In the uber technological commercial AV systems integration industry innovation and constant product launches are the order of the day and without an event such as InfoComm Trade Show, AV professionals would be hard pressed to keep abreast of all the new products on the market.
Since its inception in 2004, the trade show has been an indomitable force that persistently showcases a wide array of technologies and business opportunities for the AV sector.
This year’s InfoComm, which took place in Orlando, Florida from 8 to 14 June at the Orange County Convention Center, has grown to attract more than 35 000 attendees from wide-ranging market sectors, including business, government, military, education, worship, healthcare, hospitality, retail and entertainment. Along with a trade show floor that exhibits the latest from all of the industry leaders in audiovisual, staging and signage, the educational programming provides attendees with opportunities to develop skills and update certifications during the conference.
The leading trade show for the commercial audiovisual industry also provided educational opportunities to thousands of professionals that attended this year’s week-long event. Through the InfoComm University, attendees were afforded career-advancing training and certifications as well as an opportunity to learn from InfoComm partner organisations and manufacturers who provided additional training sessions to round out the educational offerings.
Although education programs were abound at the trade show, the InfoComm International Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) programme stood above the rest. The certification programme had the exhibition abuzz with talk of the new discoveries. InfoComm has been administering this CTS certification for more than 30 years, and it is the most trusted and recognised programme worldwide for commercial audiovisual professionals.
“Earning CTS credentials are a way to easily represent knowledge and experience in the workplace and to potential customers,’ said David Labuskes, CTS, RCDD, Executive Director and CEO, InfoComm International. “Offering the testing at the InfoComm show has proven invaluable to many AV professionals, providing a tangible ROI that extends well beyond the event.’
Other prominent educational sessions during InfoComm 2013 were the Women in Technology Symposium, Digital Image Content in Live Event Production, CTS-I Prep, Business Leadership Workshop and Integrating AV Services in an IT Dominated World. These sessions addressed pertinent issues within the industry and featured industry experts who provided insight and solutions to many students.
Analog Way Ascender 32
After the successful introduction of the NeXtage 16 and SmartMatriX Ultra, Analog Way completes its LiveCore series with the introduction of the Ascender 32, a powerful AV processor equipped with 32 scalers. Ascender 32 is a powerful multi-screen Seamless Switcher with 32 scalers. The system offers versatile connectivity through 12 seamless inputs with 42 input plugs: 6 x HDMI; 9 x DVI I; 3 x DisplayPort, 12 x 3G/HD/SD SDI; and 12 x Universal Analog. It can handle any source from composite video (up to 2560×1600) and outputs a variety of formats, including HD TV and computer format up to 2560×1600 and 4K.
Revoluto mic units for Quinta
Beyerdynamic presented the new Revoluto microphone units for Quinta. The new microphone units with Revoluto technology complement the range of microphone units for the wireless conference system Quinta.
Using intelligently connected microphone capsules, the patented Revoluto technology provides a corridor characteristic. This gives the speaker maximum freedom of movement whether sitting, leaning back, standing or speaking to one side volume and tone quality are unaffected. The gooseneck microphone is no longer needed, therefore giving participants an unrestricted view.
Elite Screens Kestrel Stage Series
Elite Screens exhibited the Kestrel Stage free standing portable electric projection screen. The Kestrel Stage Series is a portable, free standing floor rising motorised front projection screen.
The MaxWhite FG 1.1 gain material that has wide diffusion uniformity for added performance versatility. It is also GREENGUARD certified for indoor air quality emissions as well as for children and schools (GREENGUARD #90390). The initial screen sizes are 100 or 120 diagonal inches in a 16:9 (HDTV) aspect ratio. The screen’s mechanised cross rising apparatus is driven by a 17rpm, 130w tubular motor. Its 10nm torque provides superior weight tolerance in addition to a longer operational lifespan. Elite’s Kestrel Stage provides a simple in line three-way switch.
Crestron Green Light Power Pack
The Crestron Green Light Power Pack is a room controller designed to communicate with photocells, occupancy sensors and control stations to automatically control lighting in any room.
The entire Power Pack family provides cost-effective and powerful lighting control for classrooms, small offices, and open-plan offices. Ideal for new construction as well as retrofitting existing buildings, power packs are designed to install and commission quickly and easily. The Green Light Power Pack connects to a central control system, making it an integral part of the building energy management system.
Sony BVM A series
Sony showed off the BVM A series. It is the third generation OLED model line-up and is a replacement for the recently discontinued BVM series monitors. This new design uses all of the features from the current series but offers a major optical improvement.
These new models almost completely eliminate any shading or off axis colour shift. The BVM A series model design is mirrored from our successful BVM E/F Trimaster EL OLED models. All of the features offered from the older BVM series are available now with the new BVM XXXX A series. This new master monitor delivers the same outstanding black performance, quick response with virtually no motion blur and a wide colour gamut like the BVM series.
Earthworks IM12 W
Earthworks exhibited the IM12 W. The company has expanded its Installation Series to include the IM12 W, a 12-inch gooseneck cardioid condenser microphone designed for fixed installations.
The series previously offered a three-inch and six-inch model. The primary applications for the IM Series include ceiling-mounted teleconferencing, distance learning, surveillance, boardrooms, government facilities and ambient room micing.
NTi M2230 Mic
NTi Audio Unveils New High Performance Measurement Microphone. The new M2230 measurement microphone extends NTi Audio’s range of measurement microphones at the top end.
Its specifications comply fully with IEC 61672 and fulfill all class 1 requirements, including environmental requirements. The microphone features an extremely low residual noise floor of 16dB(A) and supports precise and linear measurements up to a maximum of 139dBSPL.
Christie Twist
The Christie Twist – Image Warping and Edge Blending Module made an appearance at InfoComm Show.
The Twist is a powerful and easy-to-use tool to manage complex arrayed projectors that allows users to expertly create seamless images on flat, curved or cylindrical surfaces.
Christie Twist is a dedicated, purpose-built hardware and software solution that enables full image warping and advanced edge-blending through the control of a powerful and easy-to-use graphic user interface. By manipulating geometry and blending, this powerful tool allows pixels to be mapped to virtually any projection surface with proper geometry and perfect pixel-to-pixel alignment.
Barco Encore Presentation Switcher
The Encore Presentation Switcher is the most advanced video processing and presentation control system on the market today.
The system provides source selection, automatic source acquisition and configuration, advanced windowing features, seamless switching, video effects and integrated control for professional video presentations. Encore’s modular, scalable architecture allows the system to support a wide variety of show configurations. The system can efficiently support from 1-32 screens with any combination of independent display or seamless wide-screen display elements.
LifeSize UVC ClearSea
LifeSize UVC ClearSea provides a simple and flexible solution for instantly connecting any desktop or mobile device to one another and to the meeting room. And now, with unlimited user accounts, you can extend video calling throughout your organisation.
Powerful collaboration tools, such as presence and text chat, content sharing, live call transfer and a ring-all feature, ensure that workers can connect faster and easier than ever before.
When you need to connect via video with people outside your organisation, you can use the convenient and easy invite-a-guest feature. Connect with multiple people at the same time through LifeSize UVC ClearSea configured with LifeSize® UVC Multipoint™.