NanoLumens Lights Up CenturyLink's New Technology Center of Excellence With a Unique NanoWrap™ Solution

Last March, CenturyLink (www.centurylink.com), a global communications, hosting, cloud and IT services company, cut the ribbon on its new Technology Center of Excellence. The 300,000 square-foot state-of-the-art (LEED certification pending) R&D center features of a stunning array of NanoWrap visualization solutions from NanoLumens (www.NanoLumens.com), an industry leading manufacturer and marketer of visualization solutions.

The new building’s lobby is a palace of glass that incorporates 37,000 square feet of View Dynamic Glass, making it the single largest installation of electrochromic glass in the country. View Dynamic Glass leverages nanotechnology and pre-programmed intelligence to tint automatically in response to outside conditions and user preferences, eliminating the need for blinds or shades. But, even with that technology, the lobby is still very bright. The exceptional brightness of NanoLumens’ technology, which can be adjusted as the ambient light levels change throughout the day, assures that the video on the solutions will remain clearly and crisply visible at any time, under any conditions. 

“The NanoLumens displays create a stunning effect in the lobby, and it’s fair to say that this sets the lobby apart from any other atrium like it,” said Ben Cating, Senior Consultant-VP of Idibri (www.idibri.com), the Addison, Texas-based consulting firm hired by CenturyLink. “It’s more than just a video installation — it’s a visual achievement.”

The center also includes a technology research and development lab, a network operations center, a customer experience center and a collaborative office and meeting space.  But, said Cating, the space also needed to make a definitive statement that immediately established the facility as a cutting-edge technology location. NanoLumens NanoWrap solutions helped the client make this visual statement and capture the attention of customers as they walk through the door. 

Three columns in the building’s three-story-tall atrium are wrapped with NanoLumens’ 5MM NanoWrap displays in a 42-inch-diameter circular panel that covers 12 feet of vertical surface on each column. The NanoLumens LED panels, made up of thousands of Nixels™, NanoLumens’ patented display module, turn these architectural elements into archi-technological elements. They provide a continuous stream of full-motion video that’s visible throughout the entire lobby and from any angle. Each display can show different video content or all three columns can play synchronously, with content fed over IPTV via fiber from a cloud-based Cisco-AppSpace content delivery system.

The NanoWraps are attached to the columns by a unique circular mounting system, incorporating a custom metal frame around the column in which the panels are attached. This system was carried out by AV systems integrator American AVL, based in Ruston, LA.

“CenturyLink wanted to make this lobby a unique technological experience for visitors and guests,” Cating emphasized. “We looked at a lot of possibilities, and video would keep the columns as an integral part of the aesthetic design. But attaching conventional flat displays to them would have ruined the flow they create visually. Only the flexibility of the NanoWraps, which we could literally wrap around the columns, offered us the solution that we needed. NanoWraps were the only way we could address this particular form factor. The result is striking to look at.”

“The space- and energy-efficient NanoWrap solution offers quiet, low energy consuming cylindrical visualization wherever a customer would like to place it,” emphasized NanoLumens Executive Vice President of Business Development, Karen Robinson. “Whether that’s hanging overhead, in a fixed position on its own, or around the columns of a building, NanoWrap solutions are made to equip customers like CenturyLink with the perfect visualization solution that’s just right for them– no matter what size, shape, or curvature is needed.”

To download additional hi-res images, click here. All photography is courtesy of Idibri Consulting. 

WHOOSH! Helps Busy Moms Keep Their Mobile Devices Clean and Shining Like New

Moms are every day superheroes: they cook, clean, work and raise children around the clock. In an ever-connected world, their mobile devices often accompany them during their hectic day, collecting bacteria, make-up residue, food particles, and sometimes, the occasional dribble of drool. Fortunately, WHOOSH! Screen Shine, the next-generation screen cleaner, is here to the rescue so that active moms can keep their devices clean and shining like new- even in the messiest of circumstances!

“Moms are constantly on the move, and their mobile technology is susceptible to all types of build-up that dirties and smudges their devices’ screens,” WHOOSH! President & CEO Jason Greenspan said today. “WHOOSH! is truly the perfect screen-cleaning solution for busy moms because it’s easy to carry in any purse or bag and it’s completely non-toxic and alcohol-free.”   

Leveraging the latest advancements in formula development, WHOOSH! is specifically developed to be a safe yet powerful cleaning solution that cleans screens and devices — making them shine like new while leaving an ultra-thin invisible coating that provides a resistance to dirt build-up, smudges, and fingerprints.

WHOOSH! does not contain alcohol, acids, ammonia, chlorine, petroleum distillates, phosphates or volatile organic compounds. Additionally, each package of WHOOSH! comes with a special cloth that has been treated with an antimicrobial agent to protect the fabric and mobile device screens against scuffs and scratches while cleaning.

WHOOSH! Screen Shine comes in three sizes: The Pocket (.3 fluid ounces), On-The-Go (1 fluid ounce), and Duo+ (one 3.4 fluid ounces and one .3 fluid ounces), allowing you to store a small bottle (.3 or 1 fluid ounce) in your purse, make-up bag, or diaper bag and allowing you to leave the Duo+ (3.4 fluid ounces) at home.

WHOOSH! Screen Shine is available for purchase at Best Buy, Target, Walmart stores, as well as in Staples Canada, Canadian Tire and Shoppers Drug Mart stores. WHOOSH! can also be purchased on Amazon.com and atwww.whoosh.com.

WHOOSH! Screen Shine made its debut at CES 2014 where it became the only screen and device cleaner to be awarded two coveted CES Innovations Design & Engineering Awards. WHOOSH! is also a Family Choice Award winner, one of the most coveted, family-friendly consumer award programs in the nation, recognizing the finest products and services that enrich the lifestyles of children and families.

WHOOSH! Appoints Antimicrobial Expert Dr. Curtis White to Serve as Technical Advisor

Reinforcing its commitment to develop the industry’s best tech hygiene solutions, WHOOSH! today announced the appointment of Dr. Curtis White, PhD to serve as a Technical Advisor to the company. Specializing in antimicrobial agents, Dr. White brings to his new role more than 50 years of experience in biochemistry, inventing, developing, and commercializing various chemicals and formulations.

“We are honored to have Dr. White join our team,” WHOOSH! CEO Jason Greenspan said today. “Curt has been working in biochemistry laboratories since 1962, and has, as a result, a detailed understanding of the science. His expertise will help us to develop the next generation of cleaning solutions that are required by today’s mobile consumer who is increasingly dependent on mobile devices to stay informed and entertained.”

White comes to WHOOSH! after co-founding ÆGIS Environmental Management, a global supplier of solutions to microbial problems in buildings, enclosed transportation units, and consumer and medical textiles including wound care products and construction materials. The company was recognized for its antimicrobial activities focused under the Aegis Microbe Shield Brand serving major retailers and brand name companies. ÆGIS Environmental Management was acquired by Microban International in 2012.

Prior to that, White spent eleven years at Dow Corning, guiding the technical activities for SYLGARD® Antimicrobial Treatment. During this time, White published more than fifteen trade journal articles, seven peer reviewed papers, five chapters in books, produced two video tapes, delivered thirty-five major addresses at technical and trade conferences, and wrote multiple product guides and case histories. White was responsible for the global expansion of the SYLGARD product line and was instrumental in the launching of the SYLGARD/BIOSIL business in Japan and Korea.

White also served as General Manager of the Micronic Filtration Division at machine tool company F. Joseph Lamb. While at F. Joseph Lamb, White was responsible for the development of an industrial filtration business that allowed for the removal of micron sized particles and, by use of proper chemical controls, extended the life of the metalworking fluids almost indefinitely.  

During his time as a researcher at Dow Chemical, White studied the invention of new industrial antimicrobials, understanding their toxicology and utility, and the development of sophisticated analytical techniques. White was responsible for a variety of bench and customer activities in the field of industrial microbiology. He was instrumental in the development of test techniques in the area of the paint preservatives, paint film mildewcides, marine antifoulants, metalworking fluid preservatives, and cooling tower slimicides.  

“With experience in organic chemistry and inorganic chemicals, Curt has experience in all phases of product-feature development and commercialization,” Greenspan added. “Curt will be working with management and the Technical Advisory Board to referee new products and business opportunities.”

Majoring in biology, chemistry, and education, White holds a B.S. degree in Applied Arts and Sciences from Central Michigan University. White has been recognized by the Central Michigan University College of Science and Technology as a distinguished alumnus and sits on the alumni advisory board and executive board of Central Michigan University. 

Furman to Host Manufacturer Power Management Training Program at InfoComm 2015

Today’s information technology systems are connected more than ever before, but they still face common issues like surges and AC line noise that can wreak havoc in a variety of ways. To help prepare integrators, Furman, the nation’s leading provider of power management systems, announced an all new manufacturer’s training course that will be offered at InfoComm 2015.

“With this training program, we are providing integrators the necessary knowledge and tools they need keep systems running smoothly,” John Benz, Core Brands Director of Product Management for Power explained. “When a system goes down it can cost both the client and the integrator money. “Be the Hero” is designed to address common issues and provide solutions to protect gear and optimize networks.”

Networked devices can create complex systems that have multiple points of failure and require specific boot sequences. This course will address power management features and benefits, best practices to employ power management solutions, and how the integrators can use the latest technologies to provide the highest level of service to their clients.

“Power management solutions from Furman can eliminate up to 80 percent of service calls, monitoring networks and giving integrators remote access to control devices from anywhere in the world,” Rob Harris, Furman Product specialist stated. “Furman is dedicated to providing attendees with the facts they need to greatly reduce or eliminate costly power management issues.”

Harris will lead the training program, showing manufacturers why typical surge strips are not enough to protect your equipment and maintain a healthy network of devices.  Join him as he walks integrators and technology users through common AC problems and their solutions while covering the science behind AC surge protection and noise filtering. Real-world examples will be used to show how Furman solutions protect gear, optimize networks and create reoccurring revenue opportunities for integrators.

Everyone who attends will be eligible to win one of Furman’s award-winning AC-215A power conditioners. Featuring the highest level of surge and spike protection available, linear filtration to ensure clean power, and auto-resetting extreme voltage shutdown, the compact, non-sacrificial AC-215A is one of the most versatile power management devices on the market today.

To register, visit: https://inf151.experientevent.com/showinf151/Default.aspx?UITEMS=_MT86

ELAN g! and Niles Speakers Provide the Foundation for an Easy-To-Use Full Home Automation System

Building a home always starts with laying a strong foundation. The same can be said for any home control system, and that’s exactly what the ELAN g! System and more than 50 Niles speakers have done for one Pennsylvania homeowner.

“This client came to me asking for a simple way to control everything in their home from the TVs to the pool, but they didn’t know how to accomplish that,” said Keith Foltz, owner of Harrisburg, Penn.-based Momentum Sound and Media. “I told them that I could take care of everything, and that it would all tie together seamlessly through the ELAN g! system. All of the other components are intentionally behind the scenes, so the most important thing for them is an enjoyable user experience and reliability, which ELAN delivers in spades.”

Like most homeowners today, this family didn’t want to see wires hanging from TVs or clunky black boxes in every room. Foltz was able to eliminate all of that clutter by combining all the ELAN equipment plus every cable box, audio receiver and subsystem control unit into two equipment racks located in the basement utility room. Then he designed a whole-home audio system using Niles legendary in-ceiling speakers so every room has crystal clear audio and no visible speakers. These considerations keep the house free of mess and also make it easier to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

“Putting all the electronics in one stack is the only way I would organize a system this large,” Foltz said. “That way if anything needs to be changed, replaced or fixed, I don’t have to trace wires or open walls. It also makes the system cheaper, because all equipment like this should be connected to high quality surge protectors, so I can install just a few of them for the whole rack instead of putting one in every room.”

Even the backyard has its own music zones with two wall-mounted speakers, two planter speakers, two rock speakers and a hidden in-ground subwoofer, all from Niles. So what is it like to control nine TVs, 52 speakers in 21 zones, five zones of HVAC, the home’s lights, security, garage doors, irrigation and pool from one device?

“The ease of operation and convenience of the iPhone/iPad app is best part of the system,” the homeowners said. “Control of the entire house is literally at our fingertips at home as well as when we’re away. With four children, it is amazing convenience to be able to turn off lights, TVs, and music from our phones rather than running through the house each time we leave.”

With a centrally-located 7-inch ELAN touchscreen, five 2-inch wall-mounted touchscreens throughout the house and eight ELAN HR2 handheld remotes for the TVs, the family is always just a few buttons taps away from putting their favorite music or TV on in whichever rooms they choose. It’s just as easy to check that the security system is armed, the garage doors are closed and the lights are off, making it easy to come and go without walking around to make sure everything is set appropriately. And whether they are home or halfway around the world, the family can check in on the home’s surveillance cameras from their iPhones, iPads or any computer. In the near future Foltz will install and integrate electronic locks on several of the home’s exterior doors and ELAN control for the driveway gate.

The crown jewel of the home’s entertainment offerings is the luxury home theater. Combining a backlit 122-inch Screen Innovation Black Diamond screen, a JVC 4K projector, three Sunfire CRM3 ribbon speakers in the front, six Niles HD8 speakers for surround and a Sunfire in-wall SubRosa subwoofer with nine Salamander Designs theater seats, the theater takes viewers away from the home and places them right in the movie.

“I love that the ELAN system is compatible with so many products from other top-name brands like ELK Security, Aprilaire, Pentair, Lutron, Access surveillance cameras and more,” Foltz said. “It gives me a lot of flexibility when designing a control system, both in terms of functionality and price.”

To download hi-res images of this installation, click here.