Video Equipment

Creating Flexibility in the Conference Room

October 19, 2017 by AV Guru

When it comes to deciding on audiovisual equipment to put in a conference room, there are a lot of options available. There are three basic pieces of technology every conference room should consider installing. These are:

Projector – Most presentations need a projector. It’s the perfect vehicle for delivering a slideshow, sharing a video, or magnifying statistics for the whole group to see. In addition to, or instead of standard projection screens with video projectors, conference rooms may also use large flat panel displays for presentations and conferencing. Also, large flat panels can also be used for interactive sharing of content and ideas. Products such as the Infocus Mondopads would fit into this category. With such a large variety of projectors available, everyone can find the perfect fit for their conference room.
Video Abilities – Having the ability for video conference calls is important in today’s business world. It allows for worldwide collaboration without flying halfway around the world. Have a video camera available for occasions when these conference calls are necessary.
Audio – Presentations and video conference calls will only be successful if there’s audio. To hear presentations and those speaking over video, speakers need to be installed throughout the room. They can be mounted from the ceiling, walls, or set up on stands. Whichever gives the best audio range for the room.

On the flip side, microphones are also needed to produce the audio. For presentations, consider clip-on lavalier mics for mobility. They are user friendly and are barely noticeable during the presentation. For video conferencing, there are quite a few choices. A single microphone that extends down from the ceiling can catch the audio of everyone around a small table. Or, go with a shotgun microphone that can sit on the table facing one speaker to eliminate room noise.

Those are just three of the basics. There are many more audiovisual solutions available to further the functionality of the conference room like 4k televisions and interactive whiteboards. The more technology available, the more flexible the conference room and now more than ever flexibility is important in the workplace. Meetings can be formal or informal, require a projector or whiteboard, be attended by a small team or the entire office. Most workplaces don’t have multiple conference rooms to accommodate all of these “what ifs” so it’s important to make the existing space as efficient as possible.

Consider options for being able to adjust the layout of the room, moveable screens, and wireless connectivity for a streamlined process. To make the room work for various types of meetings, it should be designed with these tips in mind:

Open Space – A large, open room will provide the space needed to reconfigure the room. This allows for breakout groups during brainstorming sessions, moveable walls to be added when needed, and multiple types of furniture to be present.
Room Colors – Instead of using darker paint colors or dark wood paneling to decorate the room, choose light colors. This creates a lighter environment, making it easier for others to see what is happening over video conference calls.
Eliminate Natural Light – Natural lighting can be detrimental to presentations depending on the projector set-up and camera visibility. Instead of relying on natural light, install uniform lighting throughout the room. If natural light is wanted during meetings that don’t require a projector, install light-blocking window treatments.
Casual Atmosphere – Even formal meetings don’t need a stuffy, boardroom feeling anymore. A table and chairs might still be necessary, but also give furniture options like lounge style seating for informal meetings. It brings a comfortable feeling that can increase creativity.
Multiple Connections – Have tabletop boxes for phone or tablet charging and sharing. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is becoming increasingly common in conference rooms, huddle spaces, and even classrooms. There needs to be enough connections to support this for all kinds of gadgets or wireless connectivity.

AV Superstore can provide the latest in audiovisual equipment needed for productivity and flexibility in conference rooms and other settings. Contact us today to learn more about the variety of equipment available to create the best conference room possible.

Short Throw and Long Throw Projectors

October 13, 2017 by AV Guru

One of the factors buyers must consider when choosing a new projector is the throw capabilities. This refers to the distance between the projector and the screen needed to get the right size image. A simple equation to find this is screen width x throw ratio = throw distance.

Here’s an example: If the projector screen is 10 feet wide and the throw ratio of the projector is 1.8:1, then the projector needs to be placed 18 feet away. 10 x 1.8 = 18. However, when deciding on a throw ratio for the projector, buyers must look at the screen size and how far away the projector is likely to be placed. In this instance they would take the throw distance and divide by the screen size to determine the throw ratio needed in a projector.

Room sizes vary considerably, and not every projector can be placed 18 feet away from the screen. This is why there are short throw and long throw projectors. The primary difference between these projectors is the type of lens included. Short throw projectors generally have a non-zoom, curved lens, while most long throw projectors have standard zoom lenses.

Short Throw Projectors

A projector with a ratio less than 1:1 is considered short throw. There are also ultra-short throw projectors which have a throw ratio of less than 0.4. Ultra-short throw projectors have a mirror that the image is projected onto first before it is reflected onto the screen.

Short throw projectors need to be placed less than three feet from the screen. Their ideal distance is 18 in.-2 ft. Ultra-short throw projectors can be placed just 15 inches away from the screen to get a 100 inch image. However, if they are placed back too far, the image will become distorted.

It is recommended to use short throw and ultra-short throw projectors with interactive whiteboards or fixed-frame screens. The shorter throw technologies can amplify any imperfections and waviness of a surface that isn’t completely flat, such as a motorized or pull-down screen.

For the best results short throw projectors should be mounted on a wall. This short distance prevents shadows and keeps the projector light from shining in the presenter’s face while they speak. Short throw projectors allow for presentations and multimedia sharing in classrooms or conference rooms with limited space.

Both short throw and ultra-short throw projectors are more expensive and are used mostly in commercial applications because of their cost.

Long Throw Projectors

Long throw projectors can require six or more feet of distance from the screen to project a 100 inch image. If this type of projector is installed closer than that to the screen, the image will shrink and not reach the edges of the screen.

In larger lecture halls, auditoriums, or conference centers, long distance projectors can project onto a large screen for maximum visibility for everyone in the room. They can also be used with all types of projector screens without amplifying screen ripples.

The main advantage of long throw projectors is that they are more cost-effective than short throw alternatives, but they do have some disadvantages as well. It is easy for the presenter to walk in front of the projected image, disrupting the audience’s view. They’re also subject to a glare on the screen.

AV Superstore has both short throw and long throw projectors available to customers. Visit our website to learn more and chat with the online support for assistance in finding the perfect projector for any size space.

Audio & Video for Houses of Worship

September 20, 2017 by AV Guru

Communicating with congregations through audiovisual technology is becoming increasingly popular in houses of worship. This can include a mix of speakers, video projection and display, lighting, broadcasting equipment, and more. No matter the size of the congregation, a house of worship’s audio visual equipment has become an important technical component of their services.

Here’s a look at the technology needed in a house of worship:

Audio

Much of a house of worship’s service revolves around listening, which is why the audio system should be of primary concern. Here are the necessary components of a quality sound system:

Microphones

Many different microphones will be needed for the various aspects of the service. The person leading the service will need a headset or lapel microphone for maximum movement. There should also be a pulpit microphone for others to use during readings. Lastly, microphones for the music, both the instruments and the choir. In a smaller setting, the instruments might not need individual microphones.

Soundboard

The soundboard connects all audio sources to the amplifier and speakers. A separate channel is needed for each source, so you’ll want to take that into consideration when selecting the right soundboard. Also look at the number of tone controls, auxiliary, and effects being sent on each channel.

Equalizer

Used to tailor the sound system to the room acoustics, the equalizer can reduce the feedback that occurs when increasing the volume. Generally, once this is set, it can be left alone as long as no major changes are made to the system or room acoustics.

Amplifier

While the amplifier determines the overall power of the system, it needs to match the speakers’ power rating to prevent issues with the system. In this capacity, there is generally not a lot of power needed. For speeches, only about 10-20 watts will be used and for live music, there’s a possibility for that need to increase to 50-100 watts.

Speakers

The number and type of speakers used in a house of worship depends on the size of the room, the quality needed, what audio will be used, and aesthetics. Choosing between powered and passive speakers can eliminate a separate amplifier from the system because powered speakers already have one built in. The speakers can be placed on the floor, wall mounted, or ceiling mounted for concealment purposes.

Video

More and more frequently houses of worship are recording or live streaming their services to reach a broader audience. Here are the components of a video system for a house of worship:

Cameras

The size of the venue will determine whether a single camera system or a multiple camera system will be needed. Multiple cameras are often needed for larger houses of worship in order to capture various angles of the service. Depending on the quality requirements, a choice will need to be made between standard definition and high definition cameras. This depends mostly on the budget.

PTZ controller

If pan-tilt-zoom cameras are being used, a PTZ controller is needed. One person can operate multiple cameras using one joystick-style controller, which is often more reliable than the IR remote that comes with the camera. This also allows for the cameras to be mounted out of the view of the congregation.

Mixer

The inputs and outputs of a mixer are the most important consideration. Review what type and number of inputs the mixer has, the type and number of outputs, and if audio will need to be mixed with the video. The second consideration needs to be the possibility for expansion. The mixer should be able to handle more cameras than the venue is currently using so there’s room to grow the system later.

Video Capture Device

Whether recording or streaming, a video capture device is required to capture video from the cameras to the computer. USB video capture devices work best in situations where a laptop is being used, and video is only being captured from one camera. If the computer is not a laptop, it will have a PCIe slot, which is beneficial when using a multi-channel PCIe capture card with multiple cameras.

AV Superstore can assist in designing the perfect audiovisual setup for a house of worship of any size. Visit our website or give us a call at 866-866-6767 to learn more about the systems available.

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.

DLP, LCD, Laser and LED Projectors

September 9, 2017 by AV Guru

The popularity of projectors is growing every year. This is quite natural because modern projectors come with many different features that make these optical devices even more useful. Their popularity increased significantly after the introduction of the so-called slide projectors in the early 1950s. (1) The rapid progress of modern technology has allowed manufacturers to come up with many unique projector solutions.

Today, there are four major types of projectors – DLP, LCD, Laser and LED projectors. Each of these projectors has advantages and disadvantages. You should learn more about them before making a purchase. In this way, you can rest assured that your business, school, or office will have the most suitable projector for your specific use. Now let’s highlight the basic characteristics of these projectors

1. DLP Projectors

DLP or Digital Light Processing is a unique technology first introduced by Texas Instruments. This projector works by projecting light from the lamp of the projector onto a special DLP chip. This chip consists of thousands of small mirrors. These mirrors actually represent pixels. The majority of DLP projectors come with only one chip so if the user wants to reproduce images in color which is generally the case, then the projector will also include a color wheel with blue, green, red and white filters.

One of the best things about DLP projectors is the fact that they are lighter and smaller especially when compared to standard LCD projectors. In addition, they provide better contrast and they do not suffer from pixelation problems like other projectors. Finally, they are relatively inexpensive. The only downside with the DLP projectors is that some people will notice the change of colors during projection. They will be able to distinguish the blue, green and red colors as the images are changing.

2. LCD Projectors

LCD or Liquid Crystal Display is one of the most popular projectors used in schools, businesses, and homes today. These projectors have three independent LCD panels for the basic colors of the image – blue, green and red. When the light goes through the LCD panels, individual picture elements/pixels are opened or closed. In other words, they are either blocking or letting light through.

Even though LCD projectors are one of the most popular projectors today, they have advantages and disadvantages too. For example, most users like to point out that LCD projectors provide clearer and more accurate colors. This clarity is a result of the 3 independent LCD panels that these projectors use. In addition to the nice, sharp image, they use the light in a more efficient way, resulting in lower energy consumption. It’s also worth mentioning that there are full HD LCD projectors available today which have eliminated the problems with pixelation sometime found in ordinary LCD projector models. The other disadvantage is that they produce less visible contrast.

3. Laser Projectors

Laser projectors are specially designed devices that are able to project alternating laser beams on a screen in order to reproduce a moving image. Its housing includes galvanometer scanners, mirrors, lasers and other elements. There are two subtypes of laser projectors available today – RGB (red, green and blue color) which contain three light sources and provide a full-color display, and mono-color laser projectors with one source of laser light.

The list of advantages associated with laser projectors is very long. First, there are almost no

maintenance costs involved when you are using a laser projector. The lamp life is very long – 20,000 hours which means that this is an excellent option for those who want to use a projector on a daily basis. This projector doesn’t require a cooling-off period, they provide accurate colors and they are energy efficient too. However, they are one of the most expensive options on the market and the laser cannot be replaced once it stops working.

4. LED Projectors

The most important thing about LED projectors (Light Emitting Diode) is the lighting used in them. (2) The diodes in the LED projector rely on a process known as electroluminescence to create light. The electricity passes through semiconducting materials to project the image.

LED projectors have a longer life compared to most projectors. They also don’t require cool-off and warm-up time – you can start using them right away. These projectors are also considered to be very energy efficient. However, if you want an LED projector you should be prepared to pay more. In addition, they have lower light output ratings.

Final thoughts

If you are looking for a projector for commercial use, you should take a few things into consideration – the size of the room where the projector will primarily be used, the light in the room, the frequency of use, your budget and a few other things. Review the advantages and disadvantages of each style of projector discussed in this article to help with your decision. Contact the staff at AV Superstore for help making the right selection for your needs.