NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 2013: Hurricane Katrina and the levee failures it caused left Joe W. Brown Memorial Park in east New Orleans under seven feet of water. The water sat for weeks, leaving everything below its depths to rust and rot. The march toward full recovery has advanced slowly but steadily, and now Joe Brown Park is not only back, it’s better than it was in the summer of 2005, before the fateful hurricane made landfall. Nike, the Allstate Sugar Bowl, and the Drew Brees Foundation joined the city to help fund the $23 million rehab, which includes a new football field and a new track and soccer field. Local A/V integration firm Technical Services Group (TSG) designed and installed sound reinforcement systems for both areas, relying on Ashly Audio processing, amplification, and user control to provide a pair of complementary system that – although different “under the hood� – function identically from the user’s perspective.

“I grew up in New Orleans, and I played high school baseball at Joe Brown Park,� said Patrick Meek, vice president of sales and marketing at TSG, who, together with A/V designer, Scott Richard won the bid and saw the project through to completion. “Being a part of this project was important to me personally. Moreover, it’s a high-profile job that’s being funded by some very big organizations. We worked hard to create a powerful, reliable system on budget, and Ashly’s performance per dollar, for processing, amplification, and user control, was a significant part of our success.�

Because an endless parade of different, non-technically-inclined teachers, park officials, parents, and others would need to be able to reliably use the systems, they had to be completely intuitive. TSG therefore led with the Ashly RW-8C, a four-gang wall plate with eight programmable channel faders and a programmable master fader, each with an on/off button. “The two systems operate as equals from the user’s perspective,� said Meek. “They can walk into either one and understand that the various available microphones and input sources, all labeled on the RW-8C, can be turned on or off and turned up or turned down. Behind the scenes, the processing, amplification, and loudspeakers are different between the two systems, but that’s invisible to them.�

The football field uses an Ashly ne24.24M processor configured with twelve inputs and eight outputs. A Denon CD player joins two Sennheiser HMD-Series headset microphones, a handheld Sennheiser e 935 microphone for vocals, and two Lectrosonics Venue-Series wireless microphones (a belt-pack transmitter lavalier system) and a handheld microphone transmitter at the inputs. Three QSC ISA-Series amplifiers power a Community array composed of two R2-77z, two R2-94z, and two R2-52z loudspeakers. In contrast, the track and field uses an Ashly Pema 8250.70 combination amplifier/processor together with a Protea processing-equipped Ashly ne2400.pe for both signal conditioning, mixing, and power. Again, a Denon CD player allows for music playback, a Sennheiser HMD-Series headset, and a wired Sennheiser e935 microphone provides input for vocals, but this time those inputs are joined by Sennheiser ew-Series wireless lavalier and handheld microphones. Two Community R.5-66TZ and two Community R.5-94TZ loudspeakers complete the system.

ABOUT ASHLY AUDIO Ashly Audio Inc. is recognized as a world leader in the design and manufacturing of high quality & high performance signal processing equipment and power amplification for use in the commercial sound contracting and professional audio markets. The 37-year old company is headquartered in Webster, New York U.S.A. www.ashly.com

STOP BY AND SEE ASHLY AT INFOCOMM BOOTH #335

Video director Rusty Anderson (left) and music director/keyboardist Matt Gilder at the tour's video mix position (photo credit: Bjorn Amundsen)

ATLANTA, Georgia — When Chris Tomlin’s latest album, Burning Lights, was released this past January, it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, making it only the fourth Christian album in history to do so. To support the new album, Tomlin and his band are once again back out on the road for a two-month, 36-date U.S. arena tour, and along with them for the trek is Renewed Vision’s ProPresenter 5 lyric and media presentation software. more

iRidium for AV and Custom Systems module provides faster, easier project creation and advanced control of any automation system and AV equipment from any device using any graphical user interface

 Nizhny Tagil, Russia – April 24, 2013 – iRidium mobile Ltd., the dynamic and rapidly evolving developer of iRidium, an App-based software package that enables the simplified control and automation of AV equipment from any device or interface, announces today that the company has released impressive new driver creation capabilities and associated functionality as part of the iRidium for AV and Custom Systems software tools package.

Available for immediate download and use by integrators worldwide, the iRidium for AV and Custom Systems module further expands the robust capabilities of iRidium’s highly functional all-in-one App-based software package by adding TCP-IP, RS232 and IR control. Consisting of iRidium’s Driver Development Kit (DDK) and a constantly evolving database of script drivers, the iRidium for AV and Custom Systems module allows integrators to create drivers to automate and control any type of AV or Custom systems.

Enabling integrators to quickly and easily create advanced custom interfaces for their clients to utilize and enjoy, iRidium for AV and Custom Systems provides:

• Control of AV equipment via iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch, Mac, Android, and Windows XP/7/8 devices

• Full 2-way communication

• IR database including more than 100,000+ IR codes

• Growing library of iRidium Scripts that enable the creation of scenes and macros

Delivering unrivaled multiplatformity and elegantly styled customizable graphical user interfaces, iRidium for AV and Custom Systems operates on iRidium V2.0.7 and provides integrators the ability to combine the functionalities of disparate and varied electronics systems components into a single, easily managed project. This enables an entire system to be operated by control panels, touch panels, tablets, devices and gadgets, and allows integrators to deliver unique functionality for each location, device or end user to use as desired or required.

iRidium for AV and Custom Systems is now available for integrators worldwide and can be downloaded from the products page within the iRidium mobile website: www.iridiummobile.net/products/native-drivers/. Constantly evolving to meet the demands of today’s hyper-connected society, iRidium products are currently compatible with Crestron, KNX, AMX, Lutron, My Home, Global Cache’, HDL, Clipsal, Modbus, Helvar, Domintell and Weinzierl. Other brands will be added as they are collectively tested and approved.

Designed to be flexible yet functional, the iRidium software package and all of the associated tools are easily operated by individuals with varying degrees of technical knowledge. Interested parties are encouraged to learn more about iRidium mobile on the web by visiting www.iridiummobile.net or by writing to contact@iridiummobile.ru.

###ENDS

iRidium mobile Media Contact:

Katye (McGregor) Bennett

KMB Communications

E.  Katye@kmbcomm.com

O. (406) 446.1283

C. (425) 328.8640

W. www.kmbcomm.com

T. @katyemcgregor

TURIN, Italy — In order to allow lessons to be streamed via the Internet at the University of Torino in Italy, integrator Leading Technologies srl (LTech) recently designed a technical AV infrastructure for more than 30 classrooms (and main assembly hall) in the Law & Political Science faculty. At the heart of the network is a complete HARMAN BSS Audio Soundweb London system, which allows for seamless management of the classroom’s audio and video control. The facilities include six lecture rooms, each containing approximately 150 seats, 28 classrooms — and a grand assembly hall with 300 seats, which is also occasionally used to stage small concerts.

LTech chose to place the system on a BSS Audio Soundweb London network, with its proprietary BLU link digital audio bus, to provide a powerful and rock solid backbone. “Our real achievement was the integration of the Soundweb London audio signals with video and our support for the design and programming of these systems. It was vitally important to have audio, video and web control all from a single brand of product,� explained Mauro Lavazza, Project Manager for LTech.

Playback is all through JBL loudspeakers. In the main hall eight JBL Control 29AV-1’s, chosen for their extremely flat, high-fidelity performance, extended bandwidth and well-controlled defined coverage, are driven by Crown XLS 1000 amplifiers, while two compact JBL Control 1 Pro loudspeakers, powered by Crown MA135 mixer amps, act as monitors for the speaker’s table.

In each of the six classrooms are four JBL Control 28 driven by a Crown XLS 1000 and two JBL Control 1 Pro operating with a Crown 135MA amplifier, as monitor speakers. Finally, in each of the 28 small classrooms either two or four JBL Control 25’s can be found — in all cases powered by a Crown XLS 1000 amplifier — with a pair of JBL Control 1 Pro, powered by a Crown 135MA, serving as monitors. Equalization of the large lecture hall and six classrooms has been carried out digitally in the Soundweb London processors, which also handle the automatic mixing of all signals and delay lines.

The six 150-seat classrooms share video and audio signals with the main hall through a central node with a video matrix, and by a Soundweb London BLU link ring consisting of six BSS Audio BLU-100 and six BLU-800 processors, with two BSS Audio BLU-BIB (8-input expander) and BLU-BOB (8-channel output expander) increasing the I/O capability.

The Soundweb London BLU-800 in the main hall shares audio with a Soundcraft Compact 16 via a CobraNet card so that all mic inputs normally handled automatically by the Soundweb London processor can be mixed in manual mode (plus analogue inputs during live concert performance).

In the smaller rooms, mic EQ is handled from a series of Soundcraft EPM-6 mixers. These have been specified throughout the 28 classrooms to handle mic mixing and computer signals.

In conclusion Mauro Lavazza stated, “This has been a successful integration which fully meets the client’s requirements. They were particularly enthusiastic about the performance of the Soundweb London processors that make up the heart of the system, for their flexibility and ease of programming. Without having any previous experience of this platform they have immediately created complete autonomy in the management and maintenance of their audio systems.�

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

BOSTON, Mass. – April 23, 2013 – AudioXperts, the luxury audio brand committed to delivering unique audio solutions and “exceeding expectations�, has been honored as the recipient of the prestigious red dot award for product design for the 4TV 2112 Audio Entertainment Console.

Since 1955, the red dot award’s international panel of renowned experts has recognized products for their innovation and industrial design. AudioXperts’ 4TV 2112 Audio Entertainment Console will join an elite family of previous winners that includes the Range Rover Evoque by Land Rover, the Apple® iPadTM 2, the Dassault Falcon 2000S transcontinental jet, the Geograph Rainforest Watch by Les Ateliers Louis Moinet among others.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this highly coveted design and innovation award,” said Eli Harary, president of AudioXperts “It’s especially gratifying to our entire team because the 4TV 2112 is the very first product that our new luxury audio brand has introduced to the market.”

The 4TV 2112 Audio Entertainment Console was amongst 4,600-plus entries in pursuit of the “red dot award: product design 2013�. The sophisticated, yet elegant design of the 4TV 2112 impressed the discriminating panel of 37 judges and allowed the product to stand out among the rest.

Prof. Dr. Peter Zec, initiator and CEO of the red dot, has pointed out that strong design competence and economic success nowadays go hand in hand: “The winners of the ‘red dot award: product design 2013’ are the protagonists of a highly developed design culture and design industry. These days it is becoming more and more difficult to distinguish between well-designed products. It is often only in the details that the special qualities become apparent. However, those product creations that pass the test before the critical eyes of the international red dot jury will not disappear into the crowd and will be able to fend off global competition.�

AudioXperts will be honored at the official red dot award ceremony on July 1, 2013 and will be featured as part of the “Design on stage – winner red dot award: product design 2013� exhibition at the red dot design museum in Essen, Germany.

AudioXperts’ 4TV Audio Entertainment consoles are available for purchase around the world through the finest AV specialty retailers and distributors.

For more information on AudioXperts, visit http://www.audioxperts.com.

About AudioXperts
The AudioXperts Team brings over 100 years of combined expertise and passion in order to provide consumers with products that exceed expectations. By incorporating the finest materials and applying the latest technologies, in sophisticated, flexible and intuitive designs, AudioXperts ensures an extraordinary user experience and unparalleled pride of ownership.

Extron Electronics is pleased to announce the immediate availability of the TeamWorkâ„¢ 400 Digital Collaboration System and the TeamWork VGA Kit. The TeamWork 400 package supports groups of four users and is pre-configured for ease of installation with virtually any furniture system, new or currently in use. The simple and intuitive collaboration system also works with most flat panel displays, laptops, and tablets. For added flexibility, TeamWork is scalable and can be easily tailored to meet specific requirements with the addition of mounting hardware, support for legacy analog computer sources using the optional TeamWork VGA Kit, and other optional accessories. The TeamWork system is ideal for corporate and education applications that require a reliable, easy-to-use collaboration system that adapts to evolving needs.

“Since its introduction just a few short weeks ago, the TeamWork concept has resonated with AV system integrators and end-users around the world,” says Casey Hall, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Extron. “The response to the AV industry’s first affordable, factory-configured digital collaboration system has been overwhelmingly positive, and we pulled out all the stops to get TeamWork into the market as quickly as possible to meet the demand.”

The TeamWork system is designed for simple, intuitive operation with a minimum of training. Users simply connect their laptop or tablet to a TeamWork “Show Me” cable to start the system, then press the “Share” button to show their content on the presentation display. When done, users simply disconnect and walk away, and the TeamWork system automatically turns itself off and is ready for the next collaboration session. The TeamWork collaboration system is HDCP-compliant and supports full resolution, full frame rate digital video up to 1080p/60 and analog computer-video up to 1920×1200. Each TeamWork system package is complete and ready for installation, and includes HDMI “Show Me” cables, a switcher, a system controller, a Cable Cubby® enclosure, and other necessary system cables. Mounting hardware is optionally available to facilitate different collaboration table or work surface designs.

CAMPBELL, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 2013: For nearly a century, St. Lucy Parish has been a cornerstone of religious life in Campbell, California. Its congregation grew steadily throughout the 1900s, prompting moves to ever-larger facilities, and culminating in the construction of a 1,200-seat sanctuary in 1967. Today St. Lucy Parish holds daily mass in that sanctuary, and on the weekend it is filled repeatedly for multiple masses, many of which use different musicians and groups that tailor their messages to different groups. Recently, the church hired local A/V integrator Zamar Media Solutions of San Jose to replace its decades-old sound reinforcement system. The new system is centered on a pair of cost-effective Symetrix SymNet Radius 12×8 DSP, which network together seamlessly using the Dante protocol and provide customized, open-architecture programming.

“St. Lucy Parish had been limping along with an insufficient sound system that was twenty- or thirty-years old,â€� explained Michael Dow, president of Zamar Media Solutions. “It was characterized by rack mixers with big knobs and inadequate ceiling speakers. I drew up a proposal for them a few years ago, but they decided to wait.â€� However, the old system recently failed completely, and they called me up. I dusted off my earlier proposal and made a few edits to bring it up to date.â€� For example, Dow had originally specified Symetrix SymNet Express DSP, but with the new Symetrix SymNet Radius 12×8 now available, he recognized that it would provide more processing power, a better I/O count, and near-zero latency Dante networked audio.

In addition to the new DSP, Dow and Zamar Media Solutions customer, system Programmer Tim Fairbairn equipped St. Lucy Parish with an entirely new front end and an entirely new loudspeaker system. Four new Shure ULXD digital wireless microphones replaced their old wireless mics. In addition, new Audix MG15 podium microphones and a pair of Audix M1255 condensers for the choir provide full-frequency capture worthy of the system’s back end. Music playback devices, an on-stage PreSonus band mixer, and multiple input jacks complete the input list. Powersoft’s M-series amplifiers power Martin Audio OmniLine loudspeakers and subwoofers, arrayed as left-right main, left-right side fill, and center subs. Distributed sound provides coverage throughout the building. Additional outputs include a Listen Technologies assisted listening system and a Denon PMD580 MP3/Wave recorder.

“There are a lot of differences from service to service, both in terms of the musicians present and in terms of the audio media required, and St. Lucy Parish is benefitting from the SymNet Radius 12×8’s ability to customize the processing on each of the many input channels,â€� said Dow. “Between the two boxes, we have twenty-four inputs and sixteen outputs, and any input can be sent to any output because they are networked together using Dante. We’re happy to see that Dante is being embraced by the industry because it’s easy to use and has almost no latency.â€� Fairbairn and Dow programmed the SymNet Radius 12x8s using Symetrix’ SymNet Composer software, which proved to be a transparent upgrade in feature set from the previous design software, SymNet Designer. “Users control the system using an Extron TLP 1000MV ten-inch touchscreen, which communicates with the SymNet Radius 12×8 system, the Furman power sequencing, the Denon PMD850 recorder, the music playback devices, and the entire dual screen projection system.

Fairbairn was present at the choir’s first experience with the new system. “The choir members were absolutely floored by the quality of the new sound system,� he said. “Indeed, this marks the first time ever that the choir can be heard by the rest of the congregation. During practice, the choir members took turns touring the seating area while the rest kept singing so that everyone could hear how well the choir can be heard now. Also, while the organist was playing for the choir, the choir could be clearly heard over the organ, a new experience! I overheard a lot of happy responses to the system at the following mass, such as ‘night and day!’ and ‘remarkable!’�

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

WEBSTER, NEW YORK – APRIL 2013: Ashly Audio, maker of powerful, high-performance, cost-effective signal processors and amplifiers, have licensed Dante digital media networking solution from Audinate. With low latency, robust synchronization, I/O scalability, and simplicity of installation via standard IT technology, Dante will significantly enhance the power and value of Ashly’s range of signal processors and amplifiers.

Dante is built on IT standards, and is a complete media networking solution. Dante delivers a low-latency, tightly-synchronized, sample-accurate playback, while simplifying installation and configuration of A/V networks. Dante has become the leading solution of choice for a variety of professional applications as it demystifies audio networking.

“Ashly Audio is known in the industry as a leader in networked power amplification and signal processing, addressing multiple professional audio applications,� says Director of Sales at Audinate, Dave Anderson. “We are pleased that Ashly has recognized Dante as the most interoperable networking solution available, and look forward to a range of products as they come to market.�

Noted President, Ashly Audio, Mark Wentling, “Ashly is excited to be able to offer our customers yet another option in digital connectivity for our DSP processors and DSP enabled power amplifiers. Dante from Audinate currently brings the best in flexible, yet robust digital audio transport, to the pro-audio and commercial-sound installation markets.”

Audinate revolutionizes the way that A/V systems are connected, by transporting high-quality media over standard IT networks. Dante is robust proven solution which is widely deployed in hotels, transportation centers, shopping centers, public address systems, live sound reinforcement, theaters, concert halls, stadiums, athletic venues, corporate boardrooms, universities, broadcast facilities, recording facilities, houses of worship, government facilities, and courtrooms.

ABOUT ASHLY AUDIO Ashly Audio Inc. is recognized as a world leader in the design and manufacturing of high quality & high performance signal processing equipment and power amplification for use in the commercial sound contracting and professional audio markets. The 37-year old company is headquartered in Webster, New York U.S.A. www.ashly.com

ABOUT AUDINATE Audinate’s patented Dante media networking solution has been adopted by eighty OEM manufacturers in the professional audio/visual industry and is a Promoter Member of the AVnu Alliance™. Audinate offices are located in US, United Kingdom and Australia. Visit www.audinate.com for the latest news and information on the company. Dante is Digital Media Networking Perfected. www.audinate.com

Dante is a trademark of Audinate Pty Ltd. Audinate is a registered trademark of Audinate Pty Ltd.

STOP BY AND SEE ASHLY AT INFOCOMM BOOTH #335

LANCASTER, Penn.—The place was the American Music Venue in Lancaster, PA. on a late day in March. Country artist Gary Allan
performed in support of his latest CD “Set You Free�. Bauder Audio (Horsham, PA) provided a NEXO GEO S12 line array for the date with support from Tom Hogle, Bauder systems engineer and Sean Gary, A2 for Gary Allan. 24 NEXO GEO S12s over eight RS18 Ray Subs were all powered and processed with NXAMP4X4 amplifiers.

“Besides the fact that the GEO S12 sounds great, it is easy to set up which makes for a quick load in,â€� states Hogle. “NEXO continues to manufacturer studio monitors for large venues!” remarked Chris “Sullyâ€� Sullivan after mixing front of house for the show.

Tucked behind the NEXO arrays, Jason Spence specified a Yamaha PM5000 console for the entire Gary Allan tour, provided by Sound Image of Nashville. “We had options and, in fact, listened to other consoles, notes Spence. However, after listening to the 5K, Gary and the band chose to go analog. The production requirements did not necessitate a digital mixer so we went with the PM5000.”

For more information on the NEXO GEO S12 and Yamaha consoles, visit www.yamahaca.com.

-END-

PHOTO ID: Left: Bauder’s Tom Hogle Right: Sully

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.

NORTHRIDGE, California – If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere—and HARMAN’s JBL VTX line arrays have made it in New York in a big way, with Clair Brothers Audio Systems installing a comprehensive VTX system, powered by Crown Audio I-Tech HD amplifiers, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

“The Theater at Madison Square Garden is a world-class venue and nothing less than a world-class sound reinforcement system would be appropriate,� said Jim Devenney, Senior Engineer for Clair Brothers Audio Systems. “Tom Arrigoni, Russell Lynn and Tim Parsaca, from the Garden’s production staff, provided critical design and logistical support, helping to make this install successful.�

The main loudspeaker system consists of left and right flown clusters of nine JBL VTX V25 fullsize line array elements each, along with two hangs of four S28 subwoofers each. The centerfill cluster includes six VERTEC® VT4887A compact line array elements. The main left and right clusters are located just offstage of the proscenium opening and the subwoofer hangs are offstage of the main arrays.

To cover the back third of the venue’s seating, Clair Brothers deployed two delay rings—the first ring has 16 bi-amped JBL AM7212/66 loudspeakers and the second delay ring includes 14 AC28/95 loudspeakers. In addition, eight JBL AM5212 loudspeakers cover the side box seats.

“The V25 line arrays proved to be the perfect choice for this application, since they deliver higher sound output and wider coverage for their size than any other line array I know,� Devenney said. “We were able to fit in nine per side, which, in combination with the VT4887A center fill speakers, were more than enough to do the job.�

“We wanted to ensure even coverage throughout the back of the theater, which is why we went with the additional JBL AM7212/66, AC28/95 and AM5212 speakers,� Devenney added. “The combination of the main VTX and VERTEC and the delay speakers enables an optimum sonic balance throughout the venue.�

All system amplification and speaker processing is handled by 24 Crown IT 4x3500HD 4-channel amplifiers. Two BSS Soundweb London BLU-160 signal processors with digital audio bus and additional input and output cards are placed inline before the amplifiers for system routing and to interface with the fire alarm muting system.

“The before and after difference in sound quality is phenomenal,� Devenney concluded. “We knew the VTX and VERTEC line arrays would provide better clarity, output and coverage over the previous system, but the level of improvement really needs to be heard to be appreciated.�

For more information on Clair Brothers, please visit www.clairsystems.com

HARMAN (www.HARMAN.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.4 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2012.