BUENA PARK, Calif.—The Brian Setzer Orchestra (BSO) recently completed their ninth annual Christmas Rocks! Extravaganza 26-show full of fan favorites performed by Setzer and his 18-piece orchestra off the Boogie Woogie Christmas album.

BSO boogied through the Christmas tour with two Yamaha CL5 Digital Audio Consoles and four Rio3224-D input/output boxes, provided by Sound Image of Escondido, California, who provided audio production for the tour.

James ‘Jimbo’ Neal mixed front of house using a Yamaha CL5 with two Rio3224-Ds, and Eric Scott used a second CL5 for the monitor mix along with a second pair Rio3224-Ds. “We ran the Rio boxes, which were in pairs at FOH and monitors, in redundancy through two custom-made switches from Sound Image with the assistance of Joe Lopez from Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems,� states Neal.“ The CL console sounds like nothing else from Yamaha, and I found it to be a little more forgiving with a warmer low-mid and a smoother high end. I love the Premium Rack with the Rupert Neve Designs compressor and EQ.�

Neal said he previously used Dante software and hardware with a PM5D and Cubase 6 on the Rockabilly Riot Tour, where he multi-tracked every show later used for a live CD release,” Live From The Planet ” on Surf Dog Records. “The integration between the CL, Dante software, and Nuendo Live is seamless, and has made my life much easier.â€�

“Using the CL5 on this run of the tour was an amazing experience,� adds Scott, sighting the custom fader banks as a favorite feature which, he said, really helped out when in flip fade mode. “The combination of the Sound Image MA112 monitor wedge and the CL5 gave us the cleanest stage I ever had for Setzer.�

For more information, visit www.yamahaca.com.

-END-

About Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc.:
Celebrating 125 years of Passion and Performance, and 25 years in the manufacturer of high quality digital audio consoles, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. (YCAS) provides a full line of integrated professional audio products offering complete systems solutions for the broadcast, sound reinforcement/installed sound, touring, commercial recording, and post production markets. With the addition of NEXO to the product line, the company remains the official U.S. and Canadian distributor for all NEXO speaker models. YCAS offers comprehensive in-house and field product training for its customers, a dedicated dealer network, and 24/7 technical support.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Feb. 7, 2013 — Atlona(R) today announced the release of new Control4(R) drivers for its PRO3HD, PRO2HD, and H2H families of HDMI(R) matrix switchers. The new drivers, which made their debut at ISE 2013, help ensure seamless integration and compatibility in residential and commercial AV systems using the Control4 platform. more

BUENA PARK, Calif.—Cornerstone Baptist Church in Roseville, Michigan recently upgraded from analog to digital when it installed a Yamaha CL5 Digital Audio Console and two Rio 3224-Ds input/output racks. The church seats 2,000 and has a congregation of 1,300 with a blended worship consisting of full band, orchestra, choir, and worship team.

Sound Planning Communications, Inc. of Redford, Michigan, recommended the new CL determining it would be an ideal fit for the church upgrade. “The church required 72 inputs but price played a key factor as well,� states Nathan J. Cole, Director of Sales, Sound Planning. The system was installed with an integrated Waves plug-in package including Vocal Rider, C6, Bass Rider, and Renaissance De-esser.

“We have used Sound Planning for the past few years on several different projects, and they have always been great,� states Josh Scott, church TD. “Nathan Cole has always done a wonderful job helping us figure out what we need and meeting our budget. We had been looking towards purchasing a new console for about two years, and in addition to 72 inputs, we needed at least 16 AUX outputs because of our orchestra, choir, band, and other musical events we hold. Initially, we were looking at one that would have cost us $20,000 more than the CL and didn’t have Virtual Sound Check or an iPad app. The day I heard the Yamaha CL5 had been introduced, I called Nathan who told me that it was priced at $20,000 less than the other console we were looking at, and I was astounded!�

Scott said what he noticed right away was how clean everything sounded. “After our first weekend with the new console, I had people coming up to me saying that it was the best it ever sounded. Having the Waves system has helped me put the finishing touches on my mix. Also, not having to consistently re-patch inputs along with the ability to save channel settings has saved us a lot of time and frustration.�

“We have been delighted with the flexibility and intuitive nature of our Yamaha CL5,â€� adds church Worship Pastor, Dr. Nathan Platt. “The console is easy to navigate from the broadest spread of instrumentation we employ to the simplest public speaking setup. The CentraLogic section of the board is so user-friendly for sound operators who serve less frequently on our technical team, and the ability to save extensive presets has proved exceedingly helpful, as has the constant use of the iPad for operation outside the sound booth. We have been so pleased with the “bells and whistles” afforded us by Yamaha’s VCM technology and the freedom to employ various Waves effects, be it for compression, equalization enhancement, or signal clarification. These effects have made a world of difference with respect to the refinement of all our mic’ing.â€�

“The combined digital workflow improvements, sound quality, noise reduction, Virtual Soundcheck, and digital effects have the church thrilled with the CL installation,� Cole says. “Now that they have become more knowledgeable about Dante, they are excited and looking forward to future upgrades of their DSP using full Dante networking as well as wireless systems directly tying into the Dante network.�

For more information on Cornerstone Baptist Church, visit www.cbcroseville.org.

For more information on Sound Planning Communications, Inc. visit www.soundplanning.net.

For more information on the Yamaha CL5, visit www.yamahaca.com.

-END-

About Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc.:
Celebrating 125 years of Passion and Performance, and 25 years in the manufacturer of high quality digital audio consoles, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. (YCAS) provides a full line of integrated professional audio products offering complete systems solutions for the broadcast, sound reinforcement/installed sound, touring, commercial recording, and post production markets. With the addition of NEXO to the product line, the company remains the official U.S. and Canadian distributor for all NEXO speaker models. YCAS offers comprehensive in-house and field product training for its customers, a dedicated dealer network, and 24/7 technical support.

Powerful Confab Heads Back to the Desert for Insight, Conversation and Demonstration by Industry Thought Leaders


(Los Angeles, CA) For nearly twenty years, the Hollywood Post Alliance(r) (HPA) Tech Retreat(r) has drawn the top creative and technical experts involved in the creation and management of content to a conference where compelling ideas and new products are explored in lively conference sessions, networking events and demonstrations. The Tech Retreat is an informal meeting of the minds, where industry leaders in engineering, technology, creativity and strategic business; that are engaged in all aspects of digital-cinema, post production, film, television, video, and related endeavors, meet in an unparalleled environment for the exchange of knowledge and information. The gathering helps to define and clarify the development of technologies driving the industry. This year’s event returns to the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells in Indian Wells, California (Palm Springs area), on February 18-22, 2013.

Long recognized as the place where serious industry professionals go to connect and delve into the most current and relevant topics impacting the industry and their work, the HPA Tech Retreat presents significant opportunities for participants to stay competitive and informed of important industry issues and trends during the many networking events, presentations and technology demonstrations.

An overview of events at the HPA Tech Retreat include:
* Monday, February 18, Charles Poynton presents his highly regarded Technical Aspects of High[er] Frame Rate seminar.
* Tuesday, February 19, The HPA Super-Sized Session kicks off the HPA Tech Retreat with More, Bigger, but Better? – a look at the impact of higher resolution, higher frame rates, larger color space, higher dynamic range, more audio channels/objects, bigger screens and the push for all around pushing the envelope. Expert panelists speaking on this compelling topic are Leon Silverman, Phil Squyres, Stuart Bowling, Craig Henighan, Gilbert Lake, William Files, Jed Harmsen, Garrett Smith, and Evan Edelist, from companies including Park Road Post, Reliance Media Works, Sony Pictures Television, RealD, Dolby, and more.
* Tuesday also features the ATSC Seminar on Audio Loudness Control.
* Wednesday and Thursday will include back-to-back presentations on topics covering production and post, acquisition, IT, engineering, broadcasting, asset management, digital-cinema and distribution, manufacturing and much, much more.
* Breakfast Roundtables: Wednesday through Friday mornings put experts in a wide array of compelling issues in small group conversation about meaningful topics, including Cloud-Based Post Production, Ultra-Violet, Channel Sharing, File-Based QC, 4K Camera Workflows, the Workforce in Post and other developments and trends affecting the industry.

The HPA Tech Retreat Demo Room, completely re-imagined this year, will present over 60 leading companies and technologies in up close presentations and conversation.

Sponsors for the 2013 HPA Tech Retreat include; Foundation Sponsors: Avid, Company 3, Deluxe, Dolby, EFILM, Encore and Stereo D and Cloud Sigma, EMC(r) Isilon, Quantum, Sohonet and Technicolor. Media Sponsors include; Post Magazine, Shoot Magazine, Creative Handbook, Production Hub, and Sound & Picture.

Registration and reservations are highly recommended. The HPA Tech Retreat is a sold out event, year after year. A full schedule of the program can be viewed by visiting http://www.hpaonline.com/2013-program. Complete registration and information is available on the HPA website at http://www.hpaonline.com/2013-hpa-tech-retreat-home. For information regarding sponsorship or other opportunities call (213) 614-0860 or email ekramer@hpaonline.com.

About the HPA Tech Retreat(r)
The HPA Tech Retreat(r) is an informal gathering, in the Palm Springs area, of the top industry engineering, technical, and creative talent, as well as strategic business leaders focused on technology, from all aspects of digital cinema, post-production, film, television, video, broadcast, and related technology areas, for the exchange of information.

About the Hollywood Post Alliance(r)
Hollywood Post Alliance (HPA) serves the professional community of businesses and individuals who provide expertise, support, tools and the infrastructure for the creation and finishing of motion pictures, television, commercials, digital media and other dynamic media content.

# # #

Media Contact:
Chris Purse, 818.303.8088
ignite strategic communications
chris@ignite.bz or mimi@ignite.bz

BUENA PARK, Calif.—Ridgewood High School in Ridgewood, New Jersey is a unique institution in that it has a long reputation of fine service to students providing many opportunities to further their performing arts interests. Founded in 1892, the school recently upgraded the audio system in its 250-seat intimate Little Theatre. Boulevard Professional (Ridgefield Park, NJ) was hired to design and install the new system that includes two NEXO GEO S1210 line arrays, one GEO S1230 for downfill, a NEXO 4×1 NXAMP, and a Yamaha LS9-32 digital audio console.

“Boulevard was contacted by Tim Whiting, a local resident and volunteer consultant to the New Players Company (NPC) Association, to review a system upgrade specification,� states James Cioffi, co-owner, Boulevard Pro. “After our first meeting, we were given the go ahead to design a solution for their space. Our goal was to provide a turnkey system upgrade that could cover the varied events held in the theatre.�

The new system was funded primarily through the tireless efforts of the NPC Association, the non-profit support arm of the New Players Company. NPC is dedicated to offering students the highest caliber of all aspects of theatre education, providing a wide range of experiences to students during their high school years. In continuous production for eleven months out of the year, New Players exposes students to plays and musicals of all genres and styles with a repertoire comprised of contemporary and classical that include challenging, complex works by artists ranging from Shakespeare to Sondheim.

Boulevard project manager, Bob Potanka, provided the NEXO system’s custom hanging solution and cable runs, interfacing with existing audio hardware. The company added eight 8-channel Shure SLX124/58 combo wireless mic systems for a total of sixteen Shure wireless units, and recycled the original line array as stage monitors flown left/right above the stage. “We used NEXO NS-1 software to model the sound system with assistance from Joe Rimstidt at Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems. The system was installed as predicted through the NS-1 software and sounds fantastic,� says Cioffi. In addition to the NEXO system and Yamaha LS9-32, a Middle Atlantic DWR 12-17 hanging wall rack was also installed.

At the completion of the installation, Boulevard conducted system training for staff and students. “The New Players Company at Ridgewood High School has already been enjoying sold-out shows, and response to the new sound system has been overwhelmingly positive,� notes Cioffi.

“Upgrading the sound system was one of a number of major improvements funded through the generous community support of our Capital Campaign,â€� added Meg Schaefer, Artistic Director of The New Players Company Association. “Both Boulevard and Yamaha did a phenomenal job to dramatically improve our venue.”

For more information on Boulevard Professional, visit www.blvdpro.com.

For more information on Yamaha and NEXO products, visit www.yamahaca.com.

-END-

About Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc.:
Celebrating 125 years of Passion and Performance, and 25 years in the manufacturer of high quality digital audio consoles, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. (YCAS) provides a full line of integrated professional audio products offering complete systems solutions for the broadcast, sound reinforcement/installed sound, touring, commercial recording, and post production markets. With the addition of NEXO to the product line, the company remains the official U.S. and Canadian distributor for all NEXO speaker models. YCAS offers comprehensive in-house and field product training for its customers, a dedicated dealer network, and 24/7 technical support.

Anaheim, California (January 31, 2013) – Extron Electronics is pleased to introduce the USB PowerPlate 200 Series, a new line of architectural-mount, two-outlet USB chargers for powering mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Available in Decora-style, and Extron AAP and MAAP Architectural Adapter Plate form factors, the USB PowerPlate 200 provides two 5 VDC USB power outlets and 2.1 A / 10.5 watts of total power. Its unique design can deliver full power to either USB outlet when only one device is connected, ideal for use with high current-demand tablets.

“The proliferation of mobile devices has created a nearly constant search for a place to plug in a USB charger, not to mention the frustration when that charger is forgotten or lost and batteries are running low,� says Casey Hall, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Extron. “We designed the USB PowerPlate 200 for easy integration in conference rooms, libraries, student lounges, coffee houses, and other areas where mobile devices are typically used and available AC outlets are at a premium.�

All versions of the USB PowerPlate 200 include an energy-efficient, external universal power supply, rated at one million hours MTBF, for worldwide power compatibility.

Visit our Web site at www.extron.com for more information.

BUENA PARK, Calif.—In an aggressive move to offer the new Yamaha CL Digital Console to live sound engineers who may have yet to experience the power of the new console, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. has introduced its ‘Test Drive’ Campaign with participating Yamaha CL Commercial Audio dealers. The successful ‘Test Drive’ marketing campaign was first implemented over ten years ago.

Now through June 30, participating Yamaha CL dealers will offer the 72-hour CL Test Drive to live sound engineers free of charge (dealer may require deposit, shipping/delivery fees). The complete system includes a racked, two-unit RIO3224-D I/O, 150′ snake, and road case for a gig of their choosing. The system provides 72 inputs and 35 outputs.

“We have been extremely successful with our Yamaha Commercial Audio Training Seminars (YCATS) for the CL console around North America, but wanted to provide sound engineers an opportunity for a real-world mix experience to hear the amazing sound quality of the new CL console,� states Marc Lopez, Marketing Manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. “In this way, participating dealers who have accepted the ‘Test Drive’ challenge can offer the use of a CL console to engineers for a limited time without compromising their rental inventory.

For more information on the 72-hour CL Test Drive and to locate participating Yamaha Commercial Audio dealers, visit www.yamahaca.com/cltestdrive.

-END-

About Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc.:
Celebrating 125 years of Passion and Performance, and 25 years in the manufacturer of high quality digital audio consoles, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. (YCAS) provides a full line of integrated professional audio products offering complete systems solutions for the broadcast, sound reinforcement/installed sound, touring, commercial recording, and post production markets. With the addition of NEXO to the product line, the company remains the official U.S. and Canadian distributor for all NEXO speaker models. YCAS offers comprehensive in-house and field product training for its customers, a dedicated dealer network, and 24/7 technical support.

BUENA PARK, Calif.—Gand Concert Sound (GCS) of Glenview, Illinois celebrated the holidays with noise pop duo The Sleigh Bells at the University of Chicago. Their unique stage set up which is a wall of Marshalls, and an iPod carrying rhythm tracks, makes for a simple yet bone-crushing set up.

“The Sleigh Bells are the band of the future,� states Gary Gand, President of Gand Concert Sound. “First came the White Stripes, then the Black Keys. The band’s singer, Alex Krauss, tore it up on vocals with a hand-held wireless mic. She chose songs on her iPod, which runs stereo. Guitarist Derek Edward played through a literal wall of guitar stacks. Four channels and your done!�

GCS provided a pair of Yamaha PM5D Digital Audio Consoles and a 12-box flown NEXO GEO S12 rig with six NEXO CD18 subs. Alpha side fills and PS15 wedges rounded out the rig that was powered by NEXO 4×4 amps.

“We did our first major show at University of Chicago’s Mandel Hall in the spring of 1976,� Gand says. “The bill included country swing stars Asleep at the Wheel, acapella group Sweet Honey and the Rock, juju musician King Sunny Ade, and jazz guitar prodigy, George Benson. Benson came out in a white tux, opened his mouth and sang “Masquerade� from his new, unreleased album Breezin’, which rocketed to up the charts to #1 that summer. It’s great to be working in the same venue 36 years later with a new generation of music fans listening to today’s bands through the best audio gear.�

For more information on Gand Concert Sound, visit www.gandconcertsound.com.

For more information on Yamaha and NEXO products, visit www.yamahaca.com.

-END-

About Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc.:
Celebrating 125 years of Passion and Performance, and 25 years in the manufacturer of high quality digital audio consoles, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. (YCAS) provides a full line of integrated professional audio products offering complete systems solutions for the broadcast, sound reinforcement/installed sound, touring, commercial recording, and post production markets. With the addition of NEXO to the product line, the company remains the official U.S. and Canadian distributor for all NEXO speaker models. YCAS offers comprehensive in-house and field product training for its customers, a dedicated dealer network, and 24/7 technical support.

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes first achieved prominence in the mid-1970s as the second act to emerge from the Jersey Shore music scene and considered part of the original Jersey Shore sound following Bruce Springsteen. Another of Jersey’s own, Jon Bon Jovi, recently said that growing up he wanted to be a Juke. Southside’s first three albums, I Don’t Want To Go Home (1976), This Time It’s for Real (1977), and Hearts of Stone (1978), were arranged and produced by one of the original co-founders of the band and Springsteen confederate, Steven Van Zandt, and largely featured songs written by Van Zandt and/or Springsteen.

Ever evolving and still touring nationally, South Side Johnny recently performed a New Years Eve show at The Count Basie Theatre, in Red Bank NJ, with ACIR Professional (Egg Harbor Township) supplying audio production and backline for the gig. The audio included a new Yamaha CL5 Digital Audio Console used as the monitor console with ACIR co-owner, Ed DiBona, mixing using two Yamaha Rio-3224s. “The console sounds great, and I really like the color coded channel strips,� states DiBona. “It gives you instant recognition of key inputs and helps with locating individual channels when you are paging through multiple layers. The custom fader bank was invaluable; I was able to create a bank for the opening act and seamlessly transition to South Side.�

Joe Prinzo mixed front of house using a Yamaha PM5D. ACIR co-owner, John Grasso, mixed a live feed for a Sirius Radio broadcast on a Mackie 1602. Monitors were powered with Yamaha Tn4 amps (18) mixes. ACIR used Whirlwind cabling, Shure, Sennheiser, Audio Technica mics; and Radial and Countryman Dis. The main PA consisted of 22 d&b Audiotechnik Q1 boxes with six B2 subs.

For more information on ACIR Professional, visit www.acirpro.com.

For more information on Yamaha products, visit www.yamahaca.com.

-END-

New Low-Cost, Easy to Deploy Solution Provides Universal Protocol for AV over Cat5e Long Distance Applications 

Playa Vista, CA - Belkin today announced its new HDBaseT HDMI audio/video extender solution for high performance AV connectivity over Cat5e long distance applications. The plug-and-play solution eliminates the traditional challenges of long-distance AV applications, including confusing, expensive and time consuming technology, with a quick-to-install solution that can transmit AV over a single Cat5e cable up to 100 meters. Belkin will demonstrate the HDBaseT HDMI AV extender solution at the annual BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition taking place in Tampa, Florida, January 20-24, 2013. 

The Belkin HDBaseT is a point-to-point solution that resolves incompatibility issues across multiple AV brands. It deploys a universal protocol for heterogeneous AV environments without the use of a complex network of runner cables, pigtails, breakouts or color coded wall plates. It also supports custom long-run capability with PVC, Plenum and Riser. The result is a long-distance AV solution that requires dramatically less labor to install and manage.

“We designed our HDBaseT solution to help AV installers achieve more without spending needless time or resources,� said Sydney Wen, product development manager for Belkin. “It’s an ideal choice for long-distance AV environments – including education, government, conference centers and signage applications – because it packs superior performance into a small, plug-and-play solution that requires a fraction of the resources to set up, move and manage.�

The new Belkin HDBaseT is available now through Belkin’s worldwide network of distributors and value added resellers. All HDBaseT products come with a Belkin warranty (up to five years) and 24-hour tech support. For more information, visit http://www.belkin.com/us/business/enterprise. 

Belkin will demonstrate the HDBaseT HDMI AV extender solution at the annual BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition taking place in Tampa, Florida, January 20-24, 2013. For more information about the conference, visit: http://www.bicsi.org/winter/2013/attendee.aspx. 

Tweet this: @BelkinBusiness Simplifies the Delivery of AV Connectivity over Long Distances with HDBaseT HDMI Audio/Video Extender http://bit.ly/11WS8BX

About Belkin Business

Belkin Business, a division of Belkin International, offers technology solutions for office, classroom, IT infrastructure, and mobile environments. A proven technology leader for more than 30 years, organizations worldwide trust Belkin for its unwavering commitment to product quality, and expertise in creating solutions designed to address customer requirements in business, government and education. With a global supply chain and broad provider network, Belkin commands a purchasing power that delivers greater value and unparalleled execution advantages to customers. The company’s line of commercial products are available through Belkin’s global network of distributors and resellers. Headquartered in Playa Vista, California, the company is represented in more than 25 countries and can be found on the Web at http://www.belkin.com/us/business/enterprise.

Tags: audio/video, AV, AV connectivity, Cat5e

 

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