Commercial Integrator 49 BEST Products of 2015

Category: Acoustical Treatments

In today’s modern offices, noise is a disruption and conversations are hardly private. The Qt Conference Room Edition uses performance driven direct-field sound masking to ensure private conversations remain private by covering up speech. The device powers a series of sound masking emitters placed outside of the conference. Barely noticeable, the sound masking sounds like light air flow to people in the office.

Category: Assistive Listening Devices

The Hearing HotSpot is an innovative listening technology that allows any venue to stream audio via Wi-Fi from TVs, music sources or live programs directly to an individual’s personal smartphone or tablet. To listen, you simply connect to the local Hearing Hotspot Wi-Fi, download the free Hearing Hotspot app from the Google Play or Apple App Store and select the audio channel they want to hear.

Category: Audio Components & Processors

SymNet Radius 12x8 EX is an open-architecture, expansion-slot-equipped audio DSP featuring 64x64 Dante media networking power, built-in GPIO, RS-232, ARC wall-panel and ARC-WEB browser-based control, in-addition to interoperability with select Shure, Audio-Technica, Attero Tech and Stewart Audio Dante products. I/O option cards available include analog, digital, AEC, VoIP and telco.

Category: Audio Conferencing Solutions

TesiraFORTÉ digital audio processors are designed to bring greater simplicity and flexibility to today’s conferencing, telephony and VoIP environments. The family of digital audio processors includes four different models in AVB and non-AVB versions for specific applications with fixed I/O configurations. TesiraFORTÉ features Sona AEC technology, SpeechSense, and AmbientSense for clear, echo-free audio communication within conference rooms, auditoriums, and training spaces.

Category: Audio Distribution Systems

AudioScience has leveraged its expertise in Windows audio drivers and network audio to develop the Hono AVB Virtual Soundcard (VSC). The VSC utilizes the RTX real-time operating system from Interval Zero to deliver the same performance as a high end digital audio hardware device.The Hono AVB VSC can be purchased in three different licenses 64x64, 32x32 and 16x16 channels.

Category: Collaboration

The Solstice Pod improves meeting room and classroom productivity by providing any number of users fast and easy access to the display, wirelessly. Users can instantly connect, share, and control the display from their laptops and mobile devices, promoting broader participant engagement and more effectively leveraging human and intellectual capital.

Category: Collaboration

Oblong Industries’ innovative technologies change the way people work, create, and communicate. With roots in more than two decades of research at the MIT Media Lab, Oblong’s flagship product, Mezzanine, is a visual collaboration solution that defines the next era of computing: multi-user, multi-screen, multi-device, multi-location. Mezzanine’s Infopresence capabilities multiply the effectiveness of distributed organizations and catalyze new, more effective, more collaborative workflows.

Category: Conference/Classroom Projectors

The Barco PGWU-62L is the quietest laser phosphor projector on the market, presenting brilliant, sharp images at 6,000 lumens brightness. Compact and lightweight, it seamlessly integrates into any meeting room. Intuitive features and clutter-free design make operation a snap. The projector has a long, 20,000 hour lifetime and the lampless, filter-free operation reduces total cost of ownership.

Category: Digital Signage Hardware

The Planar DirectLight LED Video Wall System is a family of seamless, ultra-fine pitch direct view LED video walls, providing superior visual experience and 24x7 reliability. Planar DirectLight video walls incorporate design principles gained from Planar’s decades of successful video wall installations and is ideal for the most demanding control room and digital signage applications. DirectLight video walls deliver produce crystal-clear, stunning images that command attention.

Category: Digital Signage Software

Designed to deliver real-time visual communications to the right audience, at the right time, on the right device, the X2O visual communications platform transforms enterprises into digital workplaces by providing tools to create dynamic visual channels. The X2O platform featuring the Connected Desktop application empowers entire organizations to communicate socially, collaboratively, and in real time via dynamic, data-rich visual channels throughout the enterprise, regardless of location.

Category: Display Mounts

The DisplayStation Series is a new collection of carts, stands and monitor walls that are application-engineered for easy integration. Every model is designed for professionally-finished installations with a support channel featuring an integrated power strip and convenient cable management system that simplifies wiring during installation and servicing. Integrators will benefit from the DisplayStation’s design, which is easy to install, easy to service and easy to upgrade.

Category: Installed Loudspeakers & Subwoofers

The Control HST utilizes JBL’s patent-pending Hemispherical Soundfield Technology to achieve extremely wide hemispherical coverage of the listening space along with eliminating the primary wall reflection that tends to cause inconsistent sound when speakers are attached to a wall. The wide soundfield covers from wall to wall, allowing a single speaker to provide high-fidelity full-range sound to a large listening area.

Category: Interactive Whiteboards

The Epson BrightLink Pro 1430Wi is an interactive collaboration solution that changes the way people have meetings. It transforms any flat surface, such as dry erase boards and tables, into a digital whiteboard and interactive space by using built-in tools that don’t require a computer or software. The remote collaboration feature allows up to 16 remote devices to be connected to the projector via web browser.

Category: Large Venue Projectors

The 3-chip DLP INSIGHT 4K LASER introduces a full 4096 x 2160 resolution 4K projection solution for professional, simulation, visualization, signage, worship and large-screen applications. With 20,000 hours of laser illumination life and no lamp replacements required, the projector produces inspiring, consistent and color-accurate imagery with remarkably low lifetime costs of ownership. The 12,000-lumen INSIGHT delivers gorgeous imagery for large screens, even in venues with high ambient light.

Category: Matrix Switchers

The DMPS3-300-C provides everything needed to deliver the highest performing HD presentation experience possible. It integrates the control system, multimedia matrix switcher, mic mixer, audio DSP, amplifier, and DigitalMedia distribution center, all in a single 3-space rackmount package. Installation is fast and easy, with no programming required. DMPS3-300-C also features enhanced audio performance compared to prior generation DMPS models.

Category: Matrix Switchers

The technology offered in the AV Bridge MATRIX PRO bridges the gap between soft codecs and AV equipment. The new technology facilitates the use of multiple cameras, microphones, and displays and allows for sound and video mixing, control and switching. As a result, integrators have the ability to create traditional enterprise-quality videoconferencing, lecture capture and webcasting systems with the added capability of cloud connection and content distribution.

Category: Matrix Switchers

The Extron XTP II CrossPoint modular matrix switchers feature the industry’s first 50 Gbps digital backplane that provides an AV infrastructure for 4K and beyond. XTP II represents a monumental leap in engineering and product design, providing unmatched, high performance routing of video, audio, bidirectional control, and Ethernet in a future-ready integrated solution.

Category: Media Servers

Ideal for projection mapping of buildings and live events, the Barco XHD-400 is powerful, yet easy, reducing mapping and projector set-up to minutes. A truly end-to-end visualization solution, the XHD-400 media server makes event automation and preview simpler than ever before, covering the entire video workflow from design to operation. The XHD-400 is ideally suited for rental and staging, 3D projection mapping and fixed applications.

Category: Pan/Tilt/Zoom Cameras

Vaddio’s RoboSHOT 12 USB camera is the world’s first enterprise-class, HD conferencing camera with simultaneous USB 3.0 and IP (H.264) streaming, complete with an HDMI video output. RoboSHOT 12 USB video stream is uncompressed producing high resolution and high frame rate video, up to 1080p, without loss of signal integrity. A major innovation to the RoboSHOT 12 USB is its focus on IT management across the enterprise.

Category: Projector Mounts

Chief’s Suspended Ceiling Projector System is a new solution designed to cut installation time by one-third. The new design incorporates an improved suspended ceiling plate, column system, mount and universal interface. The mount offers absolute image control with a tool that keeps adjustments in place once set. All the adjustment capabilities drastically reduce the need for digital adjustments in the projector.

Category: Specialty A/V Cables, Interconnects, & IR Extenders

Only DM Ultra Cable exceeds the HDMI specification, which allows less than one pixel error per billion, for HDBaseT distribution of 4K content up to 100 meters. CAT5e cable can only transmit 4K video up to 50 meters. DM Ultra Cable is a Cat 7a shielded twisted pair cable engineered to deliver optimum performance for 10 gigabit Ethernet.

Category: TVs/Video Monitors

Panasonic engineered its 4K LED backlit LCD displays to produce stunningly sharp images in a streamlined form factor with the system expandability required for professional 4K applications. The displays up-convert non-4K sources to a higher level of picture quality and are ideal for a number of growing 4K resolution B2B applications including broadcast production, control rooms, rental and staging and eye-catching digital signage.

Category: Universal Remote Controls

The TSR-302 employs Crestron Extended Range 2.4 GHz RF wireless technology to provide rock-solid, long-range communications. The Instant-Waking feature provides constant connectivity and reliable performance from anywhere. Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity enables RAVA intercom communications and customized voice commands such as “All Off,” as well as support for audio/video streaming of security cameras. Plus, it’s sleek, durable and intuitive to work.

Category: Venue/Line Array Loudspeakers

The LEOPARD linear sound reinforcement system, the smallest and most versatile member of Meyer Sound’s acclaimed LEO family, provides a flexible line array solution offering extraordinary power-to-size ratio with ultra-low distortion. The LEOPARD line array loudspeaker blends seamlessly, visually and acoustically, with the companion 900-LFC low-frequency control element.

Category: Video Scalers

The DM-RMC-4K-SCALER-C delivers uncompressed bit-for-bit 4K/60 distribution and scaling, with brilliant razor-sharp images and smooth motion. Its exclusive scaler chip can convert any resolution and frame rate to any other resolution and frame rate, up to 4096x2160 at 60Hz. Integrators can use it to create video walls, spreading a 4K source across 1080p displays, while maintaining full resolution.

Category: Video Components & Processors

RGB Spectrum’s MediaWall V Display Processor is the world’s first true 4K/UHD video wall processor, offering up to 4K resolution I/O, single-wire connectivity and scalable, “drag-and-drop” windows. The MediaWall V’s unique hybrid architecture combines RGB Spectrum’s hardware-based reliability with the flexibility of a separate, dedicated processor to run applications and decode IP streams. The processor can also be controlled by third-party devices.

Category: Video Conferencing/Telepresence Solutions

The combination of the AMX Enzo, AMX Sereno Video Conferencing Camera and the Microsoft Lync Conferencing App create a perfect solution for enabling extremely simple to manage, globally accessible, powerfully effective and remarkably affordable high quality video conferences. This video conferencing solution is a favorite for integrators because of its ease of installation; everything is literally plug and play.

Category: Video Distribution Systems

The new V-Tune Pro 4K delivers a total true 4K2K High Definition worldwide tuning solution for any integrated system which requires IPTV, ATSC, QAM, DVB, NTSC & PAL. The tuner is capable of decoding MPEG2, MPEG4, VC-1, H.264, and H.265 with resolutions up to 4096x2160 @ 60Hz via RF and LAN. There is also an onboard 4k scaler for viewing 1080P HD content on 4K displays.

Category: Video Projection Screens

Draper’s Optically Seamless TecVision surfaces are available up to 23’ high x 69’ wide. Instead of using traditional seams, or having a seamless substrate, Draper fuses the substrate, resulting in a flatter base and stronger weld, then uses the TecVision formulation process to create an optically seamless viewing surface. This allows the integrator to provide a high-end big screen solution in projection environments where standard surfaces won’t work.

Category: Video Wall Solutions

Featuring the first and only 4K/60Hz scaler on the market, the DM-RMC-4K-SCALER-C provides 4K scaling and video wall processing all in one device. It provides powerful zoom capability and advanced bezel compensation on its output to display just a portion of the source image. Using this feature, multiple units can be combined to configure video walls composed of up to 64 individual displays, with no additional hardware required.

Category: Wireless Microphones

The QLX-D Digital Wireless System offers clearly defined performance, streamlined operation to users seeking premium sound for installations and delivers incredible wireless audio performance. Setting QLX-D apart is its outstanding spectrum efficiency, allowing users to operate more channels on-air than with any other wireless system in its class. QLX-D includes networked control, AES-256 encryption and simplified setup and operation, all at a competitive price.

Category: Large-Scale Control Systems

The AMX NetLinx NX Integrated Controller Series is a programmable network appliance specifically designed to control AV and building technology using multiple analog and digital formats. NetLinx NX Controllers build on the legendary reputation of AMX NetLinx NI Controllers but have been completely redesigned to provide a scalable platform for the future by combining high performance, backward compatibility and extensive network security features.

Category: Touchscreens

The TST-602 Wireless Touch Screen delivers wireless control, voice command recognition, high-performance H.264 streaming video capability, and web browsing all in a stylish, ergonomic design. Primary touch screen functionality is supported via Crestron ER wireless communications, lessening or eliminating the need for Wi-Fi. Its new advanced electromagnetic charging pad technology provides super-long battery life.

Category: Fiber-optic Transport

The Extron FOX II 4K Series enables high performance extension, switching, and distribution of 4K video, multi-channel audio, and control over fiber optic cabling. The FOX II 4K extenders are ideal for point-to-point or in combination with FOX Matrix Switchers for complete, end-to-end 4K video distribution system up to 1000x1000 and larger. Fox II represents the highest level of performance for the entire FOX Series fiber optic products.

Category: IP Enabling Devices

Global Caché‘s iTach Flex is an industry first, a smart end-point that WiFi or network enables electrical devices instantly. Using our plug-and-play Flex Link Cables, the Flex adds intelligence to devices not IP-enabled by connecting them to the automation and control software of your choice. In addition, the Flex supports HTTP for web browser control from anywhere on the network.

Category: Network Management Solutions

The BakPak Cloud Management System from Pakedge empowers facilities managers and systems administrators with remote monitoring, auto-healing, auto-mapping, auto-firmware updates, virtualization, back-up and restore functionality, and Triplex, a built-in auto-troubleshooting algorithm. Designed to save technology integrators from guess work and headaches, it can be conveniently accessed from any device without the need for truck rolls.

Category: Access Control Solutions

IP-enabled PoE and WiFi campus access control locks from ASSA ABLOY allow campuses to use existing IT infrastructure to simplify installation and expand their access control systems easily. Using the facility’s Ethernet network, PoE locks provide full online access control with standard network cabling and minimize energy consumption. Wi-Fi locks can also be used with 802.11b/g/n infrastructure to reduce hardware and labor costs.

Category: Alarm Monitoring Solutions

Honeywell’s HRGX is the first digital video recorder of its kind to connect directly to I-View Now, a cloud-based central station interface making video verification easy. The HRGX is the newest H.264, 4/8/16-channel embedded DVR from Honeywell’s Performance Series cameras and DVR line. Through I-View Now, HRGX provides pre-alarm video, allowing the central station operator to virtually go back in time to see action captured before the alarm.

Category: Surveillance Cameras

The IC Realtime IC720 camera is a sleek-looking yet rugged PTZ camera that gets mounted to the wall or ceiling and wired for power and communication. The camera incorporates both a front and rear sensor (24 megapixels in total) to capture video from floor-to-ceiling and completely around itself (over 4K resolution). Used in conjunction with the IC720 App (proprietary), 360-vertical by 360-horizontal video viewing is achieved.

Category: Surveillance Storage/Management Solutions

MAXPRO Cloud is in integrated, cloud-based video and access management system enabling organizations to significantly streamline multi-site management, providing access from anywhere, anytime. The system features enhanced usability, an integrated business analytics system and custom remote management options. MAXPRO Cloud creates a true connected buildings solution, combining business intelligence with traditional security in one interface.

Category: Cell Signal Booster Solutions

SureCall’s Force5 Consumer cellular signal booster incorporates the highest 4G data rate in the industry as well as the company’s patented 5-band technology to support 2G/3G/4G voice and data service for all carriers. The Force5 is carrier approved and offers a three-year warranty. While each Force5 covers areas up to 25,000 sq. ft., multiple units can be employed to serve larger areas.

Category: Motorized Window Treatments

The Sonesse ULTRA 50 can motorize all types of interior shades, screens or blinds. Its innovations and patented technologies provide up to six Nm of torque and acoustic performance of less than 38 dB, making it the most powerful and quietest motor in the interior shade and screen market. Integrators can use multiple control platforms and native controls to operate the ULTRA 50 motor.

Category: Power Conditioning, Surge Suppression & Energy

Measuring only 10” x 7” x 1.75”, the compact BlueBOLT-enabled SM3-Pro System Manager is small enough to mount behind a flat panel display, next to a projector or inside a structured wiring cabinet. Along with robust power protection and filtering, the SM3-PRO gives integrators the ability to perform remote hard reboots, monitor energy usage and network status, and program scheduled on/off commands to reduce energy consumption.

Category: Cabinets, Furniture, Racks, Mounts & Cases

The expanded L5 Series Lectern offers new styles and wood finishes that reflect the latest trends in AV furniture design. The Lectern enhancement helps integrators work with the architect and design community to better integrate technology in modern spaces. Its AV-focused design enables quick and easy customization, eliminates long waits and reduces the effects of transit damage by shipping the outer wood surfaces separately from the internal rack structure.

Category: Installation Tools & Testers

AMX Enova DGX 100 Series Digital Media Switchers feature an Onboard Web Configuration Tool that drastically simplifies the installation and configuration process of Enova DGX Switchers by including automatic setup of DXLink distance transport endpoints, single IP addressing for multiple endpoints and a new web interface to simplify installation. This means you can use a handheld tablet to configure a complete Enova DGX system.

Category: Programming, Design & Engineering Solutions

The TEK UT frees integrators from the problem of lost source code and painful re-writes by translating projector control commands in real-time. Needing only simple configuration tools, thousands of dollars can be saved in projector swaps where editing the original source is not practical. The TEK-UT gives integrators an affordable option to replace a display or projector by simply translating the old control stream to the new device’s format.

Category: Project Management & Design/Web Software

SI 2015 is a complete estimation, design and project management software designed to increase revenue and improve workflow while reducing critical time, cost and overhead. Building on D-Tools’ Cloud infrastructure, SI 2015‘s Mobile Install lets users schedule and track the status of install tasks from a mobile device, send/receive device-level notifications and update a centralized calendar, then broadcast this info to their team in real-time.

Category: Training, Consulting & Publications/Business Service

The E4 AV Tour is a one-day A/V training event that tours the country. Since its inception in 2009, the tour has hosted over 7,000 attendees and issued over 4,000 CTS renewal units. The goal is to provide free, quality educational opportunities to A/V professionals in local markets and online. E4, which stands for Education, Exchange, Explore, Expo, combines learning, networking and product education.

Category: Best Whitepaper/Educational Document or Resource

The AV/IT Administrator’s Guide provides a technical overview of equipment and protocols encountered when implementing AMX products on the Enterprise Network with the goal of helping AV/IT administrators during the buying process as they assess the network impact of integrating AMX equipment. Since its release, it has become one of the most downloaded pieces of content in the AMX digital library.