Brian Rhatigan, Author at Exertis Almo Installments Blog

The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts

November 24, 2015 By Brian Rhatigan Leave a Comment

In many of today’s classrooms while many things remain the same as they were in 1992, display technologies used have evolved. It is commonplace now to see whiteboards or chalkboards replaced or being used in tandem with an interactive surface like a SmartBoard® along with a projector in order engage the students more and more during the education process. Challenges found with traditional ceiling mounted projectors like the shadow cast by the presenter have been alleviated with the introduction of wall mounted ultra-short throw projectors several years ago.

While the education sector is an extremely competitive market for technology providers the two companies that have become clear leaders in this space are Epson and Smart. Epson’s introduction of the BrightLink series electronic pen based interactive projectors a few years ago further strengthened their position in this market eliminating the need to purchase both a projector and an interactive surface such as a SmartBoard® and making the upgrade path even easier allowing schools to take advantage of existing whiteboard surfaces already installed in the classroom. With the latest generation of BrightLink projectors introduced during 2014, an option now exists that no longer even requires the electronic pen and can be used with the touch of a finger.

SMART Technologies who has been offering their SMART Notebook software along with their hardware products for over a decade is now on version 15.1 and is used by millions of teachers and students around the world each school day. Perpetual licenses of SMART Notebook are included with the purchase of all SMART interactive displays while version upgrades and special add-ons are available to users with an active Notebook Advantage subscription. Additionally SMART Notebook licenses are available for purchase to run on all other brands of interactive hardware including Epson, who has been offering their resellers the option to purchase the SMART Notebook license from Epson.

On November 3, 2015 Epson announced that all BrightLink Interactive projectors will now be bundled with SMART Notebook software including a one-year subscription of SMART Notebook Advantage. Now current Epson resellers can offer the award-winning SMART software with BrightLink projectors at no additional charge simplifying the ordering process since there is just one SKU to purchase. Included in the projector box will be a redemption code that customers will be able to use in order to obtain the activation key via email.

This new partnership will provide schools with greater access to market leading lesson creation and delivery software as well as provide dealers with better opportunities to increase sales of Epson BrightLink projectors. The BrightLink projector line has been fully tested and authorized by SMART for use with SMART Notebook software. Both Epson and SMART will provide customer support and training for their respective products.

Professional Displays– Does Image Quality Matter?

November 16, 2015 By Brian Rhatigan Leave a Comment

Remember the age old debate between which was better, Plasma or LCD? I can tell you that early in my career in the AV industry during the mid to late 2000’s I was asked to answer that question several times a day both at work from customers and from friends and family. Honestly, I don’t miss that discussion very much; however it seems to me there has been less of an emphasis on picture quality over the last five years since LCD and now LED backlit and edge lit LCD has become the dominant technology which is strange to me. The quality of the image should be one of the main factors to consider when selecting a display for a professional application.

There are several characteristics to evaluate such as the viewing angle, black level, brightness, accurate color reproduction and motion blur. One of the problems we are faced with is that since that there is not a common standard used by all manufacturers to measure these specifications often spec sheets can be misleading. Thankfully, our industry provides many opportunities for integrators and dealers to look at these products at several trade events throughout the year.

When we started discussions with Toshiba to distribute their new line up of professional displays one of the things that I was most attracted to was the picture quality on all of the displays I previewed from them starting with their entry-level TD-E series all the way through the line including the TD-Z ruggedized 24/7 professional series and the TD-X series of ultra-thin bezel video wall displays. Knowing that the professional display market is somewhat crowded Toshiba needed to bring to market a product that could differentiate themselves from the pack, and they have succeeded in doing that.

The comprehensive lineup includes professional-grade large format displays, 4K Ultra HD displays, touchscreen displays, video wall displays, video wall servers, and accompanying control systems and accessories specifically designed for use in demanding commercial environments.

Almo was selected as one of a very small handful of distributors to partner with Toshiba in bringing their displays to the market. Almo resellers will be in a great position to specify Toshiba professional displays and not worry that the product is over distributed. Additionally, programs like bid registration, discounts for government and educational customers, an evaluation sample program, and a strong three year warranty with advanced exchange will help round out the offering. I encourage you to take a look at Toshiba professional displays: http://us.toshiba.com/digital-displays?src=MAKP&cm_mmc=TAI-_-Home-_-TopNav-_-TVDigitalDisplays.

5 Big Changes in Meeting Room Technology

October 21, 2015 By Brian Rhatigan Leave a Comment

In the ten years since I started my career in the audio visual industry I have seen the technology used in meeting rooms change pretty dramatically. The most noticeable to me include methods of connectivity, the shift away from a dedicated room PC, an increase in the number and types of devices, requirements for wireless presentation, and the rise in popularity of unified communication platforms.

Even five to six years ago I found it difficult to believe that the HD-15 connector commonly referred to as VGA would basically be on the verge of becoming extinct and even more surprising that HDMI would become the standard video connector for professional audio video applications. While HDMI is still not the most ideal connector for commercial applications, companies like Comprehensive Cable have introduced high grade HDMI cables with tensioned connectors to reduce the possibility of cables being unplugged unintentionally. Thankfully, many of the dreaded EDID issues associated with HDMI have also been reduced with improvements in switching and distribution equipment from companies like Kramer and ATEN. While Display Port is a very attractive format for commercial installs it just has not yet been as widely adopted.

While many meeting rooms still have a dedicated room PC it is rarely used as the main presentation source in the room. Meetings, from a technology standpoint have become more collaborative often with several presentation sources present. Sleek table connectivity solutions like the HydraPort® suite of products from AMX provide more flexibility to have multiple presenters in a meeting space while at the same time providing additional power outlets, network connectivity, along with a wide host of other connectivity options. Consider though that with all of the mobile devices that have become commonplace today there are limitations with hardwired systems.

Just about everyone now walks around with at least one presentation device on their person at all times including smart phones and tablets and as these devices have become more powerful the small and portable form factor have made them extremely attractive as an alternative to PC’s for presenting content. The challenge here is you have devices from many different manufactures running on multiple different platforms, some with proprietary connections.

Effective meeting spaces now need to be able to handle both wired and wireless devices seamlessly regardless if they are running Windows, iOS, or Android. Technology products like the Barco Clickshare, Kramer VIA, and AMX Enzo are great options to add this functionality to any meeting space, small or large. You will also find some great budget friendly options like the iProjection App which is provided free from Epson and is available on both the iOS and Android platform. The Epson iProjection App allows users to wirelessly project documents, photos, and web pages from your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Android mobile device as well as providing annotation capabilities.

Another interesting trend is the rise in popularity of unified communication platforms like Spontania from ClearOne. Picture instant messaging, but add the capability of video calling and on top of that add the ability to share your desktop or specific applications in a private virtual meeting room allowing users to join or host from multiple devices including PC’s, smartphones, tablets and more. There is no substitution for a fully integrated VTC system with high end cameras and multiple large displays, however the costs and complexity of those systems don’t work for everyone, and these types of cloud based systems alleviate the need for a dedicated room.

Five Things to Consider When Selecting a New Projector

August 30, 2015 By Brian Rhatigan 6 Comments

Advances in projection technology have offered us lighter, smaller, brighter, higher resolution projection devices, however there are still many things to think about when purchasing or specifying a new projector.

Projection Technology – This may not get talked about as much as it did a few years back however this is still a very important consideration when selecting a projector. The most common types of projection technology in the majority of today’s projectors are 1-Chip DLP and 3-Chip 3LCD. The 1-chip DLP system uses a spinning color wheel to render color which produces a lower color light output or color brightness than that of 3LCD technology. Brightness ratings, expressed in lumens for DLP projectors typically only refer to the white brightness level while the actual brightness of color may be as little as one third of the lumens stated. . Additionally 3LCD projectors are usually able to generate more vivid and saturated colors than DLP. While DLP projectors can be smaller and lighter than LCD projectors and can offer a higher contrast ratio, most people will find the benefits of 3LCD outweigh those of DLP.

Image Position and Adjustment – In a perfect world you would not have to worry about projector placement relative to the projection screen, however things like light fixtures, and HVAC systems can prevent you from the perfect projector placement. While most projectors offer both horizontal and vertical keystone correction this is not always the best option as there could be an associated degradation in picture quality. The better if you need to place a projector off axis from the screen would be to look for a projector that offers lens shift (both horizontal and vertical) so that the image can be shifted with no degradation. Other features like ScreenFit and Quick Corner® found in many Epson projectors will aid in precise alignment with your screen.

Throw Distance – Image size will be determined by the amount of distance or throw you have available in a particular room between the projector and the screen surface. Larger images require a longer throw and this needs to be considered when selecting a projector as often the room will dictate a limited area where the projector can be placed. Higher end projectors will offer different lens options to give you more flexibility, however if the projector you are considering does not offer lens options you are constrained to the throw ratio of the included lens. Thankfully, manufacturers offer us a wide range of options including short throw and ultra-short throw options without having to break the bank. You can use the Epson Throw Distance Calculator to assist with calculating proper throw distances for your Epson projector.

Interactivity – Given today’s technology climate people expect to be able to interact with display devices whether it be in a corporate setting, educational, or other. Epson’s interactive projectors can make practically any surface interactive without the additional expense of an interactive whiteboard. Combined with an ultra-short throw form factor these projectors eliminate the glare or shadow effect experienced with standard throw projectors. Interactive options include either the use of an electronic pen or finger-touch.

Resolution – Unlike the flat panel world in which you will no longer find 4:3 displays in production it is still quite common with projection systems, especially in legacy installations where you may be asked to replace a projector and still use the existing screen. While many people think of resolution in terms of 720p or 1080p business projectors typically are available in XGA (1024×768), WXGA (1280×800), or WUXGA (1920×1200). The important thing to note here is that both WXGA and WUXGA are actually in a 16:10 aspect ratio, not 16:9 which is common for home theater. This is very important to note if you are specifying a new projector and screen package or mating a new projector to an existing screen.

With any projection system there will be other factors to consider. Almo Pro A/V is a valuable resource to assist you as needed and welcome the opportunity.

Choosing the Right TV for Commercial Applications

May 27, 2015 By Brian Rhatigan 1 Comment

One of the most common things I hear from dealers is that it is difficult to convince end users to spend more money on a commercial grade display when they feel a trip to their local retailer will save them money. Now, we know the benefits of using commercial grade displays, but there are times when maybe the display won’t be used very frequently, or a TV tuner and speakers are required for the application and the added expense of a commercial display is hard to justify.

LG has been offering commercial televisions for exactly this purpose for many years and is currently refreshing their entire line up. All LG commercial televisions include a tuner and speakers, offer connectivity for professional applications like RS-232 control and PC input, and provide peace of mind with a two year warranty in a commercial setting, all at a price point that sits well with customers.

The LX341C series is replacing the popular LY340C series and is perfect for any commercial application that requires a television.

The LX530S and LX540S series are replacing the LY540S series for those applications that require a television, but also want the convenience of the built in easy to use digital signage platform called SuperSign Lite.

Whether you need an ultra-thin bezel video wall, 24/7 high bright requirement, large format monitor, or commercial television, LG has you covered with a full suite of professional display products.

Harness the Simplicity of HDBaseT with Epson’s Large-Venue Projectors

May 22, 2015 By Brian Rhatigan Leave a Comment

Just in case you haven’t heard all the hype about HDBaseT, this relatively new standard includes a feature set that converges uncompressed full HD digital video, audio, 100BaseT Ethernet, power over cable and various control signals through a single LAN cable. Keep in mind this is not the first time that digital video, audio, and control have been able to be extended over long distances using category cable, however this is the first time that there has been a standard for doing so across different manufacturers.

In keeping with their reputation of providing industry leading products Epson has recently refreshed their entire line of Pro G installation projectors which now all include an HDBaseT input removing the need to have an HDBaseT receiver near the projector.

Why does this matter? First off, there is a cost savings of up to a few hundred dollars from not having to purchase a receiver unit. Second, these projectors can now receive digital video, audio, & control over a single cable from source equipment that is in excess of 300 feet away. Additionally, since HDBaseT is a standard, you can use transmitters from whoever your preferred manufacturer is.

This latest refresh of the Epson Pro G series installation projectors also includes a settings cloning feature to speed up and simplify multiple projector installations as well as support for a wider range of control system protocols.

To learn more about Epson and their full lineup of installation projectors, visit almoproav.com/epson or reach out to me at [email protected].

The World’s Most Technologically Advanced Ship

March 20, 2015 By Brian Rhatigan Leave a Comment

I recently had the pleasure of a weeklong sailing on Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, The Quantum of the Seas. After reading about this ship I was prepared to be impressed by the use of audio and video technology onboard. Once we embarked, it only took a few minutes before my expectations were dramatically exceeded.

Immediately I was presented with an LED ribbon suspended from the ceiling with moving artwork to please my senses. As I ventured down the hall serene visuals of painted nature scenes with flying insects and butterflies displayed on 10 overhead Sharp 90” displays and soothing music provided for a relaxed mood. One of the families in my group had an inside stateroom that included a virtual balcony featuring a 90” portrait monitor showing feeds from high definition cameras mounted on the side of the ship.

The ultimate highlight was the 270 Lounge with three stories of floor to ceiling glass windows providing a 270 degree view of the ocean off the back of the ship. When triggered, this entire area transformed into a massive projection surface featuring stunning imagery courtesy of 18 Ultra HD projectors seamlessly edge blended. If that wasn’t enough, my senses were further delighted by 6 dancing 100” 4mm LED arrays controlled by robotic arms.

Many of us by now have heard the term techorating; this by far has to be one of the best examples that I have ever experienced.

Is High Quality Audio Making a Comeback?

February 12, 2015 By Brian Rhatigan Leave a Comment

As a kid of the 80’s I clearly remember the excitement of browsing the record shelves in the large retail music outlets that were commonplace in every shopping mall. Stores like Record World, The Wall, Sam Goody, and Tower Records sadly have become nearly extinct. Records and cassettes transitioned to CDs as the mainstream media and how exciting that was. High quality CD sound, free of tape hiss and pops associated with vinyl, along with instant track access was a joy, although some would argue that CD is still an inferior format. Nevertheless, CD brought high quality audio to the masses and the popularity of hifi systems soared.

During the late 90’s services such as Napster and Kazaa brought MP3 audio to the forefront and with the introduction of the iPod in 2001 the popularity of portable digital music exploded. iTunes completely changed the way people purchase and listen to music while brick and mortar music retailers struggled to stay relevant, and many ultimately failed. Of course with convenience there is compromise and the general public was seemingly blind to the decreased sound quality associated with compressed digital music files as a new generation of listeners emerged.

I for one am excited to take notice that more and more people are realizing what they are missing and are starting to demand higher quality audio. Surprisingly to some the vinyl format has made a significant comeback. While vinyl sales still account for a very small percentage of overall music purchased, vinyl record sales have been steadily increasing since 2007. Additionally, high resolution digital playback devices like the Pono player developed by Neil Young and PonoMusic, and the new Sony Walkman are garnering attention.

Believe me, I am all about convenience, however not when there is such a significant trade off.

My Hands-On Experience with Epson

January 20, 2015 By Brian Rhatigan Leave a Comment

Working here at Almo we are exposed to hundreds of different products and interact on a very personal level with many of our top manufacturers. We quite possibly have more manufacturer trainings than any other company in our industry, however it is not every day that we actually get to handle and use the products that we sell. Spec sheets can offer a lot but they don’t always convey the true performance of a particular product.

Although it is our customers that are out in the field installing these products, I do on many occasions throughout the year get to have hands-on experience with a lot of gear whether it is at one of the Almo E4 Tour events, InfoComm, or the International Signage Expo. At our E4 events we set up all of the training rooms and have had the chance over the last five years to use several different projectors, in both the short-throw and installation categories.

For our 2014 E4 tours Epson provided the projector hardware so over the course of the year I got familiar with their units. I was pleasantly surprised by some of the higher end features found on the less expensive short throw models that I haven’t seen from other vendors like image shift and corner correction making it a breeze to perfectly match the image to the screen which can be particularly challenging in ultra-short-throw applications. For our larger rooms we used their high end Pro G series projectors with an optional short throw zoom lens in a rear projection setting. With a very generous lens shift and features like digital corner correction and image shift it only took a few minutes to get everything perfectly aligned.

The real highlight though was once we had content being shown on the projectors. The images popped and were bright with accurate colors. Surprisingly, these images were brighter than I had seen from other projectors we used in the past that actually boasted a higher brightness rating on their spec sheet than the Epson. I am now a believer in the importance of Color Light Output or Color Brightness. For more detailed information please visit: www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/Landing/bright-projector-colors.do.

When Digital Signage Does Not Work

January 8, 2015 By Brian Rhatigan Leave a Comment

There are many advantages as you know for businesses to implement digital signage systems such as increased visibility of their products, ease of keeping information current, as well as effective employee and customer messaging. With this said, digital signage systems can be a detriment if they are not deployed and maintained properly.

By now most enterprise type organizations seem to have implemented effective digital signage systems, whether it is a major hotel chain, a public transportation venue, a casino, or a banking branch, etc. The problem I have noticed though is with smaller businesses, often independently owned where screens are not designed properly, or do not have current information, or are just not on at all. For example, there has been a large increase of new self-service frozen yogurt eateries, at least in my part of the country, and many are using digital displays for menu boards. While visiting one last week I noticed a portrait display, with the company’s logo near the top, however the menu area below was blank.

To me this sends the wrong message and defeats the whole purpose of having the screens in the first place. Now, there could be several reasons for this. Maybe the staff does not know how to use the system, or maybe there is a problem that needs to be addressed with the hardware or software, or maybe they have a service provider that manages the screens for them (let’s hope not) that is not performing their duty up to task. In any case, the system failed.

The biggest service you can offer your client, hopefully leading to a continuing business relationship when providing a digital signage system is to be sure you choose a proven platform that has a strong track record in the field, provide sufficient training on the system to your client if they will be administering the system (and it goes without saying that you need to be very familiar with the system you are offering), and I suggest an occasional call to the customer to ask them how their system is working for them. This little gesture can go a long way in securing additional business and customer loyalty.