in early June and each finalist will be considered for additional sub-category awards based on the region of their primary location. These sub-category awards include Best Documentation, Best Dressed Rack, and Best Lighting System. A panel of design professionals will judge finalists projects for the Life Lived Best at Home Award and the Technology Meets Design Award. The home technology professional Global Award winners are selected from the overall winners in all regions.

    Full details on the entry requirements can be found at cedia.net/awards. The deadline for home technology professional project entries is March 18. Past winners will be featured on the CEDIA Technology Council Podcast in the coming weeks to share their tips for entering projects.

  • BrightSign adds rising AV star

    Kaleo Lee joins Brightsign sales team

    Industry veteran Kaleo Lee has joined BrightSign as Regional Sales Manager for the Southwest. Leading up to joining BrightSign, Kaleo was featured in SCN’s “The Nine” and Commercial Integrator’s “40 under 40”. He brings 10 years of experience as an AV integrator, from technician to VP of Sales, serving Hawaii’s top AV integration company.

    “This is a very exciting time to join BrightSign. Digital signage is evolving into something that is expected as part of the AV ecosystem, and BrightSign continues to innovate and deliver leading-edge products that deliver everything an AV integrator could wish for,” said Lee.

    Kaleo absolutely loves the AV industry because most people are like him – AV Geek by day and awkwardly (yet entertainingly) sociable by night. Born and raised in Hawaii, you would never guess that Kaleo loves snowboarding and is quite terrible at surfing. Kaleo will cover sales in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and of course, Hawaii.

  • Samsung getting into cahoots with everyone

    Samsung displays will have Apple, Google, Alexa

    This week at CES 2019 Samsung delivered a parcel of announcements that come down to one thing; they will play with anyone and everyone.

    First, the one that really shook things up in Las Vegas. This year’s Samsung displays will have iTunes natively. Your Apple iTunes content will be accessible through an iTunes app inside the Samsung TV. Up until this point the only way to access your iTunes content has been through an AppleTV or stream it from a computer with iTunes. This means that Apple is starting to work with other manufacturers to get their content delivered to the Smart TV segment.

    In addition to playing iTunes content, the new Samsung displays will support AirPlay2 that gives customers the ability to stream from Apple products videos, pictures, and presentations from Keynote and PowerPoint. Having this feature would eliminate the need for another network appliance that did the same.

    The other side of the announcements was voice control. Starting in 2019, Samsung displays will have the ability to be controlled by Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. This is not a built-in feature like the iTunes app but it means that Samsung displays will have the capability of being controlled by Google or Amazon.

    The commands available to both Google Home and the Echo are simple enough. Residential AV dealers will be able to adjust volume, power on and power off, switch inputs, and initiate certain applications.

    This is significant in that it is another instance where both Google and Alexa have been given access for controls to devices that have, up until this point, only been controlled through either the manufacturer’s remotes or a third-party control system such as Control4 or Crestron.

    It also gives those control companies another avenue to initiate commands to devices, televisions, that have traditionally been controlled through IR or serial command. Both Crestron and Control4 were among the first control companies who touted their ability to work with voice control; first with Amazon Echo and then with Google Home. With the addition of the Samsung television line and the voice control through either protocol, audiovisual integrators have another tool to create integrated experiences.

     

  • Key Digital creates hospitality switcher

    Aimed dining and bars, changing content easily

    MOUNT VERNON, NY  – Key Digital, the award-winning manufacturer of professional AV and control systems introduces the KD-Pro8x8D professional matrix switcher with ARC, Audio DSP, six standard-range, and two long-range HDBaseT receivers perfect for bar and restaurant applications. The high-performance versatile KD-Pro8x8D matrix switcher is compliant with HDCP2.2 standards enabling distribution of encrypted content from popular playback devices in addition to non-encrypted content.

    Key Digital has been at the forefront of digital video evolution with more than 15 years of background in designing adaptable products for system integration into bars and restaurants. Key Digital’s wealth of experience and information is a result of its System Design Group over-seeing thousands of system designs throughout the evolution from analog video to digital video. The professionals in SDG have over 50 years of combined experience and are ready to create any design concept with the perfect bar and restaurant audio-visual solution.

    The newest product in Key Digital’s HDMI HDBaseT product assortment, the KD-Pro8x8D, is a full kit including the matrix, six KD-X88SHRx Standard-Range extenders, and two KD-X88LGRx Long-Range extenders all with the great benefit that they are powered over HDBaseT. There are two power connections on the matrix one of which is for the matrix and one for all eight of the receive units. The Standard-Range is capable of extending UHD/4K signals up to 125ft (40m) at 4096×2160/60 [4:2:0] and 200ft (70m) at 1080p/60. The Long-Range extenders are capable of extending UHD/4K signals up to 300ft (100m) at 4096×2160/60 [4:2:0] and 500ft (150m) at 1080p/60. All HDBaseT receivers are powered at the matrix.

    KD-Pro8x8D features audio de-embedding on each of the eight outputs with DSP control. Analog L/R balanced/unbalanced and coax digital connectors to output the audio from the selected audio source or returned audio (ARC) from the connected display. Variable control of all pre-amp features including volume, muting, 3 band EQ, and lip-sync delay enable the audio outputs to feed immediately into power amplifiers and systems. So in addition to handling video distribution needs the KD-Pro8x8D is also an ideal hub for audio distribution.

    Each video source may be routed to a separate output set consisting of an HDMI and an HDBaseT transmitter. Both output connections are simultaneously active, allowing for support for up to 16 displays with 8 mirrored, with many bar-restaurant applications deploying mirroring with this product. Using HDBaseT technology, the outputs can carry video, audio, and control signals over longer distances than traditional HDMI based wiring.

    KD-Pro8x8D features support of HDR10 (High Dynamic Range) video which allows users to experience more life-like images through a greater range of luminance levels. Key Digital’s HDR10 delivery is handled as part of their proprietary Full-Buffer Technology (FBT). Studies have concluded that viewers prefer video signals with more contrast ratio vs higher resolution. This matrix switcher delivers the highest possible support across both of these highly sought after features.

    This product joins a suite of Key Digital IP enabled products that are now app ready. The engineers at Key Digital have created a simple way for installers and users to switch inputs and control volume and muting of the Key Digital system as if you were standing in front of the unit- all from your iOS device. This allows bar and wait staff to the field and accommodates viewing requests from customers without the delay of involving management for a simple change. The Key Digital app can be downloaded free from the App Store.

  • QSC gets into native video distribution

    Video through the Q-SYS ecosystem

    Costa Mesa, Calif. – QSC today announced the Q-SYS™ NV Series (NV-32-H) network video endpoint for the Q-SYS Ecosystem. This native, multi-stream, software-defined HDMI encoder/decoder enables network-based video distribution, optimized specifically for the meeting room. It features the new QSC Shift™ video compression codec which provides low latency video streaming with resolutions up to 4K60 4:4:4 over a standard gigabit network by dynamically adjusting network bandwidth consumption based on video content. This provides flexible and network efficient compression and distribution of common meeting room video content without sacrificing the ability to stream full motion video.

    As a single SKU solution, the NV Series is software-defined as either an HDMI video encoder or decoder, and allows for several unique I/O configurations. This flexibility allows for a multitude of room design and deployment options, including simultaneous stream encoding/decoding for multiscreen room designs.

    In addition to its video distribution capabilities, NV Series also provides seamless integration of soft codec audio and Q-SYS conference camera sources via USB for web conferencing applications such as Zoom, Google Hangouts Meet and Cisco WebEx, all without the need for additional control processors, hubs, bridges or complicated, time-consuming programming.

    “Unlike other AV-over-IP products on the market, the NV Series is native to the most powerful, flexible and scalable audio, video & control (AV&C) platforms on the market – the Q-SYS Ecosystem. This provides Q-SYS users a tightly integrated solution that is faster and simpler to set up and maintain than other video distribution solutions,” says Mike Brandes, Product Manager, Q-SYS Video, QSC. “Users now have a holistic approach for existing or new AV&C meeting room designs while delivering the right balance of quality, latency and network efficiency needed for real-time video distribution.”

    Integrators can also route network audio between NV Series video endpoints and any other Q-SYS peripherals leveraging the Q-LAN network technology. They can also take advantage of feature-rich Q-SYS technologies such software-based processing and drag-and-drop GUI creation and deployment to control the NV Series.

    Q-SYS Ecosystem

    By adding native video distribution as well as monitoring and management capabilities (Q-SYS Reflect™ Enterprise Manager) to its existing portfolio, QSC provides an end-to-end solution that includes processing, networking, AV&C, plus cloud-based monitoring and management under a single, software-based platform using mainstream IT technology. This native approach to AV&C throughout the ecosystem eliminates integration workarounds to tie all components together and provides a more comprehensive feature set, tighter integration and greater system stability/predictability.

    With Q-SYS Reflect Enterprise Manager, users can easily monitor and manage all Q-SYS-based AV systems across the global enterprise including Q-SYS Core processors and peripherals, and any connected third-party devices, to help reduce support costs and increase uptime for the entire AV system.

    “The Q-SYS Ecosystem represents a paradigm shift in our industry by delivering the performance, scalability and flexibility of a software-based AV platform,” says TJ Adams, Senior Director Product Management, Installed Systems, QSC. Q-SYS provides the ability to effectively design an AV system with less hardware and simplified programming options and most importantly, ensures the enterprise is future-ready, with technology that can be upgraded with a simple software push. Adams continues, “This is vitally important as enterprises are tasked with managing more locations around the world and looking for ways to streamline their AV&C support needs. The Q-SYS Ecosystem delivers the desired business outcomes for our customers while providing the same service and support the world has come to expect from QSC.”

    QSC will demonstrate the NV Series and Q-SYS Reflect for the first time at ISE 2019 in Amsterdam at their stand 7-R200. For more information on QSC activities at ISE, please visit: www.qsc.com/systems/ise-2019/.

  • EMEA Middle Atlantic customers get expanded support

    Through Legrand | AV integration

    FAIRFIELD, N.J. –– Middle Atlantic Products, a brand of Legrand | AV, is expanding its global sales and support infrastructure with additional service and inventory in EMEA. This Legrand | AV service expansion will better serve integration customers globally and help them succeed by reducing lead times and providing local sales representation and support. Customers can also purchase from any of the brands within the Legrand | AV portfolio with a single purchase order and receive it in one shipment — making it easier to solve today’s AV integration challenges.

    “As our customers’ businesses grow and expand globally, it becomes even more important for partners like Legrand | AV to be global as well. We realize it’s challenging to create cohesive, consistent AV installations with the same products and services all while trying to finish on time if they aren’t available regionally,” said Steve Durkee, senior vice president and general manager for Legrand | AV’s commercial division. “By expanding Middle Atlantic’s sales and support structure, we’re able to complement and support this growth, enabling our customers to create amazing AV experiences.”

    Middle Atlantic will now be available alongside the other Legrand | AV brands in EMEA including Chief, Projecta, Da-Lite, and Vaddio with a larger sales and support organization and local inventory. This team will offer regional design assistance and technical support to ensure integrator and distribution partners have the tools they need to succeed.

    More information regarding regional support is available at https://www.legrandav.com/en/contact_us/sales_directory. More information about Middle Atlantic Products is available at www.middleatlantic.com.

  • Shure expands mobile audio line with MV88+

    Gives content creators pro AV quality

    LAS VEGAS –  At CES, Shure unveiled the MV88+ Video Kit, featuring a digital stereo condenser microphone that provides content creators with an all-in-one solution for capturing professional-quality recordings on-the-go. The kit also includes a Manfrotto® PIXI tripod, phone clamp, and mount as well as iOS and USB-C cables for next-level compatibility and connectivity.

    MV88 + Videographer in action
    Videographer using Shure MV88+ mobile mic system

    Built on the success and classic design of the MV88 iOS Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone, this latest addition to the Company’s MOTIV™ line of digital microphones and portable recording solutions delivers Shure signature audio quality for extraordinary content creation. Designed for podcasters, videographers, content creators, field recordists, and musicians looking to record immersive, rich, high-quality audio wherever, the MV88+ accentuates the power of flexibility, enabling you to transform your smartphone device into a professional-level mobile audio and video rig.

    “The MV88+ Video Kit provides multiple configurations straight out of the box,” said Matt Engstrom, Senior Category Director, Global Product Management at Shure. “You shouldn’t have to buy half a dozen products to film a high-quality piece of video content one day, and then an audio interview or field recording the next. With the MV88+, you don’t have to. We listened to you and worked to develop a superior microphone with superior accessories. This package gives you everything you’ll need to film in your studio, on-the-go, at home—or wherever life takes you.”

    Compatible with iOS and other selected devices, the MV88+ Video Kit equips you with a variety of new and improved accessories, arming you with the tools and versatility needed for recording on-the-go. To ensure real-time audio assessment, a headphone jack lets you record with confidence. A convenient phone clamp and tripod stand multiplies the sort of environments you can record in. Whether jamming in your studio, filming your next YouTube video, or live streaming an interview on a crowded trade show floor, you can easily thread your devices into a mounted platform for uninterrupted and stable recording. And it doesn’t end there. The MV88+ can also be used for standalone audio capture, replacing the need for field recordists to carry a portable audio recorder.

    “The MV88+ takes into account the little things, too,” noted Engstrom. “We understand the value of efficiency and improved the design to seamlessly record with or without a protective smartphone case. The included phone mount is also compatible with your existing setup, allowing you to connect to any tripod with a ¼” connector. This empowers you to use the setup that best suits your needs. You’ll also be able to tap into the capabilities of the free Shure MOTIV Video and Audio Recording applications to access our state-of-the-art audio quality in tandem with the microphone.”

    The MV88+ Video Kit retails for $249 MAP and is available for pre-order at select retailers. For more information, please visit www.shure.com.

  • Personal Revolution

    My journey back from the edge

    I’m fat. There isn’t really a nice way to put this. No, it isn’t that I’m “big boned”, “fluffy”, or any other sort of euphuisms that is a nicer way to put off saying the obvious. I’m fat. Have been for over 20 years now. At 44 I had reached a point that was both unhealthy and uncomfortable on several levels.

    I say “had” because about six months ago things started to change. So, this isn’t exactly a New Year’s resolution blog as much as it is an I’m on my way piece.

    The first of July I stood on the scales and was a bit horrified. Somehow over the last ten years, I had allowed myself to hit over 300 pounds. Had I been 8 foot that would not have been a problem. Alas, I am not.

    My clothes had certainly started to fit poorly. Travel was proving interesting as plane seats had become smaller (for real and the way they felt). Generally, I just was not in a great place physically nor mentally because of my weight.

    When I’m confronted with a problem my first step is usually to research solutions. There are several people who have lost weight on Atkins, Paleo, Nutrisystem, Weight Watchers, and others. Those are all fine programs I’m certain as they continue to see success. They just weren’t’ for me. In the midst of talking with my doctor and a nutritionist, I happened upon an interview with Penn Jillete.

    Jillette is an incredibly smart man, in addition to being wickedly entertaining with Penn & Teller. His wit and directness is something I’ve long admired. Jillete was in a similar, though more serious, situation. He had allowed himself to get overweight, his doctors were wanting to do gastric bypass. His comment in this clip, though, is what struck me. “If I was willing to do something as crazy as major surgery to lose weight, I was going to try something equally as nuts that didn’t involve someone cutting me open.” (note: gastric sleeve surgery involves cutting out parts of your stomach).

    With this epiphany I set out to do something that my nutritionist recommended; watch what I eat and get some exercise. Revolutionary, I know. (sarcasm, folks). If Jillette could do his crazy idea, I was going to try mine. And mine, really wasn’t as crazy as the old magician’s (he ate nothing but potatoes for two weeks).

    The first bit of extreme measures was tracking what I eat. No, I’m not religious about this especially as the day goes on. But I can tell you with extreme accuracy what I had to eat the last six months from 6 am until about 3. Dinner time is about 50/50, but it’s something. I use UnderArmor’s MyFitnessPal. No, not a paid endorsement and no I don’t pay for the premium. The only thing that gets you is macro information and I’m not there quite yet. It has proved relatively accurate and I haven’t found another app yet that I like the interface as much. Always open to new ideas, though.

    In the midst of the “what I was eating” portion of this was really figuring out what going to a tradeshow and travel, in general, was costing me as far as my body. It was quite a bit. Between convention center food and the parties afterward, there were days I was consuming between 8,000 and 10,000 calories. I’m supposed to have about 2,700 currently. The biggest culprit in that number was alcohol. I enjoy gin and tonic. A lot. I enjoy genever more but you can’t get it in the states. Bacon, steak, those little southwest egg rolls that are at every party ever. Yup, like all those. The question is do I like gin, or fried foods, or anything else more than I wanted my goal. Nope. So out they went. Now, I’m not going to say I haven’t had bacon, or gin, or anything of the sort in the last six months. I’ve just had markedly less. I’ve also noticed that eating is the main key for weight and fat loss. Weights and working out helps with continued fat burning and feeling better.

    Next up is exercise. I run a small business, have two kids and a wife. Where on earth was I going to find the time to exercise? You make it. For me, I made it at 4:30 am. Every day. Not kidding here. I am at the gym between 4:30 and 5 AM every morning. Weights have become my favorite workout routine. I do the reps fast enough to qualify as cardio (my heart rate gets up into the 130s) and lifting is a stress reliever for me. For this, I use the Fitness 22 app. Again, not an endorsement but I did pay for the premium one of this. They have various goals and days per week exercise routines and I’ve found it to be the best for me personally.

    The final piece is all mental. I did not get to 307 pounds overnight. It was a long road filled with bad decisions. It will be along road getting back to a healthy weight. I will certainly make mistakes and there are weeks the scale may increase instead of decrease. The goal is an overall journey. Giving myself the ability to make mistakes was crucial for my state of mind.

    Really, this is what my entire journey is about. My own state of mind, and yours for that matter. If you’re happy with where you’re at physically, stay there. I was not. My weight and other measurements were getting the better of me mentally and it was impacting my ability to do my job and enjoy my life. I know some folks say you need to do this for the kids, spouse, or other loved ones. Yes, there is some of that but really, if I’m honest, I’m doing this for me and my mental well being. And I think that’s ok.

    The main reason for writing this now is to keep me accountable. My starting weight and measurements were 307 lbs, size 57 waist, size 22 neck. Those are not numbers I’m proud of. In fact, they make me a bit embarrassed and sick even writing them. My goal is 36 waist, and 17 neck. The weight I’m still not sure yet because I’ve also learned that muscle weighs more than fat so we’ll figure out a healthy weight when I reach the waist and neck measurements. We’ll see how long it’ll take me to get there. It will be years for sure. In six months I have made it down to 280lbs, size 47 waist and 18 neck. Not too bad but a long way to go. But here’s to another step in the process.