Roland Systems Group (RSG) has released a Mac image converter utility for the popular VR-5 AV Mixer. This newly released software allows users to convert still images, video and audio into and from the format used by the VR-5’s internal SD card-based player and recorder.

The Roland VR-5 is a fully integrated audio mixer, video switcher with built-in recorder/player for live production and web streaming. This unique product combines the power of Roland’s audio and video technology into one unit. Read on at The Wire

Keeping with the theme of simple, real-world tools for school environments, Rane’s MLM 65 Mic/Line Mixer is designed for easy manual mixing of up to six mic/line inputs and playback of one of several stereo audio sources, including USB audio and an onboard RIAA preamp to support all those schools (and there are plenty of them) that still have large music collections on vinyl. It’s designed to be operated by non-technical personnel, like elementary teachers or custodians, but adds analog and digital (S/PDIF, TosLink optical and/or USB) outs, a dedicated USB Charge port and ¼-inch and 1/8-inch headphone jacks.

The MLM 65 provides six manually mixed mic/line XLR inputs each with a front panel Pan and Fader Level control, plus a window slot atop each input for installer-created labels. Hidden on the back, inputs also have independent rear-panel screwdriver Gain trims, overload indicators, 12 volt phantom power and mic/line switches.

It’s shipping now and see it at booth C6819. http://www.rane.com/mlm65.html

There’s a lot of amazing stuff here at InfoComm, but sometimes what really impresses me are the simple things based on clever ideas that are designed to make your life easier. One great example of this is the new SC900 Direct box from Switchcraft. Yes, I realize there’s not usually much excitement about a passive direct box (even if it features a pad switch and a Jensen transformer). But the magic here comes from a brilliantly simple (and patent-pending) feature that automatically activates the unit’s ground lift switch when 48 volt phantom power is applied, effectively creating a remote controllable ground lift. There’s also a manual switch for selecting (or defeating) ground lift. Check it out at booth C6836. Awesome!—George Petersen

On the flight from BNA to DFW on Tuesday my seatmate asked if I was going to InfoComm. I was and assumed he was too since he knew of the show. Actually, no, the fellow, who specializes in HOW AV installs told me, he wasn’t going this year because for the last two shows he said that the number and nature of new products was pretty slim. He wished me a good show. After day one, I wish he would have gone to the show. more…

Press release

The Electro-Voice N8000-1500 represents all that is state-of-the-art in pro audio signal processing. Based on the technology in the Electro-Voice NetMax N8000, this technology has proven itself time and again in the most demanding installations and live performances. In venues as varied as the World Cup, LIVE8, the Houston Rodeo, and Kenny Chesney’s tours, NetMax has established itself as a roadworthy tool that can take even the most sophisticated PA systems to the next level. Read on at The Briefing Room

More InfoComm 09 news from The Briefing Room

Press release

Powersoft Advanced Technologies, a manufacturer of superior-quality digital power amplifiers for the professional audio market, is proud to present the first two models of its new Installation Series at InfoComm 09 (Booth 6384), the Duecanali5204 and Duecanali3904. These amplifiers are installation versions of the K-3 and newly introduced K-2, delivering an efficient and reliable energy-saving design in a compact 1RU space, while still maintaining high-output wattage and crystal clear audio. The design offers 40 percent to 60 percent savings on operating costs over traditional amplifiers of the same power rating. Read on at The Briefing Room

More InfoComm 09 news from The Briefing Room

InfoComm International released some of the data from its most recent poll of its members, including systems contractors, design specialists, and lighting/staging specialists. A key finding in the presentation, given by Duffy Wilbert, InfoComm International’s vice president of membership, was a $75 billion estimate for the value of products and services sold and provided by systems integrators globally. Of that total, about $29 billion came from sales in the U.S. and Canada, with products and services split almost evenly as revenue sources, 51 percent vs. 49 percent, respectively. more…

You won’t find a more passionate evangelist for Crestron‘s new DigitalMedia initiative than PR chief Jeff Singer, and he presented an interesting case to me that the history of Crestron’s development of the initiative, and resulting family of products on display this week at InfoComm with more coming shortly thereafter, represents a mission to be on the bleeding edge of the industry’s current paradigm shift into the digital universe. more…

Day Two at InfoComm 09 and the emerging theme is becoming clear: telepresense. Depending upon whom you talk to, telepresence is either the logical extension of video conferencing or a completely unique proposition unto itself. What sets it apart is the sense of immersiveness that its purveyors—a growing chunk of companies huddled mainly in the 3000 series of alleyways in the convention center—achieve by use of HD, multichannel audio, and staging the rooms in which telepresence conversations take place in such a way as to give the impression that the participants are in the same room with each other. The main players include Glowpoint, Tandberg, Polycom, LifeSize Communications, Teliris, and Cisco, the IT giant that is promoting its own proprietary approach to the telepresence. more…

At a press conference late today, Powersoft, the Italian supplier of lightweight space- and energy-efficient power amplifiers for the pro audio market, announced the release of Audio Suite control software for its Powersoft Amps. Available now, the visual software provides PC-based control for parameters on the current range of amplifiers (all K series and remote Q, D, and QTU series amps) and represents the control protocol for other current and future products. It will be downloadable free from the Powersoft website (it’s not there yet as of Thursday morning).

Also at the press conference co-founder Carlo Lastrucci and John Lee, President of Powersoft USA pressed their success in the U.S., most recently at the New Orleans Jazz festival (some 120 amps).