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

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

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

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

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.

LED lights up the stadium seating area

releasing the "doves" with LED wing lighting

 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

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

Bose L1 Audio Systems Defies Feedback!

Grant's Perspective on ... the new Bose portable array audio system suppresses feedback.

Bose has introduced the L1 Audio Systems and our friendly Bose representative Martin delivered a system to our office and did a demonstration. The system is very portable and has the great, rich, room filling sound that we have come to expect from Bose. The sound of Steely Dan filled our warehouse for a few minutes and then it was time for a microphone test.

Martin reviewed the ToneMatch features such as the 4 channel mixer, reverb, delays and other audio processing and ToneMatch presets. Martin also demonstrated the microphone presets. The ToneMatch includes downloadable presets which include the most popular microphone makes and models.

Speaker arrays reduce feedback by design and this system did not feedback even with the microphone less than 1 foot from the speakers. Martin did a sound test with and without using the SM58 preset. Without the preset in place, some feedback was heard when the microphone was placed directly inn front of the speakers. With the preset in place, there was no feedback.

ToneMatch Audio Engine

Bose L1 Model II Single Bass Package with ToneMatch Audio Engine

What does this mean? This is a well performing, well sounding system and reliable system, that anyone can setup. Call your local Inland AV representative for a demonstration of the Bose L1 Audio system.

Grant

Mobile Rear Projection Whiteboard

Grant's Perspective on ... Da-lite's new rear projection whiteboard cart for interactive projectors.

Da-Lite has introduced the IDEA Interactive Cart (a new mobile whiteboard cart designed for use with interactive projectors). The cool feature is that the ultra-short throw projector is mounted to the back side of the cart so that the whiteboard becomes a rear projection screen. This eliminates the shadows caused by someone standing between the projector and screen.

I look forward to the opportunity to get my hands on this and try it out.

Grant