From BSS, there is the DCP-555 Digital Conferencing Processor which provides a template-based solution that IT managers and integrators can easily configure, making it possible to scale to hundreds or thousands of rooms across the enterprise.
From Crown there are new members of the DriveCore Install DA Series of amplifiers that feature support for Dante and AES67 networked audio at lower wattage than existing DA Series amplifiers.
From JBL Professional, there is a VTX A8 dual 8in line array loudspeaker and companion B18 single 18in subwoofer, offering compact solutions for small- to mid-size rental and installed applications. JBL’s VLA Compact Series line array solutions make their North American debut. The show will also see the JBL Pro SoundBar showcased alongside a Samsung 690 Series hospitality TV in a holistic solution aimed at hotel guest rooms and cruise ship staterooms.
From Martin Lighting, there is an announcement that its Rush lighting fixtures are now shipping in most locations, aimed at houses of worship, nightlife and performing arts customers.
Further details are given below.
AMX All Inclusive Kits with Connectivity and Distance Transport
Harman Professional Solutions has launched the AMX Connectivity and Transport (CT) Series, a family of 4K switching and distribution kits that combine switching, scaling and distance transport into a single kit that includes both a transmitter and receiver. Two models are available, including a presentation kit targeting simple presentation applications and a conferencing kit that adds USB 2.0 transport and switching for use in web conferencing environments.
The AMX CT Series kits deliver added value and flexibility to conferencing and presentation solutions by providing a single, simple to implement solution that offers switching and connectivity where it is needed along with unified control of both the transmitter and receiver—all over a single category cable. “With the continued proliferation of collaboration environments in corporate and education, our customers have been seeking a solution for video switching and transport in rooms with both installed and BYOD sources,” said Paul Krizan, corporate solutions manager at Harman Professional Solutions. “These new connectivity kits provide a solution that is easy to order, design, and implement.”
The AMX CT Series is available in two models:
- The AMX Presentation Connectivity and Transport Kit – The Presentation Connectivity and Transport kit was designed to address the needs of simple presentation environments, including 4K switching at the table, transport over category cable and additional connectivity at the receiver for an AMX Acendo Core or a room PC at the receiver, as well as scaling and output to the display. The receiver has built-in scaling, allowing the display to receive content in its native resolution regardless of the source.
- The AMX Conferencing Connectivity and Transport Kit – The Conferencing Connectivity and Transport kit was created to target web conferencing solutions where cameras, microphones, and other USB devices are installed in the room. The solution combines multi-format 4K60 video switching, scaling and distance transport with USB 2.0 peripheral switching. This allows dynamic sharing of room USB peripherals such as an AMX Acendo Vibe between visiting laptops, etc., and permanently installed devices such as an Acendo Core or room PC. This ensures excellent sound and visuals for guests whether they are using installed equipment or bringing their own devices.
“We are very excited to introduce the new AMX CT Series to the market,” said Shaun Robinson, VP of enterprise solutions at Harman Professional Solutions. “Leveraging the economies of scale within the HARMAN supply chain, we are now able to deliver tremendous value to our customers by providing the latest in video switching technology at very competitive pricing. In addition, we are providing the best of both worlds: simple-to-install solutions with auto-switching and no programming required—but solutions that are also NetLinx Native for easy integration into a controlled application.”
The AMX Precis 4K60 Fixed Matrix Switcher and AMX video distribution accessories
Harman has announced a number of new video distribution solutions designed to simplify system design and implementation for corporate, education and government applications. The additions include a new AMX Precis 8×8 fixed matrix switcher, as well as multiple video distribution accessories.
“As a manufacturer of complete AV solutions, we understand the many unique challenges that designers face as they put together systems,” said Paul Hand, product manager at Harman Professional Solutions. “These new video distribution products from AMX help address these challenges with new solutions to manage everything from 4K60 switching to video scaling to EDID management and CEC control to distance transport. These new products are simple and cost effective, and yet backed by Harman innovation and support.”
New AMX video distribution solutions include:
- The AMX Precis 4K60 Matrix Switcher – this 8×8 fixed matrix switcher is a 4K60 4:4:4 switching solution featuring eight HDMI inputs and outputs. Four of the outputs also feature mirrored HDBaseT outputs for connection directly to a display or projector that supports standard HDBaseT or for use with a Precis HDBaseT Receiver. The Precis supports 4K60 4:4:4 and HDCP 2.2 and includes dynamic audio de-embedding capabilities, offering a solution that is compatible with the latest sources and displays.
- The AMX DCE-1 4K60 In-Line Controller – the DCE-1 In-Line Controller combines CEC control, EDID emulation and audio extraction in a single, cost-effective device. The controller provides EDID emulation for resolutions up to 4K60 4:4:4, with the ability to copy from output or select from one of 15 preprogrammed EDIDs. The controller also offers control of display power using CEC or RS232 in response to a change in the input signal, as well as digital and analog audio de-embedding.
- The AMX SCL-1 4K60 Scaler – this small-format scaler adjusts the resolution of a video source to match the optimal resolution of the display. This single input/output product can be used in combination with other products—such as the local HDMI outputs on the AMX Precis 8×8—where scaling can be used to optimise the experience. The scaler supports input and output resolutions up to 4K60 4:4:4 and is compatible with HDCP 2.2 sources.
- The AMX DXLite Series 4K60 Distance Transport with HDR – The new AMX DXLite transmitter, like the previously announced DXLite receiver, leverages HDBaseT technology to distribute audio, video, and USB 2.0 over a single category cable. AMX DXLite supports 4K60 4:4:4, HDCP 2.2, and HDR video, and can be used point-to-point (transmitter to receiver) or in conjunction with an AMX Incite All-in-One Presentation Switcher. With onboard USB 2.0 distribution between the transmitter and receiver, a USB device such as an AMX Acendo Vibe conferencing soundbar, mounted at the display, can connect to a laptop at the table, providing cost-effective conferencing in BYOD meeting environments.
AMX Small Format 4K60 Presentation Switchers with Built-in Scaling
The AMX VPX Series is a family of multi-format presentation switchers that target small conference rooms and flipped classrooms. The VPX Series switchers support resolutions up to 4K60 4:4:4 and offer HDCP 2.2 compatibility to support the most current sources and displays.
“Conference rooms and flipped classrooms often utilise video switching at the table to simplify the system design and implementation,” said Paul Krizan, corporate solutions manager at Harman Professional Solutions. “The new AMX VPX Series addresses these applications by providing 4K60 switching in a small format that can easily be mounted underneath the table. The switchers offer mirrored HDBaseT and HDMI outputs with built-in scaling, making them perfect for active learning pods with a local display and distance transport to the main system.”
The AMX VPX Series presentation switchers are available in two options:
- AMX VPX-1401 – The VPX-1401 is 4×1 switcher with 3 HDMI inputs and 1 VGA input.
- AMX VPX-1701 – The VPX-1701 is a 7×1 switcher that includes 5 HDMI inputs and 2 VGA inputs.
The BSS DCP-555 Conferencing Processor
The BSS DCP-555 Digital Conferencing Processor is an intelligent audio solution designed specifically for web and audio conferencing in meeting spaces. Leveraging BSS’s nearly 40 years of innovation in intelligent audio technology, the DCP-555 provides superior sound processing quality in a template-based solution designed for conference rooms, boardrooms and classrooms.
The BSS DCP-555 Digital Conferencing Processor is for audio or web conferencing in medium or large meeting spaces, providing sound processing and automated mixing of microphones, PC audio, and other audio sources, with acoustic echo cancellation ensuring the meeting is clear and effective. Audio from multiple microphones can be output as a single, optimised signal over USB, making it perfect for web conferencing using the AMX Acendo Core or BYOD applications. With the inclusion of onboard VoIP connectivity, rooms can be equipped with audio conferencing without the need for a separate IP phone in the room.
“BSS intelligent audio processing solutions are renowned for their superior sound quality and advanced capabilities,” says Paul Krizan, corporate solutions manager for Harman Professional Solutions. “The BSS DCP-555 brings that same quality in a template-based solution that IT managers and integrators can easily configure, making it possible to scale to hundreds or thousands of rooms across the enterprise. Because configuration is performed using a web interface with no additional software required, set-up can be done easily from any device connected to the same network.”
The Dante-Enabled Crown DriveCore Install DA Series
Harman Professional Solutions has launched new members of the Crown DriveCore Install DA Series of amplifiers. These newest members of Crown’s flagship line of networked install amplifiers feature support for Dante and AES67 networked audio at lower wattage than existing DA Series amplifiers.
For applications that require Dante or AES67 networked audio, the Crown DCi DA Series provides a balanced combination of output power, channel count and speaker load flexibility along with proprietary DriveCore technology for efficiency and audio quality. This brings Crown’s power handling to even more distributed amplifier applications as well as applications that have standardised on Dante for networked audio transport.
“These new, lower wattage members of the Crown DCi DA Series demonstrate our commitment to providing robust and capable amplifier solutions for any application,” said Iain Gregory, director of large venue solutions and marketing at Harman Professional Solutions. “With support for Dante and AES67 combined with the advanced capabilities of the Crown DriveCore Install Series, these new amplifiers bring the ability to distribute amplifiers throughout a facility without complex cabling or additional devices.”
The JBL VTX A8 Compact Line Array Loudspeaker and B18 Subwoofer
The JBL VTX A8 dual 8in line array loudspeaker and companion B18 single 18in subwoofer bring JBL Professional’s flagship VTX A Series technology to compact solutions for small- to mid-size rental and installed applications.
The VTX A8 combines proprietary JBL transducers and latest-generation high-frequency waveguide acoustic design to provide performance, efficiency and 110 degrees of horizontal coverage, while the companion VTX B18 is JBL Professional’s next-generation, compact and lightweight subwoofer, designed to extend the low frequency response of full range JBL VTX systems below 30Hz.
“We created the VTX A8 loudspeaker and B18 subwoofer to meet the diverse sound reinforcement needs of production companies, rental houses, theatres and houses of worship, and for anyone needing front fills, side arrays or other auxiliary support for large-scale VTX systems,” said George Georgallis, solutions manager, tour audio and performing arts at Harman Professional Solutions. “Both the VTX A8 and the B18 were engineered from the ground up to provide big-system JBL sound in flexible, compact components.”
The JBL VLA Compact Series Line Arrays
Harman has announced the North America debut of the JBL Professional VLA Compact Series line array solution. Built upon the capabilities of the JBL Variable Line Array (VLA) Series of long throw line arrays, the recently announced VLA Compact Series offers the same performance quality in a more compact, outdoor-ready solution. The VLA Compact Series offers advanced audio capabilities, out-of-the-box IP55-rated all-weather protection and a fibreglass enclosure for use in any large venue, from small to mid-sized stadiums and arenas to larger venues where speakers are mounted a long distance from the listener.
VLA Compact is designed specifically for permanent installation applications requiring even coverage, high intelligibility and audio levels capable of overcoming crowd noise. The series features large format horn-loaded modules to provide broad bandwidth horizontal directivity and an increase in sensitivity in a compact form factor. Full-range models include dual 10in low frequency drivers featuring Harman’s patented Differential Drive technology, with 65° and 100° horizontal coverage options available. A subwoofer with dual 15in Differential Drive woofers is also available. Because the VLA Compact is intended for outdoor use, the speakers also include weather protection out of the box, with an IP55-rated fibreglass enclosure and steel end panels.
“Customers have been very enthusiastic about the JBL VLA Compact Series announcement, which is why we are excited to be demonstrating this solution at InfoComm this year,” said Kevin Brown, sports venues solutions manager at Harman Professional Solutions. “The JBL VLA Series are in use in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, and the new VLA Compact Series brings those capabilities in a compact, versatile solution that is perfect both for smaller-sized stadiums and for use in distributed clusters in arenas, domed stadiums and larger performance spaces.”
A Guest Room Solution Featuring The JBL Pro SoundBar
Harman Professional Solutions has announced that the JBL Professional Pro SoundBar PSB-1 is now shipping in most locations worldwide. The Pro SoundBar draws upon JBL’s long history of soundbars in the consumer space, but is designed specifically for commercial applications. At InfoComm 2018, Harman will demonstrate the capabilities of the new soundbar in a dedicated guest room environment. The Pro SoundBar, which addresses the requirements of hospitality spaces, will be accompanied in the booth area by a Samsung 690 Series hospitality TV, demonstrating a holistic entertainment solution for hotel guest rooms and cruise ship staterooms.
“The JBL Pro SoundBar offers a feature set optimised for guest rooms and staterooms,” said Bradley Drummond, director of hospitality solutions and strategy at Harman Professional Solutions. “Typical consumer-grade soundbars offer features that are more appropriate in a home environment than a hotel. By providing the right feature set required by hospitality applications—along with application-specific features such as volume limiting, cloth-free materials and a security lockout plate—we’re able to provide our customers with the audio clarity and experience they want at a very attractive price point.”
Features that target hospitality environments include a four-position volume limiting switch to control the maximum output of the soundbar, a vibration isolation wall-mounting kit to manage sound transference, and full-range speakers to limit disturbance and complexity from a separate subwoofer. The JBL Pro SoundBar is compatible with both fixed source volume applications (where the volume is controlled at the soundbar) and variable source applications (where gain is controlled at the television). The soundbar also offers IR Learning, allowing it to “learn” the IR pulse of a TV remote’s volume controls. This allows guests in fixed source applications to control volume without the need for a programmable remote.
The Martin by Harman Rush Batten, Blinder, and Par Fixtures
Harman Professional Solutions has announced that several recently launched Martin Rush entertainment lighting fixtures are now shipping in most locations, including the Martin Rush Batten Hex 1, Rush Blinder 1 WW, Rush Par 3 RGB, and Rush PAR 4 UV. These entertainment lighting solutions extend the range of capabilities within the Martin Rush Series, providing an even more complete family of cost-effective lighting solutions that meet the needs of houses of worship, nightclubs and other performance venues.
The new Martin Rush Series products include:
- The Martin Rush Batten Hex 1 – A 12-cell batten wash fixture featuring 12 watt RGBAW+UV 6-in-1 LEDs, the Rush Batten 1 Hex provides intense light for colour, white or blacklight applications. With available pixel mapping of the individual LEDs and a removable diffuser lens that increases the beam angle of the fixture from 25° to 32°, designers can achieve exciting looks for a variety of applications.
- The Martin Rush Blinder 1 WW – An ultra-bright 2×2 LED blinder fixture, the Rush Blinder 1 WW features four individually controllable 100 watt COB warm white LEDs that provide high-intensity 19,000+ lumens output. The unique frame on the Rush Blinder 1 WW offers the ability to attach fixtures together in a grid pattern, with the individually-controllable COBs allowing designers to create pixel effects across multiple fixtures.
- The Martin Rush Par 3 RGB – A successor to the acclaimed Rush Par 1, the Rush Par 3 RGB is a 36 watt single-lens RGB LED Par can light fixture with fully premixed colour. A magnetically attached beam angle reducer lens provides both 80° and 14° beam angle options, and the fanless design provides quiet operation in sound-sensitive environments such as house of worship and performing arts.
- The Martin Rush Par 4 UV – A single-lens UV LED Par can light fixture for use in blacklight applications, the Rush Par 4 UV includes a 100 watt COB 400nm UV LED mounted in a reflector for high-output ultraviolet light, and has regulated air cooling for quiet operation. For larger blacklight applications, the Rush Par 4 UV can be paired with the Rush Batten 1 Hex.
“The response to the new Martin Rush stage lighting fixtures has already been tremendous,” says Bradley Drummond, director of hospitality solutions at Harman Professional Solutions. “The fixtures provide our house of worship, nightlife and performing arts customers with Martin’s class-leading optics, while offering a single point of contact for ordering and support. We are excited that these fixtures are now available for order, and to be bringing these fixtures to InfoComm this year.”