It is no secret that Integrated Systems Europe is the most popular and largest event for professional AV and electronic systems integration and with a record number of exhibitors this year, there was no shortage of products launched and showcased.
Alcons
The main focus for Alcons at ISE this year was the RR12 point-source array. The RR12 extends Alcons’ famous line-source technology into different applications. By implementing the unique features of Alcons’ pro-ribbon transducers in a modular concept, the RR12 has been developed as a ’building block’ to create tight-packed (horizontal or vertical) arrays for controlled sound coverage in the widest variety of audience areas.
Also on the stand was the new CRMS series; the Cinema Reference Monitor Systems offer a 1:1 natural crystal-clear response, with unprecedented low-distortion and very wide 1:17 dynamic range. Focused on post-production studios, screening-rooms, residential home-cinemas and basically any critical reference listening environment, CRMS now consists of CRMSmkII and the CRMS compact, including pro-ribbon main loudspeakers, timbre-matching pro-ribbon surround loudspeakers, ultra-shallow subwoofers and dedicated processing and amplification.
Allen & Heath
Allen & Heath showcased the 30 in / 24 out Qu-24 compact digital mixer. Qu-24 features total recall of settings (including 25 motorised faders and digitally controlled preamps), and intuitive Touchscreen, Qu-Drive integrated multi-track recorder, dSNAKE for remote I/O and personal monitoring, multi-channel USB streaming to Mac, Qu-Pad control app, and iLive’s renowned FX library to deliver class-leading audio quality.
Qu-24 features a dedicated fader per mic input channel, 24 mic/line inputs, three stereo inputs, four FX engines with four dedicated sends and stereo returns, 20 mix outputs including two Stereo Matrix Mix Outputs and two Stereo Groups with full processing, patchable AES digital output with a further two-channel ALT output, dedicated Talkback mic input, and two-track output.
Distributed by Audiosure: www.audiosure.co.za
HARMAN JBL Commercial
HARMAN’s JBL Commercial introduced six Commercial Series Amplifiers (CSA) and two Commercial Series Mixers (CSM) that combine outstanding value and performance.
The JBL Commercial series amplifiers:
• CSA2120Z amplifier, two channels, 120-watt power output per channel
• CSA280Z amplifier, two channels, 80-watt power output per channel
• CSA240Z amplifier, two channels, 40-watt power output per channel
• CSA1120Z amplifier, one channel, 120-watt power output
• CSA180Z amplifier, one channel, 80-watt power output
• CSA140Z amplifier, one channel, 40-watt power output
The CSA amplifiers incorporate HARMAN’s proprietary DriveCore amplifier IC, which combines hundreds of conventional parts into a single chip smaller than a dime. DriveCore offers significantly reduced power consumption, size and weight while delivering outstanding sound quality. All CSA amps are just 1U-rack space high and a half-rack wide. All models can operate into 8 ohms and 4 ohms loads and can be used with 70V and 100V distributed audio systems without the need for a separate transformer. A single amp channel (or one-channel amplifier) can easily drive multiple speakers without the need for complex wiring and the amplifiers’ distributed audio capability simplifies adding volume controls to single- or multiple- speaker zones. All feature a universal power supply for international use and accept an Ethernet control cable for use with the JBL CSR-V wall-mount volume control.
The JBL Commercial series mixers
• CSM-28 mixer, eight inputs, two outputs
• CSM-14 mixer, four inputs, one output
JBL Commercial’s CSM mixers are perfect for background music, paging, security and other uses. Like the CSA amplifiers, the CSM models are simple to set up and use, with a minimum of front panel controls and illuminated rings around the knobs for easy visibility. All the mixers provide channel, master volume and independent bass and treble controls. The rear panel offers RCA inputs and Euro-block-type mic/line input and output connectors. All models feature priority muting, VOX ducking and mic phantom power and can be used with JBL’s CSR-V wall controller.
HARMAN’s JBL Professional
HARMAN’s JBL Professional introduced its new CBT 50LA-LS line array column loudspeaker that comes with full EN54-24 certification, the EU standard for loudspeakers intended for use in voice announce and fire alarm systems. The CBT 50LA-LS is an addition to the popular CBT Series (Constant Beamwidth Technology™) that has been developed exclusively for the European installation market.
The CBT 50LA-LS is a compact 50cm high column that utilises a straight line of eight two-inch drivers. It contains low-saturation transformers, so it can be used on 70V/100V distributed speaker lines or as low impedance speakers.
Distributed by Wild and Marr: www.wildandmarr.co.za
Martin Audio
Martin Audio gave an exclusive preview of the new multi-purpose DD12 at ISE this year. DD12 will be launched later in the year, but details at ISE revealed that it will define the ultimate in performance and versatility for powered, two-way loudspeaker systems.
The DD12 combines onboard networking, DSP and Class D amplification with state-of-the-art transducers and Differential DispersionTM horn technology with the aim of achieving best-in-class performance in terms of fidelity, output capability and coverage consistency across the audience.
Differential Dispersion technology delivers more consistent audience coverage than systems with conventional X° x Y° horns — providing more throw to the rear to distribute sound evenly front-to-back, while having wider close-up horizontal coverage for the front rows.
Versatility is a key attribute of the DD12. The system is designed to meet a multitude of premium stand-alone and distributed sound reinforcement requirements — from touring, theatre and portable live sound applications to concert hall and HoW installations, AV events and stage monitor use. Ideal as the main PA in small-to-medium sized rooms, it can also be used as an infill loudspeaker in large-scale systems.
Distributed by Audiosure: www.audiosure.co.za
Meyer Sound
Meyer Sound debuted the self-powered LYON™ linear sound reinforcement system, the newest addition to the LEO™ Family of linear loudspeaker systems. Incorporating the technology of the LEO Family in a lighter and more compact package, LYON extends the advantages of highly linear self-powered systems to a broader range of venues and applications.
LYON linear line array loudspeakers are available in two versions: the LYON-M main line array loudspeaker and the LYON-W wide-coverage line array loudspeaker. Complemented by the 1100-LFC low-frequency control element and the Galileo® Callisto™ loudspeaker management system, the LYON-M can anchor a powerful system for installations in arenas and large auditoriums, as well as tours and festivals. The LYON-W can serve as down fills to augment a LYON-based system. Both LYON versions can be used to provide supplemental coverage in a LEO system.
Distributed by Prosound: www.prosound.co.za
Coda Audio
Coda Audio exhibited the D12, a two-way passive system created specifically for the fixed installation market.
The cabinet contains a high power coaxial 12′ woofer with a 44.4 mm voice coil. The advanced design aligns the acoustic centres of the transducers to produce a single point source with a coherent wave front without hot spots. Precise directivity of 90° conical ensures uniform coverage with perfect time alignment.
With high power handling of 600W (AES) and a frequency response from 60Hz to 20kHz (-4 dB) the D12 has an impeccable set of credentials when married with Coda Audio’s amplifiers as an integrated solution for DSP control, amplification, network remote control and diagnostic. The integrated solution ensures optimal performance and protection.
Coda Audio also exhibited the larger D20 for instances where placement of subwoofers is impossible.
The D20 is a three-way point source cabinet designed without compromise to provide extended low frequency at high level and features a long excursion 12′ ultra-low distortion cone driver covering the range 35Hz to 400Hz. The 3′ voice coil is 32mm high, ensuring linear excursion of 22mm / pp. Three aluminium shorting rings reduce inter-modulation distortion and minimise induction variation, while reducing thermal compression. This reduces distortion, and improves overall sound quality, providing deep and punchy bass response.
Distributed by Tadco: www.tadco.co.za
d&b audiotechnik
Three demonstrations daily at the d&b audiotechnik demo room at ISE this year introduced listeners to the passively crossed over 24C and 24C-E column loudspeakers from the new xC-Series; fixed installation products aimed squarely at speech reinforcement in demanding acoustic spaces. This series is specifically intended for the kind of highly reverberant environments where conquering acoustic challenges must balance with aesthetic considerations.
The xC-Series also includes the 16C, a smaller column using four 4′ low/mid drivers plus a centrally mounted constant directivity HF horn with 0.75′ compression driver. The 24C contains six 4′ low/mid drivers and a HF array of six 1.1′ dome tweeters. Passive filtering of the 4′ drivers minimises unwanted lobes in the vertical plane and adds an approximate five degree downward tilt to the low/mid frequency dispersion. When attached to 24C, the 24C-E cardioid (cardoid?) column extension, with a further six 4′ low/mid drivers, increases the vertical directivity control by another full octave. Drawing on vast experience in passive loudspeaker design, d&b has developed column loudspeakers with effective horizontal dispersion control. This unique cardioid approach produces constant directivity in the horizontal plane with a broadband attenuation to the rear of 18dB. Effective horizontal pattern control reduces unwanted reflections and allows increased gain before feedback when working with open microphones; characteristics virtually unknown for column loudspeakers.
Distributed by Stage Audio Works: www.stageaudioworks.co.za
Crestron
Crestron showcased the HD-XSPA, a high-definition surround sound AV receiver. HD-XSPA provides a professional-grade 7.1 surround sound processor, high-efficiency eight-channel power amplifier, 4K Ultra HD video switcher, DigitalMedia™ receiver, and Crestron control interface in a compact two-space package.
The Crestron HD-XSPA makes it easy to put great surround sound in any room of the house as part of a complete home automation and entertainment system.
Engineered with integration in mind, the HD-XSPA delivers pure, impactful power and performance in less space than other alternatives, and includes advanced features for sharing sources between rooms and controlling everything with a choice of touch screens, handheld remotes and mobile devices. In one compact two-space rack-mountable package.
Crestron RL was also shown; a group collaboration solution for use with Microsoft® Lync® 2013 continues to revolutionise conference room productivity, scheduling and technology resource management.
Crestron helps businesses to customise the right Crestron RL configuration for their needs. Multiple packages are available, including one, two, or no displays.
Components include the Crestron UC Codec for Lync, a 10′ tabletop Crestron touch screen control, as well as optional features such as a 360 degree panoramic HD camera and microphones.
Crestron RL connects over the corporate LAN, making implementation easy and hassle-free. No system design or programming is needed and if a Lync server is already in use, no additional licences, fees or infrastructure expenses, such as MCUs or gateways, are needed.
Distributed by Electrosonic SA: www.electrosonic.co.za
Sennheiser
Sennheiser TeamConnect offers exceptional simplicity for stress-free audio conferences. The audio specialist launched its all-in-one audio meeting solution for corporate and government facilities at ISE 2014.
Sennheiser TeamConnect is an end-to-end professional grade meeting solution, ensuring simplicity of installation and use, great value and brilliant sound quality. The system integrates speakers, mics, central control unit and connectivity management – everything needed to cater for standard meeting rooms of up to 16 users on site. It is the perfect solution for businesses and public sector organisations.
TeamConnect is a complete audio solution consisting of the Central Unit CU1 – which offers both LAN and WiFi connectivity options, SpeechLine microphones and active loudspeakers. To guarantee the best possible meeting solution for customers, Sennheiser has partnered with a leading player in audio and video conferencing and developed TeamConnect in cooperation with ClearOne, one of the world’s leading DSP specialists.
Kramer
As was seen at ISE 2014 the K-Touch system allows the installer to easily integrate common touch devices as user interfaces in any Kramer-based control system. K-Touch is configured to communicate over a standard IT network, with no need to install it on a PC. Installed on the user’s iOS or Android touch device, a complete, advanced, touch-based room control system is easily designed and created.
Together with a Kramer room controller, K-Touch users can control virtually any AV room with only a few dedicated control buttons. K-Touch allows the installer, as well as the end-user, to enjoy a simple configuration, easy to install and easy to operate room control setup.
The K-Touch admin and screen builder are online cloud-based systems. Created user interface screens can be downloaded to a mobile device with the touch of a button and modified over the internet at any given moment.
Distributed by Electrosonic SA: www.electrosonic.co.za
AMX
At ISE 2014, AMX® responded to the market’s frustrations with clumsy, retractable cable designs and messy conference room tables. The new AMX HydraPort Cable Retractor Modules were logically designed specifically to work smoothly and seamlessly, require no adjustments and ensure second to none video and audio fidelity. AMX also introduced two new HydraPort Dual USB Modules that offer the convenience of two USB modules in one HydraPort unit size for connecting to a network and/or charging devices.
AMX HydraPort Retractor modules deliver a compact, easy-to-install solution that organises and hides cables in virtually any type of conference table, including narrow tables and those with glass inlay. These modules require no assembly, no adjustments or terminations and install quickly and easily with no special mounting. Each of the four new Retractor Modules support a specific AV format (HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet and RGB with Audio) and can be installed in any of the 600 900 or 1200 HydraPort base assemblies. Flat, high-speed, cables powered by RedMere® are integrated into each module to ensure the absolute best picture and audio quality in a compact design.
Distributed by Peripheral Vision: www.peripheralvision.co.za
digiLED
The digiLED HRi 3570 series LED module provides a high-quality solution for hi-res LED applications. Offering outstanding usability for the rental market, HRi is quick to set-up, easy to use and the complete build requires no tools to create a smooth seamless screen. Maintenance couldn’t be simpler with magnetic LED tiles and quick-swap power and data packs meaning that any component can be changed in seconds. For the fixed installation market, HRi presents new options with the ability to mount the magnetic tiles on bespoke structures for front access, curving and creating solutions.
Distributed by AV Systems: www.avsystems.co.za
Blackmagic Design
Blackmagic Design showcased UltraStudio 4K, the world’s first video solution to include super fast Thunderbolt 2 technology.
The award-winning UltraStudio 4K is an attractively designed rack mount capture and playback device based on Thunderbolt 2 technology developed by Intel. It features a machined aluminium front panel with an integrated colour LCD as well as fast-to-use video and audio input buttons. UltraStudio 4K is neat so it’s perfect for desktop as well as rack mount use. The rear panel includes virtually every type of video and audio connection that exists, including 6G-SDI, HDMI 4K, analog component/s-video/composite, as well as balanced analog and AES/EBU digital audio. That means customers can connect to all decks, cameras, monitors and more.
Distributed by Blackmagic Design: www.blackmagicdesign.com/sa
Christie
Christie showcased Vive Audio which leverages a unique articulated, single enclosure line array speaker design and ribbon driver technology, and combines it with the first use of efficient, high-powered Class D amplification in cinema. Christie Vive Audio’s cinema speakers and amplifiers can be easily and efficiently integrated into any existing or new theatre auditorium for the ultimate movie viewing and listening experience.
The complete Christie Vive Audio solution comprises surround and screen channel speakers, subwoofers and Class D amplifiers. It offers exhibitors the opportunity to provide audiences with the ultimate movie-viewing experience, enveloping them with dynamic, richly detailed and enhanced audio where speech, special effects, music and alternative content sound more natural and lifelike. At the core of the system is the combination of superior sounding screen channel speakers with ribbon driver technology and the proven performance of a line array speaker design, all in a single enclosure.
Christie also brought with them Brio, which makes it effortless to meet, share information and work together across multiple sites while automatically coordinating up to five simultaneous video and audio presentations on meeting room displays. Geographic distance is no limit for Christie Brio – presentations and high-quality media are shared between sites as fast and easy as a phone call, but with a much richer participation experience.
With Brio, you don’t need third-party drivers or hardware on personal computers, phones and tablets to add your information to the discussion. Content from personal devices is mirrored on the meeting room displays using standard Ethernet protocols and wireless applications that are either already built into the device operating system or are freely available.
Christie also debuted its new 65-inch flat panel digital display solutions at ISE this year. The affordably priced, LED edge-lit Christie FHD651-T and Christie FHD651-P have a thin profile – just 2.7-inches deep for the touch (T) and 2.1-inches deep for the non-touch (P) version – making for easy installation. Both commercial-grade LCD flat panels have the reliability and image quality needed for meeting rooms, classrooms and digital signage in corporate spaces, museums, education facilities, houses of worship, theatres, and hospitality and retail environments where conveying the message with bright, brilliant images for long time periods without interruption is essential.
Featuring up to four simultaneous touches, the Christie FHD651-T has high-accuracy infrared touch technology with superior touchscreen performance in a fully integrated package.
Distributed by Stage Audio Works: www.stageaudioworks.co.za
Vivitek
Vivitek unveiled three of its next generation large venue projectors. The DX6831 has XGA resolution, whereas the DW6851 and DU6871 feature WXGA and WUXGA resolution respectively. All models come with a raft of the latest display and connectivity technology on board, including 3D capability and HDBaseT.
The DX6831 as well as the DW6851 and DU6871 are designed for large spaces where a versatile, high brightness projector is required. With 8 000 ANSI Lumens for the XGA and 7 300 and 7 000 ANSI Lumens of brightness each for the WUXGA and WXGA models, projecting vibrant images from a distance is easy. All models feature a high contrast ratio of 3 000:1 for deep blacks and rich colours.
Distributed by Audiosure: www.audiosure.co.za
Barco
On the Barco stand was the state-of-the-art Present, Collaborate and Impress projector series.
The outstanding, fresh projector portfolio for meeting rooms, boardrooms and auditoria consists of these three series:
The largest family of the three, the Present range of single-chip DLP projectors covers a wide spectrum of brightness levels, ranging from 5 000 up to 10 000 lumens.
Thanks to the large pixel space of the Collaborate projectors, multiple participants can simultaneously present their content on screen in excellent image quality, for true teamwork.
Powered by three-chip DLP technology, the Impress projector offers the pinnacle of image quality and brightness for large-screen projection in your meeting room.
Distributed by Questek: www.questekadvanced.co.za
Samsung
Samsung unveiled a new version of the Samsung Smart Signage Platform, a digital signage platform that provides a more efficient business environment. The Smart Signage Platform debuted at ISE 2013 and has been upgraded and integrated into Samsung’s large format displays (LFDs) for 2014. This enhanced digital signage platform, with the industry’s first quad-core system-on-chip (SoC), will help Samsung to expand its market presence. Samsung aims to focus on its “integrated display solutions’ in the digital signage market, which is expected to grow by more than 20 percent annually up to 2017.
