A/V Equipment – Page 2

Analog and Digital Audio Mixers

September 12, 2017 by AV Guru

Audio mixers are used to combine audio signals, process them, and route them where they need to go. They create balance and adjust the tone quality to ensure a pleasant listening experience.

Every audio mixer has these six basic components:

The Board

The layout of the board can be in-line or split. In-line consoles house the input section and monitoring section on the same channel strip. Split consoles have these two sections located on different halves of the board.

Inputs

These are the entry point for the external sound sources being plugged into the mixer. Although there are many, the three most commonly found inputs on a mixer are XLR, 5 mm jack, and RCA.

Channel Equalization

Each channel has an equalizer to allow for manipulation of the treble (high) and bass (low) frequencies. These are often used to correct for room variations that may have occurred during recording or other unnatural sounds that have been picked up. In addition, equalization can be beneficial for reducing feedback.

Auxiliary Channels

The operator can use the auxiliary channels to send a secondary feed of an input channel’s audio signal to another destination.

Assign and Pan

Operators can use the assign and pan function to direct certain channels to one of two stereo outputs. It can be used when going from mono input to stereo output, stereo input to stereo output or multi-channel input to multi-channel output.

Faders

The channel fader slider is used to raise or lower the volume of each individual channel as it goes out.

Although the overall function of every audio mixer is the same and they have the same basic components, the audio signals are processed differently depending on the type of system in use. The two main types of audio mixers available are analog and digital. Here’s how they differ from one another:

Analog Audio Mixers

Analog audio mixers internally process audio signals in their analog form. They have basically been around since the beginning of audio recordings and PA systems. These mixers adjust the volume and tone of input audio through a series of handheld control knobs, faders, and switches. Once the operator is familiar with the controls, it becomes an intuitive process to adjust the system.

The two primary advantages of analog mixers over their digital counterparts that have made them a popular choice over the decades are:

Lower cost

In a setting where only a few channels with a basic set of mixing features is needed, an analog mixer will be the less expensive option.

Ease of Operation

Visible controls for each function allow the operator to see exactly what they are doing, and how it affects the sound. For users who are just getting started or have minimal audio mixing experience, this is a huge benefit.

Digital Audio Mixers

Digital audio mixers use digital signal processing technology to instantly change signal routing. They have the capacity to remember the positions of faders and knobs, recalling them through programming options. This is a huge time-saver when setting up for a speaker or performance.

Digital mixers have many features that give them an edge over analog mixers.

Digital-Only Features

The rise of digital technology has allowed the development of mixing functions that were not previously available. One of the most important of these functions is automatic feedback suppression.

Expansion

There are expandable mixers that allow for a variety of external devices to be connected to the base system.

Multiple Functions

With a digital mixer, multiple functions can be assigned to a single control providing space saving benefits.

Deciding between analog or digital audio mixers depends heavily on how the mixer will be used and what specific functions are required. Talk to the audio experts at AV Superstore to find the right one for your specific situation.

Document Cameras

September 9, 2017 by AV Guru

Caption: P30HD 1080P Full HD Visual Presenter

Document cameras, also known as digital visual presenters, allow for interactive visual technology to be used in many different settings. Often found in classrooms, document cameras are also useful in courtrooms, conference rooms, and training facilities.

This type of electronic imaging device displays the image on a computer, LCD or projection screen. The individual parts that make up document cameras affect their connection abilities, image clarity, and more.

Document Camera Parts

The Base

The base serves two functions: stability and power/connections housing. The base is where users can find the power, control panel, inputs/outputs, circuitry and base light.

Lighting

The base light illuminates the displayed material. An even lighting throughout the entire image is provided by two cold cathode fluorescent lamps on each side of the lighting assembly. Not all document cameras have a light box, and therefore require accessories for lighting needs.

Powerful lighting on a document camera allows for smaller apertures to be used, resulting in an increase in the depth of field that the document camera can achieve. The quality of the light source also affects the noise when the lighting reaches the sensor, which can degrade the image quality.

Input/Output

When considering the purchase of a document camera, look carefully at the output connection types available. This will determine what type of screen the image can be viewed on and how images can be imported.

Document cameras with only a USB port must be connected to a computer for display or USB device to import images for viewing.

VGA and/or HDMI

Users can connect directly to a monitor or projector with VGA or HDMI outputs. Document cameras with these outputs are ideal in a classroom setting.

VGA and/or HDMI and USB

For flexibility to use any screen for viewing, some document cameras have all three output options.

Connecting Arm

Document cameras can be gooseneck or rigid. Gooseneck document cameras have a flexible arm that connects the camera to the base. This arm also houses the cables needed. The flexibility of the gooseneck arms allows for better viewing of 3D objects and better zoom on documents.

Rigid documents cameras do not allow for free movement of the camera, but some varieties are telescopic to get closer to the object being viewed.

Camera

Image Sensor

Inside of the camera, there is an image sensor, which is either a CCD or CMOS Active Pixel Sensor. The image sensor provides a monochrome image.
Combined with a 1-chip camera, the color information is obtained through color filters over the pixels. The most common filter is the Bayer filter. It has red, blue and green filters arranged in a pattern with the green pixels twice as large as the red and blue. From there, algorithms are used to input the missing color information to produce the projected image in full color.

A 3CCD camera module produces color images in a different way. A prism separates the white light into red, blue and green. After that, a different sensor is used for each color. 3-chip cameras use this technology to produce excellent color images at a high resolution.

Lens

Most document cameras are outfitted with a motorized zoom lens. However, they may come with a close up zoom camera lens for better viewing. This allows for focusing and magnifying the material from a short distance. This lens can screw on or be kept in a frame and attached permanently.

Uses

While previously used primarily for printed materials such as documents, books, or slides, they can be used to view almost any object imaginable. More recently, they have been used in applications to project 3D objects.

Displaying material for learning, training, or video conference applications is easy with a document camera. AV Superstore can help you find the right document camera for your needs.

Revolutionizing Presentations and Collaborations

September 9, 2017 by AV Guru

The Mondopad, with its multi-point touch screen in assorted sizes, video camera, voice-optimized sound bar, and onboard computer, has revolutionized the presentation technology world. It can replace the projector, screen, and whiteboard in a conference or classroom, taking on all three roles in one device.

At its core, the Mondopad is a self-contained video conferencing system. The 1080p LCD display and HD 720 p camera with three integrated microphones make for a sharp image and dialog clarity. Use InFocus 121 Basic cloud-based Video Calling or add a video conferencing app onto it like a PC. With dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n wi-fi connecting for videoconferencing is easy and secure. Along with built-in Wi-Fi, it features six USB A ports, a USB B port, two Ethernet jacks, two HDMI inputs, S-Video, component and VGA inputs.

Users can set up their own audio system, but there is a self-amplified sound bar included with the Mondopad that mounts directly under the screen. The sound bar uses two 3-inch drivers, and a ¾ inch tweeter on the left and right sides. It also houses a 25 watt-per-channel amplifier.

Along with the video conferencing feature, the Mondopad has an interactive whiteboard with a complete set of pens, highlighters, shapes, and lines. Use auto-shapes, paste background images and other images, all with the click of a button. Create multiple pages without deleting current pages, while others can see it in real time at other locations. At the end of the meeting simply copy and send an email of the whiteboard notes or presentation files straight from the Mondopad.

The new ControlView 2.0 software allows users to bring their own device to use in conjunction with the Mondopad. Here are the ControlView 2.0 BYOD-friendly feature capabilities:

Cast the device’s screen to the Mondopad

Control the Mondopad from the device

See what is being presented on the Mondopad from the device

Video-call the Mondopad from a PC, tablet, Mac, or smartphone.

The onboard computer features a high performance Intel i7 PC running Windows 7 Pro with the full version of Microsoft Office. It also includes Intel vPro technology for remote monitoring and management.

With these capabilities, the Mondopad makes presentation, annotation and collaboration easier than ever in both conference room and classroom settings.

5 Considerations When Buying a Scan Converter

September 9, 2017 by AV Guru

When purchasing a scan converter, there are several variables that can make a significant difference in whether you will be happy with your purchase or not. Since the role of the scan converter is to convert computer video into television video, both the computer and the television being used will have an impact on the results. Television products such as the TV, video cameras, VCRs etc. all operate at a frequency (scan rate), of 15.75 kHz which keeps them compatible with each other. However, computers are not as standardized and can operate at 15.75 kHz to frequencies that exceed 100 kHz. The higher the frequency, the better the image quality. Hence the need for scan converters.

As would be expected, the higher quality scan converters with the most features also have the highest price tags. Before going too far into the selection process, determine your expected usage and budget to avoid paying for whiz bang features you may or may not need. The type of technology used in the conversion process is generally the driver of the price and the quality of the output.

On the lower end is the software driven converter. These scan converters use software, generally on the video card of the computer, to aide in the conversion process. During the conversion process, every other line of the image pixels is eliminated. As you can imagine, this results in a lower quality in the image output.

Mid-range scan converters use a more sophisticated method of digital pixel sampling before eliminating pixels and have many more enhancement options available. The conversion process occurs entirely within the scan converter rather than using external software, and results in a higher output quality.

On the high end of the spectrum, a digital pixel sampling is still utilized in the conversion process, however, it is completed at a much faster rate and with much improved accuracy. These models also provide additional features for image manipulation, resulting in an output that more closely matches the original image than other lower cost options.

With your needs and budget in mind and a basic understanding of the cost drivers, you are ready to begin looking at specific models. Keep the following questions in mind as you make your final selection.

Is my computer display mode supported?

Lower end scan converters may only support computer resolutions of 640 x 480 and although this is often the default setting on computers, many people increase their resolution settings and the lower resolution may not be considered acceptable. You will also want to make sure the check the compatibility of the vertical refresh rates.

How many colors does the scan converter output?

Most modern computers and televisions can support 24 bit color so it makes sense that you would want a scan converter that can input and output 24 bit color. Not all scan converters process and output 24 bit color. Be sure to check that the 24 bit color is not only supported, meaning it can be accepted as input, but that it can also be processed and output if color accuracy is important to you.

Does the scan converter allow for manipulation of sizing and position of the converted image?

On a computer monitor, the picture does not always extend to the edge of the screen. On a TV, the picture extends off the screen. This discrepancy can make displaying a computer image on a TV screen problematic. Some scan converters allow for manipulation of the converted image to fix this issue using “underscanning” where it shrinks the picture horizontally and vertically. Higher-end scan converters allow for other options such as pan and zoom, and a cropped output.

How is flicker reduction managed?

When evaluating a scan converter’s flicker reduction feature, be sure to examine both converted images and text. Although many low-end scan converters can eliminate all flicker, this is not always a good thing. For example, when all flicker is eliminated from text, the text can become unreadable because of the information that has been removed. Some scan converters have a single level of flicker reduction, which is either on or off. Others have multiple or continuous levels of anti-flicker controls for the optimal effect.

Does the scan converter offer built-in genlock with timing?

Genlock allows the user to use the converted output in sync with another video source allowing the two video outputs to be edited together. Check to see if the scan converter offers easy-to-use controls to adjust both the horizontal and subcarrier phasing, which is the timing, if you plan to use the output in other projects

When considering any scan converter, be sure to view samples of the output to be sure they are acceptable for your intended usage. If possible, observe the converter in operation. The manufacturer warranty and reputation are other key factors that should not be overlooked.

For further assistance in selecting the best scan converter for your situation, contact the AV Superstore staff. They will provide knowledgeable guidance in your selection process.

What’s in a Box – Tabletop, Floor, Ceiling and Wall Boxes

September 9, 2017 by AV Guru

When power and audio-visual applications are needed for presentations, plugging devices or cords into one convenient location makes the process more streamlined. A/V power boxes allow for power, voice, data, and video cable connection points in one location in the room.

Depending on the setup of the room and the equipment being used, these power boxes can be located on the ceiling, floor, table, or wall.

FSR HV-600 HuddleVU 6-HDMI

Tabletop Boxes

Found in classrooms and conference centers where presentations are common, tabletop A/V power boxes can sit flush with the furniture or sit below and rise when needed. Although named tabletop boxes, they can also be installed on podiums and other furniture. They come in many finishes to match the surrounding decor as much as possible.

The tabletop A/V box is the best choice for venues where multiple devices or cords will be switched out regularly because of its easily accessible outlets. They are also built to withstand accidents such as spilled coffee, which is common in conference rooms and classrooms.

FSR SF8-CPT-JNC2-ALM 8″ PK with Cover and 2 AC Sub-Plates

Floor Boxes

Floor A/V power boxes are found in rooms with raised floors. Cables run underneath and into the boxes, which provide extra outlets for power or audio-visual applications. They generally sit below the floor, with the door sitting flush with the flooring. The covers for floor boxes can blend seamlessly with carpet.

This type of A/V power box is commonly found in corporate office and educational buildings or an equipment room. In an office setting, they allow each person at a desk to plug into electrical devices, telephone lines, and computer equipment. From college lecture halls to gymnasiums, educational facilities can benefit from floor boxes by providing compatibility with a wide range of A/V equipment without lengthy cables, wires and connections becoming an obstacle. In computer or equipment rooms, they are favored because cables can be easily installed and changed under the raised flooring.

FSR CB-224S 2’x2′ CB w/ 4 1RU Mounts, Smart AC and Fan

Ceiling Boxes

Hiding cords for A/V equipment such as a projector is easy with a ceiling A/V power box. Many of these boxes have racks to hold heavier equipment. These are best suited for cables that run through the ceiling, and not for plugging in other temporary devices or equipment.

Ceiling A/V power boxes are best used in schools, meeting facilities, and conference centers with need for ceiling-mounted projectors and accessories.

FSR PWB-450-BLK Large Format Wall box with 4 AC and 3 1-Gang plates & 1 IPS- (Door Finish-Black)

Wall Boxes

When the wall is the easiest place to access, wall A/V power boxes are the best fit. These boxes are incredibly diverse in their capabilities. Some deal specifically with stereo audio while others are utilized when transmitting computer graphic video signals. Wall boxes sit flush with the wall to blend in with the room.

Using a wall A/V power box is best in situations when other wall mounted equipment such as digital signage, electronic billboards, and airports is in use but they have a wide range of other uses too.

Questions to Ask

When deciding between a tabletop, floor, ceiling, or wall A/V power box, ask these questions:

Where are the cables located?

Deciding which to use depends on where the cables are coming from (under the floor, through the ceiling), and where electronics need to be plugged in.

What capabilities does it need?

Not all boxes handle audio, power, and video at the same time. The capabilities needed for the usage is a more important factor than where the box is located. Make sure the box has every type of connection needed for the job.

Does the box need to blend in?

Floor and tabletop boxes are great at blending in with their surroundings because of their ability to be recessed and availability in many finishes. In environments where this is important, go for those options. When it’s not, ceiling and wall boxes are also viable options.

AV Superstore can help direct customers to find the perfect power boxes for any audio-visual needs. Look through the selection of available tabletop, wall, ceiling and floor boxes on the AV Superstore website.

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