European Custom Installer

Luxul sets to unveil a variety of products for the connected home at CEDIA Expo 2018, including wireless products, next-generation L2/L3 managed switches and other solution-based innovations.

For AV-over-IP video distribution systems, Luxul L2/L3 managed switches on show at CEDIA will include the 26-port gigabit AMS-2600, 26-port/24 PoE+ stackable AMS-4424P, 25-port gigabit PoE+ XMS-5248P and 52-port stackable gigabit PoE+ XMS-7048P. For network expansion, the stackable AMS-4424P and XMS-708P offer x2 gigabit SFP+ ports for seamless scalability and management of up to 16 switches, for a total of 384 ports and 800 ports respectively.

In addition, the AMS-2600 includes x2 gigabit RJ-45/SFP combo ports, while the XMS-5248P features x2 gigabit SFP ports. The PoE+ ports of the AMS-4424P, XMS-5248P and XMS-7048P are perfect for expanding networks utilising PoE-enabled devices, such as touchpanels, VoIP devices, IP cameras and wireless access points.

Key Digital announces the KD-X444S extender kit-- an HDCP 2.2 compliant device with a slim chassis ideal for residential installations requiring extension of HDMI signals up to 18Gbps via a single CAT5e/6 cable.

The KD-X444S supports HDR10 video through a greater range of luminance levels, and extends UHD/4K (4096x2160 / 3840x2160 24/25/30/60Hz) resolution video at 4:4:4 with bandwidth up to 18Gbps and Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD Master Audio audio formats up to 40m using CAT5e/6 cabling. In addition, it extends 1080p video up to 70m with CAT6 cabling.

The extender features fully automatic feedback, equalisation and amplification adjustment depending on cabling lengths, meaning installers do not need to fine tune equalisation for each display. HDBaseT provides flexible power with only power power connection required, with the Tx providing power to the Rx or the Rx powering the Tx.

AV driver developer Intrinsic Group launches Intrinsic Connected-- a quality standard the company says will allow both vendors and installers to identify quickly and easily if a certified Intrinsic solution is available.

“Anyone can write code,” the company says. “But, writing effective drivers for smart home integration products and applications demands real installation knowledge, controls know-how and practical experience. All Intrinsic engineers have spent a minimum of 5 years in the field as product installers and system integrators. This experience is critical in how we create and build Intrinsic Connected driver solutions. It’s why we’re acknowledged as the company behind the most reliable, best functioning and optimised drivers for AV integration on the market.”

Extron launches the SF 10C SUB-- an in-ceiling subwoofer designed to work with the Extron range of ceiling and pendant speakers by extending low frequency response to support music and high performance audio applications.

A suspended-by-wire mounting design isolates the subwoofer from the ceiling grid. A 10-inch driver within a 4th order bandpass, plenum-rated enclosure, delivers bass. Further features include a 10-inch driver with 800W of continuous program power handling capability, all inside a rigid composite enclosure.

The Audio/Video industry plays a $2.2 million role in the first trial resulting from the investigations of Robert Mueller, US special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Prosecutors allege Paul Manafort, once President Trump’s campaign chairman, failed to pay taxes on $60 million he made to get Russia-friendly Viktor Yanukovych elected as President of the Ukraine.

Four years later, as Yanukovych turned away from the EU to Russia, in February 2014, Ukrainians took to the street in a revolution. Yanukovych had to flee (to Russia, of course) and the Ukraine still wants him for high treason. After Yanukovych bolted, with Russian influence in Ukraine waning, Putin gave the order for Russian troops to invade and occupy key Crimean locations, including airports and military bases. Russia formally annexed this seaside part of the Ukraine.

Paul Manafort was at the center of this, being paid handsomely to help install a pro-Russian government. And the fall-out created an international incident where Western countries including US slapped penalties on Russia, angering Putin and leading to the famous Russian intervention in the US election.