Making its InfoComm debut, the A/V Binloop HD from Alcorn McBride is the ultimate 8-channel, frame-accurate synchronized audio and video player. The A/V Binloop HD, which provides up to 8 channels of Full HD 1080p or 2 channels of UltraHD 4K along with 16 tracks of 16 bit audio, will be on hand in Alcorn McBride booth 2504 at InfoComm13, June 8-14 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Offering reliability in a compact form factor, the A/V Binloop HD is a high performing solid-state player characteristic of Alcorn McBride engineering. It contains no spinning drives, just simple removable solid-state media that store hours of HD content. It is designed for video walls, museum exhibits, military simulation systems, 4D Theaters and digital signage applications, and is capable of displaying synchronized content across 16.6 megapixels.

Each channel plays back MPEG2 or h.264 video at bitrates up to 40Mbps and resolutions up to FullHD 1080p (1920 x 1080) as well as 16-bit stereo or surround sound audio. These channels can be easily synchronized to provide up to 2 channels of UltraHD 4K (3840 x 2160) playback, or even atypical arrangements such as a video wall banner (15360 x 1080). Content can be managed remotely via Ethernet. The A/V Binloop HD also features SMPTE timecode capability and genlock input.

Unlike most commercial video devices it provides a Full HD 1080p video source to each screen. This eliminates the loss of quality due to stretching, which is often seen in traditional videowall controllers and makes it scalable to much higher resolutions.

About Alcorn McBride:
Founded in 1986, Alcorn McBride is the leading manufacturer of show control, audio and video equipment for the themed entertainment industry, and a rapidly growing provider of audio and video systems for retail environments and transportation applications. Staffed by some of the industry’s best engineers and backed by outstanding customer support, the company has demonstrated great agility in bringing new designs to market. A hallmark of Alcorn McBride products is their durable, zero maintenance design. The company’s products provide consistent, reliable operation for audio and video playback applications worldwide. For more information, visit www.alcorn.com.

Kannapolis, NC – May 2013… As is the case with many houses of worship, music plays an increasingly vital role during services at North Kannapolis Baptist Church these days because of its ability to engage the audience and, as a result, make services more relevant to a wider constituency. After having struggled with the inadequacies of its previous sound reinforcement system, church leaders decided an upgrade was in order. After reviewing a variety of SR systems, the decision was made to install loudspeakers from the TrueLine and Wave Series catalogs of Greensboro, NC-based WorxAudio Technologies. more

Show Sage and Dataton will exhibit on Booth 3915 at InfoComm 13 at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL, from 12-14 June 2013.

WATCHOUT powers ‘history in the making’ at Liberal Party Convention in Toronto

In a powerful demonstration of its ability to integrate live data into a multimedia production with both local-venue and broadcast connectivity, Dataton WATCHOUT™ multi-image display and presentation software has been deployed as a key presentation tool at the Canadian Liberal Party’s Ontario Leadership Convention in Toronto.

The WATCHOUT licences were supplied to Mediaco by Show Sage, Dataton’s Premium Partner for North America. Jim Testa, President, Show Sage, comments: “Whether it’s equipment rental, lighting and staging, technical production or fully fledged system design, Mediaco is a highly innovative and trusted partner, and it was a pleasure to support them in the creation of the Liberal Party Convention multimedia show.�

The Convention, which resulted in the nomination of Kathleen Wynne as the first openly gay female Premier in Canadian provincial history, was held in Toronto’s historic former Maple Leaf Gardens building and took place over two days in January this year.

Local event production company Mediaco was responsible for the technical system design and co-ordination of the event, including all on-site AV provision and appropriate OB feeds to Canada’s broadcast community. Mediaco has just rebranded aligning themselves to providing the fastest service and support possible.

Matt Farrell, Mediaco’s Production Manager for the Convention, takes up the story: “The Liberal Party is the sitting party in Ontario so this was no ordinary Leadership Convention – it was a congress to elect a new leader for the entire province of Ontario. As such there was an enormous amount of media attention, in addition to all the hectic negotiations you would expect from a Convention where six candidates have to be reduced down to one winner in a matter of 48 hours.�

Mediaco’s work on the project began a week ahead of the Convention’s opening, with lighting and audio systems being hung over truss in a series of eight-hour shifts. “We came into the building the day before and had to be loaded-in by 4pm for the start of rehearsals,� Farrell continues.

“We had three separate rear-projection displays, using WATCHOUT to create a single HD backdrop that could also be divided into three, depending on the requirements of the event and the timing of the votes inside the venue.

“The screens showed a mixture of pre-made images created by our in-house content team, live camera feeds of the candidates making their pitches to the Convention delegates and other key party members delivering speeches and, last but not least, the big numbers for each candidate as the votes were tallied up.�

As well as the edge-blending and scheduling capabilities of WATCHOUT, Mediaco also used the software platform’s geometry correction functionality for projection onto the center screen because of installation issues caused by the building design.

WATCHOUT’s timeline-based show management tools also allowed direct integration with pre-programmed sound effects and cues that were fed into the on-site audio desk.

The complete audio and video feed was then made available to a broadcast connection that was used live by local stations and in highlights packages by national networks.

Throughout the two-day Convention, Mediaco staff had to adapt the content of their main display to accommodate the shifting political landscape of the event – as Chris Cameron, Technical Director at Mediaco, relates:

“There were a lot of last-minute changes to the presentation which we were able to accommodate into the WATCHOUT timeline because the software is just so easy to use. Once on-site we used the platform’s ability to take data from a live input capture card. This allowed us to broadcast up-to-date voter statistics throughout the frenzy of delegates transferring their vote from one candidate to another as each round of voting was completed.�

Fredrik Svahnberg, Marketing Director, Dataton, concludes: “People tend to associate WATCHOUT with artistic content, and rightly so. But in this particular application we see the power of our platform to act as a communications tool as political history is being made – to the benefit not just of the local audience but to the millions watching broadcast channels at home.�

ENDS
About Show Sage
Show Sage LLC is Dataton’s Premium Partner and distributor in North America. For over a decade, Show Sage has provided sales, training and support to WATCHOUT users across the U.S. and Canada. Show Sage also sells, rents and supports a broad line of specially configured, WATCHOUT-tuned computer systems.

About Dataton
Established in 1973, renowned Swedish show control developer and manufacturer, Dataton this year celebrates its 40th year in business. The company serves its core markets in multi-media entertainment, visitor attractions, digital signage scenography, event production and corporate A/V. The company’s flagship products include the WATCHPAXâ„¢ media server, award-winning Dataton WATCHOUTâ„¢ multi-display production and presentation system as well as the intuitive Dataton PICKUPâ„¢ audio guide. The entire range is supported by Dataton’s established global distribution and reseller network.

For further information about this and other leading products please visit www.dataton.com or contact:

Manufacturer Enquiries
Fredrik Svahnberg
Dataton AB
Telephone: +46 70 3228557
Fax: +46 13 138445
Email: fredrik@dataton.se

Publicist
Katinka Allender
Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 571402
Mobile: +44 (0) 7887 711 246
Email: katinka@k-communications.com

Lightware U.S.A., the US distributor for Budapest-based Lightware Visual Engineering, is now shipping the 25G Hybrid Technology, a revolutionary line of digital matrix switchers, which work in tandem with Lightware’s Modular Extender (MODEX) family of external signal extenders. The 25G Hybrid Matrix will be showcased in the Lightware booth at InfoComm13, June 8-14 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando booth # 4180.

Designed to deliver exceptionally high-resolution image quality and 24/7 reliability, 25G Hybrid technology sets a new standard in the pro AV industry. More than just a switcher, the 25G Hybrid is a complete source that manages and distributes all digital and analog signals over a single CAT5 cable or fiber via specially-developed input/output cards combined with audio add-ons. As a comprehensive line of digital matrix switchers, transmitters and receivers, 25G Hybrid combines switching with a powerful suite of diagnostic tools for the digital age, delivering a superior user experience.

Since the 25G Hybrid accepts multiple formats it enables users to deploy a single, space-saving frame instead of separate routers and switchers for various formats.

At the heart of the new line is super-fast 25 gigabit per second data-rate switching, which allows transportation of next-generation video signals like HDMI 1.4 and DisplayPort1.2. The future-proof platform is ready for all video and audio standards, including 4K and stereo 3D formats.

Multilayer switching design allows independent routing of each signal type (breakaway switching) for all layers. This feature provides switching and extending of all signal layers separately, or in a breakaway format, to be recombined at output to a single connection.

Each video port can be equipped with a separate audio input and output (audio return channel) connector forming a 320×320 S/PDIF crosspoint switch. It manages stereo and multichannel audio as well as high-bit rate formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Multichannel-to-stereo down mixing can be provided as an option.

Other 25G Hybrid features include Ethernet 10/100 connection in all input and output ports for local devices and remote extensions, USB KVM connectivity, and IR/CEC/RS-232 control signal support.

About Lightware U.S.A.

Lightware U.S.A. is the US distributor of professional AV products manufactured by Lightware Visual Engineering in Budapest, Hungary. For more information on these products, visit www.lightwareUSA.com.

With songs by rocker girl Cyndi Lauper and story by celebrated actor/playwright, Harvey Fierstein, Kinky Boots has Broadway on its proverbial feet. Based on the 2005 British flick about a struggling shoe factory that reinvigorates business by making fetish footwear for drag queens, the show opened to rave reviews—and a TONY award nom on the horizon. In keeping with many award-winning shows on the ‘Great White Way,’ sound designer John Shivers opted for a DiGiCo SD7T to handle the production, after becoming familiar with the system on his previous productions for Bonnie & Clyde, Sister Act and The Lion King overseas. The SD7′s powerful system and diminutive size made it a perfect fit for the new show.

“A few years ago, I saw a brief demo at Masque Sound when the SD7 first became available,” he recollected. “Seeing the feature set and the redundant engine and power supply all onboard got me interested. When designing The Lion King for Singapore in 2010, part of my negotiation involved suggesting that we swap out the Cadacs with SD7s in New York and London for both creative and financial reasons. Before I knew it, I’d gotten an email telling me to move forward. Within 6 weeks of that conversation we were implementing the SD7s on the New York show and a month after that we were doing the same in London. I’ve been using SD7s pretty much on every show since.”

Shivers says the console offers a lot of flexibility, especially with the new “T” software, which he says brings features and functionality specific to our needs on theatrical productions as well as a solid sounding foundation in a very compact package.

“The SD7T software has added these very beneficial features thanks to [award-winning sound designer] Andrew Bruce’s involvement in the development. Having onboard compression, gating and delay—along with the programmability and recallability of those parameters on every channel—opens up possibilities that you just can’t have with an analog console. It’s definitely been an upgrade for us from that standpoint. A positive byproduct has definitely been the size of the console, which allows you to get into smaller spaces and require less seats and has served as a large financial windfall for producers. For me, from a purely creative and design standpoint, it’s about the capabilities of the console. I’m not one to follow the crowd necessarily, but the SD7 has become a standard of our industry and the reason everybody’s using them seems clear. It has proven itself to be a very capable and reliable console.”

“The SD7 with the ‘T’ software option has indeed proven to be a very good investment for Masque Sound,” says Masque’s Scott Kalata. “It has near-universal client acceptance, unlimited flexibility and its small footprint make it the ideal choice for today’s theatrical sound designer.”

The show’s Associate Sound Designer & Production Sound Engineer David Patridge has mixed on virtually every make and model DiGiCo has offered since the D5 in his two decades on Broadway. He, too, raves about the increased functionality that the Theatre Software offers.

“This is the number one reason for using SD7 in my opinion,” he offers. “We really appreciate all of the work that DiGiCo has undertaken, in tandem with Andrew Bruce, in developing a purpose-built version of the SD7 software for the theatrical market. DiGiCo has been very responsive in listening to end-users and new features are added and perfected constantly along with the elimination of oddities and bugs.

“I could fill pages on all of the features and how we use them. Specifically, the Auto Update is a great feature on its own but when it is employed as part of the theatre software it is really powerful and allows the desk to remain automated to a much larger degree than other types of desks. Typically, when using a recallable desk, you would need to dumb-down many of the features in order to avoid constantly recalling entirely new settings each time a scene is recalled. With the theatre software, you can expect the desk to operate in a ‘manual’ way but with full and selectable recall ability from moment to moment. On other productions such as The Lion King, we have enjoyed using the Gain Tracking ability of the desk in a creative new way. There is no other desk that I know of where you can assign headamps to a redundant set of control channels dedicated to band monitoring and then have the digital trim of those redundant channels track changes to the headamp. DiGiCo has really stepped up by providing a console that provides us with the greatest creative freedom when doing theatrical sound designs.”

“We use the onboard processing extensively for band reverbs and dynamics, which really cuts down on the real estate at the FOH position. The only outboard gear we’re using is a couple of Avalon Tube Compressors for our lead vocalists to fatten up their vocals. We also have a TC6000 System and Eventide H3000 for Vocal Effects/Reverbs etc. We are not using Waves yet, but I am interested in doing this in the future.”

The show’s system inputs total 116 analog and 6 AES, in addition to 60 analog outputs and 14 AES outputs. The production uses a pair of DiGiCo SD Racks along with the local I/O and MADI for the QLab playback system. They took advantage of the onboard MADI Split on the SD Rack in order to provide audio to a Yamaha PM5D monitor console. “The new racks offer a host of features positioning them well for use where audio is being split to a number of places like OB trucks etc., without needing to tap into the topology of the SD7 audio engines.”

By its very nature, Patridge explains, the SD7T solves many of the issues that crop up when dealing with a theatrical piece. “The cuelist structure, MIDI implementation, onboard input and output dynamics, the desk footprint and the Auto Update features not to mention the desk’s excellent sonic characteristics make choosing an SD7T a no-brainer. And in terms of flexibility and ease of use, I would say that DiGiCo is at the top of the ladder. There is no other digital desk that offers the same degree of theatrical features. The desk is also designed in such a way that it is very simple and intuitive to explain it to a new operator. Sonically I would say that that DiGiCo is on par with the top of the marketplace. Often the weakest link in any sound design is things like the content, mic positions or the room architecture. I don’t get the sense that any of the available top-of-the-line digital consoles add much of a sonic signature, although certainly you get what you pay for. We have been very pleased with the results that we get from DiGiCo desks.”

Compact outdoor amplifier and “breakout box� series adds new model, more features

BOSTON, May 20, 2013 — Technomad comes to InfoComm 2013 with new upgrades to its PowerChiton series of outdoor, weatherproof amplifier modules and breakout box accessories, giving end users and systems integrators more audio options for stadiums, resorts and other outdoor venues and facilities.

The compact and low profile of PowerChiton amplifier modules — available in four power levels up to 1600 watts — enables sound contractors to install the modules on light poles and other surfaces at any height for co-location with loudspeakers. A new balanced input provides customers with a choice of balanced and unbalanced connections, and three new integrated crossover filter options (350Hz high-pass, 85Hz high-pass, and 85Hz low-pass) allow installers to optimize amplifier performance for the assigned speakers. Filter options are selected or changed by moving the pre-amp-to-amplifier cable from one pre-amp output to another.

Technomad last year introduced the PowerChiton BreakoutBox, a companion product that enables local audio control at user-friendly locations in the same NEMA-style protective enclosure. Contractors wire the PowerChiton amplifier modules direct to the BreakoutBox, typically installed at eye level so end users can adjust volume and connect devices on the fly.

This year, Technomad introduces BreakoutBox XL, a deeper enclosure offering three expansion bays for use with up to three Technomad wireless microphones and/or custom Technomad Schedulon master audio playout systems. The BreakoutBox XL offers extra storage space so end users can lock and leave devices following an event, and adds a mic/balanced line input channel that combines into a single jack.

“The expansion slots allow customers to truly have a complete PA system for permanent outdoor installation while adding several integrated source options,â€� said Rodger von Kries, vice president, Technomad. “For applications such as athletic fields and resorts, audio systems can now be installed anywhere with power.”

Technomad will also demonstrate PowerChiton-integrated Apple AirPlay capability for iOS devices. This allows commercial and residential customers to wirelessly stream iTunes audio files and playlists to any iOS device in range within a PowerChiton amplifier or breakout box, reducing costs and infrastructure associated with traditional wiring and cabling.

Technomad will also show the latest design upgrades to its advanced audio loudspeakers, notably redesigned ports to its popular Noho model to enhance bass response. The new design reduces port compression and turbulence at higher SPL levels, and provides low-frequency output of +3dB at 85Hz.

Noho loudspeakers are available standalone or as part of complete Technomad Turnkey PA System with a powered amplifier, six-channel mixer, microphones, cables and more in a 6RU protective equipment rack. Mounting options include outdoor yoke mounts to simplify hanging, and Technomad’s recently-introduced stainless steel mount. Both are specifically built to survive long-term outdoor conditions, with the stainless steel mount able to tightly lock in Technomad loudspeakers from multiple fly points.

Technomad will exhibit this year at Booth 513. InfoComm 2013 takes place June 12-14 at the Orange County Exhibition Center in Orlando.

ABOUT TECHNOMAD
Technomad LLC, founded in 1995, designs and manufactures loudspeaker systems for the professional audio and security/military technology industries. The company invented the first reliable full-range weatherproof loudspeaker and now offers nine models ranging in power from 60-watt loudspeakers to 1250-watt subwoofers — most available in Turnkey PA System packages featuring amplifiers, mixers and other signal processing equipment in pre-wired racks. The company also manufactures a variety of audio infrastructure and communications equipment including playback and recording systems, weatherproof power amplifiers and turnkey remote audio systems. Contact Technomad at 617-275-8898 or visit www.technomad.com for more information.

# # #

May 16, 2013. Getting ready for InfoComm? Don’t forget to check our new, best-in class HDMIâ„¢ Matrix Switcher for all your AV integration needs.

The KanexPro HDMI 32×32 (also available in 4×4, 8×8 & 16×16) matrix is an ultra-high performance, digital matrix switcher engineered to route HDMI signals from 32 inputs to 32 outputs. The unit provides full HDCP internal management for today’s integration in commercial A/V market, ensuring HDCP key authentication, and administering the handshake internally. It maintains resolutions up to 1920 x 1200, 1080p or 2K, supporting full cross point switching. The matrix supports smart EDID management for rapid integration of sources and displays.

Fully controllable through RS-232 commands, IR remote and front-panel buttons, this switcher includes 10-global presets for I/O configurations which allows saving and recalling via the front-panel, IR or through serial control at any time.

Today’s Applications

The KanexPro HDMI 32×32 matrix switcher is ideal for countless commercial applications such as military, medical and government environments where swift, reliable switching and distribution of high-resolution DVI/HDMI signals is critical to meet pixel-by-pixel needs.
To get a quote or for more information please call us at 888-644-4149 or visit KanexPro.com

About KanexProâ„¢

Leveraging our core strength in professional A/V products, KanexPro carries a complete selection of A/V connectivity needs. When planning digital installations you will find that we carry a broad line of A/V connectivity products enabling you to broadcast, extend, split, or multiply HD signal transmissions; simply and cost-effectively. KanexPro is a registered trademark. All other trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

Company Expands Leadership With New Digital Signage and Interactive Touch Displays, High Brightness Projectors, Classroom IQ Solutions, and Enhancements to World-Leading SmartEco(TM) Technology

IRVINE, Calif. — May 16, 2013 — BenQ America Corp., the world’s No. 1 DLP(R) projector brand and globally renowned provider of digital lifestyle innovations, today announced its product lineup for InfoComm 2013. With an award-winning family of projectors, monitors, and flat-panel displays, BenQ will demonstrate the industry’s new standard for brightness, image quality, and energy savings within the business, education, and digital signage spaces. more

Woodland Park, NJ – FSR, along with co-sponsors NSCA and Women in AV (WAVE), will host an informal reception on Wednesday, June 12, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at The Peabody Hotel in Orlando, Florida. The event coincides with opening day of the InfoComm, the premiere trade show for the commercial audiovisual industry. Women are encouraged to attend the unique reception where they can network with colleagues, share success stories, industry tips and ideas.

“It’s an honor to sponsor this reception,� said Jan Sandri, FSR president. “It’s important to provide opportunities that allow women from all industry segments to mingle with their peers, share knowledge, and benefit from one another’s successes. We’re pleased to join NSCA and WAVE in this initiative. “

Register today for the reception at www.womeninav.com

About FSR – www.fsrinc.com
FSR, established in 1981, manufactures a wide variety of products for the audio / video, education, hospitality, government, and religious markets, including AV floor, wall, table, and ceiling connectivity boxes, as well as a full line of interfaces, distribution amplifiers, matrix switchers, seamless switchers and CAT-5 solutions. The Flex LT control systems and IT-AS411 Series Audio Switcher/Amplifiers are 100% made in the USA.

All FSR products are designed and manufactured in its Woodland Park, NJ facility. The company is an Energy Star Partner and complies with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to demonstrate its deep commitment to preserving the planet. FSR offers live 24/7 technical and sales support throughout the country from expertly trained technicians and sales representatives.

About NSCA
The National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) is the leading not-for-profit association representing the commercial low-voltage electronic systems industry. NSCA is a powerful advocate for all who work within the low-voltage industry, including systems contractors/ integrators, product manufacturers, consultants, sales representatives, architects, specifying engineers and other allied professionals. NSCA is dedicated to serving its contractor members and all channel stakeholders through advocacy, education, member services and networking designed to improve business performance. For more information, visit: www.nsca.org

About WAVE
WAVE’s mission is to support women within the AV industry through collaborating, mentoring and networking opportunities. The popular Twitter group, !Womenin AV was formed to encourage women to become involved in both technical and management roles within the electronic systems industry.

# # #
FSR Contact: Jan Sandri, President
973-785-4347 • sales@fsrinc.com

FSR Press Contact: Desert Moon Communications
Harriet Diener
845-512-8283 • harriet@desertmooncomm.com

NSCA Contact: Cathy Mrosko
Senior Director of Government Affairs and Industry Outreach
571-263-9800 • cmrosko@nsca.org

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – MAY 2013: Symetrix announces today the appointment of Craig Richardson to the position of Vice President of Global Sales. Richardson assumes responsibility for management of the company’s worldwide sales and business development. Richardson most recently served as Vice President of A/V Integrator Market Development with Polycom and prior to that was the Vice-President and General Manager of Polycom’s Installed Voice Business for many years. According to Symetrix CEO, Paul Roberts, “Craig Richardson is a major player in the world of audio for voice and video conferencing. We’re extremely excited to have a person of his caliber on board as we rapidly add teleconferencing products to our complete range of digital signal processors and accessories.�

“At Symetrix, I found a company with talented and dedicated people, a reputation for great products and customer-support, and a palpable level of enthusiasm for their new products and direction,� said Richardson. “It’s exhilarating to experience the passion and focus a rapidly growing company like Symetrix has for creating best-in-class products and services.�

During InfoComm Richardson will deliver a session called, “Designing and Troubleshooting Audio Conferencing Systems� on Wednesday, June 12th from 8 am to 10 am.  The session will focus on the lifecycle of an audio conferencing system: from the needs assessment and design guidelines to troubleshooting during installation and commissioning. “This session will streamline participants’ installation efforts and allow them to finish an installation sooner and with greater customer satisfaction,� said Richardson. “From a solution perspective, Symetrix’ new conferencing products, including SymNet Edge, the SymNet 4 Channel AEC Input Card, and SymNet Radius AEC, have a number of unique strengths including audio performance, audio routing options, form-factor, and price points. Their flexible architectures support both cost-effective smaller conferencing systems typically with eight or fewer microphones, and large, complex, conferencing systems connected via a Dante network over Ethernet.�

ABOUT SYMETRIX Symetrix engineers high-end professional audio solutions, specializing in DSP hardware and software. Symetrix products are distributed worldwide, and designed and manufactured in the U.S. at the Seattle area headquarters. Since 1976, customers have enjoyed the benefits of Symetrix independent ownership and management. For more information on Symetrix professional audio products, please visit www.symetrix.co or call +1 (425) 778-7728.

STOP BY AND SEE US AT INFOCOMM BOOTH #922