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What Are the Applications for 3D Holographic Display Tech?

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This is part three of a three-part blog series on ARHT Media’s new Holographic TelePresence technology, distributed in the U.S. exclusively through Almo Professional A/V. Find part one here and part two here.

You’re in conference calls with partners and coworkers multiple times a day, day after day, week after week. Naturally, you can imagine 2D video meetings have gotten a little old and unimaginative.

ARHT Media and Almo Professional A/V have joined forces. The new partnership brings Holographic TelePresence technology and a new platform for it called the Virtual Global Stage. In case you have not heard, this exciting solution is coming soon to a virtual stage design near you.

While COVID-19 was completely unexpected, we now know a lot more about how work, UCC (unified communications and collaboration) and meeting culture will change. Acting upon this new knowledge now is totally in your power.

ARHT Media’s Holographic TelePresence technology, distributed exclusively in the U.S. through Almo Professional A/V, could pay off big and change how your customers see virtual and hybrid meetings.

Image Source: Imperial College

What Is Holographic TelePresence and Who Is It For?

Previously, we talked about why now is the perfect time for holographic telepresence technology. Then, we dug a little deeper to understand how the technology works.  (distinguishing ARHT’s HumaGram technology from actual “holograms”). Below, you will learn about the applications for holographic technology.

What is hologram technology used for? Here are a few applications for which Holographic TelePresence is a perfect fit:

Higher education. Yes, we can do our virtual teaching through video conferencing platforms. But with more than a few people on each session, the personal feel you’re yearning for pretty much vanishes. Classrooms are an ideal place for interactive holographic displays. Why? Because holograms prove particularly useful where a connection is valued.

In the classroom, there’s great importance in seeing facial expressions, storytelling through body language, reading the room before moving onto the next lesson. As great as it is to have Zoom and Teams for digital learning, truly connecting on a 2D platform is tough. Add holography, and picture the wildly enriched lectures and engaging experiences.

Corporate and UCC spaces. The second application to consider as a use case for Holographic TelePresence is corporate. Holographic TelePresence takes the idea of a virtual meeting and infuses it with new energy and possibilities.

While, for now, we see holographic display images used by the C-Suite, widespread use is very possible. In corporate environments, remote or otherwise, ARHT’s technology breaks down the limitations of 2D. Hologram tech in a virtual environment creates an interactive experience that benefits viewers and hologram presenters alike.

Live events, meetings and conferences. Live event programming, while fun and valuable, costs a fortune. Highly desired speakers only have so much time and availability. Consider the possibilities if, suddenly, neither travel nor a large venue were needed. That alone is enough to make an event planner smile.

How great would it be to virtually stage a room and have world-class speakers (think religious leaders, CEOs, politicians, celebrities) at virtual events if the in-person feel was maintained? Booking speakers virtually (who can “beam in” from their remote setup instead of getting on a plane) saves time and finances — plus, it greatly lessens the environmental impact. Through Holographic TelePresence, it’s as though hologram presenters are on stage next to each other.

A Visual Edge and an Emotional Draw: Now Is The Time for 3D Holographic Display Tech

Especially lately, high-status speakers like celebrities are in high demand. But does a 2D video appearance create the connection that an in-person one would? No.

3D hologram meetings and hologram teleconferences deliver a more lifelike presentation and create a bigger emotional draw. In an interview with Inavate Magazine, ARHT Media CEO Larry O’Reilly highlighted an example from December 2018 with “Aquaman” star Jason Momoa.

“He was rehearsing for Saturday Night Live [in New York City],” said O’Reilly. “On Thursday night, he just went to a different studio at 30 Rock, and we beamed him into Mexico City for fan engagement and media events at the IMAX theatre there. The next night, we beamed him into Comic-Con Brazil, where he addressed over 3,000 people live.”

Through its Virtual Global Stage, ARHT leverages the proprietary transmission software that powers its HoloPresence (or “holographic presence”) platform to “beam” multiple presenters into a virtual, online environment. Human holograms then appear in lifesize proportions and can interact with audience members (and the other panelists) virtually.

Hologram solutions are beyond what your customer even knows.

Are Hologram Events a Trend or Long-Term Solution?

Big names are already using Telegraphic HoloPresence — like actor Jon Hamm, Santa Claus, the inventor of basketball and even the Crown Prince of Dubai. (By the way, all those names are impressive, but we know we had you at Jon Hamm.)

Some may claim that hologram media is a trend — or they’ll say it’s just emerging — but we know otherwise. The benefits of an enhanced teaching presence, a cutting-edge guest appearance or a town hall that doesn’t put you to sleep are massive. We’ve heard people say that futuristic solutions like human hologram technology are just a solution just looking for a problem. COVID-19 has changed this reality.

For more information, visit www.almoproav.com/holographic-telepresence, and get in touch with your Almo regional service development manager today.

Wait, What Is Holographic TelePresence Technology Again?

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This is part two of a three-part blog series on ARHT Media’s new Holographic TelePresence technology, distributed in the U.S. exclusively through Almo Professional A/V. You can find part one here.

Providers like Zoom have done an amazing job supporting the new remote world this year. But if you’re now video conferencing all day, you may be “Zoomed out” from all the video calls. I know I am.

What seems like endless video conferences, webinars, and virtual meetings has been, well, fine. And necessary during this cultural shift in work and meetings. But we can only thrive so long on standard 2D video conferencing.

In remote and virtual settings, 2D video conferencing only scratches the surface of what is possible.

In part one of this three-part blog series, we gave you the scoop on something new and exciting that could change video meetings and virtual events. That something is called Holographic TelePresence, and it’s a solution from ARHT Media that brings lifelike, interactive holographic display content to your event, room or computer screen. Holographic TelePresences creates a unique and highly engaging experience like no other.

To add to the excitement, ARHT’s new Virtual Global Stage (VGS)platform is a premium, digital experience. It offers the look and feel of a professional broadcast but streamed online. Through the Virtual Global Stage, presenters, panelists and lecturers around the world can participate from wherever they can access a capture studio.

Imagine the possibilities when you eliminate the need for a huge venue, expensive travel, and the physical gathering of attendees.

Unlike AR and VR, No Headset Is Needed With Holographic TelePresence

Do you know how hologram technology works? Below, we explain how ARHT Media does it.

Using proprietary technology, capture studios, and standard projection equipment, Holographic TelePresence “beams” presenters into one or multiple venues simultaneously. You may also hear the technology referred to as HoloPresence, short for “holographic presence.” Presenters can be located anywhere in the world — they just need the equipment and access to the platform via the web. Along with a new hologram presentation platform known as the Virtual Global Stage, Holographic TelePresence enables hybrid events — with some participants attending remotely and some attending live.

In other words, ARHT’s hologram events can run with all-remote participants/presenters, or with some live and some remote participants/presenters. Attendees and speakers choose how they participate — remotely or face to face — which empowers choice and flexibility. The value is that events can reach their largest possible audience. Organizations can also deliver a premium experience that goes well beyond the 2D video call.

To explain how Holographic TelePresence works, we’ll distinguish it from holograms, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).

  • Holographic TelePresence vs. Holograms: There is a distinction to be made between true holograms — 3D images produced in mid-air — and Holographic TelePresence. The “ARHT” (pronounced “art”) in ARHT Media stands for Augmented Reality Holographic Technology. It turns out that ARHT’s solution is not exactly equatable to a hologram, even though the final result appears as one. (Quick note: we will refer to the imagery produced by ARHT’s technology as “holograms;” just know we’re using that term as a general understanding of the final result — lifelike images that appear to the audience as holograms. We’re doing that for simplicity’s sake, not specifically to annoy the technology purists out there.)

  • Holographic TelePresence vs. AR and VR: How does ARHT’s solution differ from other new hologram technology, virtual reality and augmented reality? VR blocks out your ability to see and hear the real world — usually through a VR headset. AR uses a computer and, sometimes, a special headset or glasses to create digital objects and overlay them onto what you see in our physical world. Are you familiar with Pokémon GO? That’s also augmented reality.

Holographic TelePresence is a projection that uses an illusion effect powered by ARHT’s “HumaGram” technology. ARHT’s technique is more sophisticated than others you may know, like Pepper’s Ghost. Contrasting AR and VR to Holographic TelePresence, ARHT’s solution is neither augmented reality nor virtual reality alone. Holographic AR is steps beyond — no headset or special glasses needed.

With these distinctions and a new understanding, we’re ready to reveal the minimal equipment it takes to deploy ARHT’s hologram technology in any space.

Debunking the Technology

To virtually stage a room, Holographic TelePresence requires a more precise setup than video conferencing or a remote presentation system, but the concept and necessary equipment are pretty straightforward. ARHT’s setup is a combination of video shot in front of a backdrop, then projected on stage (or “on stage,” if being done virtually) onto a screen. So, the production needs a screen, as well as controlled lighting, to ensure the projection is bright and visible.

In an article with Inavate Magazine, Andrew Parry, an online learning video producer at Imperial College Business School, explained further. Elements to consider include the capture space (plus, distance between camera and subject), the height/positioning of the camera, and lighting. In the case of Imperial College’s virtual stage design, Parry explained, lights placed behind the subject backlit everything, including shoes. He added that there were also two lights arranged in front of the subject to improve the lighting of the human hologram on the other end.

Factors such as lighting and camera angle ensure that the final result — holographic display images on the screen — is an accurate representation in terms of body shape and dimensions. Thankfully, the AV industry is quite familiar with the principles of projection, making the execution of this technology, once learned, quite straightforward.

Below, you’ll see some behind-the-scenes photos of the setup in a recent hologram teleconference held live with ARHT’s hologram tech. In the interview, rAVe [PUBS] founder Gary Kayye (beaming in from North Carolina) and Almo’s Sam Taylor (beaming in from Maryland) are using ARHT’s Virtual Global Stage. To the audience, the two appeared virtually on the same “stage” with no editing, and no latency lag, having a real-time conversation about the emerging interactive hologram technology.

Will Hologram Technology Change Business in 2020?

While holograms have gotten plenty of attention in the media these past few years, many could be asking if this is just a trend. Will on-stage holograms like ARHT Media’s become big business? What can we expect from hologram technology in the future?

We believe any industry — higher education, live events, advertising and entertainment, healthcare, corporate spaces, meeting spaces, you name it — will benefit from 3D holographic display technology.

Get in touch with Almo today for more information, and visit www.almoproav.com/holographic-telepresence to find your regional service development manager.

Now Is the Time for Hologram Technology — Here’s Why

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This is part one of a three-part blog series on ARHT Media’s new Holographic TelePresence technology, distributed in the U.S. exclusively through Almo Professional A/V. Look for part two in the coming weeks.

Almo Professional A/V and ARHT Media, Inc. have an exciting new partnership and offering that could transform the landscape for digital meetings, events and hybrid/virtual learning. This new solution, in fact, could enhance almost any application in which a face-to-face interaction or presentation, prior to COVID-19, would have been the norm. The technology, developed by ARHT, is called Holographic TelePresence, and Almo is now the exclusive U.S. distributor for it. Through this solution, we can deliver a unique and highly engaging holographic display experience like never before.

What does this mean for you? Is interactive holographic display technology really something to pay attention to right now?

Holographic teleconferences are here to stay. ARHT’s 3D hologram meetings aren’t just intended to create a one-off “wow” moment — though they definitely do that, and it’s certainly a plus. The real value is when you find a technology platform that helps you overcome a bigger business issue. In the face of COVID-19 today, that bigger business issue is a lack of engagement with remote work, digital and virtual events, and (seemingly endless) conference calls.

The end goal is that participants, both online and in-person, want to use hologram media again and again. ARHT’s hologram tech makes this possible. The technology is ideal for panels, trainings in conference rooms, or even town halls. Hologram tech also amplifies product launches, hologram advertising, hologram teleconferences, hologram trade show displays, and more.

Almo Pro A/V EVP and COO Sam Taylor beamed onto the Virtual Global Stage to talk to rAVe [PUBS] founder Gary Kayye about ARHT Media’s technology, available through Almo.

What Is Holographic TelePresence?

The solution, Holographic TelePresence, powers hybrid events that take place both online and offline simultaneously — possible alongside a new feature of the platform called the Virtual Global Stage (VGS). The technology, HoloPresence (or “holographic presence”), enables presenters to appear remotely, as holograms, in front of an audience to speak and interact with them in real-time.

A bit more about how it works:

  • Presenters appear in lifesize proportions with the capacity to interact with audience members (and the other panelists) virtually. As you saw from the above video, the virtual stage design is clean and to realistic proportions; plus, you can virtually stage a room to your liking.
  • The Virtual Global Stage is powered by the same proprietary transmission software in ARHT’s new hologram technology; it allows you to “beam in” multiple presenters into any virtual, online environment. The Virtual Global Stage feature is great for applications like large meetings, conferences and events.
  • Both live and prerecorded hologram appearances are supported for a range of applications — like elevated guest lectures, trade shows, and advertising and marketing campaigns.

This solution completely amplifies virtual interactions, online presentations, and hologram services in a way that your customer has never seen. With it, organizations, advertisers, and event marketers can reach a proportionately larger audience and deliver a premium hologram presentation that goes well beyond the 2D video call. Meanwhile, presenters benefit by being able to use key aspects of natural communication, like body language, to deliver a more engaging message and experience to attendees.

How Do Holograms Work on Stage?

What does the audience actually see when experiencing one of ARHT’s holograms? Proprietary HoloPresence displays — lifelike “holograms” that give a sense of presence and being in the same room as the hologram presenter. Those hologram presenters are realized through augmented reality. (Insider tip: the “ARHT” in ARHT Media stands for Augmented Reality Holographic Technology.)

Quick explanation: The word “hologram” has, perhaps confusingly, become synonymous with any 3D imagery. It’s worthwhile to make the distinction between ARHT’s hologram technology and various illusion effect techniques, like Pepper’s Ghost, used to achieve a 3D effect. Know that we’re using the term “hologram” as a ubiquitous understanding of the final result — lifelike images that appear to the audience as holograms, 3D images in mid-air.

Hologram Technology, Holographic Telepresence

Anyway, any AV arm wanting to add holographic technology to its wheelhouse should understand the different techniques to achieve a 3D effect on stage — and the costs of each. Take ARHT Media’s resurrection of James Naismith, for example. Here, Holographic TelePresence was even more innovative and cost-effective than projections using Pepper’s Ghost. Instead, ARHT’s photorealistic “HumaGram” technique is behind the effect.

If you need proof, Dr. David Lefevre, director of the Imperial College’s Edtech Lab and an ARHT Media client, gives it to you. Dr. Lefevre said to the BBC, “The problem with Pepper’s Ghost is that it can be intricate to set up and can cost about £150,000 to run an event.”

Referencing Holographic TelePresence, “This is simpler — you project upon a glass screen, and a backdrop behind it uses software to give it an illusion of depth. It runs at the low thousands each time, so for the first time universities can afford it,” Dr. Lefevre added.

Low Cost, High Reward: Why Now Is The Perfect Time for 3D Holographic Display Tech

What do hologram solutions do that traditional video doesn’t?

First, there’s a wow factor you don’t get with 2D video conferencing. While holograms seem to be a part of our everyday lives in film, it’s not every day that you actually see this type of presentation technology as such an attainable reality.

Viewers also benefit from more lifelike content, too. In a classroom, for example, presentations from human holograms — whether a guest lecturer or students’ everyday professor — help aid in retention and engagement. The more we can replicate real-life interactivity in our virtual spaces, the more it’ll be embraced.

Even though we all miss that in-person interaction, it is no longer the only way we do business. The mass deployment of video conferencing solutions in early 2020 was a big step forward for AV — but video chat and 2D video conference software only scratches the surface of what’s possible. Holographic TelePresence brings prime-time to all of us and completely enhances the way we interact virtually.

Get in touch with Almo today for more information, and visit www.almoproav.com/holographic-telepresence to talk to your regional service development manager about Holographic TelePresence.

5 Reasons to Invest in Training

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Whether you are the owner of a small AV integration firm or a manager at a large national integrator chances are you are faced with the same struggle of finding the time to attend training for yourself or send your employees for training.   Often this can be costly and read more

This Guy’s Top Five Products from the Almo E4 Fall Shows

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Each Spring and Fall Almo’s E4 Tour swings through two major cities and brings along with it an entire day’s worth of CTS accredited educational courses and gets roughly 40 of the top manufacturers in the professional audio video industry all in one room showcasing their newest product offerings.

As a technology professional and a self-proclaimed “AV Geek” these events are always exciting to me as I am often one of the first people to see new and emerging technology.  Sometimes it’s electronics, or perhaps software, or even bent metal making the installation of said technology easier and more efficient.   There were a handful of stand-out products that were featured at our Fall shows this year that are worth checking out.


_MG_00191.) ATEN VM3909H – 9×9 HDMI HDBaseT-Lite Matrix Switch: Remember way back when where the number of hot dogs in a package did not always match the number of buns in a package?  I realize it is a silly reference, but try doing a 3×3 video wall with an 8×8 matrix switch.   The folks at ATEN were mindful of this when they introduced this 9×9 HDMI matrix switch earlier this year.  An addition to the 9 HDMI outputs it has 9 HDBaseT Lite outputs allowing the switch to be located up to 70m away from the video wall using the appropriate HDBaseT receivers.   A simple front panel control and GUI interface to create simple video wall layouts round out the feature set of this Red Dot Award winning product.

_MG_00202.) Chief SYS Projector Mount System Series: The engineers at Chief really did their homework on this one keeping the installer in mind with features not found in other mounting systems.   This system not only saves time on the install but is aesthetically pleasing.  Installers will love the fact that the mount and column come pre-assembled and even the box is designed so that the parts needed first are packaged on top.   Micro adjustments for perfect alignment can be made without any tools and the 0”-12” adjustable column has separate cable management channels for both high and low voltage cabling.

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3.) tvONE ONErack – Universal Rack Mounting System for Small Devices: While small devices such as HDBaseT transmitters, format converters, small audio products and more are convenient because of their size they can quickly make a mess of your equipment rack since in many cases they are not specifically designed to be mounted or secured into a traditional 19” rack space.   Not only that, but they also generally have large wall-wart type power supplies which can clutter power distribution units within the rack.   Available in 4RU, 5RU, and 6RU chassis models, this system converts randomly sized small AV devices into slide-in modules while consolidating power for all devices within the system.   An optional active cooling system is available for situations where you are populating a large number of devices.

_MG_00434.) Atlona AT-UHD-HDVS-300-KIT – Soft Codec Conferencing System: As more and more companies adopt PC-based conferencing codecs like Skype, WebEx, & GoToMeeting in place of traditional hardware based codecs for smaller conference rooms and huddle spaces the need for external USB microphones and cameras has increased with the desire for quality meetings.   In order to accomplish this typical systems require AV extenders, USB extenders, USB hubs, multiple remotes, plus all of the required cables.   Atlona’s system accomplishes this with just two devices and a single category cable.   This unit also is a 4 input auto sensing AV switcher and provides automatic display control via CEC, IP, and RS-232 allowing users to start meetings quickly and easily.

_MG_00345.) Almo CONTROL – Control System & DSP Programming Services: Almo got into offering services two years ago with the introduction of digital signage content creation and since then have added services for installation as well as telecom services.   Almo CONTROL is the most recent introduction and was launched at the E4 Fall tour this year.   With Almo CONTROL integrators can potentially take on more projects with access to additional programming resources, or where they have expertise in one system but need resources for another.   Our programmers have been providing outstanding control system programming and system commissioning support services since the year 2000.

With all of the changes in our industry and constantly evolving technology I look forward to see what lies ahead in 2017.

Laser Projectors – A Game Changer

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z9870u_fcs-our_690x460While lampless projectors are not brand new, the technology has evolved and continues to improve as time goes on.   Imagine an installation grade projector that can run 24/7 with virtually no maintenance and no lamp changes and carry a three year warranty.   Imagine not waiting for your projector to warm up or cool down, where the projector will reach maximum brightness and turn off almost immediately. Combine this with advanced features like projection mapping, edge blending, and an HDBaseT input packaged in a bright enough projector for large venues and you have quite a value proposition for your clients.

Laser projectors offer several benefits over traditional lamp based technologies. Let me clarify that laser simply refers to the light source, so the projection technologies like 3LCD are still a major part of these new projectors.   Traditional lamp based projectors require the lamp to be replaced roughly every 1500 to 6000 hours depending upon the projector and the mode you run it in, while the average lifespan of a laser based projector is 20,000 hours.

Additionally, with most traditional lamp based projectors it takes a few minutes for the projector to warm up after powering on, and can take up to thirty minutes to provide a stable brightness level and often need to remain plugged in after powering off in order to properly cool the lamp.   With laser based projectors they are ready to go almost immediately after being powered on and do not require a connected power source upon powering off with no worry of damaging the projector’s light source.

As far as the light source, projector lamps lose most of their brightness in the first half of their lifecycle whereas with a laser based light source the brightness loss is linear over the 20,000 hour lifecycle.   What does this mean?   This means that if you compare a laser based projector with a lamp based projector, both with the same light output rating (lumens) that within a very short period of time the laser projector will have the brighter image.   Furthermore, even lamp based projectors with higher light output ratings than a laser based projector will quickly provide a lower light output than the laser projector due to the steep curve in degradation of the lamps brightness.

Epson’s popular Pro G and Pro Z installation grade projectors will soon be joined by the new Pro L series of laser based projectors with multiple choices ranging in brightness from 6,000 lumens to 12,000 lumens and multiple lens options with all of the features that users of the Pro G and Pro Z models have grown to love.   Expect to start seeing these shipping in June of 2016. I know I can’t wait to get my hands on one.

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For more information on Epson Projectors contact Brian Rhatigan at brhatigan@almo.com or 888.420.2566 x6546

Projection: Alive and Well

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It seems flat panel displays are virtually everywhere these days and have gotten larger, thinner, lighter, and less expensive than ever.   Not that long ago in applications requiring a large image a projector was the natural choice, however as flat panels have evolved you are now seeing them installed where historically it would have been a projector. I am not denying the benefits of using a flat panel display, but there are many reasons why projection would be the way to go.

For starters, let’s look at image size.   Generally speaking 98” is about the largest flat panel that is readily available at this time.   So in instances where an image of larger than 98” diagonal is required, projection becomes the only option to use for a single display device without the complexity of multi-screen video walls.   This is pretty clear cut, but size is not the only consideration.

BuildingOften audio visual components are integrated into high end architectural spaces including corporate board rooms, lecture centers, training facilities, and more where the display device may not always be in use and for aesthetic reasons the client may not want to “see” the technology in the room.   Most projectors are ceiling mounted and generally out of view or can be installed in a lift that can disappear into the ceiling.   Projection screens also can disappear when not in use by recessing flush into the ceiling.

Another key consideration is cost.   While flat panels have certainly become affordable, however once you get up into the larger sizes above 80”- 90” the costs can still be prohibitive in many cases where projection will often be much more affordable.   For illustration purposes consider a 98” professional grade monitor at a cost of $32,679.00 compared to an installation class projector like the Epson PowerLite Pro G 6770WU which is 1920×1200 resolution at 6000 lumens available at a retail price of $5,699.00.

When it comes to unique display applications there are times when a flat panel display is simply not an option.   Think about events where you have projection on floor surfaces or on buildings.   With projection mapping some really unique projects can be pulled off.   A really cool example of this was recently featured in a case study on the basketball arena at Pensacola Christian College using Epson Pro G projectors:

Floor

Both flat panel displays and projectors have their pros and cons, however projection is still and will continue to be a great choice for many display applications.  For assistance in selecting the right Epson projector or to learn more, contact Brian Rhatigan at brhatigan@almo.com or 888.420.2566 x6546.

Using Inexpensive Category Cable (Cat5/Cat6, etc.) For Signal Extension

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Article_RhatiganAs audio video systems and installations have become more complex over time, the need for sending multiple signal types and control over long distances has increased. With that, it seems there are an endless number of choices in signal extension hardware, which might have you wondering which product is the right choice for your installation. Naturally image quality and reliability should be your two biggest concerns, as well as explaining the technology and selling your customer on the need for this type of hardware.

Until a few short years ago, each manufacturer of signal extension hardware typically used their own proprietary technologies so that for example a Kramer branded transmitter would likely not work with a Tripp Lite branded receiver.   Additionally there seemed to be a big variance in quality between brands, especially when it came to extending HDMI signals.   The introduction of HDBaseT was a game changer in that you now have a consistent chipset used by all manufacturers so reliability is much more consistent between products, and since it is a standard platform you can mix and match devices.   It is becoming more and more common now to see an HDBaseT input already integrated into the display device whether it is a flat panel or projector, removing the need for a separate receiver all together.

For extension products that use the HDBaseT chipset, most manufacturers will recommend the use of solid shielded Cat6 cable with shielded connectors.   This type of cable can be terminated in the field or it can be purchased in specific lengths already terminated.

There are many scenarios where signal extension would be a good option, or even required. So where do we start?

Article_Rhatigan2Let’s start by looking at cable lengths. While a hard and fast distance limitation is not defined, there are general guidelines that you should follow when planning an installation. In addition, differences in cable quality and video resolution will have an impact on distance as well. With analog signals such as composite, s-video, VGA, and component video you can usually send your signal over cable runs of 100 to 150 feet without experiencing a dramatic reduction in image quality. DVI is mandated to transmit at 5 meters or roughly 16 feet, and HDMI runs typically should be no more than 50 to 75 feet. The use of signal extension products will allow you to send analog signals to distances exceeding 1500 feet and digital signals up to about 330 feet. This distance can be longer with the use of fiber instead of twisted pair.

Next you will want to consider the cost of traditional cable compared to category cable as well as any physical limitations that may make it difficult to pull standard video cable. While shorter HDMI cables are relatively inexpensive, longer cables can start to get pricey. Even though there is a cost associated with the transmitter and receiver hardware, this often can be offset by a savings in labor costs as well. Remember that with HDBaseT extension products you will have the ability to send video, audio, Ethernet, power, and control (RS-232) over a single cable reducing the need for multiple runs. This greatly simplifies planning your installation since you will not need to know ahead of time whether audio and control signals will accompany the video signal in order to choose the correct extension hardware.

Note that you are not limited to point-to-point extension either.   Hardware vendors in this category offer distribution amplifiers for sending a single source to multiple displays using a single transmitter as well as matrix switches with the option for HDBaseT on both the input and output side for larger systems.   Some receivers also give you the ability to daisy chain to additional displays through a twisted pair output on the receiver. It is important to look closely at the specifications of different extension products to make sure they match your requirements for signal, resolution, and distance. In most cases having an available power outlet for the receiver will be required as well

Other features that are available on certain extension products include Gain & EQ control as well as Skew Compensation. Gain & EQ control will allow you to make fine picture adjustments at the receiving end while Skew Compensation can adjust for different parts of the signal reaching the receiver at different times due to the variable twist rates of the individual pairs within the cable and is usually only required for cable runs of 500 feet or more. While these types of features will add cost to the products you choose, they will be the difference between a happy customer and a dis-satisfied one.

In summary, like with anything else, careful planning and product selection will be the key to a successful installation. You must consider resolution, distance, signal type or types, and physical layout when choosing a signal extension product.

The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts

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In many of today’s classrooms while many things remain the same as they were in 1992, display technologies used have evolved. It is commonplace now to see whiteboards or chalkboards replaced or being used in tandem with an interactive surface like a SmartBoard® along with a projector in order engage the students more and more during the education process.   Challenges found with traditional ceiling mounted projectors like the shadow cast by the presenter have been alleviated with the introduction of wall mounted ultra-short throw projectors several epson products_interactive-projectors_300x200years ago.

While the education sector is an extremely competitive market for technology providers the two companies that have become clear leaders in this space are Epson and Smart. Epson’s introduction of the BrightLink series electronic pen based interactive projectors a few years ago further strengthened their position in this market eliminating the need to purchase both a projector and an interactive surface such as a SmartBoard® and making the upgrade path even easier allowing schools to take advantage of existing whiteboard surfaces already installed in the classroom. With the latest generation of BrightLink projectors introduced during 2014, an option now exists that no longer even requires the electronic pen and can be used with the touch of a finger.

SMART Technologies who has been offering their SMART Notebook software along with their hardware products for over a decade is now on version 15.1 and is used by millions of teachers and students around the world each school day.  Perpetual licenses of SMART Notebook are included with the purchase of all SMART interactive displays while version upgrades and special add-ons are available to users with an active Notebook Advantage subscription. Additionally SMART Notebook licenses are available for purchase to run on all other brands of interactive hardware including Epson, who has been offering their resellers the option to purchase the SMART Notebook license from Epson.

On November 3, 2015 Epson announced that all BrightLink Interactive projectors will now be bundled with SMART Notebook software including a one-year subscription of SMART Notebook Advantage. Now current Epson resellers can offer the award-winning SMART software with BrightLink projectors at no additional charge simplifying the ordering process since there is just one SKU to purchase. Included in the projector box will be a redemption code that customers will be able to use in order to obtain the activation key via email.

This new partnership will provide schools with greater access to market leading lesson creation and delivery software as well as provide dealers with better opportunities to increase sales of Epson BrightLink projectors.  The BrightLink projector line has been fully tested and authorized by SMART for use with SMART Notebook software.   Both Epson and SMART will provide customer support and training for their respective products.

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