ISE Preview – ISE takes centre stage

Billed as ‘the show that cannot stop growing’, ISE is still showing resilience despite the most serious recession on record. Exhibitor numbers for the show, which descends on Amsterdam’s RAI from 2-4 February 2010, have risen from 400 to 500, while visitor numbers are expected to match last year’s level at 25,000.

An impressive exhibitor list and a seminar programme covering all aspects of the av industry are evidence that the show’s innovation has not slowed. ISE once again means business.

Highlights at this year’s exhibition include talks on The Convergence of IT and AV, Current Screen Placement Trends in Digital Signage and Telepresence: Making the Business Case.

As ever, AV will be canvassing visitor and exhibitor opinions as part of its ‘Have Your Say’ feature as well as putting out an impressive bulk of stories live from the show. A blogger’s lounge, courtesy of DailyDOOH.com, is also planned for the event to stay current with social media trends.

Elsewhere, Infocomm will be unveiling its Global Study of the AV Industry, which promises to provide a state-of-the-nation report on the av sector.

Integrated Systems Events managing director Mike Blackman says the industry has shown itself to be resilient in the current climate, allowing many companies to withstand the effects of the recession better than expected.

‘As a genuinely European show with a visitor base that spans more than 50 countries, ISE will also benefit from the fact that many of the major economies are showing signs of growth again, and I think we will see a certain degree of confidence on the show floor.’

KEY FACTS

- Venue: Amsterdam RAI

- Dates: 2-4 February 2010

- Exhibitors: 500

- Anticipated visitors: 25,000

- www.iseurope.org

SEMINAR LIST

2 FEB 2010

• 1030 – 1115 Technology and Consumer Trends Presented by: CEDIA
• 1100 – 1145 The Convergence of IT and AV – Yes, You Really Need To Work Together Speaker: Representatives from: LifeSize, Tandberg, Polycom, AVI-SPL Presented by: IMCCA
  1200 – 1330 Technology trends in electronic displays Speaker: Robert Simpson Presented by: InfoComm
• 1200 – 1330 Digital Audio Today Speaker: Roland Hemming Presented by: InfoComm International
• 1200 – 1245 What’s Next for Telepresence Speaker: Representatives from: LifeSize, Tandberg, Polycom, AVI-SPL Presented by: IMCCA
• 1300 – 1400 Benefits of Configurable Control Systems Speaker: Jan Braams Presented by: Extron Electronics
• 1330 – 1415 Technology Trends in Home Cinema Audio and Video Presented by: CEDIA
• 1400 – 1530 Current Screen Placement Trends in Digital Signage Speaker: Dale Smith, Presented by: InfoComm
• 1400 – 1530 DVI, HDMI, and SDI in the AV-Space. Speaker: Claus Lohse. Presented by: InfoComm
• 1400 – 1530 Telepresence: Making the Business Case. Speaker: Eddie Clifton. Presented by: InfoComm
• 1430 – 1515 Hiding technology – Solutions and techniques. Presented by: CEDIA.
• 1500 – 1530 Projection Screen Technology Speaker: Wendy Long/Brian Schwartz. Presented by: Da-Lite
• 1600 – 1700 Benefits of Configurable Control Systems Speaker: Jan Braams Presented by: Extron
• 1600 – 1730 Predictable Performance in Your Projected Display Speaker: Greg Jeffreys Presented by: InfoComm
• 1600 – 1730 The Future of Video Transport and How it Will Change the AV Market Speaker: Stijn Ooms Presented by: InfoComm
• 1600 – 1730 Introduction to the Audio Coverage Uniformity Performance Standard Speaker: Scott Wills Presented by: InfoComm

3 FEB 2010

• 1000 – 1130 AV Signal Management on IT Infrastructure Speaker: Uwe Roddinger Presented by: InfoComm
• 1000 – 1130 Avoid Costly Mistakes in Your Integration – Tips to Conduct a Thorough Site Survey Speaker: Paul Nolan Presented by: InfoComm
• 1000 – 1130 Calibration and Colour Matching of Displays Speaker: David Aleksanderson Presented by: InfoComm
• 1000 – 1145 InfoComm World Debut of Global Study of the AV Industry – Special Session Speaker: Duffy J. Wilbert Presented by: InfoComm
• 1200 – 1330 How AV Pros Can Communicate with IT Departments. Speaker: Kevin Huysegoms Presented by: InfoComm
• 1200 – 1330 The Developing IEEE 802.1 Audio Video Bridging (AVB) Standard: How it will affect the AV industry Speaker: Aidan Williams Presented by: InfoComm
• 1200 – 1330 3D Stereoscopic Imaging. Speaker: David Aleksanderson. Presented by: InfoComm
• 1230 – 1315 Embracing The Cloud – How to deliver Internet Content. Presented by: CEDIA
• 1400 – 1530 Applying TelePresence Principles. Speaker: Peter Maag. Presented by: InfoComm
• 1400 – 1530 LEEDership in AVf/IT Design – Understanding the Latest Green Building Standards and Delivering Best Practice to Meet Them. Speaker: Blair Parkin and Magnus Kemp. Presented by: InfoComm
• 1400 – 1530 Solving Real-Life HDMI/DVI/DisplayPort Installation Problems. Speaker: Neta Lempert. Presented by: InfoComm
• 1400 – 1700 Profit – The reason you are in, and stay in this business. Speaker: Wim G.E. De Vos. Presented by: CEDIA
• 1400 – 1800 Digital signage enterprise tools and streaming products. Speaker: David Dalzell, Hugh Coghill-Smith. Presented by: Onelan
• 1500 – 1630Digital delivery system. Speaker: Sean Barton. Presented by: Xantech
• 1600 – 1730 Adding Value through Digital Signage. Speaker: Jeff Collard. Presented by: InfoComm
• 1600 – 1730 Designing and Optimising Sound Systems for Maximum Speech Intelligibility. Speaker: Peter Mapp. Presented by: InfoComm
• 1600 – 1730 Today’s Fibre Technology: It’s Time to Think Differently. Speaker: John Lopinto. Presented by: InfoComm

  4 FEB 2010
  

• 0945 – 1245 TCP/IP For Integrators. Speaker: Peter Aylett. Presented by: CEDIA
• 1000 – 1130 What is HD-SDI and How Can You Use it to Your Advantage in Your AV Installations?. Speaker: Neta Lempert. Presented by: InfoComm
• 1000 – 1130 Application of IP Video for Corporate Video Deployment. Speaker: Peter Maag
• Presented by: InfoComm
• 1000 – 1130 Use Market Research to Expand Your AV Business. Speaker: Duffy J. Wilbert. Presented by: InfoComm
• 1000 – 1130 New 2010 Products. Speaker: Thu Le. Presented by: Xantech
• 1130 – 1215 Riding The ECO Wave – Solutions for your clients. Presented by: CEDIA
• 1130 – 1230 Designing for the Digital Future. Speaker: Edwin Bausewein. Presented by: Extron
• 1200 – 1330 Design in AV Integration – Intro to Visual Elements. Speaker: Scott Wills. Presented by: InfoComm

CITY GUIDE FACTS

AV’s mini-guide to getting the most out of Amsterdam: recommended hotels, restaurants, bArs and clubs As much as AV fanatics would love to spend all night scrutinising the gadgets and electronics on show at ISE, sadly it closes its doors at 6pm.Fortunately visitors have the liberal, bicycle-laden streets of one of Europe’s most-loved cities to explore.

• Reputable eateries include Amrath, a hotel boasting an intimate dimly lit restaurant and Restaurant Greetje, for traditional Dutch food. Pancake house Bredero and Steakhouse Piet de Leeuw are also recommended by a Dutch friend of AV.
• Bars are, frankly, a must. Our favourites include Milky Way, a centrally located pub, featuring live music and Paradiso, a converted church. Nomads Bar and Bamboo Bar are also recommended, if a little busy.
• Clubs worth putting your good foot forward for include Odeon and hip-hop hotspot The Duevil. Escape, Paradiso and Cafe Hoppe will also ensure the midnight oil is well and truly eradicated.
• AV takes no responsibility for nauseating reactions to LCD projectors as a result of overindulgence.

EXHIBITORS

ALCONS (Stand 1J123)

Alcons Audio will be exhibiting on home soil at ISE in Amsterdam. The event is one of the few shows where Alcons displays both its product groups simultaneously: the general product line and the av/d-cinema cinema equipment.

The main focus this year will be on two products, the LR7 micro pro-ribbon line-array system and an as-yet-unnamed product.

The LR7 features a single 6.5in woofer and the RBN401 4in pro-ribbon driver in a 15deg vertical projection configuration. The 16ohms impedance and a choice of 90deg or 120deg horizontal projection, makes the LR7 suitable for av projects where compact form factor with line-array throw and imaging are required.

The other product will be a new development, to be introduced at ISE. All Alcons will reveal is that it is an av/screening room/home theatre reference system.

ANALOG WAY (3D94)

Analog Way will release a new product range featuring six high resolution mixer seamless switchers with tri or dual scalers – Opus, Pulse, SmartVu and its Light Editions. Opus and Opus LE feature three scalers and are designed for high-end installations, rental and staging applications.

Pulse and Pulse LE include two scalers and are designed for large screen projections, conference rooms and houses of worship.

The SmartVu and SmartVu LE models also have two scalers and are designed for large-screen projections, boardrooms and classrooms.

CHRISTIE (1G41)

Christie’s stand will feature the first chance for the majority of the av industry to see the much-vaunted MicroTiles product in the flesh.

MicroTiles digital display units can be stacked like building blocks to create a videowall, virtually anywhere that power is available. The modular system can be used to create an almost seamless digital canvas in nearly any size or shape using a new optical design that produces high levels of brightness, contrast and colour reproduction.

CRESTRON (1F10 AND 1F2)

Crestron’s stand is set to include ultra-slim touchpanels, and lighting control, through to entry-level systems as well as its new high-end premium products. The manufacturer will be pushing its DigitalMedia system for HD content delivery with products on the stand showcasing its commercial and residential environments.

Crestron’s DigitalMedia HDMI switchers can display different sourced material and manage the data transmitted on the signals, including HDCP and EDID. DigitalMedia also accepts all analogue video and audio – including stereo, SPDIF and 7.1 surround sound – Ethernet, USB, KVM, power and control over Cat5e or fibre.

Also making an appearance will be Prodigy, a new line of budget home-control products. Prodigy does not require any special wiring, programming or custom installation. Home theatre, audio distribution, lighting and climate control are included.

Creston’s new line of ultra-slim, low-profile, high-definition 12in and 15in touchpanels will also be on show. Only two inches deep, Crestron V-Panels are claimed to be the thinnest available, and provide VESA mount installation in addition to desktop and flush wall-mount.

GENELEC (1K73/1L72)

Genelec will be showcasing its 4020A and 4030A speakers. These two-way active loudspeakers, have been designed for indoor commercial and professional installations and have new connectivity and installation features.

Both of the models in the new 4000 Series are fitted with ‘Phoenix’ screw terminals in common with many other products in the av sector. This input method ensures a secure connection, with interference-free sound.

The 4000 Series’ integrated amplifier will also be at the show. The in-built protection circuitry will also guarantee the reliability in all operating conditions. Drivers are electronically protected from signal peaks and misuse of the system. This single assembly, combination chassis is billed as a compact and powerful-amplified loudspeaker system, which can be integrated into end-user environments of all types and design.

HAIVISION (4Q51)

HaiVision will showcase its Video Furnace System 5, an HD H.264 video-over-IP distribution tool. The product uses the Makito HD H.264 encoder to simplify deployment of a secure encoding. It is designed for distributing live video to computers and set-top boxes for creating scheduled playback channels for TV and signage, and for recording content and delivering video-on-demand.

The system’s Furnace Portal Server controls the direct and secure distribution of SD and HD H.264 video to both the “zero-footprint” InStream player and the Stingray set-top box.

The Furnace Playback Manager supports scheduled channels for IP video broadcast and signage. The Furnace Media Server leverages the efficiencies of H.264 to enable HD video-on-demand.

HaiVision will also demonstrate the Barracuda compact H.264 encoder. The encoder supports SDI, S-video, and composite video inputs, and addresses the widest array of IP video users by supporting advanced features such as HaiVision’s HiLo Streaming.

HELVAR (3A124)

With its latest products designed to combine commercial and architectural lighting systems, Helvar’s expanded Digidim and Imagine ranges are set to be at ISE.

Its Ethernet-based 920 router and 458 dimmer are designed for energy efficient scene-setting. A progression from Helvar’s familiar 910 Digidim router, the 920′s Ethernet backbone allows communication with third party peripherals, such as BMS, touchpanels and HVAC systems, allows lighting designers and installers to go beyond lighting control.

The TCP/IP standard 920 is fully compatible with Helvar’s existing controls range. The router runs two DALI subnets, allowing a total of 128 DALI devices to be connected and multiple routers can be linked, enabling a totally scalable network.

KINDERMANN (5N99)

Newcomer Kindermann will be unveiled at ISE. Its booth will include products for presentation, installation and conferencing.

The programme ranges from electrical ceiling lifts for projectors of any size to MultiMedia socket systems and conference furniture featuring the company’s technology.

Among its new products will be two new DLP projectors with ultra-wide angle lens: the KXD 400 C and KXD 500 SC. According to Kindermann the projectors are not only characterised by their modern design, but also in terms of user-friendliness and picture quality.

They are equipped with the latest image processors DDP2230 with 6-segment DLP colour wheel; they have XGA resolution and a light output between 2000 and 3000 ANSI lumens. Both projectors can be used in combination with interactive boards.

Kindermann has also launched a modular universal bracket for wall and ceiling mounting, which suits professional use. The complete system is designed for easy transportation, even through standard-sized doors. It will also imply a motorised height adjustment.

In cooperation with Easescreen, the digital signage software, Kindermann will introduce a digital ‘porter’. The interactive system does not only welcome the visitor, it also gives them the opportunity to be put through to his contact person, to get information about the company and directions to the meeting room.

PHILIPS (3A112)

Philips will showcase its latest generation PEP 2.4 (ProntoEdit Professional) software, Philips Pronto. The manufacturer is expanding its home integration and control possibilities, cutting programming time and cost for dealers and improving the look and functionality of the Pronto control panel family.

The PEP 2.4 software now features enhanced UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)/DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatibility.

The UPnP/DLNA engine is now incorporated into the Pronto and is designed to accelerate the development of two-way communication between av servers, players and control devices, adhering to the UPnP standard.

The UPnP discovery mechanism embedded within the software’s ProntoScript library will help the Pronto control panel automatically find IP devices on the network.

Pronto can integrate with Sonos multi-room audio systems without the need for special hardware, additional PCs or the use of a Sonos controller. The upgraded software will also enable Pronto to control and access content from TwonkyMedia-based equipment.

PROJECTIONDESIGN (1I31)

Norway’s projectiondesign will be giving a European preview of the highest-resolution projector, alongside its first-image processing module.

The F35 wqxga is the first projector anywhere in the world to feature Texas Instruments’ WQXGA DLP chip. This offers a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels, 78 per cent more pixels than WUXGA.

Also at a European tradeshow for the first time is the MIPS WB2560 – projectiondesign’s first multi-image processor. Capable of providing geometry correction on a per-pixel basis, it is scalable, allowing any number of channels to be combined to a single image.

Sharp (C33)

The Japanese electronics giant will be making a big splash at ISE, introducing four new LCD monitors, marking its re-entry into the lucrative high-volume market segments with 52in, 47in and 42in screens.

The information display panels feature narrow frames, improved picture quality and more efficient power consumption. The new models will be officially launched on the European market in March 2010.

The PN-E601, PN-E521, PN-E471 and PN-E421 models come in screen sizes from 42in to 60in with full 1920 x 1080 pixel HD resolution. The monitors are designed for continuous operation and are fan-less for silent operation.

These models have an expansion capability based on a modular construction principle. The highlights of the next generation include the option of an interface board with additional interfaces (I/F expansion).

The 60in LC displays in the new line-up are manufactured at the Sharp 10th generation factory in Sakai. The panels are produced from 10th generation mother glasses measuring 2.88m x 3.13m.

SPINETIX (12D85)

SpinetiX will be focusing its digital signage technology on education for European partners and show visitors. It will showcase its HMP100 Hyper Media Player.

As part of the InfoComm Education programme, Serge Konter, marketing manager at SpinetiX, will present Digital Signage – an exploration of embedded systems versus PC-based solutions for use in digital signage networks on 4 February 2010.

The HMP100 Hyper Media Player is billed as a stand alone alternative to traditional PC-based distributed video to deliver content.

Its open software standards that meet the demand for targeted messaging. Based on the SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) platform, the HMP100 can mix streaming video, encoded video or images and audio file formats with other information such as RSS or XML.

TOA (C3130)

Audio specialist manufacturer, TOA, looks likely to make a big impression at ISE 2010 with two all-new product lines for the av, sound contracting and systems integration markets.

The TOA D-2000 series is an all-in-one digital mixing system that combines the functions of an auto mixing, matrix switching and signal processing.

The D-2000 can be expanded to comprise up to four rack processing units for a total of up to 128 audio inputs and outputs.

CobraNet compatibility means the processing modules can be connected to a LAN for remote operation, while the D-2000 also works with AMX and Crestron control protocols so that it can be used with multimedia conferencing and presentation systems.

Also debuting is the Type C line array loudspeaker system. Based around TOA’s phase Wavefront Control technology for audio clarity and uniform sound dispersion, the Type C offers a choice of 15-degree and 5-degree vertical dispersion angle modules, together with a 15in subwoofer enclosure for low-end reinforcement.

Both mid-high modules use TOA’s proprietary Sync-Drive Waveguide design and can be run in single or bi-amplified modes. Purpose-designed mounting brackets are also available, while LF and HF drivers can be replaced from the rear of the enclosure.

TV ONE (3B90)

TV One will be debuting its 1T-CT-570 DVI-D Over Fiber Optic Transmission System. The DVI Fiber Optic Extender consists of the 1T-CT-571 Transmitter and the 1T-CT-572 Receiver and is used to transmit PC signals and HDTV video at resolutions up to WUXGA and 1080p respectively over distances up to 500 metres.

The 1T-CT-571 transmitter connects to the source device’s DVI output connector and the 1T-CT-572 receiver connects to the display, or other destination device’s DVI input connector.

Four fibre optic cables provide a RF immune, virtually lossless method for transporting the video signal to a remote location. No adjustments are required for the model, and setup consists of making certain that the source device’s output resolution matches the destination device’s capabilities, and ensuring that the cables are correctly connected.

Two 5VDC power adapters are provided as standard with the equipment, however most computers and other source devices provide sufficient power through their DVI output for the 1T-CT-571 Transmitter to work without these attachments.