Sound and Vision. Facts and good to know! Digital Signage - Information & Booking System. What should I choose?

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Theodore Shields
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Facts and good to know! Wireless connections will be integrated in both projectors and screens. Interactive systems exist today with all manufacturers and develop rapidly.

1 Facts and good to know! Wireless connections will be integrated in both projectors and screens. Interactive systems exist today with all manufacturers and develop rapidly. Next major technology change is the resolution that is now heading towards 4K and within a few years will be exclusively 4K. Several manufacturers are already in the process of replacing the entire screen range with 4K. Digital Signage - Information & Booking System Digital Signage is just a new name for information systems. Today, room booking systems are a part of these systems as it is basically the same technology. Today s smart TVs / monitors have simpler forms of license-free information systems built-in, which means that the costs are largely eliminated for the actual information distribution. These systems are increasingly integrated into other systems, such as systems for the activity-based office. What should I choose? Projectors - Monitors - Digital Signage - Document Camera We work with all brands and watch the market for you so you always get what s best for your business. Generally, prices go down and performance increases, new technologies are introduced on a regular basis and new models are launched almost weekly. Therefore, there are no brands or models in the AV- Handbook. The development Projectors with laser technology come on a wide front, which means longer operating hours, less environmental impact and more. Projectors are provided with signal inputs for twisted pair cable of the same type used for computer networks. This via the standard HDBaseT. Interactive projectors displaying images directly on the writing board have today largely replaced the interactive writing boards as they provide a larger image and naturally combine the writing board and digital technology at a significantly lower price. Displays are no longer just televisions or monitors without intelligent multimedia devices. For example, equipment for Web meetings and Digital Signage systems is built-in. Our recommendation is to first make a needs analysis based on which working method you want to use in the foreseeable future. Then you look at the solution that fits that method and then select the appropriate equipment. With this order you do the right investment without unnecessary costs. One advise is not to invest in too advanced technology as it quickly becomes outdated and to use open solutions that you can upgrade without being locked to either system solution, manufacturer or supplier. 178

We start from the image width when calculating the appropriate picture size. In general, screens are suitable in small and medium sized rooms and projectors, medium and larger premises.

2 Projector or screen? Technology Concepts Resolution Judge for yourself! The most important thing when selecting image source is that you will see the image to be displayed well and then the image size will be absolutely crucial. We start from the image width when calculating the appropriate picture size. In general, screens are suitable in small and medium sized rooms and projectors, medium and larger premises. Note that the monitor s manufacturer always speaks about inch dimensions that are diagonal and not image width. To convert diagonal dimensions to image width, the formula is used for 16:10 TV format, x diagonal measurement. To get in cm, inches were x2.54cm. Example 65 TV. 65x0,848 = 55,12 x 2,54cm = Image Width140cm. Suitable image size see under resolution heading. If you want other tools such as writing boards used in the meeting room, that is also something to take into consideration as the display blocks the surface of other devices that the projector does not. Document Cameras The document camera, the modern OH projector, is a frequently underestimated AV device that we recommend as a cheap and easy support for your presentation. Advantages, compared to the computer and, for example, a Power Point presentation, is that everything can be viewed in a simple way. All types of paper, books, brochure pages, notes and products are just added to the table and the camera digitizes and streams moving images instantly - that s all. In addition, the document camera has the advantage that it can be placed anywhere in the room as the image is transferred digitally to projector or screen. Concepts like HD, Full HD, 4K, Pixels, XGA, WXGA, LCD, Plasma, LED, Laser, ANSI, Color light output, HDBaseT, WLan, ILan, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 and so on are diligently used. It can be difficult to determine what the actual difference in function is and what the user should invest in to be satisfied. In general, higher resolution requires better cabling and better transmission technology. As soon as 4K in resolution is launched, 4x better capacity is set in the transmission technology for stable operation to be obtained. The same goes for USB 3.0 compared to USB 2.0. Here we go through the most important concepts. HDBaseT HDBaseT is a standard for distributing uncompressed HD signal for video and audio for transfer via twisted cable (Cat5e, 6 - o.s.v) up to 100 meters without additional gain. HDBaseT can handle: Video - Full HD, 3D, 2K and 4K uncompressed to network or device. Supports HDMI1,4, EPG, CEC, EDID, and HDCP protocols. Sound - All standard formats including Dolby Digital, DTS, True HD, and DTS HD-Master Audio. Ethernet support up to 100Mb Ethernet. Control - RS232, USB, IR and IP. Power supply - Up to 100WDC through Cat5e / 6 cabling. Resolution is one of the essential questions in the needs analysis when it determines the solution and the cost. Higher resolution, in practice, gives less. See Example. Monitors automatically handle this by scaling down or up the image while projectors usually do not. Example: Full HD 1920x1080p is displayed on the same image area as an XGA resolution, which makes the image smaller. 4K gives even less picture. Resolution table Common resolutions for computer graphics and digital video. Name Pixels (WxH) Ratio Pixels VGA 640x480 4: SVGA 800x600 4: XGA 1024x768 4: XGA+ 1152x864 4: WXGA 1280x800 16: WXGA+ 1440x900 16: SXGA 1280x1024 5: SXGA+ 1400x1050 4: WSXGA+ 1440x900 16: UXGA 1600x1200 4: Full HD 1080p 1920x : WUXGA 1920x : QXGA 2048x1536 4: QWXGA 2048x : WQXGA 2560x1600 5: WQSXGA 3200x : QUXGA 3200x2400 4: K 4096x1716 Digital Film The pictures below are taken in the same room and at the same distance but with different resolution on the projected image. Image Size: Width 1250mm. Distance to image: 4000mm Figure 1 Resolution XGA, 1024x768 Picture 2 Resolution, Full HD, 1920x1080 As shown in the picture, a larger image is required, the higher the resolution, for you to be able to see the details. The best way to determine what can be considered appropriate is to test yourself. NOTE! - What is the objective of the investment? If the goal is to send the message to the recipient, it must be possible to read it in an unhindered manner. Otherwise the messages are not received and then the whole point is lost. 179

3 Brightness What technique? Audio Installations Larger rooms Nowadays, the ANSI lumen is usually a standard where 9 measurements are made of the brightness and the incision of this is indicated as Brightness or White light output. This measurement method came into being because one wanted to determine the quality of the optics in such a way that the light was spread well over the projection surface instead of just concentrating light in the centre of the screen. A new measurement method, Colour Light Output measures the colours red, green and blue. In total, 9x3 = 27 measurements are made where the average is stated in the ANSI lumen and is a value of colour rendering. This gives a more realistic measure because, hopefully, we almost never look for a whole white picture for a long time. Both of these methods are based on ISO / IEC 21118: At official measurements made by the Society for Information Displays (SID) which we have learned, it is clear that the manufacturers who report Colour Light output have significantly better performance on their products than those who only report white light output. It is up to 4 times better brightness - worth noting when choosing a product. To keep in mind when selecting projector / monitor What resolution? Number of computers to be connected at the same time? Interactive or not. Ultra short throwing or traditional solution. What input sources to display? Suitable brightness? Correct type of connections. DVI, HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort and more. Lifetime of lamps. There are different schools depending on who you ask and who they represent. Our advice is to compare the different image types. Our view is that on the most common types, LCD versus LED and DLP versus LCD, the differences are marginal. The new LED and laser technologies for projectors have better image reproduction and are safe for the future, even the environment is better because they are energy-efficient and significantly longer life. We will be happy to assist you with the selection. In our exhibition, all the techniques and most makes can be seen. LCD-projectors with standard lenses Quick guide for approximate ratio of image width - projection distance Image width in cm Distance in m If you want to calculate the exact distance between projector and projection screen, follow the steps below: Check the projector s manual for Throw ratio, for example ; 1. What is the width of the projection screen or the desired image width? We use in our calculation example 200cm. Multiply desired image width with the average of Throw ratio (in the example above 1.65). In our example, it will be 200x1,65 = 330cm. NOTE! This measure is between front edge projector and projection screen. 180 We design, deliver and install all types of audio systems for all types of needs. In the case of audio equipment, the number of manufacturers, solutions and views is endless. In order to simplify for you as a customer, we constantly monitor and test what the market offers in terms of new development. Based on this we have compiled various ready-made package solutions for different types of rooms, features, needs and quality. Packages are also constantly being adapted to new products that add new dimensions to the solutions. What is the need? First, you may want to answer the following questions before choosing equipment: The meeting room Need a sound system at all? Is it enough with the projector s or TV s built-in speakers? Need voice amplification? Mono, stereo or surround system? Public environments normally require nothing but mono systems, as no effects are sought. Should the room be used for distance meetings? Examples include auditoriums, event halls and the like. This usually requires a better quality audio system. The crucial issue for the choice of audio system is what the room should be used for: Internal meetings? External customer presentations? Film screening? Rental? VIP-meetings? Recording / Streaming? Distance meetings? Other? Multi Halls In rooms requiring special effects, a sound system of better quality and with specific power units is usually required. How the room is to be used is the decisive issue for the choice of sound system. Suggestions for uses in addition to larger rooms above: Surround 5.1 or 7.1? Special effects? Live Music? Coordinated with one or more image sources? Flexibility?

4 PA A completely different type of audio system is PA (Public Address) over large office areas, for example. This allows you to distribute spoken messages or background music to all or part of the facility from a central location. The PA sound is often distributed over the same system as any evacuation alarms, as it is basically the same equipment. This type of equipment is projected entirely on a caseby-case basis. Request information. Congress and voting systems In larger rooms where everyone is should able to communicate with each other, some kind of sound system is required. Today there is also often a requirement that voting can be done quickly and smoothly, meetings will be posted online in the form of Web TV, stored on servers and documented. Wireless systems are available with radio technology (2.4GHz technology) and IR technology (infrared light). Our experience is that IR technology is preferable because it is completely insensitive to interference and can not be intercepted. Security is 100%, which is often valuable at board meetings, trials and more. This is what we call for congress systems. Examples of environments where these solutions exist are where democratic decisions are taken as in the municipalities and parliaments, as well as in courts and companies that easily want to communicate both internally and externally at the same time. A newer application is at distance education, which comes into our society, often called e-learning. Congress systems can be built up in a variety of ways. A common system structure is fixed microphones in a table or chair that are wired to central equipment with advanced equipment for handling noise levels, echo cancellation, etc., and controlled by control systems. See the picture above. Another way that has come to light in recent years is to work with wireless technology, which provides easier installation. 181

5 The parts of the sound systems Here is a description of the most common components of our audio systems. Speaker The speaker is simply put the most important component of the audio system when it determines the pressure and spread on audio reproduction. In addition to the speaker s ability to withstand the current drive power that the amplifier can deliver, there are other possible parameters such as: Wall-hung or ceiling-mounted. Active speakers (with built-in amplifier). Speakers adapted to the environment. Directional with limited spread. Speaker clusters A composite device consisting of two or more different types of speakers, in terms of spread or direction. Subwoofer A speaker for reproducing the deepest bass tones. Connected to its own amplifier and with a signal where other frequencies are cropped with a filter. Is often available as an active speaker (with built-in amplifier) and is quite insensitive to placement in the room. Device that provides the ability to adjust the frequency reproduction to the room s acoustic conditions. Connect between amplifier and mixer. Mixer / Switcher Allows simultaneous connection of more audio sources to an audio device. With a mixer, audio from multiple sources can be mixed for simultaneous playback, such as music and microphone sounds. In a switch, only one audio source can be reproduced at a time. The unit is dimensioned according to the desired number of audio sources. Mixer / switcher connects to an amplifier. Audio Processor More advanced audio mixers are often called sound processors, and contain a number of special effects such as echo cancellation, time delay, frequency variant, etc. A recent commonly used device is DSP, digital signal processor. In this there is basically a matrix but for each input and output there is the possibility of individual signal processing. Programmed via a PC and with several scenes adapted to different conditions. The unit is dimensioned according to the desired number of audio sources and number of speakers for playback. Mixing Amplifier A mixer with built-in amplifier that connects directly to the speakers. The specified power output in Watt shows how powerful speaker systems the amplifier can drive. Matrix Mixer A mixer with a number of inputs and a number of outputs. Each input is addressable to a selected output. For example, audio from two audio sources can be distributed to different amplifiers / speakers at the same time. Microphone Device for recording and retransmission of sounds. Available in different designs: dynamic, electret and capacitor type. Dynamic affects a membrane mechanically while the rest needs a low voltage. Microphones exist with different characteristics, i.e. in which proper optimum recording capacity, usually directed, omnidirectional and so-called cardioid (kidney) which is a limited omnidirectional. Microphones are available for cord connection or wireless transmission. Wireless systems are available with handheld microphone with built-in transmitter, microphone with pocket transmitter and Headmic (headset with lavalier microphone) with pocket transmitter. Technology with wireless microphone receivers with two antennas / receiver circuits is called diveristy and means better reception. Induction Loop Amplifier A mixer or other audio device connected amplifier which, via an electromagnetic loop, amplifies the sound for hearing impaired with hearing aids. Also available in other versions for wireless transmission. Amplifier The device that provides sound in the speakers. The specified drive power in watts indicates which speaker system the amplifier can operate. Normally has one (mono) or two (stereo) outputs. Equalizer Sound systems are built primarily after the volume of the room and the desired features such as program sounds, voice amplification and video meetings. More complex systems for event rooms, congress halls and auditorium are always tailored on a case-by-case basis. The following pages are solutions available for common meeting rooms. 182

Sound package Basic up to about 100m 2 Sound package Basic up to about 100m 2 These packages include: 1 pair of active speakers and 10 meter cable with 3.

Basic 50W A 78470 Basic 70W A 78471 Basic 100W A 78472 Options: Bluetooth wireless transmission to speakers D 78473 Micro 4 8 control system A 60151 Audio splitter 4 connections, mono sound.

If you connect your computer with a modern connector, such as HDMI or DisplayPort, the audio comes in at the same time.

6 Sound package Basic up to about 100m 2 Sound package Basic up to about 100m 2 These packages include: 1 pair of active speakers and 10 meter cable with 3.5mm connector and cable channel for connecting directly to the computer. Basic 50W A Basic 70W A Basic 100W A Options: Bluetooth wireless transmission to speakers D Micro 4 8 control system A Audio splitter 4 connections, mono sound. D Normally, it is sufficient to enhance the audio from the computer in most meeting rooms. This is easily done via active speakers connected to the projector or display. If you connect your computer with a modern connector, such as HDMI or DisplayPort, the audio comes in at the same time. The sound is then controlled by the same microcontroller or remote controller as the projector or display. If the speakers are to be used separately, an input is required for this. It may be if you have an older computer where the image comes via a VGA connector and the sound from a 3.5mm connector or if you want to listen to music from your smartphone, for example, when the projector or screen is turned off. The audio is connected via one of our Connecto units, directly in the projector / display, or with an additional external jack that can be mounted in a wall mount rack. To do this you can use a sound splitter that has 4 connectors with mono sound. If you want stereo sound, two devices are used. These packages include: 1 pair of active speakers and 10 meter cable with 3.5 mm connector and cable channel for connecting directly to the computer. 183

0 cable. It is also possible to connect active speakers (see Basic audio package) as an accessory.

The package includes active 100W speakers, digital audio processor (DSP) with echo cancelling and automatic mixer, a wireless hand held microphone and a wireless headset.

7 Audio Packages Continued. Web Audio Package Sound Package Classic up to 100m 2 Sound Package Classic 400W Sound Package X-Line up to 250m 2 Speaker with built-in microphone, connect to computer with 2m USB 2.0 cable. It is also possible to connect active speakers (see Basic audio package) as an accessory. In rooms over 25m 2 with a longer conference table, two units can be placed on the table with an interconnection cable. 1 pc. USB speaker / microphone incl. cable D pcs. USB speaker / microphone incl. cable D This solution is for rooms where there is a need for program sounds, speech amplification and inductive, wireless, audio transmission to hearing aids (loop amplifiers). The package includes active 100W speakers, digital audio processor (DSP) with echo cancelling and automatic mixer, a wireless hand held microphone and a wireless headset. Sound Package Classic <100m 2 D Consists of the same components as the smaller classic package with power amplifier and two speakers instead of the active speakers and a 6-channel mixer. Sound Package Classic 400W D The big audio package with a power amplifier, a pair of line array speakers, a sub woofer speaker, a 10-channel mixer with USB interface to the computer (the mixer works as an external sound card), a digital audio processor (DSP) with echo cancelling, 2 pieces Wireless Handheld Microphones and 2 Wireless Headsets. Sound Package X-Line <250m 2 D

speech sounds, as well as mixer amplifiers that can be used for 5 separate audio sources and 5 separate zones if you wish.

) Sound Package Ceiling speaker 100m 2 D 78491 Wired microphone D 77407 Wireless mics, incl.

- Pro D 77405 Headset - Basic D 77403 Headset - Pro D 77406 Hearing loop <40m 2 and single loop D 79500 <200m 2 and

8 Audio Package Continued. Vision Sound Package Ceiling speaker 100m 2 Options The package includes 12 ceiling speakers for background sound and speech sounds, as well as mixer amplifiers that can be used for 5 separate audio sources and 5 separate zones if you wish. (Cafe, reception, mingling surface, etc.) Sound Package Ceiling speaker 100m 2 D Wired microphone D Wireless mics, incl. transmitter and receiver Hand microphone - Basic D Hand microphone - Pro D Lavalier - Basic D Lavalier - Pro D Headset - Basic D Headset - Pro D Hearing loop <40m 2 and single loop D <200m 2 and double loop D We deliver all kinds of image solutions. Due to the rapid development with ongoing launches of new models, we do not include this in this AV- Handbook. On our website under shop you will find the most common models. We are also pleased to offer you suggestions on the appropriate model and solution. 185

icon H600: Network centric visualization

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