Renkus-Heinz was busy setting up their technology theater to demo EASE, the widely used sound environment configuration and assessment software application. They were also showing the various functions and features along with providing lectures on Systune 1.2, the latest version of real time measurement software. Introduced two years ago, Systune puts an easy to use interface on an application that is very sophisticated in its ability to analyze and compare a host of sound system aspects including reverb time and intelligibility. The majority of demos at the Renkus-Heinz booth involved the well-known IC². This model has gotten more and more attention as word of its ability in actual installations has circulated. There’s nothing like the word of mouth between installers and systems integrators who have actually worked with a product. That works to seal its fame and generate attention at trade shows. Renkus-Heinz has wisely read the buzz and placed the IC² on a prominent spot at the booth.

The EAW demo room was set up with elements of the new MicroWedge Series of stage monitors and subwoofers. The 8 and 10-inch models feature a sloped front and very low profile that leaves behind the look of the old giant wedges cutting off the view of performers from the knees down. I must admit, the sound output was impressive, especially when I noticed it was all coming from a pair of very small units on the floor. The MicroSub includes bumper padding and side recesses that make interlocking possible between the MW12, MW15 and other MicroSub enclosures for a wide variety of venues and applications. The crowd in the demo room indicated its approval on the demo of each pair and I noticed a good many of the participants admiring the way the cabinets are outfitted for flexible stacking and quick installation. The EAW booth on the floor was quite active and the crowd started gathering almost from the opening of the doors to the exhibit floor. The dual location for booth and demo really helps the vendors and the listeners for the speaker companies and it keeps the noise confusion to a minimum on the exhibit floor.

David Sebastian took me through the latest and greatest from Telex/RTS including the Electro-Voice RE320. Based on the famous RE20 in radio stations everywhere and on the RE327, the RE-320 captures the essence of the RE-20 and brings it to a price point for a wider base. The microphone made its debut at NAB and is aimed to compete with highly regarded dynamic mics. It has a manually adjustable bass roll-off that can suit either vocal or kick drum use. That’s quite a combination for one product. David also showed me the new frequency agile wireless mic system called the R300, an all metal chassis with hand-held, belt-pak and head worn configurations. With this system, the company has introduced the infrared linked frequency setting feature they call EZsync that has made frequency matching between transmitter and receiver so quick and simple. The unit operates on AA batteries and the hand held version of the transmitter has a PL22 mic element. Then we stepped over to the intercom display and David showed me the new RTS entry on the intercom front, the Zeus III LE+. Available with or without a dual power supply, the system is distributed on CAT5 and it represents a small format, entry level digital matrix intercom system. All three of these new products are priced at $299 to target entry level markets in their respective fields. I also got a tour of the RTS/Telex demo truck featuring the Praesideo mass notification system.

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

Atlona is showing a new HdbasedT 16/16 matrix switch at #IC3671. They believe it will deliver 365 feet over Cat5 (and another 365 with repeat) so you can calculate the cable savings potential for yourself. Two-way control, two-way IR, integrates with 3rd party control, plus extends control reach to other devices. Shipping shortly after the show.

Atlona comes to Infocomm with a new brand identity and structure–three distinct product lines for home, professional (under Mike Grubb) and industrial. Read more here.

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