DLP PROJECTORS
iVision sx
and Mercury 5000gv (pictured left): Among its new product offerings, Digital Projection showed two new DLP projectors at Infocomm 2003. The iVision sx is a single-chip DLP projector that, according to the manufacturer, delivers 3000 ANSI lumens and a 1000:1 contrast ratio in a 6.5lb. portable chassis. The Mercury 5000gv is a three-chip DLP projector that, through use of TI's Dark Metal DLP technology, delivers 4500 ANSI lumens and an 800:1 contrast ratio through XGA native-resolution DMDs. (Kennesaw, Ga.; (770) 420-1350; www.digitalprojection.com)
DLP CUBE
SVD-50D1S: Samsung unveiled its first DLP rear-projection cube targeted for the pro A/V market. The SVD-50D1S 50in. employs Samsung's proprietary 1280×720 chip (developed in a joint effort with Texas Instruments) and is only 23.6in. deep. The unit can function either independently or as part of a videowall application. It incorporates a processor that allows for the tiling of displays up to a 10×10 configuration. Offering a 1000:1 contrast ratio, the SVD-50D1S also features an 8000-hour lamp, and the display interfaces with composite video, S-Video, component video, HDTV (480i/p, 720p, and 1080i), and PC RGB (digital and analog). (Ridgefield Park, NJ; (800) 726-7864; www.samsungusa.com)
LABOR-MANAGEMENT SOLUTION
CrewManager:
From Unique Business Systems, this software-based package is a comprehensive labor-management system for managing and scheduling employees and freelancers. CrewManager allows users to: build detailed job schedules while documenting relevant job information; manage contacts and freelancers via email and text messaging; look up employees' and freelancers' work history, job performance, and latest pay history; automatically communicate job changes to crew members; generate and print call sheets, crew logs, reports, and contracts; and, through multi-user/multi-location capabilities, share information, knowledge, and expertise across the organization. Users build and edit jobs through CrewManager's scheduling screen, a multi-level view of job bookings and resources. (Santa Monica, Calif.; (800) 669-4827; www.unibiz.com)
VIDEO SCALER
C2-770:
In the C2-770 Universal Video Scaler, manufacturer TV One emphasizes the word universal. Using the company's CORIO2 technology, the unit can handle any resolution up to 2048×2048 and not simply a series of predefined settings, ensuring compatibility with future industry resolution standards. Although the C2-770 performs video scaling, upconversion, downconversion, and seamless switching functions, it is also a worldwide standards converter for all known TV systems, chromakeyer, lumakeyer, picture-in-picture box, logo inserter, digital-to-analog converter, HDTV converter, aspect ratio converter, frame synchronizer, time base corrector, and universal image genlock. The unit, with its nine inputs, four outputs, and two preview outputs, can handle composite, S-Video, YOV, YPbPr, and RGBHV signals. Windowing flexibility allows the user to insert one video source into another, and the unit is controllable via either its front-panel controls or infrared/RS-232. The C2-775 is identical to the C2-770 except that it provides SDI in and out and a separate SDI genlock input. An optional audio switcher, the A2-700, is also available. (Erlanger, Ky.; (859) 282-7303 or (800) 721-4044; www.tvone.com)
NETWORK AUDIO PLATFORM
QSControl.net:
QSC Audio Products debuted QSControl.net, its next-generation network audio platform that represents the culmination and integration of its signal transport, control, processing, and monitoring technologies. QSControl.net melds QSC's power amp and loudspeaker technologies into a unified system that allows users to administrate it via a fully integrated GUI. The new Basis 922az (inset), the first in a series of hardware engines designed to operate over an Ethernet under the QSControl.net platform, combines three QSC technologies in a single unit: amplifier and loudspeaker control, monitoring, and protection; configurable DSP; and CobraNet audio transport. Through QSControl.net, users can network and control multiple Basis 922az units from a single software interface, along with all amplifier/loudspeaker functions. The Basis922az has eight analog line-level inputs and four stereo (eight channels) QSC DataPort outputs, which can be connected to QSC DataPort-equipped amplifiers. An internal 24×24 DSP engine combines these inputs/outputs with CobraNet channels. (Costa Mesa, Calif.; (800) 854-4079 or (714) 754-6175; www.qscaudio.com)
SXGA + LCD PROJECTORS
GT6000
and GT6000R: The latest in NEC's GT series of large-venue installation projectors, the GT6000 and GT6000R (rear-projection model) LCD projectors allow pixel-for-pixel display of SXGA+ (1400×1050) content. Through NEC's ImageExpress networking technology, users can manage the projectors over a network via the integrated RJ45 jack or PC Card network connectivity. The GT6000, according to NEC, delivers 5300 ANSI lumens (both lamps operating) or 2700 ANSI lumens (one lamp operating). Similarly, the GT6000R delivers 2000 ANSI lumens (two lamps) or 1000 ANSI lumens (one lamp). The projectors also feature a maximum lamp life of 9000 hours. (Rancho Cordova, Calif.; (916) 463-7000; www.necsolutions-am.com)
LOGO INSERTER
Octo-Logo:
At Infocomm, Analog Way unveiled its Octo-Logo logo inserter, which also functions as a switcher (video and audio) and scaler. According to the manufacturer, the unit's eight inputs are compatible with any type of source signal. Each of the eight inputs is also fitted with a stereo line. An additional mic input provides an anti-pop filter, noise gate, and compressor function. The Octo-Logo displays in resolutions up to SXGA and can store a maximum of eight logos. Software upgrades will be available throughout the product's three-year guarantee. (New York; (212) 269-1902; www.analogway.com)
PRESENTATION TECHNOLOGY
iSkia:
At Infocomm 2003, iMatte introduced the first of its products targeted for in-room presentations, videoconferencing, distance learning, content creation, and home entertainment. The product, iSkia, is a hardware device that interfaces between the host computer and projector that allows images to be projected on the screen but not on the presenter or in the presenter's eyes. iSkia generates a mask to selectively inhibit the projected image and enable Leading Edge, which in turn uses this mask to control the computer's cursor to follow the presenter's hand, allowing easy highlighting, dragging, or underlining of presentation elements. The system requires no additional hardware; a common wall or white board is sufficient. (Chatsworth, Calif.; (818) 993-9636; www.imatte.com)
DLP PROJECTOR
RLM G5 Pro:
From Barco comes the RLM G5 Pro, which features an integrated computer server, allowing meeting participants to retrieve content directly from a LAN or the projector's hard disk. Laptops are no longer a necessity; users can stream video from a LAN straight to the projector. The three-chip DLP projector (powered by TI's Mercury high-contrast dark chips) offers 4500 ANSI lumens, a 900:1 contrast ratio, native XGA resolution, and a dual-lamp design. The projector is also available in a non-networked version, the RLM G5 Executive. (Kennesaw, Ga.; (770) 218-3200; www.barco.com)
LARGE-VENUE LCD PROJECTOR
LV-7555:
Also at Infocomm, Canon unveiled its brightest projector, the LV-7555, which delivers 4600 ANSI lumens and a 900:1 contrast ratio. The projector operates in native XGA resolution and also supports SXGA through compression. An advanced integrated circuit (IC) improves picture quality through a number of features, including a color-management function (allows users to identify a specific color for manual adjustment), a 3:2 pulldown option (minimizes motion artifacts on DVDs transferred from film), auto picture control (automatically optimizes image quality), and an intelligent image sharpness function (analyzes an incoming signal and sharpens only the areas needing attention). The IC chip also converts all interlaced signal scans to progressive scan. The LV-7555 can also operate in a silent mode that reduces fan noise to 35dB. (Lake Success, NY; (516) 328-5000; www.usa.canon.com)
HD AND SD PLASMA DISPLAYS
TH-42PHD6UY (HD)
and TH-42PWD6UY (SD): At Infocomm, Panasonic introduced two new 42in. plasma display panels. The TH-42PHD6UY is outfitted with a five-facet grid-cell structure panel that improves the light-emitting balance of the three primary image-creating colors (red, green, and blue), allowing purer whites and an improved brightness of 45%, according to Panasonic. Both panels feature Panasonic's MACH Enhancer (contour-emphasis signal-processing technology), Super Real Gamma System (reproduces gradation in steps equivalent to 1536 shades), New Real Black Drive System (delivers 4000:1 contrast ratio for the TH-42PWD6UY unit, 3000:1 for the TH-42PHD6UY), Deep Black Filter (reduces reflected light and suppresses light transmittance), and a Contrast Automatic Tracking System (automatically senses ambient light conditions, brightness, and gradation). (Secaucus, NJ; (800) 528-8601; www.panasonic.com/pbds/)
PROJECTOR MANAGEMENT SOLUTION
ChristieNET Enterprise Edition: Powered by Spinoza software, Christie launched Enterprise Edition with its new Content Management Console (CMC). CMC allows users to send content to any ChristieNET-enabled projector (via network, wireless or wired), including Microsoft Office files, Windows Media Player, MPEG, AVI, Realplayer, QuickTime, and DVD. ChristieNET is available in Expanded, Enterprise, and Project Organizer models. (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada; (519) 744-8005; www.christiedigital.com)