Epson Pro G Series Projectors Coming Soon

Grant's Perspective on ... the new Epson Pro G series of projectors.

Epson has sent us some information on the new Pro G series projectors that will start shipping next week. They have some really cool specs:

• 4,500 - 7,000 lumens (with one lamp)
• Edge blending capabilities
• Corner wall support (project a square image onto a wall corner)
• HDMI, display port inputs and two of the models with HDBaseT connectivity
• Split screen capability

 What I like is the split screen function. This will be great for videoconferencing. One screen will display the participants in the videoconference and the other screen can display data from a laptop, PC or other device.

Can't wait to get my hands on a demo unit and try it out.

Grant

HItachi MS-1WL Wireless Switcher Scaler Now Available

Grant's Perspective on ... the Hitachi MS-1WL 1080p wireless switcher, scaler is now available.

The Hitachi MS-1WL is finally released. We have been waiting for the last couple of months as this new wireless unit received the required bureaucratic approvals.

The unit has tons of inputs: 4 HDMI, 2 computers, USB and Lan connectors. It also has good old RCA video and audio inputs for those times when archived VHS tapes need to be viewed!

All these inputs can be connected at one time and the user can choose which input is to be displayed. The signal is sent via WHDI wireless technology to the projector.

Hitachi has posted a great overview on YouTube. See the video below.


Grant

Sharp Introduces Pro 90" LCD Monitor

Grant's Perspective on ... the new Sharp PN-R903 LCD monitor.

I have noticed that many organizations have embraced large monitors for their boardrooms, training facilities and in digital signage applications. I expect this trend to continue with the new  Sharp 90" professional monitor.

This 90" display is lightweight (75 kg) and narrower than previous monitors so that it can be mounted in areas that previously were not possible.

The PN-R903 includes more inputs than previous Sharp monitors. This is great as we often had to include the PNZB01 expansion board in many of our systems designs.

As the photo below illustrates, a 90" monitor set up in portrait mode is 6' 5" high and enables life-sized graphics to be displayed.

Grant

Interavctive Short Throw Mount By Chief

Grant's Perspective on ... Chief interactive short-throw mount.

Our Chief representative brought the new interactive short throw mount to a training session for new Inland AV staff members. This is designed to mount a regular short throw projector and the mount adds interactive technology.  Great for organizations that currently own short throw projectors. With four throw length ranges, you can even use a regular throw projector to achieve an 80” diagonal screen

While the mount is designed to be mounted on a wall, we temporarily set the mount and ultra-short throw projector on a table, and used the table surface as the interactive area.

Click here for more information on Chief interactive mounts.

Grant

Sharp Introduces 20" Multi-Touch Monitor

Grant's Perspective on ... the LL-S201A, 20",  HD, multi-touch monitor will be shipping next month (March, 2013).

The monitor will recognize 10 touch points at one time and will work with both fingers and a 2 mm tip touch pen and is Windows 8 compatible. A neat feature is the 180 degree rotate icon that will enable quick flipping of the image when working face-to-face with people across a table. No turning the monitor.

The photo below shows the monitor with the 75 degree stand that is suited for using the monitor as a PC display. It can also be propped up at a 10 degree angle for writing and typing with an on-screen keyboard and can also lay flat, so that several people can view at once.

Sharp LL-S201A Multi-Touch Monitor

The monitor has a  listed maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 and feature 15.4 mm bezel, 25 mm at its thickest point and weighs 2.3 kg.

For more information on interactive monitors contact your closest Inland AV location.

Grant

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