“The proper design and integration of a videoconferencing system requires time, coordination and communication upfront,” notes Fred Grob, design engineer (CTS-D) for AVI-SPL. “Aside from the technology, there are many other parts to the puzzle. It’s important that collaboration takes place between the AV system designer, interior designer and architect on several key points.”

These key points include:

• Ceiling type and height. There are many reasons that these factors are a primary concern, as they effect: speaker type, possible sound wave reflections problems, VTC light fixtures and placement. These are crucial factors in ensuring the quality of viewed images.
• Upholstery and lighting. A qualified and experienced AV system designer will be able to communicate with the interior designer and help choose upholstery patterns that the camera can easily pick-up and transmit, or choosing paint colors and scheme that complement the lighting. Recommendations need to be made regarding wall fabrics and decoration, as this will have a very positive or negative effect on the acoustics of the room.
• Furniture. Aside from the electronics that make up the VTC system, another huge cost is the table. This can often be the most expensive single item in the room. The layout of the table, display(s), and camera(s) has to be such that every participant has an unobstructed site line with the display(s) and camera(s).
• Microphone positioning. Another factor to discuss regarding the table is microphones and location. For example, is it feasible to have them cut into the table? Or, are ceiling microphones that automatically drop down from the ceiling more appropriate and functional?
• Ambient noise. This is another important consideration in the room. The biggest culprit of noise pollution is most often the HVAC system. In this case, the AV system designer will need to work with the MEP engineer to help create a quiet HVAC system.

Click here to learn more about videoconferencing. »

Avoid the 3 common pitfalls of expanding your video conference setup beyond the boardroom.

From plasma technology to LCDs, OLEDs and DLPs, display technology is constantly evolving to showcase bigger and better options. Striving towards further progress, Prysm has introduced a groundbreaking new display solution, powered by the manufacturer’s proprietary Laser Phosphor Display (LPD) technology. The announcement was made last week during InfoComm.

A 25″ diagonal (4:3) tile serves as the cornerstone of this innovative advancement. With nearly 180 degrees worth of viewing angles in both horizontal and vertical positions, LPD’s are geared to:

• Increase audience impact with scalable, high resolution images
• Provide greater visibility for content delivery and messaging
• Deliver scability, multiview and touchscreen capabilities
• Consume up to 75% less power than other display technologies on the market

Commercial customers with digital signage needs — including retail stores, stadiums and arenas, and hospitality venues — could stand to receive the greatest benefits, with the promise of brilliant picture quality and longer lasting technology.

With this in mind, do any of these factors raise your interest in LPD technology? What issues have the greatest effect when it comes to your buying decision?

Want to catch a glimpse of LPD in action? Click here for a video overview of this technology, as featured on Gary Kayye’s rAVe site.

Biamp Systems has had a VoIP solution for use in audio conferencing systems for over 2 years now – this technology isn’t new to us. In the past two years, AVI-SPL has installed our solution in systems that are integrated with Cisco Call Manager 5.0 & higher, as well as SIP systems by Avaya, Shoretel and others.

What is VoIP?

Internet Protocol (IP) is the way you can digitally access and send information from a network. You communicate using IP every time you access the internet. Now you can leverage that in new and cost-effective ways. From audio to control to video, IP enabled products are the future backbone for A/V systems. Lower costs, greater flexibility and better management are all advantages of leveraging existing IT infrastructures. With the introduction of the VoIP-2 card, a SIP compliant two-channel Voice over Internet Protocol interface, Biamp Systems follows our tradition of innovating to better serve our customers.

The VoIP-2 Card allows Biamp’s AudiaFLEX to connect directly to IP-based phone systems. Used in conjunction with AEC-2HD Acoustic Echo Cancellation Cards and TI-2 Telephone Interface Cards, the VoIP-2 Card makes AudiaFLEX the most powerful, flexible and affordable telephone conferencing product available. Up to six VoIP-2 Cards can be installed into a single AudiaFLEX unit.

VoIP Basics

Before diving into technical details, this simple overview diagram is a good start to summarize steps involved in a VoIP call.

1. The voice signal is first encoded into a known compressed audio format, packetized in a real-time protocol and then transmitted over the network.

2. A VoIP protocol takes care of managing the communication session.

3. On the receiving side, data is extracted from packets and the signal is decoded back to analog audio. Success of this process is obviously sensitive to delay and packet loss.

What Are Those Voice Over IP Acronyms?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): Protocol specifically designed for voice transmission over networks (LAN/WAN).

Protocol: Similar to how a language enables communication between people, a protocol defines a set of rules used to control connection, communication and data traffic between different network devices.

Codec: It refers to the software algorithm used to encode the voice signal into a compressed data format optimized for transmission over IP. On the receiving side, signal is decoded back to analog audio. Codec quality obviously affects audio performance.

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP): SIP is a widely used peer-to-peer protocol that allows the set up, modification and tear down of a VoIP communication session. Peers of a SIP session are the User Agent Client (Initiating the call) and User Agent Server (Answering the call). Note that SIP does not handle voice transmission, it only manages the communication.

SIP servers: They include the Proxy, Redirect and Registrar Servers. Their purpose is to provide name resolution, user location and pass on messages to other servers in the network.

SIP addresses: Users in a SIP network are identified by unique SIP addresses. A SIP address is similar to an e-mail address and may be of two types: a user name (sip:support@biamp.com) or an E.164 address (5036417287). VoIP-2 card only supports E.164 address.

Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP): An IP packet format that is used for delivering real time audio/video over the LAN/WAN. Once the VoIP call session initialized by SIP, RTP is the protocol used to transmit the voice data.

Quality of Service (QoS): Mechanism used to prioritize applications, users, data flow by guaranteeing a certain level of performance. QoS is very important in the case of RTP applications such as VoIP where it is used to insure quality of the audio signal.

Domain Name System (DNS): DNS procedures provide translation from human friendly hostnames into IP addresses. The SIP session mainly uses DNS to allow a client to resolve a SIP URI into the IP address, port and transport protocol.

SIP call flow process: During the registration process, SIP devices register to a registrar server their SIP addresses. The network is then aware of the location of a device upon request. When a user initiates a call, the SIP discovery process starts by sending a request to a SIP server (proxy or redirect server). The challenge for the proxy server is to obtain the IP address of the device such that voice data can be routed between them. Negotiating a compatible data format (sample rate, codec …etc) is the next step before voice data can be transmitted between parties. SIP terminates the call session with a BYE message at the end of the call.

Click for featured BIAMP products »

Today’s instructors have the latest MacBooks, but how do you use their power to add connectivity to your classroom? Crestron has simple solutions for adding digital connectivity to existing analog rooms, whether they are basic, single-projector or MPS/QuickMedia® (QM) systems.

Single-Projector Room.

The Challenge:
You need to add a digital input at the podium and transmit HDMI more than 30 feet to the projector.

The Solution:
Install a Crestron HD-TX1-F transmitter at the podium to add the digital input for the MacBook, and an HD-RX1-F at the projector. Transmitter and receiver are connected with one pre-terminated, multimode fiber strand, such as CresFiber® CLEAR, which is transparent similar to fishing wire. The clear fiber is practically invisible laid along baseboards and moldings, so you don’t have to break walls and to provide a clean, professional installation. This is an easy, inexpensive solution that won’t disrupt classes. Extend HDMI, IR and RS-232 up to 1000 feet and add DVI and DisplayPort multimode connectivity to the room without any programming.

If you need more digital inputs – say you want to add a Blu-ray player too – use the HD-TX3-F/HD-RX3-F pair, which additionally extends analog audio and USB keyboard/mouse. Also, an Ethernet port enables network connectivity to RoomView™ asset management and help desk software.

Add Room Control

An MPC-M5 Media Presentation Controller™ is simple to install in the podium or on the wall. The MPC has an intuitive Composer wizard that sets up the room in minutes, without programming. Simple, labeled button presses on the MPC are all the instructors need to power on the projector, choose the video or computer source and adjust volume.

Optional Audio Enhancement

Instead of relying on low power, built-in projector speakers, add sound reinforcement with the optional MP-AMP30 amplifier and Crestron FS6 speaker pair. Just a couple of check boxes in the MPC Composer wizard and even students at the back of the class will be able to hear clearly.

Existing MPS/QM Room

The Challenge:
You want to add digital connectivity to an existing analog room, but you don’t want to replace currently installed equipment or tear open walls.

The Solution:
A DM-TX-200 (or DM-TX-200-2G) DigitalMedia™ (DM) transmitter paired with a DM-RMC-100 DigitalMedia™ receiver gives you a simple, seamless upgrade path for adding digital sources to your existing systems.

Instead of the analog outputs of the MPS going directly to display device, use the VGA output to transmit all those signals to the DM-TX-200. A recent upgrade to the MPS enables all analog signals to be sent over a single VGA cable. The DM-TX-200 also features HDMI and USB inputs. The USB port accommodates keyboard/mouse control and the HDMI port can also handle DisplayPort from Macs using a standard adapter. All analog and digital signals are transported long distance over a single DM cable to the receiver, which outputs HDMI to the display.

If you need more digital inputs, use a DM-MD6X1 6X1 switcher in place of the TX-200. The 6X1 accommodates (1) digital input, (1) component and (3) DM inputs.

Crestron DigitalMedia accepts and distributes all analog audio and video, high-res computer, HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, Ethernet and USB keyboard / mouse control over a single DM copper wire or fiber.

Ever since Crestron opened its 8,000 square foot Experience Center in October, 2009, it has averaged five groups of visitors per day from all over the world, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in new business. As Vincent Bruno, Crestron Director of Marketing explains, “There is no better way to understand how effective and accessible our technology is. It’s one thing to read a spec sheet or flip through a catalog; when you can step into real-world environments and experience it firsthand, every other option pales in comparison.”

Representatives of major corporations, universities and consulting firms are finding that a visit to Crestron world headquarters in Rockleigh, NJ inspires a level of trust that simplifies purchasing decisions and closes business faster. For example, one community college placed a $1.8 million order following a Crestron tour.

These exclusive tours are scheduled in advance and tailored to each visitor’s needs and interests, which can include the multimedia presentation room, digital boardroom and Theo Kalomirakis Home Theater. An expansive design lab features more than 500 Crestron products on display; at their leisure, visitors can use, compare and evaluate working, fully programmed entertainment systems, touchpanels and remote controls, lighting and HVAC systems.

The hands-on Crestron Experience Center quickly instills confidence in product availability and performance. The Rockleigh campus is a small city dedicated to innovation, engineering and client support, and provides invaluable insight into what a real technology partner looks like. Many guests are genuinely impressed to discover that Crestron develops, manufactures and warehouses all of its 1500+ products in northern New Jersey, has high-tech technical and customer support departments, and a substantial inventory to ship product quickly.

All of this helps decision makers determine where to find the best solutions and long-term service that today’s projects require. In addition to the Experience Center, tours available on a more limited basis include the 100,000 square foot Research Center, where more than 400 engineers are developing the products and technologies of tomorrow; the 150,000 square foot manufacturing plant; the 50,000 square foot pre-production facility, and the 50,000 square foot worldwide distribution center.

The Crestron Experience Center has a digital infrastructure, wired with Crestron DigitalMedia™ (DM) Cable and DM components installed throughout, giving visitors the chance to experience the only end-to-end digital solution available today. Fully functional, state-of-the-art rooms demonstrate how the latest technology looks, sounds and functions. The reception area alone features a 7.1 in-ceiling surround sound system, Digital Projection HD projector and Stewart Filmscreen StarGlas screen, Hubbell Lighting fixtures, Philips Color Kinetics three-color LED chase lights, Renaissance Lighting LED downlights, a custom made wave-shaped stainless steel counter with a quartz countertop and leather high-back stools. LED lights are installed throughout the center, and are dimmed and controlled from Crestron touchpanels to establish the desired ambiance for various occasions, such as a sales meeting or corporate event. The presentation room is fully furnished with high-tech solutions including a Digital Projection dVision projector and a Stewart Filmscreen 123″ wall screen, and the boardroom is equipped with a Pioneer 50″ HD LCD display and Hunter Douglas motorized shades. Both feature Crestron audio, video and control systems.

The Theo Kalomirakis Home Theater delivers the highest quality HD video and surround sound experience, with Crestron PROCISE™ 7.3 HD surround sound processing, ADMS Intermedia Delivery System™, Digital Projection TITAN three-chip 1080p projector, Stewart Filmscreen 143-inch CineCurve screen, Revel speakers, RPG acoustical room treatments and Acoustic Smart reclining theater seats.

“These aren’t simulated or mock application vignettes. These are actual, installed systems in fully-operational rooms,” Bruno affirms. “Check out our next-gen technology for yourself; seeing truly is believing.”

Contact your local Crestron sales representative to schedule a private Experience Center tour or meeting today – you’ll be pleased with the results.

Click here for an overview of AVI-SPL’s Crestron product line. »

The financial badminton match between Cisco and TANDBERG seems to be drawing to a close. Cisco has once again revised its offer (which is now up to around $3.4B) to purchase the videoconferencing leader, placing the birdie back in TANDBERG shareholders’ court. In addition to increasing the cash offer, Cisco has also offered to increase the interest payable on the offer price to a rate of 3.00% from its previous offer of 1.75%. According to a news release by Cisco, “this revised offer represents Cisco’s final price for this transaction.”

A total of more than 30% of shareholders have pre-accepted this offer based on the new price. These, combined with the previously announced acceptances, push the total to more than 40% acceptance of the sale. The rest of TANDBERG’s shareholders have until Dec. 1 to make a final decision.

Like many others in the AV industry, we’ll be watching from the sidelines, waiting for the birdie to fall.

To read Cisco’s full release, click here.

As the cost-saving reputation of videoconferencing (VTC) technology grows, more organizations are curious to know if they’re receiving the maximum benefit. Noted business research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan addresses concerns with a new informational video, especially designed to help you make the most of your videoconferencing investment.

The online resource breaks down the 5 assessment steps you need to take. Be sure to check out the video and ask yourself the following key questions:

• Are you measuring the current adoption rate within your organization?
• Have you determined how and when your employees are using VTC technology?
• Has your organization successfully overcome user resistance?
• Have you promoted the use of unified collaboration technology through your corporate messaging?
• What steps have you taken to expand your collaborative technology reach?

To view the video, click here ».

TANDBERG ’s shareholders thought $3 billion was too low of a bid to purchase the videoconferencing technology leader. It was originally reported that Cisco purchased TANDBERG in early October. Some analysts are saying Cisco has funds to increase the offer. Maybe Cisco will just purchase a smaller share? How does this affect Polycom and other TANDBERG competitors?

Click here to read more »

Reading doesn’t just happen inside a book. There are opportunities to practice students’ reading skills everywhere. Create a more print rich environment in your school by utilizing your VariQuest products – the Poster Maker, Awards Maker and Cutout Maker.

Encourage teachers to post banners and posters in the hallway, cafeteria, office and other non-classroom areas. While walking with elementary students to the library or cafeteria, stop at the posters and banners to ask them to read aloud. One of the great opportunities for reading everyday is to post the lunch menu. Select a different student each day to read the menu. The media specialist may want to have students contribute to book reviews each week. Again, this project could become an opportunity to read more – reading the reviews might inspire a student to read the whole book!

Create word walls to keep new vocabulary on the walls to help students learn their meanings. Use your Awards Maker bumper sticker templates to create sticky-backed labels to post to your word wall. Or, use the clear parking permit sticker and take advantage of the unused space on your windows. You can encourage your students to stare at the window! Keep the wandering eye engaged by sticking words and phrases from the lessons on the ceiling too – they’ll be learning something no matter where they look!

The Cutout Maker can make learning grammar enjoyable. With the Total Access Shapes CD, you have access to over 3000 shapes in the Cutout Maker library. Get started with a grammar lesson by cutting out some shaped nouns like a picture of a cat or a beach ball. Then use your fonts and the “connect letters” or “add bar” option to help create your verbs, articles, prepositional phrases, etc. Lay the cutouts on a table and ask the students to create sentences using the cutouts. Make it harder by asking them to identify the different parts of the sentences. Show how to rearrange sentences by utilizing commas. That portion of the lesson can help educate your students on comma splices and prepositional phrases. Learning how to remove prepositional phrases from sentences to check the subject and verb agreement is a skill tested on the SAT, so this is a great activity for high schoolers too.

Practicing reading everywhere gets students in the habit of understanding how important the written word is. Make reading a daily activity with your class and utilize your VariQuest products to help inspire your students to become avid readers!

In Today’s Facility Manager magazine, AVI-SPL General Manager Patrick Britton highlights the advance of conference room technology:

“… The critical nature of AV technology in conference and meeting rooms has many facility managers (fms) asking themselves: How do I manage the use of these spaces? And how do I maintain the equipment to maximize life cycle and prevent critical failures that will impact my users?”

Want to learn how to increase the ease of your facility management technology? Click here to read more »