Behind the Panel: Rack ’em Up!

As the Pro AV industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for professionals, especially those new to the field, to understand the significance of selecting quality rack products for their AV rooms. A well-designed and organized rack system not only improves the overall performance of the AV setup but also enhances ease of installation and promotes efficient organization. When I first came into the industry, I was a little overwhelmed by racks, and really did not take the time to understand them. Hopefully, this will take a little of the mystery out of them. In this blog, we are going to do a shallow dive into the world of racks. Hang onto your hats, it’s going to be a wild ride. (Not really, I just always wanted to say that.)

MiddleAtlantic Forward rack buildRack systems play a crucial role in the Pro AV space, providing a structured and organized framework for housing audio visual equipment. These systems are essential for ensuring proper installation, organization, and maintenance of AV gear. When selecting rack products, there are several key factors to consider optimizing performance and efficiency. Investing in high-quality rack products is essential to maintain the integrity of your audio-visual equipment. With their sturdy construction and robust materials, these racks can withstand the rigors of daily use, safeguarding your valuable AV gear and reducing the risk of equipment failures or damage. The idea here is to organize and protect your AV equipment, which is worth thousands of dollars, so don’t always look for the least expensive option.

First things first: The rack’s rail width, horizontal and vertical spacing of holes, and other measurements are standardized, so no matter which brand you choose, they will always be 19 inches wide. When we talk about racks, they are measured in something called a “RU.” What is an RU, quite simply it stands for “rack unit” which is equal to 1.75 inches. Racks are often recommended or designed based on the number of RU that you need to fit your equipment. The rack unit standard is essential to the data center and IT infrastructure industries. Data center managers can invest in racks and cabinets with the assurance that any manufacturer’s rack-mountable equipment will be measured by the same standardized height metric, RU. Additionally, the equipment’s mounting holes will always align with the holes in the server rack.

There are three basic types of racks available:

  1. Open Frame Racks: Just as they say, an open frame with mounting rails, but no sides or doors.
  2. Rack Enclosures: These have removable front and rear doors. These are typically used for heavier equipment, hotter equipment, and overall higher wattages. The front and rear doors are typically ventilated to allow proper air flow from front to back.
  3. Wall-Mount Racks: These are used when space is a concern, often coming in smaller form factors when a full floor rack is not needed.

One important consideration is cable management. A well-designed rack system provides ample space and options for managing cables effectively. Look for features such as cable management bars, cable trays, or built-in cable channels that allow you to route and secure cables neatly. This not only improves the aesthetics of your rack, but also minimizes the risk of signal interference and simplifies troubleshooting and maintenance tasks. Maintaining a neat and organized AV room is crucial for quick troubleshooting, system maintenance, and overall efficiency. Think for a moment about if something goes wrong and a tech needs to get in and quickly troubleshoot. If your cables are going in every direction and things are not organized correctly, the tech will have to spend valuable time just getting to the proper connections. Invest in the time up front, it will make things much easier when things go down – and they always do!

RackAnother critical aspect is ventilation. Adequate airflow is essential to prevent equipment overheating, which can lead to performance issues and even equipment failure. Look for rack products with proper ventilation options such as vented rack shelves, perforated doors, or integrated cooling fans. These features facilitate the movement of cool air and help dissipate heat generated by the AV equipment, ensuring optimal performance, and prolonging the lifespan of your gear. Would you like to be stuck in a room with loads of running electrical equipment and no air flow to cool it down? This sounds like the worst sauna in the world. Now, imagine what poorly ventilated racks can do to your valuable AV equipment. Not a pretty thought!

Proper load distribution is also essential when loading a rack. Pay attention to weight limits specified by the rack manufacturer and distribute the weight evenly across the rack. Start by placing heavier equipment at the bottom of the rack and proceed upwards with lighter components. This helps maintain stability and prevents the rack from toppling over. Additionally, consider using rack shelves, panels, and drawers to organize and support equipment securely. I cannot stress enough how important it is to plan your rack layout beforehand. If you go in with a plan, then things will come together and work much more efficiently than just throwing pieces of equipment in randomly. Like the old saying goes, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”

Additionally, consider the rack’s flexibility and expandability. Look for adjustable rack rails that can accommodate various equipment sizes and allow for easy installation and reconfiguration. This feature ensures compatibility with current and future AV equipment needs, allowing for scalability and adaptability as technology evolves. Do your research upfront. Know which products can be expanded to ensure they are “future-proof.” Do not fall for a gimmicky sale or closeout promotion. You want your equipment safe and organized in a manner that will withstand changes in your AV needs!

Don’t forget the power! When designing your rack layout, you need to remember you will need power for all your equipment. There are several options, but when building your rack, a reliable power source with quality surge protection is a must have. There are several assorted styles available. These can be mounted horizontally or vertically inside the rack, whichever fits best into your design.

Lastly, consider the overall build quality and durability of the rack products. Look for racks made from sturdy materials like steel or aluminum that can withstand the weight of equipment and provide long-lasting reliability. Robust construction not only ensures the safety of your AV gear but also reduces the risk of equipment damage during installation or transportation. Fortunately for us, our partners at Legrand offer a whole suite of rack products through their Middle Atlantic line. Middle Atlantic products are engineered with user-friendly features that simplify the installation process. These racks often come with pre-installed shelves, cable management accessories, and adjustable rack rails, allowing for easy customization to accommodate various equipment sizes. Clear labeling and intuitive designs make it straightforward to install and connect devices, saving time and effort during setup. Middle Atlantic racks excel in providing efficient organization solutions. With options such as integrated power distribution units (PDUs), cable trays, and rack shelves, these racks help you keep cables, power supplies, and accessories meticulously organized and easily accessible. This not only enhances the aesthetics of your AV room, but also simplifies maintenance tasks and reduces downtime. Some of their innovations are so simple but effective, like their Forward solutions. Simple little clips that integrate onto the backplates to provide efficient storage and cable management solutions. Check out the Forward family of solutions here.

Selecting quality rack products for your audio-visual room is a decision that directly impacts the performance, reliability, and organization of your AV setup. Middle Atlantic’s range of rack solutions offers numerous benefits, including exceptional quality, extended product life, ease of installation, and efficient organization. By investing in Middle Atlantic products, you can streamline your workflow, ensure reliable equipment operation, and enhance the overall audio-visual experience. Embrace the advantages of quality rack products and take your pro audio-visual endeavors to the next level.

Patrick Booth, BDM

About the Author

Patrick Booth | CTS, DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Legrand AVChief, C2G, Da-Lite, Luxul, Middle Atlantic, Vaddio, Wiremold

Blinded By The Light

It still amazes me, even to this day, that the topic of lighting does not come up more in AV projects.  I look at every project from a viewpoint as if I am walking from the parking lot into the front door and to the specific area where a solution might be needed. This viewpoint approach helps place me at the property, so I can better envision the needs, potential pain-points, and ultimately what the customer might experience.  This is exactly where lighting comes in and how I see the conversation going!

While the pandemic certainly caused havoc over the live sound/production audio space due to the Broadway shutdowns, etc., we are seeing a bigger turnaround ever since.  The typical project might require line arrays, powerful amplifiers, microphones, a mixing console, and more depending on the size of the production.  However, what I normally do not see on a typical BOM is lighting – stage lighting, back of house, front of house, exterior illumination, and more.  None of which can be overlooked!

Martin Lighting, which is a Harman Brand, remains one of the premier lighting manufacturers in the world, and I am proud to say that they are a part of the Exertis Almo line card of product offerings.  In a past case study featuring the live production of Music Man on Broadway, the Harman team spoke about the need to emphasize the natural quality of the existing lighting while also bringing in modern features such as automated effects and color changes. All of this is made achievable via Martin.  This project ran the gamut of Martin fixtures, including the MAC Ultra Performance for their brightness and vast features, and the MAC Encore for their traditional incandescent appearance according to the Harman team.

Martin LightingExterior Lighting

While I could take the time to start discussing the specific items, like Wash fixtures, MAC Encore, and others which were used in this application, I’d rather take the time to suggest how to even start the conversation and that leads right back to the qualifying questions.  Earlier, I mentioned how I look at a given property by observing the inside, outside, and trying to envision the customer needs.  Lighting normally becomes one of the first items I check off.  When standing outside any office building, hotel, or concert call, what is the first thing you might notice?  For me, I’d normally say the lighting.

  • Can I see the building and the sign out front?
  • Do they have bright colors illuminating the exterior to add a personalized touch?
  • Maybe there is a marquee, and they want to highlight the acts that are playing?

Interior Lighting

I then walk through the front door and possibly find illuminated signage in the lobby.  Anyone can place a pop-up banner next to a desk, but using one of Martin’s many fixtures to make that signage stand out will take things to another level.  For projects such as a Broadway play or any other live production, that is where Martin’s MAC Aura’s will come in, as well as the ELP’s, and others.  There are many to list and choose from, but they all serve a specific purpose depending on factors such as type of production, customer need, room type, and more.  The key is to not be intimidated by this possibly new realm of business, but rather tweak the traditional questions you are already asking to uncover further customer needs.  Asking your client about the lighting is even easier now thanks to the level of training and support from Martin, and the effort to make it an area of comfort for all of our partners to achieve greater long-term success!

On a recent visit to Tampa, I met with several integrators, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that a few did offer lighting solutions already. My hope is that more will begin to ask the question of “How do you plan to illuminate this area?”  This is no different than asking what a customer is using for the audio or what source are they using to display an image. Asking about the lighting goes hand-in-hand with the audio and video.

We’re Here to Help

With all that being said, fear not!  The team at Martin and Exertis Almo are here to guide our integrator partners through the learning process, whether that be finding what fixtures are best, what lubricant is recommended for a given light, or even what control system is most recommended for a project.  There are training tips and certifications regardless of your expertise level. I challenge each of you who might already be working in House of Worship, Enterprise, Live Production, Hospitality, Retail, or Higher Education to think of where lighting might fit for you, and then please reach out to explore a possible opportunity with Martin Lighting.

Enjoy this blog?
Let Rob know over on LinkedIn …and/or connect with #ExertisAlmo on our LinkedIn company page.

Robert Voorhees

About the Author

Rob Voorhees | CTS, CTP, DSCE, CTNS, Dante

BDM II – Technical Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Business Communications Services, and Harman: AKG, AMX, BSS, Crown, DBX, JBL, Soundcraft, Martin Lighting

Drat, It’s the Holiday Season Once Again

Life and the Schedule is about to get extra busy for most of us.  Travel, family get-togethers, shopping for presents and extra food, decorating, cooking, office parties, trying to meet year-end sales goals, church productions, and lots more.

Family ChristmasHowever, this time of year isn’t always easy for everyone. Some families may be in the midst of real difficulties this season.  Perhaps it’s far from the programming seen on the Hallmark Channel.  Maybe it looks more like Christmas Vacation without the happy ending and Clark’s bonus.

Throw in an extra task load and some difficult family situations, and you want to put on your Scrinch Suit and retreat to Mount Crumpit.  (The “Scrinch” being a combination of Scrooge and the Grinch.  An overall delightful character, in my opinion.)

I know this season is challenging for me, but I also know it’s not anything as compared to a family I know where the mom has been in a three-year cancer battle and the outcome doesn’t look positive. Or a friend that suddenly lost her 38-year-old sister four days before Thanksgiving two years ago.  These stories do not negate the challenges you or I might be currently facing, and don’t be tempted to compare your circumstances to others.

Here are some things I would wish for you this season (and for some of us, this is way out of our comfort zone):

Comforting Friends

  • That time for relationships would mean more than completing your task list.
  • That family would mean more to you than a perfectly trimmed house.
  • That if you have an addiction issue (alcohol or otherwise), you would do whatever is necessary to overcome it. For you, yes, but more so for those around you that are impacted by it.

If you’re doing well this year, keep in mind others may not be. There’s a line in a song that goes, “Truth be told, the truth is rarely told.”  “I’m fine” is probably the biggest lie we either hear or tell ourselves. If you know someone that’s in need, see what you can do to help.

The best thing you can give someone this year is your time, care, effort, and love.  Time passes way too quickly for anything else.

Tom Kehr

About the Author

Tom Kehr

CTS-D, CTS-I, Network+, LEED Green Associate, ISF-C, ATD Master Trainer

In-House System Designer and Trainer

Supported Applications: System Design

 

Navigating the Holidays: Top Qualities to Look for When Selecting a Hotel

Hotel Room Hacks: Making the Most of Your Stay Away from Home
The holiday season is here! As you gear up for this busy time of the year, it’s crucial to find the right “home away from home.” Choosing the right hotel can make or break your experience, so let’s explore the top qualities that you should be looking for when making this important decision.

Location, Location, Location!
The first rule of hotel selection– consider the location. A close proximity to your desired activities and events can help make your stay easy and stress-free. Save on transport costs after you arrive, skip the holiday traffic, and make the most of your time away when you prioritize location!

Comfort and Amenities
Whether you’re traveling for business, family, or fun, it’s important to remember the value of comfort and amenities. Some universal perks include spacious rooms, free WIFI and parking, and flexible arrival and departure times. It’s also important to prioritize amenities that match the intentions of your trip. Are you looking for relaxation? A hotel that offers perks such as hot tubs, room service, and an on-site spa may be the one for you! Looking to explore the area? A hotel that offers concierge services and discounts to local businesses may be the best fit! It’s beneficial to weigh the pros and cons in order to find the perfect hotel that fit’s your needs.

Safety and Cleanliness
Nobody likes getting sick, especially around the holidays. This is why it’s important to prioritize safety and cleanliness when selecting a hotel. Research the hotel’s hygiene protocols, read up on reviews from recent guests, and call if you have specific questions. This will allow you to make an informed decision, keeping you and your loved ones healthy and safe this holiday season.

Local Cuisine and Dining Options
Holidays are a time for indulgence, and a hotel with exceptional dining options can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your stay. Explore hotels with on-site restaurants that offer a diverse menu, or ones that speak to your personal tastes and preferences. If you’d enjoy exploring the local cuisine, try taking a look at the near-by restaurants that peak your interest. Be sure to take note of their reservation policies, as local businesses may prefer you book ahead during the holidays.

Customer Reviews
Don’t underestimate the power of customer reviews. Platforms like Trip Advisor and Google Reviews can provide valuable insights into the true guest experience of a particular hotel. Pay attention to both negative and positive reviews in order to make an informed decision. Topics like cleanliness, friendliness of staff, ease of check-in/check-out process, and overall presentation are the most important to look for. It’s also important to take into account when the reviews were posted. Depending on how recently the feedback was uploaded, the hotel may have implemented changes in order to improve overall guest experience.

As you gear up for the holidays, keep these qualities and tools in mind to ensure a wonderful experience. A well-chosen hotel becomes more than just a place to stay–it becomes a place where holiday memories are made.

Happy holidays and safe travels from the Hospitality experts at Exertis Almo!

What is NDAA, Blue, and Green UAS?

What are some issues that resellers face when sourcing and selling drones?

With the advent of the availability, affordability, and ease of use of small, unmanned aircraft systems, a new market is coming into fruition. Most people have heard of drones in one way or another, often from the perspective of a small drone with a camera attached to it for use in photography. What happened in the drone space was that these new, cheaper, more affordable aircraft were being purchased and used in more and more places. Eventually, these, often Chinese, products ended up being used in data-sensitive applications. For example, military, government, security, etc. This gave rise to new cybersecurity concerns, which in turn created a new demand for an evolved product.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a high-level, set of federal laws passed every year targeting these growing cybersecurity concerns. In order for a product to be NDAA compliant, it must not be produced by a set list of Chinese manufacturers. Additionally, this extends beyond drones into chipsets, cameras, displays, and other technology.

Blue UAS LogoIn the drone solutions space, there now exists two new certifications: Blue and Green UAS.

A Blue UAS must meet strict hardware and operating requirements to satisfy cybersecurity demands. Some examples include video transmission encryption, aircraft operating chipset, and internet connection. Blue UAS are specifically designed to meet the cybersecurity requirements for DOD and DOI applications. An example of a Blue UAS Exertis Almo carries is the IF1200 from Inspired Flight.

Green UAS LogoA Green UAS is a subset of cybersecurity certification offered by AUVSI. Green UAS is designed to encompass drones that may not necessarily be manufactured in the US, but rather in allied countries. The Green UAS certification follows closely behind the DIU Blue UAS certification 2.0 program. Meaning, the Green UAS certified aircraft are essentially the same as Blue minus their country of origin.

With the rapid advancement, availability, and affordability of drones, the industry is evolving quickly. For applications with high levels of cybersecurity demands, often seen in government and military projects, the drone space now has a clear and emerging industry certification. What started off as NDAA, has now grown out into Blue and Green UAS.

If you’d like to know more about the drone solutions available from Exertis Almo, contact our experts today.

Robert Voorhees
About the Author

Connor Smith

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturer: DJI

Miracast: Everything You Need to Know

Do you know Miracast?

MiraCastAs the liaison between a device and a display, Miracast utilizes wireless technology to detect, connect, and mirror the screen of one device on the other. The up-and-coming technology serves as a peer-to-peer network to wirelessly transmit screencasts comprised of WiFi Direct connections, comparable to Bluetooth’s function. In fact, Miracast allows content reproduction from TVs, smartphones, and more – all onto users’ PC screens.

If you have a wireless connection on your device, you’re capable of utilizing Miracast’s innovative technology. Designed to be a cross-platform standard for user’s, Miracast supports up to 1080p resolution and 5.1 surround sound, ensuring that user’s enjoy a convenient and impressive experience in corporate settings and classrooms, to name a few.

Let’s break it down a little further.

When using Miracast, one device transmits the content through WiFi Direct, and the other device serves as your display by efficiently receiving and rendering the content. Essentially, the technology works to create a WiFi network between your devices, allowing for content transmission speeds to ten times faster than Bluetooth.

screenbeam meeting spacesAlong with the real-time content transmission, Miracast provides content protection through its support of High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection – or HDCP. The mechanism oversees the transfer of content between the device that originates the content (the source) and the display device, providing an added layer of security to a user’s digital rights.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of Miracast, you’ve likely noticed similarities between other technologies, like Chromecast and Apple Airplay. Despite serving the same function, these technologies are not exactly alike.

In comparison with Chromecast, Miracast acts as a standard protocol within the WiFi feature on a device – essentially, a technology that a user has by default. On the other hand, Chromecast acts as a receiver, requiring a TV. Apple uses their own standard instead of Miracast, called Airplay, allowing user’s to stream content from their devices – iPhones, iPads, and Macs – to their Apple TV. In a meeting room setting, Miracast would be a more versatile option, as the technology is designed for cross-platform use. Plus, Miracast is capable of functioning without an active internet connection.

In fact, Miracast technology is available on a variety of wireless devices from ScreenBeam. By prioritizing collaborative environments in meetings, classrooms, and more, ScreenBeam’s impressive array of technology provides efficient wireless content sharing – no cables or wires necessary. Miracast is native to modern Windows devices – detailed on the WiFi Alliance’s WiFi Certified Devices list.

As an up-and-coming technology, the applications for Miracast’s innovative technology are quite versatile. Miracast is an excellent solution for entertainment, meeting rooms, and lecture halls for presentations and videos. Additionally, Miracast is a convenient option for home entertainment, as users can easily stream movies, mobile games, and more, straight to their TV in real-time.

Above all, Miracast’s efficiency and simplicity paves the way for a cable-free, wireless environment. By allowing for seamless content sharing across devices, the technology inspires an inclusive and collaborative environment.

If you’d like to learn more about Miracast and it’s role in ScreenBeam solutions, I encourage you to reach out to me.

Angie Greene
About the Author

Angie Greene | CTS, DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: ScreenBeam and Panasonic

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