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 systemsProviding 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
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