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Industry News

Logitech to Buy LifeSize

For $405 million, LifeSize will become part of Logitech (yes, the mouse company, Logitech).  Why?  Well, in case you weren't paying attention, over the past three years, Logitech has quietly become one of the largest HomeAV remote control providers in the world.  And, they also have a media server, too.  So, they've been in Home AV.  Now, they make a foray in ProAV -- or, what is more likely their vision:  a convergence of HomeAV and ProAV via videoconferencing. 

Here's a letter, that was co-written by both company presidents:

We’re delighted to announce that LifeSize will soon be joining Logitech.

Our two companies share a vision for the role of video in business and professional communication, believing that anywhere there is voice there should be video. That means offering a life-like, HD-video communication experience that is as seamless and mainstream as a telephone call – not just in the board room for a select few, but in any meeting room in the enterprise, as well as at one’s office desk or while telecommuting from home.

LifeSize started this journey with many of you more than five years ago. And together we have changed the landscape of workplace collaboration and built relationships with more than 9000 customers around the world.

It’s time to go farther. Logitech, the world leader in webcams and a pioneer in the development of PC-based video calling, is a natural fit for LifeSize – from a business, innovation and cultural perspective.

With Logitech’s backing, LifeSize will be able to scale more effectively to deliver technology solutions to more customers and partners around the world. And by closely collaborating on innovation, we believe that we can accelerate the realization of our vision.

Voice-only communication knows almost no boundaries. We believe Logitech and LifeSize  – in partnership with other leading technology companies – can drive innovation, price/performance and open standards so that the experience of visual communication is just as common and natural.

Together with our partners, we will continue to deliver standards-based, high-quality, flexible video-communication solutions that are scalable, secure and accessible to anyone, anywhere.

We are in the early stages of an important communication revolution and we will continue to set the pace of innovation for our customers and our partners. We look forward to making this journey together with you.

Sincerely,

Craig Malloy,
Founder and CEO of LifeSize Communications       

Gerald P. Quindlen,
President and CEO of Logitech

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ClearOne Buys NetStreams for Only $2 Million

If there was ever a company who made themselves look bigger than they were, it appears its NetStreams.  ClearOne recently acquired NetStreams and only had to pay approximately $2 million in cash and assumed approximately $2 million of long-term debt. In addition, ClearOne will also make earn out payments over the next two years based on achievement of certain performance criteria.

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, privately-held NetStreams has approximately 20 employees and will continue to operate from its current location. NetStreams' 2009 revenues are anticipated to be in excess of $5 million. Founded in 2002, NetStreams delivers IP-based A/V by distributing high definition audio and video over TCP/IP networks. NetStreams' products are designed for commercial and residential use and there’s no question that ClearOne will give them greater exposure to the market, but will that help?  We’ll have to wait and see.  You can see NetStreams at: http://www.netstreams.com

ClearOne reported revenues of $35.7 million for its fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 and can be found at: http://www.clearone.com/

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rAVe Scoop: Christie Launches DLP-based MicroTiles, a Modular Display System

Calling it the “New Digital Canvas,” Christie launched their MicroTiles a couple of weeks ago.  Previously only shown in Beta privately, the MicroTiles are now an official product of Christie’s and they will certainly not only revolutionize displays with a creative system that can be as small or as large as you want (and virtually any shape or form-factor), but this may help rejuvenate a market (projection) that’s been totally decimated by price wars.  Why am I so bullish on them?

Well, Christie MicroTiles are modular digital display tiles that can be stacked and clustered like building blocks to create display walls of any shape or scale, using an entirely new, advanced optical design that produces unparalleled levels of brightness, contrast and color reproduction.

The Christie MicroTiles system is very unique as it’s not a set size, resolution, format or aspect ratio display.  In fact, you start with one tile (16” x 12”) and can build from there (horizontally or vertically) to build the size and resolution of the display you want.  Want a giant wall? Simple – stack ‘em up!  Want a small meeting room display that crosses two walls at a 90-degree angle, simple – stack ‘em up!  Using an LED-lit DLP-based system that’s been around for years in all sorts of projection options, Christie is leveraging both somewhat new (LED) and proven (DLP) projection technology.  LED is new (though not really to Christie, who has been putting out LED products for a year and a half), but has enormous life potential (specified at 65,000 hours). By coupling it with DLP, you get a display colorimetry that’s one of the most popular in the world and is reliable with more than 10 years of TI-based technology behind it.  In addition, because the MicroTiles also feature a fairly shallow depth (10 inches) and require just 2 inches (50 mm) of minimal clearance for rear ventilation, they can be placed in a lot less space than any other rear-screen technology.

But, one really cool feature (for ProAV geeks like me) is that Christie engineered the MicroTiles to be fully and easily serviced from the front, so you never have to go around the back after they are installed.  And, Christie says they are “self-aware” – meaning that time-consuming and costly color calibration normally needed to keep conventional “video walls” looking uniform is automatically completed by the sensors built into the MicroTiles.  And, obviously, LED-based lighting helps with uniformity too!

If you want to see this for yourself, go to:  http://www.christiedigital.com/microtiles

Or, we have the exclusive link to the brochure on MicroTiles if you want to download it and pass it along:  http://www.ravepubs.com/file/CHRI2534_MicroTilesBrochure_FINAL.pdf

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Projection

Epson Launches Two Ultra Short Throw Projectors Aimed at K-12 Market

Epson recently introduced the Epson PowerLite 450W and Epson PowerLite 460, providing educators with what they say is “bright projection, versatile viewing dimensions and easy-to-install solutions that fit their budgets.” Epson tells rAVe their stats show more projectors being installed in K-12 classrooms rather than rolled around on a cart so they said they included the hardware for installation. Is this a good thing to tell the ProAV market???

The 3LCD PowerLite 450W and 460 include closed captioning, a 10W speaker, the ability to deliver presentations over the network, and optional wireless capabilities and the $1,499 PowerLite 450W features a 2,500 lumens spec and WXGA (1440x900) resolution (16:10 aspect ratio) while the PowerLite 460 is priced at $1,699 and offers a 3,000 lumens spec and XGA (1024 x 768) resolution.

Although they aren’t on Epson’s educational site, yet, when they are, they will be posted here:  http://www.epsonbrighterfutures.com/products/classroom

In the meantime, you can read their press release on them here:  http://epson.ipressroom.com/pr/epson/multimedia-projectors/epson-introduces-two-ultra-short-112007.aspx

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Integrator Solutions

Chief Releases All-New FUSION Video Wall Solution

Chief Manufacturing has announced the new FUSION Series Pull-Out mounts, ideal for video walls and digital signage, and single-screen recessed applications.

Shipping in December, the new FUSION Series Pull-Out mounts (LSMVU/MSMVU) extend 7" (178 mm) for easy cable access and servicing in hard-to-reach installations - even on the centermost screen of a video wall matrix. Fine-tuning of plumb adjustment also ensures that the screens are perfectly vertical, even if the wall is not. These comprehensive mounting solutions include a variety of features to make installation and maintenance of multi-screen configurations a breeze. ControlZone Leveling provides post-installation fine-tuning of height and leveling for perfect alignment. Slide screens together with centerless post-installation lateral shift to speed up installation; slide them apart again to simplify routine maintenance. Chief's exclusive ClickConnect feature offers an audible click when the screens safely engage with the mount so you know the installation is secure, plus you can add a padlock for even more security.

Chief tells rAVE that the mounts can be used with any 2x2 video wall matrix or larger, and with screens from 26-63".

Check them both out at:  http://www.chiefmfg.com/productdetail.aspx?ProductID=36818  and http://www.chiefmfg.com/productdetail.aspx?ProductID=36819

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Industry's First Universal Twisted Pair Transmitter

If you haven’t seen it yet, Extron introduced the MTP U T A D, universal MTP twisted pair transmitter with multiple video and audio inputs that can be installed in any two-gang Decora-style wall plate.

The MTP U T A D eliminates the need for multiple transmitter units and multiple cables for each source, and dramatically reduces the number of matrix switcher inputs required. A single universal transmitter and receiver pair can replace up to four individual dedicated transmitters and four individual dedicated receivers.

It offers dedicated inputs for VGA, HD component, S-video, and composite video with audio, and automatically switches to the active source, transmitting the signal over a single CAT 5-type cable. Integration friendly features include EDID emulation, auto-input switching, contact closure remote control for input selection, buffered local monitor output, and switchable video output pre-peaking.

The MTP U T A D Universal Transmitter is compatible with all Extron MTP Series Twisted Pair products, including receivers, distribution amplifiers, switchers, and matrix switchers, to create a wide range of simple and complex A/V systems. You can also use this in twisted pair applications that require support for multiple video formats and audio.

To learn more, go to:  http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=mtputad&search=MTP%20U%20T%20A%20D

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Polycom Expands Desktop Phone Portfolio with New SoundPoint IP 335 and Polycom CX300

Polycom, Inc. now offers a full portfolio of high definition desktop phones with the introduction of two new products - the Polycom SoundPoint IP 335 desktop phone and the Polycom CX300 desktop phone.

The SoundPoint IP 335 completes Polycom's portfolio of open SIP, standards-based desktop phones featuring Polycom HD Voice. The addition of the SoundPoint IP 335 makes HD Voice more widely available and more affordable than ever before. Businesses of any size can take advantage of Polycom's HD Voice technology without paying for a high-end desktop phone.
 
The CX300 is the newest addition to the CX product family optimized for Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2 and rounds out Polycom's portfolio of Microsoft Office Communicator-optimized devices.

Polycom tells rAVe the SoundPoint IP 335 will be available this month at a list price of $199 and the Polycom CX300 is available immediately at a list of $169.  You can see all the specs at:  http://www.polycom.com/products/voice/desktop_solutions/soundpoint/desk_phones/soundpoint_ip335.html

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AMX to Ship Table Top Stands in December

AMX has added a line of tabletop stands for most of its touch screen control systems that allow them to sit (at an angle) on a desk or conference table.  Connected with a single Cat5e wire for power, network and control, the stands can be retrofitted to many of the AMX touch screens or be included with all new control systems.  The new stands accommodate the NXD-500i, the NXD-430 and 435 and the 16-button Novara keypad.

To see all the details, go to:  http://www.amx.com/newsletter/200909/tabletop.htm

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RTI Debuts Two-Way ZigBee Compatible Remote System

Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI)  is expanding its line of ZigBee and two-way compatible processors with the release of the MRP-64 multiroom control processor and ZRP-6 central control processor.

RTI's new processor provides complete control of A/V, environmental, and other electronic systems from anywhere in the home with the simple touch of a button. RS-232 ports allow for bidirectional communications from compatible devices for status feedback such as temperature, lighting, security, and more, while use with RTI's latest two-way and ZigBee-enabled handheld and in-wall controllers provide the ultimate in convenience.

The MRP-64 acts as an interface between multizone A/V systems and an assortment of RTI's two-way-enabled in-wall and handheld controllers. According to RTI, it’s the first control device developed to leverage the multizone capabilities built into today's surround receivers. To simplify distribution to multiple zones, the unit offers six built-in keypad ports for RTI's in-wall controllers and features four independent and one high IR output ports, three voltage trigger outputs, three assignable voltage sense inputs, and an IR signal input. The MRP-64 features an Ethernet port for two-way communications with compatible RTI in-wall controllers as well as convenient programming and future expansion capabilities.

The ZRP-6, paired with the latest version of RTI's Integration Designer programming software, offers integration with third-party devices allowing installers to program their RTI handheld remotes or in-wall touch-screen controllers for complete integration with media servers, thermostats, lighting, multiroom audio, security, and other electronic systems. The ZRP-6 features built-in IR routing and pass-through, relay control, 12-VDC trigger outputs, and sense inputs to allow events to be triggered from these third-party devices. The ZRP-6 also features an Ethernet port for two-way communication with compatible RTI in-wall controllers, convenient programming, and future expansion capabilities. Unlike simple IR-to-RF converters, the ZRP-6 stores all system IR commands and macros within a central unit, ensuring reliable and predictable operation.

To see all the specs, go to:  http://www.rticorp.com/products/zrp6.html

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Sanus Ships PowerBridge

Sanus Systems just started shipping the Sanus Elements ELM805 PowerBridge, an in-wall power and cable management system designed to simplify installation of cables and wiring behind wall-mounted flat-panel TVs for a simplified home theater installation. The installer simply connects the ELM805 to a local AC power source or surge protector or places it in a remote equipment room.

The ELM805 also features cable routing holes to give both low voltage and AC connections a clean, finished look and color-coded outlets for easy installation without modifying the existing circuit.

The Sanus Elements ELM805 is offered in black and white finishes. It includes two single gang junction boxes and a 6-foot heavy-gauge power wire; non-metallic (NM) type 12-2 or 14-2 building electrical wire (also known as Romex) is not included. Installers should check with local and regional building code requirements before beginning installation.

You can see all the specs here:  http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/elements/cable-tunnel/ELM805

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Artcoustic Launches New Line of Acoustic Panels

St John Group’s Artcoustic line has launched a line of sound absorbers designed to satisfy design-oriented consumers challenged by room acoustic problems. Interior designers and design-conscious consumers who need to compensate for rooms with hard surfaces, where it is often difficult to minimize echo or to perceive dialog intelligibility, now have a functional and beautiful (assuming you like the artwork they came up with) solution that can be tailored to each individual's preference and room decor.

The absorbers, available immediately in three sizes through StJohn Group, help absorb mid- and high-frequency sound waves and reflections, thereby reducing echo effects and improving dialog intelligibility in rooms with lots of reflective surfaces, such as those with wood or tile floors, or large expanses of windows, plaster or drywall.  The entire line is fire rated, includes a noise reduction coefficient between 1kHz and 4kHz: 0.95, they are constructed with a fabric over frame design and include a mounting bracket.

To download a brochure on the entire line, go to:  http://www.stjohngroup.com/downloads/ARTCOUSTIC/ARTC_FullLineBrochure_2009-10_R.pdf

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ELAN Introduces Two Digital Amps

ELAN Home Systems, announced  that the company is bringing what they called “high-end digital efficiency and power” to its popular D-Family of Multi-Channel Amplifiers.   The company is now shipping the D12 Amplifier, first in a new class of high efficiency amplifiers to be followed by the D16 Amplifier in March 2010.
 
The Texas Instruments-based digital design behind each amplifier, provides cool power at an 85 percent to 90 percent efficiency rating, and simultaneously delivers 115 watts at 4 ohms into 12 channels on the D12 and 75 watts at 4 ohms into 16 channels on the D16.  In fact, ELAN says their engineers worked closely with TI in developing the D12's and the D16’s cool-running, digital amplifier technology. TI’s analog-to-digital modulation was coupled with 8X oversampling and 5th order noise shaping to ensure highly reliable and sonically pure designs. This new design enables “green-friendly,” low power standby consumption while at the same time provides nearly instant turn-on for predictable operation.  In addition, at just over 5-inches tall, the D12 and D16 are up to 40 percent slimmer than many competitive amplifiers.
 
For more details: http://www.elanhomesystems.com/amplifiers.asp

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CANTON Releases New Bookshelf and Floor Standing Model Speakers

Canton has announced the introduction of two new models as part of its Vento loudspeaker series.  The three-way floor standing Vento 880 and the two-way Vento 810 compact bookshelf speaker are the first models in the line to incorporate the company's 6-inch aluminum cone woofer, giving them a front baffle that is a full inch narrower than other Vento models.

Both the Vento 880 and Vento 810 include the company's ADT-25 aluminum- manganese dome tweeter, with Canton's flared "transmission" style front plate and advanced suspension for what CANTON claims is “outstanding off-axis linearity and high frequency dispersion.”

The Canton Vento 880 DC is a three-way bass reflex floor standing model, featuring a pair of aluminum cone woofers, and a matched 6-inch aluminum midrange driver. At 39 inches tall, and just under 8 inches wide, the speaker's slim line cabinet is further accentuated by the Vento series' hallmark curved side panels. It also features Canton's exclusive DC technology, which supposedly uses a proprietary high-pass filter to eliminate signals below the audible frequency range, which can otherwise generate high levels of unwanted harmonic distortion in the audible lower bass range. DC technology allows the speaker to provide clear, linear bass reproduction at frequencies lower than comparably sized conventional speakers.

The Canton Vento 810 is a compact two-way speaker that is the smallest model in the Vento lineup.  With a single 6-inch aluminum woofer, and a compact design, the speaker is ideal for use as a small monitor for audiophile-grade music reproduction, or as a satellite or surround speaker for a full-fledged home theater system.

See details and specs for the 880 here:  http://www.canton.de/en/hifi/vento/produkt/vento880dc.htm

See details and specs for the 810 here:    http://www.canton.de/en/hifi/vento/produkt/vento810.htm

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Revel Performa B150 Subwoofer is New Flagship Sub

Revel’s new B150 Subwoofer raises the standard (for them) for low-frequency sound reproduction with a combination of its large, long-excursion 15-inch woofer and 1,200 watts RMS of integrated amplification.

The Revel Performa B150 is a 15-inch woofer and 4-inch voice coil that are integrated with a 36-pound motor system and a true 1.5-inch linear excursion, resulting in the capability to provide enormous amounts of low-distortion bass.  Distortion is extraordinarily low without resorting to servo-feedback, thanks in part to the B150 woofer’s symmetrical magnetic field, flux stabilization ring and copper shorting ring.  This is combined with an integrated amplifier, which produces 1,200 watts RMS continuous power and an extraordinary 2,800 watts of peak power, providing the B150 with substantial headroom to avoid low-frequency distortion. 
The new B150 is not on Revel’s site yet, but when it is, it will be posted here:  http://www.revelspeakers.com/products/series.asp?series=performa

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JBL Shows K2 S9900; New FreeStanding Full-Range Loudspeakers

In a move that provides custom home systems integrators with what JBL says is a new “benchmark for performance and aesthetics in a luxury-tier loudspeaker,” JBL has introduced the new JBL K2 S9900 floor-standing loudspeaker.  The K2 S9900 is the latest entry in JBL’s K2 series of freestanding full-range loudspeakers, and represents the ultimate in audiophile performance.  Building upon the design and engineering brilliance of the successful JBL K2 9800, the new K2 S9900 expands its frequency response down to 33 Hz via a new low-frequency extender, giving it a total range of 33 Hz to 50 kHz with 900 Hz and 15 kHz crossover points.  The K2 S9900 is also 35 percent more powerful than its predecessor, with a power handling rating of 500 watts (RMS).  And while the KS 9900 continues the K2 Series tradition of utilizing the proven 15-inch (380mm) diameter fiber-pulp cone low-frequency driver, the K2 S9900’s 4-inch (100mm) high-frequency compression driver is a third larger than that of the K2 S9800, and is topped with a 1-inch ultrahigh-frequency driver. 

The JBL K2 S9900, designed for home theaters, has a 100 X 60-degree span of vertical high-frequency coverage and 60 X 30-degrees of coverage.  It also offers user-controllable high frequency and presence level controls, as well as a LF/HF drive mode switch that toggles between normal and bi-amp operation.  The K2 S9900’s 1500AL woofer features JBL’s Alnico 5DG magnet.  A 2-inch aluminum shorting ring below the voice-coil gap, combined with fifteen 0.03-inch copper rings and sixteen 0.06-inch steel rings that form an inner gap ring assembly, effectively stabilize the local and global magnetic fields.  And the compression drivers benefit from JBL's unique vented-gap cooling system, which employs three air tunnels running from the pole-piece to the magnet cover to efficiently radiate the heat generated by the voice coil, while also controlling the back pressure of the unit.

To see all the specs, go to:  http://www.jbl.com/EN-US/Products/Pages/ProductList.aspx?SID=FLS

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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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rAVe Asia is produced by Spinworkz Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based publishing house in collaboration with rAVe Publications from the USA.

Spinworkz Pte Lte publishes the bi-monthly print magazine Systems Integration Asia and rAVe Publications is headed by industry visionary Gary Kayye, CTS, and which publishes the following e-newsletters: rAVe ProAV Edition, rAVe HomeAV Edition, rAVe Rental [and Staing], and rAVe Ed [Education].

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