Coverage From Integrated Systems Europe 2016

A lot of people know Vivitek as a projector manufacturer and it continues to innovate in that space. Recently, however, the company has stepped up with solutions serving the collaboration and BYOD space as well as digital signage.

“We’re not just a projector manufacturer but we’re also a solution provider,” says Peter Taylor, director of demand generation and customer support services, Vivitek.

Building off the momentum of its recently released NovoPRO collaboration solution, Vivitek is using ISE 2016 as a platform for showcasing its NovoDS digital signage solution to the European market, Taylor says.

NovoDS is designed for simplicity, he says, calling it an answer to Vivitek’s perception that most digital signage solutions “are very difficult to use.”

However, Vivitek isn’t walking away from its projector roots. In fact, “We’ll be releasing our first laser projector [at ISE],” Taylor says of the new DU8090Z model. “It will be the brightest in its class of laser projectors [and] fully featured.”

More from Vivitek on its new DU8090Z laser projector:

The DU8090Z is the brightest laser based projector in its category, without compromise.

The DU8090Z is a single chip DLP projector that offers exceedingly good value and performance, backed by the best warranties (5 year parts and labor warranty with a 3 year Advanced exchange) as well, Vivtek is confident about the new laser technology.

The list of features includes:

• 1. 20,000 hour estimated engine life. Environmentally friendly.
• 2. 8,000 ANSI Lumens of brightness
• 3. Warping, blending and geometric correction built in.
• 4. Eight interchangeable lens options - from as short as 0.38:1 to as long as 8.26:1 for optimal brightness performance
• 5. Availability in a black or a white cabinent color to aesthetically match the environment
• 6. Geometric image correction built in for a squre image even on a curved projection surface.
• 7. Flexibility in projector mounting orientation - 360 degree mounting
• 8. Image consistency with ACS with built in Auto Color Sensor
• 9. Built in MPS image procesing for multi projector matrixing, both horizontally and vertically.
• 10. Full 3D support through DLP Link. Blu-ray 3D support.
• 11. Compatible with leading control and status monitoring applications like RoomView
• 12. Sealed optical engine allows for filter free operation negating the need for additional maintenance
• 13. Picture in picture capability to view to independent sources.
• 14. Power zoom lens, with power lens shift and lens memory allows ease and flexibilty of installation and projecting to multiple screens from a set position.
• 15. Fast on allows for rapid display of image when the projector is powered on.
• 16. Warranted for 24/7 operation in intensive use environments
• 17. The DU8090Z is lens compatible with several other Vivitek projector ranges and allows for less costly upgrade due to this lens compatibility.

Christie is set to show off its latest 1DLP projectors at Integrated Systems Europe 2016 in Amsterdam; the DWU1052-Q and DHD1052-Q.

Both projectors claim to feature improved warping and blending to enable more installation freedom performance and imagery.

Christie believes that its latest line-up of projectors are ideally suited for a variety of applications including concerts, live theatre, lecture halls, conventions, hotels, public spaces and other venues where bright imagery is important. It also believes that these applications have the most to gain when it comes to improved blending and warping.

Users can utilize the Christie Q series in either single or dual-lamp mode and is equipped with eClarity. This technology is designed to enhance the picture quality and give users control over things like sharpness, gloss and shading.

The Q Series also benefits from built-in High Dynamic Contrast Range, meaning an image that would typically be washed out from high ambient light conditions can still be displayed on a screen. A built-in automated dual color wheel should also allow users to quickly select between two performance color wheels to optimize for best color or brightest light.

“The simultaneous blending and warping, combined with the ability to project in either portrait or landscape mode, means the new Christie Q Series models provide greater installation freedom, whether it’s a fixed installation or a rental staging application,” says Curtis Lingard, product manager, Christie.

“Built into the same small chassis as our existing and very successful Q Series, the 1052-Q models bring even more brightness in the same unbelievably small form factor. This allows it to fit into small spaces and go unnoticed while the focus of the audience remains on the stunning images, all at a low cost of ownership.”

The new Christie Q Series models will be live at the ISE 2016 show in Amsterdam and ships in April 2016.

Sometimes opportunities present themselves.

Such is the case for Prysm which recognized that with demand for collaboration skyrocketing—and evolving—integration firms can benefits from being able to offer more flexible solutions. Meanwhile, today’s enterprise employees don’t necessarily like to be limited in terms of their display screens.

Enter Prysm Enterprise, a hardware and software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution unveiled at ISE 2016.

Prysm is “feeling pretty bullish about the overall enterprise market and how things are taking shape with digital workplace and collaboration and the opportunities,” says Paige O’Neill, Prysm’s chief marketing officer.

“We’ve traditionally thought about it in terms of selling the display screens, and we think the market will continue to demand that type of solution but we’ve also seen a revolution. Prysm Enterprise is meant to augment and expand our strategy of selling screens into the meeting room.

“So it kind of marks a change for Prysm because we’re expanding in terms of offering a staff-based user licenses and can offer our solution on any mobile device. You don’t necessarily need to be in front of a Prysm screen to take advantage of that.”

More from Prysm’s press release:With Prysm Enterprise, the newest offering in Prysm’s Visual Workplace portfolio, applications, content, video conferencing and the web are all combined into cloud-based visual workspaces where anyone can create, edit, share and store work, and then go back and re-access the saved workspaces later from any location via the cloud. Prysm also announced new SaaS pricing for the Enterprise offering, making it possible for companies to continue to expand this powerful collaboration footprint beyond connected meeting rooms, and across a broader mobile and remote workforce.

With the rise of remote workers and the expectation from millennials that workplaces should have modern, consumer-like technologies available, companies increasingly have a mandate to transform to a Digital Workplace that creates a flexible, productive environment for mobile workers and a physical office environment that will keep employees engaged and productive. According to Gartner, Inc.1, 46% of companies have a Digital Workplace program in place today, and 27% are currently creating a program.

With Prysm’s Visual Workplace portfolio, enterprises can improve collaboration and employee engagement with a tech-savvy workplace that bridges the gap between in-office and remote workers. In addition, Prysm digitizes the collaboration process and pulls disparate tools together into one highly visual system. This leads to the creation of a rich palette for data visualization that speeds insights, ushering in an entirely new approach to collaboration. By leveraging this new Visual Workplace, enterprises can discover new insights that they would not otherwise have found.

Prysm Enterprise features added support for web browser-based access to the Prysm Application Suite via Prysm Mobile, which enables access via any mobile device and opens up greater collaboration throughout the enterprise, be it from a large 190” auditorium video wall to a remote worker’s smartphone. Prysm Mobile is the only solution that permits simultaneous reviewers of content, where up to 25 users can share and edit information in real time.

The release also provides a completely integrated experience for Skype for Business, further adding to and simplifying the collaboration experience.

Prysm’s new Enterprise offering includes:

• Prysm Cloud: application server(s), dedicated or multi-tenant option
• Prysm Application Suite: Software that enables users to collaborate and store content in cloud-based workspaces
• Prysm Displays: with standard sizes of 65”, 85”, 98”, 117” and 190”, as well as custom sizes to fit any size meeting room(s).
• Prysm Mobile: Web browser access for any mobile device including Apple iOS, Android, and Windows
• Services & support: One point of service and support contact and service supplier
• A new SaaS-based pricing model for the software

“The nature of work is radically changing as employees are no longer confined to a desk or an office—calling into question the very definition of what constitutes a workplace,” said Paige O’Neill, CMO at Prysm.

“Because of this shift, forward-thinking companies are taking a proactive role in defining their new way of work which often includes investing in technology for enhanced collaboration and productivity. It is our mission to bridge the collaboration gap between remote and in-office employees, provide a platform that unites today’s disparate work tools to create a seamless experience, and to help our customers define their own visual workplace.”

Prysm Visual Workplace and the new Enterprise offering is available immediately. Prysm Mobile will be available in Q2 2016.

Do you remember when you first heard of ZeeVee?

Most likely it was shortly after the Littleton, Mass.-based video distribution manufacturer launched eight years ago, and it was probably in the context of a conversation about coax.

ZeeVee was all about coax in its early days. It was all about leveraging customers’ existing wires present in just about every house and building to save on labor and solve HD video distribution challenges.

At Integrated Systems Europe 2016, ZeeVee’s talking points have changed. It’s no longer, “coax, coax, coax.” In fact, it has edited that term out in favor of “RF.”

It’s now more like, “RF, category cabling or fiber.”

“Embracing coax was a marketing spin,” acknowledges Steve Metzger, co-founder and VP of hardware development and operations.

“What we were embracing was distribution of HD video. We built a marketing campaign around video, but really it was about distributing HD video in an affordable way. We always looked at IP. It’s no longer just around the corner. We’re all about cost effective, high-quality video distribution. We’re not wed to anything.”

The focus for ZeeVee at ISE 2016 is on saving labor and solving HD video distribution challenges.

“It doesn’t have to be so complicated for the end user or the installer,” says ZeeVee president and CEO Bob Michaels. “It should be simple. One of our goals is to simplify video distribution and take the voodoo out of it. It’s what we did on the RF side and what we continue to do.”

In particular during ISE 2016, ZeeVee is focused on educating visitors to Stand 10-N151 about its latest HD and 4K distribution solutions, including ZyPer4K Catx Version which it says is the only uncompressed 4K/UHD solution available using off-the-shelf 10Gb; ZyperMX which distributes video over a standard 100Mb Ethernet network and offers H.264 MPEG-4 video encoding; and ZvMXE IP set-top box compatible with both its ZyPerMX and iSeries offering easy configuration, rapid deployment and can receive any local or Internet sourced streaming content.

Barco has announced that the CS-100 and CSE-200 have joined its ClickShare wireless presentation and collaboration portfolio, offering the freedom to better tailor the ClickShare unit to the meeting room’s—and the participants’—needs.

In this way, Barco’s ClickShare portfolio spans the complete spectrum of meeting rooms, from small huddle rooms to large boardrooms. With this wireless presentation and collaboration system, users can share what’s on their laptop or mobile device, on the presentation screen.

ClickShare’s most prominent advantage is the use of Buttons—USB-powered devices users plug into their PC or Mac.

With a simple click, this Button wirelessly transmits the content from the laptop to the large meeting room screen.

Anyone—including guests—can share right away, without the need for training. With the ClickShare App, users can also share content from their mobile phones or tablets.

With the release of the CS-100, Barco offers the first ClickShare unit designed for small meeting and huddle rooms where sharing is a basic need, where there is no room for technical issues.

The CS-100 is a stand-alone model with a HDMI output that allows up to eight users to connect, with one user sharing at a time. This can either be done using the ClickShare Button or the ClickShare App.

The CS-100 includes the standard ClickShare security features including encryption, login management, https and the possibility to hide the SSID of the Base Unit’s wireless network.

The CSE-200, meanwhile, has been developed for enterprise rollouts that require enhanced security features, a wider range of connectivity options including AirPlay support or central management.

This unit can be integrated into the company network, enabling remote management. Two users can share on screen at the same time—either via ClickShare Buttons, the ClickShare App or a combination of the two.

The CSE-200 is suitable for standard meeting rooms and for user convenience, security features of the CSE-200 can be set to one of three predefined levels, depending on the company’s policies and needs.

Last but not least, the device’s API also makes integration into the company network a lot easier.

“The CS-100 and CSE-200 are two important additions to the ClickShare product portfolio, greatly expanding our market reach,” says Jan Willem Brands, VP collaboration at Barco.

“Joining the CSC-1, which was optimised for high-profile meeting rooms and boardrooms, allowing four users to share simultaneously and to connect screens with UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution, Barco now offers a ClickShare model that fits any meeting room, from small huddle room to boardroom. The new tagline (Plug into simplicity – tap into amazing) sums up the product’s main benefits: a very simple to use solution that brings never seen value to the users. The CS-100 and CSE-200 now complete our portfolio and will contribute to further writing ClickShare’s success story.”

The CS-100 and CSE-200 units will have their trade show premiere at the Barco booth at ISE on stand 11-F100.

Oblong Industries is to debut Mezzanine 3 for the very first time in the European market at ISE 2016.

The latest release of the company’s immersive visual collaboration solution will bring 4K capabilities and the ability to share data across multiple screen configurations and wall surfaces. There’s also new remote participation capabilities.

“With Mezzanine, companies can experience true visual collaboration, with the opportunity for all participants to be involved from any location on almost any device. We wanted to release clients from the constraints of single platform, single screen tools and create something fluid and dynamic for workgroups that goes beyond single-presenter situations,” says Mike Brown, global VP sales.

“With Mezzanine 3, our customers have more screens at their command than ever before to tell their stories, solve problems, and make critical decisions. Plus, our new capabilities for remote participants mean everyone is fully engaged, in or out of the room. It’s an experience that transcends telepresence to introduce Infopresence.”

New capabilities coming to Mezzanine 3 include:

• Flexible number of displays across multiple wall surfaces: Mezzanine 3 can expand the visual workspace across multiple walls and screen configurations to show content, share work and engage audiences.
• Variable display configurations: Customise a workspace to fit the room. Merge displays or projectors to span an entire wall or work with an existing room plan to activate every available surface for presentation and interactivity.
• Layout tools: Oblong has tried to make it as easy as possible to manage and organise content on the Mezzanine. Installers can create a video wall with automated layouts, or mix, match and move content interactively without the need to decipher and master a complex switching device or content management system.
• Remote Participation: Mezzanine enables remote participants to connect from anywhere on the internet - no VPN required. Traveling colleagues and business partners can engage with participants in a meeting with full ability to control and contribute to the Mezzanine workspace in real time. And with built-in support for video conferencing from the web browser, there’s no need to manage multiple devices to be seen and heard

Sony Professional Solutions Europe intends to make its presence known at ISE this year, where it will be showcasing its corporate and education visual solutions inside its brand new dome stand.

In ‘Corporate Solutions,’ visitors will get the opportunity to experience how Sony’s audio visual and collaborative solutions can transform the working environment into a more interactive, creative place to do business, from the smallest breakout rooms to large boardrooms, auditoriums and common areas.

Meanwhile, ‘Education Solutions’ will take visitors through an immersive journey, showing them how creative and interactive learning spaces are opening up new possibilities for education.

Whether talking about classrooms, lecture theatres, common areas or training studios, Sony is working to improve student engagement and productivity, encouraging faster learning and facilitating greater collaboration among groups through its latest advances in information technology.

The dome will use two of Sony’s new VPL-GTZ270 SXRD laser projectors, edge blended to project content onto the interior curved surface of the structure. Another highlight on the Sony stand will be the latest ‘visualisation and simulation’ projector, the VPL-GTZ1, which the manufacturer states is the world’s first ultra-short-throw 4K-laser light source projector.

In addition, visitors will experience Sony’s Real Time HD and 4K Distribution over IP workflow technology to enable businesses and universities to send high quality content to various sources over IP, as well as Sony´s range of AV Media Solutions for the corporate and education markets.

“It is really exciting to be back to ISE 2016 with a completely new booth to demonstrate the integrated range of solutions Sony has developed through working hand-in-hand with our partners, vendors and clients around the world. Sony´s brand-new and immersive stand will enable visitors to better experience the impact of our industry leading AV solutions,” says Damien Weissenburger, business head of corporate and education solutions, Sony Professional Europe.

It’s all change at Samsung for ISE 2016. The company is going all-in on LED screens, while it also has a brand new warranty strategy that the company calls ‘industry leading’. That’s not all either, as Samsung is also launching the STEP reseller programme.

The Samsung Team Empowered Partners (STEP) reseller programme is likely to be the biggest focus for the company at ISE 2016, as it is designed to help resellers go to market quicker.

There are four key accreditation programs available to resellers, with each focusing on a different area of Samsung’s business. Resellers will be able to train on LED screens, video walls and the software platform Magic Info, while they will also have access to the Samsung’s sales team.

At launch STEP AV will have 80 accredited resellers with a partner program to market themselves as accredited.

“Having that close connection between the re-seller and the vendor is extremely important in creating a successful partnership,” says Phil Gaut, head of display at Samsung. “Through STEP we’re committed to ensuring our re-sellers have everything they need to reach their customers, quickly and easily.”

As part of this new push, Samsung has also unveiled a change in its business warranty strategy, aimed at providing next day repairs and replacements.

Under the old strategy, faulty products would be repaired within five days. However, any issue that is reported before 4pm will now receive an on-site visit the next business day and the faulty product will be replaced with a new one, while it is being repaired.

“Being unable to operate because of a faulty product can be very disruptive for a business and even result in lost revenue. This new strategy will give companies the immediate assistance they need to get them up and running as soon as possible so any downtime is minimal,” adds Phil.

This warranty has been available since January 1 and is supposedly unrivalled in the marketplace.

While those are strategy changes, the company will also be introducing new products to its extensive portfolio of business-focused offerings at ISE 2016.

Alongside showcasing its outdoor display screens, video walls, e-boards and its transparent OLED screens, Samsung will become the first major brand to unveil an LED Modular screen designed for use in a multitude of environments.

LED will also be the key buzzword for Samsung in 2016 as it preps a variety of launches including those focused on indoor installations. To showcase its commitment to LED, the company has revealed that PSCo will be its first ever LED distribution partner in the UK. It has not however ruled out adding more distributors in the future.

Visitors to ISE 2016 should expect to see a plethora of LED products on show, with Samsung’s stand being split into smart retail, smart enterprise, entertainment and hospitality.

Among all the LED will be a few more unique products that are likely to thrill those visiting Samsung’s stand. These include a transparent OLED display that will be utilised in a video wall and a mirrored display. Both products are finally being taken seriously and could even become commercially available in the future.

Interactive will also be a buzzword installers are likely to hear from Samsung as well. Currently Samsung only has a 1% marketshare in this $140m marketplace and it’s keen to greatly expand that share.

One innovation that could help it towards that growth is electromagnet touch for pen and finger input. The company will also be adding Android to its E-Boards, all of which are exclusively distributed by Exertis.

“The AV market is undergoing considerable change as a result of the increasing development in technology in the industry. With this change in strategy and new products sets, we’re putting our customers at the forefront of this technology and helping them to become leaders in their own sectors,” concludes Phil.

Samsung is taking up the biggest amount of floor space at ISE 2016, so it’s unlikely that visitors will miss the company’s mini-city (AM-100).

NEC Display Solutions Europe is using ISE 2016 to show off its latest and greatest in the worlds of projectors and displays.

One of its key product launches will be a 75in display designed for areas with high levels of ambient light and where the harsh environment of sunlight would affect the performance of normal displays.

NEC believes that its latest displays offer certain installation environments more flexibility than standard displays, including retail environments, quick serve restaurants, airports or digital out of home.

The X754HB 75in display adapts to its surroundings, using an integrated ambient light sensor. During the day, the display promises a bright, clear image regardless of the lighting conditions; at night, it dims, reducing power consumption and creating cost-efficiencies for the organisation whilst maintaining readability.

The launch of the X754HB comes after the industry demands digital displays that can be used for life-size signage applications.

“One of the major challenges in the design of a retail or quick service restaurant space is natural lighting,” comments Tobias Augustin, senior product manager at NEC Display Solutions Europe.

“Even with professional equipment in place, high ambient brightness can impact the primary asset and effectiveness of an information display and therefore the return on investment for the business. Addressing this challenge with a display that is capable of extensive adaption means retailers can be sure of the flexibility and resilience they need.”

NEC has integrated a quarter-lambda filter, meaning viewers can still enjoy full visibility while wearing polarised sunglasses. The experience is also enhanced as the direct LED backlight promises better contrast ratios with deeper blacks and better colours. It is also protected against overheating and the risk of black spots on the panel surface.

For installers, the inclusion of a built-in OPS (open pluggable specification) option slot should come as a welcome surprise. NEC says that this will help ensure a smooth integration into retail or advertising environments.

Also taking centre stage at NEC’s ISE 2016 stand will be its next generation of laser projectors for large venues.

Dubbed the PX series, the flagship model for large venues will be the PX803UL projector, which promises to deliver the benefits of laser light source alongside professional installation features.

NEC says that customers most likely to benefit are those in scenarios in which total cost of ownership and maintenance are crucial.

That’s because the solid state laser light source doesn’t require any lamp replacement, removes the cost of filters and eliminates the need of time-consuming installation and maintenance. It also is designed to stay cool and use as little power as possible due to its unique sealing technology and integrated liquid cooling system.

Unlike some non-laser and non-LED projectors, which promise life cycles of around 2,000 hours, the PX803UL promises a lifetime of 20,000 hours. NEC also says that throughout those 20,000 hours users shouldn’t experience any loss of quality.

In terms of lenses installers and users have a whole host of different ones to choose from. NEC will be offering a selection of wide zoom bayonet lenses, an optional ultra-short throw lens and even the option to use third-party lenses.

Large venues, rental and staging companies and higher education verticals that all rely on dependable superior quality, will also benefit from the 4K signal support, professional digital cinema quality picture and internal 4K high bandwidth picture processing for high quality pictures.

Gerd Kaiser, senior product line manager large venue projectors at NEC Display Solutions Europe, comments: “Laser is the projector light source of the future. Low total cost of ownership is crucial to many sectors where installation projectors are used in large venues. Investments need to be efficient in the long run, and low maintenance and adaptability of devices are crucial in achieving this. Laser is the light source that can deliver on this and ensure those benefits whilst guaranteeing high quality pictures.”

A variety of inputs included, such as OPS, HDMI-out and the edge-blending capability, while NEC says efficient cost savings can be made by managing all NEC devices from one tool – the NaViSet Administrator 2 software.

The NEC PX803UL laser projector and 75in display will be showcased at the NEC Display Solutions stand 4-R24 at ISE 2016 in Amsterdam. The projector will be made commercially available this month.

Optoma is hoping to steal the show at ISE 2016 by announcing the world’s first 4K HLD projector, which promises to offer industry leading colour accuracy and detail that will wow just about any projector novice or expert alike.

For those unaware, HLD stands for high lumen density. The technology promises to boost the brightness and colour performance of a standard LED projector by three times.

This isn’t Optoma’s first outing of an HLD projector however. In June 2015, the company partnered with Philips to offer the world’s first 1080p HLD projector, but at ISE 2016 it is cranking that up a notch by increasing the resolution to 4K.

Optoma’s head of visual system solutions and technical services, Justin Halls, says: “HLD technology will enable a new generation of far brighter LED DLP projectors with industry leading colour performance and accuracy. Optoma is proud to be leading the way and introducing it to the home cinema market in 2016.”

Both Philips and Texas Instruments have been involved in the creation of Optoma’s latest projector, which promises to astonish visitors to the company’s stand (1-M80).

Len Carlton, managing director of Optoma EMEA, notes: “Optoma is always striving to embrace new technology and engage in bespoke installations and projects. The ProScene solutions, designed for the Pro AV market and new 4K and HLD products are recognition of this. We are excited to unveil our latest developments in projection technology.”

The world’s first 4K HLD projector will not be the only thing Optoma is showing off at ISE 2016 either. In fact, the company is planning to split its stand into five distinct zones: 4K, HLD, corporate and education, ProScene solutions and home.

In the 4K zone visitors can expect to catch a glimpse of Optoma’s 4K UHD projector. This projector offers a single-chip DLP design which promises to avoid alignment issues; good news for those wanting to do away with ghosting.

The DLP 4K UHD solution delivers more than eight million pixels to the screen with four million mirrors. Each mirror is capable of switching over 9,000 times per second, creating two distinct and unique pixels on the screen during every frame to deliver full 4K UHD resolution.

The ProScene solutions zone will feature a 24,000 lumen ultra-bright dual stack using Optoma’s new flagship ProScene WU1500 installation projector and GB-200 image processor. The WU1500 dual-lamp WUXGA projector is the brightest in the ProScene range, delivering 12,000 lumens. I

BRD Simulation Racing Technology, Dynamic Projection Institute and Projection Artworks will join Optoma at ISE 2016 to demonstrate the connectivity and creativity capabilities of Optoma’s projectors.

Optoma’s head of visual system solutions and technical services, Justin Halls, says: “We invited these companies to join us as they are market leaders in their fields. This means we can offer some of the most exciting and innovative projection solutions, which we’ll be showcasing on our stand at ISE 2016”.

One of the most exciting things Optoma will be showing off at ISE 2016 will be one of the most advanced full motion racing simulators, where visitors can put their driving skills and bravery to the test.

Those who dare can sit in BRD’s authentic carbon composite SimCell monocoque and feel the full G fore of the unique V1-500 range of motion.

The simulator will combine its ultra-realistic motion generation with a state of the art seamless curved display; created using three Optoma LED ML750e projectors.

Best of all, on each day of the show, the top three fastest drivers will win a prize.

Away from all that excitement, Optoma also plans to show off products that it is hoping could change an entire industry. One such technology will be a unique mirror head product using the company’s ProScene ZU650 laser-phosphor projector to create a projection mapped retail display.

Three high-tech mirror head units, each combined with a ZU650 projector, will demonstrate the dynamic solution with images and video moving across different surfaces before coming together to create one seamless panoramic projection display.

Projection Artworks will also be on Optoma’s stand, where it will demonstrate its daylight-visible window displays and interactive product showcases, which are powered by LED and laser DLP projectors from Optoma. These displays promises to bring the digital world to the physical world, by actually applying animated content onto or around products, to generate engagement and sales to the shop floor.

For those looking for something a little closer to home, Optoma’s home zone is the place to find it. The company will be showcasing its latest 1080p home projectors designed for lights-on entertainment.

There will be live demonstrations of Optoma’s GT5500 ultra-short throw projector and the HD28DSE projector with DARBEE Visual Presence technology.

The ultra-short throw lens allows users to show extra-large 100in images on any wall, with the GT5500 placed just 30cm away. While Optoma’s HD28DSE is being billed as the ‘ultimate projector for movie fans’. It boasts integrated DARBEE Visual Presence image enhancement technology which uses neuro-biologic algorithms to enhance detail and depth in skin tones, texture and reflective surfaces.

For corporate clients, installers will find a range of new technologies suitable for these types of integrations.

Taking centre stage will be Optoma’s ultra-short throw product range, the ZH300UW.

Based on laser-phosphor technology, the ZH300UW possesses a unique ultra-wide aspect ratio allowing an increased number of users to interact with the display and also accommodates two 4:3 images in a picture-by-picture format.

Featuring a solid-state laser-phosphor light engine instead of a traditional projector lamp, the ZH300UW produces a brightness of 3,000 lumens. The laser engine also eliminates the cost of replacement projector lamps, as it has a life expectancy of up to 20,000 hours.

Also being demonstrated in this zone is the 1080p ultra short throw interactive projector, the EH320UST. This uses a new generation of finger-touch interactive technology, enabling several people to work simultaneously on the screen without using a pen. Its mounting system and interactive setup will also likely be a feature many installers will be fans of; as it promises to be fast and simple with virtually no maintenance or calibration.

Experts from Optoma’s Product Management team and European Sales regions will be on hand to provide technical knowledge, one-to-one demonstrations and sales support.

Core Brands has always made big reveals at ISE and 2016 is no different, with two major new product launches at the company’s stand. These include a 4K Ultra HD ToolBox for HDMI Extender and 4K Ultra HD 8x9 Matrix.

While these two new additions are a major focus for Gefen at ISE 2016, they are not alone. In fact, Gefen has debuted nine new AV signal processing solutions at this year’s show – each promising to deliver important benefits for specific installations and channels.

“Gefen innovations have defined commercial AV signal distribution for many years,” Core Brands president Joe Roberts notes. “Now, as part of Core Brands, we are amplifying the pace with important new introductions for the commercial market.

“These new Gefen introductions put us in a stronger position than ever to expand our leadership position in the global commercial AV signal distribution market.

Leading the way for what’s new for Gefen at ISE is the GEF-UHD-89-HBT2 4K Ultra HD UHD Matrix for HDMI.

This matrix switch takes advantage of new HDBaseT 2.0 technology to route eight 4K sources to any combination of eight 4K sources to any combination of up to eight remote 4K displays over a single CAT5 cable and one local display with HDMI for local viewing/ monitoring.

The HDBaseT 2.0 outputs extend AV and controls up to 100m at 4K Cinema-DCI (4096 x 2160 at 24 or 30 Hz 4:4:4) and 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 at 60Hz, 4:2:0 or 30Hz 4:4:4).

“This product is compliant with the latest HDCP 2.2 protocol as well as the legacy HDCP 1.4,” Ara Gharapetian, senior director of product management at Gefen, explains. “The Gefen 8x9 Matrix has been designed to work with Gefen’s Syner-G software and supports 1080p Full HD, 3DTX and Deep Colour along with 7.1 channels of LPCM and HBR (High Bit Rate) digital audio.

“It can be controlled via its front panel, IR remote, electrical IR, RS-232, Telnet, UDP and Gefen’s intuitive web server interface.

“An easy-to-read, super-bright OLED display indicates routing status and IP settings. The matrix comes in a rack-mountable enclosure. Low profile, surface-mountable receiver units fit in tight places and accommodate Gefen locking HDMI cables.”

Gefen is also showing two new extenders that use the HDBaseT 2.0 technology, EXT-UHDA-HBT2 and GTB-UHD-HBT2.

Both extend HDMI up to 330 feet (100m) at 4K or 495ft (150m) at 1080p, using one CAT-5e cable.

The new HDBaseT 2.0 platform provides new features including two-way audio and promises an even more robust and resilient connection than the industry standard HDBaseT.

Both products support resolutions up to 4096 x 2160 at 30 Hz 4:4:4 or 60 Hz 4:2:0, along with 7.1 channels of LPCM and HBR (High Bit Rate) digital audio.

The GTB-UHD-HBT2 extends HDMI, RS-232 and 2-way IR. POH (Power Over HDBaseT) technology provides power from the Sender to the Receiver, using the same CAT-5 cable that extends the signal.

The EXT-UHDA-HBT2 adds two-way audio, Ethernet and POH from Receiver to the Sender.

The Gefen Syner-G software speeds up configuration via EDID Management, facilitates real-time performance audits by Link Monitoring and simplifies field firmware updates. Low profile, surface-mountable Sender and Receiver units fit in tight places and accommodate Gefen locking HDMI cables.

For high performance and extra-long range extension of a computer workstation, Gefen is debuting its EXT-DVIKA-HBT2 HDBaseT 2.0 KVM extender.

It extends DVI, USB 2.0, RS-232 and two-way analogue audio up to 495ft (150m) over one CAT-5e cable.

While that’s what’s new on Gefen’s stand, the company is also showcasing what’s coming next, with the EXT-UHD600 Series of 600 MHz HDMI distribution products making their official debut

Gefen says that this new product family ‘takes the HDMI 2.0 platform to its highest level’ by enabling AV distribution at full specification of 4K 60 Hz at 4:4:4 colour-space, along with HDR support.

The product line consists of the EXT-UHD600-12 1:2 Splitter, EXT-UHD600-14 1:4 Splitter, EXT-UHD600-18 1:8 Splitter, EXT-UHD600-41 4x1 Switcher and EXT-UHD600-44 4x4 Matrix.

All products are compliant with the latest HDCP 2.2 protocol as well as HDCP 1.4, 7.1 channels of LPCM and HBR (High Bit Rate digital audio and HDR are passed through.

InFocus unveiled its transformative new video conferencing platform today at ISE 2016. InFocus ConX is a collaboration solution offering a customizable combination of products, software and services that allow businesses, schools and facilities to connect to anyone, virtually anywhere, and collaborate with more ease and flexibility than has ever before been possible. The platform facilitates the large-scale connection of people and ideas, making multiple streams of information meaningful and actionable. ConX integrates advanced video and information-sharing technologies into one fully configurable and scalable solution for sharing ideas and working on solutions that spans mobile devices, office desktops, huddle rooms, board rooms, and video walls.

The ConX platform offers several enterprise-ready solutions, including the new ConX Wall and ConX Exec systems. Both are video conferencing solutions that feature multi-endpoint video conferencing and content sharing, configurable for a range of applications, from the executive office to the boardroom. Using multiple ultra-narrow-bezel HD displays, users can customize ConX solutions for any wall size ranging from a single display to a large videowall.

What sets ConX Wall and ConX Exec apart from a basic video wall is an integrated video conferencing multipoint control unit (MCU) server. The server enables users to instantly configure and change each input image to any number of the displays. This allows in-room participants to focus on whatever content they want at any given time, such as a data or video stream from a remote participant. This unique ability to create a user-defined layout and to have control from all kinds of devices makes ConX Wall and ConX Exec ideal for enterprise management, public services, education and training.

Like InFocus Canvas Touch, also announced today at ISE 2016, ConX combines the technology strengths of Jupiter Systems and Avistar, both recent InFocus acquisitions, to provide scalable, flexible, and affordable solutions. The platform that can connect anyone across the globe, from a mobile device to a desktop video phone, computer, video wall, or another videoconferencing endpoint, such as the InFocus Mondopad.

“InFocus ConX is not only a proof point of how our recent acquisitions contribute to the products we can provide, it’s also the ultimate way people can connect,” says Brady O. Bruce, CMO, InFocus. “With ConX, people can video conference and collaborate in boardrooms, in huddle rooms, at the desk and on the go more powerfully, more easily, and more affordably than ever before. Our combination of hardware, software, and cloud services make it possible for people to see each other and collaborate almost everywhere on an amazing range of supported devices. The system is tremendously flexible and scalable. Customers can choose the elements they want now and add more as their requirements evolve.”

Video collaboration with users across a broad range of devices is made possible by ConX Video Meeting, InFocus’ cloud-based meeting service. Users of ConX Wall and ConX Exec systems can connect with colleagues on their ConX Phone, Mondopad, PC, smartphone, tablet, and 3rd party SIP-compliant and H.323 systems. Callers on standard phones can dial in as audio-only participants.

“This is just the beginning. InFocus will continue to innovate, invest and lead in this space,” says Bruce. “These new solutions are merely the beginning of what we can offer in terms of solutions that provide powerful ways for people to connect and share with one other person or thousands of others.”

Atlona recently introduced the first HDBaseT-equipped collaboration system providing 4K AV switching, USB and HDMI extension and system control for PC-based conferencing using Skype, WebEx and GoToMeeting cloud services.

Best of all for those at Integrated Systems Europe, they can see the new two-piece system, the AT-UHD-HDVS-300-KIT, in Atlona’s booth (5-U100) this week. The system is “the industry’s first to enable a single category cable connection between a conferencing hub and a 4K display with USB camera, greatly simplifying system design, installation and daily use, according to Atlona.

“This is a simple, elegant solution that eliminates a kluge of components and cabling that complicate system design, degrade reliability and confuse users,” said Ilya Khayn, CEO and co-founder, in the company announcement.

The HDVS-300-KIT consists of the AT-UHD-HDVS-300-TX, which serves as the conferencing hub, video switch, and HDBaseT transmitter, and the AT-UHD-HDVS-300-RX, which decodes the HDBaseT signal and delivers an HDMI signal to the display. The HDVS-300-RX, which supports AV, Ethernet and control signals, is also equipped with USB and HDMI inputs for carrying video back to the hub.

The AT-UHD-HDVS-300-KIT is compatible with Ultra High Definition sources and displays up to 4K/UHD@60Hz with 4:2:0 color subsampling. Automatic input selection allows for hands-free transitions between presenters and simplified display control with CEC enables automatic display on/off control as well as volume adjustment from the HDVS-300-TX.

The kit supports TCP/IP and RS-232 control for increased capability with advanced systems, and it supports the Atlona Management System (AMS) for remote management including product configuration, troubleshooting, and system updates.

The AT-UHD-HDVS-300-KIT will be available in April with a suggested end-user price of $1,899.99.

Atlona also brought the new AT-UHD-CLSO-612ED six-input switcher featuring built-in 4K scaling, mirrored HDBaseT and HDMI outputs and AV signal extension up to 100 meters to Amsterdam this week.

The new switcher “can act as a central component for a fully automated boardroom or classroom AV system,” according to the press release. The UHD-CLSO-612ED is equipped with two HDBaseT inputs, two HDMI inputs, two multi-function analog inputs and an audio input.

The suggested retail price of the AT-UHD-CLSO-612ED is $2,299.99. It will be available in the second quarter of 2016.

Atlona also recently introduced three distribution amplifiers, including its first to feature HDMI-to-HDBaseT distribution of 4K/UHD @ 60Hz/4:2:0 video, HDCP 2.2 support, Power over Ethernet (PoE), EDID management and advanced display control features such as Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) for use with home TVs.

The new line consists of the eight-output AT-UHD-CAT-8, the four-output AT-UHD-CAT-4 and the four-output AT-UHD-CAT-4ED, which has extended-distance outputs for 100-meter performance as well as Ethernet-enabled HDBaseT transmission. The UHD-CAT-8 and UHD-CAT-4 provide up to 70-meter performance. All new amps are rack-mountable. The UHD-CAT-8 fits in one full-width single RU space. The UHD-CAT-4 and UHD-CAT-4ED fit in a half-width single RU space.

The AT-UHD-CAT-8, AT-UHD-CAT-4ED, and AT-UHD-CAT-4 have suggested retail prices of $2,299.99, $1,699.99, and $1,399.99, respectively. They will be available in the second quarter of this year.

Finally, Atlona has expanded its commercial-market SW-5 Series of 5-input 4K switchers with the AT-UHD-SW-5000ED. The new model includes two HDBaseT inputs and mirrored HDMI/HDBaseT outputs, offering integrators more flexibility in designing boardroom, classroom, and other AV presentation systems.

The SW-5000ED supports 4K/UHD@60 Hz, 4:2:0 video (10.2 Gbps) and transmits AV signals along with Ethernet, Power over Ethernet, and control over a single cable to displays up to 328 feet (100 meters) from the switcher. Built-in control options include auto-switching, front-panel buttons, and compatibility with IR, RS-232, or TCP/IP-based control systems.

The switcher also offers three HDMI inputs and audio de-embedding of digital audio from HDMI to two-channel, balanced analog audio.

The AT-UHD-SW-5000ED switcher will be available in May 2016 for an MSRP of $1,549.95.

The Global Presence Alliance (GPA), a consortium of more than two dozen integration firms around the world, launched a 24x7 multilingual global service desk at Integrated Systems Europe 2016.

The new offering “provid[es] first line and expert support services for enterprises with both traditional audiovisual and room-based video conferencing together with desktop and mobile UC applications from Cisco and Microsoft,” according to a press release.

The GPA teamed with Samsung during ISE exhibition to host a VIP customer roundtable led by industry analyst Ira Weinstein of Wainhouse Research. One major discussion focused on the opportunity “to design, deliver and support the technology for over 50 million huddle spaces, enabling faster and better team collaboration for the agile enterprise,” according to a GPA press release.

GPA members debuted a new website at ISE, complete with the organization’s Star Alliance video and new interactive map that shows its presence in all the major business hubs around the world.

Dutch integrator AVEX, which was recently recruited to represent the Benelux region, made its first appearance at ISE as a GPA member.

“This is an incredibly exciting year for GPA members, technology partners and our customers,” said GPA President Byron Tarry in the association press release.

“We are already experiencing unprecedented demand from global enterprises looking to the GPA to improve their user experience, simplify their technology deployments, and boost the productivity of their teams around the world. Through the addition of our global service desk, our unique offering becomes even more compelling.”

Revolabs is targeting a whole variety of industries with its latest product range at ISE 2016.

“From enterprise to education, government to healthcare, organisations are taking advantage of UC systems to be more productive and efficient. But no matter how sophisticated the hardware and software, people have to be able to hear each other in order for a UC system to reach its full potential. That’s where Revolabs comes in,” says Jim Fairweather, executive vice president of global sales at Revolabs.

“Our products play a critical role in an integrated system by providing pristine audio quality. The pros who visit Europe’s biggest AV trade show will get an up-close look at those products and how they integrate with some of today’s most popular hardware and software.”

The latest generation Executive Elite System from the Sudbury, Mass.-based audio manufacturer Revolabs is designed to solve the sound issues that plague wireless microphone systems. Available in a choice of four- and eight-channel systems, the Executive Elite line of products is capable of replacing older wireless microphone systems and it just as easily integrates into new rooms to eliminate common noise issues such as HVAC fan noise and the acoustical problems associated with placing centrally located omnipolar microphones.

Revolabs says the system ships with a base rack unit, an antenna and receiver. The base unit connects via PoE to the antenna help expedite the setup process. Providing a level of customization, dealers can mix-and-match Revolabs’ selection of ceiling, gooseneck and wearable microphones, and the company points out that its XLR/mini to XLR adapters support the use of non-Revolab microphone products.

Delivering a range of 350 feet and as much as 20 hours of talk time, users won’t have to fear their microphones may lose power. Revolabs supports the Executive Elite line of products with a crossover adapter to eliminate these issues during important presentations. Ensuring secure presentations on those wireless signals, which operate on the DECT protocol (1.92GHz), Revolabs employs an AES-256 encryption to safeguard sensitive conversations.

Some of the systems’ other options include digital (AVB) and analog connectivity, remote monitoring and control and automation system integration.

Summarizing the Executive Elite system, the retrofit friendly solution provides a variety of businesses with a reliable and secure communications tool that adapts to a range of environments without sacrificing sound quality.

Features:

• System available in four- and eight-channel versions
• Wireless range up to 350 feet
• Utilizes DECT protocol (1.92GHz spectrum) to maintain reliable connectivity
• Rechargeable with up to 20 hours of talk time, 72 standby hours
• Elite systems come with receiver base, rack unit and antenna
• Analog via phoenix connectors, digital audio (AVB) options
• Security is priority with AES-256 encryption
• Monitoring capabilities via USB, RS-232 or Ethernet interfaces
• Retrofit-friendly to support the replacement of older first- and second-generation systems
• Crossover Adapter enables users to plug in microphones once batteries die

One little, single-slot graphics card can do a lot.

That’s the big message out of Matrox’s ISE 2016 stand where it announces Matrox C900, calling it the world’s first single-slot, nine-output graphics card that supports nine 1920x1080 displays at 60Hz.

It’s the latest card in the Matrox C-Series line of multi-monitor graphics cards.

The C900 is designed to power 3x3 and 9x1 video walls, offers single-slot form factor and 75W power consumption. Matrox says it offers simple integration at a low cost of ownership.

Its support for stretched desktop across all nine synchronized outputs lets users run any application full screen across a 3x3 video wall, lending itself to signage in retail, corporate, entertainment and hospitality, according to Matrox, adding that it’s also suited for control room video walls solutions in security, process control and transportation.

More from Matrox’s press release:

Matrox PowerDesk™ desktop management software for Windows® is included with C900 to give users a comprehensive set of tools, including bezel management and EDID management, to easily configure and manage their multi-display setups. Advanced APIs are available to developers and OEMs to quickly build custom interfaces and applications.

“Three-by-three configurations are the sweet spot for many digital signage installations and control room video walls,” said Caroline Injoyan, business development manager, Matrox Graphics Inc. “Now with C900, for the first time, nine Full HD displays can be driven from a single-slot card and system integrators can easily offer a turnkey solution to power three-by-three video walls. They also benefit from the premium technical assistance, long product life cycles and reliability that Matrox is known for.”

Key features of Matrox C900

Matrox C900 is a PCI Express® 3.0 x16 graphics card with 4GB of memory that supports nine displays at a maximum resolution of 1920x1080 per display or a total desktop resolution of 5760x3240 in a 3x3 display configuration. More displays can be supported by inserting two C900 cards or a C900 plus a Matrox C680 six-output board into a system to power 18- or 15-screen video walls. The board-to-board framelock feature ensures synchronization of all displays. C900 features nine mini-HDMI connectors, supports digital audio through HDMI and is DirectX® 12 and OpenGL® 4.4 compliant. It is compatible with Matrox Mura IPX™ Series 4K capture and IP encoder & decoder cards.

Integrators that design and implement building and campus automation systems might be interested in visiting the Harman Professional Solutions stand at ISE, as the manufacturer’s suite of Education and Commercial Solutions Apps – designed to demonstrate advantages of integrated technology – have been updated to include even more products from the Harman solutions portfolio.

Available to download free of charge from the App Store, Google Play store or Windows Phone store, these interactive Apps are visualisation tools designed to take the user on a technological tour of a virtual facility, filled with the very latest in collaboration or education-enriching systems.

Find out how classrooms, board rooms, lecture theatres and other collaboration spaces can be technologically-simplified with integrated Harman solutions including brands such as AMX, JBL, Crown and AKG.

Users can discover how technology can control, automate, monitor and manage resources, allowing for the seamless integration of technology into the lesson plan or meeting room.

These innovative Apps – which are available in seven languages (Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian) – will be demonstrated exclusively on the booth and will be available on touch panels for delegates to interact with.

Also on the stand will be information on how Harman Professional Solutions can add value to a wide range of environments by simplifying the way users interact with the technology around them with AMX touch panel-driven control.

Visitors are encouraged to discover how this technology can integrate seamlessly with other building-wide functions such as audio, lighting, even blinds and air-conditioning, so that users can manage their entire environment, locally and centrally, for maximum productivity and optimum operating efficiency.

Visit Harman Professional Solutions at ISE 2016 at stands I-F2 and I-F6.

Martin Audio has added weatherized loudspeakers to its CDD install series and made the announcement at Integrated Systems Europe 2016.

CDD-WR loudspeakers join Martin Audio’s CDD Series, which features patent-pending Coaxial Differential Dispersion technology designed to deliver improved coverage and require fewer speakers than those with traditional fixed dispersion X° x Y° horns.

More from Martin Audio’s press release:

Like the majority of weatherized speakers on the market, CDD-WR loudspeakers are designed for outdoor operation where the system will be subject to changing environmental conditions, but sheltered from direct exposure to the elements. CDD-WR loudspeakers meet a rating of IP54, and are accompanied by a full range of weather-resistant mounting brackets.

The loudspeakers feature a weatherized water resistant grille made from zinc plated mild steel with a powder-coated finish. CDD5TX-WR and CDD6TX-WR feature a dual cable gland for easy daisy-chaining of cabinets without the need for external breakout boxes, and also feature a 100/70v line transformer. CDD8-WR through CDD15-WR feature a single cable gland on the input cover and CDD10-WR through CDD15-WR are also flyable with stainless steel fixings.

Similarly, the CSX-WR subwoofers in the series are suitable for outdoor under-canopy operation and have an IP24 rating. They feature a zinc plated mild steel grille with powder-coated finish, plywood cabinets with polyurea finish and are flyable with stainless steel fixings.

Following the announcement, Martin Audio Product Manager, David Morbey, commented, “CDD is quickly becoming the ‘go to’ install range around the world for nightclubs, restaurants, bars, hotels, retail stores, conference spaces and houses of worship. Architects are happy with the combination of discreet design and the need for fewer speakers; integrators are happy because they offer exemplary performance and win more jobs with competitive tenders; and the quality of coverage and consistency not only delights the client but also their clientele. Now with the introduction of CDD Weatherized we can extend those same benefits to outdoor environments including outdoor stadia, transport hubs, concourses and theme parks.”