InfoComm 2014, as always, provided the platform for countless industry
products to be showcased and released…
Absen launched U1.9 at InfoComm this
year. U1.9-Pixel Pitch: 1.9mm is a HD LED display which boasts exceptional gray
scale representation even when brightness is reduced to 20%. Its in-house
developed unique technology successfully solves first line dimming problems,
ensuring excellent display uniformity.
A specially designed Information Display Window indicates cumulative usage
time, working voltage, working temperature, and other parameters, which also
supports one-button settings and one-button testing.
As the substitute for LCD and DLP products, U1.9 can provide high quality
display service in information communication, branding and advertising.
Distributed by Absen.
Allen & Heath unveiled Qu-32, a 32 fader,
38 in / 28 out digital mixer joining the rackmount Qu-16 and compact Qu-24. Qu-
32 shares the Qu series key features, such as total recall of settings, Qu-Drive
integrated multi-track recorder, dSNAKE for remote I/O and personal monitoring,
multi-channel USB streaming, Qu-Pad control app, and the renowned iLive FX
Library to deliver class-leading audio quality. It comes with a larger, 7′
touchscreen and 33 motorised faders.
Key to the design was providing a dedicated fader per mic input channel while
retaining a compact footprint, the Qu series distinctive styling, and extensive
I/O, comprising 32 mic/line inputs, 3 stereo inputs, 24 mix outputs including two
Stereo Matrix mix outputs and four stereo groups with full processing, patchable
AES digital output with a further 2-channel ALT output, dedicated Talkback mic
pre input, and 2-track output.
Arthur Holm displayed the following products:
Dynamic3 with dual retractable microphone is a fully
motorised screen which opens, closes and rotates 180 degrees. ARTHUR HOLM
showed a special version during InfoComm which adds double retractable
“gooseneck’ microphones enabling one monitor to be shared and used by 2
conference’s attendants. Both the screen and the microphones can be
independently controlled, offering a totally versatile solution. The system is
entirely built in milled anodised aluminium and can be recessed into the table
desk, leaving a perfectly clean working surface, thus, enhancing the workspace
flexibility.
Dynamic3 is not only unique in terms of aesthetics, but also because of its
functionality; the screen rises and leans, has an additional 180 degrees rotation
movement, and retracts inside the work surface in two different positions, with
the screen oriented up or down.
Dynamic1H is a new motorised monitor provides a horizontal
motorised movement and the screen is always visible. It raises and it leans
within the desk surface and can be stopped at any position between 0 and 80
degrees. A smart memory system will make easy setting up and recalling the
desired tilt position. Built entirely of aluminium and finished with a black edged
anti-glare glass (which can be turned into a multi-touch screen as an option), it
takes a minimum depth. It is ideal for auditorium, reception desks, and meeting,
conference and training rooms.
DynamicVision is a motorised wall mount for videoconference
cameras, unveiling the camera upon request through RS422, AHnet, Infrared
and Contact closer. The front enclosure moves vertically up or down and a tray
moves the camera forward simultaneously.
Distributed by Peripheral
Vision
Barco expanded its projection portfolio for rental and staging
with the unveiling of a brand-new three-chip DLP projector, the new
HDQ-4K35. Offering a brightness level of 35 000 centre
lumens, the brand-new HDQ-4K35 is capable of showing native 4K content at
60Hz frame rates. It features a unique integrated design with internal power
supply, rental frame and no external chimney fan. What’s more, the HDQ-4K35 is
fully ready to be combined with Barco’s groundbreaking 4K screen management
system, which allows native 4K projector blending – a first in the industry.
Barco also showed their TransForm N and
TransForm C controllers allow users to optimally use their
pixel real estate to dynamically configure layouts for multiple displays to
enhance collaboration. Users can quickly and easily configure a robust common
operational picture with unlimited perspectives to view better, share faster and
resolve quicker.
Also on the stand was ClickShare which makes it easy for
anyone to share their content with the click of a button. Integrated with Barco
business projectors, high-resolution video walls and any computing device,
ClickShare brings meetings to life, enhancing collaboration for faster decision-
making.
Calibre UK showed their products in a booth co-branded
Calibre and Kramer Electronics in recognition of the two companies’ strategic
partnership launched in 2013.
Calibre showed an impressive array of real-world applications using the new
Kramer media, events and entertainment product range of edge blending,
scaling, warping and LED video wall processing equipment – all powered by
Calibre’s proprietary scaling technologies. The products include the Kramer
VP-791, VP-792, VP-793 and VP-794,
which are derived from the Calibre HQView and
LEDView scaling and processing model range.
Making its Americas debut, the Kramer VP-794 universal live event scaler was
demonstrated in typical live event scenarios.
Distributed by Prosound
Cisco showed its new DX70 and
DX80 desktop collaboration devices. Similar to how smart
phones revolutionised our mobile lives, the Android-based DX70 and DX80
streamline and simplify our work lives by providing access to all the top tools
and applications that highly collaborative work requires.
Cisco also showed its new Collaboration Meeting Rooms (CMRs)
. CMRs provide everyone with their own personal, private, always-
available video collaboration space in the cloud. These rooms give you the ability
to host meetings where attendees can join from the device of their choice—
whether they choose a Cisco® video endpoint, many other standards-based
video endpoints, desktop or mobile clients (such as WebEx), or even a soft client
like Microsoft Lync to join your private cloud meeting room.
Christie debuted the Christie Velvet LED
line of built-to-order, high resolution indoor LED panels. Seamless to integrate
and available in various pixel pitches, Christie’s LED tiles display stunning
content that helps businesses creatively connect their brand message to their
audiences. The LEDs are well-suited to various indoor applications where
24/7/365 reliability is required.
Christie® also introduced Brio Team at InfoComm. Designed
for smaller meeting spaces in corporate, academic and government facilities,
Christie Brio Team allows users to wirelessly connect up to five computers, smart
phones and tablets to share information securely on a larger display while
streaming audio through a meeting room’s sound system. Brio Team doesn’t
require LAN access and the unit works effortlessly using software interfaces
already integrated into standard PC, Mac or Android laptops, tablets and
smartphone devices, with no additional software apps or external dongles.
Clear-Com showed the HelixNet family of products, and also
presented three new product additions:
• HRM-4X Remote Station provides the intercom functionality
of the Main Station but without powering the system or housing interfaces, and
is therefore a more compact unit. The Remote Station provides access to four
simultaneous channels of intercom communication, plus programme audio. It
receives audio data, control data, and DC power via the same cable, and
additionally has the capability to be locally powered via an external power
supply or use Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) connection.
• HKB-2X Speaker Station receives four channels of intercom
communications simultaneously over a single cable, and is able to monitor all
four and communicate on any two of those channels at any given time. The user
can also receive and monitor a separate level-controllable program feed. It can
be mounted in a 4-gang wall box or be used with the optional S-Mount
enclosure.
• S-Mount is an attractive yet durable mount that enables
the Speaker Station to be used in portable applications. It can be surface
mounted or set as a desktop, enclosed and secure. The mount and display can
be easily adjusted to different angles to better suit the user’s requirement. It
includes a DC Power connector and XLR-3M and XLR-3F Powerline Intercom
Ports for easy connection, additionally it has the capability to be locally powered
via an external power supply or use Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) connection.
Distributed by Tadco
Crestron showed, for the first time, their new TST-902 which
delivers all of the dedicated control of TSW touch screens in a wireless tablet
that doesn’t require WiFi.
The Crestron TST-902 Advanced Wireless Touch Screen
delivers enhanced wireless control, voice command recognition, and web
browsing all in a thin and stylish design. Even better, primary touch screen
functionality is supported via Crestron ER wireless communications, lessening or
eliminating the need for WiFi.
Crestron also debuted a full line up of DigitalMedia™ 4K
products. DM 4K products that debuted at InfoComm include:
• DM-RMC-4K-SCALER-C – 4K DM receiver and room controller with scaler
• DM-RMC-4K-100-C-1G – Single-gang wall plate 4K DM receiver and room
controller
• DM-TX-4K-100-C-1G – Single-gang wall plate 4K DM transmitter
• DMC-4K-C – 4K DM Input card
• DMC-4K-C-DSP – 4K DM Input card with down mixing
• HD-DA2-4K-E, HD-DA4-4K-E and HD-DA8-4K-E distribution amplifiers
The 16-Channel Analog Audio Breakout Box (AUD-BOB-1602)
also debuted at InfoComm. It provides connections for audio insert/extract for
DM HDMI® input and output blades on a separate rack-mountable box.
Distributed by Electrosonic
SA
DiGiCo launched their new D2-Rack.
Designed to support and expand the DiGiCo SD Range’s higher sample rate I/O
solutions, the D2-Rack comes with either BNC or CAT5 MADI connections,
allowing it to be used with a number of DiGiCo consoles. By using the latest
converters found in DiGiCo’s SD racks, the D2-rack offers a more compact,
efficient and affordable rack solution for connection at either 48kHz or 96kHz
with no I/O reduction.
The D2-rack offers two I/O versions: The first features 48 mic inputs, 16 line
outputs and two blank output slots allowing an additional 16 outputs in the
owner’s desired format (analog, AES and Aviom), while the second offers 24 mic
inputs, 24 AES inputs, 16 line outputs and two blank outputs, again permitting
an additional 16 outputs in one of three formats.
The D2-rack is currently available for use with SD8 and SD9 systems.
Distributed by Tadco
EAWrong> showed Otto – the world’s
first Adaptive™ subwoofer. Utilising two offset aperture-loaded woofers paired
with independent on-board amplification, processing and networking, Otto
extends Adaptive Performance™ to the lowest octaves of the audible spectrum.
Otto will perfectly balance low-frequency coverage with cancellation to suit the
user’s requirements; omni, cardioid, hyper-cardioid or anywhere in between
from just a single module. Combined in arrays, Otto provides users with near
endless possibilities in low-frequency pattern control.
Each Otto module includes two high-power 18′ cones featuring Offset
Aperture™ loading to generate four optimally-spaced acoustical sources; one in
each corner. In addition to perfect source spacing for the loudspeaker’s
operating range, this loading also provides exceptional efficiency and minimises
harmonic distortion, even when the system is driven to maximum levels.
Ingenious transducer, port and enclosure design allow Otto to achieve
extremely high output levels, while providing impact and low-frequency
extension typical of much larger enclosures.
Distributed by Surgesound
Electro-Voice previewed the next generation of its X-Line
line-array loudspeaker family. Two models will be launched later this year –
X1 and X2 – and the X1 was on display
at InfoComm.
X1: compact 12′ vertical line-array loudspeaker system that combines innovative
new technologies and features with compact design, enabling its use in a wide
variety of applications.
Three new EV technologies form the core of the X1 system:
• Mid-Band Hydra (MBH) for superior box coupling
• Wavefront-Shaping Circular Hydra (WCH) for extended linear HF
performance
• Integrated rigging system for quick set up
Distributed by Prosound
Green Hippo showed AViary Video Tools:
The new range of high-resolution players that comprises three new products,
Par4Keet, 2Kan and Magpi.
Flagship player Par4Keet calls on Green Hippo’s pedigree in solving the issues of
video in challenging environments. Par4Keet is the first video player to combine
playback at 4K resolutions and beyond with the benefits of true real time media
manipulation and multi-screen configurability, all over standard display cabling
and in a robust rack mount casing.
The 2Kan player sports a similar array of tools to Par4Keet in the same chassis
but with an output of up to 3 megapixels for applications requiring full
functionality and control but at lower video resolutions.
The third product in the AViary Video Tools range is Magpi Player. For installation
professionals who need up to four independent streams of high-definition video
or up to six streams of standard definition media, Magpi is a playback device
that provides highly configurable media feeds, real time correction and trimming
of clips along with a host of tools to tackle the most challenging display setups.
Distributed by Electrosonic
SA
HARMAN’s JBL Professional introduced the latest addition to
its Control® Contractor 60 Series pendant loudspeakers with the new Control
60PS/T pendant subwoofer. This high-impact pendant subwoofer features built-
in passive crossover for up to four satellite loudspeakers.
HARMAN’s JBL Professional also introduced the AWC159 and
AWC15LF compact all-weather loudspeakers. Designed to
deliver world-class sound quality and high sound level capability for outdoor
applications, their wide-range, smooth frequency response and high sensitivity
ensure high-fidelity music reproduction and superb projection of clear, intelligible
speech.
Distributed by Wild and
Marr
Kramer & Sierra Video showcased a number of products:
The VIA Collage™ Wireless Collaboration device from Kramer
Electronics allows people to meet smarter. The VIA Collage solves BYOD
challenges and allows for the effective integration of PC, Mac, iOS and Android
devices, allowing users to wirelessly collaborate in any meeting.
The VP-773AMP incorporates many technology
advancements including the ability to set an EDID for each input of the unit,
ensuring connected sources will send the best signal possible to match the
display. The VP-773AMP also includes a unique “emergency alert’ feature that will
allow any video screen connected to a VP-773AMP to instantly display an alert
message.
The VP-794 is a high-performance scaler/switcher with edge-
blending and warp processing developed specifically for multiple screen
applications.
K-Touch allows you to turn common touch screen devices
into interfaces that can communicate with Kramer control systems over standard
IT networks.
Kramer offers new families of speakers, being the Galil,
Yarden and Tavor lines of speakers. The Galil family
is a line of value oriented closed back ceiling and on-wall commercial speakers
for AV. The Yarden family is a high performance line of closed back ceiling, ceiling
tile and on-wall commercial speakers with Kevlar woofers and where applicable,
Titanium Tweeters. The Tavor models are powered ceiling tile and on-wall
speakers that also have Kevlar woofers and Titanium tweeters. All speakers can
operate as either 70V or 100V and are 8ohm.
Distributed by Electrosonic
SA
L’Acoustics announced its new K2 line source array
loudspeaker system featuring PANFLEX™ technology. The successor to L-
ACOUSTICS’ industry-changing V-DOSC® system, K2 offers K1 performance in a
rescaled package that makes it flexibly well-suited for both permanent
installation and touring applications, from theatre to stadium productions. The
primary system components include:
• K2 full-range element with PANFLEX™ horizontal steering, operating from 35Hz
to 20kHz.
• K1-SB low-frequency element reinforcing LF contour down to 30Hz or LF throw
down to 35Hz.
• SB28 low-frequency element extending the operating bandwidth down to
25Hz.
• LA4X / LA8 amplified controllers or LA-RAK touring rack fitted with three LA8.
K2 employs L-Acoustics’ new PANFLEX, a unique horizontal steering technology
that combines mechanically adjustable fins with DSP algorithms effective from
300Hz. Four different settings are possible: two symmetric (70° or 110°) and
two asymmetric (90° as 35°/55° or 55°/35°). Narrowing or widening the
horizontal directivity can serve many purposes: adapt to the width of the
listening area, fit long and short distance coverage/SPL requirements, reduce or
extend overlapping areas and avoid reflecting surfaces.
Distributed by Sound
Harmonics
Martin Professional showed the MAC Quantum Wash and its
new family member, the MAC Quantum Profile.
Also, the family of VC-Grids and VC-strips
were on display. More grids and strips have been added to fit the requirements
and demands for different pixel pitch in various projects. A new powerful unit to
the award-winning P3 system controller family, the P3-300
was also presented.
A selection of the popular M-series consoles were also
shown: M-Series software has been released in version 3.4 which brings tons of
new features and improvements, including fully synchronised networking and
several new user views.
Distributed by Electrosonic
SA
Panasonic showed the world’s first laser light source – their
brand new 1-Chip DLP™ projectors, models PT-RZ670B/W and PTRW630B/W.
Main features:
• The world’s first laser light source 1-chip DLP™ projectors with 6 000 lumens of
brightness.
• Bright, beautiful picture quality for a long period of time.
• Reliable drive system enables continuous 24/7 operation with no downtime.
• Laser light source and filter-less design allow a maintenance-free 20 000
hours.
• Newly designed optical system achieves high reliability and excellent colour
reproduction.
• A new liquid cooling system maintains quiet, long-term, stable operation while
keeping the exhaust heat extremely low.
• A filter-less, dust-resistant structure with an airtight optical block.
• Detail clarity processor 3 gives natural clarity to even the finest details.
• System daylight view 2 enhances colour perception with no need to turn off
the lights.
• Advanced technologies for excellent image quality including full 10-bit signal
processing.
• DICOM simulation mode reproduces easy-to-view rendering of X-ray photos.
• Waveform monitor for easy and precise calibration.
Distributed by PanSolutions
Shure Inc. showed the QLX-D™ Digital Wireless System.
Delivering exceptional wireless performance with transparent 24-bit digital
audio, QLX-D is a cost-effective solution that features networked control and
compatibility with Shure’s intelligent rechargeable battery technology. QLX-D
Digital Wireless transmits accurate audio with extended, flat frequency
response. The system’s automatic channel scan and IR sync make finding and
assigning an open frequency quick and easy.
Also on show by Shure, ShurePlus™ Channels, the
Company’s new iOS app, which will be available for free download from the
iTunes App Store. Delivering time-saving flexibility and convenience, ShurePlus
Channels enables audio professionals to untether themselves from their mixing
consoles, hardware racks, and bulky laptops by providing real-time, precision
monitoring of select Shure wireless systems. Supported on Apple mobile devices
running iOS7, ShurePlus Channels is compatible with Shure Axient®, ULX-D®
Digital Wireless, the newly-launched QLX-D™ Digital Wireless System, as well as
the PSM®1000 Personal Monitor System.
When connected to your dedicated Wi-Fi network, ShurePlus Channels
automatically discovers compatible Shure hardware, offering remote visibility to
critical channel information like RF signal strength and interference alerts, audio
levels, transmitter battery life and alerts, and other key attributes.
Distributed by Wild and Marr
AMX announced new enhancements to its Enzo® content
sharing and conferencing platform. AMX announced the addition of screen
mirroring of laptop and mobile device content. It also previewed upcoming
support for web conferencing and simplified launching of Enzo sessions right
from a touch panel or keypad. Enzo was designed as an application-based
platform to give meeting attendees choices in deciding how they want to
present and share content in meetings.
In addition to retrieving content from cloud-based storage, the Web or a local
USB drive, meeting participants are now able to instantly screen mirror content
from their laptop (Windows®/Mac® OS X), smartphone or tablet. Powered by
industry-leading MirrorOp® wireless mobile content sharing technology, users
can quickly and easily share their screens with just a click. AMX also eased life
for integrators by adding the ability to create Enzo session macros using the
AMX Rapid Project Maker (RPM) configuration tool.
AMX® also introduced its new Sereno Video Conferencing
Camera, part of the AMX Enzo® platform. Sereno provides essential features for
small room conferencing in an attractive design and affordable price. In addition
to high definition AV capture, Sereno also includes two important features rarely
found in an affordable camera: a way to ensure that everyone in the room can
be seen during a web conference and the option to disable the camera and
microphone to safeguard sensitive meetings.
Another new release by AMX® at InfoComm this year was the
NetLinx® NX Series Controllers to support the increasing
number of IP-controlled AV products being managed across corporate networks,
driving the need for increased performance and network security.
The new, next generation NX Controllers include IPv6 and 802.1x security
support for connection to the enterprise network as well as dual NIC
functionality to completely isolate IP-controlled AV devices from the network.
These features not only enhance security but drastically reduce the number of IP
addresses required for AV technology implementations.
Distributed by Peripheral
Vision
