InFocus Installation Projectors Overview

June 24th, 2009

There are three great reasons that people who use projectors in classrooms, conference rooms, and other large image applications will love the new InFocus IN5300 and IN5500. They are; good looks, nice features, and super functionality.

The latest installation projectors from InFocus are the IN5300 and 5500 series projectors. That includes six projectors (IN5302, IN5304, IN5502, IN5504, IN5532, IN5534). The IN5300 level projectors have most of the same features, but do not include optional lensing (which is perfectly OK for about 80% of installations). There are a few other differences too, like brightness and resolution. But let’s talk about a few of the cool new features available on the latest and greatest InFocus installation products. By the way, if you want to skip the text, we are also posting a short video going over this too. Just look at the video above.

New Features on New InFocus Installation Projectors

The product designers at InFocus took the advice of users and resellers to address a few ‘missing’ features from the projectors they have used in the past. Those missing features included a few of the ‘problems’ listed below.

Problems with Older Installation Projectors :

  • XGA and lower 4×3 resolutions display in low resolution.
  • Projectors look industrial, cables looked messy.
  • Video conferencing collaborative content and white boards require multiple displays. Even projectors with split screen typically could not run dual video.

IN5300 and IN5500 Projector Solutions :

  • New WXGA and UXGA options available
  • Special cable management secret compartment, and multiple color options for casing (including a paintable primer for custom
  • color)

  • Enhanced Split Screen allows for multiple video - great for videoconferencing

New InFocus High Performance Features

InFocus seems to have adequately addressed most of those concerns with their new line. Their new line has also held tight to popular features while adding some other bits of cool, like a blue lit ring around the lens to indicate if the projector is powering off or on - a commonly confusing time for those who get confused about whether the projectors has begun to start-up or shut-down. As mentioned above, the new Enhanced Split Screen capabilities are a great new feature, as well as a Dynamic Messaging system that allows administrators to ‘broadcast’ messages to any projector on the network for important announcements. Here is a quick overview of the features available in the new InFocus lineup :

  • Enhanced Split Screen playback - perfect for video conferencing
  • Widescreen HD resolutions offered
  • Horizontal and vertical lens shift (manual in 5300s and motorized in 5500s)
  • Single or Dual lamps (5500 series)
  • Multiple lensing options (5500 series)
  • Customizable screen “help” page
  • Changeable ’skins’ for projector casing (including wood grain, black, white, and or primer paintable)
  • Illuminated blue “glow ring” to indicate when projector is cooling down and starting up
  • Embedded networking included (compatible with Crestron or AMX panels)
  • Dynamic Messaging System allows for ‘broadcasting messages” to any InFocus projector on the network

So there you have our overview. Now feel free to watch InFocus’ Benjamin Joy talking about the new projectors live and in person - on video.

New InFocus 5300 and 5500 Installation Series Projectors from Dorotheen Ashton on Vimeo.

Skip Ahead : Quickly Navigate to Points of Interest

  • 1:25 = Portfolio of InFocus projectors including IN5300 and IN5500 series
  • 1:35 = First look at IN5300 projector with stylish wood grain finish
  • 2:22 = Portfolio of the IN5300 and IN5500 products (with specification details)
  • 4:00 = Discussion of Brilliant Color
  • 4:25 = New keypad with single function blue backlighting
  • 4:55 = View of new “blue ring” that indicates when projector is powering off or on
  • 6:00 = Lenses discussed from quality to optional lenses
  • 7:05 = Projectors networking discussed
  • 7:40 = Enhanced Split Screen, multiple HD images side-by-side on one display
  • 8:45 = Dynamic Messaging System explained
  • 9:10 = Customizable “Help screen”
  • 9:55 = Video quality from InFocus and Pixelworks

Related InFocus Products : IN5302, IN5304, IN5502, IN5504, IN5532, IN5534

The full line of InFocus IN5300 and IN5500 projectors should be available by the end of July 2009!

Click here to see other featured InFocus projectors »


Key Initiatives Highlight AVI-SPL’s Presence at InfoComm ‘09

June 24th, 2009

As the AV industry’s most anticipated event, InfoComm ‘09 delivered a prime opportunity for AVI-SPL to connect with innovative manufacturers and a diverse range of clients. With the recent launch of ConferencePoint managed conferencing services, Cisco inter-operability services and a Polycom/Glowpoint “TEN Alliance,” AVI-SPL leads in the seamless integration of audiovisual systems and services, designed for the ultimate level of customer success.

AVI-SPL InfoComm ‘09 Highlights:


AVI-SPL’s Yankee Stadium Project Featured in Sound & Communications

June 24th, 2009

Orial Park Sound System

Pride of the Yankees

Bronx Bombers stadium AV scores.
By Jim Stokes
Sound & Communications

For the Yankee Stadium AV project, AVI-SPL, Tampa FL, was a subcontractor for Unity Electric. The $5.7 million contract was completed in March 2009 after a two-year duration. Looking at the scope of Yankee Stadium AV integrated systems, AVI-SPL was responsible for providing engineering for the audio and broadcast cabling, as well as the distribution of television (SMATV) systems. The audio system includes a fully digital sound-reinforcement system comprised of a digital console, digital signal processing (DSP) and amplifier control to more than 625 speakers in the seating bowl and 675- plus speakers in the back of house systems and suites.

Moving from the bowl, there are 675 speakers serving the BOH (back of house). Bryl acknowledged that AVI-SPL Senior Programmer Julia Cooper programmed all the Crestron throughout the Stadium, which included the press conference room, party suites, Great Hall and Yankee clubhouse, as well as other areas designed for Crestron control. For example, the Crestron controlled party suites can be divided into seven individual suites or other combinations with the same audio or choice of audio feeds.

Click here to read the complete article »


EAW Hits Home Run at Oriole Park

June 24th, 2009

Oriole Park at Camden Yards has housed the Baltimore Orioles since its unveiling in 1992 and continues to be a favorite among baseball enthusiasts. The park recently benefited from the installation of a brand new distributed sound reinforcement system, featuring nearly 300 loudspeakers from EAW, a world leader in sound system solutions. The installation, completed in time for the Orioles’ April 6th season opener against the New York Yankees, was finished in a highly accelerated time period of six months, which is approximately half the amount of time a system of this magnitude would take to install under normal conditions. To meet these stringent deadlines, EAW drew on its manufacturing resources to supply the complete loudspeaker inventory requested for the installation.

The Maryland Stadium Authority, who manages the state-owned facility, contracted with the Tampa-based AV integration company AVI-SPL. The system was designed by New York-based SIA Acoustics, who was the audio consultant for the Baltimore Orioles on the project.

“…The upgraded audio system that SIA Acoustics designed and AVI-SPL installed certainly reaffirms Oriole Park as a world class ball park. EAW speakers made our job easy as they just sound great!”

Click here to read the complete article »


AVI-SPL Distinguished with Polycom’s Integrator of the Year Award for 2008

June 24th, 2009


Recognition highlights outstanding customer service, ability to provide complete end-to-end video communications solutions

TAMPA, FL, June 23, 2009 – Leading audio and video communications provider AVI-SPL was recently named “Integrator of the Year” by Polycom, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLCM), the global leader in telepresence, video and voice communications solutions. Announced last week during the Infocomm 2009 conference and expo in Orlando, Fla., Polycom’s award recognizes AVI-SPL for outstanding customer service, highlighting the company’s ability to create innovative solutions that support the unique needs of a diverse range of markets, including the corporate, education and government sectors.

Click here to read the complete press release »

Click here to view featured Polycom products »


SANYO Introduces Two Ultra Portable Projectors With Eco Stand-by Mode and Easy Setup Function for the Education Market

June 18th, 2009

Sanyo

Sanyo launched two ultra portable projectors - the PLC-XW250 and the PLC-XW200 - that offer educators outstanding cost performance with an eco stand-by power mode that uses a mere 0.4 watts and their exclusive “Easy Setup Function.”

Eco Power Stand-by Mode

Using a mere 0.4 watts, the PLC-XW250 and the PLC-XW200 are SANYO’s most ecological data projectors. The eco power stand-by mode saves about 80% of the energy that is consumed by similar previous SANYO projectors*. By redesigning the electrical circuits, these two projectors are able to comply with the EuP-Directive Lot 6 and the EU RoHS Directive. As an additional environmental measure, all the packaging contains pulp molds, which can be recycled as used paper.

Easy Setup Functions

Both projectors incorporate SANYO’s latest “Easy Setup Function”, which include Auto Input Signal Search, Auto Vertical Keystone Correction, and an Input Guidance Function. The Auto Input Signal Search automatically detects the input signal and makes the necessary internal settings. The Auto Vertical Keystone Correction function automatically detects its position angle and corrects for any image distortion. And finally, the Guidance Function displays on-screen connection instructions when there is no input signal detected, enabling easy setup for expert users and novices alike.

Wired LAN Management

Using the supplied wired LAN terminal (RJ-45), the PLC-XW250 and PLC-XW200 can be controlled and managed via network connection. The LAN connection offers settings for power on/off, switching input signals, projecting from a remote location, as well as for monitoring lamp conditions and usage time. An automatic maintenance notification function sends notices to preset email addresses in the event of projector problems, resulting in faster maintenance response time. Using SANYO’s PJ Network Manager software, it’s possible to centrally monitor operating conditions of up to 200 projectors on a single network, reducing multiple projector management time.

Other Features

While both projectors provide a native resolution of 1280 x 768 and are capable of displaying high definition material, the projectors’ can project an aspect ratio is 4:3. The compact dimensions and lightweight properties of the PLC-XW250 and PLC-XW200 make them a perfect choice for educational and even business presentation applications. Both deliver a super bright image with the PLC-XW250 rated at 2600 lumens and the PLC-XW200 rated at 2200 lumens.

Click here to read the complete press release »

Click here to view featured Sanyo projector »


Biamp products support commitment to ENERGY STAR efficiency

June 18th, 2009

BIAMP logo

Energy Star

Consumers sharing the growing public concern over environmental issues who are seeking energy efficient schools, conference centers, offices, and other facilities can now address those concerns with energy efficient commercial audio equipment.

Biamp Systems has just announced that several of its amplifier products have been designated ENERGY STAR qualified, supporting a change in consumer behavior that will help to ensure the quality of the environment.

Biamp products that have earned the ENERGY STAR qualification include:

  • CPA130 Commercial Power Amplifier
  • CPA650 Commercial Power Amplifier
  • IWA250 In-Wall Powered Mixers
  • MCA Series Multi-Channel Amplifiers

Biamp’s Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Committee, created in 2004 to ensure that every aspect of the company’s operation, regarding safety, energy efficiency and pollution is optimized with current and future concerns in mind, oversaw this process. In addition to addressing government regulations, the Committee fosters open communication with employees, customers and the community about environmental issues that will be instrumental in Biamp’s continuing growth and success.

Click here for an overview of AVI-SPL’s line of Biamp products »


Casio XJ-S68, XJ-S63, XJ-S58, and XJ-S39 Projectors unveiled

June 16th, 2009

Casio unveiled the Casio XJ-S68 and XJ-S63 projectors in Japan. The company touts the Casio XJ0S68 as world’s thinnest (43mm thick part slimmest 32mm) with 3,500 lumen brightness.

Both the Casio XJ-S68 and the Casio XJ-S63 offer 3,500 lumen brightness. The new Casio XJ-S58 offers 3,000 lumens and the new Casio XJ-S39 still offers 2,500 lumens.

All four new Casio projectors ship end of July.All four new Casio projectors offer 1:1,800 contrast ratio and XVGA resolution.

Click here to view the full line of Casio projectors


AVI-SPL Named AV Integrator of the Year by Polycom

June 16th, 2009

Polycom recognizes AVI-SPL for industry-leading performance during Infocomm 2009 industry event

TAMPA, Fla. and ORLANDO, Fla. – June 18, 2009 – AVI-SPL, the worlds largest AV integrator, today announced it was named Integrator of the Year by Polycom, Inc., the global leader in telepresence, video and voice communications solutions. The award was given in conjunction with the Infocomm 2009 conference and expo taking place June 17-19 in Orlando, Fla., and recognizes AVI-SPL for its outstanding sales performance and excellence in meeting customer solution, service and support needs.

“This is an exciting time for resellers in the communications and collaboration market as today’s solutions can dramatically impact the performance and competitiveness of their customers’ business across industries,” said Mark Roberts, vice president, partner marketing, Polycom. “Polycom is proud to be represented by AVI-SPL which has demonstrated continued excellence in meeting customer needs.”

AVI-SPL and Polycom work closely together to bring their customers the latest video and teleconferencing technology. AVI-SPL integrates Polycom products into its major AV installation projects for its cutting edge technology, reliability and support.

Polycom, Inc. is the global leader in telepresence, video, and voice solutions and a visionary in communications that empower people to connect and collaborate everywhere. Please visit www.polycom.com for more informaton.

 Click here for more information on the AVI-SPL, Polycom partnership


NEC Announces the NP Installation Series Projectors

June 15th, 2009

Introducing the industry’s first projectors with built in stacking correction capabilities.

The power of the new NP Installation Series will take your presentations and images to a whole new level. With the capability of stacking up to four projectors you can boost your image brightness up to 20,000 lumens, ideal for well lit environments and oversized projection areas. This feature will also prevent the complete loss of an image during that critical make or break presentation, which is possible when using only one projector.

NP Installation Series Features & Benefits:

  • Stacking capabilities
  • Vertical and horizontal lens shift
  • HQV™ processing
  • Windows network projector
  • Remote desktop connection
  • Complete line of (5) bayonet style lenses
  • Powerful integrated networking and asset management
  • Remote diagnostics
  • Comprehensive input panel
  • 3D reform with geometry correction
  • Lamp saver technologies

This new technology is compatible with the following new NEC models: NP3250, NP3250W, NP2250, NP1250

Click here to view the full line of NEC projectors
Click here to view the NEC NP Installation Series Press Release
Click here to view the NEC NP Installation Series Full Spec Sheet(PDF)