2/2/2009
New College Dorm Clears Final Hurdle
Tom Dalton
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services -- Unrestricted
Salem State College's new dorm got the green light -- the green dollar light.
The $57.5 million project in Salem, MA, cleared its final hurdle last week when the revenue bonds to finance the deal were sold by the Massachusetts State College Building Authority.
Although officials were optimistic the bonds would be issued, they also were concerned about closing the deal in the current economic climate on Wall Street.
"We were concerned we would not see the typical level of demand," said Ed Adelman, executive director of the state authority.
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1/26/2009
Vanderbilt's First-Year Student Campus Recognized for Green Building
Business Wire
NASHVILLE, Tenn, Jan 22, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Vanderbilt University continues to go for the gold with its latest LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification of three new residence halls. This brings the total to seven LEED-certified buildings at The Commons, the university's new campus for first-year students.
"These seven LEED-certified buildings form one of the largest collections planned on a single campus site in the southeastern United States," says Keith Loiseau, a LEED-accredited architect at the university and project manager for The Commons Center. More...
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February 12, 2009: Digital TV Transition Delayed To June
The digital TV transition has been delayed to June 12, with President Barack Obama signing the bill following a multiple-week period of congressional wrangling to get it to his desk. The bill got through both houses last week, giving TV stations another four months to terminate their analog broadcasts and transition to digital signals. The original changeover date was February 17. According to Obama, the additional time will enable viewers, who otherwise might have been left in the dark, to better prepare.
A federal fund, meant for people without cable or satellite service, which assists in acquiring the converter boxes necessary to keep watching television, has run out of money. The waiting list to get coupons is extensive.
Nevertheless, this extension does not proscribe broadcasters from making the transition early if they wish. Almost 500 stations have announced their intention to make the switch as originally scheduled, not waiting until June
February 5, 2009: House Approves Digital Transition Delay
The transition to digital television is almost sure to be delayed until June 12, a four-month push back from February 17, following a February 4 House of Representatives vote approving the delay. Proponents of the measure have said many households remain unprepared for the switch. According to White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, President Barack Obama will sign the legislation, which will postpone the date when major television stations must cease transmitting traditional analog signals. Last month, the Nielsen Co. said more than 6.5 million homes are not equipped to receive digital signals.
The bill passed on a 264 to 158 vote, with most Democrats voting in favor and most Republicans opposed. Democrats argued the delay would afford time to boost funding for a coupon program that subsidizes equipment some viewers need to make their televisions digital-capable. Opponents asserted a delay would cause consumer confusion and hold up the availability of airwaves for emergency workers’ radios and some wireless devices.
Some organizations representing broadcasters, advertisers and other interested parties have expressed support for the delay.
January 28, 2009: Digital TV Delay Thrown Into Doubt
Following several days during which it appeared legislative efforts to delay the digital television transition to June 12 would be successful, proponents of the legislation have hit a stumbling block, leaving the date of the transition in considerable doubt. On Monday, January 26, the Senate approved by unanimous consent a bill to postpone the digital TV transition from its current switchover date, February 17. However, on Wednesday, January 28, House Republicans were successful in derailing the legislation.
In order to assure a swift vote, given the immediacy of the issue, the bill was considered under House expedited rules, which means limited debate, no amendments and a 2/3 majority required for passage. The final vote was 258 to 168 in favor—short of the needed supermajority.
Opponents of the four-month extension believe any type of postponement would lead to consumer confusion. Proponents, meanwhile, say an extension would allow consumers with expired coupons, which the government has provisioned to compensate for the $40 converter boxes, to request new ones. Earlier this month, the government’s supply of coupons ran out, leaving roughly 2.5 million Americans on a waiting list.
The next steps are unclear, although future consideration under normal House processes seems possible.
January 12, 2009: Lab.gruppen Acquires Lake Technology, Brand
Lab.gruppen has acquired the Lake trademarks and the exclusive rights for use of Dolby Lake Processor (DLP) technology for both permanent sound reinforcement and touring markets from Dolby Laboratories, Inc . The technology, currently referred to as “DLP technology” as used in the PLM Series, will be called “Lake technology or Lake Processing” in the future. The Dolby Lake Controller (DLC) PLM Edition software will be known as “Lake Controller software,” as new versions of the software are expected to be compatible with both the standalone DLPs as well as the PLM Series products.
Lake technology is used in several products, including the original Lake products, Mesa Quad EQ and Contour; the Dolby Lake Processor from Dolby Laboratories; and the PLM Series Powered Loudspeaker Management systems.
This agreement further allows Lab.gruppen to develop the Lake Controller software and firmware and to utilize the Lake brand name and allied technologies in Lab.gruppen-branded and standalone products for use in the permanent sound reinforcement and touring markets.
Lab.gruppen has secured exclusive access to the source code and algorithms for these markets that are at the heart of the DLP and PLM, and this will allow the company to create further generations of the programs for use with existing Dolby Lake Processors and with the company’s PLM Series of Powered Loudspeaker Management systems.
In October 2008, Sound & Communications reported in its NEWSLETTER on Dolby exiting the live sound business and, resultantly, announcing the final production run of the Dolby Lake Processor.
January 9, 2009: Event Partners Postpone ISMEA 2009
Integrated Systems Events, LLC, and UBMI UAE Jersey Limited (formerly CMPi UAE Jersey Limited) have postponed the inaugural Integrated Systems Middle East Africa (ISMEA) trade show. Originally scheduled to be held March 23 and 24 at the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Center (ADNEC), the show will now be staged at a later date.
“We had a tremendous response from the AV and electronic systems industry to our plans to launch an event in this region,” remarked Mike Blackman, managing director, Integrated Systems Events. “However, in light of trading conditions, some of our key exhibitors had raised concerns about the timing of the event. We have always listened closely to the advice of our industry and tried to tailor our events to suit its needs, and we believe that postponement is the best option for all of us at this time.”
Kent Daniels, event director, UBMI UAE Jersey Limited, added, “While it is always disappointing to postpone the launch of an event such as ISMEA, it is not in anybody’s interest to proceed with a new show if market conditions are making it difficult to deliver an event of the quality and integrity for which both of our organizations are [known]. By taking this decision now, we and Integrated Systems Events are securing the future of the ISMEA show as the region’s only B2B event dedicated to professional AV and electronic systems integration.”
Todays News
AFI Celebrates a Quarter Century 2.12.2009
SOMERSET, NJ--In 1984, the cost of a first class postage stamp was 20 cents and Ronald Reagan had just been elected to his second term in office. In the video surveillance and security arena, the CCTV market was in the process of More...
Crestron Launches New Website 2.12.2009
ROCKLEIGH, NJ--Crestron launched its new website, which delivers an enhanced user experience, greater customization, and easier navigation. In a continuing effort to deliver the most relevant and compelling information to help More...
Four Star Wire & Cable Celebrates 10th Anniversary 2.12.2009
STERLING HEIGHTS, MI--2009 marks ten years of success for Four Star Wire & Cable. Four Star is a premier wire and cable distribution company that supports some of the best sound, video and electronic systems installation companies More...
Systems News
Audix Chosen For Michigan Judicial Circuit Court 2.06.2009
WILSONVILLE, OR—Accurate Audio Consultants was contacted by Michigan’s 54th Judicial Circuit Court to provide a solution to the audio and video problems the court was experiencing while in session. Audix Micros Series were put to More...
Crestron Joins EMerge Alliance 2.06.2009
ROCKLEIGH, NJ—Crestron has become a member of the EMerge Alliance to contribute its expertise in delivering fully integrated solutions that manage and control disparate building systems intelligently and efficiently. More...
Draper Receives Energy Award 2.06.2009
SPICELAND, IN—Draper has been recognized for its efforts to reduce energy use in the company’s facilities as one of 20 companies to receive a 2008 Green-Tint Energy Award from the Indiana Energy Savings Initiative and Westinghouse More...
News
Canada’s iSign Media Corp Set to Debut IMS 2.0 2.12.2009
MARKHAM, ONTARIO--It’s faster, more flexible, wireless, and speaks multiple languages. The IMS 2.0 is the next generation in Bluetooth proximity marketing. It features a Linux operating system, enriched content delivery More...
Chief Offers New category of Power Management for Digital Signage2.12.2009
MINNEAPOLIS, MN--Chief Manufacturing has announced that a new line of power management products designed for digital signage is now shipping. Chief now offers high-performance power conditioning and surge protection built into More...
Collevo Brings Signage Media Player into its Expanded Product Line2.12.2009
TAIPEI, TAIWAN--Collevo recently announced the expansion of its digital signage product line into Signage Media Player with two new models: SMP-M and SMP-R. With this extension of product line, Collevo offers customers more More...
Digital Signage Experts Group's Inaugral Class Filling Up Fast2.12.2009
SAN DIEGO, CA and NEW YORK, NY--After the announcement last week on the launch of DSEG training/certification, the inaugural class to take place at the Digital Signage Expo Feb. 24 is filling up fast. In order to quickly bring AV, More...
Blue Pony's Releases New Stock Content Package for Digital Signage2.10.2009
Blue Pony Digital are releasing DashPacks. DashPacks are collections of 10-12 animations designed for the digital signage industry. Available DashPacks are the Holiday Edition and Celebrity Birthdays for January and February. More...
Ryarc’s Digital Signage Software Comes in ‘First’ for Fitness Clubs Across Middle East2.10.2009
Ryarc has announced their digital signage software has been selected by First Media Group to power Fitness First’s digital signage network across the Middle East. Deployment has already concluded in the United Arab Emirates while More...
Screenfeed Introduces Daily Digital Signage Content Based on High-Resolution Photos2.10.2009
Screenfeed has launched its "News in Pictures" channels, which combine high-definition photographs with the top news stories of the day, each and every day.The photo channels provide signage operators with a constant stream of More...
 Sundance Relies on DP's Digital Precision For 11th Year
Friday, 30 January 2009
Nineteen DP projectors have just finished entertaining thousands of viewers at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, one of the most important film festivals in the world. Digital Projection has been the official provider of video projectors to the Sundance Film Festival since 1998.
For the past several years, we have lobbied the festival’s management team to change their name to the Sundance Video and Film Festival. Why, you may be wondering? Simply put, the majority of the festival’s content is now projected through our video projectors rather than film projectors. Video is a more consistently accurate, easier and less expensive medium in which to project. More...
 Sports Restaurant Dazzles Fans with Award Winning Entertainment Systems
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Winning PRO AV Magazine’s “Best Hospitality/Restaurant AV Project” Award, the STATS restaurant offers a sleek look unique amongst sports bars. Its dramatic style is attributed to the expertise of global systems integrator AVI-SPL, based in Tampa, Florida. STATS takes a novel approach to customer entertainment. It combines a number of large screens interspersed throughout the restaurant’s common areas with individual viewing.
AVI-SPL project engineers were charged with designing an array of display solutions for the restaurant’s dining area and five sports bars. To devise a display system that could integrate and display multiple sources on individual screens, AVI-SPL engineers chose RGB Spectrum’s QuadView® multi-image display processors. More...
 Scouting For Girls tour a visual feast with Element Labs’ ‘disappearing’ Stealth LED screen
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Element Lab’s popular Stealth display was recently specified as the “ideal solution for a disappearing LED screen” by lighting designer Jon Barker on the Scouting For Girls’ 2008 tour.
London-based indie pop band Scouting For Girls (SFG) recently completed a 5-week UK tour that saw them play to more than 100,000 fans across the country. With a Double Platinum debut album, a nomination for MTV’s “Best New Act” category and a number one hit, fans attending the sold-out concerts no doubt expected a spectacular show to match the band’s stellar reputation.
Lighting Designer Jon Barker was tasked with delivering the show’s visual “Wow!” factor. Specifying 8 Stealth columns, which “disappeared” when not in use to reveal the lighting fixtures behind the screen, Barker put together a dazzling show that seamlessly blended the use of video and lighting to achieve a wide array of luminous, resplendent looks that superbly enhanced the band’s performance.
Says Barker: "When I came up with the design concept for the tour, I was after a low-resolution video screen that was in effect see-though and would simply 'disappear' when it was not in use, allowing me to use the fixtures I had placed behind the screens (a selection of 4-way Molefay with Colour Scrollers, 2kw Skypans and Strand S Batterns with clear globe lamps all rigged at different heights) as a 'hidden layer' that would pop out when illuminated." More...
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