Video-Over-IP Solution

Could a tech manager network an entire school with a single unit? Perhaps with the Black Box Corporation MediaCento. The new line of solutions was designed to use video-over-IP technology to distribute HD video and audio over an existing LAN. A single transmitter is said to be able to deliver 1080p media, including Flash, DVD, and HDMI video content, at Gigabit speeds over Cat-5e or Cat-6 to an unlimited number of digital displays. MediaCento RF is designed to use low-cost coax cabling to broadcast video and audio to one or more HDTV screens. Supporting both VGA and component video source input. Visit blackbox.com.

IP-ENABLED ACCESS

The HD Digital Signage Player from Gefen offers a variety of functions that serve both large and small digital signage installations while controlling the content over IP. Users can upload pre-recorded video in multiple formats, background music and scrolling text to customize their content. Playlists can be scheduled to the second using the calendar function, accessed on any computer using Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 software. The HD Digital Signage Player works with all popular video formats. Visit gefen.com

MUSIC, P.A., DISTRIBUTION

QSC Audio’s AcousticDesign has expanded its ceiling speaker range with the AD-C1200 and AD-C820/C821. They are acoustically identical and designed for music playback, public address, and distributed audio in applications that require high output from a ceiling mounted loudspeaker. Both models use custom-designed transducers and crossover networks, in combination with an acoustically optimized enclosure (AD-C800BB), or as a fully integrated, sealed system (AD-C821). Visit qscaudio.com.

ENHANCED WARP & BLEND SWITCHER

Digital Projection has released the first shipments of the VIP 3000 warp and blend solution. With both switching and video resizing capabilities, the VIP 3000 is a virtual toolbox. As a switcher, the VIP 3000 accepts virtually all types of analog and digital video inputs, including HDMI 1.3, DVI, HDSDI, SDI, component, S-video and composite, making it a sort of Swiss-army knife for input use. For multi-projector applications, one VIP 3000 is employed with each projector. The high quality resizing, combined with pan and zoom functions, eliminates the need to pre-process or rely on multi-head sources for video or HD content. Visit digitialprojection.com.

OPTIONS, NOT SIZE, MATTERS

Marshall Electronics has created a digital signage division to service a growing demand for small screens ranging in size from five to 22 inches. Marshall Pro A/V will offer off-the-shelf and custom-built LCD screens with the most popular sizes falling in the 5 to 10-inch range. Visit marshall-usa.com.

SHORT-THROW PROJECTOR MOUNTS

Sanyo introduces two new ultra-short-throw projector mounts that integrate a high-output audio playback system into the mount itself. The MT-EDU 101 and MT-EDU 102 is said to eliminate the need to use the projector’s internal speakers or a separate audio system by incorporating a 50-watt two-channel amplifier and two powerful 25-watt rated two-way speakers into the chassis of the wall mount, which saves money and installation time by not having to run speaker wire. The ported speakers are tuned to provide sound coverage in large rooms. Multiple external audio sources, including wired and wireless microphones, are designed without wiring arrangements. Visit us.sanyo.com.

WALLVAULT SYSTEMS FOR SHORT-THROWS

Extron’s new WallVault Systems is a family of complete, centralized A/V switching and control systems designed for use with wall mounted short-throw projectors and flat panel displays. Particularly well-suited for classroom A/V, these economical systems use twisted pair technology for transmitting signals and include network connectivity for Web-based asset management, monitoring, and control. Visit extron.com.