Christie®, along with Draper Inc, Alcorn McBride, CyberTouch and Tannoy, is presenting the latest Solutions that Rock show , a free event introducing several of its new display solutions to organizations involved with professional AV rental staging, fixed installs and corporate AV environments. The event takes place January 15 – 17 at GPB (Georgia Public Broadcasting) Media in Atlanta.

“Solutions that Rock� provides a single opportunity for consultants, architects, service planners and designers to get hands-on experience with some of the best audio and visual systems available and discover inspiring ways for projection to turn their ideas into reality. Attendees will also enjoy complimentary refreshments and gifts, and a chance to win an Apple iPad. There will be an Open House for all end-users, consultants and integrators/dealers on January 15 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., sponsored by JB & A.

January 16th and 17th are sponsored by top local integrator Technical Innovation with January 16th open only to end-users invited by Technical Innovations while January 17th is open to all end-users and consultants. Draper will be holding AIA certified classes from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on both Jan. 16 and Jan. 17 when the doors open.

“Solutions that Rock� is also an informal opportunity for dealers, integrators, distributors and end users to see how the showcased products offer leading edge and fully workable solutions for their customers. Attendees will participate in technology demonstrations and get hands-on experience of the capabilities for each solution, making them more confident when demonstrating and selling to customers and prospects.

Products on Display
Highlighting the exhibits will be an eye-catching tower display of Christie® MicroTiles®, the industry’s most flexible, high-resolution modular design concept. Christie MicroTiles are built on proven DLP® technology and specifically designed for maximum image quality in demanding indoor, high ambient light environments.

Both the Christie E Series and Christie G Series of projectors will be on display as will multiple solutions, ranging from HD and 2K LCD to Xenon 3-chip DLP® images, displaying on a 30-foot wide screen and two 11-foot screens in portrait mode. The displays, including stereoscopic 3D demonstrations, will be managed using the Christie Spyder X20 multi-image processor.

The Christie Vista URS will also be on display. The Christie Vista URS is an all-in-one matrix switcher that accepts multiple sources in any format (analog composite to digital 4K) and seamlessly routes any of these sources to any of eight user-configurable outputs, each of which can be configured independently for any analog or digital output format.

The Christie FHD551-X 55-inch flat panel LCD with a CyberTouch overlay demonstrating interactivity will also be at the booth. CyberTouch designs, manufactures and markets standard and custom touch products and integrated touch monitors; specializing in resistive single-touch and two-touch as well as advance- infrared multi-touch technologies.

To fulfill the need to interface with IT systems, Christie will demonstrate its network solutions with all projection and multi-image systems connected to, and managed through, the IP network – including wireless control of all devices. Christie AutoStack™ – a camera-based, software driven solution, used for maintaining projector alignment in multiple blend and stacked designs – will operate across the network, offering a solution that manages both fixed installs and rental staging designs for both flat and curved screens.

Founded in 1902, Draper Inc. provides a range of products for the rental staging and fixed installation market including electric, manual, rear, portable and fixed screens, as well as a variety of projector lifts and mounts.

GPB Media is located at 260 14th Street N.W. in Atlanta. To register, please visit http://www.christiedigital.com/solutionsthatrock.

Thought Leaders Gather to Converse, Present and Demonstrate New Technologies

(Los Angeles, CA) The Hollywood Post Alliance(r) – the trade association for the post production community – has opened registration for the 2013 HPA Tech Retreat. The HPA Tech Retreat is the annual conference that brings together thought leaders from digital and content creation, media and entertainment, forensics, medicine, digital imaging, government, academic research and others for four days of intense conversation, learning and networking. This progressive industry event always delivers important technological developments in production, post production and broadcast. The HPA Tech Retreat is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for industry professionals.

The HPA Tech Retreat takes place February 18-22, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency in Indian Wells, California (Palm Springs area). The event features cocktail receptions, a welcome dinner, breakfast roundtables, and fireside chats, as well as opportunities for networking throughout each day.

The four-day conference also includes a Demo Room, where groundbreaking new technologies are presented. There have been significant changes in the Demo Room and in addition to new technologies, new and unique services, which haven’t been included in the past, will be on hand during the event.

While the deadline to be included in the Demo Room has passed, the HPA will continue to try to accommodate worthy submissions. Companies and service providers are urged to act quickly if they wish to be included. Inquiries concerning the Demo Room should be directed to this year’s managers, Vincent Maza or Alexa Maza at TechRetreatDemoRoom@hpaonline.com. Also, the Early Bird registration deadline is Monday, January 7.

The HPA Tech Retreat program is being updated continuously and you will find it and all other information and registration at the HPA website: http://www.hpaonline.com. For questions, please contact the HPA office at 213-614-0860.

The 2013 Tech Retreat is sponsored by the Hollywood Post Alliance(r), Foundation Sponsor Dolby, as well as others to be announced soon. Media Sponsors include; Post Magazine, Shoot Magazine, Creative Handbook, Production Hub, and Sound & Picture.

About the HPA Tech Retreat(r)
The HPA Tech Retreat(r) is an informal gathering, in the Palm Springs area, of the top industry engineering, technical, and creative talent, as well as strategic business leaders focused on technology, from all aspects of digital cinema, post-production, film, television, video, broadcast, and related technology areas, for the exchange of information.

About the Hollywood Post Alliance(r)
Hollywood Post Alliance (HPA) serves the professional community of businesses and individuals who provide expertise, support, tools and the infrastructure for the creation and finishing of motion pictures, television, commercials, digital media and other dynamic media content.

# # #

Media Contact:
Chris Purse, 818.303.8088
ignite strategic communications
chris@ignite.bz or mimi@ignite.bz


Following the success of his MTV Unplugged special—nominated for five 2012 Latin Grammy Awards—Colombian singer-songwriter Juanes embarked on the Loud and Unplugged Tour for the greater part of 2012 with dates across the United States and Europe. The concerts echoed the intimate yet celebratory tone of the record, on which Juanes was joined by his Latin roots rock band, and guests including more

Introducing the next-generation in ultimate presentation scaling and switching, KanexPro announced today the HDSC12D scaler to its pro-line of high-resolution scalers.
This 12-input high resolution scaler boasts a twisted pair output based on HDBaseT® technology that will compensate for long runs up to 230 feet (70m) while switching and scaling up to 12-inputs. It includes an independent receiver, which extends the HDMI output. Fully HDCP and EDID compliant, this professional scaler can be used anywhere from lecture halls, conference rooms to health care facilities and control centers.

Features:
• Switch & Scale 12-inputs to 2-high-resolution displays
• 4 HDMI + 4 VGA Inputs with 3.5mm Audio
• 1 YPbPr + 1 Composite / S-Video Input with L/R Stereo Audio
• 1 Microphone Input
• 1 HDMI +1 VGA Output with L/R Stereo Audio (For non-HDCP encrypted content)
• 1 HDMI HDBaseT CAT6 STP receiver included
• Extender supports distance up to 230ft [70m]
• Supports scaling input up to 1080p
• 2 x 10 Watt Amplifier
• IR remote control included
• RS-232 & TCP/IP control with third party control systems
• Backed by KanexPro 3 -Year Parts & Labor Warranty

For more information, please visit: http://www.kanexpro.com/item/?id=HDSC12D

NEW YORK, New York — It was the most significant music event of the year: 12-12-12 The Concert for Sandy Relief, held at Madison Square Garden on December 12, 2012 to benefit the Robin Hood Relief Fund. The concert featured many of the biggest stars in the music industry including Sir Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Roger Waters, Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, The Rolling Stones and many others. The sound for the event was equally stellar, thanks to HARMAN’s JBL VTX Series line arrays powered by Crown I-Tech HD Series programmable amplifiers.

To fill the 18,000-seat Garden, sound reinforcement contractor Firehouse Productions of Red Hook, New York deployed a large JBL VTX Series rig including two main left and right PA columns of 18 V25 full-size line array elements, complemented by two outfill arrays of 12 V25’s, with four VERTEC® VT4886 subcompact line arrays serving as under-hangs. Eighteen S28 and four G28 dual 18-inch cardioid arrayable subwoofers were ground-stacked to complete the VTX installation. All the speakers were driven by Crown IT12000HD power amplifiers with system control provided by JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™ software.

“We had to be completely at the top of our game for this one—although we’ve done many high-profile events, it’s not every day we get to do the sound reinforcement for a concert that’s broadcast around the world to more than a billion people,� said Mark Dittmar, Lead Design and Integration Engineer of Firehouse Productions. “We’d been using JBL VERTEC® line arrays for more than a decade and that product has been spectacular in terms of sound quality, relative light weight and versatile rigging options. That said, with JBL VTX the sound quality we can achieve has gone up a whole other level. VTX sets new standards in clarity and impact, and delivers a consistently smooth and natural response.�

“In fact, the low end from the VTX V25 main arrays is significantly increased—to the point where we’re not flying subs with the system. We stacked the S28 and G28 subs on the ground to give the system additional low-frequency impact but we did not need to fly subs as part of the main array columns as we have in the past.�

“We have used Crown amplifiers ever since we started Firehouse,� Dittmar noted. “The IT12000HD offers us power and flexibility that we can’t get with other products. With the introduction of the VTX line arrays and the newest V5 DSP presets for VTX, the sound quality is spectacular.�

For Dittmar, deploying JBL HiQnet Performance Manager software worked out to be a major benefit. “The JBL HiQnet Performance Manager software makes setting up and controlling the system a lot easier and more accurate. In fact, the 12-12-12 show was only the second time we had ever used Performance Manager – the first being the Z100 Jingle Ball 2012 at the Garden the week before! I’m happy to say it worked perfectly for us,� added Dittmar.

“12-12-12 was one of the most challenging projects we’ve ever done,� Dittmar concluded. “Funny enough, though, the PA turned out to be one of the simplest aspects of the project. Using all JBL line arrays all around the Garden made a huge difference in getting the sound to be consistent throughout the arena, and consistently excellent.�

For more information on Firehouse Productions, please visit www.firehouseproductions.com

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,900 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.4 billion for year ended June 30, 2012.

New headquarters, 40th-anniversary celebrations and much, much more!

Dataton, the world-renowned manufacturer and developer of presentation and show-control products, ushers in a new era of innovation and creativity at the 2013 edition of Integrated Systems Europe. The company’s latest products, marketed as additions to the WATCHOUT suite of multi-display production and presentation software, will be showcased on Dataton’s biggest ISE stand so far.

While the exact nature of the products to be showcased at ISE remains a closely guarded secret until the show opens its doors on January 29, Fredrik Svahnberg, Dataton’s marketing director, comments: “We have continued to update WATCHOUT this year with new features such as 3D stereoscopic playback, live video streaming, interactivity, and multiple languages. What we are going to show at ISE marks the start of a major move forward.�

On the first day of ISE 2013, Dataton will host a booth party at 17:00 on stand 7-K175 to celebrate its 40th year in business and the Swedish-based company is promising plenty of Scandinavian hospitality.

Maintaining its support for education programmes in the pro-AV space, Dataton will also present an InfoComm University™ session in ISE’s Education Zone. Titled ‘Multi-Image Projection Techniques’, the session will be delivered by Svahnberg and will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, 30 January. Like all InfoComm University content, thesession will be vendor-neutral and free of sales pitches.

Finally, ISE 2013 will be the first major AV tradeshow that Dataton has planned from its new corporate headquarters at Mjärdevi Science Park in Linköping, Sweden. Construction of the purpose-built HQ, designed by award-winning architect Petra Gipp, commenced in the summer of 2012.

Dataton will exhibit on Stand 7-K175 at Integrated Systems Europe at the Amsterdam RAI from 29-31 January 2013.

www.dataton.com

Extron Electronics is pleased to announce the immediate availability of the DTP HDMI 330, a transmitter and receiver set for long distance transmission of HDMI, audio, and bidirectional RS-232 and IR control signals up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a single CATx cable. The HDCP-compliant extender provides an effective means for extending HDMI with embedded multi-channel audio from HDMI-equipped devices. In addition, the DTP HDMI 330 accepts analog stereo audio signals and digitizes them for simultaneous transmission over the same twisted pair cable. The compact enclosure sizes and remote power capability make the DTP HDMI 330 ideal for extending HDMI, audio, and bidirectional control in space-challenged environments. more

PixelFLEX, designer of the leading lightweight and flexible LED video curtain, announced today the relocation of its business operations from Memphis to Nashville. The move, to 700 Cowan Street in Nashville, was made to better service the music industry and church market.

“Commonly referred to as ‘Music City,’ Nashville is the center of the music industry,” said Jeremy Byrd, president of PixelFLEX. “In addition to its ties to music, Nashville also is well known for its strong religious roots. Our LED curtains are an ideal solution for both musical acts and faith-based organizations looking to enhance live performances with rich and engaging video images. As such, it seemed logical that we would move our base of operations across the state.”

After the successful launch of its initial 20mm video screen in 2011, PixelFLEX expanded its product offerings in 2012 to include 18mm, 30mm, 50mm and 100mm screens – presenting a variety of video display solutions to meet any and all live event needs. PixelFLEX screens have provided support to notable musical acts including Meatloaf, Toby Mac and Skillet, Darius Rucker and Rascal Flatts, as well as respected ministry leaders such as Joel Osteen. Additionally, the company’s innovative product is also ideal in fixed theatre installations – the company’s screen is currently in use at the University of Iowa and Longwood University.

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′x4′, 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 screens 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.

“Able to fit in a single five-foot trunk and requiring minimal time to set up and tear down, our LED curtains are extremely popular with one-truck tours where space and manpower are an issue,” Byrd continued. “The move to Nashville will facilitate our company’s continued growth as we introduce new products and provide support to leading acts and ministries.”

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

###

Billerica, Massachusetts – – Broadcast Pixâ„¢ today announced that Spectrum Productions, a company which offers full AV production and rental services, used its new Graniteâ„¢ 5000 2 M/E Video Control Centerâ„¢ on Nov. 19 to produce the NASCAR 2012 Nationwide / Camping World Truck Series Awards Banquet at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami Beach, Fla. The ceremony aired on SPEED in late November, and Spectrum was responsible for the the entire ballroom production including staging, scenic, video, and lighting at the venue.

Headquartered in Atlanta, with offices in Miami, Orlando, Charlotte, N.C., and Las Vegas, Nev., Spectrum has been providing AV production services for corporate meetings, conventions, and trade shows, as well as video support for concert tours, for more than 20 years. Preston MacIntyre, president, said the Granite system was purchased in October to help clients create a high-end broadcast look for their stage productions. “We were looking for a way to enhance production values for certain events, elevate their presentations from the PowerPoint look,� he explained.

Several features made Granite an ideal solution for Spectrum. “One thing that seems to be a problem in new switchers is a lot of frame delay,� MacIntyre said. “Delay is a big problem for live events. The Granite has very minimal latency, and that was a factor in selecting it.�

The Granite 5000’s optional 12 SDI outputs were another important feature. MacIntyre noted that corporate events have complex output routing needs. In fact, the number of outputs often exceeds the number of inputs during a corporate event, he said.

During the NASCAR banquet, Spectrum took full advantage of Granite’s built-in workflow tools. The Fluent™ Clip Store, for example, was used to access and playback more than 100 clips – but the production was far from simple. Throughout the show, videos were sent to various screens and combined with other sources and effects. Some cues included dozens of different commands. While the program would have been “really difficult� to execute manually, MacIntyre said Fluent Macros triggered each cue correctly and without a predetermined timeline, which can be problematic during a live show.

“Every single cue was a whole package of cues,� MacIntyre added. “Every step in our run of show was represented by a macro. We used Fluent Macros very, very extensively.�

Granite also helped make setup much easier and cleaner. Compared to setup for the same event last year, the Granite system replaced two switchers, eight computers, four HDCAM tape decks, and four additional playback systems. MacIntyre said all source content originated from the Granite, and the native HD system produced an outstanding look. The Fluent-View with Quad Monitor option was an asset during the NASCAR event as well, providing customized multi-view layouts for the TD and other production personnel during the event.

Moving forward, MacIntyre said Spectrum’s Granite system will be used for events where clients want to take their on-screen look to the next level, as well as events that require significant video playback or need to take advantage of the system’s built-in robotic camera control and other automation. “From the client side back through the technical ranks, everyone seems really happy with it,� he said.

About Broadcast Pix The leader in live video production systems, Broadcast Pix was founded in 2002 and has customers in more than 110 countries. Its Video Control Centersâ„¢ combine an integrated switcher, clip server, CG, and device control software with patented control panels, unique touch-screens, and exceptional displays that enable operators to create with confidence. That confidence is further enhanced with rock-solid stability, patented technologies to maintain lip sync, and great technical support. Systems range from compact systems controlled by touch-screen or voice automation to sophisticated 2 M/E control panels. Customers include leading broadcast, corporate, education, religious, government, webcast, entertainment and mobile studios. Learn more at www.broadcastpix.com.

Broadcast Pix, Fluent, Granite, and Video Control Centers are trademarks of Broadcast Pix, Inc. Patented. Made in USA.

Christie® is bringing the past to life at Tillicum Village, a Native American cultural experience, with holographic images powered by two Christie HD10K-M Series 3-chip DLP® projectors. Using built-in Christie AutoStack™ and Christie Twist™, the projectors cast holographic images onto a Musion screen of a storyteller interacting with live actors and drummers throughout the performance on stage, helping capture unique tribal traditions. Located on Blake Island in Puget Sound, Washington, Tillicum Village and its Long House Theater present the history, tradition and culture of the Coast Salish tribes located along the state’s western border.

Tradition Meets High Tech
The 50-year-old, 450-person wooden theater – complete with dirt stage and 18-year-old soundtrack – needed a complete makeover that included the installation of a new Christie projection system.

According to Maureen Black, marketing director at Tillicum Village, “The theater is magical because of its age and rustic setting, but we needed to bring it up to modern standards. Part of this meant revamping the entire live performance to better showcase the traditions and culture of the Salish community in a way that is more relevant to today’s more tech-savvy generation. We wanted to bring the vibrant and ever-changing nature of native culture to life on stage, and technology would help us do that – but the show had to remain authentic.�

Tempest and Christie Partner for Precision
Integration partner Tempest Technologies chose Christie HD digital projectors as part of its 3D hologram system to deliver Tillicum Village’s vision.

“Tillicum Village really wanted to get that ‘wow’ factor in there, rather than just have people performing. When they decided they wanted 3D holographic technology, we didn’t hesitate to steer them toward Christie and its Christie Twist technology,� said Bart Black, audiovisual technology consultant, Tempest Technologies.

“The only way we could achieve the right contrast and align the images perfectly was to utilize Christie Twist. It allowed us to adjust where the images hit on the bounce surface to create a perfect, seamless image. Another important aspect was the tech operators having an easy mechanism to realign the images before each show. With one button, Christie AutoStack allows them to realign everything in 90 seconds without calling a projectionist to the island.�

Christie AutoStack is a camera-based solution and intuitive user interface that achieves accurate blending of multiple projectors. Used in conjunction with the Christie Twistâ„¢ warping and blending solution, AutoStack supports various screen sizes and aspect ratios, utilizing screen points for quick geometric calibration. In addition, it supports horizontal and vertical blending, with a live camera preview to aid in quick setup.

Christie Technology Thrills the Crowd
“The Christie HD projectors have become part of the magic. Audiences often want to know why the storyteller won’t come out and take a bow after the show! That’s how real he seems on stage,� said Kevin Clark, CEO of Tillicum Village. “By blending the live actors with holographic technology, we get better, richer performances, with great quality and consistency. And the technology allows us to easily update and modify the projected content.�

“The technology we used before was out of focus and dark and the images weren’t aligned. Tillicum Village is not only excited to promote the venue, but to stand behind the Christie product line,� Black concluded. “There hasn’t been one service call since the show started, and during high season it runs twice a day, seven days a week – we are extremely pleased.�

About Tempest Technologies, LLC
Tempest Technologies, LLC, is a Pacific Northwest based design, engineering and integration firm specializing in presentation, control and unified communication technologies. Since formation in 2003, Tempest has leveraged the extensive industry experience of their team to become a leading integration solutions provider in the Puget Sound region, and across the nation. Tempest provides consulting, design, custom programming, installation and post-installation services for systems found in a wide variety of environments such as boardrooms, classrooms, auditoriums, conference and training facilities, video teleconferencing , network operations and command and control centers. Tempest’s commitment to excellence and their ability to offer clients innovative and cost effective solutions has resulted in successful collaborations with the region’s top corporate, healthcare, technology, government, and educational clients, and has allowed them to become a trusted partner who makes a positive and lasting impact on how these businesses communicate and conduct their day to day operations. Tempest Technologies, LLC places the highest value on developing and maintaining strong customer relationships, and is committed to providing quality products and services that result in complete customer satisfaction and strategic and lasting partnerships. Tempest Technologies is headquartered in Issaquah, Washington. For more information, visit www.tempest-av.com.www.tempest-av.com.