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

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