BrightLink 485Wi Wins Projector Central Shootout

Grant's Perspective on ... Projector Central rates the Epson BrightLink 485Wi the best in their Interactive Projector Shootout.

Epson BrightLink 485Wi Interactive Projector

Projector Central is a respected website that is a good source of information to review and compare projectors. I noticed they recently conducted an Interactive Projector Shootout and the Epson Brightlink 485W1 was rated #1.

They summarize the findings, saying "The Epson 485Wi comes in first in most categories, with the best video image quality, brightest interactive image, best audio system, and more. It even edges out the DLP projectors on interactive features, thanks to its automatic calibration and its ability to work with two pens at once.

If you are in Western Canada (Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon or Winnipeg) and would like more information or a demonstration, contact us at Inland AV.

Grant

Drop of Water Begins a Chain Reaction

Grant's Perspective on ... a Drop of Water Begins a Chain Reaction: a Dave Evans blog post.

I recently viewed the Dave Evens, Cisco, Chief Futurist's blog. As the "Chief Futurist" Dave has been talking about the "the Internet of Everything". I really liked his "A Drop of Water Begins a Chain Reaction" post as it clearly illustrates the chain of events we can anticipate in the future. Cisco created a nice graphic that walks through an example of how the "Internet of Everything" could react to rain: construction companies, corporate events, soccer practice, traffic flow and agriculture.

Grant

Video Monitor That Bends

Grant's Perspective on ... APG flexible monitor at the Inland AV shows.

I have further reviewed the list of AV manufacturers that will be displaying at  our trade show next week in Winnipeg (January 18) and Edmonton (February 8).  I am excited to see the APG display. It looks to be an impressive booth that will include a bezel-less video wall, outdoor monitor (we are talking for MB, SK and AB Canada) and a video monitor that bends so that it will wrap around pillars.

monitor that is flexible!

video wall without bezels

 Grant

Wireless Switcher From Hitachi

Grant's Perspective on the Hitachi MS-1 Multifunction Switcher.

We have an event in Winnipeg (January 18) and Edmonton (February 8) and I'm really looking forward to seeing the new MS-1 Multifunction Switcher. It is so new we do not have any information as it has not been approved for sale by the US Government (wireless regulations).

All I have is the text that our friendly Hitachi rep sent:

Hitachi's MS-1 Multifunction Switcher

• Ten inputs selctor - 4 HDMI, 2 USB, 2 Computer, Video and LAN. Plus additonal connections on back panel.
• Simple installation by one HDMI cable
• Can be used wired - MS-1 or wireless - MS-1WL w/receiver
• Full HD via wireless version 

I can't wait to see it in action!

Grant

Paul McCartney, My Brother & Fireworks

Grant's Perspective on ... Paul McCartney's tour in Canada.

Two interesting notes on the current Paul McCartney tour of Canada.

1 - Like many people, I remember sitting in our living room and watching the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. My brother recently got to realize this boyhood dream of performing on stage with Paul McCartney. My brother moved to Edmonton many years ago and is now a member of the Edmonton Police Service Pipe and Drum band. They joined McCartney onstage for "Mull of Kintyre". See the Global video interview below.



A few nights later McCartney was in Vancouver in the newly refurbished BC Place stadium. Apparently a measurement was not taken properly and the fireworks scorched the roof. A very embarrassing and costly miscalculation. The YouTube video below clearly shows the fireworks hitting the ceiling!


Grant

Crestron Dock For IPad Mini

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

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.

Grant

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.

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

Sharp Aquos Interactive Board Pensoftware Update

Grant's Perspective on ... Sharp releases Pensoftware Updater patch 2.5 with Touch Display Launcher.

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.

Sharp Product Download Webpage

To download the software: Please follow these steps:

Step1:  go to:  http://www.sharp.ca/en-CA/CustomerSupport/Support/ProductDownloads.aspx

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

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.

digitizer and pen

close up of the pen

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