Beachsound installs KARA system in new live music showroom

COCONUT CREEK, Florida — Miami Gardens-based Beachsound & Lighting, Inc. — now an official L-ACOUSTICS Certified Provider — reports that it has installed a KARA system at Seminole Casino in Coconut Creek, Florida.

The new system went into The Pavilion, a Sprung structure that was converted into an intimate 1,200-seat performance venue during the casino’s recent $150M expansion project. more

Enhanced HD Pathway Enables PacTV to Directly Manage Customer Content

WASHINGTON, D.C., FEBRUARY 06, 2013 – Pacific Television Center (PacTV), a Los Angeles-based independent global transmission and production company, is pleased to announce the completion of its new 24/7 virtual MCR in Washington D.C. An enhancement of PacTV’s existing network in Washington D.C., this hub includes a new dark fiber network within the city and increased long haul fiber capacity (OC12) for HD/SD access to PacTV’s entire portfolio of global resources.

“We can now offer our clients a fully managed end-to-end solution in Washington, DC,” says Nick Castaneda, V.P. Development, PacTV. “Our clients based in and around Washington, D.C. come to us for a variety of services. This gives us the capability to deliver all of their content in a more eloquent manner. And given the current demand for news and political coverage around the world, this move further solidifies our global footprint.”

The new hub utilizes the latest dark fiber technology. This enables clients including, C-SPAN, ITN and AuBC to have local uncompressed HD connectivity. This technology provides PacTV extensive flexibility in serving the D.C. market now and into the future.

In addition, PacTV has increased the long haul capacity to D.C. to an OC12 so it can now utilize JPEG 2000 compression for visually lossless delivery of HD/SD content. Customers can now receive reliable and fast point-to-point access to global news and media at an affordable price point.

“By expanding our connectivity to an OC12, we can provide more HD-capable streams via a point-to-point circuit that is instant-no stops, no delays-just immediate access to the newsworthy and timely content our clients are seeking,” adds Michael Barnes, engineer, PacTV New York. “In essence, we have built a virtual hub in D.C. that can be controlled by our facilities in New York, Los Angeles and London.”

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands — In a move that reaffirms its position as the leading provider of professional audio power amplifiers, HARMAN’s Crown Audio today announced the introduction of its DriveCore Install (DCi) Series power amplifiers. Successor to the company’s acclaimed CTs Series, the new DCi Analog stereo and multichannel amplifiers incorporate a host of improvements including HARMAN’s exclusive DriveCore™ technology to set new industry standards in reliability, sound quality, flexibility and efficiency.

Twelve models in the DCi Series are available ranging from 300 watts to 600 watts (into 4 and 8 ohms and 70Vrms and 100Vrms). The first number in the model is the amount of channels and the second number indicates the watts-per-channel power rating. All amplifiers are just 2U rack spaces high, to conserve valuable installation space.

“In introducing the DCi Series we had to exceed the benchmarks set by our acclaimed CTs Series, which has established itself as the de facto amplifier standard for installed sound applications,� said Daniel Saenz, Business Segment Manager, Install Sound, Crown. “It was no easy task, but our new DCi Series offers an entirely new level of unsurpassed performance that will be appreciated by audio professionals worldwide.�

At the heart of the DCi Series is HARMAN’s proprietary DriveCore amplifier IC chip. The DriveCore chip combines the amplifier driver stage into the power output stage along with additional audio-signal functions – yet is about the size of a postage stamp. DriveCore and the DCi Series’ leading-edge amplifier topologies dramatically reduce size and power consumption requirements and yield much more energy-efficient operation that conforms to HARMAN International’s GreenEdge™ environmental initiative.

DriveCore technology dramatically reduces the footprint of the amplifier by replacing over 500 parts from a typical amplifier design with one single IC. Smaller amplifier engines means more channels can be put into a 2 RU box with more capabilities.

Crown DCi Series amplifiers can be operated into 8-, 4- or 2-ohm loads and offer direct drive “constant voltage� capabilities for 70Vrms and 100Vrms amplification without the need for a step-up transformer, yielding higher audio quality in distributed audio applications. The amplifiers incorporate an exclusive Power Factor Corrected Global Power Supply that is designed to deliver maximum power in any country and their universal AC input accepts voltages from 100 – 240 VAC, 50/60Hz (+/- 10%).

The DCi Series is Crown’s greenest amplifier line ever, with a Power Factor Corrected (PFC) power supply, a selectable powersave auto-standby mode where the amplifier will power down after 30 minutes of no input signal and consume less than 1 watt. In addition to the amplifiers’ balanced 3-pin input connectors and 2-pin terminal strip output connectors, a rear-panel AUX port enables the amplifiers to be integrated into control systems for remote on/off and amplifier fault monitoring.

Crown DCi Series amplifiers are built for the most demanding conditions of continuous professional use and carry a 3-year, no-fault fully transferrable warranty.

Crown DCi Series amplifiers will be available in Spring 2013.

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 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

CENTURION, South Africa — Award-winning South African front of house engineer, Marius Marais, has long been a fan of HARMAN’s Studer and Soundcraft mixing consoles. Recently, he has increased his inventory considerably, adding a Studer Vista 5 SR, a Soundcraft Vi1 and Si Compact (with optical card)—all supplied by HARMAN Professional’s South African distributor, Wild & Marr.

Marais’ CV boasts many accolades for which precision audio engineering excellence was a prerequisite, including “SA Idols�—and he has also been associated with the South African Music Awards (SAMA), the 2010 FIFA World Cup and other high-profile events. The Vista 5 SR solution had been proposed by Wild & Marr and debuted on a “Starlight Classics� show.

“When the Vista 5 SR first arrived in South Africa Wild & Marr immediately contacted me, knowing that the console would fit right in with the jobs I needed to do,� Marais said. “It was a no-brainer. After that I added the Vi1 and Si Compact 32 to my inventory.�

Soundcraft and Studer flagship consoles have supercharged Marius’ evolving large-scale productions. “An orchestra plays as one unit, so if you have a good microphone, preamp and PA system, you should not have to change the sound with lots of EQ. That’s what the Soundcraft and Studer consoles give me—warm uncoloured sound. The Vistonics™ on the Vista and the preamps are, in my opinion, what makes the console so unique.�

The sound engineer’s induction to the Soundcraft family took place way back, with the launch of the Spirit Live 4, when the Freestate Performing Arts Council bought one to use on a township outreach arts programme. When Marais joined audio rental company Sound Stylists in 1997, he worked on a Soundcraft SM12 (“still one of my favourite analogue consoles�) and later a Soundcraft Series 5 and Series 5M. “They were groundbreaking consoles, especially the 5M,� Marais remembered. “The one thing that has always stood out about the Soundcraft products for me was how easy they are to operate. They are quick, functional and very well laid out.�

Marius joined Matrix Sound in 2004, which became the first South African company to invest in a Soundcraft Vi6. “I fell in love with the Vi6 on the first gig,� he said. “The smooth, warm sounding preamps were what first drew my attention—the features are unparalleled. From there it was my desk of choice for all the shows that required a large format console.�

By 2009, Marais had formed his own company, Audio Logic, with Wild & Marr providing an Si3 which he used as a sidecar (alongside the Vi6) for big orchestra shows involving the giant Afrikaans music production, “Skouspel� (which translates to “Spectacular�). This included a 64-piece orchestra, a 6-piece rhythm section, a guest band of various sizes and huge numbers of vocalists.

“That was the main reason for acquiring the new Vista 5 SR,� said Marais. “With a correctly set-up PA, the desks sound just amazing. With a Vi6 as a sub mix for the orchestra, I used a total of 184 channels on the Studer. With the snapshot and cue function, even a large-scale production like this was not as difficult as it used to be. The open platform provides the perfect environment to design and execute any size production.�

Summing up, the Audio Logic man said he is delighted with the investments made in the Soundcraft and Studer platforms. “With the brilliant service I receive from Wild & Marr, I can only see a growing relationship. As far as my clients are concerned, they just want good audio, and with the right tools, half the job is done.�

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.

The creative forces of Blue Man Group (BMG) have been working for two years to bring an all-new production to the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. This international entertainment phenomenon—one of many adaptations around the globe from Berlin to Boston—comprises a trio of blue men and an electrifying combination of music and inventive technology celebrating the more

Anaheim, California (February 4, 2013) – Extron Electronics is pleased to announce an upgrade to the popular SME 100 encoder, enabling the support of additional network and streaming protocols. The SME 100 now supports push streaming in unicast or multicast applications applying native RTP or MPEG-2 Transport Streams. Session Announcement Protocol and Session Description Protocol are applied to manage push streaming sessions. These new network and streaming protocols make the SME 100 compatible with a greater variety of third party decoding devices and streaming configurations. Other new capabilities include HTTP tunneling and closed captioning support for the EIA-608B standard. These new features are included in all SME 100 units that are shipping, and this firmware upgrade is available as a free download for current users.

“Streaming encoders are used in many different applications and network configurations. This latest firmware update supports integration into a broader variety of streaming applications, and provides compatibility with a greater variety of H.264 devices including set-top box decoders,” says Casey Hall, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Extron. “We have expanded our support of encoding, network protocols, and control features in the SME 100 to give AV professionals a broader set of tools for AV streaming applications.”

The SME 100 is available in two models, the SME 100 SD, which streams at resolutions from 166×120 up to 720×576, and the SME 100 HD, which streams at resolutions from 166×120 up to HDTV 1080p/30. Both models accept standard definition video and high definition video signals, including 1080p and computer-video signals up to 1920×1200 plus audio. Extron has developed the SME 100 feature set specifically to support the broad source, control, and processing capabilities that AV applications require.

Visit our Web site at www.extron.com for more information.

Anaheim, California (January 31, 2013) – Extron Electronics is pleased to introduce the USB PowerPlate 200 Series, a new line of architectural-mount, two-outlet USB chargers for powering mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Available in Decora-style, and Extron AAP and MAAP Architectural Adapter Plate form factors, the USB PowerPlate 200 provides two 5 VDC USB power outlets and 2.1 A / 10.5 watts of total power. Its unique design can deliver full power to either USB outlet when only one device is connected, ideal for use with high current-demand tablets.

“The proliferation of mobile devices has created a nearly constant search for a place to plug in a USB charger, not to mention the frustration when that charger is forgotten or lost and batteries are running low,� says Casey Hall, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Extron. “We designed the USB PowerPlate 200 for easy integration in conference rooms, libraries, student lounges, coffee houses, and other areas where mobile devices are typically used and available AC outlets are at a premium.�

All versions of the USB PowerPlate 200 include an energy-efficient, external universal power supply, rated at one million hours MTBF, for worldwide power compatibility.

Visit our Web site at www.extron.com for more information.

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands — For the past two months the University of Central Lancashire, Cyprus (UCLan Cyprus) has been welcoming English speaking students to a new, €53 million campus, offering not only premium British higher education but also a technological breakthrough in the way in which they can engage with the digital teaching methods. A complete HARMAN audio system is at the center of the new facility with components from BSS Audio, Crown, JBL and Soundcraft.

Situated on a 40-acre site in Pyla near Larnaka, the integrated AV infrastructure borders on the miraculous, not only for the implementation of an advanced Learning Information Systems (LIS) network but the speed with which local AV specialist (and HARMAN Professional distributor) ALA Equipment Co. Ltd. was able to redesign the original topology to provide a more future proof solution, after being brought in at the last minute.

In fact, ALA carried out full turnkey planning and delivery of the €700,000 AV contract on the 8,000-square-meter campus in just the final three weeks of a fast track build time that was itself accomplished in only 180 days.

The scope of work included equipping 15 single and double facing classrooms (in the first phase) with cutting-edge AV, as a precursor to a further 30 that will follow. The other major challenge was to fit out a 310-seat lecture theater that had to double as a 5.1 cinema; it was here that ALA proposed a theater-spec technical solution, including JBL SRX712M and SRX718S which provides the 5.1 surround sound, powered by Crown CTs amplifiers. At front of house, a Soundcraft Vi1 digital mixing console has been specified to provide advanced, but easy-to-navigate mixing for the technical staff.

Management of the theater I/O’s is via four BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU-160 processors using BLU link, BSS Audio’s proprietary network transport. Based on Gigabit Ethernet technology, BLU link carries 256 channels of fault-tolerant, low-latency audio at 48kHz/24bit, or 128 channels at 96kHz/24bit across a standard CAT5e connection—and thus provides an elegant and economical cabling solution. The whole network is on a Gigabit backbone, accessed via an HP Procurve network switch (100Mb 8 Port).

At the same time, ALA’s generous tie line provision (along with SDI/3G video networked feeds) ensures that OB trucks can operate at the venue.

Elsewhere in the foyer, where a sophisticated media display provides looped promotional footage while doubling as a relay screen from the lecture theater, sound reinforcement is provided by four JBL CBT 50LA column speakers, powered by Crown CTs amplifiers and controlled by dbx DriveRack 260 processors. These receive feeds directly from the Soundweb London processors, as does a large induction loop system.

Meanwhile, in each of the first 15 classrooms to be equipped, the motorized front projection screen is accompanied by four JBL Control 24 ceiling speakers, powered by Crown XLS amps—allowing eight stereo inputs.

Andy Belcher, UCLan’s own AV technician, responsible for providing teaching support, was delighted with the fulfillment. “We knew how we wanted the installation—but this is far different and a lot more advanced than our original design. I have been impressed with the speed of delivery, the quality of ALA’s work and the professional way in which they supported the contract.� At the same time Floros Voniatis, Founding Partner from UCLan Cyprus’ senior management team, described the integration as “one of the most advanced and fastest constructions ever to be built in Cyprus.�

In fact, thanks to this advanced deployment, there is now the possibility of distance learning and lecture capture whereby lectures conducted 3,600 kilometers (2,237 miles) away in Preston, UK are transmitted to Pyla.

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.

BVE Stand # L13

Staines, UK • Shotoku Broadcast Systems, a well-established leader in manual and robotic camera support, and virtual reality tracking, today confirmed plans to exhibit at BVE – 26 to 28 February 2013 – to be held at EXCEL London. The Company will demonstrate its globally renowned product line in Stand L13 and be available for customer consultations and meetings with potential distribution partners.

BVE is the largest gathering of production, post and content delivery professionals in the UK with attendance numbers expected to exceed 16,000. Shotoku will join over 300 exhibitors who will showcase products, services and technologies, ranging from camera accessories to workflow solutions.

Shotoku will highlight the manual side of its high quality and innovative camera support systems, including pan and tilt heads, pedestals, tripods and virtual reality systems. “BVE offers an excellent opportunity to network with industry professionals and promote our rapidly growing product ranges to operators and key decision makers,� said David Shepherd EMEA Sales Manager, Manual Products.

About Shotoku Broadcast Systems
Shotoku Broadcast Systems is an international leader in the manufacture and marketing of a full range of camera support products with emphasis on manual and robotic pedestals and pan/tilt heads for the television broadcast industry. The Company also provides robotic camera systems capable of interfacing with third-party equipment. Established as an engineering design firm specializing in advanced mechanics and electronic control systems, Shotoku maintains headquarters in Japan with offices in Staines, UK and Torrance, CA. The Company’s robotic camera systems are designed, developed and manufactured in Staines, UK. For further information: www.Shotoku.co.uk

# # #
Shotoku contact: James Eddershaw
+44 (0) 1784 224650 / mailto:info@shotoku.co.uk

Press contact: Desert Moon Communications / Harriet Diener
+1-845-512-8283 / mailto:Harriet@DesertMoonComm.com

BUENA PARK, Calif.—In an aggressive move to offer the new Yamaha CL Digital Console to live sound engineers who may have yet to experience the power of the new console, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. has introduced its ‘Test Drive’ Campaign with participating Yamaha CL Commercial Audio dealers. The successful ‘Test Drive’ marketing campaign was first implemented over ten years ago.

Now through June 30, participating Yamaha CL dealers will offer the 72-hour CL Test Drive to live sound engineers free of charge (dealer may require deposit, shipping/delivery fees). The complete system includes a racked, two-unit RIO3224-D I/O, 150′ snake, and road case for a gig of their choosing. The system provides 72 inputs and 35 outputs.

“We have been extremely successful with our Yamaha Commercial Audio Training Seminars (YCATS) for the CL console around North America, but wanted to provide sound engineers an opportunity for a real-world mix experience to hear the amazing sound quality of the new CL console,� states Marc Lopez, Marketing Manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. “In this way, participating dealers who have accepted the ‘Test Drive’ challenge can offer the use of a CL console to engineers for a limited time without compromising their rental inventory.

For more information on the 72-hour CL Test Drive and to locate participating Yamaha Commercial Audio dealers, visit www.yamahaca.com/cltestdrive.

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About Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc.:
Celebrating 125 years of Passion and Performance, and 25 years in the manufacturer of high quality digital audio consoles, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. (YCAS) provides a full line of integrated professional audio products offering complete systems solutions for the broadcast, sound reinforcement/installed sound, touring, commercial recording, and post production markets. With the addition of NEXO to the product line, the company remains the official U.S. and Canadian distributor for all NEXO speaker models. YCAS offers comprehensive in-house and field product training for its customers, a dedicated dealer network, and 24/7 technical support.