High resolution camera maker Red ships what it says is the first Ultra HD/4K-capable media player-- the Redray Player, a device capable of playing UHD media and upscaling HD content to UHD (4096x2160) resolutions.

It connects to UHD displays via either HDMI 1.4 output or one of four HDMI 1.3 outputs, with an additional HDMI output for 7.1 channel audio (for standard HD displays the Redray uses x1 HDMI 1.3 output).

3D playback at 48-60fps is also supported.

The Redray does not carry a disc drive-- it plays content (in MP4 format) from internal 1TB HDD, USB drives and SD Cards. Playback takes place at 3 different data rates (10-, 20, and 40-Mbps), with higher data rates demanding more storage space.

Crestron announces an upgrade for the TPS-6X touchscreen-- the TST-600, a 5.7-inch capacitive touchscreen with dual-mode RF/wifi, integrated Rava SIP intercom and lithium ion battery.

The touchscreen features illuminated pushbuttons for programming macros such as volume adjustment, channel selection and on-screen menu navigation options. Rava SIP intercom technology also allows it to handle hands-free full-duplex VoIP communications between any two Rava-enabled Crestron touchscreens and 3rd party door stations.

Capable of streaming H.264 video, Crestron says the TST-600 is compatible with older TPS docking station, wireless gateways and other accessories.

Of course, you might ask whether one should use an iPad mini instead of something like this Crestron offering. Well, the key difference here is the side illuminated pushbuttons, which help differentiate the TST-600 from Samsung or Apple tablets and make it a viable AV market option.

Go Crestron TST-600

Everybody in the pro AV, broadcast, IT, home entertainment, security and other industries who are involved daily in installing equipment into19” rack mounting systems know exactly what we are talking about: NUTS. Cage nuts to be more precise.

If traditional cage nuts drive you nuts, then PAS (Pro Audio Stash) launches an innovative captive nut design – the Threaded Rack Rail Clip Nut—to relieve your frustration and stress.

The PAS Clip Nuts contain a threaded extrusion which slides over the square rack rails and clips closed. That saves a lot of time as well as the pain, bruises, stabbings … (and complete and utter frustration) that you may have suffered while attempting to grapple cage nuts into place.

Once in place, the retaining bolt is then screwed through the Clip Nut in a civilised manner to secure the rack device or panel into place.

Vision’s new Tilt2 is a simple table-mounted aluminium chassis which allows Techconnect modules to be fitted to a table. It has a thin aluminium bezel and blends into modern office furniture.

It comes with a Techconnect surround which can accommodate up to five modules.

The surround can be fitted near the surface for easy access to the modules, or recessed so that the lid can be closed with cables still plugged in.

The chassis can be cut for shallow floor-mount applications. This product, says the maker, costs barely more than a wall mount backbox, and strengthens the Techconnect product range.

Go Vision’s New Tilt2

Logitech continues making control products even as it looks for a Harmony division buyer-- it now unveils the Harmony Ultimate and Smart Control universal remote control bundles.

The heart of both packages is the Harmony Hub, a puck-sized device similar to the Harmony Link. It receives RF and wifi signals, and issues commands to A/V setups (with settings for 225000 home entertainment products) via IR and Bluetooth.

Meanwhile the Harmony Ultimate remote (included in the Harmony Ultimate bundle) is an update on the 2012 Logitech Touch remote. It controls up to x15 devices via IR, Bluetooth and RF, and features trigger-style underside grip, a complement of physical buttons and a 2.4-inch touchscreen providing number pad, favourite channel list and access to macro lists and settings.

URC makes the lives of installers and Total Control system owners a bit easier with Offsite Programming-- a feature allowing the remote access of MRX-10 Advanced Network Controllers.

Through Offsite Programming installers can program or reprogram, change channel lineups, reset favourites and make other system adjustments from anywhere in the world, so long they have an internet connection.

"This means fewer house calls and happier customers," URC marketing director Cat Toomey says." Offsite Programming saves time, gasoline and aggravation for Total Control installers and their customers alike."