PixelFLEX, a leading provider of flexible and lightweight LED video screens, will showcase its growing line of innovative LED Curtains at LDI 2012 in Las Vegas (Booth 2135). After the successful launch of its initial 20mm video screen at last year’s LDI Show, PixelFLEX has expanded its product offerings to include 18mm, 30mm, 50mm and 100mm screens – providing a variety of video display solutions to meet any and all live event needs.

Easy to operate and set up – videos and images can be sent to the screen using any computer with a DVI-D connection – PixelFLEX LED Curtains are available from low resolution to high resolution, allowing users to demonstrate simple effects or elaborate videos. Each typical screen panel is approximately 8×4, but modifications can be made easily to meet specific needs – panels can be attached together with PixelFLEX’s proprietary quicklock system.

Flexible in all directions, PixelFLEX LED Curtains are able to bend and shape around structures for a more creative display effect and can be stored in a single road case to simplify shipping. This flexibility, in combination with the product’s extraordinary light weight – PixelFLEX LED Curtains range from 4.5 lbs to 19.9 lbs per square meter, which is 60 to 90 percent less than most other LED video screens – provides substantial savings on transportation costs.

“Earlier this year, we used PixelFLEX’s LED Curtain at one of the largest trade shows in the country to attract attention to our exhibit and the results were exceptional,� said Corky Seeber, president of Small Tree, designers of cost-effective, Ethernet-based shared storage solutions. “The LED Curtain enabled us to have a very dynamic presentation making our booth easier to find for attendees and thus, brought more potential customers to us.�

Many well-known performers, such as musicians Rascal Flatts, TobyMac and Skillet, and Luke Bryan currently use the PixelFLEX LED Curtain to enhance their live performances with sharp video and effects. The company’s video display solution has also been used by Jimmy Kimmel Live and Joel Osteen, one of the country’s most well-known ministry leaders.

For more information on PixelFLEX and its growing line of flexible, lightweight LED video screens, visit www.LEDCurtain.com. Follow PixelFLEX at www.Facebook.com/PixelFLEXUSA and @LEDCurtain.

PADS4 Signage Software Suite Provides Powerful Monitoring and System Control

HAWTHORNE, N.Y. — Oct. 10, 2012 — BTX Technologies, a value-added distributor and manufacturer of interface, integration, and system products, today announced that Net Display Systems (NDS), a leading developer of digital signage software, has announced PADS4 release 1. With this new release, PADS4 includes the much anticipated PADS4 Agent, a powerful tool designed to monitor and manage the PADS4 eco-system remotely. more

Extron Electronics is pleased to announce the immediate availability of the DDX 102 Dual Link DVI Fiber Optic Extender, an efficient transmitter and receiver set for long haul delivery of DVI signals over fiber optic cabling. It uses all digital technology to deliver perfect pixel-for-pixel transmission of video images up to 2560×1600, including HDTV 1080p/60. The extender delivers dual link DVI-D signals up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) over two multimode cables or single link DVI signals over one fiber optic cable. The capabilities and compact size of the DDX 102 make this fiber optic extender ideal for sending high resolution DVI content in a wide variety of applications. more

The Christie® YK200 dual-arm yoke was part of the recent 25th anniversary celebration of Shark Week, the popular Discovery Channel program that details the lives of one of nature’s most intriguing and feared predators. Attended by press, producers and friends of the network from around the world, the festivities took place at the Beverly Hilton hotel poolside.

Part of the Christie Nitro Solutions family of moving digital luminaires, the Christie YK200 featured an installed Christie Roadster HD20K-J 3-chip DLP® projector displaying moving sharks in the pool while six Christie Roadster S+20K 3-chip DLP projectors displayed images of the imposing creatures on a large wall.

“The six Christie Roadster S+20K projectors created a 1:3 blend that was then stacked for double brightness,� said Joel St-Denis, product manager, Christie. “A Christie YK200 yoke with a Christie HD20K-J projector was used to move sharks around the entire pool, achieving with a single projector what would normally require several projectors.�

Designed for staging and event applications, Christie Nitro Solutions offers three yoke models to choose from. Each yoke provides a platform to move and control a variety of Christie video projectors via DMX protocol – allowing integration of lighting equipment and video projectors easily with the same control console. These versatile yokes can be flown, rigged or set up at floor level, according to application needs.

“The reason that I love [Christie] Nitro is because it moves a 20K projector,� said Bart Kresa, principal, BARTKRESA Design. “And in this event … in order to do this across the whole pool, we probably would have had to set up six 20K projectors. With the [Christie] Nitro, we can use one projector and then create an animation. When we move the animation and the projector around, it looks natural. The sharks are moving around the pool but it sort of gives the sense that the whole pool is filled with an image.�

Contributing to the success of the ‘Shark Week’ display provided by Nitro Solutions was the Pandoras Box media manager and server, which, according to Jared Leunis of coolux® Media Systems managed the movement of the Christie YK200 yoke and the sharks’ movement throughout the pool.

“Five years ago, doing something like this was quite a bit more difficult because we had to measure and calculate everything, and everything had to be very, very precise,� concluded Kresa. “The cool thing about the new technology is that working with digital projectors and with digital tools, we can pre-design everything.�

Extron Electronics is pleased to announce the immediate availability of the new Extender Plus VGA and Audio Line Driver with EDID Minder. This one input, one buffered output line driver extends VGA-QXGA and HDTV component video along with audio signals up to 250 feet (75 m). Unbalanced computer stereo audio is converted to balanced, line level stereo audio to eliminate noise usually associated with unbalanced audio when distributed over long cable runs. It features EDID Minder, which automatically manages EDID communication between connected devices to ensure that the source powers up properly and reliably outputs content for display. The Extender Plus is available in Decora®-style and AAP form factors, providing convenient AV access and signal extension for a wide variety of environments. more

(Spiceland, Ind.) – When selecting a projection screen surface, there are many variables to consider, including screen gain, surface color and screen material. Matching up screen surface capabilities with room conditions can get complicated very quickly, but Draper Inc. has simplified the process with a powerful new Web tool.

Draper’s new screen surface selector takes into account variables such as projector brightness, light on the screen, projector location and specs and more to narrow screen surface choices to “good,� “better� and “best.�

“This new tool is unique to Draper and was entirely designed and developed in house. Our Quality Lab team performed numerous performance tests on each surface for gain, ambient light rejection, contrast, and more, all of which support the logic behind the tool,� according to Draper Advertising Manager Penny Sitler. “Members of our field sales staff provided real world input on the performance of these surfaces in a variety of settings, and our web development team spent many hours integrating the results into an easy-to-use and reliable selector.�

The new screen surface selector was developed using InfoComm standards as a basis for screen selection, and designed to be easy to use by people with basic or advanced AV knowledge.

You can check out Draper’s new screen surface selector at www.draperinc.com/ProjectionScreens/SurfaceSelector.asp.

Valencia, California (September 25, 2012) – Leading audio production company, ATK Audiotek, is proud to welcome Michael MacDonald to take over the duties as President and leadership of the company’s business development, sales and marketing programs, coincident with the retirement of outgoing President Michael Stahl.

MacDonald joins ATK Audiotek with over three decades of experience in the professional audio industry, most recently having served for five years as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at HARMAN Professional. Prior to HARMAN, Michael operated a successful consulting business at Pilot Business Strategies, where he worked with over 30 professional audio clients and trade organizations on product and program development, business planning and marketing and sales, where he built strong relationships with a diverse array of industry stakeholders. MacDonald has held senior roles at other professional audio manufacturers, including as President of JBL Professional and 10-years in various executive positions with Yamaha International.

Michael MacDonald began his career in the audio business in the production industry working as lead audio engineer on a host of major tours and projects including Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the GRAMMY® Awards and Presidential debates.

“Having Michael MacDonald join the company is a natural extension of the relationships we have enjoyed for over 30 years,� commented Mikael Stewart, Partner and Vice President of Special Events, ATK Audiotek. “We’re very pleased to welcome him onboard and look forward to his ideas and his energy just as we are appreciative of Mike Stahl’s massive contribution to ATK since its foundation!�

Scott Harmala, Partner, CTO and Vice President of Engineering, ATK Audiotek, concurs “Michael not only brings decades of experience and industry contacts but a proven, high energy, creative approach to building new business. We share a considerable history together but also a strong vision for the future potential of the production industry and of ATK Audiotek!�

Michael MacDonald noted, “I am really excited to be moving to ATK Audiotek for the next phase of my career,� add Michael MacDonald on his new role. “ATK Audiotek is a great company that has been a pioneer in the live event industry and has built a solid business by focusing on superb customer service. I am really flattered that Mikael and Scott have given me the chance to join the team as an ATK partner and I also appreciate the support Michael Stahl has provided to make this possible.�

About ATK Audiotek
Founded in 1983, ATK Audiotek is the foremost sound reinforcement provider in the professional audio industry. ATK Audiotek provides unparalleled quality and reliable service to all of its clients. ATK Audiotek’s client roster includes hundreds of television productions, special events, industrial conventions, permanent installations and concert tours. ATK Audiotek has received many awards including four nominations and two wins of the prestigious TEC Award for outstanding technical achievement. For more information please visit http://www.atkcorp.com/about.html

Premium participant status set to boost accessibility to product information

projectiondesign® has now signed up to an increased presence in North America on the AV-iQ resource, the most comprehensive commonly categorized and formatted current AV products and providers directory in the industry.

Learn what’s new from projectiondesign

“We’re delighted to have boosted our presence as a premium manufacturer in North America. By using the AV-iQ resource, AV dealers, integrators and consultants will have even greater access to the latest projection and image processing product information from projectiondesign,� explains Karl Hantho, President of projectiondesign’s Americas operation. “The online system is very easy to use and can be updated easily.�

Current and potential users of AV-iQ are encouraged to sign up to their iQ customized environment to search for the latest products, comprehensive product information, news and multimedia from projectiondesign. AV-iQ can be found at http://catalogs.infocommiq.com/avcat/ctl1642/index.cfm?myiq.reg.

“It’s an exciting time for projectiondesign to come on board with the AV-iQ as a Premium participant,� explains John Fuchs, Senior VP, AV-iQ at InfoComm International®. “Having experienced a tremendous increase in visits to their dedicated AV-iQ web page already, projectiondesign recognizes the value of the AV-iQ program and is committed to be at the forefront of its continued development and implementation.�

The AV-iQ program has been serving web based industry research and marketing catalog for nearly twelve years. In 2013 AV-iQ is taking the task of conforming data to the next level and will re-format it to enable EDI (Electronic Data Interchange). In the near future distributors, integrators, designers, third-party software developers and others will be able to populate their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), proposal, accounting and other software applications by simply importing one file sourced from AV-iQ saving the industry thousands of man-hours, millions of dollars and countless, costly data entry errors.

www.projectiondesign.com

Two Christie® MicroTiles® video walls and three Christie DHD800 1-chip DLP® projectors are helping keep watch at FishNet Security in Overland Park, Kan. FishNet Security is the largest information security solutions provider in North America, with clients in energy, financial services, government, healthcare, retail and other industry sectors.

FishNet Security, which serves most Fortune 500 companies, wanted its move into its new state-of-the-art headquarters earlier this year to include the best available technology, which is why Christie® was chosen for many of the company’s visual technology needs.

“When we bring clients and guests through our facility, it’s important to show them our latest solutions,� said Max Dodge, vice president of Sales at FishNet Security. “For that reason we brought in top-quality vendors like Christie to help us achieve that goal.�

Christie MicroTiles Lobby Display Welcomes Visitors While Curved Christie MicroTiles Video Wall Monitors Global Threats On-Screen
A 10-unit wide by 6-unit high Christie MicroTiles array greets guests in the lobby of the new headquarters as they step off the elevator. Powered by Christie Jumpstart, the video wall displays dynamic, rich media content provided by FishNet Security’s in-house Multimedia Group.

“This particular Christie MicroTiles array is flush with the wall and features vibrant graphics, which means people notice the content quickly,� said Justin Copeland, director of Multimedia at FishNet Security. “Guests immediately see their own names or those of the corporations they represent on the MicroTiles.�

In the company’s Security Operations Center (SOC), a 22-unit wide by 7-unit high curved Christie MicroTiles video wall supported by a frame created by RP Visual Solutions displays threat intelligence data, various monitoring tool dashboards, open work tickets, active service calls and other Java-based applications.

“When there is a security concern or other issue, they project and share that information with their colleagues and supervisors,� Dodge added. “Everyone then analyzes it and the appropriate action is taken. There is also a constant security monitor globe displayed on the MicroTiles wall that tracks information security threats from around the world.�

Christie MicroTiles have built-in sensors that monitor each LED’s performance, automatically adjusting brightness and color continuously for the life of the display. Built with reliable solid-state components, each LED is rated at 65,000 hours to half brightness. Combining both DLP® projection and LED technology, Christie MicroTiles offer super-fine resolution, substantially brighter images and a much wider color palette than most conventional LCD and plasma flat panel technology.

Whether installed to perfectly represent the company brand or for mission-critical applications, Christie MicroTiles deliver 24/7 reliability and a low cost of ownership.

Three Christie DHD800 1-chip DLP® Projectors Display on the Largest Corporate Touch Screen in the United States
FishNet Security’s Executive Briefing Center (EBC) Viewing Gallery features a custom-built interactive touch screen display provided by Float 4 Interactive. Measuring 33-feet across by 7-feet high, the smart glass technology enables HD presentations to be directed from three Christie DHD800 projectors suspended from the ceiling to avoid interfering with sightlines. A giant “navigation wheel� on the screen enables users to launch applications and display interactive content with the touch of a finger.

“The Christie DHD800 projectors work superbly in the high ambient light, which is both natural and artificial,â€� Copeland said. “It’s a 5760×1080 resolution picture, and we’re creating videos at this resolution for maximum impact.â€�

Suitable for fixed installs and live events, the Christie DHD800 offers full HD and high-brightness in a 1-chip DLP® projector along with a user-changeable, twin-color-wheel system that provides the flexibility to tailor presentations to maximize high-brightness images and achieve superior-color reproduction. Ideal for 24/7 operation, the Christie DHD800 includes a lamp-interval feature that enables you to select the usage times between the dual-lamps for balanced lamp life.

“With their clean lines, minimal footprint and no visible hardware, the Christie MicroTiles fit the bill perfectly,� Dodge said. “Not only are the Christie MicroTiles video walls functional, they are also showpieces. No one leaves here without being in complete awe of the technology they see.�

All-Custom Training Tour to Make 23 Stops in 53 Days

SUNNYVALE, Calif. — Sept. 17, 2012 — Atlona(R), a leading digital connectivity solutions provider, today announced that the company has kicked off its Connect U Tour 2012. On the tour, Atlona will be making stops in 23 cities in 53 days, with all trainings customized to meet the needs of attendees at each location. more