Mahajak Development installs an advanced multi-room conference audio system with solutions by JBL, Crown, BSS and AMX

BANGKOK—Mahajak Development recently installed a complete networked audio system by HARMAN Professional Solutions at Kasikornbank’s new headquarters in Bangkok.

Founded in 1945, Kasikornbank is one of the largest commercial banks in Thailand, operating more than 1,100 branch locations throughout the nation. To accommodate its rapid growth, Kasikornbank recently relocated its headquarters to a new 11-story office building in downtown Bangkok.

Kasikornbank hired AV integrator Mahajak Development to design and install a state-of-the-art networked audio system that would provide more than 100 meeting rooms with high-quality audio and intuitive control. In order to ensure professional audio during meetings and conferences at the new facility, Mahajak Development selected a comprehensive HARMAN networked audio solution consisting of JBL speakers, Crown amplifiers, BSS audio processors and AMX control systems.

“In order to support our tremendous growth and provide our customers with modern services and amenities, we recently completed construction on our new state-of-the-art office building,” said a spokesperson for the bank. “The new facility required a large-scale AV system that would be sophisticated and user-friendly, with a modern and clean design that matches the aesthetics of our new space. The HARMAN system installed by Mahajak is powerful enough to cater to our large number of meeting spaces, and simple enough for our staff to operate confidently.”

The audio system installed by Mahajak Development includes JBL Control Series speakers, which provide superior intelligibility and optimum audio coverage in Kasikornbank’s conference rooms. The Control Series leverages JBL’s exclusive Radiation Boundary Integration technology to provides consistent and wide coverage sound throughout the listening area. The system is powered by Crown CDi Series and ComTech DriveCore amplifiers.

For mixing of sources and zones, Mahajak Development installed eight-channel Crown 28M pre-amplifier/mixers and JBL CSMA1120 four-channel mixer/amplifiers, which feature a sleek and industrial design for commercial sound applications. Throughout the facility, the audio is networked and configured via BSS Soundweb London BLU-100 and BLU-50 signal processors. The BLU-50 offers a fixed configuration options of four inputs and four outputs, configurable signal processing, logic processing and BLU link. The BSS BLU100 offers a fixed configuration of 12 inputs and 8 outputs of configurable signal processing and a high bandwidth, fault tolerant digital audio bus. The BLU-100 also features open architecture that is fully configurable through HiQnet™ London Architect, offering a rich palette of processing and logic objects and a drag and drop method of configuration.

Mahajak built the entire system around the AMX NX-2200 NetLinx® NX Integrated Controller, which provides intuitive operation of the sophisticated AV system, while also providing a scalable platform for the future by combining high performance, backward compatible and extensive network security features. Finally, AMX Novara CP-3006 and CP-3008 ControlPads enable local control of the volume levels in each room via a built-in Ethernet port, which can be configured to control volume, input selection, and power for a wide range of A/V devices.

“HARMAN Professional Solutions is proud to be associated with one of the top banks in Thailand,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “We’re thrilled to see our brands providing world-class audio technology for meetings and conferences held in Kasikornbank’s new headquarters. We thank our partners Mahajak Development for their strong relationship, technical expertize and customer first approach.”

New location expands HARMAN Professional’s global network of experience centers; Multi-functional facility will serve as new headquarters for EMEA region and showcase cutting-edge technology offerings

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif. & LONDON) —HARMAN Professional Solutions, the global leader in audio, video, lighting and control systems, including networked AV, today announced the grand opening of the HARMAN Experience Center – London. The new facility expands the growing global network of HARMAN Professional Solutions Experience Centers, including locations in Los Angeles, Singapore and Shanghai, and will serve as the new headquarters for the EMEA region.

Designed to showcase how HARMAN solutions uniquely address customer needs across a variety of entertainment and enterprise market applications, the 25,800-square-foot (2,400-square-meter), multi-functional facility including EMEA headquarter offices, demonstrates the integration of brands including JBL Professional®, AKG Acoustics®, AMX®, BSS Audio®, Crown International®, dbx Professional®, DigiTech®, Lexicon Pro®, Martin®, Soundcraft® and Studer®.

“The opening of the experience center in London represents a major investment in the EMEA region, enabling us to deepen relationships with our customers and greatly expand our presence across critical markets,” said Chris Smith, Vice President, EMEA, HARMAN Professional Solutions. “Not only will the facility offer customers the opportunity to experience HARMAN innovation firsthand, it provides our staff with a state-of-the-art headquarters that will allow us to pursue new opportunities with greater speed and efficiency.”

The HARMAN Experience Center—London is comprised of several dedicated spaces along with the EMEA office space and meeting rooms.The Product Showroom is filled with HARMAN solutions including HARMAN’s Connected Retail Experience, Huddle Space, Connected Hotel Room, Home Recording, Networked AVoIP, and much more. The Foyer, Boardroom and Auditorium are not only practical-use spaces, but also areas that demonstrate HARMAN solutions for restaurant, corporate, education, corporate, and theatre environments.

“By opening this HARMAN Experience Center in London, we expanding our robust global network of experience centers and enabling our customers around the world to experience the One HARMAN Solution proposition firsthand,” said Mohit Parasher, Executive Vice President and President, HARMAN Professional Solutions. “From JBL Professional sound and Martin lighting to AMX controllers and Samsung displays, the entire facility is a brilliant demonstration of what HARMAN products can do when deployed seamlessly together in enterprise and entertainment environments.”

The HARMAN Experience Center—London is open by appointment only to HARMAN and Samsung customers, employees, distributors, sales representatives, dealers, artists and other industry professionals for meetings, performances, productions, hospitality events, and more.

The HARMAN offices and Experience Center is located at Westside, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9TD. For more information, contact European.Marketing@Harman.com.

Allied Esports deploys a wide range of JBL Professional, Crown, BSS, AMX and Martin solutions to deliver an immersive gaming experience at its flagship arena

LAS VEGAS—HARMAN Professional Solutions, the global leader in audio, video, lighting and control systems, including networked AV, today announced Allied Esports is leveraging cutting-edge HARMAN Professional audio, lighting and control solutions at Esports Arena Las Vegas, which celebrated its grand-opening on March 22, 2018 at the Luxor Hotel and Casino.

The new Esports Arena Las Vegas is a 30,000-square-foot multi-level arena with a competition stage, telescopic seating, daily gaming stations, VIP room, two bars, and state-of-the-art streaming and production studios. The facility also features an interactive area known as “The Dome” that includes retro games, and a front lobby equipped with gaming stations, a streaming booth and a virtual reality station.

In order to provide a world-class audiovisual experience at the new arena, Allied Esports formed an exclusive partnership with HARMAN Professional Solutions to provide a custom audio, lighting, and control solution made up of JBL Professional loudspeakers, Crown amplifiers, BSS audio processors, AMX control systems and Martin lighting fixtures.

“Esports Arena Las Vegas is the flagship location of our growing global network of Esports properties, and Allied Esports is proud to partner with HARMAN Professional to deliver an incredibly immersive experience for gamers and fans alike,” said Jud Hannigan, CEO of Allied Esports. “Audio is a huge part of the gaming experience, and the HARMAN solution delivers premium sound quality and control. We’re excited to continue to work with HARMAN as we set a new benchmark for competitive gaming and interactive entertainment, and open new arenas around the world.”

The opening ceremony at Luxor Hotel and Casino featured a series of events designed to showcase the arena's impressive production quality and interactive entertainment, with more than 20 professional esports players and 500 local gaming influencers in attendance. Highlights included an opening night of show matches between SonicFox vs. GO1 and Rogue vs. Ghost Gaming in Rocket League®, and eUnited vs. Spacestation in SMITE as well as the weekend launch of fighting game tournament Smash Masters League featuring Super Smash Bros for Wii U. World-renowned chef José Andrés also held a discussion about the custom gaming-inspired menu that the ThinkFoodEntertainment team created for Esports Arena Las Vegas.

“With the opening of Esports Arena Las Vegas, HARMAN Professional is setting the standard for professional audio performance in competitive gaming arenas,” said Nicholas Cohen, Esports Business Development Lead, HARMAN Professional Solutions. “Esports is the future of live competition, and HARMAN Professional is uniquely positioned to deliver powerful audio, visual, lighting and control solutions that immerse gamers and fans in the action like never before. Esports Arena Las Vegas is the first facility of its kind in North America, and its success paves the way for future collaboration between HARMAN Professional and Allied Esports as they expand into new markets worldwide.” 

AMX by HARMAN Video Distribution System receives the industry’s first Cybersecurity Assessment Package (CAP) from the Joint Interoperability and Test Command (JITC) for direct connection to DoD networks

WASHINGTON, D.C. — HARMAN Professional Solutions, the global leader in audio, video, lighting and control systems, including networked AV, today announced that more than 50 AMX by HARMAN AV solutions, including Enova DGX 100 Series Digital Media Switchers, NetLinx NX Series Integrated Controllers, and Modero X Series touch panels have passed US Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) testing, and are now included on the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN) Approved Products List (DoDIN APL), formerly the Unified Communications Approved Products List (UC APL).

While compliant security is not required for inclusion on the DoDIN APL, security demands in the IT industry are greater than ever, which is why HARMAN Professional conducted an exhaustive review of the most stringent security controls and methodologically designed and implemented security features to ensure its products meet the strictest IT requirements. The result is the most secure AV product family on the market.

The AMX NX Integrated Controller, which is also included in Enova DVX and DGX products, and G5 Touch Panels now meets the requirements for accreditation under the Risk Management Framework (RMF) established under Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 8510.01. These include compliance with the controls defined under Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) Instruction No. 1253 (CNSSI 1253) to the control values set in the relevant DISA Security Requirements Guides (SRG) without external mitigation.

“IT departments worldwide are facing an ever-evolving array of security challenges that can affect operations and cause significant problems within their information infrastructure,” said Paul Zielie, Enterprise Solutions Manager, HARMAN Professional Solutions. “HARMAN Professional AV solutions are the first in the industry to fully conform to the world’s most stringent security criteria, enabling IT departments in even the most data-sensitive industries to use out-of-band management with secure network access, saving significant time and resources throughout the organization.”

Featuring the same enhanced cybersecurity features found in leading IT technologies, AMX solutions enable IT departments to significantly reduce AV operation and maintenance costs, while also improving system availability through secure remote management systems.

“With AV increasingly becoming part of the IT department, AV cybersecurity requirements have become a major concern,” said Charlie Booth, Vice President, Government Sales, HARMAN Professional Solutions. “The newest generation of AMX by HARMAN video control and distribution systems set a new benchmark for cybersecurity in the AV industry. Not only does HARMAN currently meet the world’s most stringent security requirements, we are committed to meeting any review or standard set of controls on an ongoing basis. No other AV manufacturer provides such robust cybersecurity features, and we are pleased to offer solutions with integrated protocols that enable customers to keep their AV networks safe and secure.”

AMX by HARMAN AV solutions products security highlights:

• Role Based Access Control (RBAC)
  • Integration with Microsoft Active Directory
  • Two-factor authentication
    • Common Access Card (CAC) and Personnel Identification Verification (PIV) Card reader enabled
  • Programmable access control with Two-factor authentication available at the touch panel UI
• Security logs in SYSLOG
• FIPS 140-2 compliant encryption
• TLS based control protocol (ICSPS)
• SSH and TLS control of third party devices
• Certificate based Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
  • Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP) and Certificate Revocation List (CRL) support
• Port based security (802.1x)
• Isolated ICSLan for control and management of non-secure devices
• Code Hashing

The following AMX by HARMAN solutions are now included on the DoDin APL:

Enova DVX 22XX and 32XX All-In-One Presentation Switchers
Enova® DGX 800 Enclosure
Enova® DGX 1600 Enclosure
Enova® DGX 3200 Enclosure
Enova® DGX 6400 Enclosure
Enova® DGX HDMI, DVI, DXLink, and Audio Switching Boards
DXLink Twisted Pair and Fiber Transmitters / Receivers
NetLinx NX-1200 Integrated Controller
NetLinx NX-2200 Integrated Controller
NetLinx NX-3200 Integrated Controller
NetLinx NX-4200 Integrated Controller
Epica DGX 288 Enclosure 
Epica DGX 288 MultiMode Fiber Input/Output Board
10.1" Modero X® Series G5 Retractable Touch Panel
20.3" Modero X® Series G5 Panoramic Tabletop Touch Panel
20.3" Modero X® Series G5 Panoramic Wall Mount Touch Panel
10.1" Modero X® Series G5 Tabletop Touch Panel
10.1" Modero X® Series G5 Wall Mount Touch Panel
7" Modero X® Series G5 Tabletop Touch Panel
7" Modero X® Series G5 Wall Mount Touch Panel6-Button Massio Keypad
8-Button Massio Keypad

For more information, visit https://www.amx.com/en-US/secureav.

AMX Acendo Vibe enterprise-grade conferencing soundbar enhances huddle space collaboration with wide-angle camera and Sound by JBL

ISE (Stand #1-F10) – AMSTERDAM – HARMAN Professional Solutions, the global leader in audio, video, lighting and control systems, including networked AV, today announced the immediate availability of the AMX by HARMAN Acendo Vibe Conferencing Soundbar with Camera. The AMX Acendo Vibe is a premium conferencing soundbar with a powerful feature set that includes JBL speakers, far-field microphones, a wide-angle 110° field of view camera and a modern office design aesthetic. The Acendo Vibe is currently being displayed in the HARMAN stand at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2018.

“With the rapid growth of huddle spaces and the use of web conferencing in today’s modern workplace, the market demand for AMX Acendo Vibe has been incredible and we are very excited to begin shipping,” says Shaun Robinson, VP, Corporate, Education and Government Customer Solutions for HARMAN Professional Solutions. “The Acendo Vibe is an excellent example of what HARMAN Professional can now deliver, bringing best-of-breed audio and video technologies inside of HARMAN together into simple-to-install appliances that deliver great user experiences. I’m extremely proud of our talented JBL and AMX development teams that have put their passion and effort into this exciting new product category for HARMAN.”

The AMX Acendo Vibe premium conferencing soundbar is the first total conferencing soundbar solution designed specifically for the demands and elegance of the modern workspace. Acendo Vibe harnesses HARMAN’s deep history and expertise in audio technology to deliver outstanding performance that greatly exceeds traditional conferencing solutions, all in an intuitive and easy-to-install package. Featuring an industrial design that aligns with the latest interior design trends of the modern office and a comprehensive feature set, Acendo Vibe is the ideal audio/video solution for small meeting spaces.

Unlike other solutions that are comprised of several individual components that need to be separately installed and integrated, the AMX Acendo Vibe is an all-in-one solution that requires no programming or installation of additional equipment. Robust speakers and microphones deliver experienced audio, a wide-angle camera catches everyone in the space, and professional features like CEC display control, USB and Bluetooth connectivity ensure an optimized experience.

The AMX Acendo Vibe has already earned a number of industry awards, including AV Technology “InfoComm 2017 Best of Show” and System Contractor News “2017 Product of the Year.” “We’re excited to showcase this powerful solution to our customers at ISE 2018,” says Robinson. “With the pristine web conferencing available with the AMX Acendo Vibe, teams in enterprise office environments can make optimal use of huddle spaces and smaller meeting rooms without the unnecessary delays and frustration of outdated conference room equipment.”

Additional Details and Availability

HARMAN is showing the AMX Acendo Vibe in Stand #1-F10 at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2018. The AMX Acendo Vibe is now available from authorized HARMAN resellers.

For more information:

• Website: http://www.amx.com/acendo/
• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHaArgrzfqg

New Cost-Effective Solutions Feature Samsung Displays and Collaboration Technology from HARMAN Professional Solutions

NEW YORK – Samsung Electronics and HARMAN Professional Solutions today announced new huddle room solutions targeting small- and medium-sized collaboration spaces. Leveraging industry-leading professional displays from Samsung and collaboration products from HARMAN, these cost-effective solutions target group collaboration in the 50 million huddle spaces that are estimated to be in use worldwide.

“The unparalleled combination of Samsung’s industry-leading visual displays and HARMAN’s pioneering audio and video technology produces the most complete, high-performing solutions available for the modern huddle space,” says Kevin Morrison, Senior Vice President, Customer Solutions for HARMAN Professional Solutions. “These fully integrated meeting systems provide everything necessary to conduct a seamless and efficient meeting, reducing setup time and ensuring that meetings start and end on time, including video conferencing support, document sharing and more.”

The huddle room solutions are available in four different options, providing a range of functionality for any huddle room application:

• Huddle Standard Solution – Designed for small huddle rooms and communal workspaces, this solution combines a Samsung DC Series high definition display and HARMAN’s AMX Sereno video conferencing camera with microphone. It accommodates fundamental collaboration needs at a modest price point.
• Huddle Premium Solution – A versatile solution for huddle spaces targeting BYOD, the Huddle Premium Solution includes a Samsung QMH Series UHD display and an AMX Acendo Vibe conferencing soundbar with camera from HARMAN. The Acendo Vibe provides a wide-angle camera to capture all of the room participants and JBL-designed audio with a far-field microphone array to ensure meeting attendees can communicate effectively using their own devices during a meeting.
• Huddle Enterprise Solution – A premium option for customer-facing collaboration, the Huddle Enterprise Solution includes the same display and conferencing soundbar from the Huddle Premium Solution and adds the AMX Acendo Core business communication platform from HARMAN. The Acendo Core platform facilitates a fast and flawless meeting start, providing document viewing, wireless screen sharing and one-touch Skype for Business interaction. The solution allows users to participate in local and remote meetings without bringing anything into the room.
• Huddle Enterprise Plus Solution – An all-inclusive, interactive collaboration system, the Huddle Enterprise Plus upgrades the display in the Huddle Enterprise solution to a Samsung PMF-BC Series touch-based display. This interactive solution elevates the traditional meeting experience with a 55” touchscreen, eliminating the need for a keyboard and mouse and allowing room users to interact directly with their content on the screen.

“The Samsung-HARMAN Huddle Room Solutions offer the widest range of all-inclusive huddle room solutions available from any manufacturer—and at a great price,” says Ron Gazzola, Senior Vice President of B2B IT Sales & Marketing, Samsung Electronics America. “The solutions feature a range of different features and multiple display sizes and soundbar colors, meeting the needs of any size huddle space. With advanced display technology, legendary JBL sound, and open-platform conferencing capabilities, these solutions offers capabilities not available anywhere else.”

The Samsung-HARMAN Huddle Room Solutions will be available beginning in Q1 2018 and only available to U.S. channel partners and integrators from Almo and Tech Data. Global availability is to be determined.

“As a result of Samsung and HARMAN coming together, we are launching this innovative package for the collaboration market that provides excellent value to our customers and end users,” says Morrison. “We are improving productivity and the overall communication experience at a compelling price point, and because the solutions do not require ongoing licensing fees, there is a tremendous potential for cost savings over time, making them a great option to address any room size or collaboration requirements.”

Additional Details

For further details, we invite you to visit: https://www.amx.com/en/product_families/samsung-harman-huddle-solutions