June 2009 Issue

Audio-Technica’s smallest lavalier offering to date, the BP896 Subminiature Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone is intended for capture of high-quality audio with an unobtrusive profile. Providing high speech intelligibility and clean, accurate reproduction for broadcasters, lecturers, church/house-of-worship users, actors and presenters, the BP896 capsule measures a mere 2.5 millimeters in diameter, making it ideal for on-camera applications requiring minimum visibility. The BP896 is available in black and beige wired and wireless models, and includes a complete accessory kit. The wireless offerings include a multitude of terminations designed to work with Audio-Technica and other manufacturers' wireless systems. (330) 686-2600 www.audio-technica.com

The new Aero 12A compact line array system from D.A.S. joins the Aero Series2 family of professional sound touring products. The latest in Class D power amplification, 24-bit digital signal processing and optimized D.A.S. components has been combined with enclosures designed for precise coverage and high acoustic output. The two-way amplifier design of the Aero 12A provides extended bandwidth, improved dynamic range and exceptionally low distortion. The impressively compact and lightweight amplifier design requires much less space, reducing the overall cabinet size and in turn, the total cabinet weight. (305) 436-0521 www.dasaudio.com

Designed for small- and medium-sized applications, including portable and installed A/V uses, the new JFL210 Compact Constant Curvature Line Array and compatible sub, the JFL118 Subwoofer,from EAW offers a turnkey loudspeaker solution. Incorporating constant-curvature line array design principles, JFL210 modules form easily configured arrays with very predictable output and coherence, and coverage that is both horizontally symmetric and consistent from short to long throws. And, despite the compact size, modules and arrays both deliver exceptionally high output and predictable pattern control. The JFL210 can be flown or stacked in a variety of ways. (508) 234-6158 www.eaw.com

Featuring specifications and performance characteristics identical to Heil Sound’s original PR 20, the new, low-cost PR 20 UT (Utility) is designed to be affordable for any musician, sound company, or recording professional. The PR 20 UT microphone is built for live vocal and instrument applications as well as recording studio or broadcast use. Sound characteristics include wide frequency range, the ability to handle +140 dB SPL, -35 dB of rear rejection and natural articulation. (618)257-3000 www.heilsound.com

Sennheiser’s new 2000 Series, a professional, entry-level wireless microphone system,includes rugged products for a wide range of wireless applications. Handheld and body-pack transmitters with single or twin receivers are available for stage, broadcasting and installed sound applications. For in-ear monitoring uses, professional users can combine the diversity receivers of the series with single or twin monitor transmitters. The new 2000 Series is backwards compatible with all generations of Sennheiser Evolution wireless products and 3000 and 5000 Series - including clip-on microphones, antennas, boosters and combiners. (860) 434-9190 www.sennheiserusa.com

The Di-VentiX II by Analog Way is a multi-layer mixer scaler seamless switcher with universal analog and digital input/output and full high-resolution digital processing. It offers numerous live effects including keying and moving PIP as well as three different operation modes: multi-layer mixer, stand-alone, embedded, soft-edge blending and eight-by-two seamless native matrix. In multi-layer mixer mode, Di-Ventix II uses one output as a preview and the other, the main output, for the audience. The preview allows viewing 100% of what the Main output will display. (212) 269-1902 www.analogway.com

The FSN Series multi-format video production switcher from Barco is designed for live switching at events, installations and small broadcast facilities. The switcher seamlessly integrates SD-SDI, HD-SDI, and 3Gbps along with VGA and DVI computer resolutions in a powerful, flexible and economical package. The FSN switcher provides a feature-rich, streamlined package that’s modular, easy to use, and above all, offers a control panel instantly familiar to operators in the production switcher community. The FSN-150, a 1.5 Mix-Effect (M/E) control console, and the FSN-1400, offers a 14-slot video processing chassis. (678) 475-8000 www.barco.com

HaiVision Network Video introduces the Makito high-definition video encoder, which the company describes as “the first and only compact encoder that combines the efficiencies of H.264 video compression, the image quality of full high-definition video, a very compact form factor…” at an affordable price. The Makito also is fully integrated with Video Furnace System 5, HaiVision’s complete end-to-end HD H.264 IP video distribution solution. The Makito is designed to future-proof network video installations, supporting SD and HD all the way up to 1080p60. (514) 334-5445 www.haivision.com

The VP-729 and VP-728 are nine-input scaler/switchers that incorporate IDT HQV (Hollywood Quality Video) technology. HQV video processing technology offers the highest quality de-interlacing, noise reduction, and scaling performance for both standard-definition and high-definition signals. The VP-729 and VP-728 are HDTV and HDCP compatible, offering 720p, 1080i and 1080p HDTV output resolutions as well as numerous other user-selectable, pre-defined output resolutions. The VP-729 adds an Ethernet control capability. These models can switch between any of nine inputs and have both an HDMI and a 15-pin HD output. (908) 735-0018 www.kramerelectronics.com

The new Crossover 16 HD and SD Production Switchers from Ross Video feature 12 multi-definition inputs, six multi-definition outputs, one analog down-converted output, four assignable frame syncs with format conversion, two media stores with animation capability, a high-quality UltraChrome chroma keyer available in any keyer, three full-featured keyers and more. The CrossOver 12 models can easily be upgraded to CrossOver 16 by simply swapping out the control panel. Ross Video has created a cost effective trade up program for existing CrossOver customers. (613) 652-4886 www.rossvideo.com

The new Sony VPL-FW41 3LCD Projector features WXGA widescreen resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, 4,500 lumens light output and is designed for fixed installations. It is designed to provide more light output using less lamp power, allowing for smaller, less-expensive lamps that use less electricity and produce less heat. Four available, optional lenses meet a range of needs --- from long-throw projection in large auditoriums to short-throw rear-projection applications. (800) 222-7669 www.sony.com

Sennheiser Electronic Corporation K-array is the newest addition to its family of distributed brands. K-array manufactures thin, lightweight loudspeakers that deliver impressive power and sound quality for medium to large-scale applications, including touring, events, installed sound, and broadcast. K-array installed sound audio products fill boardrooms, museums, corporate events, churches, broadcast studios, and theaters with quality sound while remaining nearly invisible. The compact components range from four-inches deep all the way down to half an inch, while retaining an incredible amount of power and adaptability. K-array’s range of lightweight, space-saving audio components for live venues are easy to transport and set up. Despite their small size, the components deliver substantial sound quality at venues of all sizes. For more information, please visit www.sennheiserusa.com.