Buena Park, CA – February 2012… Hosa Technology, the leading innovator of analog and digital connectivity solutions for the modern musician and audio/video professional, is pleased to announce that the Mogan Elite Omni Earset Microphone, the newest addition to the Mogan Microphones brand of subminiature microphones, is now shipping. Designed to deliver full-frequency vocal reproduction for the most discerning presenter, the new Mogan Elite earset microphone is a terrific choice for broadcasters, theatrical performers, church worship leaders, and other professionals seeking exceptional audio performance—both spoken word and vocals— for mission-critical applications. more

ASHLAND, MASSACHUSETTS – FEBRUARY 2012: RFvenue, maker of innovative remote antenna products for production wireless, announced today that it has released its high-gain, foldable, circularly polarized CP Beam(tm) Antenna for sale to audio/visual integrators, location sound mixers, broadcast engineers, and touring companies.

“The patent-pending CP Beam is a convenient, easy-to-use, full-size beam antenna for long-range applications that can be very quickly utilized when needed,” remarked RFvenue CEO, Chris Regan. “Customers wanted a compact and durable high-gain antenna without the size, weight, and additional cost of hard plastic or metal designs. It’s great that it folds up for storage, yet is quickly deployable. There’s no need for a dedicated flight case to store the CP Beam – it fits in a two RU rack drawer when folded.”

Robert J Crowley, inventor of Crowley and Tripp microphone technology, and chief of the company, Soundwave more

New Bedford, MA – February 2012… The ability to offer picture and sound in an easy-to-use presentation package is, without question, the most compelling reason for incorporating an audiovisual system into the contemporary education/business facility. Being able to see and hear all that takes place is, by far, the best means of comprehending information. Recognizing the importance of a capable and intuitive A/V presentation system, New Bedford, MA-based Southcoast Health System has embarked on an ambitious program to re-vitalize its training capabilities—and this has led to the deployment of several Showtime presentation systems from Brea, CA-based Altinex. more

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 2012: When compared to its peers in other states, the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce is an especially active and involved institution. Nearly 8,000 businesses statewide hold membership and provide fully half of Utah’s 1,000,000 jobs. Its Salt Lake City headquarters is a bustling hive of activity, with multiple events, such as meetings, trainings, and seminars, scheduled every day. To accommodate a happily burgeoning request for event space, the Salt Lake Chamber worked with member business General Communications of Draper, Utah to expand and update the A/V systems in its executive conference and training rooms. With an eye toward future expansion, General Communications centered the new sound reinforcement equipment on a pair of Symetrix Solus 16 open-architecture, fixed-I/O signal processors.

“Of course, a chamber of commerce is all about helping member businesses make money, but, like every other chamber of commerce, the Salt Lake Chamber needs to use their financial resources judiciously,” said Ingolf de Jong, president of General Communications. “As a result, the budget was exceptionally tight.” The Salt Lake Chamber asked de Jong and General Communications system engineer Brandon Gramse to update the A/V system in the executive conference room, which subdivides into two separate rooms, and to add infrastructure to a larger training room that would allow it to subdivide into four smaller rooms.

“Like other clients that have existing equipment, they hoped we would be able to keep costs down by reusing the existing equipment,” explained de Jong. “However, using the existing equipment we ran into incompatibility issues. To make the Salt Lake Chamber future-proof and still stay within budget, Gramse based the design on Symetrix’ new Solus 16 processor. The Solus 16 offers powerful open-architecture DSP design within a fixed sixteen-input, eight-output frame. The fixed I/O makes the Solus 16 very affordable.

The setup itself is not unlike a small conference center, with the requisite flexibility to accommodate events of widely ranging nature and size. The systems for the executive conference room and the training rooms are entirely separate, and each gets its own Symetrix Solus 16. Two large Crestron touch panels and four smaller Crestron touch panels located in each subdivided space (six total) communicate with the Solus 16 audio processors and the Kramer VP-4x4k video matrix switchers to control audio and video source routing out to ceiling-mounted projectors and LCD displays. The executive conference room can be divided into two conference rooms, and in addition to VGA inputs each contain one owner-furnished Blu-ray player, whereas the training rooms each contain four owner-furnished Blu-ray players, one for each subdivided room. New Listen Technologies ListenPoint ceiling speakers powered by QSC amplifiers deliver clear, intelligible audio. The executive conference room takes four microphone inputs and two stereo line-level inputs, using only half of the Solus 16′s inputs. The training rooms require one stereo input per subdivision, plus two microphone inputs, for a total of ten.

“The Salt Lake Chamber wanted the new system to accommodate future conversion of adjacent office space into meeting space,” said Gramse. “The two Solus 16s have plenty of available inputs and outputs for those expansions. Although it would be simple to collapse the stereo inputs into mono inputs if they need it. In addition, the Solus 16′s open-architecture will allow us to program the requisite functionality for future systems without limitation. “Working with the people at Symetrix was a real pleasure. The sales support and the technical support are both excellent.” Chamber COO Heidi Walker stated that the chamber is extremely pleased with the system. General Communications provided excellent design, installation, and support for our facility. This system allows us to host people from around the world, effectively communicating the chamber message.

ABOUT SYMETRIX
Sound professionals rely upon the performance, value and reliability of audio mixing, routing and processing products from Symetrix. For more information on Symetrix professional audio products, please visit www.symetrix.co or call +1 (425) 778-7728.

Charlotte, NC – February 6, 2012 – Episode Speakers (www.episodespeakers.com) –- the audio brand of custom solutions manufacturer SnapAV — is now shipping its first Soundbars and On-Wall LCRs. Shown for the first time at 2011 CEDIA EXPO, the models are the newest additions to an already robust 2nd generation lineup of home theater and 2-channel loudspeakers (presently totaling 73 models – many critically acclaimed), that have steadily come to market these past 24 months.

Containing 3-front-channels-in-1 for positioning underneath the flat panel TV in entertainment room and bedroom settings, the Episode 300 Series Soundbars are available in 30- and 40-inch widths at $499 and $599 MSRP respectively. For use as either individual front channel or surround sound speakers, also new are Episode 300 Series On-Wall LCRs for medium and large-sized TVs at $199 and $299 MSRP respectively. more

Philadelphia, PA, February 2012…  McDonald’s founders Ray and Joan Kroc were known for supporting a variety of charitable causes, and their legacy continues with a multi-billion dollar donation to the Salvation Army for the construction of several community centers in cities across America. The latest Kroc Center, recently opened in North Philadelphia, is one of the largest facilities of its kind on the East Coast. Its 130,000 square feet includes a world-class aquatics center, state-of-the-art fitness center, worship and performing arts facilities, café and culinary education center, as well as a wide range of programs for kids, adults and senior citizens.

Powerful sound was a big part of the plan for the facility, explains RTS Unified Communications’ Joe Zamborsky. RTS specified a selection of Community Professional Loudspeakers for the project, including R-Series, WET-Series and CLOUD6 in-ceiling systems to cover the pool areas, worship center, fitness center gymnasium and numerous other areas.

“In any major project like this one, there are a number of challenges,” says Zamborsky. Clearly, the project’s tight six-month schedule was a demanding one, as was the need to be exceptionally flexible in the face of numerous logistical challenges. On more than one occasion, plans had to be altered due to unforeseen surprises during the construction process. “The number one most important thing is communication,” he observes. “We maintained a daily, ongoing dialogue with everyone involved in the project, and that was key to our ability to keep things moving.”

The Community loudspeakers fit the bill on multiple levels, says Zamborsky. “Particularly in the pool areas, which combined a tremendously reverberant environment with an exceptionally high humidity, the R-Series was the only choice. Not only do they look great, but they sound terrific.”

The competition pool area offered up additional challenges as well. “Aside from having to cover the pool area itself, we were tasked with creating a separate system to cover the stands, which are tucked away in their own alcove,” says Zamborsky. “We chose the Community WET Series to cover that area, because they provided both a tight, focused coverage pattern and a high degree of intelligibility.”

Not surprisingly, the facility has been overwhelmingly embraced by the local community. “This is a great place and a tremendous asset for the city of Philadelphia,” says Zamborsky. “We’re proud to have been a part of it, and proud to be able to deliver a great sounding environment for everyone using the facility.”

Click Here to View the Video

http://youtu.be/cT-1E4iAPeQ  

Community Professional Loudspeakers has been a leading supplier of professional sound systems since 1968. Headquartered in Chester, Pennsylvania, Community distributes its products to over fifty countries on six continents. Visit www.communitypro.com for more information.

Sherman Oaks, CA, February 2012… Greetings and Happy 2012!  We’re just back from CES, NAMM, and ISE – all more vibrant shows than ever. Trade show season has begun again in the entertainment technology, music products, and AV systems industries.

Did you ever think that there would be so many shows in our industry, in so many cities around the world?

Stiernberg Consulting began tracking key industry events and publishing them on our website more than ten years ago. Since then, our Industry Calendar has grown to become a popular reference tool for our industry friends and colleagues. Our 2012 Calendar of Industry Events now includes more than 200 trade shows, conferences, and conventions worldwide.

The calendar is updated continually and includes the event name, sponsor or hosting organization, dates, and location. A web link will take you directly to any event’s website. This is a handy tool for managers and executives who are planning travel schedules, sales and marketing budgets, or market intelligence activities.

Please visit and check it out, or download the PDF of the full calendar at:

http://www.stiernberg.com/events.html

Please contact us with questions or to suggest additional events to include. We look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes for big success in 2012!

Sincerely,

Jeanne Stiernberg

Founder and Principal Consultant

 

New app gives iPhone, iPad users a true IP audio paging solution — without the complexity of IP

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, January 31, 2012 — Barix AG, a pioneer in IP audio, control and monitoring, brings voice paging to the iPhone and iPad via the Barix Wi-Fi Paging App — the first open-standards IP and multicast voice announcer application for mobile iOS devices.

The Barix Wi-Fi Paging App, now available in the iTunes App Store, enables zoned voice paging from iOS devices on commercial, public and residential properties. Barix’s open-standards approach turns nearly any VoIP or IP Audio receiving device into a simple IP paging/announcement system. Besides the full range of Barix IP Audio devices, many IP phones are supported, as well as third-party IP Paging gateways and speakers. A one-time configuration process ensures that users can quickly set up a paging solution for immediate and ongoing use without hassle.

“Barix is bringing more than ten years of knowledge and leadership in VoIP and IP audio devices to the smartphone universe,� said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and founder of Barix. “The Barix Paging App draws from our professional IP Audio and paging knowhow to make Wi-Fi paging available for millions of smartphone owners across commercial, residential, medical and professional markets.�

Ease of use is central to the Barix Paging App. Upon download, users add existing paging receivers such as IP phones, IP speakers or VoIP paging gateways in the setup part of the application. Multicast addresses can be used to set up zones with multiple receiving devices. Configurations are stored within the app or an optional location device, ensuring a one-time setup process per site. For existing Barix customers, the configuration process can automatically discover Barix IP Audio devices.

Users can assign photos to each device or zone to create clear visuals for the paging targets. Once setup is complete, users can make announcements to one, many or all configured targets by simply touching the appropriate zone icons and initiating audio with the “push-to-talk� soft-button. Real-world applications include calling the kids for dinner, making general announcements to all classrooms in a K-12 school, paging doctors in a hospital, and announcing new security measures across a large corporate campus.

All Barix VoIP-enabled IP Audio products are compatible with the Wi-Fi Paging App, including:
• Single- and multi-zone VoIP Paging Gateways (Exstreamer and Annuncicom two-way audio product families)
• The “IP Speaker without the speaker� (Exstreamer P5)
• The ruggedized Annuncicom 155 for use in harsh environments
• The Exstreamer 205, which provides up to 50W output power for high-quality music distribution applications — and now Wi-Fi Paging
• Affordable Power over Ethernet (PoE) master paging stations (Annuncicom PS1 and PS16)

More information can be found at http://www.wifi-paging.com or the Barix homepage.

About Barix AG (www.barix.com)
Barix AG, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, specializes in the research and development of state-of-the-art, IP-based communication and control technology. Barix products are standalone and able to remotely connect worldwide over standard networks /Internet, offering new and improved solutions to the professional audio distribution, communication and automation industries. Barix products provide solutions in audio over IP (audio distribution and monitoring, communication, security) and automation (remote controlling, monitoring and maintenance).

WEBSTER, NEW YORK – JANUARY 2012: Jointly hosted by InfoComm International and CEDIA, ISE (Integrated Systems Europe) became the A/V industry’s largest trade show last year, drawing almost 35,000 attendees. Ashly Audio, which has been represented by one of their distributors in previous years, will have its own stand (#7V214) at this year’s show (31 January to 2 February in Amsterdam). In addition to its stalwart network-enabled amplifiers and Protea(tm) processors, Ashly will demonstrate the capabilities of its new, highly-efficient KLR-Series amplifiers, all-in-one Pema(tm) multi-channel amp with on-board Protea(tm) DSP processor, intuitive FR-Series network fader remotes, and the new TM-Series mixer/amplifiers.

“Our international business has grown significantly in recent years,” said Ashly’s president, Mark Wentling, who will be joined by John Sexton, VP of sales and marketing, at the show. “We’re looking forward to meeting face-to-face with customers and industry friends from around the world. Of course, we’re also looking forward to introducing a broad audience to the unique value, functionality, and reliability of the Ashly product line.”

ABOUT ASHLY AUDIO With a greater than thirty-seven year history, Ashly Audio Inc. is recognized as a world leader in the design and manufacturing of quality signal processing equipment and power amplification for use in the commercial sound contracting and professional audio markets. www.ashly.com

STOP BY AND SEE US AT ISE 2012 STAND #7V214

BOSTON, January 30, 2012 — Systems integration firm Axxentos of Fort Lauderdale, Florida turned to Technomad upon evaluating the outdoor audio needs of Club Med Sandpiper in nearby Port St. Lucie. The new outdoor audio systems, featuring 14 Technomad weatherproof loudspeakers, comprise part of a property-wide renovation alongside indoor AV upgrades and general construction projects.

Club Med Sandpiper’s 400-square-mile resort property exists in southern Florida’s sweltering climate, requiring durable outdoor audio systems that can withstand the year-round heat, humidity and moisture. The resort also required high-quality loudspeakers that could power full-range, high-volume audio over long distances, and reproduce soothing background music at clearly audible levels.

“I’ve learned what gear can survive in harsh environments over the years, and from all the outdoor installations I have done, only one company reliably endures the elements — and that is Technomad,� said Olivier De Kegel, owner and president of Axxentos. “They also produce great sounding audio.�

The external pool system proved the biggest challenge as De Kegel had little guidance from the resort, other than that management wanted a nice-sounding background music system during the afternoon and a louder system in the evenings. He installed two Technomad Berlin loudspeakers, the largest loudspeaker in the company’s range, to handle both requests with one system. The Berlins accommodate every activity from Bingo to full-blown nightclub-style events.

Axxentos installed a 70-volt infrastructure to accommodate long cable runs from a new central audio headend to various areas, including the bar. Ten Technomad Vernal 70-volt loudspeakers power the bar zone, delivering music and entertainment to guests enjoying daytime activities and the nightlife.

Two Technomad Noho loudspeakers also welcome guests with high-energy music audio at the entrance as they check in, with lower-volume background music playing in between arrivals.

“The resort wanted a system they could easily manipulate at the welcome area to balance loud and soft audio, and the Nohos offer power that is closer to the Berlin but compact enough for installation at the entrance,� said De Kegel.

Elsewhere, Axxentos installed AV systems in new conference rooms, built a mobile DJ unit and renovated a large theater system, merging existing equipment with some new components. But the outdoor audio systems remain the crown jewel of the resort upgrades.

“This was my largest installation to date, with some interesting upgrades and unique challenges,� said De Kegel. “They went from being fully analog to a more digital, centralized model. There won’t be any dull nights with the high-quality audio systems they have, and the durability of the Technomads ensure they won’t have to replace the outdoor systems every two years.�

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