Thursday, May 27, 2010

BrightLink - Product of the Year

Grant's Perspective on ... BrightLink Named Outstanding Product of the Year.

It is only the end of May but ProjectorReviews.com has named the Epson 450Wi BrightLink as  their Outstanding Product of the Year. It is very rare to find a review that positively gushes about a new product. This is if interest to everyone involved in teaching and training!

BTW - My ticket to InfoComm is booked and I'm really looking forward to seeing the new audiovisual products. I'm sure that I will be sharing pictures and comments from the show.

Grant

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

iPod Lectern Docking Station

Grant's Perspective on ... iPod's now docking on lecterns.

I continue to marvel at how communication tools evolve and are being integrated into the real world. The iPod family is certainly one of these wonders. Initially an iPod was a really compact Walkman with a huge library of MP3 music instead of cassettes. Now there are many different i-pods and iPhones available and they do much more than just play music.

We have past newsletter articles on using an iPod for event background music and using an iPhone as a remote AV system controller. Now Sound-Craft Systems Incorporated has launched an iPod docking station for lecterns as people are using them to create and transport their presentations.


Grant

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Epson BrightLink Video & Review

Grant's Perspective on ... Epson BrightLink information update.

I noticed a great Projector Central review of the Epson Brightlink 450Wi.

I also like this quick video overview of the BrightLink  posted on YouTube.



We have been busy hosting BrightLink demonstrations across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. They have all been well attended as people in education and training see the value of interactive projectors.

Grant

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Mounting Two Large Video Monitors

Grant's Perspective on ... attractive monitor mounting in multi-display situations.

Getting two or more monitors mounted side-by-side can be a chore. Basically monitors are two large flat plains and when adjoined any deviation between the two can be very noticeable and therefore will look sloppy and careless (i.e one is higher than the other,  further from the wall than the other,  tilted more than the other, the bezels do  not line up,….).  Dual monitors are often used in videoconferencing applications and therefore must appear “right at home” as the monitors are the main focus point in the room.

Chief has developed a wall mount system that alleviates this issue - the Chief LSMU Fusion Universal Flat Panel Micro-Adjustable Mount for 37" - 63" Displays.  With this system both monitors are attached on the same mounting apparatus and therefore align the same, resulting in a good looking display assembly. 

While Chief has some really well produced Fusion videos, I'm partial to their "work shop" production quality but highly informative video. They use clear glass plates as monitors so you can always see how the mount works. At about the 3:20 mark, they demonstrate a 2 display videoconference mounting system. The modular Fusion components are able to mount 2 large displays, speakers and video camera. I have posted a screen shot of the 2 display mount below and the full video link below.


The Chief Fusion mounts have impressed the clients and  Inland AV installation techs. Their flexibility in stud location, centerless shift, leveling and quick connect cable access is appreciated by the techs. The clients notice that the monitor is exactly where they want it and it looks great. In this situation I should say, what you don't see looks great.

View the video and see how flexible the Chief LSMU Fusion mounts are. If you can't view the YouTube video below click here.



Grant