Christie today announced the official launch of its Christie JumpStart content management solution at the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show in Amsterdam. JumpStart makes it easy to put stunning, high resolution content onto a multi-display or tiled digital canvas.

Christie JumpStart targets architectural markets including museums, universities, stadiums, corporate offices and retail stores needing high resolution, reliable content playback across large video walls. Rental stagers will also benefit from JumpStart’s speed and ease of setup, and support for unique display configurations.

“Christie is leading the way in developing simple, user-friendly solutions for integrated, large-format, digital displays,� said Richard Heslett, senior product manager, Business Products, Christie. “Christie JumpStart can be used with any digital display that has up to four inputs, and is the ideal companion for small and medium-sized Christie MicroTiles video walls – giving customers the ability to get the most out of their MicroTiles displays.�

Combining user-friendly JumpStart software with reliable HP hardware, Christie JumpStart enables users to position and play back a wide range of content including video, graphics, applications, Blu-ray and DVD movies, remote video sources, color swatches and text.

When used with Christie MicroTiles, Christie JumpStart communicates directly with the master External Control Unit (ECU), automatically picking the best resolution for the MicroTiles canvas, regardless of shape or cabling layout, and showing the location of every tile so that snapping content into position is a breeze.

Benefits of Christie JumpStart:

* Multi-windowing capabilities including video files, applications and text

* Seamless integration with Christie MicroTiles, automatically optimizing resolution of the Christie MicroTiles display

* Supports non-standard resolutions and independent resolutions

* Simple user interface allows for quick changes and intuitive user controls

* Integrated solution with single PC/software bundle means no additional hardware and no ongoing software costs or licenses

* Positioning and playback of content can be accomplished by seasoned designers and less technical users

* Plays media locally so no external source PCs or movie players are required

* Scheduling of playlists within each content window (scheduling by date is not supported)

Christie JumpStart is now shipping with a three-year warranty and the hardware bundle is backed by HP, providing peace of mind.

Winner of 18 industry awards since debuting in November 2009, Christie MicroTiles are installed throughout the world including Seoul’s Incheon International Airport, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, London Stock Exchange and Deutsche Bank’s Asia Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong.

Apantac continues to expands its line of MT HOOD and MAZAMA signal processing and extension solutions and is launching ten new products at ISE, stand 11 N67.

New to the MT HOOD series:
• HDBaseT extender and receiver set with Ethernet and Power over Ethernet (POE)
• 4×4 and an 8×8 HDMI Matrix switch
• Dual Head KVM Extender to extends VGA, USB mouse, and keyboard over two CAT 5e/6 cables
• A USB Touch Screen Extender extends VGA with USB control over a single CAT 5e/6 cable
• VGA Skew Corrector – provides skew delay correction between the Red, Green and Blue VGA signals being transmitted over CAT 5e/6 cable.

New to the MAZAMA Series:
• DVI Fiber Optic fixed cable extender that extends 1080p signals up to 500 meters up to resolutions of 1920×1200
• DVI Dual Link Fiber Optic fixed cable extender that extends Dual Link DVI signals up to 330 meters, using two multi-mode SC fibers
• HDMI Fiber Optic extender that extends 1080p signals up to 500 meters over a single multi-mode SC fiber

Apantac will be at ISE 2012 on stand 11 N67.

Extron Electronics is pleased to introduce the new XTRAâ„¢ Series XPA 4002 two channel power amplifier. This compact 1U, convection cooled amplifier delivers 400 watts rms per channel, and is available in low impedance and 70 volt versions. The XPA 4002 is an ENERGY STAR® qualified amplifier with an Extron exclusive, highly efficient, advanced Class D amplifier design. It also features patented CDRSâ„¢ – Class D Ripple Suppression technology that provides a smooth, clean audio waveform and an improvement in signal fidelity over conventional Class D amplifiers. The XPA 4002 is half the size of comparable amplifiers, conserving rack space and weighing only 9 lbs (4 kg). The Extron exclusive, high efficiency design generates very little heat and allows the amplifier to be convection cooled.

“The XPA 4002 is our newest ENERGY STAR qualified amplifier that delivers a unique combination of high power output and very efficient operation,” says Casey Hall, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Extron. “It is ideal for driving high powered speaker cabinets or a large quantity of distributed speakers in large spaces such as auditoriums and houses of worship, while consuming less energy, running cooler, and taking up less space than competitive models.”

The XPA 4002 features an auto power-down feature that automatically places the amplifier into standby after a period of inactivity, and consumes 30 watts or less when idle and less than 1 watt in standby mode. It also has an ultra low inrush current draw to prevent power circuit overload that occurs when multiple amplifiers are switched on simultaneously. This feature eliminates the need for power sequencing in systems with multiple amplifiers in large centralized equipment racks, and prevents other equipment from experiencing power interruption from associated power surges. Additionally, the XPA 4002 amplifier features very low thermal dissipation under full load, which keeps racks and equipment cabinets cool.

Visit our Web site at www.extron.com/xpa4002pr for more information.

SAS has selected and installed 197 Christie MicroTiles comprising five walls, four Christie projectors and four Christie Spyder X20 video processors at its worldwide headquarters in Cary, North Carolina. SAS, the largest independent vendor in the business intelligence market, provides business analytics, data management and IT management software and services to the financial services, government, retail, energy, life sciences, manufacturing and numerous other industries.

“In designing our new state-of-the-art executive briefing center, SAS was creating a technology and functional showpiece,� said Woody Weaver, SAS senior manager of engineering and operations.

“MicroTiles, with their 1 mm bezel between each tile, provide a virtually seamless wall with the flexibility to build almost any configuration. Our building is platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified and MicroTiles met our requirements as a green solution with their low power consumption and no consumables.�

“You see the LEED Wall (4 Christie MicroTiles wide by 2 Christie MicroTiles high) as soon as you enter the building,� continued Weaver, “along with a second, smaller video wall nearby (5 MicroTiles wide by 4 MicroTiles high). The showcase display is the 40-foot long Welcome Wall (28 MicroTiles wide by 4 MicroTiles high), which becomes the backdrop for our registration area. We also have the Future Wall (12 MicroTiles wide by 3 MicroTiles high) displaying current and upcoming events.�

Located on the sixth floor, the executive wing’s Executive Wall features a 7 MicroTiles wide by 3 MicroTiles high array displaying computer models, cable television content and digital signage.
“We often send content from our auditoriums and meeting rooms to the Executive Wall, so others can watch the presentations,� added Weaver. “Even with a skylight overhead, the MicroTiles still look good. Next, we’re implementing a touchscreen application using infrared sensors.�

Christie Spyder and Christie MicroTiles – The Ideal Combination

Two Christie Spyder X20 video processors manage and control the content fed to the Christie MicroTiles.

“We can transform our lobby into a technology showcase and use the Welcome Wall in conjunction with our Spyders for our conference registration areas,� said Ken Weaver, senior IT manager, SAS. “For example, for an education conference here our graphics team designed a themed background for the wall, to which we added letter logos to facilitate the registration process. We often repurpose one wall several different ways just by changing up the display content.�

Four Christie Projectors and Two Additional Christie Spyders

Two additional Christie Spyders deliver top-notch content in the center’s two auditoriums. Both spaces feature two rear-projected Christie HD10-M projectors with a Christie Spyder X20 blending the content onto impressive 30-foot wide by 10-foot high screens. Two Christie HD6K-M projectors in each auditorium present content for two smaller, flanking screens.

“We chose Christie because it is good product. The MicroTiles have been very reliable,� Woody Weaver concluded. “The MicroTiles run 12 hours a day, six days a week and definitely provide that ‘wow’ factor for our clients when they walk into the building.�

Integrator AVI-SPL was pleased to install MicroTiles at the high-tech firm after becoming very familiar with the technology on other installations. Will Parry, senior vice president, special projects groups at AVI-SPL said, “We were happy to use the MicroTiles again after several large installations. We’ve had great success with them in the past, and highly recommend them to our clients.�

WVU Digital Signage Network Leverages Social Media Features and QR Codes to Encourage Student Interactivity on Mobile Devices

MONTREAL — Jan. 19, 2012 — X2O Media, a full-service provider of software, network management, and content services for real-time visual communication applications, today announced that its digital signage deployment at West Virginia University (WVU) has earned a 2011 DIGI Award in the category of “Best Deployment, Integration of Digital Signage and Mobile/Cell Phone Technology.” Powered by X2O Media’s Xpresenter(TM) software platform, the vast, cross-campus digital signage network incorporates innovative social media features and technologies such as Twitter and QR codes to encourage student engagement and interaction with the displays using mobile devices. more

Extron Electronics is pleased to announce the immediate availability of three, newly designed 7-inch touchpanels. The TLP 710MV, TLP 710TV, and TLP 710CV are fully configurable, 7-inch touchpanels featuring contemporary designs that complement the aesthetics of any environment. Each TLP 710 Series touchpanel has an 800×480 resolution touchscreen and incorporates PoE – Power over Ethernet, which eliminates the need for a local power supply. For enhanced AV connectivity, each model also has a built-in MTP – Twisted Pair receiver, which accepts either S-video or composite video signals over standard CAT 5 cable. This provides integration flexibility and aids in cable management by minimizing the number of connections at the touchpanel. The TLP 710MV mounts on a wall, lectern, or other flat surface, while The TLP 710TV is designed to sit on a tabletop or install on a VESA mount. The TLP 710CV is the industry’s first flip-up 7-inch touchpanel and can be mounted into a tabletop, lectern, or other flat surface. All of these touchpanels are ideal for control environments requiring a 7-inch control surface within an elegant touchpanel design.

“The TLP 710 Series has the same sophisticated look and features as our larger TLP 1000 Series touchpanels, but in a slightly smaller package,” says Casey Hall, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Extron. “These are perfect for control environments requiring a compact touchpanel with flexible connectivity and a full complement of control features.”

GUI Configurator software makes touchpanel configuration easy, without the need for additional graphics programs. This software offers ready-to-use templates for single display rooms, dual display rooms, divisible rooms, multi-image systems, and video conference suites. These designs may be used as is, or customized for the application by simply changing individual graphic elements.

The TLP 710 Series works in conjunction with any Extron IP Link® control processor, such as the Extron IPCP 505 Control Processor. They are designed for use in AV system applications that require complete, interactive control of conferencing systems, displays, switchers, and source devices. The touchpanels and IP Link control processors communicate using a standard Ethernet network, allowing utilization of existing infrastructure.

Visit our Web site at www.extron.com/tlp710series for more information.

MELBOURNE, FL/DENVER, January 16, 2012 — The Automotive Broadcast Network (ABN) has selected Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) as its vendor of choice for a dynamic, scalable Digital Out-Of-Home (DOOH) solution to augment its popular Dealer TV broadcast at auto dealerships across North America.

The solution will deliver superior technology, network operations management, and turnkey field services, including dealership installations and support. Harris was awarded the contract due to its full-service approach for ABN.

“Harris has the depth and efficiency as an organization to deliver a full range of products and service across the entire network, allowing us to focus on sales and marketing. They also can scale with us quicker and more efficiently than any other vendor,� said Jerry Daniels, president and CEO, Automotive Broadcast Network.

ABN launched its Dealer TV service in 2008 to enhance the automotive retail experience for customers and better control sales environments. The Harris DOOH solution, which is an upgrade to ABN’s existing digital signage system, will roll out at 1000 dealerships in the U.S. and Canada by the end of 2012, bringing diverse and targeted content to every screen in the network — along with the broadcast-quality graphics, superior video quality and rich data of Harris® InfoCaster™ technology.

The complete Harris DOOH solution will allow ABN to control the entire customer experience at each dealership. This includes unique and targeted content in the showrooms, service departments, welcome areas and other departments. Local dealerships can also upload content to ABN for placement on the applicable screens, and control content delivery by location.

�The Harris DOOH network will significantly extend our ability to market specific messages to appropriate audiences, helping dealerships to increase sales and otherwise stir customer interest,� said Daniels. “Digital signage is an ideal way to communicate with everyone that visits the dealership and reach customers at various points of transit. By strategically placing multiple displays throughout the dealerships with messaging relevant to location, we can facilitate communication with customers in a very consistent and effective manner.�

Daniels added that he is interested in using digital signage to educate and inform customers about all the different opportunities and services that dealerships have to offer — from service specials to discount programs — and in having the flexibility to create vibrant, attractive displays that capture customer attention.

“We have a unique need in that, to our knowledge, we are the only company in our industry that is mimicking broadcast content to this extent,� said Daniels. “We want to provide that rich broadcast viewing experience to the consumer, and Harris is really the only company that offers that kind of platform. Harris delivers the broadcast-quality graphics, dynamic screen presentations, content management and scalability we need to achieve our goals.�

Daniels said that the Harris DOOH network solution will also enable integration into social media tools like Facebook and Twitter, and provide stronger local content tied to news, weather and other pertinent information.

“ABN has built a unique viewing experience for the automobile industry with Dealer TV, mixing family-friendly entertainment with promotional content to create an environment to engage and retain customers,� said Harris Morris, president, Harris Broadcast Communications. “Harris’ solutions and service will help ABN evolve the entire experience, from engaging customers with the right content at the right time to helping dealerships sell automobiles and services — all tied to an exciting digital out-of-home experience.�

About Automotive Broadcast Network
Founded by automotive retail professionals, the Automotive Broadcasting Network was formed to leverage existing dealership assets to assist automobile dealerships with selling more products and services in a totally unique and professional manner. For additional information, visit http://www.abnetwork.com.

About Harris Corporation
Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $6 billion of annual revenue and about 17,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.

Christie®, a global visual technology company, will showcase its broad range of industry-leading digital signage solutions, which include designing, building, deploying and on-going monitoring services for the retail market, January 16 –17, at the National Retail Federation’s BIG show.

On Display at NRF, Christie Booth #667:
The Christie displays at NRF include a 2 wide by 6 tall (32 inches wide by 72 inches tall) Christie® MicroTiles® shopping station with touch interactivity, 11 additional Christie MicroTiles in a unique and engaging configuration, and two stacked 55-inch high-definition Christie FHD551-X HD LCD flat panels.

Interactive Virtual Shelfâ„¢ Displayed on Brilliant Christie MicroTiles:
Last year, NRF 2011 attendees previewed an exclusive sneak preview of the Virtual Shelfâ„¢ interactive concept display with mobile applications, designed by Arsenal Media, in collaboration with Christie. In 2012, the concept truly comes to life.

This stylish digital destination combines the award-winning Christie MicroTiles with a gesture-interactive shopping platform, mobile features, QR code promotions, lounge soundtrack, and ambient print design. Attendees will instantly see the benefits of this client-focused application that not only showcases up-sell and cross-sell opportunities based on fashion style or client persona, but gives consumers full control over their shopping experience by providing product category, model and color choices. The Virtual Shelf is unique in that its features are adaptable to each retailer’s brand, merchandising strategy and décor.

“The Virtual Shelf is a smart and stylish new breed of interactive shopping destinations. I believe it answers today’s consumer expectations regarding their in-store experiences while providing innovative merchandising opportunities for retailers. It utilizes a minimal amount of space without diminishing the impact of the sales experience and access to full inventory,� said Denys Lavigne, president of Arsenal Media.

Engage Clients from the Get-go With Corporate Lobby Digital Displays:
A Christie MicroTiles display demonstrates how Christie’s corporate lobby was renovated using this technology and booth visitors can inquire about how The Nielsen Company and others trust Christie to design, build, deploy and monitor corporate lobbies. Christie MicroTiles are modular, digital display tiles that interlock with one another like building blocks, creating a near-seamless display.

Christie as Guardian of Your Digital Networks:
Attendees learn how Christie teams with dealer networks to offer custom display solutions and support – including designing, building, deploying and monitoring displays through Christie’s state-of-the-art North American Network Operations Center where experienced technicians monitor and protect customers’ digital investments 24/7/365.

Via video clips and images displayed on two stacked 55-inch Christie FHD551-X HD LCD flat panels, attendees will also discover how Sun Life Financial (sponsor of IRIS by Cirque du Soleil® at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood), Fresh® (a Louis Vuitton subsidiary) and Rave Motion Pictures use Christie’s digital signage solutions and services.

“Christie has been in the visual technology business for more than 80 years, so we understand what retailers, architects and brand managers need to compete,� said Sean James, Christie’s vice president of managed services. “As guardian of digital signage networks, we offer specialty installations from design through deployment and into post-deployment monitoring and maintenance. We provide retailers the end-to-end solutions they need to increase their level of interactivity with customers, and to help them stand apart in a competitive world.�

Christie offers fully customizable, one-stop shopping from digital signage and services to additional products and accessories such as mounting brackets, frame and pedestal structural supports, Christie Vista Spyder and Christie Spyder X20 multi-image video processors, plus, a complete range of TVC controllers and media servers.

TELUS Spark, The New Science Centre, is welcoming visitors with the help of 48 Christie MicroTiles and an assortment of Christie projectors. The center opened October 29, 2011 in Calgary, Alberta for people of all ages and abilities to explore and discover science, technology and art in new ways.

The two-story tall atrium houses an 8 unit wide by 6 unit high Christie MicroTiles array set between the Feature Gallery and the gift store.

Christie MicroTiles are modular digital display tiles that can be stacked and clustered like building blocks to create display walls of any shape or scale. They are also “self-aware� – meaning that the sensors built into the MicroTiles automatically complete time-consuming and costly color calibration needed to keep conventional video walls looking uniform.

“The Atrium is where we have a space for discovery leaders and hosts to deliver presentations and for informing people about what is happening at the center,� said Dennis Cheng, audio video manager, TELUS Spark. “There is a very large picture window on the south side of the atrium that lets in a lot of sunlight. In fact, it lights up the entire atrium. We needed a technology to overcome that issue and the Christie MicroTiles came in as the solution. The MicroTiles are LED-based and were the only product bright enough to overcome that large amount of ambient light.�

“Looking down from the second floor of the atrium, the MicroTiles display still looks great,� added Barry Crean, vice president, Operations. “People look down at the display from any angle and are quite impressed by what they see. The MicroTiles look terrific.�

A second wall, comprising 22 Christie MicroTiles, slated for installation this year, will act as a donor wall to recognize large-scale donations.

Ten Christie Projectors Complete the Solution

Cheng explained that as a new building, TELUS Spark is poised to attract a wide variety of special events and the Atrium is the perfect place to stage these opportunities.

“Again, because of the ambient light on the south end of the atrium, we needed a projector to overcome the light challenges. The Christie Roadie HD+35K was the best option,� said Cheng. “The Roadie projects 100 feet away onto a 30-foot by 16-foot screen that is suspended from a movable truss over 30 feet above the atrium floor.�

The center also has seven Christie DWU670-E 1-chip DLP® projectors with four dedicated to the Open Studio gallery. Catering to youth, the Open Studio allows participants to digitally paint with light or compose a symphony with color. The finished artwork or composition is then projected onto one of four screens.

Of the remaining three projectors, one is in the Being Human gallery and the other two are on mobile carts, used throughout the science center.

Christie DWU670-E 1-chip DLP® projectors provide exceptional brightness (6000 ANSI lumens / 6500 center lumens) and image quality with native WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution.

“We really like the look and performance of these single-chip projectors,� added Cheng. “They work exceptionally well and were the ideal wide-screen choice for our needs.�

A Christie DS+750 1-chip DLP® projector is used at the Shadow Rock exhibit in the Open Studio gallery. Offering an exceptional balance between high brightness and superior color and reliability for 24/7 applications, the Christie DS+750 digital projector delivers 7500 ANSI lumens at SXGA+ (1400 x 1050) resolution.

“The final Christie projector we have is the Christie CP2220, located in our 164-seat Presentation Theatre,� Crean continued. “We wanted a quality space where we could do flat image 3D and the Christie CP2220 is exactly what we needed.�

Designed for ease of use and maximum reliability with the majority of screens in commercial exhibitions, the Christie CP2220 digital cinema projector is an all-in-one digital cinema projector solution and the brightest, highest performance projector with the lowest operating costs in its class.

“We had a walkthrough with some technology experts and they recognized that by choosing Christie projectors, we had chosen high quality and cutting edge technology. Once we decided on Christie, everything – including delivery of the products – happened very quickly,� Crean concluded.

“We worked closely with Geoff Chick (Central and Western Regional Sales Manager, Canada) and Dave Muscat (Senior Director of Sales, Canada) – who were very responsive throughout the process. Having great products means we have the potential to achieve great things with our exhibits.�

Custom electronics distributor kicks off exclusive traveling “trade show”
January 26 in Irvine, Calif.

VAN NUYS, Calif. – January 10, 2012 – AVAD LLC, one of North America’s leading distributors of custom electronics, has announced the first dates and locations for the 2012 schedule of its highly popular Vend-O-Palooza tour. AVAD’s 2012 Vend-O-Palooza tour will kick off January 26th at the AVAD branch in Irvine, Calif. followed by stops at Scottsdale, Ariz. on February 22 and San Jose, Calif. on March 13.

Now in its third year, Vend-O-Palooza is a one-day “trade show” offering local dealers and integrators an exclusive opportunity to meet directly and interact with the industry’s leading manufacturers and service providers. Attendees to Vend-O-Palooza have the unique benefit of demoing the latest products, participating in prize giveaways and raffles and purchasing products at special pricing. Throughout the event, AVAD also conducts special training session and workshops designed to help attendees manage and grow their businesses.

“Vend-O-Palooza has quickly grown into an event that AVAD dealers and vendors look forward to,” said Jim Annes, vice president and general manager of AVAD. “The event is truly a win-win situation for everyone in attendance. AVAD dealers have the unique opportunity to speak face-to-face with manufacturers in a forum that allows them to ask questions and provide feedback on the products they use. AVAD vendors also use Vend-O-Palooza as an opportunity to learn more about the unique needs of the dealer which helps them make the products and services they provide even better.”

AVAD will release more Vend-O-Palooza dates and locations throughout 2012. For an up-to-date tour schedule, visit http://www.vendopalooza.com or http://www.avad.com.

About AVAD LLC
AVAD is an industry-leading provider of solutions to the residential and commercial custom installation markets. As part of the Specialty Solutions Division, AVAD, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ingram Micro, provides integrators access to the industry’s top products and integrated solutions for residential and commercial video, audio, lighting control, content management, whole-home and business automation and control, as well as digital signage and commercial solutions and design services. AVAD offers the broadest consumer electronics and home and business automation portfolio in North America. Further differentiating its services, AVAD invests in the business tools and technical support and services integrators need to grow their businesses. With 24 locations throughout North America, AVAD offers local, hands-on access to the latest products and trainings, as well as free support services including system design and technical support.

Media Contact: Scott Moody, Director of Public Relations Marketing Matters Tel: 954-925-1511 Email: scott@marketingmatters.net Web: http://www.marketingmatters.net