Happy New Year

Grant's Perspective on ... the New Year

As we are into the last week of the year, I pause to thank my clients, co-workers and all the other people that drop by to read my blog.

I will be back next week with all things wonderful in the world of AV.

Best wishes for 2010.

Grant

Preparing For a Job Interview Via Videoconference

Grant's Perspective on ... what an HR videoconference is like.

I often see nervous-looking people in the reception lobby at Inland AV who are here to use our videoconference suite for a job interview.  They are nervous about the job interview as well as nervous about using a videoconference suite for the first time.

This short, light-hearted look at a job interview using videoconferencing posted on YouTube by the eye network offers some practical tips as well as demonstrates how a videoconference works. Being aware of where the microphone is so that you avoid making extraneous noise or that you delay phoning your Mom until the call is actually over are humourous points but they can happen.



Grant

Epson Announces Two New Ultra-Short Throw Projectors

Grant's Perspective on ... the Epson PowerLite 450, 460 Ultra-Short Throw Projectors

Epson has announced 2 new PowerLite series of 3LCD projectors for release early in 2010. This projector is an ideal fit for many classroom and training rooms where space is an issue. The projector is designed to be mounted very close to a wall and can project a 60" image with only 18 inches of distance. The 460 model delivers 3,000 lumens of white light output and 3,000 Colour Light Output.

With features such as USB computer connections and a microphone input, I can't wait for their release next month!

Grant

Cost of Commuting & Videoconferencing

Grant's Perspective on ... the cost of commuting to and from home and work and building a case for videoconferencing.

The Inland AV website just posted a cool application that provides an approximate cost of commuting to and from work. It is really easy and fast. Just enter in the currency that you want to use (US Dollar, British Pound or the Euro, sorry the Canadian version is not yet available), enter in your cost for fuel, the fuel efficiency of your vehicle and the distance traveled.

The results show the financial and environmental cost of commuting.

Registration is not required, give it a try!

Grant

Ballroom System Update

Grant's Perspective on ... better pictures of the Viscount Gort ballroom hidden AV system

I posted yesterday on the new hidden  AV installation at the Viscount Gort Hotel. Here are some better photos of the finished project.  A shot of the projector lift lowered, the recessed projection screen and the happy hotel staff with the rack.

Grant

Viscount Gort Hidden AV

Grant's Perspective on ... projector lifts in the Viscount Gort ballroom

My last post asked people if they think that hiding the AV equipment is important. This week I'm at the Viscount Gort Hotel going over the final details of the audiovisual installation portion of their recent major expansion and renovation. They have included three infrared projector lifts as a part of the banquet room design to hide projectors when not in use. In this case it is for more than aesthetics, theirs is a multi-purpose ballroom and the lift helps protect the projector when it is not in use.

Here is a grainy picture (sorry just had my cell with me) that I snapped of one of the Inland AV service technicians installing the lift.

This is a great example of how hidden AV is becoming standard practice. Remember to vote on our importance of hidden AV poll, over on the right hand side of this page.

Grant

Hide Or Not To Hide AV Equipment Poll

Grant's Perspective on ... hiding the AV equipment in your executive boardroom. What is your preference?

When I speak of hidden AV, what I refer to is basically an AV system that is completely out of site when not in use. Projectors (See projector lift picture below) & projection screens are stowed into the ceiling and behind closed doors, monitors lift up into the ceiling or down into the millwork or furniture, audio speakers are the kind that are built into the wall or ceiling panel - virtually invisible, microphones are raised into the ceiling, AV connectivity is hidden in custom millwork enclosures, wireless control panel is docked into a cabinet, and the equipment rack is behind custom millwork or in an adjoining room. Out of site and out of mind but ready for action when required.

So let’s say your executive boardroom is being renovated. What is your level or requirement to have hidden AV? Please see the poll on the right and select the one that best describes your preference.


Grant

How Long To Change a Projector Lamp

Grant's Perspective on ... How many AV technicians does it take to change a light bulb?????

Only one, but first (tongue planted firmly in cheek)...

The tech takes twice as long to get there because the boardroom with the projector that needs the lamp changed is located in downtown Anycity, it's rush hour, and that is the only time the client had the room available for service. An extra 20 minutes.

The Tech can't find parking....streets are closed due to construction, parking lots are full ...... another 10 minutes.

Upon arrival the room in unavailable. Despite being booked at this time for this service call, someone saw the previous meeting ending and took over the room. The tech eventually hears, "They'll only be about 15 minutes. You can wait right?" Another 30 minutes.

Upon entry into the room the tech learns the projector can't be removed from its' mount as someone has decided to install security screws to keep other employees from removing the projector to take home to watch "the game". Another 15 minutes for the receptionist to call the person who knows who the person is, who has the tool required to remove the security screws. However that person learns the tool isn't stored where they thought it was - another 6 minutes.

Time to replace the projector lamp. But look in the lamp box, there is a notice from the manufacturer advising the firmware of the projector must be upgraded to accommodate the new energy efficient lamp they are now using. OK that's a good thing to be Green. So now, back to the truck to get the laptop so the tech can go to the manufacturers website and download the firmware - 10 minutes up & down the elevator, to & from the truck.

Time to download the new firmware but the Tech can't use the LAN in the boardroom due to security reasons and the wireless connection required a security key - the IT guy wasn't found anywhere - 15 minutes.

Finally the Tech saves some time due to being well prepared by having the special cable required to connect the laptop to the projector. Pass GO and collect $200.00! But then the tech checks both the work and home e-mail accounts and then Facebook to see what's new before shutting off the laptop. (The Tech feels justified as it's another day without lunch) Another 4 minutes.

The projector lamp is now in and the projector installed in the mount. The CEO pops in and thanks the tech for coming down on short notice and requests a system test to ensure the entire system is functioning for a meeting occurring first thing the next day. Understood - piece of mind is a good thing. The CEO goes to get the person who will be having that meeting, and their laptop. Another 10 minutes.

They realize they do not have an interconnect cable to connect their laptop to the input on the table. There isn't a cable in the room as it must have "walked off". The tech offers his own cable but he donated it to someone at another company who didn't have a cable and was about to start a meeting. Another 10 minutes to find someone who should have a cable. The only other employee now remaining in the office is the Marketing Guy (very strange indeed) - he uses an iMac desktop and therefore doesn't have a cable. One is eventually found in a closet. Another 5 minutes.

The thorough Tech checks the audio as well. No Audio. The laptop works and the control system reads 80% on the volume control. Back in the equipment rack the Tech discovers someone has re-routed some cables. The Tech wonders if the person who did this has ever gone under the hood of their car and re-routed various hoses and wires. What seemed like only 1 minute was actually another 10 minutes.

The system now works and therefore time to go. But first the Tech must listen to the story about how the guest speaker at the last AGM wore their lapel mic into the washroom and everyone heard "everything". Another 10 minutes

Back at the ranch your manager wants to know why it took so much more time than what the service charge is for replacing a projector lamp. Another 10 minutes....

Total time to replace a lamp - 166 minutes!

Coming soon, why did the Tech cross the road?

Epson PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL Earns Hot Product Award

Grant's Perspective on ...ProjectorReviews.com likes the new Epson Z8000.

Inland AV has a Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta exclusive on the new Epson PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL LCD projector. When you have an exclusive on a product it is great when people like ProjectorReviews.com bestow their Hot Product award to the latest Epson projector.



Epson PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL

- Only WUGA (1920 x 1200), 3LCD projector available.
- 6000 lumens color light output, 6000 lumens white light output,
- C2Fine technology, up to 5000:1 contrast ratio, auto iris, cinema filter
- motorized zoom, focus, and lens shift controllable through the remote, RS-232 or IP
- 10,000-hour filter cleaning schedule and easy, side-access filter, easy access to dual lamp housing

This projector will be right at home in large venues!

Grant

Webcasting Return On Investment Calculator

Grant's Perspective on ... adding webcasting to live events.

The Inland AV Rentals division clients have been adding webcasting to extend the reach of their events.

This is a great way to get more out of a live event. Many people do not attend an event because it is too far away or they are already booked at that specific time. People that can't travel to the live event can still participate online, watch the presentation, see the PowerPoint slides and even ask some questions. Those that are not available for the live event can still watch the archived presentation.

Our website guy recently added a Webcasting Return On Investment Calculator that shows a comparison of the cost per person to put on a live event and a webcast. Here is a screen shot of the page.



Webcasting is another example of improved communication from technology integration!

Grant

Crestron MPC-M5

Grant's Perspective on ... Crestron introduces an SSL encryption control device

My October 16 post AV System Integration Over IP touched on IT security issues. Crestron must have been taking note of my post as they just released the MPC-M5 Media Presentation Controller.



The MPC-M5 is a cost effective, functional and easy to operate AV system control device. But more to the point of the post, it provides for IP-based remote control that is SSL encrypted.

Grant

Dr AV Recommends More Fibre

Grant's Perspective on ...fiber optic cables for AV systems

Would most people be surprised to see that their systems design calls for the transmission of video over fiber?

This technology is being used more and more to transmit digital video from source to display.

In fact many in our industry believe that eventually fiber will replace copper twisted pair (CAT5) and coaxial cables.

Where do I use it most often? Well, two major areas:

1) Video conferencing. Clients want that image to be sharp! They want to see details and with many systems now utilizing Tandberg HD video the images look fantastic. After all, we're creating an environment that is the next best thing to being there.

2) Digital signage. A corporations marketing must look top notch. Yes, an obvious point. Just like an airline wouldn’t want coffee stains on their seatback trays as it might give the impression they don't take pride in the rest of the systems that keep the plane in the air, the images in a digital signage system should not have smears and ghosting and fuzzy and/or jagged edges etc.

Bottom line: avoid degradation of the high-resolution video during transport because IT’S GOTTA LOOK GOOD!

The SHARP commercial grade LCD monitors we use in our projects do an absolutely fantastic job of recreating video. However, if the transmission of that video signal to the monitor is poor, the monitor can’t help that. Therefore send digital video in a digital realm.

Why is fiber so healthy for your system? Basically the digital information comes out the same at the other end (that almost sounds too graphic).

Fiber provides low loss of the video signal over long distances and high bandwidth properties. But it's not only a requirement for long cable distances. Transmitting over fiber provides greater resistance to electromagnetic noise from motors, radios, other cables, AC power power cables.... in other words, noise immunity. You are probably familiar with hum bars slowly moving up your image and sparkle in the picture. No more with fiber. Fiber is also non-conductive, which has its advantages, and is good for our friends in the high security areas as it is very difficult to tap into.



In comparison, twisted pair cables will suffice for short runs and low bandwidth signals. Hi-res coax cable has remained popular for most reasonable distances (within the confines of a typical boardroom, training room, or presentation theatre) and high bandwidth signals. Copper is costing more (so they tell me) so the additional cost of going with fibre is becoming less and less. With HD video having become mainstream you WILL see more of this.

Would most people be surprised to see that their system design calls for the transmission of video over fiber? Yes, but they'll know their Inland AV guy is looking out for their best interests.


Grant

AV System Integration Over IP

Grant's Perspective on ... audiovisual on the LAN

It is typically expected by most people today that they can get internet almost everywhere. I'm not necessarily referring to only wireless but as well as the ol' fashioned connect a cable to your laptop thing. Also common is seeing a LAN port on many AV devices. See the photo below of a Crestron PRO2, Professional Dual Bus Control System that features 2 LAN connections.



In my world I’ve come to expect IP connectivity to AV devices. For example there are many times a client wants their control system changed to accommodate new projectors and other AV devices. As I deal with job sites all over Western Canada I connect from my office and make those changes. I’ve also integrated complete systems located in other cities over IP. Both examples above had the equipment connected through the clients network resulting in time and cost savings to the client.

However, a hurdle I have come across is that some companies have a security policy that restricts these devices from being added to their networks. “These devices” referring to items not directly related to IT, particularly for me, AV devices. Now in no way am I being disrespectful to security rules but I can’t help but feel this is going too far.

I've consulted with the Inland AV IT guy, Mark, who has years of experience with IP networks, and he tells me:

"It's natural for IT staff to resist adding devices to the network if they don't have to be. However, as companies begin to see the value of doing this, IT should realize that basically all IP devices in the AV world can be password protected. Also, they will tend to use either a web interface or a proprietary operating system. For example, if someone were able to log into a Tandberg V/C endpoint, they cannot access any other internal PCs via telnet or otherwise. A "compromised" projector or endpoint is no real threat to a company's network, as they cannot go any further than that."

I believe that eventually it will be realized that connecting AV to the network isn’t a problem and will become common place. But in the meantime we push a little to bring this to fruition.

Grant

AV System Reduces Office Energy Costs

Grant's Perspective on ... Your AV control system reduces office energy consumption

I have long been a believer that a sophisticated audiovisual system increases an organizations productivity. AV control systems by people like AMX and Crestron have long been utilized by Media, AV and IT personnel and now Facility Managers will love them.

Examples of typical AV control system functions: operate projectors, videoconferencing systems, DVD players, audio systems, lighting, window coverings and HVAC.

Controlling lighting is very important to many presentations. Aside from that if the control system was programmed to check that all unnecessary lights were turned off when the security system was turned on, that would save money. Light sensors can also be added to rooms with windows that will automatically turn off lights when there is sufficient room lighting with natural light.

The control of window coverings was meant to reduce natural lighting in a presentation room but can also be used to control the temperature of the room by letting light into the room to warm it up or covering the windows to block the sun's heat.

Bottom line, studies have shown that a facility-wide lighting control system can save up to 29% of lighting energy costs. Now that is a reason to go green!

Grant, Inland AV Sytems Designer

WCMA Awards Show Animation

Grant's Perspective on ... all the work it takes to put on an award show.

The Inland AV, Rentals Division was recently a part of the Western Canadian Music Awards held at the Manitoba Centennial Auditorium in Brandon MB.

Our client made a really cool animation of the show set-up, the show and the dismantle. The animation illustrates the amount of planning, equipment and plain hard work that goes on behind the scenes.

See hours and hours of work edited down to 3.5 minutes!



BTW - Inland AV was responsible for the video screens.

Grant

Epson Classroom Audio System

Grant's Perspective on ... Epson AP-60 Classroom Audio System

My July 8th post InfoComm Delivers AV Wow mentioned the announcement of the new Epson AP-60 infrared classroom audio system. It has now been released and is available for purchase.

The Inland AV website has just posted a "product spotlight" outlining the features and benefits of this classroom audio system including a PDF of the systems specifications.

What is cool is that the speaker/amplifier can be mounted on the same pipe that a classroom projector is flown from. See the picture below.



Grant

University Audio Conferencing System

Grant's Perspective on ... Audio Zones

I spent most of yesterday slaving over a hot laptop to finish up some Crestron programming for the AV system in a brand new university boardroom. I also kept the laptop hot when I configured the new audio system. It sounds great thanks to the ClearOne components. The entire AV system was admirably designed by the University's own staff. Their proper speaker & mic selection and placement, made my job much easier.

The audio portion of the system includes 20 table microphones, 2 wireless lapel microphones, as well as recording, auxiliary inputs and audio teleconference ability. All the audio is completely automated with auto-gain and echo cancelling. The user only needs to control the volume level of the media sources (DVD, laptop etc).

Utilizing the ClearOne Converge Pro 880TA (and a few other models from the same line to increase the quantity of required inputs), the audio speaker system is organized into 4 zones and this unit managing the audio. The unit’s interface was very effective in maximizing speech intelligibility. With the built-in phone line port and the acoustic echo cancellation the room sounds great to the caller and the caller sounds great to the room. Delegates should not worry about fatigue from straining to listen.

Speaking of which, just a few clicks of the mouse enables the room's voice reinforcement. A delegate speaking at one end of the table will not be heard through the speakers in the zone nearest to him/her but the delegate's voice will be amplified in the other zones (and of course to the audio conference caller). Overall it sounds natural – so natural in fact, no one realizes there is reinforcement until the system is shut off (or someone drops something on the microphone).

The auto-gain and echo cancelling features are an example of AV technology being integrated properly, the technology becomes transparent and the professors and students can concentrate on the content of their meeting.

Another example of Improved Communication from System Integration. With the opening of hockey camps, I liken AV technology to a good hockey referee - invisible when the job is done right.

Grant

VideoChampion.com

Grant's Perspective on ...Getting Your Organization Into Videoconferencing


Many organizations discuss the idea of implementing videoconferencing. Often someone is appointed to research the technology and report back to the group. This person typically will start their research on the internet to find the pertinent information relating to videoconferencing and the associated costs. They then do a Return on Investment Calculation to see if the investment makes sense.

The report is presented and the group thinks the project should go ahead. Then either the researcher, or perhaps an IT person, is assigned with implementing a videoconference system because either they have the best understanding of it or it is believed this area falls under their profession.

This person is now the company's video champion.

TANDBERG has a website dedicated to supporting the video champion. With sections dedicated to securing executive sponsorship, getting set up, promotion, training, measuring success and more.



This leads me to two points:
1) Hats off to TANDBERG for doing this – once again they’ve demonstrated the leadership that clients I work with love.
2) All who work with video conferencing should register and use the video champion website.


Grant

Sales Staff Tribute

Grant's Perspective on ...Sales personnel in the Inland AV world

I have some observations about the sales staff I work with that I want to share. No this isn't a complaint, more of me wanting to show my respect to good sales people. Here at the big AV company I've observed the sales staff designing their own systems, and they absolutely love doing it.

I think this is really cool as, and I'm being frank here, they're not just people who are out to sell something in a box and put another notch on their pencil. If I were the customer, I'd notice that and appreciate this dynamic. The biggest trait I brag about when I talk about the big AV company is their passion. Perhaps they don’t want anyone knowing this about them but they get totally pumped about deriving an innovative system that will work for their clients.

See the picture below of Brian and Glenn discussing ideas with a client at our open house.



Yes they're a different breed than us mellow designer types, but hey, the only thing worse than an over eager sales person, is one who isn't passionate about what they do. Everyone benefits. So hat's off to the passionate Inland AV sales people.

Grant

Central Church of Christ AV System

Grant's Perspective on ...Getting the Message To Everyone in the Building

We recently put the finishing touches on the new AV system at the Central Church of Christ in Winnipeg. Wayne and his committee really knew what they wanted and it was a pleasure to work with them. The auditorium system was first rate and the service could be shared with everyone in the entire building. Here is a picture of Wayne and myself testing the auditorium audio console.



The system encompasses the auditorium, multi-purpose room, youth room, foyer and even the kitchen has an audio system and video monitor so that the congregation members that are working can see and hear the service. See the picture posted below of the video monitor in the kitchen.



Thanks again for letting Inland AV and myself play our part in bringing your audiovisual vision to reality. We will have a complete review of the system on our website soon.

Grant

Lounge to Videoconference Classroom

Grant's Perspective on ... turning a lounge into a videoconference classroom.

I was working on-site yesterday at a local university. We were going through the final audio tests making sure the system was working as planned. Everything went well and as I was ready to leave I surveyed the room and commented on how the room has changed in the last two months. What had been a "smoking" lounge (back when those types of things were allowed) has been transformed into a distance education classroom for nursing students.



It is amazing what positive change can happen with a little help from technology. Nursing students in Winnipeg will have some of their lectures delivered from a professor in Ottawa.

System Overview:

- HD Tandberg videoconference system.
- Additional Vaddio HD camera.
- Two 65" Sharp HD monitors (pictured) as well as an third ceiling mounted monitor for the podium presenter.
- Podium and wireless microphones for the presenter and a boundary microphone system for the students.
- Large 12" AMX touch screen panel that controls the videoconference system, audio system, DVD player, computer systems and room lighting. See the close up picture of the AMX touch screen below. Note that the picture of me in the top right hand is the HD camera focused on the podium.




I can't wait for the school year to start and see the technology in action. Another case of "Improved Communication from Technology Integration . . . and a lot of other cool stuff too !"

Grant

Videoconferencing Return On Investment Calculator

Grant's Perspective on ... visiting Alberta and Saskatchewan virtually

Videoconferencing (VC) technology is more valuable than ever.

There are many advantages to videoconferencing and right now VC has become more valuable than ever. Typically, and simply put, in times of recession companies generally decrease costs where they can and increase training and education. We've all seen that. Facilitating VC is a resource that achieves both and I am witnessing its increased popularity from a front row seat. I help clients by designing AV systems that more often than not include a VC system and I use them in my own day-to-day work.

I think about my area of expertise and how I use VC everyday to be able to effectively communicate with my other offices (Inland AV has a TANDBERG Video Conference suite in each branch - I use it on a regular basis). Working face-to-face in a VC setting is far more effective than talking on the telephone. While I can't be in 5 different cities in 1 day, I can use the VC system and meet face-to-face with staff to discuss our projects and share design details. The company likes the superior communication and I love the fact that I'm home to have dinner with my family. As the recession comes to an end, VC will be equally important as it will help me cover Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta while never being more than half an hour from home!

See the photo below of a design session with our Edmonton office. Barry and I are talking to Chris (Edmonton general manager) while we discuss a room layout that is pictured in the second HD monitor of the VC system.



Has everyone done the ROI (Return On Investment) calculation that is found on the Inland AV website? www.videoconferenceROI.ca

I did my own ROI calculation . The results are just as expected – it does save companies loads of money and increases productivity.

Devising Innovative Features in AV Design

Grant's Perspective on ... delivering the hockey experience

People who have the experience to do design work generally love what they do. These are people who enjoy being creative and probably would not be pleased in life doing a mundane job (I usually use Accountants as my example…. I hear they count beans all day long - Boring!!!!!) In the Inland AV world the designers, sales staff and mangers, all get to work on projects that are what I call “enjoyable challenges”. Each project is different as each client is different.

Last week Barry C. was telling me about an idea he presented and used for an audio project at a sports complex. (For those who may not know Barry he is a fellow Inland AV designer who has a long list of successful large projects he can boast about, specializing in the design of audio systems for the large venues and worship environments) This particular sports complex requested the provision for live hockey commentary broadcast within the venue. Envision being in other areas of the venue other than the rink itself and listening to the game just like AHL and NHL hockey on the radio and TV.

To finish off the system and offer an extra feature that provides excitement to the system, Barry implemented microphones at ice level to capture the sounds of the game in action – slap shots, metal on ice, puck on the boards, crowd noise, etc – all that good stuff. These game sounds mixed in with the commentary offer an exciting and professional dynamic to the closed circuit broadcast that in turn eliminate the otherwise “dry” broadcast of voice only and provides a production that hockey fans are accustomed to.

Nice touch to that design! He’s now including this feature again with a current project at another sports venue.

And that’s a good example of what we do at the big AV company - we take an interest in the client’s vision and work with them and in the end they get that little bit extra that makes their project so much more.

Grant

Most Innovative Rack/AV Furniture Product

Grant's Perspective on ... the Sound-Craft WSV-50 winning an innovation award

While at InfoComm, I noticed that the Sound-Craft WSV-50 was awarded the "Most Innovative Rack/AV Furniture Product" award from Systems Contractor News. This desk/lectern is perfect for universities where many different presenters will want to adjust the unit from desk to lectern height. When the presenter is comfortable they can focus on teaching.



Have a look at the Sound-Craft website for all the WSV-50 specifications.

Just a short post this week as I'm on vacation and hanging out with my kids.

Grant

AMX Retractable Connection Port

Grant's Perspective on ... new ways to cut the cable clutter

My June 9th post/rant on cutting down on cable clutter on the boardroom table was posted before InfoComm. I wanted to note a new retractable connection port launched by AMX during InfoComm. Pictured below is the AMX HPX-1600 Retractable Connection Port and note the cables exit the device even when it's closed.



Have a look at the details on the HPX-1600 at AMX website.

Grant

Obama's Teleprompter Crashes

Grant's Perspective on ... technical glitches

I worked in AV rentals for a long time before I moved into permanent installation systems design and programming. While in rentals I was always aware of Murphy's law stating that "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong". This sentiment was reinforced yesterday when the President of the United States had his teleprompter shatter during the opening of a speech.

If Murphy's law comes into play for Obama it can happen to anyone.



We just added some new teleprompters to our Inland AV rental inventory and I hope they do not crash like Obama's!

Grant

InfoComm Delivers AV WOW

Grant's Perspective on ... AV WOW

Over the years I have heard the term “The WOW Factor”. I never paid much attention to it thinking it wasn’t cool or clever and was probably a term for nerds. However, lately I’ve heard this term more and more – and from cool people! LOL Just the other day I was at a meeting where this term was used, clearly understood in the context of the discussion, and someone, don’t recall who as I was taking notes, asked what WOW meant as they thought it was an acronym. There’s a new joke in there somewhere.

Apart from starting a contest to invent a better term to describe things that are impressive, what is WOW in AV right now, you are probably asking. (Come on be honest)

I have mentioned the InfoComm displays and demonstrations of 3D projectors and digital signage in previous posts and now want to mention 4 other things that caught my eye at InfoComm:

1 - Telepresence
This is a Videoconferencing system, from TANDBERG that is THE total solution for natural communication. The system provides for a collaboration setting that puts everyone into the same environment. Really cool! I can see that once people try videoconferencing in this way it’ll be the way to go, not only with the comfortable experience but with saving companies thousands of dollars while allowing employees to be more productive in meetings while not having to travel as much.


2 - Intermediate level control systems.
This might not seem to be very exciting but there was a definite void in control systems. AMX and Crestron are the Cadillacs of the industry and then there are very basic control components (K-car) but nothing in the intermediate (think Malibu) level. RTI has developed the very attractive K4 in-wall touch screens and remote controls when a full-size control system is not required.



3 - Classroom audio reinforcement systems
Providing the teacher with a mic and audio system has been increasingly popular as the benefits are many. (Saving the teachers voice and ensuring students can hear the teacher, to name two) There are a few to choose from and they have some really great ideas integrated into them. Look for a system soon to be released from Epson and they way they’ve integrated it into the projector mount system. See the picture below of Jared doing his best "Vana" while posing with the Epson AP-60 Sound Enhancement System.



4 - Installation package systems for Classrooms, Training Rooms and Presentation Rooms.
Perfect for the company that have their own staff qualified to do installations and perhaps located in rural areas. The packages come with the mount, speakers, integrated signal distribution and room control unit etc. I find the systems have been improved to be easy to install, and the final result is very nice. I have included a picture of the Kramer Summitview series.



Conversion and transmission over CAT5 cable. These little devices are better than ever. More to come on this in future blogs…….

Grant

Sharp Digital Signage Systems

Grant's Perspective on ... Sharp Digital Signage Systems

My last post featured the AMX Inspired Signage digital signage solution so I thought I should mention the new Sharp Electronics solution. I recently visited Toronto, along with Mike, Inland AV technician from Edmonton, to attend Sharp Digital Signage training sessions. Mike elected to take a programming and a fibre-optic session while I delved into more programming.

We were both really impressed with this easy to use digital signage solution. The Sharp digital signage solution is a great fit for larger companies that want to deploy a unified solution across the country but do not want to manage the technology behind the scenes.

I think it is great that both the Sharp and AMX solutions include the ability to custom configure the screen and include third party real time information such as time, weather, news and sports feeds. I copied an image (see below) from the SharpExperience.com website that outlines the basic screen set up configurations.



I'm like a kid at Christmas, I can't wait for the demo system to arrive!

Grant

George Grech, AMX At InfoComm

Grant's Perspective on ... the people you meet at InfoComm.

I really enjoy attending InfoComm (especially when it is in Orlando). I love the opportunity to see the latest in AV technology. The experience sure gets the creative juices flowing when I start to think how the new equipment can be implemented into the AV systems that I design.

It is even better when the person delivering the demonstration is someone that I frequently talk to on the telephone. George Grech of AMX is a perfect example. He is a great guy, full of energy and ideas to help us develop the best AV solutions for our clients. See the picture that I snapped of George while he demonstrates the latest AMX Inspired Signage developments.



For those who have an interest in learning about how digital signage works, I found this 7 minute video overview on the AMX Inspired Signage solution.

I need to keep this entry short. It was great to attend InfoComm but the work sure piles up when you are away!

Grant

InfoComm 09: The Power Of AV

Grant's Perspective on ... InfoComm 09

I am in Orlando attending InfoComm 09. InfoComm is the annual event for the AV industry. It is a week jam packed with educational workshops, a trade show that features all the new audiovisual equipment and great networking opportunities with over 30,000 AV professionals.

As we were making our way to Orlando, our feelings were that the show would be smaller than previous years due to the global economic downturn. I was pleasantly surprised that the show was the size it was with lots of new products and delegates doing more than just kicking the proverbial tires.

3D projection systems were one of the shows highlights that really caught my attention. Some systems require the use of glasses and some did not. The systems that required the glasses performed better but it is certainly interesting that 3D without glasses is possible and only going to get better.

See the picture of myself and other Inland AV staff members wearing the 3D glasses and checking out the new Sharp 3D projector.



I'll try to post some pictures and more show highlights early next week. I have to go and catch my flight back to Winnipeg.

Grant

Cable Clutter on the Table

Grant's Perspective on ... Cable Clutter on the Table

My previous post was a bit of a rant about people who spend a huge sum of cash on their boardroom aesthetics and almost nothing on the room's communications system. I'm following this up with another pet peeve; a great looking room and a great AV system but with cables everywhere.

Consider connecting a laptop on a boardroom table or a lectern when doing a presentation. You'll need to at least connect the computer video, possibly power, and potentially computer audio and a LAN connection. So often this means the aesthetics of the room and presentation is marred by a tangle of cables.

There are a few options when it comes to table top cable management. By that I refer to the connection points where a user will plug-in their equipment to an AV system. Not to a traditional wall plate loaded with connection points located far away from the boardroom table, but a place conveniently right on the table.

On a boardroom table you may find connection point devices that are either pop-up, tilt-up, flip-open, or well style. There may be more than one per table and when in the closed state they hide the connection points while providing an elegant solution to a well designed AV system.

A pop-up, when activated, will elevate itself above the table to expose the connection points. A tilt-up is very similar but a tad more discreet. A flip-open is simply a lid that when open allows access to the connection points recessed below the level of the table.

All of the above require interconnect cables. These are the cables that connect your device to the connection point. I personally don't like the fact that the excess cables lay on top of the boardroom table cluttering up the area, which looks unkempt and may be a distraction.

My preferred method is the cable well where the required interconnects already exist within the well and can be extracted when required. This way the user simply pulls out only the desired connection point to the required length to their laptop.

To do one better than that, there are wells available that also include a keypad in the lid (see the picture at the top of this post). This provides the user with control of the AV system right at the location where they connect their device. How cool is that? No more searching for the projector remote or walking across the room to a wall mounted controller and an audio mixer located in a credenza. A common example of this would allow the meeting chairperson to connect their laptop, turn on the AV system, and throughout the course of the meeting adjust the volume and select any of the other connected laptops to be displayed.

The goal is to provide a reliable AV system that is very easy to use while keeping the room looking neat and clean.

Grant

Improved Boardroom Communications From System Integration

Grant's Perspective on ... the value of a boardroom AV communications system.

Here is my pet peeve - As an AV guy I'm biased but it blows me away when I hear of a boardroom where the furniture cost is an exorbitant amount (furniture sales people please do not take offense, I'm just looking for balance) and yet they have no AV or some little audiovisual system and their only form of conferencing is a telephone desk station used as a speaker phone (which is only half duplex audio!). I'm surprised at the number of boardrooms that do not include popular presentation technologies.

Don't get me wrong, I have a great respect for the old-school ways of business and the person who had the "natural knack" for business, and if AV isn’t a requirement…that’s just the way it is.

Audiovisual is all about communication. Tools are necessary to effectively communicate your information - could your teacher have taught math & spelling without a chalkboard? Or was it an overhead projector? Or was it via a projector or interactive whiteboard? Audiovisual is the tool - sight & sound used to effectively communicate the information. Throw a few more "tools" into the mix to provide easy operation of these components and you have: "Improved communication from system integration...."

Today, every boardroom and multi-purpose meeting room should have a presentation system. This includes a projector & screen or flat panel display(s), sources (computer, DVD, BluRay, document camera, etc) controlled lighting, proper audio and acoustic treatment, audio conferencing, video conferencing, and an easy and intuitive control system interface to operate the system.

We specialize in boardroom and training room presentation systems and have completed many rooms where we work with the existing décor – and we know not to scratch your furniture. At the end of the day, it’s really great to see a completed integration help a business achieve their goals.

Grant

Sharp Scientific Calculator Promotion & Survey

Grant's Perspective on ... Sharp Scientific Calculator Promotion

Have you seen the promo from SHARP on the Inland AV website? Great idea!

It’s available for any K-to-12 school. For each and every SHARP PG-F267X short throw projector purchased the school will receive 25 Sharp scientific calculators. Free! And that’s not all; 1 CD calculator software simulator. Ya gotta love it!

Now I’m no marketing genius but I recall back to my elementary school days and the World maps with a picture of a chocolate bar in each corner. Maybe this is why today I’m addicted to the Crispy Crunch (psst… Cadbury, kick backs are sent to my home address – I think it’s your company policy…). I recall my Mother mentioning to me she had similar maps when she was a kid. What a great way for the schools to acquire these teaching aids and equipment. Would there have been so many maps in classrooms without that promo? Sharp definitely had their historical thinking caps on when they developed this promotion.

Students love their cell phones and i-Pods so I would think they’d enjoy using a scientific calculator.

Then I thought about how the scientific calculators would be used at the school. Would they all remain in the room with the projector? Would they be provided to the classroom that needs them? Maybe they would be given to the students that would benefit the most from a free scientific calculator. The school could also give them away as prizes. Please check out the survey (closes June 13) on the right hand side of the page and tell me how you would distribute the 25 free scientific calculators.

Grant

Day One

Grant's Perspective on ... Day One

Welcome to Grant’s Audiovisual Perspective. I look forward to sharing my ideas and comments on audiovisual (AV) systems. I have been a part of the AV industry for over 20 years and have definite opinions on how AV can improve communications.

More than anything, I look forward to hearing from all the other people that are passionate about AV.

Grant