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Editorial

Is the Projector Dying a Slow Death?
By Gary Kayye, CTS

In light of the rapid evolution of the large-format LCD monitor, LED-backlit LCD TVs and the rise of the giant-sized LCDs, it’s time to ask the question no one in the ProAV market really wants answered:  Is the projector dying?

Since the dawn of the video projection market in the late 1970s, it’s dominated, albeit in different iterations, the presentation landscape in boardrooms, meeting rooms and classrooms.  That success also spilled over into the rental-staging, church, and even the home theater markets.  In all those spaces, the LCD or DLP projector simply dominates the applications.

And, why not?  Although it’s small, it can make a huge picture and now it’s amazingly cheap.  At a recent dealer event I attended in New York, one new projector manufacturer showed me a 4000 ANSI lumen portable projector for $1500 that they told me would ship in 2010!

But, how long will this last?  It’s been 40 years of continuous domination by basically by only three technologies (first CRT, then LCD and now it’s shared by LCD and DLP) that basically do the same thing – hang them in the ceiling, turn them on and project virtually any reasonable picture for a given room size.

Ah, but there are inherent flaws – flaws that we design around, teach sales people to sell around and even those that we not dare tell a client until they figure it out for themselves.

For example, what about the “giant cone of unusable space” (using my 22-year industry pal Joel Rollins’ words) that the projector takes up? And, he’s right.  The light path that the projected image follows from projector to screen is unusable space for sure.  In fact, in designing meeting rooms and classrooms, we’re forced to not allow seating in, basically, the best seats in the house!

And, noise.  Ugh!  This one just frustrates me to no end.  The best projectors – those that make the best images in PC and HD projection - are some of the loudest on the market.  In many cases, we don’t realize how loud they are until we install them in our own homes.  Watch a movie with some sort of slow, romantic/quiet scene and you’ll hear more fan than dialog.  I don’t dare use a projector in my classroom whenever administering a test to my students at UNC’s Journalism School as I am bound to have three or four students begging me to turn it off.  To some, the white noise delivered by a projector is soothing; to others apparently it’s akin to fingernails on a chalkboard. 

And, although we’ve got bright projectors (again, even noisier), nearly every room designed by a ProAV integrator has to consider lighting control and ambient lighting issues, still.  No matter how bright they get, they never seem bright enough.

Now, before you think I’m sort of projector hater, be realistic – even if you work for a projector manufacturer, you have to admit all these things have crossed your mind whenever you imagine the future of AV.  Seriously?!?

Then, one day you walk into InfoComm and see either Panasonic’s giant 85” plasma (a technology in itself that hosts a ton of problematic issues) or Sharp’s 103” LCD monitors. Didn’t you get TV-envy?  If you had a choice, wouldn’t you seriously consider a 100” LCD TV?

Truth is, the projector’s here a long time to come.  It’ll be at least a decade or better before the price, weight, ease-of-install and size of LCD or any other flat screen technology is competitive to front or rear-screen projection.  But, that day WILL come.  And, when I see new technologically creative products like Christie Digital’s MicroTiles (a shallow-depth, mini-cube-like, stackable rear-screen DLP technology) I think, that day may be sooner than we think.

Half-inch thick LED-lit TVs, ePaper, bendable display technology and a host of new, yet-to-be-announced flat-screen technologies will slowly chip away at the projection market.  We all know it.  Remember the days when you had rooms where the projected image was only 40”, 50” or even 60” and you used projectors?  Can you imagine doing that now?  Statistically, well over 90 percent of those application have already shifted to plasma and LCD flat screen displays.  And, 65” is next.  When will those technologies gobble up 80”,  90” and even 100”?  Heck, is a decade really that long?  Remember Y2K?

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Industry News

NetStreams Receives Patent for Streaming Audio, Video and Control Over IP Networks

In what could be a HUGE development in the ProAV market (especially for companies who already have streaming-video over IP products/servers on the market), ClearOne’s NetStreams division was granted patent #7,643,894 for its Audio Network Distribution System on January 5th, 2010 by the United States Patent Office. The patent is for streaming synchronized time-sensitive audio and video over Local Area Networks, known as StreamNet.

The StreamNet technology facilitates discovery, control and content management over standard networking using IP. NetStreams' patented StreamNet technology enables integrators to deliver complete IP-based audio/video distribution solutions over TCP/IP networks. It provides an end-to-end IP ecosystem for plug-n-play connectivity, A/V signal synchronization, high performance A/V reproduction, automatic device discovery and configuration, network control, and more.

Again, this is a big deal.  There are many systems currently being used by the various companies offering content servers in the ProAV market, including companies like Harman, Crestron and vBrick.  rAVe will be investigating this patent and we’ll let you know what we find, but the implication here is that some of the current systems on the market may fight this patent. 

If you want to read the entire news story on this patent, go to:  http://www.b2i.us/profiles/investor/NewsPrint.asp?b=509&ID=35349&m=rl

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Display

Little-Known Prysm Launches New Laser-Based technology for ProAV Market

Prysm (formerly referred to as Spudnik), officially released their Laser Phosphor Display (LPD) rear-screen projection technology last week.  LPD is a totally new technology taking aim at the current market dominance of DLP in large venue applications. 

According to Prysm, LPD technology uses 75 percent less power than LCD and DLP technology (a claim that rAVe has not been able to verify – however, there is no question that this is a lower-power consumption technology than most display technologies currently on the market).  Integrated into a rear-screen cube-like package, the Prysm LPD offering is aimed initially at the large venue market because of its potential cost advantages in the large format market. 

This is an interesting technology that rAVe was offered a behind-the-scenes pre-launch look at last year - the image quality was remarkably good for a new technology.  Because it’s phosphor-based, it has a very CRT-like look to the images, with outstanding colorimetry and contrast ratio (again, this was a one-off, pre-production model so we cannot, yet, comment on the production version). 

Founded by Amit Jain and Roger Hajjar in 2005 under the name Spudnik, Prysm’s claims their patented LPD technology is supported by over 100 employees and they say they can support full production immediately.

To learn more, go to: http://www.prysm.com

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Collaboration

EPSON Intros New Projection Solution That Turns All Whiteboards into Interactive Whiteboards

EPSON has introduced the BrightLink 450Wi, what they are calling an intelligent, interactive projector that allows educators to turn any standard whiteboard or smooth wall into an interactive learning area.

By projecting the image from the BrightLink 450Wi onto any existing whiteboard, wall or other smooth, hard surface, and using one of two digital infrared pens, the system basically creates a “virtual” interactive area (from 59-inches to 96-inches diagonal (in WXGA mode) or 55-inches to 102-inches diagonal (in XGA mode)). 

Available in March and specified at 2500 ANSI lumens, the BrightLink 450Wi is a networkable, 3LCD projector with a short-throw lens that creates a 60-inch projected image from 18 inches away. 

rAVe thinks this is a creative solution to applications where there isn’t a budget for interactive whiteboards. What isn’t clear, however, is the effect the RF pens will have on the surface of the average whiteboard out there – much less a classroom wall. 

If you’re interested in getting all the specs and learning more, go to:  http://www.epsonbrightlink.webengager.com/

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Audio

Yamaha Shipping Audinate Dante-MY16-AUD Card

Yamaha Commercial Audio announced that Audinate’s Dante-MY16-AUD cards are now commercially available. These cards are fully compatible with Yamaha digital MY16 card slots and may be ordered through authorized Yamaha Commercial Audio dealers.

The Dante-MY16-AUD card is based on Audinate's Dante IP audio networking solution. Dante delivers, easy to use, self-configuring, true plug-and-play digital audio networking solution. The Dante-MY16-AUD card can be used to network low latency, sample accurate audio to Dante networked equipment including Yamaha mixing consoles, DME processors and TXn power amplifiers which have MY16 card slots. Each Dante-MY16-AUD card provides 16 bidirectional audio channels (16 channels at 48 kHz, or 8 channels at 96 kHz) over Gigabit Ethernet with real time network redundancy. Multiple cards may be used to support higher channel count.

The Dante-MY16-AUD card is available at a list of $649 and each card includes a licensed copy of the Dante Virtual Soundcard capable of up to 64x64 bidirectional channels. For more information on the MY16-AUD, go to:  http://www.yamahaproaudio.com/

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Extron Ships Energy Star Qualified Mini Audio Amplifier

Extron is shipping the MPA 401, an integrated Mini Power Amplifier that delivers 40-watts rms for 70-volt distributed speaker systems in classrooms, training rooms, and multi-purpose meeting rooms. This Energy Star qualified amplifier features a highly efficient, advanced Class D amplifier design with patented CDRS - Class D Ripple Suppression technology - that provides a smooth, clean audio waveform and an improvement in signal fidelity over conventional Class D designs. Extron told rAVe that their exclusive, high efficiency design allows the amplifier to be fanless and operate in environments with little or no ventilation.

The MPA 401 ENERGY STAR qualified amplifier is an energy efficient product that Extron says conserves energy and reduces costs. With an auto power-down feature that automatically places the amplifier into standby after 25 minutes of inactivity, it consumes just 8 watts when idle and less than 1 watt in standby mode.

The MPA 401 accepts balanced and unbalanced stereo or mono inputs. The front panel includes controls for bass, treble, and input level. The MPA 401 combines the left and right channels into a single mono output. An advanced, automatic clip limiter protects speakers from clipping distortion. The MPA 401 features remote control capability for volume adjustment and muting.

To see all the specs, go to:  http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=mpa401&search=MPA%20401

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Projection

Sanyo's New XW300 XK Lumen XGA Projector

Sanyo’s latest portable, the XW300, is an installable, 5-pound, XGA (1024x760) resolution, 3LCD projector that replaces the XW250.  Specified at 3000-lumens and 500:1 contrast ratio, the 29dB projector includes network connectivity, RS232 control and compatibility for all analog signals (it does not have DVI or HDMI inputs). Sanyo says the 220-watt lamp lasts 4000 hours.

To read all the specs, go here:  http://www.sanyo-lcdp.com/english//products/xw300xw250xw200/feature.html

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Integrator Solutions

SurgeX SX1200: First Global Power Conditioner

Thanks to a recent partnership with International Audio Group (IAG), SurgeX International is globally launching their SX1200 product line that includes power ratings and connectivity compatible with the rest of the world.  The SX1200 line provides Advanced Series Mode surge protection and power conditioning for all types of audio, video and computer equipment. Four ranges offer region-specific connectivity and load-capable circuitry, with three models available in each range (RTi, RLi and i). This gives consultants, integrators and users a choice of surge suppressors with application-specific features, such as remote turn-on or front-panel lighting.

SX1210 models are 10-amp load-capable (for China and Australia), SX1213 models are 13-amp load-capable (UK), SX1215 models are 15-amp load-capable (South Africa) and SX1216 models are 16-amp load-capable (Europe). All models have 10 grounded IEC receptacles on the rear panel, with eight switchable and two permanently on. Both RTi and i models also provide a front-panel courtesy outlet.

The SX1200-RLi has two Neutrik XLR connectors for Littlite gooseneck lamps to provide dimmable illumination of equipment racks in recording studios, custom design/build installations and sound reinforcement applications.

The SX1200-RTi has a remote turn-on capability for use in integrated power distribution systems. A rear-panel Phoenix connector allows the unit to be connected in a master-satellite configuration with a controller, such as the SurgeX SEQ, for the sequential power-up of multiple components.

To see the entire SX1200 line, go to:  http://www.surgexinternational.com/products.html

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Barco and Utah Scientific Partner in TV Station Simplification Project

Utah Scientific has entered into an agreement with Barco to integrate Barco's  multiviewers with Utah Scientific routing switchers. The two companies say the integrated systems will give operators a method for instantly identifying the status of multiple video sources in television stations and other video operations.

During the first phase of the agreement, Barco and Utah Scientific engineers developed the MV-Bridge, a hardware/software solution that integrates the control systems of the Barco SMV-116 multiviewer with Utah Scientific routing switchers to ensure seamless functionality for users. Barco's 16-channel SMV-116 is a high-resolution multiviewer that includes 16 auto-sensing composite, SD, and HD (3G) inputs, as well as DVI-I video inputs (up to 1080p) for displaying schedules or important computer status information.

If you’re in that segment of the ProAV market and are interested in learning more, go to:  http://www.utahscientific.com/press/100111.php

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Da-Lite Intros New Large Venue Screen

The new Da-Lite Studio Electrol is their latest addition to their line of motorized projection screens. Aimed at large venue applications, it includes an aluminum- extruded case, a grey finish and screen sizes up to 32’ in width. Control is via an RF remote and a three-position wall switch and can be either hung on a wall or suspended in a ceiling. One nice feature of the Studio Electrol that most motorized screens don’t have is that the projection screen surface is centered in the screen housing.

The Studio Electrol is available with matte white and perforated matte white fabrics and you can read all about it at:  http://www.da-lite.com/products/product.php?cID=29&pID=338

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Crestron Ships V-Panel

Now shipping, the Crestron V-Panel is the industry’s first full-1080p high definition touch panel for control systems, and can function as both a touch panel control interface and flat panel HD display. Featuring an industry-standard VESA mount connectivity, the V-Panel can also be placed in desktop/tilt and flush wall mount options. V-Panels also integrate VoIP communications, embedded PC applications, USB-HID control and integrate with Crestron’s DigitalMedia line.
 
V-Panels feature what Crestron calls “gesture navigation,” to view cover art and browse media playlists, or tap into applications such as Internet Explorer, to access Web pages and email. Native IP intercom can be leveraged to talk panel-to-panel with someone in another room, and the USB port provides direct connection to a keyboard and mouse (or wirelessly via an RF dongle) for efficient PC/Internet navigation right from the V-Panel location.

To see all the specs, go to:  http://www.crestron.com/products/show_products.asp?type=commercial&cat=1053

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The Blu-ray 3D Standard

The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) releases the Blu-ray 3D, a long-awaited standard for full 1080p viewing of 3D movies on home TVs.

The first Blu-ray machines for 3D were shown at CES in Las Vegas in January and will be shipped later this year. 3D movies (yes, Avatar!) will be played on these Blu-ray 3D machines (they can also play regular 2D discs). Current Blu-ray players can't handle the new 3D format, but maybe adapters will become available.

The spec is display-agnostic, able to deliver the 3D image to any compatible 3D display, whether LCD, Plasma or other technology (and regardless of what 3D technology the display uses to deliver the image). The new spec allows PS3 game consoles to play back Blu-ray 3D content in 3D.

Blu-ray 3D calls for encoding 3D video using the Multiview Video Coding (MVC) codec, an extension to the ITU-T H.264 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) codec currently supported by all Blu-ray Disc players. MPEG4-MVC compresses both left and right eye views with a typical 50 percent overhead compared to equivalent 2D content.

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Mitsubishi Integrates VUDU Into Entire LCD Line

At CES, Mitsubishi announced that their entire line of Internet-enabled televisions in 2010 will be integrating VUDU Apps, a platform for the delivery of Internet entertainment services.  The lineup of VUDU Apps on Mitsubishi televisions will feature the VUDU Streaming Movie Service, the leading HD on-demand movie service available today, which is currently supported on select Mitsubishi Unisen Immersive Sound televisions.    

Mitsubishi’s 2010 line of Internet-enabled televisions will provide access to more than 100 Apps, ranging from news services to popular Internet sites, directly on its televisions via VUDU Apps.

Although none of them would go on the record, rAVe has been told by insiders at Sharp, LG and Samsung that they will also integrate VUDU into most of their lines in 2010. 

To read more about the Mitsubishi line, go to:  http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/unisen.html

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NAD Launches High-End Blu-ray Player

NAD Electronics launched the Masters Series M56 Blu-ray Player at CES, what they are calling the flagship of its Blu-ray offerings.

With full support for the latest HD audio and video formats, plus compatibility with existing CD and DVD collections (like every other Blu-ray player on the market), the M56 includes NAD’s upscaling engine that they say gives even standard-definition DVDs a boost with resolution to 1080p over HDMI, and Component video output up to 1080i. The M56 also supports 1080p at 24 frames per second to deliver the most fluid motion available from film-based material. 

You can see more at:  http://nadelectronics.com/products/blu-ray/M56-Blu-ray-Disc-Player

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Olive and THIEL Team Up to Introduce Networked HD Music System

Olive Media and loudspeaker maker THIEL Audio have announced the introduction of the Olive+THIEL HD Music System - a multi-room system that’s networked. Combining the Olive 4HD music server with THIEL’s SCS4 IP-based loudspeakers, the Olive+THIEL delivers what they call “high-resolution audio as it’s meant to be heard and anywhere your home network reaches.” What does this mean, exactly?

Based on Olive’s flagship 4HD music server, the Olive 4HD server can store 6,000 CDs or 20,000 24-bit HD music tracks in lossless quality and it’s controllable via a built-in touch-screen LCD or an iPhone App that allows an iPhone or iPod.  Music can be copied to the hard drive via the built-in CDRW drive (which can in turn burn playlists for the car), or from a networked computer (either PC or Mac). There is also an HDMI interface allowing for connection to a TV.

More information is available at the Olive+THIEL website at http://www.olivethiel.com

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Sherwood Launches Streaming Video and Audio Server at CES

Sherwood launched two interesting products at CES that bring streaming Internet content into the home – one for the tabletop or bedside, and the other for the primary AV system. The RD-7505N A/V receiver is one of the first to accommodate the new HDMI 1.4 3D standard, providing three inputs with repeater and a single HDMI output. With 110 watts per channel, this 7.1 channel receiver decodes both the Dolby TruHD and DTS HD lossless audio formats. Without a PC, it makes access to streaming Internet audio and video as easy as selecting another input. Scheduled to ship in May 2010, MSRP for the 7505N is $499.95. At first glance, the iNet-2.0 appears to be just a digital photo frame or clock, but it houses an Internet music player and iPod dock. Sherwood told rAVe that it will be available in May for $299.95.

Among the first receivers with HDMI 1.4 capability, the 7.1 channel RD-7505 provides support for the new connectivity standard’s 3D picture, higher resolution video, Ethernet and audio return capabilities. HDMI repeater circuitry allows the receiver to process the audio signal from the source component, enabling the RD-7505 to internally process the highest-resolution audio formats such as Dolby TruHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. In addition, the receiver also handles DTS 96/24, Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic II surround decoding, as well as five additional synthesized surround modes. Totally discrete amplifiers deliver 110 watts RMS for each of its seven channels, at less than 0.7 percent THD. High-resolution audio quality is assured by 192 kHz/24 bit D to A converters for all channels and TI 32-bit DSP audio chips.

The RD is not on Sherwood’s site yet, but when it is, it will be here:  http://www.sherwoodusa.com/

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Sanus Platinum Series Furniture Line Gets Makeover

Sanus Systems recently announced it has redesigned its line of Foundations Platinum Series furniture with three new AV stands that offer a sleek, modern design and ample room for storing home theater and AV components while keeping cables organized.

The new AV stands are now shipping and will replace the existing Platinum Series furniture models, which will eventually be phased out of the product offering.

You can see the entire line here:  http://www.sanus.com/us/en

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New Sanus Low Voltage In-Wall Box Routes Cables Behind Mounted TV

Sanus Systems is shipping the Sanus Elements ELM803 Recessed Low Voltage In-Wall Box for a list price of $19.99 USD.

The ELM803 installs behind a mounted flat-panel TV, allowing the TV to sit as close to the wall as possible, and routes cables neatly through the wall for a flawless home theater installation. The box can be mounted on sheetrock walls using the built-in work tabs or attached directly to select Sanus mounts with removable ClickFit brackets. The brackets easily snap onto the mount for a clean installation with no drilling or wall mounting required.

To learn more about the Wall Box, go to:  http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/elements/cable-tunnel/ELM803

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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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