Mizzen Marketing is delighted to roll out the Second Edition of Skip's Solutions.
As Skip Holcombe wandered the 2009 InfoComm show floor he looked for solutions as well as new technology. He's been there; every aspect of an integrator's nightmare and his mind works towards solutions on the front-end. He's a machine kicking these out; I need a recorder with me while we're together because I'm blown away by his thought process.
There was overwhelming response to the first Skip's Solutions and look forward to solutions you're willing to share and your comments this go 'round.
Enjoy your summer and please let us know if there is anything we can help you with!
dee
AMK INNOVATIONS
Now you have a full complement of types of speakers: ceiling, 2x2 tile, and wall mounted that have built in amplifiers. The new PSQ, PCS, and QSA speaker line join the SQ and PSA line to offer the only full line of self-amplified speakers on the market today. Installation time and speaker costs are dramatically reduced by using this approach. Adding audio to your projector installation is now cheaper than ever.
Stu Moffitt - (253) 841-9673
stu@amkspeaker.com
http://www.amkinnovations.com/
BLACK DIAMOND VIDEO
The new LiveCONTROL software allows the presenter in real time to control his entire video wall and see the entire wall on a screen in front of him. Live shows,Tele- presence, Digital Presentations, and Command and Control rooms are now easier to modify, control and adjust.
The operator can see his entire videowall on his single control screen and make adjustments in real time by clicking his mouse. Presets, size, image position, zoom and pan are all controllable via a mouse. Very cool. Add this to a full line of 4x4 to 36 x 36 Dual link DVI matrix routers with scaling and windowing and you have the most powerful presentation tool on the market today
Chris Wallace - 510.769.2959
chrisw@blackdiamondvideo.com
http:blackdiamondvideo.com
BRIGHTLINE
Your boss looks old and tired on the videoconference. You think the HD camera is not performing up to snuff. Brighten the situation with any of the three series of Brightline Videoconferencing lights. Use the T-series, Stealth-T or Series One lights to improve your talent's look on screen. With adjustable angles, diffusion filters and dimming capabilities you have everything you need to improve your Videoconference product. If you dropped by the Lifesize booth at Infocomm you saw these lights in action.
Sam Cerone - 412.206.0106
scercone@brightlines.com
http://www.brightlines.com/
BTX
Has this happened to you, you have a floor box, it has multiple connectors on a large plate, it barely fits in the box if at all, then you have to make changes, drill it, and put some type of label on it, expensive, ugly, and not professional is what you end up with. And don't even ask what happens when the customer disconnects the cabling to move the lectern. Well, by using the Pro Blox system from BTX this nightmare disappears. Multiple cables enter a single connector from the head-end and lectern side. Connect, disconnect and if you need to add connections no issue, you have a total of 42 cables you can work with, 16 coax and 26 audio/data/control.
And if you really want to save time and money on site, then mount your floor boxes with the pro blox and also pre-wire you blanks in the pull box behind the rack with pro blox. Your wiring is sealed and ready to be connected once the GC is done and the room is clean, always the last moment. You simply roll in your racks and lecterns, connect up your Pro Blox snake and turn it on. All rack and lectern wiring is done off site and tested. No more working around other trades in dusty, hot environs. Your best techs do the wiring in the office under ideal conditions. Save travel, time and money.
Frank Brady
frankb@btx.com
http://www.btx.com
Clockaudio
The new Retracta and Litetouch microphones are really problem solvers.
The Retracta is a pop up mic that, when not in use, can be closed and out of sight, great for aesthetics, great for durability. Also, since the mic is under a lip it rejects sound from above so it makes your mix minus system a little easier to tweek. This will be the microphone of choice in all table installations. The Litetouch accessory offers a two color solution for your customer, giving them the ability to have mics lighted green or red depending on what information they wish to highlight. Now you know when your mic is on. These mics also work great with the electronic solutions from Clockaudio.
Bob Moreau - 888-424-9797
rmoreau@clockaudio.com
http://www.clockaudio.com
Contemporary Research
High Definition is here and affordable. The new QMOD-HD from CR allows you to take your RGBHV or Component signals and convert them to an agile QAM 64/256 digital cable channel 2-135. Distribute your content in HD over your existing RF plant. What could be easier or simpler? And at a list price of $ 2379 what could be more affordable? Plus with a built in adjustable 35 db amp you have all you need to add HD to the mix.
Janine Davis - 972.931.2728
janine@crwww.com
http://www.crwww.com/
CSI/Brahler
The Digimic system has almost arrived, look for landing in September.
But in the meantime you can design a system where the same base unit can be used either as a wired mic or wireless. Same mic, you decide. If wired, remember it is a single wire from mic to mic and uses Cat 5 shielded cable. So for say 20 mics all you need is about 200 ft of Cat 5 in a normal U shaped configuration and only enough conduit for the single cable to get back to the rack area. You save cable, conduit and time, plus since each mic unit has a built in speaker you also can avoid nasty feedback and your principals can hear. Save the DSP dollars and go with the Digimic system. If you want to go wireless, up to 2000 microphones, that's right 2000 microphones but only ONE receiver, no problem. Just attach the wireless base to the gooseneck mic and work in an ISM 2.4 Ghz frequency (not 802.11X) that is resistant to, and will coexist with, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and offers individual and proprietary 256 bit encryption to prevent interception. Even in a situation with say only 15 microphones, Digimic is one receiver/mixer, vs. 15 receivers and a separate DSP mixer, amplifier and speech speakers. See the savings in money, cable, installation time, programming and ease of use. Digimic is your mic solution for profits and reduced service requirements.
David Astri - 301.519.0392
dastri@conferencesystems.com
http://www.conferencesystems.com/
Digital Projection
First, DP had the most 3D applications of anyone on the floor - supported by the introduction of 14 new 3D-capable projectors - demonstrating fast frame, computer simulation, vertical displays, 3D animation that followed your movements, etc. If you want 3D, you need DP. But the most important piece of news for the majority of the AV world was the announcement of the mVision 1080p-260. It is a single chip 1080P DLP, with a 5 segment high-speed color wheel and outputs 3500 ANSI lumens. Easily the best picture from a single chip projector anywhere on the floor, but here is the kicker; it lists for $8500-$9000 with lens. Yes, you can now offer your clients the ability to spend 8K for what used to cost up to $24K. Now you can up-sell your clients with a product that is affordable. This unit is made by DP and is only available from DP.
DP also introduced the mVision 1080p-LED, an 800 lumen version using LEDs instead of a lamp. Efficient LED technology results in cool and quiet projector operation, and the light source has a rated lifetime of 60,000 hours! Keep an eye on this technology and how DP uses it in the future.
Eric Lardner - 972-567-3953
elardner@digitalprojection.com
http://www.digitalprojection.com
DNP
Got a boardroom that the customer doesn't want to turn down the lights like a movie theater, CEO doesn't like meeting in the dark. He wants it well-lighted so he can see everyone's face and they all look good on the videoconference camera. Minister wants the stage where he is well lighted. Tired of putting in a much brighter projector and still getting that washed out look? Well, consider putting in a DNP Supernova screen. Improve your contrast by a factor of 10. The best way to explain it is that is has the performance of a rear screen glass on a front screen material. DNP's patented 7-layer optical filtering technique rejects ambient light, enhancing image brightness and contrast This means a higher contrast and you can lower the brightness required on your projector. This is part of our new Green and Greener solution. Less bright projector means less electricity, and that is Green. A better solution for your customer means more green in your pocket and that is a Greener solution.
Manfred Freiberger - 714.545.2711
mf@dnp.dk
http://www.supernovascreen.com
DWI Enterprises
If you are searching for the highest quality lecterns and conference/classroom AV furniture, with competitive pricing and great lead times, look no further than DWI Enterprises. DWI featured several new standard and custom products, including these very attractive and functional asymmetrical lectern and teaching station designs.
And remember, DWI orders usually ship in four weeks or less!
Ron Dain - 714.842.2236
rdain@dwienterprises.com
http://www.dwienterprises.com/
Magenta Research
Want the same Magenta picture quality at a lower price point, then look no further than the new CYAN series of Cat 5 transmitters/receivers. Still a beautiful picture up to 500 ft for 20% less than the MV 500 series. Also, we now have Digital Matrix switching with the new Infinea Opto Matrix switching. DVI, audio, duplex serial for signals up to 1900 x 1200. We can also send and receive signals via Cat 5/6 up to 150 ft and up to 2000 ft via fiber. Matrixes can be 16 x 16 up to 96 x 80. If they want an all digital system then we can give it to them.
Dan Smith - 727.644-0396
dsmith@magenta-research.com
http://www.magenta-research.com/
NCast
H. 264 is alive and well at Ncast and since it is the dominant format for live and recorded streaming why not choose the company with the leading product and the best price. The new Telepresenter M4 will record in 1920 x 1200 and content can be viewed in H.264 standard playback formats like Flash, Quicktime, Silverlight and others. Now record and stream the video, RGBHV, DVI and audio signals that are used in all presentations today. Medical training, classroom education, government meetings and corporation presentations all have a need to be recorded, archived and streamed. Save the meeting, save the travel, save the expense, and save the time and communicate more intelligently with your customers and employees. That is the Ncast solution for today.
Hank Magnuski - 408.541.9777
hank@ncast.com
http://www.ncast.com/
Nexus
Got a conference center with multiple rooms that need meeting information for that room then Nexus has a Room Scheduling solution for you. Schedule events with an intuitive calendar tool that provides automatic updates. Add this to their existing line of Info panel, Digital Directory, Wayfinder, Videowall and Custom Solutions and you have the most complete Digital Signage products on the market today.
Darrell Sanders - 214.233.7114
Darrell@nexasdigitalsigns.com
http://www.nexusdigitalsigns.com/
RCI
The best thing they have going is Panel Builder. Online or offline you can design, price and order your custom panel via your computer. Plus save all drawings as DWG directly into your shop drawings and submittals. Fewer keystrokes, never draw a plate twice, simple editing of changes, and good pricing. How could install work be easier?
Bud Waters 314.712.6622
bud@rcicustom.com
http://www.rcicustom.com/
TV One
Need a four window DVI multiviewer? Look at the new Corioview C2-6104 viewer from TV One. 4 DVI inputs and a background to one output. You can switch screen layouts by pre-sets. At a list price of $ 4900 there's nothing on the market that's even close in performance for the money. Save money, save time, and have a great display. Also for those who already have TV One products check out the new Coriotools Suite of software products for simple computer control of all TV One Corio products. Save some money on control here.
Mark Dauer - 928-607-5125
mark.dauer@tvone.com
http://www.tvone.com
The Mizzen Team
Dave, Skip, Dan and Dee