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Welcome to the August edition of rAVe Asia e-newsletter

It has been more than 2 months since InfoComm International had taken place but the buzz that was created is still lingering on. In this edition we highlight The Pacific Media Associates' Awards.

CEDIA will be upon us soon and for those of you who want to be kept in the loop in terms of latest technology and trends and also take this opportunity to upgrade your knowledge, we are re-affiriming as to why you should be at CEDIA.

Enjoy the read.

Thomas Richard Prakasam

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Industry News

Pacific Media Associates Awards Three at InfoComm09

Pacific Media Associates, the global market information experts on front projectors, has announced their Buckaroo winners for best-of-show products exhibited at InfoComm 2009. The Buckaroo award is named for the pioneering cowboys of the Great Basin country of the American West, which includes portions of California, Nevada, Idaho, and Oregon. These cowboys were known for fancy gear that displayed lots of silver ornamentation, so the name is particularly fitting as a recognition of products that produce the best-looking pictures.

The Buckaroo Awards recognize those products in the front projector category that lead the herd by enabling projection of attractive images in a broad range of situations. This year’s winners demonstrated they could satisfy some challenging requirements for viewing due to mobility, installation, and cost-effectiveness considerations.

Reinvigorating the Classic Front Projector Category:  Just when it looked as if Classic (500+ lumens) projector technology advances had all but stopped, Texas Instruments has rolled out some advances that breathe new life into the category. TI wins a Buckaroo for taking advantage of their DLP technology to enable some related technologies that have the potential to both offer important new capabilities to projector companies and open up new market segments for front projectors. These include dramatically broadening the range of uses of 3D, offering possible longer-term savings and ecological benefits of improvements in both LED illumination and improved reflector design for conventional lamps, and expanding the range of customers who can have Crestron control over their projectors. PMA finds their single-projector 3D initiative particularly interesting, as it brings the technology down from the lofty peaks of digital cinema and technical/military simulation to the much broader and cost-sensitive markets of education, business, and the home. LED illumination has already shown up in the earliest of the New Era (sub-500 lumen) projectors and continues to make great strides there, but now it is being put forward by Luminus for the 500+ lumen range, where it will compete with conventional lamps and improved reflector designs from the likes of Wavien. And by embedding a “lite” version of Crestron’s software into the DLP chipset, education and small business customers can have a Crestron control/network solution without having to install a full-blown Crestron control system.

Easy-Mounting Ultra Short-Throw Projectors:  SMART Technologies earns a Buckaroo for their UX60 ultra short-throw projector integrated with the new 685ix widescreen interactive whiteboard. Short-throw projectors have been the hottest new category in Classic projectors, and the UX60 stands out as the first of a new generation of extreme short-throw products. Unlike any other product on the market, the UX60 can be mounted directly onto a wall and the picture adjustments made on the projector itself. In addition to easy mounting, the image emerges from the projector only 40 cm (16 in.) out from the screen, eliminating the shadow problems experienced with longer throw projectors. The UX60 specification ticks all the boxes: easy mounting, WXGA resolution, 16x10 aspect ratio, filter free operation, and DLP high contrast with BrilliantColors.

Pico Screens for Pico Projectors:  A projected image is only as good as the surface that it is projected onto. For battery-powered pico projectors, while that surface of choice in the long run might be a white T-shirt or nearby wall, business folks need something better. When there isn’t a convenient or suitable wall, some form of screen is needed. PMA has seen at least as many attempts at screen designs as at pico projectors, but the best one at InfoComm comes from Japanese giant DNP (Dai Nippon Printing). The inexpensive A4-sized screen is a simple thin, flat, rigid piece of Supernova material that features a fold-out stand on the back, and is available in two versions, high-brightness silver or high-contrast gray.

Congratulations to the winners of the InfoComm 2009 Buckaroo awards!

To learn more about Pacific Media Associates, go to:  http://www.pacificmediaassociates.com/

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Projection

InFocus Launches New Wireless Projection Format

Two weeks ago, InFocus Corporation unveiled its new wireless technology to be embedded into some future projectors.  Partnering with a company called Wisair, a company known for single-chip based wireless USB solutions, the InFocus DisplayLink Wireless system allows for wireless projection (from laptop to projector) with all DisplayLink-enabled projectors and includes both data and video – wirelessly.
 
With what InFocus calls “little initial set-up required” the DisplayLink Wireless system uses the computer’s USB port – you connect a DisplayLink USB adapter (from InFocus) and instantly connect with an InFocus projector from distances of up to 30 feet.

To see a list of DisplayLink InFocus projectors, go to: http://www.infocus.com/Brilliant/DisplayLink.aspx?

To read more about Wisair, go to:  http://www.wisair.com/

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BoxLight Announces 5000 Lumen Projector

BoxLight’s first 5000-lumen projector, the Pro5000SL, is aimed at the ProAV install and staging markets.   Featuring three lens options (ranging from 1.8 to 4.1 throw ratios), the Pro5000SL includes LAN control with email monitoring and web access, network management, and quick startup and cool down, auto ceiling mount detection, auto keystone correction, and auto brightness detection. Optional features include a Hepa filtration system for harsh environments, which includes an auto filter alert working with BOXLIGHT, Inc's Network Management Software.

To read more about the Pro5000SL, go to:  http://www.boxlight.com/

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Christie Digital's New Matrix Series of Projectors are Purpose-Built

Christie Digital recently expanded the number of Matrix Series of 3-chip DLP projectors with the introduction of the new Christie Matrix WU Series.  Designed for the requirements of high-performance simulation, the Christie Matrix WU2, Christie Matrix WU5 and Christie Matrix WU12 models feature native WUXGA 1920x1200 resolution and are aimed at applications such as maritime, flight and air traffic control simulation. Purpose-built for simulation display requirements, the Christie Matrix WU Series features the latest 3-Chip DLP technology and a low maintenance of 650,000-hours Mean-Time-Between-Failure (MTBF) for the Digital Micromirror Device (DMD). The Christie Matrix WU Series is available in 2400, 5100 and 12,000 ANSI lumens and includes AccuFrame, which nullifies image artifacts and smearing in high-speed simulation.  Excellent color, brightness uniformity and display control allow for cost effective solutions for the same simulation display requirements.

The Christie Matrix WU2 and WU5 models utilize a Color Purity Filter (CPF) to enable excellent color saturation and color matching.  In addition, Christie’s SuperCR™ technology, which provides a contrast ratio of up to 2000:1, delivers superior black levels for unsurpassed day and night scene blending.

Check out the Matrix WU5 here:  http://www.christiedigital.com/AMEN/Products/ChristieMatrixWU5.htm

Check out the Matrix WU12 here:  http://www.christiedigital.com/AMEN/Products/ChristieMatrixWU12.htm

Check out the Matrix WU2 here:  http://www.christiedigital.com/AMEN/Products/ChristieMatrixWU2.htm

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 Integrator Solutions

RGB Spectrum Launches MediaWall 4200

RGB Spectrum has announced the latest in the MediaWall 4000 family of wall display processors, with the launch of the new model 4200, offering real time performance with up to 12 windows and 8 display screens. The new model joins the recently introduced 4500, a larger processor supporting up to 30 inputs and 8 outputs. The 4200, housed within a 3RU enclosure, is designed for smaller display walls and for mobile applications where space is at a premium.

RGB Spectrum says the 4200 delivers real-time performance regardless of the number of inputs and outputs connected and at any resolution – they say this is unique among display wall processors.   The MediaWall 4200 is based on custom, high performance architecture rather than a PC, with faster updates, more display flexibility, robustness and security.

To learn more about the 4200, go to:  http://www.rgb.com/products/MediaWall4500/Mediawall4500.pdf

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Da-Lite Adds UL-Approved Plenum Enclosure for Electric Large Venue Screens

Da-Lite Screen Company has engineered a breakthrough in large venue electric screens with the introduction of the new Advantage and Advantage Deluxe extruded aluminum cases for its line of non-tensioned and tensioned ceiling recessed applications.

Specially designed and engineered for projection screen widths from 14 to 24 feet, Da-Lite says the one-piece precision extrusion is the first of its kind in the industry.  The innovative full-length closing door is a proprietary design unique to the new line of Da-Lite Advantage Deluxe screen cases.  The motorized continuous closure is standard on the Advantage Deluxe.  The Advantage case has the same built-in features as the Deluxe without the closing door.

With its one-piece construction, the Advantage and Advantage Deluxe cases meet Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Plenum Testing Standards for use in air handling space. The Advantage or Advantage Deluxe houses Da-Lite’s proven seven inch screen roller system.  This large roller permits projection screen sizes up to 22-feet in tensioned and up to 24-feet in non-tensioned screens.

Available in a wide variety of Da-Lite’s proprietary projection screen fabrics, the new line of Advantage cases offer a self-trimming flange in durable powder-coated finishes.  Non-tensioned screens are available in Matte White and are seamless in sizes up to 16 feet high.  All size seamless tensioned fabrics include Da-Mat, High Contrast Da-Mat, Pearlescent, Cinema Vision, High Contrast Cinema Vision, Da-Tex and Dual Vision.    

To read all the specs and sizes, go to:  http://www.dalite.com/products/product.php?pID=286&cID=32

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Chief Goes Green with Custom Mount

Chief Manufacturing has just announced that the installer-inspired FUSION low profile, universal mounting system is now available as a custom mounting solution. The custom FUSION fixed and tilt mounts will ship with hardware kits that are designed for each specific LCD or PDP model, without any excess hardware to throw away! The new solution is more environmentally friendly with less waste, and is faster to install because you get exactly what you need to install your monitor. FUSION mounts focus on usability and speed of installation with innovative features like post-installation height, leveling and lateral shift.

In related news, Chief also announced that the FUSION mounts are now available as kits, shipping with the PACPC1 flat panel power filter. The new kit is a complete solution, providing noise filtering and surge protection up to 1890 joules.

For more information on the FUSION Series, go to:  http://www.chiefmfg.com/productdetail.aspx?AccessoryID=775

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Extron Launches New Cable Retraction System for Cable Cubby Enclosures

At InfoComm, Extron showed the Retractor, a unique, patent-pending cable retraction and management system designed to work in conjunction with new or previously installed Cable Cubby access enclosures. The Retractor provides a discreet, convenient solution for accessing AV cable connections and then storing them effectively. Users pull the end of the cable from the system, which extends up to three feet. When pulled to the desired length, the cable is held securely in place. After use, the cable retracts smoothly and effortlessly with the push of a button. The Retractor is available in versions to support most AV and data signal types including VGA, Network, PC Audio, USB, DVI, or HDMI.

Each Retractor works in tandem with the Cable Cubby 300, 600, and 800 models, as well as the TouchLink 3.5" Cable Cubby touch panel. Cable Cubby access enclosures are furniture-mountable architectural solutions that store cable out of sight while remaining connected to the AV system, offering a discreet way to access cables and connection points as they are needed. Up to three Retractor modules can be installed side by side within the Cable Cubby.

To learn more about the Retractor, go to;  http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=ccretractor

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Crestron Ships DMCI

Crestron announced that its new DMCI (DigitalMedia Card Interface) solution is now shipping. The DMCI is a compact, rack-mountable enclosure designed to house a single DM Input Card to accept any AV source, including all analog audio and video, computer, HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort signals, and output those signals as HDMI. DMCI even handles USB-HID over Ethernet for remote wireless keyboard/mouse control and USB-HID signals and output those signals as HDMI.

To learn more about Crestron’s DigitalMedia product, go to:  http://www.crestron.com/solutions/digitalmedia_hdmi_distribution/

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CEDIA EXPO 2009: Why You Can't Afford to Miss It

The hot topic on everyone’s minds these days is the economy.  People are scaling back expenses to make ends-meet, but at what cost?  If you aren’t smart about what you spend money on and what to cut out of your budget, you could be harming your company more than doing it good. In these tough economic times, investments in education, networking, certification, and researching the best equipment can create more dividends for your business in the future.

Education: At CEDIA EXPO 2009 you have the ability to take the steps needed to make your business more competitive and drive business with new sales.  If you are looking to increase the services you offer, CEDIA University education offers an expansive set of courses on a variety of topics, including:

    •    the green building and remodeling trend
    •    customer relations
    •    security systems
    •    retrofit installations

Gaining skills in these areas can help you gain new business by expanding your service offerings.

CEDIA EXPO offers courses in one location, at one time, which cuts down on the travel expenses involved in taking education at various times in the year.  See all the course offerings available by downloading the CEDIA EXPO registration brochure at http://www.cedia.net/expo/documents/EXPORegBroFinal.pdf.

Networking: Building relationships in the industry is key to lasting success.  Networking with industry peers and leaders can offer the opportunity to learn from others’ successes and failures. At CEDIA EXPO there are many opportunities to network and make important business connections before and during the show:

    •    CEDIA Crosspoint member networking site: http://www.cediacrosspoint.com
    •    Opening Floor Reception
    •    daily tradeshow floor activities
    •    20th Anniversary Celebration & Electronic Lifestyles® Awards Banquet

Certification: Certification is an important way to add validity to your company, and customers look for it as a sign that your company will do an exceptional job for them.  If you want to be taken seriously, certification is the first step.  CEDIA EXPO 2009 certification options:

    •    onsite testing facility
    •    pre-test assessments and courses
    •    courses to retain or advance certification

For more information on CEDIA certification visit http://www.cedia.net/education/certification.php and register for certification exams or other courses at CEDIA EXPO at http://www.cedia.org/expo.

Equipment: If you are trying to cut equipment costs or create relationships with manufacturers that will be beneficial to your business, then you really can’t afford to miss CEDIA EXPO.  At EXPO you’ll find:

    •    400 industry-leading manufacturers on-hand looking for dealers
    •    manufacturer product training to help you pick the products that best suit your needs
    •    thousands of company representatives helping you pick the best options for your business

Visit http://cedia09.mapyourshow.com/2_0/search.cfm for a full listing of the manufacturers that will be present at CEDIA EXPO 2009.

Spending money in this economy can seem like a scary proposition.  If you invest in things that will pay off in greater customer retention and increased new business, the investment will have been worth it.  Attend CEDIA EXPO 2009 and make the smart decision for your business.  Visit http://www.cedia.org/expo to register and learn more about CEDIA EXPO 2009.

Follow CEDIA on Twitter @CEDIAnameric for late breaking news on EXPO and other important CEDIA happenings.

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Sharp and Sony Form LCD Partnership

The rumors are true.  Sharp and Sony will enter into a joint venture to build next-generation LCD TVs together in Japan.  Specific details of the venture are not that interesting to the average person, but basically what will happen here is that Sony and Sharp will have access to the same raw LCD material and then each take it and build their own TVs around it – they will not share a look, video or audio processing or input-output configurations – just the raw component LCDs will be the same. 

This is a good deal for both manufacturers – especially Sharp because they’ve already started to build the new LCD factory and this will off-load some of the investment in the factory. It’s a win-win as they are two of the leading LCD manufacturers when it comes to quality, and these LCDs will likely be the top of the line in quality.

To read more specific financial details, go to:  http://www.sharp-world.com/corporate/news/090730.html

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Point, Click, Project: Pico Projector in Nikon's Coolpix

Later this month, Nikon will ship the Coolpix S1000pj, one of the world's first combinations of a digital camera and LCoS Pico projector.

The Coolpix S1000pj, featuring a built-in video projector for displaying still images and video clips on the go, combines the ability to shoot high-resolution photos and play them back instantly on a screen up to 40", virtually anywhere a white background can be found.

The projector uses LCoS display technology and LED lighting to produce an image brightness level of up to 10 ANSI lumens. The camera will not include inputs for external source devices. The playback function will include a built-in slideshow presentation with music effects and creative transitions.

Key features in the combo camera include 12.1-megapixel resolution; variable wide ISO range, including 64 to 6400 speeds; a 2.7" wide-angle LCD; 5-way vibration reduction (VR) image-stabilization system; subject tracking; and movie mode.

See it for yourself at:  http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-Camera/26186/COOLPIX-S1000pj.html
 

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Onkyo Debuts HT Series AV Receiver

Onkyo has introduced a killer, affordable new family of AV receivers called the Onkyo HT Series.  The new HT lines are extensions of AV receivers developed for the company's packaged systems line.  The first of these new models, the HT-RC160, is a 7.2-channel receiver with five HDMI inputs, Dolby ProLogic IIz and many more features, and is currently available at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $549. A step-up model, the HT-RC180, a 7.2-channel THX Select2Plus Certified receiver with advanced networking capabilities, including streaming internet radio from Pandora, Rhapsody and others, will be added to the line in August with a $1049 MSRP.

You can read all the specs of each receiver here:  http://www.onkyousa.com/prod_class.cfm?class=Receiver

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Crestron Launches HDMI DA

Crestron recently announced the release of its new HD-DA-2-QUAD, which integrates four independent 1-to-2 HDMI distribution amplifiers. Crestron says the HD-DA-2- QUAD is the perfect complement to the latest Crestron HD digital solutions, allowing sources to be shared between a DVPHD and an AMS, or to expand the outputs of an HD-MD8X2. All Crestron digital HD solutions, including the new HD-DA-2QUAD, are HDCP compliant and are supported by powerful DM Tools software. DM Tools automatically performs HDCP and Data Rate checks and performs EDID resolution management to enable installers to configure the system quickly and reliably.

The HD-DA-2-QUAD is a single rack-space unit containing four independent 1-to-2 HDMI distribution amplifiers. It is designed to split up to four HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort Multimode signals to feed separate displays or processors, and is ideal for adding "loop-thru" capability to the inputs of a Crestron DVPHD Digital Video Processor. The HD-DA-2-QUAD supports HDMI 1.3a w/Deep Color, handles 1080p60 HDTV and WUXGA computer resolutions, and multi-channel HD lossless audio.

To read more about the HD-DA-2QUAD, go to:  http://www.crestron.com/products/show_products.asp?jump=1&type=commercial&model=HD-DA-2-QUAD

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Panamax/Furman Announce BlueBOLT

Taking a page from the SurgeX playbook, Panamax/Furman announced BlueBOLT, an IP-based control protocol for the Panamax and Furman products. In other words, you can now control their power conditioning products – the one’s that have IP-ports - via the Internet. Following SurgeX’s launch of this technology at InfoComm earlier this year, BlueBOLT allows you to do anything via IP from simple system reboots to comprehensive monitoring of power status — from anywhere in the world.

One totally unique feature of BlueBOLT is their graphical user interface that allows installers to monitor multiple installations across multiple locations. There are no static IP addresses to obtain, port numbers to remember, or new ISP accounts to configure. Unlike traditional IP systems that require a dedicated IT professional or programmer to set up, BlueBOLT offers what Panamax calls “true plug-and-play operation.”

Learn more at:  http://www.mybluebolt.com/ (when it goes on-line in Q4, 2009)

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Sanus Ships LCD Mountable Combo Power Conditioner/Surge Protector

Sanus Systems announced it is now shipping the Sanus Elements ELM205 Flat-panel HD Power Conditioner and Surge Protector. The ELM205 is the latest addition to the Sanus Elements accessory line, offering protection for home theater equipment and audio systems from damaging power surges, and is the first product in the series to offer noise filtration for superior quality signals.  Features include:

•    ClickFit compatibility for attaching directly to Sanus VisionMount LT25, LL22 and LMT15 TV wall mounts
•    1.31-inch depth allows the ELM205 to sit behind a mounted TV or piece of AV furniture
•    Combo Ethernet and phone jack supports up to 100Base-T connection speeds
•    Dual stage EMI/RFI filters eliminate noise from 20-50 dB (100 kHz-1MHz)
•    Includes 1-foot and 6-foot power cords

You can read all about the ELM205 at:  http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/elements/surge-protector/ELM205

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Crestron "Officially" Intros Prodigy

Prodigy is a new line of home control products from Crestron, that’s aimed at the “simple to install, easy to use, and exceptionally affordable solution” crowd as it does not require any special wiring, programming (that’s what they said) or expensive custom installation. Prodigy home automation solutions include home theater, audio distribution, lighting and climate control.

Using a Crestron software tool called Prodigy Composer the system guides you through a few simple steps using basic drop down menus and check boxes (basically, a configurable control system for the home). The software provides all the logic and creates touch screen interfaces automatically in the background. The wizard is intuitive so anyone can get a system up and running in minutes without any training. 

You can see prodigy for yourself at:  http://www.crestron.com/solutions/prodigy_affordable_home_automation/

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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

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