Eric Olson, Author at Exertis Almo Installments Blog

Barco Laser Phosphor Projectors

September 30, 2015 By Eric Olson 1 Comment

Barco continues to impress the Pro A/V world with its relentless pursuit of technical advancements in laser projection technology. Recently, I was fortunate enough to co-host a Barco webinar with Neil Wittering, Barco’s in-house projector expert. He discussed the positive aspects and benefits of using a laser projector, and when to specify them in an application. Their new line of laser phosphor projectors offer a host of features and benefits that every integrator can appreciate. Some of the highlights include:

High brightness with sensational colors – The laser-sharp images and sensational colors they display will depict all of your content in the best possible way. Their 6,000 lumens of light output empower you to share information on a really big screen for higher productivity. And, thanks to the laser diodes’ 20,000-hour lifetime, you will sooner need to renovate your workspace than replace your projector. Add the fact that these projectors can support portrait and landscape modes, and it’s a home run.

Low noise – Noise in working environments can reduce productivity by more than 30%. That’s why Barco created the quietest laser phosphor projectors on the planet. Producing a noise level of just 35dB (32dBA in eco mode) in full operation, the Barco laser phosphor projectors are the quietest laser phosphor projectors currently available*. (5,000 lm and up, as of February 2015). Increasing productivity while reducing noise is another great incentive to purchase a laser projector.

Add a ClickShare – Adding the option for wireless presentation and collaboration within the projector itself is a fantastic option. Certain laser projector models support the integration of optional connectivity modules, certain models can be upgraded with extra functionalities. Based on Barco’s wireless presentation system ClickShare, the ‘ClickShare Inside’ option can be nicely integrated – allowing users to wirelessly share their content on-screen, for true collaboration.

Instant on/off – Save even more time, while you don’t have to wait. Thanks to their instant on/off function you don’t have to wait for your projector to warm up.

Low weight – Makes installation easier for the integrator (time savings, again), while also eliminating the need for heavy duty mounting structures.

Lastly, we discussed the total cost of ownership (TCO) of this type of projector. This aspect is particularly important when figuring out the costs inherent within the purchase of any piece of equipment. Will maintenance costs offset the budget? Will this technology suffice for your current and future requirements? Many of these concerns can be alleviated when you consider the 20,000-hour laser diode lifetime and low maintenance featured in owning a laser projector. Their filter-free and lamp less design frees you from tedious maintenance. There are no more lamps or filters to replace, and more importantly, you save the time required to change these disposable items that are no longer mandatory. In my opinion, time is the biggest cost savings you can have.

The Barco laser phosphor range is available with WXGA and WUXGA resolution and offers great color performance and 6,000 ANSI lumens brightness. Meeting all your projector requirements at a competitive price point, these projectors provide an excellent total cost of ownership. As Neil summed it up best; “While lamps are still the preferred light source for rental and staging applications from a cost/ performance standpoint, as laser technology develops, we will see significant reductions made in projector weight, size and cost, which will make laser the optimal illumination solution for all applications.”

Video Wall Buying Guide – LG Clover

August 25, 2015 By Eric Olson Leave a Comment

Video walls reach into a diverse realm of markets that include retail, stadiums, arenas, theme parks, museums, galleries, casinos, hotels, shopping malls, houses of worship, transportation hubs, command and control centers, convention centers and theaters,… just to name a few. Each different application has its own message to bring to these venues and their target audiences. Whether it’s to enhance the entertainment experience, engage the customer, or to provide information in a more effective manner, you can accomplish that with more impact using a visually stunning video wall system.

Today, venues and attractions are faced with the challenges of attracting more visitors and exploring new revenue streams. In our fast-paced digital world, passive audiences are a thing of the past: people want to take part in the experience and participate actively. It’s especially important to engage visitors from the moment they walk through the door. A video wall makes an immediate and unforgettable impression that can entertain audiences with a rich and rewarding experience, or educate and stimulate visitors. Let’s take a deeper look into the benefits that video wall products offer some different markets to help get their specific messages across.

Businesses need to grab the attention and focus of their customers. With smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices competing for their attention, it is crucial to make a strong first impression. Video walls can give businesses the visual presence they need, as they are remarkably effective and versatile. Companies can use them as a marketing focal point, a message center, or higher profile advertisement. Video walls can display any digital data that a business wants to share with its employees, partners, clients, and prospective customers. With spectacular video detail and digital content, video walls can drive companies toward their business objectives and goals.

Visualization is a key element in bringing the ultimate fan experience to life in any modern sports venue. Sports fans want to have an all-encompassing entertainment experience, before, during and after the game. Today, a ticket holder for a sports event expects state-of-the-art LED displays, digital signage and massive video walls featuring HD video content that inform and entertain them at any moment while bringing action and excitement. These venues can be turned into a site that serves many purposes and truly engages the fans through the use of a video wall system.

Various technologies are transforming theme parks and amusement parks into larger-than-life experiences that leave a lasting impression on visitors. People are no longer content to be on the sidelines – they want to be personally involved through captivating interactive experiences. In fact, the entire theme park experience can be made interactive and personalized from start to finish. As your entrance and exit provides your audience’s first and last impressions, it’s crucial to make the right impression there. The same is true for the lines at theme park attractions: if people are having fun while they’re waiting, frustration is reduced and you can build up excitement for the attraction itself. Flexible and reliable video wall solutions can create a unique and personal amusement park experience, driving audiences to return, over and over again.

We have seen a few examples of how video wall systems are utilized by transforming the way businesses deliver their messages and captivate their audience. With all of the different markets and methods of conveying a message with a video wall, how do we differentiate between all of the options available? Display manufacturers are continuously competing in the race to slimmer bezels, higher brightness, easier installation and higher reliability. Fortunately, LG Commercial Display has made the decision a little easier by revolutionizing the industry with cutting-edge advancements and innovation in the form of Project Clover. Clover, introduced by LG at InfoComm 2015, is currently the industry leader in narrow bezel video wall technology; providing less than 2mm bezel-to-bezel (1.8mm). Consequently, image gap is reduced and viewing experience is enhanced tremendously.

LG’s Clover is not only the slimmest bezel-to-bezel video wall system, it also offers best in class viewing with its IPS (in-plane switching) technology. This technology brings ultra-wide viewing angles (178°), less blackening defect and less color distortion. LG is the present-day front-runner in video wall technology and has earned three “Best of Show” awards this past InfoComm 2015 (Digital Signage Magazine, Sound & Video Contractor, and rAVe Publications). With Clover’s impending Fall 2015 release date, LG is sure to be the one to beat in the latest video wall features and technologies that separate them from the competition.

Today, video wall displays are big business for providing digital content to the world. Video wall growth is being driven by an increase in the number of applications for the giant displays, as well as new products with new features and more installation options. With diverse solutions in use for capturing the attention of the target audience, this market segment is expected to remain strong for years to come.

InfoComm 2015 Recap: What I Learned This Year

July 1, 2015 By Eric Olson Leave a Comment

Attending InfoComm is essentially a rite of passage for any AV professional. The latest products from major contenders in the AV world come together, bringing out the most innovative technologies from the manufacturers. Meeting new people, observing cutting-edge technology, and getting a feel for where the industry is headed were the high points of my first InfoComm experience.

There were definitely a few stand-out moments of the show. One impressive highlight was the unveiling of LG Electronics’ industry leading Full HD Video Wall display. This product has the world’s slimmest, bezel to bezel design at 1.8mm which, combined with their existing IPS and Shine-Out technologies, makes it a perfect fit for window displays and exhibition. These characteristics maximize the viewing angle while reflecting away ambient light for best image visibility and clearer display under direct sunlight.

Also, Barco’s latest line of laser projectors was an intriguing feature of InfoComm. These projectors deliver exceptional image quality with outstanding brightness, contrast, and superior color performance; they did not disappoint. Associated benefits also include significant reduction in operating expenses (no more lamp replacement and maintenance), energy efficiency, and a lower total cost of ownership.

Last but certainly not least, Almo exhibited the ADTI SkyPanel outdoor digital LED display, a recent addition to their product line. This product is interesting not only from an innovation standpoint, but also from a solutions provider’s perspective. The ADTI SkyPanel is a modular outdoor digital signage product that offers a turn-key solution to any integrator looking to delve into that market. This is an ingenious modular design that reduces energy consumption, dissipates heat efficiently without fans, and is available for shipping and installation within one day. I was (and continue to be) impressed!

My first InfoComm trade show event with Almo Pro A/V was a very exciting and enjoyable experience. It was an honor to be part of the team that fabricated and exhibited the Almo booth at InfoComm 2015. I was able to become well acquainted with my new team and learned a tremendous amount from them. Aside from meeting all the great people that make up the Almo team, it was an amazing event that provided me the opportunity to view the latest technological advances from our vendors. I am looking forward to InfoComm 2016 and the new innovations to come.

What was your favorite new product? Leave a comment below to let us know about your InfoComm experience!