XFLY Introduces an Intelligent Flight Control Navigator (xNav IFCN) to Guarantee Safer and More Efficient UAV Operation

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XFLY LLC, the industry-leading manufacturer of innovative robotic UAV drone technology and solutions, today announced the introduction of its all new xNav IFCN, an Intelligent Flight Control Navigator that ensures total ease of flight, efficiency, reliability and stability of UAVs in any situation – safer than ever before. With AI decision-making capabilities and a self-teaching platform, the xNav IFCN marks a significant step forward in the direction of “smart” auto-navigation systems in the UAV industry. The product is being unveiled at NAB 2016 as part of the Stampede Drone Pavilion in Booth #C3357DP of the Las Vegas Convention Center. 

“The future of UAV control lies in intelligent flight controllers that are programmed to specific platforms and flight missions,” Ziv Marom, co-founder of XFLY said today. “Each user can program the xNav specifically for any UAV platform configuration or flight mission. The xNav IFCN offers a new level of efficiency that was previously unattainable with unintelligent flight controllers.” 

The xNav IFCN comes in three intellectual levels: xNav Smart, xNav Dev and xNav AI. Furthermore, xNav features include, but are not limited to:

·      Auto system pre-flight checklist

·      Auto takeoff, landing and dock charging

·      Autonomous battery swapping at unmanned stations

·      Live location and status data updates to the cloud, ground stations, and airport towers

·      Triple redundancy for 100% safety and reliability

·      Flight plans with unlimited waypoints, controlled speed and smart altitude settings enabled by sensors, object avoidance capabilities via sensors, GPS and 3D scanning and image navigation

According to Stampede President & COO Kevin Kelly, XFLY’s new xNav IFCN is a game-changer for commercial UAV users. “This new addition to the XFLY platform continues to push the performance standards for all commercial UAVs in the industry today,” said Kelly. “We’re excited to add this new controller to our product lineup and we’re confident that it will quickly become a staple for commercial UAV operators.”

According to XFLY co-founder TJ Diaz, the flight controller revolutionizes how UAV technology can be used in commercial environments. “We are thrilled to be apart of this next evolution in the UAV industry,” he said. “We have already begun testing the xNav prototypes on our xFold UAVs. The smart auto-navigation is going to present so many new opportunities for the broadcast industry and beyond.” 

 

Stampede's Spring 2016 Big Book of AV Tour & Conference Series Heads to Orlando, Florida!

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Following successful stops in Salt Lake City, Montreal and Indianapolis, Stampede, North America’s largest distributor of ProAV solutions, is bringing its Spring 2016 Big Book of AV Tour & Conference Series to Orlando, Florida on April 14th. The fourth stop on the ProAV industry’s most anticipated annual tour will take place one day after Drone Dealer Expo 2016 in the very same location — the Florida Hotel & Conference Center, from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Registration is now open here.

“The Orlando stop of the tour is designed to leverage the impact of Drone Dealer Expo,” Stampede President & COO Kevin Kelly said today. “We invite vendors and integrators who are attending the Drone Dealer Expo to continue to learn about Drone Video Systems by meeting with our manufacturer partners and attending our drone-specific presentation by Fred Bivetto, Unmanned Vehicle University’s Dean of the School of Flight Training.”

Additionally, the Orlando event will feature a special, first-of-its kind presentation that is open to the public as well as to dealers and manufacturer partners. “The presentation begins at 9:00 AM with an integrator panel that will address the attitudes of end-users to today’s AV systems, and whether the whole notion of ‘AV’ is still relevant to today’s andtomorrow’s markets,” Kelly explained.  

Each of the participants on this panel will discuss key technology and industry business trends. Panelists include Brendan Murphy, Commercial Sales Director of BSGi; Jay Seaman, CEO of ConnectVIEW; Brent Berger, Partner at Bridges Systems Integration; Ross Hancock, Director of System Integration of LMG; Brad Gallagher, Principal at Base4Technology; and Jason Cohen, Managing Partner of MediaWorks.

At 10:00 AM, the Big Book of AV Tech Showcase Exhibit will continue, where guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast while engaging in one-on-one conversations with top ProAV manufacturers who will be introducing their newest products to the region.

At 10:30 AM, the presentations will commence, covering a variety of topics including: “Cut the Cords: BYOD and Wireless Presentation from Any Device” by Ed Pham, Business Development Manager, wePresent;“Overview of the Drone/UAS Industry and Business Potential” by Fred Bivetto, Dean of the School of Flight Training, Unmanned Vehicle University; “Understanding and Specifying Outdoor LFD with Samsung” by Jonathan Brown, Principal at Brawn Consulting; “Drone Video Systems: A New AV Category for a New Age of Opportunities” by Rob Luther, Drone Video Systems; “Atlona, 5 Things You Need to Know Before Installing 4K” by Joel Carroll, Regional Sales Manager, Atlona; and finally, “NEC 10 Steps to a Successful Video Wall” by Mark Weniger, Account Manager, Channel Sales, NEC.

Showcasing the latest in the Pro AV market such as digital signage, audio, projection, and signal distribution, the daylong conference provides attendees with technology updates, exclusive insights, and keynote sessions from leading names in the industry, as well as training forums for total business needs. Current participating tour exhibitors include AEE, Atlona, AVTEQ, Cassio, Chief, Christie, DJI, Display Ten, Epson, Hitachi, HuddleCamHD, JELCO, Ken-A-Vision, LG, Luidia, Lumens, Luxel, Mustang, NEC, Oklahoma Sound, Optoma, Peerless AV, Philips, Planar, Premier Mounts, Ricoh, Samsung, Sharp, Stewart Filmscreen, TAP it, TSI Touch, Unmanned Vehicle University, Vidyo, WePresent WiPG, WilsonPro, and xFOLD.

During the second quarter of 2016, the Stampede Big Book of AV Tour & Conference Series will also visit Dallas, TX on May 12th and New York, NY on May 19th. All 2016 Big Book of AV Tour & Conference Series attendees will receive a $50 American Express Gift Card, $500 Stampede Credit, and be entered into a drawing for one of two DJI drones.

NanoLumens Debuts Outdoor Gallery Series, Strengthening the Range of its Visualization Solutions

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The new Outdoor Gallery Series is the world’s first fine pixel pitch, true curved, outdoor LED solution.

Redefining the performance standards for outdoor visualization solutions, NanoLumens, the industry-leading manufacturer and innovator of LED displays, today announced the introduction of the NanoLumens Outdoor Gallery Series – the world’s first true curved, outdoor LED solution that can be built in any size, shape or curvature in pixel pitches ranging from 4MM to 9MM.

“More than 80 percent of the outdoor LED displays that are installed every year in the United States are 10MM pixel pitch or greater, yet NanoLumens primarily sells solutions that feature much smaller and finer pixel pitches,” NanoLumens Director of Research and Development Robert Cross said today. “The new Outdoor Gallery Series reinforces our ability to exceed industry expectations in every display category by offering outdoor solutions featuring pixel pitches ranging from 4MM to 9MM for close proximity viewing. We are proud to bring this first-of-its kind solution to market.” 

First seen in the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida, the Outdoor Gallery Series is engineered to perform optimally in all types of outdoor environments. The six Outdoor Gallery Series solutions that were installed in South Florida were built for a “salt fog” environment, where each display can withstand the corrosive ocean air, operate seamlessly in temperatures up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, and in wind speeds exceeding 186 miles per hour. Although not every Outdoor Gallery Series solution will require such extreme features, NanoLumens’ expert team of engineers can alter the configuration of each Outdoor Gallery Series solution to meet a specific environment. Within the AmericanAirlines Arena’s Xfinity East Plaza project, NanoLumens Outdoor Gallery Series was recognized byInstallation International Magazine as a 2016 InstallAwards Star Product finalist in the entertainment category.

The high brightness of the Outdoor Gallery Series solution offers viewers a clear, vivid picture at any time of day. “If you’ve ever looked at a smartphone screen on a sunny day, you’ve most likely had to move to the shade to see any content,” Cross added. “The NanoLumens LED solution has best in class brightness, making it suitable for the most demanding environmental conditions.” 

According to Cross, the vast majority of outdoor display products are intended for long distance viewing, like something that might be seen on a billboard or way up high on a building. “By reducing our pixel pitch to 4MM to 9MM, we’re able to bring the display closer to the viewer, so they can interact with it with more intimacy. For example, the Outdoor Gallery Series is perfect for outdoor gathering areas, sports arena mezzanines, or transportation depots where the display is exposed to a wide gamut of conditions, and people are very close to the signage.”

NanoLumens understands that every client has unique requirements that need to be met and the new Outdoor Gallery Series can be tailored in any size, shape, or curvature to meet each customer’s specific set of requirements.  NanoLumens’ patented display technology and highly innovative products are transforming the way companies engage their audiences in every type of higher education, retail, hospitality, stadium, arena, casino, transportation and public event environment. 

All NanoLumens displays accept input from nearly any device or content management system. There is no need for special software, hardware or special personnel to display content beautifully. NanoLumens’ patented display technology is known across the world for virtually zero heat or noise while producing bright, rich, consistent color as well as superior off-axis viewing with no color shift or image distortion throughout the display horizon. Additionally, every NanoLumens high resolution, large-scale visualization solution comes backed by an unprecedented six year, Nixel to Pixel Warranty that was recognized by System Contractor News Magazine as one of the top three warranty programs in the A/V industry through its Stellar Service Awards program. 

Stampede President and COO Kevin Kelly To Speak at Drone Dealer Expo 2016 in Orlando, Florida

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Underscoring its lead role in developing drones into a major new growth category for resellers across the country, Stampede, North America’s largest distributor of ProAV Solutions, today announced that President and COO Kevin Kelly will appear tomorrow at Drone Dealer Expo 2016 and speak on a panel entitled, “The Future of Drones in Retail Distribution.” The panel will take place on Tuesday, April 12th from 2:00 PM-2:45 PM at the Florida Hotel & Conference Center and address the changing landscape of drone distribution in the retail industry. Registration for the Drone Dealer Expo is open here.

“Drones are making their way into mainstream consumer markets, and they are quickly becoming the ‘hottest’ item on any major retail store shelf,” Kelly explained. “Thus far, the drone industry has been served by a robust network of specialist retail dealers. This panel is designed to discuss what the future looks like for the distribution of drones through various retail channels.”

The panel will be moderated by Drone Business Center President Christopher Korody. Michael Blades, Senior Industry Analyst for Aerospace & Defense at Frost & Sullivan, and Steve Petrotto, Brand Manager at Horizon Hobby, will also join as panelists. 

In 2015, Stampede debuted Drone Video Systems, an entirely new category that compiles drone hardware, add-ons, command and control, and brings them in-house so that customers and retailers have, for the first time ever, a one-stop shop for customizable drones. “A Drone Video System connects leading commercial equipment, such as video conferencing software, command and control, and data storage, with a drone,” Kelly said. “Customizable drones are the future for the retail industry.”

The Drone Dealer Expo is a three day summit focused on the channel, bringing together drone manufacturers, distributors and resellers to exchange ideas and techniques and allow them to learn about new products and selling opportunities.

Full-Scale Commercial Flight Simulator in Mexico Relies on Furman to Protect its Tech from Power Surges

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According to Mexico City resident René Saldaña, power surges are extremely common in the area. Unfortunately, spikes in electricity can disrupt or damage the technology that is connected to power outlets when a surge strikes. Saldaña is especially concerned because he relies on the city’s electricity to power his commercial flight simulator business- From the Cockpit- which features a life-size Airbus 320 cockpit replica complete with projectors, screens and cameras that simulate an in-flight experience for aspiring pilots.

To ensure that power spikes and surges will not damage his $500,000 investment in flight simulation technology, Saldaña called on local integrator Alejandro Celis of Representaciones De Audio to design the most reliable power surge protection system possible. With extensive experience in power protection integration, Celis chose Furman to get the job done. “It is so important to protect high-end technology with power conditioning,” Celis asserted. “In Mexico, we lack proper regulation of electricity. A power surge can happen at a moment’s notice, and if the flight simulator technology breaks and needs to be replaced, it would be a huge financial setback.” 

From the Cockpit trains up-and-coming pilots for positions with mainstream commercial airlines before they continue their education with real flight experience. The program teaches students how to take off, fly and land by vividly simulating city-to-city routes. To manipulate factors like flight time and climate, Saldaña uses a system based on two pre-programmed servers. The servers feed into three Epson projectors to create the “view” on the windshield, three Samsung screens to replicate in-flight computer monitors that display crucial information, and two Nest Cam Security cameras that film the entire training session. “If I want to fly from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in a rainy and humid climate, I can pre-select that program and replicate the conditions impeccably,” Saldaña explained. “This is the most life-like and vivid flight training program there is!”

To make sure that the flight simulator system is power protected, Celis installed a Furman F1500 UPS to operate in the event of a surge or an outage. “This product is the perfect solution for this application for many reasons,” Celis said. “The Furman F1500 UPS’s Extreme Voltage Shutdown (EVS) protects the equipment from sustained overvoltage conditions, and the 1500VA Battery Backup maintains critical data and enables a safe shutdown in the event of a power outage. It guarantees that the flight simulator will remain protected, no matter what the situation is.”

Additionally, Celis installed three Furman SS-6B Six Outlet Power Strips to protect each Epson projector. “To provide noise isolation between the isolated outlet banks, I included a Furman M8-AV-PRO. This helps the system to remain protected and function perfectly,” he added. 

According to Saldaña, the system has been operating seamlessly and the team hasn’t experienced any issues with the city’s unstable power supply. They are so impressed with Furman’s performance that they plan on expanding the system with BlueBOLT remote power management functionality to better understand and manage power inputs and outputs.

“Anyone can purchase top-of-the line equipment, but the reality is that the weakest link in a system is often the electricity supply,” Celis said. “Even though power conditioning seems like an optional element in an A/V installation, it’s crucial. It guarantees that the system will be healthy and functioning without issue.”

For more images, click here.