NanoLumens Introduces NanoClear™, the Next-Generation Transparent Visualization Solution!

NanoLumens®, the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of visualization solutions in any size, shape, or curvature, today announced the introduction of the next great advance in its solutions offerings — the groundbreaking, fully-transparent NanoClear™ display platform.

“NanoLumens has always been unique in its ability to provide customers with visual solutions in any size, shape or curvature — solutions that in every respect live up to their imagination,” NanoLumens Vice President of Marketing and Business Development Nate Remmes explained. “However, the introduction of our transparent visualization technology takes the company to the next level of innovation. We’re proud to be one of the first companies to commercialize this industry-changing technology, and provide exceptional solutions to customers around the world.”

Utilizing state-of-the-art nano-optical particle diffusion, the new NanoClear display platform allows objects to seamlessly float in space. The display can accept input from nearly any device or content management system to produce specific messaging on the clear display. Extremely slim and ultra-lightweight, NanoClear, like all NanoLumens visualization solutions, is also energy-efficient and feature a bright, seamless, high-resolution picture quality.

The company’s patented display technology and highly innovative visual solutions are transforming the way companies engage their audiences in every type of higher education, retail, hospitality, stadium, arena, casino, transportation and public event environments.

In fact, according to Remmes, NanoClear has recently been installed in major retail locations, airports, and arenas, including the TD Garden in Boston. “We’re thrilled to see this new technology already changing the atmospherics in so many diverse installation environments,” he said.

Valley View Agri-Systems Personalizes Office With Custom Table, Lighting Fixture, and ELAN g! System

Logos are one of the most important advertising tools that exist, helping us recognize and remember world famous brands regardless of language or location. Valley View Agri-Systems, a leader in grain storage and material handling solutions, took their logo to heart when redesigning their Arkansas office to impress visitors and potential clients. Using the logo throughout their design and incorporating an intelligent control system made by ELAN, the company created a meeting and working space truly unique to their brand.

In a new conference room dubbed “the war room,” a custom-designed conference table and lighting fixture in the shape of their logo accentuate the space and reinforce the idea that Valley View Agri-Systems is in control of the meeting environment. That control is further highlighted by the advanced ELAN g! control system, which allows meeting leaders to easily manage and use the war room’s audio and video systems from an iPad docked on the conference table or an ELAN HR2 handheld remote.

According to installer Ryan Heringer, owner of Jonesboro, Arkansas-based Sound Concepts, the consolidated control of A/V in the conference room and eight separate offices gives the Valley View staff another means of impressing potential clients and visitors.

“With a few taps they can pull up presentations and videos without any complications, every time,” Heringer said. “Anyone who has frequented board rooms for presentations using technology can likely tell you how frustrating it is when things don’t work perfectly, or that it is a nuisance for someone to require advanced knowledge to simply operate the TV and audio system. What we are able to provide through the ELAN g! system is a dead-simple interface that turns everything on and presents the video options and computer connections in a truly easy format so even a first-time user can dive into operating it with ease.”

In addition to the requirement that the system be basically foolproof, keeping everything hidden was a top priority. Using in-ceiling adjustable direction speakers and the wireless ELAN g! system, the only things visible in the room are an iPad for control and the TVs on the walls. Infrared signaling and IP connectivity allows for all the processing equipment, video players and amplifiers to remain behind the scenes in a rack located in small closet in the war room.

The war room consists of a 14-seat conference table in the shape of Valley View’s bulging-rectangle logo, situated directly beneath a matching lighting fixture designed in precisely the same shape. Beyond the head of the table is a wall-mounted 80” Sharp 1080p TV, with two 65” Samsung 1080p adjustable-angle TVs flanking the table’s long sides, providing easy presentation and video viewing for every person in the room. Eight in-ceiling speakers provide clear audio without cluttering the room.

Outside the conference room the integration extends into eight offices, each featuring a wall-mounted 40” Samsung TV and a single in-ceiling speaker. An ELAN S1616A amplifier/multi-room audio controller provides power for all 16 speakers throughout the conference room and offices, and can send separate signals to each room. This way the war room conference does not affect a smaller office meeting, while everything runs through the same reliable system. The equipment rack includes nine cable boxes, one for each separate room, in addition to two Apple TVs and an Integra Blu-ray player with access to Netflix and Vudu. A Binary 16x16 HDMI matrix switch routes all video from the equipment closet to the 11 TVs.

To download additional hi-res photography, click here.

Stampede to Demonstrate the Many Ways to Strike Gold in Vegas at DSE 2015!

Digital signage resellers attending DSE 2015 who think the only chance they have to 'strike it rich' is either at the slot machines or the tables should bypass the casinos and proceed immediately to Booth #2128, where they will find that Stampede will be offering a number of exciting new risk-free ways to build revenues and profits by incorporating complete digital signage solutions into their 2015 business plans. 

“Displays, media servers, media content, managed services, and all of the traditional product categories that attach to make a complete digital signage solution will be displayed at this year’s DSE,” said Kevin Kelly, President & COO of North America’s oldest, largest, and still fastest growing distributor of high value-added ProAV solutions.  “No one offers more ways to ‘strike gold’ in today’s dynamic digital signage industry than Stampede.  We offer solutions for every vertical market and in every major system configuration, from simple in-store signage to complete customer engagement solutions.” 

What’s more, according to Kelly, Stampede will be making its business points at this year’s DSE by wrapping them around an array of exciting in-booth promotions that are all themed around the gold rush that made the West famous. 

As for the business side of the show program, Stampede will be offering it all: 

•  The Samsung RM48D Smart Signage Platform, featuring a wireless connection and offering both portrait and landscape modes of operation, as well as a custom wall-mount solution that makes this choice the industry’s most complete ‘signage in a box’ solution.

•  The just-introduced 70” NEC E705 Display that is built upon NEC’s proven V Series digital signage platform.  This is the clear winner when it comes to high quality, cost-effective display signage panels that can be used in a wide variety of applications.

•  The industry-leading Sharp Professional PN-Y Series of digital signage displays, incorporating a built-in USB content player, fan-less architecture, and out-of-the-box portrait and landscape mode operation — all of which makes this option the perfect reduced profile winner.

•  The new 98LS95A-5B LG display from LG Electronics, which is the new 98” addition to the state-of-the-art LG line-up featuring 4K resolution, IPS glass, as well as the software needed to enable the screen to be divided into video wall quadrants using WebOS.

•  High performance, weather-proof SunBrite displays for every kind of outdoor signage environment.

•  The latest MicroTile solutions from Christie Digital that can be used in video wall applications, broadcast studios, and so much more.

•  The ultra-bright DS55LX3 55” DynaScan video wall that is specifically designed to deliver a brilliant, high ambient light solution.

“Just as important as the display solutions on exhibit are the content management systems that can be combined with them,” Kelly emphasized.  “Stampede offers everything a ProAV dealer needs to profit from offering digital signage solutions and this includes content management solutions from 11 Giraffes, BrightSign, Cenique, and WonderSign.” 

Finally, Stampede will be offering ProAV resellers a complete range of services to make their implementation and use of digital signage solutions as simple and efficient as possible, including nationwide warehousing; direct-to-job delivery; market-dedicated digital signage specialists; account relationship managers strategically placed throughout the United States, Canada, and Latin America; pre-configured solutions for specific installs; a selection from more than 150 different manufacturers; and professional services that include installation, network monitoring, and system configuration. 

“We’re doing everything possible to help DSE 2015 attendees strike it rich in the most meaningful way possible,” Kelly concluded, “and that’s with well thought-out solutions that include every piece of the digital signage puzzle — displays, content management platforms, media, and services.  Don’t gamble your future anywhere else. Come to Stampede, where you will always ride ahead of the herd.”

Growing Bank Makes the Most of its Office Space With ELAN g! - Controlled Convertible Conference Room

As a company grows, its technology infrastructure can get complicated quickly. At Franklin Synergy Bank’s new headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee, the company is taking steps to keep things simple, starting with its recent installation of an ELAN g! control system.

Working with local integrator Audio Video Elements, Franklin Synergy Bank was able to maximize its real estate by creating an AV system that works double duty in a convertible conference room with a retractable divider. Thanks to the ingenuity of the integrator and the flexibility of the ELAN g! system, the room’s AV system can be operated easily whether it is utilized as a single large conference room with one media presentation, or as two smaller rooms with separate audio and video for each room.

“Creating a single AV system that is easy to use in multiple configurations can be a challenge,” said Aaron Lawrence, owner of Audio video Elements, “but with the ELAN g! system nearly anything is possible. The final result is a multi-purpose room that converts from a large conference room with a singular AV system to two smaller rooms with two distinct AV systems, using all the same equipment and the same controls. Simplicity was extremely important for this project, and that extends all the way to the custom podium we designed that includes a 10-inch monitor so speakers can follow their presentations without having to turn around.” 

The room includes two identical projection systems with Optoma 1080p projectors and 132” motorized Draper projection screens that drop from the ceiling, along with six pairs of in-ceiling speakers and two Shure wireless microphones. Video can be displayed from permanently connected cable boxes, users’ laptops or a Blu-ray player. When the motorized divider is open, the full room can be controlled from a 7” ELAN touchpanel to the right of the projection screens, and when the divider is closed, that same touchpanel controls only the right side equipment, while a second 7” ELAN touchpanel adjacent to the left projection screen controls the left side equipment. Lawrence programmed the g! system so that this happens seamlessly, with no work required to switch between a single- or dual-room configuration. To add to the convertible nature of the room, the stage is hydraulic and can be lowered to ground level to increase floor space when required.

“We installed TVs and data infrastructure throughout the whole building, requiring more than 100 Cat5 runs, but the crown jewel is this conference room,” Lawrence said. “The versatility of this conference room will allow Franklin Synergy Bank to use it as they see fit, and to do so easily. Even though the technology is very advanced, it took less than 10 minutes to show employees how to use it.  That’s what’s so great about the ELAN g! system, that it can perform all these really powerful automation processes but is easy enough for a complete technophobe to operate.”

In addition to the ELAN touchpanels, several employees have access to the system through the ELAN g! mobile app on their smartphones. This way they can operate the system without getting up, if necessary. All of the equipment is housed is a separate room in a rack that is protected by a Panamax M4315PRO surge protector, ensuring smooth operation for years to come.

Toronto Transit Commission Gains Critical Control With Massive Rear Projection Cube Videowall Installation By Advanced!

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) selected Advanced to upgrade their Control Room where they monitor Toronto’s four subway lines, 11 streetcar routes, and more than 140 bus routes each day.

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), home to one of the largest Control Rooms in North America, wanted to incorporate the most dependable and innovative videowall display for monitoring Toronto’s public transportation system. To do so, they turned to Advanced, Canada’s leading AV integrator, to envision and install a large 80” Delta Displays Rear Projection LED Cube videowall system that guarantees 24/7 footage of the city’s transportation system for more than 1.6 million people daily.

“Advanced is honored to have been selected from a pool of elite Canadian integrators for this critical project,” Advanced Co-President David Weatherhead said today. “The TTC’s Control Room oversees the safety of 460 million passengers annually. Utilizing dependable technology is essential in order to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

When selecting the ideal videowall for the TTC’s Control Room, Advanced knew it had to be dependable, low-maintenance, and easily serviceable. The Delta 80” Rear Projection LED cube videowall embodies all of these factors; broken into different sections, each low-maintenance rear projection cube displays four separate camera feeds. Other cubes display the transit system and subway lines status allowing control room operators to make critical decisions.  Each cube operates independently, so that if one has an issue, the rest of the videowall remains functional.  The LED light source ensures no lamps need to be replaced over the life of the display, and since Delta is the world’s largest manufacturer of power supplies the power engine is extremely robust and durable.

“Most importantly, the videowall is easily field serviceable, as it provides rear access to the displays without affecting the image presented at the front. Therefore, we can change or repair a cube without affecting the rest of the videowall, which is extremely important in this type of operation,” Advanced Vice President Mark McPherson said today.

Switching out the TTC Control Room’s fifteen-year-old system presented several challenges for Advanced. Firstly, the videowall had to be updated in sections and matched precisely to the concave curvature of the wall, which required custom-tailored engineering. Secondly, the Delta LED rear projection cubes are smaller than the previous systems’, so each new cube had to be custom matched with two sections flanking each side.

In order to install a videowall in a 24/7 mission-critical room, Advanced provided a temporary seamless NEC LCD ultra-narrow bezel videowall during the installation process so that TTC employees could continue to monitor Toronto’s public transport system at any given time.

In addition, Advanced technicians worked through the night to avoid busy transit times, such as Toronto’s rush hour. “Our integration staff was fully briefed on the TTC Control Room’s schedule and unique requirements. All of this work was done in the wee hours of the morning,” McPherson added.

The Transit Control room oversees every vital Toronto Transit System operation. As the largest referrer to 911, Transit Control workers are responsible for maintaining order in an emergency. The room holds 98 employees, 22 per shift, working 24/7 to track the trains.