Sales Growth Propels Symetrix Expansion

May 23, 2007

Source: Symetrix Audio

With robust sales of its flagship processors, the enthusiastic reception of SymNet and the new Integrator Series, plus the dramatic growth in overseas markets, Symetrix has expanded its facilities and hired a host of talented staff members to meet the company’s burgeoning demands. In a reportedly peaceful takeover, Symetrix now occupies the entire building it used to share in Seattle’s nearby suburb of Mountlake Terrace, Washington. The sales department, which received a disproportionate share of the new recruits, moved to the second floor, allowing the engineering department to expand to the newly refinished rear of the building on the first floor. The freshly redecorated front of the first floor now houses Reception, Accounting and Marketing.

The new hires and internal shifts add polish to Symetrix’ already-stellar team, which is characterized by each member’s unique competence at their particular job and broad sharing and overlap of knowledge between individuals and departments. To bend a phrase, the left hand knows exactly what the right hand is doing at Symetrix.

On the first floor, Trent Wagner has taken up the head of the Marketing Department and is leading the advertising, dealer/rep communications, public relations, and related activities of Symetrix and its Lucid, AirTools, and SymNet brands with exceptional creativity and vision. Under Wagner, Bruce Yunker is now working as Art Director and skillfully tackling the increased production work that Symetrix’ growth has entailed. Francesca Grove has taken lessons learned in Sales Administration and is aptly applying them in her new role as Logistics Coordinator. Mike Wall is employing his rare gift, the ability to communicate with both marketers and engineers, in his role as Product Manager. Dallas Dougherty will visit current and potential clients at points home and abroad, explaining the benefits of Symetrix technology and listening to the needs and feedback of users on the ground.

Within engineering, Frank Heller is the new Senior Graphic Designer and has already stamped his unique, ultra-cool aesthetic on the Zone Mix 760 software. Symetrix hired IT guru Wil Bailey to the more formal-sounding position of Technical Resource Manager. Finally, Quy Tang and David Joiner now ensure that the quality of Symetrix products remains unrivaled in their respective roles as Manufacturing Technician and Manufacturing Manager.

Aviom Expands Sales Force

May 23, 2007

Source: Aviom

Aviom (InfoComm, Booth #8246), exclusive developer of the world’s premier audio transport technology, A-Net®, is announcing several additions to its global sales team.

Jonathan “JP” Parker, who has been serving as Aviom’s Sales Director in the Southeastern U.S., is now assuming the role of Director of International Sales, Asia Pacific. In his new role, Parker will make good use of his degree in International Business, as well as his fluency in Japanese, to create new business opportunities for Aviom in this key region.

Mark Meding, who has been Aviom’s Sales Director for the Northeast U.S. and Canada, will now assume Parker’s former Southeastern territory and will be in charge of sales throughout the entire East Coast of the U.S. Canada is now back in the capable hands of Aviom’s longtime International Sales Director, Joel Brazy, who oversees the company’s sales efforts in Europe as well as Latin America.

The Aviom sales force is managed by National Sales Director Gary Lee, under the leadership of Aviom’s new Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Mike McGinn.

Gefen Offers Coax Cable and Cable-Free Methods of HDMI Extension

May 23, 2007

Source: Gefen

Connectivity solutions provider Gefen today announced the availability of two new professional quality video scalers. The HD-SDI to HDMI and HDMI to HD-SDI Scalers offer high-end scaling abilities that broadcast professionals will appreciate when integrating and testing audio/video systems.

Both employ Gennum’s VXP top-of-the-line GF9351 Image Processor that provides value-added features, notably genlock control and proprietary 10-bit motion adaptive video de-interlacing capabilities to ensure perfectly timed video performance.

The HD-SDI to HDMI Scaler allows consumer displays to be used for gauging video performance and testing, converting a HD-SDI source to HDMI format and scaling video in multiple HD resolutions to 1080p. It outputs digital audio embedded in the HDMI signals and mirrored in S/PDIF format.

The HDMI to HD-SDI Scaler connects consumer video sources, such as games, satellite television systems and HD DVD players, to the HD-SDI format, scaling the video in both dual and single link modes for standard and high definition resolutions.

Both scalers are installed with Gefen’s trademark plug and play ease, requiring simple connections to perform. A simple menu guides users through advanced scaling selections including noise reduction, detail enhancements, frame rate conversions, test patterns, color corrections and custom timing outputs.

Currently available for pre-ordering and slated for June 2007 distribution, the Gefen HDMI to HD-SDI (MSRP $1499) and HD-SDI to HDMI (MSRP $1299) Scalers each come with an IR remote and RS-232 ports for menu control and selection.

Product Links:

1. HD-SDI to HDMI Scaler http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=4211

2. HDMI to HD-SDI Scaler http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=4210

Toshiba Enhances Pro AV Channel Focus

May 23, 2007Source: Toshiba

Toshiba’s Digital Products Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced that it is expanding its Pro AV channel focus in Q307 by designing special programs to assist the channel growth and profits.

Toshiba will launch the new program during InfoComm 07, June 19-21, 2007 in Anaheim, Calif. The programs will offer dealers aggressive pricing, longer warranties, programs to increase revenue and a selection of new products with features geared toward small-to-medium businesses (SMBs), government agencies, and education.

To reinforce this effort, Toshiba will be dedicating a team of experts with knowledge in Pro AV technology, system installations, and large government/education proposals to support the channel.

“With 11 years in the channel, Toshiba recognizes the high-level of product and technology expertise the Pro AV dealer provides to Toshiba customers,” said Sam Malik, director of projector sales and marketing, Toshiba Digital Products Division. “Because of their talent and professional sales force, they bring tremendous value to customers for maximum benefit.”

During InfoComm, Toshiba will be demonstrating its latest line up of high-quality, feature-rich projectors including ultra-small Pico portables, business and education projectors with wide XGA resolution, projectors with ‘extreme short projection’ technology, and wireless projectors that are Windows ® Vista compatible.

According to AV integrator Matt Zaleski, vice president of Data Projections, “The Pro AV channel has experienced a great deal of growth and change. Programs that worked for dealers last year, may not work today. By revamping its Pro AV programs and offering new products, Toshiba is solidifying its commitment to the channel.”

Toshiba’s senior projector executive, Sam Malik, will be meeting with dealers during InfoComm who are interested in hearing about Toshiba’s long-term goals for the channel and obtaining dealer input on how Toshiba can provide other products and programs to strengthen its relationships within the Pro AV channel. Dealers interested in speaking with Toshiba at the show should contact their sales representative or call 1-800-346-6672.

INFOCOMM2007 News

Get the latest InfoComm 2007 news at this link:  http://www.proavbuyersguide.com/infocomm2007professionalavnews.php

Aviom’s New ProAudio Distribution Product – The 6416dio Digital I/O Module

 

Aviom, exclusive developer of the world’s fastest audio transport technology, A-Net®, is exhibiting the latest addition to its innovative Pro64 Series of audio distribution products, the 6416dio Digital I/O Module, at InfoComm 2007 (Booth #8246).

A revolutionary product that truly unleashes the full power, speed and performance of the Pro64 platform, the 6416dio provides sixteen channels of digital inputs and out­puts to and from a Pro64 A‑Net audio network in a single 2U package, using the AES3 format.

With exceptional clock per­formance, the 6416dio meets the needs of digital console and workstation users in a range of applications for broadcast on remotes and locations, film sets and church campuses.

The input and output sections of the 6416dio module can be independently configured to operate within a specified 16-channel A‑Net Slot range for maximum versatility. Input and output port assign­ments for Manual Mode are also independently configurable. Each channel of a 6416dio can be made active on the Pro64 audio network as needed. The 6416dio supports all valid Pro64 sample rates, from 44.1/48kHz± to 192kHz±. Re­gardless of the sample rate of incoming audio, no sample rate converters are used, guaranteeing pristine, low latency distribu­tion of the digital signal. The 6416dio can clock to the module’s internal clock, the distributed network clock, an AES digital input, or an external Word Clock. The selected clock is also output locally through Word Clock out as well as embedded in the AES3 outputs. If the 6416dio is set as the Pro64 network Clock Master, the selected clock is also distributed throughout the Pro64 network over A‑Net, using Aviom’s revolutionary clock dejitter algorithms.

The 6416dio comes standard with DB25 multipin connectors for audio I/O and is also available with BNC connectors for seamless integration in a broadcast environment. DB25 connectors for both the Yamaha® and Digidesign®/Tascam® compatible pinouts are provided.

The 6416dio also includes I/O for Aviom’s innovative Virtual Data Cables™. The VDCs can be used for simultaneously distribut­ing up to 14 channels of non‑audio control data to any device on the Pro64 network. The 6416dio provides VDC connectors for RS‑232 or RS‑422, as well as GPIO.

The versatile 6416dio is compatabile with all Pro64 Series products, allowing sophisticated audio networking systems to be designed, scaled, and expanded as needed. The 6416dio meets or exceeds the AES3 specifications for Input Level, Jitter Totlerance, Common Mode Rejection and Jitter Gain.

LifeSize Features Grossology LIVE “Distance Edutainment” Show at Interop Las Vegas 2007

 

 May 22 2007

Source: Lifesize

LifeSize®, the high definition video communications company, today announced that Grossology LIVE – an interactive video series produced by National Association of Health Education Centers (NAHEC) and IDSolutions, and funded by the National Science Foundation – will be the main attraction at LifeSize booth #1148 during Interop® Las Vegas 2007, May 22-24, in the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Convention Center.  LifeSize will also broadcast the Grossology LIVE booth presentations over LifeSize high definition video communications systems located on the Interop show floor as part of the InteropNet collaborative network.

Based on the bestselling series of children’s books by Sylvia Branzei and the blockbuster science exhibition by the same name, these live interactive high definition video experiences using LifeSize systems are presented regularly to children at participating health and science centers to examine the “impolite” science of the human body.  Interop Las Vegas attendees will be able to enjoy several segments from the various programs – Do the Bathroom Hustle, The Zoo on You, ESPU and Blood Sucking Investigation (BSI) – as they connect over a network powered by Masergy with a cast of interesting characters at the Grossology LIVE studios for interactive entertainment and fun learning opportunities. 

“As a LifeSize channel partner and a producer of the Grossology LIVE series, we are thrilled to be participating with LifeSize at Interop Las Vegas 2007 to demonstrate a fun and unique LifeSize high definition video communications application like this one,” said Tim Barshinger, director of educational programming, IDSolutions.  “We’ve been conducting Grossology LIVE programs using LifeSize systems for over a year now and the audiences – children and adults alike – are always amazed with the incredible quality, entertainment and educational aspects they experience when seeing one of the shows.”

LifeSize was the first company to deliver high definition video communications products.  Since then other entrants have attempted to introduce similar offerings or high-end telepresence suites, but LifeSize offers the very best price-to-performance on the market.  With LifeSize Room intended for large, geographically distributed participants in multiple locations and LifeSize Team geared for smaller, remote project groups, LifeSize is able to provide organizations of all sizes a high quality, high performance, cost-effective high definition video communications experience.

“LifeSize systems are intended to make the user experience more life-like and enjoyable, as well as more productive,” said Craig Malloy, CEO of LifeSize.  “Grossology LIVE is a perfect example of the types of applications that are emerging as companies and organizations become aware of the tremendous value they can realize from using high definition video communications.”

LifeSize offers a fully integrated and interoperable high definition video communications product suite that enables all types of businesses around the globe to more effectively interact and collaborate across distances.  Customers include AIC Ventures, Barclays, Blackstone Group, CAPTRUST Financial Advisors, Case Western Reserve University, Goldman Sachs, Grossology LIVE, House Production & Casting, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Kilpatrick Stockton, Nottingham University Hospitals, Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council and Salud Family Health Centers.

Recently LifeSize was named a Red Herring 100 Spring 2007 winner – an award given by the publication to the top 100 private technology companies in North America – and a Gartner “cool vendor” in the enterprise communications sector.

Cisco Buys Surveillance Software Maker

May 22 2007

Source: Cisco

Cisco Systems® today announced a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held BroadWare Technologies, a leading provider of IP-based video surveillance software. BroadWare’s software enables web-based monitoring, management, recording and storage of audio and video that can be accessed anywhere by authorized users.

With this acquisition, Cisco will be able to help customers easily gain access to live and recorded surveillance video for faster investigation response and event resolution. The BroadWare acquisition complements Cisco’s existing video surveillance product offering, which provides a smooth migration path from analog surveillance video to a digital network solution.

By using the IP network as a platform to converge applications, companies can easily integrate and synchronize video with other safety and security systems as well as other business tools. This creates the opportunity for new innovative capabilities to be delivered, maximizing the value of live and recorded surveillance video. BroadWare Technologies will help Cisco provide this value to its customer across different environments including commercial and enterprise branch offices, campus/headquarters and large public sector applications.

“Cisco views the video surveillance infrastructure market as an immediate high growth opportunity that requires the ability to support both IP and analog device installations,” said Marthin De Beer, Senior Vice President of Cisco’s Emerging Market Technologies Group (EMTG). “Through the acquisition of BroadWare, Cisco will be able address both existing and greenfield video surveillance opportunities.”

The acquisition is subject to various standard closing conditions and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of Cisco’s fiscal year 2007, ending July 27, 2007. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

BroadWare was founded in 1995 and has 38 employees, with offices in Santa Clara, California and McLean, Virginia.

Upon close of the transaction, the BroadWare team and products will be integrated into EMTG reporting to De Beer.

About Cisco Systems

Cisco is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com.

Willie Williams wins Creative Review award for outstanding design using Barco creative LED modules

Barco, a leader in creative LED technology, is proud to congratulate show designer Willie Williams on being named “Best in Book” in this year’s Creative Review Annual. Williams was included in the annual for the design of the impressive stage set on the recent George Michael 25 Live Tour.

Creative Review, is the world’s leading monthly magazine for visual communication. The Creative Review Annual, published each May, is the definitive collection of the best work in graphic design, advertising from all over the world.

The stage design of George Michael tour, centered around a dramatic “ski slope” LED video screen, which flows onto the stage and beyond via both concave and convex curves to create a stunning visual element, strong enough to be both stood and danced on. The screen measuring 9 meters wide by 25 meter wide incorporated 3000 of Barco’s new MiSTRIP LED modules. The screen was a technical first, and was custom made for the concert.

“It was a colossal undertaking,” says Willie Williams. “I’d had this in mind for a long time and George seemed the prefect person for it…I’m always dealing with things that are only just possible – the technology and the show developed hand in hand.”

The MiSTRIP is a linear LED screen element, essentially a “strip of pixels”, that can be combined in any shape and quantity to make up any size and form of LED screens. Despite its sleek appearance, the MiSTRIP is structurally very strong, which made it ideal for Willie Williams’ design for the George Michael tour. The modularity of the MiSTRIP system and special mechanics developed for the show allow the lower rear part of the screen to open up, an unexpected entrance for the artist onto the stage!
Williams enlisted the help of producer Sam Pattinson of onedotzero, who worked with directors Luke Halls and Damian Hale to create the films for the tour.

DNF Controls and Vista Systems Partner

May 21, 2007 Source: DNF Controls

DNF Controls today announced a new control option for Vista Systems, Inc., manufacturer of the Spyder multifunction video processor sold worldwide. The two companies have worked together to enable close integration of the Spyder system and DNF Controls’ comprehensive ST420-VSS Shotbox, which together provide a simple video access, enhancement, and control solution for staging and event producers. As part of this endeavor, Vista Systems can offer DNF Controls’ ST420-VSS Shotbox as another control option to clients using the company’s Spyder video processor. 

“Many of our Spyder clients require a simple, user-friendly tactile control panel in addition to our Vista Advanced software GUI,” said Bob Enright, general manager at Vista Systems. “We worked with DNF Controls because of its reputation for excellence in control equipment. The company’s engineers worked closely with us to create an affordable, high-quality video control solution that allows us to expand our market offerings to small and lower-budget productions.”

“We are pleased to be working with Vista Systems,” said John Duggin, president of DNF Controls. “Together our solution offers a high level of versatility and performance, as well as a unique and cost-effective solution for the live production arena.”

The ST420-VSS Shotbox connects directly to the Vista Spyder over an Ethernet interface. Users have the power to read the Spyder system’s advanced command keys and automatically map them to Shotbox keys (10 banks of 27 keys per bank), assign a specific command key to a specific Shotbox key, recall a group of command keys at the press of a key, and step forward or backward through the cues in a single script or a group of scripts. 

The Vista Spyder video processor allows a production technician to use a variety of inputs, including HD, DVI, analog RGB, SDI, HD-SDI, analog Betacam, composite, or S-Video, and project them through a single output to multiple displays. It can be used in a range of production environments, from the boardroom to the newsroom to the stadium arena, to create compelling, dynamic shows.

More information on Vista Systems’ Spyder, and the company’s other products, can be found at www.vistasystems.net.

More information on the ST420-VSS Shotbox, and other DNF Controls solutions, is available at www.dnfcontrols.com.