Category: Learning Center

Several classrooms around the globe are taking advantage of Interactive whiteboards (IWB) or SMART boards. The whiteboards enable teachers to integrate chalkboards with different technologies such as computers, projectors, and televisions when teaching. SMART Board launched its first smart board in 1991, which was simply LCD attached to a computer. Whiteboards can be utilized in environments such as training rooms for sports coaching, broadcasting rooms, classrooms, and corporate boardrooms.

A research conducted by Futuresource Consulting concluded that one in every seven classrooms in world was expected to have a whiteboard by the year 2011. By the year 2004 about 24% of classrooms in Britain had IWBs.

A smart board can be a standalone computer or a functioning touchpad being used by computers. A device driver is attached to the computer in such a manner that the smart board acts like a human input device similar to a mouse. The output of the computer video is connected to a projector so that images from the computer can be displayed on the surface of the whiteboard.

The user of the IWB will calibrate its images by matching the position of the image in reference to the IWB using a pointer whenever necessary. The user can then use the pointer to activate programs on the IWB display just as one could do using a mouse on a computer monitor’s screen. At this point, the user can invoke an on-screen keyboard so as to enter text or better yet use handwriting recognition if the IWB provides for that option. In other words, the IWB emulates a mouse and a keyboard. The user can teach a classroom or make a presentation by exclusively using the IWB.

Furthermore, the IWBs come with certain improvised features that optimize the interactive opportunities that these whiteboards can provide. Some of these features are instruments that can be used in traditional classroom environments and they include rulers, virtual protractors, highlighter solutions, compasses, and flipcharts. Whiteboards can be used for:

• Capturing notes written on the IWB and saving them on the connected computer.
• Capturing the notes written on a tablet connected to the IWB.
• Running a software that is loaded on the connected computer or laptop or any other software that can be used in a classroom environment.
• Controlling a computer from the IWB using the click and drag option, markup that annotates a presentation.
• Translating a cursive writing on a tablet into text by using an OCR software.

The common forms of interaction between the projected content and the user include:

Resistive touch-based whiteboard

It involves a pointing device. The surface membrane deforms to conduct with the back-plate. The touch pint location will then be registered as a mouse event. For example, when the user touches the surface membrane it’s registered as a left mouse click. Most manufacturers of this form claim that it’s a natural and easy to use IWB.

Infrared scan technology

It’s a large IWB that connects to a PC and a projector. The whiteboard is mounted to a wall. The movement of a pen or even the user’s finger is registered when it interferes with infrared light on the board’s surface.

Electromagnetic pen

Wires are fixed behind the whiteboard surface that interacts with the stylus tip so that they can determine the coordinates of the stylus vertically and horizontally. The pen alters the electrical signals produced by the IWB.

Ultrasonic pen

The technology behind this IWB is ultrasound positioning combined with infrared. The technology works by computing the speed of light against that of sound as is the case in thunderstorm. These types of boards are available in portable formats.

Audiovisual communication is essential to businesses, government institutions, and even schools. Specifically, if your goal is to produce presentations that are impactful, engaging and efficient in communication, it is important to go for the services you need from a qualified consultant.

What do AVs do?

As a consultant, you are required to come up with system designs and manage your clients. Furthermore, these specialists dig deep into the project to analyze and design systems that uniquely accommodate all your technology requirements for you as a customer. Moreover, audiovisual consultants develop fully integrated systems besides proving expert insights of AV solutions available in the market.

Audiovisual consulting also involves the use of current AV systems to update and upgrade existing systems. Likewise, as an AV consultant, you will choose optimal equipment that will be used to bring ideas to life ideas for the client. Consequently, a good consultant will help your company to save money without compromising on quality. For this reason, you are expected to have up to date information on latest Audio Visual and Video technologies as a consultant. Above all, an excellent track record is vital to making sure that you get the services tailor-made for your project.

Audiovisual Consultancy Process

As much as the user interface is essential to the end user, the design, structure, construction, and installation is crucial to the whole process. Similarly, the client is the most esteemed party in this process. The consultants value you as a customer, and because of that, they take time to prepare before pitching an idea. In essence, the consultant presents a well-thought AV solution that will serve your business well.

After confirming that you have selected a certain AV consultants, the first step is to prepare and review all the possible solutions, options and AV requirements that are suitable for your project. In short, after considering the above options, the consultant team moves to the design stage of the process. The fundamental elements of the design stage include in ascending order:

• Concept
• Functionality
• Aesthetics
• Human interface
• Engineering
• Costing

Each item from the above process has relevant documentation, diagrams, and illustrations. Additionally, every stage is continuously reviewed and improved through criticism. Likewise, communication between the consultant team and the client’s team is highly regarded throughout the whole process. Communication has always reduced redundancy when it comes to coordination from one team to the other.

System Building and Integration

This step encompasses the construction of the entire system. The engineering aspect is the central element at this stage. The process involves experts such as engineers, programmers and project managers. They work through every technical aspect of the project from design to the actual physical structure. Finally, system integration comes next. Customizing the AV system to the client’s requirement comes in handy. Fabrication and assembly are implemented alongside testing for optimal performance.

AV System Installation

Once the system is built and customized, the consultants bring experts onboard in AV installation. The installation is per the needs of the client in consultation with the AV experts. Consequently, more system checking and testing processes are performed in the presence of the customer. At this stage, all adjustments are on site. A product overview is presented to the client, and later on, the system is finally handed over to the customer. Furthermore, future schedules maintenance is arranged and agreed upon by both parties.

In conclusion, audiovisual consultancy is a professional that only admits top-notch skills. As audiovisual communication continues to gain traction in the business and education arenas, it is important that excellent services are available for clients. As Audiovisual service providers, CCS will hold your hand through the whole process from design, planning, construction and finally installation. That means that a good AV consultant will coordinate all the aspects of your project and maintain the system after handing it over to the clients. That is what it takes to be a prestigious and esteemed AV consultant.

The Importance of Collaboration in a Corporate Environment

The business domain is one that elicits a certain set of skills, some of which involve the ability to collaborate well with other individuals. In the modern world, collaboration is still done in-person, but a great deal of work is also conducted over the internet. One way to enhance your office collaboration is through video conferencing. By understanding video conferencing solutions and the applications it offers, it will show you why this type of collaboration is so important for your business.

Technological Understanding

Encouraging or requiring employees to communicate with one another through technology only helps to further their understanding of new devices. Some employees may express hesitation about harnessing the power of technological tools in the workplace, and such an attitude can lead to a slowdown. When employees have to communicate on a regular basis, they can also build some troubleshooting skills for themselves. While you do want to have a help desk staff available for serious inquiries, you also want to encourage employees to learn how to tackle such problems without assistance.

Company Cohesion

Having branches of your business in different states or even different countries means that you get to increase productivity and expand the opportunities that your company has to conduct business. However, one downfall is that your employees may feel as though they are not working for the same business. Video conferencing solutions help to build a bridge over that gap. Even though employees are not together in the same room, they can still work on the same project or address the same problem through a video conference, giving them a sense of the face-to-face interaction they would receive if they were working with the people in an office setting.

Traveling Ease

Sending employees out on business trips allows your company to establish its presence at conferences, national meetings and the like. Still though, you may want to communicate with your employees while they are away. In fact, you may wish to watch the presentation that they’re making live. A video conference is one way that you can still play a role in your employees’ routines when they are traveling for the business. Do proceed with caution though, you don’t want your team members to feel as though you’re watching their every move because you don’t trust them.

Multiple Perspectives

When you’re trying to solve a problem, you may come up with a multitude of solutions. However, since you were so focused on finding a solution, you may fail to recognize the possible problems that could come into fruition with it. Bringing in multiple perspectives from employees at your branch and at different ones can help you to have a fuller perspective. A video conference can prove useful in another way when it comes to solving conflicts too. When you are stuck and can’t find an answer, you can bring in other members to assist.

Maintained Communications

Chances are that you’ve had to close down the business at least once due to unforeseen circumstances. For example, a serious weather event might have rendered it unsafe for employees to travel to the office. If such a situation were to occur again, you could still maintain business operations by communicating with everyone online. Another perk here is the incorporation of more work-at-home opportunities.

In recent years, you may have found that more and more employees are requesting to work from home at least one day per week. Without the proper technology, granting this request could prove difficult. When you decide to bring video conferencing solutions to the job, however, you could offer more telecommuting positions. You may find that opening up positions to people who are willing to work from home can bring on a whole new level of talent.

Collaborating in a business environment is quite important. This process allows for the exchange of ideas, and it helps employees to learn how to better tackle challenges at work. When employees communicate with one another, they are also developing rapport. Exploring new and improved technological means of fostering this environment is a wise move for virtually any business.

One of the greatest blessings that we have as Christians is to sing church songs with people of a similar faith. It is the way we commune with God, it is the way we commune with others, and it is the way we “let the Word of Christ richly dwell within us” (Col. 3:16).

For centuries, this activity has looked much the same: the congregants file into the building, pull out a hymnal from a pew nearby, and begin singing. While this is certainly the easiest way to allow everyone to sing, it’s by no means the most efficient.

With presentation software, you have the distinct advantages of…

• Getting People’s Heads Out of the Book

This creates a better overall sound and a more natural singing position. Facing forward projects the voice better and allows for a more enthusiastic worship.

• Saving Time in Between Songs

Normally, the congregation has to wait for all the members to turn to a particular page and familiarize themselves with which song they are about to sing before they can begin. With projection hymnals, the songs are instantly displayed up on the screen and the congregation can begin singing.

• Simplifying Worship

Musical notation is a beautiful thing, but for some who are unfamiliar with shape notes and general music basics, it can also be intimidating, particularly for newer songs. A projected song has the benefit of allowing the congregation to follow the leader as opposed to focusing on the do-re-mi’s of the song.

This technology is certainly not for everybody though. In your auditorium is particularly long, then people at the back may not easily be able to read the words projected on the screen. Also, projecting hymns on an overhead does come at a considerable cost in the form of buying church projectors and display screens, among others.

If your congregation is considering moving to presentation software for their worship service, keep a few things in mind:

• Make Sure You are Legal

It would seem counter-intuitive in a religious setting to worry about legal practices, but unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous dealers peddling copyrighted material that can land your congregation in trouble. While many of the older songs, such as “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art” usually have expired copyrights and can be used, the newer songs sometimes do not. When in doubt, get a CCLI license (Christian Copyright Licensing, Incorporated), which allows your congregation to print and use hymns for worship services.

• Make Sure You Have the Resources

Cost is not the only thing you need to consider when deciding whether or not to project church songs, you must also consider whether or not you have space for it. Some church projectors are designed to project an image a few hundred feet, but if the point of reception is too small, the image can be unreadable or distorted. Make sure you not only have the resources to cover the costs, but also the available space and manpower to operate the equipment.

• Make Sure You Prepare

When dealing with technology, anything can go wrong at any time and for any reason, so it’s imperative that you have print hymnals still scattered about in case the system goes down (some people may prefer them anyway). Also, make sure that whoever is running the slides has ample time to familiarize themselves with the technology and practice before services. The last thing you want is someone who is inexperienced disrupting the worship experience.

When done right, projecting church hymns on a screen can enrich the worship and breathe new life into hymns that we have sung for years. If you take the time to prepare the technology and utilize it in the correct manner, it will be of immense value and benefit the congregation for years to come.

One of the most common questions that surround business signage of any kind is whether to opt for digital signage or neon signs. There are contextual differences between the situations in which digital signs or neon signs are better, but the following reasons are also the most important things to keep in mind to ensure that you always make the best decision.

Flat price and maintenance

In general, the flat price of neon sign tends to be slightly lower than that of a digital sign. Though many people can be attracted by the slightly lower price point of a neon sign all by itself, what also needs to be taken into consideration is the amount of money that needs to be invested in the upkeep of the neon sign. Maintenance, operational costs and possible repairs can easily make the overall price of a neon sign much higher than the flat price for purchasing it. Though slightly more has to be invested to acquire digital signage solution, once it is operational, there is barely any kind of regular maintenance that needs to be conducted on a regular basis. In addition to low maintenance, a digital sign consumes far less power in the long run as well. Compared to a neon display, a digital display require as little as a tenth of the power that a neon display requires to show the same thing.

Spatial constraints

When it comes to choosing the right signage solution, the size that is occupied should be taken into account just as much as the operational costs. In general, a digital sign will be a lot less bulky or than a neon sign. In order to accommodate the mechanisms that make neon lighting possible, a neon sign will usually have to be thicker, taller and wider than a simple LED panel. In addition to being slightly smaller than the neon counterpart, a digital sign with an LED panel is usually much easier to fit onto walls and windows without as much hassle.

Readability

Naturally, it is very important to make sure that whatever form of signage that you choose is actually clear enough to be read by the people that you want to see it. When it comes to the ease of reading whatever is displayed on a signage solution, what tends to be the case is that a digital variation is much more reliable than the neon variation. Digital displays are much brighter than neon displays, and in addition to that, they can be freely adjusted to flexibly show whatever you need them to show at any given point in time.

Summary

Having an effective signage solution can help the business save several thousands of dollars on getting exposure in their target market. While the potential to save money for great benefits is very high, a small business owner without infinite funds to start with has to be very pragmatic about the choice that they make between different forms of signage.

Digital signs take up less space, are more cost-efficient, more adaptable and brighter than neon signs. The overall margin of error is much lower when it comes to a digital sign, making it far more dependable and less potentially costly in the long run than the neon alternative.

NEC display solutions are some of the more effective digital signage options that are applicable to just about any category of business that there is. With NEC display solutions, small business owners are in a much better position to get the exposure that they need without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality.

The Current Application of LED Projectors

Imagine the time while you were in school… where projectors were big clanky things on a rolling cart and displayed still images that you had to interchange? If you were to walk into a classroom today you would never be able to find one of those dinosaurs whatsoever! In today’s time students are taught through multiple forms of tech – LED projectors are a huge resource. With an LED projector, children can view powerpoint presenations, videos, detailed infographics and photographs. We have certainly come a long way since the day of the still photo projector.

Technology Has Evolved

Throughout time technology has become more and more a part of our everyday lives, but it has also improved over time as well. Smart phones are known widely around the globe for their sleek look, operating systems and easy access to the internet. However if you have ever owned a smart phone from any company, you know very well that if you buy the latest and greatest item that in a short few months there will be another item better than the one you just bought. Television sets, and technology alike modernize themselves through constant change. The same regard goes with LED, LCD and DLP projectors. These pieces of technology are upgrades of each other, first came the DLP, then the LCD and today we have the LED. All three are still around giving us an opportunity to select which one we want to buy, but why wouldn’t you want the latest and greatest item?

How Are LED Projectors Different?

LED projectors use light-emitting diodes which are more energy efficient and last much longer than other projectors. That sounds like a nice upgrade from the norm, doesn’t it? The LED projector has a lifespan of over 20,000 hours, delivers better colors, and potentially have little to no maintenance cost. DLP and LCD projectors work a tad differently. The DLP projectors use a chip made out of microscopic mirrors and a spinning color wheel to create a desired image. They deliver sharp images, don’t need any filters, and have 3D capabilities. However they do have their down sides; the lamp life is only 2000-5000 hours and some people can see color ghost/banding in some scenes. The LCD projector uses a liquid crystal display and have no moving parts which makes them generally a little less expensive, but they require constant maintenance which means more money.

LED Projectors Take The Cake

Like we talked about in the beginning that as time goes on technology evolves. Well, when something evolves we don’t lose the sight of the first idea, it carries with as it improves. So LED is obviously the latest projectors out there, however they evolved from DLP projectors. So somewhere in LED projectors are similarities to both the DLP and LCD, which also means that it has more than the DLP and LCD. LED Projectors are defined by the lighting, meaning that some DLP projectors that are advertised with “solid-state illumination” technology are actually in-fact LED projectors. We are seeing more often newer projectors coming-out using the technology from the LED rather the DLP and LCD. LED projectors seem to be leading the race of ‘best projector’ by a country mile.

As businesses, schools, and everyday house holds try to keep up with the technology that is available to them, they are turning to LED projectors to satisfy their needs. LED projectors are becoming more and more popular because of their ability to perform multiple tasks and needs of those who own them. The image they project is clear and vibrant, the cost is affordable but competitive, the speed is quick and efficient and most importantly the LED projectors lives up to the standard that it is a high quality projector that can be used in any environment. LED projectors are helping to improve future projectors and devices. So next time you decide to buy a projector make sure its an LED projector.

Businesses take their conference room designs serious and for all the right reasons. It is in these spaces that they present ideas to investors and complete critical collaborations. For these reasons, they need to design these areas to accommodate large groups comfortably. The following is an assessment of what applies when Choosing the right Audio Visual Furniture.

Review the Overall Design for the AV System

The overall design must fit within the space appropriately. It must provide comfortable seating for all visitors to prevent a negative experience. It must also provide clear walkways for these visitors to reduce common liabilities. The design cannot present cluttered spaces or ineffective communications. The visitors should be close together without feeling crowded. The designer will take these factors into account when customizing the space.

Ensuring Visibility for All Participants

The seats must be positions in a manner that heightens visibility. The visitors must have a clear view of the AV screens at all times. The furniture chosen for the space must place all visitors in an ideal position to accommodate these requirements. The seating you choose for the space must also prevent possible hindrances associated with the presenter’s actions. It cannot limit visibility at any time as it is urgent that all participants know what is going on in the area at all times for a better understanding of the

Evaluating Sound Capabilities

You need to assess the needs of the room and the needs of the attendings along with the intended purpose of the space. In extended spaces, speakers are beneficial as they provide more sound to fill the room. In some instances, you might even want to provide individual participants with the ability to adjust their own speaker volume. This prevents them from becoming overwhelmed with sound while also making sure that they hear everything occurring in the conference area.

Comfort and Style

The purpose of the furniture is to complement the space. However, seating must be comfortable without presenting conditions that could lead to too high of a relaxation level. The designer will review the space and compare it to the business owner’s individual style. A collaborative conference table also adds style and class to the room.

Your conference room design and furniture is an extension of your brand. Utilize this space to awe and inspire your visitors with a great first impression. The style chosen will define how these visitors feel about the business and its owner.

AV Carts

An AV cart can be a vital piece of furniture for your space. It enables you to move items around the room more efficiently. They also provide convenience for the presenter and prevent interruptions or the flow of the meeting. This could provide the business owner with more efficient business operations as well.

Traditional workspaces are out — collaborative ones are in! At CCS we offer a full range of audiovisual systems that are perfect for transitioning your business environment into a collaborative workspace for 2018!

What is a collaborative workspace?

Maybe you already think of your business as having a collaborative workspace. Until recently, the definition pretty much meant to schedule meetings with several people in conference rooms or other formal meeting spaces.

Today, the collaboration process is much more informal thanks to technology. Now, meetings can be held at times and ways that are convenient for all participants. At CCS, we’re making that possible through the AV equipment we integrate and install at your company.

Bottom line, many businesses are rethinking the way their workspace is laid out and are looking for ways to take advantage of new technologies and ideas. The traditional conference room may soon become a thing of the past.

Collaborative workspace today!

Technology has allowed employees to be mobile. Fortune 1000 companies around the world are discussing how to maximize these new work trends.

Why waste money on desks that are seldom used? Instead, create an environment equipped with layouts, technologies, and services designed to improve the overall performance!

For example, Google’s new campus was designed to maximize chance encounters between employees. These encounters can be powerful but are often unrecognized.

For this to happen, workplaces need a technology infrastructure that supports mobile workers. For example, some companies have a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) to work policy.

Other companies, like Facebook, are adopting “hot-desking.” It’s a concept in which there are no assigned offices or cubicles. These spaces can also be easily transformed for different tasks.

Another new concept is the “huddle room,” designed to accommodate up to five people. Instead of table and chairs, the room features armchairs and other casual furniture, Wi-Fi access, audio, video and display technologies.

“Brainstorming spaces” are also becoming popular. The goal is to ignite creative thinking with collaborative technologies such as portable seats, tables, easels, virtual whiteboards, video conferencing systems, adjustable lighting and widescreen displays.

What CCS Projects can do for your business

CCS is a leading, full-service audio visual integration company. Services include design, engineering, integration, installation, service and professional training for hundreds of state-of-the-art products.

CCS works with an extensive list of manufacturers to outfit your space with the correct products to meet your needs. Products such as digital whiteboards, video and audio conferencing equipment, collaborative boards, furniture, digital signage, video walls, projectors, and screens are just a few of the solutions CCS can provide.

These are all solutions that enhance daily meetings, regardless if it’s a meeting to share information, a decision-making one or a brainstorming session. No matter the size or complexity of the install, CCS has you covered.

Contact us today and let us help your business flourish!

Audio and video are an important part of businesses these days. Most restaurants use digital signage to catch the interest of customers and show off their latest promotions in style. The displays in the lobby could be showing the local news or other tailored content that’s appropriate for everyone present. Advertisements from competing businesses can be eliminated by showing only the content the business owner pays for. All of this is possible with Audio/Video Over IP. Unlike using older standards such as local television services, business owners can pay for a packaged deal from their AV over IP service provider for their own content.

New Technology Means New Solutions

Not long ago, business owners would have to pay for an entire package from their local cable provider to show the latest games and shows. The average business owner was paying thousands of dollars in fees thanks to licensed content and hidden fees. Content streaming is a much more cost effective way to handle entertainment in a business. By using networked AV, business owners can replace all the cables behind their displays with a wireless node or appliance. Digital video content can be streamed over the network either from a computer or from a larger appliance that holds the video content. With the right appliances, 4K sixty frames per second video content can be shared instantly to any screen on the network.

Manufacturer’s such as Kramer Electronics offer incredibly powerful appliances that allow video and audio sharing from anywhere in the world. Content can be uploaded to the cloud and instantly shared with any display or appliance on the network. Appliances are getting smaller yet more powerful. Instant compression and streaming even make it possible to share high-resolution video over wireless networks with limited bandwidth.

Flexibility and Power All in One

Service providers such as CCS Presentation Systems are happy to help business owners enrich their locations with multimedia and advanced AV networking. There are no limits to how these videos can be used. Employees can be trained and shown exactly how to perform their job. Customers can watch their favorite meal come together in style on a digital display menu. Entertainment can be played at each table either from a streaming service or from a list on videos stored on site. There are numerous ways to create a multimedia rich location.

Flexibility is what makes AV over the network such a great option. Business owners don’t need to invest in expensive server boxes, having a new network installed, or even replace any of their displays or TV sets. Switching every display in the location is just a matter of installing a video node or video appliance. These devices come together easily, work great in high-resolution, and they also work wirelessly. All those messy cables that cluttered up the store can be removed. Business owners can talk to their local CCS Presentation Systems office for help or to schedule a consultation to find out just what kind of amazing AV applications are available now.