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Have you registered yet? It’s now less than 2 months to go until the doors open for Integrated Systems Europe 2007 at the Amsterdam RAI.
Firmly established as Europe’s leading event for professional AV and Electronic System Integration, ISE 2007 promises to be the one of the most exciting and influential shows of the year.

As the largest ever trade show of it’s kind in Europe, we have an unbeatable range of new features. There are spectacular digital signage displays, AV, Home Cinema and Home Theatre Pavilions, networking opportunities and a education programme. With over 350 exhibitors occupying Halls 1 - 4 at the Amsterdam RAI, this will be an exceptional experience.

You will find out about

• Electronic systems integration and custom install solutions for the home & the office
• Digital Signage solutions
• System integration and Control solutions for Architects/Electrical Engineers
• AV/ IT/ Networking solutions
• Audio visual solutions for the hospitality industry
• Large venue and digital cinema solutions
• Multi-Media conferencing solutions

And much more… Already curious? Click here to get some impressions from the last event.

If you are responsible for managing, implementing, researching or sourcing solutions on AV and Electronic Systems Integration, then this is the event in Europe this year, which will justify your time away from the office.

Find out more about the show, who will be exhibiting and what will be on display:

• Click here to see over 350 exhibiting companies from more than 40 countries
• Access information here on all the show features, the very latest technologies and products
• Find out here about the exciting education program with a new series of Exhibitor led seminars
• Training sessions led by the 3 major associations
• Find out the latest industry issues and trends on AV and Electronic System Integration

Act now….. register your place and receive your personalized badge. This will give you immediate fast-track entry and also ensures that all the latest news and information on ISE 2007 will be sent to you directly.

ISE 2007 will be the industry platform for hundreds of inspirational new products and will give you the opportunity to meet with over 12.000 like minded professionals who also attend the show.

Continue here to register

If you want to meet me there just let me know in the comments and we will plan a meeting.
I would love to that. Maybe I can do something for your business.

More on ISE, Shows, installing, whole-house audio, whole-house video by Erno, (Visited 47885 times)

Julie Jacobson from CE Pro is happy that she had predicted that AMX would acquire some companies, one of them was AutoPatch. And now it happened, AMX acquired AutoPatch:

AMX claims that AutoPatch’s 4,000-plus products “can be found in all of the 14 vertical markets in which AMX competes,” including business, government, education and residential.

In business for more than 18 years, AutoPatch’s product line ranges from standard to expandable semi-modular and custom-configurable matrix switchers for virtually any audio and video format.

AutoPatch will be fully integrated into AMX, and all current AutoPatch employees will now become AMX employees. AMX has formed a new group called the AutoPatch Group which will focus on further market and product development. AutoPatch’s individual product families will maintain their original model names.

From the press release, it is unclear whether AutoPatch founder and CEO Al Hale will stick around, but it sounds like he’ll be resigning. He says, “After nearly 20 years with AutoPatch, I am very excited to turn over the reigns to an organization that is so focused on providing a great work environment and continued growth for AutoPatch and its employees.”

The existing AMX sales force will take responsibility for selling AutoPatch products in their territories. All current AutoPatch dealers who are not AMX dealers will be contacted immediately by their respective regional AMX sales representative to tell them about the AMX dealer establishment process. AutoPatch dealers who are also AMX current dealers will experience no change in their relationship or ordering process with AMX. AMX customers will continue to place product orders and request technical support through the same procedures.

AutoPatch is the second company acquired by AMX this quarter. Last month, the company purchased UK-based Endeleo for its multimedia distribution technologies and in-house expertise.

Julie is adding some more predictions:

Anything’s possible, now that it is apparent AMX is willing to compete with its inConcert partners.

So let’s talk about lighting.

I will give myself a little credit for suggesting in 2005 that AMX buy lighting-controls manufacturer Vantage Controls, which was recently acquired by Legrand.

Lutron isn’t for sale, nor is Leviton, so I will stick with my earlier prediction that AMX could buy LiteTouch, and I’d add CentraLite to the roster of potential targets — assuming that Nortek doesn’t beat AMX to the punch.

AMX already offers commercial-oriented lighting controls under the Radia line, and has a very tight relationship with Lutron, whose lighting-control products can be incorporated into an AMX system as if they were native to AMX’s NetLinx platform.

Still, there’s nothing like your own lighting-control products, as Crestron will tell you.

I will also stick by some original presumptions that AMX might pick up an A/V receiver company. My money is still on Integra/Onkyo, and I will add Audio Design Associates (ADA) to that bet.

How about thermostats? That one’s a stretch, but if it wants to catch up with Crestron in that department, AMX would most certainly buy Residential Control Systems.

Speakers? No. Music/video servers? No, they already bought MAX awhile ago and are coming downscale (finally) with that product. Telecom/intercom? There’s not much to buy there, except maybe Inter-tel. Security? Not traditional alarms, to be sure, but maybe something in the access control arena.

Source: AMX Acquires AutoPatch: What it Means & Predictions for More on CE Pro

Technorati Tags: AutoPatch, AMX

More on default by Erno, (Visited 43886 times)

Integra introduced several new products on the CEDIA Expo. These products include a home theater receiver with HDMI switching and analog video upscaling and a multi-zone integrated amplifier.

The Integra DTR 7.7 is a Home Theater Receiver has seven channels and THX Select 2 certification. Inputs include two HDMI (1080p-compatible), with upconversion of all analog sources to HDMI. With this upconversion and HDMI passthrough, you’ll only need one HDMI cable between receiver and your display. This should be easy!

In order to maintain compatibility with the newest generation of HD-DVD and Blu-Ray Disc players (as well as other technologies yet to be seen), the receiver also includes a 7.1 channel external analog audio input, with defeatable bass management in case you’d like to do bass management in your player. In addition to its AM/FM radio tuner, the DTR-7.7 is also XM Ready via support for XM’s Passport portable tuner and home dock system. The receiver also features control and switching for a second independent zone. If you configure the receiver for 5.1, rather than 7.1-channel output in the main zone, then you can even use the extra two amplifier channels to power your second zone system.

Price: US$1200

The Integra’s MZA-4.7 - a multi-source, multi-zone amplifier controls and powers the audio portion of up to 4 independent zones or rooms. If this is not enough for you, it is possible to connect several MZA-4.7’s together for up to 32 zones of powered control. The MZA-4.7 can be configured and controlled via a PC, optional keypads, or using the front panel LCD display.

Price: $1500

In July, Integra introduced the NVS-7.7 Integrated Media Center, a purpose-built multimedia PC engineered for custom installers who want to avoid the installation, configuration, and chronic customer service issues common to open-platform PC-focused systems and software. Integra’s designers worked with custom installers and programmers to make the NVS-7.7 much easier to set up, operate, and maintain in order to reduce the number of hours lost to customer support issues.

With 400 GB of storage for audio and video media, Intel’s ViiV™ technology, and a powerful suite of features for integration with home theater and audio installations, the Integra NVS-7.7 provides a seamless, streamlined solution for the custom installation community. It also has proprietary Integra-designed audio circuitry with high-end Wolfson DACs and the company’s acclaimed Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry (VLSC).

• Read more: The new Integra DTR 7.7 and MZA-4.7

Technorati Tags: Integra, DTR 7.7, MZA-4.7, NVS-7.7, Media Center

More on Shows by Erno, (Visited 47638 times)

D-Tools´, a system integration software, System Integrator software has been named as a finalist for the 2006 Electronic House Expo (EHX) Multi-Room Audio/Video award for Installation Aids & Accessories.

Held in conjunction with EHX Fall 2006, the 2006 Multi-Room Audio/Video Awards recognize significant contributions to the multi-room audio and video market. Over 70 products were entered into the 2006 Multi-Room Audio/Video Awards.

EHX Fall 2006- Booth #1445
November 15 - 17
Long Beach Convention Center
Long Beach, CA
Click Here for your FREE Exhibits Pass (via D-tools)

D-Tools System Integrator 5 enables systems integrators and custom installation professionals to create detailed projects managed with automated proposals, scheduling, pick lists, purchase orders and additional documents that streamline the integrated installation of audio and video products. By using a single, shared project file, system integrators and installers can pull information from a comprehensive database of tens of thousands of products, giving them the distinct advantage of designing systems using the most current product information, while saving hours of product research time.

D-Tools System Integrator allows you to create data-driven designs and proposals that help you get the job, and SI’s powerful reporting capabilities enable you to better track all project elements.

The Power of AutoCAD®, the ease-of-use of Visio®. System Integrator 4.5 is a total solution that leverages the strengths of both AutoCAD® and Visio® to offer comprehensive data-driven design, documentation, and management capabilities.

D-Tools System Integrator ties together the processes of design, engineering, estimating, documentation, and installation into a single data-driven project file so that everybody using the software is working from the same project data. System Integrator helps you automate the entire design, estimating, engineering, and management of projects. We have prices and options that can fit the needs of your business, whether you are a large commercial integrator or a small to medium security or residential company.

Here is a list of events where you can find D-tools.

Technorati Tags: System Integrator, Electronic House Expo, EHX, EHX Fall 2006, Multi-Room, Audio/Video

More on Shows by Erno, (Visited 46591 times)

Russound, a supplier of multiroom audio-video systems, multichannel amplifiers, and loudspeakers, sponsors a lounge dedicated for European Distributors to network with their resellers.

Russound has teamed up with the show organisers at ISE to sponsor this unique offering. Situated in Hall 1 at the Amsterdam RAI, access to this lounge will be free of charge to all Distributors and specially invited Resellers. This new initiative offers Distributors and Resellers a chance to network in a quieter atmosphere and to allow intensive one to one discussions away from the bustle of the exhibition floor. Complimentary refreshments will be provided throughout the day.

This is a pivotal step towards making exhibitions more focused on increasing the opportunities for networking and communication between buyer and seller. Since its inception the key European Distributors have been attending ISE. Now they are bringing their Reseller customers with them and need a facility to have real business discussions.

With over 330 confirmed exhibitors from around Europe ISE 2007 is really gearing itself up to be a truly international event. The chance to forge working partnerships and increase global business opportunities for both Distributors and Resellers in a convivial and purposeful environment. The role of the trade show is changing, with international networking and relationship-building being two of the most valuable benefits for both the visitor and exhibitor.

The 330+ exhibitors of the ISE are planning to launch new products and make significant announcements at the event. The show is occupying over 10,000 m2 of space over 4 halls at the Amsterdam RAI making ISE 2007 the largest show ever held.

Online registration is now officially open for visitors on the ISE 2007 website at http://www.iseurope.org where they can also book their hotel accommodation in advance at specially discounted rates.

Integrated System Europe Prices:
Pre-registration Price: Euro 25
On-site Price: Euro 40

More on ISE, Russound by Erno, (Visited 49280 times)

250-watt amplifier & powered subwoofer reside in your wall to boost bass from stereo and home theater devices. The subwoofers’ amplifier turns on and off automatically when it senses audio signals from connected A/V components. With the included mounting bracket it is expandable to adjust to any installation

Enjoying room-filling, thundering bass from your home theater and stereo doesn’t require installing a large, bulky subwoofer. The BassX W10 in-wall 250-Watt powered subwoofer remains completely recessed in the wall behind a flush-mounted grille, and the included 250-watt remote amplifier turns on and off automatically by sensing audio signals coming from your receiver or pre-amp through the input connections, so you don’t need to add another step to your movie-viewing or music-listening process.

Source: Smarthome

Technorati Tags: home theater, subwoofer

More on whole-house audio by Erno, (Visited 47276 times)

The new Autopatch Precis LT with DSP (Digital Signal Processing) provides the ultimate solution for distributed audio. With robust features like a 10-band graphic equalizer, input gain, volume, tone, and balance control, this provides for exact customisation of each output to support the attributes of the room or zone.

Supplied as standard with an RS-232 control port, the Precis LT DSP is compatible with all leading third party control devices, and features gold-plated RCA connectors.

In addition, each unit ships with our new APGraphic EQ, a graphical user interface software tool that unlocks the power behind every AutoPatch Matrix Switcher featuring DSP functionality.

Features of the Precis LT DSP

10-Band Graphic Equalizer

The 10-Band Graphic Equalizer has 10 distinct bands for boosting or cutting centre frequencies. This is useful when “fine tuning” the acoustics of a particular audio zone to suit the physical characteristics of each room or zone.

NOTE: The total through-system gain for any input/output pair cannot exceed +10 dB.

Balance, Tone and Volume Control

Balance Range: 100% left to 100% right.

Input Gain Control

Input gain control is provided to normalise input signals that have differing line level voltages. This eliminates the potential volume variances that can occur during switching, particularly when combining professional and consumer audio devices in the same system.

Source: Autopatch

Technorati Tags: Autopatch, DSP

More on Autopatch by Erno, (Visited 47891 times)

Crestron introduces the next generation TPS wall mount touchpanel. In the space of a common light switch, the TPS-4L packs a high-contrast 3.6″ active-matrix color touchscreen with vibrant 16-bit color graphics and 10 programmable, backlit pushbuttons.

The TPS-4L is a custom designed touchpanel interface in a discreet 3.6″ flush mount display. The new high-contrast, ultra-bright screen is easily viewable at almost any angle, even in daylight. The 320×240 resolution, 16-bit graphic provide beautifull icons in a panel of this size. Ten backlit, programmable pushbuttons offer instant access to the most frequently used functions such as channel selection and volume control.

The Isys engine produces astonishing full-color graphics with lightning-fast performance and incredible versatility. A 32-bit Motorola ColdFire Microprocessor combines with an ultra efficient operating system to support high-resolution graphics and images, dynamic text, full-motion video, animation, multimode objects (buttons, frames, gauges, and sliders) and popup/dropdown sub-pages. Crestron’s exclusive Synapse Image Rendering Algorithm enables system programmers to produce amazing graphics - faster and easier. Advanced anti-aliasing delivers crisper, sharper objects and text. Enhanced 3D effects add new depth and style.

• Read more: TPS-4L - new Crestron compact wall mount touchpanel

More on Crestron by Erno, (Visited 48018 times)

In the latest issue of Music Emotion, a dutch monthly magazine about audio and video equipment, one of the projects I worked on is displayed.
The cover of this May number:

When you want to read the article (in dutch) you can visit the Music Emotion page on the website of eaDHome

More on Custom install, installing, interior by Erno, (Visited 48262 times)