Christie®, a world leader in visual technology displays, has entered into an exclusive partnership with Crystal CG, a leading digital media company, to supply innovative visual display solutions for the new Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) multimedia exhibition and information center in Paris, France. The Center, a collaboration between Crystal CG and BIE and 100 percent funded by Crystal CG, will be dedicated to the history of world expos. It will house a permanent exhibition highlighting BIE’s accomplishments, presented on the latest cutting-edge multimedia technologies from Christie. It will also feature meeting rooms to discuss Expositions, large-scale events and a comprehensive digital research library for delegates, scholars, students and future Expo organizers. The Center held its official grand opening July 27.

Crystal CG is a major Christie AV partner in China and the Official Digital Imaging Service Provider of the 2012 Olympic Games. As a corporate partner of the BIE Center, Christie will be providing a diverse array of advanced digital displays that include the award-winning Christie® MicroTiles® in the reception area, as well as projectors throughout the facility, including the exhibition area, meeting rooms and an immersive first-person experience area.

“As a result of the hugely successful collaboration between Crystal CG and Christie at the Qing Ming Festival at Shanghai Expo 2010, Christie was given the opportunity to partner with Crystal CG at the Center, and therefore work more closely with BIE,� said Kathryn Cress, vice president, Global and Corporate Marketing at Christie. “It is a great privilege for Christie to be the exclusive corporate sponsor and to play an important role in the developmental phase of many key international Expositions that will have an impact upon the world stage.�

Cress observed that Christie is well positioned to partner with Crystal CG and co-partner the Center, as Christie has been a major provider of displays and projectors for large-scale events such as Shanghai World Expo 2010 and Yeosu Expo 2012 most recently.

Pascal Deseure, Managing Director at Crystal CG’s BIE Center noted, “Both Christie and Crystal CG are visual solutions pioneers with extensive experience in the industry. As partners, we look forward to demonstrating the power of visual technology to deliver messages from event sponsors and host cities on a grand scale, and to play a key role in the continuing success of BIE, the intergovernmental organization in-charge of all Expositions in the world.�

“The BIE is very pleased with this innovative space provided by Crystal CG in the heart of Paris. This showcase is a great opportunity to present and inspire world-class ideas to candidates, organizers and participants, through Christie’s cutting edge visual solutions,� Vicente Gonzalez Loscertales, Secretary General, Bureau International des Expositions.

About Crystal CG
Crystal CG was established in Beijing in 1995 and has 3,000 employees in more 15 cities in China and around the world, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, London, Tokyo, Singapore and Paris. It is a leading global creative group of digital and visual services, supplying clients in a wide range of industries (real-estate, mega-events, advertisement, automotive, medical, cultural, gaming, motion pictures, etc…) with integrated solutions and services. Crystal CG is widely recognized for its expertise and technical capabilities to deliver the most comprehensive and richest visual experience on the biggest scale and limited only by the imagination. Its creative visual solutions have powered such notable events as the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the 2011 Shenzhen Universiade and the Yeosu Expo 2012. In March 2009, Crystal CG was recognized as the official digital imaging service supplier for the 2012 London Olympics.

About BIE
The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) (International Exhibitions Bureau) is the intergovernmental organization in charge of overseeing the calendar, the bidding, the selection, and the organization of World and International Expos. The BIE was created by an international convention signed in Paris, France in 1931, which established the rights and responsibilities of the Expo organizers and participants. The role of the BIE is to supervise and ensure the application of this Convention. As the international governing body of Expos, the BIE provides the regulatory framework for these prestigious global events, in which countries, international organizations, civil society groups, corporations, and citizens participate.

a href=”http://blog.svconline.com/briefingroom/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ventuz.jpg”>Ventuz Technology, provider of high-end interactive graphics software technologies for advanced 2D/3D real-time broadcast graphic and innovative interactive in-studio applications continues to build momentum worldwide for its software solutions.

Used throughout the broadcast, live presentation and digital signage markets, the Ventuz software suite is considered one of the most innovative solutions available today. It specifically addresses the challenges creative agencies are facing in keeping up with the technological and presentation needs of customers as well as helping broadcasters produce, manage and deliver high-end 2D / 3D on-air and in-studio graphics efficiently and economically. Regardless of the application, the openness of the Ventuz software allows for a variety of external control capabilities, such as multi-touch functionality enabling communication with any input device connected to a standard Windows PC.

Its easy to use authoring and animation environment offers an open framework of building blocks, which means users not only have a complete toolset for creating compelling content, but it also supports seamless integration with 3rd party applications. The unsurpassed flexibility of the Ventuz 3D engine provides unique possibilities to utilize designs for both broadcast on-air graphics and interactive in-studio applications.

The growing customer-base of Ventuz Technology speaks to the increasing awareness of this state-of-the-art software suite:

Broadcasters using Ventuz software for Television Programs:
• FOX USA: Next Generation FoxBox
Ventuz software drives all live sporting event clock and score graphics for Fox Sports Net (FSN) nationwide broadcasting of all major sports leagues and events.

• Who wants to be a Millionaire?
The British company Cat&Mouse, service provider for game show graphics and control, has used Ventuz for virtually all of their productions. Among their shows are renowned formats, such as Who wants to be a Millionaire, Power of 10, and Million Pound Drop.

• Political Programs
Ventuz software powered a touchscreen for the interactive TV presentation of graphs and analysis charts of coverage of several election broadcasts by WDR in Germany.

• Broadcast Sports
Swedish TV network Kanal 75 switched over to Ventuz software as its 3D graphics engine and character generator for live horse racing coverage in its off-track betting centers.

• TTR World Snowboard Tour:
Rayd and E.I.M. Solutions created a full sports on-air graphics and live-display solution with Ventuz software for the Ticket To Ride World Snowboard Tour.

Ventuz provides a powerful environment for the creation of 3D graphics regardless of how complex the on-air or presentation graphics requirements are. Its intuitive toolset offers real productivity & operational enhancements, a vast number of 2D and 3D design and text effects, as well as real-time 3D rendering. Ventuz is a versatile solution for creating rich and engaging content and designs efficiently and without being limited by the technology.

About Ventuz Technology:
Ventuz Technology offers hardware-agnostic, resolution-independent 2D/3D real-time software and technology for graphics design, authoring, and control of non-linear animation and interactive 2D/3D presentations, 3D rendering, as well as video wall and multi-display presentations.

Ventuz Broadcast:
Ventuz Technology’s Broadcast edition addresses on-air and in-studio broadcast applications, post production motion graphics and 2D/3D workflows. As a field-proven real-time graphics solutions, global broadcast stations currently utilize Ventuz for the 2D/3D authoring and graphic playback of sportscasts, second screen connected TV applications, and in-studio presentations.

Ventuz Pro:
Advertising agencies and the live events industry utilize Ventuz Professional edition for creating, staging and lighting large-scale multimedia client presentations and fully interactive product launches. Digital signage content designers use Ventuz software tools for the creation and display (including touch-screen) for POS. Regardless of the application, customers including Microsoft, Audi, Adidas, Avid, XBOX, D:SF, Skoda, and Porsche use Ventuz technology for unlimited creativity for real-time 3D design, authoring and presentation.

For more information about VENTUZ Technology’s products & services please visit: http://ventuz.com. For USA sales, please contact catrin.beck@ventuz.com.

View the Ventuz YouTube Channel for application examples: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL47C04DEBB7C43967&feature=plcp

Christie® today announced its partnership with Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade’s (DFAIT) “Invest in Canada.â€� Christie has provided two striking digital displays featuring Christie® MicroTiles® and Christie Entero LED rear projection cubes at Canada Olympic House in Trafalgar Square. Operating from July 27 through August 12, in addition to being the Canadian Olympic Committee’s space for athletes, their friends and their families, Canada Olympic House hosts business leaders and government dignitaries and showcase Canada’s leading industries and businesses. Christie is among the select technology companies invited to participate.

As a world leader of visual display technologies and solutions, with manufacturing in Canada, Christie’s partnership with DFAIT at Canada Olympic House in London includes a large lobby display of up to 37 Christie MicroTiles and four 72� diagonal Entero cubes, the world’s first LED-based ultra-high resolution projection display system, for the Business Club, site of numerous networking events throughout the month. Both displays show a video and graphical montage highlighting Canada’s leading sectors and landscapes. Float4 Interactive is providing the interactivity kit to allow multiple users to interact with the displays.

Business leaders, government dignitaries, world-class athletes and executives from all over the world are expected to attend the various events to be presented at the facility. This includes a special Information Communications Technology (ICT) day on August 6, put on by Invest in Canada in association with the Financial Times, as well as a technology showcase organized by Invest Ottawa on behalf of the Consider Canada Alliance.

“From award-winning games and visual effects, to digital cinema and e-commerce, to wireless and mobile applications, Canada is an important player in the global economy,� noted Kathryn Cress, vice president of Global and Corporate Marketing at Christie. “As a major contributor to Canada’s technology revolution with manufacturing facilities in the Waterloo Region, Christie is proud to bring its expertise to Canada Olympic House to help further the country’s strategic expansion upon the world’s digital stage.�

According to the government of Canada, Canada’s digital industries are a robust and rapidly advancing sector, with 32,700 companies, more than half a million employees, annual revenues in excess of $162 billion and annual exports of $26 billion in 2010. Profiling these activities is part of the government’s economic strategy to create conditions for businesses in Canada to succeed on a global scale. At Canada Olympic House, senior policy-makers and global business leaders will inform potential investors about Canada’s ICT sector, its key areas of growth, as well as the challenges and emerging investment opportunities.

“As a leader in the ICT sector, Canada long ago recognized the importance of fostering innovation and creating the right business environment to attract world-class companies to our shores,” said International Trade Minister Ed Fast. “With our low taxes, strong and stable economy, significant research and development incentives, and highly-educated workforce, Canada continues to be a premier destination of choice for foreign investors. Christie’s revolutionary digital cinema technology and powerful visual displays highlight how Canada’s competitive strengths and economic vision benefit a global audience and drive economic growth here at home.”

Extron Electronics is pleased to introduce 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

Extron Electronics is pleased to introduce the DMP 128 Digital Matrix Processor. The DMP 128 is a 12×8 audio mixer featuring Extron ProDSP, automixing, I/O expansion capabilities, and available AEC – acoustic echo cancellation. The DMP 128 offers a configuration approach to DSP that simplifies mixing, routing, conferencing, and room optimization. Quick and intuitive configuration using the DSP Configuratorâ„¢ Software allows the DMP 128 to be installed in very little time, with easy-to-learn adjustments that can be heard in real-time. A digital audio expansion port allows two DMP 128 units to be linked together to expand input and output signal management and routing capabilities. The DMP 128 is ideal for presentation and conferencing applications in boardrooms, courtrooms, and conference centers that require advanced matrix mixing with DSP. more

Gefen Media Players Drive 40 Digital Menu Boards in Casino’s Food Court and Aqueduct Buffet

HAWTHORNE, N.Y. — July 24, 2012 — BTX Technologies, a value-added distributor and manufacturer of interface, integration, and system products, today announced that the company has supplied 40 Gefen Digital Signage Media Players with Wi-Fi(TM) for use at the Resorts World Casino New York City. more

Extron Electronics is pleased to announce the immediate availability of the SW2 DP two input DisplayPort switcher, and the DP DA2 two output DisplayPort distribution amplifier. They are HDCP compliant, and support data rates up to 10.8 Gbps and computer resolutions up to 2560×1600 @ 60 Hz, including HDTV 1080p/60. The SW2 DP and DP DA2 feature EDID Minder®, an Extron-exclusive technology, which maintains continuous EDID communication between connected devices for reliable video content display. The DP DA2 also features Key Minder®, an Extron-exclusive technology that continuously authenticates HDCP encryption between all devices, ensuring the simultaneous distribution of source content to both displays. Additionally, dual-mode support on the DP DA2 allows source signals to be distributed to multiple HDMI, DVI, or VGA display devices with appropriate adapters. more

Offered in Multiple Versions, Cost and Time-Saving Kit Includes PADS4 Software, BTX MediaMessenger Player, Display, Wall Mount, and HDMI(R) Cables

HAWTHORNE, N.Y. — July 18, 2012 — BTX Technologies, a value-added distributor and manufacturer of interface, integration, and system products, today introduced its MediaMessenger(TM) Digital Signage Kit, which includes everything needed to set up a digital signage system quickly in one cost-effective package. Offered in three different versions — Gold, Silver, and Bronze — with multiple configurations to meet the needs of any installation, the turnkey system includes Net Display Systems’ (NDS) PADS4 digital signage viewer software, a BTX MediaMessenger Media Player, commercial-grade Philips flat-panel display, flat-panel wall mount, and HDMI(R) cables.

The BTX MediaMessenger Digital Signage Kit is powered by PADS4 digital signage software. With PADS4, users can easily integrate real-time data from sources including Microsoft(R) Exchange, Microsoft Dynamics(R), SAP, content management systems, room reservation systems, queue management, and social media. Interactivity can also be incorporated into signage systems using touchscreens, RFID, barcodes, QR codes, and face recognition.

Ideal for media-intensive presentations, content is driven to the Kit’s display by the BTX MediaMessenger Media Player. Developed in collaboration with the most sophisticated hardware engineers in the country, the MediaMessenger player is optimized for PowerPoint(R) content, Flash(R), 1080p video, rotating pictures, scrolling text, and more.

The Gold, Silver, and Bronze Suites are all available with 32-inch, 42-inch, or 55-inch displays, with the Silver and Gold Suites also offering 42-inch touchscreen displays. The Bronze Suite supports basic content including text and images. For more sophisticated presentations, the Silver Suite adds support for video and sound, web, interactivity, Flash, and more. For the ultimate in multimedia, the Gold Suite is bolstered with support for presentation-in-presentation, television, charts, tables, PDFs, and RS-232. To ensure proper set-up, the Silver and Gold Suites both include one hour of integrator training. An additional two hours of technical support from BTX’s expert staff is included with the Gold Suite.

“Our cost-effective MediaMessenger Digital Signage Kit includes everything needed to get a digital signage system up and running in a matter of hours instead of days,” said Greg Schwartz, president of BTX. “Once set up, the PADS4 software saves network operators the time and expense of duplicating content by integrating with existing databases and more, while our MediaMessenger Media Player delivers exceptional performance for media-intensive content. With three different versions to choose from, we offer the right solution for any installation.”

To learn more about the MediaMessenger Digital Signage Kit and PADS4 software, join BTX for a webinar July 19 at 11:00 a.m. EST. To register, go to https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/615699303.

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About BTX Technologies, Inc.
BTX manufactures and distributes the industry’s finest interface and integration products for audio, video, security, digital signage, and many other applications. Providing its customers with value-added “Beyond Distribution” services, the company backs every product it sells with a rigorous in-house testing program and highly trained customer support team. The company has been certified as an InfoComm International(R) Sapphire Certified Audiovisual Solutions Provider(R) (CAVSP(R)) since 2007. In business since 1967, the company’s products are available online at www.btx.com, by calling 800-666-0996, and from a selection of international distributors listed on the company’s website.

All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

PR Link: www.ingearpr.com/BTX/120718.zip

Image Link: www.ingearpr.com/BTX/DigitalSignageKit.zip

ENDS

Extron Electronics is pleased to announce the immediate availability of the new FOX USB Extender, a fiber optic transmitter and receiver set capable of extending USB 2.0 signals over very long distances. Peripheral devices can be located up to 10 km (6.25 miles) from the host computer. The FOX USB Extender is an efficient solution for professional AV system designs that require KVM – Keyboard/Video/Mouse support, reducing the need for additional IP network drops, equipment, and software. To ensure proper system boot-up and operation in switching environments, the transmitter enables uninterrupted communication between the host computer and USB device. The FOX USB Extender is ideal for extending USB signals over long distances in a wide variety of professional AV applications. more

Two Christie® MicroTiles® displays are stopping moviegoers in their tracks when they walk into the Cinemas Guzzo IMAX® theater lobby at the Mega Plex Marché Central 18 in Montreal. Les Cinémas Guzzo (“Guzzo�), one of Canada’s leading independent chains and the largest privately owned cinema chain in Quebec, has more than 151 screens in 12 theater complexes.

The eye-catching displays – one in a 6 high by 11 wide archway, and the other centered just past the archway in a 3 wide by 6 high array – draw audiences into the theater itself with captivating content produced by Arsenal Media, who specialize in digital content creation and concept development with Christie MicroTiles. Once customers walk under the arch, the interior Christie MicroTiles wall greets them with a large movie poster with movie trailers playing inside the poster.

Everyone Loves the Christie MicroTiles Display
Vincenzo Guzzo, executive vice president, Cinemas Guzzo, was immediately impressed with Christie MicroTiles.

“I saw them for the first time at CinemaCon 2011 and I had never seen something so bright, crisp and sharp – and those are the most important things for me,� he said. “Arsenal Media produced some very interesting and complex content that runs on the MicroTiles. Everyone loves it and, in particular, the younger crowd who has said it’s really cool. The MicroTiles makes a lot of people just stop and take a minute to look at the whole display. Once they walk through the arch, they stop and stare again at the movie trailers playing inside the movie poster.

“The Christie MicroTiles, out of all comparable products, are probably the best because not only are they so bright and crisp, they can they be built into irregular shapes and are practically seamless.�

For visually appealing displays, Christie lobby advertising solutions – including Christie MicroTiles – offer high brightness, high-resolution technology that captivates audiences with lifelike, vibrant colors. Combining the strengths of both DLP® and LED technology, Christie MicroTiles can reproduce 115 percent of the NTSC color gamut and exceed standard LCD flat panel color output by more than 50 percent. Christie MicroTiles automatically self-calibrate for color and brightness with built-in sensors monitoring each LED’s performance. Throughout the life of the display, each tile detects its neighbor and adjusts its image to optimize the overall presentation.

Integrator and Content Provider Contribute to Success of Project
“Our company did the consultation for the construction and electrical work necessary, plus the actual installation and calibration of the MicroTiles,� said J.P. Berardini, branch manager, Genesis Integration, Inc. “Guzzo wanted an archway because they want moviegoers to feel like they are walking into ‘an experience,’ not just a movie theater. Genesis helped create a 3D-like experience with both the archway and the interior array and it works because of the MicroTiles.�

“This installation is a perfect fit from both a shape and strategic perspective,� said Angela Tanzi, vice president of operations, Arsenal Media. “We supported the configuration concept by leveraging shape and creating content that generated a very impactful point of focus for the arch. When customers enter the GUZZO-IMAX theater, they recognize right away that they’re up for an enhanced visual and cinematic experience.�

In November 2011, Les Cinémas Guzzo (“Guzzo�) announced that all its screens, support and services were converting to digital with Christie. The contract includes the Christie CP2000ZX, Christie CP2000-SB, Christie CP2210, Christie CP2220, and Christie CP2230 projectors. The agreement also includes the upgrading of 27 screens to the Christie CP4220 and Christie CP4230 4K projectors. The conversion will be completed in the spring of 2012.