For presentation applications requiring advanced line and microphone audio matrix mixing with DSP in a small form factor, Extron announces the availability of the DMP 64, a 6x4 audio matrix mixer featuring Extron ProDSP, a digital signal processing platform for audio signal routing and control.
Loaded with tools to control level, dynamics, filters, delay, ducking, loudness, and feedback suppression, ProDSP is engineered using a 32/64-bit floating point DSP engine and studio grade 24-bit audio converters with 48 kHz sampling.
It is managed by Extron's intuitive DSP Configurator Software, a PC-based application featuring an easy-to-use GUI that allows audio system visualization within a single window. Audio designers and system installers can use this software to access the ProDSP, for access to audio processing tools and audio matrix mixing from a single screen.
The DMP 64 features a dual matrix design. The primary matrix routes 6 mic/line inputs to the 4 output line signals. With the secondary matrix, selected inputs are routed to 4 "virtual" buses. These buses are then routed into the 4 outputs via the primary matrix.
The virtual buses add versatility to the DMP 64, enabling designated inputs to be grouped and processed together as an ensemble. Audio processing tools, including Filter, Dynamics, Loudness, and Gain, are available on each virtual bus. This dual matrix design can be easily visualized within the DSP Configurator Software.
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Extron Debuts Digital Audio Matrix Processor
- 15. 01. 2010
- Bob Snyder
- Control and Home Media Systems
Web Standards Needed for TV-as-as Service
- 01. 11. 2011
- Bob Snyder
- Industry news
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the official standards organization of the Web, reports on the transition of TV to a service, identifying priorities to be addressed for Internet TV to become a widely available, open, cross-platform service.
W3C's proposes Open Web Platform as the one solution for application development, to "give designers cross-platform interoperability." Open Web Platform priorities will be adaptive streaming (constant stream of quality video despite bandwidth changes), home networking, metadata and Semantic Web technology, and the possible extension of HTML5 for TV.
"In a world migrating from TV as a device to TV as a service available on any device," says W3C's François Daoust, co-chair of the Workshop, "the W3C is looking forward to developing ubiquitous Web technologies to enable scenarios that combine local (e.g., from home network devices) and global (e.g. social networks) sources to enhance the user experience on TV."
Right now, devices and services mainly compete on content offerings rather than functionality. This will change, says W3C..."As television evolves further into a service, people will expect the service to be available on a variety of devices, and to connect smoothly with other favorite services, including social networking and shopping. As the number and diversity of devices grows (across multiple industries), interoperability challenges will also grow."
Cisco Launches Wireless IPTV Solution
- 08. 11. 2011
- Marco Attard
- Networking & IoT
Cisco launches what it says is the first wireless IPTV service in the industry, featuring new wireless receivers and wireless access points (WAPs) to deliver both SD and HD video services throughout the home.
The system features 2 offerings from the Cisco Videoscape portfolio-- the ISB7005 wireless receiver and the VEN401 WAP.
One WAP per home supports up to two receivers.
The wireless receiver delivers both live TV channels and interactive services while acting as a Total Home HD DVR, allowing the wireless viewing and management of DVR recordings from a wired DVR.
Currently the Cisco solution is only available in the US (via AT&T) but one can assume European video operators (not to mention customers) will also find it quite attractive.
Cheaper Automation Through Ads?
- 09. 10. 2012
- Marco Attard
- Home Automation
Ube (pronounced "yoo-bee"), a start-up led by former CEDIA CEO Utz Baldwin, has an interesting idea for a more affordable automation solution-- selling advertising on the platform.
The Ube proposal avoids central home processing units (and related programming) by providing a free iOS/Android app and IP-connected "appcessories." Using standard IP protocols, the app allows control of of IP-enabled smart devices such as smart TVs and thermostats. Very few vendors employ such an approach to automation (also known as "the internet of things"), other than Belkin and WeMo.
The company offers 3 flavours of smart device, all to ship from early 2013-- the Smart Dimmer (a light switch replacement running on Android OS), Smart Plug (allows remote device on/off and consumption measurement) and Smart Outlet (an outlet replacement with energy management and remote control).
While the Ube offerings above conform to US standards, the company promises it will also roll out in other form factor for worldwide markets.
The Ube system already impressed at DEMO 2012, winning the People's Choice Award and $1 million in advertising from event producers IDG.
Go Ube
2013: A Year for TV Replacements?
- 06. 11. 2012
- Marco Attard
- TVs, Displays and Mounts
According to TrendForce WitsView global medium- and large-size LCD TV demand will remain soft in 2012, with shipments reaching 206 million units with "small" 2.7% Y-o-Y growth.
Growth should be more positive in 2013-- the analyst predicts shipments will reach 215m units with 4.4% Y-o-Y growth.
The Korean vendors (Samsung and LG) dominate the 2013 market with 33% share, while Japanese (Sony, Sharp, Toshiba et al) share declines further to 21-22%.
The analyst also predicts LED LCD TV penetration will "surge"-- from around 70.3% in 2012 to 85-90% in 2013, as customers set to replace their 32-inch LCD TVs to larger, cheaper 40-inch models. Vendors are also introducing new size categories, such as 58-inch.
3DTV penetration in 2013 should rach around 25-26%, up from 19.9% in 2012, while direct LED penetration should grow from 10.5% to 18-20% in 2013.
When it comes to Smart TVs, WitsView says the device category remains "limited" in both software content and operator support, meaning sales will remain low-- unless Apple launches the much anticipated iTV/Apple TV. The integration of 4K resolutions and PC-style functionality might also boost Smart TV sales, but only if the industry resolves its technology- and interest-based conflicts.