PowerLite Pilot Connection and Control Box

Grant's Perspective on ... Epson's new PowerLite Pilot Connection and Control Box.

Epson has introduced an easy-to-use AV system controller to help teachers keep AV technology organized. With many classrooms using projectors and audio systems with computers, DVD players, document cameras and iPods a controller system is a good addition to the AV system.

The Pilot mounts on the wall and comes with a cover to help protect it and keep the cables in place.  

I'm intrigued by the "Use as an extension box — expand the range of your cables for added flexibility" point on the Epson product website. I'm assuming this means that the Pilot works as a USB extender. This is a great feature as USB cables only work when the length of the cable run is short. I look forward to getting my hands on the unit and testing it out.

The photo below shows the inputs and outputs available: HDMI, AUX Audio, USB Type A, USB Type B, Audio inputs, 2 VGA inputs, Audio outputs, Rec out, S-video, Composite, RS-232.

While we are an Epson dealer, there are many other AV system control devices available to suit your needs and budget. AMX, Crestron, Kramer and Extron all make some great products. If you are tired or embarrassed having to plug in and unplug cables and maybe even tripping over the cables in front of people in classrooms and boardrooms, then it is time to look into an AV control system.

The Pilot will be available next month (June, 2011).

Grant

AV Control Systems Save Money and the Environment

Grant's Perspective on ... programming upgrades to save electricity and extend projector life.

 “What are you doing for a blog this week?” a co-worker asked me at lunch time today. As I have more work on my plate than anyone can possibly handle, I wondered how to fit it in.  He responded with, “Write about what you’re doing this week”

I quickly realized the programming upgrades I’m currently involved with are worth mentioning.  Reason being?  These upgrades save operation costs and are “green”.

The upgrades to four systems were an extension of a feature that I often build into a control system.  The daily automatic shutdown of the projectors.  Obviously a smart thinking client!  In some systems I have built in two daily shut downs - just in case someone turns it back on.

Now if someone leaves the projector on, which happens very frequently in meeting facilities, the owner of that projector can rest assured it will not run all night.  Even worse, the next day too!  Triply worse, an entire weekend!!! (note the 3 exclamation points).  Running a projection lamp is like putting gas in your car, it’ll eventually run out. It’s an obvious point anyone would want to save gas.  Also, it’s very “green” as they won’t be unnecessarily using electricity and prematurely wearing out equipment.

Saving money and the environment, that is smart thinking.

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