Videmus supplies WATCHOUT to enable transformation of stone labyrinth onto ‘Quarries of Light’

Dataton is delighted to announce that its WATCHOUT multi-display and show-management software has been used as a core technology at a major new art installation in the south of France.

A collaboration between the town of Les Baux de Provence and the specialist French venue management company Culturespaces, ‘Carrières de Lumières’ (‘Quarries of Light’) is a hi-tech re-purposing of the Carrières du Val d’Enfer – a network of abandoned chalk-mining tunnels close to the historic Provençal village.

With a subterranean feel, the Carrières de Lumières is a labyrinth almost 200 metres long that varies in height between 10 and 15 metres. In its newly re-invented form, the space provides the perfect backdrop for large-scale video projection – a place where visitors can view images close to or from a greater distance away, while the unique texture of the chalk surfaces adds further visual interest to whatever artistic content is being displayed.

The Carrières de Lumières opened to the public in March of this year with its first show – ‘Gauguin, Van Gogh, les peintres de la couleur.’ The show, which literally throws new light on the colours used by two of art history’s most celebrated painters by projecting still photographs and video animations oftheir works, was commissioned from designer Gianfranco Iannuzzi by Culturespace founder Bruno Monnier.

As well as the walls of the former quarry, the show uses the floor as a projection surface, while a discreetly installed audio system plays a series of atmospheric 12-track musical backgrounds through a network of 50 loudspeakers. A stage-lighting setup based on LED sources accentuates the stonework with raking light at times when the ‘screens’ are not showing any content.

In all, there are 68 video projectors, all ceiling-mounted to minimize the impact of projected light beams on visitors. Each projector has its own server content running an individual Dataton WATCHOUT™ channels. These, together with a second machine running the Medialon Manager show-control system with which WATCHOUT runs in sync, make a total of 70 devices in total – all housed in an air-conditioned control room located on-site but accessible only by staff.

The WATCHOUT-equipped servers were supplied by Videmus, Dataton’s partner for WATCHOUT in France. The company worked closely with an installation team led by technical manager Sebastien Chapuis, and with project staff Mathieu Delfine, Florence Amat and Agathe Poisson.

“The project team liked the WATCHOUT solution because of its simplicity,� explains Eric Lambert, managing director, Videmus. “As well as ensuring that all the projectors receive their video content at full resolution and in perfect sync with each other, WATCHOUT also uses MIDI commands to sequence the on-site audio DSP settings so that the right soundtrack is played through the right speakers at the right time, while at the same time controlling a DMX-512 universe for the LED lighting.

“All this is then managed by Medialon Manager show-control system, which operates a seven-day calendar so that the show begins and ends every day, at the right time of day, without the staff having to worry about a thing.�

(c) Videmus

Fredrik Svahnberg, Marketing Director, Dataton, comments: “The Carrières de Lumières is a fantastic space in which to appreciate art and represents a brilliant usage of WATCHOUT. The effects created are truly stunning and we feel sure that they will lead to a greater appreciation not just of these great paintings, but also of the old stone quarry itself.�

The final word goes to the show’s designer, Gianfranco Iannuzzi, who enthuses: “The deployment of WATCHOUT and the support of Videmus during the three months of setup for this show were truly invaluable. They allowed me to devote myselfentirely to the design and content creation which, with the help of my staff, Massimiliano Siccardi and Renato Gatto, we managed to realize on time and with, we believe, truly unique results.�

www.dataton.com
www.videmus.fr

Powerful, reliable, low latency image processing with the new LEDView530

InfoComm 2012 will see Calibre UK launch the brand new LEDView530 scaler-switcher-processor designed specifically for ease of use by production staff operating LED video walls in rental and staging,events and sports grounds.

Featuring an easy to use front panel control with jog- wheel and front LCD readout for ultra-fast setup, the LEDView530 is a flexible routing switcher and interface for connecting LED screens to almost any HD and SD video source to intuitively process images for a breath taking display transforming any space.

The Calibre UK LEDView530

Ease of Adjustment
LEDView530 features edge drag and drop picture sizing using its jog wheel to fit the content to the LED screen. All input channels and video formats are then automatically scaled to fit this easily defined area without any need to revert to zoom and pan controls and with out need to re-calibrate for different input resolutions or signal formats.

Powerful Scaling
Best in class scaling with flexible image color adjustments and powerful detail enhancement ensures the best possible picture on the LED screen whether large or small. LEDView530 can drive screens as small as 128×96 pixels or as large as 1920×1200.

It also has a useful multiple-unit mode with auto-zoom functionality. Several LEDView530s to be connected together, each powering its own LED screen so as to create larger video walls; up to four screens can be combined to create a maximum resolution of 7,680 x 4,800.

The LEDView530 has low latency and genlock capability required for rental and staging hire fleets and for in-camera use on TV sets and at large sports venues.

“We’re delighted to launch this LED processor into the market and expect it to have a tremendous reception at InfoComm 2012 and are pleased to be supported by one of the most important LED screen market-leaders Lighthouse who are providing the LED screens on our booth including their new Skyroll product which will be driven by LEDView530 at Infocomm this year,� says Tim Brooksbank, Chairman at Calibre UK.

See the LEDView530 and other LEDView models on booth N1153 between 13-15 June 2012 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Solution is Alternative to Traditional Switching and Splitting; Three SKUs Replace Thousands and Dramatically Simplify Installations more

New dynamic bulletin and reporting features, integration with Zeplay instant replay solution boost operational and entertainment options

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, May 30, 2012 – The digital signage universe continues to mature in the public eye, giving businesses, universities and other verticals an increasingly recognized visual platform to engage customers and enliven public spaces.

Tightrope Media Systems comes to InfoComm 2012 (June 13-15, Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth N2257) with new developments to its Carousel digital signage system that deliver a richer experience for viewers, and new creative and reporting capabilities for end users. The advances integrate smoothly into the existing Carousel system, retaining its installation- and user-friendly characteristics for systems integrators.

Dynamic Bulletins
The web-centric Carousel solution is renowned for location-based data, delivering weather and other relevant information to local viewers. At InfoComm 2012, Tightrope extends local weather options, supporting multi-day forecast creation (up to seven days) and text-based crawls from WeatherBug. Carousel operators can build forecasts with temperature information and graphics to visualize the sun, clouds, rain and other climate conditions.

Increased multi-lingual support is a significant new Carousel development, with right-to-left text for Arabic, Hebrew and Farsi languages; and Asian-language word-wrapping for Japanese, Korean and simplified/traditional Chinese. Carousel also now displays international date formats by location, supporting EDS and date/time display among others.

Tightrope also addresses social media and digital signage integration at InfoComm 2012 through live Twitter feed support, allowing operators to publish tweets alongside RSS and other data-based feeds in any screen zone.

Built-in location-based services ensure that the correct forecasts, languages and social media feeds are delivered to the right screens across larger networks.

Stadium Excitement
Tightrope will also demonstrate Carousel integration with its ZEPLAY Instant Replay Server for stadium environments. Operators using the integrated solution can trigger instant replays of touchdowns, home runs and other thrilling moment from an iPad interface for immediate translation to Carousel-driven displays.

Digital signage operators in the stadium following the game action can press an icon to launch the iPad application. The application triggers an XML data string, which translates replays from the main stadium display, such as a Jumbotron, to one or more digital signage displays. This is especially ideal for fans that missed the live action, allowing them to view replays of big moments on menu boards at the concession stands, for example.

Emergency Notification
Digital signage gives corporate offices, school campuses and other locations a dynamic informational and entertainment tool — and can bring additional value when used for security and public safety.

Carousel now supports the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) that is being implemented across campuses and organizations nationwide. CAP allows a large university, corporate or other campus to implement simultaneous emergency messaging across a variety of platforms — using the same protocol that triggers alerts via SMS/text, AM radio, cable television EAS and outdoor warning devices for Carousel digital signage systems.

Reporting and Data Management
There is an undeniable creative element to working with digital signage that injects a sense of excitement into the content that ultimately reaches the consumer. However, someone still needs to manage the data and understand how the results affect business and operations.

At InfoComm, Tightrope adds a report publishing module to Carousel to export all bulletin-related metadata. This allows users to intelligently filter information related to status, schedules and impression data — a key benefit for sponsors on advertising-supported networks. Users export CSV reports of each bulletin, and flexibly adjust bulletin filters as needed to include only the information required at that time. Users can select from a list of all active and current bulletins across each screen zone.

About Tightrope Media Systems
Founded in 1997, Tightrope Media Systems is the pioneer of web-centric digital signage and broadcast automation systems. It provides station automation, video servers, internet video on demand, live streaming, the Carousel Digital Signage system, and ZEPLAY, a multi-channel instant replay machine for stadiums, arenas and Outside Broadcast vehicles. Tightrope’s award winning systems are used throughout the world. You can reach Tightrope Media Systems at (866) 866-4118 or visit them on the web at http://www.trms.com.

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Three New Monitors Feature 5,000:1 Ultra-High Native Contrast Ratio, 8-Bit Color Performance, True Blacks, and Wide-Angle Viewing more

InfoComm 2012
June 13-15  Las Vegas
X2O Media
Booth N1305 more

Extron Electronics is pleased to announce the immediate availability of the FOX AEX 108, an eight-port fiber optic audio extractor for independent processing and routing of audio signals in a fiber optic AV distribution system. Each fiber optic input port extracts the two channel audio signal to provide analog balanced or unbalanced stereo audio. Available in multimode and singlemode models, the FOX AEX 108 is ideal for use in FOX Matrix system applications that require extraction of audio signals for local processing and independent distribution. more

Thirty-six Christie® MicroTiles® are impressing dignitaries and staff with bright and vibrant images at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs. The school is an interdisciplinary academic center focusing on global issues and has hosted prime ministers, cabinet ministers and ambassadors.

Installed in the front wall of the Vivian and David Campbell conference facility, the 6 units wide by 6 units high Christie MicroTiles array displays Blu-ray videos, still images and PowerPoint presentations for foreign and domestic officials who present their research findings at the facility.

“We were upgrading our technology and wanted not only the newest and the best – but also something very functional,� said Sean Willett, IT manager for the school. “We have dignitaries from around the world visit so the technology not only has to be top of the line; it has to look and feel impressive. It made sense to use Christie MicroTiles because they really show off their flexibility and image quality for what we need.�

Willett said the center also wanted an aesthetically pleasing display in the customized architectural space that previously housed an older video wall. Christie MicroTiles complement their environment and are a unique proposition in display technology, offering video and data display building blocks to create presentations of varying size and shape.

“It was an amazing project because we had never worked in a space that is used in so many configurations,� added Bertine Jerry, director of sales, Global Unified Solutions Services, Inc., project integrator. “It worked out incredibly well and the Christie MicroTiles look great.�

Christie MicroTiles Deliver Brilliant Colors in High Ambient Light
“Not only are some of our guests interviewed in front of the MicroTiles under harsh media lights, we have huge windows at the back of the room that sweep around the side and there are also windows right near the MicroTiles wall itself,� explained Willett. “We also have lighting that goes all the way across the top of the room. This, traditionally, makes it very difficult to see the images – but this isn’t the case with the MicroTiles.

“People are stunned by the color, clarity, and vibrancy of the images displayed on the MicroTiles – and how it looks like a seamless wall. Everyone is also very happy with how well the MicroTiles integrated with the stone, wood and paneling of the room. In fact, the Christie MicroTiles are a showpiece.�

MONTREAL — May 15, 2012 — X2O Media, a provider of digital signage software and content services, today announced that as part of the company’s new “Open Content Management Framework,” the X2O Portal is now fully integrated with the Polycom(R) RealPresence(R) Media Manager. Users can access video assets stored in the RealPresence Media Manager directly from X2O’s cloud-based content management tools, then schedule and deliver them to digital displays, greatly simplifying the content workflow. more

Almo Professional A/V, the nation’s fastest growing audiovisual distributor, in partnership with InfoComm International, today announced additions to its next E4 AV training and networking event, which will take place in Washington, D.C., on May 18. Additions include the involvement of Women in AV (WAVE) as a new presenter; new courses from Planar, Cables To Go, Samsung and Brawn Consulting; and product debuts from NanoLumens and Chief. During this event, Almo will also present the first E4 Education Ambassador award to Dr. Randy Lemke, executive director and CEO of InfoComm.

An overview of the Almo Pro A/V E4 tour can be viewed here.

“With our E4 D.C. event taking place only a few weeks before InfoComm, many of our exhibiting manufacturers are taking advantage of this time to preview new products and topics that will be formally launched in June,� explained Sam Taylor, executive vice president and COO for Almo Professional A/V. “Also, we welcome the WAVE group as our newest E4 presenter. Founder Jennifer Willard will lead a class about the new Women in AV mentoring program, which focuses on opportunities for the development and empowerment of women in AV.�

Taylor noted that the “E4 Education Ambassador� award recognizes an individual who has worked to help fulfill the E4 AV Tour’s mission of providing high-quality CTS-accredited education to the AV industry. The award will be presented to Lemke at 2:30 p.m. E.D.T. in the main E4 exhibit hall.

A complete list of sessions can be found here, with the newest ones listed below:

Displays on Display: An Integrator’s Guide to Specifying Displays for Digital Signage
First session to address Americans With Disabilities Act requirements
Chris Lookenott, Planar Systems

Introduction to Master Antenna TV and RF Distribution (1 CTS RU)
Joe Cornwall, Cables To Go

Interactive Display Tables with Natural Interfaces – The Future Is Here
Don Hickey, Samsung Electronics

Word to the Wise! Best Practices for Installing Large-Format Displays (1 CTS RU)
Alan Brawn, Brawn Consulting

Women in AV: Mentoring Techniques
Jennifer Willard, WAVE

E4 D.C. will also include a behind-the-scenes look at the new NanoLumens 114″ NanoSlim in a 5mm pixel pitch and an example of Chief’s program for custom, preloaded AV racks based on the newly renovated RackBuilder application.

Other new products include the ultra-slim and lightweight flexible and rigid LED displays from NanoLumens; Clarity Matrix ADA-compliant video wall systems from Planar Systems; the SUR40 Surface Table from Samsung; Christie MicroTiles large displays with JumpStart content management; the Aquos Board 70-inch LED interactive display with touch screen from Sharp; and a 47″ All-weather Digital Signage Display from SunBrite’s Marquee Series. For a full list of E4 exhibitors, click here.

The E4 D.C. event will take place on Friday, May 18 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is entirely free, including parking, to Almo Pro A/V’s reseller, integrator and consultant partners. To register, go to www.e4avtour.com.

The E4 AV program can be accessed on demand during and after each event for instructor videos, copies of the course presentations and live Twitter updates.

About Almo Professional A/V’s E4 AV Tour
Launched in December 2009, The E4 AV tour is a free, full-day program with an intense educational focus that allows partners to earn valuable InfoComm International CTS RUs while networking with the industry’s top manufacturers. Close to 4,300 attendees have experienced the benefits of the E4 events and, in the process, have earned nearly 3,000 InfoComm CTS RUs. For more information, go to www.e4avtour.com.

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About InfoComm International
InfoComm International® is the international trade association representing the professional audiovisual and information communications industries. Established in 1939, InfoComm has more than 5,000 members, including manufacturers, systems integrators, dealers and distributors, independent consultants, programmers, rental and staging companies, end-users and multimedia professionals from more than 80 countries. InfoComm International is the leading resource for AV standards, market research and news. Its training, certification and education programs set a standard of excellence for AV professionals. InfoComm International is the founder of InfoComm, the largest annual conference and exhibition for AV buyers and sellers worldwide. InfoComm also produces trade shows in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and China. Additional information is available at www.infocomm.org.

About Almo Professional A/V
Almo Professional A/V is the nation’s fastest growing distributor serving the needs of professional audiovisual integrators, dealers and consultants. With a highly skilled sales team, reseller education programs, 10 distribution centers across the U.S. and product lines for the Pro A/V channel, Almo Professional A/V provides customers with the full distribution experience on a local and a personal level.

The Almo Professional A/V sales team is InfoComm-trained and the majority is CTS-certified. Almo Professional A/V has aligned with InfoComm International to offer courses worth CTS renewal units that enable partners to stay ahead. At the same time, the division works with industry vendors to bring live and online product training opportunities directly to channel partners.

Almo Professional A/V is a division of Almo Corp., the nation’s leading independent distributor of consumer electronics and major appliances. For more information about Almo Professional A/V, please call 410-560-2890 or go to www.almoproav.com. Almo Professional A/V can also be followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/almoproav and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/almoproav.

*All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.