MICROPHONE INTERESTS COALITION CRITICIZES GOOGLE ‘WHITE SPACES’ PLAN
A coalition of high-profile wireless microphone users, organized as the Microphone Interests Coalition (MIC), has criticized the recent Google proposal to open the “White Spaces” to unlicensed device use. Google is touting the proposal as a spectrum compromise that eliminates any remaining interference concerns about using personal/portable devices in the unassigned TV channels called White Spaces.
Similar to one submitted earlier by Motorola, the proposal would require wireless microphone users to purchase and operate a “beacon” transmitter—akin to a jamming device—and would rely on White Space devices to sense this beacon in order to prevent the White Space device from interfering with mic transmissions. Google’s proposal also identifies a “safe harbor” of three TV channels in which wireless mics could operate without interference from new devices. Additional protections would be provided by intelligent “spectrum-sensing” technology embedded in the portable devices. This sensing technology is currently under evaluation in FCC laboratory testing.
“There are several reasons why the beacon concept compounds the White Spaces challenges already before the Commission and, in engineering terms, offers no practical solution at all,” said Scott Harmala, CTO of ATK Audiotek. “First, the proposed beacon has not been developed, operated or tested in any fashion or in any forum. How can the FCC possibly approve an interference protection technology without anyone having seen it work?” He continued, “Second, the beacon concept relies on spectrum sensing—the very technology that is performing so poorly in the FCC’s ongoing test. Beacons could be just as difficult to detect as the wireless microphones themselves and could create additional interference problems.”

MUZAK, DMX GIVEN DOJ CLEARANCE TO MERGE
Muzak LLC (Fort Mill SC) and DMX, Inc. (Austin TX), two providers of business media services, have been informed by the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice (DOJ) that its investigation into the proposed merger of the companies, to allow for a sale to a third party, would be closed and that the companies are cleared to proceed with the proposed transaction without an antitrust challenge. The companies expect to receive formal notification of the investigation’s closing soon. [Sound & Communications covered the progress of the transaction in our July 2007 NEWSLETTER.]
Muzak CEO Steve Villa said, “We are pleased with the action taken by the Department of Justice, as we believe a merger of our two companies will create significant opportunities for innovations in products and services that will result in [significant] benefit for our clients.”
Muzak and DMX have taken steps that will allow them to move quickly through the sale and integration process, including completion of an analysis of the combined entity. The companies also have engaged an investment banking firm to assist with offering the combined entity to a third-party buyer. The companies will continue to operate independently until a purchase is finalized, and expect no disruption in service to clients.

232-ATSC Transitions AV Systems into the HDTV World

Why wait for February 2009? The Contemporary Research 232-ATSC tunes yesterday’s analog channels and tomorrow’s HDTV standards – today. Designed for pro integration, the U. S. made 232 ATSC is a virtual Swiss Army Tuner, with a wide array of options for control, tuning, and AV outputs.

Representing CR’s third generation of universal HDTV tuners, the 232-ATSC offers a smart solution for every need. Use the two Off-Air and Cable RF inputs to add local ATSC HDTV channels to your analog cable feed – and clear QAM broadcasts as well.. Hook up displays and projectors to the HDMI, switchable HD RGB/Component, and NTSC video outputs – they all work simultaneously. The same holds true for the Dolby 5.1/PCM digital coax, optical, and HDMI audio connections – as well as stereo audio ports. Control over 2-way RS-232 or IR – AMX and Crestron program modules are available. The all-green 232-ATSC meets California power and RoHS standards, and can mount 2-across in a 2RU rack space. Also available in the ICC2-ATSC version, controllable through the RF cable from SignStream Media Express digital signage and Display Express display control networks.

Visit CR at InfoComm 2008, Booth C2301.

GIBSON GUITAR, TC GROUP DISCONTINUE MERGER DISCUSSIONS
Gibson Guitar (Nashville TN) and TC Group (Risskov, Denmark) have discontinued discussions regarding a potential merger. The decision followed an intensive effort by both parties to consummate the deal within the targeted timeline, but a number of issues remained unresolved, and both Gibson and TC agreed it was best to end merger proceedings. TC Group will continue to produce and distribute audio products for business partners around the world. Gibson Guitar will continue to dedicate its future to producing musical instruments, while engaging and building its family of brands.

VTG HOLDINGS (THE RAPCOHORIZON CO.) SOLD TO RHC MANAGEMENT
The RapcoHorizon Company (Jackson MO), a subsidiary of VTG Holdings Inc., signed a definitive sale agreement as of February 29, with RHC management, in conjunction with Midwest Mezzanine Funds, and Bush O’Donnell Capital Partners, both equity investment groups, for the sale of its stock and assets. Terms of the agreement remain undisclosed. VTG Holdings stock and all assets have transferred to the newly formed RHC Holding Corp.
“This purchase of the company will now provide management an opportunity for much more involvement in future development strategies with regards to expansion into new markets, acquisition strategies and furthering the development of our existing markets,” said Dale Williams, president of RHC Holding Corp. “With our new investment partners beside us, we can now explore many of these untapped opportunities….”
Lisa Williams, senior executive VP of sales and marketing, takes over as president of The RapcoHorizon Company, the AV cable manufacturing arm of the business, and Scott Wachter, VTG’s CFO, will resume as president of Major Custom Cable, the data/telecom manufacturing business unit that provides fiberoptic cables, as well as copper data cable assemblies, to the systems integration market.

See more. Decide better.
Visit Barco at InfoComm 08 (booth #C2830)

Learn how Barco enables faster and better decision-making and collaboration in meeting rooms.

Barco’s new multi-windowing software, the XDS Control Center software suite, brings the same user-friendly operation to projectors, display systems and multi-channel display walls:
- Familiar operation through Windows desktop interface
- Interact in real-time with multiple sources
- User-friendly, life-size video conferencing
- Easy and direct access to local and networked sources
- Simple operation with mouse and keyboard
- Expanded connectivity through control of remote desktops

Find out for yourself at InfoComm 08

Come and see our XDS Control Center software in action on the following innovative projection solutions:
XDC-3000 NEW!
- world’s first single-projector 10 megapixel display system
- ideal for high-level meeting rooms and boardrooms

Dual-channel Galaxy NH-12
- flawless 3D stereo projection on a curved screen
- preferred solution for science and education centers

iCon H500
- compact 1080p HD single-chip DLP projector=
- perfect fit for small- to medium-sized meeting rooms

For more information, visit www.barco.com/presentation.

BIAMP SYSTEMS ACQUIRES CREATIVE AUDIO
In what potentially could be a major expansion of its audio engineering research and development capabilities, Biamp Systems (Beaverton OR) has acquired Creative Audio (Brisbane, Australia). The acquisition provides the company with immediate access to an engineering development team that will enable Biamp to accelerate its R&D programs in digital audio networking technologies. Currently, Creative Audio products are featured in many installs worldwide, including the US House of Representatives and the Sydney Opera House.
"Creative Audio has proven to have a remarkable technical core with a keen understanding of contractor requirements and end-user needs," Biamp president Ralph Lockhart noted.
A CobraNet licensee, Creative Audio has assembled a team of engineers and developed in-house research and development capabilities. The acquisition provides new resources and skill sets in ongoing product development efforts. Noted Creative Audio engineering director Neil Packer, "Our engineering competencies will complement the work Biamp is doing extremely well, and there is a strong cultural fit, as well."
The acquisition has no effect on the product distribution channel. Australian-based Audio Products Group (APG) will continue as Biamp’s distributor throughout the Oceanic Region.

AVISTAR UNDERGOES COST RESTRUCTURING
Avistar Communications Corp. (San Mateo CA) is undertaking cost-cutting measures prompted, in large part, by Microsoft Corp.’s (Redmond WA) recent challenge to all of Avistar's US patents through the US Patent and Trademark Office (detailed in March’s NEWSLETTER). The company will reduce its US and European workforce by about 25%, mostly by the end of Q1/08. Additionally, Avistar is suspending the formation of its previously announced China-based development capacity.
These efforts are structured to align operations to deal with Microsoft's challenges effectively, while still allowing Avistar to continue investing in its C3 video communications and collaboration product line, as well as continuing to license its intellectual property and technology.

Sanyo Offers PLV-WF10 Projector

Sanyo builds a wider variety of LCD projectors than any other manufacturer in the business. They manufacture about 30 models and targets unique market niches like no other vendor. The Sanyo PLV-WF10 is a prime example in which Sanyo has combined high resolution widescreen LCD panels with a two-lamp 4000 ANSI lumen light engine to produce a large venue video projector unlike anything else on the market. The contrast is rated at 900:1 which, combined with the high light output, is plenty to deliver a picture with excellent color saturation and shadow detail. The especially bright PLV-WF10 delivers a unique experience that invigorates the senses with energy that comes from a bright picture that is missing on dimmer units. Though the WF10 could be deployed in an oversized residential home theater, the ideal use is in any larger venue where high quality video and HDTV is required.

For over 10 years, IAVI has been assisting professional AV dealers and system integrators by providing professional quality service.  By offering specialized solutions to dealers who support unique customer demands, IAVI has become the preferred premier wholesale supplier of professional AV products worldwide. Visit us today at IAVI.com.

LAWO ACQUIRES MAJORITY SHAREHOLDING IN INNOVASON
German pro audio company Lawo has acquired a majority shareholding in French digital mixing console manufacturer InnovaSON. The move officially terminates the receivership period for InnovaSON and provides a partner for future development. According to InnovaSON sales and marketing director Xavier Pion, the arrangement is a good fit for both companies. “It’s no secret that we had been looking for a development partner for some time. We explored a number of possibilities, but none seemed to be quite the match we were looking for until Philipp Lawo expressed an interest,” he stated. “As a manufacturer of digital broadcast consoles, Lawo [has] expertise in the digital domain…. We have similar areas of competence geared to the live market.”
Lawo CEO Philipp Lawo agrees, saying, “Our investment in InnovaSON adds a new dimension to our activities at Lawo. The opportunity to create new synergies will be to the benefit of both companies. InnovaSON is a strong brand in the live sound market, and we are looking forward to taking it to the next level.”

Sound & Communications Prepares VIEWpoint

Sound & Communications VIEWpoint, the industry’s first and only streaming video webcast, has prepared “Standards: Best Practices” for May distribution. Our guests, Mario J. Maltese, CTS-D, CTS-I, CVE, CEO, Audio Visual Resources (Williston Park NY) and John Lopinto, president/CEO, Communications Specialties, Inc. (Hauppauge NY) tackle the standards issue from two fronts: equipment standards and industry best practices. In particular, our presenters espouse the benefits of a standards-based AV world, and how such could help integrators’ businesses. VIEWpoint, which is approximately 30 minutes in length, is split into two parts, with an access link emailed to opted-in subscribers. The show also will be uploaded to YouTube and available through iTunes. Watch your inboxes because, when VIEWpoint broadcasts, the discussion begins!

Manage your email subscription to our NEWSLETTER here

Sound & Communications NEWSLETTER, Internet Edition, is self managing and conform to anti-spam agreements and policies worldwide.
• Join our email list.
• Opt-Out (never receive a NEWSLETTER from us again).
• Change your email address.

If for any reason you can not reach the management links above or encounter any problems managing your email address, please contact John Carr at jcarr@testa.com and the issue will be resolved.