With UHDTV (4K) looming, we need to build newer, wider and faster 'highways.'.
Digital projection developments cross over from giant screen exhibition facilities to museums, presenting additional integration opportunities.
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published April 2013 | Read More...
Special venue cinema sectors work to form an umbrella of digital specs.
Digital projection developments cross over from giant screen exhibition facilities to museums, presenting additional integration opportunities.
By Joe Kleiman
Published March 2013 | Read More...
Consumer product innovations continue to affect the commercial sector.
Though this industry is obsessed with building bigger television screens at higher resolutions, smaller screens are making a huge impact.
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published February 2013 | Read More...
Does your experience mirror my LinkedIn discussions?
Based upon discussions with integrators and consultants, it appears that mega-TVs are going into spaces previously held for front projectors and screens...
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published January 2013 | Read More...
Oscilloscopes: your new best friend.
In order for the manufacturer's products to look as good as they do in the showroom, and for clients to get what they paid for, it is important to ensure that the display device is receiving the...
By James Maltese, CTS-D, CTS-I, CQT
Published December 2012 | Read More...
Where is the flatscreen format war going?
Sometimes one or more unknown or unseen forces conspire to snatch victory away from the "best," and it's not always possible to see that coming...
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published November 2012 | Read More...
Mounting, Rigging Installation & Preparation 101.
Choosing and installing the correct videowall system for a particular application can be complicated, often involving multilayered, overlapping challenges.
By Paul Allen
Published October 2012 | Read More...
Stereoscopic imaging was all the rage two years ago.
Everyone is wondering what the "next big thing" will be in imaging and it's possible that adding depth to the image is not the answer.
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published October 2012 | Read More...
Clearing the 'air' about old standards.
Some AV standards and technologies have clearly outlived their usefulness and overstayed their welcome. Here are some of the worst offenders.
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published September 2012 | Read More...
You can't fool The Commish.
Most displays have more than two million pixels (1920x1080) and, before the display is deemed acceptable, all of them (or at least as many as the manufacturer guarantees) should be confirmed to work.
James Maltese, CTS-D, CTS-I, CQT
Published September 2012 | Read More...
Las Vegas Sizzles.
A close look at InfoComm 2012 discusses attendance, packed classes, notable products and some surprising AV challenges.
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published August 2012 | Read More...
Testing can be simple.
Recent developments provide testing for digital video solutions beyond the traditional "yea or nay" analysis that has become obsolete with modern systems.
By James Maltese, CTS-D, CTS-I, CQT
Published July 2012 | Read More...
New solutions for changing content demands.
Many of the sessions at this year's NAB Show identified real-time video content challenges, while exhibitors showed developments that raised the bar for performance, flexibility and value.
By Shonan Noronha, EdD
Published June 2012 | Read More...
AVent Horizon:The Revolution Will Not Be Projected
'Tail wagging'.and 'body slams' are key.
As LCD monitor screen sizes grow to super sizes, more and more dealers are installing them, often in place of projectors.
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published May 2012 | Read More...
'Tail wagging'.and 'body slams' are key.
As LCD monitor screen sizes grow to super sizes, more and more dealers are installing them, often in place of projectors.
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published May 2012 | Read More...
AVent Horizon: Free As A Bird
Can we really 'cut the cord' for displays and other devices?
The AV industry is seeing a transition to connections streaming HD content faster and more effectively wirelessly.
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published May 2012 | Read More...
Can we really 'cut the cord' for displays and other devices?
The AV industry is seeing a transition to connections streaming HD content faster and more effectively wirelessly.
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published May 2012 | Read More...
AVent Horizon: DéJà Vu All Over Again
A tectonic shift is developing in the Asian TV industry.
The competition from China and Korea is just one reason Japanese AV manufacturers are seeing less revenue than in previous years.
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published April 2012 | Read More...
A tectonic shift is developing in the Asian TV industry.
The competition from China and Korea is just one reason Japanese AV manufacturers are seeing less revenue than in previous years.
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published April 2012 | Read More...
AVent Horizon: Once More, Into The Breach
CES 2012's gadgets: How will they affect commercial AV?
The Consumer Electronics Show created a great deal of optimism this year and showcased products using technology in a practical way.
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published March 2012 | Read More...
CES 2012's gadgets: How will they affect commercial AV?
The Consumer Electronics Show created a great deal of optimism this year and showcased products using technology in a practical way.
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published March 2012 | Read More...
AVent Horizon: Look, Ma! No Cables!
Who will win the battle with a wireless solution?
Wireless connectivity of high-bandwidth display signals will be one of the next big things in 2012, if not the big thing.
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published February 2012 | Read More...
Who will win the battle with a wireless solution?
Wireless connectivity of high-bandwidth display signals will be one of the next big things in 2012, if not the big thing.
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published February 2012 | Read More...
AVent Horizon: The Tide Is Turning
Large screen LCD screens are affecting the market.
Monitors are getting larger every day. What this trend means for projector sales and installations.
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published January 2012 | Read More...
Large screen LCD screens are affecting the market.
Monitors are getting larger every day. What this trend means for projector sales and installations.
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published January 2012 | Read More...
AVent Horizon: From The crow's nest
Pulling out his (liquid) crystal ball, industry expert Pete Putman analyzes trends in AV technology.
His detailed predictions for 2012 combine familiar ideas
with new twists to keep everyone on their toes...
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published December 2011 | Read More...
Pulling out his (liquid) crystal ball, industry expert Pete Putman analyzes trends in AV technology.
His detailed predictions for 2012 combine familiar ideas
with new twists to keep everyone on their toes...
By Pete Putman, CTS, ISF
Published December 2011 | Read More...
Retrofitting a video system
Digital and analog play at a university arena.
The Xavier University Cintas Center in Cincinnati OH has
upgraded the fan's experience, merging digital with analog
to deliver a seamless presentation...
By Chris Schaaf
Published November 2011 | Read More...
Digital and analog play at a university arena.
The Xavier University Cintas Center in Cincinnati OH has
upgraded the fan's experience, merging digital with analog
to deliver a seamless presentation...
By Chris Schaaf
Published November 2011 | Read More...
Fiberoptic Links For Video
Detailing this real-world alternative to copper cables.
It pays to know the basics of fiberoptic system design because the data rates required for digital video are increasing, and the cost of fiber links is decreasing...
By Scott Bosen
Published November 2011 | Read More...
Detailing this real-world alternative to copper cables.
It pays to know the basics of fiberoptic system design because the data rates required for digital video are increasing, and the cost of fiber links is decreasing...
By Scott Bosen
Published November 2011 | Read More...
Get Ready For RF 2.0
It’s no longer ‘Black Art.’
While the advent of new RF HDTV solutions may have been somewhat of a surprise to traditional AV integrators, the near instant growth over the past three years indicate an importance in the AV market.
By Doug Engstrom
Published October 2011 | Read More...
It’s no longer ‘Black Art.’
While the advent of new RF HDTV solutions may have been somewhat of a surprise to traditional AV integrators, the near instant growth over the past three years indicate an importance in the AV market.
By Doug Engstrom
Published October 2011 | Read More...
Evolution Of The Digital Dome
Boston Museum, Adler Planetarium create impact.
Boston Museum of Science and Chicago’s Adler Planetarium have advanced the digital theater revolution and the potential for creating an impact beyond museums and science centers with the starball.
By Martin Palicki
Published September 2011 | Read More...
Boston Museum, Adler Planetarium create impact.
Boston Museum of Science and Chicago’s Adler Planetarium have advanced the digital theater revolution and the potential for creating an impact beyond museums and science centers with the starball.
By Martin Palicki
Published September 2011 | Read More...
Technology Meets Customer Service
AV improves Comcast's communications.
Technology is making the job of cable providers more challenging, but the latest in AV and control system technology is helping Comcast address customer service and employee concerns at its Englewood CO and Philadelphia PA call centers.
By Dawn Allcot
Published August 2011 | Read More...
AV improves Comcast's communications.
Technology is making the job of cable providers more challenging, but the latest in AV and control system technology is helping Comcast address customer service and employee concerns at its Englewood CO and Philadelphia PA call centers.
By Dawn Allcot
Published August 2011 | Read More...
Selling Job Security
Service contracts provide security for both sides.
Service contracts (especially proactive-oriented ones) are much more profitable than selling products, with research indicating that even a poorly run service department was often more profitable that a well run sales department.
By Gary Kayye, CTS
Published March 2011 | Read More...
Service contracts provide security for both sides.
Service contracts (especially proactive-oriented ones) are much more profitable than selling products, with research indicating that even a poorly run service department was often more profitable that a well run sales department.
By Gary Kayye, CTS
Published March 2011 | Read More...
Are You Social?
Who are your Facebook ‘friends’?
Statistically, about 65% of those reading this have a Facebook account that you access three to four times weekly...
Published February 2011
Read More...
Who are your Facebook ‘friends’?
Statistically, about 65% of those reading this have a Facebook account that you access three to four times weekly...
Published February 2011
Read More...
Are you interested in 40-plus-percent annual growth?
Two years ago, I started writing about the effect cloud-based computing might have on the commercial AV market...
Published January 2011
Read More...
The author reviews how he did last time, and
makes projections for the future.
A technology upgrade can involve all the elements of a new design, build and install project. Most projects call upon technology...
Published December 2010
Read More...
What’s your value proposition?
As I get older, I find myself having conversations that, when I was a 22 year old entering this market long ago, I couldn’t have imagined having...
Published December 2010
Read More...
Don’t go the way of Blockbuster.
I was at the local Starbucks here recently and noticed something interesting: They’re going digital…signs, that is. They’re all...
Published November 2010
Read More...
A big 'Aloha" and interactive content attract shoppers.
A technology upgrade can involve all the elements of a new design, build and install project. Most projects call upon technology....
Published October 2010
Read More...
From fledgling program to de-facto standard.
Almost two decades ago, InfoComm launched the commercial AV industry’s first educational certification designation....
Published October 2010
Read More...
Don’t join them before your time.
As a kid, I was taught that I should respect old people because they have the knowledge gained from experience....
Published September 2010
Read More...
Office furniture manufacturer spans the globe.
“Videoconferencing.” Mention this word to a business leader and immediate thoughts of failed meetings leap to mind...
Published August 2010
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The author offers his mid-year review.
Can you believe the year is more than half over? I am shocked at how fast it’s gone!
Published June 2010
Read More...
‘The Emerging Market’ will be a major part of your future.
I recently wrote a column (“The Projector Differentiation Decade,” Sound & Communications, January 2010) in which I celebrated the few manufacturers...
Published May 2010
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Exploring the costs and options of various network types.
Successful videoconferencing is dependent on having a network robust enough to handle the demands video places on it.
Published May 2010
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And how you can get better....
Have you ever wondered why (or maybe been frustrated because) your company’s marketing efforts are banal, boring and, well, just plain bad?
Published March 2010
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Professional flat-panel displays
outperform recessionary market.
The professional and commercial displays market had been rather staid for decades, but came to life with the arrival of...
Published March 2010
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Both manufacturers and integrators can be innovators.
NEC, Christie, Sanyo and Digital Projection all took bold steps to become more than just also-ran “projector manufacturers” in 2009.
Published January 2010
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Interactivity can grow your business.
Interactive digital signage is poised for rapid growth as touch technologies become scalable and companies discover the value of engaging viewers with customized content.
Published January 2010
Read More...
Are you leveraging the network?
With the offer by Cisco to purchase Tandberg and the growth of the digital signage market in 2009, this year may be forever remembered as the year the IT market started its takeover of AV.
Published December 2009
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Get into the market before it’s too late!
Almost a year ago, I wrote, in this very space, basically begging the commercial AV channel to get into the digital signage (DS)market.
Published November 2009
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Technology’s taking a different path.
I just returned from the 2009 CEDIA Expo and, wow, what a show! I was pleasantly surprised to see that CEDIA not only set an East Coast show-attendance record...
Published October 2009
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Industry pushes for commercialization.
Three-dimensional cinema seems to have made a major leap into the minds and craving hearts of the general public with major theatrical film releases this year.
Published October 2009
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Kick-start to an AV economic recovery?
Everyone’s used component video for HD. Everyone. In fact, some surveys find that as many of 85% of commercial AV installations using HD are still being integrated over component video.
Published September 2009
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Charting the pathways to ensure success
for in-store media networks.
To understand modern strategies for integrating media networks into retail environments, it is helpful to review...
Published July 2009
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Focused audio improves digital signage.
Managing the audio component of digital signage can be a complex and daunting task.
Published May 2009
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Expanding DS offerings with maximal efficiency.
Want to grow your digital signage (ds) business?
Published March 2009
Read More...