During a Polycom Go Green Assessment, they say they’ll conduct a comprehensive evaluation of an organization's meeting and travel requirements, telework opportunities, and current collaborative tool usage. Polycom told us that upon completion of the assessment, you'll receive a summary report that outlines your client’s current carbon footprint, and what impact their current collaboration technologies (if they have any) or “traditional travel” have on that footprint -- essentially establishing a baseline for their (and your) GreenAV efforts. Of course, the report also recommends further ways to improve productivity and efficiency in your organization so you can help sell and integrate a long-term carbon savings -- and, of course, sell Polycom technology!

Quite honestly, this is an awesome service from Polycom and we expect all the high-end manufacturers to use this as a marketing tool to help you sell GreenAV gear in the future. No one can really justify an ROI on VTC versus travel as it’s never been the true equal alternative to “being there in person,” but if the clients you work with have a green concern or are moving towards sustainability in their future, this is a great start.

Want to learn all about it? Go to: http://www.polycom.asia/services/professional_services/go_green.html

New Large Display Report Available from Insight Media

The September 2010 issue of Large Display Report (LDR) debuted in what could be called the “summer of 3D.” We began to see hints of the technology moving into the mainstream with 3D on the radar of major TV chip vendors, and announcements that included:

The #1 TV chip vendor (Trident) is now including support for frame-compatible 3D technology on its top-selling system on chip SOC (TV550) solution.
Thine signal conversion chips for flat panel devices announced 3D frame identification support (V-by-One HS) that makes the switch between 2D and 3D content streams more trouble free for TV system designers.
Integrated chip technology (from ECT) makes available on-board, real-time 2D-to-3D broadcast conversion.
More power (5x increase) is coming to pro solution NVIDIA GPUs (graphic processors) targeting large scale visualization and professional broadcast environments -- further boosting 3Ds usefulness as a professional application.

Chip integration and continued ASIC development by top CE chip brands not only portend a maturing of the 3D market, but also reflects confidence in ROI (return on investment) from 3D technology. This sets the pace for a new wave of 3D integration going forward, with both efficiency and price/value benefits that could help spur demand even further.

Elsewhere in displays this month, projector makers showcased at IBC and IFA European trade shows revealed exciting announcements like the new Christie 4K and projectiondesign 2.5K resolution front projectors, the latter targeting post production and broadcast for high res images with an LED illumination option. Other projector announcements show that this technology is far from bowing out to the flat panel juggernaut, with short-throw options and 3D display images hard to match with any other technology.

To purchase the September issue of Large Display Report for $250.00, email: annmarie@insightmedia.info

Digital Signage

Minicom Launches New Platform: DS Vision Digital

Minicom Digital Signage just launched its new solution for media distribution and network-based control and monitoring capabilities of multiple remote displays. Called DS Vision Digital, they are real-time, digital, uncompressed (claiming to be FullHD 1080p) content players and managers that are all network controllable and manageable.

The DS Vision Digital enables remote display management and control via the Screengate management gateway and features what Minicom is calling its Media Feedback Mechanism (MFM) -- including a claim of patented Proof of Performance proprietary technology (POP) -- so advertisers can evaluate the value of their network and operators can improve visibility and reduce system downtime while lowering operational costs and increasing return on investment.

Interested in the DS remote control and management market? Go to: http://www.minicomdigitalsignage.com/av_dsvd.htm

Projection

Chrisie Debuts 8,000 Lumen 1080p DLP Projector

Christie has launched the new leader in pro-grade single-chip 1080p projectors in the form of the DHD800. The native 1920x1080 is a 1-chip DLP using TI's BrilliantColor 10-bit image processing and, in a first for a 1-chip DLP at this price, Christie has empowered it with four-sided image blending and color matching.

Replacing the DHD700, Christie is aiming it for both large venue HD meeting room applications since it has a series of lenses for both long-throw and short-throw applications and is specified at 7500:1 contrast ratio. Although not totally a GreenAV product, it does only use 23 watts of power in standby.

Here are all the specs and details: http://www.christiedigital.com/AMEN/Products/ChristieDHD800.htm

Integrator Solutions

Christie Adds New Product Line Aimed at Stagers and Entertainment Venues

Christie's entered the stage lighting market in a very creative way via their new Nitro Solutions so-called digital luminaries. The modular series of motorized moving yokes can provide up to 20,000 ANSI lumens of video projection, creating high brightness imagery on any surface from anywhere. With the optional Xenon or LED lighting heads, the system can produce up to 50,000 lumens of lighting. Nitro Solutions can be installed at ground level or rigged to a truss, and are ideal for building projection, architectural lighting and cityscapes, houses of worship, theme parks, and live events such as concerts and theater presentations.

Christie Nitro Solutions offer two motorized yoke options: a dual-arm yoke for larger video projectors ranging from 12,000 to 20,000 ANSI lumens, and a single-arm yoke for projectors ranging from 5,700 to 15,000 ANSI lumens. The modular approach of Christie Nitro Solutions expands the effectiveness of the moving yoke platform by allowing the user to deploy the yoke with either a video projector or light head. Other features include DMX512 control and a quick-lock attachment system for easy set up and take down.

For complete specs, go to: http://info.christiedigital.com/m/378/37651/

Crestron Updates iPad App

The newest version of the Crestron iPad App is now available from the iTunes App Store, where it’s still ranked the #1 Top Grossing iPad Lifestyle App. This update includes automatic portrait/landscape rotation and gestures navigation on the iPad for both Crestron and Prodigy control systems. In addition, a graphic template with user-selectable backgrounds, designed especially for the iPad, is available from the Crestron website. Dealers can create their own branded designs and clients can duplicate the same look and feel on their iPad as on their Crestron touch panels using the iPad App.

For complete details, go to: http://www.crestron.com/products/show_products.asp?jump=1&model=CRESTRON-MOBILE-PRO-G

Extron's How To Videos: Up and Running in Less Than 15 Minutes

Most people dread setting up a matrix switcher - lots of inputs and outputs to configure and wire. Watch Extron Senior Applications Engineer Chris Bach take a brand new SMX System MultiMatrix switcher out of the box and put it into full operation in just 15 minutes, with full HDCP compliance and quick source switching. Chris walks you through the simple, intuitive steps to configure the switcher and set up EDID management, installs an HDCP-compliant DVI I/O board, connects the sources and displays, and then demonstrates the switcher's fast operation as he switches between a variety of sources and signal types.

Wanna watch? Go to: http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=smxootbvideo

Displays

NEC to Debut Pro-Quality LED Backlit LCD Monitors

In late Q1 2010, NEC Display Solutions will launch two new LCD public displays (46" and 55") in the NEC MultiSync X-series with LED backlights.

The NEC MultiSync X461S and X551S will be equipped with professional public display panels with the brightness and reliability standards suitable for public display applications.

The LED backlighting allows for lower energy consumption and an extra slim monitor. The products will be lighter and use absolutely no environmentally hazardous substances such as mercury, which is in line with NEC`s "Green Vision" campaign.

In their press release, NEC Display Solutions says it has “...therefore decided to wait for these panels to become available instead of launching a commercial looking product with consumer quality.” That’s clearly a dig at other manufacturers who hope their high-end consumer products with LED backlights can climb into the pro public display arena (and probably explains why NEC is telling us now about 2011 plans).

Click here to see the entire press release.

Home AV News

GfK Asia Survey Shows More Asians are Splurging on the Latest in Home Technology

Spending on technological products such as TVs, audio systems, and DVD players/recorders grew by over 17 percent to hit USD8.94 million in the last 12 months.

As the world goes into recovery mode following the 2009 economic crisis, Asian* consumers have also started loosening their purse strings and are more willing to splurge on big ticket items in home technology. GfK Asia findings reflected an annual 17 percent growth in value of the consumer electronics industry in Asia when compared to the same period* in the previous year.

A large proportion of consumer spend in the area of consumer electronics―around four-fifths (80%)― goes to television sets while the rest of the pie is occupied by other product categoriessuch as portable media player, DVD player/recorder, audio home system and camcorder.

“The overall 17 percent growth in the consumer electronics category were mostly driven by the TV category, particularly LCD TV segment, which on its own, registered a 40 and 54 percent growth in sales and unit value respectively,” observed Ms Jasmine Lim, Regional Account Director, GfK Asia Pte Ltd.

“GfK retail audit shows that value share of LCD TVs in the consumer electronics industry have grown by a significant 10 percent to hit 60 percent. In the past twelve months, consumers in the region spent over USD5.3 million on LCD TVs.”

In most Asian countries, flat screen TV has almost completely replaced the CRT TV, and they make up 70 percent of the overall television sales in the region. CRT TVs are still popular and occupy between 18 to 45 percent share of the overall consumer electronics market in countries such as Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand but sales in these countries for this particular category have been declining rapidly.

“Rising demand of flat panel TV with LED backlight, full high definition and larger screen sizes has been contributing to the value growth in the TV segment across the region,” shared Ms Lim.

“One other segment that also possesses high growth potential is 3D TV. Recently introduced to the consumer TV arena, there has been a lot of hype surrounding 3D TV and consumers are slowly but surely getting acquainted with this new technology,” said Ms Lim. “Currently, limiting factors other than high price points include lack of content, high production costs, scarcity ofchannels, and bandwidth constraints, but our findings reveal that consumers in countries such as Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore are receptive and are already starting to adopt this new technology,” Ms Lim added.

Aside from TVs, other home technology products that are also doing well in Asia are higher-end audio home entertainment systems and DVD players/recorders. “Even though the overall performance of these product categories have been holding steady or even declining in the past few years, segments with lifestyle design are growing rapidly as seen from the rising sales of Bluray products and soundbars. DVD players/recorders with Blu-ray reported triple digit growth across Asian countries such as Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, with Singapore taking the lead in adopting this new technology,” added Ms Lim.

“The consumer technology industry is dynamic with ever-evolving innovations and trends that provide a constant level of excitement to consumers. With the economic downturn behind us and the myriad of offerings in the market, we can be sure that the industry will continue to perform well and satisfy the tech-hungry consumers in the region!” Ms Lim concluded.

About GfK Retail Panel

The GfK Retail Panel is a regular survey monitoring sales of specific products and product categories, using a range of Internet, retail outlets and companies to provide trade and industry highly accurate and up-to-date information on various segments of the market, including technical consumer equipment, optics, and automotive.

About GfK Asia Pte Ltd

A part of the global GfK Group, GfK Asia has over 25 years of experience providing reliable retail and technology market data in Asia. Our analysts track a broad range of consumer products,including technical consumer equipment, optics, automotive, and gaming software. GfK Asia covers more than 160 products and over 918,000 models, collecting monthly data from over 8,000 specialist / independent shops as well as over 560 organized retailers with approximately 15,000 outlets. Based in Singapore, GfK Asia offers extensive coverage of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, The Philippines, and India.

The GfK Group

The GfK Group offers the fundamental knowledge that industry, retailers, services companies and the media need to make market decisions. It delivers a comprehensive range of information and consultancy services in the three business sectors Custom Research, Retail and Technology and Media. The No. 4 market research organization worldwide operates in more than 100 countries and employs over 10,000 staff. In 2009, the GfK Group’s sales amounted to EUR 1.16 billion. Forfurther information, visit our website: www.gfk.com or follow them on Twitter: www.twitter.com/gfk_group.

Notes:

* Markets surveyed: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Philippines.

** 12 month survey period: Jul 09 – Jun 10 vs Jul 08 – Jun 09.

Home Control

Crestron Adds 24-Port PoE Switch

Crestron is now competing with Cisco… sort of. Crestron announced the CEN-SWPOE-24, a 24-port managed 10/100 Ethernet switch with PoE (Power over Ethernet) and dual Gigabit uplink ports -- all designed to allow for connectivity of Crestron-compatible network products. Full IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) is furnished simultaneously, eliminating the need for additional power supplies and wiring while providing a centralized power source for numerous PoE devices, such as PoE capable touch panels, controllers and adapters. Dual Gigabit Ethernet uplink/stacking ports assure ample bandwidth for the 24 high-speed 10/100 Base-T ports.

For complete specs, go to: http://www.crestron.com/products/show_products.asp?jump=1&model=cen-swpoe-24

Pronto Unveils ProntoTunes

Philips Pronto has partnered with Australian developer ProntoProject.com to develop ProntoTunes, which provides two-way control of Apple iTunes, Apple TV and Apple Airport Express digital media via Pronto control panels from anywhere in the home. To access and play digital media, users simply scroll through their library and play any of the available albums, artists, genres, playlists, movies, TV shows and more using the Pronto scroll wheel. The ProntoTunes application automatically discovers new media and instantly integrates it into the users’ media lists. Cover art is displayed for the current playing file, whether it be music, movies or TV, and its SmartCache functionality stores large data, such as cover art, so users will not have to wait for it the next time they return to that selection.

ProntoTunes is compatible with TSU9400, TSU9600 and TSU9800 control panels and is available now. Certified Pronto installers may download the module at www.prontoprojects.com. The module can be purchased for $50 with a valid Pronto serial number. Multiple licenses are also available.

Home Audio

Polk Re-engineers Flagship Speaker Line

Dubbed the LSiM, Polk’s new flagship lineup is led by two four-way floor-standing tower models, the LSiM 707 and LSiM 705. Each features Polk's so-called “Dynamic Balance design” technology, which they say, “combines the latest in composite materials and computer-assisted geometry [Ed. Note: Isn’t all mechanical design done on CAD now?] to create drivers with extraordinarily low distortions and artifacts.” Both towers sport an array of these drivers, along with Polk's Dynamic Sonic Engine enclosure, which is basically a single molded component that carries both a Polk proprietary 3.25” Extended Linear Motion (ELM) mid-range driver and a 1.0” Advance Isotropic ring radiator (AIR) tweeter.

According to Polk, combining these transducers in a single optimized array produces a wide and uniform dispersion pattern. Their top-of-the-line LSiM 707 adds a 6.5" ELM mid-woofer driver and dual 6x9" ELM subwoofers. The smaller LSiM 705 features the identical Dynamic Sonic Engine for high frequencies and midrange, along with a 5.25" mid-woofer and dual 5x7" ELM subwoofers. A bookshelf-sized version of the towers, the LSiM 703, utilizes the same technologies as the towers, minus the internal subwoofer drivers.

In addition to the LCRs, two center channel models are offered in the flagship LSiM series. The larger LSiM 706c features the same AIR ring tweeter and E:M 3.5" mid-bass driver that characterizes the Dynamic Sonic Engine of the larger tower models, flanked by two ELM 6.5" mid-bass drivers with a rear port design. A smaller center channel model, the LSiM 704c features the same layout, only with ELM 5.25" mid-bass drivers. The LSiM 702f/x surround model completes the series for a multichannel setup, offering a ELM 3.25’ mid-range, 2 x 1.0” AIR ring radiator tweeters and a ELM 6.5” mid-woofer driver.

The LSiM isn’t on the Polk site yet, but when it is, it will be here: http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/

ELAN Debuts ELIOS for MDU Apps

ELAN has announced the launch of ELIOS - what they’re labeling as “EuroStyle speakers.” The company’s new half-depth, in-ceiling, and low-profile on-wall architectural speakers. The two new ELIOS speakers will officially debut at CEDIA as the brand’s first speakers specifically designed for Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs), and limited space installations.

The ELIOS ES71C 7” In-Ceiling Speaker and the ES412 Dual 4” On-Wall Speaker were engineered to work well in reduced depth and space with simple installation capability. Both speakers are among the industry’s first to address the MDU construction market and the specific construction and installation requirements commonly found in Europe and the USA retrofit market. The new tooling supports a 7-inch woofer and a pivoting tweeter lets the installer tune the system.

The ELIOS ES412 Dual 4” On-Wall Speaker features two active 4.5" drivers and large magnet structure that installs quickly based on the versatility of the speaker’s "wedge" shape and the mounting hardware provided. An ABS cabinet can mount directly to drywall and comes with brackets for a standard J-box or even a Euro style circular box.

Both speakers are available in white and black with a choice of white, black and grey cloth options and can be found here: http://www.elanhomesystems.com/speakers_elios_architectural.asp

Home Integrator Solutions

Onkyo Announces New Flagship THX Certified Components

Onkyo will debut three new flagship THX certified products including Onkyo's first A/V preamplifier/processor that is both 3D-Ready and THX-Certified, a powerful 150-watt nine-channel amplifier, and a full-featured Blu-ray Disc Player.

Onkyo's flagship PR-SC5508 is a THX-Ultra 2 Plus certified, network-capable, 9.2-channel audio-video controller that will function as the brains of Onkyo’s new 3D-Ready receiver. It includes an HDMI-1.4a interface, HQV Reon-VX video processing, ISF Video Calibration and DLNA 1.5 and Windows 7 compatibility. Configured for Pandora, Rhapsody, Mediafly, Slacker, Napster, VTuner, and Sirius Internet Radio, the PR-SC5508's video performance comes in the form of HQV Reon-VX processing, 1080p upscaling, and individual ISF calibration capability for all video sources. This THX-Ultra 2 Plus certified system offers processing from Dolby, THX, DTS, and Audyssey’s new MultEQ XT 32. The PR-SC5508's connectivity options includes 8 HDMI inputs, dual USB's, two balanced line-level XLR audio inputs, and nine XLR preamp outputs to drive the matching PA-MC5500 nine-channel power amplifier.

If that’s not enough power, you can add on the Onkyo PA-MC5500 - a nine-channel THX-Ultra2 Plus certified analog power amplifier that is 8-ohm rated at 150 watts per channel, and up to 400 watts dynamic power into 3 ohms. The PA-MC5500 uses large, custom output transistors in push-pull configuration and massive power supply consisting of a large toroidal power transformer and two 22,000 µF storage capacitors. Despite all this power, the PA-MC5500 preserves the subtle details of the sound with a three-stage inverted Darlington circuit to remove distortion and the use of professional balanced line-level XLR inputs for the optimal interface with its ideal companion, the Onkyo PR-SC5508. The 51-lb PA-MC5500 has a rigid, anti-resonant chassis, gold-plated inputs and outputs, plus multi-zone and bi-amp capability to allow full utilization of all channels no mater what the system configuration.

Need a new Blu-ray player? Onkyo is hoping you’ll choose their new BD-SP808 - a THX Certified and DLNA 1.5 Certified Blu-ray Disc Player. An Ethernet port enables interactive Profile 2.0 BD-Live features (does anyone actually use these for anything other than software updates?) such as picture-in-picture and web-sourced firmware updates. An SD card slot allows playback of downloaded web content or stills and video from a digital camera.

http://www.onkyousa.com/

Sanus Ships All-Weather Mount

Sanus is already shipping its new all-weather mount line for 42"-75" flat-panel TVs weighing up to 175 lbs. Called the VisionMount VXF220, it’s manufactured with a special rust-resistant coating and stainless steel hardware and has been rated to withstand rain, snow and salt, making it an ideal choice for indoor/outdoor use. The mount offers dual extension arms that allow the user to extend the TV up to 20" from the wall, tilt, swivel and pan it in any direction.

For complete specs, go to: http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/visionmount/full-motion-mount/VXF220

SpectraCal Intros 3D Pattern Generator

Dubbed the AVFoundry VideoForge, SpectraCal has launched an HDMI test pattern generator designed for 3D applications. The VideoForge provides the HDMI video signals for testing, calibrating and servicing video displays, including 3D displays (HDMI 1.4) at resolutions up to 1600x1200. Features include RGB 4:4:4, YCbCr 4:4:4, or YCbCr 4:2:2 color output, 24/30/36-bit output, 3D or 2D PNG or JPEG test images from an SD card output and 3D Left Eye/Right Eye Gating control.

For complete details, go to: http://www.spectracal.com/VideoForge.html

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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