New headquarters, 40th-anniversary celebrations and much, much more!

Dataton, the world-renowned manufacturer and developer of presentation and show-control products, ushers in a new era of innovation and creativity at the 2013 edition of Integrated Systems Europe. The company’s latest products, marketed as additions to the WATCHOUT suite of multi-display production and presentation software, will be showcased on Dataton’s biggest ISE stand so far.

While the exact nature of the products to be showcased at ISE remains a closely guarded secret until the show opens its doors on January 29, Fredrik Svahnberg, Dataton’s marketing director, comments: “We have continued to update WATCHOUT this year with new features such as 3D stereoscopic playback, live video streaming, interactivity, and multiple languages. What we are going to show at ISE marks the start of a major move forward.�

On the first day of ISE 2013, Dataton will host a booth party at 17:00 on stand 7-K175 to celebrate its 40th year in business and the Swedish-based company is promising plenty of Scandinavian hospitality.

Maintaining its support for education programmes in the pro-AV space, Dataton will also present an InfoComm University™ session in ISE’s Education Zone. Titled ‘Multi-Image Projection Techniques’, the session will be delivered by Svahnberg and will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, 30 January. Like all InfoComm University content, thesession will be vendor-neutral and free of sales pitches.

Finally, ISE 2013 will be the first major AV tradeshow that Dataton has planned from its new corporate headquarters at Mjärdevi Science Park in Linköping, Sweden. Construction of the purpose-built HQ, designed by award-winning architect Petra Gipp, commenced in the summer of 2012.

Dataton will exhibit on Stand 7-K175 at Integrated Systems Europe at the Amsterdam RAI from 29-31 January 2013.

www.dataton.com

Extron Electronics is pleased to announce the immediate availability of the DTP HDMI 330, a transmitter and receiver set for long distance transmission of HDMI, audio, and bidirectional RS-232 and IR control signals up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a single CATx cable. The HDCP-compliant extender provides an effective means for extending HDMI with embedded multi-channel audio from HDMI-equipped devices. In addition, the DTP HDMI 330 accepts analog stereo audio signals and digitizes them for simultaneous transmission over the same twisted pair cable. The compact enclosure sizes and remote power capability make the DTP HDMI 330 ideal for extending HDMI, audio, and bidirectional control in space-challenged environments. more

MW860USTi Short-Throw Projectors Provide Larger-Than-Life Display in Revolutionary Sports Hall

IRVINE, Calif. — Dec. 18, 2012 — BenQ America Corp., an internationally renowned provider of digital lifestyle innovations and global DLP(R) projector leader, today announced its participation in the new world-class Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, which is relying on its MW860USTi short-throw projectors to bring to life its running wall exhibit in the museum’s Sports Hall. The 180,000-square-foot, $185 million museum, which opened Dec. 1, provides full interactive experiences to inspire scientific curiosity in visitors of all ages. more

Baton Rouge, LA – December 2012… Specializing in the care of women and infants, Women’s Hospital is the premiere facility of its kind in the greater Baton Rouge area. With the recent completion of a new conference facility, the hospital now has state-of-the-art capability for handling presentations, training sessions, and related business. Audio and video provisions are crucial to a facility of this nature and, to ensure trouble-free sound, an ASPEN Series Digital Audio Processor from Rio Rancho, NM-based Lectrosonics was incorporated into the conference center’s AV equipment arsenal. more

ISE 2013
Jan. 29-31 | Amsterdam
Haivision, Stand 10-K114

Haivision at ISE 2013:

Haivision is bringing several important innovations to ISE 2013. Anchoring the company’s end-to-end solutions is the new Makito(TM) X2 HD H.264 high performance encoder. The company will also present a unique and low-cost approach to IPTV, coupling its Torpedo(TM) DVB to IP gateways with Amino set-top boxes (STBs). Noteworthy for CoolSign(TM), a digital signage system that integrates with live IP video, is its new interface, enabling administrators to manage content segments and regions along with a new low-cost signage player. Additionally, Haivision will highlight Internet media delivery technology and a new free performance media player, along with new streaming and recording appliances. more

Addressing today’s most challenging control room environments that demand cutting-edge performance and lower costs of ownership, Christie® has introduced the new Christie TVC-700 display wall processor, a powerful manager of the most complex information sources. At the heart of Christie’s control room solutions, the Christie TVC-700 is PC-based and easy-to-use, purpose-built for the rigors of 24/7 control room environments. Using the PCIe bus architecture and state-of-the-art GPU technology, it provides ample graphics and processing power to support multiple inputs and outputs. With simultaneous support for hardware accelerated 3D applications and ultra-high resolution outputs, it can handle 3D content such as CAD/CAM modeling and data visualization.

The Christie TVC-700 joins the company’s family of controllers and video processors that features a full range of solutions to match any control room application. Whether the source is analog or digital, direct connected or over the network, RGB or video, like all Christie video processors, it can manage hundreds of sources simultaneously and display them in high resolution anywhere, at any size, and in any number of windows across the video wall, with content that can be controlled either at the wall or over a networked remote client. It comes bundled with exclusive Christie MASTERSuite™ software, with WallManager™ and MediaManager™ programs to help make tiled video wall displays respond as a single, ultra-high-resolution Windows desktop.

“The world is becoming increasingly complex, with information that can come from any source, at any time, and from any place, making the need for the highest grade control room solutions more critical than ever before,â€� noted John Stark, Christie’s Director of Collaborative Visual Solutions. “Christie brings a solid foundation of expertise, with proven solutions for a 24/7 world. The Christie TVC-700 expands our family of trusted, reliable solutions for every environment and every budget.â€�

Christie display wall processors can be found in applications ranging from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) COMPASS control room, to the NASDAQ’s MarketSite in New York City, to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

COOL OVERHEAD RACK ENCLOSURES OFFER SOLUTIONS FOR CLASSROOMS, BOARDROOMS AND MEETING ROOMS

Woodland Park, NJ – FSR, manufacturer of audio and video switching, control products, and connectivity boxes, is debuting its new CORE family of products to help solve the challenges of today’s classrooms, boardrooms and meeting rooms where floor space has reached an all-time premium.

With FSR’s Cool Overhead Rack Enclosures (CORE), which consists of the Ceiling Box family of above ceiling rack enclosures, and the brand new Top Shelf wall mounted rack enclosure, the company can offer viable options to facilities which can no longer afford to devote floor space to equipment racks or credenzas.

“Let’s face it, many facilities today just don’t have the same amount of floor space any longer to devote to large equipment racks,� says Jan Sandri, president, FSR. “With our new CORE family of products, FSR has the solution. We are thrilled to be able to introduce these powerful options to the industry, which includes the Ceiling Box family and Top Shelf wall-mounted rack enclosure, that target today’s challenges of space constraints.�

The Ceiling Box family is installed in a standard 2’ x 2’ or 2’ x 4’ drop ceilings and provides from 2 ½ rack to 4 full rack spaces for equipment mounting. Optionally, the Ceiling Box family can be equipped with a projector pole mount adapter so that the projector can mount directly to the ceiling box and cables can disappear through the pole.

The newest member of the CORE family is the Top Shelf wall mounted rack. Top Shelf mounts to a wall just below the ceiling in installations without a drop ceiling or where space above the drop ceiling is limited. The Top Shelf provides four rack units of mounting space and the plastic cover allows RF and WiFi signals to pass unobstructed between the equipment and the room.

About FSR
FSR, established in 1981, manufactures a wide variety of products for the audio / video, education, hospitality, government, and religious markets, including AV floor, wall, table, and ceiling connectivity boxes, as well as a full line of interfaces, distribution amplifiers, matrix switchers, seamless switchers and CAT-5 solutions.

FSR complies with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and is a woman owned business. FSR offers live 24/7 technical and sales support throughout the country from expertly trained technicians and sales representatives. For more information visit www.fsrinc.com.

FSR Contact: Jan Sandri
973-785-4347 • sales@fsrinc.com

Press Contact: Desert Moon Communications
Harriet Diener
845-512-8283 • harriet@desertmooncomm.com

Extron Electronics is pleased to introduce the new FOX T USW 203, a three input switcher with an integrated fiber optic transmitter for long haul transmission of HDCP-compliant HDMI, RGBHV, or HD component video, stereo audio, and RS-232 control signals over fiber optic cabling. Engineered for exceptional high resolution image performance, this three input switcher uses Extron all-digital technology to deliver perfect pixel-for-pixel transmission of video images at resolutions up to 1920×1200, including HDTV 1080p/60. Analog AV input signals are digitized to ensure that a high quality signal is transmitted to the final destination. To streamline installation and system operation, the switcher includes integration-friendly features such as buffered HDMI output and VGA input loop-through, EDID Minder®, Key Minder®, audio embedding, auto-input switching, RS-232 control, and real-time system monitoring. The FOX T USW 203 is ideal for a wide range of applications requiring long distance transmission of high resolution content with the highest quality. more

11 Distributors Form Catalyst AV Nationwide Distribution Network of Specialty Products

Established local-area professionals supporting integrators through personalized selling and servicing

Burlington, MA – December 13, 2012 – Catalyst AV (www.catalystav.com), a new nationwide distribution network comprised of 11 independent distributors that serve the residential and professional AV channels in the US, today announced its formation.

Operating from 16 locations across the US, the Catalyst AV network serves more than 10,000 professional integration companies. According to board member Mike Hench the group is committed to maintaining sustained inventory levels to assure next-day (and where applicable same-day) delivery in the continental U.S.

The members of Catalyst AV share a common vision as to how better serve the integrator and the manufacturer. This includes fostering personal relationships through one-on-one selling and servicing, offering project consultation and design, and providing top-tier technical support.

The group will use its 16 locations to host manufacturer training events and product showcases. Special emphasis will be placed on technologies that frequently cause installation compatibility issues such as networking, media distribution and home control.

�Given changing market conditions and the growing intricacies of systems integration, we believe in-depth support in all these arenas is crucial for the continued sustenance and growth of the integrator’s business model,� says Hench.

“Taking on the demands of just-in-time inventory and providing real backbone tech support like helping with setup, troubleshooting, debugging, etc., truly makes us a key part of the supply chain,� furthers Hench.

The Catalyst AV member companies are:
• Allnet Distributing (Midwest)
• Audio Video Warehouse (Nevada, Arizona)
• Custom Plus Distributing (Pacific Northwest / Alaska)
• Easy Access Distribution (Northeast)
• Electronic Lane Distributors (Southwest)
• Electronics Source (Florida and Southeast)
• Electronic Stockroom (California)
• HCA Distributing (Rocky Mountains)
• Pioneer Music Company (Plains States)
• SPD (Upstate NY)
• Tech Source Distributors (Mid-Atlantic)

The Catalyst AV Board of Directors are:
• Mike Hench – Electronics Source principal (former president of The EDGE Distributors Group)
• Steve Presti – Easy Access Distribution principal (former president of DDG)
• Wally Whinna – Allnet Distributing principal (former executive vice president and co-founder of AVAD)

Look for upcoming press releases regarding Catalyst AV vendor partner announcements, line shows and training events.

About Catalyst AV
Founded in 2012, Catalyst AV is a network of 11 independent consumer electronics distributors serving the residential and professional AV channels in the U.S. Catalyst AV grants manufacturers a consistent and cohesive nationwide distribution model to more than 10,000 professional integration specialists. Catalyst AV benefits integrators by delivering all the products and support necessary to execute the demands of job specifications with confidence.
www.catalystav.com

AV systems integrator Verrex welcomes Michael Ferentinos to its Sales group. Michael, who joins with a broad range of ProAV and broadcast experience, will be based at the company’s corporate headquarters.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NEW JERSEY USA / 13 December 2012 / — Verrex, a global design-build integrator and managed services provider of conferencing, collaboration and presentation technologies, today announced that Michael Ferentinos has joined as Account Executive for the metropolitan New York area. Mr. Ferentinos will be responsible for matching Verrex’s full range of AV systems design, integration and managed services solutions to corporate market needs. He will report directly to Verrex Vice President of Sales, Bill Chamberlin.

“Overseeing the roadmap for our clients’ conferencing and collaboration strategies requires high-caliber consultative, technical and interpersonal skills,” said Mr. Chamberlin. “Michael is a proven leader in this respect. He is an excellent fit to put Verrex workplace solutions to work for a growing and diverse array of clients.â€�

Mr. Ferentinos is an industry veteran with nearly two decades of experience in systems integration and technology vendor services. Prior to joining Verrex he was Project Manager for Harris Broadcast working with clients such as the NBA, Fox News, New Jersey Meadowlands Stadium and the United Nations on a broad range of audiovisual and broadcast projects. Additional career highlights include Operations & Project Services Director for Manhattan Crewing Company and increasingly senior roles at The Systems Group, culminating as Production Manager. During his career, Ferentinos has worked with clients such as NBC News, CNBC, the Conan O’Brien Show, ABC Good Morning America, MTV Networks and the National Geographic Channel.

“Exceeding the expectations of my clients is a requisite,� added Mr. Ferentinos. “However, a successful project and relationship means not only am I committed, but the entire organization responsible for delivery. This is an established Verrex approach and clear differentiator that my clients can take real value from. I am excited to join such a client-centric organization.�

Mr. Ferentinos is based out of Verrex’s Corporate & Global headquarters in Mountainside, New Jersey and can be reached at mferentinos@verrex.com.

About Verrex
Founded in 1947, Verrex designs, integrates, services and supports conferencing and collaboration systems globally that allow companies to communicate and collaborate through video conferencing and other audio visual technologies. Verrex’s approach is driven by a proprietary quality-management process and focus on documentation to deliver consistency and best-in-class standards across an entire enterprise. Led by full-service offices in key corporate hubs, Verrex has built an allied network across 40 countries to share its vision of exceptional integration and support services worldwide. For information, visit verrex.com.

Verrex, the Verrex Logo and GMS are registered trademarks of Verrex Corporation and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries.
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Media Contact:
Theresa Hahn, Director of Marketing & Business Development
Verrex
Phone: +1 908 664 8391
Email: thahn@verrex.com