AMX's Smart Wi-Fi system uses Ruckus Wireless technology to deliver improved performance levels. The system comes in two products - Smart WAP and ZoneDirector. Dubbed the NXA-WAP1000, the Smart WAP's antenna array focuses Wi-Fi transmissions and steers signals through the best paths towards the receiver while avoiding interference. AMX claims the antenna delivers up to 6dBi of signal gain and 10dB of interference rejection. The WAP combines with the ZoneDirector as part of a centrally controlled WLAN.

AMX says non-wireless experts can deploy the controller in less than five minutes.

Want more information on it? Go here: http://www.amx.com/products/NXA-WAP1000.asp

To see a rAVe NOW Video we shot on it at CEDIA 2010, click here.

Crestron Updates 4" Widescreen Touch Panel

Crestron switched to a new widescreen 4” touch (TPMC-4SMD) the company’s calling the designer touch panel. PoE (Power over Ethernet) delivers control, video, intercom, and power over a single Ethernet connection, with no electrical outlets or control wire needed. With an assortment of mounting options, the 4SMD installs on virtually any surface and uses a standard electrical box, or you can surface mount it on glass, granite, or marble. The TPMC-4SMD is available in gloss black or white.

For complete specs, go to: http://www.crestron.com/products/show_products.asp?jump=1&model=TPMC-4SMD

Collaboration

SMART Sync Finally Recognisez MAC

SMART Technologies announced that its SMART Sync 2010 classroom management software is now available for the Mac platform. SMART Sync 2010 classroom management software for Mac enables teachers and administrators to monitor and guide student learning and share information instantly. Teachers can transfer and open files directly on student computers, or broadcast shared screens to one or all members of the class. The control functions enable teachers to block specific websites, applications, or the Internet as a whole, or lock student workstations to return attention to the front of the class.

Want more details? Go here: http://www.smarttech.com/sync

Audio

Extron Ships Flat Field Ceiling Tile Speaker

Extron just announced the immediate availability of the FF 220T, a full-range sound field speaker for 8 ohm direct or 70/100-volt systems. The FF 220T joins the existing FF 120T and has Extron’s patent-pending Flat Field technology, which reduces beaming of mid and high frequencies directly under the speaker and that Extron says delivers consistent sound levels across the listening area. In addition, the FF 220T offers a wide dispersion area of 170 degrees, providing a wide room coverage pattern, which is especially important for rooms with low ceilings like you have in K-12 schools. Using a UL 2043 plenum rated, 2' x 2' (61 cm x 61 cm) by 3.25" (8.3 cm) deep aluminized composite enclosure, the FF 220T drops into standard suspended ceilings, providing quicker installations.

Want details? Go to: http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=ffsad

Digital Signage

NEC Supports Intel's Signals Signage Standard

Intel announced a specification to standardize digital signage design and development - the Open Pluggable Specification (OPS). According to Intel, they created the OPS to address the digital signage market fragmentation and simplify device installation, usage, maintenance and upgrades.

How? Well, the OPS enables digital signage manufacturers to deploy interchangeable systems faster and in higher volumes, while lowering costs for development and implementation.

Of course, installing digital signage equipment based on Intel architecture helps them implement scalable digital signage applications that can network easily with other equipment. This simplifies interoperability and application upgrades designed to meet the digital signage requirements of individual customers, while helping to future-proof technology investments.

Microsoft and NEC Display Solutions have already put their weight behind OPS. Here’s a video where NEC’s president talks about OPS: http://www.youtube.com/v/G6xxpqfWkic&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"

OPS features Intel vPro technology with keyboard-video-mouse redirection capabilities, which allows remote diagnostic tests, upgrade installation and display content control.

Want to read the OPS? Go here: http://edc.intel.com/Applications/Digital-Signage/OPS/

Projection

EPSON Debuts US$450 SVGA Projector

Dubbed the VS200, the newest cheap 3LCD from EPSON provides SVGA resolution (800x600) and a claimed 2,300-lumen brightness at a price point of $429. The Epson VS200 includes the Instant On/Off feature, A/V Mute and Epson’s E-TORL lamp technology, which claims the lamp life lasts 5,000 hours in economy mode.

Want more information? Go here: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/Product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&sku=V11H391020

Integrator Solutions

Premier Debuts False Ceiling AV Gear Storage Box

This month, Premier Mounts showed rAVe the 12” x 24” its ceiling equipment storage product known as the GearBox. The GB-AVSTOR4 is a great option for storing AV gear above the false ceiling to provide a clean, organized classroom or meeting room environment. It also replaces half of a standard 2’ x 2’ false ceiling tile, and its perforated lid looks like a standard HVAC return register when closed to blend in with the rest of the ceiling. The compact GB-AVSTOR4 extends the lower room area and is sealed to the plenum space above to avoid plenum-related code issues.

The GB-AVSTOR4 features an internal detachable equipment mounting tray to secure electronic gear, a removable locking door with perforated grid pattern to allow for ventilation and equipment service, single and dual-gang knockouts with removable cover plates for knockouts that are not in use, and a Quick Lock cable kit for easy ceiling installations. It also has concrete, truss and wood stud mounting hardware, cable ties to secure equipment to the mounting tray, and three different key combinations available (customers may select different keys or all keyed alike).

Want to see all the specs? Go to: http://www.premiermounts.com

Extron Modular Power Enclosure for Fiber Optic and Twisted Pair Extenders Ships

Extron has started to ship the PowerCage 1600, a rack-mountable, 16-slot enclosure that supports a range of Extron fiber optic and twisted pair A/V transmitter and receiver boards. Providing an efficient way (translation: a single enclosure) to power and mount multiple transmitters and receivers, the PowerCage 1600 simplifies integration for large, rack-mounted systems. The PowerCage 1600 also features an optional redundant, hot-swappable power supply plus active power and thermal management.

Available boards for the PowerCage 1600 include 16 fiber optic and four twisted pair extenders to support a broad range of video resolutions and formats. The fiber optic and twisted pair boards operate independently, and may be mixed and matched within the enclosure, making the PowerCage 1600 an ideal solution for larger systems that need to support remote sources and destinations.

Want complete specs? Go here: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=powercage1600&s=0

Displays

ViewSonic Shows New 52" and 42" LCDs

Bragging about 700 nits brightness and claiming a 4000:1 contrast ratio, ViewSonic says its new native 1080p LCDs include a 178-degree viewing angle, slim bezels (19.5mm for the 52” CD5233 model and 16.3mm for the 42” CD4233 version) and can be tiled for video wall applications up to 5x5 - but they’re also about 5” deep. Aimed at the ProAV and digital signage markets, both monitors are shipping now.

If you want complete specs on the 42”, go here: http://www.viewsonic.com/products/digital-signage/products/commercial-displays/cd4233.htm

If you want complete specs on the 52”, go here: http://www.viewsonic.com/products/digital-signage/products/commercial-displays/cd5233.htm

Home Projection

Digital Projection Unveils WQXGA Single-Chip DLP Projector

At CEDIA, Digital Projection showed and introduced its new dVision 35-WQXGA projector, which at WQXGA (2560x1600) is the highest- resolution DLP projector on the market.

Through a combination of programmable lens control and software, the dVision WQXGA also delivers a 1080p solution for 2.35:1 aspect content without the need for an anamorphic lens. The company says this is the CE channel’s first anamorphic lens free, full resolution, constant height, aspect ratio shifting projector.

The projector is a single-chip DLP and provides throw ratios as short as 0.8:1 and as long as 4.5:1. It was nominated as a “Best New Product” finalist at CEDIA Expo 2010.

The projector doesn’t appear to be on DP’s website yet, but here is the full press release: http://www.digitalprojection.com/tabid/56/mid/370/newsid370/214/Digital-Projection-Launches-Highest-Resolution-DLP-Projector-Available-at-CEDIA-Expo-2010/Default.aspx

To see a rAVe NOW video we shot at CEDIA 2010 on the two projectors nominated for awards, including the dVision 35-WQXGA, click here.

projectiondesign Shows Native 2.35:1 projector at CEDIA

The projectiondesign Avielo Optix SuperWide 235 utilizes a new high-resolution DLP chip, supposedly developed by projectiondesign, which allows an image at 2538x1080 resolution to be displayed in the home for the first time without the use of additional optics - natively.

As you all know, most 2.35:1 projectors make that aspect ratio using additional lenses and then scaling the picture to fit the screen. Even using high-quality optical glass, these lenses inevitably have an impact on image clarity and can reduce measured picture brightness by up to 10 percent. Now, thanks to this new Avielo projector, you can project them natively.

Want more info? Go to: http://www.avielo.com/

Epson Introduces New MovieMate All-in-One Home Theater Solution

Epson has released the next version of its MovieMate all-in-one home theater solution with the MovieMate 85HD and MovieMate 62. Both solutions include a 3LCD projector, built-in DVD player and Dolby Digital audio with two built-in 10-watt speakers. They also both have an integrated mic jack for narrating a slide show or karaoke.

As the new flagship, the MovieMate 85HD offers 720p resolution and a 2500-lumen brightness spec at an $899 price point. The MovieMate 62 is 540p and offers a 2000-lumen brightness spec.

These aren’t on Epson’s website yet, but when they are, they will be here: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/HomeEntProjectors/Home/MovieMate.do?BV_UseBVCookie=yes

Home Control

Crestron iPaneL's iPad Mount/Bundle

At last month’s CEDIA Expo, Crestron announced the iPaneL, which turns any iPad into a two-way wireless Crestron touch panel with buttons. The iPaneL features tactile hard buttons for quick access to the most used functions, such as volume up/down, mute, and a five-way thumb pad for channel guide navigation. The iPaneL comes with a charging docking station, and future models will feature streaming media.

The iPaneL is lightweight and ergonomic and keeps the mobility features of the iPad, while adding Crestron control integration.

To see a rAVe NOW video we shot of it at CEDIA 2010, click here.

For all the specs, go here: http://www.crestron.com/products/show_products.asp?jump=1&model=IPANEL

Home Audio

SpeakerCraft Shows Underground Subwoofer

SpeakerCraft used CEDIA to announced a new outdoor subwoofer to compliment its Outdoor Elements, Ruckus and OG series speakers. It has been appropriately named the BoomTomb because of the fact that the majority of the enclosure is buried underground with only a small, hooded port exposed above the surface.

The BoomTomb consists of a poly/resin enclosure that houses a ten-inch long throw woofer mounted in a support that is in the center of the internal space. Sound is then vented through a port that extends through the top of the enclosure. The port is the only visible part of the speaker once it is installed. A hood covers the top of the port to protect the internal workings from water and debris. The woofer is powered by a dedicated 250-watt amplifier that is designed to be placed with the source equipment and attached via standard speaker cable.

The BoomTomb will ship in the fourth quarter and pricing is still to be determined. In addition, it’s not on their website, yet. To see a rAVe NOW video we shot of it at CEDIA 2010, click here.

PHC Unveils DSP Programmable AMP at CEDIA 2010

Professional Home Cinema (PHC) finally unveiled the production models of their new PMA-Series programmable modular amplifiers at CEDIA last month - but for some reason, although they were labeled as “production” models, they’re not available until Q1 2011. Each PMA amplifier utilizes a four-channel mainframe -- driven by a proprietary dealer programmable DSP engine. The DSP front-end includes digital crossover filters for all PHC loudspeaker models and easy to use system set-up and calibration abilities. Energy efficient Class-D amplification is provided via ICEpower, supplying up to 4000 watts in a single 2-RU chassis weighing in at 20 pounds.

To see a rAVe NOW video we shot of it at CEDIA 2010, click here.

For complete specs, go to: http://www.proaudiotechnology.com/index.php/site/home/

Procella Debuts Bi-amplified Speakers

Procella Audio used CEDIA to debut the P815 L/C/R bi-amplified screen speaker, P18 dual 18" active subwoofer and P8 screen/surround speaker. Designed by Anders Uggelberg, Procella Audio claims that high output at low frequencies is assured by active dual drive, dual amp subwoofers that utilize high quality pro audio woofer drivers in combination with onboard high-power amplifiers and DSP control.

There were three that debuted at CEDIA:

Procella P815: The flagship is a full-range reference-quality speaker designed for large home cinemas. The bi-amplified speaker is driven by 1,400 watts of on-board high efficiency class-D power and 28/56-bit ADI Sigma DSP control for crossover and boundary compensation. Capable of extension to below 45Hz, the P815 can be operated as a full-range speaker, compliant with cinema specifications. Power is 700 watts for the 15" woofer module and 700 watts for the P8 module. MSRP is $9,999 each.

Procella P18: Using dual professional audio 18" woofers with 4" voice coils, the P18 is driven by 700+700 watts of high-efficiency class-D amplification in a sealed-box enclosure for optimum transient response, the subwoofer is capable of 132 dB of output at 1 meter and 28/56-bit ADI Sigma DSP processing tunes the subwoofer's response and provides compensation for room boundary conditions. MSRP is $9,999 each.

Procella P8: Using what Procella calls a pro audio 8" woofer and high-frequency compression driver, it achieves flat phase response with a shallow depth of just 7.9" and a back baffle angled at 7.5 degrees and an MSRP is $2599 each.

To see a (fairly LAME) rAVe NOW video we shot of the Procella speakers in a THX certified theater at CEDIA 2010, click here.

For complete specs, go to: http://www.procella.citymax.com/index.html

Parrot Demos next Gen Wireless Speakers, Zimku, at CEDIA Expo

Parrot showed off its next generation wireless speakers, Zimku by Phillip Starck, at CEDIA Expo in Atlanta last month. The speakers feature a dedicated iPhone/iPod docking station, plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming music from a computer, MP3 player, or even a cell phone. The speaker pair communicate wirelessly and can be placed anywhere in the room.

The Zikmu concept is based on a combination of various acoustic technologies, made possible by means of sophisticated signal processing (DSP). Flat panel, NXT technology uses a different principle from a conventional loudspeaker. A honeycomb membrane structure is vibrated by a set of exciters located in carefully defined positions resulting in uniform energy distribution through the room. The bottom part of the loudspeaker contains a woofer placed in the downfire position, and a bass-reflex system. Bass reproduction is amplified by placing the housing as close as possible to the floor and is equipped with a neodymium magnet for maximum power in minimum space.

For more information, go to: http://zikmu.parrot.com/en/introduction

Home Integrator Solutions

Da-Lite Launches Multi-Format Imager at CEDIA

Da-Lite Screen Company introduced a new addition to its line of home theater projection screen with the launch of the Multi Format Imager masking system at CEDIA 2010. In a response to the home theater market demand for screens that can display optional format choices while maintaining a constant height, Da-Lite’s new Multi Format Imager allows for sizes up to 16’ wide.

With the masking retracted, the native aspect ratio of the Multi Format Imager is Cinemascope (2.35:1). With masking, you can achieve Letterbox (1.85:1), HDTV (1.78:1) and NTSC Video (1.33:1) formats. Da-Lite’s Multi Format Imager is standard with Pro-Trim finish, which is a fabric frame covering that aesthetically enhances the appearance of the installation while absorbing light that surrounds the viewing area.

To see a rAVe NOW video we shot of it at CEDIA 2010, click here.

Complete specs and sizing options can be found here: http://www.da-lite.com

SurgeX Announces Eliminator Series

SurgeX introduced the Eliminator Series line of residential power conditioning products at CEDIA Expo last month. SurgeX says it’s the only power protection product line that eliminates electrical transients that can degrade AV system performance. Engineered with SurgeX’s proprietary Advanced Series Mode Surge Elimination technology, the Eliminator Series offers a complete line of products custom installers can use to protect any AV installation, including IP enabled, UPS, NEMA, and flat panel/projector solutions.

The SurgeX Eliminator Series features five rack mount products that provide all the features a demanding home theater requires: surge elimination, noise reduction and component sequencing, all in a convenient 1-2U chassis. Advanced models feature a sophisticated Program Interface that enables users to adjust remote power on/off, over/under shutdown thresholds, set sequencing parameters, and adjust and manage custom power settings instantly. Installers can also utilize remote turn on for use in controlling multi-rack applications.

Additionally, the Eliminator Series includes a robust UPS solution that provides a premium protection package to ensure AV systems stay online. With the XU115, installers will gain uninterrupted performance during a brownout, blackout, surge, or power failure, as well as protection from all spikes and surges with SurgeX patented Advanced Series Mode surge elimination. The XU115 includes both common and normal mode Impedance Tolerant EMI/RFI noise filtering, and provides a sophisticated browser-based interface to manage power settings, diagnostics, and schedule shutdowns and restarts. Automatic voltage regulation also provides a stable AC source during less than optimal power conditions without the constant use of internal batteries to increase battery life.

SurgeX’s NEMA solutions are also included in the Eliminator Series, including the XN120. The XN120 provides the perfect protection solution for multi-circuit residential AV systems where space is at a premium. Selected as a finalist for the CEDIA 2010 Best New Product Award, this compact 120 Volt / 80 Amp unit provides fail-safe protection required for multiple circuits and is hardwired as a subpanel at the service panel or the equipment room. When individual panels are connected to a single circuit and fed through the XN120, the XN120 enables homeowners to protect and condition each panel on that circuit, eliminates the need for individual AC conditioners, and frees up valuable rack space. There are no in-wall extension cords, nor individual units to install and maintain. In addition, every outlet powered by the XN120 is protected and conditioned even though there is no PLC at the rack. In a typical installation, the XN120 20Amp circuit will protect an average of 8 flat panels TVs, eliminating the need for individual AC line conditioners in every room.

In the event that protection is required for standalone flat panel installations, the SurgeX Eliminator Series also provides the X2, which is designed specifically to mount on the back of flat panels and projectors and is rated for in-wall/in-ceiling use. Its compact design is under five pounds, allows for the unit to be mounted to the back of a projector or flat panel completely hidden from view, and provides 24/7 protection of expensive theater gear.

To see a rAVe NOW video we shot at CEDIA 2010, click here.

SurgeX offers an industry leading 11-year warranty on all products. For more information, go to: http://surgex.com/residential/index.html

Sanus Ships VLT14 and VMT14 Super Slim Mounts with Virtual Axis

Sanus is now shipping the VisionMount Super Slim VLT14 and VMT14 Tilting TV Wall Mounts for flat screens from 37” – 65” and 26” – 42”, respectively. Both models place flat panels less than an inch from the wall and offer Sanus’s adjustable Virtual Axis technology for up to 10 degrees of smooth tilting motion.

To see a rAVe NOW video we shot of it at CEDIA 2010, click here.

For more information on the VLT14, go here: http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/visionmount/tilting-mount/VLT14

For more information on the VMT14, go here: http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/visionmount/tilting-mount/VMT14

Stewart Shows "Designer Friendly" Screens

Stewart Filmscreen used CEDIA to launch the residential version (they intro’d the ProAV version at InfoComm in June) of the Gallery Wall Screen, a fixed frame screen available in a variety of custom materials, finishes and colors. Aimed at satisfying interior designers, the Gallery screen frame can be matched to any room’s décor, enabling visual integration into a variety of environments where the appearance of a square-bordered projection screen may be incompatible, whether dedicated home theater rooms or multi-purpose rooms.

To see a rAVe NOW video we shot of it at CEDIA 2010, click here.

The new screen is shipping now and you can see all the specs and choices here: http://www.stewartfilmscreen.com/residential/products/fixed_screens/gallery_series/gallery_series_residential.html

Home 3D

Digital Projection Introduces New 3D Solutions at CEDIA

DPI announced at CEDIA Expo the active-3D enables M-Vision Cine 400-3D, an entry-level, single-chip 3D solution. Coming with the same DLP DarkChip technology in DPI’s entire DLP line, this new 3D projector offers 3D for screens up to 12’ wide..

The new M-Vision is 5,500 lumens, has 30% horizontal and 120% vertical lens shift, multiple lens options with throw ratios ranging from 1.25 to 3.0:1 (or a fixed lens option with a .73:1 throw ratio), and has two HDMI inputs, RGB via D-15, and the usual host of analog inputs.

For more information on this projector with the different lens options, go here: http://www.digitalprojection.com/BrowseProjectors/SeriesList/ProjectorList/tabid/86/SeriesId/12/MarketTypeId/11/Default.aspx

To see a rAVe NOW video we shot at CEDIA 2010, click here.

DPI also introduced in conjunction with Mechdyne, its next generation Dimension 3D media servers. The Dimension 3D and Dimension 3D Ultra deliver two new options for enjoying 2D and 3D movies, games, and more.

These new servers have been redesigned from the Dimension 1.0 introduced the previous CEDIA, with a new user interface and hardware upgrades including latest generation graphic cards.

For more information, go to: http://www.digitalprojection.com/Accessories/Total3DExperiencesystem/tabid/111/Default.aspx

Mitsubishi Debuts Its First 3D Projector

Mitsubishi showed us its new “entry-level” 7.7-pound HC4000 1080p DLP projector, with 1300 ANSI lumens at a 750:1 contrast ratio and using a new 5000-hour lamp at CEDIA. Although we weren’t impressed with the image quality of their 3D demo, Mitsubishi told rAVe it was a prototype and that production models will live up to our expectations. The HC4000 only blares off 25dBA noise levels and does include a 1-1.5 zoom and, of course, HDMI input capability.

To see a rAVe NOW video we shot of it at CEDIA 2010, click here.

Complete details and specs can be found on Mitsubishi’s website here: http://www.mitsubishi-presentations.com/products/projectors/HC4000.html

Runco Licenses RealD 3D Processing Technology

Runco announced last month it has entered into a partnership with RealD to license the company’s RealD Processing Package, which includes multiple technologies for the delivery and display of high-definition 3D content. The RealD Processing Package includes the stereoscopic RealD Format, Blue Line Code and other unique filters and algorithms.

For more information, go to http://www.runco.com or http://www.reald.com

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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