Exhibitors and attendees were, for the most part, pleased with this year’s INFOCOMM, held June 13-15 at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas. Some exhibitors felt that traffic was a little slow, particularly on the last two days of the event, though that might be attributed at least in part to the expanded show floor. Attendees, though were treated to a wide range of new products in the video and audio realm. Below is a highly selective roundup of some of the new products unveiled on the show floor that should be of interest to ED readers.
Analog Way launched its Graphic Switcher II for seamless cuts, fades, dissolves, mixes, and wipes between interlaced and progressive-scan signal sources. It features 16 computer/video inputs, and each input is scaled up or down to one user-programmable output signal that can be VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA, D-ILA, or HDTV (480p, 720p, 1080p).
Audio-Technica launched its Engineered Sound® Wireless Systems. It offers true diversity operation, 100 switch-selectable PLL-synthesized UHF frequencies, and Tone Lock™ tone squelch. It is also available as separate components, with two receivers and two transmitters to chose from.
Barco Inc. showed the BarcoReality 6500 LCD projector and the CineView 5, a compact three-chip DLP projector. The BarcoReality is a 5000 lumens design with native SXGA (1280x1024) resolution and full network capabilities. SDI input is standard, and there’s also an optional IEEE-1394 input. This projector can be connected to a LAN with an optional Ethernet 10baseT interface for remote operation and service diagnosis. The CineView 5 is suitable for business theatre and HD projection. It incorporates 1024x768 DMDs and is capable of true seamless source switching by using predetermined transitions, such as wipes, box in/out, and dissolves.
Christie Digital has a new group of projectors, including the 1024x768 Vivid Green desktop/installation LCD projector. Other models shown include the Prodigi three-chip DLP family: the Prodigi 420 (3500ANSI lumens, 1024x768 resolution), the Prodigi 600 (5000ANSI lumens, 1024x768 resolution), and the Prodigi S-class (12,000ANSI lumens, 1280x1024 resolution). All three models provide interchangeable lenses and 13-bit user-selectable gamma tables.
Crest Audio displayed the X-Matrix Expander Module that serves as the companion product to the Crest X-VCA. It provides the facilities to derive additional matrix mixes, and up to four units may be powered directly from the X-VCA, yielding a 12x12 matrix. The X-Matrix Expander Module can also be used as a stand-alone, self-contained, matrix mixer.
Digital Projection International unveiled the "20 Series" Lightning projection systems. The series is an expansion of the current Lightning Display projectors, and all are based on a three-chip DLP™ technology by Texas Instruments. The series includes the Lightning 22gv, Lightning 22sx, Lightning 25sx, and the Lightning 28sx.
Electrosonic Limited launched the new Vector Director™ system. It is specifically developed for corporate presentation applications, enables selection and control of multiple information sources, and displays all forms of data. The system can be controlled via a straightforward tailored interface—touch panel, hand controller, or PC. It features pre-defined display combinations, mixed data sources, and advanced effects capabilities.
Electro-Voice® presented the QRx115/75, two-way 15-inch woofer loudspeaker, and the QRx118S, single 18-inch subwoofer. The QRx Series is positioned to bridge high-end MI with contracting. Each component is portable, flexible, and equipped for use in fixed installation projects where direct radiating two-ways are appropriate.
Extron Electronics branched into a new line of digital switchers this year. The Digital Xpoint matrix switcher line is intended for switching serial digital video signals to multiple digital video devices in production studios, nonlinear editing suites, and broadcast studios. There are two models: the DXP 88 SDI (eight input, eight output) model and the DXP 44 SDI (four input, four output) model.
Folsom Research, Inc. showcased its ViewMax down-converter, which converts high-resolution computer (1600x1280) to broadcast-quality video in realtime. It offers pan and zoom, one-button image presets, HD input, and a user interface.
FSR, Inc. showed the Compass 7 x 1 seamless graphic switcher with audio. It has a built-in scaler, which accepts any video source from Composite Video up to 1600x1200 (UXGA) resolutions. The Compass is a single rack unit device with front panel controls of all functions and transitions. It was designed to be an economical switching solution that is easily installed and operated.
Hitachi America, Ltd. showcased three projectors. The CP-SX5500W, an LCOS-based SXGA+ portable projector, features 1,500 lumens and is designed for applications such as home theatre, architecture, and presentations. The CP-S225W is an HDTV-ready SVGA projector that features high-quality video and brightness, and weighs 5 lbs. The Cp-S310W is a portable LCD projector that provides a low-cost solution for educational purposes or budget conscious businesses.
InFocus exhibited the LP530 digital projector, designed for multiple applications in conference rooms or on the road. It weighs 5.7 lbs. and delivers 2000 lumens. It also features variable brightness settings, video quality, multimedia functionality, investment protection, and a sleek design.
Jensen Transformers displayed its line of ISO-MAX® isolators, designed for sound and video output within high-end audio/video environments. They provide system designers with a best-of-class tool for solving inherent ground loop problems associated with these environments. The line also has the ability to eliminate hum bars and other audio/video anomalies.
Kramer Electronics announced its new VS-4x4FW, a passive FireWire router for desktop video production environments where digital video or storage is being routed via the new FireWire (IEEE-1394) standard. It uses a 6-pin (type B) connector for the host sources as well as the outputs. Kramer also introduced the three-input FC-5000, a combination standards converter and time base corrector. It includes two S-Video outputs and two composite video outputs all with proc amp controls. Other features include: full proc amp controls, AGC from .5V to 2V, digitally generated EBU bars, cross hatch, PLUGE and multiburst patterns, and a digital comb filter.
Lighthouse launched its LED Banner Panel product. In the stadium market it is intended for pitch side applications, while in arenas it can be mounted at ground level or between tiers of seating. The software used to drive the system is capable of running still and moving video images and allows images to be changed instantly.
Mackie Industrial announced its DX-10E Expansion Card for the Mackie Industrial DX8 digital audio mixer and signal processor. The hardware/software expansion kit transforms the DX8 into a programmable 8x10 matrix mixer with improved signal processing capabilities. It also includes upgraded control software and an improved user interface.
Midas® unveiled the Venice™ console, the first high-profile audio mixing console in a compact format. It complements the existing Midas range, and there are three versions available: the Venice 160 (8 mono-mic/line + 4 stereo-line/mono-mic inputs), the Venice 240 (16 mono-mic/line + 4 stereo-line/mono-mic inputs), and the Venice 320 (24 mono-mic/line + 4 stereo-line/mono-mic inputs).
Neutrik® exhibited the FX-Digital XLR connector, which allows transmission of digital audio signals. The three-pole connector features gold contacts as standard, a coaxial ground spring, and a coaxial hex crimp ferrule at the cable entrance for transition of the shield to the shell. The X-Digital accepts a wide range of cable diameters and will be available in 4-7 pin configurations.
Panasonic unveiled the PT-D8500U, a three-chip DLP projector rated at more than 7000ANSI lumens. It features workstation (1280x1024) compatibility with built-in Universal Format conversion and 10-bit digital signal processing. The PT-D8500U is also fully HDTV-compatible and offers built-in edge blending, allowing two to 100 (maximum 10x10) PT-D8500Us to be set side-by side or stacked up to 10x10 for displaying full-motion images over the entire span.
Proxima displayed the Pro AV 9410, an upgrade to the Pro AV 9400+. The 9410 offers 3700ANSI lumens, an increased contrast ratio claimed to be 600:1 (full on, full off) and reduced audible operating noise by 4dB via the same form factor and user interface as its predecessor. It uses 1280x1024 (SXGA) LCD panels and incorporates Proxima’s V-scan video processing technology, extensive connectivity, lens shift, bi-directional RS-232, and compatibility with Proxima’s ProjectionLink single-wire connectivity solution.
RGB Spectrum presented the RBG/Videolink 1690 scan converter, which accepts inputs up to 1600x1200 resolution and outputs for imagery as NTSC/PAL composite video, S-Video (S-VHS, Hi8), or component analog video (Betacam/MII). SMPTE 259M digital output is available as an option. The unit employs digital signal processing circuitry and offers zoom, autosync, and multiple levels of flicker filtering.
Sanyo displayed the PLC-XF12N and PLC-EF12N, two large-venue digital multimedia LCD projectors. Both units utilize a 440W (1024x768) resolution, while the PLC-EF12N provides 3600ANSI lumens and SXGA (1280x1024) native resolution. Both projectors can be twin-stacked. The units feature a power lens shift function and Sanyo’s Polarized Beam Splitter (PBS) system.
Sharp showcased the 1024x768 XG-P10XU and the XG-P20XU. The XG-P10XU is capable of 3000ANSI lumens, with more than 350:1 peak contrast. It is equipped with a 1.3:1 power zoom-focus lens, and there are optional 1.3-1.7:1 and 2.5-3.2:1 zooms for wide-angle and long-throw projection. Two multi-format 15-pin RGB/component inputs with a monitor loop-out are standard, as are composite, S-video, and DVI inputs. The XG-P20XU delivers 3300ANSI lumens with more than 300:1 peak contrast. It also uses three 1.3-in. 1024x768 LCD panels. The standard lens is a 1.3:1 power zoom/focus design, and it can be shifted manually. Optional lenses include a 1.3-1.7:1 wide angle, 2.5-3.2:1 telephoto, 4.8-6.0:1 long-throw telephoto, and short-throw 0.9:1 wide angle.
Telex® introduced the BTR-800 two-channel, fully UHF intercom system. It is designed for any application in which two distinct channels of intercom need to be accessed by one or more wireless extensions to the intercom system. The BTR-800 is fully UHF, fully user-synthesized and features stage announce and relay closure, wireless talk around, and enhanced ClearScan™.
Wireworks Corporation presented the AV2000 Multipin System, which integrates audio, video, and control signals in a single connector. The system is available in 19 configurations ranging from 23 all audio contacts to 24 coaxial contacts.