June 2007 Issue

Clear-Com unveils an intercom system that enables users to avoid the need for licensing and frequency coordination. Because it operates in the unlicensed 2.4GHz and 900MHz bands, Tempest will be unaffected by the reallocation of the UHF-TV spectrum, according to the company. 2xTX transmission voice data redundancy sends each packet of audio data twice on different frequencies, and through different antennas. This ensures uninterrupted, high-quality audio communications.

Kramer Electronics announces the VP-23RC presentation switcher with media/room control. The unit is Kramer's first model that combines switching multiple audio and video sources with control of media room features such as window blinds, room lights, and projector lifts. The single-box VP-23RC includes three 4x1 video switchers'composite, S-Video, and computer graphics video with stereo audio'and one 4x1 master audio switcher. The computer video section offers both 15-pin HD and CAT5 output for long distance signal transmissions.

Pioneer Electronics unveils the PDP- 427CMX, a 42-inch high-resolution professional plasma display that enhances digital signage. The unit includes Pioneer's proprietary First Surface Pure Color Filter for enhanced color reproduction and the darkest black levels with improved contrast ratios. According to Pioneer, superior picture quality is achieved with Crystal Emissive Layer technology and a deep encased cell structure for improved brightness and image reproduction. Users can insert expansion cards through dual slots at the back of the unit.

The VGA-SR-F is a passive balun that extends video signals up to 450 feet over standard unshielded twisted pair cable such as Cat 5 or Cat 6. The VGA-SR-F does not require shielded cable, and both the send and receive balun feature grounding screws and sync reset switches. The unit's send balun connects to a source device, typically a PC, and the receive balun connects to a destination source, such as a monitor or a projector.s

Extron Electronics introduces the ISM 824 modular multiswitcher that allows simultaneous video/RBG scaling and wideband switching in a single, compact enclosure. The unit combines the signal routing capabilities of an eight input, eight output wideband matrix switcher with the versatility of four customizable outputs. The ISM 824 can be equipped with any of the available scaling or scan conversion output boards for initial project requirements, then upgraded in the future with additional boards.

Hitachi releases the CP-X400 projector. At 3,000 ANSI lumens and 7.7 pounds, the CP-X400 features three LCD panels, a built-in six-watt speaker and boasts a manual 1:1.2 zoom. The unit also offers full connectivity including standard video connections and RS-232 control. The CPX400 has a side-mounted filter for easy cleaning and a top-door lamp, a built-in speaker, and the following security functions: a transition detector, a Kensington lock, and PIN lock protection.

Avocent Corp. announces a new wireless VGA and audio module, part of the Avocent Emerge MPX1000 extender. The VGA module will enable a combination of multipoint transmitters and receivers to work in unison to form a managed audio-video extension network. The VGA distribution system delivers a synchronized stream of HD computer graphics or video and associated audio from one source to as many as eight display devices in a wired or wireless manner.

High End Systems Inc. unleashes a new member of its Wholehog family, the Road Hog. The Road Hog console features intuitive operation and allows the user to create, manage, edit, and play back lighting cues to enhance production environments. The unit features 2,048 DMX channels of control for fast performance speed; two internal touch screens for data display; and the ability to use standard Wholehog console hardware combined with embedded Windows XP.

Lamp Lite introduces the compact MR RGB 12V and MR RGB E27 lamps that offer RGB color mixing. The lamps include their own wireless controller and can be used with existing fixtures. They're outfitted with light-emitting diodes and use SMD RGB color mixing technology to create 16 different selectable color shades. The WR LED wireless controller can be used to control colors, fade, strobe, and dim.

The Martin Stagebar 54 is a bright, high efficiency LED pixel bar with RGB, Amber and 'true' white color mixing (RGBAW), and features an automatic color calibration technique which assures colors are balanced and show correctly. Light output is constant, regardless of ambient temperatures. Different lens angles provide for flexibility and a variety of application. Stagebar 54 features high speed video capability. Regulated fan speed ensures longterm performance. Industry standard DMX 512 controllable with HSI (Hue, Saturation, Intensity) control. It comes in a small or large version.

GLP presents the Ypoc 700 CMY moving head lighting fixture that delivers sharpness of projection throughout the entire zoom range of 14 degrees to 32 degrees. The unit delivers a smooth, even frost effect and a high-resolution dimmer. The Ypoc is equipped with a CMY color mixing unit and a color wheel, one rotating and one fixed gobo wheel, an additional effect wheel, and a continuous CTO color-correction filter. The unit may be powered from all commonly encountered electricity supplies.

OAP Audio Products introduces the R-152 compact, high-output, full-range, two-way flyable loudspeaker system for portable or installed sound. The R-152 trapezoid-shaped loudspeaker system utilizes a 15-inch transducer and a one-inch throat titanium diaphragm driver and offers a variety of user-selectable horn options. The system is constructed of 18-mm void-free imported Baltic birch plywood, and features 12 flypoints (three each on top and bottom and two each on the back and sides of the cabinet).

TOA Electronics debuts the WM-5270 handheld wireless microphone that operates in the 692-865 MHz band with up to 64 available frequencies. TOA states that the mic provides 10 hours of transmitter operation from a single AA battery, and includes a low-battery indicator light. The WM-5270 offers metal body construction and a channel selector switch with a builtin antenna. A mic clip, carrying pouch, and screwdriver are included, and the product is backed by a five-year warranty.

Klein + Hummel introduces the K8 digital audio distribution system for transporting professional audio across a facility. The K8 can be used for simple point-to-point connections or can form a distribution backbone for sending up to 16 audio channels to multiple remote locations. The unit carries the 16 channels of uncompressed 48-kHz, 24-bit digital audio over a standard Cat-5 cable with a total latency of less than one millisecond.

L-Acoustics unveils the ultra-compact Kiva line array system. Kiva offers a full-range element operating from 80 Hz to 20,000 Hz bandwidth; a complimentary low-frequency extension element operating from 50 Hz to 100 Hz bandwidth; and an LA4 amplified controller. The system features two 6.5-inch drivers in a bass-reflex tuned enclosure and an HF 1.5-inch diaphragm compression driver coupled to a DOSC waveguide for HF reproduction.

Edirol releases the R-09 portable digital recorder. Two special-edition models are available in red and white, including a carrying case for the lightweight main unit and an earphone set. Key features include 24-bit/48-kHz or MP3 recording and playback; recording to an SD card with a 64-MB card included; mic and line audio inputs; input level controls; USB I/O; and AA-battery operation. All recordings can be backed up to computer by USB.