SAN JOSE, Calif. — March 13, 2013 — Atlona(R), a leading digital connectivity solutions provider, today announced that the company will be participating in the Epson Integration Certification Technology Showcase tour beginning on March 20 in Long Beach, Calif. On the tour, Atlona will make stops in five U.S. locations to display its HDCAT family of products. At each event, Atlona will lead a 45-minute breakout session titled “Extending, Splitting, & Connecting in the Digital Age,” which focuses on the benefits of HDBaseT(TM) technology for all AV system installations and modern digital applications. more

Fairfield, NJ–– With its latest firmware update, all models in Middle Atlantic Products’ suite of RackLink™ Power Management products now fully support InfoComm’s recently published Energy Management Standard. RackLink products provide integrators and facility managers with the necessary features and functionality to implement the standard. These include the monitoring and logging of power consumption, room occupancy and outlet state, as well as individual control of connected devices.

The standard, which provides a guideline for efficient energy management of AV systems through the control, monitoring, and conservation of electric power, was published in June of last year. RackLink models are currently the industry’s only available option to meet certain requirements of the standard such as power factor monitoring and providing a fine degree of resolution in their measurement accuracy.

Audiovisual control system solutions company Control Concepts partnered with Middle Atlantic to develop the RackLink system’s critical open-architecture communication with control systems. Control Concepts President Steve Greenblatt also served as a member of the InfoComm Energy Management Standard Task Group. He notes, “Middle Atlantic has shown a commitment to the InfoComm Energy Management standard from the onset of RackLinkTM product development ensuring that the design and control capabilities meet all the requirements in addition to including a host of added features. Middle Atlantic went as far as to upgrade firmware, software, and control modules once the standard was released to address specific nuances added prior to finalization.”

“RackLink was designed to enable the best possible practices in ensuring power-efficient AV systems,� said Bob Schluter, Middle Atlantic Founder and fellow member of the InfoComm Energy Management Standard Task Group. He also noted the ease with which the RackLink system complies with the standard: “All the required measurements are consolidated in one box, so there’s no need to mix data from separate places. RackLink systems also output that data in a useable format that requires no manipulation.�

For more information about the RackLink system and Middle Atlantic Products, please click to www.middleatlantic.com or call 1.800.266.7225.

Extron Electronics is pleased to introduce a new, two input 3G-SDI Card for the Quantum® Elite videowall processing system that accepts SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G-SDI signals. The new 3G-SDI input card features Extron high performance scaling technology, motion adaptive deinterlacing, and film mode cadence detection to ensure high quality image presentation on videowall displays. Automatic source format detection captures 480i and 576i SDI sources, HD-SDI sources up to 1080i/60 Hz, and 3G-SDI sources up to 1080p/60 Hz, complying with SMPTE 259M, 292M, and 424M digital video standards. SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G-SDI input support is also available for the Quantum Connect videowall processing system.

“Many videowall installations incorporate SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G-SDI signals from sources such as cameras and production equipment,” says Casey Hall, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Extron. “Quantum’s 3G-SDI input card supports direct connections for these signals, eliminating the need for external conversion to DVI or other signal formats.”

Extron Quantum Series videowall processing systems deliver reliable multi-image presentations for demanding, mission-critical environments. They feature high performance graphics and video processing, and a dedicated high-speed video bus that maintains real-time performance under heavy input loads. Quantum Series processors can simultaneously display hundreds of windows of high quality graphics and video, making them ideal for medium to large videowall systems in environments including public spaces, corporate buildings, surveillance, visualization, and command and control.

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

Pure ethernet drivers deliver picture previewing and streaming video in Control4 environment,
thus eliminating the need for costly 3rd party video encoders, granting a lower bottom line for a higher level of integration. Drag-and-drop setup makes for fast-and-easy configuration.

Pompano Beach, FL – March 12, 2013 – IC Realtime, a global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced visual surveillance solutions for residential and commercial applications, now has Control4™ drivers for its Dual Core series of NVRs, DVRs and HD DVRs.

The drivers, developed by Extra Vegetables, bring enhanced functionality to the recorders in the Control4 environment – namely picture previewing and streaming video. Installers can also take advantage of technical support from IC Realtime should they need assistance loading the driver into Control4′s Composer design software.

According to IC Realtime Integrated Technologies Manager Christoffer Callaway, the driver is designed to be extremely easy to load. “Drag-and-drop the driver into your project, point to the IP address and you’re done. It’s that simple,� says Callaway.

�The increased functionality also benefits end-users in that they can take advantage of a centralized interface that manages total home control as well as surveillance,� adds Callaway.
�In other words, users don’t have to leave the Control4 environment to access the IC Realtime system. That’s a really nice convenience.�

IC Realtime Dual Core series recorders shipping effective March 2013 are equipped with the new Control4 compatible firmware. Installers can easily update firmware of recorders in the field by contacting the IC Realtime technical support department at 954.736.4211.

Control4 drivers are made available for download directly from Extra Vegetables at http://extravegetables.com/products/ic-realtime-nvr.

About IC Realtime
IC Realtime is a global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced visual surveillance solutions – founded by experts with a combined 35 years of experience in the development, marketing, sales, installation and support of security and alarm equipment. The company offers a wide variety of analog and IP cameras, DVRs, NVRs, software Apps and accessories. www.icrealtime.com.

About Control4
Control4 is a leading provider of automation systems for homes and businesses that provides personalized control of lighting, music, video, energy and security through more than 2,200 custom integrators, retail outlets, and distributors in over 72 countries. By delivering insightfully simple, personalized control solutions that enhance the lives of individuals and families, Control4 is the automation platform of choice for customers, major customer electronics companies, hotels and businesses around the world. For more information visit www.control4.com.

BUENA PARK, Calif.—An early adopter of NEXO loudspeaker systems, Nashville-based Morris Light & Sound is the first in North America to take delivery of the new, flagship NEXO STM loudspeaker system, it was announced today by the Company and Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. (YCAS).

The 200+-box STM system includes 68 STM M46, 80 STM B112 bass, 48 STM S118 subs, 22 NUAR Racks, 12 PS10R2 speakers, 18 RS18 Ray Subs, and 16 GEO S12 loudspeakers. Two Yamaha DME64N Digital Mix Engines have also been purchased to run 16 channels of Lake Mesa EQ for zone control when required. The company also owns 24 NEXO 45-N12 line monitors.

Morris Light and Sound is a full service production and integration company with more than 25 years experience in the entertainment industry providing professional audio, video, and lighting services for live events, tours and the fixed installation marketplace throughout North America.

We are extremely pleased to be collaborating with Morris Light & Sound on the new STM system and excited to introduce them as our first NEXO STM associate in North America,� states Paul Furtkamp, National Sales Manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. “Involved with STM since its early stages, Morris L & S has provided very valuable input to NEXO on its development. Both NEXO and YCAS are very proud to be aligned with a company like Morris Light & Sound that truly define what it means to be on the cutting edge of a new technology like NEXO STM. We look forward to a very long and productive relationship between our two companies.�

The NEXO STM Series (Scale Through Modularity) loudspeaker cabinets are the first of its kind on the market. Ideal for touring, festivals, and sound company rental, the new system combines the best of Alpha functionality with the technical innovation of NEXO’s patented Hyperbolic Reflector and venting design in which all radiating surfaces are in phase, delivering a powerful, flexible, and easy to use system. STM enables line array systems to scale up or down depending on event audience size, from 1,000 to 100,000 people.

The STM system can be configured from three discrete loudspeaker elements: M46 main, B112 bass, S118 sub-bass modules with plans to release addition STM components in the near future. System configurations can comprise arrays of main cabinets only, main plus bass, or bass plus main plus bass. STM is unique in that it is the first vertical array system to offer scalable LF, making it easy to add extra bass cabinets for increased power and headroom, without introducing unwanted phase anomalies makes STM unique, as it is the first vertical array system to offer scalable LF. Deploying the dedicated subbass cabinets, either in the arrays or as ground-stacks, further increases the system’s options. The ‘Omni’ fill speakers complete the coverage pattern, whatever the scale of the system. STM also features a very innovative “one-man� rigging system that allows quick and safe construction of STM configurations. PistonRigTM allows pre-setting of inter-cabinet angle values. REDLockTM handle locks front rigging points from rear of cabinet. All adjustments made from one position at rear of cluster.

“From our first trip to NEXO headquarters over a year ago, we immediately embraced the concept of STM,� states David Haskell, President, Morris Light & Sound. “The ability to scale the system for audiences from 1,000 to 100,000 got our attention. And, after working closely with the NEXO team, I can proudly say they have delivered the most flexible and best sounding system I have heard in many years. We are proud to be a developmental partner with NEXO and YCAS in bringing this wonderful new product to the market and look forward to a lasting relationship.�

For more information on Morris Light & Sound, visit www.morrislightandsound.com.

For more information on the NEXO STM system, visit www.yamahaca.com.

-END-

PHOTO ID: L to R: Morris L&S V.P, John Mills; Paul Furtkamp, YCAS National Sales Manager; David Haskell, President, Morris L&S

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.

Extenders Send AV, IR, RS-232 Control, and PoCc at Resolutions up to 4Kx2K

SAN JOSE, Calif. — March 11, 2013 — Atlona(R) today announced that the company is now shipping its latest HDMI(R) extenders featuring HDBaseT(TM) technology. Specifically engineered for maximum HDBaseT performance, the extenders provide reliable signal transmission to a distance of up to 328 feet (100 meters). Both the AT-HDTX-RSNET transmitter and AT-HDRX-RSNET receiver also provide bidirectional control with Ethernet, RS-232, and IR remote control for compatibility with third-party control systems. By using Power over Category cable (PoCc), AV, IR, RS-232, and power can be sent over a single category cable, eliminating the need for receiver power supplies. more

BUENA PARK, Calif.—Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. has announced the availability of Version 1.51 firmware upgrade for the CL Digital Console Series.

New features include Scene Preview functionality; the Help function is further supported by an on-screen reference guide, which once loaded, resides in the console permanently. The recently launched Ri8-D, Ro8-D, and NXAmp with NXDT104 have been added as Dante devices that can be detected/patched into the CL Series. A CUE LEVEL knob has been added to the CUE section, allowing adjustment of the CUE level and can be assigned to a custom fader or user defined knob. The HPF in the Parametric EQ section has been improved with an option for a slope of -12dB/oct or -6dB/oct.

Yamaha CL Version 1.51 also includes improvements to the DANTE SETUP screen, and a NEW I/O DEVICE screen, separate from the VIRTUAL RACK screen has been added, allowing for more flexible control and management of each I/O device.

“Our company continually strives to make significant improvements and additions of key features and benefits to systems’ firmware that will be beneficial to our customers,� states Kevin Kimmel, Systems Application Engineer, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. “Version 1.51 for the CL Series is proof that we don’t just put a new product out, we continue to improve on that product based on input from our end users.�

Yamaha CL Version 1.51 firmware upgrade is available now, free of charge via download at 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.

Christie® leaves Digital Signage Expo® (DSE) on a high note, with a Silver Apex award under Business, Industry and Government category for its digital signage display of Christie® MicroTiles® in the company’s new West Wing building expansion. The iconic display in its Kitchener, Ontario corporate office intersects technology, architecture and artistic design. Working with Arsenal Media, SRM Architects and rp Visual Solutions, it features sophisticated architectural integration and a unique technology solution to drive the 70Mpx creative canvas created for the company’s Artist-In-Residence Programme and other content development partners.

“Each year, DSE award winners reveal what’s current and evolving in digital signage and mobile media development, deployment and content creation,� stated Sean James, vice president of Managed Services, at Christie. He adds, “To create custom digital signage installations and content that engage consumers and visitors means working collaboratively with experts in various fields who use today’s advanced technology. Christie congratulates all partners in integration, installation, content and architectural design who received 2013 DSE Apex and Content awards.�

At the DSE awards ceremonies on February 27, several Christie products were featured in partners’ winning entries. The Apex awards honor innovation in the development and deployment of technology in the global digital out-of-home networks (DOOH) industry, while the Content awards honor innovative and compelling content created for digital signage in the DOOH networks.

Including Christie’s Silver Apex award for the company’s lobby digital signage, partners collectively took home 10 awards in four categories which included Christie visual display products. The categories were Arts, Entertainment & Recreation, Business, Industry & Government, Retail, and Education & Healthcare.

GOLD APEX AWARDS – Arts, Entertainment and Recreation
Westfield San Francisco Centre for its “Under the Dome� architectural projection mapping experience created by Obscura Digital, using Christie Roadster S+20K DLP® projectors.

San Francisco Public Utility Commission, for the “Digital Arts Panorama� designed by Obscura Digital, using a Christie® MicroTiles® video wall that stretches 58 feet long and sits atop a superstructure pedestal custom fabricated by rp Visual Solutions. Nathan Houchin, technical director at Obscura Digital commented, “We chose Christie MicroTiles because we didn’t want to sacrifice resolution or be concerned about off-axis viewing and serviceability.�

GOLD APEX AWARDS – Education and Healthcare
University of Waterloo Stratford Campus and its massive three-storey (6.5 feet wide by 30 feet high) Christie MicroTiles’ installation, the tallest in the world, was a collaboration amongst Christie’s Research and Innovation team, Westbury National Show Systems Ltd., and rp Visual Solutions. Christie’s visual technology displays are playing a role in the University’s mission to intersect technology, business and art.

Arsenal Media received a Bronze Apex award for its Fountain of Content, a custom-built structure featuring Christie MicroTiles, LCD, LED, Christie projectors (3D projection mapping) and accessories to control the show and an interactive sensor camera for creating visual effects. And, under the Retail category, Rose & Thistle Media received a Bronze Apex award for its unique holographic window display coined “Inverse Parallax.� As technical supplier, Christie worked with Rose & Thistle Media, Westbury National Show Systems and Dynamix Professional Video Systems to realize Holt Renfrew’s 175th anniversary celebration in Toronto, which featured 700 Christie MicroTiles, Christie HD10K-M projectors and Christie Roadster HD20K-J projectors.

Content Creation Award Winners
The Content Awards, which honor innovative and compelling content created for digital signage in the DOOH networks, were presented to winners in 10 different categories from a field of 70 entrants. Christie’s partner Arsenal Media received a Bronze content award for Christie’s West Wing MicroTiles display, a gold for the Fountain of Content, a silver for Wilfrid Laurier’s 100th anniversary MicroTiles display and a Bronze award for The Discovery Wall, developed with Christie for the American Association of Museums (AAM) showcasing Christie MicroTiles as a digital platform and featuring flash-based content that actively enables users to engage in a multi-zone experience. Obscura Digital won silver for the content on the San Francisco Public Utility Commission’s Digital Arts Panorama display and Rose & Thistle Media won a Gold Content award for the Holt Renfrew 175th anniversary event.

Download The Book of Shapes. Discover how Christie MicroTiles are being used as visual building blocks in engaging, eye-catching displays all over the world.

Fort Worth, TX––The mission for Diavolo Systems owner Tim Hannum was “to build a top-of-the-line dance floor sound system and light show in a combination restaurant/lounge, and not have it look like you’re walking into a cavernous nightclub.�

A real challenge since the 13,434 square foot venue for Vee Lounge that formerly served as a live club for cover bands is located on the main floor of a parking garage. The space wasn’t designed for acoustics and suffered from significant acoustic challenges like a sloped roof higher on one side of the room than the other.

The plan for owner Rick’s Cabaret International—a longstanding Diavolo client–– was to create a high-end Tapas restaurant that could easily transition into a full on dance club featuring local and well-known national/international touring DJs playing Electronic Dance Music on weekends.

Hannum, who named his company in part based on the expression, “the devil’s in the details,� approached the challenges implicit in the Vee Lounge project with his customary mix of thoroughness, precision and creativity.

“We put in a reinforced wood DJ stage built out of cabinet-grade lumber instead of metal studs and covered it with a 3/8� recycled rubber floor normally used for workout facilities,� he explains. “With the custom steel Vee Lounge performance stage from Red Bull, we end up with a really nice EDM performance stage.

“In front of the DJ booth, we put in a really huge custom oval shaped dance floor made out of hard oak and raised with enough clearance off the ground to make you feel more of the low end through your feet,� Tim continues.� When it comes to sound, we designed a true left-right speaker system with three Martin Audio Blackline H3H+ enclosures on each side at different heights to reach every corner of the room. You can hear the system pan left and right and, overall, the system is very clean, precise and oh so sexy.�

According to Hannum, “in addition to four S218+ subs, we floor-mounted two of Martin Audio’s new high-powered X15+ subs as monitors at either side of the booth on yokes so DJs can position them any way they want. The X15s are separately powered and processed with their own DSP in the booth.

“As it turns out, the setup transforms pretty well from controlled restaurant sound allowing lower volumes from the perimeter speakers to a high impact club system running full on from the mains. We have plenty of horsepower with the Martin Audio. And as difficult as the room is, the sound is really good, that’s all I can say.�

Vee Lounge also features a sophisticated LED-based lighting system by Chauvet Professional, which Hannum says is “very effects-driven and all operated from Martin Professional’s Light Jockey. The video system is run via Mac Minis with Arkaos video software where we can access different background imagery for all the displays in the room which includes the new 90� Sharp TVs on either side of the DJ booth.�

Underscoring his out-of-the-box approach, Tim explains, “I used a plethora of inexpensive lighting effects that people wouldn’t normally think of for a big club but I’m using them differently for stuff like an expanded ceiling effect that’s very sexy. In fact, it’s a very sexy room with all of the round columns and rounded curvatures of the bar and faciae of the drop-down ceiling pieces. Everything is very curved and sexy, like the sound system.�

Open just over a month after a grand opening featuring an extended hour and a half set by Australian DJ Havana Brown of “We Run the Night� fame, Vee Lounge is rapidly becoming a essential component of Fort Worth nightlife.

Asked about the reaction to the sound system, Hannum concludes, “The owners expect the best and that’s what they get with Martin Audio. The regional DJs were absolutely floored by the sound on the floor and in the booth. When they’re in the booth, they’re immersed in a blanket of sound, so anybody can mix anything at any time. Everything about it helps the DJ do his or her job better and it really sounds good. That works for me.�

For more about Martin Audio, please click to www.martin-audio.com.

For more about Diavolo Systems, please click to www.diavolosystems.com

About Martin Audio®
Founded by audio engineer David Martin in 1971, Martin Audio pioneered the use of all-horn-loaded bass designs in world-class touring loudspeaker systems for groups such as Pink Floyd, ELP and Supertramp. Located outside of London, Martin Audio now embodies a sophisticated mix of acoustic design, research, mathematical modeling and software engineering for a wide range of products in the installation, cinema and touring sound markets.

Extron Electronics is pleased to introduce VNS 104 Multi-Stream Decoding Software. This new software decodes and presents one or four video sources and one associated stereo audio source streamed from VN-Matrix® 225 or 200 Series Encoders and VN-Matrix Recorder. VNS 104 multi-stream decoding software includes text overlay and status messaging features, which are valuable for distinguishing between AV sources during operation and system commissioning.

“VN-Matrix streaming systems often manage many sources, creating requirements for presenting multiple source streams on display systems,” says Casey Hall, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Extron. “VNS 104 provides an efficient, cost-effective method for decoding and monitoring one or four streams on a single display.”

VNS 104 multi-stream decoding software operates on Windows PCs and is managed as a part of a system by a VN-Matrix Enterprise Controller. It offers aspect ratio management for VN-Matrix streams, including FILL, FOLLOW, and a 1:1 mode, which can be applied independently to each decoded source. VNS 104 provides an effective method for monitoring multiple streaming sources in a variety of environments including command and control, after action review, training and simulation, and medical or geological visualization.

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