AVNation TV

Category: Features

  • Previewing ISE 2019 With Just Add Power’s Taft Strickland

    To get ready for Integrated Systems Europe 2019, we are talking to Taft Strickland from Just Add Power about what to expect at their stand in Hall 1. We also discuss how the Dante network protocol has progressed to include 4K over IP.

  • Previewing ISE 2019 With Peerless-AV’s Brian McClimans

    With Integrated Systems Europe 2019 on the horizon, we sit down with Brian McClimans from Peerless-AV and talk to him about what they’re bringing to their double decker booth in Hall 12. We also discuss the expansion of digital signage at ISE 2019.

     

  • QSC shipping commercial music systems

    Business background music system for office audio

    Costa Mesa, Calif.  – QSC is excited to announce it has begun shipping its recently announced Premium Business Music Solutions – the MP-M Series paging and music mixers, including wall mount controllers and smart device apps, the MP-A Series multi-channel amplifiers, and AcousticDesign™ Series SUB/SAT loudspeakers. These components offer a complete end-to-end audio solution for background and foreground music reinforcement in retail, restaurant, hospitality and other commercial spaces.

    Preview QSC’s ISE 2019 stand

    “QSC Premium Business Music Solutions represent a blend of QSC’s long history of quality and product leadership across amplification, processing, mixing, control, and loudspeaker technologies,” says David Fuller, Senior Director of Product Management – Live Sound, QSC. “We set out to reimagine the business music category by dramatically simplifying the configuration and installation process, providing flexible control options for a diverse set of users. This comprehensive portfolio delivers a user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, high-performance background/foreground audio experience unlike anything currently available.”

    The QSC Premium Business Music solutions are now available in North America and coming soon in Europe and Asia. For more information on the full portfolio of QSC Premium Business Music solutions, please visit: www.qsc.com/businessmusic.

    Solution details:

    MP-M Series paging and music mixers

    • Includes the MP-M40 (8 inputs/4 outputs) and the MP-M80 (16 inputs/8 outputs).
    • Allows for processing and routing of high-quality audio to multiple zones and mixing functionality for live speech reinforcement.
    • Compact 1RU mixers include a wealth of DSP resources including priority ducking, scheduling, automatic mixing functionalities, plus Intrinsic Correction™ technology (factory FIR/IIR presets) for QSC loudspeakers.

    MP-MFC wall controllers

    • Provides source selection, scene selection and volume control for the end user.
    • Available in North American (Decora™ compatible) or European models, which can be installed in standard electrical boxes.

    MP Install app

    • Configuration app helps to expedite design and configuration of MP-M Series mixers.
    • Features intuitive workflow that guides integrators through the entire configuration process, including EQ settings, end user controller set up, and more.
    • Now available for download on iOS/Android tablets and Windows PCs.

    MP Manage app

    • Provides wireless end user control of day-to-day operations of MP-M Series mixers, including customized user privileges settings, level control, source selection, scheduling, scenes, as well as store-and-forward paging capabilities.
    • Now available for download on iOS/Android tablets and smartphones.

    MP-A Series

    • Includes MP-A20V(200W x 2 channels), MP-A40V (200W x 4 channels), and MP-A80V (200W x 8 channels).
    • Efficient Class-D technology featuring incredible channel density and functionality in a small 1RU chassis.
    • Features QSC’s new FlexAmp™ which enables installers to configure each pair of channels to deliver up to 400 W of total output power, in any ratio.

     

    AcousticDesign™ Series SUB/SAT loudspeakers 

    • Includes surface-mount (AD-S.SUB and AD-S.SAT), ceiling-mount (AD-C.SUB and AD-C.SAT) and pendant-mount (AD-P.SUB and AD-P.SAT) subwoofer/satellite enclosures.
    • Mix & match enclosure types offer same balanced sonic characteristics and high-end aesthetics as other AcousticDesign loudspeakers.
    • Easy-to-install with built-in high pass satellite outputs, snap-fit magnetic grills, and easy, repeatable wall-mounting system.

  • Boston Globe delivers video with J+P

    Just Add Power system distributes newsroom video

    LARGO, Fla. — Jan. 15, 2019 — Just Add Power (J+P), a leader in Ultra HD over IP video distribution, announced that its scalable platform was successfully installed at the new headquarters for The Boston Globe. Commissioned to select a video distribution system that could drive and support the news organization’s requirement for real-time access and switching of current video news, AV firm Maverick Integration installed J+P’s cutting-edge, modular AV over IP system, allowing the organization to leverage its IP infrastructure to distribute HD video affordable to nearly 80 displays and 20 collaboration suites in the new facility.

    Just Add Power at CEDIA

    “From a cost and features comparison, J+P goes above and beyond the standard AV over IP solutions,” said John Bray, the consultant for Maverick Integration. “For example, if a project requires basic video transport, the client is not stuck buying a transmitter and receiver that also include USB, audio extraction, CEC control, and other features that are not required for their system. All J+P’s transmitters and receivers are compatible, so a designer can mix-and-match models based upon system requirements. This is a real advantage for The Globe as screens need to be upgraded to meet forthcoming format demands.”

    The focal point of the distributed video system was The Boston Globe’s News Hub, where systems integration firm Maverick Integration executed a design by AV pro Marc Happes, which included four displays in a vertical orientation used for internal analytics, nine 49” displays around a perimeter soffit, and a three-sided ceiling-mounted video wall dubbed “the jumbotron.” Each of the three sides of the jumbotron consists of a 2×2 video array of 55” LCDs. With J+P’s Ultra over HD 4K receivers, the sources can be oriented vertically or horizontally to fit the requirements of the installed displays. In the case of the 2×2 video array, the system provides a variety of presentation options, including individual source feeds to each of the four displays, displaying four video sources at once, or when in a video wall configuration, one large image scaled seamlessly across the display. Also, within the jumbotron outfit are three speakers for personnel to hear breaking news stories. Because J+P’s platform also supports lossless audio, signals can be switched to the speakers when required, ensuring breaking news stories can be heard.

    Upon completion, the system featured more than 100 end points of IP distributed video and 20 conference rooms and executive offices equipped with in-room, wireless collaboration. News personnel can easily select the source they need and quickly put it up on the desired display, switch sources, tile up to four channels or video sources on the video wall, or scale it to provide a larger video screen for everyone to watch. This enables them to have a critical eye on the breaking news they need most, with virtually no lag between source selection and display.

    “Modern consumers of media require flexible systems that aren’t limited to one source, one format, or even one screen,” said Taft Stricklin, sales team manager at J+P. “The Boston Globe installation highlights all the capabilities and scalability we’ve built into the J+P Ultra HD Over IP system. With our design, the news organization was able to create an affordable system that not only works with their current screens and sources but that can also meet their future video content and distribution needs, while allowing them to easily and quickly switch between sources and screens for breaking news.”

     

    More information is available at www.justaddpower.com.

  • Previewing ISE 2019 With Chief’s Karen Smidt

    In gearing up for Integrated Systems Europe 2019, we talk with Karen Smidt from Chief about what they are bringing to their combined booth with Legrand in Hall 2. We also discuss getting products ready for showcasing at trade shows.

  • Red Bull goes to Shure to create musical experience

    Using Shure MV88+ creating Soundscapes

    LAS VEGAS —Today, Shure and Red Bull announced an exclusive global partnership aimed at reengineering audio recorded at live events into a thrilling musical adventure. Executed during the latter half of 2018, Shure worked alongside Red Bull to arm three up-and-coming producers with the newly launched MV88+ Video Kit to capture the sounds from three of Red Bull’s most eye-catching sporting events. The result is “Soundscapes,” ingeniously produced audio tracks that can be accessed here.

    “Sound at sporting events is often taken for granted, or viewed as an afterthought. However, when you think about it, footage from live sporting events would be nothing without audio—skaters weaving through a course at record speed, cheering crowds, the split-second swerves, kicks, grunts, jumps, and falls. These are the moments that make an experience truly exciting,” said Paul Crognale, Manager of Global Marketing, Musician and Consumer Audio at Shure. “The need for exceptional sound in sports is undeniable, and challenging in such conditions. Through this campaign and partnership with Red Bull, we’re able to bring extraordinary experiences to life with the MV88+ Video Kit.”

    Shure and Red Bull recording
    Red Bull staff recording using Shure MV88+ rig

    The MV88+ Video Kit, Shure’s latest addition to its award-winning MOTIV™ line of digital microphones and portable recording solutions, was used by each producer to capture rich, high-quality audio. The producers leveraged the all-in-one solution to record professional-quality content on-the-go, transforming the three Red Bull events into more than just a visual spectacle. The highly immersive audio recordings provide an engrossing “you are there” experience, offering listeners the opportunity to see, feel, and hear each and every gut-wrenching aspect of the events. The MV88+ Video Kit includes a Manfrotto® PIXI tripod, phone clamp, and mount as well as iOS and USB-C cables for next-level compatibility and connectivity.

    The three producers attended three of Red Bull’s most iconic events across the globe to create three unique soundscapes using the MV88+ Video Kit, recording moments from each spectacle. NTS Radio regular Anz kicked things off at the Red Bull Hardline in Wales, capturing the sounds and excitement of one of the toughest mountain bike races in the world. Up next was Red Bull’s popular Air Race in the U.S., which brings together the world’s best racing pilots. South London producer/DJ Shy One recorded the unique soundscapes of race-planes hitting speeds of nearly 240 miles per hour, mixing them into an ear-catching track. In Japan, Coconut Beats head HAAi recorded audio from the fastest sport on skates—Red Bull Crashed Ice. She captured split-second sounds as athletes dropped, hair pinned, and turned at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.

    For more information on Shure and Red Bull’s partnership, and to listen to the three music tracks created with Shure’s MV88+ Video Kit, please visit www.redbull.com/soundscapes.

  • Dragon City lit up by Harman Pro

    Lifestyle hotel utilizes Martin lighting for experience

    SEOUL, South Korea— Seoul Dragon City is Seoul’s first “lifestyle hotel-plex” and features upscale accommodations, fine dining and world-class entertainment. Seoul Dragon City wanted to build its luxurious facilities with a new class-leading lighting solution capable of creating dazzling lighting effects for a wide range of upscale events. To achieve these goals, Seoul Dragon City hired lighting specialists Hansam System, who deployedMartin lighting solution comprised of RUSH MH 5 Profile, RUSH MH 6 Wash, RUSH PAR 2 CT Zoom, RUSH PAR 2 RBGW Zoom, MAC Aura XB, MAC Quantum Profile, MAC Quantum Wash and MAC Axiom Hybrid fixtures.

    Seoul Dragon City exterior lighting
    Dragon City hotel lit up by Martin lighitng

    “Seoul Dragon City wanted to build their facilities with cutting-edge LED fixtures to create more versatile and dynamic lighting effects,” said Sun-Gyun Kim, Sales Manager at Hansam System. “The biggest challenge was protecting the Mac Axiom Hybrid and Quantum Wash fixtures on the Sky Beach’s rooftop lounge from external weather conditions—we had to install a specialized dome housing for their performance outside.”

    Hansam System outfitted both ballrooms at the Seoul Dragon City with RUSH PAR 2 CT Zoom and RUSH PAR 2 RBGW Zoom fixtures capable of creating bright, colorful lighting displays with minimal heat output. New MAC Aura XB fixtures were installed for their superior color mixing and tight, powerful beams. MAC Quantum Profile fixtures provide fast, smooth CMY color mixing, crisp gobo projection and unique beam animations for creating immersive lighting effects.

    Hansam System equipped the top-floor Sky Kingdom facilities with MAC Aura XB and MAC Quantum Profile fixtures, as well as RUSH MH 5 Profile and RUSH MH 6 Wash fixtures to provide bright, punchy lighting effects. To ensure a first-class private beach experience at the rooftop Sky Beach lounge, Hansam System deployed the MAC Axiom Hybrid and MAC Quantum Wash fixtures, which offer diffused wash functionality and create exceptional lighting effects for flat landscapes such as beaches.

    Dragon City stage
    Seoul Dragon City Hotel stage

    “At Seoul Dragon City we want to offer a one-of-a-kind experience for our guests,” said Jong-Young, Lee, Seobu T&D (System Integrator).  “Seoul Dragon City Hotel often host elite events such as corporate launch parties and weddings in our ballrooms, Sky Kingdom and Sky Beach facilities. For that reason, our client needed a versatile lighting solution capable of creating unique displays and stunning backdrops during these events.”

    “It is an absolute pleasure for HARMAN Professional Solutions to be associated with a global landmark such as Seoul Dragon City, and to help elevate event experiences for their guests,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “We would like to thank Hansam System and Seobu T&D for their innovative use of Martin solutions. Not only did they overcome the challenges of the project, they created an immersive, exciting ambiance down to the last detail.”

  • IMCCA announces first Collaboration Week

    Events in New York honoring AV veterans

    New York, NY (January 11, 2018) – The IMCCA, a leading voice for the UCC
    (Unified Conferencing and Collaboration) industry for more than 20 years, today announced that they will be honoring Snorre Kjesbu and Jason McGraw with special Lifetime Achievement – Emerging Technology Fellow Awards as part of their three-day series of events focusing on new and exciting solutions and trends in the UCC space.

    Collaboration Week New York is scheduled for February 25-27, 2019. On Monday evening February 25th, at the opening Gala Dinner, Mr. Kjesbu and Mr. McGraw will receive their awards.

    Snorre Kjesbu has been the driving force behind first Tandberg’s and then Cisco’s collaboration hardware line-up for over fifteen years. Under his leadership, the Tandberg and Cisco endpoints gained a reputation for being the most advanced and most reliable collaboration hardware ever made. In addition to his technical prowess, Snorre ensured he kept the lines of communication with his customers open, presenting and networking at many industry events. Snorre is leaving the collaboration space to take a leadership role with Bang and Olufsen beginning in March.

    Jason McGraw – known as “InfoCommShowGuy” on Twitter – has been the leader behind the annual InfoComm exposition for twenty-five years. Every aspect of the event was managed and executed under his watchful eyes. It’s rare in our industry to find an individual in such a role that is as universally respected and appreciated as Jason. His expertise includes everything from the AV and collaboration technology that was displayed to the unique skill set involved in ‘herding the cats’ every year. Jason departed the AVIXA team at the end of 2018.

    “The IMCCA has been honoring the best and the brightest in our space as Emerging Technology Fellows since 2017. It is our privilege to recognize Snorre and Jason as two individuals who not only meet this criteria, but who have directly driven our industry to amazing heights through their individual achievements and leadership.” said Carol Zelkin, Executive Director, IMCCA. “It is our pleasure to give both of them the kudos they deserve as they leave our industry – hopefully temporarily – to pursue their future endeavors.”

    The Gala Dinner takes place as part of The IMCCA’s first annual CollaCollaborboraationtion WeWeeekk NNYY, which will offer exciting opportunities for end users, integrators, consultants and manufacturers. The three-day event takes attendees to actual end user and manufacturer sites to see first-hand how UCC solutions are utilized. Additionally, on site panel discussions on topics of interest will be featured, as well as opportunities to network.

    The Collaboration Week program and registration links are available at www. CollaborationWeekNY.org

     

  • RTI ships 4K HDBaseT line

    Matrix switches and extender sets for 4K video

    SHAKOPEE, Minn. — RTI, a leading control and automation manufacturer for residential and commercial settings, today announced that the next generation of the company’s video distribution solutions is now available in the Americas. Building on the partnership with Pulse Eight, an award-winning developer of AV distribution systems, RTI’s new lineup includes HDBaseT matrix switches, extender sets, and accessories with the latest technology and class-leading features.

    Utilizing the latest Class C+DSC HDBaseT technology, the new video distribution solutions from RTI include the flagship VHU-8x 8 x 10 Matrix Switch and VHT-Ux Extender Set, which deliver Ultra HD 4K HDR with 4:4:4 chroma sampling over a single category cable. The result is a visually lossless video image with incredible color depth and contrast. These benefits are all possible over distances up to 328 feet (100 meters) with no latency. RTI also offers the VHD-4x and VHD-8x 4 x 4 and 8 x 10 HDBaseT Matrix Switches and the VHP-1x HDBaseT Class B Extender Set for the delivery of Ultra HD 4K video up to 131 feet.

    RTI’s new matrix switches are loaded with installer-friendly features to simplify setup and enable ongoing support. To speed up installations, the VHU-8x, VHD-4x, and VHD-8x utilize auto-discovery of connected devices and display the I/O setup on a web-based interface. To ensure a rock-solid installation and fast troubleshooting, the units also have a suite of built-in diagnostics capabilities, including cable quality testing and remote monitoring.

    Additional solutions in RTI’s video distribution lineup include the VDX-14x 1 x 4 HDBaseT Splitter. Ideal for sports bars, lobbies, and retail spaces, the unit allows a single video source to be distributed simultaneously to four displays. For deployments with legacy displays or projectors, the VDS-1x HDMI UHD 18-Gbps Downscaler converts 4K video to 1080p in real time, allowing all displays in the installation to access the highest quality video content.

    “Across the board, our new HDBaseT products offer the perfect combination of the latest technology and complete feature set, which truly sets them apart,” said Ed McConaghay, CEO of RTI. “It starts with powerful installation and troubleshooting tools for our dealers and the result is stunning video quality for end users. When you see the capabilities of these products first-hand, it’s easy to understand why they are at the top of their class.”

    More information about RTI is available at www.rticorp.com.

  • CEDIA announces Executive Committee 2019

    CEDIA board fills EMEA position

    FISHERS, Indiana  — The CEDIA Board of Directors has approved the 2019 Executive Committee and has voted for Rob Sutherland to fill the EMEA appointed director position for the 2019-2020 term.

    David Humphries will serve as chairperson. “With CEDIA’s 30th year underway, the board will continue to focus on driving forward the organization’s strategy that will boost industry connections with the design and build trade, enhance educational experiences, elevate professionalism, and build workforce development processes that will grow our pipeline of qualified talent,” said Humphries, principal of Atlantic Integrated. “The global reach of CEDIA is the key to parlaying existing successes into ongoing progress.”

    The 2019 CEDIA Executive Committee members are:

    David Humphries, Chairperson
    Atlantic Integrated
    Rockleigh, New Jersey, United States

    Rob Sutherland, Chairperson-Elect
    Inspired Dwellings
    London, United Kingdom

    David Weinstein, Treasurer
    Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, USA

    Melanie Malcolm, Secretary
    Bespoke Cinemas
    Leeds, UK

    Dennis Erskine, Immediate Past Chairperson
    Erskine Group, LLC
    Draper, Utah, USA
    Ex-officio, non-voting member

    The 2019 members of the Board of Directors are:

    Peter Aylett
    Achimedia
    West Sussex, UK

    John Buchanan
    Meridian Audio
    Huntingdon, UK

    Michael Cogbill
    ETC
    West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

    Ken Erdmann
    Erdmann Electric, Inc.
    Springville, Utah, USA

    Albert Mizrahi
    SmartLab
    Mexico City, Mexico

    Matt Scott
    Omega Audio Video
    London, Ontario, Canada

    Heather Sidorowicz
    Southtown Audio Video
    Hamburg, New York, USA

    Joe Whitaker
    The Thoughtful Home
    Clayton, Missouri, USA

    Tabatha O’Connor, president and chief executive officer of CEDIA, is an ex-officio, voting member of the CEDIA board.

    Biographical information and photos of each board member are available to the media upon request. Contact press@cedia.org for more information.