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Industry News

3D part of HDMI Specification Version 1.4 Available

HDMI Licensing has made the 3D portion of the HDMI Specification Version 1.4 available for public download on the HDMI Web site. This document provides public access to the 3D portion of version 1.4 of the HDMI Specification for organizations that require access to this portion of the Specification but have not executed an HDMI Adopter Agreement.

The download is extracted from version 1.4 of the HDMI Specification. The HDMI Consortium intends to release a 1.4a version of the HDMI Specification shortly, which will include updates to the 3D portion of the Specification.

To get it, go here:  http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/specification.aspx

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InfoComm Opens Registration for World's Largest ProAV Tradeshow

Who doesn’t want to go to InfoComm?  Of course, everyone does.  The booths filled with new technology, new products and new people, the education and, indeed, the parties!  So, why not go ahead and register at:  http://www.infocommshow.org/infocomm2010/public/enter.aspx

With more than 900 exhibitors, InfoComm 2010 will be visited by more than 32,000 commercial AV professionals, technology managers, chief information officers and procurement personnel from 90 countries.  More than 300 education sessions will offer the essential training that AV professionals rely on to stay current with a constantly changing industry.  InfoComm 2010's conference will be held June 5-11.

InfoComm 2010 Platinum Sponsors include Bosch Security Systems, Inc., Christie Digital, Crestron and Extron.  Gold Sponsors include Polycom, Prysm and Tandberg.

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Display

Mitsubishi Demonstrates New Multi-touch (MT) Interface

Mitsubishi Electric recently demonstrated a new multi-touch (MT) interface for its Seventy Series DLP cubes at ISE 2010. This interface transforms a standard multi-window display wall into an interactive workspace that can be used by several users simultaneously.

The multi-touch technology, developed jointly in Sweden by Mitsubishi Electric and i3sense, uses laser sensors instead of the more usual infrared (IR) detectors or capacitive touch overlays. Mitsubishi says the technology “offers greater accuracy and responsiveness” (although they didn’t say compared to what), and that the new system is much less susceptible to interference from sources of IR radiation such as sunlight – but, to be honest, the display itself is far from bright enough for sunlight applications anyway.

Seventy Series cubes come in 50", 60", 67" and 80" screen sizes in both 1024x768 pixel and 1400x1050 pixel resolutions. All Seventy Series cubes can be supplied with the i3 sense MT option (can also be retrofitted into existing installations).

For more details, go here:  http://www.mitsubishidisplayengineering.com/Default.aspx?PageID=280671&ProductTypeID=281023&ProductSubTypeID=335052

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Planar Announces New Clarity LED Video Wall Series

Planar announced at ISE earlier this month the Clarity LED Series rear projection video wall displays, meant for control room video walls that require 24/7 reliability. The displays provide what Planar says is "maintenance-free solid state illumination," with up to eight times the life of traditional lamps

The Clarity LED Series includes the 70-inch c70HD-LED (1920X1080 resolution), Clarity RP-LED (SXGA+ resolution) and Clarity RX-LED (XGA resolution) rear-projection displays (available in 50” and 67”). All displays within the Clarity LED Series utilize DLP® technology and are available with Open or Indisys image processing electronics options.

Planar says the series' illumination system has a rated life of 60,000 hours and has no consumable parts such as a color wheel or lamp, yielding a lower total cost of ownership.

The video walls will ship in Q2 of 2010. For more information, go to http://www.planarcontrolroom.com/

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Conferencing

Will Skype-Embedded LCD HDTVs Have an Impact on the VTC Market?

Did you know that Skye embedded HDTVs are a few months away from shipping?  Skype has signed a deal with LG and Panasonic to integrate their videoconferencing technology into future HDTVs.  Skype’s service integrated into the LCDs would allow for free video calls with other Skype users – and may even be compatible with 3rd party videoconferencing services like those from Polycom and Cisco – in addition to Apple’s iChat service.

The service, scheduled to be started mid-2010, will be supported by a separate line of “higher-end” HDTS offered by LG and Panasonic and will require at least a 1Mbps Internet connection - however, it will be available via wireless and wired connectivity.

To learn more about the offering, go to:  http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0425162920100105

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Digital Signage

AMX Launches New Digital Signage Player at ISE

Dubbed the IS-SPX-1000, AMX's new digital signage player is a flash-based server with an embedded web server (metric collection capable) with HDMI and VGA outputs (generating only 2 watts of power).  Supporting every imaginable file format including JPG, MPG, H.264 and WMV files, the SPX-1000 has two simultaneous computer-video outputs and support both embedded and streaming content. 

To learn more, go to:  http://amx.com/products/IS-SPX-1000.asp

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Projection

Sanyo Launches Two New Short-Throw Lens Mounts with Built-in Speakers

Targeted to the educational market, the MT-EDU 101 and MT-EDU 102 eliminate the need to use the projector’s internal speakers  (does anyone actually build systems to use the internal speakers?) or a separate audio system by incorporating a 50-watt two-channel amplifier and two powerful 25-watt rated two-way speakers into the chassis of the wall mount. MSRP is $949 for the MT-EDU101 and MSRP is $999 for the extended-length MT-EDU102. Both models will become available in April 2010.

For short throws, the MT-EDU101 extends 7 to 27 inches from the wall, and for longer throw distances, the otherwise identical MT-EDU102 adds an extension pole to place the projector 37 to 67 inches from the wall. These can be mounted either to single or dual studs on 16”, 18”, or 24” spacing, and can also be mounted to concrete.

The projectors don't appear to be on their website yet, but when they are, they will be here: http://us.sanyo.com/Commercial-Projectors

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Integrator Solutions

Extron Debuts 320 x 320 Fiber Optic Matrix Switcher

Extron has launched the FOX 4G Matrix 320x. This high performance, modular fiber optic matrix switcher provides what Extron calls complete, end-to-end digital A/V signal transmission and routing over fiber optic cable in very large environments such as university and corporate campuses. It is expandable from 16x16 up to 320x320, and supports digital switching at rates up to 4.25 Gbps. With hot-swappable I/O boards, real-time system monitoring, and redundant, hot-swappable power supplies, they’re for mission-critical installs.

The FOX 4G Matrix 320x is compatible with FOX Series fiber optic digital transmitters and receivers, switchers, distribution amplifiers, and matrix switchers. It accepts and routes standard definition video, high-resolution computer-video, DVI, and multi-rate SDI. The modular board design features 20 board slots that can accept FOX 4G Matrix I/O Boards in multimode and single mode versions. The FOX 4G Matrix 320x can be configured with all or some of the board slots occupied. The I/O boards are hot swappable and may be added at any time in the field for easy and quick upgradeability or expansion.

For complete specs on the FOX 4G Matrix 320x, go to: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=fox4gmatrix32000&s=0

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Da-Lite Adds a 39-Foot Wide Electric Screen to Large-Venue Line

Available in widths over 39’, the Arena Electrol is designed with a unique built-in balancing system and steel cable guides to ensure smooth, even screen retraction and a flat viewing surface with each use.  The housing for the Arena Electrol features a durable steel inner frame with a black steel case finish and fixed mounting brackets and includes a RF remote control and a three position wall switch.  The projection screen surface is centered in the screen housing and is available with Matte White and Perforated Matte White fabric.

For more details, go here:  http://www.da-lite.com/products/product.php?cID=30&pID=484

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dnp Launches Supernova Flex

dnp finally launched a giant electric screen in the form of the 120” (diagonal) Supernova Flex system – available in both wall-mount and recessed ceiling mount configurations.  Available in both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, the Super Flex is IR controllable (as well as RS232 and 5/12-volt trigger-able), and is available in powder-coated varnishes as well as wood and various gains. The Super Flex is what dnp considers their “flagship” electric screen line and was previously only available in sizes from 72” – 100”.  The new 120” Super Flex is ISF certified.

To learn more, go to:  http://www.dnp.dk/DNP08/Products/Front-projection/Screens/dnp-Supernova-Flex.aspx

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Crestron Launches 6-Inch Touch Panel Aimed at Hospitality Market

Crestron has announced the release of the TPS-6XNL 6-inch wireless touch panel, a non-locking version of the TPS-6X. Just like the TPS-6X, it’s a tabletop and portable touch panel, but Crestron says what makes the 6XNL different is there is no latching hardware, making it very simple to dock and undock.

While docked, the TPS-6XNL is a wired Cresnet or Ethernet-connected panel with full-motion video display, but off the dock, the panel automatically switches to a wireless RF device. TPS-6XNL includes two-way RF communication up to 200 feet and 1-way IR. Sitting on the docking station, the TPS-6X is recharging its battery and communicating as a wired touch panel via Ethernet or Cresnet and the Ethernet connection (802.15.4) enables full motion video display in a scalable or full-size window.

To see all the TPS-6XNL’s specs, go to:  http://www.crestron.com/products/show_products.asp?jump=1&model=TPS-6X&tab=models

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Home Editorial

3D "Yay" and "Nay" Sayers

By Pete Putnam
Insight Media Analyst

We’re coming up on a month since the 2010 CES, and like partygoers waking up with a hangover, manufacturers, analysts, and reporters are slowly sobering up, taking a second, harder look at the blizzard of 3D products and demonstrations that dominated this year’s show... and what it all means.

TV manufacturers are definitely looking for a new angle or gimmick to drive TV sales through the next decade. HDTV by itself was a powerful sales motivator for the first ten years of the 21st century. Combined with large, inexpensive flat-panel TVs and high-resolution optical disc media, it created a buying frenzy that had its peak right before the current recession.

Will 3D provide the next spark for TV sales? It’s hard to say. There is considerable interest in stereoscopic TV; the long lines outside the Panasonic and Toshiba CES booths were ample evidence of that. And there’s no question that 3D works very well in certain configurations, such as on large screens in darkened rooms.

The fact is, 3D right now is like the Oklahoma Territory in the 1890s. 3D "Boomers" are lining up for the starting gun, so they can rush out and stake their claims to the 3D market. Meanwhile, some 3D "Sooners" are already jumping the gun, hoping to get their products established before 3D-to-the-home standards are adopted.

There’s no question TV manufacturers want this to work. Samsung announced last week that it had begun mass production of 40-inch, 46-inch, and 55-inch LCD panels with LED backlights that use 240Hz image processing. These panels are specifically designed to work with active shutter 3D glasses and the response time is claimed to be 4 milliseconds.

Samsung’s 7000-series and 8000-series plasma TVs are already equipped to handle 3D active shutter content and were also unveiled at the show. Both lines of TVs have 2D to 3D format conversion as well, so that is an emphatic "Yay!" for 3D.
On the other side, cable TV giant Comcast’s CEO Brian Roberts has weighed in with his two cents. Speaking to a Wall Street Journal reporter last week, Roberts said the 3D demos he saw at CES were "...the most impressive he has seen," according to a story in Broadcasting and Cable.

But Roberts tempered his remarks by saying, "The question is; are you going to want to sit there and wear glasses four hours a day to watch TV. I don’t think so." Roberts also stated his belief that the real impetus for TV now is "...everywhere, all the time viewing" rather than 3D. Is that a "Nay?"
Brian Mitchell, founder of the popular eCoustics.com Web site, today released a list of ‘Ten Reasons Why 3D TV May Fail.’ Some of those include the argument that "...3D viewing abruptly alters the social nature of TV watching," along with the pitfalls from "lack of content" and "consumer confusion" about 3D. That’s definitely a "Nay!"

As regular DD readers know, ESPN, Discovery and DirecTV have all made commitments to launch 3D channels this year. ESPN will kick off (no pun intended) with World Cup coverage in 3D, while DirecTV’s 3D channels should be up and running by June, thanks to a new satellite that just went into orbit.
Launching new channels (let alone satellites) is an expensive proposition, and there’s no guarantee any of these efforts will succeed. So I’d say these new 3D HDTV program and channel commitments qualify as emphatic "Yays!"

These 3D ‘ups and downs’ mirror the problems that HDTV ran into when it first tried to lift off in the late 1990s. Remember? There were competing HD program formats (1080i and 720p), along with TV networks who said HD wasn’t even a sensible business proposition (Fox), a lack of professional production equipment, difficulties with the digital TV transmission format (the 8VSB vs. COFDM wars), and a slew of confusing TV definitions from CEA (SDTV, EDTV, HD-compatible, HD-ready).

Somehow consumers, producers, and TV networks managed to overcome all of this chaos and make HDTV a reality. So it’s still way too early in the game to claim that 3D is destined to fail. Similarly, it’s a good idea to avoid putting on rose-colored active shutter glasses, and assume 3D is going to be as successful as HDTV. There’s still too much work to be done, not the least of which is educating consumers about 3D — in particular, how it works and how it will be implemented in the home.

That’s neither a "Yay," nor a "Nay." It’s just a reality check...

Pete Putnam is an analyst for Insight Media. Reach him at pete@hdtvexpert.com

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Are You a BIG 3D'er?

Whether you’re a fan of 3D or not, you must have thought about whether it will make it in the high-end HomeAV market.  Is it going to be relegated to the theater-going public, or will it be a huge hit in the home?  Well, New York Times Columnist David Pogue has a video for you…

Check it out at:  http://nytv.wieck.com/categories/73/videos/3546

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Panasonic Adds 3D Plasma to Line

Shown at trade shows for months, the 3D version of the Viera plasma line will be launched in May 2010 with two 1080p versions that will be 50” and 54”. No specific details are available, yet, but they are claiming the usual plasma-based contrast ratio of above 5,000,000:1 and they’re supposedly 120Hz (not 240Hz). 

Again, if you want details, you’ll have to wait, or if you read Japanese, go here::  http://www.sofmap.com/search_result/exec/?mode=SEARCH&styp=p_bar&product_type=NEW&product_type=USED&gid=&keyword=TH-P54VT2&GO_L.x=0&GO_L.y=0

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3D Blu-ray Players Debut

Panasonic is the first Blu-ray manufacturer to actually show a production model 3D recorder/player in the form of the DMP-BDT900K.  It’s HDMI 1.4 capable, includes 2 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports (in and out) and an Ethernet port (for connecting to Netflix). 

Want more specs, translate this:  http://www.sofmap.com/product_detail/exec/_/sku=11371059/-/gid=AY21000000

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Crestron Launches XPanel for Mac

Finally available: Crestron XPanel for Mac enables anyone to access and control Crestron systems from any connected Mac computer or laptop. XPanel for Mac transforms an iMac or MacBook into a virtual touch panel – saving you a LOT of money. 

Crestron says XPanel for Mac replicates the Crestron touch panel experience on a computer screen, so a client can remotely check to see if lights were left on and turn them off, or arm/disarm the security system from any location. System managers can take control of a classroom and help an instructor get a presentation up and running quickly, without physically going to the room.

For all Crestron dealers and partners, XPanel for Mac is a free application available for download from the Crestron website at: http://www.crestron.com/

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Universal Remote Control and NetStreams Announce Integration of Driver

NetStreams, recently acquired by ClearOne, has announced a FREE NetSteams application that is available to download on the URC Toolbox at http://www.urccontrolroom.com/

With the release of the DigiLinX control app for the URC MX-6000, dealers can simply log onto the Universal Remote Control ToolBox site and download the DigiLinX app for the URC MX-6000 controller for free. The addition of the DigiLinX new application for the MX-6000 controller gives users a powerful whole house controller in the palm of their hands that is easy and quick to configure. All of the NetStreams functions are built-into the MX-6000 controller including the tactical buttons on the remote such as volume up and down, mute, channel up and down.

If you’re registered as a URC provider, you can see it at:  http://www.urccontrolroom.com/

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Home Audio

Atlantic Debuts Low-Cost, Networkable In-Ceiling Speaker Options

Atlantic Technology has unvieled a 6” IP-based speaker that they are calling “a modestly-priced in-ceiling loudspeaker that delivers excellent sound quality for a wide variety of music and home theater applications.” Like all of the company's dual-mode Internet Protocol (IP) speakers, the Atlantic Technology ICTS-6.1-IP is fully compatible with IP-based whole-house systems like NetSteams, or it can be connected using conventional speaker wires.

The Atlantic ICTS-6.1-IP uses a 6-1/2-inch long-excursion Polypropylene woofer and a pivoting 1-inch silk dome tweeter. Atlantic says they are driven through a multi-element crossover and they include both conventional speaker terminals and an IP connector for networkable whole-house distribution systems.

You can learn more about the ICTS-6.1-IP at: http://www.atlantictechnology.com/default.asp?NodeId=152

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Crestron Ships Prodigy Audio Amp

Crestron’s PAMP-4X100 Processor Amplifier for the HomeAV market-based Prodigy control system is designed to provide audio to multiple rooms. Designed for the Prodigy line of affordable control solutions, the PAMP-4X100 delivers six stereo sources to four rooms at 50 watts per channel, and can be expanded up to 12 rooms. Room volume control and source selection are available from the front panel, a PTL4 touch-panel, PLX2 handheld remote, wired or wireless audio keypads, iPhone or iPod touch.

You can learn more about the Prodigy line at:  http://www.crestron.com/prodigy

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Polk Debuts In-Ceiling Speakers

Dubbed the Vanishing Series, Polk showed a line of oval and round in-ceiling speakers that they say are as good as their stand-alone speakers.  One of the last holdouts for in-ceiling speakers (they have in-wall speakers already), Polk says the speakers will ship by the end of Q2 2010.

Polk says they are almost identical to the in-wall in that their bezel is only 3mm and the speaker’s grills are only between 6-7mm from surface of the ceiling. 

To learn more, go to:  http://www.polkaudio.com/customaudio/inceiling.php

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The Coolest Looking Blu-ray Player Ever

We’re including a look at what we think is the coolest looking Blu-ray player ever: the Samsung BD-P4600.  We know nothing of it’s performance or reliability (or how long it takes to start-up – a spec often, amazingly exaggerated by manufacturers of Blu-ray players), but we do know that it’s got a very low profile design to it, has Wi-Fi, is BD-Live ready and connects to Netflix! Know of a better-looking one? Tell us about it!

Check it out for yourself:  http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/tv-video/blu-ray/blu-ray-players/BD-P4600/XAA/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail&tab=features

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S1Digital Intros Blu-ray Disc Changer

At CES, S1Digital launched the S1Digital Blu-ray Disc Changer that can hold 100 discs and seamlessly integrates with any S1Digital Entertainment Server.

When connected to an S1Digital Media Center (or any third party Microsoft Windows 7 or Vista PC that includes media center), users are able to load up to 100 Blu-ray and/or DVD movies into the S1Digital Bly-ray Disc Changer. Using the included playback software, each disc will be scanned and metadata and cover-art automatically downloaded to the server. Once catalogued, users can view more information about the movie, or watch the movie by selecting the appropriate cover-art, which is all available on the familiar and easy-to-use media center interface. The changer is simple to use and enables almost instant access to movies without having to physically find and load each movie.

The S1Digital Blu-ray Changer will ship later this month and more details can be found here: http://www.s1digital.com/S1Digital_Blu_ray_disc_changer_p/bdc.htm

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Extron Debuts Cat5e-Based USB Extender

Extron recently showed a Cat5e-based USB Extender, a two-piece transmitter and receiver set for extending USB up to 450 feet (135 meters) on a single, standard CAT 5/5e/6 or CAT 7 cable. The USB Extender is compatible with USB 1.0, 1.1, or 2.0 and includes a four-port hub supporting simultaneous connection of up to four USB devices. The USB Extender allows for USB 2.0 (peripherals that require high data transfer speeds) including webcams, home security cameras, thumb drives, large-storage media drives and even keyboards and mice.

For integration flexibility, the USB Extender is housed in a compact 1", quarter rack width metal enclosure. External universal power supplies are provided for both the receiver and transmitter. The transmitter can also be powered directly from the USB host port.

For details on the USB Extender, go to:  http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=usbextender&s=0

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Sanus Releases HDpro as Timesaving Mounts

Sanus is shipping two new Sanus HDpro Series full-motion wall mounts with the easiest post-installation adjustment technology available from Sanus including ProSet: a post-installation adjustment, allowing the installer to adjust the height and level the display after the mount is installed on the wall; and, FollowThru: a cable management system, which conceals and routes cables through the entire length of the mounting arm -- even at the elbow -- without inhibiting movement. Both mounts also feature pre-assembled interfaces and strong, ultra-light extruded aluminum wall plates for the easiest and quickest installation possible. The QuickConnect system allows the TV to easily click into place, lock and also remove with the push of a release tab.

VisionMount models XF228 and LF228 are being offered within the Sanus HDpro Series, a collection of products designed specifically for professional AV installers and offer 28 inches of full-motion extension.  The XF228 supports TVs from 42 to 63 inches and up to 200 lbs.The LF228 supports TVs from 37 to 58 inches and up to 135 lbs.You can find complete details at:  http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/visionmount/full-motion-mount/XF228

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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

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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