by Mary Bakija

All signs are pointing up for the AV integration business. If the InfoComm 2011 Show is any indication, business is starting to get back to the pre-recession days, but cautiously. With more than 900 exhibitors and 475,000-plus net square feet of exhibits, demo rooms, and special events, the show is likely to match last year’s show in Las Vegas, but it is also likely to be the largest InfoComm Show ever in Orlando. Read on at SCN

ORLANDO, Florida – Setting the stage for the next level in wireless live performance, HARMAN’s AKG has debuted its WMS 470 wireless system at Infocomm. Designed for complete ease of use, WMS 470 incorporates a vast number of upgrades from previous AKG lines and delivers outstanding performance and reliable operation to users.

WMS 470’s new automatic frequency setup function immediately finds and displays all available channels, making the system ideal for less experienced users to operate. Before opening a channel, the pilot tone function will prevent unwanted startup noise – the receiver will only open the audio if the pilot tone is detected. Read on at The Wire

New System Provides Advanced Capabilities for Highly Demanding Productions

ORLANDO, FL ? Clear-Com, a global leader in critical voice communications systems, will feature the new HME DX210 at this year’s InfoComm 2011 (Booth 349). The HME DX210 is a user-friendly system that offers superior wireless intercom performance and system compatibility with wired intercom systems, making it ideal for live performance, theater or permanent installations. Operating in the 2.4GHz band, the DX210 delivers exceptional sound clarity and enables interference-free communication for highly demanding productions. Read on at The Wire

ORLANDO, FL, JUNE 15, 2011 — Sound Devices, experts in portable hard-disk recording for audio, is presenting its first portable video recorder at InfoComm 2011 (Booth 2274). Sound Devices brings its audio recording technology to video with the introduction of the PIX line of recorders, consisting of two products — PIX 220 and PIX 240.

“Sound Devices has taken the next step and introduced high-performance video along with high performance audio with our new PIX recorders,” says Matt Anderson, director of engineering for Sound Devices. “While our existing products have become the audio recorders of choice for countless productions worldwide, their superior design, reliability and support have now been extended into our new video products with the introduction of the PIX 220 and PIX 240. AV professionals now have an all-in-one product for their audio/video recording needs.” Read on at The Wire

By Derek Dellinger

With more than 32,000 professionals from 90-plus countries expected at this year’s InfoComm, attendees hope to balance training opportunities and test-taking with opportunities to witness the many new products on display.

“It’s such a huge show here,” said Chris Howell, producer and director for Howl Media Group in Orlando, FL. “InfoComm covers the entire spectrum of audio/visual technology, everything a person could imagine that goes along with visual presentation.” Read on at SCN

Series Commercial Amplifiers Merge High-Output Performance with Low Energy Consumption and Design Versatility for Lecture Halls, Restaurants, Retail Space,
Hospitality, Boardrooms, Auditoriums and More

Orlando, FL, June 15, 2011 – At InfoComm Booth #3001, Crestron today introduced a new line of energy-efficient high-power commercial amplifiers. Designed to meet ENERGY STAR® certification, the exclusive AMP Series amplifiers help meet energy savings objectives and green initiatives without sacrificing audio performance. Each AMP Series amplifier is 100% Crestron designed, engineered, and manufactured. Read on at The Wire

Lindsey Snyder

True to its stated the theme, InfoComm 2011 is “The Center of IT All.” As the show opens, there are many events and attractions garnering attention. “Its about new products, education, and networking,” said Randal A. Lemke, executive director and CEO, InfoComm International.

On the education side of the show, 70 percent of the classes are new, he said. Audio-focused classes in particular pre-sold very well. Read on at SCN

Be sure to follow SVC_Online. Editor Cynthia Wisehart is tweeting as she makes the rounds from the show floor.

EAW® (Demo Room 204A), a world leader in audio system solutions for over 30 years, unveils its new VF Series family of passive products, consisting of five models of VFR Two-Way Full-Range Loudspeakers; two VFS Subwoofers; and three VSM Stage Monitors. The VF family of products represents a new approach to the needs of professional audio from EAW, combining a hybrid of portable and install features in one package. VF products were engineered with a robust design, including uncompromised sound quality for multiple applications with clean blended lines, rigging, and transformer options desired in an installation product. Read on at The Wire

AVI-SPL, the largest global integrator of Pro AV, video conferencing and telepresence systems, has launched a free iPad/iPhone for InfoComm 2011 attendees so they can keep up with all AVI-SPL and show news. Read on at The Wire