AV & Showcontrol news

The secret to Oceaneering’s trackless technology

2016-10-27T05:28:00.000-07:00

Under the Hood

Oct 26, 2016 Joe Kleiman #65 IAAPA 2016, 2016, Current Issue, Features, Technology, Theme Parks, Uncategorized 0

The secret to Oceaneering’s trackless technology

by Matt Kent & Caroline van der Weijden, Oceaneering Global Marketing and Communications

Whether or not you have heard of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), chances are you have already seen them in action. Think of familiar innovations like the disc-shaped robotic vacuum cleaners that zigzag around one’s home, or the self-driving cars that are currently being tested in nine U.S. states. It’s all got to do with AGV technology. Simply put, AGVs are intelligent vehicles that follow a predetermined path based on a combination of software and passive markers, lasers, global positioning systems (GPS), vision aids (cameras) or guide tape for navigation. The AGV industry has been evolving since the 1950s, and, today, these vehicles are used in many industries to transport goods, materials, and even people.

ABOVE PHOTO: Dave Mauck and Bill Bunting answer questions about the Revolution™ Tru-Trackless™ ride system at the 2014 TEA Summit

Oceaneering Entertainment Systems (OES), well known as a dark-ride provider to the theme park industry, is a division of Oceaneering International, Inc. a custom engineering firm that is pushing boundaries and endeavoring to create a safer and more intelligent future in various industries. In 2014, OES was honored with a Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) Thea Award for the breakthrough technology driving its motion base, trackless theme park ride: the REVOLUTION™ Tru-Trackless™ Dark Ride System. The details of this technology have been less well known – until now. For the first time, Oceaneering has agreed to reveal what makes the trackless capabilities of the REVOLUTION system possible and to share the story of what’s “under the hood.”

Origins of Oceaneering AGV Systems

In 1984, three young graduates of Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands embarked on a new business startup, called Frog AGV Systems. These entrepreneurs had a promising idea: to apply ‘dead-reckoning’ navigation technology to create autonomous vehicles. They were pioneers in the development of this new method to combine vehicles with automated logistics, without a driver and without a set track or visible path. These young innovators worked tirelessly to evolve AGV capabilities and identify new target markets. In 1988, only four years later, their work attracted the attention of another tech innovator (we can’t divulge the name, but it was named after a fruit), which hired Frog AGV Systems to upgrade the company’s warehousing logistics. In the ensuing years, the AGV technology evolved, becoming more and more state-of-the-art, and carrying heavier and larger loads, while using a range of navigation techniques and performing with increasing precision.

The safety of the AGV system (next to its intelligence, reliability, and high-end technical performance) made it possible to extend its usability in creative ways. Over time it also became more cost-effective. Today AGV systems are more affordable today than ever, and relied upon to support productivity, flexibility and stability in multiple applications. Frog AGV Systems has installed projects globally across diverse markets, including automotive factories, hospitals, warehouse automation, metals manufacturing and processing, container ports, electronics, plastics, and – last, but not least – theme parks.

In 2013, Oceaneering acquired the small Netherlands-based company, which enabled combining Frog’s refined AGV technologies with existing Oceaneering products. OES jumped at the opportunity to work with the new Oceaneering AGV Systems group in developing OES’s very first trackless-ride vehicle, which gained immediate acclaim in the theme park industry and led to its first installations as well as the aforementioned Thea Award. The proprietary Oceaneering REVOLUTION™ Tru-Trackless™ system has been used in several unique attractions, and, with the benefit of the Oceaneering shared services model, continues to benefit from evolving technologies and methods.

Moving your audience

AGVs require the use of some critical technologies: fast-recharging battery power, Wi-Fi, and load-bearing mechanical capabilities. The AGV products that Oceaneering offers are modular, in that each unit can be outfitted for multiple applications. Oceaneering AGVs are designed to lift or pull small, light loads (such as cardboard, metal boxes or plastic totes), as well as extremely heavy loads (such as cars, containers and bulldozers). As an example of a real-world application, at the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, enormous diesel-powered and driverless trucks use Oceaneering AGV technology to move huge shipping containers around the port. It was this kind of large-scale, proven application that enabled OES to apply heavy-cargo lessons-learned to a recent, high-profile theme park project that uses the AGV technology on an enormous ride vehicle that seats several dozen passengers. That critical synergy and application sharing made possible the success of the project.

“One of the things I tell our customers is that when you hire Oceaneering Entertainment Systems for your crazy new, never-been-done-before project, you are hiring Oceaneering International,” says Bill Bunting, Director of Business Development for OES. “That we operate on a shared services model means that our customers’ projects benefit from access to the unparalleled knowledge base developed across multiple divisions, with multiple applications experience, and more than 50 years of experience creating custom solutions for the harshest environments known to humankind. Deep water, space, military, and yes, even theme parks!”

The Oceaneering shared services model is the secret to the success of the company’s OES and Oceaneering AGV Systems divisions. As the innovators of safe and reliable systems in a multitude of industries encompassing land, sea and space, Oceaneering looks to the dreamers for inspiration on how to make the world a better, safer place. Often working behind the scenes (such as enhancing the automated factories around the world that build the cars we drive, providing exciting ride experiences in theme park attractions that thrill and enchant, or supporting the exploration of the infinite reaches of space), Oceaneering is there. Our slogan is – Oceaneering: Connecting What’s Needed with What’s Next.™ • • •

Matt Kent and Caroline van der Weijden are part of Oceaneering Global Marketing and Communications

Wanda Cultural Tourism City , Nanchang uses Alcorn McBride

2016-08-02T01:40:00.000-07:00

Wanda Cultural Tourism City Opens in Nanchang, China with Alcorn McBride

Jul 26, 2016livedesignonline

The Wanda Cultural Tourism City complex has opened in Nanchang, China. Spanning two square kilometers and boasting a theme park, movie park, aquarium, hotels and retail stores, it is expected to attract 10 million visitors a year to the southeastern Chinese city.

The Flying Theater and Interactive Theater in the Wanda Movie Park and the Domed Theater in the Wanda Aquarium feature Alcorn McBride A/V, lighting and show control equipment. The gear was provided by Beijing-based Wincomm, a company with more than 20 years experience in professional A/V distribution and installation. Wincomm is an Alcorn McBride technology partner and past recipient of Alcorn McBride's Distributor of the Year Award.

Wincomm had previously selected Alcorn McBride gear for the Wanda Movie Park in Wuhan, China in 2013. The equipment's reliability, stability and ease of use at that venue made it the logical choice for the new Wanda project in Nanchang.

The Flying Theater, which features a flight simulation experience, uses two Alcorn McBride V16Pro show controllers and two ShowTouch 10 touch panels in its two main halls. One V16Pro synchronizes A/V systems, the lighting system and a large-scale motion platform for the 72-person simulator. The second V16Pro and ShowTouch, working with Alcorn McBride's LightCue Pro, control the lighting system of the main show halls, pre-show and queue area. The Flying Theater also uses an Alcorn McBride A/V Binloop HD and an Alcorn McBride 8TraXX, both installed for the theater's pre-show and queue areas.

The Interactive Theater is a dark ride with multiple 3D interactive shooting games. A V16Pro controls audio, video, lighting, projectors and monitors in the attraction and communicates with the games' shooting system. An A/V Binloop HD plays the video in the pre-show area and safety instructions in the queue area. A dedicated 8TraXX handles background music.

Two LightCue Pro's control the general lighting and specialty lights in the theater. A ShowTouch10 touch panel in the rack enables operators to monitor the video and projection systems and control the A/V and lighting systems.

Another V16Pro controls several laser projectors and media playback servers in the The Domed Theater. Visitors are immersed in a 360º 12-meter screen, which showcases deep-sea exploration from a panoramic perspective.

About Alcorn McBride:
Founded in 1986, Alcorn McBride is the leading manufacturer of show control, audio and video equipment for the themed entertainment industry, and a rapidly growing provider of audio and video systems for retail environments and transportation applications. Staffed by some of the industry's best engineers and backed by outstanding customer support, the company has demonstrated great agility in bringing new designs to market. A hallmark of Alcorn McBride products is their durable, zero maintenance design. The company's products provide consistent, reliable operation for audio and video playback applications worldwide. For more information, visit www.alcorn.com.

AV Binloop Uncompressed Drop Test

2016-03-30T06:42:00.001-07:00

Hunter at Alcorn McBride explains the difference between a solid state Binloop Uncompressed video server and PC based systems from other manufacturers. No need to say more after you've watched the video!

Alcorn McBride prefaces ISE with two product launches

2016-02-02T05:39:00.001-08:00

Alcorn McBride prefaces ISE with two product launches

Duncan Proctor 2 February 2016

Alcorn McBride has announced the launch of its VPage Dante PA station and the official release of WinScript Live 4.0 show control software.

VPage provides theme park attractions, museums, arenas and transportation systems with facility-wide intelligent paging using Dante audio networks.

The configuration of paging networks, such as Q-Sys, is programmable using the software in the VPage DSP system. This includes zone assignments, button and light behaviours, and zone priorities. Each VPage station features user-programmable buttons, microphone input and level control.

A single Ethernet cable carries audio, power and control between the VPage station and the equipment rack. A facility may incorporate an unlimited number of VPage stations by simply connecting them to PoE-enabled network switches.

VPage is available in three models, the VP4 model is a four-button station with a 5-pin XLR connector and a mounting bracket for a push-to-talk coiled cord dynamic microphone. The VP4G model can be used with an externally-mounted gooseneck mic with a separate (or integrated) push-to-talk switch. Both of these models mount in a standard 4-gang box.

The VP16PCB model consists of a circuit board that is designed to mount on a standard DIN rail. It offers the ability to easily wire up to 16 LED-illuminated buttons so that installers can create their own custom PA stations.

The second announcement is the release of the new WinScript Live 4.0 software for Alcorn McBride’s V16 Pro, V4 Pro and VCore show controllers. The software update includes a new built-in touch panel editor, which allows users to create customised interfaces for ShowTouch enabled devices to add touch panel capability to Alcorn McBride show control systems. These touch panel hardware options include hard-wired ShowTouch panels (available in 7in, 10in and 17in), Apple iOS devices, and PC platforms.

Other significant improvements include colour-coded logging, streamlined editing tools, new colour schemes, and the expansion of our product library to support control of hundreds of third-party devices. WinScript Live 4.0 is available as a free download for both PC and Mac (BETA) platforms.

Stand: 1-N95

Alcorn McBride show control

Alcorn McBride exhibiting at ISE2016

2016-01-26T03:30:00.003-08:00

Alcorn McBride at ISE2016

Come visit our booth 1-N95 to see our latest products: V-Page, a Dante-capable paging system, the all new Winscript Live 4.0 Programming software ( PC/Mac) and the A/V Binloop Uncompressed Media server.

www.alcorn.com

Alcorn McBride 30th Anniversary

2016-01-15T06:07:00.001-08:00

2016 – A Special Year for Alcorn McBride

This year will mark a very special moment for Alcorn McBride, when on March 1st we celebrate our 30th anniversary, a remarkable accomplishment for any company, and especially for an American audio video manufacturer.

It’s fun to reflect on the tens of thousands of products we’ve produced in that time, and especially fun to take a peek at where it all started, in my spare room in 1986:

Our products (and our computers!) have changed a lot in 30 years (had Ethernet even been invented yet?) But one thing that hasn’t changed is our total dedication to product support. In fact, we still support products we made back then! I’m proud of the amazing staff that makes that possible, and excited to share this special year with them. Here’s to many more!

Steve Alcorn

Alcorn McBride provides show control for Orlando Eye observation wheel

2016-01-06T08:02:00.003-08:00

The Orlando Eye observation wheel has recently opened as part of the I-Drive 360 dining and entertainment destination with Alcorn McBride show control and AV playback products utilised for the pre-show.

The giant Ferris wheel, located on International Drive in Orlando, is nearly 30m taller than the Statue of Liberty allowing visitors to see the sights of Orlando and Central Florida from air-conditioned capsules.

Before they board the Orlando Eye guests enjoy ‘The Dream Wheel’ 4D theatre experience, a passive stereo 3D video by Acomb Ostendorf & Associates, who also created the 4D theatre facility, which fits 150 visitors at a time. The content showcases 3D aerial footage of Central Florida with the additional sensory experiences of fireworks, lighting effects, and scent. Pro Sound & Video, Orlando selected Alcorn McBride show control and AV playback products for the pre-show having frequently used Alcorn McBride equipment for projects at the area’s major theme parks.

“With a number of pre-show screenings every day throughout the year we needed equipment that was up to the task,” said Pro Sound & Video president, Kelly Prince. “We needed reliability and proven solid state playback; that is Alcorn McBride.”

An Alcorn McBride V16Pro was chosen for its frame-accurate show control with 16 I/O. “It was important that the V16Pro has a timeline feature,” added Don Davis, project engineer at Pro Sound & Video. “The show controller drives the 4D effects which have to hit at a certain frame each and every time.”

The V16Pro also starts and stops the pre-show, opens and closes the theatre doors and performs certain maintenance functions. It features a ShowTouch10 interface at the rear of the theatre for easy operation. “Ease of use was a big consideration,” noted Prince. “We tried to make the ShowTouch button panel layout fairly simple and we built out more advanced features of the maintenance pages.”

An Alcorn McBride AV Binloop HD eight-channel synchronous audio and video player was chosen to play back the pre-show content.

A LightCue-E, DMX recorder/player with Ethernet, controls plays back sequences for the DMX-controllable fans providing 4D wind effects during the pre-show. It also handles the dimming and raising of the house lights. Alcorn McBride’s IO64, which is often used as an input/output expander, serves here as a standalone show controller triggering the 4D scent and mist effects.

Alcorn McBride show control

New Alcorn McBride Products Debut At IAAPA 2015

2015-10-15T01:33:00.000-07:00

Alcorn McBride will unveil two new products in Booth #453 at IAAPA 2015, November 17-20 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Making their debut are A/V Binloop Uncompressed and the innovative new ShowWatcher app for Apple Watch; also in the spotlight are Alcorn McBride's DVM8500-AB Digital Video Machine HD and the AmpTraXX 16-channel amplifier with DSP.

Alcorn McBride will unveil two new products in Booth #453 at IAAPA 2015, November 17-20, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Making their debut are A/V Binloop Uncompressed and the innovative new ShowWatcher app for Apple Watch; also in the spotlight are Alcorn McBride's DVM8500-AB Digital Video Machine HD and the AmpTraXX 16-channel amplifier with DSP.

The new A/V Binloop Uncompressed synchronized video player combines Alcorn McBride's signature rock solid performance with the ability to play content at the highest possible quality. It's the perfect solution for video wall and blended projection applications because it eliminates the loss of quality due to stretching commonly seen in traditional video wall controllers or video processors. And for large applications, it's easy to sync multiple units using the product's Genlock input feature.

The versatile A/V Binloop Uncompressed provides up to 8 channels of 2K (2048x1080) or up to 2 channels of 4K (4096x2160) high-quality, uncompressed video playback. These channels can be played independently from one another or grouped together for frame-accurate synchronous playback. There are no hard drives; simple removable SSD drives store the video content. A/V Binloop Uncompressed can also play back uncompressed frame files with a quality as high as 4:4:4 10-bit at a rate up to 60fps. It ships this summer.

Also new at IAAPA is ShowWatcher, an innovative app that allows users to program up to 32 buttons to control Alcorn McBride show control, audio, video or lighting control products (or other devices that accept UDP commands) and then trigger them remotely from an Apple Watch for operational or maintenance purposes.

ShowWatcher works particularly well with Alcorn McBride's Pro-Series Show Controllers. These embedded controllers feature an abundance of serial ports, dual Ethernet ports, linear timecode, real-time clock schedule and a rock solid multi-tasking operating system.

Also in the spotlight at IAAPA is the DVM8500-AB, the ultimate HD video player in an extremely compact and reliable form. The latest model in the Digital Video Machine family, it offers full HD 1080p resolution and features a built-in 25W x 2 audio amplifier and DSP, so using this single product to feed flat-panel kiosk displays and high-quality speakers means there's no need for a separate DSP and amplifier - a real time and money saver.

The DVM8500-AB offers a variety of control options - Ethernet, RS-232, playlists, scheduling, GPS, contact/voltage inputs - and video outputs - composite, component and HDMI, so it's the perfect HD video playback source for interactive kiosks, museum exhibits, digital signage and tour vehicles. The new Digital Video Machine HD is shipping now.

IAAPA visitors will also want to check out AmpTraXX, which is especially designed for theme park ride vehicles, multi-lingual transportation systems and tour buses. The compact, energy-efficient chassis packs 400W RMS into 16 channels of amplification and DSP. It's the perfect companion to Alcorn McBride's RideTraXX 16-channel solid-state playback system.

Each AmpTraXX channel can provide up to 25W into 8 ohms and independent DSP capability, including a 9-band EQ, dynamic range and compression control, as well as gain and stereo/mono mixing capability. Channel pairs can also be bridged to provide 50W operation if more power is required. The system is programmed with user-friendly software included with each unit and is shipping now.

Alcorn McBride at EAS2015

2015-09-30T08:04:00.001-07:00

Alcorn McBride will be at EAS 2015 in Göteborg.

Scott Harkless , Alcorn MBrides Sales director and John Sormani , from European distributor New Media Concepts will be present at the European Attractions Show from 6 to 8 October , taking place in Göteborg , Sweden. If you want to discuss your your audiovisual or showcontrol needs for your next themepark project, or just want to chat and have a drink with us , please send a message to set up a meeting.

Harry Potter: the making of Diagonal Alley

2015-02-17T21:29:00.000-08:00

Harry Potter :the making of Diagonal Alley
Here is a nice 42 minute documentary about the latest attraction at Universal Studios Orlando.
Lots of behind the scenes material . Enjoy,

http://youtu.be/3p_ygTw4reA

Alcorn McBride now has 5 year product warranty!!!

2014-09-17T07:06:00.000-07:00

We’ve increased our Product Warranty!

We believe in taking care of our customers and standing behind our products. Our standard two-year “no-questions-asked” warranty was already top notch. But we’ve decided that five is better than two.
Steve says it best:
“The Alcorn McBride brand is known for rock-solid reliability and unsurpassed customer support,” says CEO Steve Alcorn. “We’ve always had a two-year product warranty and the industry’s most customer-friendly support policies. Now we’ve decided to increase that to an unprecedented five-year product warranty.”
“Frankly, our existing customers have always known they can expect that level of support from us, so we’ve decided to make sure the rest of the world knows, too.”

Pandoras Box now offers 3D visualisation and compositing

2014-07-14T08:43:00.003-07:00

9 July 2014

The latest release of coolux’s Pandoras Box show control software, version 5.7, contains new features including so-called ‘Venue Sites’. These are used to visualise complete stage, installation and show set-ups in real time, using 3D models. Media content can be pre-programmed per output and can then be routed to different 3D models this way.

Instead of just offering a standard 3D mapping approach for pre-visualisation, one can now use a real-time compositing environment as a complete whole to simulate video projectors virtually, using a light projection approach. Media content and content compositing can be used completely independently from the visualised 3D scenes.

The ability to seamlessly switch from one Venue Site to another makes comparing different design scenarios very easy, and helps to save time and costs.

Another important aspect of Venue Sites relates to being able to test and experiment with simulations of complex media installations. This way, users can for example train themselves to set up a spherical projection or a soft-edge projection without having to use real projectors.

Pandoras Box version 5.7 also includes a completely re-designed text editor. Different font styles can now be used within a single text asset, and an automatic horizontal and vertical scrolling capability has also been included. An unlimited amount of text can be added to a continuous text input.

On the audio side, it is now possible to input ASIO sound as well as HD-SDI embedded audio, opening up new possibilities for real-time media compositing. Users can route, delay and record ASIO inputs. Sound data can be used on ASIO tracks and programmed to the timeline, including different delays for different output signal chains.

The Pandoras Box timeline now acts as an automated audio desk, or can alternatively be triggered via external commands.

In addition to these new features, a whole range of improvements for a ‘pixel-oriented workflow’ have been included. Users can now decide to scale all content to the native resolution, even across several machines and across different resolutions. Pixels can be entered directly into the interface, to position layers and cameras. These settings can then also be applied directly by creating a new project without any further user action being necessary.

coolux says that using ‘pixel-oriented workflow’ makes it easy to set up and use split pictures, and also aids the communication between operators and content designers, who are used to thinking in terms of pixel values.

Pandoras Box version 5.7 is available now.

www.coolux.com

Ghost, the Haunted house: New Ride at Legoland Billund

2014-07-02T04:29:00.002-07:00

Ghostly start to the season at Legoland Billund

Published:: 14 April, 2014

Are these the friendliest spooks you’ve ever seen? Ghost – The Haunted House is a new attraction providing thrills and not-so-scary chills in 2014 at Legoland Billund, Denmark.

Hosted by Lego characters Lord Vampyre and the Crazy Scientist, more than 5,500 disadvantaged children were invited to tour the house on 4 April ahead of the start of the season the day after. Inside the imposing 8,000 square metre building green building, which is located in the Legoredo Town area of the park next to Mount Rushmore, guests can discover an interactive walk-through experience featuring more than 140-specially designed Lego models hidden in unexpected places, combined with a thrilling eight-metre freefall finale, as used by park owner Merlin Entertainments in several other indoor attractions.

On entering the apparently abandoned mansion, guests are told of rumours involving the Crazy Scientist and his experiments conducted in the basement. Visitors large and small must make their way through long and sometimes dark hallways to get to the bottom of the story, encountering silly mice, creepy werewolves and monsters lurking behind bookshelves.

Ghost – The Haunted House is a two-storey construction featuring nine themed scenes. It took Lego designers a total of 4,400 hours and more than 238,000 Lego bricks to build all the models inside, included in which are 28 0.8m-tall Lego Mini-Friend figures. As well as the two freefall towers in the basement of the attraction (supplied by ABC Rides), a mirror maze is also featured as part of the experience.

“Since construction began in August 2013, a large number of builders, technicians and others have worked hard to create this unique house,” notes newly installed Legoland director Christian Woller. “We were therefore happy to finally welcome guests inside and are very proud of the result. Judging by the smiles and thrills of the many children, Ghost will definitely become a smash-hit attraction.”

With DKK 80 million ($15m/€11m) committed to improvements this season, 2014 is set to be the largest investment year in Legoland Billund’s history. Ghost – The Haunted House has a total value of DKK 36 million ($6.5m/€4.8m). Money has also be spent on a new themed 24-room wing to the park’s Legoland Hotel, as well as Lego makeover of the former Billund FDM camping village.

legoland.dk

Alcorn McBride announces iBeacon support at Infocomm 2014

2014-06-30T06:44:00.002-07:00

At Infocomm 2014 in Las Vegas Florida based Showcontrol manufacturer Alcorn McBride announced that it supports Apple's iBeacon technology for their VCore Controller products in combination with their iOS App. Using Ibeacons the user interface on the iOS device will change according to its location in a building and can have control over just that room .

Have a look at this presentation at Infocomm :

or

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbc5xHXyGcs

Brightsign unveils 4k Portfolio at Infocomm

2014-06-18T00:53:00.000-07:00

BrightSign, the digital signage media player specialist, will unveil at InfoComm its portfolio of commercial-grade, solid-state 4K players.

BrightSign’s 4K line includes three models, starting at $600. The base line unit, the 4K242 Networked Basic Interactive Player, features a 4K video engine capable of dual 4K and Full HD decoding and offers abundant content support including HTML5, UDP network control and GPIO interactivity.

The 4K1042 Networked Multi-control Interactive Player adds S/PDIF output for pure digital and surround sound audio, and a diverse range of interactive controls such as GPIO, serial, USB, UDP and mobile devices for engaging, interactive displays.

At the top of the range, the BrightSign 4K1142 Networked Multi-control Interactive and Live HDTV Player includes all the features described above plus Live HDTV playback to play content from any broadcast channel (even HDCP-protected content) via the HDMI input.

Jeff Hastings, chief executive officer, BrightSign said: “At InfoComm, we will start to see 4K go mainstream. InfoComm is the hub show where digital signage, broadcast and Pro AV meet and we will see standards and technology from all these industries come together to make 4K a reality.

“Despite this momentum, many playback solutions for 4K still fall short of delivering a true 4K experience. Our BrightSign 4K players comply fully with the new standards to preserve video quality and support the complete 4K ecosystem, from encoding to output.”

BrightSign will demonstrate its new 4K players at InfoComm this week (booth N2246), as well as in a wide range of industry partner booths, including Crestron Electronics (C7008), BenQ (C8531), ALMO Pro A/V (C5830), Atlona (C9116) and Planar Systems (C6836). In addition, the BenQ booth will showcase a 15-display video wall, six 16×3 super-wide aspect ratio displays, and 2 other large format displays, all powered by BrightSign.

Visual Productions Cuecore Project in Stockholm

2014-06-18T00:48:00.000-07:00

Visual Productions' CueCores were utilised by the design / installation team on the recent Kista Trafikplats E4/E18 project just outside of Stockholm.

This is where two bridges have been built at the largest interchange in Stockholm, running from North–East and South-East forming a T that can be seen from space. Visual Productions’ CueCores were utilised to control the lighting.

Lighting Designer, Michael Hallbert collaborated with Swedish design & installation company Luxlight on the project.

The CueCore is a solidstate lighting control system for installation projects namely in the architectural, nightclub, themed environment and museum markets. CueluxPro is multi-platform software lighting control which can be used in live projects of up to 32 universes. CueluxPro can also be used as the programming tool for multi-universe CueCore solid-state installations.

Installation and programming was carried out by Patric Nord from Luxlight. Nord choose to use the CueCore as he required a Solid-state solution that integrated a schedular. He choose to use the inclusive CueluxPro software suite for programming the CueCores.

This choice was so that he would easily be able to incorporate movements or matrix control onsite if Hallbert would so wish. In the end the dramatic lighting design was simply achieved with static scenes dumped from CueluxPro into the CueCores. The recorded memory was triggered by the CueCores Astronomical Clock: Lights on 1 hour before sunset; Lights off 1 hour after sunrise. Summer & winter time calculated by the CueCore set for the GPS coordinates of the bridges 2 CueCores were used – one for each bridge with a total of 400 LED channels per bridge.

The Bridges are 300 meters apart so it was better for 2 separate systems to be installed as laying fiber optics would have proved too costly for the project and a wifi network maybe less reliable. The RGB light fixtures, X-line Color and VaioLED RGB 2S IP67 were all mounted behind 30cm thick glass. This gives Hallbert’s design a waterlike translucency to the facade

2014-05-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

Showlogix : Multiscreen , Showcontrol , Lighting all in one!

The Showlogix show control was designed fundamentally to supply a professional tool for the most demanding applications to create a multi-screen, multi-sensory system. A tool which will help deliver an impressive overall attraction experience by seamlessly integrating video with lighting, audio and external devices, all perfectly synchronized.
Showlogix is an extremely stable, easy to understand, and easy to use show control software system. Showlogix can be used as a full media and show control system or as a subsystem to play and control a time-based part of the overall presentation.

Showlogix consists of two software components:

Showlogix Manager is a show control application with drag and drop programming. You can create logical tasks on a diagram-like surface or synchronized tasks on a Timeline. In addition to this, Showlogix Manager allows you to create and manage multiple players and groups, distribute media, and control DMX lighting and any Ethernet compatible devices such as projectors, AV switchers, audio processors etc.

Showlogix Player enables frame synchronized video playback with Geometric correction and edge blending to create limitless size seamless projected screens. In addition allows touch access to trigger events created with the Showlogix Manager.
Use Showlogix to create the most complex shows easily, saving time and money.

2014-05-12T07:50:00.001-07:00

Alcorn McBride Tourtraxx

GPS Passthrough Makes It Easy To Create And Change Routes

The Alcorn McBride TourTraXX is a 16 channel MP3 audio player designed for installation in vehicles. The TourTraXX can use its GPS location to trigger any number of commands such as Play, Stop, Set Volume, Write to an External LCD Display, and more. These commands are entered into a GPS playlist using the GPS Builder software available as a free download from our support software website. more information : www.alcorn.com

Brightsign launches 4K signage player

2014-01-16T05:34:00.003-08:00

ISE 2014: Brightsign launches 4K signage player

10 January 2014

Story Code : gf37

BrightSign is demonstrating its first solid-state commercial 4K digital signage media player at ISE 2014. It will also present new BrightAuthor features for the current range of XD and HD players.

BrightSign’s stand - its largest ever at the show - will feature landscape and portrait 4K UHD Seiki Digital screens powered by the new BrightSign 4K players to deliver outstanding full 4K playback. Visitors will be able to clearly see the superior picture quality available today from 4K screens powered by BrightSign, and understand how investing in 4K will help future proof digital signage installations.

Also at ISE 2014, BrightSign is unveiling feature advances in the company’s BrightAuthor content management software. These features are implemented in release 3.8 of BrightAuthor, and are free to download for existing users of BrightSign players.

BrightAuthor 3.8 software adds BrightWall, a powerful new content creation tool for making video walls in any size and layout. Users simply choose the number of displays and specify the configuration of their videowall, then drag the video into BrightAuthor. This powerful new feature uses a common clock to achieve frame-accurate synchronisation. BrightAuthor 3.8 also includes Sign Preview, which provides the ability to preview signage presentations so the author can see exactly how they will appear onscreen prior to publishing the presentation.

Also on the stand will be a live IP streaming demonstration, showing how 4.7 enabled XD players can now support Full HD video streaming including HLS, SHOUTcast, video streaming in HTML, as well as playback from head-end real-time encoders. Full HD video and audio streams are buffered appropriately and play smoothly. An additional unique feature will be demonstrated – a BrightSign XD player acting as an IP streaming server, serving locally stored content files to other players or devices. Video on Demand is the subject of one of the five daily presentation sessions held on the BrightSign booth.

The newly enhanced HTML5 support features of the BrightSign XD player range will be introduced at ISE 2014, and will also be the subject of a daily presentation session. BrightSign XD players now offer hardware-accelerated HTML5 rendering, allowing users to accomplish much more using HTML, without encountering the stuttering effect that is often seen on Android devices and PCs that rely on software-based HTML rendering. The new software and firmware releases enable HTML assets to exist on the BrightSign canvas as independent packages, allowing HTML5 to be seamlessly integrated with other content. BrightSign’s HTML5 support also offers the exclusive ability to easily rotate video on screen.

BrightSign will offer daily presentations on Smart Menu Board implementation, the BrightSign Network and social media and RSS integration. Demonstrations on swipe integration, touch screen integration, and videowall synchronisation will also be on the stand.

coolux introduces Real-Time Tracking ID Tags

2013-11-29T00:13:00.001-08:00

coolux introduces Real-Time Tracking ID Tags at LDI 2013

coolux GmbH, the creators of the award winning Pandoras Box product family, presented a revolutionary new product for real-time tracking and projection-mapping applications at this year’s LDI.

The new coolux ID Tags make real-time tracking scenarios not only easier to set up, but also more reliable, more versatile, and more cost-effective.

Interactive projections, camera automation, stage tracking and lighting control are just some of the many different areas in which this ingenious new product will offer great benefits and unprecedented flexibility. Each of the tags can be addressed with a unique ID, which opens up the possibility of up to 256 different unique IDs being tracked in real-time within a single setup.

One individual tag has two LEDs onboard and can have between one to two additional infrared LEDs attached to it. Tracking people or objects this way is achieved using a purely optical transmission system, thus avoiding the many pitfalls of radio control based setups.

The coin sized ID Tags can be easily attached to set pieces, costumes or any other part of a tracking setup.

The tiny devices can be fitted with button cell batteries with enough power to last over 10 hours. Alternatively, a micro USB port can be used for connecting additional power sources.

You can find out more about our new product HERE.

Contact:

coolux Media Systems GmbH

Richard- Byrd-Str. 19	General Enquiries: +49 221 995 12 0
50829 Cologne	Sales Department: +49 221 995 12 200
Germany	Technical Support: +49 221 995 12 300
mail@coolux.com	Fax: +49 221 995 12 222

2013-11-14T01:26:00.001-08:00

COOLUX LAUNCHES ID TAGS FOR PROJECTION MAPPING

13 November 2013

coolux GmbH has unveiled a product for real-time tracking and projection-mapping applications.

The coin-sized ID Tags claim to make real-time tracking scenarios not only easier to set up, but also more reliable and more cost-effective.

Interactive projections, camera automation, stage tracking and lighting control are just some of the applications for the tags, which can be addressed with a unique ID. Up to 256 different unique Ids can be tracked in real-time within a single setup.

One individual tag has two LEDs onboard and can have between one to two additional infrared LEDs attached to it. Tracking people or objects this way is achieved using a purely optical transmission system, thus avoiding the many pitfalls of radio control based setups.

2013-11-07T01:43:00.001-08:00

DENON RELEASES NETWORK SD/USB RECORDER

06 November 2013

Denon Professional has unveiled the DN-700R Network SD/USB Recorder that allows AV installers to replace traditional recording devices with solid state hardware.

Housed in a compact 1U rack-mountable chassis, the DN-700R offers recording to both reliable SD card (two slots) and USB storage media. The unit can be configured for ‘dual’ simultaneous recording to both formats or ‘relay/cascade’ recording where longer recording times are desirable.

The unit features balanced XLR analogue audio and AES/EBU digital I/O, as well as unbalanced analogue connections and SPDIF. A remote mic head amp is also available. It also allows network connection via DLNA/UPnP, alongside powerful Web/IP control and direct FTP access.

2013-11-01T01:35:00.001-07:00

HDBaseT Digital Amplifier/Receiver/Repeater

Part NumberAMP-001-010

The award-winning Wyrestorm AMP-001-010 is a unique HDBaseT Class D digital audio amplifier with receiving and repeating functionality that fundamentally changes the way to approach the design of multi-room audio-visual systems.

Now Shipping!

The award-winning WyreStorm AMP-001-010 is a unique HDBaseT Class D digital audio amplifier with receiving and repeating functionality that fundamentally changes the way to approach the design of multi-room audio-visual systems.

Fully cascadable over multiple 70m/230ft distances up to 7 times using just a single Cat5e cable, it offers HDMI/HDBaseT repeating, 2.1 audio amplification with sub preout and HD reception with bidirectional control of source/display via IR/RS232.... and so much more. A feature rich and highly versatile product that simplifies, combines and improves the relationship between HDMI, HDBaseT and stereo audio for integrators, it incorporates 3:1 audio switching from centralized AV sources, ARC or local audio input, and can be used centrally, in-line or as a display device for one of the most flexible and powerful applications of HDBaseT technology to date. Capable of being used locally as a standalone amplifier and receiver or as part of a larger, cascaded distribution containing WyreStorm Presentation Switcher, Pro Plus HDBaseT matrix or full HDBaseT, the Amps are also capable of Power-over-HDBaseT passthrough up to 50m/164ft to PoH enabled display receivers to remove the need for additional mains power for the receiver at the display end. The AMP-001-010 is the first product of its kind and represents our innate understanding and appreciation of the AV installation by continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible to offer innovative products that really add value to residential or commercial applications, whatever the size or budget.

2013-11-01T01:30:00.003-07:00

Panasonic confirms plasma display panel demise

Tony Corbin, October 31, 2013

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Panasonic Corporation has issued a statement confirming the discontinuation of plasma display panels in 2014. The company announced that in order to create a business structure that can respond to changes in the business environment and to accelerate the growth strategy of the company, it will end the production of plasma display panels (PDP) in December 2013, and completely stop business operations at the Amagasaki Factories by the end of March 2014.

Panasonic plasma TV

In the display panel business, Panasonic has been promoting the development of non-TV applications and carried out various restructuring measures, such as reduction of fixed costs, for both PDP and LCD panels. Through further fundamental business restructuring, the company is aiming to optimize the business and focus its management resources.

Since 2000, Panasonic has promoted its PDP business and led the global flat panel display market with its strategy of utilizing PDP for large displays and LCD for small- and medium-sized displays.

However, with the rapid development of large-screen LCDs, and facing the severe price competition in the global market brought on by the Lehman Shock in September 2008, the company consolidated production in the Amagasaki P4 Factory, made a shift towards commercial applications and worked to improve the earnings of the business.

Panasonic says that until now, due to the superiority of the picture, Panasonic’s PDPs have received high appraisal and there has been firm demand from customers worldwide. However, due to rapid, drastic changes in the business environment and a declining demand for PDP in the flat panel display market, it was judged that continuing the business would be difficult and a decision was made to stop production.

The company will end sales of plasma TVs for consumer use and PDP related products for commercial use, such as Interactive Plasma Displays, with the products for FY 2014 (ending March 31, 2014). However, by selecting display panels that are most suitable for each product for both consumer and commercial use, Panasonic will work to develop and provide appealing products which meet the demands of customers, and will aim towards new development of its visual and display businesses.

RTI Now Shipping Second Generation T1-B+ Wireless Controller

2013-10-26T03:30:00.000-07:00

RTI Now Shipping Second Generation T1-B+ Wireless Controller

Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) has announced that it is now shipping its T1-B+ wireless controller, the second generation of the company’s T1-B controller. The all-hard-button remote offers intuitive, customizable control housed in a contemporary design specifically suited for today’s home and office environments.

Completely customizable, the T1-B+ has backlit hard buttons (40 assignable keypad buttons) and twelve keypad buttons which can be outfitted with custom keycaps for common control tasks such as selecting an audio/video source. These button keycaps can also be custom engraved using RTI’s Laser Shark service.

The remote works on the 433-MHz RF and 2.4-GHz ZigBee RF platform and include RS232 control, contact closures, power sensing and much more. The unit also offers standalone IR control with a broad IR transmitting frequency range of 15 kHz to 460 kHz. Also, the T1-B+ is equipped with an integrated tilt switch (that automatically turns it on) and uses a lithium-ion battery and charging dock. Non-volatile flash memory will also store system configurations even when power is not present.

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coolux introduces Real-Time Tracking ID Tags

coolux introduces Real-Time Tracking ID Tags at LDI 2013

COOLUX LAUNCHES ID TAGS FOR PROJECTION MAPPING

coolux GmbH has unveiled a product for real-time tracking and projection-mapping applications.

DENON RELEASES NETWORK SD/USB RECORDER

Denon Professional has unveiled the DN-700R Network SD/USB Recorder that allows AV installers to replace traditional recording devices with solid state hardware.

HDBaseT Digital Amplifier/Receiver/Repeater

The award-winning Wyrestorm AMP-001-010 is a unique HDBaseT Class D digital audio amplifier with receiving and repeating functionality that fundamentally changes the way to approach the design of multi-room audio-visual systems.

Now Shipping!

Panasonic confirms plasma display panel demise

Tony Corbin, October 31, 2013

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