Blending next-generation HARMAN Professional AV Solutions, imagination and technology, Videopro creates an immersive learning experience for visitors and students

BRISBANE, Australia—Videopro recently deployed HARMAN Professional AV Solution at Griffith University’s Red Zone to provide a dynamic, new experience for students and visitors to explore and visualize the realms of innovation and research.

Ranked in the top 3 percent of universities worldwide, with a network of five campuses located throughout Brisbane, Logan and the Gold Coast, Griffith University recently conceptualized innovative new learning space called “Red Zones.” A Red Zone is designed to project appealing visuals on the walls and ceilings, creating an interactive, engaging learning experience. To bring this concept to reality, Griffith hired the leading AV specialists, Videopro, who devised the complete setup utilizing HARMAN Professional AV solutions consisting of AMX Modero® Touch Panels, Enova® DVX Presentation Switchers and DGX Digital Media Switchers, and JBL Control Series speakers.

"Griffith University needed state-of-the-art AV solution, enabling faculty to display media and presentations in new and compelling ways,” said Alex Russell, Senior Account Executive, Videopro. “We composed an easy-to-use interactive display wall, split into three separate sections, enabling students and staff to showcase their research activities, display presentations and video calls, and host industry events all in the same room.”

Aimed at creating an intriguing 3D projection wall and ceiling experience, Videopro installed a custom fiberglass dome screen with motion sensor technology to control user input.  Similar to the flight simulator model, the dome provides a complete 157-degree field of view. Four high brightness projectors in portrait orientation are blended to create a standard image. To minimize the audio spill, parabolic speakers were fixed. In addition, a Microtile touch wall was established to form the ultimate digital canvas during full-screen display. Finally, the augmented reality sandbox was used to create an augmented atmosphere that can be used to teach geographic, geologic and hydrological concepts.

Videopro outfitted Griffith University with Modero MSD-701-L and MSD-1001-L touch panels, which enable staff to quickly and easily set up multimedia presentations. The AMX HPX-1600 Retractable Connection Ports and the NetLinx NX-3200 Integrated Controller that controls a variety of components including audio/video conferencing and projectors make connecting mobile devices to the display system fast and easy. The Enova DVX-3155HD Presentation Switcher, DGX DVI input and output cards and DGX16-ENC DGX Enclosure offer high-quality audio and video distribution throughout the entire space. JBL Control 25AV and Control 65 P/T ceiling mounted speakers allow audience members to enjoy pristine sound from anywhere in the room.

"The Red Zone is a space that Griffith uses to showcase what we do. Its multifaceted zone allows us to create an enhanced participatory learning experience for students,” said Mery Connell, Griffith University. “Staff members can quickly integrate new media into lectures, allowing for more relevant and flexible conversations. None of that would be possible without the HARMAN Professional Solutions AV solution that Videopro designed for us. Over the last year, nearly 50,000 students have visited this room, and we see this as an indicator of project success. Not only do people like coming here, but it is our way of engaging with the larger community.”

"It is an honour for HARMAN Professional Solutions to be associated with Griffith University and to be able to extend customized, multifaceted solutions through a unified platform," said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. "We thank Videopro for their exceptional audio-visual services and for creating an immersive space that heightens student's awareness and encourages greater participation."

Ba Sao Investment selects JBL, Crown, Soundcraft, BSS and AMX solutions to ensure exceptional sound quality and coverage for worship, lectures and more

BINH DINH, Vietnam—Ba Sao Investment recently installed a complete networked audio system by HARMAN Professional Solutions at Linh Phong Spiritual Dharma complex.

Located 400 feet above sea level amid Binh Dinh’s lush mountainous terrain, Vietnam’s Cat Tien National Park is home to the sacred Linh Phong Spiritual Dharma complex, which covers an area of 155 acres. Thousands of religious devotees make pilgrimages to Linh Phong to pay homage to ancient Buddhist traditions and worship at the foot of the 220-foot tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha seated on a lotus flower, the tallest Buddhist statue in Vietnam. In order to ensure immaculate audio quality for meetings and lectures, Ba Sao Investment was hired to equip the Linh Phong Spiritual Dharma complex with a state-of-the-art networked audio system. Ba Sao selected a complete HARMAN networked AV system, comprised of solutions from JBL, Crown, Soundcraft, BSS and AMX.

“We’re honored to have designed the sound system for one of Vietnam’s most famous ancient spiritual resorts,” said Huu Tuan, Sales Manager, Ba Sao Investment. “The challenge was to deliver excellent sound quality, clarity and coverage to a huge area with speakers distributed along the 50-foot high ceiling. The seamless integration and reliable performance of HARMAN products enabled us to produce quality results at Linh Phong Spiritual Dharma complex. We use HARMAN solutions for a wide range of AV installation projects, and our clients are always satisfied with the quality of our audio systems.”    

Ba Sao Investment met the challenge of distributing sound evenly throughout the large space by installing twelve JBL Control 12CT compact ceiling loudspeakers. Control 12CT speakers features a 3-inch driver mounted in a vented UV-resistant baffle, and its pre-attached backcan enabled the team to quickly and efficiently install the speakers in the 50-foot high ceiling. Ba Sao used Crown DCi DriveCore Install series amplifiers to supply clean and reliable power to the JBL Control 12CT ceiling speakers.

To enable easy day-to-day operation and scalability for future expansions, Ba Sao designed the system around an AMX NX-2200 NX Integrated Controller. The team also networked the audio system using a BSS Soundweb London BLU-100, which offers a fixed configuration of inputs and outputs and a low-latency fault-tolerant digital audio bus, providing the building blocks of a perfectly tailored system solution. For mixing of input signals, Ba Sao included a Soundcraft Signature 12 console, which offers lots of headroom, superb signal-to-noise ratio and Sapphyre Assymetric EQ for shaping the frequency response or every vocal microphone and instrumental element.  

“It’s a huge privilege to see our products enhancing experiences for worshippers and tourists at Linh Phong Spiritual Dharma complex,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “HARMAN solutions are used widely in houses of worship, where balance, clarity and focused sound quality are essential for setting a pristine environment in which attendees can clearly understand the teacher’s spiritual messages. We thank Ba Sao Investment for relying on HARMAN products to successfully implement their innovative methods, technical expertise and customer-first approach.”

Intellismart Technology deploys cutting-edge HARMAN Professional Solutions AV solution for seamless video conferencing at Huawei

TAGUIG, Phillipines—Intellismart Technology Inc. recently deployed a cutting-edge HARMAN Professional Solutions AV solution at Huawei for seamless video conferencing.  

Huawei is the largest telecommunications equipment manufacturer in the world, with products and services available in over 170 countries. Specializing in information and communications technology and smart devices, Huawei is committed to bringing digital devices to every person, home and organization in the world. In order to facilitate more efficient communication across their network more than 180,000 employees, Huawei hired IT specialists Intellismart Technology Inc. to install a complete HARMAN Professional Solutions AV solution capable of streaming high definition audio and video seamlessly throughout the facility.

“Our biggest concern was being able to interface with Huawei’s existing AV system,” said Gerry Sy, President of Intellismart Technology. “Huawei's war room has an 8’ x 3’ video wall system designed to control and display 18 different programs. With the new AMX SVSI control system, they can now control everything with Tablet.”

The Huawei facilities feature a networked AMX SVSI control system, JBL Professional speakers, Crown amplifiers, AKG microphones and BSS digital signal processors. The new system enables Huawei’s war room to double as a venue for large meetings and video conferencing events. Thanks to the advanced AMX SVSI AV solution, Huawei are able to stream 4K HD video throughout their entire facility with unperceivable latency.

“The new HARMAN AV solution has been tremendously helpful in improving communication as well as efficiency here at Huawei,” said Benzen N Magdasoc, IT Team Lead of Huawei. “The SVSI system offers more advanced features than our old system with simpler controls—allowing us to concentrate more on communication rather than the complexity of the tools.”

“We are privileged to be the brand of choice for Huawei, Philippines.” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “We thank our partners Intellismart Technology Inc. for their strong customer relationship, delivering results holistically and creating a truly captivating experience in Huawei that elevates conferencing experiences”

Telstra working closely with avt helped Deakin use AMX networked AV solutions to create high-tech stock exchange simulation for business faculty and students

MELBOURNE, Australia— Telstra recently installed a complete AMX by HARMAN AV control solution in Deakin University’s new Telstra Trading Room, a realistic stock exchange simulation located on Deakin’s Melbourne campus. 

Established in 1974, Deakin University is one of Australia’s fastest growing research universities, winning numerous awards and consistently ranking among the top universities in Australia. In order to provide its business students with real-world insight into the workings of a live stock exchange environment, Deakin Business School partnered with Australian communications provider Telstra to create a simulated trading room complete with tickers, displays and a large video wall providing real-time finance updates.

Deakin worked with HARMAN Professional Solutions distributor avt and Telstra to design a state-of-the-art AV control system that could handle the demands of a modern stock exchange trading floor. Telstra recommended AMX AV control systems for their user-friendly operation, innovative automation and reliable signal distribution.  

“The Telstra Trading Room has received a lot of positive attention since opening” said Lorri Cahill, Deputy General Manager of Business and Law, Deakin University. “Supported by a sophisticated AMX AV system, the Telstra Trading Room is an innovative teaching space that helps our students learn real-world financial principles and concepts.”

The main video wall in the Telstra Trading Room consists of eight 55-inch LCD panels that can function independently or be combined to display a large number of input options. Two AMX Enova DGX 100 Series media switchers automatically distribute optimally scaled images to each of the displays that make up the trading wall, as well as other displays in the room. Four HD PTZ ceiling-mounted cameras are also connected to the Enova DGX switchers, enabling HD video conferencing with other facilities. The award-winning Enova DGX switchers incorporate all of the features the university needs to control and automate a high-tech environment such as a stock exchange.

“The Telstra Trading Room contains everything you’d expect to find in a working stock exchange”, says Mike David, Project Manager, Deakin University. “The AMX system provides the kind of advanced networking and automation required to manage the large number of AV signals and destinations.”    

The AMX NI-4100 control system provides simplified operation of the complex AV system via two AMX Modero X-Series touch panels and two AMX eight-button keypads. The 20-inch Modero touch panels give users the space to perform multiple tasks simultaneously—from selecting video signals for individual or combined sections of the video wall, to controlling the pan and zoom of the HD PTZ cameras. The AMX keypads allow users to select real-time content for four additional 42-inch LCD panels.

“The Telstra Trading Room is Deakin Business School’s crown jewel,” said Victor Fang, Associate Professor, Deakin University. “With the help of the high-end AMX system designed by Telstra, the revolutionary space is now a major factor in attracting prospective students to our school. Many of Australia’s top universities have visited the Telstra Trading Room and are preparing to build similar facilities of their own.”

“HARMAN Professional Solutions is privileged to help Deakin University create a world-class educational experience,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “AMX control systems are well-known for their proven reliability and user-friendly operation. We thank avt and Telstra for providing Deakin University with superior technical knowledge and dedicated customer service during the installation.”

New kits include transmitter and receiver with built-in switching, transport and scaling for a simplified purchasing and installation experience

InfoComm (Booth #N1105) – LAS VEGAS – HARMAN Professional Solutions, the global leader in networked audio, video, lighting and control systems, today debuted the AMX Connectivity and Transport (CT) Series, a family of 4K switching and distribution kits that combine switching, scaling and distance transport into a single kit that includes both a transmitter and receiver. Two models are available, including a presentation kit targeting simple presentation applications and a conferencing kit that adds USB 2.0 transport and switching for use in web conferencing environments.

The AMX CT Series kits deliver added value and flexibility to conferencing and presentation solutions by providing a single, simple to implement solution that offers switching and connectivity where you need it along with unified control of both the transmitter and receiver—all over a single category cable. “With the continued proliferation of collaboration environments in corporate and education, our customers have been seeking a solution for video switching and transport in rooms with both installed and BYOD sources,” explains Paul Krizan, Corporate Solutions Manager at HARMAN Professional Solutions. “These new connectivity kits provide a solution that is easy to order, design, and implement.”

The AMX CT Series is available in two models:

• AMX Presentation Connectivity and Transport Kit – The Presentation Connectivity and Transport kit was designed to address the needs of simple presentation environments, including 4K switching at the table, transport over category cable and additional connectivity at the receiver for an AMX Acendo Core or a room PC at the receiver, as well as scaling and output to the display. The receiver has built-in scaling, allowing the display to receive content in its native resolution regardless of the source.

• AMX Conferencing Connectivity and Transport Kit – The Conferencing Connectivity and Transport kit was created to target web conferencing solutions where cameras, microphones, and other USB devices are installed in the room. The solution combines multi-format 4K60 video switching, scaling and distance transport with USB 2.0 peripheral switching. This allows dynamic sharing of room USB peripherals such as an AMX Acendo Vibe between visiting laptops, etc., and permanently installed devices such as an Acendo Core or room PC. This ensures excellent sound and visuals for guests whether they are using installed equipment or bringing their own devices.

“We are very excited to introduce the new AMX CT Series to the market,” says Shaun Robinson, VP, Enterprise Solutions at HARMAN Professional Solutions. “Leveraging the economies of scale within the HARMAN supply chain, we are now able to deliver tremendous value to our customers by providing the latest in video switching technology at very competitive pricing. In addition, we are providing the best of both worlds: simple-to-install solutions with auto-switching and no programming required—but solutions that are also NetLinx Native for easy integration into a controlled application.”

Additional Details

HARMAN is showing the AMX CT Series in Booth #N1105 at InfoComm 2018. For further details, we invite you to visit https://www.amx.com/en-US/product_families/ct-series.

New video distribution solutions simplify implementation with new 4K60 switching, scaling, transport and control products

InfoComm (Booth #N1105) – LAS VEGAS – HARMAN Professional Solutions, the global leader in networked audio, video, lighting and control systems, today announced a number of new video distribution solutions designed to simplify system design and implementation for corporate, education and government applications. The additions include a new AMX Precis 8x8 fixed matrix switcher, as well as multiple video distribution accessories.

“As a manufacturer of complete AV solutions, we understand the many unique challenges that designers face as they put together systems,” explains Paul Hand, Product Manager at HARMAN Professional Solutions. “These new video distribution products from AMX help address these challenges with new solutions to manage everything from 4K60 switching to video scaling to EDID management and CEC control to distance transport. These new products are simple and cost effective, and yet backed by HARMAN innovation and support.”

New AMX video distribution solutions include:

• AMX Precis 4K60 Matrix Switcher – this 8x8 fixed matrix switcher is 4K60 4:4:4 switching solution featuring eight HDMI inputs and outputs. Four of the outputs also feature mirrored HDBaseT outputs for connection directly to a display or projector that supports standard HDBaseT or for use with a Precis HDBaseT Receiver. The Precis supports 4K60 4:4:4 and HDCP 2.2 and includes dynamic audio de-embedding capabilities, offering a solution that is compatible with the latest sources and displays.
• AMX DCE-1 4K60 In-Line Controller – the DCE-1 In-Line Controller combines CEC control, EDID emulation and audio extraction in a single, cost-effective device. The controller provides EDID emulation for resolutions up to 4K60 4:4:4, with the ability to copy from output or select from one of 15 preprogrammed EDIDs. The controller also offers control of display power using CEC or RS232 in response to a change in the input signal, as well as digital and analog audio de-embedding.
• AMX SCL-1 4K60 Scaler – this small-format scaler adjusts the resolution of a video source to match the optimal resolution of the display. This single input/output product can be used in combination with other products—such as the local HDMI outputs on the AMX Precis 8x8—where scaling can be used to optimize the experience. The scaler supports input and output resolutions up to 4K60 4:4:4 and is compatible with HDCP 2.2 sources.
• AMX DXLite Series 4K60 Distance Transport with HDR – The new AMX DXLite transmitter, like the previously announced DXLite receiver, leverages HDBaseT technology to distribute audio, video, and USB 2.0 over a single category cable. AMX DXLite supports 4K60 4:4:4, HDCP 2.2, and HDR video, and can be used point-to-point (transmitter to receiver) or in conjunction with an AMX Incite All-in-One Presentation Switcher. With onboard USB 2.0 distribution between the transmitter and receiver, a USB device such as an AMX Acendo Vibe conferencing soundbar, mounted at the display, can connect to a laptop at the table, providing cost-effective conferencing in BYOD meeting environments.

These new video distribution solutions come in addition to two additional video solutions also announced today: the AMX CT Series Connectivity and Transports Kits https://www.amx.com/en-US/product_families/ct-series  and the AMX VPX Series Presentation Switchers https://www.amx.com/en-US/product_families/vpx-series.

Additional Details

HARMAN is showing the AMX Precis Matrix Switcher, DCE-1 In-Line Controller, SCL-1 Scaler and DXLite Transmitter in Booth #N1105 at InfoComm 2018. For further details, we invite you to visit:

• AMX Precis 4K60 Matrix Switcher 
• AMX DCE-1 4K60 In-Line Controller
• AMX SCL-1 4K60 Scaler
• AMX DXLite Transmitter