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

New 4x1 and 7x1 switchers bring 4K60 4:4:4 and HDCP 2.2 support to conference rooms and flipped classrooms

InfoComm (Booth #N1105) – LAS VEGAS – HARMAN Professional Solutions, the global leader in networked audio, video, lighting and control systems, today announced the AMX VPX Series Presentation Switchers, a family of multi-format presentation switchers that target small conference rooms and flipped classrooms. The VPX Series switchers support resolutions up to 4K60 4:4:4 and offer HDCP 2.2 compatibility to support the most current sources and displays.

“Conference rooms and flipped classrooms often utilize video switching at the table to simplify the system design and implementation,” explains Paul Krizan, Corporate Solutions Manager at HARMAN Professional Solutions. “The new AMX VPX Series addresses these applications by providing 4K60 switching in a small format that can easily be mounted underneath the table. The switchers offer mirrored HDBaseT and HDMI outputs with built-in scaling, making it perfect for active learning pods with a local display and distance transport to the main system.”

The AMX VPX Series presentation switchers are available in two options:

• AMX VPX-1401 – The VPX-1401 is 4x1 switcher with 3 HDMI inputs and 1 VGA input.
• AMX VPX-1701 – The VPX-1701 is a 7x1 switcher that includes 5 HDMI inputs and 2 VGA inputs.

To simplify system design, VPX Series switchers include built-in scaling, providing automatic adjustment of video to match the ideal resolution of the display, with support for resolutions up to 4K60 4:4:4. Because the VPX Series includes a mirrored HDBaseT output in addition to HDMI, the switcher can either connect directly to a standard HDBaseT input on a display or an AMX DXLite receiver. USB 2.0 distribution is also available over HDBaseT, allowing simplified connection to USB peripherals such as an AMX Acendo Vibe mounted near the display.

There are a variety of options to control the VPX Series as well. Front panel controls are available, as well as contact closure for use with AMX MyTurn Source Selector Buttons. VPX Series switchers are also NetLinx Native, allowing simplified integration with AMX automation systems.

“The new AMX VPX Series Presentation Switchers bring advanced technology and an optimized set of features, offering incredible value for our corporate and education customers,” says Shaun Robinson, VP, Enterprise Solutions at HARMAN Professional Solutions. “This is made possible due to our 30 years of industry leadership in video distribution and the economies of scale in the HARMAN supply chain.”

Additional Details

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

Ba Sao Investment outfits new theater on campus with JBL, Crown, BSS, AKG, Martin and AMX solutions to deliver premium AV and lighting experiences

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam—Ba Sao Investment recently equipped International School Ho Chi Minh City with a complete networked AV and lighting solution by HARMAN Professional Solutions.

Founded in 1993, International School Hi Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) is Ho Chi Minh City’s most established international school. Offering excellent learning opportunities to students representing over 50 nationalities, ISHCMC is the first school in Ho Chi Minh City to provide all three International Baccalaureate curriculums. In addition to the campus’s modern classrooms, collaborative learning spaces and dedicated study areas, ISHCMC recently constructed a brand new 350-seat theater. In order to ensure exceptional audio quality and intuitive control for musical productions on the theater stage, ISHCMC hired Ba Sao Investment to outfit the new facility with premium audio, lighting and control solutions. Ba Sao Investment installed a complete HARMAN networked AV system made up of solutions by JBL, Crown, AKG, BSS, Martin and AMX.

“As a committed International Baccalaureate school, ISHCMC encourages a balance between academic achievement and holistic development,” said the spokesperson for ISHCMC. “There are several opportunities for students to develop skills in many areas, including leadership, arts, sports, culture and outdoor recreation. As part of that commitment, we wanted to make sure our students had access to the best equipment, while learning the technical and artistic aspects of theater production. The HARMAN system installed by Ba Sao meets our strict requirements, delivering a stunning AV experience worthy of our school’s high standards.”

To ensure premium sound reinforcement for productions in ISHCMC’s new theater, Ba Sao installed a range of JBL AE Series loudspeakers. Compact AC25 and AC18/95 speakers combine high output with high fidelity, while AM5212/00 two-way speakers provide excellent coverage, adjustable waveguide and low distortion. ASB6112 18-inch subwoofers offer the extended low-frequency bandwidth needed to produce an impactful theater audio experience. For critical listening and mixing tasks in the theater, the team included JBL LSR305 studio monitors and AKG K240 MkII headphones.

“ISHCMC’s administrators wanted high-quality audio and lighting solutions with seamless control for their new theater building,” said Nguyen Khac Anh, CEO, Ba Sao Investment. “The new HARMAN Professional system ensures state-of-the-art quality and intuitive control for productions at ISHCMC, and the staff couldn’t be happier with the results. We consistently rely on HARMAN products for all of our audio installations because they represent the gold standard in AV solutions in terms of quality, versatility, reliability and performance.”

The entire system is powered by Crown XLi amplifiers and networked via BSS Soundweb London BLU-100, BLU-BOB2 and BLU-DA signal processors for unmatched sound quality, reliability and user control. Ba Sao included a Martin M2GO HD integrated PC-based lighting controller and a range of AMX encoders, decoders and transceivers to give ISHCMC’s staff intuitive control over the sophisticated AV and lighting system.

“We take pride in delivering an exceptional audio experience in any space, and it’s honor to provide such an experience at Ho Chi Minh City’s prestigious ISHCMC,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “We thank Ba Sao Investment for trusting HARMAN products to consistently deliver custom systems that suit every client’s needs.”

TechData and Winmeditech deploy JBL, Crown, AKG, Soundcraft, BSS, and AMX solutions to create an end-to-end HARMAN AV solution in the newly-opened hotel complex

SEOUL, South Korea—Systems integrators Winmeditech and TechData, recently deployed a range of complete HARMAN Professional Solutions AV systems in the Seoul Dragon City hotel complex.

Opened in October of 2017 by AccorHotels, Seoul Dragon City contains 1,700 guest rooms spread over four hotels, all within an interconnected series of skyscrapers. Billed as a “lifestyle hotel-plex,” the massive facility features 11 restaurants and bars, 17 meeting rooms, two multi-function grand ballrooms, and four full floors of entertainment in a Sky Bridge—the first of its kind in the world—suspended between two of the towers.

In order to deliver exceptional audio, visual, lighting and control throughout the massive complex, TechData and Winmeditech deployed a cutting-edge, end-to-end HARMAN solution made up of 428 JBL Professional speakers, 31 Crown amplifiers, eight Soundcraft mixers, 35 BSS signal processors, 147 AKG microphones and accessories and 212 AMX control systems.

“2017 has been a record-breaking year for AccorHotels in South Korea, highlighted by the launch of this largest project we have signed in the country featuring four hotel brands in the same complex, including the introduction of Grand Mercure and Novotel Suites in this market,” said Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer of AccorHotels, Upper Southeast and Northeast Asia. “The HARMAN Professional AV solution provided by TechData and Winmeditech enables us to deliver world-class audio, video and lighting throughout the entire Seoul Dragon City complex, all with exceptional control. It is an impressive system, and we are extremely pleased with the results.”

TechData was hired to design audio systems for many of the critical areas in the complex, while Winmeditech was hired to provide smart environments for the AV and control systems. The HARMAN system is divided into 13 main zones that cover the two grand ballrooms, three dining rooms, four meeting rooms, a fitness center, two gyms and the building-safety center. JBL VerTec VT4887 and VT4886 line-array loudspeakers and VT4882 subwoofers deliver audio in the ballrooms, and a variety of Control Contractor Series speakers and EON Series speakers handle the smaller spaces. Power is provided by Crown DriveCore Install series amplifiers.

“With the grand ballrooms serving as multi-purpose venues, we were hired to design a highly-customizable audio system with superb clarity for any event,” said Jonathan Choi, Technical Engineer, TechData. “To meet these requirements, we selected JBL Professional Vertec line arrays as the main speaker system. When the ballrooms are partitioned into smaller spaces, the output system will switch automatically via the integrated control system to utilize the ceiling speakers as the main speaker.”

Audio is mixed on Soundcraft VI-3000 72MO and GB4-32 consoles, and processed via BSS BLU-806, BLU-326 and BLU-100 signal processors. The system includes a wide range of AKG microphones to accommodate any type of event, including D5S and D7S vocal mics. The control infrastructure includes a range of AMX products, including AMX NX‑3200 NetLinx controllers, MMC-1000-NC tabletop touch panels and MKP‑108L keypads. The HARMAN systems are configured to allow for centralized monitoring in the building-safety center, requiring fewer operators and reducing costs.

“Seoul Dragon City is positioned locally, regionally and internationally to be a global landmark, and it was important for us to have world-class audio, video, lighting and control solutions in our state-of-the-art facility,” said Jerome Stubert, Cluster General Manager of Seoul Dragon City. “The complex features the widest range of convention spaces in Seoul, and the HARMAN AV solution enables us to accommodate a wide range of events—from corporate meetings to private events.”

“HARMAN Professional Solutions is a one-stop solution for audio, visual, lighting and control systems,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. "We are extremely privileged to be associated with the first ever grand lifestyle-hotel complex in South Korea, providing effective and efficient audio, visual, lighting, and controls solutions powered by our iconic brands. We thank our partner, TechData, for their deep technical expertise, relationship and customer-first approach.”