Grant's Perspective on ... Crestron announces the imminent release of a docking station for the iPad.
Crestron announced that they will soon have tabletop and in-wall docking stations for the iPad mini. No firm date was given but we are to be on the "lookout for details and availability".
Crestron makes touch screen control systems for both organizations and home AV systems. These controllers can control music, video and videoconferencing systems as well as lighting, window coverings and HVAC systems.They have apps available that enable an iPod to be the AV system controller.
Below is a Crestron YouTube video showing the docking stations for a regular iPad.
Grant
Friday, November 16, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
Hitachi CP-AW252WN Ultra-Short Throw Projectot
Grant's Perspective on ... Hitachi's new CP-AW252WN ultra-short throw projector.
Hitachi has released a new WXGA, 2500 lumen ultra-short throw projector that incorporates ImageCare Technology. ImageCare lowers the overall power usage of the projector in several different ways.
ImageCare includes Intelligent Eco and Saver Mode. Intelligent Eco mode allows the projector to sense dark and bright images and automatically lower the power usage of the lamp so that the projected image looks great but with reduced energy consumption. Saver Mode is great for classroom situations. The projector will reduce the power applied to the lamp when an image remains static for a per-determined amount of time. Students focus on the screen as a new slide is projected but after they view it for about 5 - 10 seconds focus on the person lecturing until the next slide appears.
Another new feature is that a table top mount is available so that a desk top can be the projection surface. Add in the Hitachi EZ2-Pen and you now have an interactive table. Great for classrooms!
See the graphic of the imput/output panel below.
Hitachi has released a new WXGA, 2500 lumen ultra-short throw projector that incorporates ImageCare Technology. ImageCare lowers the overall power usage of the projector in several different ways.
ImageCare includes Intelligent Eco and Saver Mode. Intelligent Eco mode allows the projector to sense dark and bright images and automatically lower the power usage of the lamp so that the projected image looks great but with reduced energy consumption. Saver Mode is great for classroom situations. The projector will reduce the power applied to the lamp when an image remains static for a per-determined amount of time. Students focus on the screen as a new slide is projected but after they view it for about 5 - 10 seconds focus on the person lecturing until the next slide appears.
Another new feature is that a table top mount is available so that a desk top can be the projection surface. Add in the Hitachi EZ2-Pen and you now have an interactive table. Great for classrooms!
See the graphic of the imput/output panel below.
Grant
Friday, October 26, 2012
beyerdynamic videoconference microphone comparison
Grant's Perspective on ... beyerdynamic videoconferencing microphone comparison video.
We often get asked about microphone options for videoconference systems. I came across this YouTube video posted by beyerdynamic. The video provides a comparison and demonstration of a ceiling-mounted boundary microphone, table-mounted boundary microphone, portable boundary microphone, gooseneck microphone and the new Revoluto line array microphone.
The line array microphone is a new microphone with a corridor pick-up pattern as opposed to a cardiod or omni pick-up pattern. This enables the person seated at the table to act naturally (looking around the room to make eye-contact or lean back in their chair) without the sound quality changing.
Another option to consider for boardroom videoconference microphone applications.
Grant
We often get asked about microphone options for videoconference systems. I came across this YouTube video posted by beyerdynamic. The video provides a comparison and demonstration of a ceiling-mounted boundary microphone, table-mounted boundary microphone, portable boundary microphone, gooseneck microphone and the new Revoluto line array microphone.
 |
| MPR 2012 Revoluto line array microphone |
The line array microphone is a new microphone with a corridor pick-up pattern as opposed to a cardiod or omni pick-up pattern. This enables the person seated at the table to act naturally (looking around the room to make eye-contact or lean back in their chair) without the sound quality changing.
Another option to consider for boardroom videoconference microphone applications.
Grant
Friday, October 12, 2012
Sharp Aquos Interactive Board Pensoftware Update
Grant's Perspective on ... Sharp releases Pensoftware Updater patch 2.5 with Touch Display Launcher.
Grant
If you have a Sharp Aquos interactive monitor, you will want to download the new software update. The new Touch Display Launcher application enables you to launch software applications by pen or touch. Applications are displayed on the monitor's desktop and can be rotated to select the application you want to open.
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| Sharp Product Download Webpage |
To download the software: Please follow these steps:
Step 2: Select a resource - Software
Step 3: Select a product Category - Aquos board
Step 4: Select a Product - the model # you have.
Step 5: Click Search
Step 6 Click Updater 2.5 zip - this will download the Sharp Pensoftware Updater patch 2.5 with Touch Display
Launcher
Please note: You must have a copy of
Pensoftware installed on your PC to take advantage of this update.
Grant
Friday, October 5, 2012
Hitachi EZ Pen: No Batteries Required
Grant's Perspective on ... the Hitachi Link EZ2-Pen, review part 2.
A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that Hitachi had released the Link EZ2-Pen that added interactivity to a regular projector. Our friendly Hitachi rep came by our Winnipeg location this week and dropped off our new Link EZ2-Pen system.
I really like the idea that the system only has the one piece digitizer unit and the pen. The digitizer quickly attached magnetically to our demo room whiteboard. The pen works as the mouse for the attached computer and allows for annotation.
The pen does not require batteries. This is great as it reduces the cost of ownership but more importantly it is hard to break the pen when compared to devices that have a battery because they contain other electronics that can be broken. The cost of replacing a pen that goes missing is much less than an electronic device going astray. The pen works as an infrared mirror that reflects back to the module. See the close up of the pen below. The reflective area is clearly visible.
The system also comes with the StarBoard software so creating or sourcing great interactive lessons is a snap.
Give us a call if you want to try it out!
Grant
A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that Hitachi had released the Link EZ2-Pen that added interactivity to a regular projector. Our friendly Hitachi rep came by our Winnipeg location this week and dropped off our new Link EZ2-Pen system.
I really like the idea that the system only has the one piece digitizer unit and the pen. The digitizer quickly attached magnetically to our demo room whiteboard. The pen works as the mouse for the attached computer and allows for annotation.
The pen does not require batteries. This is great as it reduces the cost of ownership but more importantly it is hard to break the pen when compared to devices that have a battery because they contain other electronics that can be broken. The cost of replacing a pen that goes missing is much less than an electronic device going astray. The pen works as an infrared mirror that reflects back to the module. See the close up of the pen below. The reflective area is clearly visible.
 |
| digitizer and pen |
 |
| close up of the pen |
Give us a call if you want to try it out!
Grant
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
SpeechJammer Wins the Ig Nobel Prize
Grant's Perspective on ... the SpeechJammer winning an Ig Nobel Prize.
I was amused to see that two Japanese researchers won an Ig Noble Prize this week at a presentation at Harvard University. The SpeechJammer records a person talking up to 30 meters away and then sends their speech back at them, with a 0.2 second delay. This causes the person speaking to stutter and then stop speaking.
The YouTube video below was posted by Kazutaka Kurihara, he silences noisy students in a study hall and during a professor's lecture. He has suggested that his device could be used as a speaker timer to stop people from speaking too long at the podium. I could not imagine the embarrassment of being "SpeechJammed".
I can think of a few instances where I could make use of this ...
Grant
I was amused to see that two Japanese researchers won an Ig Noble Prize this week at a presentation at Harvard University. The SpeechJammer records a person talking up to 30 meters away and then sends their speech back at them, with a 0.2 second delay. This causes the person speaking to stutter and then stop speaking.
The YouTube video below was posted by Kazutaka Kurihara, he silences noisy students in a study hall and during a professor's lecture. He has suggested that his device could be used as a speaker timer to stop people from speaking too long at the podium. I could not imagine the embarrassment of being "SpeechJammed".
I can think of a few instances where I could make use of this ...
Grant
Friday, September 21, 2012
New Hitachi Portable Unit Makes Projectors Interative
Grant's Perspective on ... Hitachi's new Link EZ2-Pen.
Hitachi has launched the new Link EZ2-Pen unit that turns a regular projector into an interactive unit. The pens, which do not require a battery to operate, reflect the infrared signal emitted by the digitizer unit. The digitizer is mounted by a magnet so it is easily transported to different locations and easily stored.
It is great to see another option for people that want to make existing projectors interactive.
Grant
Hitachi has launched the new Link EZ2-Pen unit that turns a regular projector into an interactive unit. The pens, which do not require a battery to operate, reflect the infrared signal emitted by the digitizer unit. The digitizer is mounted by a magnet so it is easily transported to different locations and easily stored.
Grant
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Furniture Racks For the Boardroom
Grant's Perspective on ... racks that are built for the boardroom, not the server room.
Middle Atlantic is one of Inland AV's suppliers of racks and they have introduced rack furniture that fits in with the boardroom. The Middle Atlantic racks are functional as well as looking great.
The YouTube video below outlines the features in the RFR Reference Series Furniture Rack. These boardroom racks are available in 12 different finishes so that they blend in with the room's decor. A great way to hide AV technology in plain sight.
Grant
Middle Atlantic is one of Inland AV's suppliers of racks and they have introduced rack furniture that fits in with the boardroom. The Middle Atlantic racks are functional as well as looking great.
The YouTube video below outlines the features in the RFR Reference Series Furniture Rack. These boardroom racks are available in 12 different finishes so that they blend in with the room's decor. A great way to hide AV technology in plain sight.
Grant
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
London LED Lighting Olympics
Grant's Perspective on ... LED lighting stand out at the 2012 Olympics.
I watched some of the Olympics and could not help but be impressed by the use of LED lighting. From the LED panels wired to every seat in the Olympic Stadium, the use in the ceremonies on David Beckham's boat, Spice Girls cars and "doves" riding bikes to London's landmark architecture.
It will be interesting to see if the use of LED lighting in architecture and gala events will surge as a result of this Olympic exposure.
Grant
I watched some of the Olympics and could not help but be impressed by the use of LED lighting. From the LED panels wired to every seat in the Olympic Stadium, the use in the ceremonies on David Beckham's boat, Spice Girls cars and "doves" riding bikes to London's landmark architecture.
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| LED lights up the stadium seating area |
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| releasing the "doves" with LED wing lighting |
Grant
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Coca-cola's Interactive Oylmpic Park Pavilion
Grant's Perspective on ... the Coca-Cola Olympic Beat Box building.
I've been looking online for some cool Olympic AV installations and the Coca-Cola Park Pavilion qualifies. The pavilion is made up of large plastic pillows and some of them trigger lights and sounds when touched by visitors. The sounds of sport (shoes squeaking, heartbeats and arrows hitting targets) are mixed into the Anywhere in the World song. People get to remix the song and interact with the pavilion while they walk the 200' to the lookout view of the Olympic Games site.
I look forward to tomorrow's opening games ceremony for some audiovisual WOW.
Grant
I've been looking online for some cool Olympic AV installations and the Coca-Cola Park Pavilion qualifies. The pavilion is made up of large plastic pillows and some of them trigger lights and sounds when touched by visitors. The sounds of sport (shoes squeaking, heartbeats and arrows hitting targets) are mixed into the Anywhere in the World song. People get to remix the song and interact with the pavilion while they walk the 200' to the lookout view of the Olympic Games site.
Grant
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