CASIO REVOLUTIONIZES STOREFRONT ADVERTISING WITH NEW DIGITAL SIGNAGE
BUSINESS AT DSE 2013

Casio Signage Drives Business and
Offers Infinite Applications

 

LAS VEGAS, NV (FEBRUARY 27, 2013) — Coming off the cusp of a successful Consumer Electronics Show, Casio America, Inc. is pleased to showcase its new digital signage business with its ground-breaking approach to storefront advertising at the Digital Signage Expo. As the hero application of Casio’s new digital signage business, Casio Signage takes a revolutionary new approach by leveraging optimum advertising tools and cloud services to attract new customers and increase repeat business. Casio Signage will be exhibited in Casio’s booth (#147) at the Digital Signage Expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center, February 27-28, 2013.

“Storefront advertising must be attractive, interesting and versatile in order to entice consumers to enter an establishment,� said Shigenori Itoh, Chairman and CEO of Casio America, Inc. “Casio Signage offers retailers and business owners a unique way to make consumers feel welcome, while delivering relevant content in a personal manner. We have no doubt that Casio Signage will
set a new standard for storefront advertising and change the industry as a whole.�

Casio Signage is a cutting-edge storefront advertising tool with the ability to captivate passers-by with a realistic-looking character that talks to them. Using a custom designed screen shaped like a character, content is created to match the characteristics needed to bring people into a store. The character’s appearance and voice can be easily changed to keep customers from losing interest and increase store traffic. Casio Signage is compact and requires no installation work, making it easy to place nearly anywhere. It also offers multilingual support or multifunctional options creating a fully customizable system with content that is most relevant for the customer base.

Together with innovative cloud services such as the distribution of digital coupons, stores with Casio Signage will enjoy an edge
over the competition.

Main Features of Casio Signage

• Realistic images help captivate passers-by and attract new customers – The screen itself is shaped like a character or person, and speaks to visitors to get their attention and invite them in.

• Content is easily updated to increase store traffic  – Retailers simply provide Casio with a still image and text. Casio then animates the image and adds the voice. No video production is required for stores. This process makes it easy to edit the animation for future use.

• Compact size that can fit almost anywhere – It features a small 18â€� x 21.10â€� footprint. No installation work is required.

• Multilingual support – Available languages include English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and more. Customers can select the language they want to hear.

• Cloud services are available for unique retail promotions – Casio can provide cloud services such as digital coupons for customers with smartphones.

• Long-lasting light source – The originally developed Laser-LED Hybrid Light Source by Casio delivers approximately 20,000 hours of life.

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About Casio America, Inc.

Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of “creativity and contribution� through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com.

CASIO SHOWCASES UNIQUE SIGNAGE SOLUTIONS AT DSE 2013 

Projector Stacking System and YA-S10 Converter System Offer Innovative Technology
with An Overall Lower Cost of Ownership

LAS VEGAS, NV (FEBRUARY 27, 2013) — Casio America Inc. , a leader in the digital projection industry, is proud to introduce two new systems ideal for a variety of digital signage applications – the Projector Stacking System and the YA-S10 Converter System. Featuring Casio’s LampFree™ LASER & LED Hybrid Light Source, the Projector Stacking System is available in two different models, the XJ SK650 and the XJ-SK600. The YA-S10 Converter System features cutting edge technology that allows a single projector to display images on curved surfaces. Both systems will be exhibited in Casio’s booth (#147) at the Digital Signage Expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center, February 27-28, 2013.

“As a leading provider of digital projection technology, we are constantly developing new applications that address the changing needs of the digital projection/signage industry,� said Matt Mustachio, general manager of Casio’s Business Projector Division. “We are confident that our new Projector Stacking System and YA-S10 Converter System will increase efficiency and streamline costs for retailers and business owners alike, further raising industry standards and solidifying Casio’s presence as an industry leader.�

The Projector Stacking System, designed with two Casio projectors stacked on top of one another, projects two sharp, high-quality images, which the YA-S10 Converter System control box then merges into one screen. It is available in two different models; the XJ-SK650 and the XJ-SK600. The XJ-SK650 features double stacked Pro Series XJ-H2600 projectors and provides users with up to 6,500 lumens, while the XJ-SK600 features double stacked Signature Series XJ-M250 projectors and provides up to 6,000 lumens. Both of these models provide roughly twice the lumen output provided by a single projector.

The Projector Stacking System includes two (2) projectors, ceiling mount housing and the YA-S10 Converter System control box, which corrects and merges screen images. The system features high-precision correction and an interface that allows easy modifications using a remote control. The YA-S10 Converter System control box focuses on image alignment with each of the projectors in the Stacking System. When the YA-S10 Converter System correction box is connected, both projectors can also project high brightness images at any angle making the Projector Stacking System ideal for digital signage, sports bars, house of worship and many large venue applications.

When used separately Casio’s YA-S10 Converter System enables users to project images onto curved pillars, round areas, flat surfaces or any unique shape. The system is set up to adjust any image misalignment or distortion without the need for additional hardware. Using the YA-S10 Converter System with any Casio LampFree™ projector, images can be corrected for curved surfaces using free-form surface compensation with a lattice of up to 81 grid points for adjustments.

Both the Projector Stacking System and Convex System are powered by Casio’s state-of-the-art LASER & LED HYBRID Light Source, which provides Lamp-Free, eco-friendly data projection at a percentage of the cost of traditional projectors. Casio’s LASER & LED Hybrid Light Source combines blue laser light and a fluorescent element to generate a high output of green light. The green light, blue laser light, and the light emitted by a red LED are projected through a DLP® chip which, in turn, is passed through the projection lens to form an image. This technology achieves an increase in color spectrum compared with a mercury lamp, while lowering a projector’s total cost of ownership and maximizing investment. Since there is only minimal loss of brightness even during long-term use, it is ideal for those heavy-duty applications involving frequent use of projection such as retail stores, grocery stores, restaurants, offices and other environments. With an estimated life span of 20,000 hours, both systems ensure low
maintenance and streamlined costs.

Casio’s new Projector Stacking System and YA-S10 Converter System are currently available for purchase. For additional information regarding Casio LampFree™ projectors, please visit www.casioprojector.com.

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About Casio America, Inc.

Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets
calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of “creativity and contribution� through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com.

MS1600X Powers Multiple Digital Signs with Dynamic Full High Definition

One Multi Screen Appliance Powers up to 16 Displays including Multi-Zone Management for Each Screen

Digital Signage Expo, Las Vegas & San Jose, CA – February 27, 2013 – DT Researchâ„¢, Inc., an industry leader in the development of information appliances for vertical markets, today announced the release of the MS1600X, a new signage appliance in the WebDT Signage System line, capable of powering content over up to 16 screens. The MS1600 Multi Screen Appliance enables powerful content streaming on anywhere from 2 to 16 displays, and offers content blending, or tiling, across screens. The MS1600X, along with WebDT Content Manager, provides a fully integrated system with 1080p over up to 16 screens and multi-zone management for up to 16 zones.

The MS1600X is powered by the IntelÃ’ Quad-Core i7 processor, and provides full HD (1080p) video quality to every screen. Running MicrosoftÃ’ WindowsÃ’ operating systems, the WebDT Multi Screen Appliance displays content files in native resolution, so images are sharp and true to original properties, even when presented on multiple displays or large screens, maintaining optimal picture quality.

The MS1600X is ideal for applications that require high-resolution on multiple screens including digital signage walls, menu boards, flight/transportation information, and creative display arrangements. The MS1600X enables dynamic digital signage deployments in spaces where multiple screens are indoors and viewed in shopping malls, entertainment venues, and airports.

Each of the screens powered by the MS1600X can be remotely managed with the WebDT Content Manager software, which is bundled with the appliance. This intuitive interface software is used for organizing, scheduling, and deploying content to the digital signage network. The WebDT Content Manager provides multiple zone support and planning for each display, so that a screen can be divided into up to 16 zones with different content in each zone. With WebDT Content Manager, all screens can show the same content, each screen can play different content, or content can be blended over several screens. The user-friendly WebDT Content Manager also allows users to create many combinations across multiple screens, such as four zones on two screens, two zones on five screens, and hundreds of other possible screen layouts.

The MS1600X Multi Screen Appliance brings top quality performance and is available now.

About DT Research

DT Research™ develops and manufactures web-enabled information appliances for vertical applications. The WebDT family of products is based on embedded computing platforms for secure, reliable, and cost-effective computing. WebDT products include digital signage solutions, wireless tablets, point-of-service handhelds, compact modular systems, and display-integrated information systems. These systems emphasize mobility, wireless connectivity and touch displays. Powered by Windows® Embedded and Windows XP operating systems, WebDT devices offer durability and ease in integration, leading to solutions that can be remotely managed with the comprehensive WebDT Content Manager and WebDT Device Manager software. For more information, visit www.signage.dtri.com

MS1600X Multi Screen Appliance

DT Research and WebDT are trademarks of DT Research, Inc. All other brands and product names may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, February 26 – The world’s leading Audio Video Bridging (AVB) platform provider Lab X Technologies announces that the Bose® Professional System Division has licensed Xavity™ Audio for Xilinx FPGAs to provide AVB Connectivity.

Bose Professional System Division has licensed Lab X’s Xavity platform which provides networked time synchronization, automatic bandwidth reservation and optimal bandwidth utilization via traffic shaping. Xavity furthermore enables multiple streams of data across a single network which allows for a truly converged audio, video and data network, to greatly simplify the deployment and maintenance of growing AV network systems.

“We are pleased to welcome Bose Professional Systems Division as a licensee of our audio turnkey AVB connectivity platform� said Lee Minich, president of Lab X Technologies. “They join an ever growing list of licensees who value the adoption of our Xavity Audio field tested, robust implementation of open IEEE AVB standards solutions committed to independent AVnu Alliance certification.�

Xavity AVB connectivity guarantees mission critical audio and video media will coexist simultaneously on a converged Ethernet network without time consuming, manual configuration of the network infrastructure.

For more information, please visit Lab X Technologies at http://www.labxtechnologies.com

http://tinyurl.com/xavity-avb

About Lab X Technologies

Founded in 1996, Lab X Technologies, LLC is a Rochester, New York-based engineering design firm recognized as a global leader in digital AV media transport and network connectivity, with extensive experience in applying IEEE 802.1 Audio Video Bridging (AVB) and other audio networking standards. Lab X is an influential participant in the AVB community, an extremely active member of AVnu Alliance (www.avnu.org) and fully committed to AVnu certified interoperability.

Lab X partners with leading AV manufacturers to accelerate product development cycles, enable digital network interoperability by licensing Xavity AVB connectivity platforms, augmenting internal design teams, providing pre-engineered connectivity modules, developing innovative product concepts, and producing complete turnkey custom solutions.

Xavity, the Xavity logo, and stylized Xavity X are trademarks of Lab X Technologies, LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners

Ministry of Sound’s production manager Chris Thoms with the Soundcraft Si Performer.

During the 3-week shutdown, the world-famous club extended its existing BSS network and provided an additional four channels of AKG DMS 700 wireless capability; but the piéce de resistance is found in 103—the venue’s second dance room—where a new Soundcraft Si Performer digital console now partners the Soundcraft Si2 in the adjacent box.

This is the centrepiece of a substantial upgrade, authorised by production manager Chris Thoms.

Although other spaces within the club have been reconfigured, including the VIP Room, it is 103 that has undergone the biggest change, in order to bring it more in line with its larger neighbour. As a result, it is now an adaptable space which can also feature headline acts.

This has included re-locating the DJ console, boosting the sound and giving the room its own dedicated FOH console for the first time, in a new booth offering better sightlines across the dancefloor.

“It made perfect sense to invest in a new console—since we also handle corporate work and film shoots,” said Thoms, explaining the rationale. “We wanted a good sounding desk that was easy to use and spoke to Ben Todd at Sound Technology. Although we conducted a lot of research, this presented the best solution—particularly since the new Si Performer contains all the best elements of Soundcraft’s superior Vi platform—minus the screen.”

At the same time Ministry of Sound purchased a Compact Stagebox, which with the MADI card and single Cat5 connection to the Si Performer gives them a capacity of 64 I/O’s.

“With the I/O expansion not only do we get the increase in channel count but if we have a band playing we can plug in over MADI and the Si Performer will double as a monitor and front of house console,” Thoms continues. It is simple for the FOH engineer to control the console from the surface, whilst a monitor engineer controls it simultaneously via the free Soundcraft ViSi iPad control app (or vice versa).

As for channel assignment, the DJ feed takes up four channels, a further four channels are used for booth monitors, there are two crowd mic channels for the radio feed, the AKG radios are on four channels … and the remainder are spare.

Chris Thoms says the immediate increase in sound quality has been matched by the ease of use of the desk.

“The way you assign channels to busses [with the Assignable Fader Layers] and can customise these on any page is fantastic. For instance, our main operating page will have DJ inputs, VCA, busses for radio mics, crowd mic levels and if we want to mix a band we go to Layer B. The desk feels solid and the faders are quick—you seem to get a lot more for your money with an Si Performer.”

At the same time the club has boosted its BSS Soundweb network and with the broadcasting of its live radio shows, has now replaced its Cobranet routing infrastructure entirely to create a new 256-channel Blu-Link matrix, chosen for its low latency. The club has also added a BLU-BOB 8-channel output expander, installed in the radio studio from which they perform a broadcast mix of the two main rooms on a Saturday night. It is also used for logging the broadcast material for PPL royalty purposes, taking a direct feed from the Soundweb network.

Finally, Ministry of Sound has added four channels of AKG DMS 700, with extra receivers and lapel mics to match the four channels in The Box (purchased with D7 capsules last summer for a Hadouken! live show). “We have the diversity antenna, and this will give us a chance to share channels between the two rooms,” he states.

“This significant investment will keep us ahead of the game,” Chris Thoms concludes. “We will now try and incorporate the equipment we have here in our touring concepts around the world.”

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.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – FEBRUARY 2013: The University of Utah’s Libby Gardner Hall is large enough to comfortably accommodate a 200-member choir, an 80-piece orchestra, and nearly 700 audience members. It is acoustically and aesthetically stunning, with a warm, rich reverb conveyed by wood panel walls arranged in a spectacular geometry. For years, the school struggled to provide the hall with sound reinforcement for spoken word, solos, and non-classical musical forms that matched the splendor of unamplified instruments. That struggle ended with the purchase of a high-end K-Array mobile PA system, but the fact that it would be placed at different areas of the stage for different types of events meant that well-balanced equalization in one location would be unbalanced at another. A simple, cost-effective, and equally high-fidelity Symetrix Jupiter 12 DSP solved that problem by allowing straightforward selection of different equalization curves from authorized users’ smartphones and other Internet-connected devices via Symetrix’ ARC-WEB user interface.

“I joined the University of Utah faculty twelve years ago,� said David M. Cottle, music tech specialist and director of the electronic music and recording studios. “I was responsible for recording and sound reinforcement in our three performance halls. The first week I was here, I disconnected the existing speakers in Libby Gardner Hall, our premier performance space. The hall is built for acoustic performance, and the installed speakers did no more than muddy the speaker’s voice. From then on, we made announcements without a microphone until we could find a better solution. We started to investigate phased arrays, which have a wide horizontal, but narrow vertical pattern. The first system we tried was a clear improvement: extremely low feedback, even distribution, clear response across the spectrum, and very little reflection. But it was also flawed. It had weak low end, was noisier than I had hoped, and proved bulky to move.�

Salt Lake City-based Performance Audio stepped in with a better solution: a K-Array KK 200 full-range tower, KK S50 subwoofer, with KA 40 and KA 10 amplifiers, all in a stereo set. “As expected, the K-Array system has the same positive properties as the previous phased array,� said Cottle. “Feedback is practically non-existent, and the dispersion is even and horizontal. The system controls the reverb in the room very well. But in addition, the K-Array subs are solid enough for occasional student talent shows and the system is quieter, and easier to move.�

When the new system would be used as the primary source of sound for a performance, it would have to be located toward the front edge of the stage. In contrast, when the system would be used to augment a mostly-acoustic performance, it would be located behind the performers. “When located behind the performers, the sound is less like a PA and more like a richer, blended ensemble,� explained Cottle. “For example, a mic’d piano with orchestral accompaniment isn’t noticeably louder. It can simply be heard with all the other instruments.� However, the system gets a pronounced low-frequency buildup when located behind the performers.

“By providing the school with a Symetrix Jupiter 12 app based turn-key DSP, we were able to give them the EQ curves to match the two locations, along with the flexibility to accommodate other positions should they need them in the future,� said Jake Peery, system design and installation expert with Performance Audio and the individual responsible for designing Libby Gardner Hall’s new reinforcement system. The system currently uses eight of the Jupiter 12’s twelve inputs and two of its four outputs. Many of the inputs combine using Symetrix’ sophisticated automixing algorithm, and mixer inputs accommodate larger, multi-mic performances. A hardwired Symetrix ARC-2e wall panel remote controls the volumes of two Sennheiser G3 wireless microphones used for announcements and spoken-word events.

In addition, Peery used Symetrix ARC-WEB to give Cottle and other authorized users control of the system from their smartphones, iPads, or other Internet-connected devices. “They can select the proper EQ curves for the loudspeaker locations and control the volumes of the wireless microphones or other inputs right from their phones,� said Peery. “They really liked that idea.� Since the new system’s installation, Cottle has received numerous compliments from faculty, students, and audience members. “The other night, we mixed a jazz band, which is one of the most difficult ensembles to control, even without a PA,� he said. “The Director said that it was the best the band had ever sounded in Libby Gardner Hall. The solos were present, but not piercing, and the rhythm section sounded homogeneous.�

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.

PARK CITY, UTAH – FEBRUARY 2013: Families and friends love to convene at Grub Steak Restaurant in Park City, Utah, and the establishment carves out a unique niche by providing flexible meeting and event space for local businesses, clubs, and revelers. Grub Steak’s spacious dining room is adjoined by the Miner Room and the even larger Moose Room. However, an aging, patched-together sound reinforcement system was making it hard for the management to accommodate the multimedia needs of the restaurant’s rental clients. Performance Audio, of nearby Salt Lake City, designed and installed a new system centered on a Symetrix Jupiter 12 App-Based Turnkey DSP loaded with nearly forty customized presets to cover every conceivable configuration.� Grub Steak’s managers and regular clients select the presets and adjust input and output volumes from their smartphones using robust Symetrix ARC-WEB technology.

“Grub Steak originally had a zone for each of the three main dining and meeting spaces,� explained Jake Peery, system design & installation expert with Performance Audio. “But its collection of old mixer/amps was making it difficult or impossible to get signal from one place to another. We integrated everything with a Symetrix Jupiter 12, which delivers a tremendous feature set for a very affordable price. In addition, we gave them another zone for the restroom and lobby area. Now they can combine, distribute, and adjust inputs any way they like.� The inputs include iPod docks, line level jacks, microphone jacks, a pair of wireless microphones, background music sources, and a live feed from the main dining room’s modest stage.

Peery also created nearly forty custom presets to cover every possible input selection and routing scenario the restaurant management requested. He also created four Symetrix ARC-WEB panels that, with password clearance, can be accessed from any smartphone or other Internet-connected device. Each ARC-WEB panel provides individualized control of a specified zone. “They also recognized that with so much flexibility, they had the potential to dig themselves into trouble,� said Peery. “So we also gave them a hardwired Symetrix ARC-2e wall panel remote in the office with a ‘reset’ selection that recalls a sensible default setup and gain structure.�

A new Ashly TRA-4150 amplifier delivers 250W to each of the four 70V zones. A handful of blown loudspeakers made way for new Atlas replacements, whereas the rest were in good shape and remain with the new processing and amplification.

“I’ve never created so many presets as I did with this job,� said Peery. “But it was easy to do with the Jupiter’s app based programming, and the client is very happy with the system’s new functionality. In fact, it’s so simple to use that Grub Steak has shared the ARC-WEB password with a few regular clients, such as the local Rotary Club.� Chris Haymond, Grub Steak manager agreed, “Yes, the new system is easy, flexible, and reliable. We’re now set up to make excellent use of our meeting and event space.�

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.

London-based Capital Sound Hire has become the first UK company to take delivery of a NEXO STM Series system, and Wigwam Acoustics has confirmed its purchase of a STM modular line array system, after two years of involvement in its development by both companies.

The initial STM touring range incorporates three elements; the M46 Main cabinet, B112 Bass cabinet and S118 Sub-bass cabinet, which allow users to build systems for audiences from 200 to 100,000. “With profit margins being squeezed, it’s crucial for the success of rental companies to get the maximum flexibility from their inventories,� continues Capital’s Paul Timmins. “Prep costs money, and this system only requires configuration between projects, with no rebuilds necessary.�

The scalability of STM held great appeal for Capital, whose projects range from 10 people at small corporate events to stadium and outdoor shows for 60,000 plus. “What has become evident is that most current loudspeaker systems require you to stock up to four sizes of line array boxes to cover the variation in room sizes,� says Timmins. “Often, during the winter months, an entire inventory of large format loudspeakers can sit idle while there is a shortage of small and mid-sized cabinets. The concept of STM is amazing, with true multi-use options for all components including the amplifier racks. System designs can take into consideration not only room limitations but also musical content. It’s a fantastic addition to the tool box.�

Capital, which will ultimately own a 48-box system an inventory of 48x M46 Mains, 48x B112 Bass and 48x S118 Subs, is initially planning to introduce the components on small-scale events. This will ramp up during summer 2013 to larger projects that will allow engineers to get to grips with its full capabilities. “NEXO has been a great company to work with,� concludes Timmins of the STM project. “They have a fantastic R&D team and they also know where all the best restaurants are!�

In STM terminology, Wigwam’s package is 48 sets: 48 x M46 main cabinets, 48 x B112 bass cabinets and 48 x S118 sub bass units. The system specification is identical to that ordered by Capital Sound. The main criteria for the new system, according to Wigwam’s Chris Hill, was, “will it sound good, will it be flexible, and quick to rig? NEXO engineers really listened; STM is scalable, and we can use it for many different applications instead of it just being able to do certain types of work. We’re hopeful that this will give us maximum utilization of our stock.�

Further information:
NEXO SA
Tel: 0033 44 99 00 70
www.nexo.fr

BUENA PARK, Calif.—Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. (YCAS) played a major role in parent company’s 125th anniversary celebration, providing the sound system used at a concert held at the Disney’s Hyperion Theatre during the NAMM Show in Anaheim. YCAS managed all live audio production equipment requirements including the design and implementation of a large-scale Dante network from inputs to speakers and were on hand for assistance to guest artist engineers.

The concert, which featured performances by Amy Grant; Chaka Khan; Dave Grusin; Earth, Wind & Fire; David Foster; Dave Koz; Michael McDonald; Sarah McLachlan; Toto; Lucy Schwartz; new artist LEOGUN; the USC Marching Band; and house band, under the musical direction of Nathan East.

Three Yamaha CL5 digital consoles were used at front of house (one for the orchestra, one for the house band, and one for guest bands) for a total of 150 inputs, two CL5s were used at monitors, two DME64N digital mix engines were used for Dante Network Bridging and FOH speaker system processing, NXAMP4x4s for amplification with NX-DT104 Dante cards, NEXO RS18 and S118 subwoofers, NEXO PS10 speakers for front fill, NEXO 45N-12 stage monitors, LS600 and DXS15 subwoofers for drum mix subs, and, for flown for the first time in the U.S., the new NEXO STM line array used as FOH Mains.

“The new CL5 console is amazing,� states front of house engineer Bryan Lenox, who mixed many of the guest artists as well as the house band. “The three CL5s were linked together and talking to one another during a very complex show. We had a multitude of artists, background singers, multiple pianos, horns, percussionists, a multi-track recording truck, and a live broadcast stream of audio and video. The console is very user friendly and quick to get around; the flexibility, touch screen, and color-coding groups of faders are very helpful especially when having to make quick moves. The console routing is great, and although you can do just about anything with the routing, the layout can even be customized by the engineer.� Lenox said the Neve and Pultec plug-ins sounded great on kick, snare, bass, and vocals. “The new NEXO STM rig sounded unbelievable and very rich sounding while retaining detail, clarity, and punch. It was very easy to get a great sound with the combination of the consoles and the STM.�

The night’s crescendo, however, was Sir Elton John who ended the concert with an amazing five-song set. A historical evening for Yamaha Pianos as John played a Disklavier reproducing piano onstage, accompanied by a 60-piece orchestra, as his actual piano keystrokes were faithfully played, note for note, in real time (via MIDI data) on remote Disklavier pianos all over the world. He and the orchestra were visible on adjacent monitors in perfect sync with the remote piano performance, and even fans from around the world without a Disklavier were able to witness the event via a live streaming feed.

“I enjoyed using the CL, in fact, when we have solo shows with Elton similar to the Yamaha event, it will be my desk of choice,â€� states Matt Herr, front of house engineer for Elton John. “I’m a fan of Yamaha desks and have been for many years. The product reliability and global service is second to none.â€� Herr has been using a PM5K when the band performs with John. “The CL is very user friendly and sounded really good in my opinion. The Neve inserts sounded fantastic; I used one of the compressors on Elton’s vocal. Normally, I use an outboard compressor, but this one worked quite well. As far as the NEXO STM line array, it sounded nice and smooth, and I’d like to get my hands on it with the band and really drive it to see what it can do. It seems like it would be a good large line array as opposed to some of the smaller ones out there.â€�

-END-

Photo 1: Matt Herr, Photo 2: Bryan Lenox

About Yamaha CAbout Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc.: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.

Django Unchained, Skyfall and Zero Dark Thirty Get Boost from Wireless Technology

(LOS ANGELES, CA) Three of this year’s Academy Award(r)-nominated films chose Boxx TV‘s Meridian Wireless Microwave Broadcast System for reliable, 4:2:2 uncompressed video with zero delay. The Meridian was the system of choice for Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained, Sam Mendes’ Skyfall and Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty, capping a busy year for the company headquartered in the UK, along with its reseller Boxx Communications in Los Angeles.

“We are extremely proud that our technology contributed to the amazing stories told in these Oscar(r)-nominated films,” says Scott Walker, co-founder of Boxx TV. “We understand that everything is important during production. Image quality, reliability, and zero delay are all crucial. The Meridian provides high-image quality consistently, and is highly reliable whether you are shooting in high-desert heat on the hunt for Bin Laden, moving through a free-wheeling Tarantino project, or following the action of a legend like Bond. Working with the production teams of these incredibly accomplished films was an honor and a great experience.”

For those situations that demand high-quality, zero-delay HD and SD live transmission, the Meridian is an affordable alternative to traditional COFDM systems with unprecedented success. The Meridian system uses license-exempt channels.

Django Unchained’s five Oscar(r) nods include Best Picture and Best Cinematography, for last year’s Oscar(r) winner, Robert Richardson, ASC. There were two Boxx Meridian systems and handheld receivers used during the production of the multi-nominated Tarantino project.

Skyfall grabbed a total of five nominations, including one for Best Cinematography for Roger Deakins, ASC, BSC. The production used five zero-delay Meridian systems, simultaneously, in conjunction with ALEXA cameras supplied by ARRI Media UK.

Also earning five Oscar(r) nominations, Zero Dark Thirty used three systems and handheld receivers. The film’s Oscar(r) nods include one for Best Picture.

Their customers’ nominations come on the heels of one of the company’s busiest years on record. “It is great to be associated with Oscar(r)-nominated projects and we’re thrilled,” adds Mark Walker, owner of Boxx Communications. “That said, we worked on many great projects last year, from feature films, to live coverage of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, to episodic television shows such as Revenge and Modern Family; and on breaking news stories on stations such KABC, KNBC and KTLA. We are dedicated to making sure that our clients have great images, no delay, and an incomparable ease of use every time.”

For more information, visit www.boxx.tv or www.boxxusa.com

About Boxx TV
Boxx TV provides revolutionary microwave broadcast equipment designed around ease of use by technical and industry professionals. This ground-breaking technology has been especially designed for the needs of live-to-air broadcasts, ENG operations and is also ideal for Steadicam, portable field monitoring or video-assist applications. We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of innovations and introducing new technologies into the industry. In 2005 Boxx TV won an Emmy for Engineering Excellence. More information at www.boxx.tv

About Boxx Communications
Boxx Communications is the Los Angeles-based reseller for Boxx TV products, an Emmy(r) Award-winning manufacturer. Boxx Communications provides the broadcast industry with a wide range of innovative digital microwave systems for live broadcasts, as well as Steadicam, portable field, video assist and ENG applications. Boxx is revolutionizing the industry with reliable, cost-effective, and groundbreaking technology. Continually innovating, constantly advancing, Boxx Communications offers impeccable solutions. For more information about Boxx Communications, visit www.boxxusa.com or call 310.287.1285.

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