SIA FEB-MAR 2017 by Spinworkz Pte Ltd

Vol. 16 Issue 3 ~ February - March 2017

AUDIO • VISUAL • CONTROL • COLLABORATION • UNIFIED COMMS MCI (P) 039/04/2016 PPS 1669/08/2013 (022992)

Broadcast Professional Redefines

National Museum of Singapore Visitor Experience

• TECH TALK: Digital Sand Box

• FEATURE: Indian Health Sector Braces Big For AV

• EXHIBITION: IFMEA 2016 Review

w w w . s y s t e m s i n t e g r a t i o n a s i a . c o m

CONTENTS

Vol. 16 Issue 3 ~ February – March 2017

64 04 FIRST WORDS 06 NEWS 29 SOLUTIONS HIGHLIGHT Epson EB-1450Ui 30 ADVERTORIAL Alila Solo Equipped With Epson Interactive Projectors To Capture Business Meeting Segment 32 SOLUTIONS UPDATE EXHIBITION REVIEW 38 IFMEA 2016: Finding The Right Footing, Standing Alone 48 INTERVIEW: Richard Tan Finding The Right Footing, Standing Alone EXHIBITION PREVIEW 50 Secutech 2017 Introduces Two New Featured Areas

TECH TALK 52 Video: Top 10 Technical Concepts Everybody Should Know In 2017 54 Digital Sand Model: Mapping Terrains With Technology

70 INDIA: Revisiting the ‘Khasla’ Heritage Audio-Visually

SPECIAL FEATURE 58 Indian Health Sector Braces Big For AV

78 INDIA: Energizing Exploration & Production Decisions With AV at ONGC Mumbai Office Complex

INTERVIEW 62 Shivanand Mahashetti, Managing Director & CEO, Online Instruments 64 Mradul Sharma, 3C Design Networks

82 THAILAND: Discreet L-Acoustics System Delivers Crystal Clear Sound To Thai Temple

INSTALLATIONS 66 SINGAPORE: Broadcast Professional Redefines National Museum of Singapore Visitor Experience

76 MACAO: BAP Integrates Complete LED Lighting For Parisian Macao

87 THAILAND: Electro-Voice At Wat Tha Sung Temple VOICE BOX 88 Busting 3 IIoT myths 90 ON OUR WEB

FIRST WORDS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Welcome to our first print issue of the year. ISE 2017 will be our first exhibition stop for the year and we hope to come away informed, delighted and hopefully in awe with our

EDITOR, INDIA AND ME Ram Bhavanashi ram@spinworkz.com

experience at the exhibition. When we recently heard about the SDVoE Alliance we were thinking,”Oh no, not another platform to add to the confusion.” According to the Alliance the objective is to help standardize hardware and software platform in relation to distribution of AV over IP.

ADMIN & CIRCULATION Julie Tan admin@spinworkz.com

It is true that there has been an increase in transition of the AV industry to IP-based solutions and it is the firm believe of the Alliance that the SDVoE platform will disrupt the pro AV industry by enabling applications that were previously unrealizable. So maybe it is not as bad as we thought. To know more about the platform and about the SDVoE Alliance, you can visit stand 12-H55 at ISE, where a series

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Jimmy Chin jimmy@spinworkz.com

of demonstrations will highlight what SDVoE technology can deliver. The last quarter has also been busy with collaboration and acquisition within the industry. Shure has been busy collaborating and partnering with both Biamp and QSC to enable the Tesira audio processors and Q-Sys platform to

MEDIA REP IN NORTH AMERICA Broadcast Media International Michael Mitchell Tel: +1 631 673 0072 mjmitchell@broadcast-media.tv

respectively integrate Shure MXA910 Ceiling Array Microphone and additionally the Microflex Wireless microphone systems with the Q-Sys. Both the brand processors are installed in a number of key segments and Shure’s collaboration will enable the Shure systems to further penetrate the market. As for acquisitions, Kramer Electronics has acquired iRule, LLC which will put Kramer in a great position to further strengthen

PUBLISHED BY PRINTED BY Spinworkz Pte Ltd Stamford Press Pte Ltd 51 Bukit Batok Crescent #06-10 Unity Centre, Singapore 658077 Tel: (65) 6316 2716 Fax: (65) 63162715 www.spinworkz.com Disclaimer Systems Integration Asia is published 6 times a year. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine is to be reproduced, whether mechanical or electronic without the prior written consent of the publisher. Views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the publisher. Unsolicited contributions are welcome but the editor reserves the discretion to use them. Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy and honesty in both editorial and advertising content at press time, the publisher will not be liable for any inaccuracies. Please be informed that products and company names mentioned in this publication may be protected with tradenames, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Our non inclusion of such symbols is not an indication of us not recognising the copyright but rather to have a common look across our articles. Misuse of tradenames, trademarks or registered trademarks is strictly prohibited. It is the obligation of our readers to check if company names and products are protected with tradenames, trademarks or registered trademarks.

its control capabilities leveraging on cloud capabilities and ensuring superb experience for the end-user. Of course it would be most interesting to see and hear more about Samsung’s acquisition of Harman and hopefully we get a chance to understand more about it at ISE. Enjoy the read and we hope to see you at ISE. Thomas Richard Prakasam Publisher/ Editorial Director thomas@spinworkz.com

NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Kramer Electronics Acquires Partner iRule, LLC INTERNATIONAL: Kramer Electronics has acquired iRule, LLC, a company that specialises in cloud-based control and automation software for commercial and residential markets. In 2014, Kramer announced a partnership with iRule to deliver the ultimate control and automation technology – Kramer Control. This acquisition will enable Kramer to leverage the award-winning and highly customizable iRule software platform to best address a growing demand for advanced control and automation solutions. The Kramer Control platform enables integrators to deliver control of lighting, HVAC, communications, A/V and more— along with seamless worldwide connectivity, a critical asset in commercial control and automation markets, such as corporate environments, houses of worship, higher education, bars/ restaurants and others. The platform’s combination of software, hardware and cloud is the result of years of research and development, an effort that received funding from the prestigious Israel-United States Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation. The BIRD Foundation recognized the platform’s high level of innovation and contribution to the IoT field. "We are pleased to solidify our partnership with iRule and to further strengthen Kramer’s presence in room automation, control and management solutions. Kramer Control is a major breakthrough, introducing the most cutting-edge modern technologies into a world that has not changed for years," said Aviv Ron, VP Business Development and Strategy at Kramer. "The difference is in the architecture and extensive

cloud leveraging, which translates to value for both the user and installer – from the ease of use in the build and admin functions and end-user experience in a room to data capture and analytics reporting," added Ron. The acquisition includes the iRule brand and subsidiary division ON Controls, which offers products and services dedicated specifically for residential integrators. Co-founders Itai BenGal (CEO) and Victor Nemirovsky (CTO) will remain with the company along with the sales and engineering teams at iRule, in their downtown Detroit headquarters. To date, iRule has demonstrated a high degree of success in commercial markets with major brand projects such as Best Buy corporate headquarters as well as the company’s Magnolia showrooms. “We are excited to become part of the Kramer family, which will enable us to leverage critical resources and grow our company in order to best serve our customers, globally,” explained Itai Ben-Gal, CEO at iRule. “We are thrilled to retain our valued employees and look forward to remaining a member of the vital downtown Detroit community, bolstered by Kramer’s sizable infrastructure,” added Itai. www.KramerAV.com

Revolabs Opens Up Educational Discount Program To Australia And New Zealand AUST/NZ: Revolabs, a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, has broadened the availability of the company's Dean's List Program. The programme, previously only accessible in the U.S., is now open to European, Australian and New Zealand-based educational institutions, providing them with special pricing on Revolabs' awardwinning collaboration technologies. "Poor audio quality can cause classroom fatigue and lack of comprehension, which can have a significant impact on learning," said Bryan Adams, director, global sales operations at Revolabs. "Our goal with this programme is to help eliminate these audio challenges by making it easier to integrate our audio solution into the classroom. The programme has been well-received in the U.S., and now we're strengthening our commitment, offering greater global access

to our cutting-edge technology and enabling more schools to provide a successful, immersive learning experience where every word is heard loud and clear." This educational discount programme is available to all K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and other qualified institutions. The programme lets educational organizations enhance the student learning experience with an additional 10 percent instant discount at the time of purchase for any qualifying Revolabs product order. To access the programme benefits, Revolabs-authorized resellers simply complete and submit the registration form available at revolabs.com/deanslist. Upon acceptance, the discount is immediately applied when an order is placed. www.revolabs.com

Lo ok ing for Dis t r i bu tor s

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Online Instruments (India) Pvt. Ltd. No. 741, Sri Krishna Temple Road, Indiranagar 1st stage, Bengaluru - 560038. www.onlineinstruments.co.in Tel: +91 080 25285296/97, 25274626/36 Branches : Chennai

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Overseas Oﬃce : Singapore

Overseas - Dubai: India - Kerala: Goa: West Bengal: AP & Telengana: Gujarat: New Delhi:

AVSYS Technologies DWC LLC / sanith@avsystechnologies.com Excel Business Systems / excel.clt@excelbs.in Galaxy Computers / galaxycomputers@rediﬀmail.com Total - AV Infotech / pkeshan@gmail.com Vantage Systems Inc. / saleshyd@vantagesinc.com Compex Technologies Pvt. Ltd. / compexgroup@gmail.com 1. Collaboration People Technologies Pvt. Ltd. shashibhushan@thecollaborationpeople.com 2. Karishma Computers Pvt. Ltd. / kamal@karishma.in

NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Verrex Opens New Hong Kong Office HONG KONG: Verrex has announced the opening of its new Hong Kong office. Hong Kong joins Shanghai as the second office to open in Asia and the fifth globally for the 70-year-old systems integrator. Located in the metropolitan hub of Wan Chai, Verrex Asia Ltd. will deliver the company’s entire AV systems integration and global managed services portfolio to Hong Kong, China and other Asia Pacific markets. Overseen by Verrex China/Asia Pacific Business Director, David Kwok, and Senior Sales Manager, Alex Chan, CTS, Hong Kong mirrors the integrator’s North American HQ including Sales, Engineering, Project Management, Field Installation, Field Service, and Service Desk and will support a multinational and regional client and partner base. “The Asia Pacific region continues to be a source of unparalleled business opportunities and Hong Kong plays an important role in maximizing this region’s potential,” said Kwok. “Our commitment to operations here is an incredible source of value to global and national organizations that have run into challenges related to standardization, adoption and support of their AV investment. Verrex is committed to be their local partner and champion throughout East Asia and around the globe.” Verrex celebrated its Hong Kong office opening on 12 January 2017 with an invitation-only event for partners and key manufacturers in the region. In attendance was Verrex CEO, Thomas Berry, Jr., CTS. “Over the past several years, Verrex has undergone a transformation of its global model,” said Berry. “Our ultimate goal is not a sizable footprint, but a strategic one that allows us to globalize our capabilities based on an evolving client profile. The Hong Kong market’s appetite for superior AV solutions and services told us that we needed to be on the ground here. I look forward to results from the hard work and dedication our Hong Kong team, led by David and Alex, will deliver and to their contributions to Verrex’s unified vision and mission.”

Alex Chan – Newly minted addition to Verrex Asia Ltd Alex Chan, CTS has been appointed as Senior Sales Manager – Asia Pacific. The newly created position is in response to CIOs and other tech leaders in the region accelerating demand for improved audio visual capabilities, solutions and services. Chan will be responsible for all aspects of Verrex’s revenue efforts and client success in Hong Kong, China and throughout other global business hubs in Asia. He will focus on delivering Verrex’s AV systems integration portfolio and global managed services to the Corporate, Higher Education and Hospitality markets. Chan reports directly to Verrex Vice President of Global Sales, Bill Chamberlin, CTS.

“Alex has a proven track record in all aspects of AV technology sales to decision makers,” said Chamberlin. “With end user awareness of the benefits — and complexities — of audio visual solutions at an all-time high, Alex’s consultative sales approach and technical skills make him a valuable resource to our clients and partners. He will no doubt be a considerable asset in continuing to develop the Asia Pacific region as part of Verrex’s global strategy.” Chan joins Verrex with over ten years of experience in the Asia Pacific audio visual market providing solutions to multinational and national organizations. Career highlights include Sales Manager of Principle One Limited and Sales Manager of Ultra Active Technology Limited. He holds a Master of Science in IT Management from The Chinese University of Hong Kong Business School and a Bachelor of Social Work from Hong Kong Shue Yan University. Chan has also earned the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) designation from InfoComm International and has completed numerous AV manufacturer training courses. “Having worked in the audio visual industry for over ten years, I am extremely excited to be part of the Verrex family, a company that defines excellence in providing audio visual solutions and services to clients and partners,” said Chan. “I am delighted with the opportunity to lead business in this region. We will continue to serve our clients with Hong Kong as the strategic hub to cover Asia Pacific countries and the door to China, collectively a region poised for considerable growth and adoption of AV technologies.” Verrex’s Hong Kong office is located at 15/F, 80 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong and can be reached at +852 2781 5928 or verrex@verrex.com. Alex Chan can be contacted at achan@verrex.com. www.verrex.com

Who

dimmed the light? drew the shades? set the volume? turned the projector on?

the butler did not do it

EvEnt managEr did Lightware devices with Event Manager: all the control you need is already built-in

NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Crestron Officially Expands Into India And North East Asia INDIA: As of January 2017, Crestron has a dedicated, physical brand presence in both India and North East Asia, allowing the company to further enhance its service and support to customers in the region. The new, wholly owned Crestron subsidiary in India includes a headquarters at RMZ Ecoworld, Bangalore, and supporting regional offices. The Indian headquarters features a fully functional Crestron Experience Centre (CEC), with state-ofthe-art training facilities, as well as various active workspaces - all showcasing the latest Crestron solutions. This facility will allow the local Crestron team to provide hands-on, comprehensive training and education on the latest solution offerings to Indian partners and customers. In Hong Kong, the new Crestron facility in Quarry Bay also opened in January 2017 and will be developed over the coming months to be a fully service facility that offers a Crestron Experience Centre, training facilities, advanced technical support and more. Further to this, Crestron will have a dedicated presence in all key North East Asia markets including Korea, Macau and Taiwan. Stuart Craig, CEO, Asia Pacific, Crestron, said: “Asia Pacific is an increasingly important market for Crestron and we are investing to support our customers, ensuring opportunities for all. Crestron is fully committed to providing our partners in the region with the highest level of customer experience and the tools and technologies to help our partners grow their business. Our goal is to provide the full range of our market leading technologies locally and to ensure our customer service leads the industry. The new direct footprint will allow Crestron to help grow the business of its local partners and resellers, allowing more clients in the region to optimise their biggest investments spanning people, spaces and technology. www.crestron.com

Biamp Systems And Shure Announce Tesira-Microflex Compatibility

Biamp Tesira family

INTERNATIONAL: Biamp Systems and Shure Incorporated have announced integrated compatibility between Biamp Tesira audio processors and software and Shure Microflex Advance array microphones with Steerable Coverage. With the release of Biamp’s new Tesira software and hardware at ISE in February 2017, it will be possible to interact with the Dante-enabled Shure MXA910 ceiling array microphone and control signal levels within the Tesira software. This will enable system integrators to deliver flexible, fully-digital audio solutions that meet the complex needs of their clients while reducing installation and setup time. “We’re excited to come together with an industry leader like Shure in an effort to streamline the integration of our products,” shared Graeme Harrison, executive vice president of marketing for Biamp Systems. “Both companies value customer feedback and leverage it in future product development. Adding Shure microphone-specific software blocks to Tesira’s cutting-edge software made sense; it allows system designers to easily incorporate the power of Shure mics with the power of Tesira. Other developments in this launch will bring this capability to the whole range of Tesira processors, and we will add additional functionality in future releases.” “Interoperability between the MXA910 ceiling array microphone and Tesira processors will make it easier for system integrators to take advantage of its class-leading voice pickup and steerable coverage in a wide assortment of meeting room applications,” said Chad Wiggins, senior director for networked systems at Shure. “Together, they deliver a more powerful yet more streamlined solution, with centralized control, simpler installation, and fewer components.” Tesira’s software is unique in that it enables system designers to build complete AV solutions using features like its intuitive drag-and-drop interface for a variety of software blocks. The Tesira software enables designers to plan a completely integrated AV solution, including yet-to-be-built future phases. www.biamp.com www.shure.com

TECHNOLOGY DELIVERED

Plug & Present Solution Model : MTC-4000

Plug the USB dongle to Mac or PC and click the button to share the screen

Does not require application to be installed on the MAC or PC for wireless presentation

Android & iOS applications are available for tablets & mobile devices

Express your thoughts in the meeting through cursor control and touch screen support

WPA2 level security is provided since it can be used as a wireless access point

The content being presented can be viewed on the iOS & Android devices through the application

Connect your iOS devices to the wireless network and use AirPlay to mirror your screen onto the display

With the provision of HDMI input, external HDMI source can be displayed

NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

SDVoE Alliance Formed To Standardize Adoption Of Ethernet To Transport AV Signals in Professional AV Environments “For years we have lived with the idea that ‘AV/IT convergence is coming’,” said Justin Kennington, president of the SDVoE Alliance. “The SDVoE Alliance and its technology finally provide the platform that is necessary to enable it. Using 10 Gb Ethernet hardware to move video with flawless quality and zero latency is only the beginning. The creation of a software platform enables the development of whole new classes of applications not yet conceived. True convergence is finally here.”

The alliance seeks to:

INTERNATIONAL: AptoVision, Aquantia, Christie Digital, NETGEAR, Sony and ZeeVee have formed the SDVoE Alliance to standardize the adoption of Ethernet to transport AV signals in professional AV environments, and to create an ecosystem around SDVoE technology that allows software to define AV applications. All AV distribution and processing applications that demand zero-latency, uncompromised video can benefit from SDVoE technology, which provides an end-to-end hardware and software platform for AV extension, switching, processing and control through advanced chipset technology, common control APIs and interoperability. SDVoE network architectures are based on off-the-shelf Ethernet switches thus offering substantial cost savings and greater system flexibility and scalability over traditional approaches such as point-to-point extension and circuit-based AV matrix switching. SDVoE Alliance founding members bring different perspectives to the SDVoE initiative spanning the entire ecosystem with expertise in chipsets (AptoVision, Aquantia), switches and storage (NETGEAR), and AV end points (Christie Digital, Sony and ZeeVee). The SDVoE Alliance already benefits from over 35 shipping products and numerous installations in healthcare, enterprise, entertainment, hospitality, retail, houses of worship, government, military, industry and security.

• Standardize adoption of Ethernet to transport AV signals in professional AV environments • Offer end users increased flexibility, with applications more tailored to their particular needs, and the opportunity to reduce both capital and operating expenses • Enable more cost-effective architectures for AV signal distribution using Ethernet switches • Provide a reliable and more versatile alternative to point-topoint extension and circuit switches • Facilitate true AV/IT convergence such that high-quality AV networks and data networks can simultaneously share a single infrastructure platform • Bring ecosystem partners — AV equipment manufacturers, AV software developers, switch manufacturers, chipset designers, technology providers and system integrators — together under a single banner to foster collaboration • Bring awareness to new opportunities by educating the industry and offering training in the new paradigm

Debut at Integrated Systems Europe 2017 At ISE 2017 (Amsterdam, February 7-10) on stand 12-H55, the SDVoE Alliance will feature a series of demonstrations highlighting that only SDVoE technology delivers: a full stack solution for AV over IP, zero-latency 4K60 over standard Ethernet, a complete application development platform, powerful AV processing with simple controls, and 4K60 with HDR. Free training sessions on deploying zero-latency AV-over-IP systems using SDVoE technology will be held Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 12:30, 14:00 or 16:30 in room F002. All AV system integrators, designers, consultants, installers and manufacturers are invited to register to attend at sdvoe.org. sdvoe.org

NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

QSC Announces Q-SYS Platform Software Release To Support AES67 INTERNATIONAL: Media Networking Alliance member company QSC, LLC has announced that it will incorporate support for AES67 in its Q-SYS Platform with the forthcoming Q-SYS Designer v5.3 software release. Implementation of the AoIP interoperability standard will enable high performance audio streaming between Q-SYS and third-party products supporting different native networked audio technologies, such as Dante, RAVENNA and Livewire, without requiring any additional hardware or license costs. In a statement, Martin Barbour, QSC Product manager for Installed Systems said, “The support of AES67 is yet another example of the malleable and evolutionary nature of the Q-SYS Platform, and further supports its market position as the only software-based audio/video/control platform on the market today. We are committed to making this platform the I/O agnostic, interoperable standard in the industry, which is why support of AES67 is so vital to the industry.”

AES67 offers a bridging compliance mode, available to all Ip-Networked audio solutions, operating over standard Layer 3 Ethernet networks. As such, it enables the common interchange of digital media between different AoIP networking platforms. Running on modern commodity IT network infrastructure and switches, AES67 is fully routable and scalable, and can operate in parallel with existing network services. www.medianetworkingalliance.com

LiveCore™ series: Scalable Solutions for Premium Integrations

NEW!

Rev4 Firmware offers major enhancements

Courtesy of the SECC

Achieve unsurpassed event-level presentations: Modular range of multi-screen seamless switchers Multiple input sources: HDMI, DVI Dual-Link, DisplayPort, 3G/HD/SD-SDI, and Universal Analog u True seamless and instant switching up to 4K60 u Full live Preview of all sources (Preview/Mosaic/Monitoring) u Ease of set-up and management through our intuitive Web RCS u Extensive set of user tools available for enhanced flexibility and creativity u u

Advanced GUI for room automation:

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

VITEC Acquires Stake In Anevia's Share Capital INTERNATIONAL: VITEC, a specialist in advanced video encoding and streaming solutions, has become a shareholder of Anevia, a global leader in OTT and IPTV software for the delivery of live TV and video on demand (VOD). VITEC now owns 8 percent of Anevia's share capital through an over-thecounter transaction of a block of shares.

"As a digital video technology pioneer and leader, VITEC's strategic development is driven by innovative solutions that deliver flawless video experiences. Anevia is a renowned solution provider with strong know-how in the field of OTT and IP software solutions," said Philippe Wetzel, CEO of VITEC. "Like VITEC, innovation has always been at the heart of Anevia's development, enabling its teams to constantly offer the most advanced technologies in its sector. This stake is confirmation of Anevia's relevance and positioning in the market. We hope to contribute in accelerating the company's development by offering our complementary expertise and access to our network." Anevia is a global leader in OTT and IPTV solution software for the delivery of live TV and VOD. Founded in 2003 by the developers of the well-known VLC media player, Anevia also pioneered cloud DVR and multiscreen solutions, enabling viewers to watch TV wherever, whenever on every screen. Anevia software and solutions have been successfully adopted by TV broadcasters, tier 1 and tier 2 telecommunication service providers, and many private and public companies. Most recently, Anevia has undergone a major transformation within its product offering as well as cost restructuring within some areas of the organization. These actions have resulted in a return to growth and allowed Anevia to improve its profitability.

Combining broadcasting with live streaming capabilities, VITEC features the most extensive H.265 (HEVC) and H.264 offering on the market. The company deploys its award-winning, broadcast-grade streaming appliances and IPTV and digital solutions across a broad range of sectors that include broadcast news agencies, military units and government departments, multisite houses of worship, business corporations, and multipurpose arenas and stadiums. Its clients include the Golden 1 Center multipurpose arena in Sacramento, Calif.; the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla.; Feature Story News (FSN) broadcast news agency; U.S. Air Force Academy's Center for Character and Leadership Development; The Bridge Christian Church; and others. In 2016, VITEC was chosen as Streaming Media Magazine's annual list of top 100 global companies that matter in the online video industry for the fourth consecutive year. "I am very delighted to see VITEC joining Anevia's shareholders," said Laurent Lafarge, CEO of Anevia. "This is a strong sign of the international recognition of Anevia technology. I am convinced that this first step will initiate a collaboration that should contribute to the future growth of Anevia — particularly in the enterprise market segment, building on VITEC's experience in many industrial sectors, notably sport, education, medicine, and transport." www.vitec.com

Matt Czyzewski Takes The Helm At Biamp Systems INTERNATIONAL: Steve Metzger, President and CEO, of Biamp Systems has stepped down with Matt Czyzewski, who was COO, at the company, promoted to President and CEO as of January 1, 2017. During Steve’s seven years of leadership, Biamp has grown significantly, and has introduced a wide range of groundbreaking and award-winning product families and services. With a stalwart focus on people, quality, and service, he leaves Biamp in Matt’s capable hands well-positioned for continued innovation and growth. Matt Czyzewski, with more than 20 years of increasing leadership responsibility at Biamp, inherits a new factory with expanded capacity and a strong management team positioned to carry the business forward just as it begins shipping their new video platform, TesiraLUXTM, in late January 2017. www.biamp.com

NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

QSC And Shure To Offer Integration Between Shure Microflex Networked Microphones And Entire Q-SYS Platform INTERNATIONAL: QSC, LLC and Shure Incorporated are proud to announce an expanded level of integration between Shure Microflex Advance and Microflex Wireless microphones with the entire Q-SYSTM Platform. The partnership includes the release of new control plug-ins for the Shure MXA910 Ceiling Array Microphone and Microflex Wireless microphone systems. The latest Q-SYS Designer Software v5.3 update enables a multitude of audio connectivity options including audio integration via Dante, analog audio as well as AES67. Simple setup and configuration is assured with the addition of a detailed quick start guide to integrate audio and control between the Shure and QSC systems. The Shure MXA910 Control plug-in, co-developed by QSC and Shure, allows a myriad of different audio control, preset recall, and monitoring functions on the MXA910 from the Q-SYS platform using Q-SYS peripherals and touch screen controllers. Because the MXA910 control plug-in is decoupled from the audio integration method in Q-SYS, it lets the integrator use the plug-in for control while being able to choose between different audio transport methods, whether that be via analog audio using the Shure ANI series, the Q-SYS Dante Bridging card, or the newly-introduced AES67 software support on the Q-SYS Core processor series. By using AES67 as the audio integration method, every Q-SYS Core processor in the platform can be easily integrated with the MXA910 without any additional hardware bridging devices or software licenses. This includes the class-leading Q-SYS Core 110f, offering the industry’s most cost effective pairing of DSP, AV Bridging, and Control with its 16 channels of AEC, which can accommodate up to two MXA910s in a single rack space over a single network connection. The setup guide, also co-developed by QSC and Shure, provides step-by-step instructions on how to integrate the MXA910 with Q-SYS using AES67 for networked audio streaming and the built-in plug-in for control and monitoring of the MXA910 from Q-SYS. “Integration at the software layer between Q-SYS and the Shure Microflex networked microphones provides integrators with the ability to offer truly unified, AV solutions to their end users for projects of any scale, including those leveraging the new Q-SYS AV-to-USB Bridging solution for conference room camera connectivity to soft-codec applications,” explained Martin Barbour, Product Manager for Installed Systems at QSC. “By decoupling control integration from the audio transport mechanism, we offer the integrator the ability to choose the most appropriate audio transport method for their

Shure MXA910 Ceiling Array Microphone

application while ensuring best-in-class performance from microphone through to loudspeaker, including all processing and amplification in between.” "We are tremendously excited to expand our partnership with QSC and to continue improving the overall experience for our shared customers," proclaimed Chad Wiggins, Senior Category Director of Networked Systems Products at Shure. “Offering control plug-ins in Q-SYS Designer Software for the Shure MXA910 Ceiling Array Microphone is a natural extension to the tools already available for Microflex Wireless Microphone Systems. In addition, the setup guide we co-developed provides a valuable resource for system designers considering the technical details of integrating the MXA910 with the Q-SYS platform using AES67. These are great examples of the commitment to improving user workflow and interoperability our two companies share.” Furthermore, because Q-SYS is the only software-based audio, video, and control Linux realtime operating system (RTOS) platform, it will enable QSC and Shure developers to expand the library of control plug-ins to other Shure products and allow integrators to incorporate them into future designs with a simple software update. The Shure MXA Control Plug-in and setup guide will be available with the release of Q-SYS Designer Software v5.3 in early January 2017. www.shure.com www.qsc.com

NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Exterity Sees Major Growth In Asia-Pac APAC: Exterity, a leading provider of IP video and digital signage technologies, has announced three new appointments, four customer acquisitions and five new channel partnerships in the Asia Pacific region. These additions are the result of growing demand for its integrated, end-to-end IP video and digital signage solutions in the region. Jamie Hind, who was appointed Regional Sales Manager Asia at Exterity in February 2016, has been promoted to Regional Director – Asia Pacific to support the company’s on-the-ground presence across the corporate and finance, education, and hospitality industries primarily. Based in Sydney, Hind is now responsible for the management of all sales and channel operations in Australia, New Zealand and across Asia, driving regional growth and further cementing Exterity as an IP video and digital signage market leader. Richard Phillips, previously Regional Director – Asia Pacific, has assumed the role of Business Development Director to oversee the strategic development of Exterity’s hospitality and leisure presence globally, working in collaboration with Exterity’s regional sales offices and forging close relationships with key industry organizations such as Hotelier Network Next Generation (HTNG). Miguel Mendoza recently joined Exterity as Solutions Consultant for the Asia-Pacific region, providing technical pre-sales support, system deployments and training for channel partners and end users. Mendoza brings six years of experience in the electronic security industry with a specialization in IP video surveillance. Prior to Exterity, Mendoza worked for NeXT Security Pty Ltd., Bahrain & Emirates Electromechanical Contracting, and Western Sydney Technology Consultants. The appointments of Hind, Philips and Mendoza are the latest in a series of significant regional developments in Asia-Pac from Exterity, including:

New strategic partnerships with 4SG Solutions (Malaysia); Ideal Systems and Technology Solution (both Singapore); PixelByte (Hong Kong); and Westec Corporation (Cambodia). These new partnerships strengthen Exterity’s StreamForce Partner Program – a global network of specialist channel partners that Exterity supports by providing ongoing training and complementary resources to keep them up-to-date with the latest innovations, product releases and system enhancements. New IP video and digital signage deployments across the media and broadcast, corporate and hospitality industries. Recent deployments include BBC Worldwide and Graticule Asset Management Asia in Singapore; Best Sunshine Casino in Saipan, and BAI Hotel in Philippines. Exterity already works with a number of high profile companies in Asia Pacific, such as Bank of China (Hong Kong), Phoenix TV Beijing, the Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney and more. Exterity Technology Showcase events are set to continue in 2017 - in conjunction with key industry partners and providing a complete product suite demonstration. The next Showcase will be hosted at Samsung EBC’s Showroom in Port Bonifacio, Philippines in March 2017. The popular technical events enable existing and prospective end users and consultants to learn about the latest innovations and product updates, receive hands-on demonstrations and meet Exterity’s regional team. “Exterity has ambitious plans for Asia Pacific,” commented Colin Farquhar, CEO at Exterity. “With Jamie’s leadership, Richard’s new business development role, along with the added technical support from Miguel, our strong regional sales team and strategic partners, Exterity is working hard to provide solutions and expertise that our channel partners and customers require. As the IP video and digital signage market in Asia Pacific continues to grow, we are investing in further onthe-ground presence to enable a wide range of industries to maximize their use of integrated IP video and digital signage as a core ingredient in their communications infrastructure.” www.exterity.com

NanoLumens Predicts a Bright Future for Retailers Who Combine Technology with Design to Create Compelling Customer Experiences Find out more about their vision

NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Atlona’s Experience Day & Open House in Dubai DUBAI: Atlona hosted an Experience Day and Open House in Dubai recently to showcase its OmniStream AVoIP solution and products, as well as its AT-UHD-HDVS-300-KIT conferencing system and other innovations, to key distributors and dealers in the region. Experience Day and Open House was hosted in association with i-Tech Distribution LTD at the Novotel Hotel in the Dubai Trade Center. The event kicked off early with a one-hour presentation by Atlona’s Director of Business Development Sanket Sawant and Manager of International Support Hardik Mehta, followed by a breakfast event for 45 key partners. An open house for more than 80 additional guests, including VIP prospects, then took place throughout the afternoon. “This was a great opportunity to meet with important customers and prospects in a market that is becoming very sophisticated in its use of communications and presentation systems,” said Daniel Ball, Managing Directori-Tech Distribution. “Our partners and guests were very enthusiastic about the OmniStream and HDVS-300 products. We are looking forward to a great year of growth in this region.” i-Tech Distribution LTD is a distribution company operating from Dubai, servicing the Middle East and Northern African markets for their Pro Audio and Residential needs. OmniStream is Atlona’s first line of networked AV products designed for integrating and distributing 4K/UHD video, audio and RS-232 control over Gigabit Ethernet networks employing

off-the-shelf network switches. Consisting of five products, line offers several industry-first features, including high density, dual-channel encoding and decoding; redundant AV networks and streams; encrypted content distribution; network error resilience; broadcast-quality 4K video compression with very low latency; and the ability to convey 4K video and Dante™ audio simultaneously over the same network. Atlona’s AT-UHD-HDVS-300-KIT is a two-piece system and the industry’s first equipped with HDBaseT for 4K AV switching, USB and HDMI extension and system control for PC-based conferencing using Skype™ for Business, WebEx™ and GoToMeeting cloud services. It is also the first to enable a single category cable connection between a conferencing hub and a 4K display with USB camera, greatly simplifying system design, installation and daily use. Atlona is a leading maker of connectivity solutions for AV systems. www.atlona.com

NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Sennheiser Introduces AMBEO VR Mic In Middle East For VR/AR Content Creation

MIDDLE EAST: Realizing a gap in audio solutions for the rapidly growing Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) markets, Sennheiser has introduced AMBEO VR, a compact easy-to-use handheld mic that is the ideal tool for any professional VR production. The audio specialist also aims to educate the market in the emerging field of VR/AR audio capture through its AMBEO Music Blueprints platform. This dedicated website helps users explore how to record, mix and deliver live music as a truly 3D audio experience. Up until now, VR productions had to record immersive audio with quite complicated microphone set-ups. “3D audio is an integral part of an immersive experience but up until now, the complexities associated with this have been daunting. In creating AMBEO VR, we conducted extensive field testing with VR content producers. This helped us identify and address key pain points and thus make the mic as intuitive and user friendly as possible,” said Mig Cardamone, Director of Sales and Marketing at Sennheiser Middle East. “With this new product, we hope to engage with VR production agencies, VR content creators, the Ambisonics community as well as studio engineers and owners” The AMBEO VR Mic is an Ambisonics microphone that uses four carefully selected, matched capsules in a tetrahedral arrangement. It is fully balanced and powered by 4x 48 volts phantom powering. The handheld microphone comes complete with a split cable with four colour-coded and labelled XLR connectors according

to the capsule position, a Rycote suspension mount and a foam windshield. Also included is the necessary encoding software that translates the A format file generated from the recording of the four microphone channels into a B format file W, X, Y and Z. This format is recognised in the Ambisonics world, the W component being the omni and the X, Y, Z components being figure-of-eight capsules along three spatial axes. The A to B format encoder will be available in VST, AAX and AU plug-ins for the customer’s preferred digital audio workstation, and as a stand-alone version for Mac or Windows. The website offers three blueprints - AMBEO for Loudspeakers which details recording for 9.1 loudspeaker reproduction; AMBEO for binaural which covers 3D playback on standard headphones; and AMBEO for Virtual Reality which focuses on 3D Ambisonics audio for VR applications. Each of these has been created by a team of experts to provide straightforward information on recording set-ups and microphone positioning, on mixing with additional spot microphones and on delivery and playback for a 3D listening experience. Furthermore, each blueprint is complete with expert voices, equipment rental options, sound examples, video material and free plug-in downloads, giving seasoned engineers, aspiring recordists and streaming specialists guidance on how to record and mix immersive 3D sound. www.sennheiser.com

Aurora Announces New Distributor AUST/NZ: Aurora Multimedia has announced the appointment of AV Supply Group as the new distributor for the territories of Australia and New Zealand. AV Supply Group specialises in the supply and distribution of audio visual accessory products. http://avsupply.co.nz

NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

UP 100 Launched With Barco Video Wall To Enable Lightning Fast Emergency Aid

INDIA: Barco has delivered an advanced video wall solution that empowers Uttar Pradesh Police to reduce crimes and reach to incidents within few minutes. The solution comprising of 180 Barco rear-projection LED cubes in multiple configurations at Lucknow Centre will enable local responders across the State of Uttar Pradesh to offer aid in the quickest manner. Following the UP Chief Minister’s dream of implementing one of the largest centralized emergency response systems in India, UP Police is ready to provide the best emergency service to the people of Uttar Pradesh. ‘UP 100’ is the official name of the ‘Uttar Pradesh Police Emergency Management System’ also known as UP state wide Dial100 Project. The vision of this project is to provide prompt integrated emergency services for public safety and security to all citizens, including those with special needs, any time, anywhere in the State of Uttar Pradesh. The Chief Minister is closely involved in the project since its inception and has been visiting the site regularly to oversee the construction and implementation process.

Bringing help where it is needed, in minutes This project envisions establishment of a central Contact Centre at Lucknow to facilitate receiving information of emergencies relating to public safety by phone, text, email, video call etc. by ensuring round-the-clock availability of operational 100 numbers from the entire State. Police field services shall be provided by 3200 4-wheeler and 1600 2-wheeler Police Response Vehicles (PRVs), deployed directly under its control.

“The Barco collaborative visualization solution provides access to real-time data about the activities in the rural and urban areas and allowing us to respond to emergencies relating to public safety quickly and reliably, thus strengthening our field services, and improving the safety of our residents and visitors” asserted Anil Agarwal, Additional Director General of the Uttar Pradesh police force. “We’re absolutely relying on it to perform these critical services.” “Our solutions will help prompt response time for police emergency services related to public safety and security. Realtime situational awareness will be provided from the millions of data items collected within the system,” said Vivekanand, Country Director-Sales, Barco India. The perfect blend of functionality, quality and ease-of-use Barco’s video walls offer the UP 100 project an ideal combination of bright, seamless, detailed images, reliability, and ease-of-use. This will enable Operators to intuitively monitor incoming information and route it as quickly and accurately as possible, for lower response times and faster care in case of an emergency. Barco video walls are also equipped with Barco’s unique cooling system, which extends LED lifespan, reduces operating costs and lowers maintenance requirements – as maximizing uptime is very important in this application. “Citizen’s safety, security, and reduction in crime rate are the top priorities for the State Governments and we’re proud to be part of UP100.” said Rajiv Bhalla, Managing Director, Barco India. www.barco.com

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

OHM (UK) Expansion Plans Crestron Announces The Grand Opening Of ‘Crestron Continue With New MEA Appointment China’ MEA: OHM (UK) has named Kaushal Garg as its new Director of sales for Middle East and Africa. In his position, Mr Garg will be responsible for overseeing all sales activities in the regions, supporting OHM UK’s existing legacy and expansion in these markets. CHINA: Crestron, now has a dedicated, physical brand presence in China, allowing the company to further enhance its service and support to customers in the region. Coming off the announcement of recently opened Crestron direct offices in India and NE Asia (HK), the opening of Crestron China is yet another significant expansion for the company in Asia Pacific. In exclusive partnership with Shanghai Golden Bridge, Crestron China will bring the full Crestron service model to China. Stuart Craig, CEO, Asia Pacific, Crestron, said: “Combining Shanghai Golden Bridge’s extensive infrastructure footprint and in depth knowledge of the China market, with Crestron’s world class technology solutions, technical support and sales and marketing programs makes a lot of sense for this market. Crestron and Shanghai Golden Bridge will create a full service Crestron operation in China. We are currently building a Crestron Experience Centre, training and support facility in Shanghai with further details coming to all our customers very shortly. We will create a new benchmark for customer service to the channel and our end clients”. Zhou Zhe, Director and General Manager of Shanghai Golden Bridge adds “we will provide a direct Crestron presence right across China including Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Jinan, Chengdu, Hefei, Kunming and Guiyang, delivering to our customers the full Crestron sales and marketing programs, tailored to the China market”. Crestron customers in China can contact (400) 880 9700 for registration as well as pricing and support arrangements. The new Crestron China direct footprint allows the company to help grow the business of its local partners and resellers, allowing more clients in the region to optimize their biggest investments spanning people, spaces and technology. www.crestron.com

Mr Garg brings more than 20 years of experience in the professional audio industry, having begun his career with Bose in 1998 growing through the ranks from technical manager, national sales manager, to divisional manager. Kaushal has also worked with Harman Pro where he managed sales at a national level, developing strategy that grew business to new heights, before moving up to the position of Divisional ManagerMiddle East and Africa at Bose Professional. “OHM (UK) has a reputation for Quality, British manufactured products with innovative design, clearly understanding the evolving requirements of the Pro Audio Market,” said Mr Garg. “I’m really excited to be part of a company with a focused approach while continually innovating. In joining the team at OHM (UK), I’m pleased to be working with some of the best and most renowned people in the pro audio business and I’m looking forward to the challenge.” “We are proud to announce the addition of Kaushal to the OHM (UK) team, as we anticipate his experience in the Pro Audio Market will have an immediate, beneficial impact for our customers and on sales in the Middle East and Africa,” said Gareth Coleman, Director Of Sales (International), OHM (UK). OHM (UK) has been manufacturing high-end pro audio Loudspeakers in the UK for over 40 years. With a strong international presence, the brand is now moving ahead with its global expansion plans to increase customer experience. www.ohm.co.uk

NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Shure Asia Expands With New State-of-the-Art Experience Center

Product Showcase & Demonstration Capabilities

HONG KONG: Shure Asia is pleased to announce its expansion in Asia Pacific with the opening of the company’s first Shure Experience Center in Hong Kong. The first-of- its -kind demo facility aims to help customers find the ideal solution for their audio needs, presented in a state-of-the-art, modern corporate environment. “More and more multinational corporations are establishing their headquarters or enlarge their presence in Asia, which makes it one of the most important geographic regions for Shure, particularly in the integrated systems market,” says William Chan, Managing Director of Shure Asia. “These companies increasingly rely on AV conferencing as main business communication tool. As a manufacturer, we want to support our customers in making such collaboration more effective, and help them identify what audio solution best meets their needs. This is why we built our new Shure Experience Center.” Situated in the new, expanded office of the Shure Asia regional headquarter in Hong Kong, the Shure Experience Center offers a perfect platform to get a true experience of the company’s audio solutions in a real-life workspace. Comprising a high-end Boardroom, Huddle Room, and a large Multi-Purpose Room, each with live product demonstration capabilities, it provides varied application examples for Shure customers and partners in Asia. Besides serving as a demo space, Shure Asia also utilizes the new facilities for internal needs, including video conferences with the company’s worldwide office locations, in-house meetings, as well as product trainings through the Shure Audio Institute. Chan adds, “We’re taking our products to the test every day. This really shows how our solutions perform in a normal business environment and serves as proof that our products deliver what we promise to our customers.”

Boardroom

The Boardroom showcases Shure solutions for AV conferencing in a state-of -the-art meeting environment and is equipped with the latest Microflex Advance MXA910 Ceiling Array Microphone, MXA310 Table Array Microphones, and Microflex Wireless System. The audio setup is completed with digital signal processors and video codecs to enable direct IP calls to the nearby Huddle Room and Multi-Purpose Room, where the same Shure solutions are used for live demonstration.

Multi-Purpose Room showcasing Shure’s MXA910 Ceiling Array

Flush-mounted into the ceiling of the Boardroom and MultiPurpose Room, the MXA910 Ceiling Array Microphone presents the latest networked systems product from Shure. As literally invisible audio solution, it maintains clean aesthetics of modern corporate environments, while providing highly accurate audio capture for effective collaboration between remote conference sites. The microphones have been preconfigured for different applications and setup needs. These presets can be selected via a central control panel in each room to allow fast and easy re-call as needed.

NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

The flexibility of the MXA910 Ceiling Array is particularly demonstrated in the Multi-Purpose Room. The venue is usually divided into three individual, 16-seat conference rooms - with one ceiling array each - and serves as “far-end” during demo video calls with the Boardroom. When combining these rooms for larger events such as company meetings, seminars and trainings, the ceiling arrays can also be used together for voice lift, ensuring that everyone can hear and be heard clearly across the 1,100 sq. ft. room. If needed and/or preferred by the user, the Boardroom and Multi-Purpose Room are also equipped with Microflex Wireless Systems as wireless alternative. The systems include gooseneck microphones for AV conferencing use, and handheld microphones for content sharing or presentation, and are completed with Networked Charging Stations, Access Point Transceiver, and SCM820 IntelliMix Automatic Mixer for mixing of audio outputs. The networkable components are also linked to the latest software product from Shure - the SystemOn Audio Asset Management software - which allows central control and management of Shure hardware across largescale installation, supporting AV/IT staff who are in charge of enterprise-wide deployments.

For customers who are interested in conference systems with advanced meeting management capabilities, the Shure DCS 6000 Digital Conference System is also readily available for demonstration. A DIS-CCU central unit is installed in a server room next to the Boardroom, with pre-wired DCS-LAN connection in the conduit of the Boardroom table allowing for fast setup of the delegate units.

Beyond Audio “We put great emphasis on the audio quality and performance of our products. Simplicity - both from an aesthetic and technological perspective – is another, important consideration for our customers, and we wanted to be able to demonstrate this as well,” says Chan. “That’s why the Shure Experience Center also integrates a range of third-party technologies to show what simplicity really is in a corporate environment.” In Shure Asia’s new state-of-the-art demo & workspace, the meeting rooms are integrated with a Crestron processor, allowing to control all equipment at a fingertip. The central control system covers everything from selection of microphone configurations or audio sources, volume control, to tele- and video-conferencing, TV and video presentation, and room lighting. All can be set and managed easily through a customprogrammed app on iPads which are placed in each room. Greatly contributing to simpler and cleaner working environments, traditional conference phones no longer exist in the Shure Experience Center. The microphone systems are directly connected to VoIP systems. Numbers can be dialed directly on the central control iPad, and the room loudspeakers provide sound reinforcement.

Huddle Room

To address the fast growing trend of small- size meeting spaces, a 4-seat Huddle Room has been installed at Shure Asia’s new demo facility. Featuring both soft codec and hard codec AV conferencing capabilities, the room presents a simple collaboration workspace and demonstrates the MXA310 Table Array Microphone and a two-channel Microflex Wireless System with boundary microphones. The compact design makes these solutions ideal for small workspaces, while their flexible performance ensures high quality sound when used for discussions among virtual teams. Chan comments “High quality audio is such a crucial aspect when you want to improve productivity and efficiency of remote teams, and we hope that with our new facilities we can educate our customers and raise awareness for the importance of audio. Hearing is Believing. It makes all the difference when you are able to provide a real-life experience of what audio systems should sound like.”

With the use of wireless presentation servers, cables are hardly found in the new demo facilities. Meeting participants can now wirelessly share their computer screens on the large TVs. The solution also allows several participants to share their content at the same time, via a split screen, making collaboration even easier. Last but not least, each room also has a Crestron room scheduling system installed at the door, allowing to quickly check whether and how long the various meeting rooms are available. The scheduling system is connected to the company’s Outlook calendar to allow fast, real-time booking. “We are so proud to be the first Shure office to launch this kind of Experience Center, and we are excited to display a modern environment that also addresses our customers’ other key concerns, including network integration,” concludes William Chan. “I believe the Shure Experience Center clearly demonstrates our commitment to this market segment, and shows that we are a strong partner who is willing and able to support our customers in Asia and around the globe.” If you would like to book a demo at the new Shure Experience Center in Hong Kong, contact Shure Asia at info@shure.com.hk www.shure.com/asia

NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

IC-Live Improves on Perfection At The College Of North Atlantic Qatar

QATAR: The multi-purpose auditorium within the College of North Atlantic Qatar (CNAQ) is among the most acoustically impressive venues in the city of Doha. Recently the subject of a top-to-bottom technical refurbishment by systems integrator Audio Visual Technology (AV Tech), the venue now boasts state-of-the-art video, projection and lighting systems. When it came to choosing a sound reinforcement solution capable of making the most of the room's acoustic qualities, AV Tech turned to Renkus-Heinz and IC-Live. Related to the famous Canadian college of the same name, CNAQ has celebrated the graduation of more than 4,000 alumni since 2002. The auditorium has long been the heart of the institution. Over the course of two years, AV Tech Technical Sales Manager Mahmoud El Zein has led upgrades to every technical system in the building. The result is a world-class hall capable of hosting a broad variety of events, from spokenword corporate presentations and local musical acts, to touring theatrical productions. Prior to the refurbishment, the space contained an aging line array system. Despite the excellent acoustic properties, coverage remained an issue. 'The old array system was singlebeam and difficult to control; the drivers had become worn

out and were no longer offering the desired performance," explains El Zein. The replacement had to be "a fixed installation, that would stay in place for many years and offer good quality, while protecting the aesthetics of the room." Two Renkus-Heinz IC-Live FR Dual columns now serve the auditorium, discretely mounted at either side of the stage in a left-right configuration. The choice reflects the multipurpose use of the space, with enough power to support the ambitious productions it sometimes hosts. The active arrays each combine 10 6.5-inch, neodymium-loaded transducers plus six 1-inch HF compression drivers, all spread across two modules. For musical performances, two IC215S-R subwoofers add precise low-end support. Front and center fills are handled by five PN61R two-way enclosures, installed into the lip of the stage. Full and even coverage across every seat in the house is ensured with the subtle use of Renkus-Heinz's beam steering expertise. "This project was personal for me," reflects El Zein, "and I know that CNAQ is happy. It's a very good solution." www.renkus-heinz.com

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NEWS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

AptoVision Expands R&D Facility

INTERNATIONAL: AptoVision has announced strategic new hires in R&D, product management and customer support as well as relocation to a new facility that quadruples lab and office space. More than 25 global manufacturers are now incorporating AptoVision’s award-winning BlueRiver NT+ AVover-IP chipsets in over 35 pro AV signal distribution products. The new expanded R&D facility will help AptoVision accelerate development of hardware and software platform for Pro AV applications as demand for its BlueRiver NT+ 4K AV-overIP chipsets and comprehensive BlueRiver API application programming interface grows quickly. The recently expanded BlueRiver NT+ Series, the world’s only technology to transport uncompressed, zero-latency Ultra HD/4K HDR over Ethernet, now allows manufacturers to offer a top-to-bottom portfolio of AV-over-IP products which address the full range of feature, performance and pricing requirements for virtually all AV applications. Plus, the recently announced BlueRiver API makes it faster and easier for developers to program their applications using a comprehensive set of subroutine definitions, protocols and tools that control complex tasks such as upscaling up to 4K, downscaling, aspect ratio management, frame rate conversion, chroma sample

conversion, video wall processing, image compositing, audio downmixing, video routing, independent audio routing, multicast IGMP management and much more. “Our investment in people and infrastructure ensures we have all the resources needed to support our customers’ development efforts,” said Kamran Ahmed, AptoVision CEO and co-founder. “We are helping them get quickly to market with innovative products that feature tailored user interfaces and AV management tools for their targeted market segments in education, healthcare, enterprise, entertainment, hospitality, retail, houses of worship, government, military, industrial and security – wherever there’s a need for uncompromised zerolatency 4K video.” AptoVision’s new address is: 2344 Alfred Nobel Blvd., Suite 102 St. Laurent, QC, Canada H4S 0A4 (514)-908-9768 www.aptovision.com

SOLUTIONS HIGHLIGHT Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Epson’s EB-1450Ui Projector Offers Collaboration With Maximum Interactivity Whiteboard Sharing Capabilities The projector’s in-built digital whiteboard mode allows for up to 50 pages of digital whiteboarding, where users can output and share the written pages in multiple ways and formats. The digital whiteboard can be shared with up to 15 laptops, mobile devices or same series interactive projectors residing in the same network. Interactive drawings and image inserted from all parties can be seen in real time by every connected user. Laptops and devices access the common shared whiteboard by using only the web browser. Image from other input sources of the projector can also be interactively shared this way with laptops and mobile devices, allowing every participant in the meeting to co-author and actively collaborate. After meetings, users can also choose to print, email or save the meeting notes via the network. Epson’s latest EB-1450Ui ultra-short throw projector brings screen interactivity and collaborative technology to any meeting room, featuring multi-touch and dual pen capability, a high brightness level of 3,800 lumens, beyond Full HD WUXGA resolution, remote desktop access and multi-location connectivity. The EB-1450Ui interactive projector offers a smart collaboration platform that powerfully enhances meetings and video conferences.

Best in resolution and quality Beyond Full HD WUXGA resolution combined with Epson’s 3LCD technology ensures high-quality content has more vivid colours and brighter images. HDMI connectivity also means that the audience benefits from sharper and clearer content displayed in any meeting room environment.

Everything you need for interactivity The EB-1450Ui projector combines the benefits of flipcharts, whiteboards and conventional screens into one unified meeting room solution. Meeting participants can view and annotate whiteboard content from a range of smart devices, without the need to install any special application. Information remains secure with the ability to apply passwords to meetings and notes. Having a DVI output, live drawings from the projector can be sent over a video conference system for participants in other locations to view, which makes the solution ideal for concept sharing and corporate trainings.

Remote Desktop Access The interactive projectors can also remotely access a PC on your work desk or a desktop hosted on server using the Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol. Users can connect and control the remote desktop using their fingers and the interactive pens. Now users can project and annotate on information stored in different remote locations right from their meeting room, giving them unparalleled flexibility and convenience.

Finger-touch and dual pen Use your fingers to annotate directly on the screen. Users are able to point, swipe, draw, pinch in/out and rotate using their fingers. With the new dual pens, colleagues can work simultaneously using different pen tools. The two new interactive pens are designed for high-speed writing, accurate response and long battery life. The projector also supports Microsoft Office Ink that allows users to draw and save directly into Microsoft Office files.

Dual screen interactivity Two EB-1450Ui can be installed side-by-side to create an ultra-wide interactive screen of up to 177 inch diagonal. You can draw seamlessly across the two screens. When installed alone, each EB-1450Ui supports up to 100 inch screen size, much bigger and offering many more features than typical flat panels. Optional table mount is also available to create an interactive table top.

Wireless connectivity Share content easily from a range of smart devices using the Epson iProjection App. iProjection enables both iOS and Android devices EB-1450Ui to easily connect and project documents, images and contents. Users can also project from their laptop wirelessly using Epson EasyMP Multi PC Projection 2.0 software. Up to 50 laptops and mobile devices can connect to a single projector via this software. www.epson.com.sg/interactive

ADVERTORIAL Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

INDONESIA

Alila Solo Equipped With Epson Interactive Projectors To Capture Business Meeting Segment

Epson EB-1430Wi interactive projectors help boost meeting productivity

Alila Solo, located in Solo, Indonesia, is a modern urban luxury hotel that is setting new benchmarks not only in service and style but also offering the largest ballroom and events space in Central Java. The hotel’s 15 meeting rooms each features an Epson EB1430Wi interactive projector which allows users to draw digitally on the projection. This was an informed decision taken by the hotel as it looked at how best to cater to the growing business meeting segment. Mrs Yenita Supardjan, Director of Sales at the hotel comments, “The Epson projectors allow for interactive discussions which make the meetings more productive in general. Our clients are happy and very satisfied as the features in the projectors are very beneficial to them. It is also easy to operate.” Mr Suratno, Chief Engineer at Alila Solo also highlights that being an ultra-short throw projector, the Epson EB-1430Wi has helped the hotel to save space. He added, “The ultra-short throw also helps reduce glare and shadow effect which makes it a pleasant experience for all in the meeting. In addition it is easy to operate. All one needs to do is switch ON the projector and within seconds you can start your meeting.”

One of Alila Solo’s clients highlights that the simple convenience of using fingers or interactive pens to write on the projection and the multiple output options have helped him tremendously. “For instance, I can make annotations and take notes on the whiteboard and then directly save to a USB Drive and send it off via email to those in the meeting and other relevant personnel, making it very effective. Or if I need to, I can also send it direct to a printer. This saves a lot of time.” Alila Solo’s Ballroom with a capacity for 1,500 guests also features an Epson high brightness projector, the EB-Z10005U. At 10,000 lumens of brightness, it projects full HD quality content for the large ballroom screen. The hotel’s investment in Epson projectors has yielded a positive outcome not just for the hotel but also its guests. www.epson.com.sg/interactive

EPSON EB-1430Wi

Yenita Supardjan, Director of Sales, Alila Solo

Bring interactivity to any meeting room with Epson's new ultra-short throw projector, featuring finger-touch and dual pen interactivity, a high brightness level of 3,300 lumens and WXGA resolution that matches the resolution and aspect ratio supported by most laptops. The EB1430Wi's ultra-short throw design allows you to present large images from a very short distance and minimises shadows and glare.

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Opticis: 4K HDMI IP Video Wall Controller The IPVDS-500-ED is the 4K HDMI IP Video Wall Control solution for playing multiple sources of Audio/Video on a Video Wall display and simultaneously on individual displays. It also enables the splitting of a high-quality video into multiple videos to be played on video wall displays as well as other displays. Applications for the wall controller include Video Wall systems, control rooms, conference rooms, traffic control applications, corporative applications, government applications and other presentation applications. The PC programme can be used for host allocation and preview with drag and drop operation through simple mouse use. Users can easily merge, split, overlay and clear for host allocation, and preview on the ‘Layout Manager’ before applying it to real display monitors. The IPVDS-500-ED provides virtual matrix function with TX(host) and RX(client) via IP network, and it enables users to monitor and control with IP Video wall. It is the best solution for users in the Audio/Video integration field, providing excellent performance and simple operating process as well as boasting a cost-effective advantage when compared to a complicated Matrix with copper cables. Key Features: • TCP/IP based IP network: 100/1000 Base-T Ethernet with CAT5e or CAT6 cables • Support of up to 4K resolution (3840x2160 at 30Hz) or 1080p at 60Hz • Up to 8x8 Video Wall with multiple sources • Provide Analog/HDMI audio input and output • Provides free PC Programme for Users • Control PC Apps for Video Wall and Individual Displays - Drag and Drop operation for Host Allocation and Preview - Allocation, merge, split, overlay etc on Layout Manager - Provides preview scene before applying it to real monitors. - Provide 99 Presets for user defined layout (Save and Loading) - Bezel Compensation in 0.1mm units

• M:N Virtual Matrix supported: multicasting up to 200 clients • Supports fast switching time / Low video latency • Transmits HDMI/ DVI,USB,RS-232,Audio,DIO signals via IP Network • Provides HDMI loop-thru port for local display Availability: Now shipping www.opticis.com

Williams Sound: ‘In the loop’ With New Simulation Software Williams Sound is pleased to introduce the new Digi-Loop Simulation Software – a custom tool created by Williams Sound to provide in-depth, realistic modelling and simulation of a venue's acoustics and loop system performance. The TechBlue team at Williams Sound will help Consultants and SIs visualize how the desired magnetic field fills the venue space, determine fall off of the field from the design pattern and factor in speech transmission index (STI) and crest factors. TechBlue will team with you to explore options, evaluate viability and ensure success – long before your virtual venue becomes a job site. The TechBlue team from Williams Sound offers design services and technical expertise and can be contacted for a FREE loop design consultation: techblue@williamssound.com www.williamssound.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Datavideo: HS-1200 Portable Switcher With 2-CH Chromakey The HS-1200 is a lightweight and cost-effective 6-channel mobile switcher that is ideal for indoor or outdoor broadcast events and activities such as worship services, educational events and the AV market. The fully-integrated design of the HS-1200 includes user-friendly features such as dual Chromakey, Lumakey, PIP and still store, making it an ideal solution for broadcasters looking for cost-effective quality. Key Features: • Built-in 17.3” HD LCD monitor that displays Programme and Preview on a single screen • Multiple SDI & HDMI Interface • DSK & Lumakey • Built-in Chromakey • PIP • Still Image Store • User Memory • Cross-Point Assignment www.datavideo.com

You want to put video on my network?

We’ve got the tools to make it work. TM

Networked AV Solutions Peer-to-peer Architecture Bandwidth Management Automatic Device Discovery Group Device Control User Permissions RGB

www.rgb.com/zio

See us at Gitex Technology Week October 16-20, Dubai, UAE, Hall 1 Stand B1-21

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Extron: More Powerful DMP 128 Plus Series Digital Matrix Processors with VoIP The DMP 128 Plus Series is the next generation of Digital Matrix Processors featuring Extron ProDSP 64-bit floating point technology. Configurable using Extron DSP Configurator Software, DMP 128 Plus Series processors can be used anywhere from a credenza-based system to a large multi-rack system, and even in a large, complex, decentralized multi-building system. DMP 128 Plus V models also include eight independent channels of VoIP, supporting Session Initiation Protocol - SIP 2.0. The DMP 128 Plus AT models provide Dante™ audio networking technology with connectivity for up to 48 digital audio inputs and 24 digital audio outputs. The DMP 128 Plus C, DMP 128 Plus C AT, DMP 128 Plus C V, and DMP 128 Plus C V AT models include Extron AEC processing, which aid in delivering fast echo canceler convergence for optimal intelligilibility. DMP 128 Plus AT models are equipped with Dante audio networking technology and provide scalable audio transport over a local area network using standard Internet protocols. Each DMP 128 Plus AT sends out 24 channels of digital audio and can receive 48 channels over the network. The DMP 128 Plus AT can also be configured to support primary and redundant Dante audio networks. Key Features: • 12 analog mic/line inputs & 8 analog outputs • Up to 4 channels of digital audio input/output via USB • Up to 8 audio file players • Configurable multi-device macros • Expanded mix matrix of up to 84x48 • ACP bus for easy connection of one or more ACP Series audio control panels www.extron.com

Crestron: Now Shipping Full Line of Avia DSPs

Precision-engineered digital signal processors and software tools dramatically simplify audio programming, integration, and expansion in commercial applications. Crestron will be shipping its new line of Avia DSPs, which consist of five models offering a full range of professional-grade features that help to streamline audio programming, commissioning and expansion in meeting rooms and video conference rooms. The Avia DSP-1283 provides high-performance AEC, supports audio conferencing via VoIP and POTS, USB connectivity for video conferencing, and I/O expansion with amplifiers and DigitalMedia blade-based switchers that are supported by the Dante audio network. The DSPs are a part of Crestron's Avia Audio Solutions suite, which also includes a companion line of network-controlled and monitored multichannel amplifiers.

Key Features:

Key Built-In Features:

• Avia Audio Tool software for audio design and programming

• Real-time analyser (RTA) • Virtual Mixer • EQ Editor • State-of-the-art AEC Processor

Availability: Now shippng www.crestron.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

ONELAN: Reserva Room Signage With Increased Functionality & Internalisation Options The Reserva Room Signage solution now has versions available in 13 different languages including Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Russian and other key European languages. This additional language functionality will be useful for international companies as well as large corporations or universities who may have a large multilingual contingent, regardless of where they are based. This flexibility means they can communicate important room allocation information in more than one language. These features are immediately accessible to all existing and new customers, and can be implemented within an organisation, wherever they are based. Reserva room signs can be used in combination with ONELAN’s Content Management System (CMS) to show other messaging on screen. Key Features: • 13 different languages including Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Russian and other key European languages • Addition of Google Calendar and G Suite (formerly Google Apps for Work) connectors www.reserva.co.uk

A winning combination

Avid Pro Tools | S6 and IHSE Draco tera | S6 The Draco tera | S6 KVM switch takes the Avid Pro Tools | S6 control surface to a greater level of performance and capability. Maximizing efficiency, simplifying workflow and increasing flexibility in professional sound studios.

Deluxe Media, Hollywood We can dynamically allocate any system to any room and move between mix stages with minimal setup time. It gives us great flexibility.

Editors can instantly switch between Pro Tools stations with just a single touch, giving them complete control with no distraction. With no transmission delay or image degradation, they see the complete picture.

IHSE GmbH - Headquarters Maybachstrasse 11 88094 Oberteuringen  Germany

IHSE GmbH Asia Pacific Pte Ltd 158 Kallang Way  #07-13A Singapore 349245

Doug Higgins, Director of Audio Services

IHSE USA LLC 1 Corporate Drive Cranbury, NJ 08512  USA avid.ihse.com  info@ihse.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Ecler: eHMA60 & eHMA120 Make Debut eHMA60 is a self-powered audio mixer including one MIC input and two MIC/LINE ST inputs. It features a 60W powered mono output that supports both low (4 Ω) and high impedance (70V, 100V) loudspeaker lines. It also includes an audio priority system (paging, emergencies, etc.), 2 band tone control, auto stand-by mode, MUTE port, universal power supply unit and auto standby function. eHMA120 is a self-powered audio mixer including three MIC/LINE ST inputs and one LINE ST input. It features a 120W powered mono output that supports both low (4 Ω) and high impedance (70V, 100V) loudspeaker lines, with independent 2-ZONE ON/OFF switches (ZONE 1, ZONE 2). It also includes an audio priority system (voice messages, emergencies, etc.) available in 3 inputs, Pager and embedded Chime function (compatible with 1 zone paging microphones), 2 band tone control, auto stand-by mode, MUTE port and universal power supply unit, being compatible with external 24 VDC IN backup supply systems. Key Features: • 2-band EQ (BASS/TREBLE) for Mix Output • 24VDC power supply included • 24VDC Phantom Power (external switch) • MUTE port to remotely mute the unit from an external device, via dry contact closure • Auto Stand-by function

eHMA60

www.ecler.com

eHMA120

Matrox: Maevex 6100 Quad Encoder Card

The Matrox Maevex 6100 quad encoder card delivers industry-leading 4K/UHD and Full HD multi-channel capture, encoding, streaming, and recording. Built on H.264, the world’s most common codec, this plug-and-play solution fits seamlessly into existing infrastructures and interoperates with any device on the network, ensuring high-density content distribution and system scalability. The bundled Matrox PowerStream Plus software application and the available API provide flexible management of local or remote data, ensuring full reach and control over the entire network. PowerStream Plus allows access to Matrox’s powerful advanced hybrid streaming (AHS) features, including multiple source capture, multiple picture-in-picture (PIP) and pictureby-picture (PBP) composite options, and multi-protocol and multi-bitrate streaming. Designed to control all Maevex products, including the Maevex 5100 Series of encoders and decoders, PowerStream Plus allows for the fluid expansion of existing Maevex networks and allows users to pick and choose the Maevex product which best suits their AV streaming needs. Key Features: • Matrox Maevex 6100 is a 3/4 length PCI Express® 3.0 x8 card with 4 Mini HDMI (type C) inputs that allow the capture of up to four 4096x2160@30Hz sources. • Offers RTSP, RTP and MPEG2.TS streaming support with an onboard RJ45 network connector (RTMP support to soon follow), • Can encode a multitude of H.264 streams at the same or varying bitrates.

• Capable of simultaneous streaming and/or recording to shared network drives or network attached storage • Features programmable start time, recording duration, maximum file length, and file frequency. Availability: Now www.matrox.com

SOLUTIONS UPDATE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Planar: QE Series Ushers In A New Era Of Affordable 4k Digital Signage And Collaboration Displays

Available in 75-inch, 86-inch and 98-inch sizes, the Planar QE Series incorporates an embedded media player and software, providing a simple and cost-effective way to design, distribute and play back ultra-high resolution digital signage on a single display or multiple displays within a network. Multitouch models are also available, offering an affordable solution for professionals who seek to collaborate or interact using large format, high resolution displays. The displays come with an embedded Planar ContentSmart 4K Media Player, allowing users to easily deploy and manage digital signage displays. In addition, the embedded media player includes two USB ports and an internal time clock for scheduling playlists.

REVOLUTO GOES VERTICAL – CONFERENCE TECHNOLOGY –

MADE IN GERMANY

Key Features: • Support for native 4K at up to 60Hz • HDMI 2.0 • DisplayPort 1.2 • In-built audio with two internal 10-watt speakers • Displays compatible with Ultra HD inputs including 4K sources that require compliance with High-bandwidth Digital Content Production (HDCP) standard

Due to the Revoluto technology the new vertical microphone array provides a large voice range and high quality sound. Call us for a free demo +91 90 0860 2441

Availability: First quarter of 2017

www.beyerdynamic.com/revoluto

www.planar.com

beyerdynamic India Pvt. Ltd. . No. 1, 10 th Main, 14th Cross Malleswaram Bangalore 560 003 . naveen@beyerdynamic.com

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

IFMEA 2016: Finding The Right Footing, Standing Alone by Ram Bhavanashi

InfoComm Middle East & Africa (IFMEA), having gone through its motions over the past five years, has apparently come on its own, with what it preferred to call the right footing. Coming as it did battling some heavy odds and high winds of speculations, and apprehensions, the 2016 edition of IFMEA made a resolute statement, and some promising positives. Stand and deliver! SI Asia presents an account of the resilient event held in the newly built extended facility of the Dubai World Trade Cetre from 6-8 December.

• Over 30 new Manufacturers and Suppliers • Over 35 new-to-region products • Half-a-dozen global launches When InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd announced in October 2015 that it was getting out of its till then co-locationing with GITEX, and would stage the InfoComm Middle East and Africa (IFMEA) event on its own from 2016, with a separate timing, it indeed made subject for a high degree of speculations and uncertainties across the industry spectrum (barring the strong believers, though) that appeared to dampen the spirit of the event. Timing and location were taken to be the two most important factors working against the spirit. While its timing of being immediately after the National Day weekend, and just a few weeks before the much-touted ISE 2017 was taken to be both leisure and revelling time for the Arab customers on one side and critical planning time for ‘never-miss-ISE’ enthusiasts on the other; location of the venue a little away from the rear/far end of the Dubai World Trade Centre – its traditional hosting place – in the newly-built Za’abeel Hall was taken to be too inconvenient for movement of men and material. It might have been so for a while, when it opened as per the plan, on 6 December, as it was comparatively quieter than the preceding, sort-of-frenzied editions. But hold! A couple of hours down the line, the whole mood appeared in for a pleasant change. A steady trickle of visitors spending a quality time on the booths, and exhibitors being able to engage them in seemingly focussed discussions appeared to change, and up the ante. By the end of day one, it indeed had a generic sense

• @150 exhibiting brands from 20 countries • 24 Summit Sessions • 3160 visitors of relief among the exhibitors that the visitors they had to field were very relevant to their business. InfoComm, having been through oddities in the run up to the event, made some commendable efforts to ensure that visitors and exhibitors were comforted to the venue: it kept free shuttle service from the plaza area (entrance of earlier venues) to the current venue; it had ushers holding the directional placards from the plaza area through the main WTC building walkways to the rear end; and then laying a red carpet pathway all up to the venue. “This is a smart move,” felt a Sudanese visitor accompanying SI Asia taking the long walk. “It would have been difficult had they not done it.” It was “impressive” for another visitor Said H. Al-Waleed from Kuwait. For the Pro-AV, and studio consultant, the show floor did appear quiet but allowed him to scan it thoroughly, and get to know about the solutions on display comparatively better. “The InfoComm organizers did a great job…It ensured the visitors could easily find their way to the new location,” commended the spokesperson from B-Tech AV Mounts who vouched for a super impact for the visitor approach to their booth. “It was pleasing to see that most fellow exhibitors had invested heavily in the event with the quality of stands being high throughout. B-Tech were particularly delighted to receive a high amount of praise for our own stand,” he complimented.

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

“The quality of stand visitors throughout the show was particularly surprising. Without the pull of Gitex, numbers were undoubtedly down slightly on previous years, but it was clear that every visitor to B-Tech’s stand had great potential, resulting in leads of a very high quality. So good, in fact, that we received orders from some stand visitors before the show had finished!” While the mounting solutions major from the UK showcased a wide selection of its portfolio, its recent launch System X’s versatility appeared to be popular. Brought to the region for the first time, the System X offering including trolleys, freestanding and kiosk solutions, attracted a great deal of visitor interest. Says Jon Alway, B-Tech’s MEA Sales Manager: “Our sales B-Tech booth and brand awareness have been gaining strength at a rapid pace and this year, yet again, the show has greatly exceeded our expectations.”

The Navori Labs booth

Digital signage solutions provider Navori Labs was among the other booths that was seen with a steady flow of visitors stamped ‘seriously business focused’ by its booth representative Issa Makakhmreh. “It’s been pretty good time for us here; we had very focussed visitors,” said the Swiss major’s MEA Sales Director. “We have already closed some good deals.” D3 Technologies was another happy exhibitor. “We had a great show, and it was wonderful to meet so many new contacts in the region,” said Peter Kirkup, D3’s Technical Sales Manager for EMEA. That’s a pretty much positive sentiment shared by most other exhibitors and visitors as well, commending the new initiative made by the show organizers. “Yes, the show is quieter than the preceding years, but appears more focussed now,” felt Glen Harris, Director of Sales EAME, Systems Group, QSC.

“We have seen some serious visitors keen about business.” So was his booth colleague Rod Geary, International Sales & Marketing Manager, Clock Audio when he felt the sentiment was pretty much positive. SGTC, the Dubai-based distributor that trades in both QSC and Clock Audio, chose to move with the IFMEA to the new venue.

QSC’s Glen Harris

Richard Tan, InfoCommAsia’s Executive Director, and spearhead of the event organizers, appeared a much relieved, if not pumped-up man. Talking to SI Asia, at the fag end of the show, the IFA chief sounded emphatic. “At this time, (one hour from the closure of the show) I can say with confidence that we made the right decision.” The InfoComm Exec expressed confidence that ‘the event has finally found its right footing.’ “It took us five years to gain this footing,” says Richard. “It is for us now to convince the industry that this is the right thing to do. We are going to continue to stage the show independently, and grow it both in terms of size and attendance.” (Read separate interview)

Tech sessions at IFMEA

“IFMEA 2016 was a great show for a re-engineered event,” chips in Gaurab Majumdar, Regional Director, IMEA, InfoComm International. “Not only could we meet and interact with members from near markets like Qatar, UAE, Iran, KSA, and farther markets like Egypt, but also had a steady spread of people on the show floor, from across the region,” he said. “That we had over 500 audiences at the technical sessions showed that IFMEA commands the same attraction as it was, and we look forward to getting better.” For one, the IFMEA 2016 show floor did pose smaller and quieter, but in substance, it apparently bettered its presentation essentials: ‘quality visitors, and quality time for business between them and the exhibitors.’ Apparently, it scored one more positive that it will be back to its ‘original venue’ in Hall-7 & 8 of the DWTC in 2017, and more or less on the same dates, with just one day pre-adjustment- Dec 5-7.

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

From the Show Floor The IFMEA 2016 – held in conjunction with the Digital Signage summit – had a combination of both the segments on it show floor, represented by both manufacturers, and their local partners. It therefore showed, more or less, all that it had been known for. Impressive new launches, expressively large booths and demos, focused tech sessions and encouraging interactions. The audio segment comprised regular majors like AudiCom, Biamp, beyerdynamic, Clock Audio, Dynacord, Electro-Voice, Harman, K-Array, QSC, Sennheiser, Shure, Taiden, Televic and Yamaha, besides others. The video segment, for a change did not have majors in the strict sense of the term, but had Barco shown through its local partner VenueTech. However, the Display segment had a substantial representation dotted by majors like Delta, dnp, Leyard, LG, Mitsubishi, NEC, PeerlessAV, SiliconCare, and Uniview. Coming under more or less same segment were monitor majors such as Arthur Holm and Soltec, besides touch-screen technologists like Displax. Mounting solutions segment was, of course, dominated by B-Tech Mounts showing in two places – both on the IFMEA side as well as Digital Signage Summit side – Eurotruss, and Vogel’s, besides a couple more. The combined segment of processors, encoders and decoders and switching solutions had majors such as AMX – returning after a long gap – Analog Way, Antrica – the new comer with exciting solutions – BlackBox, BrightSign, Cayin Technology, d3 Technologies, Extron, IDK, IHSE USA, Lightware Visual Engineering, and RGBLink, besides others.

Audio Notable among the audio solutions on the show were from Clock Audio, QSC, Sennheiser, Shure, Taiden and Televic. Clock Audio, introduced to the region, its combination product launched at InfoComm USA- the CCRM4000-C303W-RF retractable, motorized ceiling Tri-Element Hanging microphone array. Designed for A/V conferencing, the new product offers consultants, integrators and designers a new option when specifying hanging microphones that need to be completely retractable. The CCRM4000-C303W-RF is optimized for speech intelligibility and features the same three high quality Cardioid capsules that cover a 3600 pick-up pattern, with each independent capsule being RF immune and capturing approximately 1200. The easy to install unit is compatible with all popular DSP units, and for applications where table microphones are not an option, the C303W-RF offers a great alternative to bring the microphone capsules closer to the participant, with a minimal foot print in the conference room. The retractable unit enables the microphone to completely withdraw back into the ceiling when not in use, leaving the room aesthetically pleasing and ready for other functions. “It’s a great unit, solid in specs, and beautiful for design appeal to accentuate the interiors of any conferencing setups,” explains Rod Geary. At the other of the SGTC booth

that showcased Clock Audio, was the QSC showing again its InfoCommUSA-launched AV-to-USB Bridging solution that combines the Q-SYS I/OUSB Bridge and two PTZ-IP conferencing cameras Q-SYS PTZ-12X72 and Q-SYS PTZ20X60. The system is claimed to solve the problem of the meeting room geography when integrating soft codec conferencing with camera feeds and audio by introducing IPbased cameras and USB bridge into the Q-SYS platform.

Rod Geary of ClockAudio

“The system is shown for the first time here, and is well taken,” informs Glen Harris of QSC. “While Q-Sys been there for some time with good demand, the Bridging Solution is what is doubly exciting the market.” Sennheiser made a global debut of its new wireless gooseneck microphone for its SpeechLine Digital Wireless system. SL Tablestand 153-S DW and SL Tablestand 133-S DW, the company's new wireless base QSC showcased its AV-to-USB Bridging solution units for SpeechLine Digital Wireless, feature wireless induction charging and can be conveniently monitored and controlled by Sennheiser’s Control Cockpit. “This system was created to be the first to meet the demand for a wireless microphones dedicated purely to speech,” said Ryan Burr, Technical Sales Manager at Sennheiser Middle East. “It offers easy installation and operation, a high level of reliability and future-proof technology to deliver supreme speech clarity,”

Visitors at Sennheiser booth

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Another highlight of Sennheiser’s booth was live demonstrations of its flagship TeamConnect system. The German manufacturer, in association with its local partner VenueTech, planned for three 30-minute live demonstrations of the system on all the three days by conferencing with its colleagues in Germany via Skype for Business. “As they switch between table and ceiling mics, attendees will get to witness first-hand the features and benefits of each option,” explained Burr. Further, Sennheiser also sought to highlight its MobileConnect solution, an assistive listening system that uses the BYOD principle via an app for those who need assistance in hearing. The MEA division of American audio major Shure unveiled for the region its newly-launched SystemOn Audio Asset Management Software, a solution designed to complement the company’s existing wireless systems by providing management and control across enterprise-wide deployments. The solution is capable of remotely monitoring battery life, audio levels, and RF/spectrum status for various Shure hardware devices, enabling AV/IT technicians to control these devices from a central location.

At the other end of the hall, on the Venuetech booth, sharing the other side of Sennheiser’s SpeechLine demo was Televic Conference that highlighted its award-winning uniCOS Multimedia 10” conference system, and Televic Interpreter Desk system, besides the Plixus Powered network technology. Built on the foundations of 7" version, uniCOS 10" translates the multimedia concept to a new scale in that it more than doubles the active display area to give participants more room. With an increased resolution (up to 1280×800), the display allows for more on-screen information. With a built-in 3 MP camera, the uniCOS 10" makes it easy to create a video stream that follows the microphone activity. Designed the professional interpreter, the Televic Interpreter Desk optimizes the limited space in the typically packed interpreter booths and complies with ISO standard for interpreter equipment. It helps freelance, residential and visually impaired interpreters to do their job better, more focused and yet more relaxed.

Herman Geerinck, Televic’s Sales Manager

The Shure team

ShureMEA booth display was also highlighted by its networkable conferencing audio solution, Microflex Advance. Introduced early this year at ISE 2016, the Microflex is designed to dramatically improve the audio quality for modern conferencing applications where pristine speech intelligibility is of utmost importance. The Dante-enabled solution perfectly fits with any room aesthetics, provides seamless integration and ease of use and flexibly adapts to any room configuration. Chinese conferencing major Taiden introduced to the region its flagship HCS-8366 and 8368 Series G3 Paperless Multimedia Congress System that sought to elevate its predecessor solution. The system comes in two variants of 14-inch and 10-inch (1920 x1080 and 1920 x 1200 respectively) sizes of HD TFT LCD touch panel that support multi-touch operation. Built on Taiden’s proprietary technology mMediaCongress platform, the system is a featurerich proposition packaged with 8 mega pixel camera with flashpoint, 64CHs x 2 independent volume controls, built-ine-ink electronic name plate, and more, besides an ultra-thin design of just 6.5 mm screen edge thickness for stylish and ergonomic appeal to the user.

“The systems have been well accepted in the region with some of the biggest and impressive projects deploying the technology,” vouches Herman Geerinck, Televic’s Sales Manager.

Displays The display segment, expressive as usual, was dominated by majors like Delta, dnp, Displax, Leyard, LG, Mitsubishi, and SiliconCare. The segment also had newcomers in the form of NEC, Transtech and Uniview. Delta Displays highlighted its vast product portfolio with their Xtra slim Laser: Freedom Series that is characterised by 560mm depth, boasting the world’s highest brightness in its line. The laser cubes offer Full HD resolution and excellent standards in colour depth and high contrast ratios to deliver magnificent 3D-like image quality. Also on display was Delta’s highly adaptable and expandable IP-based Distributive Vision Control System (DVCS), capable of supporting large-scale display walls up to 10,000 display units, all in real time. With 4K (4096 x 4096) input support, Delta’s embedded vision control system MiNiCON is a real-time, lossless and fully embedded display wall controller capable

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

detects an extensive number of simultaneous rapidly moving inputs. This, in turn, combined with DISPLAX enhanced touch algorithms, results in a superior touch experience. Typical applications are Interactive digital signage, Multitouch tables, Retail, Entertainment, Gaming, Military, Industrial and Vending.

The Delta booth

of supporting multiple high resolution 4K/RGB/Video signals. Other attraction on Delta’s booth was the high-impact 1.8mm Fine Pitch indoor LED displays.

Leyard Optoelectronics brought to the region the new variations of its InfoComm-USA launched TWA Series fine pitch LED video walls available in 0.9, 1.2, 1.4, 1.8 and 2.5 mm pitches. Architected to support the highest pixel density and deliver benefits unique to its 54” flat panel design, including a 16:9 form factor optimized for most popular high resolution standards, the new TWA Series brings to place ease of installation and service, and outstanding flatness and uniformity. The new Leyard TWA1.2 and TWA1.8 models feature all the benefits of the Leyard TW Series’ unique design while delivering power-efficiency.

Danish display screen solutions major dnp denmark demonstrated its new, innovative projector-cabinet-fitted LaserPanel solution that seeks to bring cost-effective and aesthetic display solution for any AV set-up. The projector cabinet can be combined with side cabinets, so customers can create unique integrated display and storage solutions in a clean Danish design. According to Anjum Parwaiz, Area Sales Manager, the new projector cabinet is part of a range of accessories for the dnp 100” LaserPanel display, which was introduced in 2015. Optimized for standard ceiling heights and room for 8 to 12 people, the 100” dnp LaserPanel is ideal for medium-sized meeting rooms, classrooms and training facilities. The projector cabinet comes with an electric door for easy operation. With the push of a button, the projector slides into projection mode. All side dnp solution showcase cabinets are half the height of the projector cabinet, making two side cabinets stacked on top of each other perfectly aligned with the projector cabinet. Made with one, two or three compartments, the side cabinets come with one shelf and no front door as standard. Drawers, extra shelves and front doors in different materials and finishes, including fabric that allows sound and IR signals to pass through, can be ordered separately. Portuguese capacitive multi-touch large format solutions provider Displax brought to IFMEA its Skin Ultra high performance multi-touch system. Featuring 100 simultaneous finger touches, 5ms touch response rate and available from sizes 30'' to 105'', Skin Ultra has a clear highly transparent touch sensor, and uses a high resolution conductive grid that

Leyard’s TWA Series

Other highlight of Leyard product display was its CarbonLight LED wall as well as the Clartiy Matrix MX Series LCD video wall solutions. “While Leyard has been a common name at IFMEA, Planer never exhibited; however, having come under Leyard, Planer is seen here, for the first time,” says Desiree Cendon, International Marketing Director. “It’s been a pretty good show; we have had some very focused visitors.” Mitsubishi Electric brought, among many other attractions, its new Direct View, narrow pixel pitch (NPP) LED display, for the first time outside of the USA. Designed and developed inhouse by Mitsubishi’s HQs in Japan, specifically for command and control applications, the 130” diagonal and 1.5mm pixel pitch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 packages individual pixels in 3-in-1 SMD LEDs. “The new NPP LED is the result of over two-years of evaluation and development, particularly for long-term colour stability of LED and potential operator fatigue due to excessive brightness,” explains Ron Schouwenburg, Mitsubishi’s Manager Coordination LSI Support Group, Display Systems Group. According to him, the commercial launch of the NPP LED would happen in the first quarter of 2017. Mitsubishi also exhibited three examples of DLP cubes. The popular ‘Slim cube’ VS-60HS12 cube as one of the newest additions to the range, and practical alternative to LCDs; the 120 Series range of DLP cubes designed for medium

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

specification Command and Control applications; and the flagship 78 Series high specification displays cubes designed for the most demanding applications. The LED light source come with an average lifespan of 100,000 hours, and requires little or no maintenance ensuring minimal operating costs. The Series is represented by the latest 62” model featuring reduced gap for exceptional screen continuity.

Shenzhen based display solutions major Uniview exhibited its diverse range of display solutions that included the BOS Series with 6.25 pixel pitch models aimed at outdoor application, and EI and MI Series in three variants of 2.8mm, 3.4mm, and 3.9mm pixel pitch, and the NIC Series, also meant for Indoor applications, but with different pixel pitch ranges of 2.6mm, 3.1 mm, 4.8mm, and 6.2mm pixel pitches.

A/V Gear: Switchers/Processors/Encoders The AV gear segment comprising Switchers, Processors and Encoders got its representation from AMX, Analog Way, Antrica, Biamp, BlackBox, BrightSign, Cayin Technology, Digibird Technology, d3 Technologies, Extron Electronics, ihsE USA, Lightware Engineering, Magnimage, RGB Link, and TriColor.

Alongside the DLP solutions, also showcased were the Mitsubishi booth LCD videowall displaysmost advanced LCD video wall display yet, the ultra-narrow bezel L55P2 featuring HD display and wafer-thin (3.5mm) bezel, making them ideal for compact and cost-effective applications requiring exceptional performance. Common Cathode LED manufacturer SiliconCore highlighted its exhibits with the new Camellia 0.95mm LED display, its smallest pixel pitch offering yet, that brings the benefits of very fine pixel pitch to applications requiring extremely close proximity viewing. Packaging superb contrast ratio and gray scale qualities to achieve 1700 Nits in brightness, the Camellia solution gives a 4K resolution at 165” diagonal size. However, optimum viewing can be experienced at less than one meter.

SiliconCore booth

According to Steve Scorse, VP-EMEA, ‘the unique and patented Common Cathode technology makes this innovation possible, negating the need for an external ballast resistor on the Red LED so that tighter formations can be created At 0.95mm, even the smallest details are visible, so that large data sets can be viewed with the highest degree of precision.” Also on display at SiliconCore’s booth were Tulip Outdoor 3.9mm; Lavender 1.2mm; Magnolia 1.50mm; and Orchid 1.9mm as well as the launch of its first Transparent LED display at a 3.9mm pixel pitch.

AMX booth

AMX, making a re-entry to IFMEA, under the banner of Martin Professional ME on the Venuetech booth, brought to show the SVSI network media product family that include AV over IP video encoders, decoders, audio transceiver, network video recorders, IP windowing/wall processors, and video management systems, as well as video over IP application system solutions. The award winning line of JPEG 2000 encoders and decoders included models that route 4K UHD video over 1 Gbs networks. “SVSI networked AV products are easy to install and use,” explains Abhishek Guha, Sales Manager at Martin Pro ME. “They support point-to-multipoint streaming and distributed matrix switching for small/large and symmetric/asymmetric configurations,” he elaborated. “It’s as simple as knowing how many sources you want to distribute over the network and where you want to distribute them.” French computer and video signal processing solutions provider Analog Way brought two important products among others to show. The VIO 4K, a premium multi-format converter that includes a variety of innovative features for LED wall applications, and the Ascender 48 -4K-PL, a powerful multiscreen seamless switcher based on the new updated LiveCore platform. Natively equipped with 7 inputs and 1 multi-plug output, VIO 4K enables scaling and cross-conversion of a multitude of signals (Dual-link DVI, DisplayPort, HDMI, 6G-SDI, video SPF, Analog…) supporting formats up to 4K 30Hz 4:4:4 (4K 60Hz 4:4:4 via expansion modules).

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

can be controlled using a simple remote control: Quad Static Display - where the 4K monitor displays 4 streams in 1920 x 1080p onto 4 quadrants on the screen, live view mode with no downtime in viewing; Quad Switching Display - where the 4K monitor displays as 4 quadrants and each of them can ‘switch’ in between multiple streams up to 10 streams; and the Single View Full Screen - where the user can select any of the 10 programmed streams and view it in full screen mode. The Spot Box 4K will upscale all that feed to display on the 4K monitor. Analog Way’s Ascender 48 -4K-PL, a powerful multiscreen seamless switcher

Perfectly adapted for non-standard signal management, notably for LED walls, VIO 4K offers unique features and functionalities such as: output rotation with no additional latency, custom output resolution, advanced management of the area of interest, and unlimited layer resizing capabilities. A large 3.5’ TFT color screen enables live visualization of sources as well as audio monitoring. Outstanding features for the high-end presentation market on the LiveCore Series of 4K premium AV video processors makes it extremely powerful multi-screen seamless switcher with 48 scalers comprising 12 inputs, 4 outputs, and 6 true-seamless scaled layers, plus a native background layer per output. An unparalleled operating mode, the Perspective Layer is available as an option for all Ascender 48 - 4K units. British H.264 video over IP solutions provider Antrica made its debut at the IFMEA with some stunning product innovations. Amongst the range of impressive encoders and decoders, including 4K UHD encoder, and 4K Quad decoder, was Antrica’s newly ‘Spot Box 4K’, which decodes ONVIF IP camera streams and displays them in quad view on a 4K monitor. Spot Box 4K is a said to be unique product and brings simplicity to IP camera viewing that has not been seen since the ‘spot monitor’ days, hence the name! Ideal for applications requiring viewing through multiple IP cameras on a 4K or HD display, without compromising on simplicity of use, cost or camera resolution the Spot Box 4K finds impactful usage in a variety of situations. It can connect to a 4K or HD monitor using a HDMI cable eliminating the need for PC based set ups.

Biamp Systems, coming through its local partner Dutco Tennant LLC, highlighted its portfolio with the fancied TesiraLUX that brought the 4K networked video over the Tesira Platform, with the combination of Tesira Lux IDH-1 AVB Encoder and Tesira Lux OH-1 Decoder. The groundbreaking solution transports both audio and video signals over a single network through the reliability of AVB/TSN. TesiraLUX supports the latest advancements in video formats, including 4096x2160 at 60Hz, high dynamic range (HDR) and the Rec. 2020 color space. It can accept video at up to 16-bit color depth with 4:4:4 chroma subsampling. It also supports Biamp solutions on display 8-channels of embedded PCM audio which can be broken out to be routed and processed independently. The system also manages EDID automatically between the TesiraLUX device and the input source/output display thanks to scalers in both the encoder and decoder. By utilizing AVB/TSN, TesiraLUX guarantees a total system latency of less than two frames (33ms at 60Hz), including scaling, compression, and network transit. AVB/TSN bandwidth reservation capabilities coupled with TesiraLUX’s bandwidth management tools also sets up customers to create truly converged networks rather than dedicated AV media distribution network infrastructure. British video production suite solutions provider d3 Technologies demonstrated its full d3 workflow including simulation for projection mapping, LED mapping installation

Antrica made its debut at IFMEA

The Spot Box will have three viewing options all of which

d3 Technologies demonstrated its full d3 workflow

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

and 3D visual jobs. Together with the d3 Designer software, d3 also showed its full d3 media server hardware offering of the d3 2x2plus, d3 4x4pro, and a sneak preview of the d3 2x4pro which is slated for launch in January 2017. According to Nikita Bazalo, Marketing Manager at d3, the pro-range servers feature d3’s unique, patented, ‘VFC card’ technology for extremely low latency management of signal splitting and distribution, and enable the 4x4pro to feature up to 16x 1920x1200 outputs, and the 2x4pro to have up to 8 outputs of HD, in either DVI or SDI format, or two 4K outputs. “The d3 2x4pro would be launched in January 2017,” she clarified. Extron Electronics introduced to Middle East its recently launched Quantum Ultra modular 4K videowall processor with high-performance scaling and windowing technology for a wide range of applications. The Quantum Ultra features the Extron Vector 4K 4:4:4 scaling engine and 400 Gbps HyperLane video bus capable of carrying a multitude of highresolution sources for unmatched real-time performance. A single processor can support multiple videowalls with mixed resolutions and screen orientations, providing flexible system design with minimal complexity and cost. Customizable output resolutions, output overlap, and mullion compensation provide compatibility with nearly any display technology. Quantum Ultra’s configurability, features, and performance make it a future-ready solution for any videowall application. Showing yet another ‘freshinto-the-market’ streaming media processor – the SMP 111 – Ton Hendriks, Product Marketing Manager detailed that high performance recording and streaming Extron’s Ton Hendriks with ‘freshinto-the-market’ streaming media processor accepts an HDMI signal with embedded audio processor – the SMP 111 and an analog audio signal and supports extensive streaming capabilities; it can record and stream simultaneously, with independent resolutions and bit rates using a range of transport protocols and session management options. Lightware Engineering brought to show, among others, its first HDMI2.0 standalone matrix switcher – the MX2-8x8HDMI20-Audio – that supports uncompromised 4K UHD resolution at 60Hz 4:4:4, and is particularly suitable for offices and meeting rooms, for 4K live events, and for future proof operation centers, besides home theater enthusiasts who demand the highest quality along with HDMI2.0 and 4K@60Hz video signals.

MONITORS & MOUNTS The Monitors segment as usual is represented by Arthur Holm and Soltec. Spanish video-conferencing monitor solution provider Arthur Holm brought to demonstrate its latest innovation under its DynamicShare brand- the DB2, its slimmest version yet. The new DB2 retractable monitor range with just 20mm of depth creates minimum impact on the furniture design: easy to integrate, intuitive to use (one aligned aluminium button) and almost invisible (no cover plate) when not in operation. Monitors are elegant, beautiful from all angles, and discreetly integrated into the meeting room table, disappearing within the desk with a harmonious silent drive. Design and functionality have been intelligently combined to create this advanced and unique monitor range. Also on display was the elegant DynamicX2 monitors built from a solid aluminium block. Explains Oscar Ayala, Sales Area Manager-ME: “They come with a vertical motorised movement with an automatic 20° tilt to ensure the best ergonomics, visibility and viewing angle. More, slightly curved edges for a classic, modern look and are available with a matt screen, a black edged anti- reflection glass, or with a golden flash finish.” The range is available from 15" to 22" and it can be customised with single or double retractable microphones, speakers, voting systems, USB connectors and camera. Another Spanish VC monitor solutions provider Soltec brought to show floor their RET Series state-of-the-art, high end retractable and motorized monitors in four variants: RET-G Line, A Line, and F Line- all coming in anodized aluminium housing with rounded corners and protective glass with black border serigraphy, front bezel and bevelled edges respectively. The RET-L Line comes in painted steel housing with square edges. All lines with 20º tilt adjustment at user choice with two extra pushbuttons located on the cover plate. More, connectable with VGA and DVI inputs, they can be controlled by LAN throurRS-422 or 485. British mounting solutions major Peerless-AV coming through their local partner Almoe Digital, brought a range that is highlighted by what is claimed to be ‘king of video wall mounts’- the new SmartMount Supreme DS-VW775 full service video wall mount. Showing up as part of the Digital Signage Summit, Peerless-AV also exhibited its award-winning DSVW765-LQR full service quick release video wall mount. The Supreme DS-VW775 set a new standard for mounts in terms of ease of install and display alignment in that it packages great time-saving installation benefits, including tool-less lateral micro-adjustment, single-hand pop out serviceability, lightweight structure, distinct red levers and reusable spacers for both portrait and landscape applications. The mounting giant also displayed its new KIPC555 (-S)EUK Portrait Kiosk for ultra-thin mount that comes with just 3.00"/72mm deep, and holds displays up to 55", besides an SR598 large format trolley supporting a 55" Microsoft Surface Hub.

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Dutch mounting solutions major Vogel’s brought a vast range of solutions that included Pop-Up mounts, XL display mounts, videoconferencing, hospitality mounts, besides those for kiosks and digital menuboards. Meeting Room solutions provider Evoko brought to show a wide range of solutions that included Evoko Liso Room Manager, Goupe, Minto, and SMS Media Cabinet Totem. “That meeting room solutions are indispensable across the Evoko meeting room solutions verticals, our solutions are fully agnostic,” explains Mohammed Ilyaz, Regional Sales Manager. “Evoko is therefore, everywhere; and we find it expanding rather fast.” www.infocomm-mea.com

New At IFMEA 2016 Keeping in line with its tradition of bringing solutions to the region, IFMEA turned platform for some new product launches for the region, some of them being global launches, while some others having been brought to light for the first time after their announcement a few weeks ago. The most notable included the VIO 4K premium multi-format converter from Analog Way; new, slim DynamicX2 conferencing monitor solution from Arthur Holm; System X mounting solution from B-Tech AV Mounts; Quantum Ultra 4K Videowall Processor, and Streaming Media Processor (SMP) 111 from Extron; TWA Series LED and ClarityMatrix MX Series LCD videowalls from Leyard-Planar; SL Tablestand 153-S DW, and SL Tablestand 133-S DW wireless base units (for SpeechLine Digital Wireless systems) from Sennheiser; SystemOn solution from ShureMEA; and Paperless Multimedia Congress system from Taiden. Some of the other new products on show included iRoom, iBezel, and iTop automation interfacing touchpanels from AudioCom MEA; UV950A wide angle, and multiple video interfacing full HD conferencing camera from Minray Industry, and LED-508F high performance video processor from Shenzhen Magnimage.

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EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

INTERVIEW

IFMEA: A New Journey With Right Footing SI Asia: Moving away from being alongside GITEX, and also a different timing...How do you think it helped the cause of IFMEA? RICHARD: Right question to begin with. Today (at this time, one hour from the closure of the show), I can say with confidence that we made the right decision. The key reason why we didn’t want to continue with GITEX was that our show was getting completely overshadowed by it. While we did enjoy to a small degree the flow of visitor footfalls from GITEX into our event because of integration of the two with no boundary in between, we realized that the quality we wanted wasn’t coming through. We were not getting people who are relevant to our show, and we had no means of stopping them from spilling over which meant we ended up wasting time- talking to people who do not understand AV, to come our booths and make enquiries about our products. It had no relevance to the show. That was key to our deciding to move apart. Second, GITEX being such a big show, people have a lot of problems getting there, and spending enough time with exhibitors. If you have to wait two hours to find a place in the parking lot, fight crazy traffic to get out of the WTC, besides paying high prices for hotel rooms, just because of the GITEX demand, visitors end up rushing from one booth to the other in order to cover both shows in one day.

InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd began a ‘new journey’ in the Middle East by making a ‘standalone’ presence recently in Dubai World Trade Centre. While the measure was taken with an alarmingly high degree of speculation in the run-up to the event, the InfoComm Middle East & Africa 2016 has made some very pleasant turnouts, and paved the way for many positives towards its own identity in the region. SI Asia grabbed a tête-à-tête with Richard Tan, Executive Director of InfoCommAsia, to know more about the directions and dimensions of the event in time. Excerpts:

For GITEX, it may be okay primarily because it’s also a consumer-oriented event with people just wanting to know the prices of exhibits and compare one to the other. With InfoComm, you know it’s not, and cannot be. People need quality time, sharing project details and requirements through meaningful discussions before they place an enquiry with the exhibitors who also needed to understand the visitors to sell their solutions- all of which wasn’t there being alongside GITEX, and this is what we essentially tried to bring in.

SI Asia: How about the notion that GITEX provided a channel for connecting with decision makers in governments of the region, the all-important connect for business? How is that aspect complemented? RICHARD: For the last three years, we had been making efforts to tap on these supposedly vital government links because various government pavilions were right next door to our show. But by experience, we realized that all those people at the government pavilions were not relevant to our show. They were not the decision makers; neither were they involved with technologies we talked about. And those flowing into InfoComm show from GITEX side probably mattered on day one because a key functionary of the regional government visited the event, and thus a few of the decision makers also were there. But rest of the time, it’s a different story. The numbers that filled on day two were not relevant to the show.

EXHIBITION REVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Against this, for an independent InfoComm show, we see a better chance of government people coming because we reach out to them, to the exact person in different ministries and functional organs, and we try to get them to the show. Therefore, if we see a government official or decision maker coming to the show now, we know that they came because of this show, and are expecting something from the different AV solutions shown on the floor.

SI Asia: To what extent do you feel you have been able to do that? RICHARD: What we try doing as much as we can is to use our educational programmes to spread the message, and convince people to come and see various technologies live at the show. From our conversations with various sections of governments over the last few years, developing the show, we realized how they didn’t know about AV; and the thing to get them to the show is to open up an opportunity of knowing what all it can bring to them, and what goes behind making the AV technology. This, we are trying to make by organizing customised sessions for them, designed to address their needs so that they come and spend some quality time on the show floor, with exhibitors. We believe the efforts brought a lot of positives.

SI Asia: One of the consistent expectations from the exhibitors is bringing/getting in the End Users. Have you been able to address this expectation? RICHARD: Honestly, I’m quite surprised. This being the first independent show, I wasn’t having much of an expectation on this count. It is always quite challenging getting End Users upfront for any “new event”, in the strict sense. But we are quite happily surprised that we got more End Users than we hoped for. That’s a great score, and we believe that’s the result of our strong homework and focused efforts over a long period. We were confident if we do our homework proper, results will come, not immediately but certainly. While we’re confident we will have some really good numbers from third year onwards, we are quite happily surprised we got more End User numbers than we expected first time itself.

SI Asia: What homework did you do? RICHARD: Aah, a lot. From one-to-one meetings with major institutions, and key government officials in various ministries of the region to focused presentations; from road shows to advertising; from tele-marketing to social media campaignwe did all that across the region like Doha, Dubai and even Teheran. We held a press conference in Teheran and as many as 25 media persons attended the programme, and they were inquisitive. Our work is perhaps best explained in the fact that the President of Iran Chamber of Commerce himself came to the show with a delegation, besides about 40 business persons from the country. It was real tough work, but we did all that with significant investment in time and money. We have been working with a database of over 200, 000 connections with this pursuit of making InfoComm MEA come and stand alone, successfully.

SI Asia: This edition's venue is simply put not very convenient, though many visitors appreciated the effort put in to the directional signs and transport. Are we looking at the same space for the 2017 edition? RICHARD: Ram, we are just fortunate. Honestly, just as you walked in, I had the meeting with the venue people, and managed to secure the venue for next year- just 13 minutes ago. Next year, we are going to be in Hall 7 & 8 which are by far the best locations in the entire DWTC complex. It’s the same halls we were in in 2011. So, it’s like going a full circle in six years and coming to the same venue where we started, and it’s going to be much more comfortable in terms of location and access.

SI Asia: Having done all this, what would be the new offerings from the IFMEA 2017 to make it more compelling for the exhibitors as well as visitors? RICHARD: Yes, we are focusing on building the show. We believe it has finally found its right footing; it took us five years to gain this footing; it is for us now to convince the industry that this is the right thing to do. We are going to continue to stage the show independently, and grow it both in terms of size and attendance. We will try doing every single bit that adds genuine value and improves the show. As a measure of this, we will introduce AR & VR with the show next year. We are working with some major players in this segment. We will also focus more on the digital signage, and universities. While education segment is one of the biggest takers of AV, we also see some of the biggest AR & VR applications being implemented by this segment, and hence the focus. I wouldn’t want to divulge more details at this time, but it’s certainly going to be different next year.

SI Asia: One last question… Keeping in view expectations of some sections, would IFMEA explore options of going to other countries in the region, as it proceeds in time? RICHARD: Hahahhah…It’s very gratifying to get this question every time I travel to a country in the region, but honestly, InfoComm is not a commercial organization; it’s a nonprofit industry organization working to evolve means and opportunities for bettering the industry value-adds. Right now, having the show in Dubai makes perfect sense and we intend to continue staging the show here. It’s the hub of the region, and visitors from the other countries in the Middle East like coming to Dubai and this works for the show. www.infocomm-mea.com

EXHIBITION PREVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Secutech 2017 Introduces Two New Featured Areas Other dedicated zones include the Software Innovation Zone, which features advanced concepts and breakthroughs in software and platform connecting security devices, as well as the Intelligent Solution Pavilion where intelligent solutions for transportation, retail businesses and factories will be presented.

CompoSec and Secutech Awards deliver solutions and insights Alongside the product showcase at Secutech, a series of fringe events will be arranged to add value to the visitor experience. The CompoSec and Secutech Awards are two major events that display innovative solutions and new insights. Secutech will return for its 20th edition from 12 – 14 April 2017, celebrating its status as the ideal platform to explore and expand business for the global safety and security industry. Held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, the show will house more than 450 exhibitors across an exhibition space of over 35,800 sqm. Prominent brands have already confirmed their participation, including ALGATEC, Antaira, BXB, Dahua, DINTEK, Hikvision, Hi-Sharp, HOMESCENARIO, Lilin, Rotasun, Shany, SYRIS, TIBBO, Vivotek and Yoda. Secutech 2017 is expected to attract more than 26,000 visitors from different parts of the world. Introducing the highlights of the upcoming edition, Ms Regina Tsai, Deputy General Manager of the show organiser said: “After two decades, Secutech has established itself as a must-attend event for professionals from the safety and security industry. Striving to stay on top and keep up with the fast-developing technologies, the fair never ceases to offer visitors the latest trends and market intelligence. In 2017, two brand new featured areas including the Intelligent Video Analytics Demo and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Application Pavilion, will be erected in light of the surging demands of related technology applications across different business sectors.” The Intelligent Video Analytics Demo will debut in response to the prosperous development of the market. Video analytics technology continues to mature with innovations in intelligent image analysis and 3D, which can be applied to security management and other commercial purposes. Thus, solution providers such as Digifort, HuperLab, IRONYUN, LIPS, NX, OlnfO, SKYREC and TCIT are going to make good use of the Secutech platform to showcase their state-of-the-art products and technologies. Visitors will be able to see live demos of smart video tracking, 2D / 3D people counting, direction detection and hot spot analysis. Also new to the fair is the UAV Application Pavilion, where visitors can understand how drones incorporate the integration of wireless remote technology and vision, as well as its applications in security for detection and rescue purposes.

The CompoSec forum will highlight four technology trends that unfold the future development in the area of R&D. The first trend will be on security components, focusing on the applications of H.265 codec in chips, VCA / IVS1 image processing chips, biometrics chips and more. The IoT component trend will emphasise the application of sensors in smart factory, healthcare, smart home and internet of cars. The CPU / GPU / MCU2 Platform refers to core chips for CPU / GPU servers to provide quality video data processing and MCU for controllers and sensors that fulfil IoT applications. The fourth trend will center on transmission and highlight LoRa, NB-IoT and SIG-FOX wireless transmission. Secutech Award 2017 will display and review the next generation 4K UHD intelligent image monitoring performance. Through the demonstration, award-winning suppliers will showcase their products and underline their strengths on image control, video smart stream saving, smart videos, as well as storage capability and software. Visitors will find it easier to make comparisons and evaluations according to their requirements to source the best products. Secutech is organised by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd and is held concurrently with SMAhome Expo and Fire & Safety. For more details, please visit www. secutech.com. Alternatively, please call Ms Danielle Lin at +886 2 8729 1017, or send an email to danielle.lin@newera. messefrankfurt.com.

The 20th International Security Expo 12 – 14 April 2017 Taipei, Taiwan

Entire Security Ecosystem in Your Hand Elevate security solutions to intelligent vertical solutions Smart Factory Intelligent Transportation Intelligent Retail Intelligent Building Smart Home

Sync with latest tech trends with Live Demo Smart Sensor Intelligent Video Analytics Drone 4K & UHD Awards Software Innovation

Deep Dive into experts’ insights with educational seminars Int’l CompoSec Forum GDSF Asia Asian Systems Integrator Forum Int’l SMAhome Conference

www.secutech.com

Concurrent with Plan Your Visit

TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

By Martin Bonsoir

Video: Top 10 Technical Concepts Everybody Should Know In 2017 When working with available AV technology, there are several basic concepts that must be understood in order to make the correct decisions when designing, specifying, installing, troubleshooting, or commissioning a system. Those concepts provide us with the required fundamentals to understand what is occurring and where to concentrate our efforts to achieve the desired result. Plus, you gain the added benefit of being able to clearly explain numerous concepts, making you a riveting guest at any dinner party. Below are the technical concepts proven essential in the world of professional video processing and distribution: VISUAL ACUITY: The limit in the ability of the human eye to discern and focus on objects. For example, we can’t resolve small letters from great distances. A typical person should be able to see clearly a letter or number that is 8.75 mm high from ~6 m away. A useful concept to keep in mind when deciding on display size and resolution. VISIBLE SPECTRUM: The finite range of colour and intensity that the human eye can detect. Our visible spectrum is just one octave, from approximately 400 to 790 THz (1012 Hz). This range is important when we consider the way we digitally capture and reproduce images. VIDEO RESOLUTION: Image or video resolution measured in pixels (horizontal x vertical), used to define the total image size. In a Full HD video, there will be a pixel grid of 1080 vertical lines by 1920 horizontal lines. Also known as “Pixel Resolution,” it’s a vital consideration when determining the required bandwidth for data transport. SPATIAL RESOLUTION: The pixel density in a predefined space, measured in Dots Per Inch (DPI) or Pixels Per Inch (PPI). Knowing the pixel density is important whenever a picture gets displayed or otherwise viewed on a medium, be it a display or a projector.

ASPECT RATIO: The proportional relationship between the width and the height of an image. The most commonly used aspect ratio nowadays might be the 16:9 (Widescreen) format, but plenty other standards exist, so it’s vital that the aspect ratio of the content ratio is matched by the displays. COLOUR SAMPLING/RGB COLOUR MODEL: A method of defining the colour of an individual pixel, expressed as an RGB triplet (red, green, blue). Each component indicating how much of each colour is included, varying 0 to a predetermined value that depends on the bit resolution. In 24-Bit, every colour is expressed in an 8-Bit word, which results in a definition in decimal numbers ranging from 0 to 255. RGB will always express the full colour value and is considered a 'raw' or uncompressed type of colour format. COLOUR SAMPLING/Y'CbCr COLOUR MODEL: A method of defining the colour of an individual pixel, expressed as one luminance value (Y) and two chrominance components (Cb, Cr). Y'CbCr colour sampling is the digital version of its analogue predecessors Y'UV and Y'PbPr, and often abridged as YUV. YUV colour sampling allows for Chroma subsampling, a clever practice of reducing colour while maintaining luminance information in order to save video bandwidth and storage space while maintaining perceived quality. COMPRESSION: A technique to reduce the amount of data required to transport and/or store video (and audio) material by discarding information. There’s a wide range of methods available resulting in various degrees of size and quality reduction. For professional video distribution, we are interested in techniques that result in low latency and provide the highest possible perceived quality for the available bandwidth and storage capacity. One big differentiator is between those methods that offer inter-frame compression (inter-frame prediction), when a series of frames are compressed in one sequence; and intra-frame schemes, which apply compression to every single video frame individually. Inter-frame techniques lend themselves to higher compression ratios, at the expense of higher latencies and potentially higher loss of quality or visual artefacts, while intra-frame compression tend to provide lower ratios, but with much faster encoding times and with the quality loss kept at a minimum. Remember, compression technology is evolving constantly, but the latest codec isn’t necessarily the best for the job!

TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

FRAME RATE: The rate of consecutive images (frames) of a video signal that are displayed in a finite amount of time, resulting in the perception of a “motion picture” by the viewer. The frame rate is usually expressed in Frames Per Second (FPS). The two most common standards are NTSC and PAL, which are 30 FPS and 25 FPS respectively. Most modern films run at 24 FPS in theatres. In order to reduce flicker, modern large-format displays often run at much higher frame rates (sometimes over 100 FPS), but this increased speed is not an indication of higher quality video content. The video frames are simply displayed multiple times. SCAN MODE: A method of displaying the vertical lines of a frame. There are two common practices: • Interlaced – In the first frame, only the odd-numbered vertical lines are displayed while the even-numbered lines are blank. In the following frame, the even-numbered vertical lines are displayed, and odd-numbered vertical lines stay blank. This method effectively halves the required bandwidth and reduces flicker. It also allows for better adaption of different frame rates, as overlapping frames can be merged into each other. • Progressive – Each frame carries the full amount of vertical lines and the full image information is displayed on every single frame. Whilst requiring more video bandwidth, the method allows better image quality.

COLOUR GAMUT: The range of colours a device can reproduce. The larger or wider the gamut, the more colours that are available resulting in a rich and saturated visual experience. If the colour gamut is small, these rich saturated colours are the first to suffer, an effect technically referred to as clipping.

And yes, yes, you are perceptive, that was more than 10 concepts. But you want to be entertaining at dinner parties, right? And, narrowing down the list to just these entries was difficult enough, a symptom of the depth of the field (get it, get it?). If you find value in reference articles like this, stay tuned for more technical information on video coming soon. Martin Bonsoir is the EMEIA Applications Engineering Manager, overseeing operations in Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa. With more than 23 years of industry experience, Martin’s passion for people and all things audiovisual continue to add richness and insight to his work everyday. www.biamp.com

TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

DIGITAL SAND MODEL

By Prakhar Jain and Nitish Puri

Mapping Terrains With Technology There have been many ways of sensitivity, if not threats mapping by means of technology. While every solution has had its own effectiveness, one that is taken to be most effective with clinical precision of mapping and aiding the user administrations is the Digital Sand Model. A quaint terminology though to a majority of AVians, SI Asia opens a new leaf of technology exploration, which has already been making a big ground in India’s homeland security concerns mapping. Read on:

Digital Sand Model – What and Why Sand models are widely regarded as highly effective training and tactical planning tools. They typically use sand to model replicas of the actual terrain of an ‘Area of Interest.’ This, along with physical 3D models of feature data like vegetation and buildings and mobile units like vehicles and military units, is then used as a base for military, research, remote sensing and educational purposes. The Digital Sand Model takes everything that is so good about the physical sand model and enhances it with the use of digital maps, imagery, feature data and elevation models, creating a versatile tool that can address critical security needs of today’s world.

ith a rise in incidents ranging from natural disasters to man-made acts of terrorism, protecting the home land and ensuring security and law enforcement in organizations, are functions of paramount importance. Slated to reach a market size of USD544.02 billion in 2018, with a CAGR of 5.5 per cent, the homeland security market is highly competitive and is primarily driven by R&D and innovation. The major technologies used here include surveillance equipment, data storage systems, detection and tracking devices, communication equipment and biometric identification systems. While these technologies generate discrete information silos, decision making can happen only when these systems converge onto a single output platform. Data Agglomeration: From a system architecture standpoint, there are two distinct elements to this whole process. First, the backend raw data collection with data mining, and second, the frontend visualization. Having location as the primary data mining principle for large amounts of data serves as an ideal option, while use of scalable and immersive visualization

TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

technologies works as an effective way of presenting the mined insights to the right people, to aid in quicker decision making. Modern 3D Geographic Information Systems (GIS) allow collection, processing, analyzing and distribution of information about potential incidents, to a point considered by most experts as clinically precise. At the same time, cutting edge AV solutions augment and qualify technologies in putting these insights in the hands of decision makers across the organization helping them take quicker actions, supporting a wide range of functions including debriefing, collaborative interaction and training. However, experts feel that among the most effective applications of the technology, the centrepiece is the counterterrorism and incident management efforts. The Digital Sand Model (DSM) The Digital Sand Model (DSM) is one such convergence platform borne out of the integration of 3D GIS, simulation and AV technologies. The integrated solution, built upon the OGC certified GeorbIS 3D GIS platform, includes the DSM software, the best of audio visual and IT hardware, interaction devices, along with the backend GIS database and terrain data. Pioneered by the Gurgaon-headquartered VizExperts, the DSM integrated solution is widely used by the country’s inland security and armed forces as well as law enforcement institutions for operation planning, mission briefing and training. AV Technology Components: Scalable visualization technology can help bring diverse sources together onto a single large format visualization system, while immersive visualization

technology can help viewers get an actual context of data, helping them visualize data in the most optimal manner. The list of system components in the DSM solution primarily depends on the primary application, but it almost always includes the following AV and IT hardware: • A 3D stereo capable simulation grade projector in a rear or projection configuration • The VizDisplay 3D video wall processor • An Image Generation System • A Surround sound and PA system • Active stereo glasses with emitters • COTS PCs and workstations, server equipment, networking switches and other support equipment Other display options with multi-LED panels or DLP projection cubes can also be used as the primary display. In such a case, the components would include active stereoscopic 3D technology for immersive visualization; multi-touch and natural user interfaces for intuitive user interaction; 3D video wall processing with support for simultaneous 3D and 2D outputs with PiP; Intuitive run-time display management with wireless control interfaces for iOS, Android, and Windows; and seamless integration of IT hardware equipment with the DSM software.

DSM blends seamlessly into GIS The Digital Sand Model offers a whole new perspective to incident management, with no limitations in the size of 3D terrains processed from GIS data, support for real-time data integration, and out-of-the-box usability- all of which help take intelligent decision making to the next level. The core

TECH TALK Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

geospatial engine of DSM, powered by GeorbIS, helps ingest satellite imagery, aerial imagery, vector data, 3D terrain models, Digital Elevation Models (DEM), real time sensor data inputs and any other form of raw MIS data archived from diverse elicitation sources onto a single database, which can then be used across the organization as the primary decision support system. Some of the unique application areas of the GIS technology are: • True 3D visualization of all operating environments including urban, rural, mountainous and desert areas for operation planning • Big data analytics for deriving insights allowing integration of MIS data with GIS • Geospatial analysis tools for tactical planning and coordination with field forces • What-if scenario creation for mission briefing with immersive fly-through and walkthrough of operational area and animated 3D models depicting events and unit movement, and • Dynamic simulation and serious gaming technologies for user engagement The complete operational area of the organisation can be accurately mapped and modeled as an integrated 3D geospatial database with all the mobile and fixed assets of the agency concerned. For instance, law enforcement agencies can prepare a 3D geodatabase of the complete operational area under their jurisdiction, complete with 3D buildings, forest cover and land use data with attribute level information of demographics and socio-economics. This data can be securely stored locally on a central server accessed through authentication. Any form of MIS data, which is collected by security systems involved in incident management and is usually devoid of a geospatial context can be given a geospatial context and integrated with the 3D terrain database. This leads to a much better form of incident management, where in a query generated by the user on historical data on a host of incidents in visualized in a geospatial context. More, real-time sensor data from security systems deployed with the field units can be streamed live to the centralized system, helping in remote monitoring of incidents at the Command and Control Room. Further, a unique mode of ‘What if’ scenarios can be created in an Nitish Puri engaging and

immersive manner helping in mission briefing and evaluating alternative courses of action. The Users can use the scenarios to create fly-throughs and walkthroughs of the operational area, thereby creating a sense of being actually present in the operational area. This ultimately translates to more effective action on the field.

Some potential user cases While the Digital Sand Model technology can find its application for any domain of critical area mapping, armed forces, paramilitary, law enforcement agencies, security, special forces, police training academies and counter insurgency forces have been the biggest takers for the very nature of precision and versatile functionality of the platform and the kind of benefits the technology brings to them. Some of the demonstrable cases can be: • National Security Guard (NSG) uses DSM for mission briefing, anti-terrorism operation planning • Border Security Force, (BSF) HQ uses DSM for operation planning and geo-tagged incident management along the border • The Infantry School, MHOW uses DSM for mission briefing and training of senior officers • Counter Insurgency Force (CIF), Durgapur uses DSM as a training tool and as a tactical expedient, tracking field units in real time in densely forested areas • National Police Academy (NPA), Hyderabad uses DSM for sand model training of officers

Try out DSM The interesting thing about the Digital Sand Model tool is that it can be used beyond traditional operation planning and training use cases, to more civilian applications like security planning in landmark buildings and townships, law enforcement, crowd management and so on. VizExperts - a visual computing pioneer in the scalable and immersive visualization domain - currently serves as both the OEM and the system integrator for the Digital Sand Model system. Based out of New Delhi, VizExperts has been a tour de force in the domain, applying cutting-edge AV technologies to solving complex real world problems, through development of systems that converge multiple domains and shorten the User data to decision transformation. (About the authors: Prakhar Jain and Nitish Puri lead the development of the Digital Sand Model solution at VizExperts) www.vizexperts.com

Prakhar Jain

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Indian Health Sector Braces Big For AV Healthcare sector is one of the biggest takers of audio-visual systems globally, and India is no different. In fact, Indian industry’s take is getting bigger than the global in certain aspects, particularly when it relates to clinical research- owing to the lower costs of employment for higher talents, infrastructure and maintenance. While adoption levels may still be lower compared to advanced markets, AV (s)take in Indian Healthcare segment is growing healthily.

ESCO Singapore integration of surgical imaging solution with AV system for the Ambulatory Endoscopy Centre at the Singapore General Hospital

Case-1: KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital – Singapore’s largest hospital specialising women and children healthcare – had such a sophisticated systems in place as many as 15 years ago that patients or their attendants did not need to run to doctors or nurses for any requirement. They just had to operate the touch-sensitive console provided at their bedsite, and the required help-related info flashes on the screen, followed by the nurse or doctor coming in! If that was advanced Singapore, here is a case of the otherwise ‘backward’ India! Case-2: An orthopaedic specialist at Bengaluru’s St. John’s Hospital, performing an anterior cruciate ligament surgery on a patient – as many as 12 years ago – sent a biological screw to the finer spot of the surgery robotically, and the entire

process was shown live to the consciously watching patient on a medium size monitor placed near the facing end of the bed! Understandably, the entire video feed would have been archived, and used for training in the college attached to the hospital. (Interestingly, the highly qualified, trained-in-Germany doctor, when he goes to his clinic in the evening, doesn’t need the patients’ X-ray film to be brought to him physically. The custom-screen fixed to his table receives the film straight from the lab, a few doors away.) If this isn’t a case, take this: Case-3: Cisco Systems Inc., late last year, has entered into an agreement with Bengaluru-based multi-speciality tertiary-level

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

healthcare services provider Narayana Health, to remotely deliver affordable specialty healthcare services to patients in various parts of the country using its Virtual Expertise Digital Solution. As part of the agreement, both companies will set up advanced telemedicine solutions across three centres in Indiaat Sirsi and Bellary in Karnataka, and Rajarhat in Bengal via the main centre in Bengaluru. With this initiative, Cisco is joining the rush for remote specialised healthcare in the country as the networking giant’s digital solutions help connect patients virtually with NH specialists, regardless of distance. The Cisco solution brings together voice, video and data to wherever patients are located and also enables a detailed clinical examination and review of all investigations in a seamless manner with the option of recording the entire interaction. Case-4: In mid-2016, ‘big blue IBM announced that Manipal Hospitals (MH)’ corporate and teaching facilities will adopt its ‘Watson for Oncology,’ a cognitive computing platform that analyses data to identify evidence-based treatment options, helping oncologists to provide cancer patients with individualised healthcare. India’s first healthcare giant to do so, MH hopes the initiative will increase its expertise in digital healthcare by manifold. It’s not just biggies like these seeking fortunes with AV/ICT solutions in India. Every other big and small player is pushing a button or two in Healthcare AV from various angles. Consider this: • PurpleHealth.com, a digital health and wellness platform that aims at providing seamless interface to consumers to choose their choice medical practitioners, is reported to have recently raised US$ 100,000 from technology investor Katabole Technology Venture • Versante Software Technologies, an Indian subsidiary of US-based IT consulting and software engineering services provider Versante Technologies LLC, is said to have raised US$ 1 million for pan-India marketing and distribution of hand-held and portable patient care devices • Roughly two years ago, Practo Technologies Pvt. Ltd, India’s largest online doctor discovery company, has acquired hospital information management solution provider Insta Health Solutions for US$ 12million with a view to gaining access to over 500 hospitals across 15 countries • Around the same time, Chennai-based healthcare technology firm Attune Technologies Private Limited, had raised US$10 million from Qualcomm Ventures and Norwest Venture Partners with a view to expanding its digital healthcare solutions from the current 200 hospitals and laboratories to 25,000 such facilities globally “The dynamism will only grow; this may just be the beginning, and we will see higher and higher levels of technology-

powered healthcare in the country,” opined a medical expert (member of Indian Medial Association). “Indian healthcare is now among the most happening domains in the world for such exploits,” he goes onto say, “there is some or other byte of technology (call it AV/ICT), practically every medical firm with a name.” The statement, though generic appears veritable considering the visible elements of adoption of audio-visual technologies across the various segments of healthcare in the country. “Adoption of AV is certainly high, particularly private hospitals and medical/ diagnostic centres,” asserts Sugunakar Naidu, Director at Ideas Ahead, one of the leading AV Systems Integration firms in the country. “Corporate hospitals have long ago began deploying diverse ranges of AV solutions such as video-conferencing, streaming device systems, high-end cameras, and more.” According to him, gone are the days of conventional videoconferencing; today, critical or unique medical cases are being discussed, debated live connecting multiple locations, to address a particular medical need or solution. Surgical processes are not only streamed live and archived for internal training and academic purposes, they are also shared from continental distances to better a particular bit of knowledge or expertise. “Today AV solutions are employed to even bring down the excitement levels of patients,” says Naidu. “Most diagnostic centres with some sensitive testing or scanning, deploy digital signage, BGM and other soft live entertainment modes to comfort patients.” Endorsing the high and rapid levels adoption of AV by Indian healthcare segment, Shyl Kumar Balu, Managing Director of Genesis IT Innovations Limited points out to a different tangent. According to him, ‘India's competitive advantage lies in its large pool of well-trained medical professionals. India is also cost-effective compared to its peers in Asia and Western countries. The cost of surgery in India is about one-tenth of that in the US or Western Europe. The costs clinical researches in those markets are extremely expensive. So multinationals engaged in clinical research, and even development of speciality healthcare equipment choose India for such operations. “Those MNCs perform all such critical operations here, saving costs, and connect all those operations to their administrative bases through various means of AV,” opines Balu. “These means can be video-conferencing, or streaming, or such other ways.”

SPECIAL FEATURE Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

According to Rajesh Patkar, Deputy General Manager of Christie Digital Systems, who has a major stake in healthcare industry, the private and corporate hospitals have been the earliest, biggest and fastest adopters of AV solutions. From conventional videoconferencing to high-end collaborative environments; from critical diagnostics to live streaming of surgical processes; and from corporate branding to personalised services private and corporate hospitals have been leading the charge. “It is certainly growing; but comparatively slow,” feels Rajesh. “Considering the adoption levels, it is still nascent; Government segment is still to catch up, and much more dynamism is required.” “It’s the new generation of dynamic professionals who are leading the charge,” comes the assertion from Vipul C Patel, Director at System Architects and Engineers, the Mumbaibased AV consulting and integration firm. “These new-gen professionals who are exposed to modern trends, are trying to bring all that to India,” he says, “from connecting Operation Theatres to internal training facilities as well as college classes, to 3D viewing of processes in HD.” Having worked on quite a few healthcare projects, Vipul’s take on the trend is that today robotics have replaced surgical instruments, and HD and 3D have replaced conventional monitor-viewing. “All this does contribute to higher and wider adoption of AV in healthcare, even as they help better understanding of medical science.” T S Gopalakrishnan, Technology Specialist at New Delhi-based AV services firm DynaMix Media, opens up yet another leaf of AV adoption by healthcare when he refers still sophisticated applications such as satellite communications for surgical processes or debates, digital or E-posters, and app-based audience voting systems for medical conferences, and robotics. One of the most fascinating, and recent trends is the audience response systems in medical conferences. The audiences are either asked to download the designated app onto their smart devices, or are provided with already app-loaded smart device to respond to the questions they are posed, through the smart gadget. The process is not only faster, and easy on participants, but also easy on the organizers to collate the feedback. Most experts from the medical as well as AV domain feel the Indian healthcare industry is on the cusp of exponential growth, and that creates tremendous opportunities for increased AV adoption.

Government Initiatives Government of India, with the newly surcharged digital India movement, and other tech-savvy initiatives, is heralding a new technology healthcare in the country. Some of the major initiatives are: • Agreement with World Health Organisation (WHO) under which WHO will develop technical documents on traditional medicines which is expected to lead to better acceptance of Indian systems of medicines at international level • Government of West Bengal introduced G1 Digital Dispensary, aiming at providing rural people access to primary healthcare services. • 'Sehat' (Social Endeavour for Health and Telemedicine) launched at government run Common Service Centre (CSC) to empower rural citizenry by providing access to information, knowledge, skills and other services in various sectors through intervention of digital technologies • E-health initiative aims at providing effective and economical healthcare services to all citizens. The programme aims at making use of technology and portals to facilitate people maintain health records and book online appointments with various departments of different hospitals using eKYC data of Aadhaar number

Indian Healthcare & AV: on the cusp of growth According to Deloitte Touche (India), Indian healthcare market currently is worth over US$ 100 billion and is expected to grow over two-fold – due to its increased digital/ICT adoption – to US$ 280 billion by 2020. Healthcare delivery, which includes hospitals, nursing homes and diagnostics centres, and pharmaceuticals, constitutes 65 per cent of the overall market. The healthcare information technology market which is currently valued at US$ 1 billion is expected to grow 1.5 times by 2020. The Indian medical tourism industry, which was recently pegged at US$ 3 billion every year, is expected to double up by 2018, with the currently estimated 230,000 tourists visiting for various medical needs doubling up over the next four years. That India's medical tourism numbers are growing shows a 'healthy spec' of Indian industry. The industry is both technologically sophisticated with significant audio-visual aids, and less expensive compared to most in the region. The industry sophistication and medical tourist numbers are mutually complimentary as they grow on the strength of each other.

INTERVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

A Distributed, Integrated & Manufactured Vision Indian audio-visual industry has seen many companies taking shape with great ambition and losing out in the middle for some reason, or just continuing like one among the crowds. Few enterprises have, however, made their mark not only fast and think but sustained well and branched out to make wider presence. Bengaluru-based Online Instruments is a perfect case in a point. SI Asia talked to Shivanand Mahashetti, Managing Director & CEO of the company to hear what the dynamically growing AV enterprise upto. Excerpts: SI Asia: Tell us about Online Instruments, its genesis, evolution through the years, and current positioning …

SI Asia: What achievements precisely defined your success story, and what oddities characterized the challenging situations?

SHIVANAND: It’s been a long way for me and my cousin and Business Partner Mahesh Bellad; we started this business in 1994- by taking the distribution of a telecommunication product. Fortunately for us, we have grown tremendously with a steady and good growth of 30-40 per cent every year. As we grew in revenues, we went on adding more brands and products to expand our portfolio offerings to multiple domains and multiple segments.

SHIVANAND: I would say, our biggest achievement the credentials we built, that was born out of our customers’ satisfaction.’ That we are in service industry we always give importance to our customers, for a simple fact that it is they who made us what we are today. So we keep them upfront, and put our personal likes and fancies, sometimes our requirements to the backburner. That’s one of the oddities.

Lot of hard work and planning going in, today, we have grown to a position that we are taken to be among the top AV solutions providers and distributors for many internationally reputed brands. In essence, starting from the scratch 23 years ago, we reached a stage of ₹ 250 crore (over US$36 million) revenues for the current financial year.

SI Asia: What have been the most fulfilling years, and challenging times? SHIVANAND: Year 2011 was most the happening time for Online; we saw a truly exciting growth on all the verticals that we traded in. The tremendous success we achieved inspired us to spread our activities wider, to expand to newer areas. On the other hand, year 2006 was the most challenging. In a major fire mishap, our office got completely gutted, and almost lost everything. It was something like again raising from the scratch. But we were resolved to raise, and we persevered with it. Worked doubly, and triply hard, and rebuilt the business gradually. That we lost only physical property, but our business credentials and reputation were shining high, and that gave us more energy to invest ourselves in. We built ourselves on it, and today at the risk of sounding a little conceited, we feel we can achieve anything should we stay focussed and work hard on it.

SI Asia: You expanded from distribution business to systems integration. What technical strengths and professional certifications have you acquired to make good with the foray? SHIVANAND: We were in distribution of the product and providing solutions to client. The same client requested support on Office Automation. That was in 2006 and we were 12 years into business by the time. We believed we possessed the required critical mass to try systems integration, and we decided to try our hand at it. However, we didn’t venture it just out of excitement; we built competencies, strong team of professionals with in-depth domain expertise and experience. It is headed by Manoj Choudhury who was later joined by Pankaj Ballad, and they both were supported by S Muralidhar. They worked real hard to capitalize on the opportunity and built on the business. Today, we are one of the top, leading AV systems integrators in the country.

SI Asia: Tell us about your manufacturing foray. What inspired you for the big move? And what wherewithal did you pool in? SHIVANAND: Again, having been in AV distribution business for so long, we sensed there is a need for brand that provides complete range of products that can meet complete requirement of the AV install market, given its diverse segment and usage patterns. There are products and brands available on the international level, brought to market by different players and we could have had one. But then our thinking

INTERVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

was more of an entrepreneurial than of a mere distributor by this time. That we already built some competencies in the market, and we did not have to go through the motions that most would require to before churning in a product, ours had a better Launchpad. There we went up with the LOGIC brand that offered the complete range of accessories- mounts, lifts, screens, cables and cable managers. Again, our focussed approach took us to the leading position on the market. Fortunately, that we have already made the company stand on strong financials, investment was never a challenge. We were able to pool required investment without any hassles.

SI Asia: For what industry vertical and segment - entry-level/mid/high-end - are these products targeted? SHIVANAND: Generically said, we target all systems integrators from across all segments and verticals, simply because we have a product for every single component of the market. But then, it is a common understanding that what verticals are better takers of mounts and projection screens etc.

SI Asia: What particular geographies are these products targeted? SHIVANAND: Having successfully reached out to Indian market to a large extent, we had set up representations in both Singapore and Dubai with a view to tapping the Asia Pacific, as well as the Middle East and Africa, besides Europe. This can be either by direct presence or through distribution network.

SI Asia: You went to GITEX, and decided to exhibit at ISE, for the first time…What inspired you for this marketing aggression? SHIVANAND: Having made our presence in India strong, both with distribution and for our Logic brand, and having had encouraging feedback about the Middle East market potential, we wanted to test it, and that’s why we participated in GITEX. Quite convincingly, we had received phenomenal response which energised us so much. We also hear a lot about European potential and ISE’s impact on the market, we believe we have reason to be ambitious about making our presence felt and taken at the ISE. We are a dynamic company and would want to maintain the dynamism with clearly mapped initiatives.

SI Asia: Online is also foraying into LED manufacturing…What inspired you for this? SHIVANAND: Like I said, we are a dynamic company and plan our initiatives according to mapped ideations. We have set a revenue target of ₹ 1000 crore (US$145 million approx.) by 2020, and to be able to achieve that, we decided to venture out to a different industry line. We mapped LED lights could be one since it can be as part of AV, and can also be independent. LED lighting industry, being one of the fastest growing sectors, is said to be poised for an exponential growth; becoming a US$20 billion industry soon in India alone. We decided this would be our best bet to realise our goal. There we took the call and created the brand OrangePlus, headed by TS Ramesh, who is supported by Suraj. Having decided on the initiative, we pumped in investing heavily on the CAPEX, and other associated aspects like skilled work force, raw material. The manufacturing plant at Whitefield in Bengaluru is one of the best in the industry, fully automated and as per requirements. I must also say that we were inspired by the ‘Make in India initiative of Government of India. We researched, we ideated, and we found a viable industry line. It has provided direct job opportunity to about 150, and would provide indirect opportunity for another 250 people. We are convinced we made the right move.

SI Asia: Cost intensive exhibitions and capex taking manufacturing…given Online’s hitherto conservative approach, how would you explain this dynamism? SHIVANAND: Online Instruments is indeed a dynamic company, but we make it a controlled aggression, with a clear ideation of the initiatives we take. Like I said, investment was never an issue as we had solid fundamentals to bank on. As it is, the investment was for the cause of business that showed great potential. However, I have to admit that we needed to pool up personal resources, to augment the financial support from insititutions.

SI Asia: Given that, where would you want to see Online, say by 2020, or beyond? SHIVANAND: Our goal is to be a “Public Limited” company with ₹ 1000 crore (US$145 million approx.) revenues by 2020, and with a presence in most parts of the world. We have tremendous opportunities to be, and we hope we will achieve. www.onlineinstruments.in

INTERVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Bringing 3C Mindset To AV Consultancy

AV Consultancy – this has always been a subject of big discussion, if not debate, particularly when it relates to Indian AV industry. For, it’s been more often than not said that the industry does not have ‘independent consultants,’ and here is where Mradul Sharma, and his 3C Design Networks matters. Apparently one of the very few independent AV Consultants in the country, Mradul has carved his own niche, with his expertise and expressions as well.

SI Asia caught up with Mradul on the big spectrum called Indian AV, and 3C Design Networks in it. Excerpts: Like I said, we had thoroughly focused on Enterprise segment. Why we did this- we were able to bring certain mindset towards our work and thereby our solutions and service delivery to our customers, which we believe is truly unparalleled. People keep asking me- ‘you are going to design similar spaces again and again!’ Our argument to that point is ‘repetition is mother of skill.’ So by designing same space for different clients, from different business verticals, we are able to bring in a mindset which is unparalleled.

SI Asia: Tell us about the vision, genesis and evolution of 3C… MRADUL: The conception and inception of 3C was borne out of a strong desire for brining certain values to the consulting side of our industry. To start with, the name 3C stands for three attributes - curiosity, creativity and confidence. We relate these three characteristics to the way we handle projects. We have to be curious to know what exactly is the client requirement; creative while designing; and confident when it comes to project execution. Our thought from day one has been to be independent consultant, independent of brand, OEM, and vendor, and also handle as many services as a typical project can have. While being independent, we also worked towards a service delivery approach which is objective and without any assumptions. Over the last few years, we have been able to bring certain amount of focus to the way we do business by applying the Pareto’s 80:20 rule. In our case, about 80 per cent of revenues were coming from 20 per cent of our accounts, and they all fell into certain market segment- the Enterprise. So, we decided to focus our skills and energies around Corporate/Enterprise segment.

SI Asia: When did 3C come into being, and how did you go about after that? MRADUL: 3C as a company was set up in October 2011. I did have a couple of stints elsewhere before, learnings from there were useful in putting together a strategy that is pragmatic and executable.

Second, we realized ‘AV alone cannot guarantee the kind of user experience that we want to promise to a customer.’ So, we added acoustics; we will be adding more services to our portfolio in future where we will be able to offer a holistic design that is coordinated and complimented, which is a huge value to customer. Our growth strategy had different options- one, we add more disciplines sooner than later, so that we are able to maximize our revenue. However, finding subject matter experts for different disciplines is a challenge in itself. As it stands, our industry is a war for talent. So, we took the other option- to build new regions. The strategy of building a new region resulted in my relocation to Bangalore, where most of the work is happening in Enterprise segment. When I say Bangalore, it includes Hyderabad and Chennai with Bangalore at the centre of the ‘southern corridor.’ Our moving here was also to give a sense of local presence, availability at a short notice, and quick turnarounds. Mumbai remains to be our production office; all the design and related jobs continue to happen there, and we have been able to hire a couple of senior resources. While it plays a back-end to our business arising out of Bangalore, Mumbai office does play the front-end as well to the Mumbai circuit. When we started off in Mumbai, we didn’t have large projects which could justify the involvement of an independent consultant. So, Delhi-NCR happened to us, first, and we slowly expanded our efforts to Western India, and now we are trying to build the South. Our strategy as a small company now is to acquire and hold on to major accounts. We survive purely on

INTERVIEW Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

the success of our installs and that is where the repeat business from the existing customers plays an important role for anyone in business.

SI Asia: What is 3C's core competence? MRADUL: Our core competence remains to be AV and Acoustics where we have subject matter expert for each of the disciplines. We have several qualified consultants sitting in both Bangalore and Mumbai offices; and soon we will focus on acquiring talent in IT. If I can take a couple of names, Edzil Deniz, who has recently joined us in Mumbai, comes from IT background. He is a champion in voice and data, his role in the company is as simple as the fact that he has replaced me there. His addition puts us in a position where we can prime ourselves for IT requirements along side AV and Acoustics.

SI Asia: Is the AV&IT Convergence complete? MRADUL: I would say we are still in transition mode. While we are itching to get into IT space (perhaps dictated by clients need to have more from less), where standardization, open standards are necessary, there is still a lot of gravity from the operations team of End Users on acquiring AV as part of their network. They already have serious liabilities sitting on their network like messaging servers, ERP systems, payment gateways etc. Adding another service in terms of AV with the same set of resources/bandwidth is something they are staying away from. What is notable here is AV has become extremely important as part of daily work flow. There is a serious effort in play where small spaces like Huddle Rooms and Collaborative Rooms are taking a huge pie out the OEMs’ revenue. It is also due to the fact that clients are getting different set of users (millenials, digital natives etc.) into the workplace where working together and as group is more pervasive. They are changing the way technology is used; they prefer to multitask, contribute to the discussions and decision making and get things done faster and with better effect. That is where interactive AV with huge amount of IT interface coming to play.

SI Asia: There also appears a trend of End Users asking for 'Certified AV' from their solution providers... MRADUL: While some positive changes appear to be gradually setting in, we are still not happy about the way consultants are qualified in India. The entry barrier is still very low, or nonexistent. I have to commend the role InfoComm has been playing in this regard, the kind of standardization and certification processes they are trying to bring in. This froms an effective entry barrier for those coming in without acknowledged credentials. Hopefully, it will happen in the near future where consultancy services are managed with acknowledged certifications, approach and experience.

SI Asia: Indian AV consulting is taken for working NOT on site-requirement specs but on budget-driven specs. Your take? MRADUL: It used to be the case. But the story now is different. We see exciting times for us in India, probably the only market in the world where several large green field projects are coming up. This puts us in a position where new/bleeding edge technologies can be tried to a scale that is unparalleled. That’s one. Two- India has always been a price-sensitive market, and the equation for business in India always remained in volumes. As businesses, we look for volumes. And, to go for volumes, you need to augment capacities. Keeping this in mind, we are operating in a niche segment of Enterprise/ Corporate by going for high-end.

SI Asia: What specific trend or tech is driving the industry? MRADUL: The trend is moving from specialized / proprietary appliances to something that is ‘commercially operative general purpose hardware (COGPH)’ that complies with certain industry standard. Examples are in front of us, videoconferencing as an industry has maximum share from cloudbased solutions, if we look at voice, the cloud based EPABX from Microsoft is changing the game altogether. We expect the similar things to happen to AV; more and more appliances will be replaced by COGPH (like computer and PC), and the slack would be taken over by software. The other trend is on the type of users we have in the work force (digital natives, millennial etc.) which is not only dictating the space planning from architects, but also the technology thoughts that we put forth to our clients.

SI Asia: What’s the most exciting thing for you Indian AV? MRADUL: The most common feeling we have been given all the years was that “AV is not that important to people.” That perception is changing now, and faster than we expected. Two factors that are encouraging are, AV becoming integral part of client’s workflow and informed end users, which helps us set the expectation right about system performance. We have to also thank InfoComm for their efforts they have been putting in to bring about a perception change among AV buyers. That’s a welcome change. www.3cdesignnetworks.com

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

SINGAPORE

Broadcast Professional Redefines National Museum of Singapore Visitor Experience

Museum’s Glass Rotunda transformed into one of the world’s largest digital art installations • 15-metre-high drum ceiling and 170-metre passageway converted into an interactive digital space • Renowned digital art collective group teamLab partners National Museum of Singapore to bring to life 69 drawings from the prized William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings • Broadcast Professional Pte Ltd installs 59 laser projectors and full turnkey system for interactivity The National Museum of Singapore is the nation’s oldest museum with a progressive mind. Its galleries adopt cuttingedge and multi-perspective ways of representing history and culture to redefine conventional museum experience. In 2014 the museum closed off the Glass Rotunda, as they wanted to figure out how they could make use of the space in a more significant and relevant manner. This resulted in the Museum collaborating with the Japanese digital art collective teamLab while Broadcast Professional Pte Ltd was responsible for the system integration, content delivery and project management with an emphasis on ensuring an unforgettable immersive experience for visitors. 10th December saw the official re-opening of the Glass Rotunda where an immersive art installation greets visitors before they enter the space. The digital art installation inspired by the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings is entitled Story of the Forest. Visitors will experience this prized collection of the National Museum brought to life through a spectacular interactive digital presentation, and be transported to the natural ecology of 19th century Malaya viewed through the eyes of artists of that time and re-imagined today through digital art and technology. The Glass Rotunda’s 15-metre-high drum ceiling and 170-metre passageway has been converted into an immersive large-scale Digital Art installation experience – providing a truly unique 360-degree audio and video experience for visitors to be continuously mesmerized. When visitors first enter the Glass Rotunda, they are greeted by the top end of the dome as they walk through a sky bridge to enter the 170m-spiral passageway that will lead them to the Lower Rotunda. The top of the structure projects the infinitely expanding universe where animated flowers of the region bloom and change over time as guests walk through it. The dome itself is 15 metres high, 12 metres in width and features 17 projectors in the space. The images at the spiral transforms from day to dawn as visitors walk down to the lower Rotunda.

The 170-metre-long spiral passageway brings visitors through an interactive forest inhabited by the animals found

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Visitors are greeted by the top end of the dome as they walk through a sky bridge to enter the 170m-spiral passageway that will lead them to the Lower Rotunda.

in Singapore and the region. As visitors walk down the passageway the scene changes from morning to noon and then to night and also to reflect different local climates. Upon entering the Lower Rotunda, the visitors come back into the night scene. A total of 42 projectors have been installed along the spiral passageway.

Interactivity Interactivity is key to the experience and is subtly interspersed with the images projected. The interaction starts off proper once visitors enter the spiral passageway from the sky bridge. Sensors have been placed strategically within the passageway that triggers the images to change. Animals come out of hiding or run off if you are too close. Birds and butterflies fly through in different formations, depending on where you are standing. teamLab had created a huge number of scenes that ensures that the scenes are different throughout and thus one visitor’s experience might be different from the other. The Lower Rotunda features more sensor-triggered interactivity, where if visitors stand close to the wall and wait a few seconds, they will experience an area of ground appearing, a seedling sprouting into a four-metre-tall tree coupled with lush greenery and animals appearing. Falling flowers from the top of the dome to the bottom when encountered by visitors will produce imagery that references the flora and fauna of the region’s natural history. According to teamLab the digital scenes have been created with an algorithm such that previous visual states are not replicated and will never re-occur. The interactivity has not been limited to just the sensors. Visitors can download a specially designed App to their smart devices. The state of the art application allows the visitors to point their smart

The Community DS-5 loudspeakers also feature a high frequency signal that enables the visitor’s smartphone microphone to capture the signal and pinpoint their locations within the various zones of the 170m wide projection for interactivity.

device cameras at the projected images to track any selected character and get further informative knowledge of them. Additionally, the visitors will be able to capture snapshots of the animated character’s actions through the projections and record it to their application with the respective information of the animals within the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings, which serves as a homebound souvenir. Whether it was intended or not, it is almost like visitors are playing the hugely popular game Pokémon Go© but the difference being they are going after the different animals projected on the seamless forest projection to add to their photo collection. This aspect of the interactivity has been made possible by Broadcast Professional and teamLab through some ingenuity. The spiral passageway other than featuring the projectors also features loudspeakers to create an appropriate audio soundscape that complements the images projected. The system integrator highlights that the audio also features a high frequency signal that enables the visitor’s smartphone microphone to capture the signal and pinpoint their locations within the various zones of the

Visitors can download a specially designed App to their smart devices. The state of the art application allows the visitors to point their smart device cameras at the projected images to track any selected character and get further informative knowledge of them.

170m-wide projection for interactivity.

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

The Projection Screen within the dome is made out of Fluoroplastic fabric manufactured by Chukoh Chemical Industries. It is a plastic that has superb properties of heat resistance, smoothness (slipperiness), non-stick, chemical resistance, low friction and excellent electrical insulation (nonconductance). This fabric was specially chosen for the project because of its ability to withstand heat (within enclosed spaces) and for the ability for images to be projected onto it. The screen also has a high-tension ratio, so that it does not lose its shape over time. Considering that the passageway was a spiral, at the lower end the projection mounting had to be mounted outside rather than flushed like the other projectors due the space between the projector and screen.

The Challenges

The Technology At Play The projectors featured in the entire space are the Panasonic RZ670 models, considered as the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first laser light source 1-chip DLP projectors featuring 6,500 lumens of brightness. The Dome features the projectors with a mixture of DLE085 and DLE150 lens due to different coverage areas, whereas the spiral passageway features the projectors with 085 lens.

To put this installation in perspective it is important to understand that this entire installation was created in an existing gallery space. It is a dome-shaped space with a spiral passageway of 170 metres, which narrows at the bottom of the dome. Space was a luxury that the creative and installation team did not have, and they had to work around the various challenges in the space, to achieve the common vision of both the museum and digital artists.

Thus one of the main challenges for Broadcast Professional was in relation to the placement of the projectors. As the distance from the projectors to the screen varies at every point, it was challenging to determine the most suitable mounting position for The interactivity has not been limited to each of the 59 projectors. This was just the sensors. Visitors can download achieved through several rounds of a specially designed App to their smart projection simulation of the space, devices. The state of the art application followed by the digital mapping of every projector using geometry allows the visitors to point their smart calibration and intensive simulation device cameras at the projected images exercises to ensure alignments and to track any selected character and get seamless blending throughout.

Going with a laser projector offers up to 20,000 hours of free maintenance which is critical in a space such as the Glass Rotunda. The 360-degree angle-free installation and built-in Geometry Manager Pro function was helpful in the installation and blending process. The dust resistant further informative projectors are beneficial in an enclosed environment and the digital link connectivity helps to make the video connectivity simple.

knowledge of them.

HP Professional Servers were chosen for their ability to provide content playback, system monitoring, sensor real time and sync control. The NVIDIA Quadro M6000 graphics processor installed were essential in meeting the challenging visualization workload with ease. Loaded with 12 GB of GDDR5 GPU memory with ultra-fast bandwidth allowed the team to create and render large complex models and compute massive datasets which drives up to four 4k resolution displays. Complementing the visual back-end are Extron XTP video extenders and Datapath FX4 processor. Managing and controlling the networked systems is a Crestron AV3 Control System. Community DS-5 loudspeakers were the main source of audio reinforcement complemented with EAW MK8126i loudspeakers at specific spaces. Ashly power amplifiers took on the onus to drive the loudspeaker systems within the gallery spaces. The Crestron AV3 control panel

In fact, to ensure the success of this project, a full scale mock-up was created in Japan before the actual installation so as to check on ensuring no blind spots are left unresolved and to better understand the challenges faced. In the passageway, mounting of the projector locations had to be carefully planned so as to minimize shadows caused by visitors. It needed to be high enough but at the same time positioned so that image distortion did not happen. Considering that the passageway was a spiral, at the lower end the projection mounting had to be mounted outside rather than flushed like the other projectors due the space between the projector and screen being narrowed towards the tail end of the passageway space. There were also maintenance considerations that included the fabrication of special casings to prevent the blockage of airflow to ensure ease of maintenance for the technical crew. With the possibility of large visitor flow there was also the issue of the sensor triggered scenes changing too rapidly. Thus the scenes have been programmed to remain in position till there is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;clear spaceâ&#x20AC;? before the next trigger. As can be imagined,

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

hundreds of different scenes are being processed at any one time in different parts of the experience and it was imperative that the right servers with sufficient memory and bandwidth had to be installed for the seamless experience.

Integrator’s View The installation started in February 2016 and was completed at the end of September 2016 with the months of October, November and December used to fine tune on projection alignments, digital content improvements, further development works of sensor interactivity and Smart Phone Application. “This has been a very interesting project for us. It was a truly collaborative effort working with the Museum and teamLab in creating this very large interactive digital canvas. The content and the technology had to work hand-in-hand for a memorable visitor experience and we are pleased to have been involved in this one-of-a-kind project,” shared John Paul Tan, Sales Manager, Broadcast Professional Pte Ltd.

Client’s Testimonial “Story of the Forest at the revamped Glass Rotunda is inspired by the region’s rich ecological heritage, and reminds us of the museum’s early beginnings almost 130 years ago. It also reflects how the National Museum is evolving and progressing, working with artists and partners to adopt innovative methods to offer our visitors new ways of looking at Singapore’s social history and culture. A project of such a challenging and

Space was a luxury that the creative and installation team did not have and had to work around the various challenges in the space, to achieve the common vision of both the museum and digital artists. ambitious scale is only possible through excellent coordination and project management, which Broadcast Professional demonstrated throughout to ensure a good quality outcome,” said Angelita Teo, Director of the National Museum of Singapore. www.team-lab.net www.broadcastpro.com.sg

PROJECT FACTFILE Client: National Museum of Singapore Segment: Museum Location: Singapore System Integrator: Broadcast Professional Pte Ltd Task: To provide full turnkey system for a digital interactive space within the museum Solution Highlight: Panasonic laser projectors, Community and EAW loudspeakers, Ashley power amplifiers, HP Professional servers, Extron XTP video extenders, Datapath FX4 processor and Crestron AV3 Control System.

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Part-I

By Ram Bhavanashi

Revisiting the ‘Khasla’ Heritage Audio-Visually A grand, first-of-its-kind ensemble of Sikh tradition in a fascinating artistry of technology Virasat-e-Khalsa museum

Project Factfile

Histories of peoples of the world have been retold in several ways of appeal, but, perhaps, not like the one at Sri Anandpur Sahib, in the Northern State of Punjab, India. In what is an arguably commendable summation of a grand vision, a great aspiration, an extensive research, an acutely assiduous application of time and senses for an artistry of technology play, and a clinical ratification to precision, the Virasat-e-Khalsa museum is a rarest ‘pinnacle’ (other name for Khalsa) of the breed. For commoners, it may be a fascinating journey through 500 years of Sikh, and 300 years of Khalsa history, but it is much more than that for the connoisseurs. For, the sheer size and scale of the project and the monumental efforts and finesse that have gone into making it! SI Asia persevered yet again, to bring an account of what is fondly taken to be ‘eighth wonder of the world.’ Take a breath, to take it, though as Part-I of the two-part feature.

• Project Name: Virasat-e-Khalsa • Project Location: Anandpur Sahib, Punjab • Project Owner: Anandhpur Sahib Foundation/ Government of Punjab • Project Segment: Government/Museum • Project Basic AV Design/Multimedia Consultant: Event Resource • Project Prime Management Consultant: AB Design Habit & Co Pvt Ltd • Project Content Research & Process: AB Design Habit & Co Pvt Ltd • Project Contractor: Larsen & Toubro • Project Architect: Moshe Safdie (& Associates), Boston, USA • Associate Architect: Ashok Dhawan, New Delhi • Project AV Programmer: 360flicks.com & i3 Synergies • Project Lighting & Electrical Consultant: Vidyut Enterprise • Project Audio Consultant: Bisht Price (Audio Guide) • Project Systems Integrator: Pan Intellicom • Project Lighting & Electrical Integration: Modern Stage Service • Project Total Cost: ₹ 327 Crore (US$ 48 million approx.) • Project AV Cost: ₹ 50+ Crore (US$7.3 million approx.) • Phase-I Commencement: November 1998 • Phase-I Commissioning: November 2011 • Phase-II Commencement: 2012 • Phase-II Commissioning: November 2016

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

A veritable ‘virasat’ When the State Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal, recently, inaugurated the Phase-II of the Virasat-e-Khalsa museum at Sri Anandpur Sahib – some 90 km from the State capital Chandigarh – it opened up yet another chapter of Indian genius in audio-visual technology mastery. The museum is an engrossing ensemble of 500-year long saga of Sikh faith created and told in a 6500-sqm of fully airconditioned space of diverse scenographic environments that are presented in a never-before sort of immersive audio-visual technology play. A much sought-after initiative of Government of Punjab, ₹327 crore (US$ 48 million approx.) project is an expansive 100acre estate that is highlighted by a shiny shafted complex of two buildings that straddle a ravine joined by a 165-metre pedestrian bridge over a network of reflecting pools spreading seven acres. Structurally designed by the famed Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie, in association with New Delhi-based Ashok Dhawan, the Khalsa complex is characterized by many unique features, both on exteriors and in interiors. The main body of the exteriors is sheathed with hand-chiselled Gwalior sandstones of the same colour as that of the surrounding hills – evoking a fortress feel – it is topped by square, conical and cylindrical shafts in shining metallic finish, as if rising out of sand cliffs, and looking into the sky. As one of the many interesting specs, the Virasat-e-Khalsa stands on a site that is the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth (army of initiated Sikhs); it was in 1699, on the Vaisakhi Day, Guru Gobind Singh – the 10th and last human guru of the Sikh Guru tradition – founded the Khalsa Panth as a guiding force to lead the people of Punjab to a sustainable life of purity, dignity and spirituality- against the unbearable adversities of the time. Understandably, Moshe Safdie, who drew inspiration from the Golden Temple of Amritsar, took into his design theme the rich surroundings of the site, the hills, ravines and natural valleys, Anandgarh fort, and the glorious Keshgarh Sahib Gurudwara. In his own words, “a building cannot be experienced as independent of the land in which it is rooted.” A ‘heritage of supreme purity’ – as a commoner’s transliteration of the name Virasat-e-Khalsa would suggest – appears veritable as one journeys through the interiors of the vast

• Virasat-e-Khalsa museum with a total of 25 galleries is launched in two phases • Phase-I, comprising a total of 14 galleries launched in November 2011 • Phase-II with 10 galleries (from 15 to 25) launched in November 2016

range of scenographic environments replete with practically innumerable miniature, small and big exhibits exquisitely interwoven into a very brilliant matrix of AV expressions.

Exploration of technology for storytelling Simply said, while the content of Virasat-e-Khalsa is ‘spirit of Sikhism,’ its expressional means is an artistry of audio-visual technology of, perhaps, the most distinct kind. According to the Project Design Head, and Management Consultant Amardeep Behl of AB Design Habit, that the story to be told is deeply spiritual, passionate and emotional the exhibition design has to convey the spirit by crea ting a variety of immersive environments that transport visitors into a different time and space, thereby enhancing their capacity to receive the intended communication. A multilayered communication strategy ensures that visitor aspirations are met, in a language and level of detail of their choice. “The design approach relies on creation of unique scenographic environments that effectively engages multiple media to present a truly immersive experience for all audience types,” explains Behl. “To create an experience of this scale, Design Habit chose a trigger-based audio mechanism as a seamless overlay on the scenographic environments as the visitor moves from one exhibit and gallery to the other.” While the audio mechanism has been played by Sennhieser AudioGuide systems, designed and installed by Bisht Price, contributing to the visitors’ aural imagery, it is the video and lighting brilliance that takes the visual imagery to a new high of experiential communication. The museum comprises a total of 25 galleries, and is launched in two phases. Phase-I, comprising a total of 14 galleries was launched in November 2011, while the Phase-II with 11 galleries (from 15 to 25) was launched in November 2016, by the Prime Minister.

• Phase-I of the museum presents exhibits that trace the history and culture of Punjab from the earliest times to the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh, the Founder of Khalsa • Phase-II traces the Sikh history, struggles, spirit and dynamism from time of Khalsa foundation to the modern times of post-Independence

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

A Snapshot of ‘the Khalsa galleria’ and the AV gallantry (Phase-II)… Gallery – 15: Gurudwara-Communion with God

Gallery – 16: Towards Sovereign Rule I (1708-1716)

A contemporary recreation of the grandeur of the Eternal Guru’s Durbar using characteristic architectural elements and motifs from the Harmandir Sahib. Visitors descend along a spiralling ramp around a central beam of light representing the divine or Eternal Light – or Jyot, which the Gurus were carriers of, and which manifested itself through the Guru Granth Sahib. An ingenious blend of minute, embedded LEDs and a gentle and gradual trickle of numerous decorative motifs creates the effect of a shower of light. At the eye level of the visitors (and slightly above as well), words and passages from the Guru Granth Sahib appear within the motifs as bright illuminated words.

A chronicle of events post the 8-month-long siege of Lohgarh Fort leading to Banda Bahadur’s martyrdom. After the capture, Banda and his followers were paraded through the Grand Trunk road all the way to Delhi. The backdrop of typical and known architecture of different cities they passed through is depicted as 3-dimensional pop-ups. In front, the crowds that witnessed this humiliating parade are shown as individual cut-outs. Using interplay of dynamic lighting effects the multitude of crowds is greatly enhanced while the visitor experiences the theatrical build-up to the melodramatic execution of Banda Bahadur.

AV Set-up

• 1x One-chip Christie DLP Projector (1920 x 1200 WUXGA; 0.67" DMD; DWU 600G with Lens - 95-1.2:1 • 1 x Kramer TP 580T/580R DVI Extenders (Transmitters & Receivers) • 1 x Apple MAC BOOK PRO 13" (2.8GZH Processor with Retina Display + Software ARENA) • In 16.2 - a fort façade with a coin is mapped to simulate revolving effect by a small format projector of approx. 6000 Ansi full HD.

• 5 x 50” Samsung Professional flat panel displays • 5 x Kramer TP 580T/580R DVI Extenders (Transmitters & Receivers) • 1 x WatchOut multi output Display Server • 1 x WatchOut Production Server • 1 x Medialon Showmaster Pro MK-II with 22-inch full HD Monitor • 1 x 24-Port CISCO 95 Series Giga Ethernet Switch • 4 x Art Net Box of SANDSYS model SB-AAA2/100 • Haze machines • A total of 23 translights

AV Set-up

• The Virasat-e-Khalsa project is a combination of two complexes – Eastern and Western – that straddle a ravine, joined by a 165-metre long pedestrian bridge over a network of reflecting pools. • The Western complex, which directly connects to the town, features exhibition galleries and a two-story library centering around a grand Reading Room that overlooks the water gardens. It houses rare archival materials, besides a 400-seat auditorium. • The Eastern complex houses permanent exhibitions on Sikh history, religion, and culture. The galleries are arranged in groups of five- in reference to the Five Virtues of Sikh faith. More, themes such as the earth and sky, mass and lightness, and depth and ascension are represented in the museum’s sandstone towers and reflective, dramatic sweeping roofs. • The Eastern complex has a Flower Building shaped in the form of five petals – representing Panj Pyaras (the Five Sikhs who played vital role in shaping Sikhism under Guru Gobind Singh). Each petal houses exhibits tracing the life history of all the Gurus from birth to attaining salvation/martyrdom. The petal at the highest altitude has exhibits on the Guru Granth Sahib

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Gallery – 17: Towards Sovereign Rule II (1716 - 1765) A long and high corridor of metaphoric representation of the forest-like harsh and stark conditions the Sikhs were forced into after the execution of Banda Bahadur due to the ruthless persecution by the Mughals. Made of etched, beaten and textured metal sheets and cut outs in copper and mild steel with patina and coarse profile cut tress on either side of the corridor it symbolizes the insecurity and uncertainty of the period. The dramatic intensity of the struggle to uphold the faith and sovereignty of the Khalsa, and instances of conflicts between Sikhs and Mughals occurring against the socio-political backdrop of the time. The technology play here is the Shoe Box Pepper’s Ghost technique that is adopted to narrate four of the many stories on the main wall into which they are in-built. The animation content is projected on and integrated with 3D realistic miniature sets of Amritsar and Lahore landscapes.

AV Set-up • 4 x Customized Eyeliner – Shoebox (60cm x 60 cm x 50 cm) • 1 x Kramer TP 580T/580R DVI Extenders (Transmitters & Receivers) • 1 x WatchOut Controller and Software • 1 x Apple MAC BOOK Pro 13”

Gallery – 17: Towards Sovereign Rule II (1716 - 1765) Cont’d A 10-meter-high inverted kaleidoscopic installation with mirrors on all sides reflecting the content being playing on the customised triangular LED screen. The process dynamically creates infinite geometric patterns of varying colours and forms contributing to a cosmic, celestial and entrancing feel while the content is visualized, with the poetic narrative being recited in the background, recalling the sacrifices of great martyrs.

AV Set-up • 1 x Triangular LED Screen 2m x 2m x 2m with 4mm pixel pitch • 1 x WatchOut Controller and Software • 1 x Kramer TP 580T/580R DVI Extenders (Transmitters and Receivers

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Gallery – 18: Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780 - 1848)

A theatrical display with 360° projection mapping that is a spectacular Son et Lumière show celebrating the Maharaja’s reign segmented into his Court, Camp, Religious Patronage and Cultural Celebration. Each aspect is a sequence of continuously running nonlinear shows that are projected on four walls. A depiction of Anglo-Sikh wars also forms an integral part here. The visuals are projection mapped on relief walls with 2D and 3D cutouts, a set and also a rollup screen (covering the King’s Court/Coronation, Camp sets) depending on what part of the story one is at. As the story unfolds, the projections extend onto the adjacent walls as well, thereby enveloping the visitor within the centre of the show and creating an immersive experience.

AV Set-up • 2 x Christie Single-chip DLP Projectors (1920 x 1200 WUXGA), • 4 x Christie 3-chip DLP projectors (WU14K-M 1920 x 1200 WUXGA) • 6 x Kramer TP 580T/580R DVI Extenders (Transmitters and Receivers) • 1 x Multi output WatchOut Display Server • 1 x Showtex rollup screen measuring 13m x 4.5m • 1 x Medialon Showmaster Pro MK-II • 1 x WatchOut Production Server with 22-inch full HD Monitor • 1 x 24 Port CISCO 95 Series Giga Ethernet Switch • 2 x Art Net Box of SANDSYS model SB-AAA2/100

Gallery – 19: Colonial rule and the Sikhs (1849-1925) A huge depictive wall of Anglo-Sikh tumultuous times during the period of two World Wars: While the events of World Wars depicted on the lower half are within the timeframe that the gallery represents, the two LCD/LED screens embedded within show the films shot during the time. The films have been created from archival footages and images acquired from authentic sources. These were restored, treated, edited, enhanced with FX and edited into a film sequence. Depicting Gurdwaras that were involved in the Gurdwara Reform Movement through realistic matte painted 2D artwork backdrops. Highlighted by the set of Golden Temple, the gallery showcases the ‘Shahidi Jatha’ mannequins marching towards the Guru-ka-Bagh incident.

AV Set-up • 6 x 1-chip DLP Christie Projectors (1920 x 1200 WUXGA) • 2 x 65” Full HD Samsung ME 65 Displays • 1x Delta LED Screen of 3mts x 4.5mts & 4mm pixel pitch • 1 x Delta LED Screen of 2.5mts x 4.5mts & b4mm pixel pitch • 8 x Kramer TP 580T/580R DVI Extenders (Transmitters & Receivers) • 2 x multi output WatchOut Display servers • 3 x Dataton Watchpax-II Media Players • 1 x WatchOut Production server with 22-inch Full HD monitor • 1 x Medialon Showmaster Pro MK-II with 22-inch full HD monitor • 1 x 24 Port CISCO Giga Ethernet Switch • 2 x Art Net Boxes of SANDSYS model SB-AAA2/100

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Gallery – 20: Partition in the Struggle for Independence (1907-1947)

A multitude of people’s movements in the first half of the 20th century leading to Indian Independence; and the unfortunate partition of Punjab. The Left side exhibit depicts the trajectory of Ghadar Movement in Punjab. A courtroom set and a hyper realistic mannequin of Kartar Singh Sarabha, revealed behind a printed gauze screen. The Right side exhibit depicts the killings at Jallianwala Bagh through layering of see-through screens, layered graphics and lenticulars with stills and artworks shown in theatrical lighting, portraying the street with narrow opening; Dyer’s troops; victims; and the massacre of helpless gathering of people. The story of Bhagat Singh: A video montage of film and stills is played on the LCD screen embedded within the exhibit artwork Elections of 1946 in Punjab & Master Tara Singh’s Speech: A set featuring animatronic mannequin of Master Tara Singh and his last dramatic attempt to salvage pride and communicate the Sikh disapproval of Pakistan.

A huge seamless panoramic presentation of a long stretch of events: The first section in the upper level depicts the overarching national events in documentary style through a huge collection of archival images, newspaper clips and footages in chronological order beginning with Morley Minto Reforms of 1909 and ending with transfer of power – covering all major socio-political events and agitations in between. Considering the D-shaped installation space, the audience in one sweep is able to view all the noteworthy proceedings and the turmoil on the national scene that lead to India’s Independence.

AV Set-up • 5 x Samsung ME 55-inch Full HD PDPs • 5 x Chief horizontal mounts • 5 x Dataton Watchpax-II Media Players with mini DP port • 1 x Medialon Showmaster Pro MK-II with 22-inch full HD Monitor • 1 x 24 Port CISCO 95 Series Giga Ethernet Switch • 1 x Art Net Box of SANDSYS model SB-AAA2/100

Gallery – 21: Partition of Punjab (1947) zooms in from top, swooping over and going down to ground level. It creates an aerial and dimensional feel with shadows The Gallery 18 theatrical display of the rather than flat. King's court with 360° projection mapping

The exhibit does have a library set of Radcliffe’s office with room lighting effect.

AV Set-up

The story of how the Partition Line was created is depicted by means of 3D line animation projected on the glass, with the Radcliffe set behind it. The Partition Line or the Radcliffe Award – as it was called – animates and travels through different landscapes. A stop block 2D animation, the scene

• A transparent 12mm-thick Holo Screen measuring 4.5 m x 2.5m • 4 x Christie UST projector DWU851U with UST 0.38:1 lens • 1 x WatchOut Display Server • 4 x Kramer TP 580T/580R DVI Extenders (transmitters & receivers) • 1 x 24 Port CISCO 95 Series Giga Ethernet Switch • 1 x Art Net Box of SANDSYS model SB-AAA2/100

(SI Asia will discuss the ordeals, the design and install teams lived; thrills, chills they went through during the build phase; and the expertise they weaved through in the second and concluding part next issue)

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

MACAO

BAP Integrates Complete LED Dimming For Parisian Macao

Lutron solutions contribute to saving more than 5 million kWh of electricity annually

he Parisian Macao’s full array of integrated resort facilities includes 3,000 guestrooms and suites, convention and meeting space, international restaurants, spa, kids’ club, health club, pool deck with themed water park, and 1,200-seat theater, among other amenities. The Parisian Macao is Las Vegas Sands’ and Sands China’s most energy-efficient integrated resort to date. It is targeting LEED silver certification for new construction and is the first integrated resort in Macao to do so for the entirety of its operation. A full 100 per cent of The Parisian's interior and exterior lighting is LED - a first for an integrated resort of this scale. This conscious green decision is expected to save more than 5 million kWh of electricity each year, with the additional LED installation cost paying for itself in less than three years. The electricity saved would be enough to supply power to more than 12,000 Macanese households for an entire month.

BAP was roped in to integrate the lighting system for the entire space that included: • Façade lighting • Gaming Areas • Fitness • Spa • Pool Side Bar • Kids Club • VIP drop off & elevator lobby • Ballroom & business centre • Pre-function & meeting room • Guestrooms • All public area The biggest challenge for BAP was to incorporate a dimming system to accommodate all LED lights in this scale. Fortunately the company found the perfect solutions in LUTRON. Both LUTRON Quantum System and LUTRON HomeWorks QS System were integrated to achieve the property’s objectives.

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Guestrooms Lutron HomeWorks® QS System systems are applied to adjust the lighting and shade environment according to a preset schedule, which allows the hotel staff to be wholly dedicated to their guest service. The shift of lighting scenes is a gradual one which can take as long as one hour, creating different lighting ambience for in-room experience respectively without causing inconvenience to guests.

Casino – Gaming Area The gaming area accommodates as many as 150 tables and up to 2,500 slot machines. Lighting of the entire casino is controlled by Lutron Quantum system. It is a total light management that is able to improve occupant comfort and productivity, simplify building maintenance and operations, create beautiful and functional lighting environments, and save considerable amounts of money and energy. The built-in timer in the system adjusts the lighting automatically, saving lots of labour in lighting adjustment in different locations and avoiding the possibility of negligence or mistakes in such operations. Lutron system also prolongs the lifespan of LED light, which is especially important for casinos where business goes around the clock, as any replacement of light will necessitate temporary close-down of certain areas,

which causes inconvenience to guests and business losses to the casino.

Ballroom & Multi-function Meeting Spaces The Parisian Macao features exceptional meeting spaces (over 5200 sqm), including the 36 individual/partitioned meeting rooms. The space is highly flexible and can be divided into event venues of different sizes based on the number of attendees. These meeting rooms can be combined in different sizes according to different needs, which means that there are over a hundred possible room combinations. BAP’s programming team took a lot of effort/time to build a system program that could cater to these numerous combinations. Although it was far from an easy task, the BAP team was able to pull it off to great success. As the function of the venue changes, the lighting scenes and thousands of lighting circuits will need to follow accordingly, and that was a key reason why the LUTRON Quantum system was installed for switching and dimming. Last but not least, LUTRON provides central control and reset of lighting scenes to match different events and venue arrangements, which is very important for a highly flexible and huge venue like this. www.bap.com.hk

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

INDIA

By Ram Bhavanashi

Energizing Exploration & Production Decisions With AV ONGC Mumbai Office Complex Made Smart & Intelligent with Technology

Auditorium

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) – one of ‘brand India’’s Maharatnas (premium Public Sector Undertakings) with approx. US$ 30 billion market cap – is, simply said, many things in one. A significantly large size and scale making its commendable continental and global rankings, the energy enterprise is big on its technology take as well with a unique distinction of having inhouse capabilities in all areas of exploration and production of oil and gas. The company’s technology focus is perhaps best exemplified at its Mumbai edifice- the Green Heights where the energy giant deployed a massive scale of audio-visual systems that befit its operational size and requirement. An SI Asia exclusive: FACTFILE: • Project Name: ONGC Green Building- (NB Prasad Green Heights) • Project Location: BKC, Mumbai • Project Owner: Oil and Natural Gas Commission • Project Segment: Public Sector Undertaking/Maharatna • Project type: Audio-visual set-up in entire office complex: Auditorium, Boardroom; Conference Rooms; Meeting Rooms; Lift Lobbies; Training rooms etc. • Design Architects: Architect Hafiz Contractor • Executive Architect: Nilabh Nagar • Project & Construction Management: ONGC Multidisciplinary Team • Audio Visual Consultant(s): Suri & Suri (Late Sunil Gupta) & Elevate AV Consultants (Krishnan) • System Integrators: AGC Networks, Cosmos Business Machines

• AV Install Areas: Conference Rooms, Small Meeting Rooms at Business Centre, and all floors (except Board Floor), Training Rooms, and Digital Signage in Lift Lobbies on all floors- by AGC Networks Auditorium, Boardroom, Conference Rooms at Board Floor, video panels at Senior Executives’ chambers with Smart streaming boxes, Executive Canteen- by Cosmos • Total Project Cost: Around INR 400 crore (US$60 million approx.) • AV Install Cost: INR ~5 crore (US$745,000 approx.) • Project Commenced: 2011 • Project Commissioned: 2015 • Project Highlights: LEED Platinum Green rating awaited; registered with UNFCC under clean developed mechanism (CDM)

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

ONGC – India’s largest explorer and producer of oil and natural gas – operates a huge network of oil and natural gas fields in and outside the country. A measure of the state-owned energy MNC’s network is exemplified by as many as 26 hydrocarbon fields, and over 11500 km of pipelines in the country, besides as many as 36 oil and natural gas fields in 17 countries. The energy major’s size is also borne in the figures of: • 14th rank in oil and natural gas operations, and 200th overall in the Forbes 2000 • 20th rank among global energy giants • 26th rank among biggest publicly traded global giants • >70 per cent of the country’s domestic production • US$30.3 billion market cap • 11 oil and gas fields (re)development projects since April 2014, taking in > US$10 billion With such a massive spread of operational network, the energy enterprise required a technologically well-oiled office edifice to effectively address the growing demands of business. The Dehradun, Uttarakhand-headquartered corporate giant, therefore, created in Mumbai, a new office complex, named NBP Green Heights – after its former Chairman-Managing Director Dr. N B Prasad – with a slew of firsts to its credit, including a massive deployment of audio visual technology. Besides a radically distinct architectural design done in by famed architect Hafiz Contractor, in association with executive architect Nilabh Nagar, the eight-storeyed Platinum-rated Green Building is registered with the UNFCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), and employs a high degree of energy efficiency as also waste recycling and resource-reuse.

Boardroom

Playing a backbone for the company’s and edifice’s communication infrastructure is its audio-visual technology deployment that involved two AV consulting firms and systems integrators in two stages: • Conference rooms, small meeting rooms at Business Centre, and all floors (except Board Floor), training rooms, and digital signage in lift lobbies on all floors- by AGC Networks • Auditorium, Boardroom, conference rooms at Board Floor, video panels at senior executives’ chambers with smart streaming boxes, executive canteen- by Cosmos Business Machines Delhi-based Suri & Suri was initially taken onboard for designing the AV technology for the complex. However, after a few turns of things, the Mumbai-based Elevate Consulting had been entrusted with completing the remaining part of the job. “We had clear idea about what this edifice would have to be like; it was ideated to be ‘smart and intelligent’” informs Rakesh Gupta, Deputy General Manager (E&T) Green Building Project, ONGC Western Offshore Unit. “The vision was holistic, in that it should facilitate better communication among peers by enabling demonstration and display of important metrics through sophisticated, yet easy-to-use technology set-up on one hand,” he explains, “on the other, it should present a very pleasant ambience with mood-setting background music for the comfort of visitors even as it seeks to fill in a sense of understanding and appreciation of what the organization is all about- through displaying the company’s strengths and its contribution to the country.”

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

According to him, the planning for the technology deployment was made in 2011-12 but the massive scale it was contemplated, and certain due diligence processes took time before it was finally commissioned in late 2015. An important part of this four-year journey through system design contemplation and execution was the instances of technological advances and/or obsolesces, and design constraints causing a variety of modifications from concept to completion. “While we sought to address all that, efforts were also made to deploy technology to jumpstart the functionality of the workspaces that the complex was made of,” asserts Gupta. According to the DyGM, that the office edifice is a complex of diverse functionalities, the requirements were diverse, and so did the specifications for deployment of technology for different workspaces. For instance, he elaborates, there are two 55-seat conference rooms for corporate meetings and video-conferencing functions. That there would be a frequent requirement of training to personnel, so there are multiple number of training rooms that are equipped with interactive projectors, and pen-pad systems. In keeping with modern trend of better utilizing small spaces and meeting requirements, provision was made for multiple numbers of Huddle Rooms on every floor and wing. More, all the lift lobbies have been adorned with digital signage displays that are fed by a central media server. An expansive spread of distributed Public Address system acts as a streaming background music backbone as well as fire and safety announcement mechanism.

Conference Room

Experiencing the AV expanse Auditorium: One of the important facilities of the Green Heights complex is the multipurpose auditorium on the ground floor. Not a very swanky space in style though, the auditorium sports a very suave statement, with its distinctly designed interiors performing some intelligent acoustics even as they accentuate the aesthetic appeal. With an extensive use of wood that is accentuated by miniature LEDs to a large extent on the side walls as well as the steppe form ceiling, the interiors sport a sort of gracious ‘art-coustics.’ The huge seating area, with a sort of luxury seating, is faced with a large wood-decked stage that is also equipped with theatrical set-up of multiple-grid lighting and curtains, behind which, on the wall is a 275-inch motorized draper screen- meant for presentations and video projections. The audio (sound reinforcement) configuration comprises a set of Tannoy loudspeakers featuring a two-way main assembly of three 15-inch Tannoy VX with 700 x 400 coverage pattern suspended from above the proscenium, besides two compact low profile VX12 stage monitors with tripod mounting, and one 15-inch VSX15DR subwoofer mounted on an isolation base padded with 12mm thick neoprene, and placed under the stage. The loudspeaker audio is further augmented by three units of Tannoy Di-6t two-way surface mount loudspeakers meant for the Control Room and Green Room. Powering these systems are two units each of E4:2 and C28:2, and one unit of IPS2400 amplifiers from Lab.gruppen. One unit of Biamp Nexia SP DSP does the audio processing task. Besides, the sound reinforcement set-up also features a 32-channel Live 8 Soundcraft audio mixer to complement the system with mixing tasks.

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

The audio capture configuration features a significant deployment of beyerdynamic units comprising as many as 10 TGV-35 cardioid handheld microphones with XLR for deskmount stands; three units of Opus 669 wireless handheld microphones; two units of GM 305-S+ZSH 20 gooseneck supercardioid condenser microphones â&#x20AC;&#x201C; meant for the two podiums placed on either side of the state â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and one Opus 650 wireless lavaliere microphone with body pack. The video component essentially features a Barco RLM W8 3-chip DLP projector housed in the Control Room created at the rear end of the auditorium, where the entire AV rack is also housed. The video interfacing for lectern as well as for the dais is done with an Extron Cable Cubby 200 each, as also the HDMI switching by another Extron DXP84 unit. The array of functions like VGA over TP; conversion and receiving of RGB signals; HDMI extension, and video scaling is all handled by two each units for respective jobs by Extron, which also did the twisted pair, HDMI and control cabling. The touch panel control system features Crestron units comprising one AV2 rack mount processor, and one TPCS4SMD-W-S wall mount panel. The electronics are done with a Sony BDP-S190 rack-mount blu ray disk player, and a Panasonic DMR-EH59 compact flash memory audio recorder. The AV install also features an extensive use of Belden cabling and Neutric connectors, besides Ahuja stands. The Conference Room: Aesthetics of art-coustics continuing its flow, the Conference Room features a very pleasing blend of structure and texture in that while the interiors are done in a harmony of wood and fabric finish surfaces in a typically circular fashion, both for the conference table set-up as well as the ceiling accentuated with diffused lighting while the AV gear is sought to be smart and intelligent. The set-up essentially features the Cisco SX20 videoconferencing system that is complemented by a 103-inch full HD Panasonic TH-103PB1 professional display panel, and a combination of 13 units of beyerdynamic BM32 boundary microphones for audio capture and an even number of Tannoy CVS4 ceiling loudspeakers for audio reproduction. The audio is powered by Biamp Nexia VC and TC DSPs, besides the MCA8050 amp, and an Extron XPA 1002 power amplifier. A paif of Extron DXP44 HDMI + IN1606 scalars does the analog and digital scaling jobs while a pair of Panasonic DMR-EH59 units does the hard disc recording of the proceedings. The audio system also comprises a rack-mount Shure SCM 410 audio mixer. Control systems automation is done by Cretron comprsing one unit of Crestron TPS-CP2EPAK-6X, and a pair of Crestron DIN4DIMFLV4 for lighting controls, and one unit of 5-inch Crestron TST-600-W-S for the AV devices.

Boardroom AV rack

The AV set-up here also features an extensive combination of HDMI cabling by Extron and microphone and video cabling by Belden. The Boardroom: The Boardroom features more or less similar AV set-up as that of the Conference Room, but with some critical difference in that the rectangular space features a 60inch video wall made with four CP-60C4DMH CIMA displays coming with 1.8mm bezel D Cubes. According to the DGM, who was central to the whole install, they originally ideated to have a 100-plus inch plasma panel, but it could not be procured, even after three years, as the LED panels of that size were either not available or costed a bomb! So, they chose a combination of smaller panels. The audio capture is entrusted to 13 numbers of beyerdynamic BM32 boundary layer microphones, while the speech reinforcement is done by 10 units of Tannoy CVS4 ceiling

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

mount loudspeakers. The video-conferencing set-up is again by Cisco SX20. The Chairman Room: The Chairman Room essentially features a Cisco EX60 desktop video-conferencing set-up that enables the Chairman converse with the officials and related staff directly from the desk, without having to come to the conference room, unless required specifically. Besides all this, the complex also features numerous Meeting Rooms that are equipped with 10 units of 55-inch DB55D, and 9 units of 40-inch DB40D Samsung display monitors that are held by Adtec swivel mounts.

The Essential Call: Being Smart & Intelligent The installation is arguably massive. Ensuring that it is fully purposeful and effective is critical, and apparently the ONGC administration opted for a very smart and intelligent technology play. One of the most critical elements was when the officiating execs were faced with ordering display panels for senior executives: whether to choose Smart TV (panels) or Smart TV set-top boxes (streaming devices)? According to Rakesh, a smart TV is a ‘connected TV,’ that comes with a slew of built-in apps including Web browsers and thus enable a lot of functionalities; it does save good money as it eliminates the clutter of additional boxes and cables. “However, these Smart TVs do not come with powerful software; often come with baffling interfaces, and tend to become dumb over time as they cannot receive updates,” he explains. “We thus chose conventional TV monitors and augmented them with separate set-top boxes that play really ‘smart’ with services and updates. More, even if the box becomes outdated as fast as the TV, it’s much cheaper to replace the box than the entire TV set.” That is indeed a smart and intelligent move. They also chose digital signage pervasion through the premises. “This actually helped us meet many objectives: collaborative environment, green training, information sharing, message board, and safety signage etc.,” explains the DGM.

Other challenges & changes Understandably, they had to change the specs in accordance with the design, and availability concerns. The most important was from Analogue Video distribution system (from DTH) to Digital Signage system by adding a Central Media server, thin clients and intelligent content management software. This enabled the employees to showcase various media contents (showing off employee work, office photos, company metrics) floor/wing wise and share important information, impart green education, as and when required and can act as fire safety signage also. Similarly Plasma displays were changed to LED panels, and VGA elements were upgraded to HDMI. Interactive screen was changed to interactive projector for better efficiency.

“One of the most potential challenges we faced was coordination with two vendors working on different floors/ packages and change of AV consultants, as the completion took a bit long,” explains the DGM. “Keeping the track with the technological obsolesce, keeping an eye on the user’s requirement, construction challenges etc. all mattered,” he explained, “the interiors of the auditorium clashed with the AV design. Architect wanted a C band with Led lighting, whereas the Laminates used in the panel were not meeting the acoustic parameters. This caused some compromises on account of AV design, but efforts were made to keep the deviations minimum.” Overall, the whole installation came good, and very effective, the official expressed satisfaction. www.ongcindia.com

"The vision for the installation was holistic, in that it should facilitate better communication among peers by enabling demonstration and display of important metrics through sophisticated, yet easy-to-use technology setup on one hand and on the other, it should present a very pleasant ambience..." Rakesh Gupta, Deputy General Manager (E&T) Green Building Project, ONGC Western Offshore Unit

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

THAILAND

Discreet L-Acoustics System Delivers Crystal Clear Sound To Thai Temple Vision One together with L-Acoustics combat acoustic challenges with the help of Soundvision software, to provide constant SPL throughout the temple

onsidered to be one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand, Wat Tha Sung or The Glass Temple - so named because of its spectacular roof made from mirrors and crystals - is situated in Thailand’s Uthai Thani province. The recent installation of a discreet L-Acoustics audio system in one of the temple complex’s newer halls has ensured that it sounds as good as the original temple looks. The original Wat Tha Sung temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period, which dates from 1351 to 1767. By the mid-1700s the temple was derelict, but in 1789 monk Luang Pho Yai restored it, with more buildings later added to the complex. It now has many pavilions with accommodation for meditation. One of the newer main halls, Sala 12 Rai, has recently undergone extensive renovation in preparation for being renamed 100th Birthday of Pra Rachapromyan Cathedral. The update includes the installation of an L-Acoustics loudspeaker system, comprising a combination of Kara variable curvature line arrays, ARCS Focus constant curvature line sources and coaxial X-Series cabinets. The 30-year-old hall needed a crisp, clear-sounding system, to be primarily used for chanting, sermons and meditation

teaching. It required even SPL coverage of +/- 3dB across its entire area; a challenge made more complicated because its structural design included a large number of pillars located relatively close together. Bangkok-based Vision One was introduced to the committee that runs Wat Tha Sung by one of the directors of Workpoint Entertainment Public Company Limited, which owns the Siam Pic-Ganesh Center of Performing Arts, where Vision One had already successfully installed an L-Acoustics Kiva system. “Alvin Koh, L-Acoustics Applications Engineer for Asia, was involved in the project from day one,” says Vision One’s Tanapat ‘Tony’ Mongkolkosol. “He visited the site and discussed the requirements with the temple’s committee, including the project manager Monk Mongkolwate, the senior advisor/architect Mr Chumnumporn Chavananont and the interior designer. The support from L-Acoustics helped us to convince the committee that our solution would be the best one to solve the many challenges that the hall presented.”

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

As well as the main PA system, a distributed system was deployed to cover the blind spots and acoustic shadows caused by the pillars.

These challenges included the central part of the hall being around 100m wide by 120m long, with a ceiling height of 23m - equivalent to the area of a football pitch and the height of a five or six-storey house. And, while the new design for the hall removed several of the original pillars, 48 remained.

“Avoiding reflections is the key to achieving a low-level, dispersed sound that still provides an ‘in the face’ sensation. With 48 pillars, curtains and side walls to take into account, a lot of attention was paid to determine the best locations for the speakers,” Tony continues. “We installed 34 X12 as aisle fills and 16 X12 as stage monitors. Four X8 provide front fills and two X8 are control room monitors. Finally, four ARCS Focus have been deployed as front stage fills.”

In addition to the acoustic challenges, the speaker system also had to be as discreet as possible, in order not to intrude upon the atmosphere of the temple.

The carefully-designed placement of the loudspeakers ensured that Vision One was able to achieve its aim of delivering a constant SPL throughout the entire temple, with superb intelligibility.

Using Soundvision software, Tony and his team produced over 20 system designs to ensure that they studied all of the potential solutions. The final design comprised 48 Kara, eight SB18i, 50 X12, four ARCS Focus and six X8, all powered by 30 LA4X amplifiers.

“The Abbot, the project manager, architect, interior designer and all responsible are very happy with the sound quality that the L-Acoustics system has delivered,” says Tony. “They all agree that the hall now enjoys the best sound quality of its 30year history.”

“Most of the loudspeakers were flown from the main beams, so we specified the white version of the cabinets to match them,” says Tony. “For the main system we split the Kara into six clusters of eight in three zones, with each zone comprising two clusters, and coupled four SB18i with eight Kara (for both left and right hangs) in zone one at the front of the hall.”

“We are very grateful to everyone at Vision One and the L-Acoustics team for all of their hard work,” adds Monk Monkolwate. “We now have the ideal solution for delivering the best ever sound in this incredible hall.” www.l-acoustics.com

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

The main system comprises six clusters of eight Kara each in three zones, with each zone comprising two clusters, coupled with four SB18i.

34 X12 are positioned as aisle fills and 16 X12 as stage monitors

PROJECT FACTFILE Client: Wat Tha Sung Temple Segment: House of Worship Location: Thailand System Integrator: Vision One Task: To provide even and intelligible audio throughout the new hall, Sala 12 Rai Solution Highlight: Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Acoustics loudspeakers comprising 48 Kara, eight SB18i, 50 X12, four ARCS Focus and six X8, all powered by 30 LA4X amplifiers.

Four ARCS Focus are deployed as front stage fills.

INSTALLATIONS Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

THAILAND

Electro-Voice At Wat Tha Sung Vision One specifies EV loudspeakers for Intelligibility and Coverage for outdoor crowds at Temple

very year, the Wat Tha Sung Temple attracts many visitors who travel the distance to admire its beauty, pray and listen to sermons.

To cope with the increasing number of visitors, the temple constructed a “Lan Tam” in front of the Golden Castle to host the thousands of believers that gather to attend the sermons. A loudspeaker system upgrade was needed to provide highly intelligible sound to these outdoor crowds. The project was entrusted to Bosch-certified partner, Vision One Co., Ltd., to supply and install the entire project with products from ElectroVoice. A strong reputation for producing high quality sound and professional reliability – coupled with the excellent pre- and post-sales support and services offered by the EV team and Vision One Co., Ltd – reaffirmed Electro-Voice as the winning choice for Wat Tha Sung. At the design stage, Electro-Voice and Vision One Co., Ltd went to the temple to conduct an on-site acoustic simulation test. Small-format, high-output powered ZX1 speakers,

designed for weather resistance, were selected as the centerpiece of the system, distributing high-clarity sound across the Lan Tam area. Compact EVID models cater to crowds that convene in the parking area; an EVF horn-loaded model was installed in front of the Golden Castle. After the installation, the team conducted the final sound check to reaffirm that the actual sound production matched the predicted simulation. All speakers were powered and processed by Electro-Voice: two CPS amplifiers, a Dx46 FIR-Drive processor, and a NetMax N8000 system controller which offers comprehensive management and superior digital fidelity. Visitors to the temple have commented that the audio is now crystal clear. www.boschsecurity.asia

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

Busting 3 IIoT Myths

There is no doubt that the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) market is evolving quickly. In the report Digital Transformation – an Internet of Things perspective, IDC predicts that the installed base of IoT endpoints will grow from less than 13 billion units at the end of 2015 to 30 billion by 2020. The industries that IDC predicts will spend the most on IoT solutions are manufacturing, transport, energy and utilities, and retail, with a wide range of IoT use cases. In other words, the Industrial IoT clock is ticking, and businesses not already addressing the opportunity offered by IoT need to create and implement their plans – quickly! So why are some companies still hesitating? One answer is that there are several misperceptions, or myths, regarding IIoT that are making decision makers hesitate, and sometimes delay or stop an IIoT project altogether. A heavy focus on standards, exorbitant expected costs and the fear of big changes are all cited as reasons for not pursuing IIoT projects. Dan Matthews, Chief Technology Officer at IFS, busts the three myths of Industrial IoT in this article.

Myth #1: We should wait for standardization BUSTED

Unlike consumer markets where standardization, formal or by market dominance, is key to success, for IIoT standardization won’t be a concern for decades. Sure, there are multiple emerging standardization initiatives in IIoT and yes it is not yet possible to know which will grow or be marginalized. But the thing is it doesn’t matter. Unlike consumer markets where new standards for say NFC chips in smartphones can roll out and get near full market presence in the few years it takes for people to replace their phones, industries are run on equipment that is anything from years to several decades old. This equipment has been provided by tens, or hundreds of different suppliers. Even if the equipment manufacturers “IIoT enable” their latest generation according to some IIoT standard, it will take decades before industries have replaced all their existing

VOICE BOX Systems Integration Asia February - March 2017

equipment and assets with new IIoT standadarized versions. For industries wishing to pursue IIoT it is just to accept that for the foreseeable future there won’t be any standards on how to connect up all their things. Instead industries should expect and plan for doing bespoke integration development, or even retrofitting of other sensors and communications capabilities to equipment and assets in order to get them connected.

Myth #2: IIoT would be a giant leap for my business, demanding a lot of work BUSTED IIoT success is all about choosing small, actionable steps that will improve your business today – not giant leaps that will transform your industry tomorrow. For many people IoT still brings to mind disruptor companies like Uber or Netflix. But in most cases IIoT develops, rather than disrupts the entire business. According to the previously mentioned IDC report, the main drivers behind IIoT are to improve day-to-day operations, including improving productivity (14.2 % of the companies), improving quality and time-to market (11.2%), improving process optimization (10.2%), reducing costs (9.9%) and improving decision making (9.3%). A look at the vast majority of companies who have already operationalized IIoT shows that the successful ones often have started with a few well-chosen processes and incremental change. It can begin with connecting just one piece of equipment. Earning a little more revenue from this can then inspire us to take a bigger step – what would happen if we integrated these findings with input from another data stream? External events, such as weather forecasts or temperature changes for instance. How could changing operations on this machine according to these inputs optimize its performance? The key is to ask ‘how can we make this a little more efficient?’ not ‘how can we revolutionize our whole business?’ Incremental change is the name of the game. IIoT is about improving performance.

Myth #3: IIoT will be expensive and capitalintensive BUSTED A few years back this statement might have been true but three key developments have made IIoT implementation more affordable than ever before: The falling price of IIoT hardware and software: everything from the smallest sensors to the largest gateways has fallen

in cost. There is now a range of smarter, cheaper sensors and gateways available to all industries, increasing your level of software control. If we take as a typical example a forklift truck. 10 years ago connecting one of these would have cost at least a thousand Euro – out of reach for most logistics and manufacturing operations running several of them. Today a single forklift could be connected for not much more than a 10 Euro note. Cheaper, broader internet access: This has made it ever easier to connect a broader range of machines and equipment across a wider geographic area at a low cost. New developments such as 5G mobile networks and LoRa will make sure this trend continues. Cost effective IoT cloud platforms: on the platform side we’ve seen big, exciting changes. Ready-to-use, cloud-based IoT platforms that can handle massive scale, storage and computing are now more available than ever before. These three changes have made it possible for companies to get started with IIoT projects quicker and with lower risk than before, enabling more experimenting to reach success.

Operationalizing data - the key to IoT success In addition to these IIoT myths, there is still one factor many companies tend to overlook - and that is how their IIoT data should be operationalized. In order to get returns from IIoT investments it’s important not to stop at only collecting and analyzing IoT data. Just doing that you still have not made a dollar. To benefit from IIoT the knowledge and insight needs to be turned into action that optimizes your business—whether that is a more optimal maintenance plan, higher service levels, improved logistics, engineering better products, or developing entirely new business models. This can be done in several different ways, but one key step in operationalizing your data is automating the right processes based on gathered data. To illustrate with an example: equipped sensors capture data about too high temperatures. Instead of just collecting, registering and manually acting on this data, a process is created for automatically dispatching service personnel to replace a part that has suffered overheating and thus preventing future catastrophic failures. Operationalizing and automating - this is when the true power of IIoT comes to life and can generate significant revenues.

About IFS IFS™ is a globally recognized leader in developing and delivering enterprise software for enterprise resource planning (ERP), enterprise asset management (EAM) and enterprise service management (ESM). IFS brings customers in targeted sectors closer to their business, helps them be more agile and enables them to profit from change. IFS is a public company (XSTO: IFS) founded in 1983 and currently has over 2,800 employees. IFS supports more than 1 million users worldwide from its network of local offices and through a growing ecosystem of partners. www.IFSWORLD.com

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