Category: Learning Center

Visual communication has expanded greatly over the past few years. Rather than just being able to see remote participants at a meeting or presentation, people can now physically collaborate over distances. Live Video Streaming, for example, allows presenters to collaborate on training, classes, meetings, or problem solving from anywhere in the world. A corporate office in New Zealand can work on a project with an affiliate branch in China. Planning, managing, implementing, and updating all parties involved is quick and easy.

Advantages of Advanced Technology

Live Webcasting services through Discover Video products and services allows entities to create, manage, and distribute live broadcasts via their websites. Engaging customers, users, and potential partners has never been easier. Events, product launches, announcements, demonstrations, and even meetings can be presented to a huge audience.

One system, called Streamsie, captures the video to be displayed. That means the company, hospital, branch of government, school, or corporate office retains total control of the broadcast. DEVOS is the system that provides the portal through which management and distribution is decided. The internet services system, ARCUS, delivers the broadcast to everyone in the intended audience. Three easy steps makes live broadcasts affordable, creative, and effective.

Video On Demand lets people bring up training videos, previous meetings, classroom lessons for review, strategic plans, ideas from collaborative sessions, or even measurement guides for project assessments. The advantages of this option for businesses is increased return on training investments, quick reference to specifications of construction or a product in development, and a way to compare and contrast success and failures.

Implications for Education

University professors can record a lecture, upload it to the system, and review it before presentation to the masses. Law school students can be exposed to mock trials, real trials, and create their own trials to develop skills, practice presentations, and try different approaches to one particular case. Medical practitioners can be updated on new techniques and procedures, review operations for assessment, or use video to enhance a class.

SMART Boards can be added to elementary and high schools to engage students and encourage collaboration. These boards, available through Discover Video, CCS Presentation Systems, and other distributors, allow different students to write on the board at the same time, in different colored ink. Touch functions like rotating images, zooming in on a section, or combining components on the board make it easy for students to present ideas, add to them, and move them around to reach a conclusion, develop more questions, or lead to another hypothesis.

Expanding Visual Communication in Other Ways

Discover Video also offers other ways to expand the reach of visual communication. Digital signage, for example, can be used to capture attention in a busy shopping mall, office building, or conference center lobby. Making your business stand out from the competition is the goal of creating eye-catching graphics, displaying featured products on a rotating basis, and drawing in customers with sight as well as sound.

Publishing live webcasts or streaming videos onto social media sites is also an option. Embedded codes can provide the access to far reaching exposure, capturing the attention on every possible target audience, and sharing opportunities for social media users. Visual communication can be viewed on connected televisions, interactive whiteboards, iPads, Smart phones, tablets, desk tops, and Roku devices.

Businesses evaluate conferencing systems and the equipment used to achieve effective communications. These products accommodate more personalized communications between businesses and their partners. The following are frequently asked questions about Audio Video Integration.

Is Remote Tech Support Available for These Systems?

Yes, the service provider can provide remote tech support for all equipment they install. This helps them to manage the output of microphones and video streaming. The services prevent companies from experiencing unwanted downtime that interrupts their work flow. With remote tech support, they don’t have to wait for the next business day to acquire services. This guarantees a quick turnaround time for re-establishing communication.

Can Companies Rent the AV Systems for Special Projects?

Yes, companies that don’t utilize the equipment on a regular basis can rent it from the provider. They offer temporary integrations to accommodate special projects. These offerings allow them to manage conference requirements for short-term requirements. CCS Southeast provides the opportunities for local businesses.

Can the Supplier Help Business Owners Choose a Better Design?

Yes, they provide consulting opportunity to explore all options for their Audio Video Integration. They present options such as table and ceiling microphone products. They review the products to define what works best in the targeted space. They test the range of sound and the strength of the network connection for video conferencing. They define what option equipment is best suited for the business based on its size. CCS Presentation Systems Southeast accommodate these requirements.

Can the Supplier Connect These Products to the Existing Integration?

Yes, they can connect any of their audio video systems to the existing integration. They may need to make some modifications based on the age of the existing systems. They review the existing system to define whether or not it is outdated or if a conflict could arise. Most companies want to use the latest technology for conferencing. These opportunities could assist them in utilize a wider variety of conferencing software options and applications. This makes it more beneficial to connect remotely to the network and communicate with workers on-site.

Will the Supplier Come to the Business Location to Troubleshoot Their System?

Yes, local companies have access to on-site support that will troubleshoot any issues they are experiencing. This includes choppy video output and volume issues that could conflict with effective communications. They also evaluate possible bandwidth issues that prevent access to all workers in the building. Each issue is addressed quickly to prevent serious downtime.

Are All AV Systems and Equipment Compatible with All Platforms?

With Professional AV Integration Florida, a consultant evaluates the platforms available with these systems. Compatibility is critical for these systems. If the components aren’t compatible with the chosen platform the entire system could fail.

Businesses evaluate possible integrations that improve their communication options. These services enable them to choose equipment that meets their needs. They choose the best option for video conferencing that satisfies the business needs. Companies that want to acquire these beneficial systems contact an Audio video Integrator Florida and schedule an appointment today.

Visual communication has taken a giant leap forward with SMART Board Interactive Displays. There are three different series of models to accommodate needs across industries. The capabilities encourage collaboration, facilitate multimedia approaches, and provide easy access to slides, video on demand, and remote usage.

The SMART 4075

The 4000 series was specifically designed for use in classrooms. The sizes of each screen allows for complete viewing anywhere in the dimensions of an average classroom. The 4075, for example, has a screen that measures seventy-five inches diagonally, and was created to eliminate glare for unobstructed viewing by the teacher and students. The high definition resolution provides crisp and clear images in any type of media presentation.

The SMART ink component of the board provides legible results whether writing is completed by the pen or a finger. That instills confidence in younger students, and increases participation. The viewing and writing experiences are enhanced to engage students of all ages. Collaboration is fun and easy as multiple students can add ideas, answers, or pictures onto the board at the same time. Items can be moved and combined at will, theories can be tested, and ideas or solutions to problems can be set aside for later consideration.

The SMART 6000 Series

This series of SMART Board Interactive Displays has better definition than previous models. The 4K Ultra resolution utilizes the most advanced technology available to date. Another additional component is Pen ID, which uses different colored ink for each contributor. Collaborators can follow each person’s contribution from remote sites. That helps keep thoughts, suggestions, and brainstorming ideas clear. If someone asks a question regarding a specific point, for example, the originator of the thought can provide clarification distinctly.

The boards also are equipped with four simultaneous touch points. Different people can rotate, zoom, or flip images at the same time. Small groups can be engaged at the same board, team building exercises can be presented at training or executive retreats, and participants can compete in skills and knowledge. The SMART 6065 measures sixty-five inches diagonally, while the SMART 6075 measures seventy-five inches. Variations are available to accommodate different space sizes.

Boards Include SMART Learning Suite

The learning suite consists of four valuable applications and functions that enhance the capabilities of board. The SMART Notebook software is designed for education. It can be used at all levels across industries. The SMART Lab application allows teachers, facilitators, trainers, and presenters to quickly create relevant activities. Making the session engaging and interesting is easy when activities can be geared to the specific audience.

The SMART amp function elevates co-creation capabilities by allowing several people to add information at once. The SMART response2 provides a way to make quick and effective formative assessments of information, images, contributions, and reports. These amazing interactive boards can be found at various distributors across the country, such as CCS Presentation Systems of New England. To locate the nearest authorized dealer in your area, simply go to the SMART board website and click on the Locator page. Information requested includes the name of the entity, the primary purpose for the board, and contact information.

With the leaps and bounds being made in the AV world, the desire for wireless integration of AV devices is one which was addressed during InfoComm in June. AV over IP discussion took place with presentation of products from companies such as AMX, Crestron, and Atlona, but they were just the honorable mentions and a sea of next generation solutions which were brought to light.

The flexibility of networked AV systems are increasing their popularity over the traditional point to point configurations. Control rooms, conference centers, and large educational facilities all have platform examples which would argue favorably to the transition, as each one has a large array of AV equipment and the desire to achieve connectivity without the extra wiring and maintenance.

However, with an area with a degree of hype which exceeds expectation, we must take a closer look to find out how far along we are to completing the transition. Installation spoke out to a number of vendors, discovering the process which requires much more work to ensure the comfort and confidence customers need to make the transition from one to the other.

As with most innovations, there are two sides to the argument. Progressive individuals are always looking for the next big thing. They prefer to have the newest technologies to help offer unique solutions and stay one step ahead of the competition. Conservative areas in the market, however, resist new technology, such as AV over IP, until it has a chance to prove its effectiveness and has been on the market for some time. This is the fundamental split in the market, showing the areas of difficulty where difficulty lies.

This market is rapidly growing and progressing, but what is driving these changes? The ability of IP based designs to assist flexibility in terms of routing video and scalability with regard to system expansion and enhancement, the IP switches have been a vital enabler. Also sharing credit is the improved network bandwidth and more advanced compression technologies, but the obvious benefits remain the headliner for the transition. To be able to easily and cost effectively scale infrastructure with business growth, particularly for large projects where installs would be complex, IP makes it easy for a scale to increase over large sites.

Any market with a medium to large multi-source to multi-screen commercial application benefit from the ability to add screens and sources as required while removing the need for a fixed matrix solution, leading to a long term savings in cost on projects. This cost savings is even higher when adding in the reduced time and hardware required to install.

Educators, presentation professionals, and business people are discovering the advantages of using the Vaddio RoboTRAK. Distance learning is an essential aspect of educating students, employees, and business associates. One of the best ways to do it is via video conferencing. Find out how the Vaddio RoboTRAK can make a major difference in the learning process.

Educators and AV Staff Help Design It

The RoboTRACK is the fourth generation automated tracking system from Vaddio. It is especially accurate and precise because it was designed with the help of AV staff and educators who know what the system needs to do. The thoughtful design makes it ideal for venues of all sizes. People in a smaller venue will get the same high-quality experience as those in a larger facility. This level of versatility shows educators and AV pros were involved in the design.

Operational Distance Ranges

With distance learning in mind, the operational distance ranges from 12 to 40 feet. The height range for the RoboTRAK is 4 to 15 feet. The system can be paired with any RoboSHOT camera. The result is natural and smooth tracking thanks to the smart use of Tri-Synchronus movement. This heightens the overall distance learning experience to make it better for everyone.

Multiple Classrooms

Educators can use multiple classrooms that have the RoboTRAK system because the IR camera is coupled with the IR source lanyard. This means the camera tracking is uninterrupted. Plus, the advanced lanyard work by instructors can last up to 40 hours on just one battery charge. An added benefit is the lanyard belt pack is unobtrusive. Automated tracking is done when the lanyard communicates with the RoboTRAK. As a result, the instructor is always centrally framed in any location.

The Professional AV team here at CCS Presentation Systems can help you make the effective transition to video conferencing for education, distance learning, business meetings, and more. CCS New England will have the RoboTRAK available for shipping soon. Contact us today to find out more about the benefits of video conferencing and when you can integrate the RoboTRAK into your operations for optimum convenience and productivity.

Communication with employees, partners, and contractors is a requirement for a business to operate smoothly and effectively. This is even more imperative when such individuals are in a remote location and cannot readily join in the conference room to discuss pressing matters. Over the last few years, the development of video conferencing has transformed the way such businesses operate, allowing face to face collaboration and allowing tasks to be completed in a much more efficient manner.

As videoconferencing has already made great strides to ensure effective communication between divisions, the key to pulling off a successful video conferencing system is simple: realism. Designing the best space, or repurposing and altering an existing one, is now the best way for this concept to be realized. New conference room installation may require a space to be rearranged and reutilized in a way which would allow for optimal AV integration in the workspace.

The adjustment of furniture and décor is key in the process of setting the appropriate atmosphere for the AV system set up. The furniture selection and placement is key for setting an air of professionalism. Selecting the primary use of the space, the size of the space, and the orientation will assist in guiding this selection.

Videoconferencing camera placement is a huge part of this set up. The key to successful optimal AV integration when installing a new conference room system is in maintaining a seamless, natural appearance when the system is utilized. The ideal placement for the camera system is as close to eye level as possible so it appears you are looking directly at the person at the far-side of the table as opposed to the location of the camera itself. This gives a more personal feel to the interactions and communication taking place with the user.

Luckily, as with many things, the development of this technology has also lead to a development in the best way to place it to get the correct feel. First, the videoconferencing camera must be placed as close as possible to the monitor screen which will display the opposing conference room. This will create the appearance of each side looking directly at each other as they view them through the screen. The optimal height of the camera is between 42 and 52 inches from the floor based on the seated eye height of participants.

Videoconferencing camera placement can always be adjusted if need be. The more difficult part of the planning process is choosing furniture which will allow the aforementioned “seamless” appearance during conferencing. Table shapes with a “V” shape are optimal for camera, whereas those with a square or round table have to lean in or out in order to view the monitor.

Beyond cameras and furniture, the horizontal nature of BYOD technology, including the challenge of wireless peripherals, is being addressed. The design for meeting spaces is changing and evolving to include technological advances made by the AV industry and incorporates the expectations of the ever changing demographics in the workspace. All-in-One pieces, for example, which allows the integration of several key components without sacrificing style while maintaining the realistic display desired is becoming a trend.

Many business owners now wish for flexibility in addition to the space’s typical usage. The majority of the time, these rooms service a specific purpose within the organization, however, creating a friendly, workable space which can be used for numerous applications is desirable. Ensuring the furniture is light and easy to maneuver and making the equipment as user friendly as possible makes the multi-purpose video conferencing room a reality.

When designing and installing new conference room AV systems, it is important to have an integrator who understands how the technology and furniture can support collaboration. When done correctly, new conference room installation can lead to a simple, but effective, communicative tool between the home office and any offsite affiliates. CCS Southeast provides superior AV products, services, and solutions to fit your needs, no matter what size. Contact us today to optimize your space.

The future of digital presentations is in the hands of LED driven projector systems. That is because LED powered projectors provide a number of improvements over the long used lamp-driven projectors. These benefits include improved image quality, extended lifetime of the projector, and a reduction of maintenance costs to name a few. Are LED projectors really going to make a big difference? The improvements that LED technologies make over older lighting systems are clear and not to be understated.

Take for example the Hitachi WU3500 LED Projector that is new to the market. Utilizing a 3500 lumen LED output this projector provides the highest quality, well-defined, digital imagery. The picture looks crisp and the details aren’t lost in gray space with LEDs. What is a lumen? A lumen is a quantified measurement that equates to the light provided by a single candle. The Hitachi WU3500 LED Projector is putting out the light equivalent of 3500 lit candles brought into close focus.

Hitachi has made this massive lumen output possible with their new HLD (High Lumen Density) technology which increases the successful light output of the weaker green LEDs in reference to the brighter reds and blues. The HLD improves the overall light output which in turn gives the WU3500 a stunning 30,000:1 contrast ratio. LED Projectors like this will also stand apart from their older cousins, because the color does not decay in the same way when filtered through an LED projector.

Image quality is just one reason to consider upgrading to a new model like the Hitachi WU3500 LED Projector. LEDs have been proven to statistically last longer than lamps with filaments, which means that in addition to a clearer picture the LED unit will not need to be replaced as often. An LED system also uses less energy than a lamp model, which makes it a great way to save on electric usage as well. Using less harmful components than lamp based models also makes the WU3500 a greener option.

A Professional AV team can provide extensive details on the specs of the Hitachi WU3500, but here is what you really need to know. Using the HLD technology, the WU3500 can operate at a higher light intensity without draining picture color. HDBaseT and HDMI inputs and outputs provide countless options for syncing the projector with other devices and networks in a ranged area or across multiple screens. Setting a new standard for LED projection systems, these projectors are built to run around the clock for long periods of time without needing to be maintained or touched. This is an ideal quality for shopping environments.

Specialists in AV solutions, CCS Presentation Systems have hands on experience with designing AV solutions built around the needs of a number of businesses. Models like the WU3500 are an ideal centerpiece for businesses or organizations looking to overhaul their image. These Skilled AV technicians know how to take an idea and bring it to life on screen while also making the design resonate with a space. To learn more about the newest in LED presentation systems or to contact a specialist, call us today at CCS New England.

You have an important addendum which needs to be discussed with only select members of your office because you are not ready to release this information to the rest of the company. You want to, in private, present these matters with trusted advisors to make the most educated decisions in regards to your business. You wish to accomplish this without the prying eyes and, more importantly, straining ears of passerby who may cause turmoil within the company by misinterpreting what is being said. You hold your meeting in the conference room, but two days later, people are approaching you with questions. You have no clue how they could know. No one said anything.

Cambridge Sound Management Heard You

No matter the industry, education, financial, healthcare, even commercial organizations, the privacy of the conversations being held in the conference room is something which weighs heavy on the mind. Wanting to hold confidential meetings with clients, employees, contractors, developers, without the concern of someone who should not be listening overhearing the conversations is a desire which is held by several business leaders across the country. Short of holding meetings when no one else is in the building or designating an entire floor for the conference space, how do you keep those who should not listen from listening in?

Enter Cambridge Sound Management QT Conference Room Edition

For the past two decades, Cambridge Sound Management, Inc. has been creating speech protection and sound masking systems to help organizations in every industry protect privacy, reduce distractions, and, in turn, increase workplace productivity. Limited distractions allow employees to focus more on their work rather than the ongoing hustle and bustle of the office setting. Giving a privacy option for the conference room gives the confidence to those holding confidential meetings they will not be overheard.

How Does it Work?

Qt Conference Room Edition is a revolution in conference room privacy. This amazing product has been designed to make sure the conversations held in the conference room remain within the conference room. Using a one of a kind direct-field sound making system (which adds a low-level background sound outside the conference room) the Qt makes the speech of those within the room less comprehensible for unwanted listeners.

When creating a room, those who build the rooms are more concerned about the look and feel of the environment than they are with the acoustics or sound privacy of the room. Now, these rooms no longer need the worry or sacrifice of desired conference room design. With the Qt’s sleek and minimalist design, it fits right in with other AV equipment already installed in the conference room.

The control module is the brain of the system. When installed inside the conference room, those within the meeting can, with a push of a button, quickly and easily active the system and be confident their words are not overheard by passing ears. All concerns of its activation can be confirmed through the digital status display, confirming the system is working properly. The outer panel is easily installed outside the conference room to surface, glass, or gang box. By emitting a uniform, barely intelligible background noise at the frequency of human speech, the direct-field Quiet Technology allows communications to be masked to the passing listener. Used in educational institutions, financial services, and healthcare facilities, Cambridge products have a lasting tradition of allowing workplace privacy. This panel also displays a privacy sign, showing the system is in use.

When the meeting is over, you can keep the system running or turn it off. Consuming less than 7 watts of power, this energy efficient solution can be kept running at almost no extra cost to the business. This low cost and GreenSpec listed product can contribute to the company’s LEED certification!

Giving this level of privacy and confidence in said privacy to those in the company is something which Cambridge Sound Management specializes in. For nearly 20 years, Cambridge Sound Management has offered simple, innovative, and intelligently designed solutions for acoustic distractions and privacy for companies across the globe. Their products are easy to install and deliver high quality, uniform sound masking without the unneeded complexity. From an entire network of control modules to independent zone management, products can be purchased and run at low cost. Contact them today to discuss your best options regarding your company’s needs.

The audio video (AV) industry has grown exponentially since the 1970s. While the products that produced surround sound marked the emergence of AV as a field, modern products include digital signage, digital light processing, carousel projectors, large touchboards that display video from a computer, and complete conference room setups. These setups include wide screen televisions that stream content over various types of networks, such as the Internet. Other components of conference room equipment includes high-definition projectors, speakers, and conference call equipment that takes advantage of voice over IP (VOIP) capabilities. Professional AV Installation is a growing service because of the demand for large scale video and sound displays for business and recreational use.

Several organizations turn to companies that specialize in AV Installation for audio conferencing, video conferencing, distance learning implementation, and conferences between separate offices. It is not a secret that AV equipment facilitates the collaboration between employees that must perform various integrated tasks on a singular project. In the past, this has been more challenging or virtually impossible unless those employees worked out of the same location. Advances in Audiovisual Integration technologies has virtually closed that gap. These types of technologies have also helped facilitate the trend towards telecommuting and remote employment. CCS Presentation Systems is one of the experts in audio video equipment, design, and Pro AV Services.

Professional AV Installation provided by an expert starts with an assessment of an organization’s existing equipment and desired outcome(s). Whether that organization is commercial, a government agency or an educational institution, professionals can recommend and design setups that include interactive whiteboards, AV furniture, microphone systems and even video walls. The main benefits behind AV technology is increased collaboration and productivity. In a classroom, students can interact with each other more, in addition to being able to provide instant feedback to the instructor. For example, interactive whiteboard hardware and software gives instructors the ability to set up polls and have students submit answers to questions. Instructors can instantly gauge both aggregate and individual learning curves.

Even though the world of AV equipment continues to evolve, not all organizations are necessarily utilizing the technology to its best advantage. This is the biggest reason why AV specialists are in demand to not only assess what best suits an organization’s needs, but to train an organization’s staff on the best way to utilize AV. Just because the equipment is present, doesn’t mean that every staff member will adopt the technology or realize its full capabilities. As the professional world becomes more connected through technology, AV specialists will be able to deliver superior solutions.

Everyone has a preference on everything. Chevy or Ford? Coke or Pepsi? LED or LCD? With so many options in the world, it’s hard to not think about what would be best to suit your personal tastes and needs. Projectors are no exception to the rule.

All projectors perform the same task: letting an individual display large, vibrant images. Behind those images is a mass array of technology which allows for a bright, clear picture display. UHP (ultra-high pressure) has been the choice for years, using a powerful lamp bulb to pass through an imaging device, then through a lens and onto a screen. It is called UHP because of the ultra-high pressure mercury vapor found inside the lamp that creates the lite at an electric arc, much like a regular street light. In the past few years, there has been an introduction of a range of projectors that contain a source of laser light as opposed to the UHP lamp. This laser uses a semiconductor to produce visible light, and this is used to create images much as a conventional UHP does. This new kind of projector has rapidly grown in popularity, being used for hospitals, universities, and personal home use.

Which has the better picture quality?

Side by side, the two don’t really have a difference in brightness or picture quality. For every laser projector has a corresponding UHP model with the same capability. There’s no real difference from the audience point of view.

Which lasts longer?

The 3LCD laser light source in the laser projectors offers a life of more than double that of the UHP lamps. On average a 3LCD laser source lasts up to 20,000 hours, whereas the UHP lamps generally only last 8,000.

Which requires less maintenance?

The laser also beats out the lamp on the maintenance level. The light source itself needs to maintenance during its operating life. It makes it a great choice for permanently installed projectors in permanent or difficult to reach locations.

Which is cheaper to run?

The laser projector technology is still relatively new, so they cost more in initial hardware than that of the UHP projectors which have been around for a while. Balance out, though, the near zero maintenance costs, which cut back both equipment and labor over the lifespan of the projector. Factor in the lamp cost, as well, which require two to three replacement lamps over the operational lifetime of the projector compared to none for the laser, the total ownership cost of the laser comes out ahead.

What if I’m only using the projector on occasion?

If you are not planning on heavy usage, the lamp would be the better of the two choices. The reduced initial hardware cost if you’re only using the projector an hour or two (or less) per day makes it a better value option in many applications.

Which starts up quicker?

While the UHP lamps take a while to reach their operating temperature, the Laser projectors have a near instant start up. It’s an instant advantage in business settings where you can’t afford to waste time.

As with anything, the personal preference and the usage of the projector will be the deciding factors in the purchase of a new projector. Laser wins out for heavy usage and durability, but if you’re an occasional user the lamp may be the best choice for you.