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