by KMB Communications | May 2, 2024 | News, Nexus 21
When wall space is at a premium, finding room for a wall-mounted TV can be next to impossible. A highlight of Nexus 21’s ISE 2024 exhibit, the new L77i Drop-Down TV Lift, solves this issue. Dealers can choose to mount a TV above the ceiling or in an enclosure high on a wall. At the touch of a button, the mount’s motorized mechanism lowers the TV from its hiding spot into view. “For the first time, integrators have multiple viable drop-down options, which is particularly useful in situations where the ceiling is too high, or there is limited access above it,” Lovett explains.
The Nexus 21 L77i lift extends as far as 52 inches and can carry a TV as large as 86 inches and 68kg (150 lbs). “There has been a dramatic increase in requests from dealers and end-users for overhead mounting solutions,” Lovett continues. “With TVs becoming lighter and slimmer, now is the perfect time to consider mounting a display overhead. Our highly versatile L77i, as well as our L77ix, which incorporates a motorized swivel, were designed specifically for these popular applications.” No matter the project requirements, the L77i is quick to deploy, arriving at the jobsite preassembled to help cut installation time in half.
by KMB Communications | Apr 29, 2024 | DPI, News
Digital Projection Videowalls Bring More Than 80,000 Artworks to Life
Radiance Performance Series videowalls are the focal point of a new art gallery in Sacramento, paying tribute to the works of local artist Jackie Anderson.
The emotional connection we feel when viewing a beautiful, inspiring piece of art is undeniable. As the curators of one of Sacramento’s newest, hippest galleries have discovered, this bond intensifies when technology is intertwined. Conceived as a living legacy to local artist Jacquelyn Anderson by her husband, The Jacquelyn studio brings more than 80,000 works from her eclectic collection of photography and sketches to life on two massive Digital Projection videowalls. Scaling upwards more than 20 feet in the gallery’s main atrium, the dynamic exhibit rotates seasonally, creating an ever-changing digital canvas of stunning, hand-picked imagery. “Expressing Jackie’s work as a digital artform was the only way possible to convey the incredible talent and passion behind every piece in her collection,” says Keith Wackford of Sacramento Production Services Inc. (SACPS), the technology integration firm contracted to outfit the gallery with digital displays.
The two-piece videowall may appear as a natural, seamless extension of the gallery’s contemporary architecture, but getting to that point required plenty of planning and perseverance. “We quickly realized based on the architectural and design constraints that integrating two videowalls would be tough to pull off,” says Wackford. Yet, not impossible. They knew they could count on the highly capable videowall experts and Digital Projection to collaborate on the design, installation, and configuration to ensure the perfect fit and function.
As is the case with most construction projects, The Jacqelyn morphed considerably during its two-year build-out. Within the space allocated for the two vertically stacked videowalls emerged a transparent glass catwalk and massive window. The light exposure from the fenestration and visual demarcation from the catwalk would influence every aspect of the videowall design. The SACPS team found itself in a near-constant state of flux to establish a peaceful coexistence between these two prominent architectural features and the large-scale displays. There was also some miscommunication and miscalculation midway through the project to overcome. “We had specified LED panels according to the architectural drawings, which ended up being off by a few feet from the actual construction,” Wackford says. “This left us with a visually unappealing gap at the top of the videowall.” Digital Projection was ready with a resolution. They expedited to the jobsite additional panels to bridge the divide and helped SACPS align and daisy chain them to form one cohesive digital canvas. An additional five hours of calibration time was also required and the field technicians from Digital Projection “nailed this exercise, too,” Wackford says. “You’d never know the existing panels and two new rows of panels came from different manufacturing batches.”
This was much more than a sizing exercise, however. Due diligence in the selection and calibration of the videowall components was crucial to accurately depict the hues, textures, and nuances of Jackie’s original art. Digital Projection’s Performance Series LEDs provided the perfect canvas: 1,500 nits of brightness to combat high levels of natural and ambient light, integrated photo sensor to lower the brightness in the evening, RGB 4:4:4 support to maintain color accuracy, and 4K resolution for true-to-life imagery. More difficult to determine was the appropriate pixel pitch for the displays. There were many options, SACPS called on Digital Projection to lead a demonstration. “Collectively with the client, we compared the image quality of various pixel pitches, settling on fine pitch displays of 1.2mm. They all agreed that 1.2mm pixel-pitch images looked smooth and the details well-defined from close up and far away, just as visitors would be viewing Jackie’s artwork at the gallery,” Wackford says.
A fusion of artistry and technology, the Digital Projection videowall at The Jacquelyn gallery not only honors Anderson’s legacy but serves as a testament to innovation and creativity. “It pushed us to explore new designs, new applications, and the creation of something totally unique and inspiring,” Wackford remarks. “With the help of Digital Projection and remaining nimble and open-minded, we were able to overcome obstacles and create a truly unique and inspiring experience for visitors and a wonderful addition to the surrounding art community.”
“With the help of Digital Projection and remaining nimble and open-minded, we were able to overcome obstacles and create a truly unique and inspiring experience for visitors and a wonderful addition to the surrounding art community.” – Keith Wackford of Sacramento Production Services Inc.
Equipment List
Digital Projection Radiance Performance Videowalls (2)
Samsung The Frame TVs (11)
Visionary Solutions D4100 and DuetE-2 video over IP encoders and decoders (30+)
NovaStar H2 processor
Symetrix Prism system controllers (3)
Symetrix T-10 Glass touchscreen controllers (5)
Symetrix W1 wall controller
Symetrix W4 wall controller
Void Acoustics Air 8 custom painted speakers (14)
Void Acoustics Venue 212v2 subwoofers (6)
Void Acoustics Cirus 6.1 ceiling speakers (22)
Void Acoustics Q2 Dante-enabled amplifiers (8)
Shure ULX-D digital wireless systems (2)
RF Venue Combine4 wireless antenna combiner
RF Venue ARC antennas (4)
Allen & Heath CQ-18T compact digital mixer
Netgear 4250 48-port network switches (4)
LynTec RCP & LCP custom remote controllable electrical panels
by KMB Communications | Apr 22, 2024 | Future Ready Solutions, Kordz, News, Technology & Business Summit
After the successful recent debut of the Termination Challenge Powered by Kordz at CEDIA Tech Summits, Kordz brings the friendly competition to systems integrators around the globe at summits across the USA, Canada, UK and Australia throughout 2024
(April 24 2024) — Kordz believes the best way to understand the installation and performance advantages of next-generation, high-quality connectivity solutions is by experiencing them first-hand. They also know that the faster and more reliably cabling can be deployed, the more profitable systems integrators’ projects can be. To give more systems integrators a chance to compete for prizes and bragging rights in a lively beat-the-clock format, as well as uplevel their termination skills and see for themselves how small differences in cabling design can make a big impact on their installations’ success, Kordz is expanding its program and hosting its popular Termination Challenge Powered by Kordz at CEDIA Tech + Business Summits around the globe for the remainder of 2024.
“We committed this year to reinventing the CEDIA Tech + Business Summits and beyond increased education, one of the key needs was finding ways to include hands-on content that challenged our attendees while also respecting the fact that these are compressed, one-day events,” says Jonathan Toomey, CEDIA director of conference strategy. “The Termination Challenge Powered by Kordz is the perfect fit—interactive, easy to understand, a great refresher for industry vets, and an opportunity to have some fun.”
In collaboration with CEDIA and its U.S. distributor, Future Ready Solutions, Kordz kicked off the event series earlier this year at the Orange County and Los Angeles CEDIA Tech + Business Summits. They were met with resounding success. “Systems integrators are competitive by nature, so they are thrilled to put their cabling termination skills to the test and try to best their fellow integrators,” says Kordz managing director, James Chen. “Being able to engage with products, rather than simply look at them, also brings a level of excitement to the summits. Most of all, through hands-on experience in the competition, systems integrators learn that small but significant differentiating features in the design, construction and manufacture of our connectivity solutions – something we call ‘Kordzification’ – can dramatically enhance the reliability, efficiency and profitability of their cabling installations.”
The Kordz Termination Challenge was first introduced to the systems integration industry at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2023. It has since become a staple of Kordz’ trade show exhibits.
Upcoming Termination Challenges Powered by Kordz are scheduled for the following CEDIA Tech + Business Summits in 2024 plus the CEDIA Expo. There is no need to register; attendees can compete at any time during the event.
- May 14, Atlanta (USA)
- June 26, Vancouver (Canada)
- September 5-7, Denver (USA) to coincide with CEDIA Expso 2024
- September 25, Toronto (Canada)
- October 8, Fort Lauderdale (USA)
- October 10, Tampa (USA)
- October 22-24, Newcastle (Australia)
- November 12, New Jersey (USA)
- November 14, New York (USA)
- December 3, Dallas (USA)
- December 5, Houston (USA)
To learn more about the Termination Challenge and see the times to beat, please visit https://www.kordz.com/termination-challenge/. To find out more about Kordz and its extensive line of award-winning cabling and connectivity products, please visit www.kordz.com.
About Kordz
Kordz is the connectivity brand for integrators, by integrators. A multi-award-winning global industry leader in professional-grade connectivity products, Kordz’ team of seasoned former integrators is on a mission to ‘Kordzify’ and optimise technology for professionals by designing, engineering and manufacturing products that deliver ease and profitability through a seamless installation experience with high performance results that today’s tech-savvy end-users expect. With a wide range of robust, fast and effective solutions backed by expert technical support, Kordz helps integrators around the world meet the evolving cabling requirements of a diverse range of residential and commercial environments. For more information about Kordz, please visit kordz.com and follow the company @kordzglobal on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, and more information please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications at (425) 328-8640 or [email protected]
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
You can find more information from CE Pro here: https://www.cepro.com/productbriefs/kordz-to-hold-termination-challenge-at-cedia-tech-business-summitare/
by KMB Communications | Apr 17, 2024 | Leon Speakers, News
[Ann Arbor, MI] – April 17, 2024 – Leon Speakers proudly unveils its latest innovation: an upgraded ultra-thin audio platform available across three of its most popular product lines. Building upon the success of its thinnest line of speakers, formerly known as UT, the new UX platform sets a new standard for audio performance and aesthetic integration in the acclaimed Horizon, Profile, and FrameBar TV speaker series.
At the heart of the enhanced UX platform lies a revolutionary Morel driver design, developed in collaboration with leading acoustic engineering experts. This advanced 2.5″ driver, housed within a cast aluminum basket for enhanced rigidity and performance, delivers unparalleled sound quality in the slimmest cabinet available from Leon. These technical advancements in the UX category ensure a listening experience that surpasses expectations, setting a new benchmark for audio excellence.
“At Leon, our commitment to pushing the boundaries of both sound and style has made us a leader in both categories,” said Noah Kaplan, Founder and President of Leon Speakers. “With the newly enhanced UX platform, we’ve reimagined our thinnest line of speakers to deliver even better performance and design to our dealers and end users.”
Aesthetic alignment with Leon’s 33UX and 44UX options is a hallmark of the new UX platform, with design elements like the driver flange and cone reflecting the high standards set by existing lines. Together, this cohesive design language and ultra-thin depth ensure that the UX platform seamlessly integrates into any environment, maintaining a consistent and stylish appearance throughout each line.
The new UX options include the FrameBar UX, Horizon UX, and Profile UX models—each boasting a perfectly slim cabinet of just under 2 inches. Whether mounted to a TV or installed on-wall, UX’s sleek dimensions provide a seamless and integrated look that complements both commercial and residential spaces alike.
In addition to its technical and aesthetic enhancements, each UX solution offers Leon’s signature fit and finish customization options, allowing integrators like Solutions Audio/Video & Technology to match the ultra-thin depth requirements of today’s top TVs while still tailoring to clients’ unique spaces and style preferences.
“Our Install of the Year project was the perfect application for Leon’s ultra-slim FrameBar,” said Solutions Audio/Video & Technology’s Steve Paul of the integrator’s recent award-winning entry. “We were able to keep with the original home aesthetics and achieve a beautiful way to bring great audio to the Samsung Frame TV.”
“The release of the UX platform presents a new opportunity for us to share our sound and speaker story with the world,” added Kaplan. “With every UX solution, we’re empowering our end users to experience uncompromising audio performance in a package that’s as visually stunning as it is sonically impressive.”
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About Leon Speakers
Leon brings a creative approach to the AV industry by designing and manufacturing customizable speakers and technology concealment solutions that enhance the sound and style of any space. For over 25 years, they have been a leader in the conversation on merging design with technology, creating innovative products that serve both the Residential and Commercial markets. Learn more on their website.
All products, product names, trademarks and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Media Contacts
Company Contact:
Carolyn Ceccoli
Sales & Marketing Director at Leon Speakers
(734) 926-4092
[email protected]
by KMB Communications | Apr 11, 2024 | News, Torus Power
The addition of two reputable reps offers residential integrators in the Rockies and Midwest convenient access to foundational power conditioning solutions from Torus Power and the service and support they need to deploy clean power solutions successfully.
TORONTO, ON, CANADA (April 11 2024) Torus Power Inc. is pleased to announce that its full range of world-class isolation transformers is now available to residential dealers from two new manufacturer rep firms, Performance Plus Marketing and Tandem Marketing. Performance Plus Marketing will provide Torus Power products, as well as full-service training, design and technical support, to dealers in the Rockies; Tandem Marketing will offer the same convenient access to products, service and support to dealers in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Kentucky. Performance Plus Marketing and Tandem Marketing share the same core belief as Torus about the growing importance of providing clean, reliable, stable power to high-end residential AV systems to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
“The damage inflicted on a home’s AV systems via dirty, unstable electrical power is more serious than many people realize. Voltage fluctuations will continue to plague the performance and longevity of residences, so it’s imperative dealers that include power conditioning solutions, like those from Torus Power, in their client proposals,” says Performance Plus Marketing president and owner Jason Felix. “By partnering with Torus Power, we can streamline this process for our dealers and provide the clean, stable, safe electrical power their customers deserve.”
Edward Talaski, principal of Tandem Marketing, echoes this sentiment. “By representing Torus Power, we give dealers in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Kentucky an opportunity to deliver their customers the best possible AV performance despite massively unreliable electrical power. We look forward to building a strong, long-term partnership with Torus Power.”
Adds Torus Power president and COO Kevin Main, “Having the backing of reputable, knowledgeable manufacturer’s rep firms like Performance Plus Marketing and Tandem Marketing that are just as passionate about clean power as we are is a blessing. Now more than ever, homebuilders, designers and integrators must focus on providing safe, efficient power to their customers. Our new partnerships with Performance Plus Marketing and Tandem Marketing will help strengthen our presence and reputation as a leading resource of power-focused technology and solutions to these key stakeholders in the CI channel.”
Technology integrators are encouraged to contact Performance Plus Marketing at [email protected] and Tandem Marketing at [email protected] to learn more about their product offerings from Torus Power, as well as educational opportunities and service and support programs.
To better understand the difference clean, uninterrupted power can make in AV systems and learn why so many integration professionals and consultants rely on Torus Power to maximize and protect their installations, visit www.toruspower.com and follow Torus Power on Twitter and Facebook.
About Torus Power
Built to rigorous specifications in Toronto, Canada, Torus Power toroidal isolation transformers are the world’s finest clean power source for audio, video, and control systems. Dramatically increasing performance levels of connected AV components from video displays to amplifiers and powered speakers, Torus Power products utilize Plitron Manufacturing’s patented NBT technologies and medical-grade toroidal isolation transformers to eliminate power-line noise artifacts and protect equipment from potentially damaging AC power line events while increasing system reliability and extending product life. Torus Power products deliver higher levels of instantaneous current which ensures that dynamic components and high-performance systems are never compromised, nor starved for power. For additional information, visit www.toruspower.com and follow Torus Power on Twitter and Facebook.
Torus Power Media Contact
For interviews or reviews please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications, Inc. by phoning (425) 328-8640 or emailing [email protected].
