Installation December 2015 Digital Edition

GROWTH WAVESRise in new-builds boosts liner AV market p34

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Enterprising solutionsKevin Morrison on restructuring Harman

Supporting roleThe importance of service o� erings

Some distance to travelEn route to integrated transportation messaging

01 Install186 Front Cover_Final.indd 1 23/11/2015 10:02

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03www.installation-international.com WELCOME

A few years ago on Reddit, someone asked: “If someone from the 1950s appeared today, what would be the most di� cult thing to explain to them about life today?” The best reply read: “I possess a device, in my pocket, that is capable of accessing the entirety of information

known to man. I use it to look at pictures of cats and get in arguments with strangers.”

It’s true that we often use technology for self-serving or trivial purposes that don’t really stretch its capabilities – or our faculties. But every so often a new development is so awe-inspiring, it makes you glad to be alive in an age when such things are possible. I had one of these moments when I heard about the new partnership between the British Museum and – a body I hadn’t encountered before – the Google Cultural Institute.

There are two main aspects to what’s been done. First, you can now go on to Google Street View and take a virtual tour of the

museum and see just as much as if you were there in person. Except, of course, that you can only get within a certain distance of the exhibits, which remain in their glass cases.

Which is where the second part comes in. More than 4,500 artefacts have been photographed in “extreme high defi nition” and can be viewed online on the Google Cultural Institute site. All of these can be zoomed in on to reveal a level of detail that you would probably struggle to see in real life without the aid of a magnifying glass (and maybe the key to the display cabinet) – such as the pitted surface of an Egyptian statue, the brushwork on a Chinese scroll, or the inscription on a Roman coin.

This is such a powerful example of technology being used to broaden access to culture. It makes more works – including some that are too fragile for prolonged exhibition – available to more people, including some who have never set foot inside the British Museum. (And, as an aside, it further weakens the museum’s argument for retaining contested artefacts such as the Elgin Marbles.) But if it makes actually visiting the museum less of a priority for some, I wonder if the management has some other plans up its sleeve to counter this – perhaps involving virtual reality or augmented reality around its exhibits?

According to The Guardian, Amit Sood, director of the Google Cultural Institute, believes that the team will have done their job if fans of internet cat videos become interested in the museum’s cat sculptures. I’m not sure if that will happen – they may have to animate them fi rst.

Subscriptions to Installation are free to qualifi ed readers. Register online at www.installation-international.com/subscribeCirculation & subscription enquiriesTel: +44 (0)1580 883848 Email: [email protected]

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Insight at the museum

Paddy Baker, [email protected]@install8ion

Editor: Paddy Baker [email protected]

Managing editor: Joanne Ruddock [email protected]

Sta� writer: Duncan Proctor [email protected]

Head of Design: Jat Garcha [email protected]

Designer: Tom Carpenter [email protected]

Sales manager: Gurpreet Purewal [email protected]

Account manager: Peter McCarthy [email protected]

US sales – Executive vice president:Adam Goldstein [email protected]

Production manager: Jason Dowie [email protected]

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Content director: James McKeown

Contributors: Mike ClarkDavid DaviesRob LaneIan McMurraySteve MontgomeryAndrew Morrison

Special thanks: Jo Boyd, John PiercePeter van der Sluijs

© NewBay Media 2015. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior permission of the copyright owners. Printed by Pensord Press, Wales

Print ISSN: 2050-6104 Online ISSN: 2052-2401

‘Every so often a new development is so awe-inspiring, it makes you glad to be alive in an age when such things are possible’

Driving the Creation of Knowledge

Presentation. Collaboration. Knowledge Sharing.www.cynap.net

Cover image: Mein Schi� 4, courtesy of Martin Audio

A sister title to SCN

03 Install186 Welcome_Final.indd 1 16/11/2015 11:04

04 CONTENTS December 2015

06 Analysis B2B 1080p sales boost for projector market Wearables to grow in prominence as smart home interface devices10 ISE 2016: Sneak peek 12 Regional Voices: Netherlands

14 Industry Moves16 Opinion Rob Lane asks what impact AR/VR will have on AV integration Andrew Morrison on the challenge of large touchscreen design20 Interview Kevin Morrison discusses the changing nature of Harman and the opportunities this creates

22 Service and Support With many countries now becoming ‘service economies’ we ask if the AV industry is in line with world trends31 Airports and Railway Stations Improved audio and higher resolution displays are now often the norm, but what’s next for these bustling transport hubs?34 Cruise liners AV kit that can operate in di�cult conditions and contribute to lower costs is proving popular as demand for new-builds increases

38 Centurylink, Arlington, Virginia A new conference audio system is a highlight of this corporate refurb 40 Tiger Tiger, London A new AV installation helps to reinforce the brand experience at a West End venue 42 Sterren.nl radio station, Hilversum KVM solutions have been employed to provide this renovated radio station with long-distance control over an IP infrastructure44 Solutions in Brief Featuring an LED Beacon for the world’s greenest building; Meyer Sound in a 5D experience; and Tripleplay at Twickenham Stadium

47 New Products Including TOA, Peerless, Martin Audio and Hacousto50 Demo of the Month Clevertouch Pro52 Showcase Projection screens

News & Data

People

Features

Solutions

Technology

10 20

31

38

4704 Install186 Contents_Final.indd 1 13/11/2015 16:28

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06 ANALYSIS December 2015

The latest report into the worldwide projector market from Futuresource Consulting reveals mainstream B2B 1080p sales have increased over the past two years despite the overall

market contracting.In 2014 sales grew by 123% and growth

has continued into 2015; figures from Q3 show that B2B 1080p sales increased by 22% against a backdrop of 7% regression across the market.

Reductions to chipset costs targeting 1080p projector SKUs have led to a surge of 1080p models in the low end of the corporate market.

The report also found that although the cost of B2B 1080p projectors decreased by 33% in 2014, the rise in adoption was not motivated by lower prices.

Futuresource attributes the recent upturn in sales to increased availability of 1080p content in the meeting room, and familiarity with the resolution. “The issue of familiarity is key as it highlights that the rise of 1080p is not just a story of resolution dynamics, but is also one of channel dynamics,” commented Claire Kerrison, market analyst at Futuresource Consulting.

The Internet of Things is here and it’s growing rapidly. Internet of Things (IoT) or Internet of Everything (IoE) refers to devices or objects that are connected to the internet. These devices are

able to collect and transmit data via the web, contributing to our big data world.

Smart, connected devices are already transforming our world and the competitive forces in business. Despite that fact that around 87% of people have not heard of the ‘Internetof Things’, and only 0.1% of potential devicesare currently connected to the internet, it will have an economic impact of $11 trillion by 2025.

Bernard Marr, CEO of the Advanced Performance Institute, said: “ATMs are considered some of the fi rst IoT objects,and went online as far back as 1974. By 2008, there were already more connected objects than people. This year, we will have 4.9 billion connected things and that is likely to exceed50 billion by 2020. There is tremendouspotential and limitless opportunities forbusiness and society.”

B2B 1080p sales boost for projector market

IoT explosion creating business opportunity

By Duncan Proctor

By Steve Montgomery

www.futuresource-consulting.com * = as of Q3 2015Source: Futuresource Consulting

Source: Advanced Performance Institute

B2B 1080p projector sales growth

Predicted global expansion in Internet of Things devices

www.ap-institute.com

123%

22%*

Growth in 2014

Growth in 2015

20157 million

Smartwatches

2015$11billion

20151.5 billion

20206.1 billion

202027 billion

20155 billion

RFID tags

Smartphones

Machine-machine connections

Connectedvehicles

2020$21.9 billion

2015250 million

06 Install186 Analysis_Final.indd 1 13/11/2015 10:15

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08 ANALYSIS December 2015

Research into collaboration across more than 300 businesses throughout the UK and Germany has revealed the extent to which ine�cient collaboration is stifling creativity and contributing to lost ideas.

All the respondents to the survey, carried out by SMART Technologies, indicated that collaborating with colleagues inspires creativity: 64% collaborate with a wider team to generate new ideas faster, while 55% felt it helped to build better relationships with colleagues.

Hosting a successful collaborative session can be a drain on resources, however, as over half of respondents (56%) rely on handwritten notes to capture ideas. Technology is commonplace to aid the generation of new ideas with nearly six in ten people (58%) using their smartphone in brainstorm sessions. Despite a variety of technologies, from online videoconferencing to cloud-based document sharing tools, being used to aid the process, nearly a quarter (23%) regularly use a dedicated minute taker to record collaborative sessions. Nevertheless, the gap between idea and action is widened as 10% admitted to not tracking and

forgetting ideas.“Collaboration is at the heart of any

business, generating new ideas and inspiring colleagues to interact, but it’s clear there’s a gap between the initial idea and putting it into practice,” said Tobias Windbrake, head of business development EMEA & APAC, SMART Technologies.

“Brainstorms are here to stay, and with an increasingly mobile and digital workforce, the results show a clear demand for an e�cient way of interacting with others and sharing and capturing ideas easily, to ensure vital ideas

aren’t lost or miss out on being put into action.“The results show there’s a clear gap

between engaging employees in an e�cient and constructive manner while not wasting time and resources during a collaboration session,” he added. “When utilised correctly, technology today can make collaboration a more enjoyable and productive experience, cutting down on time-consuming reporting by sharing sessions in real time, no matter their location.”

The smart home market, projected to reach $34 billion in 2020, is becoming the centre of activity for personal devices. Wearable devices integrated with smart home systems will be used

to adjust room temperature, turn on lighting and control other smart home devices. Device vendors are opening their APIs and sharing data access to deliver more interoperability with thermostats, door locks, lighting and other smart home appliances.

WiFi and Bluetooth are likely to gain significant traction. Bluetooth smart technology, which already has significant market share in wearable devices, will compete with Zigbee, Thread, Z-Wave and other proprietary technologies.

“The biggest challenge is delivering value in the smart home while facing limitations such as device interoperability, closed platforms, limited processing and battery capacity,” said Adarsh Krishnan, senior analyst at ABI Research. “Smart home devices are becoming increasingly popular with access control and security applications and will expand to include applications such as energy management and home health.”

Technology key to collaboration productivity in UK and Germany

Wearables to rise in prominence as smart home interface devices

By Duncan Proctor

By Steve Montgomery

www.smarttech.com

Employee collaboration in UK and Germany

Global wearable device shipments, 2013-20 (millions)

www.abiresearch.com

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

2013 2014 2015* 2016* 2017* 2018* 2019*

Smart watches

Sports, fitness and wellness trackers

2020*

Source: ABI Research * = forecast

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 1000 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Rely on handwritten notes

Use dedicated minute taker

Use smartphone in brainstorm sessions

Source: Smart Technologies

08 Install186 Analysis_Final.indd 1 13/11/2015 10:17

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10 SHOW PREVIEW: ISE 2016 December 2015

ISE 2016 will occupy 15% more space than the 2015 edition, occupying the whole of the RAI – including the new Amtrium building, which will be entirely occupied by Samsung Electronics. At a press conference

in October, ISE managing director Mike Blackman said: “You need more time to get around ISE. Three days weren’t enough for the previous show – now it’s even bigger, you need more days to get around it.” The 2016 exhibition runs from Tuesday 9 to Friday 12 February, with pre-show conferences taking place on Monday 8.

Here we look ahead to some of the major events that will be taking place during ISE 2016.

Smart Building ConferenceA fi xture at ISE since 2014, the Smart Building Conference returns to Amsterdam on Monday 8 February with the theme ‘The network is the building’. The conference will look at the AV and IT infrastructure of smart buildings – not just traditional cabling, but also wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, NFC, wayfi nding beacons and so on. As previously, there will be a two-track structure – residential and commercial – in addition to plenary sessions. Both tracks will open with market overview sessions before opening out to cover more specialised topics.

“A lot of people don’t realise what a big topic smart buildings is,” says conference chairman Bob Snyder, editor of Channel Media Europe. “That’s why we’ve been able to tackle di� erent topics each year, like energy, lighting and the Internet of Things. So if you’ve been to an earlier Smart Building Conference, that’s no reason not to come again!”

AudioForum@ISE2016Also on Monday 8 February will be AudioForum@

ISE2016, which takes as its theme this year ‘Theories, technologies, legends and (false)myths about audio’.

Because audio is based around a combination of physics and maths on one side and subjective perceptions on the other, the life of a sound engineer or a systems integrator can become rather complicated. Through a series of seminars and discussions, the aim of this edition of AudioForum is to put the record straight and enable delegates to learn more about background to topics such as loudspeakers, components and systems; FIR and IIR fi lters; datasheets; uncompressed transmission protocols; and acoustics and psychoacoustics. The keynote speaker will be Donato Masci, acoustic designer and consultant at the Studio Sound Service in Florence, who has authored several articles and publications on sound di� usion and acoustics.

Sports Venue Technology Summit 2016Following this year’s successful Sports Facility Integration Summit, SVG Europe will present the Sports Venue Technology Summit at ISE 2016. Taking place on the morning of Thursday 11 February, the event will explore a day in the life of the contemporary connected stadium. Topics to be addressed include new approaches to fan engagement, AV/IT integration, event preparation and temporary overlay – the elements that are added to permanent building structures for the staging of events. Among the confi rmed speakers are CTV OB technical director Hamish Greig, NewTek senior director of global product marketing Ellen Camloh and BroaMan managing director Tine Helmle.

The programme has been devised in conjunction with audio consultant Roland Hemming.

ISE Capital SummitAlso on Thursday 11 February will be the second ISE Capital Summit. Once again, the focus will be on how AV and IT entrepreneurs can fi nd funding for their businesses. Discussion topics will include: what investors look for in a company; how to fi nd qualifi ed investors and alliance partners; dos and don’ts of presenting your opportunity to investors; and the problem with investing in our industry and how to solve it. The format of the afternoon will be a discussion among a panel of fi nancial professionals and experts from the world of investments, mergers, and acquisitions, moderated by John Stiernberg of Stiernberg Consulting and John Bowen of MediaBridge Capital Advisors This will be followed by a Q&A session, and then a networking session for all Capital Summit attendees.

Finally – details are scarce at present, but ISE is planning a programme of events for the fourth day of the show. We’ll have more information on this in next month’s issue.

Four by fourWe preview the main conferences at ISE 2016, which for the fi rst time runs to four days

What?ISE 2016

Where?Amsterdam RAI

When?Conferences 8-12 FebruaryExhibition 9-12 February

Best of Show Awards to run at ISE 2016NewBay Media will once again be recognising the most innovative new products on show in Amsterdam with its ISE 2016 Best of Show Awards.The awards are open to any company showing a product at ISE 2016 that is new since the 2015 event. Awards will be given by Installation, Tech&LearningUK, Audio Media International and PSNEurope. Entrants may submit a product for consideration by one or more of these publications and may submit multiple products.A panel of judges from across the pro-AV spectrum will vet products live on the ISE show� oor and winners will be presented with a Best of Show certi� cate during the event.In addition, all entrants will be featured in a Best of Show Digital Edition sent out after the show.www.newbay-awards.com

www.smartbuildingconference.comwww.audioforum.connessioni.bizwww.svgeurope.org/svts-europe-2016/[email protected]

10 Install186 ISE 2016 Preview_Final.indd 1 13/11/2015 17:13

Router ControlEthernet lets you plug in a computer or hardware panels for control.

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Front Panel ControlRouting can be performed by direct button selection or spin knob control.

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Spin Knob ControlSimply scroll through your sources and destinations with ease.

12G-SDI InputsConnect any combination of SD, HD and Ultra HD video inputs.

12G-SDI OutputsConnect to any SD, HD and Ultra HD equipment all on the same router!

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Smart Videohub 12G 40x40 is the world’s fi rst 12G-SDI Ultra HD mixed format router with built in video monitoring and spin knobrouter control. You get the latest 12G-SDI technology so you can simultaneously connect and route any combination of SD, HD and Ultra HD video, up to 2160p60, all on the same router at the same time! You also get revolutionary new visual routing that lets you route signals simply by looking at the video on the front panel, plus unlimited users can control remotely via Ethernet from a Mac or Windows computer or optional hardware control panels!

Advanced 12G-SDI TechnologySmart Videohub 12G 40x40 features advanced 12G-SDI connections that allow high frame rate Ultra HD up to 60 fps over a single SDI connection. Each router SDI output includes an SDI re-clocker for better signal integrity and longer cable lengths, plus 12G-SDI automatically switches speed so is compatible with all your SD, HD and Ultra HD equipment.

All Video Formats SimultaneouslySmart Videohub 12G 40x40 includes multi format technology so you can simultaneously connect SD, HD and Ultra HD equipment all on the same router. Smart Videohub will automatically detect the SDI video format when it changes and instantly switch standards to all connected outputs. This means you can seamlessly work in NTSC and PAL SD, 720 and 1080 HD and even 2160p60 Ultra HD in the same facility!

Visual RoutingSmart Videohub’s super fast spin knob control lets you dial through your router crosspoints while displaying live video combined with custom on screen labels. Scroll order is arranged alphabetically so it’s easy to fi nd the crosspoint you are looking for! Imagine scrolling through your connections while viewing them as live video on the LCD!

Built in Video Monitoring!Now you can monitor all the live video connected to your Videohub. That means you don’t need a separate external monitor because it’s built into the front panel of the router itself! You can look at any source or destination and confi rm the correct video inputs are being sent to the correct video outputs.

Ethernet ControlYou can control your Smart Videohub 12G 40x40 with the included free Videohub Control software for Mac and Windows. Videohub Control software has an elegant user interface design with attractive icon buttons and when used with touchscreen computers, you get a fantastic large screen XY control panel!

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12 REGIONAL VOICES December 2015

THE NETHERLANDSDespite facing some familiar concerns, the respondents to our latest

market survey indicate that confi dence is slowly growing

Perhaps the most surprising strength of the Dutch economy is the country’s aptitude for exporting food and agricultural products, due in no small part to its technological prowess and

commitment to R&D. Although food makes up a large part of the Netherlands’ exports it is a diverse economy – and one that continues to punch above its weight, despite the questions

that hang over the eurozone as a whole.Onto the results of our survey into its installed

AV marketplace: the general air is one of cautious optimism, with most respondents reporting their level of confi dence in the sector is the same if not higher than it was six months ago.

When asked about the vertical markets showing promise, digital signage and the corporate sector appear to be in the best position to grow. The worship market, similar to our results from Belgium last month, is the only market where no one predicted growth anda signifi cant number are expecting stagnationor retraction.

The air of optimism seems less tempered when applied to the respondents’ own companies, as a signifi cant majority are confi dent their revenues will either stay the same or grow by 5% or more.

When asked about issues of concern to the business, the not uncommon complaint about lowest price winning out over best value is echoed here. “Cheapest product wins, with the minimal functionality. There is no room to o� er a higher quality or better solution,” said one distributor. The other often-cited business concern was that of falling margins.

That brings us to advice for manufacturers looking to enter the AV install market in the Netherlands. One respondent distributor suggested fi nding a niche to target, while another emphasised the importance of fi nding the right partners to add value.

Integrators hypothetically entering the market were advised to collaborate and co-operate with other companies. In contrast to the suggestion

o� ered to manufacturers about fi nding a niche, one respondent said: “Try to cover as many disciplines as possible and o� er complete solutions, not just the AV solution.”

On the whole, the picture of the AV installation market in the Netherlands appears to be one of optimism from the integrators and distributors on the frontline. While there are gripes with aspects of the industry, these are by no means unique to this market.

1.9% GDP annual growth, 2015

Source: Trading Economics

2.1%Budget defi cit, 2015Source: European Commission

What will be the business trend in the following vertical markets?

GREATEST INCREASE

Digital signage

Corporate

Sports venues

Retail

Performing arts venues

Education

Bars, clubs, restaurants

Museums/visitor attractions

Worship

DECREASE

12 Install186 Regional Voices_Final.indd 1 13/11/2015 16:46

Over 71,000 mission critical video wall installations.See the bigger picture.

Keeping things

movingITS plays an essential role in keeping our modern world moving. Whether it is managing the highway network or monitoring congestion on city streets, prompt alerts to possible problems and the ability to quickly access the situation via CCTV is essential to get the best out of your ITS infrastructure.

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Mitsubishi Electric’s Seventy Series displays use the latest LED lighting technology to guarantee excellent performance, reliability and longevity in 24/7 applications such as ITS control centers. With an expected lifetime of up to 100,000 hours, Mitsubishi Electric video wall cubes are designed and built to meet the most demanding requirements of the end user.

Where there is a need to monitor and control information ows, itsubishi lectric is there

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14 INDUSTRY MOVES December 2015

Ronni Guggenheim (left of picture), who has held top-level positions at Navori, Barix, ComQi and Minicom, has joined Atlona to run the company’s new European o�ce located in Dübendorf,

near Zurich, Switzerland. Guggenheim assumes the role of general manager, heading up the AV signal management systems vendor’s operations outside North America.

Atlona CEO and co-founder Ilya Khayn (pictured with Guggenheim) explained: “We picked Switzerland because it’s a very convenient location in the middle of all the key markets, and it’s a business-friendly country. It’s very easy for us to support our channel from

Switzerland, and we have key partners in close proximity.”

Guggenheim said: “One of the major assets of Atlona is its channel. The market appreciates that we don’t make any direct business, we are 100% channel-oriented. The whole ramp-up of the o�ce has been geared to ensure we can better support our channel partners – distributors, systems integrators, consultants and resellers – in conducting business with Atlona. The whole idea is to make their lives easier, and drive business towards them.”

Ex-Navori and ComQi man will head up the company’s new Swiss o�ce

EZPro International has been named as Apart Audio’s distributor for Greater China. Based in Shenzhen, EZPro was founded in 2010 as part of the Sanecore Group.

www.apart-audio.comwww.ezprointl.com

New Partners

n AbsenNacho Pérez Borjabadhas been named senior director advertising market for Europe. Based in Rüsselsheim, Germany, he will be responsible for further developing the brand’s presence in the European advertising

market, while supporting the sales and marketing strategy.www.absen.com

n AdvancedAdam Dickiehas assumed the position of director of engineering at Canadian integrator Advanced. He comes with more than 15 years of experience in the AV industry as a system designer and has worked with

architects, consultants, interior designers, electrical engineers and general contractors to ensure the implementation of professional, practical and reliable AV systems for a wide range of clients.www.advanced-inc.com

n DatatonTrond Solvoldhas joined Dataton as sales manager. He has over 20 years of experience in the Nordic and European pro-AV industry, including key sales and business development positions at brands such as Christie Digital Systems,

projectiondesign and eyevis Nordic. www.dataton.com

n HelvarOuti Suoninenis now responsible for pro�tability of the Helvar sales channel as sales director, luminaire manufacturers. She has more than 20 years’ experience of leading sales and marketing

teams and implementing strategies to make business successful in global organisations.www.helvar.com

n K-arrayMarc Vincenthas joined K-array as president of global sales and marketing. He has 35 years of industry experience, most recently as president of Sennheiser Greater China from 2007 where he worked �rst-hand

with K-array on a number of big events. Based in Hong Kong, Vincent will be responsible for the implementation and execution of sales strategies and marketing e�orts. www.k-array.com

Atlona hires Guggenheim to lead European expansion

www.atlona.com

As part of Shure’s strategic focus on providing innovative solutions in the AV conferencing and integration market, the company has partnered with Polycom. Shure is working with Polycom SoundStructure, HDX, Group Series and Vortex Solutions to connect wireless microphones to Polycom audio and videoconferencing equipment.

www.polycom.comwww.shure.com

Crestron has extended its ongoing partnership with Sharp to o�er a more collaborative working environment. The partnership brings together Sharp’s range of Big Pad interactive �atpanel displays with the Crestron RL group collaboration solution which incorporates Microsoft Lync and Skype for Business Room System software. This enables users to set up a dynamic working environment with just one touch of a button.

www.crestron.com www.sharp.eu

Triad Speakers has been named as the exclusive distributor for Amina Technologies in the Americas. As part of the agreement Triad will no longer brand its own invisible speaker range under its Designer Series name, but will market the products under the Amina brand name.

www.amina.comwww.triadspeakers.com

14 Install186 Industry Moves_Final.indd 1 12/11/2015 12:26

2-Way speaker with CleverMountTM

ATEO seriesThe ATEO is a series of extraordinary loudspeakers especially designed for fi xed install indoor applications, ranging from modern residential applications to the most demanding designer applications in environments such as retail stores, pubs, restaurants or even clubs.

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16 OPINION: ON THE HORIZON December 2015

Rob LaneA new working reality?

With HoloLens’ developer edition available soon, what impact will VR and AR have on AV integration?

According to a report from market intelligence expert Tractica, consumer spending on virtual reality hardware and software could reach an eye-watering $21.8 billion by the year 2020.

Tractica focuses on human interaction with technology. How much of this spend (or how much additional spend) will be generated by AV integrators isn’t clear, but it’s fairly obvious that VR –and its cousin, augmented reality – will have an increasingly wide role to play in installations: both experiential and corporate collaboration.

Indeed, if you buy into TechCrunch’s assertion that “VR will enable the future of remote work”, it’s easy to see how the corporate market in particular could look to exploit VR – especially given the imminent market arrival of a variety of di�erent VR formats. And when you consider the projected spend of corporate AV for 2016 ($34 billion worldwide, $7 billion in EMEA according to InfoComm/Acclaro MDSS), VR might expect a sizeable slice of this particular pie as early as the next quarter.

While integrators have been using Oculus Rift for a while now – mainly for experiential installations, admittedly – there’s increasing excitement surrounding Microsoft’s HoloLens, especially as its availability draws ever closer. The developer edition of HoloLens is said to cost around £1,900, with a limited roll-out in the next few months ahead of a 2017 release of the consumer version. Interestingly, Microsoft has been keen to promote HoloLens as a business tool as well as a consumer toy.

In development for more than three years, HoloLens is part of Microsoft’s One Windows

strategy, intended to unify the di�erent strands of Windows. (Whether such unification includes Microsoft Surface Hub remains to be seen.) It di�ers from much of the competition because the headset’s viewable objects are interactive, as opposed to merely being environmental overlays, allowing users to ‘do’ things rather than only being able to observe things (although Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg might argue that Oculus Touch allows the Rift to do something similar). So, if a room full of business executives were all wearing headsets they’d each be able to interact with and alter the HoloLens-enabled reality. And, of course, there’s no reason why said executives would need to be in the same room, or even on the same continent.

Up until now we’ve not seen any corporate integration uses for VR/AR glasses, but that’s set to change. Of course, experiential uses have been widespread, and we’re now beginning to see the technology utilised in retail and hospitality.

Following the success of its 4D ‘teleporter’ virtual travel experience last year, the Marriott hotel chain recently began testing a ‘VRoom Service’ at its New York Marquis and London Park Lane locations, allowing guests to choose Samsung Gear VR experiences. A collaboration with Samsung Electronics America, VRoom Service has been launched alongside ‘VR Postcards’, a 360º travel content platform. Each postcard ‘story’ immerses viewers in a destination, with audio from travellers. Marriott worked with Framestore’s VR Studio on VR Postcards (and the teleporter).

Meanwhile, Tommy Hilfiger has introduced

its VR shopping headset to New York shoppers. Also utilising a Samsung Gear VR, shoppers at its Fifth Avenue store were given a front row view of Tommy Hilfiger’s autumn fashion show. The fashion giant worked with Netherlands-based start-up WeMakeVR, which filmed the show using a 3D camera fitted with 14 special lenses, allowing the camera to capture video in 360º, vertically and horizontally, with no blind spots. Given that the retail industry is keen to hook its own label on VR – v-commerce – we can expect to see increased usage of Gear VR, Oculus Rift, HoloLens, Sony’s Project Morpheus and the Google-backed Magic Leap in stores: a great opportunity for integrators involved in retail fit-outs.

But it’s in the corporate market where – in my opinion – VR and AR could have the most radical impact, changing the way in which we interact in the workplace and function day to day. For those working in corporate AV, with Microsoft Surface and other collaboration solutions, this both represents a challenge and an opportunity. As Zuckerberg stated following the $2 billion purchase of what was then a VR start-up, in March 2014: “Oculus has the chance to… change the way we work”. HoloLens and Microsoft may have something to say about that, but the VR/AR market as a whole has a chance to revolutionise the corporate world while merely enhancing the retail, hospitality and entertainment industries.

Rob Lane is founder/director of Bigger Boat PR and has worked as a technology and business journalist for over 20 years. He’s happy to meet in person or via a VR headset.

16 Install186 Opinion 1_Final.indd 1 12/11/2015 14:39

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18 OPINION: ON THE AGENDA December 2015

Andrew MorrisonThe challenge of large touchscreen design

There is much more to creating a bigger touchscreen than simply cutting a larger piece of glass

Touchscreen size is increasing in multi-player casino gaming tables, interactive exhibits in museums, multi-user design/architectural workstations, cataloguing and EPOS tables in retail outlets, car

showrooms and bank branches; panels as large as 85in are becoming popular. The challenge is providing users with the touch experience o�ered by the latest smartphones and tablets but on a much larger screen and often in a much more demanding environment.

Projected capacitive technology (P-CAP) has captured the highest-volume touch categories of mobile phones and tablets, and manufacturers are now taking this technology to larger screens. To maintain touch performance in these larger sizes, they are improving speed, accuracy, electromagnetic interference (EMI) immunity and integration.

Faster speed and heightened accuracy The area of a 16:9 format screen quadruples when the diagonal doubles. Delivering a great touch experience on screen sizes of 55-85in means increasing the number of touch detection electrodes. The advanced touch detection algorithms within the latest firmware double the number of touch detecting electrodes that can be supported to 256, compared with 128 for the standard multi-touch controller (aimed at screens up to 47in). As a result the capacitive sensing matrix within the touch sensor can be much denser, which in turn makes it possible to determine the positions of individual simultaneous touch events to far greater precision, even on the largest MPCT sensor-based touchscreens of 85in.

This gives touch controllers the capacity to

support up to 40 simultaneous touch points with touch separation of less than 10mm between each point (less than the width of a fingertip). They can achieve this across the complete range of MPCT sensor sizes currently available.

To transmit this data to the host PC without visible lag or latency, the touch controller must possess substantial processing capabilities. The touchscreen often ends up with as powerful a processor as the system itself – ARM 32-bit Cortex processors are popular. Thanks to careful design of the firmware, the additional data that needs to be captured to achieve this level of performance on a large screen can still be gathered, processed and output to the host PC in less than 5ms.

Improved immunity to EMI EMI is an issue for touchscreen systems in a wide variety of commercial applications. For example, self-service kiosks such as ticket and vending machines located in train stations will be subjected to surges in EMI as trains pass.

Major improvements to the electronic design and touch detection firmware employed by the touch controller are needed in these circumstances to ensure that signal integrity is maintained. P-CAP touch technologies have an X-Y matrix of micro-fine electrodes, embedded within a laminated glass substrate, and use frequency modulation to detect minute capacitance changes within the conductive electrodes. One way to combat EMI is to implement a ‘smart’ frequency-scanning function in the touch controller. The operating frequency moves dynamically between 0.7MHz and 2.2MHz to avoid detected environmental ‘noise’ that would otherwise prevent the detection of touch events.

Greater integrationEven though touch kiosks can be quite large units, there is often surprisingly little space available behind the screen, given the demands of aesthetics and the other elements that sometimes need to be incorporated in the unit. There is a clear advantage if the footprint of the touch controller can be kept to a minimum. Reducing the PCB size is therefore important, as is making available the controller as a chipset o�ering, so that designers can consider embedding the touch controller onto an existing system motherboard.

High sensitivityFundamentally, the key attribute of P-CAP touch technologies such as PCT and MCPT is its high sensitivity. It can detect a touch through very thick overlays, protective glass and even heavily gloved hands and therefore has an unsurpassed level of Z-axis sensitivity and control. Coupled with a well-designed touch controller it can o�er a reliable and intuitive touch experience, responding precisely to up to 40 touches, recognising gestures and rejecting unintentional contact. The continued improvement in P-CAP controller ICs coupled with sensor developments using printable conductive inks and nano-materials are likely to extend the capability and use of this versatile touch technology family further still.

Dr Andrew Morrison is technical director of touch technology company Zytronic.

www.zytronic-inc.com

18 Install186 Opinion 2_Final.indd 1 12/11/2015 15:42

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20 INTERVIEW: KEVIN MORRISON, HARMAN December 2015

In case you hadn’t noticed, Harman is changing. At the end of July, the company unveiled its new logo, which, according to a statement, “represents the Company’s mission to enable seamless, connected

lifestyles for the home, car, stage and enterprise through its leading audio products, infotainment systems, software and connected services”.

At the same time, the company renamed many of its divisions: for instance, Harman Professional became Harman Professional Solutions Division. Also a new Connected Services Division was formed from Harman Automotive Services and two businesses acquired during 2015: Symphony Teleca, a product development and software services company; and Redbend, which provides software management and firmware upgrade services.

Shortly afterwards, the company announced a new customer-centric organisational structure, which which took e�ect on 1 October. This divides the Professional Solutions Division into three strategic business units (SBUs): Enterprise, led by Kevin Morrison; Entertainment, led by Bryan Bradley; and Products, led by Mark Ureda.

I speak on the phone to Kevin Morrison, who left his native UK to become a full-time resident

of Dallas in July, “after going back and forward for about 18 months”. If there’s one word that keeps cropping up during our conversation, it’s excitement: for the potential of recent acquisitions, and for the opportunities that the new structure brings. So let’s look a little more deeply into that structure.

The Enterprise SBU, which is where Harman’s installation business predominates, consists of three customer solutions units (CSUs): corporate, education and government – “which has long been the focus of AMX, though now we’re selling the whole Harman product portfolio to these customers”, says Morrison; large venues – comprising stadiums, convention centres, public transport; and hospitality, which includes hotels, casinos, houses of worship, and the bar, club and leisure industry.

There’s a small degree of installation within the Entertainment CSU – mainly in the cinema business – but it also comprises touring (o�ering audio, video and lighting) and retail (that is, Harman products that are sold via retail “such as portable PA and AKG headphones”).

Enterprise growthThe revenue split between Enterprise and

Entertainment is “about 50-50”, says Morrison. “But the Enterprise piece is where we think we’ll see most dramatic growth, and that really does face the install business.”

So where does he see that growth coming from? “Traditionally in the install business we’ve been very transactionally based. We’ve sold speakers, or architectural lighting, or some control and audio – but we’ve not really gone out there o�ering the technology as a complete solution. Each of the customer solutions units has their own customer-focused marketing resources and solutions managers who really understand the application.” So, for instance, in Enterprise for example, there are experts who know how to work in higher education and understand how the collaborative classroom works. “We will develop product as well as supply product for that install market, all based on a solution.”

It’s a very di�erent model for Harman, although it’s one that AMX had had for quite some time, he says – “working with end users and the channel, and driving that back through end user forums, dealer forums and consultant forums. Now we’re doing this across the whole of Harman Professional, which I think is the right

Enterprise, entertainment, excitement

As Harman continues to increase in scope through acquisition, how is it structuring itself to make the best use of its capabilities? Paddy Baker talks to the leader of its installation unit to find out

20-21 Install186 Interview_Final.indd 1 12/11/2015 15:46

way for the business to grow.”He continues: “Our product management

and our customer solutions people lie within the customer solutions unit. They will do their product marketing job as usual and go to our engineering group, which is the Products SBU, to build their technology – on price, on time, on target.”

Of course, it’s long been a strength of Harman that technology developed for one brand is used in others, and the new structure will allow this to continue. “The teams within the SBU will work together across the CSUs to create a product that will be good for several of the CSUs,” he explains. But what if di�erent markets want slightly di�erent variants? “Well, I’m sure as big boys we’ll all come to some agreement! It’s a question of prioritisation, revenue opportunities and everything else.”

I suggest that one way in which the new structure is more like old Harman is that it is globally integrated at the top level – with all the most senior people having global responsibility. “I think that’s very much the nature of our industry,” he replies. As an example, he cites how government business used to have security requirements that were specific to North America, but now “the security applications on the AV products themselves, are pretty similar across the board [globally].” Similarly, he says, corporate customers are looking for global standardisation and global rollouts – “so I think it makes sense to address them like that”.

He continues: “The level of excitement around the business is very good and very healthy... First and foremost it’s most important to try and make the products easier to talk to each other and install, and that’s one of the first passes, but we’ve got a tremendous war chest of technology here, and I’m very excited for the next phase of what this will bring to the market.”

Joint product developmentAt InfoComm 2014, when the Harman-AMX merger was announced, it was said it would be about 18 months before we saw the first new products that drew on technologies from both sides. Are we just about there now? “We’ve

started, certainly,” he says – citing as an example AMX’s RPM configuration tool, which now includes native Harman devices as standard, “so you don’t have to configure BSS tools with Audio Architect now, you can do it all within RPM. So that’s the first flush, and I think you’ll see a lot more to come... we’ve got a lot of the technologies to talk to each other in native mode rather than via a third-party device, which will make the industry able to adopt and use the technology without a huge deal of e�ort.”

Earlier this year, the “war chest of technology” was bolstered when Harman bought SVSi. “The acquisition was quite a long time in the making,” he observes. “We had been engaging with SVSi before AMX was acquired by Harman, but then we had to put that on the back burner for a while.” He sees the acquisition as “a great play for the business – they’re a great company, they do extremely well, we’ve got great referenceability for SVSi in the space and I really see this as the future of video over the network. I’m very excited about what SVSi can do under the Harman umbrella.”

He explains that SVSi had its origins about 15 years ago in high-speed camera development for packaging. “Their job was to take hundreds of frames per second pictures of all the stu� on the packaging line and bring this back over the network. They realised that while this was fairly good business, most people were more interested in getting video across the network than the camera applications.”

He sees the acquisition as timely: “I think the equilibrium point has passed where people were nervous about video on the network, and we see the floodgates are just about to open. I’m excited about these guys – they do a tremendous job,

they’ve put several years of knowledge into the network architecture and it’s a great product.”

Getting ConnectedLooking at Harman at the highest level, there are three other divisions that sit alongside Professional Solutions: Lifestyle Audio (including, among many others, JBL Bluetooth speakers, AKG consumer headphones, Mark Levinson home audio products); Connected Car (including navigation, multimedia and telematics); and Connected Services (“cloud, mobility and analytics solutions that enable a connected world”, according to the website.) Will developments within this last division have an impact on Professional Solutions? Within Connected Services, Morrison highlights Symphony Teleca: “They’re a great bunch of guys who have got some very clever software. They’ll make a holistic application for you, whether you’re a bank or a set-top box manufacturer, they’ll be right in the middleware and the apps around it... We are already engaged with end-users and partners talking about the possibility of where Symphony Teleca, AMX and the audio division can take the customer of the future.” Non-disclosure agreements prevent him from saying much more, but a look at the Harman website indicates we are in the ‘future of work’ area, involving the Internet of Things, smart sensors, using mobile phones as individual markers within the workplace, and so on.

So can he say anything about the direction of any further acquisitions? “As we’re a public company, I can’t. We’re always on the lookout for smart companies that can augment the product portfolio – SVSi was a prime indicator for me of what could be done here – but there’s nothing to talk about at the moment.”

To round o� the interview, I ask Morrison: What’s the key message that you would like to send out to AV integrators about the new Harman structure and the way ahead? “There is now a company that has a very extensive portfolio of audio, video, lighting and control – I’m not sure if there are any companies that have such a powerful line-up – and putting these together, we’re going to start to drive some pretty compelling customer-focused solutions for this product portfolio. I believe it’s long awaited by the integration community for us to have done this – and now I think we’re there. It’s a great opportunity for people who have seen the brands grow up independently under their own business units to now get access to all of these technologies. The way they all develop under this new structure will be pretty exciting for the whole community.” There’s that E-word again.

21www.installation-international.com INTERVIEW: KEVIN MORRISON, HARMAN

www.harman.com

n Kevin Morrison was president of CCC USA for eight years and CEO of Endeleo, a UK manufacturer of TV and media distribution technologies, for three

n He joined the AMX fold when that company acquired Endeleo in 2006, and he became managing director of AMX Europe’s network media business

n He became managing director of AMX Europe in 2008, moving to a global role as executive VP of sales in 2014

n Following Harman’s acquisition of AMX in 2014 he became global sales leader for the Video & Control SBU. He was announced as Enterprise SBU leader in August 2015

A brief biography

‘The equilibrium point has passed where people were nervous about video on the

network... the floodgates are about to open’

20-21 Install186 Interview_Final.indd 2 12/11/2015 15:46

22 BUSINESS FEATURE: SERVICE AND SUPPORT December 2015

A survey published earlier this year by Business Solutions magazine – a magazine targeted at the IT channel – found that, on average, 50% of respondents’ end users were signed

up to some form of managed services contract; that those integrators derived 44% of their income from services; and that around 30% of those surveyed had seen their services revenue increase by between 25% and 100% in the preceding year.

The question is: to what extent is that success being replicated in the AV channel?

Terry Wilson, commercial director at integrator AVMI – who believes his company is probably the largest provider of AV services in the UK – has a clear vision of the opportunity.

“IT industry research tells us that 80% of clients’ budgets are spent on IT-support opex versus 20% on project capex,” he points out. “While AV integration is still a large part of our business, we believe our portfolio of services

enables our clients to leverage more value out of their AV investments and maximise availability and productivity to their end users – and those services now represent a large portion of our business. Our service business o� ers us more consistent and manageable revenue streams and allows us to maintain a closer and more supportive relationship with our clients.”

Adrian Edwards, customer services director at integrator proAV, attaches similar importance to his company’s services business.

The way forwardThere was a time when business was almost exclusively about making things and selling them. Now, so-called ‘service economies’ like France, Germany, Italy, the UK and the US, for example, derive more than 70% of GDP from activities that have nothing to do with manufacturing.Ian McMurray fi nds out if the AV industry is in line with world trends

n All major AV integrators are o� ering a range of support services, and revenues from these are expected to accelerate

n The range of services o� ered goes well beyond hardware maintenance and can extend as far as complete facilities management agreements

n Typically, integrators, distributors and integrators are working in partnership rather than competitively to deliver support

n IT organisations continue to call on the specialist knowledge and experience of AV integrators to complement their own capabilities

Key Points

22-26 Install186 Feature 1_Final.indd 1 12/11/2015 16:32

“The support services business has become increasingly important in terms of both turnover and profitability over the last few years and provides an ongoing and sustainable client engagement model,” he notes. “It complements our ability to deliver projects and hardware solutions and provides the client with a full end-to-end service. We anticipate that the ratio of services business to projects will increase over the next three to five years as clients are looking for more visibility of the true cost of ownership of installed systems including all ongoing support costs.”

Range of servicesWhat is perhaps surprising – or perhaps not – is the enormous range of services o�ered by AV integrators. It starts with basic hardware maintenance – and at the other end of the scale, integrators are o�ering complete AV facilities management. Between the two are preventative maintenance, room checking, remote monitoring, training, on-site support for customer events, help desks, hosted videoconferencing, loan and rental systems, content deployment, video production – and many more. It seems as if the list is limited only by an integrator’s imagination, and the skills and resources at its disposal.

“The general trend is that o�ering extra value services will continue to grow and is rapidly becoming a core part of any new business,” says Gareth Lloyd, marketing manager at integrator Saville. “Clients are looking towards a complete solution and that extends to pre- and post-support services. The days of installing equipment and beating a hasty retreat are no longer an option. From an integrator point of view, this is a no-brainer. Engaging with a client throughout a project builds trust and respect which will undoubtedly lead to new and continued business.”

“Providing a high-quality support service alongside high-end products is key to CDEC’s business model and will always play a large part in CDEC’s revenue and profitability,” declares CDEC managing director Toni Barnett. ”A strong support service is vital for repeat business and also for gaining new business.”

Roland Dreesden, managing director of integrator Reflex, sees how changes in the market have made it easier to o�er support services. “O�ering services is increasingly important to our business,” he says, “and now that manufacturers provide longer-term warranties on hardware, the risk to the integrator is a lot less than it was five years ago. It’s meant we can provide an enhanced maintenance contract at a very a�ordable price, as we only need to address the labour element and any other enhanced services that are needed.”

Building relationships“A major benefit to us of providing support services is keeping engaged and building relationships with the customer,” he continues. “When we maintain a customer’s system, we have a deeper understanding of their needs and how the equipment is used. When we provide additional added value services, this leads to a better long-term relationship with the client.”

Of course, it’s not just integrators who are in a position to o�er services: manufacturers are equally well placed. Jammie Proctor, engineering service manager at NanoLumens, picks up on the warranty theme.

“The NanoLumens service, support and field engineering team provides a full set of service and support systems,” he says. “The base of this service and support system is a six-year parts warranty. Along with that, NanoLumens provides extensive partner training both as a full certification programme in-house as well as on-site supervision and training during the installation process.

“Our primary focus is to get our certified partners to a level that they can provide full technical support and service o�erings to their client base with the confidence that they have our service team at the ready if they require,” he goes on. “However, there are some providers that prefer to have a manufacturer provide service-level support on specialty products, and because of this we are happy to o�er full

service-level support options to our partners.”More revenue and profitCrestron too o�ers a full range of support services including training, education and technical support.

“Crestron only sells through its channel so everything we do is done to help our integrators derive more revenue and profit from the solutions that we o�er,” says Steven Dullaert, the company’s director of customer support, EMEA. “Our range of support services enables our integrators to di�erentiate themselves from the competition and helps them to fully support their end clients to encourage repeat business.”

Between manufacturer and integrator, there is often a distributor such as Midwich. How does Midwich see its role?

“The role of distribution is much more than ‘box shifting’, product availability, logistics and credit for resellers and integrators,” believes Jon Dew-Stanley, Midwich’s director of solution sales. “Added value services are an essential characteristic required by the market from a successful supplier. Working in partnership is the key. Being trade-only truly enables us to work with and support our channel partners, making us more valuable in delivering the same goal.”

For the most part, it seems that manufacturers, distributors and integrators happily co-exist and collaborate when it comes to the provision of end-user support and services.

“We work closely with a number of the industry’s leading manufacturers,” notes AVMI’s Wilson. “These partnerships result in complementary rather than competitive relationships. We believe a relationship with an AV service provider o�ers users the opportunity to consolidate support across a number of products rather than having a plethora of bilateral engagements.”

Confidence“End users want the confidence that the manufacturer is involved with their particular

‘The support services business has become increasingly

important in terms of both turnover and profitability over

the last few years’ Adrian Edwards, proAV

23www.installation-international.com FEATURE: SERVICE AND SUPPORT

Remote diagnostics and maintenanceIncreasingly, AV is about the network – and integrators are taking advantage of that to o�er remote diagnostics and maintenance. One company specialising in tools to enable this is Pakedge.

“Pakedge’s BakPak 3.0 solution gives commercial integrators end-to-end control from a distance with in-depth monitoring of network devices and control systems,” says the company’s director of sales, Robert Foster. “It can increase profitability for integrators by empowering them with broader and deeper system control while allowing labour overhead to be saved by simplifying and automating the more tedious maintenance and management processes.”

“What is going to di�erentiate integrators from each other are the services they can provide to their customers,” he goes on. “This is where the Pakedge Bakpak 3.0 software platform becomes critical, because it allows the integrator to be pro-active instead of reactive. Using BakPak 3.0, they will be able to attend to issues as soon as they come up and repair them remotely as well as be better prepared if and when they have to go on site.”


24 FEATURE: SERVICE AND SUPPORT December 2015

solution, but prefer to have the actual responsibility to have service provided by the integrator,” echoes Saville’s Lloyd. “Manufacturers do not tend to have the intimate insight or resources to deal with end-user needs that an integrator does. A seasoned integrator has the necessary expert technical knowledge – and can always refer directly to the manufacturer if necessary.”

“Manufacturers can only provide support for their own equipment,” asserts Reflex’s Dreesden. “Most solutions will include a variety of products and brands – so while the manufacturer’s warranty is invaluable, as soon as one product is connected to others, lines of responsibility start to blur.

“And of course,” he continues, “for most customers it’s much easier for them to speak with their local integrator, who has installed their system and knows it inside out, rather than try to access support from the manufacturer directly.”

“Because we have installed the equipment we feel that we are the best people to provide the support to go alongside the installation,” smiles CDEC’s Barnett, while Edwards notes that his company generally integrates manufacturer support products within proAV’s service

products to enhance its o�ering and to provide the client with a single solution provider.

That integration between manufacturer and integrator is central to Crestron’s philosophy.

“Crestron o�ers a full range of support services including training, education and technical support and works with its partners to ensure that the end client is fully supported,” says Dullaert. “We have a vast network of thousands of trained and certified engineers,

technicians, designers and consultants ready to assist customers who are available 24/7 and ready to be on-site, anywhere in the world, if needed. This service is o�ered free of charge to both Crestron’s integrators and

their end clients, giving our integrators a huge advantage. We train our partners to be the best with a comprehensive certification programme that ensures flawless implementation and the highest-quality support.”

Partnership“I don’t see competition in providing higher levels of support and service to a client either from a manufacturer, integrator or distributor,” adds Dew-Stanley. “It’s a partnership with the combined goal of ensuring a successful deployment of technology for a client to meet their business demands and application need.”

But if all is rosy when it comes to the service/support relationship between integrators and manufacturers, what of the relationship with the in-house IT organisations that are increasingly playing a significant role in the acquisition, deployment and support of AV solutions?

“We find that where there is an in-house IT team, we become an extension to it,” notes Dreesden. “While the IT side of things demands a fairly tried and tested set of skills, AV is not yet at that stage. There are many variants of systems and products, and the skills needed, particularly on the audio side, are quite specific. We can o�er additional specialist knowledge to

‘We can o�er additional specialist knowledge to

complement the broad IT skills of the IT department’

Roland Dreesden, Reflex


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26 FEATURE: SERVICE AND SUPPORT December 2015

complement the broad IT skills of the IT department.”

He has an ally in Edwards: “Despite the forecast alignment of AV and IT technologies, we still find that there are distinct di�erences in support models. All the devices may sit on the client’s network; however the support models still tend to be di�erent. For example, AV/VC support tends to be real-time, whereas IT focuses on the company’s ability to run all their services over the IT network.”

“On the whole, AVMI works well with its client’s internal IT departments and provides complementary services for AV environments,” notes Wilson. “AVMI has adopted the ITIL service management framework from the IT industry to structure the delivery of its AV services. This alignment enables us to integrate more e�ectively with IT groups.” [ITIL – formerly an acronym for Information Technology Infrastructure Library – is a set of practices for IT service management that focuses on aligning IT services with the needs of business.]

“We’re fortunate in having our own specialist team for our unified comms and VC solutions and in most cases, once their credibility has been established, the in-house teams are usually grateful for the extra knowledge, experience and help,” declares Lloyd.

“There are many stakeholders in an AV project and often in-house IT teams are very competent in the technologies they need,” avers Dew-Stanley. “It is essential that such clients have access to ongoing support resources to deliver their business the end result it demands, and Midwich welcomes the opportunity to be a stakeholder.”

Individual circumstancesAre there market sectors to whom provision of services by integrators are particularly attractive? It seems that it’s di�cult to generalise, with much depending on each customer’s individual circumstances. Barnett notes that primary education establishments often don’t have the in-house skills or resource and, as such, are very receptive to support services. At the other end of the education spectrum, Dreesden points out that, over the past three years, Reflex has seen growing demand from universities for maintenance contracts, a function of them needing to use their rooms more frequently and for longer hours.

For Edwards, the requirement for the provision of services is more to do with the technology orientation of a customer: while technology companies will typically be more self-su�cient, encouraging users to self-help, a law firm, for example, will require a more hands-on approach from the integrator.

“There is no ‘one size fits all’ answer to

who requires support services,” believes Dew-Stanley. “There continues to be a large variance in ability and skills available at any one time, driving a need to bring in support on an as-and-when basis. Even the most technically competent AV integrator can be receptive to using external resource when their own engineering resource is stretched. Another driver is that of new technology deployments or complex AV systems that may not be a weekly occurrence for some. In these instances, services from Midwich are designed to reduce risk and ensure a successful outcome. It’s our added value.”

Fundamental necessityReflex’s Dreesden is clear: the provision of services is a fundamental necessity for a successful integrator business.

“Ultimately,” he says, “it’s what an integrator’s business is all about. It’s our whole focus: to provide a start-to-finish service, from design to install and then support.”

The benefits of o�ering services are clear, and integrators have been quick to seize the opportunity. It’s not just integrators, though. Manufacturers and distributors alike are in turn developing and implementing the necessary

support infrastructure that will enable integrators working with them to leverage the opportunity to add value – and, in the process, create their own unique selling propositions that make them more attractive to the channel.

In a world of products that can be di�cult to tell apart, di�erentiation and competitive advantage can be achieved by integrators through an appropriate service o�ering. Increased customer satisfaction – including the provision of a ‘one-stop shop’ for support – allied to a deeper understanding of the customer’s business, unquestionably leads to repeat business. At the same time, integrator revenue becomes more stable and predictable, allowing for an improved ability to focus on the long term. Integrators are not yet ‘service economies’ – but that time may not be far away.

www.avmi.comwww.cdec.co.ukwww.crestron.comwww.midwich.comwww.nanolumens.comwww.pakedge.comwww.proav.comwww.re�ex.co.ukwww.saville.co.uk

AVMI sees all, knows all

AVMI claims to be the UK’s largest provider of AV services with approximately 1,000 service contracts and more than 160 dedicated support personnel on customer sites. Over the past five years, the company says it has invested significantly in developing a service culture throughout the organisation. The investment has included the creation of its Network Operations Centre (NOC) at its Sunbury, UK headquarters. Within the AVMI NOC – which operates 24/7 in recognition of the company’s worldwide customer base – there is a multi-screen HD videowall displaying multiple status conditions and alerts, network availability and hardware monitoring, providing a real-time dashboard of all its operations. From the NOC, AVMI provides not only remote diagnosis and repair, but also videoconferencing test and management services and a digital media content platform.

Case Study



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Wind back 15 or even 10 years, and airport and railway environments were frequently characterised by low-quality AV. All too often, the passenger would be confronted by

barely intelligible announcements or a scarcity of visual displays – and even when they were in position, they habitually seemed to be awaiting repair. ‘AV as an afterthought’, indeed.

In this context, then, the di� erence wrought by a decade of renewal and replacement e� orts from both the public and private sectors is particularly noticeable. And this is on track to continue; in the UK, for example, Network Rail is set to invest more than £25 billion by 2019 on station rebuilds and other improvements.

AV has been a notable recipient of these improvements, with site owner/operators and their integration partners able to take advantage of higher-resolution visual displays and more discreet, directional speaker systems to convey passenger information more e� ectively. The latter has been a particularly important consideration given modern architects’ propensity to deliver designs dominated by

highly refl ective surfaces.As we shall see, the refi nement of these

approaches is continuing apace, but now there is another hot topic in the form of deeper software integration for messaging and other communications. Several major vendors – notably Harman with its IDX system, and Barix with its Audio Signage o� er – have already ventured into this fi eld, but there isn’t yet a consensus opinion on how long it will take for such combined solutions to become ubiquitous.

Display developmentsAs NEC Display Solutions Europe aviation business development manager EMEA Richard Wilks remarks: “LCD remains the most common technology being used for passenger information, advertising and wayfi nding, as well as in operational control rooms and training facilities.” But with the advent of higher-brightness LCD products, 24/7 laser projectors and, of course, LED solutions, there is now an abundance of display solutions for transport-related installations.

Absen is expecting to see strong take-up from

the sectors with its newly launched N Series Smart & Slim fl atpanel screen pixel pitch LED displays. Senior director advertising Europe Nacho Perez Borjabad highlights ease of installation, reliability, customisation possibilities delivered by

modular design, and the “evolution of technology to develop smaller pixel displays [allowing the installation] of ultra HD screens with resolutions higher than 4K in places where the viewing distance is not that big” as being among the key factors encouraging LED display adoption.

They’ve gotta geta message to youHigher-resolution displays and directional audio have e� ected a signifi cant improvement to the overall AV environment at airports and railway stations. But could we now be on the verge of a new era of integrated systems for messaging and more, asks David Davies?

The new Flight Information Display at Munich Airport consists of 72

NEC MultiSync X463UN displaysPicture: InoNet

n LED screens and beam technology speakers are among the technologies allowing more accurate delivery of information to travellers

n The rise of IP-based operation is one of the factors leading to a more centralised and integrated approach to data management

n There is also increased interest in delivering carefully tailored information to passengers via their smartphones – although this is still in its formative stages

Key Points

‘The advent of audio over IP has allowed centralised audio routing, processing,

messaging, control and diagnostics on a greater scale and with greater

fl exibility’ Mark Ullrich, Symetrix

31www.installation-international.com FEATURE: AIRPORTS AND RAILWAY STATIONS


32 FEATURE: AIRPORTS AND RAILWAY STATIONS December 2015

US-based manufacturer NanoLumens has also made headway with indoor and outdoor LED products such as NanoSlim. Managing director EMEA David DaCosta remarks: “The growth in digital display in the aviation and rail sectors is on a significant upward curve, as is evidenced by the growth and deployment of large-format LED screens at every major UK airport over the past three years, and the investment by [advertising multinational] JCDecaux in its branded Mega Size roll-out at key strategic locations in London. According to the CEO of JCDecaux at a recent industry meet in Budapest, JCD is only at the start of a long-term strategy of digitalising its transport assets, which according to JCD have not even reached 10%.”

Indeed, it is clear that emerging advertising opportunities are underpinning a lot of new display installation work. “Digital signage o�ers a great way for transport hubs to generate revenue,” confirms James Keen, marketing manager at digital signage, IPTV and VOD streaming software specialist Tripleplay Services. But it’s not just major sites like Waterloo Station that can benefit – “smaller stations can o�er local businesses the opportunity to advertise on a smaller network of screens, bringing in smaller but ongoing revenue streams. Airports have also begun rolling out IPTV and digital signage into executive lounges to entertain priority passengers, while they have also started to deliver TV services to screens around queuing areas to alleviate boredom while waiting at customs or security.”

Wilks, too, underlines the importance of new large-format display technologies in “driving the conversion of static advertising to digital”, but also highlights the role of emerging technologies such as NFC (near field communication) in “providing more relevant information to the passenger on his/her journey, whether it be directed marketing or journey information based upon their destination. So a connection between their mobile device and the display assets will become more important in the future.”

Audio advancesThe use of beam-oriented technologies – often delivered from compact, aesthetically discreet loudspeakers – is perhaps the most obvious example of audio improvement in airports and railway stations. But behind the scenes, the move towards IP has also been making a significant impact.

Mark Ullrich, international sales manager at DSP specialist Symetrix, observes: “The advent of audio over IP has allowed centralised audio routing, processing, messaging, control and diagnostics on a greater scale and with greater flexibility. It has also made general system management easier in instances where the

infrastructure is spread over large distances as with many rail projects. Cost e�ective, low-latency audio over IP has driven the growth in this segment.”

Domenico Gambino, VP sales at Barix, whose transport-friendly range includes the Annuncicom family of two-way IP audio intercom and paging devices, also highlights this transition. “The [IP world] brings all the benefits of the reuse of network infrastructure, easy scalability and the convergence of di�erent functions into the same management system.”

The rise of IP-based workflows and increased integration with IT infrastructures has very obvious implications for the development of combined data centres that can feed multiple systems, encompassing audio and video. But how far are we down the road to truly integrated infrastructures – and what are the potential pitfalls?

Integrated instinctsAs Wilks observes: “Data from more disparate systems is now being connected over IP”, with collaboration and data-sharing between departments “driving e�ciency and adaptability”. As might be expected at this

early stage of the transition, the results of this increased integration are manifesting themselves in di�erent ways.

“Announcements are being co-ordinated with the visual display systems, [although at present] these systems are usually separate technology platforms,” says QSC director of installed systems product management TJ Adams. “We believe the future is creating flexible data-driven platforms with robust API interfaces that can easily integrate but do not necessarily need to be the same platform.”

Deeper software integration is the name of the game, and in this regard QSC continues to make an impact with its Q-Sys scalable audio solution – a good fit for transport applications thanks to its “extensive scripting control and software layer integration with third-party systems such as FIDS/MUFIDS, AODB and other automation drivers of our automatic message playback features”.

Harman is another manufacturer from an audio background to be exploring the opportunities presented by combined messaging techniques. Geared towards airports, transit stations and other public spaces, the IDX system is an audio and visual information

Absen flying high with Norwegian airport installsIn a project which neatly underlines the growing popularity of LED screens in transport facilities, Absen recently provided large-scale display solutions for three Norwegian airports: Stavanger, Bergen and Trondheim. The screens were installed on behalf of Scandinavian out-of-home advertising company Clear Channel Norway (CCN).

Utilising Absen’s AI03 3.9mm pixel pitch panels, a 57sqm screen was specified for the luggage arrival hall in Stavanger; a 20sqm screen was deployed in Bergen (Flesland) in the departure lounge; and a 7sqm screen was fitted in the luggage arrival zone in Trondheim. Content on each screen is run by a computer and a graphic card with four DVI outputs.

“The Stavanger installation in particular was a wish from CCN to install a high-resolution, high-impact screen for the end user, in an attempt to satisfy and attract high-profile advertisers,” says Absen European managing director Ruben Rengel. “The 57sqm screen not only gives a great opportunity for advertisers to get their message across, it serves as a fantastic reference for CCN expertise in providing state-of-the-art digital signage solutions.”

Alongside image quality, the screens also deliver reliability through the use of Absen’s SNMP (single network management protocol) monitoring solution.

The monitoring protocol – which counts 3,500 digital assets in Norway (switches, routers, internet connectors, panels, screens) – gives information about LED panel failure, heat emission and other panel statistics which are then sent to the CCN remote monitoring server.“To be able to count on such a level of performance and reliability gives us peace of mind,” says Jonas Michael, head of digital development and operations at Clear Channel Norway.

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delivery solution. Powered by ECLIPSX software and utilising a standard database server for straightforward information management, IDX supports a multilingual message library and features logging of captured events for auditing andlive playback.

While important passenger information might be the primary driver of greater integration, it also has implications for the delivery of advertising and entertainment as part of what Gambino terms a “richer customer experience”. In this context, he is able to point to the Barix Audio Signage Solution, which is designed “to bring voice to the screen”.

He explains: “People can use their own mobile phones (iOS, Android) to wirelessly access the audio coming from a screen, whether digital signage for information or live TV for entertainment. While this concept is still in an early stage with limited deployment, it has clearly triggered enormous interest from system integrators and end customers.”

But it is clear that a merged approach can have its pitfalls if it is not deployed carefully, not least with regard to automated messaging. For example, one would want to avoid “repetitive audio [messaging] that is more accepted in the video format”, says Gambino.

Then there is the ‘latency’ that can occur between personnel inputting information and di� erent building systems. “At times the computer is faster than the human operations,” says Adams. “A real-world example of this is where there was a requirement for the fl ight announcement system

to automatically announce delayed and cancelled fl ights. However, the gate agent’s terminal systems were just a few minutes behind with the status updates, yet the fl ight announcement systems played back the cancellation message ahead of the agent’s knowledge. This resulted in many customers requesting re-accommodation before the agents knew the fl ight had been cancelled. Needless to say, there was some tweaking needed to accommodate the users so that they were empowered to respond to their customers in the appropriate order.”

On the right tracksWith the increased use of touchscreens to take into consideration as well – Keen notes the possibilities arising from the integration of Tripleplay onto Samsung SSP touchscreens for “wayfi nding, promotion and information delivery” – it is clear that airport and railway station AV deployments are on track to become evermore elaborate.

The need to comply with changing security regulations – particularly in the airport environment – also commends a unifi ed approach, even though it may be a few years yet before fully integrated systems can be regarded as the norm.

www.absen.comwww.barix.somwww.harman.comwww.nanolumens.comwww.nec-display-solutions.comwww.qsc.comwww.symetrix.cowww.tripleplay.com

Two NanoLumens NanoSlim Engage 2.5mm LED visualisation solutions were chosen for the SkyWalk pedestrian hub linking Union Station, the Union Pearson Express, and the PATH system to the Rogers Centre, Metro Toronto Convention Center in Canada

33www.installation-international.com FEATURE: AIRPORTS AND RAILWAY STATIONS


34 TECHNOLOGY FEATURE: CRUISE LINERS December 2015

As the cruise liner market switches between one focused on retrofi ts to new projects, and as the size of new builds continues to grow, the demand for AV equipment that can perform in

di� cult conditions and contribute to lower costs is fl ourishing.

Alan Edwards, principal audio design consultant at international theatre consulting and lighting design fi rm Nautilus Entertainment Design, outlines the broad market trends: “The late ’90s to early 2000s saw a strong new-build market. When this declined, refi t work picked up around 2011. The decline in new-build work allowed us to work more closely with operations, giving ourselves (and the rest of the industry) a fi rst-hand look at what is needed in the ever-changing AV sector of the cruise industry. Now, we’re seeing the new-build market pick up again and the AV market is thriving currently, as most vessels are built in Europe, particularly Germany, Italy and Finland.”

His colleague Brian Pratt, director of design at NED, adds: “It’s di� cult to say if the increase in new-builds is adversely a� ecting the refi t work, but I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the large

refi t projects we have seen recently taper o� as industry focus is on new-builds.”

Franco Zini, general manager at HMS Italia, is a member of the Videlio group that is responsible for verifying technical specs, producing the engineering necessary for installation (including custom material), supplying and integrating hardware and carrying out system start-ups before consigning ships to the cruise companies.

Although confi rming a considerable slackening in new-builds in recent years, and a current upswing, with quite a number on the books for coming years, Zini prefers to describe the cruise liner AV situation as “transforming” rather than rising or falling. “At HMS, we’re taking digital technology even further – like on the P&O fl agship Britannia and on future projects, such as the new (2017) MSC liners, ships will be more and more digital. This is a positive sign, as things are moving from carbon copies of previous ships to something really new.”

Zini confi rms a big demand as far as the entire video chain goes, including content, which HMS now also produces. As far as audio is concerned, signal transport over fi bre optics is becoming standard and systems like QSC’s Q-Sys are part

of the transformation.Zini also o� ers a word of advice to would-be

cruise integrators: “With the technology currently used on-board cruise ships, huge investments are involved, so anybody considering entering this market from scratch must have a very big organisation behind them.”

Power savingHand in hand with the trend to digital is a trend to greater energy e� ciency. Pratt states: “Power saving is a no-brainer for an industry that can quickly equate any reduction in power requirements directly into fuel savings. In keeping

Ebb and fl owMike Clark gauges the current state of the cruise liner market and fi nds out the technologies that are making their way on board

Mein Schiff 3 features Martin Audio speakers and LED technology

n The new-build schedule shows upswing following a slack period in recent years

n Reducing power (and fuel) consumption boosts wide adoption of LED technology

n Fibre-based signal transport and faster networks are becoming standard

n There’s big interest in IPTV and streaming technology – and 4K looks to be the next step in the passenger experience

Key Points

‘Anybody considering entering this market from

scratch must have a very big organisation behind them’

Franco Zini, HMS Italia


with this theme, anything that reduces power consumption, heat loads, weight and physical size is popular – the availability of Class D audio amplifiers and powerful DSPs is a fine example.”

Leif Witte, MD at German full-service media systems solutions provider Amptown System Company (ASC), agrees: “The cruise industry is providing a considerable boost to Europe’s economic recovery and Germany’s cruise market seems to be the most dynamic. Currently, there is a trend towards using more LED and video technology. As electricity for a cruise ship is produced on-board, ways to save power are more than welcome.”

Special features of ASC projects with Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class cater to this requirement and on the Anthem and Quantum of the Seas, the company replaced all conventional lamps with LED equivalents in the Royal Theatre.

“The shift to LED technology has enabled us to follow new paths in terms of electricity: there are no dimmers on board and custom ASC racks were installed for current distribution and electricity can now be remotely controlled in groups, in order to avoid having to run the whole rig for a bingo game, for example.”

Making a displayLarge-scale LED displays have become a prominent addition to AV needs on cruise liners. For NED this has been the case both from a theatrical standpoint in show rooms and for a cinematic experience on the main pool deck.

US LD Brian Monahan has been consulting for Holland America Line since 2003 and Carnival Cruise Line since 2011, and designing lighting for main theatre shows across both fleets.

“Both lines have embraced LED technology, installing large walls and moving panels to replace traditional scenery. The transformation started with the spike in fuel costs a few years ago which led to a major push to reduce power consumption.”

The new HAL Koningsdam has a ground-breaking theatre design with floor to ceiling 5mm LED walls surrounding the room. Carnival’s new Carnival Vista also has a new theatre

design with 5mm LED walls and panels for stage productions.

Lighting levelsFor Holland America, lighting chosen includes Robe, Altman, SGM and Chroma Q LED fixtures, whereas Carnival has a long-standing relationship with Martin, so there are Quantum LED moving spots, Aura LED moving wash fixtures, Rush LED Zoom PARs and Entour 350 units.

Monahan enthuses: “It’s been an exciting time for me to be involved in these two projects, bringing new technology to the cruise industry and helping to drive it into a green, cost-saving future.”

Canadian LD Chris Moylan has been designing for TUI Cruises for about five years and has operated as chief lighting designer for all TUI Cruises shows, as well as complete entertainment lighting systems designer for the Mein Schi� 3 and 4.

He has also seen the shift to LED at first hand. “The big factor as far as lighting is concerned is e�ciency and power usage,” he explains. “Almost all lighting on the newer ships has been converted to LED, which of course o�ers much longer life and lower power consumption and heat output. We have no conventional dimmers, and our ‘dimmer room’ is filled with network racks instead, routing our extensive Art-Net and video network around our theatres.”

As TUI produces all its shows in house, very modular multifaceted theatre stages have been designed, integrating products from established manufacturers, such as MA Lighting consoles, coolux media servers, Martin and Robe lights.

Regarding new liners, TUI Cruises’ Mein Schi� 5 is scheduled to be ready in 2016, followed by a new ship each year until Mein Schi� 8.

Multipurpose spacesTorsten Hirche, sound designer and technical director for TUI Cruises Entertainment Berlin, comments: “Cruise liner companies are constantly searching for the ‘new wow e�ect’, to di�erentiate them from competitors, and another important factor is multi-functionality. Space on ships is limited so designers often try to ensure a single space has multiple functions.


36 FEATURE: CRUISE LINERS December 2015

For example, our Klanghaus room enables guests to enjoy live classical music with the audio characteristics of an opera house, thanks to its integrated audio modelling system. A few hours later, there will be a theatre show withlive actors, in the evening it can become a lounge or movie theatre, and the next morning host a presentation of the next destination – all in one room!

“We consider ourselves to be at the forefront when it comes to our theatres’ lighting, video, sound and kinetics technologies and have chosen Martin Audio speakers (fi tted in all key areas across the 15 decks on TUI’s two newest ships – Mein Schi� 3 and 4 and with the marine debut of MLA systems), MC2 amplifi ers, XTA processing and DiGiCo consoles.”

For NED, all-in-one presentation switcher/scalers are another popular item for spaces that handle a wide variety of events, and there’s also an increase in the use of AV transports via IP such as Dante. The decreasing cost of using fi bre-based technologies is also becoming very important as the ships grow in size and required bandwidth.

Edwards adds: “Now that newer protocols have been developed for faster networks, such as Audinate’s Dante, bidirectional audio distribution to and from and between venues becomes more viable. Control of AV devices, whether remotely or locally using WiFi devices, is among the more recent implementations we see today.”

Paolo Campanelli, executive technical-artistic specialist with Costa Crociere, states that, as far as Costa is concerned, investment in AV technology is defi nitely increasing.

“On the Costa Diadema, which we inaugurated in November 2014, the TV control room has already been completely redesigned, testing new innovative products, such as Panasonic’s AV-HS60C production switcher.”

Campanelli has no doubts as to the most interesting technologies being integrated on board: “IPTV and streaming technologies are defi nitely the most interesting at present and, although not technologically new, current ‘fi rsts’ for some of our liners are 5m x 10m full LED walls being used in retrofi t projects for our production shows. We also began working with Clay Paky recently, and a lot of its products are already on

our ships, such as the B-Eye, Stormy LED strobes and (we hope) soon Mythos fi xtures.”

All Costa liners are crossing over from SD to HD, according to a pre-programmed schedule, and moving to DVB-T or IPTV. There are bignew-build projects planned and, on that front, there is considerable discussion regarding the adoption of 4K.

www.amptown-system.comwww.altmanltg.comwww.audinate.comwww.audiocore.co.ukwww.bpmdesigns.netwww.carnival.comwww.chroma-q.comwww.claypaky.itwww.cruising.orgwww.coolux.dewww.costacrociere.itwww.digico.bizwww.hollandamerica.comwww.malighting.comwww.martin-audio.comwww.martinpro.comwww.mc2-audio.co.ukwww.msccrociere.itwww.n-e-d.comhttp://pro-av.panasonic.netwww.pocruises.comwww.qsc.comwww.robe.czwww.sgmlight.comwww.tuicruises.comwww.videlio-hms.com

No o� cial ship refi t statistics are available, but Cruise Lines International Association member companies (over 60) report a new-build schedule rising from six ocean ships in 2015 to nine in 2016 and a total of 36 by 2020.Source: CLIA UK

Global ocean cruise passengers rose from 17.8 million in 2009 to 23 million in 2015.Global impact: $117 billion and 891,000full-time jobsSource: CLIA 2015 Cruise Industry Outlook

The Emerald Theatre on Costa Diadema


UK A SMANAGEMENT

SYSTEMSCERTIFICATION

INTERNATIONAL

Cert No: CI/11122

Green Road Oxford, OX3 8EU, UK

01865 767676 [email protected] www.unicol.com

POD’s on wheels These versatile units provide a flexible solution to the collaborative working space. Turns an open space into individual group work pods quickly and easily.

Secure storage for PC’s and other devices including ample cable room in the front of the unit. Units are custom built to the customers device connectivity criteria. Easily nested together for storage, 5 units deep takes up less than 2m. A variety of screens can be used up to 70”.

Q A portable classroom whenever the need arisesQ Ample room for peripheral devices & cablesQ Portable video conference abilityQ Full collaborative and BYOD connectivityQ Custom built to peripheral requirementsQ A flexible learning resource on wheels Q Facilitates students working in groupsQ High density nesting for storageQ Variety of exciting colours availableQ Quick and easy deploymentQ Variety of screen sizes can be accommodated

Typically40-70”screens

60kgMAX

POW nested together

5 units can be nested in a 2m deep

space

POW.indd 1 16/11/2015 17:35

38 SOLUTIONS: CENTURYLINK, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA December 2015

Integrator Audio-Video Group was called in by telecommunications provider CenturyLink when the company was looking to upgrade the technology in three conference rooms at its o� ce in Arlington, Virginia.

The three rooms, designated 2B, 2C and 2D, can be used individually or combined; the latter is mostly for company ‘town hall’ meetings, and as overfl ow for larger corporate events.

“AMX control is really the driving factor behind the system,” says John Pierce, director of operations at Audio-Video Group, which is based in Frederick, Maryland. “We wanted each user to have the ability to route audio or video to whatever destination they chose, between two large projectors and a large display, as well as making audio teleconferencing calls simple.”

Audio is networked via a Biamp TesiraFORTÉ system. “All audio (including from digital video) is routed through TesiraFORTÉ – giving us control through the AMX system to properly manage

and route audio where it’s needed. The FORTÉ system also provides the infrastructure for the audio teleconferencing calls – allowing individual calls in each space as necessary,” says Pierce.

“There are two smaller AMX touchpanels for the average user, and one larger master controller in the main equipment rack that hasa larger functionality for the in-house AV techs,” he continues.” The system is mostly driven by the AMX control, with no real need for any remotes or manual switching outside of the control system.”

At one end of conference room 2C is a 60in Sharp fl atpanel TV, while at the other is a rear-projection system based around a Digital Projection HIGHLite 740 10,000-lumen projector. These can show the same content – such as presentations or a live satellite TV feed – or,if the room is divided, di� erent content. AnAMX touchpanel sits on a lectern next to the 60in display.

Clear communicationA corporate refurbishment has led, among other things, to a particularly fi ne-sounding conference audio system. Paddy Baker reports

In room 2C, equipment installed by Audio-Video Group includes a Sharp 60inLED-backlit display, Vaddio PTZ cameras and a Shure wireless microphone system

UNITED STATES

Audio n Biamp TesiraFORTÉ DSP serversn Earthworks IML3-B microphones n Lab.gruppen E4:2 ampli� ersn Point Source Audio Series 8 omnidirectional condenser lavalier micsn Shure MXW1 bodypack transmitters with omnidirectional micn Shure MXW2 handheld transmitters with BETA58 mic cartridgen Shure-MXW6 boundary wireless microphone transmitters n JBL Control 26CT ceiling speakers

Video n Digital Projection HIGHlite 740 projectorn Digital Projection E-Vision WUXGA 7500 projectorn Sharp LC-60LE650U 60in LED-backlit HDTVn Vaddio WallVIEW HD-22 PTZ cameras

Control n AMX Enova DGX 16x16 matrix switchern AMX NX-4200 NetLinx NX Integrated Controller n AMX 7in Modero X Series G5 widescreen tabletop touchpanelsn Christie Brio Enterprise meeting presentation units

Installed

PROJECT OFTHE MONTH

38-39 Install186 Solutions 1_Final.indd 1 13/11/2015 16:50

Two Vaddio PTZ cameras are used to relay video from the room to overfl ow areas in town hall meetings. They are also shortly to become part of a videoconferencing system, which Pierce explains was left out of the project initially because of budgeting issues, but will be installed by the end of 2015.

Also included in the system are two Christie Brio Enterprise meeting presentation units, which enable meeting participants to share content from their own devices.

To improve audio coverage in 2C and the adjoining 2B, Audio-Video Group installed eight JBL Control 26CT ceiling models to supplement the existing speakers. There are no fi xed microphones in this room – a Shure wireless microphone system is available to be deployedif necessary.

Conference micsIn conference room 2D, the visuals come from a ceiling-mounted Digital Projection E-Vision WUXGA 7500 projector. The room is frequently used for audio conferencing, and so has

fi xed microphones on the horseshoe-shaped conference table. The old button mics were to be replaced: Stephen Bon, sales development engineer at Audio-Video Group, selected Earthworks IML3-Bs. “Based on our experience in using Earthworks microphones, there was no question that I would use Earthworks microphones in this installation. We needed the best microphones for the job,” he explains.

Six Earthworks IML3-B microphones were installed on each side of the table and two at the end. “The Earthworks microphones have provided us excellent fi delity of the audio pickup that is extremely consistent, both on and o� -axis, which allows them to overlap and blend

well together,” he says.Bon programmed these microphones into

the AMX system. “The bi-colour light rings on the microphones are tied into an AMX control system that is designed to mute the microphones. When all of the mics are muted, the colour of the light ring will change from green for ‘on’ to red for ‘mute’,” he says.

The IML3-B provided substantial improvements over other microphones Bon had previously used for AV conferencing. “With this new system, even in the remote rooms, it sounds like that person is right there in the room with them,” he continues. “When you hear a call from the CenturyLink system using the Earthworks microphones, it is hands downthe best-sounding system of this type I have ever heard.

“One of the benefi ts of the Earthworks IML series microphones is having a gooseneck that provides a lot more directionality of the audio pickup. In addition, the IML microphones’ polar response is smooth and consistent. The microphones are spaced evenly (about 3ft apart), so if I were to sit at any seat, or even in between the seats, the pickup of the microphones is seamless, and you never go into a lull, as they blend so well together.”

www.amx.comwww.audiovideogroup.comwww.biamp.comwww.christiedigital.comwww.digitalprojection.comwww.earthworksaudio.comwww.jbl.comwww.sharp.euwww.shure.comwww.vaddio.com

n Founded in 2000, Audio-Video Group has its headquarters in Frederick, Maryland and serves Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington DCn It provides installation services for houses of worship, corporate, retail, educational, government and healthcare clientsn It has a particular specialisation in church sound systems. Other services include service, rental, training and equipment sales

About the installer

The rack room also houses the rear-projection system, centred around a 10,000-lumen Digital Projection HIGHLite 740 projector

39www.installation-international.com SOLUTIONS: CENTURYLINK, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

Room 2D features 14 Earthworks IML3-B microphones, which provide seamless coverage around the table


40 SOLUTIONS: TIGER TIGER, LONDON December 2015

Novus Leisure’s fl agship Tiger Tiger multi-room bar, club and restaurant in London’s West End has undertaken a major technical overhaul and an updated brand experience by long-

standing content partner Kaleidovision.Working with interior designer Terri Naylor

of Dakota Design, Middlesex Sound and Light (MSL) was responsible for the full AV integration – which is dominated by a fl oor-to-ceiling high-resolution graphics wall in the main Tiger Bar.

This uses 35 Chauvet 6mm-pitch video panels, each measuring 2.5m high by 1m wide – with four hangs at the main bar and three on the adjacent bar.

Vibrant themed graphics enliven the Daytime segment, with the content and colour ways optimised for areas lacking in natural light. Post work, as the music picks up, the graphic walls convey energetic motifs – such as a game of Tetris. As Tiger Tiger brand manager Sophie Evans says: “The screen is so big and powerful it draws the eyes and Tetris is an engaging quirk that creates a talking point while customers kick back and relax.”

The music is DJ-led when Tiger Tiger comes into its own late at night and the screen becomes a lighting system. Reducing light levels in the bar, the screen operates a largely black background overlaid with VJ-style graphics in neon.

This iconic back bar design feature even

transforms across di� erent seasons. At Halloween, the life-size Tiger is in an eerie wonderland complete with cobwebs, spooky bats and a menacing glow in the dark eyes.

Content was uploaded to a Madrix media server, operating under master ShowCad control. The music and imagery profi les were playlisted and scheduled by Kaleidovision, then programmed on to the server by MSL under the guidance of its project director, Darrel Olivier. “It was great working with Kaleidovision on this really interesting project,” he says. “The pairing of technical and creative expertise was straightforward and professional producing a high-calibre end result.”

Evans continues: “The graphics are phenomenal and Kaleidovision was brilliant. There are always people looking in from outside as it’s created a huge talking point – it’s Instagrammable, unlike anything the customers have seen before. As for the music, Kaleidovision has designed ultra-contemporary club-inspired playlists which refl ect those three trading periods and embody the West End scene. These are matched to the images, which are bright and interactive by day and faster-moving and fl ashier as the evening draws on.”

Aesthetics and sound qualityMSL specifi ed Martin Audio’s CDD loudspeakers for the club, having already fi tted the manufacturer’s new Coaxial Di� erential

Dispersion technology in several otherhigh-profi le sites.

“We had also carried out a number of other recent refi ts for Novus using Martin Audio’s AQ range, which we were great fans of,” says MSL project director Darrel Olivier. “But this high-profi le venue provided the perfect opportunity to debut the new CDD. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality CDD is a defi nite improvement, o� ering wider dispersion, as well as being less obtrusive.”

Roaring successAn attention-grabbing LED wall and an improved audio solution combine to create a high-end experience in one of the West End’s leading club venues. Christopher James reports

There are four hangs of 6mm-pitch video panels at the main bar. and three on the adjacent bar

UNITED KINGDOM

Video n Chauvet 6mm-pitch video panelsn Madrix media server with 22in touchscreen monitorn Chauvet VIP DVI driversn Chauvet VIP signal distributor

Audio n Martin Audio CDD10, CDD12, CDD15n Martin Audio S218X subwoofersn Martin Audio AQ215 subwoofern Martin Audio CSX212n Powersoft K3, M50Q, M30 and M28Q ampli� ersn BSS BLU3 wallmount controllers

Lightingn Chauvet Rogue RH1, R1 spot, R1 beam moving headsn Chauvet Intimidator Barrel 350 luminairesn High-brightness RGB LED strip lighting

Installed


According to Novus Leisure’s project manager Graeme Sutherland, the company looked at various options with Olivier before making the loudspeaker decision. “However, MSL fi rst needed to carry out a careful review of the existing loudspeaker positional strategy. Some of the existing speakers were redeployed to ensure even sound coverage throughout while by ground-mounting the new subs it ensured maximum impact and LF extension.”

Aside from the Tiger Bar, Novus Leisure has also revamped its former Ibiza-style White Room into the more sophisticated hosted LUXE Room, which is available for private hire. The Tiger Bar and dancefl oor area have been equipped with four CDD15, four CDD12 and three S218X subs, while LUXE has been fi tted with six CDD10 and

an existing AQ215 sub which has been redeployed. Also the benefi ciary of two CDD10 and CSX212 subs are the two restaurant areas, which are now linked more visibly to the main bar. An assortment of Powersoft K3, M50Q, M30and M28Q amplifi ers are used to drivethe loudspeakers.

Novus Leisure regional operations manager Jenna Edwards said: “Sound is the most important element when you are out clubbing and this system is phenomenal to listen to. I think this establishes our position as the best

club experience in London.”Evans adds: “Kaleidovision delivered above and

beyond. They just really get under the skin of the brand both in the music playlist and in digital execution in venue.”

www.bssaudio.comwww.chauvetprofessional.comwww.kaleidovision.co.ukwww.madrix.comwww.martin-audio.comwww.middlesexsound.co.ukwww.powersoft-audio.com

n Middlesex Sound & Lighting was founded in 1983 by managing director Michael Olivier and remains a family-run businessn Based in West London, MSL works across a broad range of sectors including entertainment, education, retail, religious, corporate and commercial marketsn Its customer portfolio ranges from large PLCs to small independent operators

About the installerMartin Audio CDD loudspeakers have been installed throughout the venue

41www.installation-international.com SOLUTIONS: TIGER TIGER, LONDON


42 SOLUTIONS: STERREN.NL RADIO STATION, HILVERSUM December 2015

Dutch internet radio station Sterren.nl has modernised its studio in Hilversum, North Holland, adding a new broadcast system and renovating the interior and décor. The public

service station, part of the AVROTROS group, promotes local artists and music through live streaming of audio and video.

The station needed to update its facilities with a futureproof solution that was also cost e� ective. One of the main requirements of the technical upgrade was to give DJs an e� ective way of controlling the broadcast from one desk with just one keyboard, one mouse and fi ve monitors connected to four di� erent PCs. This also involved bridging a 200m distance from the server room to the studio, for dual-head HD video, USB2.0 and audio, using KVM extenders.

Sterren.nl worked with system integrator dB mediagroep. “It was a great opportunity to renovate the studio from a technical point of view. The challenge was to fi nd a suitable solution that met the client’s current and future needs, as well as their budget,” says Lex

Strijker, project manager, dB mediagroep.Intronics, a supplier of connectivity,

networking and industrial solutions, worked closely with dB mediagroep and recommended Adder Technology’s range of IP-based KVM solutions. With the help of Intronics, dB mediagroep selected the AdderLink Infi nity and Adder CCS-Pro4 to meet the radio station’s extension needs using an IP infrastructure.

The AdderLink Infi nity provides a fl exible KVM infrastructure for digital audio and video, ensuring pixel-perfect video transmission, and a transparent USB2.0 connection over gigabit IP.

The high-performance KVM solution enables studio DJs to e� ectively control a computer 200m away and control operations using just one keyboard and mouse. The Adder CCS-Pro4 delivers free-fl ow mouse operation, meaning users can move the mouse across the studio’s fi ve screens to automatically switch between the di� erent computers.

Even with the machines located 200m away, the Adder fi bre solution can reliably transmit data, with no loss of quality. In addition,

locating the physical machines out of the studio makes the environment more ergonomic, frees up desk space and removes excess heat and noise from the room.

Adder’s IP-based KVM solution, including dual head configuration for free flow, USB2.0 support, CatX connector and SFP slot for fibre connectivity has streamlined operations for the studio.

Strijker comments: “I’m pleased to say that the radio studio is ready for the future. By integrating an IP-based solution into the infrastructure of the studio we were able to keep the installation and maintenance costs low, while delivering the quality, fl exibility and functionality needed.

“The combination of network, confi guration possibilities and technical attributes, and functionality of the AdderLink Infi nity, makes this solution ideal for Sterren.nl.”

Public service broadcastingKVM solutions provide this renovated radio station with long-distance control over an IP infrastructure, reports Tom Bradbury

A requirement of the upgrade was to give DJs a way of controlling the broadcast from one desk with just one keyboard, one mouse and fi ve monitors

NETHERLANDS

www.adder.comwww.dbmediagroep.nlwww.intronics.nl

KVMn AdderLink In� nity DVI KVM matrixn Adder CCS-Pro4 KVM switch

Installed

n dB mediagroep has nearly 20 years of experience integrating solutions for radio and television networks as well as production companies and recording studiosn The group works closely with broadcasters and production companies and also has expertise in sound, radio and new media

About the installer

42 Install186 Solutions 3_Final.indd 1 13/11/2015 10:19


44 SOLUTIONS IN BRIEF December 2015

The Beacon, a real-time data-driven media installation in The Tower at Pittsburgh’s PNC Plaza, pulses with light, colour and sound to express energy and water consumption, use of artifi cial light and other building indicators.

Created by ESI Design for The PNC Financial Services Group, the 7.3m-high Beacon comprises 1,584 transparent liquid crystal polycarbonate panels backed with a grid of LED lights, creating a striking media canvas.

Audio content is designed to relate to the building as a living body – with organic sounds, such as running water, as well as ‘informatics’ sounds that draw a parallel with the nervous system.

The building has gained LEED Platinum certifi cation, the US Green Building Council’s highest rating.

The Chimelong Ocean Kingdom’s 5D Castle Theatre in Zhuhai, China has installed an AVB-enabled Meyer Sound system to help deliver an immersive experience for audiences in the Chimelong International Ocean Resort.

The 1,000-seat theatre hosts an animated show with support from 119 Meyer Sound loudspeakers. The multichannel presentation includes 26 input channels and various output channel confi gurations connected to the D-Mitri digital audio platform via what is claimed to be one of the world’s largest audio-video bridging networks.

The theatre’s multi-sensory ‘5D’ concept also incorporates the world’s largest permanent projection screen at 88m x 18m, and the largest stereoscopic 3D projection.

As part of the Rugby Football Union’s connected stadium redevelopment project, Twickenham Stadium has fi tted a Tripleplay digital signage and IPTV system to manage content for 700 new Samsung displays.

Two 169sqm screens have been installed, suspended from the roof, able to show live video, instant replays and be divided into multiple sections to show a range of content.

The new AV control room, created to produce

more event-day content, allows co-ordination through the IPTV system – enabling di� erent content to be broadcast into di� erent areas of

the stadium from big screens, the LED boards and Samsung digital display screens placed throughout the stadium.

LED Beacon for ‘world’s greenest building’

Meyer Sound MICA system in 5D theatre experience

RFU selects Tripleplay for ‘connected stadium’ project

www.meyersound.com

www.esidesign.com

UNITED STATES

UNITED KINGDOM

CHINA

www.tripleplay-services.com

44 Install186 Solutions In Brief_Final.indd 1 13/11/2015 16:20

45www.installation-international.com SOLUTIONS IN BRIEF

Gurpreet Purewal +44 (0) 20 7354 [email protected]

Peter McCarthy +44 (0) 20 7354 [email protected]

For further information on subscribing, advertising or submitting content for Tech&LearningUK, please contact:

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1 Color - 100 White

From primary through to higher education, Tech&LearningUK will engage with those responsible for AV & IT technology throughout the UK education sector. Tech&LearningUK will reach 16,000 decision makers and infl uencers in the UK and provide manufacturers and service providers with the perfect marketing platform for targeting this growing market.

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• Quarterly print magazine• Dedicated website• Weekly newsle� er• Custom email campaigns• Roundtables• Webinars

Tech&Learning UK Hp 200x135.indd 1 12/11/2015 17:23

Sony laser projectors are enhancing the visitor experience at Berlin’s DDR Museum, which shows all facets of life in former East Germany.

The management of the museum decided to install three 4,000-lumen VPL-FHZ55 3LCD laser projectors. Two are used to display videos in the permanent exhibition, while the third is used for the bright, high-contrast depiction of the Berlin Wall via rear-projection. The solution also includes

the VPLL-Z2009 wide-angle lens with zoom from Sony.

Since October, the exhibit has also been using the 6,000-lumen VPL-FHZ65 in a Trabant driving simulator. Visitors are able to sit in an original Trabant and drive through a digital prefabricated estate from the East German period that is displayed directly on a projection screen on the windscreen of the vehicle via rear-projection.

Experiencing East Germany at the DDR Museum GERMANY

UNITED KINGDOM

The Hennessy cognac brand has curated content with MPC Creative and Bluman Associates for a visual content window display at Harrods in London to tell the story of the brand.

The installation is an evolution of the optical illusion technique known as ‘persistence of vision’, which originated with Victorian-era optical illusions like zoetropes. Updated for the digital age, this piece further evolves the screen-based ‘Full Turn’ concept designed by Benjamin Muzzin for the conclusion of his ECAL/University of Art

and Design diploma project. The installation blends discrete simple imagery into a single image in the mind’s eye to give the illusion of smooth motion. Two 23in IPS screens are fixed together back to back and spun at close to 90km/h making specific visuals on them appear as 3D to the naked eye. An additional 3D twist has been added to create animations visible in 360°, with palpable volume and depth. The image on the screens appears to float in space through the holographic e�ect of the spinning screens.

‘Crafted Light’ illusion for Harrods display

http://pro.sony.eu

www.blumanassociates.com

45 Install186 Solutions In Brief_Final.indd 1 13/11/2015 17:14

White papers, webinars, opinions, blogs, case studies, tutorials and more.

Executive Editor: James [email protected]+44 (0) 20 7354 6002

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Campaign Manager: Warren [email protected] +44 (0)207 354 6000

NewBay Connect now off ers even wider content for its registered users, is easier to navigate and provides users with dedicated weekly newsletters off ering a digest of the latest content and carefully selected content from its themes of the month. Why join NewBay Connect?Free and easy to use – stay informed with the latest industry white papers, opinion pieces,web seminars and case studies that aff ect your business and your career. • Categorised Content All material is organised into clearly referenced, specialist areas. • Customised search You can quickly locate the information relevant to your business or area of interest. • Tailored email alerts Notifi cations sent to you whenever there is an update within your chosen areas. • Dedicated weekly newsletters

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NewBayConnect-MediaInfo-PDF.indd 1 26/05/2015 12:59

NewBay Connect_v7.indd 1 23/09/2015 15:22

TECHNOLOGYKit you need to know about

It’s… a beam-steering microphone, which couples multiple microphone elements to form a more coherent pickup pattern.

What’s di�erent? While the concept of beam-forming is not new, the AM-1 is claimed to take the concept to a whole new level, by coupling it with intelligent control. TOA says it will change the rules of presentation systems and microphone techniques.

Details: The AM-1 includes a DSP interface with both balanced analogue and digital out, and allows control and monitoring via any iOS

compatible device (using an app from the App Store) or via PC with any browser. The interface allows the sensing ‘zone’ to be selected within a 180° radius, where the mic will follow the sound source. According to TOA, it can be likened to a boom mic operator that follows the presenter wherever they go within the zone. Thanks to its low-profile design it stays out of sight and doesn’t intimidate speakers or clutter sightlines. Because its ‘steerable’ array follows the sound source within a user-defined range, the presenter has freedom of movement, and does not have to be ‘trained’ to stay on mic. The AM-1 doesn’t need to be readjusted for di�erent

heights, and doesn’t exhibit level variation due to movement. It’s claimed to have the highest gain before feedback of any mic available, and its extremely narrow coverage pattern (50° above 500Hz) focuses only on the desired sound, not on extraneous sound or background noise. This provides higher gain and clarity with greater immunity to feedback.

Available: Now

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

TOA Corporation AM-1 array microphone

www.toa.eu

47 Install186 ProdOfTheMonth_Final.indd 1 12/11/2015 16:33

48 TECHNOLOGY: NEW PRODUCTS December 2015

It’s… one of a new series of commercial voice alarm control and indication equipment (VACIE) solutions, designed to be able to adapt to changing needs.

What’s di� erent? The Compact 500 networked VACIE is a ‘system-in-a-box’ solution that is said to combine the simplicity of a stand-alone conventional system with the benefi ts of global network topology. Using self-contained wall-mounted panels creates a fl exible yet simple-to-control distributed VACIE concept.

Details: The Compact 500 drives two ‘live-stream’ audio channels and one serial data channel (RS485) over a redundant global network loop into global zones and operates a three-channel message player that sends synchronised audio into the local zones. Thus each Compact 500 can generate and play fi ve di� erent audio streams into the local zones simultaneously. Each Compact 500 can serve

up to six single zones of 6 x 70W with active back-up amplifi er. A maximum of 255 boxed VACIE panels can be

combined in a global network; therefore

a single installation can reach over 1,500 speaker lines. Multiple paging zones can be created within an architecture of 256 priorities. The Compact 500 is equipped with a wide range of pre- and post-processing software modules such as volume controllers, source selectors, routing, mixing, switching and prioritising.

Available: “After ISE”

It’s… A fl exible, cost-e� ective amplifi er for small to medium-sized sound systems.

What’s di� erent? Using core technologies found in Martin Audio’s fl agship amplifi ers, the MA5.0Q is said to set a class standard in e� ciency, and consequently to o� er substantial electricity cost savings.

Details: Occupying 1RU, the MA5.0Q o� ers four channels delivering up to 5,000W, and weighs just over 7kg. Its minimal heat dissipation makes it suitable for hot or otherwise challenging environments. Target markets include stage monitoring; hotels, restaurants and bars; visitor attractions; houses of worship; auditoriums; educational facilities; and nightclubs. It is optimised for 4-ohm loads, thus ideally matching real-world scenarios in targeted

applications. Its patented Class D output stage design is said to deliver fantastic sound quality. Features include AC protection (shuts down power supply when AC mains voltage is outside operating range); clip limiter (prevents severely clipped waveforms from reaching loudspeakers, while still maintaining full peak power output); short circuit protection (protects the amplifi er from short circuit or similar events on the outputs, with automatic protection reset); and thermal protection (mutes outputs once the output devices reach 75ºC, and automatically unmutes at 65ºC).

Available: Now

n QSC AP-4122m, AP-212sw These two new additions to the AcousticPerformance series comprise a multipurpose 12in two-way coaxial speaker

(AP-4122m, pictured) and a dual 12in subwoofer (AP-212sw). The AP-4122m features 40° and 60° wedge angles and delivers 90° of conical coverage. The AP-212sw features an input plate with two NL4 connectors in a crossed con� guration, allowing a single NL4 cable to power both sub and top without the need for a custom turn cable. www.qsc.com

n Penn Elcom FP02-Q-3U fan unitThis tough low-noise 3U heat extraction unit can be � tted to the front

or back of any 19in rack unit. Its quiet operation – it emits 22.5dB(A) – makes it suitable for areas where noise would be a nuisance, such as conference and presentation spaces and theatres. Optimum position is the top of the rack, since heat rises. The two nine-bladed fans measure 120mm, and each fan unit can be controlled by a plug-in thermal sensor accessory. This is set to operate at 40°C and will re-set at 30°C, ± 2°. The sensor can be attached where it will best detect the overall ambient temperature, rather than directly to the main heat source.www.penn-elcom.com

n Polycom VVX D60 Wireless Handset phoneDesigned for users on the move, the Polycom VVX D60 Wireless extends the enterprise-grade user experience and interfaces of Polycom’s VVX desk phones and other Polycom UC Software solutions. Device

provisioning and management process are the same as the VVX desk phones, and the Wireless Handset interoperates with existing IT infrastructures. Features include acoustic echo cancellation and background noise suppression.Available: This monthwww.polycom.com

n NEC MultiSync X555UNS, X555UNVThe X555UNS and X555UNV 55in videowall units are designed for 24/7 applications such as retail advertising and digital-out-of-home. They come with an ultra-narrow bezel,

with 3.5mm between adjacent displays, and use S-IPS panels. The LED backlight dynamically adjusts to the displayed content: darker areas of the image will be driven by a dimmer backlight while brighter content may locally drive the backlights to their full capabilities. Available: Now (X555UNS); this month (X555UNV)www.nec-display-solutions.com

www.4evac.com

www.martin-audio.com

Hacousto4EVAC Compact 500

Martin AudioMA5.0Q

48-49 Install186 Products_Final.indd 1 25/11/2015 12:03

It’s… four new 2RU amplifi ers in the fl agship Tesira product line.

What’s di� erent? These are fi rst fully integrated Tesira amplifi ers, with more comprehensive system monitoring for real-time awareness of the system’s operation.

Details: Designed for networked media systems, the new models are the four-channel 175W AMP-4175R, the eight-channel 150W AMP-8150R, the four-channel 350W AMP-4350R, and the four-channel 300W AMP-4300R CV with constant voltage. With integrated system monitoring, the units facilitate the design, commissioning and management phases, as well as allow an operator to manage or troubleshoot a system. By receiving signals from anywhere

in the audio network, the amplifi ers increase fl exibility in both sound reinforcement and distribution. They are AVB/TSN ready, and feature dual AVB/TSN ports for redundancy. Optional analogue failover cards may be added to continue signal fl ow if the network stream is lost. Channels may be combined by bridging. Front-panel display and controls o� er quick performance feedback, and the ability to modify amplifi ers locally. Suggested applications include lecture halls, performing arts centres, houses of worship, or any other environment where sound distribution and reinforcement are required.

Available: Spring 2016

It’s… a new line of ceiling mounts for fl atpanel displays and projectors.

What’s di� erent? Two of the ranges (ST940 and PJF3) are manufactured from aluminium, making them 60% lighter than traditional steel designs. All models feature a lightweight column with three di� erent extension lengths, tool-less height adjustment and internal cable management.

Details: The ST940 mount series supports displays up to 40in with a maximum load capacity of 25kg. The mount comes pre-assembled with a Hook-and-Hang system, 20˚ tilt and 360˚ swivel. Landscape or portrait mounting is possible. The PJF3 series of ball-and-socket-style mounts for projectors up to 24.9kg (pictured) has four extension lengths (including fl ush) to choose from, allowing the projector to be placed anywhere between 330mm and 1,092mm from the ceiling. The Spider Universal Adaptor Plate

extends up to 448mm to fi t most projector models. A single adjustment point on the mount o� ers tool-less ±20° pitch, ±10° roll and 360° swivel fi ne-tune adjustments, and a quick-release thumbscrew enables the projector to be removed for maintenance if required. PJF3 mounts are available in black or white fi nish. Using the same sleek column design and feature set as the PJF3, the PRG3 series of precision gear style projector mounts also fi ts projectors up to 24.9kg.All models are available in a black or white fi nish.

Available: Now

n Sony VPL-VW5000ESThis 5,000-lumen 4K laser projector is designed speci� cally for high-end home cinema rooms. It is compatible with

High Dynamic Range, emulates the new BT.2020 colour space, and covers the full DCI-P3 colour gamut. The Advanced Motion� ow feature reduces blur and maintains brightness. The VPL-VW5000ES can be tilted up to 30º, enabling its use in rear projection. Available: Q1 2016http://pro.sony.eu

n Vaddio ClearSHOT 10 USBThis enterprise-class USB 3.0 PTZ conferencing camera is claimed to o� er full remote manageability at an entry-level price. Simultaneous uncompressed USB 3.0 and

IP (H.264) streaming outputs allow the camera to be controlled and operated anywhere in the world. Because the camera uses standard UVC drivers, no special USB drivers need to be installed, so the camera can be seamlessly integrated with any software application on any operating system. www.vaddio.com

n EAW Anna Adaptive Performance arrayAnna expands EAW’s adaptive systems to mid-sized applications, including theatres, clubs

and corporate AV. Each Anna module includes eight HF compression drivers, four 5in MF cone transducers and two high-power 10in LF cone transducers, as well as 14 built-in ampli� er and processing channels that provide independent power and control of each loudspeaker component. Resolution 2 software controls the processing of each acoustic cell to generate the ideal coverage pattern for the venue while minimising the impact of the room’s acoustics. www.eaw.com

n Pyramid Computer polytouch 55 4KThe polytouch 55 4K features a UHD (3840 x 2160) display, and is equipped with high-end touch technology that ensures maximum touch accuracy. It can

be supplied either with an integrated modular panel PC or as a standalone multitouch display. A variety of mounting options is available, including on-wall and inside tables and walls. Possible applications include information terminals, product presentations, interactive signage, infotainment terminals and way� nding applications.www.polytouch.de/en/

www.biamp.com

www.peerless-av.com

BiampTesira AMP-4175R, -8150R, -4350R, -4300R CV

Peerless-AVST940, PJF3, PRG3

49www.installation-international.com TECHNOLOGY: NEW PRODUCTS

48-49 Install186 Products_Final.indd 2 25/11/2015 12:03

50 TECHNOLOGY: DEMO OF THE MONTH December 2015

October’s Sahara Showcase at Hanbury Manor in Hertfordshire saw the launch of the Clevertouch Pro. Designed for corporate collaboration, this has a new look and feel compared with previous

Clevertouch displays. Presenting the demo, sales and marketing director Shaun Marklew remarked that it “looks like a big tablet” and has been “designed to be as intuitive as an iPhone”. It comes in three sizes, 65in, 75in and 84in, each of which boasts 4K resolution.

The Clevertouch Pro runs the Android 4.4 KitKat operating system, and is powered by an ARM Cortex A17 Quad Core CPU – “more powerful than my Macbook Pro”, mused Marklew – and contains 2GB of RAM and 16GB of on-board storage. HDMI, VGA, RS232 and USB connections are all accommodated.

On the front of the display are a number of key function buttons, so that users can simply switch on and start to present. A touch menu provides access to fi les, folders, apps and settings.

USB ports are located on the front as well, enabling users to plug in external sources – which then appear within the operating system as separate drives. Content can be moved and copied between drives, so external content can be uploaded to the 16GB on-board memory if desired. Files are presented within a folder structure, with thumbnail previews of content. Pre-installed apps enable most fi le types to be opened and edited – including O� ce documents, PDFs, audio, video and images.

BrainstormingThe on-board LynxPro Meeting software brings up a digital whiteboard for brainstorming and capturing ideas. Multiple pen types and colours are available, and there are a number of meeting templates to choose from. Background

colours and brush styles can be personalised. Documents, images and videos can be imported and annotated over – and the fi nal results saved and exported.

The touch display recognises fi ve points of writing, or ten points of touch. Thanks to an on-screen widget, it’s possible to annotate over anything displayed on the screen – whether it’s a document, content from an onboard app or an external source. Files, annotations and whiteboard pages can be shared via email for subsequent reference and use. For those who don’t want to write or draw with their fi ngers, two easy-grip pens are held onto the screen bezel magnetically. Automatic handwriting recognition is included, and a number of intuitive gestures are recognised – such as scaling, roaming, or turning a page.

It’s worth emphasising at this point that all of this functionality is contained within the Clevertouch Pro itself – there’s no need for an external computer. That said, an optional Blade PC is available to extend connectivity further.

BYOD optionsIf that was all that Clevertouch Pro is capable of, then the description ‘big tablet’ would be very appropriate. But a range of software and hardware does a lot to provide the device’s collaborative capabilities.

There are no less than three BYOD options that work with Clevertouch Pro. The fi rst is the CleverShare wireless device, two of which are included with every Pro. These enable the wireless sharing of content from a nearby laptop: the user simply plugs the CleverShare dongle into their USB port and presses the button. Their content is now displayed and edited on the Clevertouch screen, and they can control it either from their laptop or from the

Not just a big tabletPaddy Baker is shown a powerful and intuitive device that’s designed to make corporate collaboration easy

Shaun Marklew presenting at the launch of the Clevertouch Pro

The CleverShare dongle is just one means by which meeting The CleverShare dongle is just one means by which meeting participants can wirelessly share content from their devices

Clevertouch. Multiple devices can be connected at once via CleverShare: “The button last clicked button has priority,” explained Marklew. “Pressing the button again disconnects you.”

Alternatively, by downloading the E-share app onto a mobile device or PC, users can view images, play video or share documents on the Pro display.

More powerful still is Montage. This is a wireless presentation system that allows up to four attendees to display their device screens simlutaneoulsy on the main screen – the presenter at the front of the room can re-order screens, select a single screen and zoom in, and control any connected PC – and can annotate any presented content. Attendees can connect via a browser, AirPlay, Miracast or the desktop application – so they don’t even have to be in the room. If they’re attending remotely, they can communicate via native voice and video.The Montage hardware box can be added if more connections, or audio and video, are required.

Sahara, the exclusive distributor in the UK, o� ers a fi ve-year on-site de-installation/re-installation warranty for customers on the mainland.

www.clevertouch.co.ukwww.saharaplc.com

50 Install186 Demo_Final.indd 1 13/11/2015 17:19


The LaserPanel from dnp is powered by laser projection and aimed at larger flatscreen display sizes, up to 100in. It is suited to corporate, education and high-end residential applications.

Available in two versions, the LaserPanel and LaserPanel Touch, which is interactive and includes an interactive camera and IR pens, for presentations.

52 TECHNOLOGY: SHOWCASE December 2015

Screenline’s Arena is a cylindrical projection screen that creates an immersive visual surface that surrounds the viewer. Housed in an aluminium frame, the screen surface is made of a PVC fabric that can be adjusted on installation using small screws, saving time for the customer and installer.

The screen requires a projection system made up of more than one projector and an electronic control unit able to create a single image. However, the modular structure is quick to assemble and mount with pre-assembled aluminium elements.

As a custom-made solution, Arena screens can be modified to suit the customer’s requirements. The diameter ranges from 4.5m to 12m and the curvature from 30° to 360°, according to the application.

The dimensions and characteristics of Arena screens makes it suited to a variety of uses, such as flight or driving simulations, museums and training courses in simulated environments.

PROJECTION SCREENSThe featured solutions demonstrate how projection screen technology has developed a growing number of material and install options to deliver more engaging experiences, writes Duncan Proctor

Screenline’s custom-made curved screen

Stewart Filmscreen o�ers integration flexibility

Multi-layer polarised screen from EPV screens

dnp delivers visual acuity with short-throw solution

The LuminEsse is a fixed frame front projection wallscreen system for the custom install market available in FireHawk G4, GrayHawk RS G4, and StudioTek 130 4K+ rated screen materials, up to 151in diagonal. This provides the integrator with the flexibility for di�erent applications and the ability to tailor the image to the constraints of the room with consideration of the level of ambient light and projector model.

The ‘edgeless’ design of the LuminEsse allows the screen to blend in with the surrounding décor when not in use and the slim 10mm bezel combines more screen size with

less visible framing.It features an optional LED backlighting kit

that acts as bias lighting to reduce eyestrain during extended viewing periods. When the screen is on, the multicoloured perimeter lighting adds to the onscreen content, and when o�, it can be used for mood lighting.

Polar Star eFinity, from EPV Screens (Elite Prime Vision) the install projector screen division of Elite Screens, is a versatile screen for custom residential and pro-AV applications.

The design features a wrap-around ambient-light rejecting (ALR) material over an internal aluminium framework. The PVC (tensioned) multi-layer screen material has a reflective brightness level of 1.3 gain and a 70° wide viewing angle. This material rejects up to 85% of ambient light and is polarised for optimum 3D rendition.

www.screenline.it

www.dnp-screens.com

www.epvscreens.com

www.stewart�lmscreen.com

52-53 Install186 Showcase_Final.indd 1 13/11/2015 17:24

Curve 360 is a mobile projection screen from AV Stumpfl available in custom sizes and with custom bending radius. The 360° edition is manufactured with a continuous surface for a more immersive experience, but is also able to be assembled and packed away easily and stored compactly.

The screen is made with a solid-frame

construction and flexible projection surface, which includes secured connections designed for gap-free connection of the curved frame parts. The screens are available at any radius and in any segment of a circle up to 360°.

Surface options include coated for 3D imaging and night vision – which is designed for simulation and training environments – and matt for front projection.

Acoustically transparent surfaces are also available.

Installation options include suspending the screen from the ceiling or mounting it on legs in front of visitors.

Draper’s Optically Seamless TecVision screens are lower-cost solutions with eight formulations, all 4K ready and ISF certified for colour accuracy.

TecVision surfaces are built to tackle issues with ambient light, weak projectors, wide-angle viewing and any other problems faced by the customer. When combined with Draper’s Projection Planner, the surface planning tools standard, the screens provide the designer and installer with bespoke options.

The five white surfaces are available with gains ranging from 1.0 to 1.8 across wide viewing cones, and the three ambient-light rejecting grey surfaces o�er performance under higher room-light levels.

53www.installation-international.com TECHNOLOGY: SHOWCASE

AV Stumpfl provides mobile continuous screen surface

Da-Lite boasts ultra-thin bezel frame

Pro Display expands application options with Digital Glass

Draper solves viewing issues with screen formulations

The UTB Contour from Da-Lite is claimed to have the thinnest bezel (6mm) of any fixed-frame projection screen on the market. It has been designed to look like a large flatpanel display, but is said to be double the size of the largest flatpanel televisions available.

The screen also o�ers a low-profile flatpanel design, 3.5cm o� the wall. The HD Progressive surfaces are designed for 1080p, 4K, and Ultra HD.

The UTB Contour is available in three frame finishes including acid-etched black, silver and high-gloss black.

Digital Glass from Pro Display is a projection screen technology manufactured by a process that coats the optical projection layer directly onto toughened glass.

The projection layer is a new optical material that o�ers brightness and contrast even in brightly lit environments. It has been designed specifically for ultra-short throw projection as it spreads light evenly into each corner without creating hot spots.

It can be used for high-end projection, digital signage and large-format edge blending. The polished edges of each panel enable multiple screens to be installed side-by-side, creating large screens without bezels and an alternative to videowalls.

In addition, there are custom glass sizes and thicknesses available on request as well as lightweight acrylic options. Digital Glass can

also be combined with Pro Display’s intouch multi-touch frames to create Interactive Digital Glass for large format multi-touch display applications. Standard diagonal sizes range from 80in to 120in and custom sizes go up to 6m x 2.4m.

www.draperinc.com

www.avstump�.com

www.prodisplay.com

www.da-lite.com

52-53 Install186 Showcase_Final.indd 2 13/11/2015 17:24

MONTH AHEAD

BETTBETT returns to the ExCeL Centre in London on 20-23 January. Newcastle University’s Sugata Mitra has already been confi rmed as a keynote speaker, while topics covered in the seminar

sessions will include e-learning, edtech trends, student satisfaction and MOOCs. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn from their peers from a number of other

countries in the International Pavillions.Over 500 exhibitors from across all levels of the education sector will also be on hand to talk about the latest developments in the market.

PLANYOUROur pick of what to see, do and discover in the weeks ahead, including the leading education technology event.

PICK OF THE MONTH

Intersec 2016Billed as the world’s leading trade fair for security, safety and � re protection, Intersec showcases the latest technologies in smart home automation, building safety, and features a drone and UAV pavilion. It runs from 17 to 19 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Exhibitors include Milestone, Canon and Samsung.

Enhanced Building Information Models: Using IoT Services and Integration PatternsBy Umit IsikdagThis book explains how to combine and exploit sensor networks, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and web-service design patterns to enrich and integrate BIMs.

Lighting JapanLighting Japan 2016 consists of two shows: Light-Tech Expo showcases technology for LED/OLED development and LED/OLED applications, while Lighting Fixture Expo: Smart Lighting & Design is an international exhibition for energy-saving lighting, smart lighting, design lighting and other � xtures. It takes place at Tokyo Big Sight from 13 to 15 January.

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