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Welcome to the April edition of rAVe Asia e-newsletter

Not surprisingly the audio, video and lighting industries are beginning to see acquisitions. It was already predicted that the economic crisis will bring about some consolidation and in our industry news segment you will see the prediction coming into reality. We are certain that there will be a few more of this happening within the year.

The TFCinfo report about video display in Chuches being at an all time high is not surprising. Even in Asia, this holds true. From my own personal experience, the more conservative (in terms of spending that is) catholic churches are going by way of installing display screens, thereby slowly doing away with print Mass missals and also using it to project reflection points, etc. With some reports stating that houses of worship are beginning to get filled more, due to the economic crisis,  there will be a need to deploy more screens so that everyone can follow proceedings.

In this e-newsletter issue we also get a brief take from Tata Communications, which is part of the Tata Group - a major congolmerate from India, about their Telepresence strategy.

We hope you will enjoy the editorials.

Thomas Richard Prakasam

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Industry News

Philips Acquires Lighting Control Manufacturer

Philips Electronics announced this month that it has acquired Dynalite, a manufacturer of lighting controls headquartered in Sydney, Australia. Dynalite has become part of the lighting electronics business within the Philips lighting sector. Financial details of this agreement were not disclosed.

Dynalite was founded in 1989 and has since become a prominent lighting control company with its energy management and building automation, architectural lighting control, home automation and residential applications solutions. The company, with offices in Australia, the U.K., China and Dubai has around 130 employees. Philips says they will use the Dynalite acquisition to expand their lighting control solutions in both the HomeAV and ProAV markets.

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Shure Acquires Crowley and Tripp Ribbon Microphones from Soundwave Research Laboratories

Shure Incorporated, the manufacturer of microphone legends like the SM57 and SM58, today announced the acquisition of Crowley and Tripp Ribbon Microphones from Soundwave Research Laboratories of Ashland, Massachusetts.  Under a definitive agreement, Shure now owns all intellectual property, microphone process equipment, product designs, and other important assets related to the Crowley and Tripp line.  Shure will manufacture ribbon microphones in its Wheeling, Illinois, facility using the revolutionary, patented Roswellite shape-memory acoustic ribbon material developed by Soundwave Research.

Shure says they will manufacture ribbon microphones exclusively in the U.S.  Shure will also assume responsibility for ongoing service and support for existing owners of Crowley and Tripp ribbon microphone products.

The complete press release can be read here:  http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/PressRoom/PressReleaseArchive/2009PressReleases/us_pro_pr_2009_crowley_tripp

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InFocus to be Acquired for Less Than USD1.00 Per Share

nFocus Corporation, the one-time leader of digital projection, today announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Image Holdings Corporation (IHC), an Oregon company controlled by John Hui, an accomplished entrepreneur and co-founder of eMachines. Under the terms of the agreement IHC and its wholly-owned subsidiary, IC Acquisition Corp. (IC), will make an all cash tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of InFocus stock at $0.95 per share, or approximately $39 million in total.

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that InFocus shareholders accept and tender their shares into the offer, which represents a 36 percent premium over the April 9th closing price of $0.70, the last trading day prior to the agreement, and a 90 percent premium over the last 30 day average closing price of $0.50. The offer will be subject to the tender of a minimum of 65 percent of InFocus outstanding shares and other customary conditions, including the absence of any material adverse effect on the InFocus business. The offer and a subsequent merger that will result in InFocus becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of IHC are expected to close in the second quarter of 2009.

We spoke to Ben Joy, Product Line Manager at InFocus, and he said they viewed the acquisition positively because “going private saves [InFocus] significant time and money that can be used more effectively in running the business. It also allows [InFocus] to be more ‘stealth’ with what [they’re] going – like all [their] competitors.”

This deal is far from done, as you can imagine, as there are all sorts of legal and governmental hurdles that need to be crossed, but we at rAVe wish InFocus the best as they enter this endeavor that will, hopefully, yield a better company.  Think about it, if this deal goes down, the one-time giant of the projector business will have been sold for about $40 million.

To read all the details on this buyout, go to: http://www.infocus.com/Company/PressReleases/2009/041309_IFCaquired.aspx

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TFCinfo Says Video Display Usage in Churches At All-time High

The house of worship market for audiovisual is rapidly growing as churches increasingly turn toward display technologies to fuel membership growth, which in turn drives demand for additional displays.  This market is of special interest to display manufacturers due to house of worships’ needs for a variety of display solutions, including high-performance products, due to the challenges of large sanctuary sizes.  Because there is so much interest in this market, yet limited information, TFC Info, in conjunction with Church Production Magazine and Worship Facilities Magazine, recently conducted an extensive end-user research study to explore the use of projectors and flat panel displays in American churches.    

For over six years TFC Info has immersed itself in the church market to assist manufacturers, dealers and integrators in better understanding this fast growing market segment.  TFC Info surveyed 700 respondents, all of whom are responsible for the AV equipment at their place of worship, for their most recent report entitled “The Use of Video Displays in American Churches 2009.”

The 2009 report provides historical trend analysis by contrasting current results with those of TFC Info’s earlier surveys.  One of those trends is the growth in the number of projectors a church owns over time.  The churches in this research that state they have three or more installed projectors have gone from 16 percent in 2004 to 39 percent in 2009, clearly showing increased opportunities for larger orders.

For a complete brochure and outline of this study, or for more information on purchasing, please contact Tanya Lippke, Manager of Survey Market Research, at (207) 783-0055 or tmlippke@tfcinfo.com.

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Projection

Sharp Ships Their First Show-Throw Lens Projector

Sharp begun shipping its first short-throw DLP BrilliantColor professional projector, in mid April. The PG-F267X achieves a 100-inch diagonal image from a distance of 4.3 feet.  For rental applications where space is critical – but you don’t want people stepping on or around all the wiring, placing the projector rear-screen while not taking up a lot of meeting room space is where the PG-F267X can be helpful. 

This short-throw lens projector is specified to be 2500 ANSI lumens with a 2200:1 contrast ratio from an XGA resolution (1024x768) DLP projector. 

Check out the spec sheet at:  http://www.sharpusa.com/files/pro_dow_PGF267X_ss.pdf

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Integrator Solutions

Extron Ships All-New Fiber Optic Switchers and DAs

Extron Electronics has announced the immediate availability of two new additions to the company's growing line of fiber optic products. These include the FOX 4G DA8, an eight-output fiber optic distribution amplifier, and the FOX 4G SW8, an eight input fiber optic switcher. Both products are designed for switching and distribution, as well as long haul transmission of fiber optic A/V and RS-232 control signals over a single fiber. Engineered for reliability and exceptional performance, they support up to 4.25 Gbps digital switching and distribution for standard definition video, high resolution computer-video, DVI-D, and multi-rate SDI, delivering pixel-for-pixel throughput up to 1600x1200 and HDTV 1080p/60.

The FOX 4G DA8 and FOX 4G SW8 are compatible with all Extron FOX Series fiber optic transmitters, receivers, distribution amplifiers, and matrix switchers. They are equipped with several features specifically for A/V integration, including RS-232 serial control and rack-mount capability. Individual outputs can be selectively muted through RS-232 control, and for the FOX 4G SW8, loop-throughs are provided for seven of the eight inputs, allowing for viewing at locations separate from that of the switcher output.

As with all other Extron Fiber Optics products, the FOX 4G DA8 and FOX 4G SW8 continuously monitor input and output fiber links, and can be set to trigger an external control system in the event a fiber link is lost.

To see all the specs of the entire FOX line, go to:  http://www.extron.com/product/prodtype31.aspx
 

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World's First Netbook Graphics Adaptor - Pulls DVI Off of the USB Port

Most Netbooks on the market today have no graphics output. And while they are meant to be amazingly portable, they aren’t convenient for presentations if they don’t have a graphics card output to connect to a projector.

Now with a simple HP USB Graphics Adapter (from HP, of course), any monitor will work with the Netbook. Now it’s fast, easy and affordable to add one, two or more displays to PCs, notebooks and Netbooks – just plug and display, unplug and go.   The adapter handles resolutions up to 1600x1200, can support six simultaneous displays and is only USD59.

Check it out at:  http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF06c/A10-51210-332469-332462-332469-3913299-3913300-3913303.html

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Kramer Intros New 8 x 2 Audio Switcher

Kramer Electronics, yesterday, announced the introduction of the VP-727A 8x2 audio switcher for balanced stereo audio signals – used with the VP-727xl and the VP-727 In-CTRL Seamless Switchers they, together, become a video and audio switcher. 

The VP-727A features eight unbalanced stereo audio inputs on RCA connectors.  It also offers three program outputs:  unbalanced stereo audio on RCA connectors, balanced stereo audio on a 5-pin terminal block connector, and S/PDIF on an RCA connector.  It has one unbalanced stereo audio preview output on an RCA connector and a selectable headphone connector on a 6.5mm jack for preview or program audio outputs.  It has a bandwidth specification of -3dB at >22kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio of >85dB.

If you want more information, go here:  http://www.bizwizard.se/bw/kramer/BWMessageView.aspx?bwl=e17ad0c2d38d4a0e.16295.AD0A

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RGB Spectrum Debuts MediaWall 4500

RGB Spectrum has announced the new MediaWall 4500 display processor, offering what RGB calls “real time performance."  The MediaWall 4500 processor can display up to thirty graphics and video signals on up to twelve screens in a 3x4 array. The company says images can be displayed anywhere, any size, within or across screens, in correct aspect ratio or stretched to fit, in whole or zoomed to emphasize details. DVI inputs include built-in cable equalization on all inputs to increase cable lengths up to 50 meters without the need for external signal extenders. On DVI outputs, 500mA of DVI output power is available for pin-powered devices, obviating the need for external power adapters.  In addition, control is offered via USB, RS-232, or Ethernet port.

See the new 4500 at:  http://www.rgb.com/products/MediaWall4500/?c=n
 

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Barco Launches Near-Bezel-less 46" LCD

The new Barco NSL-4601 is what Barco calls a professional grade, narrow-bezel 46" LCD display with native WXGA (1366 x 768) resolution, which they are aiming at tiled video-wall applications in small to medium-sized control rooms.  The 3000:1 contrast ratio NSL-4601 includes a luminance spec of 500 Cd/m2 (typical), 8-bit color, a 50,000-hour operating life and it weighs about 65-pounds.

You can see all the specs and details on this site at:  http://www.barco.com/AirTrafficControl/en/products/product.asp?element=4873&lid=EN

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Audio

Ecler Shows Paintable Sphere Speaker

European speaker manufacturer Ecler launched the NEST 106 architectural cabinet, a two-way full-range speaker with integrated 100V line transformer for background music and public address in a variety of installations such as shopping malls, retail stores, schools, hotels, industries, offices, museums or conference rooms.

NEST106 can brag of a front panel in the shape of a partial sphere while the back is in the shape of a triangular pyramid. This permits a wide variety of potential installations, ranging from an individual sound box fitting perfectly in a corner to several units to make portions of a sphere or even a complete sphere. And, as you can see from our picture, the grille of the NEST 106 can be easily painted with any color configuration – like this one (the Woody Allen Theme).

The NEST 106 can operate at 8 ohms or at 100W in 7, 10, 15 or 30W power mode, and features a Euroblock connection, accessories for wall mount and IP54 for outdoor installation.  You can see it in detail at:  http://www.ecler.es/EN/product.asp?ProductID=91

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Global Open Standard for RF Control Proposed

ZigBee Alliance and the RF4CE Consortium (founded by Panasonic, Royal Philips Electronics, Samsung, and Sony) will deliver a standardized specification for radio frequency-based (RF) remote controls.

RF remotes are faster, more reliable and provide more freedom to operate devices from greater distances removing the line-of-sight barrier of today’s infrared (IR) remotes. With this agreement, effective today, the ZigBee Alliance will move into the broad consumer products arena as part of its long-term integration and growth plans.

To read more, go to:  http://www.zigbee.org/

SANYO Releases Wide-Screen Short-Throw Lens Projector

SANYO launched the all-new PLC-WXE45 projector lthis month – their first wide-screen, short-throw lens projector.  Aimed at both the game room and the wide-screen business markets, the 1280 x 800 resolution WXE45 includes a 16:10 aspect ratio 500:1 contrast ratio, 2000 ANSI lumens – all from a 200-watt UHP lamp.  So, for game room applications where you may use a projector for a movie one night and to drive your XBox the next, this is a perfect projector for that.  Again, think outside the box!  Not everyone needs perfect 1080p projectors!

Check it out at:  http://us.sanyo.com/Projectors-by-Market-Government-Meeting/PLC-WXE45

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First Pico Projector with Onboard Memory Released

Forget about its weight (6 oz.) and 640x480-pixel resolution -- the real news is that the P1 pico projector from AAXA Technologies offers 1 GB of memory, a microSD slot and an onboard media player. This means the P1 can decode most media formats and play them straight from the projector.

Additional features include a built-in speaker, 1,000:1 contrast ratio and a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack. The battery lasts 45 to 60 minutes, depending on use.

You can also buy a $15 AAXA P1 iPod A/V cable so you can adapt audio and video files to an Apple iPhone, iPod and iTouch.

You can see it for yourself at: http://www.aaxatech.com/

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Gefen Sends HDMI over Legacy Cables

The Gefen HDMI over RGB Extender allows high definition video and audio in the expanded HDMI v1.3 format to travel over legacy RGBHV cable. Effective at distanced up to 330 feet (100m), teh Gefen HDMI over RGB Extender allows displays and projectors to be placed in optimum locations while the A/V source is located in a secure rack mounted enclosure.

It is ideal for integrators wanting to upgrade the A/V source and HDTV display or projetor without removing the existing cable infrastructure used to deliver legacy component or composite video.

High definition visuals at 1080p full HD are delivered over RGBHV cable along with 7.1 digital surround sound audio. All expanded HDMI v1.3 features are supported, including deep colour, lip-sync, Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio formats.

The HDMI over RGB Extender uses sender and receiver units that connect tot he source and the extended display using a standard HDMI cable. 5BNC coaxial cables link the sender to the receiver at the remote location. An optional IR back channel allows the source to be controlled from the extended destination.

The Gefen HDMI over RGB Extender works with all HDMI sources and displays, including Blu-ray players, set-top boxes and gaming consoles.

For further details visit www.gefen.com

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ONKYO Debuts World's First Receiver with New Dolby ProLogic IIz Standard, Plus Two More Receivers

As the first installment of its 2009 product line-up, Onkyo has introduced three new home theater receivers, including the world's first to offer Dolby's new ProLogic IIz processing - which can produce sound effects above the listener's head. These models also include processing from Dolby, DTS, Audyssey and Faroudja. The TX-SR607 features six HDMI inputs, and is the first AV receiver we’ve seen with a front-panel HDMI input.

With the debut of the new TX-SR607 receiver, Onkyo says they have the distinction of becoming the world's first manufacturer to launch a 7.2-channel home cinema receiver featuring the all-new Dolby Pro-Logic IIz mode.  DPL IIz introduces a vertical aspect to the sound field through the addition of left and right-channel front height speakers mounted above the main speakers. Based on the initial positive reactions to demonstrations of this technology to dealers, Onkyo anticipates good demand for expanded height channel capabilities in future models.

These new models are well equipped for all types of HD audio and video source components, with HDMI repeaters plus Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio processing in the TX-SR607 and TX-SR507. The entry-level TX-SR307 has HDMI pass-through switching on three inputs, while all three models support 1080p, Deep Color, and x.v.Color.  The Onkyo TX-SR607 and TX-SR507 are the first to use the company's new proprietary rear-panel universal port, which simplifies the connection for Onkyo’s forthcoming HD Radio Tuner and iPod Dock that will be available in late spring. The 5.1-channel TX-SR307 and TX-SR507 have 65- and 80-watts per channel amplifiers respectively, while the 7.2-channel TX-SR607 is rated at 90 watts per channel, has dual subwoofer line-outputs, upconverts all analog sources to HDMI via Faroujda DCDi technology, and is Sirius Satellite Radio ready.

To read more, go to:  http://www.gspr.com/onkyo/txsr3-607.html

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Chief Releases In-Wall Power Extension

Chief Manufacturing has announced the release of the new PB1 In-Wall Power Extension System, shipping in April 2009. The company says the PB1 is a sleek solution for getting power where you need it, while managing cables and keeping them out of sight. For a clean installation, simply route cables in the wall from behind the flat panel display down to the floor level. Features include:

•    Remote connection to outlet or power conditioner
•    Power routing via 14 gage Romex wiring (not included)
•    Integrated cable ports for low voltage wiring inside the wall
•    Available in four colors (black, white, almond, ivory)

Want more information?  Go to: http://www.chiefmfg.com/productdetail.aspx?AccessoryID=1070

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Da-Lite Announces Design Center for Custom Screens and Wood Products

Da-Lite Screen Company has responded to the demand for projection screens for custom applications with the launch of the new Da-Lite Design Center.  Long recognized as a leader in the development of innovative projection screens and proprietary materials and fabrics, Da-Lite is now offering its design and engineering expertise for one-of-a-kind projection screen designs that answer the most unique and challenging applications.  Also included in the Da-Lite Design Center’s offerings is the customization of its line of wood products, including media work stations, lecterns and equipment rack carts.

Take a sneak peek at the Design Center at:  http://da-lite.com/designcenter/

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D-Tools Launches Version SI5.5

The latest version of D-Tools award-winning System Integrator software, SI5.5, is now available. This significant upgrade focuses on adding to D-Tools’ powerful project management capabilities with detailed project scheduling, resource and task management tools, and client and contact management.

D-Tools System Integrator is currently used by over 2,500 companies to streamline the design, estimation, and documentation processes associated with the installation and integration of low voltage systems.

Adam Stone, President and Founder of D-Tools, says "The software continues to evolve as we add functionality that our customers have told us are extremely important to their project workflow, and in this economy it is more important than ever to gain better control of project time and costs. We feel that this is one of the most significant product releases in the company's history, and we expect that these new features will deliver outstanding value to our customers."

D-Tools System Integrator 5.5 enables systems integrators and custom installation professionals to create detailed projects managed with automated proposals, scheduling, pick lists, purchase orders, drawings and additional documents that streamline the integration of audio and video products.

By using a single, shared, data-driven project file, system integrators and custom installers can better communicate all project details amongst team members, clients, and other trades. Users can download free product information from D-Tools’ comprehensive database of tens of thousands of products and their accessories, giving them the distinct advantage of designing systems using the most current product information, while saving hours of product research time.

To read more, go to:  http://www.d-tools.com/DToolsHome/D-Tools/Partners/TDC.html

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Extron Ships CVC 300 - Component Video to RGB Converter

Extron has announced availability of the CVC 300, a new universal, high definition component video to RGB converter. It accepts all standard definition and high definition analog component video formats, from 480i and 576i to HDTV 1080p/60 and 1920x1200, and transcodes the incoming component video signal for output as RGBHV or RGBS. The CVC 300 is ideal for use in applications that require the integration of devices with component video output, such as DVD players, DTV tuners and DVRs, or game consoles, into RGB-based A/V system designs.

The CVC 300 supports interlaced or progressive scan video with bi-level or tri-level sync, detecting and maintaining the relative timing of sync signals during the component video to RGB conversion process. It also accepts RGB signals for sync conversion to RGBHV or RGBS.

To read all the specs of the CVC 300, go to:  http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=cvc300

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QSC Expands Sub Line with Addition to Super-High-End Line

As the latest addition to QSC's Acoustic Design Series, the model AD-S28Tw surface mount subwoofer is acoustically matched to all other offerings within the AD Series. Shipped with a spec sheet revealing a claim of continuous power handling capacity of 250 watts and capabilities for managing up to 700 watt peaks, the new subwoofer has a 70/100 volt multi-tap transformer with eight ohm bypass, frequency response of 42 Hz-165 Hz, and sensitivity of 94 dB (1W/1m).

QSC says that central to the AD-S28Tw's high performance are a pair of 8-inch woofers outfitted with polypropylene cones for added protection in humid environments. The loudspeaker's bandpass enclosure incorporates a pair of chambers: One that is completely sealed, and another with a large port. Giving added precision to low frequency extension down to 36 Hz, the highly efficient design is further complemented by an onboard low-pass filter set at 120 Hz.

You can read all the specs at: http://www.qscaudio.com/products/speakers/acoustic_design/ad_s28tw/ad_28tw.htm

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Crestron Launches iPhone App: CrestronMobile

Now available as a free download from the iTunes App Store, Crestron Mobile for iPhone keeps you Crestron-connected, wherever you are. An intuitive graphical interface enables seamless control and management of climate, lighting, shades and security systems. View room and device status and adjust control features in a primary residence, vacation home, and office in real time, communicating via the 3G or Edge cellular network (or Wi-Fi, where available).

Crestron Mobile on the iPhone talks directly to the home control system without any third-party software or external servers. (A control module is required for communication, and must be uploaded to the Crestron control system the by an authorized dealer.) Any updates or changes to the control program are automatically sent to the iPhone when the app is launched, and new locations are easily added by opening the "Connections" page on the iPhone. Crestron Mobile is compatible with the original iPhone, iPhone 3G and the iPod touch.

For the installer, Crestron Mobile for iPhone is fully integrated with Crestron programming software including SystemBuilder, VT Pro-e and SIMPL. The app appears as a symbol in the Crestron data library, which can be dragged and dropped into the control program and uploaded to a Crestron 2-Series control system. Custom GUI designs and program settings are implemented exactly the same as any other control module at no cost.

 
For more information about Crestron Mobile for iPhone™, go to http://www.crestron.com

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Final Words

Well, that's it for this edition of rAVe Asia. Thank you for spending time with us as we muse the industry's happenings. To continue getting the newsletter, or to sign up a friend, visit the website: www.raveproasia.com

To send feedback please write to info@raveproasia.com

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