Austin, TX – April 27, 2012 – ihiji announces today that the company is in private beta with a next generation platform for Network Management as-a-Service (NMaaS), created for IT Professionals and VARs (Value Added Resellers). Based on the same cloud-based architecture as the Company’s award-winning residential Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) product, ihiji invision, the Network Management solution lowers a company’s capital and operating expenditures, increases productivity, and improves profit margins by minimizing equipment and network outages.

ihiji’s NMaaS platform provides real and effective management solutions. When in use, IT Professionals receive alerts regarding equipment status, making it easier than ever to remotely manage installations and reduce the time taken to isolate and repair issues with network-connected devices. The initial setup is simple and requires only a single low cost network appliance at each location. Subsequent configuration and management can be done remotely using tools within ihiji’s cloud-based portal, including remote access to the site without the need for a VPN connection. Once deployed at the client site, the ihiji appliance securely communicates system health and status data through the portal to the VAR in real-time. With analytics readily available, the VAR can identify the cause or source of issues faster and resolve them more efficiently, often without the added cost or requirement of sending a service technician to the site.

The ihiji solution is both practical and versatile. It is ideal for IT VARs that service Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs), IT organizations who manage a large number of remote branch locations, and, for those instances where a traditional server-based Remote Monitoring and Management tool is not practical due to requirements, scope, or budgetary constraints. “Often times the full toolset provided by a typical RMM solution is more complex than what is needed at a small or medium business or branch location which typically only requires network management and basic server information,� says ihiji VP of technical operations Michael Maniscalco. “The ihiji solution is a cost effective and powerful option that can fill the void within many Managed Service Providers’ (MSPs) offerings. In fact, our scalable platform can be used in tandem with traditional RMM software for installations which require more robust server or workstation management.�

ihiji’s cost effective network management solution enables a business to evolve, progressively moving to more efficient and effective cloud-based services. The low-cost appliance makes multiple site support possible without the added expense of numerous dedicated servers. Likewise, ihiji replaces the expense and
hassle of managing an enterprise RMM infrastructure with the convenience of a single network management tool. Since it is not tied to a particular manufacturer, ihiji’s solution also monitors equipment from multiple vendors – a solid benefit that supports IT organizations working with disparate network equipment. ihiji’s NMaaS platform is simply a dynamic, powerful, and comprehensive solution.

With this next-generation solution now in private beta, ihiji is seeking participants from the SMB and/or IT VAR channels. Interested parties are encouraged to learn more by visiting http://itbeta.ihiji.com/, emailing itbeta@ihiji.com, or calling 512.538.0520 ext. 2003.

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About ihiji
ihiji is a provider of cloud-based Network-Management-as-a Service (NMaaS) platforms for remote monitoring and support of IP-enabled devices. Highly focused on the development of disruptive technologies, the Company’s cost effective Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) solutions enable Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT Professionals to progressively evolve to more efficient and effective cloud-based services.

The recipient of numerous industry awards and repeated recognition for its innovation, ihiji’s products lower a company’s capital and operating expenditures, increase productivity, and improve profit margins by minimizing network and equipment outages.

Originally introduced to efficiently monitor, maintain, and manage residential networking and automation products, the secure, scalable, and flexible ihiji platform is now being leveraged by SMBs, VARs, and IT Professionals alike.

ihiji works with partners and leading manufacturers to provide inspired solutions to complicated problems that increase efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction. Those interested can learn more by contacting the company at 512.538.0520 or by visiting www.ihiji.com.

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Christie®, a global leader in digital cinema projection, today announced that ArcLight Cinemas has completed the digital conversion of its four locations in California, boasting 33 auditoriums and 61 screens, with Christie Solaria® Series CP2210 2K, Christie CP4220 and Christie CP4230 4K projectors aligned to provide the best in both conventional and premier movie experiences.

The most advanced offerings in Christie’s industry-leading Solaria Series, the CP4220/30 projectors in particular provide brilliant 3D images in 4K resolution, along with the highest level of content security combined with easy operations and maintenance.

All auditoriums within the ArcLight brand are premium presentation auditoriums, focusing on a “black box� design aesthetic, which emphasizes undistracted viewing and features the best in sight and sound technology.

“Christie’s Solaria series will make it possible for us to present the latest technological advances to our patrons, such as 3D and big-screen experiences, as well as high frame rate (HFR) movies scheduled to launch later this year, beginning with epics such as Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit,� said Joe Miraglia, director of design, construction and facilities for ArcLight. “Since we offer a range of movies and theaters to suit distinct audiences, we needed digital projection that could adapt to any need, and Christie gave us the best solution.�

The projectors were installed by ACS Enterprises Inc. which chose Christie because of its winning combination of product and support excellence.

“At ACS, we care about our clients, their theaters and their continued success,� said Jose Alvarado, chief executive officer of ACS. “Christie is a partner that shares our philosophy and wanted to make sure we succeeded in our digital cinema transitions. By helping us succeed, they too succeed.

“In addition to providing first-rate technology, Christie collaborated in installation design, setup and testing though its Christie Managed Services group, which has been extremely helpful in quickly and efficiently providing the assistance we needed for ArcLight’s unique requirements,� added Alvarado.

Part of the Pacific Theatres group, the ArcLight chain includes the famous ArcLight Hollywood, which boasts the historic and unique Cinerama Dome – one of only three such theaters in the world today. In keeping with the unique architecture, and to be able to deliver a variety of enhanced movie experiences, the Dome now features
Christie Duo™ technology, a configuration of two projectors, advanced software and a space-saving frame that delivers a completely seamless, premium movie experience for the world’s largest screens.

Craig Sholder, vice president, Entertainment Solutions for Christie, said, “We offer an unparalleled range of leading-edge product, support, partnerships and financing options to make the benefits of digital projection available to all types of exhibitor in every market. It’s because of this commitment, and the loyalty of our customers, that we lead the market for digital projection solutions, and we’re pleased to have ArcLight as part of our customer family.�

ACS looks forward to many successful deployments with Christie, which dovetails with its long-range thinking to benefit clients. “It is part of our continued support cycle to monitor developments in the industry to make sure our clients are aware of the latest technology advances and what motion picture releases will implement/introduce such programs,� said Alvarado. “Our industry experiences have made us recognize that technological advances in motion pictures, with both picture and sound delivery, are usually not successful without the release of a major motion picture that demands these advances. It’s a process we consistently monitor; making sure our clients are in a position to adapt and implement when that picture is released to their patrons.�

About ArcLight Cinemas
ArcLight Cinemas, created by Pacific Theatres, represents an evolution in the movie going experience. With locations in Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Pasadena and El Segundo, the chain offers an unprecedented combination of technology, amenities, comfort, and customer service. ArcLight Cinema’s dynamic programming ranges from the newest Hollywood blockbusters to independent art house fare, cult favorites and classics and 21+ screenings, making it one of the most popular destinations for discerning moviegoers. Its signature amenities include black box auditoriums, extra-wide seats with double armrests, stadium seating, reserved seating at many locations and a wide variety of counter and café food options. For more information about ArcLight, visit www.arclightcinemas.com.

Christie Duo™ combined with the new RealD XL-DP Cinema System today to project Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Sneak Peek� of The Hobbit in 3D, presented at High Frame Rates (HFR) of 48 frames per second, achieving an unprecedented combination of uniformity and brightness. Christie®, a global visual technology company, and RealD, a leading global licensor of 3D technologies, powered today’s major studio presentation in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

In the setup for this presentation, projection engineers calibrated the system using brightness measurements taken towards the edges of the screen, rather than at the center. The abundance of light available allowed the center brightness to be reduced considerably and still provided luminance measurements in excess of six foot lamberts (ft-L) across the better part of this massive 70-foot-wide screen. By combining the Christie Duo and the RealD XL-DP 3D Cinema System, exhibitors can actually achieve double the light output over the previous leading large format solutions, and at a significant overall value during regular, commercial movie showings.

“With the new RealD XL-DP Cinema System, there is a technical solution for achieving 3D brightness at 2D light levels on some of the largest movie theater screens in the world,� says Rod Archer, vice-president of Cinema Products, RealD. “RealD technology delivers twice the light of other 3D providers, allowing premium large format screens to demonstrate the true potential of digital 3D cinema with a lifelike and immersive 3D presentation without compromising brightness.�

Says Don Shaw, senior director, Christie’s Entertainment Solutions product management group: “Although it may seem too good to be true, the incredible experience delivered today by RealD and Christie was achieved on a silver screen, using Christie’s Pureformity Color™ Technology to ‘control’ the center brightness, allowing us to obtain the most uniform image possible across this large screen. Standard Christie Solaria® projectors, the Christie Duo integration kit and the RealD XL-DP Cinema System combined to achieve this industry first, which will present a compelling alternative to the more costly, but half as bright, offering from the current large-format market leader.�

The RealD XL-DP Cinema System is a pair of matched left and right eye polarizing filters featuring the patented XL light recovery technology. This Cinema System is designed for use on dual DLP projector installations on large screens, usually over 65 feet in width (20 meters). Early users of this combination of the XL-DP Cinema System and dual DLP projectors report 3D presentation brightness at 2D light levels on screens as large as 92 feet (28 meters).

Christie Duo and Christie Pureformity Colorâ„¢ Technology Immerse Audiences in the Movies
Introduced in February, the Christie Duo is a new dual–projector integration kit intended to give exhibitors the ability to create and deliver their own, branded premium theater experience. The Christie Duo™ integration kit can be used with either 2K or 4K Christie Solaria® Series digital cinema projectors, purchased with new projectors or purchased as a standalone integration kit for Christie customers who already have Christie projectors. Christie Solaria® Series digital cinema projectors are the world’s best-selling, DCI-compliant digital cinema projectors, with close to 30,000 shipped and installed to date.

The integration kit features the choice of two configurations: a compact and convenient stacking system for 3D installations, or a new, innovative physical configuration that perfectly aligns every pixel on the screen for optimal 2D and 3D presentations. Coupled with automated features that easily calibrate, align and optimize the images from both Christie Solaria® Series 2K or 4K digital cinema projectors, Christie Duo delivers a completely seamless, premium movie experience for the world’s largest screens.

Pureformity Color™ Technology – a contraction of the words Pure and Uniformity – aptly describes Christie’s innovative ability to achieve optimal image color and brightness uniformity. While every Christie projector is built to exact DCI standards, every projection system has inherent color and brightness uniformity variations across the screen, especially towards the left and right hand edges. These effects can sometimes be exacerbated by certain screen materials and auditorium lighting conditions. Christie’s Pureformity Color™ Technology provides an unprecedented level of field optimization for these issues so that image quality perfection can easily be achieved across the whole screen.

Less is more for the Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas in San Diego, where Christie Managed Services has implemented cost effective boothless projection systems, powered by low-maintenance Christie digital cinema projectors, the most powerful and most trusted name for exhibitors joining the digital revolution. Boothless systems eliminate the need for traditional projectionist booth space and require no human operator.

Located in the Del Mar Highlands Town Center in Carmel Valley, Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas features two traditional auditoriums and six with boothless projection systems, seating up to 74 guests, 3D and surround sound technologies, reserved seating options, and high back reclining leather chairs for the ultimate in viewing comfort. Designed and installed by Christie Managed Services as part of a complete customized solution, the boothless systems free up space for an additional row of seating that would normally have been taken up by the projection booths. Christie provided an all-inclusive, turnkey solution for a special lift system that enables the Christie CP2220 DLP Cinema® projectors to be positioned out of the way during normal operation and lowered for maintenance. The Managed Services Team at Christie also installed the audio system, screens, processing equipments, lighting, drapes, library management systems, playback and projection systems, in addition to designing and deploying the boothless capability. Recently, an additional six auditoriums were installed with Christie boothless projection systems at the Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas La Costa location in Carlsbad.

“While we are South America’s largest theater chain, this is our first entry into the U.S. market, and it was critical that every aspect of our patrons’ movie-viewing experience was as perfect as possible,� said Carlos Wellman, managing director of Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas. “We selected Christie because they bring more than 80 years in the exhibition industry, and perfectly understand the old-world traditions of the finest movie houses and the next generation of digital technology to meet the sophisticated demands of today’s moviegoers.�

Matthew Heyman, a Cinépolis consultant on this project added, “Christie’s boothless lifts create the space for Cinépolis to transform its theaters into a unique movie-going experience. These boothless concepts, like the ones Christie designs and installs, are transforming the digital cinema environment.�

“Exhibitors are looking for solutions that enable them to reduce construction costs, while offering the design flexibility to transform older facilities to the look and feel of the luxury cinema,� explained Sean James, vice president of Managed Services for Christie. “Our customers need the benefit of technology without the complexity of integration or the burden of support to accomplish their design and cost reduction goals. We designed and built boothless systems that provide the right environment for the projector and isolate the audience from the noise and heat the projector and server generate while allowing the projection booth to be removed.�

Christie Managed Services provides end-to-end solutions for projection and audio in the cinema environment as well as digital signage solutions for theater lobbies. It also offers service packages that provide exhibitors with support that range from 24/7/365 remote monitoring and technical phone support to on-site preventative maintenance/emergency service and fast, local access to spare parts centrally coordinated from Christie’s Network Operations Center.

Cinépolis patrons agree that the theater chain got everything right. They rave about the ultra-comfortable high-back recliners and ushers that serve food and alcohol right at their seats in the 21+ theaters. The recliners also have buttons to call for additional service, and special menus are offered to match the theme of the movie.

CinemaCon attendees can view a video that includes the boothless concept at the Christie booth #2111, and speak with a representative of the Christie Managed Services team.

Extron Electronics is pleased to announce the immediate availability of the DVS 605, a high performance video scaler that includes three HDMI inputs, two universal analog video inputs with auto-format detection, and simultaneous HDMI and analog high resolution outputs. The DVS 605 accepts a wide variety of video formats including HDMI with HDCP, HDTV, RGB, and standard definition video. It features advanced Extron video signal processing with 1080i deinterlacing, Deep Color processing, and true seamless switching for professional-quality presentations. The DVS 605 also features SpeedSwitchâ„¢ Technology that delivers ultra-fast switching speed for HDCP-encrypted content. It is available in models with audio switching plus HDMI audio embedding / de-embedding, and also 3G-SDI/HD-SDI output with genlock. more

Cinema industry leaders including (left to right) Matt Cowan (RealD Inc), Doug Trumbull (Trumbull Ventures LLC), Ian Bidgood (Park Road), Bert Dunk (Screen Industries Research & Training Centre), Demetri Portelli (3D Stereography) and John Helliker (Screen Industries Research & Training Centre) frame Christie’s laser projector prototype at Christie’s Kitchener manufacturing plant. Following a demonstration of high frame rate (HFR) content projected by the laser unit, the industry luminaries shared information and opinions on high frame rates, laser projection, and the future of 3D and 4K projection at Christie’s one-day HFR Summit.

Digital Signage Platform Helps Energize Downtown Phoenix With Broadcast-Quality Content From Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, Live Scrolling News Tickers, and More more

LYNX Technik AG, provider of modular interfaces will exhibit its range of broadcast quality HDMI conversion yellobriks® at NAB2012, booth N4433.

CHD 1812 – HDMI to SDI Converter + Frame Sync (3G)
This HDMI to SDI converter supports SD/HD/3G-SDI formats, provides 3D support, and includes an integrated Frame Synchronizer. A flexible reference input allows the unit to be cross-locked between formats. With this brick, facilities can convert HDMI to HD or SD-SDI such as sources coming from broadcast video cameras as well as PC and MAC computers.

A key feature of this yellobrik is the built-in frame synchronizer, which eliminates the need to purchase a separate and expensive 3Gbit frame sync unit. It is an ideal solution for any application that requires a fully synchronized SDI input from an external asynchronous HDMI source.

The integrated frame synchronizer solves a common problem in broadcast and video HDMI to SDI (PC and MAC) conversion applications. In a production environment in the USA, a 59.94 Hz frame rate is typical for SDI video applications and often, an HDMI output runs at 60 Hz. The integrated frame synchronizer adjusts for this minor difference, providing users with a perfectly frame synchronized 59.94 Hz SDI output from a 60 Hz HDMI source.

CHD 1802 – HDMI to SDI Converter (3G)
This HDMI to SDI converter carries the same features as the CHD 1812 however does not include an integrated frame synchronizer or external audio output.

CDH 1811 – SDI to HDMI Converter (3G)
This SDI to HDMI converter supports SDI video inputs up to 1080p60 and provides automatic input standard and format detection.

Full Audio Support
The CHD 1812 and CDH 1811 include full audio support and embed audio from the HDMI stream into the SDI outputs with two external analog audio inputs. The audio inputs can be embedded if required. The CHD 1802 supports embedded audio, whereby any audio present in the HDMI stream will be embedded into the corresponding channels on the SDI output.

Fiber Capabilities
The optional single-mode SDI fiber output ensures that the transition to fiber is simple and makes these units ideal for long distance SDI transmission of HD content.

SDI Monitoring and Overlay Modes
The CDH 1811 includes a unique on-screen overlay mode that displays a multitude of additional information about the connected signal including: SDI input format and bit depth, burn-in windows for DVITC,VITC and LTC time code, 16 channel on- screen audio metering, closed caption presence indication and AFD,WSS and VI metadata presence. This overlay feature turns the CDH 1811 SDI to HDMI converter is a fully featured SDI monitoring tool.

The entire yellobrik line will be on display at NAB 2012 including; sync pulse generators, distribution amplifiers, audio embedders / de-embedders, point to point fiber solutions, WDM bi-directional fiber solutions, and CWDM multiplexed fiber solutions.

For more details, please visit LYNX Technik at NAB 2012, booth N4433, April 16-19, 2012.

LYNX Technik AG, provider of modular interfaces is launching four new passive CWDM multiplexers / demultiplexers at NAB 2012 booth N4433. The four new bricks expand the ever-growing yellobrik line of compact signal processor solutions.

The new CWDM multiplexers / demultiplexers are devices that can accept, combine, transmit and receive up to four fiber optic signals over a single link. Therefore, several signals can share a single fiber optic link. A single unit can perform multiplexer as well as demultiplexer functions.

The four models include the OCM 1841, OCM 1842, OCM 1843 and OCM 1844. These four multiplexers support various Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) wavelengths from 1270 nm to 1610 nm. Each model has four channels that are each assigned to a different wavelength.

These new yellobriks use passive optical technology to multiplex or demultiplex a number of optical carrier signals onto a single optical fiber by using different wavelengths of laser light. This technique also facilitates bidirectional communications over a single strand of fiber.

All four yellobriks feature an optical UPG port which facilitates cascading the four modules together for a total of up to 16 channels. The modules can be used standalone or integrated into a 19� rack using a rack tray option, which is ideal for system installations.

These new 4-channel CWDM multiplexers complement the two 9-channel multiplexers that are already available in the yellobrik range.

“We always aim to offer our customers practical choices and options when it comes to our technology,� comments Winfried Deckelmann CEO of LYNX Technik. “Our current 9-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer devices may be too large for small installations therefore we are now offering a range of smaller 4-channel building blocks.�
The new yellobrik CWDM Multiplexers / DeMultiplexers will be on display for the first time at NAB 2012 booth N4433. They are available for ordering now and will ship at the end of April 2012.

LYNX Technik AG, provider of modular interfaces is launching its new family of yellobrik multi-channel embedders / de-embedders at NAB 2012 booth N4433. The three new modules expand the ever-growing yellobrik line of compact signal processor solutions.

An 8-channel 3G/HD/SD audio embedder/de-embedder (model: PDM 1284 B/D) is available in two versions; one for AES balanced audio and second version for AES unbalanced audio.

The PDM 1284B – AES audio embedder / de-embedder for unbalanced audio is multi-functional in that it functions either as a four channel AES embedder or de-embedder, or as a two channel AES embedder and de-embedder. Additional channels of audio can be embedded and de-embedded by cascading modules together.

The PDM 1284D – AES audio embedder / de-embedder for balanced audio provides simultaneous embedding and de-embedding for four AES inputs / outputs.

Both the PDM 1284B and PDM 1284D automatically detect the audio format and deactivate the
sample rate converters to preserve encoded bit streams such as DolbyE.

Also new at NAB is the PDM 1382 – analog audio embedder/de-embedder. This unit selectively de-embeds four channels within any audio group of an SDI video signal, to any of the analog outputs. It can also simultaneously embed up to four channels of analog audio replacing the previously de-embedded audio and / or add audio into the SDI output. Additional channels of audio can be embedded and de-embedded by cascading modules together.

These yellobriks have an optional fiber I/O feature, which adds fiber transceiver functionality for embedding and de-embedding directly from a fiber path.

These three new yellobrik’s include a selectable “auto black� mode that uses a black video frame if no SDI input is present. This means that the module embeds audio even when no video source is available.

As with all yellobriks, users control these modules via the front panel rotary switches and indicators. There is also LED indication for SDI input status and audio group presence.

The new yellobrik embedders/de-embedders will be on display at NAB 2012 booth N4433.