Category: News

The sound and video system at City Church (Madison Wisconsin) was out of date. The 800-seat auditorium needed an integrated audio-video network that could also serve other parts of the building as well as remotely located people attending services via live streaming multimedia.

Dante AV technology from Audinate brings audio and video together on a single Ethernet-based network. Patton is the first-ever company to implement Dante AV with its FiberPlex 6000 AVoIP Gateway product line. Patton’s AVoIP gateway was a perfect fit for the needs of City Church.

Employing the Patton gateways, City Church was able to migrate its disparate audio and video systems into a single, centrally managed network that provides live, onsite multi-media, that can be distributed throughout the building, as well as live-streamed audio-video for remotely-located worshippers.

>Read the Press Release
Patton AVoIP Gateways Transform Real-Time Experience for City Church Congregation

“We have always believed in using technology to eliminate distractions and deliver our message in a clear, compelling, and engaging way,” said Nathan Rohde, worship pastor, City Church.

“We basically just did a complete overhaul of the entire sanctuary so we can now integrate audio and video seamlessly throughout our church, our education facilities and online,” Mr. Rohde said.

What did you think?

• Is your house of worship (HOW) in need of a media-system update?
• Does consolidating disparate audio and video networks into a single centrally managed system sound like a good idea to you?

Wed, 9 November 2022 – 9:00AM – 4:00PM EST

Sandman Signature Toronto Airport Hotel, 55 Reading Court Toronto, ON M9W 7K7

Sandman Signature Toronto Airport Hotel – Google Maps

Attend our 1st leg of the Let’s Connect 2022 Techni+Contact/AMX Canada Roadshow in Toronto!

Meet and speak with leading industry manufacturers from AMX by Harman, Patton Electronics, Spinetix, Stewart Audio, Utelogy, WolfVision, and more! Network with top Audio/Visual, UC and IT integrators, consultants and end users.

In addition to tabletop product displays and functional demos, seminars will be offered throughout the day on key industry topics and solutions for the Educational, Government and Corporate markets with emphasis on active learning, web conferencing, and unified communications:

• 10:00 -10:30 The Future of Control and Unified Solutions with AMX by Harman
• 11:00- 11:30 Network AV-based Solutions for Collaboration Spaces by Jon Ivar of WolfVision
• 12:30-1:00 Keynote Consultant Engagement (TBC)
• 2:00-2:30 The Future of Control and Unified Solutions with AMX by Harman
• 3:00-3:30 Network AV-based Solutions for Collaboration Spaces by Jon Ivar of WolfVision

Refreshments and lunch offered. Come get your swag, giveaways and door prizes!

More details to come!

We would like to highlight our latest case study, focusing on the outstanding Cynap / vSolution MATRIX-equipped active learning classrooms at The University of Westminster in London. This award-winning, flexible AV over IP-based technology is ideal for multi-screen, collaborative working and learning environments of all types. 

Find out more

PChanges to Cynap Pure & Cynap Pure Receiver systems

We are currently introducing changes to some of our Cynap Pure products. The Cynap Pure and the Cynap Pure Receiver will shortly be delivered using new hardware with the same form factor as the Cynap Pure Mini. The new hardware is significantly smaller, consumes over 50 percent less power, and is equipped with two USB ports in addition to its HDMI, LAN, and WLAN interfaces.

Apart from the new hardware, there are no other changes for the end user! Screen mirroring using AirPlay, Chromecast or Miracast, touchback and remote viewer functionality, secure encryption, flexible installation options, API modules for room control, remote management tools, free firmware updates, and more – all are available as before when using Cynap Pure solutions.

Changeover to the new hardware will take place during September. We have a large quantity of the new platform devices in stock and can deliver quickly.

Key advantages of WolfVision courtroom systems

• Easy-to-use, AVoIP evidence presentation, web conferencing, and distribution solution for courtrooms
• Judges stay in control of evidence presentation at all times
• Cost-effective technology – no racks full of equipment or room control system needed
• Cynap as centrepiece AV appliance, runs vSolution MATRIX connected to Cynap Pure Receivers and WolfVision Visualizer providing versatile end-to-end, all-in-one multi-source, digital and analogue evidence presentation system
• Hybrid courtrooms remain popular because they bring greater efficiencies
• Hybrid workflows save time, make scheduling easier, and help to reduce backlogs.

Preserving the integrity of the court process

• Using ‘Preview’, ‘Publish’, and ‘Stop Sharing’ options, the judge, or clerk of the court uses simple drag and drop movements to push on-screen content for the judge to preview, or for jury, plaintiff, or defense attorneys to view.
• Judges decide if evidence is admissible, and ‘Protected Mode’ ensures that attorneys cannot send on-screen content directly to a jury for viewing.
• Electronic evidence is distributed using either wireless presentation, or via a wired HDMI connection. Physical materials are shown via the document camera.
• Presented evidence can also be distributed outside of the physical courtroom during virtual court sessions.

Presenting evidence from any source

• Wireless connectivity using any laptop, smartphone, or tablet
• Support for AirPlay, Miracast, and Chromecast means no apps or dongles are needed
• Live evidence is placed on the document camera
• Wired HDMI In available for judges, and attorneys who wish to use a cable
• Attorneys can also bring evidence on a USB stick and submit it to the judge
• Touchscreen annotation is available at the witness stand.
• Content is moderated and controlled using a simple drag-and-drop interface.

Supporting Virtual Courts

• Web conferencing via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or WebRTC-based services.
• WolfVision’s vSolution App simplifies the web conferencing workflow making it quick and easy for the clerk of the court or judge to control.
• Simply adding a Cynap Pure Pro wireless presentation and collaboration system to external locations such as a jail, extends the physical courtroom. For example, greater efficiency is achieved when prisoners can attend arraignments remotely via web conference.

Maximum Security in the courtroom

• The system is always used in ‘Protected Mode’ to prevent unwanted or mis-timed display of evidence materials
• Wireless signal strength can be adjusted to create only a small area of connectivity around the attorney tables. This prevents unauthorized attempts to disrupt court proceedings.
• Separate networks for court personnel and external visitors maintains security
• All wireless content is 100% encrypted
• On completion of the court session, no information is stored on a any WolfVision system.

Installation advantages

• Cost-effective – no more racks full of equipment needed
• Quick and easy installation
• Ease of use keeps training requirements to a minimum
• Customisable peripheral controls take care of the tasks that would normally require a room control system. Reduces cost, reduces number of boxes.
• Less boxes means fewer potential points of failure
• Easy integration with other infrastructure such as IP cameras, audio, & recording equipment.
• Eliminate compatibility issues between devices. All core functionality is performed using WolfVision systems
• Standard design already widely used. Simply adjust the number of Cynap Pure Receivers needed, depending on how many extra screens are required in the room.

We take you through some of the most important factors when considering what to buy!

What is a document camera / Visualizer?

A document camera (or Visualizer / Visualiser as they are also known) is a very flexible presentation tool. It consists of a camera combined with a light system, positioned over a reflection-free working surface.

Physical materials such as books, photographs, and other 3D objects can be placed simply onto the working surface. Content is picked up, and a high-resolution output signal provided to projectors or monitors for on-screen display.

When a Visualizer is connected to a computer using a web conferencing service, images and video are easily shown to both in-room, and remote classroom or meeting participants.

Document cameras are popular in education, business and judicial environments. They provide excellent imaging possibilities for working and learning applications of all types. They are commonly either installed onto a tabletop surface, or alternatively attached to or recessed into a ceiling.

How can a Visualizer improve your presentations?

Many studies* indicate that presentations made using a document camera or Visualizer, can help to make learning easier. Information presented visually is much easier to remember, and is retained for far longer than information presented only orally.

Combining materials to be presented using a document camera with other content such as PowerPoint slides, enables the media content source to be switched regularly, which helps to refresh audience attention spans. For hybrid working and learning, a document camera, when attached to a computer running a web conferencing application, helps to provide a consistent working and learning experience, for both in-person, and online meeting attendees. This is because everybody in the session sees the same on-screen content, wherever they are located.

References: Whitepaper ‘Using Visualizers to optimise presentation‘ by Chris Atherton 2011, Study by Nickerson RS (1968). A note on long-term recognition memory for pictorial material. Psychon. Sci 11(2):58-59 Survey of Wall Street Journal, ‘We don‘t pay attention to boring things‘ (Brain rules‘ by John Medina).

Next up, we’ll explore buying considerations! Stay tuned.

Peavey® Launches Third Generation MediaMatrix® SCION® Platform at InfoComm 2022

MediaMatrix®introduces SCION®, the all-new and powerful Media and Control processor. Shaping the third generation MediaMatrix offering, SCION calls upon 30 years of engineering prowess and market expertise in DSP and networked audio to deliver the most powerful media and control system available today.

SCION, a descendant of the legendary MediaMatrix NION® platform, transcends its predecessor leveraging ADi’s cutting-edge SHARC® DSP architecture providing a fully scalable, configurable and flexible media and control processing system. At the heart of the new Peavey MediaMatrix ‘S’ series ecosystem – PCA announces MediaMatrix sNET™ the native AES67 media transport protocol capable of delivering up to 512×512 networked audio channels from a single device. Designed as a ‘Build it Your Way’ system, the SCION frame can be configured from an entry-level device to a fully-featured powerhouse or something in-between with optional hardware modules giving the consultant, integrator, and end-user unrivaled fit for purpose flexibility.

Sharing in some strong elements of DNA with NION paves the way for backwards compatibility and convergence, allowing consultants to design system upgrades and fresh projects with the confidence of a simplified and seamless migration path thanks to NWare™ 3.0’s new dual-compiler tool enabling SCION and NION nodes to coexist in the same project. NIO™ Card-based I/O is also compatible with SCION providing welcomed continuity, quality and flexibility.

SCION represents the evolution of MediaMatrix and as the meaning of its name suggests a ‘shoot’ that has taken root and continues to grow organically symbolized as a tree with branches and offshoots growing as companion control and I/O products forming to shape a rich ecosystem known as the ‘S’ series.

As the world’s first digitally configured and controlled distributed audio system, MediaMatrix has grown from roots of wisdom, through decades of understanding. The launch of SCION signifies innovation in full bloom – a technology and ideal that has been nurtured over time and is ready to flex its branches to accommodate the world’s most demanding commercial audio needs.

A question that is commonly asked is – “Can I change the multicast subnet that SVSI uses”? And the answer is “Yes”!

Before we dive into the how, let us look at which subnets are used in SVSI for audio and video traffic.

These values represent non-interleaved multicast streams (N2300 series use interleaved multicast streams and are not part of this addressing range) and stream numbers < 256. Stream numbers >256 require calculating the large stream number (third octet) (covered in the Networked AV Training Course).

• Video: 239.255.37. <stream number>
• Audio: 239.255.165. <stream number>

The subnet range above (in red) is what we are interested in modifying.
Things to consider when choosing a multicast subnet:
 Chose an address range between 234.0.0.0-238.255.255.255, this is the largest
unallocated block.
 Because there is an overlap of IP Multicast addresses to Ethernet MAC multicast addresses,
any multicast address in the [224-239].0.0.x and [224-239].128.0.x ranges should NOT be
used.

We use AMX’s “N-Able” software to modify the range (downloadable at amx.com).

• Launch N-Able on your PC.
• Make sure your devices have been “discovered” or added and are visible in the “Unit Management” tab.
• Navigate to “Tools” -> “Batch Config” and select “Set Multicast to:” (circled below).
• Enter your desired subnet.
• Select the devices that you wish to modify (red arrow below) and click “ok”

Supports Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and WebRTC-based services!

New audio solutions exhibited for the UC market

Xilica showcased its latest UC audio solutions, which were compared to ‘black magic’ by a Xilica exec at Barcelona ISE.

Shaun Robinson, VP of Product Management at Xilica, explained that this description refers to the huge amount of mathematics that goes into its audio solutions. Out of the complexity, Robinson says its solutions have been made easy to use, plug and play devices.  

The collaboration product designer’s range includes room kits, processors, network endpoints, speakers, user interfaces and accessories.  

Some of the speakers it showcased required only a single point of connection.  

Robinson explained the advantages of reduced cabling:

“We have USB that connects to a computer or laptop. Everything else is connected, including the speakers, so we did not put any audio connections on the speaker itself.  

“IT technicians don’t need to be worried about keeping stock of speaker cables, stripping speaker cables or accidentally getting polarity wrong; all the things that audio installers would do.  

“We do not want technicians having to do that, so just grab a patch cable or any other Ethernet cable and plug it into our amp, plug it in our speaker, and it’s going to work.”  

The easiest way to record and share videos! Stop typing. Start Recording.

What Panopto can do for you

CREATE – Easily capture video from multiple cameras, presentations and screens

SHARE – Securely share content so the right people can access it

SEARCH – Search your video library for the right video and the right moment

WATCH – Broadcast live and on-demand to reach everyone

MEASURE – Observe viewer behavior to ensure audience engagement

Winning solutions for the world’s top companies and universities.

Ready for next-level ROI from your video platform?
Panopto has the capabilities for sharing institutional knowledge with solutions that are easy, comprehensive, and beloved. Everything from video creation to sharing and viewing is optimized for learning environments. The best universities and corporations rely on Panopto’s market-leading solutions every day.