AV SYSTEMS DESIGN

THE JOURNAL OF AV SYSTEM DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

Designing for Digital

What You Really Need to Know About Digital AV

Creating Effective Touchpanels

Surround Sound in Commercial AV

Methods for Streaming Media

Spring 2011 | www.avsystemsdesign.com

Digital That Works.

Works out of the Box

Our products are ready to go at power up, thanks to integration-friendly features that save
time and frustration during installation, with industry-leading support just a phone call away.

Works for your Application

More choices mean more flexibility; our wide-ranging product selection makes it easy
to design a system thats perfectly matched to the needs of the application.

Works for your Budget

Faster installation, simplified configuration, and long-term system reliability help to
save time and money at every stage of the project.
 Everywhere.

Extron manufactures the most complete line of digital products available today. Theyre engineered with
the reliability, ease of installation, and ease of operation that distinguishes our products. Whether you
need DVI, HDMI, USB, or multi-rate SDI, we have the digital products for today and tomorrow,
with the high performance and value youve come to expect from Extron.

For your next digital video system design, give us a call. Our professional staff of application and system
design engineers are ready to work with you to define and design complete, end-to-end digital
AV systems. Need to learn more about the digital transition? Weve created a complete library of
training and educational materials, including white papers, technical articles, application profiles,
and design guides; all written for the AV professional and available at no charge.
Visit www.extron.com/digitalthatworks for complete details.

www.extron.com/digitalthatworks
 ConTEnTS VoLUME 1, nUMBEr 1

30

20 34

CoVer Story newS

20 Designing for Digital 7 Company News

Extrons new HQ, Cable Cubby
Heres what you really need to know when designing TouchLink Design patent Awarded,
systems that include digital AV technologies. Extron to Self-Certify UL Safety
Tests, Multi-graphic processors
By Keith Scheffler at Big Als, and Chopin Museum
Features Extron power Amps
FeAture StorieS

30 Touch Here to Begin 9 Industry News

Touchpanel user interface design often gets little attention, 3D TV Shipments on the rise,
nSCA reports on Teleconferencing
but may leave the biggest impression on the end user.
and Telepresence
By Derek Joncas
10 Now Shipping
34 Meeting the Surround Sound Challenge The latest product available
Your customer requests surround sound for a from Extron
commercial installation. Now what?
By J.D. Mars

DEpArTMEnTS
39 extron new 44 other new 46 teChniCAlly 52 DeSign Forum 57 hiDDen gemS
ProDuCtS ProDuCtS SPeAking Thermal Management EDiD 101
The latest product noteworthy products Methods for for AV Designers By Jim Scrivner
introductions from Extron from the industry Streaming Media By Steve Somers
By Karl Johnson

2 AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011

 7 16 58

8 39 61

ColumnS CASe StuDy

4 From the Editor 28 The Pro Perspective 16 Design Mecca Overcomes

The pachyderm perspective in the real world of AV design, the AV Hurdles
all-digital solution is elusive. renovation of an historic building
6 Corner Office By Jim Colquhoun presents AV design challenges,
Match it or Lose it but the results are spectacular.
By Andrew Edwards 56 Stories From The Road By Gerard Grivois
nothings broken, youre just
13 System Design Trends having EDiD issues.
The importance of planning for AV By Karl Rosenberg
infrastructure cant be overstated.
By Greg Moquin

58 mArket FoCuS 61 eDuCAtion CentrAl 63 ComPAny eVentS 64 the lASt worD

Courtroom Technology An overview of Extrons 2011 Extron institute our power Supplies
By Mitch Kenison training and education and Tradeshows Are Efficient
opportunities By Dave Pincek

www.avsystemsdesign.com 3
 FroM THE EDiTor
The Pachyderm
Perspective
C ommunicating the world of AV is a lot like
the Indian story of blind men describing
an elephant, each by touching only the parts
within their immediate reach. From each
viewpoint, it seems like something different. The
technology with which we design systems for
end-users is an amalgam from many different
industries. Today, its difficult to distinguish
where one industry ends and another begins.
Audiovisual professionals bring a highly
specialized set of skills to this technological
melting pot. Among other skills, we are the ones
who know how to make things look and sound
AVSD embodies the S3 philosophy
in a media communications format.
better. But today, thats not enough. Image and
audio quality must be maintained from all types
of source devices and destination endpoints,
across a myriad of network topologies and
infrastructures. AV professionals need to develop
and maintain an incredibly broad knowledge
base and skill set arguably more broad than
any other technology profession.
Extron recognized this years ago. While
most people who are familiar with Extron
might describe the company as an audiovisual
electronics manufacturer, Extron insiders
know better. Although products are certainly
the foundation, we know that exceptional
technology solutions are just one part of what
AV pros need in order to succeed. You also
need the best support systems to help you
4 FroM THE EDiTor
CORPORATE
EXTRON USA West
1230 South Lewis Street
Anaheim, CA 92805
USA
Sales/Tech Support:
+800.633.9876, +1.714.491.1500
Fax: +1.714.491.1517
EXTRON USA East
2205 Westinghouse Blvd.
Suite 102
raleigh, nC 27604
USA
Sales/Tech Support:
+800.633.9876, +1.919.863.1794
Fax: +1.919.863.1797
EXTRON EUROPE
Hanzeboulevard 10,
optimally utilize these solutions. And, you
need unparalleled service to make it easy to
access all that Extron has to offer. This is the
3825 pH Amersfoort
The netherlands
phone: +800.EXTron.S3
(+800.3987.6673)
+31.33.453.4040
essence of Extrons S3 philosophy - Service, Fax: +31.33.453.4050
Support, and Solutions.
EXTRON ASIA
Audio Visual Systems Design AVSD is 135 Joo Seng road, #04-01
pM industrial Building
Extrons new media brand that embodies the
Singapore 368363
S3 philosophy in a media communications phone: +65.6383.4400
Fax: +65.6383.4664
format. More than just a trade magazine,
website, video portal, blog, or social medium, EXTRON CHINA
686 ronghua road,
AVSD promises to deliver what you need to Songjiang District
Shanghai 201611
know to be successful in todays world of
phone: +86.21.3760.1568
AV. We realize that product information is Fax: +86.21.3760.1566
EXTRON JAPAN
Kyodo Building, 16 ichibancho
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0082
Japan
phone: +81.3.3511.7655
Fax: +81.3.3511.7656
EXTRON MIDDLE EAST
Dubai Airport Free Zone
F12, po Box 293666
phone: +971.4.2991800
not enough. You need to know how to apply Fax: +971.4.2991880
products with design strategies that make
sense for your customers specific application.
AVSD will highlight Extron products, but our
purpose transcends just trying to sell them. AV SyStemS DeSign magazine is
published by Extron Electronics/rgB
Were committed to providing a panoramic view Systems inc. no portion of this publication
may be reproduced in any form without
written permission from Extron Electronics.
of AV, and also associated industries as they Every effort has been made to ensure
accuracy in content; however, Extron
relate to ours. Each issue will feature product assumes no responsibility for errors and
omissions in the information provided herein.
and technology information, case studies, tech AV Systems Design is sent free of charge to
AV industry professionals and end-users.
tips, and valuable perspectives from many of Subscriptions
To receive your free copy of AV Systems
Extrons highly experienced professionals. As Design magazine, please contact your
Extron Customer Support representative.
a result of this commitment, we believe AVSD We welcome your comments and
contributions! please submit ideas to
will quickly become your primary resource for the editor at mmayfield@extron.com.
audiovisual systems design and engineering. Extron Electronics
1230 S. Lewis Street Anaheim, CA 92805
Well let you see the whole elephant.
Mark Mayfield, Editor
AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011
High Performance Videowall Processing Systems
The Extron Quantum Series are videowall processing systems that deliver high performance and reliable multi-image presentations
in demanding, mission-critical environments. They feature high performance, dedicated graphics and video processing, plus
a high-speed video bus that maintains real-time performance under heavy source loads. Quantum Series processors can
simultaneously display hundreds of windows of high quality graphics and video, making them ideal for medium to large videowall
systems in environments including public spaces, corporate buildings, surveillance, visualization, and command and control.

Quantum Series
Key Features:
Card frame videowall processing system
Flexibility to support a variety of input and output configurations
High speed bus supports real-time video/graphic performance
Dual DVI/RGB output card supports resolutions up to 1920x1080p
Up to 128 video/graphic windows per dual output card
Quantum Elite
Input cards available for DVI, RGB or HD component video, Scalable, Expandable Videowall Processing System
and standard definition video
High quality image upscaling and downscaling
Supports digital and analog input signals up to 1920x1200
Easy-to-use configuration and control software

Quantum Connect
Videowall Processing System

www.extron.com/quantum
 CornEr oFFiCE
Match It or Lose It
By Andrew Edwards
S ometimes you have to put a name to something to make it
official. It was that way with Extrons Match It or Lose It
program. Let me give you some background.
Here at Extron we host training every month for Resellers,
Consultants, and technology managers at K-12, Community
Colleges, and Universities. It was at one such class that Match It or
Lose It was born. I was eating lunch at a table full of consultants
and the conversation turned to system design. The lady sitting next
to me shared that she wanted to use Extron on her last project, but,
when her customer asked her to reduce costs, she was forced to
turn to a cheaper, less effective solution. I couldnt restrain myself.
Would you have rather used Extron? I asked.
Absolutely, she said.
You designed the original system using Extron.
Yes.
Your customer was happy with the original system design? It
met their needs?
Compared to what they ultimately installed, the original
design was much better.
But they told you to cut costs
They had a very tight budget. They wanted the better system
which included your product. We were told to make cuts and get
the price down.
Did you call us?
No, I didnt think about calling Extron.
You mean to tell me that you designed a lesser system for your
customer and never picked up the phone to ask for our help!??
I didnt know I could.
At that point I had to admit it was our fault that she didnt
know she would get a warm reception at Extron when asking for
assistance in a situation like the one she described.
Another person at the table jumped in.
I had a project just last week with a university where money
was tight. I picked up the phone and called Tim on the Education
Team. He helped redesign the system using your new TouchLink
Cable Cubby touchpanel. It saved a bunch of money and the
customer is really happy.
Now, Im not relating this story to put anyone on the spot. I told
the consultant as much in the course of our conversation. However,
it is amazing to me that we wouldnt be contacted to help when a
customer would rather use Extron, but feels that their budget wont
6 CornEr oFFiCE
allow it. I went home and stewed on the situation all night. In the
morning I had the answer, Match It or Lose It.
I walked into the class the next morning and told the story, just
as I related it to you. The entire class agreed that they had all run
into situations where they would have rather used Extron, but
went elsewhere because the budget wouldnt allow it. At that point
I made a commitment to them that I make to you today If you
run into a situation where you want to use Extron, but believe you
cant due to price, give us a call! Its up to us to either find a better
way to design the system using Extron, adjust our price to meet the
competition, or walk away if we have to. Well Match It or Lose It.
Either way, youll ensure that your customer has the opportunity to
receive the best solution for their money. And at the same time you
will be giving us valuable feedback on our products and prices.
Our entire product development roadmap and sales/marketing
strategy is shaped by this kind of feedback. Knowing what
challenges you face and designing solutions for you is just another
application of the same Service, Support and Solutions philosophy
that drives our support teams.
You see, at Extron, we introduce 75-100 new products each
year. So many that sometimes its hard for our own staff to keep
up! There is no way I can expect you to know every feature of every
Extron product and the products we are about to ship. Thats what
our support hotline is for. By working with us on the design we
could very well identify a product that would fit your application
that you were not aware of, or that has yet to be introduced which
would meet your timeline.
Remember, with over 1,750 employees worldwide, no one
at Extron is on commission. We are an engineering oriented
company. Our primary objective is to see that you get the right
solution for your application.
In the current economic times I believe that Match It or Lose
It is more important than ever. No one wants to give up on the
quality and support we provide, but in certain situations, price will
rule the day. Knowing that Extron is here to support you with cost
effective solutions will help you satisfy your customers and keep
them coming back for more.
Thank you for your continued support of Extron and be sure
to give us a call!
Andrew Edwards, President
AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011
 COmPANY NEWS
Extron USA - West
New headquarters
in Anaheim, CA
Extrons New Offices
Extron Electronics is expanding its
headquarters with the construction of
a new six-story, 200,000 square foot
building adjacent to the companys
facilities in Anaheim, CA. Extron
currently has 500,000 square feet of
owned and leased property at the
Anaheim campus. The company has
occupied its present headquarters
complex since 1995.
The new building is expected to
be completed by the fall of 2011. The
building precast, or concrete skin, has
just been installed and is about 95%
complete. Glazing installation is complete
on most of the building. The structural
steel is 95% complete and the concrete
is about 90% complete.
We look forward to serving our
customers better with additional classes
and larger training facilities, says
Andrew Edwards, President of Extron.
www.avsystemsdesign.com
Extron continues to hire, and the new
headquarters building provides the space
needed for the new employees required
to support our expanding product lines.
Extron is also expanding operations
on the East Coast with the construction
of a new 146,000 square foot building
in Raleigh, NC. This new facility
replaces the current 12,400 square foot
building, and houses a research and
development center, service and support
operations, and a distribution center. It
is expected to open in the 4th quarter of
this year.
Extron USA - East in raleigh, nC
Cable Cubby TouchLink
Design Patent Awarded
Extron has announced that the United
States Patent Office has awarded the
company a design patent, #D626,542 for
the TLP 350CV 3.5" furniture-mountable
TouchLink Touchpanel. The unique design
of the TLP 350CV allows it to be mounted
securely into a tabletop, lectern, or other
flat surface, and close flush when not in
use. This Cable Cubby TouchLink version
combines configurable control for AV
systems, convenient cable management
and easy access to AV connectivity and
power. The top surface of the TLP 350CV
is available in black anodized or brushed
aluminum finishes.
Extron to Self-Certify
UL Safety Tests
Extron has been authorized by
Underwriters Laboratories - UL to
conduct product safety tests in-house
at the Extron compliance lab.
Self testing and certification allows
Extron to bring safe, reliable, high
quality products to the market more
quickly, and allow for continuous
refinement of product designs. Extron
has attained two accreditations: Client
Test Data Program CTDP which allows
manufacturers to use their own testing
facilities, and Supervised Manufacturers
Testing SMT which certifies that the
testing laboratory meets ISO standards
for operation and recognizes the facilitys
test results. Extron is one of a select
few manufacturers to have earned
these accreditations.
CoMpAny nEWS 7
 CoMpAny nEWS
Entertainment Center
Features Extron Multi-
Graphic Processors
Big Als is a growing chain of family-
oriented entertainment centers located
in the Pacific Northwest. Completed in
August 2010, the second Big Als, located
in Beaverton, OR, is a two-story, 66,000
square foot complex featuring 42 lounge-
style bowling alleys and other games for
grown-ups. Multimedia entertainment
is an important element of the Big Als
experience, so they turned to Beaverton,
OR-based CompView as the AV designers
to create the perfect mix of sights and
sounds for this new location.
The Stadium-styled sports bar, with
its large screen displays, is a focal point
and primary gathering area for the
Extron Amplifiers at
the Chopin Museum
The Fryderyk Chopin Museum is a modern
museum in Warsaw, Poland, devoted to
the life of the composer Fryderyk Chopin.
It was opened in April 2010 to coincide
with the 200th anniversary of the birth of
Chopin. The museum comprises numerous
freestanding, self-contained AV systems.
These systems provide information related
8 CoMpAny nEWS
entertainment multiplex.
In addition to HD
broadcast and satellite
television transmissions,
the displays in the bar
and throughout the
building have to support
off-air and closed-circuit
programming, scoring for
a wide range of games, and playback of
DVD and Blu-ray Disc content. CompView
included two Extron MGP 464 multi-
graphic processors to control AV signal
processing for the sports bar, ensuring
optimal signal quality from the multiple
TV tuners, computers, and other sources.
Only select staff members have access
to the Extron MGP 464 feature set to
control the displays in the bar. Any of
the 19 inputs on the MGP 464 can be
scaled and placed in any of up to four
to the various stages throughout the life
of the composer. Extron power amplifiers
including the MPA 152, XPA 1002, and
XPA 2001 played a critical role in the
successful integration of the AV systems as
well as meeting the stringent requirements
imposed by the environment and limited
equipment space available.
The designer for the project, Microtech
International SA in Wroclaw, was tasked
with the challenge of coming up with
nearly 100 individual AV system designs
within a historically significant building
that would preclude any architectural
modification for installing equipment
or running cables. Additionally, the
equipment needed to be housed in
compact cabinets offering limited space
for AV devices.
Microtech International used Extrons
highly efficient, Energy Star qualified
power amplifiers, including the XPA 1002
and XPA 2001, which are housed in
compact 1U enclosures. Since they
windows for picture-in-picture display.
To simplify display control for the Big Als
staff members, a number of the available
128 memory presets for PIP window
configurations were used. Some signals
other than NTSC are routed through
a sub-switcher using virtual inputs,
recalling input presets on the MGP 464.
The front panel security lockout feature
on the MGP 464 prevents unauthorized
users from affecting the images on the
large screen displays.
XpA 2001
generate very little heat, and do not
require additional cooling, they were
ideal for the compact-sized cabinets
while delivering the power output
needed for the speakers at each of the
interactive display stations. According
to Tomasz Wojciechowski, Senior AV
Designer and Project Manager for this
installation, the Extron power amplifiers
were also chosen based on their ability to
provide high fidelity audio performance
in a Class D amplifier design essential
for the audio reproduction of Chopins
music, and Extrons automatic
standby feature so that the amplifiers
can power down on their own to
save energy.
AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011
 INDuSTRY NEWS
indications, the launch of 3D TVs is
similar to Samsungs rollout of LED LCD Integrators and Consultants
TVs at the beginning of 2009, albeit at a
Involvement with
Conferencing Technologies
slightly slower pace. This would be in line
with our forecast of just over 2 million 3D Involved
before 2009
TVs shipped in North America for 2010. No response
9
6
3D tV Shipments
59
on the rise nSCA reports on
27
Never been Presently
involved involved

A new generation of TVs has reached teleconferencing

retail, with 3D models now available and telepresence Audio-only Teleconferencing
from all leading TV manufacturers.
Display industry analysts DisplaySearch The National Systems Contractors Involved
No response
before 2009
forecast 3.4 million 3D TVs will have Association NSCA has produced its Q3 4
5
been shipped in 2010, with the market Market Intelligence Briefing, titled Audio
expected to reach 42.9 million units & Video Teleconferencing/Telepresence 18
Never been
in 2014. Based on this forecast, 3D TV Market. The study examines both involved 73
Presently
market penetration is expected to grow the audio and video teleconferencing/ involved
from a 5% share of total flat panel TVs in telepresence markets from the
2010 to 37% in 2014. The emerging 3D TV perspectives of commercial systems
market is tracked in the latest issue of the integrators/contractors and independent Video Teleconferencing/Telepresence

DisplaySearch Q210 Quarterly TV Design technical/design consultants.

and Features Report. According to the study, 59% of systems
Through the first half of 2010, only contractors/integrators and independent
two flat panel TV makers in the US technical/design consultants report they that there is considerable overlap and
launched 3D TV productsPanasonic are currently involved in audio-only synergy between the two applications:
and Samsung, observed Paul Gagnon, teleconferencing. On the other hand, 73% 88% of those involved with audio-only
director of North America TV Research are involved with video teleconferencing/ systems also design and/or install video
at DisplaySearch. Based on early telepresence. As expected, the report finds teleconferencing/telepresence systems,
and the majority (71%) of those involved
in video teleconferencing/telepresence are
also involved in audio-only systems.
3D TV Forecast
According to survey respondents,
3D LCD 3D PDP Plasma Display Panel the top venue markets for video
40,000 teleconferencing/telepresence systems are:
35,000
1. Corporate and industrial venues,
30,000
including financial institutions
25,000 2. Government, municipal, and
20,000 community facilities
3. Universities and colleges
15,000
4. Healthcare facilities
10,000
5. Hotels and convention centers
5,000

0 The study was produced for NSCA

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 by Stiernberg Consulting. The entire

Source: DisplaySearch Quarterly TV Design and Features Report

report is available to NSCA members at
www.nsca.org/mib.

www.avsystemsdesign.com inDUSTry nEWS 9

 NOW ShIPPINg

TLP 350MV
TouchLink 3.5" Wall
Mount Touchpanel TLp 350MV
Available in black or white

The Extron TLP 350MV TouchLink

3.5" Wall Mount Touchpanel is ideal
for applications that require a compact
touchpanel with a small installation
footprint. Designed to mount securely
into a wall, lectern, or other flat surface,
the TLP 350MV provides the power
of touchpanel control in the same
three-gang form factor common for
keypad controllers. Eight customizable
backlit buttons provide expanded
control capabilities to ensure that
critical functions are easily accessible.
The TLP 350MV touchpanel enables
integrators to deploy a fully configurable,
small-format, surface-mounted
touchscreen control interface with a
sophisticated, high tech appearance.
www.extron.com/tlp350mv

DMS 3600
Modular DVi Matrix Switcher
with EDiD Minder

The Extron DMS 3600 represents a new

level of matrix switching for DVI. It
combines the simplicity and reliability
of a fixed I/O matrix switcher with the
convenience and flexibility of a modular
matrix switcher. The 8U enclosure accepts
any combination of DVI boards. Input
and output boards are available in 4-port
input, 4-port output, and 44 I/O versions,
providing various configurations from
44 to 3636 for full system customization.
The DMS 3600 is ideal for a wide range
of applications that require routing of
high-resolution DVI digital video signals.
DMS 3600 shown
fully populated
www.extron.com/dms3600

10 noW SHipping AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011


DXP HDMI Series
HDMi Matrix Switchers
with EDiD Minder
The Extron DXP HDMI Series are high
performance, digital matrix switchers
for HDMI signals. They are HDCP
compliant, HDMI 1.3 compatible, and
support resolutions up to 19201200 and
HDTV 1080p/60, enabling simultaneous
distribution of content-protected HDMI
and DVI signal sources to one or more
compliant displays. The DXP HDMI Series
features intelligent technologies that
help integrators ensure reliable system
DVi-rgB 200
DVI-RGB 200
DVi to Analog rgB Video interface with EDiD Minder
The Extron DVI-RGB 200 converts
single link DVI-D signals to analog
RGB signals for convenient integration of
digital video sources into conventional
analog AV systems. It is compatible
with high resolution computer-video
signals up to WUXGA (19201200)
and HDTV up to 1080p/60. A buffered
loop-through provides DVI-D video to a
local monitor. In the absence of a local
monitor, EDID Minder provides the
necessary communication between the
DVI-RGB 200 and the DVI input source.
www.avsystemsdesign.com
DXp 88 HDMi
operation and compatibility between
digital devices, including Key Minder,
HDCP Visual Confirmation, EDID Minder,
and Automatic Input Cable Equalization
and Output Reclocking. Available in I/O
sizes from 44 to 88, the DXP HDMI
Pre-stored EDID is communicated to
the source based on a user-selected
resolution and refresh rate. Alternatively,
the DVI-RGB 200 can be set to capture
and store EDID information when
connected to a display. Variable level
and peaking controls for the analog
RGB output compensate for cable loss
over long distances. The DVI-RGB 200
is housed in a 1U, half rack width
metal enclosure.
www.extron.com/dvirgb200
noW SHipping
Series is ideal for use in applications that
require reliable, high performance routing
of HDMI and DVI signals between
multiple sources and displays.
www.extron.com/dxp
HAE 100
HAE 100
HDMi Audio De-Embedder
The Extron HAE 100 is an audio
de-embedder that extracts the audio from
the HDMI signal and provides outputs for
analog stereo and digital S/PDIF audio.
The HAE 100 supports data rates up to
6.75 Gbps for compatibility with HDMI
1.3 Deep Color. It is HDCP compliant
and compatible with HDTV 1080p/60
or computer-video resolutions up to
19201200. The HAE 100 features EDID
Minder for simplified EDID management
between the input source and the
display, plus input cable equalization and
comprehensive LED status display.
www.extron.com/hae100
noW SHipping 11
 HDCP Compliant
Scaling Presentation Switcher

DVS 510 SA

Extron DVS 510

The Extron DVS 510 is an HDCP compliant Scaling Presentation Switcher that accepts HDMI Compatible
and scales DVI/HDMI, computer RGB, HDTV, and standard definition signals to a common, The DVS 510 DVI inputs and output are HDCP
compliant and compatible with HDMI, enabling
high resolution output rate. The DVS 510 is a true presentation switcher for professional support of Blu-ray Disc and other copy-
protected sources. DVI ports enable secure,
environments, featuring simultaneous DVI and two analog RGB/YUV outputs, audio switching locked connections in professional installations
while maintaining full signal compatibility with
for all video input sources, an available 50 watt stereo integrated amplifier, and glitch-free HDMI, including audio and CEC.
switching. The DVS 510 serves as the ideal centerpiece in many systems for integrating a wide Blu-ray Player
Laptop
variety of AV sources and displays. HDMI Output
HDMI Output

Key Features: Laptop with

HDMI Output

HDCP compliant
Extron
Integrates DVI/HDMI, RGB, HDTV, video, and audio sources into HDMI DVI-D
Series Cable
presentation systems Extron
HDMI DVI-D
10 multi-format inputs including two HDCP compliant DVI inputs Series Cable
DVI Input
RGB, HDTV, and video scaling
AMPLIFIED OUTPUT

A
1 3 5 U L R
D
V RGB/Y, B-Y, R-Y V RGB/Y, B-Y, R-Y A 1 3 5 7 9
VID YC I PREAMP
I I U
O
D D D
E E I
O
O O O L R L R L R L R L R L R
U
RGB/Y, B-Y, R-Y DVI-D T
100-240V 50/60 Hz I O I
P
N U N 2 4 6 8 10 LINE
U
P T P
T
U P U
T U T
VID YC RGB/Y, B-Y, R-Y DVI-I DVI-I L R L R L R L R L R L R
T
2 4 6 7/8 9/10

Simultaneous DVI and analog RGB / component video outputs

3A MAX RESET
RS-232 LAN

Extron DVI Output

DVS 510 SA
EDID Minder Digital Video Scaler Extron
HDMI DVI-D
Series Cable
PIP - Picture-in-Picture
HDMI Input
Glitch-free switching with a cut or fade to black transition between
video inputs
HDMI Input
Power Save Mode
Audio switching and output volume control
Available 50 watt stereo power amplifier model with 25 watts rms
per channel into 4 or 8 ohms
Flat Panel Display with Speakers

www.extron.com/dvs510

Planning for
Infrastructure
By Greg Moquin
E ven the most advanced AV technologies cannot solve the
problems caused by poor infrastructure planning. Its best
to consider acoustics, lighting, environmental, cabling, and
other factors long before the installation begins. As a consultant,
my goal had always been to plan an environment in which AV
technology is integrated into the architecture and enhances
the experience or purpose, rather than as an appendage of
the building. Careful planning of infrastructure to support
the intended installed technologies is crucial to the success of
any project.
ACOuSTICS AND LIghTINg
With tight project budgets, the services of an experienced
acoustician or lighting designer are often overlooked. But
investing in proper acoustic treatment and lighting in the design
phase of a project can offset the cost of the technology solutions
required to solve problems later on. Proving this to your client is
sometimes a challenge.
Usually, a simple demo does the trick. I once convinced
a client to pay for an acousticians fees and implement their
recommendations by bringing a boundary microphone, an audio
mixer and a pair of headphones to a meeting in one of the clients
videoconference rooms. I knew that the room was acoustically
challenged with high ambient noise and excessive reflections
conditions that I was sensitive to, but they were not. The client
and architect each took turns listening through the headphones.
Each was amazed at the sounds they heard, including the poor
intelligibility of the conversation in the room, impacted by the
acoustics. I explained that this is what the party on the other
end of the video or audio conference heard. Then I exchanged
the boundary mic for several cardioid gooseneck microphones,
to get the mic closer to each talker demonstrating the effect of
minimizing room reflections. Needless to say, I won my case.
The importance of room lighting is also often underestimated.
Even when a room is not designed for videoconferencing, I
recommend viewing each meeting space as a potential
videoconferencing space. With this forethought, sufficient diffused
ambient lighting levels are required, typically at least 45 foot
candles, with the capability to dim (or switch) to lower lighting
level. Forty-five footcandles may seem a bit high for typical use,
www.avsystemsdesign.com
SySTEM DESign TrEnDS
but for those of us with older eyes, this brighter illumination level
can mean the difference between wearing reading glasses, or not.
ENVIRONmENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Architects are frequently amazed when I recommend locating
video presentation spaces on the exterior of a building. Who
wants to be claustrophobic in a room for four or more hours
with no windows? The days of low-brightness CRT projectors are
over. With the performance of todays display technology, the
careful location of video displays with respect to the audience, the
positioning of meetings spaces on the north side of the building,
and the supplemental use of perforated shades, you can provide
an inviting and comfortable meeting environment.
Even so, the location of the meeting space in relation to
the exterior environment is important. I recently attended an
outdoor wedding ceremony which occurred while the summer
sun was setting directly behind the minister. The wedding guests
struggled to see the ceremony with the bright orange setting sun
in their eyes. I took some photos, all of which shared a common
characteristic; dark silhouettes of the bride and groom. Sometimes,
one has to use a little common sense when planning a facility
or event. Dont just design the technical solution, consider the
environment as well.
EquIPmENT SPACE PLANNINg
Experienced architects now understand the importance of a
properly designed equipment space for AV and IT technology.
This has been a struggle for the past 30 years. BICSI and NEC
standards have had a positive impact on this, with industry
respected standards for room size and considerations for floor
space for equipment racks, wall mounted technologies, equipment
clearances, environmental and electrical conditioning, as well as
cable pathways and terminations.
We often find ourselves squeezing AV technologies into
furniture. This requires special planning for heat exhaust,
equipment serviceability, theft prevention and termination of
conduits behind the furniture. I often wonder if the traditional
19-inch width rack is right form factor anymore. As technology
continues to miniaturize and space is at a premium, is a half-
width equipment rack a better architectural solution?
CoLUMn 13
 CAbLE PAThWAYS
When planning a system, I look at the total cost of the conduit
infrastructure combined with the cost of equipment, cabling
and labor. In the days of analog video with multi-core coaxial
cabling and separation of signal types, the cost of a metal
conduit-based solution was quite high due to the large sized
conduits. Consultants with little field experience as installers
would typically specify 1.25-inch and 2-inch conduit terminating
to standard wall boxes. Clearly, this is not possible without
considerable labor cost to field modify standard boxes to accept
the larger conduits. Today its more cost effective to recommend
multiple 1-inch or 0.75-inch conduits instead of one larger conduit.
The thinner conduits are easier to bend and terminate, which
results in greater cost savings.
With the increasing use of typical IT type cabling for AV
technologies, the project can gain additional savings as a result
of the smaller cable pathways. Thinner infrastructure supports
shallower concrete slab thicknesses, shallow floor boxes, standard
wall boxes and the use of cable trays. Yes, there is an additional
cost of electronic extenders to convert the AV signal medium
to the IT cable medium, but this is offset by the lower cost of
infrastructure and building construction.
Despite all this, the cost of electrical and mechanical
infrastructure is frequently underestimated by the projects budget
planners. Im often amazed that, while the AV consultant is tasked
with providing project budgets for the installed technologies,
few engineers prepare budgets for their disciplines. They rely
on the estimator to interpret their drawings and specifications.
The problem is, some AV consultants dont estimate the cost
of infrastructure to support the intended technologies, so they
also rely on the estimators. My recommendation is to establish
a relationship with the estimator to ensure that all elements of
the AV solution are included in the estimate. This is important in
order to avoid costly surprises later on.
FLOOR bOxES
Early coordination for floor boxes is crucial to the success of
any project. Yet, in my experience, they are also the single
most troublesome element to coordinate. Typically, I will attend
the very first project meeting armed with product datasheets
from various floor box product manufacturers. I encourage the
structural engineer and the architect to consider the importance
of floor boxes in the design of the building, well before the AV
program is established. The architect and engineer will often look
to reduce concrete slab thickness, without regard to the impact
on infrastructure, such as floor box type and location. I also
express the importance of why the large multi-discipline floor box
is so important to the success of the project. Its also essential to
plan conduit pathways from floor boxes to accessible pull points,
14 CoLUMn
Extrons AVTrac is a low profile, floor-mounted raceway system to safely and
discreetly run power, data, and AV cables across floor surfaces where people
walk and move about.
meeting BICSI guidelines for total conduit bend radius between
pull boxes. The end user has an expectation that they will not be
tripping over cables, and that these services will be available for
use - even in the middle of the room.
The consultant should also negotiate which discipline is
responsible for specifying the floor box product; after all, the
floor box is an electrical device, right? Or is it an IT device, or an
AV device? I argue that the floor box, although noted on the AV
infrastructure drawings and no matter which discipline occupies
it, is provided by the electrician under Division 16, and thus
should be documented on the architects plans for positioning and
on the electrical plans for inclusion in the electrical scope of work.
Sometimes an alternate solution is required to provide
electrical and electronic services in the middle of a room. A core
poke penetration device can be used, provided that it is allowable
in the tenants lease and that the tenant in the floor below is
agreeable to drilling into and running conduit within their
ceiling space. Another solution is the use of wireless technologies,
but these technologies run the risk of intermittent service, RF
interference or battery failure during that all-too-important
meeting. An even better alternative might be the Extron AVTrac;
a low-profile, floor-mounted raceway system for discreetly running
power, data, and AV cables under the carpet.
With collaborative and proactive planning among all members
of the design team, a well executed infrastructure can support
ease of installation, enhance the fabric of the architecture, extend
the life of the end users investment, and make the installed
technology more useful and inviting to use by the end user.
greg Moquin is Consultant Applications Engineer at Extron Electronics based in richmond,
VA. He provides design engineering support and technical troubleshooting services to
consultants in the field. greg has over 30 years of experience as a senior technology
consultant and project manager, including 12 years with Shen Milsom Wilke LLC.
AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011
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 AIAs beautiful new meeting space in a renovated historic building provides flexibility for a wide variety of functions, but designing
an equally flexible AV system required some creative thinking too. Shown with motorized room dividing curtains. (right)

Design Mecca Overcomes

AV Hurdles
A complete renovation of an historic building leads to unique
meeting space at AIAs Kansas City offices.
By Gerard Grivois

T
he American Institute of
Architects, headquartered in
Washington, DC, was founded in
1857, and today has nearly 300 state and
and the importance of good design. To
accomplish their goals, some AIA branch
offices provide meeting space and facilities
that can be used by members and others
mission, AIA management felt these efforts
were constrained by limited space at the
chapters former West 9th Street offices,
which had been its home for the past
ALiSTAir TUTTon pHoTogrApHy

local chapters in the U.S. and around the
world. The AIA strives to meet the needs
and interests of the nations architects and
the public they serve by developing public
awareness of the value of architecture
in their local design communities.
The AIA Kansas chapter, chartered
in 1921, offered more than 50 programs
to its membership in 2009. While these
programs and services are key to their
20 years.
When the chapter moved its offices
last year, it chose an historic, renovated
1907 structure in the Crossroads District,
a former downtown industrial area.

16 CASE STUDy AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011


Helix Architecture and Design of
Kansas City created striking interiors for
the 4,634 square foot space, and St. Louis,
MO-based Conference Technologies, Inc.
CTI contributed an innovative AV system
design that addressed the spaces inherent
AV challenges.
System Design Requirements
The centerpiece of the new space is a 2,000
square foot first-floor meeting room, with
windows on two sides looking out on the
neighborhood. The room accommodates
60 people classroom style, 150 theater-style,
and even more for receptions. A typical
ALiSTAir TUTTon pHoTogrApHy
lunchtime education session attracts about
70 architects, so the chapter has space
to expand.
We conceived this space as a Think
Tank for collaboration between various
www.avsystemsdesign.com
design professionals, says Jeffrey Schutzler,
project leader at Helix Architecture. The
intent was to provide a multi-purpose
room capable of hosting a wide range
of events, from board meetings, lectures,
lunch presentations, special events, and
design charrettes. The red flooring,
projection wall, and ceiling reach outward
to pull not only architects and designers
into the office, but also the public.
AV Challenges
Typical of historic buildings built in the
early 1900s, the loft-style interior of the
space was not exactly designed for AV
technology. Exposed brick, concrete slab
floors, and 16-foot high ceilings with full
height windows created an environment
with many challenges for both acoustics
and visibility of projected images.
According to CTI sales consultant
Steve Martin, one of the main challenges
in designing an AV system for this room
was its use as a rental space. Most of
the people who do presentations here
will use the AV system infrequently or
only once. So the controls had to be
extremely intuitive. That was one of
the reasons Martin recommended using
Extrons TLP 700MV TouchLink 7-inch wall
mount touchpanel.
Its really simple to use, Martin says.
Extron includes a seven-inch touchscreen
in the panel plus ten backlit buttons and
even a master volume control knob to put
everything at a users fingertips. They also
have a simplified configuration scheme,
making it affordable for customers who
might not otherwise be able to budget
for a touchpanel and its associated
programming expenses.
The TLP 700MV is linked to an Extron
IPL 250 IP Link Ethernet control processor,
which enables monitoring and control of
all devices in the system, including all
sources and a unique mechanical curtain
and window shade system. The TLP 700MV
touchpanel is wall mounted next to a
6 by 9-foot Da-Lite projection screen at
the front of the room, directly behind a
movable lectern.
I think this is my favorite part of the
room, says Tiffany Shepherd, deputy
director of the AIA Kansas chapter. It
makes it really easy not only for us to use
the AV system, but also for us to show
other people how to use it.
Another challenge was the sheer variety
of meetings that would be held in the
new room.
Schutzler included lightweight,
motorized room dividing curtains from
MechoShade Systems to reconfigure the
room for different types and sizes of
meetings. This is a big space, notes AIAs
Shepherd, but if were having a small
meeting, we can drop one of these mesh
curtains to make the meeting feel a little
more intimate. Schutzler put one curtain
about 15 feet from the front of the room,
and another about 18 feet beyond the first
one. Touching a button on the TLP 700MV
touchpanel activates a motor so that a
presenter can easily resize the space to
the size of the audience.
Since the first floor meeting space is
bordered on two sides by floor to ceiling
windows, daylight became an obvious
issue for the visibility of projected images.
Room darkening MechoShades were
installed in each window to address this
problem. Another touch on the TLP 700MV
activates the shades according to ambient
lighting conditions.
Dealing with Acoustics
CTI also designed and installed a flexible
sound system for the AIAs various functions
and events. At the heart of the audio system
are two Extron DMP 64 ProDSP Digital
Matrix Processors, which provide all signal
routing, mic mixing, and equalization for the
various room configurations. The DMP 64s
each control a separate zone. Zone one is
routed to an Extron XPA 2001-70V power
amplifier, which feeds ten Extron SI 26CT
ceiling mounted speakers. The second
zone is connected to another XPA 2001-70V
CASE STUDy 17
 2 Sheet metal ceiling panels

1 Floor to ceiling glass windows

5 Constantly changing event types & presentation needs

4 Concrete slab floor

Limited space for AV electronics 3

AiAs Design Challenges and Solutions

room FeAture DeSign ChAllenge Solution

1 Floor to ceiling
glass windows
Hard glass surfaces create excessive acoustic
reflections, which negatively affect speech
intelligibility. Also, during daylight hours,
excessive brightness creates a challenge for
projected images.
Use ceiling mount speakers with smooth, flat
frequency response and controlled dispersion
to minimize sound reflected from glass
surfaces. install window shade system to block
excessive sunlight, and link to control system
for room reconfiguration.

2 Sheet metal Metal surfaces present another surface for Carpet floor surfaces directly below speakers.
ceiling panels acoustic reflections.

3 Limited space for Limits options for thermal management of Use high efficiency electronics with low thermal
AV electronics rack electronics. output and convection cooling.

4 Concrete slab floor
Creates both acoustic benefits and challenges.
Slab floors can enhance low frequency
performance of speakers, but they also
present a highly reflective surface that affects
Use speakers with smooth, flat frequency
response and controlled dispersion.
CoUrTESy oF CTi/MiCHAEL KESSELL

speech intelligibility.

5 Constantly changing All aspects of AV systems must be easily and Use a control system designed for easy
event types and quickly re-configurable. re-configuration and use by a wide range of
presentation needs non-technical end-users.

18 CASE STUDy AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011

power amplifier, which feeds five more
SI 26CT speakers. Since aesthetics of the
interior space was understandably a high
priority, CTI was able to paint all speaker
grills on the SI 26CT speakers to match the
red Armstrong ceiling panels, which allowed
them to blend in with the ceiling. The
DMP 64s also tie into the curtaining system:
touch a button on the Extron touchpanel
to lower one of the MechoShade curtain
dividers, and it automatically activates only
those speakers appropriate for the space
being used.
Sources for the system include a
built-in PC, two laptop inputs, a DVD/VCR
combo, and four Shure SLX wireless
since the amplifiers are convection cooled
and extremely efficient, theres no need for TLP 700mV Touchpanel
special ventilation and cooling systems.
AIAs Shepherd says the new space is
crucial to the chapters goals of expanding
its membership and of reaching out to
form alliances with others in the design
and construction industries. Its a really
cool space, adds Martin. I think all
of the contractors worked extra hard to
give them the best possible result. Its a The Extron tlP 700mV 7" Wall Mount
real showplace. TouchLink Touchpanel is designed to
mount securely into a wall, lectern, or
other flat surface. its ten backlit buttons
gerard grivois is Systems Design Engineer for the provide expanded control capabilities so
northeastern U.S. at Extron Electronics. He provides system
that critical functions are easily accessible.
design support and technical troubleshooting services to
system integrators before and after the sale.

microphones. The laptops connect to an

Extron SW2 VGA DA2 A active switcher and
distribution amplifier, which sends a video
signal directly to the NEC NP3250W LCD PC Laptop Laptop
DVD/VCR Combo
projector and audio to one of the DMP 64s
Extron
for audio processing. IR Emitter S-Video C-Video
Audio RGB Audio RGB
With all of the hard surfaces of the S-VIDEO VIDEO

Audio Audio
cement floors, windows, and steel ceiling,
AUDIO IN L R

Audio COMPUTER IN

COMPUTER IN
Extender WPB 101 WPB 101
ASA 111
AUDIO IN

acoustics in the space could have been a RGB

EXTENDER AAP Extender D ASA 121
RGB

nightmare. To address potential slapback RGB

S-Video
RGB
echoes from the concrete slab directly RS-232

C-Video
below the speakers, a large part of the floor EXT SWITCH INPUT OUTPUTS SW2 VGA DA2 A
12V
AS/REMOTE

was carpeted. Minimizing reflections and

0.5A MAX

1 A (LOCAL MONITOR) B 1 2 A S

their negative effect on speech intelligibility SW2 VGA DA2 A Projector

IR Relay

ASA 131 Relay Room Dividing Curtain

requires using speakers with superior
IPL 250
flat frequency response and controlled COM1
TX RX RTS CTS
COM 2
TX RX 1
IR
2
RELAY
1 2

S G S G
POWER

dispersion which is one of the reasons

LAN
12V
500mA INPUT COM 3 IR RELAY
MAX 1 2 3 4 TX RX 3 4 3 4

TLP 700MV S G S G

why CTIs Martin chose the Extron SI Series

Shade Control
LIGHTS VIDEO
ON MUTE

Ethernet Relay
speakers. The SI 26CT speakers feature a
LIGHTS AUDIO
OFF MUTE

SCREEN MIC
UP MUTE

SCREEN AUTO
DOWN IMAGE

HELP FREEZE

Ethernet
coaxially mounted 6.5-inch woofer and one-
Extron

Network
inch pivoting dome tweeter, which allows Switch

it to be aimed away from highly reflective Line Record

In Out Microphones
surfaces, like the AIA rooms large windows. Ethernet Ethernet
Audio Audio
All electronics are installed in a Middle 1 2 3 MIC/LINE INPUTS 1 2 I/O RS-232(1)
DMP 64 1 2 3 MIC/LINE INPUTS 1 2 I/O RS-232(1)
DMP 64
O O

Atlantic SRSR Series rotating slide-out

U Tx Rx U Tx Rx
MIC T 1 2 3 LAN MIC T 1 2 3 LAN
POWER + 48 V P 4 5 6
POWER + 48 V P 4 5 6
4 5 6 U 3 4 RS-232(2) RESET 4 5 6 U 3 4 RS-232(2) RESET
1 2 3 1 2 3
T T
4 5 6 S 4 5 6 S
12V Tx Rx 12V Tx Rx

rack, located in an AV closet behind the

1.5A MAX 1.5A MAX

DMP 64 DMP 64
screen at the front of the room. The space
Zone 1 Zone 2
is small with limited ventilation; the closet 100-240V 1.3A, 50-60Hz

C
LISTED
17TT
AUDIO/VIDEO
US APPARATUS
CLASS 2 WIRING
XPA 2001-70V 100-240V 1.3A, 50-60Hz

C
LISTED
17TT
AUDIO/VIDEO
US APPARATUS
CLASS 2 WIRING
XPA 2001-70V

LEVEL HPF INPUTS REMOTE OUTPUT LEVEL HPF INPUTS REMOTE OUTPUT
10V 50 mA 70 V 10V 50 mA 70 V

measures only about two feet wide. With

80 Hz 80 Hz
LIMITER/ VOL/MUTE LIMITER/ VOL/MUTE
L(MONO) R L(MONO) R
PROTECT PROTECT
SIGNAL SIGNAL
0 OFF
0 OFF
STANDBY STANDBY

such space constraints, the Extron XPA XPA 2001-70V XPA 2001-70V

amplifiers proved to be a literal perfect fit. SI 26CT SI 26CT

(5 places) (10 places)

Each amplifier occupies only one rack space,

and is only one-half rack width across. And,

www.avsystemsdesign.com CASE STUDy 19

20 CoVEr STory AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011
 Designing
for Digital
The sky isnt quite falling on analog, but
there are some critical issues we all need
to understand when designing systems
that include digital AV technologies.
By Keith Scheffler

T
he new fact of life for AV professionals is that digital
is here to stay. But just like any other technological
progress, it doesnt necessarily mean that what
came before it becomes obsolete. In fact, analog and
digital will likely continue to co-exist forever; ultimately, human
perception is an analog process.
Despite what some people say, designing systems for digital
does not mean that you have to discard everything youve learned
about designing analog AV systems. Besides the fact that there are
times when parallel analog/digital systems make sense, we must
also recognize that fundamentally, there are many similarities
in the design phases of any AV project, whether analog or digital.
But there are also many new concepts and issues we need to
understand, if were going to successfully design AV systems that
include digital technologies.
Educating yourself on digital technologies and design best
practices is no longer optional. Most AV pros have already
encountered digital technologies in their projects, either as
conscious design decisions, owner requirements, or the need to
interface with other technology systems in the building. How
you deal with these digital challenges can mean the difference
between success and failure in the evolving world of pro AV.
The key to any successful AV system design analog or digital
is understanding and satisfying the needs of your customer.
This allows you to design and build a system that meets their
expectations and requirements for functionality, performance,
budget, and future growth. Awareness of what your customer
needs will allow for a streamlined, efficient system design,
appropriately suited to the application that ensures reliability
and maximizes cost savings.

www.avsystemsdesign.com CoVEr STory 21

 Digital AV systems are similar to their analog counterpart in
that every system is different; each installation has its own
requirements for distributing signals, supporting new vs. legacy
devices, and accommodating future expansion. Once these
requirements have broadly been established by asking key
questions during the needs assessment phase, you will have a
foundation upon which to develop the scope of work and define
the system.
Defining Sources
Developing the scope of work typically begins with identifying
the sources that will be used in the system, and the source signal
types that will have to be accommodated. Be sure to determine
whether your customer plans to keep any legacy analog video
sources. Newer digital video sources will more than likely output
HDMI or DVI, but professional video equipment with SDI is also
a possibility. It will also be important to know whether the digital

Design Resources for Digital AV Systems

Extron offers several resources to help facilitate your digital AV design projects
and guide you in the transition from analog to digital.

Digital Design guide

The Extron Digital Design guide is an 80 page reference guide that
provides comprehensive, in-depth coverage of the technical and design
issues involved with the integration of digital video signals into AV systems
for various markets. it addresses the AV industrys primary challenge as
it transitions from analog to digital - how these new signal types and
system topologies are integrated into AV presentation systems that serve
the communication needs of your customers. This guide provides a
reference for AV system designers seeking to understand these emerging
Digital Design guide
technologies and the options available, with a practical approach to
integration in new and legacy presentation systems.
The material in the Digital Design guide is presented in a clear and concise manner that allows readers at all levels of
sales and design to gain valuable understanding of associated formats, standards, and design approaches.
To request a copy of the Digital Design guide, visit www.extron.com/ddg.

Digital Design education: extron Design Assistance

the School of emerging technologies
Extron offers in-depth instruction for system designers
and integrators working with digital AV system designs.
A new addition to Extron institute is the School of
Emerging Technologies, which includes valuable
instruction and hands-on skills development for designing
end-to-end AV systems, from simple to complex. youll
learn how to design digital AV systems from setup
through configuration for a wide range of real-world
scenarios, and expand system designs to anticipate
future needs and technologies. This class will also help
you troubleshoot existing system designs to increase
your understanding of digital design challenges and
know how to resolve them quickly in the field. For more
information, visit www.extron.com/digitaleducation.
For your next digital video system design, give us a call.
our professional staff of application engineers, consultant
application engineers, and system design engineers are ready
to work with you to define and design complete, end-to-end
digital AV systems, from point-to-point transmission and
source switching applications to enterprise-wide installations
requiring extensive signal routing and management. With
specialized training in digital AV, Extron staff have a
comprehensive understanding of the functions and capabilities
of our digital video products, and are readily available to
assist you in selecting the right Extron product solutions
so you can create efficient AV system designs that satisfy
the functional, performance, and budget requirements of
your customers. For design assistance, call your Extron
customer support representative.

22 CoVEr STory AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011

video source signals will be 1080p, UXGA, WUXGA, or even
higher. With higher resolutions, maintaining signal integrity over
long cabling distances can present a challenge.
For HDMI sources, such as Blu-ray Disc and cable or satellite
broadcasts, it will be necessary to take HDCP into consideration.
For all HDCP sources, the entire signal path all the way to
the displays must be HDCP compliant as well. While HDCP
encryption is supposed to be determined by the source content,
such as a Blu-ray Disc title, the reality is that many AV equipment
manufacturers are electing to enable HDCP encryption by default,
whether or not the source material requires it.
Beyond the technical considerations of HDCP, it is important
to clarify with your customer that playback of copyrighted
material is intended for private use in areas not accessible to the
general public. Your customer should be aware that presentation
of commercially available Blu-ray Discs, many television
broadcasts and satellite feeds, and other protected content is
prohibited by copyright law in public spaces such as restaurants,
retail outlets, performance venues, and even classrooms,
unless prior licensing arrangements have been made with the
copyright holders.
Signal Transmission Distance Requirements
Distance requirements will depend on several factors, including
whether the AV system will be contained within a room, how
large the room will be, and whether cables will be installed in
walls or ceilings. If the system spans several rooms, a large open
space, or an entire facility, signals will have to travel significant
distances between the sources, switchers that may be in a
centralized rack location, and the displays.
With standard cables, HDMI and DVI signals should safely
travel over relatively short transmission distances of about 50 feet
(15 meters) or less. Longer cables are available for transmission
up to about 200 feet (60 meters), though signal reliability is not
necessarily assured. The problem is that when digital video signals
such as HDMI and DVI start to degrade due to losses over long
or poor quality cables, on-screen artifacts are immediate and
often will completely inhibit image display. This contrasts with
analog signals, where losses are more gradual and less likely to
be disruptive.
Most commercial installations will require cable lengths much
greater than 50 feet, often 100 feet (30 meters) or much more. The
best safeguards against cable losses are to select high quality
cables rated for the signal resolution and the distance required,
and to use signal equalizers to restore the original integrity of
digital video signals over cable lengths greater than 50 feet and
up to 200 feet. Cable equalizers are available as standalone units
or may be built into a switcher, distribution amplifier, matrix
switcher, or signal processor.
www.avsystemsdesign.com
We all know that cables often have to be pulled through
conduit and installed in walls, floors, ceilings, and other limited-
space areas, particularly to meet code or architectural restrictions.
Your customer may also want local connectivity access through
wall plates, floor plates, and cable interfaces, all of which will
have fixed locations that may increase overall transmission
distances. In these cases, standard cable assemblies may not be
practical and standards-based twisted pair cable such as CAT 5,
CAT 5e, or CAT 6 is preferred. With signal extenders to enable
transmission up to 150 feet (45 meters) and longer, twisted pair
conveniently meets distance requirements in many installations.
Standards-based twisted pair cable is also inexpensive, readily
available, and easy to terminate, while standard HDMI and DVI
cable assemblies are more expensive, do not readily fit into tight
conduit spaces, and are not designed for quick field termination.
Shielded twisted pair, while at a higher cost than regular
unshielded twisted pair, offers better transmission performance
with improved EMI immunity, especially at high resolutions.
If the environment requires digital video signals to travel over
distances in the hundreds or even thousands of feet, fiber optic
cable becomes the obvious medium of choice. Multimode fiber
can take digital AV signals up to about 300 meters (985 feet),
while singlemode fiber can be used to cover much greater
distances up to 30 km (18.75 miles). But there are several other
reasons to choose fiber. Your customer may be
particularly keen on high resolution image
quality. The facility may be secure and require
an AV installation that prevents tapping. Or,
your customer is looking to build a system
today that will be upgradeable to future video
technologies, formats, and resolutions. Fiber
can successfully meet all of these needs.
Switching, Distribution,
and Signal Processing
Except in new installations where your
customer wants everything digital
or digital only, some signal format
conversion is likely. There may be
the desire to add some analog VGA
connectivity to ensure compatibility
with any laptop or desktop PC that
may be brought into the system. Your
customer might also be supplying some
analog sources to incorporate into the new
system. Conversely, you could be working
with an existing analog installation
that wont require an overhaul, but your
customer wants to be able to incorporate
23
 newer digital sources. Blu-ray Disc, digital cable or satellite, For these situations, scalers and signal processors should
and other HDCP sources will require new, HDCP-compliant be included in the system design to match signal resolutions
signal paths to the displays, while non-HDCP digital devices and ensure smooth, reliable system operation. Scalers have the
may, if desired, be interfaced into the analog system. Or, in a capability to handle multiple signal formats at a wide range of
broadcast or medical imaging application, your customer may resolutions, integrate analog and digital sources by providing
require conversion from SDI to HDMI or DVI for interfacing signal conversion, and allow for aspect ratio control when
with flat-panel displays and projectors that do not have SDI displaying computer resolutions on a 1080p display and vice versa.
inputs. For all of these needs, you have the option of specifying The switching integrated into many scalers is often faster and
standalone converters or signal processors that incorporate more responsive than that built into the display.
format conversion. Scalers deliver a single, consistent output to the display,
Resolutions including 1080p and WUXGA 19201200 are simplifying AV system design with a single cable connection that
increasingly common with newer digital sources such as Blu-ray helps ensure system reliability. The signal output to the display is
Disc players and PCs equipped with graphics cards for HDMI always at a constant resolution and refresh rate. Of course, many
output. Similarly, most new LCD/plasma displays and projectors newer displays can automatically adjust to various incoming
are natively 19201080, while desktop PC monitors and projectors signal rates, but even through a single input, there may be some
with WUXGA native resolution continue to increase in popularity. noticeable latency as the internal circuitry acquires and then
In these cases, matching sources and displays based on signal processes the signal. For this reason, providing outboard scaling
resolution is a relatively simple matter. However, laptops and may be advantageous even when integrating multiple HDMI or
PCs supplied by your customer are more likely to output signals, DVI sources.
often analog, at lower resolutions. Sometimes the resolution may Signal switching and distribution requirements are dependent
be unconventional and incompatible with the display. Also, your on the environment as well as the intended application. A new
customer may intend to provide DVD players or other standard digital installation for a room with a single display will probably
definition sources. In addition, some legacy displays may not be suffice with a single output HDMI or DVI switcher, sized
compatible with 1080p or WUXGA. appropriately to the intended number of input devices. If the

Blu-ray
DVD Player VCR/DVD Player
FULL HIGH DEFINITION 1080P VIDEO OUTPUT

Laptop Extron
DVI Output SI 28
PC PC Surface-mount
Speakers

AMPLIFIED OUTPUT

Document 1 3 5 U L R
D
V RGB/Y, B-Y, R-Y V RGB/Y, B-Y, R-Y A 1 3 5 7 9 PREAMP
VID YC I
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Camera
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O O O L R L R L R L R L R L R
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RGB/Y, B-Y, R-Y DVI-D T
100-240V 50/60 Hz I O I
P
N U N 2 4 6 8 10 LINE
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P T P
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U P U
T U T

TouchLink
VID YC RGB/Y, B-Y, R-Y DVI-I DVI-I L R L R L R L R L R L R
T
2 4 6 7/8 9/10

Control
3A MAX
RS-232 LAN
RESET
System

Extron
DVS 510 SA IPL 250

R
1
COM
TX RX

1
IR

3
INPUT

1 3
RELAY

1 3
100
LINK

TCP/IP
Scaling Presentation
2

3 ACT
2 4 2 4 2 4

Switcher

Projector Flat Panel Display

A scaler can simplify system design by allowing a single cable connection to projectors or displays.

24 CoVEr STory AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011

installation will be a digital upgrade to an existing system, this
switcher, or a digital/analog hybrid switcher will provide a
new digital path to the display. If budget allows, a scaler with
integrated digital/analog switching will enable an even more
streamlined, efficient integration solution. A hybrid switcher can
be added to the front end of the scaler if there are many sources,
or if your customer is planning to expand the system. Remember,
too, that if a Blu-ray Disc player or any other HDCP source is part
of the system, the switcher must be HDCP compliant.
In environments with multiple rooms or large spaces with
multiple display locations, an HDMI or DVI matrix switcher
can be specified, particularly if the installation is going to be
all-digital. The matrix switcher should be sized as necessary to
the application needs, plus extra input and output capability
for future expansion, or you can opt for a modular, expandable
matrix switcher. If the application or environment requires high
capacity signal distribution with connections to sources and
displays over very long distances, a fiber optic matrix switcher
can be used in conjunction with fiber optic transmitters for the
sources and fiber optic receivers for the displays. Fiber optic
or twisted pair extenders can also be used to provide point-to-
point, long distance transmission of signals for specific source
or display locations, and then interfaced into an HDMI or DVI
matrix switcher.
System integrators face three main challenges when working
with HDMI or DVI signal distribution: signal integrity, EDID
compatibility, and HDCP. The key is to select a switcher, matrix
switcher, or distribution amplifier that is HDCP compliant,
manages EDID communication for sources and displays,
reconditions incoming signals over long cable runs, and reclocks
or regenerates the signal at its output or outputs to ensure that
the best possible signal arrives at the display. Having all of these
features can dramatically simplify digital AV system integration by
saving significant time and effort having to troubleshoot problems
during and after installation. Signal integrity can be addressed
with high quality cables and signal equalization. Proper EDID
communication is essential since it is known that an incorrect
or totally absent image results when the display fails to properly
convey its EDID to the source; a common occurrence particularly
when resolution, refresh rate, or color space are mismatched.
And of course, lack of HDCP compliance also results in no
image display from an HDCP source. Effective EDID and HDCP
management in signal distribution devices, particularly matrix
switchers, leads to quick, nearly effortless system configuration
and source switching.
When designing a system that includes digital and analog
video sources, there are various approaches to integrating both
that will allow you to meet the AV needs of your customer, stay
within budget, and deliver a high performance, reliable system.
www.avsystemsdesign.com
The key is to be practical when considering both digital and
analog a complete system overhaul to digital is not necessarily
the most cost effective nor the most efficient solution. If your
customer wants to supply a few existing analog sources for a
new installation, a switcher/scaler with A/D conversion will take
care of that, and the rest of the signal distribution infrastructure
can be digital. However, if this new install includes numerous
analog source devices, you could opt for parallel digital and
analog distribution. Likewise, if the designer is working with an
existing analog-based system and your customer wants a modest
upgrade to digital, the most economical solution will probably be
to add the components required to create a new digital path to
the display.
In large facilities, another aspect of efficient digital AV system
design is subswitching. A large, centralized matrix switcher is
often part of the mix so that any source signal can be sent to any
display. However, in many cases, AV distribution may be localized
to certain rooms, floors, or designated areas, in which some
but not all sources are intended for these areas. You can then
specify a smaller, less expensive central matrix switcher for the
facility, and individual matrix switchers, switchers, or distribution
amplifiers for local distribution. In an environment with a fiber
optic infrastructure for AV, significant cost savings can be realized
by using a smaller fiber optic matrix and employing subswitching
with standard or twisted pair video distribution devices.
Selecting Displays
High resolution flat-panel displays, PC monitors, and projectors
are now the norm in new installations. From a system design
standpoint, these usually makes sense since many of the newest
sources output at higher resolutions. For new systems with mainly
fixed AV sources including Blu-ray Disc players and desktop PCs,
this should streamline installation since the integrator will have
to manage only a limited number of resolutions.
CoVEr STory 25
 Virtually every new flat-panel TV or projector sold today is
already HDCP compliant if it has an HDMI or DVI port. But
desktop PC monitors may or may not be HDCP compliant. A
display supplied by your customer may not be compatible
with HDCP sources; if that is the case, its important to point
this out especially if there is a need to play Blu-ray Disc and
other protected sources throughout the system. You should also
mention the possibility of having to manage mismatches between
resolution and aspect ratio if a customer-supplied display is
brought into a new installation, or if new monitors other than
WUXGA or 1080p are going to be used in the system. Additionally,
your customer should be aware that a digital upgrade to an
existing analog system will require new displays if HDCP
compatibility is a concern.
Some brands and models of displays are quicker than others
in responding to signal changes in resolution, color space, or
color bit depth, even from the same input. The latest Extron
HDMI and DVI matrix switchers and switchers offer markedly
improved switching performance, so any noticeable latency may
be attributable to the display rather than the switcher. Whenever
possible, try to evaluate the relative switching performance of
several displays before making a selection.
The environment usually dictates the specific type of displays,
and where and how they will be situated. This in turn influences
system design decisions about how to get the signals to them.
For example, a university lecture hall usually calls for at least
one projector and possibly a confidence monitor at the lectern or
toward the back of the room. These displays may need twisted
pair or fiber optic cabling to run in walls, floors, and ceilings to
cover the necessary distances. By contrast, a training room with
a bank of desktop PCs may be served with local HDMI or DVI
distribution and standard cables feeding the monitors.
Audio Considerations
Remember that digital system design considerations also apply to
audio, partly since HDMI carries audio as well as video, and of
course the fact that customers usually need to have sound in their
installations. For some applications, a displays integrated sound
system may suffice. Or there may be need for a separate sound
system. When an external sound system is required, consider
whether the optimal design approach is program speakers for
each individual display, or a distributed speaker system for broad
spatial coverage.
These issues will affect the number of destinations and
therefore the quantity and placement of amplifiers and speakers,
plus equipment for handling and distributing digital audio
signals. Audio from microphones and possibly analog and DVI
sources will be routed independently of the video, while for
HDMI sources, video and audio are routed together. Also, many
26 CoVEr STory
matrix switchers allow for breakaway of the audio. HDMI audio
can be de-embedded for separate routing or input into the sound
system, either as analog stereo or digital for stereo or surround
sound applications. Additionally, analog video or DVI with
accompanying audio can be converted to HDMI with the audio
embedded, and SDI signals can be converted to HDMI or DVI
with the audio embedded or extracted.
Other Factors to Consider in Digital
System Design
Like high resolution analog systems, the best digital AV designs
minimize the number of points of connectivity. Since digital
signals degrade as they pass through cable terminations and
intermediary devices, minimizing connection points also optimizes
signal integrity. As much as possible, you should try to include only
the equipment necessary to meet AV function requirements. For
significant cable runs, cable equalizers and twisted pair extenders
that actively compensate for signal losses should always be favored
over passive extenders or gender changers.
A well-designed digital system also helps ensure that the
commissioning phase goes smoothly. Commissioning, which
includes system setup, configuration, testing, and performance
validation, should culminate in your customers full confidence in
the performance and reliability of the system. However, inferior
system designs can complicate the commissioning process with
cost overruns and delays if they fail to 1) properly meet full HDCP
compliance from source to display, 2) maintain signal integrity
throughout the signal path, 3) provide EDID communications
management, or 4) meet end user expectations. Such cost overruns
and delays are usually the result of extra troubleshooting, system
reconfiguration, ordering additional product, and uninstalling and
reinstalling equipment all of which can be avoided with proper
digital system design practices.
An important, though perhaps less obvious factor when
selecting products for the system, is to work with a manufacturer
that is ready and willing to provide personalized technical support,
from the system design phase through system integration. Because
work often needs to be done overnight or over the weekend,
24/7 technical support can be a deciding factor as well. The
manufacturer should also have educational resources available
so that you have the opportunity to become familiar with the
products and understand the essential principles of digital AV
system design. Selecting the right manufacturer can be a critical
factor in a properly executed system design, as well as expedited
system installation and commissioning.
Keith Scheffler is Systems Design Engineering Manager at Extron Electronics. He leads
a team of System Design Engineers who provide system design support and technical
troubleshooting services to system integrators before and after the sale. Keith has over
20 years of experience, including senior level engineering positions with several major AV
integration firms.
AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011
Extron Intelligent Technologies for Digital AV System Integration
SIGNAL INTEGRITY
As data rates go ever higher and signal paths become more
complex, how do you maintain eye pattern integrity in a matrix
switching system design?
Degradation of digital video signals is a major cause of system
failure. Thats why Extron DVI and HDMI products are equipped
with Input Cable Equalization, which actively conditions incoming
digital signals to compensate for weak source signals or signal loss
due to long or poor-quality cables. Output Reclocking corrects for
jitter, or timing errors, by restoring the amplitude, rise and fall times,
and clock rate of the digital signal. When measured at the output
of an Extron HDMI or DVI switcher, the reclocked signal is equal to,
and often better than, the original signal at the output of the source.
ORIGINAL INPUT SIGNAL MATRIX OUTPUT SIGNAL
Eye Pattern Before Matrix Eye Pattern After Matrix
Input signal from a MacBook Pro DMS 3600 switching input 1 to all outputs.
with resolution of 1600x1200 @ 60Hz Measured signal from the same MacBook
through 6 feet of DVI cable. Pro source at matrix output 36.
CONTENT PROTECTION
Content protection has added a new wrinkle to commercial AV
system operation and troubleshooting. How do you distinguish
between a broken signal path and a content protection error?
To help quickly check for HDCP compliance in a system, Extron
DVI Pro and HDMI matrix switchers feature active HDCP Status
Reporting for all connected sources and displays.
In addition, HDCP Visual Confirmation technology automatically
detects whether a display is HDCP compliant. When an encrypted
source input is routed to a non-HDCP compliant display, the
switcher outputs a full-screen green signal, providing visual
confirmation that the signal path is intact and the system is
operating properly, but the protected content cannot be displayed
on that particular device.
The display on the left is HDCP compliant. The display on the right is not HDCP
compliant, so it receives a full-screen green signal from the connected output.
DEVICE COMPATIBILITY
EDID allows a display to identify to the source its preferred
native resolution and refresh rate. How do you manage EDID
communication in a complex matrix switching system?
EDID Extron DVI and HDMI products feature EDID Minder,
MINDER which manages the EDID information between the
selected display and one or more input sources. By maintaining
continuous EDID communication, EDID Minder ensures that
digital sources power up correctly and maintain their video output,
even if theyre not actively connected to the display device. EDID
information can be captured and stored when the display is first
connected and then made available to the sources, or set to a
desired rate from the switchers internal EDID lookup table. With
this approach, communication between sources and displays is
maintained for consistent compatibility with resolution, refresh rate,
and color space.
QUICK SWITCHING
HDCP key exchange has a significant effect on switching speed.
How do you manage HDCP keys between multiple sources and
multiple displays while ensuring quick switching between sources?
KEY Extron DVI Pro and HDMI matrix switchers are
MINDER engineered with Key Minder technology, which
allows the switcher to continuously negotiate and cache HDCP
keys from input and output devices, eliminating the need to
renegotiate each time the I/O tie condition changes. This
dramatically minimizes the time required to switch between
sources. Electronically, Extron DVI Pro and HDMI Series matrix
switchers execute a switch virtually instantaneously. Any apparent
delay in switching is likely to originate within the display and its
need to adapt to changes in color space, color bit depth, or
resolution, from the new source. A video demonstrating fast
switching speed in Extron DVI and HDMI matrix switchers is
available at www.extron.com/company/outofthebox.
 THE pro pErSpECTiVE
Digital AV in the
Real World
By Jim Colquhoun
O h, for a simple, unified system that allows for capturing,
routing and distributing any signal as part of an audiovisual
system. As technology has advanced, in addition to the long-
standing analog signals, we have been presented with a series
of digital signals that we must address. The goal is to provide a
cohesive audiovisual system that can accommodate the clients
technical requirements. The challenge is that there is neither
a simple, nor complete technical solution. The design and
integration of audiovisual systems must address a wide range of
sources and displays.
Every day, we face clients that need audiovisual systems. What
we hear from them is that they need systems that are reliable and
meet their budget. These same clients want to have systems that
do not limit them as they look toward future growth. Furthermore,
these clients also have an expectation that commercial
audiovisual systems perform as well as their home systems for
a similarly low price. Unfortunately the commercial audiovisual
systems are challenged by the need to create sound and images
from an unlimited set of digital or analog source devices.
Its true that we have the capability of providing a completely
digital audiovisual system solution. With the availability of an
array of digital signal types, we may be tempted to develop
audiovisual systems that are all digital. The digital signal
transport schemes offer compelling reasons for consideration
over their analog equivalents. But its also true that there are
complications that come with digital signals. The digital signals
carry absolute attributes such as resolution, format and copy
protection. Some of these we, in the AV realm, can easily manage;
others require a fair amount of creativity in the system design.
What about a clients existing equipment? Not all of it is
digital and certainly not every client is going to replace all of
their existing computers and other source equipment. Regardless
of our vision of an all-digital system, we have to remember that
many commercial clients often require the use of a combination
of devices that are a mix of analog and digital sources.
Examples of legacy format source devices are: playback devices;
videoconference codecs; and cable or satellite receiver boxes.
Because many organizations continue to use computers that only
have analog video connections, we still have to accommodate
the analog computer graphics signals. The reality is that those
28 CoLUMn
computers are still being sold and will have a life expectancy
of 3 to 5 years. Therefore, audiovisual systems must continue to
support the computers that are in service now and for some time
to come.
Providing an all digital system requires that all signals be
converted to a common digital signal format and adjusted or
scaled to meet the resolution of the display device. The solution
needs to accommodate analog and digital signals and include a
fairly wide range of resolutions. The collection of signals must be
managed and delivered. This leaves several design issues with
which we must contend. Common signal transport, display format
and display resolution are but a few. The designer has to adapt a
compilation of technologies to best fit the need. Often the result is
either a compromise of performance or budget.
The installation of commercial
audiovisual systems is under continuous
tension between the advancement of
technology and the pressure to lower
implementation and operating costs.
There is a long list of devices that allow for the extension and
management of both analog and digital signals. Manufacturers
such as Extron have developed products that provide for many
of these design challenges. Using unshielded twisted pair - UTP
cables may be a part of an answer for many system designs. We
can create a cable infrastructure that supports a wide variety of
signal types. From there we must add a myriad of devices that
translate or convert or scale the various signal types to provide
display of information. As you might expect, many of these
solutions add costs to the systems integration.
Until there are comprehensive solutions available to address all
the signal conversions, display formats and resolutions, the hybrid
system solutions are what we have to offer our clients. It maybe
analog, it may be all-digital, but mostly we will find ourselves
creating hybrid solutions. Our challenge is to meet their needs
with the tools we have today.
Jim Colquhoun is Chief Technologist at Avidex, an audiovisual integration firm based in
Bellevue, WA. Jim has been in the AV industry over 35 years.
AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011
 Configurable Control
for Larger AV Systems

New TLP 1000 Series 10" TouchLink Touchpanels

The new Extron TLP 1000MV and TLP 1000TV are fully configurable 10" TouchLink touchpanels featuring a sleek, contemporary
look and thin bezels to complement any decor. The larger, 1024 x 600 resolution touchscreen surface provides ample room for
sophisticated controls and graphics. An integrated MTP twisted pair receiver accepts S-video or composite video and audio
input signals over standard CAT 5 cable. Power over Ethernet PoE, allows the touchpanels to receive power via the Ethernet
connector, eliminating the need for a local power supply. The TLP 1000MV mounts on a wall, lectern, or other flat surface, while
the TLP 1000TV sits on a tabletop or on a VESA standard mount with an optional adapter. Both touchpanel models are ideal for
control environments that require a larger control surface within an elegant touchpanel design.

Key Features:
Fully-configurable touchpanel control
systems provide powerful control with no
programming required
10" color touchscreen with 1024 x 600
resolution and 18-bit color depth
Integrated Ethernet port compatible with
IP Link control processors
Contemporary, thin bezel designs
complement the aesthetics of any
environment
The TLP 1000MV mounts on a wall, lectern,
or other flat surface, while the TLP 1000TV
sits on a tabletop or on a VESA standard
mount with an optional adapter New IPCP 505 - IP Link Control Processor

Power over Ethernet allows the touchpanel

to receive power via the Ethernet connector,
eliminating the need for a local power supply

www.extron.com/tlp1000
 Touch Here
to Begin
Despite being the most visible piece
of equipment in most AV systems,
touchpanel user interface design often
gets the least attention. Heres how to
design one that will encourage use.
By Derek Joncas
A
s system designers, were constantly making
decisions on behalf of our customers. To do this, we
need to consider the environment within which a
system will be placed, the variety of use cases for
the technologies, and the customers specific needs. In addition to
making the overall functional decisions, we need to make some
informed technical decisions about things that the customer may
have never discussed with us, but that we know are important
elements in the project. And we need to make sure our design,
equipment list, and the systems functionality captures all of
these elements so that, in the end, the customer is pleased with
the results.
If this wasnt difficult enough, its complicated by the challenge
of designing the most visible, personal item in the entire system
30 FEATUrE STory
the user control interface. AV professionals are well-trained in
the art and science of assembling systems. We ensure signals
are properly routed, we spend considerable time perfecting the
image and audio quality, and finally, we make sure equipment
is mounted and stowed away as needed. But is this same high
level of expertise applied to user interfaces? The truth is, as an
industry, we spend less effort on mastering the one part of the
whole system that is closest to our customer. The user interface
is what the customer is likely to see more than anything else
weve designed and is, in essence, the most visible calling card for
our services.
Many of the products we install require a certain amount of
customization to fit into a given environment. This could include
customizing the text or lettering on wallplates, point-of-use panels
AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011
on lecterns, the labeling of cables, or the addition of notes to help
guide the user along. Although these are some of the most critical
items in an AV system, they are often overlooked in the typical
project delivery cycle and budget. Sometimes systems will ship to
our customers without complete resolution of these user interface
details. Customization that occurs late in a project is always
bumping into the system completion date.
Designing systems is a combination of creative and methodical
processes. Some design decisions are based upon sheer know-
how and experience, while others clearly fall into the unique
and clever category. Although it could be argued that no AV
installation is by the book, when originality takes a back seat
to established, predictable and documented design methods, the
installations typically go smoother.
When was the last time you designed an original boardroom
presentation system where you really had to completely reinvent
your approach? More likely, you used much of the same
trusted equipment. Project-to-project, we tend to use products
we are familiar with; products with a proven track record of
dependability over the long-run. But quite often we make the
choice not to stick with a proven interface design.
Reasons for this vary. It may be due to the amount of creativity
that goes into system designs. We like to take each design to a
new level each one surpassing the last. And while this tends to
work fine for equipment selection and our designs as a whole, this
desire to evolve can actually create a problem when it comes to
user control interfaces. Applying too much creativity can often
result in designs that are more elaborate than functional. The way
to avoid this can be summed up in one word that defines the best
user interface designs: Consistency.
The Case for Templates
The consistency that results from using templates is crucial to all
interface designs. Consistency in colors, shapes, sizes, fonts, labels,
and locations must be maintained in all aspects of the layout
in every project. This is especially important in a facility with
multiple rooms of AV systems, since it results in familiarity across
all rooms and minimizes the learning curve required to operate a
system. When moving from room to room or system to system, a
consistent approach to system control is appreciated by all users.
The use of templates in this scenario provides familiarity and
confidence. Learning how the AV system works doesnt need to be
a time-consuming, difficult layer of the overall user experience.
The argument for templates goes beyond time savings. Templates
also enable you to create a consistent, intuitive user control
interface with a very broad appeal.
Always being locked into a model where you have to constantly
create new user interfaces isnt sustainable. Using templates is a
great way to reduce the amount of complexity in a project because
www.avsystemsdesign.com
it allows you to spend less time creating graphical components
and more time making sure the navigation is correct.
Inviting Interaction
How many times have you seen a beautiful boardroom and
noticed one or two hand-held remotes hastily placed next to a
touchpanel? The boardroom is equipped with technology that
far exceeds the capabilities of a single remote control. Yet, there
are two on the table since no one can figure out the capabilities
of the touchpanel. Somehow, the remote control that someone
attempted to replace found its way back in the room. In this
scenario, users are obviously finding it easier to operate certain
functions of the system from the remote because the touchpanel
is either intimidating or lacks the visual cues to perform the
desired actions. With a touchpanel user interface, the user should
naturally perceive how to interact with touchpanel objects and
quickly determine:
What can be pressed
What areas need input
What areas provide feedback
When the touchpanel doesnt come to life as we approach it
and beg to be used, users might be inclined to avoid the controls.
It sits on the table or desk with an array of buttons that may look
nothing like the familiar interface we want to work with. A poorly
designed touchpanel, with its typical array of confusing buttons
and graphics, can actually discourage interaction.
Designing Better User Interfaces
There are many ways to design better, simpler user interfaces that
will actually encourage use and result in a positive AV experience.
Human ergonomics and an understanding of how people process
information plays a large role in this effort.
Information mapping is a method of breaking large amounts
of information into small, manageable, and relevant chunks. Also
known as chunking, information mapping reduces the cognitive
load on the user and the amount of time it takes to find a control
when visually scanning a touchpanel interface. A rule of thumb is
to break every screen display into chunks, where each chunk has
no more than nine parts.
Touchpanel user interfaces must be designed using consistent,
logical, and predictable layouts. Extron has created a standard
screen layout that divides the touchpanel into seven logical
and easily understood sections. These layouts are further
distilled down to two basic categories: static areas and dynamic
areas. Static areas have pre-assigned conditions that do not
change during the navigation of the interface or the execution
of an action. These static areas include AV source selection,
FEATUrE STory 31
 environmental control, and specific status messages. Those
particular elements are the most likely to remain present and
visible, never changing in appearance or location. Dynamic areas,
on the other hand, have content that changes based upon the
system condition. Never abandon a user by taking them away
from what is familiar within a user interface. Static areas and
dynamic areas help to make the user interface more predictable.
A common mistake when designing touchpanel-based user
control interfaces is to draw design parallels with Web page
navigation. On Web pages its obvious that certain words or
graphics can be clicked. As the mouse pointer rolls or hovers over
the word or graphic, there is a change in appearance of both the
graphic and the mouse pointer. Touchpanel interfaces dont have
this hover function; objects that are intended to be pressed need
to look like they can be. The main difference between Web user
interface design and AV system user interface design is the Web
design isnt touch-based. Touchpanel user interface design must
be optimized for someones finger.

3 3

6 4 5

Extron Standards for user Control Top Bar

Logo
Interface Static Area (Static Area)
AV Source Selection
(Static Area)
The area surrounding the dynamic area is divided
into six distinct areas, each with a unique function.

Left Bar Right Bar

1. Company/organization logo Display Power Dynamic Window Volume
Screen Controls for Selected Source Lights
2. AV sources (Static Area) (Static Area)

3. Environmental controls - display power, screen

control, volume control, and lighting control
4. Status information - date, time, and location Help Footer System Off
(Static Area) Date, Time, and Other Information (Static Area)
5. System off button
6. Help button The Extron standard screen layout has static and dynamic areas
in set locations.

32 FEATUrE STory AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011

 An AV system is only effective if the touchpanel user interface
is inviting and encourages the user to interact with it. In fact, an
attractive and aesthetically pleasing layout makes the touchpanel
more likely to be used. This is the result of intelligent use of colors,
shapes, and space, all working together. This doesnt mean there
is no room for creativity in styling, but a balance between style
and function in important.
extron guide to graphical user interface Design
This guide is written to be easily understood by system designers with
user interface design experience, and by those wanting to be educated
about proper interface design. Topics range from user interface
guidelines - including information mapping, color considerations,
ergonomics, font choice, and many others. A valuable reference for
experienced layout designers, the Standards guide is also appropriate
for those who wish to learn the latest concepts and best practices
of layout principles, design fundamentals, and layout standards.
www.extron.com/guiresources to download the gUi Design guide
www.avsystemsdesign.com
Where to Find More Help
As system designers, we must balance the needs of each particular
customer with analysis of what worked well the last time we built
a similar system. We study the positive and negative attributes of
the products we selected, and reflect on how easy or hard it was
to configure or program that system. Finally, we ask ourselves
if we feel good about the user control interface we created. The
need to constantly improve our system designs is a compelling
force with each installation. To do this requires education and
resources. For this reason, Extron has published a comprehensive
Guide to Graphical User Interface Design, as well as a host
of other valuable user interface resources and trainings. This
Guide is written to help educate design professionals on topics
ranging from user interface guidelines - including information
mapping, affordance, color considerations, ergonomics, font choice,
and many others. A valuable reference for experienced layout
designers, the Guide is also appropriate for those who wish to
learn the latest concepts and best practices of layout principles,
design fundamentals, and layout standards.
In addition to this publication, Extron has created a Graphical
User Interface Design Resources page on the Extron Web site.
This site includes links to user interface documents, TouchLink
Themes and Templates, Extron Control System news, training,
certifications, services, and new Control product announcements.
You can find the Graphical user Interface Design Resources page
here: www.extron.com/guiresources.
Derek Joncas is Manager of product Marketing at Extron Electronics for control systems
hardware and software. He has worked in the AV industry since 1988, holding senior
engineering and management positions with companies focused on AV integration, managed
services, broadcast, broadband data services and software development.
FEATUrE STory 33
 Meeting the Surround
Sound Challenge
What to do when your commercial AV customer
asks for surround sound. First, read this.
By J.D. Mars

S
urround sound, in some form, has been around almost
since the first days of amplified audio in the cinema.
Its history and its foray into the consumer home
theater market are intertwined with the evolution of
recorded media and the movie industry itself. Today, we find
surround sound not just in movie soundtracks via DVDwhich
weve enjoyed for over a decadebut also in television broadcasts,
popular music mixes, and in custom installations such as
museums and theme parks. Surround sound proliferates.
Increasingly, surround sound applications are finding their way
into projects normally considered commercial AV. Its often driven
by an executive who wants to provide the same audio experience

Technology Consultants RJC Designs of glen burnie, mD, recently completed

an installation including an Extron SSP 7.1 surround processor in the 4,100
square foot media Education Studio, part of the hamilton Public media
Commons at WhYY, a public media broadcaster in Philadelphia.

34 AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011

 in his boardroom as he enjoys in his home media room. Yet for
most pro AV designers and integrators, the customer request I
want surround in a corporate environment is often followed by
the integrators response, No, you dont. S/PDIF port.
Certainly, there are business environments in which surround
sound is appropriate, such as advertising agencies or other
production environments, or where media is an integral part of
the business or company paradigm. Some companies support
movie-viewing or gaming for employee breaks, hoping to inspire
the creative process. But the realm of possibilities for surround
sound in commercial AV integration goes beyond corporate
environments. In academic institutions a decade ago, media
rooms were few and far between. Today, nearly every room
on campus is multi-media equipped, from the university to
the community college, and even sometimes K-12 classrooms.
Distance learning, voice reinforcement, and lecture capture put
more and more AV into the academic environment. Wherever
theres multi-media, from classrooms to medium-size lecture
halls to auditoria, surround sound is either necessary or a logical
progression for an immersive experience.
So why would an integrator push back on such a request, or
perceived requirement on the part of the client? The answer to
this question is at the heart of the differences and distinctions
between consumer and commercial AV.
What IS Surround Sound?
As with any AV project, its critical to set goals and manage
expectations in the early stages of project planning. Often, a
customer may say they want surround sound, even though what
they are expecting is simply sound that surrounds everyone. Its
a distinction thats worth exploring, since the concept of surround
sound is frequently misunderstood among the less tech-savvy.
What exactly do we mean when we speak of surround?
Both commercial cinema and custom installations have been
mentioned in the same context as consumer playback. A custom
installation in a museum exhibit, for example, may use discrete,
uncompressed channels up to the capacity of the playback device.
This playback device could be anything from a computer to a
standalone multi-track record/playback device, while speaker
pHoTo CoUrTESy oF KSS ArCHiTECTS/HALKin pHoTogrApHy
placement could be completely non-standard. Commercial cinema
uses proprietary playback systems with highly standardized
speaker arrangements.
However, while DVD and Blu-ray players, decoders, and
amplifiers may vary in quality and capacity from consumer to
pro-audio to commercial AV, the delivery system used in most
commercial applications is based on consumer playback - DVD
and Blu-ray players and Dolby/DTS decoders.
DVDs are capable of delivering surround contentwith an
upper limit of 6.1 discrete channelscompressed and encoded
www.avsystemsdesign.com
into a two-channel stream, which can be transported over either
the S/PDIF or HDMI outputs of the player. This is based on
both the storage capacity of the DVD and the data rate of the
Blu-ray discs will deliver beyond the encoded 6.1 limit of DVDs,
up to 7.1 uncompressed channels of PCM digital audio, though
this requires HDMI transport and cannot be achieved over S/PDIF.
These uncompressed channels of audio, whether sampled at
48 kHz or higher, are what we now consider to be high-definition
audio in surround playback.
Keeping up with the names of these encoded surround formats
can be confusing. This may be due to a long and winding road
of evolving technology and branding from the two main sources
of encoded surround soundDolby and DTS. Dolby Digital
5.1 is the most common format for movie playback, and is the
current standard for broadcast. DTS is also a 5.1 format. Adding
the suffix EX to Dolby 5.1 or ES to DTS brings the channel count
to 6.1, creating a back surround channel from signals matrixed
into the side surrounds. In the case of DTS 6.1 Discrete, the back
channel is, as the name implies, discrete, and not matrixed. Dolby
True HD and DTS Master Audio are lossless, high-definition
formats, which can only be transported over HDMI. These formats
provide up to 7.1 discrete channels using a lossless encoding
process, returning a bit-for-bit reproduction of the original content.
These formats are future ready for additional channels.
In addition to encoded surround formats, there is also
surround processing that will synthesize multi-channel audio
from a two-channel source, or create additional channels from a
multi-channel source.
The cinema format Dolby Stereo and the consumer format
Dolby Pro Logic began as 4.0 formats, which includes channels for
Left, Center, Right, and Surround speakers. This is matrixed into
two-channels of analog. For consumer products, Pro Logic evolved
to Pro Logic II expanding two channels to five, Pro Logic IIx
expanding two or five channels to six or seven, and most recently,
Pro Logic IIz expanding five or seven channel systems to include
two front height channels. DTS Neo:6 expands two channels to
five or six. Note that were referring only to the front speakers and
surrounds, not the LFE or subwoofer channel.
Many consumer Audio Video Receivers - AVRs also offer their
own brand of surround synthesis, as well as effects that are
intended to electronically simulate the acoustics of, for example, a
large stadium or a jazz club.
Implementing Surround Sound
In a commercial AV environment, surround sound presents
specific challenges that are not seen in residential or cinema
applications. Residential home theaters and cinemas are designed
and purpose-built for multiple channel audio with a fixed visual
FEATUrE STory 35
 and auditory focal point on the screen at the front of the room.
Commercial spaces are more likely to be multi-purpose you
cant always be sure where attention will need to be focused, so
speaker locations and seating arrangements are less likely to be
optimal for every application.
In fact, for corporate environments, speaker placement can
be a major hurdle. Rooms designed by an architect may have
pre-existing decorative features that would be affected by surface
mount speakers, so often they cant be installed in their optimal
locations. Built-in speakers with custom speaker grills may be
a better alternative, but can be expensive and difficult to install
unless it was planned for during the rooms initial design phase.
Room shape also presents a challenge in the boardroom. The
coveted sweet spot - the position most equidistant from all
speakers - is most likely enjoyed only by the phone dialer in the
center of the conference table. Indeed, the sweet spot is elusive in
the boardroom, both because of the shape of the room and the
placement of the participants, but this can be addressed with the
use of diffusive speakers for the side surrounds.
With listeners close to the wall and to the side speakers,
aiming direct radiating speakers toward the listener on the
7 ch. Cinerama
CINEMA
5 ch. Fantasound
(Disney)
3 ch. Optical
3 ch. Stereo
(Bell Labs)
1933 1938 1940 1952
CONSUMER
THE HISTORY OF SURROUND SOUND
Surround sound has taken many forms over the past 70 years in both consumer electronics and cinema industries.
Sources: Surround Sound: Up & Running by Tomlinson Holman, and Dolby Labs.
36 FEATUrE STory
opposite wall is a technique often used in cinemas, and has the
effect of de-localizing the audio. A bipole or dipole speaker will
have a similar effect, aiming the driver away from the direct
path of the listener, toward the front and rear walls if used
for the side surrounds, and either in phase (bipole) or out of
phase (dipole).
Which approach to take is greatly informed by the room size
and acoustics of the specific application. Its always a good idea
to consult an acoustician or address acoustic concerns before any
room is built, since its always better to address acoustical issues
with acousticalrather than electronicsolutions.
If voice reinforcement is required, customers may assume
that it can be accomplished through the same speaker system.
This requires, in most cases, the preamp outputs of a decoder
or receiver to be fed into a DSP matrix processor (taking up a
good portion of the available inputs), with microphones added
into the mix. Mics can then be routed to the center speaker,
commonly associated with voice, or to the center plus front left
and right, or even to all speakers for complete room coverage. If
surround sound playback and voice reinforcement were always
to be kept separate, it is possible to use the surround speakers
4 ch. Cinemascope
2 ch. surround on
70mm mag film
6 ch. Todd-AO
.1 ch. (subwoofer channel)
4 ch. Dolby
Stereo optical
1953 1955 1958 1961 1971 1976 1977 1978
2 ch. stereo LP
2 ch. stereo FM
4 ch. Quadrophonic
AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011
and amplification for voice reinforcement by deploying the analog
inputs to the decoder and processing the audio with a mono
to all setting. This only works when the decoder is switched
from surround playback mode to the analog input set for voice
reinforcement. It also requires a mic preamp or mic mixer in
front of the analog input.
Deploying a separate, discrete voice reinforcement system
would certainly simplify the workload of the surround sound
system. But what happens, for instance, when we want to duck the
surround sound content using voice as a trigger? To achieve this,
all signals would need to run through a DSP matrix processor, or
a system of matrix processors if the mic count were high, since
the surround channels can take six or eightor moreinputs to
the matrix. Having a separate voice reinforcement system is a way
to ensure proper coverage and intelligibility with more control
over speaker placement and levels, but there are obvious tradeoffs
in cost and system capability.
Surround Sound Gear
At the heart of the challenge for commercial AV is perhaps
the nature of most available surround products. A consumer
AVR with integrated decoder, preamp, and amplification is a
possible choice, but only when the surround speaker setup is
dedicated to surround sound playback. These units generally
do not offer RS-232 control, making seamless integration into
a commercial AV system more difficult. Accessible front panel
controls, while desirable for the home theater enthusiast who likes
to customize their listening experience, are not usually welcome
in a commercial environment. Settings are frequently altered
or incorrectly adjusted by well-meaning customer experts.
Amplification is limited to the inherent capability of the AVR,
which may or may not be appropriate for the speakers and room
requirements. Video switching is included in the AVR, which more
often than not fails to meet the needs of commercial AV, making
the video switching features a throw-away.
The next choice is a pro-audio decoder/preamp. Most of these
products provide balanced audio outputs, allowing connection
to an amplifier of choice with appropriate power for the given
space. Most often these units also include a video switching
component that is paid for yet also becomes a throw-away, as the
needs of the application may exceed their switching or scaling
capability, requiring additional outboard gear. What may be the

5.1 format codified

by SMPTE
7.1 ch. Dolby
Surround 7.1
4 ch. Dolby SR
6.1 ch. DTS-ES

5.1 ch. Dolby 6.1 ch. Dolby Digital

Digital optical Surround EX optical
22.2 ch. NHK
Sony Dynamic (Japan)
Digital Sound
7.1 ch. Sony SDDS
(2 ch. surround) up to 500 ch.
Wave Field Synthesis
5.1 ch. DTS 10.2 ch. (Iosono)
Digital Sound (Tomlinson Holman)

1982 1987 1992 1993 1995 1996 1998 1999 2000 2004 2006 2010

DTV broadcasts
5.1 Dolby Digital
4 ch. Dolby
Pro Logic
5.1 ch. for 6.1 ch.DTS-ES
laser disc, DVD

7.1/9.1 ch. Dolby

Pro Logic IIz
3 ch. Dolby Dolby Digital
Surround (L,R,S) IC (Zoran)

5.1 ch. Dolby

Digital ATSC (TV)

www.avsystemsdesign.com FEATUrE STory 37

 SSP 7.1 Surround for Pros
The SSp 7.1 includes an advanced seven channel, nine-band parametric EQ to optimize speakers to the environment.
Each full range output features nine fully parametric EQ filters with +/-24 dB of boost and attenuation, with adjustable
frequency and Q. Filters can be adjusted by grabbing filter handles with a mouse, or by manually typing in settings.
The Extron SSp 7.1 is an integrator-friendly surround
sound decodera low-heat device that demands little rack
space. DSp is included for speaker and bass management
configurations. The SSp 7.1 five-input Surround Sound
processor provides up to eight channels of surround sound
for commercial AV applications. it automatically detects and
decodes audio content in various Dolby and DTS formats
from DVD, Blu-ray Disc, and HDTV broadcasts. it features
coaxial and optical digital inputs, plus an analog balanced/
unbalanced two-channel input. The SSp 7.1 is designed
for integration into pro AV installations, with a compact,
biggest issue for commercial integration is that these units are
often large, heat producing devices, requiring massive rack space
for the product and open space above and below for air-flow and
heat dissipation. These devices sometimes offer RS-232 control, but
some integrators report that functionality may not be up to the
standards of commercial AV.
The Extron SSP 7.1 is a Surround Sound Processor designed
with the needs of commercial AV integration in mind. It takes up
just 1U and a half rack width of space, and runs cool so it doesnt
require open rack space for ventilation. As you would expect with
pro AV devices, the SSP 7.1 has full RS-232 control capability,
captive screw connectors for balanced or unbalanced audio inputs
and outputs, and an executive mode that prevents user tampering.
Additionally, weve also included control software featuring a
user-friendly GUI for simplified system setup, configuration, and
optimization on a PC.
38 FEATUrE STory
rack-mountable metal enclosure, rS-232 serial control, and
balanced/unbalanced line level outputs.
Two of the items to look for in a commercial surround
sound processor is flexibility in choosing surround sound
decoding modes and intuitive setup software. The SSp 7.1
includes Control Software that offers an intuitive graphical
user interface for setting up the SSp 7.1 as well as the
speakers in the surround sound system. And, it includes an
executive mode to prevent potential user tampering.
www.extron.com/ssp71 for more info on SSp 7.1. Dolby is a trademark of Dolby
Laboratories. DTS is a registered trademark of DTS, inc.
For AV system designers and integrators who are asked to
provide surround sound in commercial applications, meeting this
challenge requires several steps. First, its important to educate
your customer about surround sound what it really means, and
what they can and cannot expect from a surround sound system.
Highlight the room design differences between a movie theater or
home cinema and the commercial environment you are working
in. Some explanation of the true meaning of surround sound may
also help both of you to determine if it is indeed appropriate for
your project. Finally, you should consider surround products that
are purpose-built for commercial applications, such as the Extron
SSP 7.1. By doing these things, your commercial surround project
is sure to go much more smoothly.
J.D. Mars is product Development Manager at Extron Electronics for audio DSp products. He
has designed a number of award winning products, holds major record label credits, and has
a grammy nomination. J.D. has been in pro audio and AV for over 20 years.
AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011
EXTron
nEW proDUCTS

tlP 1000mV
tlP 1000tV
Wall Mount Touchpanel
Tabletop Touchpanel

tlP 1000
10" TouchLink Touchpanels

The new Extron TLp TouchLink Touchpanels are fully configurable 10" touchpanels
featuring a contemporary, thin bezel design that complements the aesthetics of any
environment. Both the new Extron TLp 1000TV tabletop and TLp 1000MV wall mount
versions offer 1024600 resolution and incorporate poE - power over Ethernet, allowing
the touchpanel to receive its power via the Ethernet connector. An integrated MTp
twisted pair receiver accepts S-video or composite video and audio input signals over
standard CAT 5 cable. This enhanced connectivity provides integration flexibility and
aids in cable management by minimizing the number of connections at the touchpanel.
The new touchpanels are ideal for a wide variety of control applications where a larger
control surface is needed. The TLp 1000TV is best suited for applications where tabletop
or VESA mounting is required, and the TLp 1000MV is ideal for applications where a
wall-mounted form factor is needed. Both versions are available in black.

www.extron.com/tlp1000 for more information.

www.avsystemsdesign.com EXTron nEW proDUCTS 39

 EXTron nEW proDUCTS

igVe
mobile AV Resource
management App

igVE is a powerful, convenient App

used in conjunction with Extron
gVE - globalViewer Enterprise, that
allows users to effectively manage and
ipCp 505 control large-scale AV installations from
Apple iphone and ipod touch devices.
iPCP 505 igVE is an easy-to-use, mobile device
IP Link Control Processor application that provides a powerful
feature set comprised of all the most
The Extron ipCp 505 is an ip Link Control processor, designed to support larger common gVE monitoring, control, and
configurable control systems. The ipCp 505 integrates Ethernet connectivity into large helpdesk functions. While using igVE,
AV systems, giving users the ability to remotely control, monitor, and troubleshoot users will feel immediately comfortable
equipment, including display devices and switchers. With a high performance embedded with the familiar gVE Tree navigation as
Web server, eight bidirectional serial ports, eight ir/serial ports, eight relays, and four well as the other common gVE features,
flex i/o ports, the ipCp 505 is the ideal control processor for applications that require including real time room, controller,
control for multiple devices within a large-scale AV system. and device status; and gVE room
controls and Event Alert notifications.
www.extron.com/ipcp505 Additionally, Extron igVE provides a
secure, encrypted connection to your
gVE software, ensuring the safety and
privacy of all communications. igVE
is now available for free in the iTunes
App Store.

www.extron.com/igve

ipCp 305

iPCP 305
IP Link Control Processor

The Extron ipCp 305 is a compact ip Link Control processor designed to support
configurable control systems. The ipCp 305 integrates ip connectivity into AV systems,
giving users the ability to remotely control, monitor, and troubleshoot AV systems and
equipment, including display devices and switchers. With a high performance embedded
Web server, three bidirectional serial ports, two ir/serial ports, four relays, and four
digital i/o ports, the ipCp 305 is ideal for a wide range of TouchLink applications.

www.extron.com/ipcp305 igVE shown on iphone

40 EXTron nEW proDUCTS AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011

 EXTron nEW proDUCTS

global Configurator 4
Next generation Configuration Software
for Extron Control Systems

global Configurator is a simple-to-use, yet comprehensive,

software application that allows users to configure a wide
range of Extron ip Link-enabled control products. The latest
release of global Configurator, version 4.0, contains many new
workflow enhancements, such as box-to-box communication
and conditional logic, for more flexibility in system control
design and configuration. it provides an integrated
environment for defining AV control system functionality from
an easy-to-use graphical user interface. it is simple enough to
use to configure a single room controller, yet powerful enough
to facilitate building a Web-based resource management
and remote monitoring system for hundreds of AV devices in
global Configurator 4
multiple locations.

www.extron.com/gc4

DVi 110
FoXBoX Tx HDMi MM FoXBoX rx HDMi MM
Transmitter receiver
DVi 110
DVI Signal Regenerator
FoxBox hDmi
Fiber Optic Extender for hDmI, Audio, and RS-232 The Extron DVi 110 is a signal
regenerator for single link DVi-D signals.
The Extron FoXBoX HDMi Fiber optic Extender is a transmitter and receiver set for it retimes and reshapes marginal
long haul transmission of HDCp compliant HDMi video, audio, and rS-232 control or noisy DVi signals, such as those
signals over fiber optic cables. Engineered for reliability and exceptional high resolution occasionally encountered on the output
image performance, it uses Extron-exclusive all digital, zero compression technology, of consumer-grade graphics cards or
to deliver perfect pixel-for-pixel transmission of HDMi computer-video images up to notebook pCs, or when passive DVi
WUXgA 19201200 resolution, including HDTV 1080p/60. couplers and wallplates are utilized within
The FoXBoX HDMi transmitter and receiver can be used for simple point-to-point the signal path. The DVi 110 helps to
applications or in combination with FoX Series distribution amplifiers, switchers, and eliminate noise and reduce jitter at the
matrix switchers for support of wider installations. FoX Series matrix switchers support output of the source, ensuring a strong,
enterprise-wide, HDCp compliant distribution of HDMi signals in sizes from 88 up to stable digital signal, and improving
320320 and beyond. system performance.

www.extron.com/foxboxhdmi www.extron.com/dvi110

www.avsystemsdesign.com EXTron nEW proDUCTS 41

 EXTron nEW proDUCTS

XpA 2002-100V

XpA 2003C-100V

xPA 2002 & xPA 2003C

New 100 Volt Versions Available

new to the XTrA Series of power amplifiers are 100 volt versions of the XpA 2002 and XpA 2003C, convection-
cooled 1U power amplifiers delivering 200 watts rms per channel. These professional grade amplifiers feature a
100 dB signal-to-noise ratio with 0.1% THD+n. Both are EnErgy STAr qualified and UL verified, and offer an
Extron exclusive, highly efficient, advanced Class D amplifier design. They also feature patented CDrS - Class
D ripple Suppression technology that provides a smooth, clean audio waveform and an improvement in signal
fidelity over conventional Class D amplifiers. The XpA 2002 and XpA 2003C conserve rack space and weigh only
9 lbs (4 kg). The Extron exclusive, high efficiency design generates very little heat and allows the amplifiers to be
convection cooled.

xPA 2002
Two Channel Power Amplifier - 200 Watts Per Channel
The XpA 2002 two channel amplifier outputs 400 watts rms and is available as a low impedance model that
delivers 200 watts rms per channel into 4 ohms or 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, and two high impedance
models that output 200 watts rms per channel for 70 volt or 100 volt speaker systems.

xPA 2003C
Three Channel Combo Power Amplifier - 200 Watts Per Channel
The XpA 2003C three channel amplifier outputs 600 watts rms and delivers two channels of 200 watts rms into
4 ohms or 100 watts rms into 8 ohms for amplification of voice or program audio content to stereo speakers.
it also delivers a third channel with 200 watts rms into a 70 volt or 100 volt line for high impedance speaker
systems in voice reinforcement and distributed audio applications.

www.extron.com/xpa2002 and www.extron.com/xpa2003c

42 EXTron nEW proDUCTS AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011

 EXTron nEW proDUCTS

VCm 200
Volume and mute Controllers

The Extron VCM 200 is a wall mounting kit that provides

remote volume and mute control of any Extron power
amplifier or mic preamplifier with a remote volume
control port. it features a rotary volume control that
provides smooth, precise volume levels and a dual color,
illuminated soft touch button for muting. Three captive
screw connectors on the back panel provide quick and
easy connectivity without soldering. The VCM 200 is
available as available in Decora, MK, and European
versions for worldwide compatibility.
VCM 200 D VCM 200 MK VCM 200 EU
www.extron.com/vcm200d, www.extron.com/vcm200mk, and
www.extron.com/vcm200eu

SF 228T

MLA VC10 plus

SF 228t
mlA VC10 Plus Two-Way Ceiling Tile Speakers with 8"
Volume Control module Woofer and 70/100 V Transformer

The Extron MLA VC10 plus Volume Control Module
converts rS-232 commands from a control system
into voltage or impedance changes to control audio
amplifiers with volume and mute control ports. The
MLA VC10 plus is used to mute or make level changes
on an MpA Series or half rack XTrA Series amplifier
from a TouchLink Touchpanel system, an rS-232-
capable MediaLink Controller, or other control system.
The control module also supports third-party amplifiers
that use either voltage or 10k ohm pot control. The
MLA VC10 plus is housed in a 1U, one-eighth rack
width metal enclosure for numerous installation options.
The Extron SF 228T is a full-range, two-way ceiling tile speaker for
70 volt/100 volt systems. This Extron exclusive design features a low
profile, 2' 2' (61 cm 61 cm) by 5.3" (13.5 cm) deep enclosure that
is UL 2043 plenum rated, weighs less than 20 pounds (9 kg), and drops
directly into standard suspended ceilings providing quicker installations.
The two-way ported design includes an 8" (165 mm) woofer and a
1" (2.5 mm) silk dome tweeter that provides a frequency response of
50 Hz to 20 kHz for high fidelity music and speech reproduction. The
SF 228T offers 60 watts continuous pink noise and 120 watts program
output. This speaker is sold in pairs and is designed for fast and easy
installation into sound systems requiring high quality, wide bandwidth
audio playback.

www.extron.com/mlavc10plus www.extron.com/sf228t

www.avsystemsdesign.com EXTron nEW proDUCTS 43

 oTHEr nEW lCD touchscreen
proDUCTS Sharp Electronics announced the pn-L601B touchscreen
LCD monitor. The 60-inch monitor gives any office,
business, or school a tool for visually sharing interactive
communication during meetings, videoconferencing,
presentations, or classroom instruction. Energy efficient
and EnErgy STAr qualified, this model can be
used for a wide array of high-impact digital signage
applications. The 60-inch LCD panel is equipped with
Sharps UV2A photo alignment and Full Array LED
backlight technologies to create an evenly lit, bright,
and energy-efficient screen that is easy to read in most
environments, regardless of ambient lighting levels. The
pn-L601Bs accurate touchscreen response is made
possible by Sharps infrared detection system, which
uses multiple infrared sensors to pinpoint the location of
the users onscreen finger or touch pen movements to
ultra Short throw Projectors virtually eliminate the perception of misalignment.

A new series of ultra short throw projectors from nEC includes the www.sharpusa.com
3000-lumen U300X and 3100-lumen U310W. These DLp projectors
completely eliminate shadows and glare common with standard
projection systems by mounting them to the wall above the screen,
making them ideal for education environments using interactive or
standard whiteboards. The U300X offers XgA resolution, and throw ratio
of 0.377:1 and the U310W offers WXgA resolution and a throw ratio of
0.3:1. Both models include HDMi and dual computer inputs, variable
audio out, and an integrated rJ45 connection for quick connection to
the LAn with 10/100 base-T capability.

www.necdisplay.com

Camera mounts
Vaddio launched a new mount for the recently released LifeSize 10x videoconferencing
camera. The Vaddio Thin profile Wall Mount for the LifeSize 10x Camera is a stylish and
practical way to mount the camera to a wall surface or onto a 2-gang wall box. This
mount is slightly undercut to match the bevel and contour of the camera, giving the
illusion of floating when viewed from the front.

www.vaddio.com and www.lifesize.com

44 oTHEr nEW proDUCTS AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011

 oTHEr nEW proDUCTS

interactive Projector
The Epson BrightLink 450Wi interactive projector plus pen combination incorporates ultra-short throw
mounting capability, image size flexibility, and advanced connectivity options to project onto any existing
whiteboard, wall or other smooth, hard surface. BrightLink offers installation flexibility by providing a
wide range of XgA and WXgA usable interactive areas, and includes two digital infrared pens and wall
mount hardware. The 3LCD projector features 2,500 lumens white light output and 2,500 lumens color
light output and easy integration features, including networking. it also delivers WXgA resolution with
a 16:10 aspect ratio for full compatibility with widescreen notebooks and video content, and can easily
meet the space needs of any conference room by projecting images up to 96-inches diagonal.

www.epson.com

Desktop telepresence
Ciscos new Telepresence EX60 extends the Cisco
Telepresence family of personal units with a smaller footprint
and lower price points. Telepresence EX60 is a desktop
system designed for knowledge workers that can be used
as both a pC monitor and a telepresence system. The Cisco
Telepresence EX60 offers a full high-definition 21.5-inch
19201080 display that supports resolutions up to 720p
simultaneously in both main stream and dual stream. it uses
H.323 and Session initiation protocol - Sip with bandwidth up
to 6 Mbps point-to-point, for natural, transparent collaboration
with one-touch sharing of high-definition content, and a
built-in document camera feature.

www.cisco.com

www.avsystemsdesign.com oTHEr nEW proDUCTS 45

 TECHniCALLy
SpEAKing
Different methods for Streaming media
Applications, Protocols, and their Implications for Network Configuration
by Karl Johnson
S treaming of video over ip networks
continues to find its way into
an increasing number of audiovisual
solutions. Many streaming solutions
appear similar to the viewer, but the
underlying methods used to deliver the
video are different. one important area of
difference is the network protocols and
applications used for delivery. Examining
the way these protocols function can
help integrators better understand how
network switching and routing hardware
handle streaming traffic, and common
policies iT managers may implement that
could impact streaming solutions.
more than one way to Stream
Two commonly used streaming methods
are rTp streaming and HTTp streaming.
They both are well established and serve
Layer 7
Layer 6
Layer 5
Layer 4
Layer 3
Layer 2
Layer 1
The OSI layer model
46 TECHniCALLy SpEAKing
many mature applications. They differ in
both the transport protocols and network
application protocols they employ. The
use of different protocols can impact user
applications and network environments
for which they are best suited. Before
examining the two streaming methods in
detail, its valuable to review some basics
of networking.
the media Access Control Datagram
Data sent across Ethernet networks are
packetized into a standard established
by the institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineers. The iEEE MAC
Media Access Control frame carries
up to 1500 bytes of data, identifies
source and destination address and
recipient mode: unicast, multicast, or
broadcast. The network protocol is also
Network Layered Services
Application
Applications
Presentation
e.g. SMTP FTP HTTP
Session
Transport
Transport
TCP UDP
Internetwork
Network
IP
Data Link
Network Interface and Hardware
e.g. Ethernet, FDDI, Wireless
Physical
The IP Protocol Stack
identified. network equipment will handle
data packets differently based on this
information.
network devices fulfill different
functions, which are best explained
using the oSi model open Systems
interconnect and the ip Stack internet
protocol Stack as a reference.
the oSi model
The oSi open Systems interconnect
model establishes a reference and
standard with seven different layers of
service for communications on networks.
Layer 1 defines the physical standards
for interfacing between devices and
transmission mediums or cables. Layer 2
defines the method used to transmit data
between two physical connections. in
the case of Ethernet, MAC addresses are
used to identify senders and intended
receivers. Layer 3 defines methods by
which data is transferred across multiple
networks. This is also referred to as
internetworking and ip addresses are
used at this layer. At layer 4, transparent,
reliable data transfer service is provided.
Layer 5 manages sessions and
connections between devices. At layer 6,
data is transformed or converted to a
form that the application layer can use,
AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011

and layer 7 network applications interact
with user applications.
The ip protocol Stack fulfills an
equal range of capabilities using only
four layers.
Data transport Protocols
Two different transport protocols are
available for delivering streaming data
packets; Transmission Control protocol
TCp, and User Datagram protocol - UDp.
Each of them has different strengths
in the method they use to transport
data packets.
A fundamental difference is that
TCp is connection-oriented and UDp is
connectionless. TCp establishes one
connection between two endpoints and
guarantees delivery of packets in order,
applying a method where receivers
acknowledge receipt of packets to
senders. Any data not acknowledged as
received will be resent. UDp packets are
sent without any flow control and with
no guarantee of delivery. The network
applies a best effort push to deliver
the data. packets can be lost, received
out of order, or received more than once.
The advantage of UDp is that it is fast
and data can be used in broadcast and
multicast applications providing a method
to support scalability.
reliable, ordered delivery of data
can be valuable to many applications,
but timely delivery of data is essential
to streaming of motion video. TCp
guarantees order and reliable delivery,
but every time errors are experienced,
data is resent. The time required for
resend challenges the support of real-
time performance. UDp sends packets
without the overhead of a flow control
system, but a mechanism is required to
manage network errors.
rtP Streaming
Many mature streaming applications
such as videoconferencing and Voice
over ip have requirements for low delay,
www.avsystemsdesign.com
RTP Streaming - Unicast
Encoder or video server
establishes video data rate
EO
VI
D
IP Network
EO
Video Server VI
D
or Real-Time
Encoder
Transport Protocol UDP/RTP
Video Data Stream
Two devices have subscribed to a video stream from the encoding server, and the network capacity is
supporting the combined bandwidth of both video streams.
real-time data delivery to support natural
interaction between users. When many of
these applications were developed, UDp
transport provided a practical means
to support the real-time performance
required. rTp real Time protocol was
developed by the Audio/Video Transport
Working group specifically for end-to-end
real-time transfer of multimedia data. it
uses information such as timestamps to
control the ordered delivery of packets
and makes synchronizing multiple
UDp data streams possible. rTp is
used in conjunction with rTCp real
Time Transport Control protocol. While
rTp carries the media streams, rTCp
is separate information delivered to
the server or encoder for monitoring
the quality of media delivery. Another
protocol, rTSp real Time Streaming
protocol, manages transport control of
media such as pause, start, and stop.
other proprietary streaming protocols
also exist which apply a method similar
to rTp.
rtP unicast Streaming
Unicast rTp streaming is a method
where unique data streams are sent
from the video server or encoder to
each decoding device subscribed to the
video stream. When multiple destinations
Decoding on PC
EO
VI
D
VIDEO
Network Flat Panel Display
Router
VIDEO
Hardware
VI
D
EO
Decoder
Ethernet
subscribe to a video stream, the encoder
or streaming server and network must
both be capable of supporting the total
number of connections and cumulative
bandwidth required for all streams.
rtP multicast Streaming
As unicast streaming requires multiple
data streams from a video server or
encoder to every subscribed decoding
device, at some point a streaming
server or network will reach the limit to
its processing capability or bandwidth.
rTp multicast streaming using internet
group Multicast protocol igMp
provides an opportunity for scalability
which is limited only by the switching
and routing capability of a network.
Solutions using igMp multicast streaming
include managed routers and switches
that work together delivering video to
endpoints, so that encoders or servers
need only deliver one video stream to
a system, and protocols such as piM
protocol independent Multicast organize
routers to forward streaming data to
endpoints in an efficient manner. These
protocols allow routers and switches to
deliver traffic only to subscribers and
to prune unwanted network traffic away
from destinations that do not require it.
only one layer of streaming bandwidth
TECHniCALLy SpEAKing 47
 RTP Streaming - Multicast IGMP

D
EO
capabilities of a decoder or network
VI
VIDEO throughput decrease, smaller chunks
or lower bit rates are requested. As
Encoder or video server
Decoding on PC processing capability and network
EO
establishes video data rate D
VI
throughput increases, larger chunks
VIDEO
Network
IP Network
Router
or bit rate will be requested, delivering

Decoding on PC
greater picture detail and quality. This
EO
D
Video Server VI
or Real-Time allows clients decoding video to
Encoder Transport Protocol UDP/RTP maintain real-time performance and
adapt to changing or constrained
Switch
VIDEO conditions on a public network such
EO
VI
D
as the internet.
Decoding on PC
Several large companies have
established brands for their adaptive
VIDEO
D
EO bit rate streaming technology including:
VI

Decoding on PC
Microsoft iiS Smooth Streaming, Adobe
Video Data Stream Ethernet
HTTp Dynamic Streaming, and Apple
HTTp Live Streaming.
HTTp streaming uses unicast
connections - the internet does not
exists on each segment of the network. Adaptive Bit rate Streaming currently support multicast routing,
Multicast streaming applications are applications provide additional flexibility but this capability could emerge
typically applied in private networks for live HTTp video streaming. instead one day. Today, Content Distribution
where routers and switches can be of using a complete progressive networks CDns can support multicast
programmed to work as a system. download method, decoding devices streaming applications by providing an
using adaptive bit rate streaming are overlay network service using groups
note: Hybrid variants of rTp streaming fed live video in small chunks which are of strategically placed servers. When
use TCp transport, but the latency delivered in sequence using TCp and users request video content, multicast
introduced when establishing connection HTTp. Clients decoding video streams or otherwise, the request is redirected
and error correction methods, have made can request different sized chunks to a server located near the edge of
this combination rare. to adapt to changing processor or the network where bandwidth is more
network conditions. if the processing available. in multicast applications,
httP Streaming
Hypertext Transfer protocol - HTTp,
another ip application used broadly on
the internet, provides another means to
HTTP Adaptive Bit Rate Streaming
deliver streaming audio and video. HTTp
applications typically use TCp transport.
HTTp streaming is frequently used High Bit Rate
Low Bit Rate
with pre-encoded content but it is also Bit rate selected by decoder changes
based on processing capacity
deployed in live streaming applications Selectable bit rates EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO and network throughput
VI
D
VI
D D D ID VI
D
VI
D
D D D
VI VI V VI VI VI
similar to some applications to which
rTp streaming is applied. Web cache IP Network
VIDEO
network servers or services that store
Transport Protocol TCP/HTTP
web pages or other internet content Video Server Decoding on PC
or Real-Time
close to streaming users - provides Encoder

resources that can allow broad, quick,

Video Data Stream Ethernet
and efficient access to streaming media
by many users.

48 TECHniCALLy SpEAKing AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011


Internet Protocol Stack Layers
Application RTP, HTTP
Transport TCP, UDP
IP
Internetworking IP
Ethernet IP
Network Interface
CDn servers can aggregate the
requests for the same content and
become a group member for multicast
delivery. CDns provide a broad set
of data and video delivery services
from content servers distributed to
efficiently serve wide demand from
users on the internet. Services offered
by CDns support applications which
require scalable delivery to many users.
Many CDns offer HTTp adaptive bit
rate streaming.
What is Live
Streaming, Really?
Many popular consumer internet sites
such as youTube make pre-encoded
video clips available for viewing from
a web server. The user experience is
streaming like but is not live streaming.
These consumer sites consist of a file
download process using HTTp, which
allows video content to be played
progressively before the media has
been completely downloaded. These
applications are frequently referred to as
on-demand or progressive download.
This article focuses upon live streaming.
www.avsystemsdesign.com
Transport Protocols and Applications Used
in RTP and Adaptive Bit Rate Streaming
RTP Streaming
Audio and Video Data
RTP Audio and Video Data
UDP RTP Audio and Video Data TCP
UDP RTP Audio and Video Data IP TCP
UDP RTP Audio and Video Data Ethernet IP TCP
network Devices - Switches and
router management of Streaming
The capability of network devices to
manage traffic shapes the policies iT
managers implement when configuring
and operating their networks. Switches
provide an inexpensive delivery
mechanism to endpoints inside a
network and routers manage traffic
between switches. Some switches
have advanced features that prevent
traffic from reaching unnecessary
destinations. Firewalls examine traffic
entering or leaving a facility network
and use specified criteria to open or
close ports which are used to support
different applications.
A critical point is that there are risks
in opening up switches which provide
layer 2 network service to UDp/rTp
multicast traffic without providing features
such as igMp snooping and igMp query
that allow the switch to limit traffic to
subscribing nodes, as well as allowing
subscribing nodes to connect to the
streaming content. routers, meanwhile,
provide layer 3 services examining the
ip address of data packets; forwarding
them intelligently using pre-programmed
HTTP Adaptive
Bit Rate Streaming
Audio and Video Data
Adaptive Bit Rate
Audio and Video Data
Streaming
Adaptive Bit Rate
HTTP Audio and Video Data
Streaming
Adaptive Bit Rate
HTTP Audio and Video Data
Streaming
Adaptive Bit Rate
HTTP Audio and Video Data
Streaming
Adaptive Bit Rate
HTTP Audio and Video Data
Streaming
or actively developed routing tables using
inter-router communication.
HTTp adaptive bit rate streaming
should pass through firewalls on port 80
which will be open for HTTp web traffic.
Adaptive bit rate streaming applications
should be quickly interfaced by users
without requiring support from iT
departments. Use of TCp, a connection-
oriented protocol, will follow an efficient
transmission path without risk of flooding
the switches with unnecessary traffic;
however the more streaming subscribers
exist, the more streaming bandwidth
is used on the network. The primary
concern of iT managers for HTTp
streaming traffic will be the incremental
bandwidth many data streams will
contribute to the firewall, switching, and
routing backbone.
Streaming solutions using multicast
UDp/rTp multicast will function most
efficiently on programmed, managed
networks ensuring that traffic passes
to only desired destinations. Applying
layer 3 routers and layer 2 switches
with igMp snooping and query
enabled or VLAns will allow real-
time multicast streaming solutions
TECHniCALLy SpEAKing 49
 Basic Facility Network Architecture

Summary Points
Service
Switching
Adaptive bit rate streaming systems
Layer 2 Private Servers using TCp and HTTp should expect
to navigate across a majority of
Services public and private networks and
through firewalls.

Client Acess VIDEO real-time streaming applying rTp

IP Network
Public
Public Server Firewall Layer 7
Facility
to provide highly-scalable solutions,
delivering video to many endpoints
with low latency for interactive or
time-critical applications.
iT managers will control access on
their network using programmed routers
and firewalls. Typically, iT policies will
block ports used by UDp/rTp multicast
streaming applications unless a known
business use of rTp streaming or
Switching and UDp protocol may be blocked by
Layer 2
Client PCs firewalls unless programmed access is
Core
Routing VIDEO established in advance.
Layer 3 Limits to scalability exist for HTTp
Group 1
and rTp unicast streaming. Content
Distribution networks can provide
VIDEO
a solution delivering scalable HTTp
Client Acess
Switching streaming unicast clients broadly
Client PC
Layer 2
Flat Panel Display across the internet.
VIDEO real-time streaming applying rTp
multicast is highly scalable but
requires that network routing and
Hardware switchgear can manage efficient
Group 2 Decoder
delivery on local area networks.
Different classes of network switching
and routing equipment exist.
network switches that only support
videoconferencing traffic is planned. layer 2 services will not operate
if this traffic is not blocked and routing efficiently when UDp/rTp multicast
and switching devices are not configured traffic is encountered. Advanced
to accept it, endpoints connected to features such as igMp snooping or
switches could become flooded with VLAns can make switches operate
unnecessary traffic. The functions more efficiently.
and capabilities provided by different
Karl Johnson is Director of product Marketing at Extron
classes of network switching and routing Electronics for streaming technologies and videowall
processing systems. He worked at Electrosonic for
equipment represent a topic for an
over 20 years, most recently as general Manager of the
entirely new discussion. Electrosonic product division.

network Device Services and management of transport Protocol traffic

Device oSi Service level Addressing Protocol and Streaming traffic management
Switches Layer 2 Data Link packets are examined and TCp/HTTp streams will be delivered unicast to only one destination as TCp will
forwarded using only the manage the connection and delivery
MAC address
UDp/rTp streams that reach a layer 2 switch identified as multicast or broadcast
in the MAC address will be flooded to all connections unless advanced features
such as igMp snooping internet group Multicast protocol or VLAns Virtual
LAns are available and configured to prevent this
routers Layer 3 network ip addresses are examined in TCp/HTTp streams will be delivered unicast to only one destination as TCp, a
packets and intelligent decisions connection-oriented protocol is used
are made
UDp/rTp streams are managed and forwarded only to intended destinations
Firewalls Layer 7 Application ip addresses are examined as TCp/HTTp streams will typically pass through port 80, which will likely be open
are ports for web traffic

UDp/rTp traffic will use different port numbers and may be blocked unless a
known application requirement exists

50 TECHniCALLy SpEAKing AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011

Real-Time High Resolution AV Streaming Over IP
Dallas, TX Los Angeles, CA

IP
Network
Virtual
Switching

Extron VN-Matrix 200 Series Extron VN-Matrix 200 Series

RGB/DVI Over IP Encoder and Decoder RGB/DVI Over IP Encoder and Decoder

VN-Matrix Series
Extron VN-Matrix encoders and decoders enable real-time transmission of high resolution audio visual content, including RGB, DVI and
SDI/HD-SDI signals, across standard IP networks for live viewing, collaboration, storage, and playback. With the highly scalable VN-Matrix
system, you can turn your IP network into a virtual routing matrix switcher that is practically limitless in size and geographic reach.
VN-Matrix applies Extrons PURE3 Codec, a unique wavelet-based compression technology, that offers several key distinctive
advantages:

LOW LATENCY HIGH QUALITY LOW BIT RATES

Low delay or low latency delivery of audio Offers visually lossless picture quality for Advanced compression techniques yield
and video are essential to support natural, large projected images and high resolution very high quality images at low bit rates,
two-way communication, collaborative graphics. while error concealment provides immunity
interaction, or device control. to network errors.

PC User Interface and

INPUTS Extron OUTPUTS
Control System
VN-Matrix Enterprise Controller
Extron Extron
PC
VNC 200 DVI VNC 200 DVI
VN-Matrix Codec VN-Matrix Codec
Ethernet
RGB or IN TO PC REMOTE RS-232 IN TO PC REMOTE RS-232
Projector with
DVI RGB or DVI Input
IN IN
POWER OVER LAN POWER OVER LAN

OUT/ OUT/
LOOP LOOP

Ethernet Ethernet
12V DC AUDIO 12V DC AUDIO
5A MAX 1 LAN 2 OUT/LOOP DVI-I IN 5A MAX 1 LAN 2 OUT/LOOP DVI-I IN
SPDIF SPDIF

IP RGB or DVI
Network Display with
RGB or RGB or DVI Input
Virtual
IN TO PC REMOTE RS-232 IN TO PC REMOTE RS-232

IN IN

DVI
POWER OVER LAN POWER OVER LAN

OUT/ OUT/
LOOP LOOP

Ethernet Ethernet
12V DC AUDIO 12V DC AUDIO
5A MAX 1 LAN 2 OUT/LOOP DVI-I IN 5A MAX 1 LAN 2 OUT/LOOP DVI-I IN
SPDIF SPDIF

HD PTZ Camera Switching RGB or DVI

YUV or
IN TO PC REMOTE RS-232 IN TO PC REMOTE RS-232

IN IN
POWER OVER LAN POWER OVER LAN

DVI OUT/
LOOP
OUT/
LOOP

Ethernet Ethernet
12V DC AUDIO 12V DC AUDIO
5A MAX 1 LAN 2 OUT/LOOP DVI-I IN 5A MAX 1 LAN 2 OUT/LOOP DVI-I IN
SPDIF SPDIF

Extron RGB or DVI

YUV or POWER
IN
IN TO PC REMOTE RS-232

OVER LAN VNM Recorder

DVI VN-Matrix Recorder
OUT/

Ethernet Ethernet
LOOP
12V DC AUDIO
5A MAX 1 LAN 2 OUT/LOOP DVI-I IN
SPDIF

Encoding Decoding

www.extron.com/vnmatrix
 DESign
ForUM
thermal
management for
AV Designers
Keeping AV equipment running
cool is an important consideration
that needs to be addressed early
in the design stages of any project.
by Steve Somers
H
eat is the number one by-product
of any electronic or mechanical
device; its also the number one killer of
these devices. Successfully removing or
dissipating heat is the art and science of
thermal management.
Thermal management needs to be
considered at many levels in audiovisual
systems. At the component level within
an electronic device, pCB design and
heatsinking strategies work to dissipate
heat from sensitive chips and other
components. At the device level, chassis
design often incorporates fans and vents
to allow airflow cooling. When multiple
devices are mounted in equipment racks,
cooling becomes more complicated.
Finally, designers need to consider how
to remove warmed air from a room,
whether theres just one equipment rack
or a room full of them.
But regardless of the level of
thermal management, the same rules
apply. As with everything in AV, the
rules are determined by the laws of
physics; in this case, the so-called laws
of thermodynamics.
laws of thermodynamics
it was only several hundred years ago
that heat was considered a source
of energy, along with light, chemical,
and electrical energy. The First Law
52 DESign ForUM
Traditional audio power amplifiers often produce the most heat in a typical AV rack, as this thermal
image illustrates.
of Thermodynamics is about the
conservation of energy. it states that
energy can be transferred or changed,
but it cannot be created or destroyed.
The Second Law pertains to heat energy
transfer, and the direction of that transfer;
it may be the most useful law for a
discussion on thermal management in
AV. The implication of the Second Law
is that heat flows only from a warm
body to a colder one never from a
cold to a warm body. The Third Law of
Thermodynamics is less directly useful for
thermal management in the real world,
since it deals with reaching Absolute
Zero (0 Kelvin).
modes of heat transfer
Energy moves from a higher temperature
region to a lower temperature region
by one or more of three modes:
1) conduction, 2) convection, and
3) radiation.
Conduction is heat transfer in a solid.
it works by means of molecular agitation
within a material without any motion of
the material itself. if one end of a metal
rod is at a higher temperature, then
energy will be transferred down the
rod toward the colder end because the
higher speed particles will collide with
the slower ones, with a net transfer of
energy to the slower ones.
Heat transfer by convection happens
when there is mass motion of a fluid,
such as air or water. The heated fluid
moves away from the source of heat,
carrying energy with it. Convective heat
transfer can be either forced or natural.
Forced convection occurs when a fluid
flow is induced by an external force, such
as a fan. natural convection is caused
by buoyancy forces due to density
differences caused by temperature
variations in the fluid. Convection above
a hot surface occurs because the air
above it expands, becomes less dense,
and rises.
radiation refers to the transfer of
heat through traveling electromagnetic
waves. All matter emits thermal radiation
at its surface when its temperature
is above absolute zero. This radiation
is in the form of photons of varying
frequency. These photons leaving the
surface need no medium to transport
them, unlike conduction and convection
(in which heat transfer occurs through
matter). The rate of thermal radiant
energy emitted by a surface depends
AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011
 DESign ForUM

on its absolute temperature and
surface characteristics.
often, more than one of these
processes happen simultaneously.
Consider the most common thermal
management device a heat sink. A
heat sink is an object that transfers
thermal energy from a higher temperature
surface to a lower temperature fluid
medium. Heat sinks work because of
both conductive and convection heat
transfer. The air around the heat sink
also has a higher temperature due to
radiational heat transfer.
Passive and Active Cooling
The overall objective of thermal
management in AV is to remove the
warm air and replace it with cool
air. There are many ways to go about
handling heat and removing it from any
kind of enclosure. The technologies can
be grouped into two main categories:
passive and active.
passive cooling only works when the
ambient air temperature in the space
or room in which the heat-producing
devices are located is lower than the
amount of heat they produce. over time,
a state of thermal equilibrium will be
attained, where no further cooling (or
heating) takes place, assuming no further
work is applied.
The most basic passive thermal
management technology is the heat sink.
Almost any thermally conductive material
or enclosure can act as a heat sink under
the right conditions. passive technologies
also include vent panels installed into
racks, hidden vents in credenzas, and
slots in cabinets. This approach is best
when cooling requirements are minimal or
when the temperature of the environment
of heat generation. Active technologies
typically rely on fans to move air out of a
space, although some large data centers
may use air conditioning or even water-
cooled systems. Fans can be employed
in a variety of ways, from simple single-
fan mounts on the side of a piece of
equipment or enclosure, to multiple-fan
rack tops that pull the heat from an
entire vertical equipment rack up and out
of the enclosure.
in an AV equipment rack, active
technologies for thermal management is
not simply a matter of putting a fan in a
rack. For example, placing a fan top on
a filled rack with solid sides, rear door,
and no spaces between equipment may
have no affect whatsoever on the cooling
of the rack. The fan may be trying to pull
the hot air out of the rack, but there is
nowhere for cool air to enter the rack.
When there are too many - or improperly
located - vent panels, cooling can
be short circuited, and top-mounted
fans become ineffective. Many rack
and cooling device manufacturers have
extensive technical documentation on the
proper use of their cooling devices.
Calculating heat Dissipation
Electrical equipment, including most AV
gear, is typically inefficient; most electrical
power is converted into waste heat. The
calculation of exactly how much heat
will be produced is fairly simple, and
its based on how much current the
piece of equipment draws. one watt of
power produces 3.412 Btu/h of heat.
At 117 volts, each ampere of current
drawn produces exactly 400 Btu/h of
heat. The only major exception to this
rule is audio power amplifiers, which
can produce excessive amounts of heat,
equipment. For every 10 C increase
over that, long term reliability decreases
dramatically as much as 50% for each
ten degree increment.
Despite this recommendation,
manufacturers may publish maximum
operating temperatures for their
equipment that are significantly higher
than 85 F. These figures can be used to
determine if passive cooling will suffice,
or if active cooling is required.
Fouriers law of Conduction
Using Fouriers Law of Conduction, you
can calculate the amount of heat that
can be transferred by passive conduction
from a device or rack to the room,
assuming that room temperature is lower
than the device or rack.
q = -(k A T)/s
Where:
q = heat transferred per unit of
time (Watts)
k = thermal conductivity of material
in Watts/m-C
A = heat transfer area in square meters
T = temperature difference across
material in C
s = material thickness in meters
As an illustration, imagine an
electronic device installed in a non-
vented enclosure, such as a wooden
lectern. As the device heats the air
No vent!
Extron S
OG
SOG
SERR
DDSP
V-
WIDTH

V SYNC
SYNC
NEG SYNC
COMP

RGB 580
INPUT
OG
ANAL

can be easily and effectively controlled. especially relatively inefficient Class A or

AUDIO

passive cooling techniques are inherently
less expensive, quieter, and easier to
maintain compared to active techniques.
Active technologies are preferred
when there are moderate to high levels
Interface
A/B designs.
As a general rule, 85 degrees
Fahrenheit (29.4 C) is considered the
maximum recommended operating
temperature for most electronic

www.avsystemsdesign.com DESign ForUM 53

 DESign ForUM

inside the lectern, it eventually reaches
the point of thermal equilibrium where
the device and the air around it are the
same temperature. At thermal equilibrium,
heat will be conducted through the walls
of the wooden lectern into the room,
assuming its temperature is lower.
Using Fouriers Law, we can calculate
the heat transfer to the external
environment, and determine if passive
cooling will suffice or if other means
are necessary. in the formula for this
example, q represents watts per
hour that may be transferred through
the lectern. The k value for thermal

NOMOGRAPH
Calculate ventilation required to provide an interior rack temperature of 85 F

A B C
MINIMUM VENTILATION BTU/H TOTAL AMBIENT ROOM
(ACTIVE OR PASSIVE) WASTE HEAT FROM TEMPERATURE
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

825 CFM
800 CFM (one high output 10 fan)
Active 700 CFM
660 CFM
600 CFM (three 6 fans)
550 CFM
(one 10 fan)
500 CFM
440 CFM
400 CFM (one 6 fans)
380 CFM
(four 4 fans @ 95 CFM) 15,000 Btu/h
300 CFM
285 CFM 10,000 Btu/h
A (three 4 fans @ 95 CFM)
8,000 Btu/h
B 220 CFM
(one 6 fan @ 95 CFM) 6,000 Btu/h
200 CFM 60 F
Use of passive 190 CFM 5,000 Btu/h
(two 4 fans @ 95 CFM)
ventilation is 4,000 Btu/h
C 65 F
recommended 3,000 Btu/h
when possible
2,000 Btu/h
70 F
100 CFM
90 CFM
(one 4 fan)

D 1,000 Btu/h
Passive 75 F
E
50 CFM 77 F

PASSIVE VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS

A Fully vented rear door, vented rack top, in vented-face rack
B Fully vented rear door, vented rack top, in vented-face rack
C Solid rear door, vented rack top, in vented-face rack
D Solid rear door, 4 space vent in upper rackspace, solid top
E Solid rear door, 2 space vent in upper rackspace, solid top

use this nomograph to determine the minimum amount of airflow required to achieve 85 F within a rack.
The nomograph also indicates when passive or active techniques are required.

1. if audio power amplifiers are present in the rack,
calculate the total waste heat output by summing the
published waste heat Btu/h of all amplifiers.
2. Add up the total measured amperage draw from all
other equipment and multiply by 400 (total amperage
400 = total Btu/h @ 117 V).
3. Add Btu/h totals from steps 1 and 2 to obtain total for
all equipment. Mark total in column B.
4. Mark ambient room temperature in column C, and
connect points in B and C with a straightedge.
5. The minimum CFM airflow providing an interior rack
temperature of 85 F will be shown on column
A, where the straightedge intersects the minimum
ventilation requirements column.
Source: Middle Atlantic products

54 DESign ForUM AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011

 DESign ForUM

conductivity is found on the table 25 C, our temperature differential, T, is thermal Conductivity of Common materials
of Thermal Conductivity of Common 40 - 25 = 15 C. Conductivity
material/Substance
Materials; for wood, the value is about plugging all the numbers into Fouriers (watts/m-C)
Acrylic 0.20
0.13 watts/m-C. A is the area in formula, we have: Air 0.024
square meters of the enclosure walls Aluminum 250
Asbestos mill board 0.14
that conduct heat outward. Assume the q = -(0.13 0.24 15) / 0.019 Asphalt 0.75
internal space measures 3 10 12 = -24.6 watts. Balsa 0.048
Beryllium 218
inches, which converts to a surface area Brass 109
Brick dense 1.31
of 0.24 square meters. Also assume the This tells us that the wooden lectern
Brick work 0.69
wall thickness is 0.75 inches or 0.019 m. with an internal temperature of 40 C is Cadmium 92
Carbon 1.7
Finally, we need to know the difference in capable of transferring up to 24.6 watts Cement, portland 0.29
temperature between the internal space into the external environment. Suppose Cement, mortar 1.73
Chalk 0.09
where the equipment rests and the the equipment item is a computer video Chrome nickel Steel 16.3
average outside or room air temperature. interface that only uses 12 watts. in this Clay, dry to moist 0.15 - 1.8
Clay, saturated 0.6 - 2.5
For this illustration, assume that the case, forced convection or active thermal Cobalt 69
equipment is operating the maximum management techniques are not required, Concrete, light 0.42
Concrete, stone 1.7
operating temperature, which is usually since passive conduction and convection Copper 401
Corian (ceramic filled) 1.06
about 40 C or 104 F. At thermal will adequately dissipate those 12 watts
Cork 0.07
equilibrium, the podium internal of power. Cotton 0.03
Carbon Steel 54
air must be at that value and no Cotton Wool insulation 0.029
Steve Somers is Vice president of Engineering at Extron
higher. if the outside environment is Earth, dry 1.5
Electronics. Sources: ASHrAE, The Engineering Toolbox, Epoxy 0.35
normal room temperature, or about Extron Electronics, Middle Atlantic products. Felt insulation 0.04
Fiberglass 0.04
Fiber insulating board 0.048
Foam glass 0.045
glass 1.05
gold 310
unique Approach granite 1.7 - 4.0
gypsum or plaster board 0.17
Hardwoods 0.16
ice 2.18
Extrons PowerCage 1600 chassis employs a unique approach to cool all board modules
insulation materials 0.035 - 0.16
simultaneously. Air is drawn in by side-mounted fans, then channeled to each board slot. The iron 80
boards are designed to channel the air out the rear of the chassis for optimal cooling in each Lead 35
slot, eliminating the need for an air gap above or below the enclosure and preserving valuable Leather, dry 0.14
rack space. Magnesium 156
Marble 2.08 - 2.94
Mercury 8
Multi-Function Mica 0.71
Boards
Air
nickel 91
paper 0.05
rm
Wa
plaster, gypsum 0.48
Board Cooling platinum 70
Vents plywood 0.13
polyurethane foam 0.02
Rear Air porcelain 1.5
Vents pVC 0.19
pyrex glass 1.005
Quartz mineral 3
CO
PO MM
W
AL ER
AR
M
1

3
rock, solid 2-7
rock, porous volcanic (Tuff) 0.5 - 2.5
4

rock Wool insulation 0.045

9
10

11

12

Sand, dry 0.15 - 0.25

13

14

15

16

Silver 429
PS
U
1
PS
U
2
FA

ir
N
1
FA
N
2

Steel, Carbon 1% 43
lA
CO
SE MM
LE

Front
CT

o Stainless Steel 16
Co
CO
NF
IG
TE
MP

Po
wer
Cag
e 16
00
Styrofoam 0.033
Tin 67
Fans Zinc 116
Water 0.58
Wood 0.13
www.extron.com/powercage1600 for more info on powerCage 1600. Wool, felt 0.07

Source: The Engineering Toolbox

www.avsystemsdesign.com DESign ForUM 55

 SToriES FroM THE roAD
EDID Issues
By Karl Rosenberg
A s a Regional Applications Specialist with Extron, I spend a lot
of time in the field conducting site visits. Often times I am
asked for assistance in system calibration and troubleshooting at
various field installations. The following represents a summary of
one such visit that turned out to be an issue that many AV resellers
can probably relate to; that is EDID.
The problem, as it was expressed to me, had to do with
abnormalities exhibited onscreen when various input selections
were made onto the displays. I was told that, in some cases, objects
that should have appeared as circles instead appeared more oblong
in appearance. Additional complaints described distorted images
occurring in some instances, but not in others. The system in
question was not overly complex in design, but it did comprise of
matrix switching and signal processing equipment. So, I figured a
visit was necessary to best identify the source of the problem.
As it turned out, the sources were part of the problem. While
they were outputting video into the system, the resulting images
were not ideally matched to the displays in the room, which of
course were all different brands. In one case, a laptop resolution
was outputting a 4:3 image, but a 16:10 display was not completely
filling the screen. I determined that the laptop itself did in fact
support a widescreen output format. It just wasnt being told
to output that resolution. So, my mission became clear and I
immediately whipped out my laptop and went to work using
readily available resources. Using Extron EDID Manager I was able
to quickly learn the capabilities of all the displays. There is a lot of
information that can be contained within an EDID file, but I was
most interested in native display resolution and other supported
resolutions of preference. Once this information was known, it was
relatively easy to apply the highest common resolution settings
to all source inputs on the switcher, thus establishing a level of
consistency amongst incoming signal resolutions.
I went home that evening feeling good because I fixed another
one, and in this case a rather easy one. However, not all EDID
issues are so easily rectified. EDID is really a communicated
exchange of information; a file, really, that is sent from the
display to a connected source device upon acknowledgement of
presence. Gone are the days when a termination adapter could be
used to ground ID Bits and force a particular output resolution.
Instead we have the dynamic exchange of real information that
56 CoLUMn
is translated within a source device and utilized to establish a
level of compatibility. Display resolutions, aspect ratios, and the
source devices that have a myriad of selectable output rates all
have reliance upon EDID. Implementing a system with good
EDID management can help meet a main goal of any AV system,
consistent operation.
hOW TO AVOID EDID ISSuES
1. To ensure proper signal output, EDID information should
be made available to each source upon powering-up of the
device. Selecting products that incorporate proper EDID
management is essential. Switchers, for example, should
always maintain EDID communication, even when an input
is not actively selected.
2. Design your systems with consistent Aspect Ratios
throughout, including sources and displays. For example,
in a classroom scenario make sure your projector can
display 1280800, since most computers will output that
resolution and aspect ratio. On the other hand, if you install
a native 1080p projector, you might want to consider an
outboard scaler, since most laptop screens dont show 1080p.
Otherwise, what you see locally might not be what you get
on the projected image.
3. Open the lines of communication EDID exchange is
intended to take place over the DDC Display Data Channel.
These lines arent always passed through the entire system
from display to source. RGBHV-based systems are cases in
point, but standalone EDID emulators can be incorporated
into these systems to circumvent EDID issues without
requiring equipment replacement.
It is also important to realize that EDID relates to more than
just computers, laptops, and displays. Blu-ray players and other
source devices, also utilize EDID. Even videoconference systems
work better when EDID management is applied to upstream
source devices.
Karl rosenberg is regional Application Specialist at Extron Electronics based in the
Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. He provides product and technology training at Extron
institutes and Extron institutes on the road. Karl has worked in the AV industry for 24 years,
and was named 2008 nSCA instructor of the year for the College of Technical Knowledge.
AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011
HiDDEn
gEMS
eDiD 101
EDID Emulators for DVI and VgA
by Jim Scrivner
A lthough its one of Extrons smallest
products, dont be fooled by its size.
The 1/8th rU EDiD 101 can have a huge
impact in ensuring compatibility between
your sources and displays.
the history of eDiD
Extended Display identification Data,
or EDiD, has been around since 1994,
when it was developed by VESA
- the Video Electronics Standards
Association. in the early days of pCs
when monitors and source electronics
were integrated, there wasnt as
much need for a specific language for
displays to communicate with video
cards or source electronics. But once
they became separate components, it
opened the door for pairing different
monitors with pC CpUs and video
cards. Some means of communicating
audio and video capabilities and
other identifying information had to
be established.
prior to the development of EDiD,
pins 4, 11, 12, and 15 on the VgA
connector were sometimes used to
define monitor capabilities. These iD bit
pins carried either high or low electrical
www.avsystemsdesign.com
values to define different screen
resolutions. VESA extended this scheme
by redefining VgA connector pins 9, 12,
and 15 as a serial bus in the form of
a DDC - Display Data Channel. This
allowed for much more information to be
exchanged, so that EDiD and other forms
of communication were possible between
the source and the display.
eDiD issues
But EDiD isnt perfect. Display devices
and AV equipment can have various levels
of EDiD implementation and, in some
cases, they may lack EDiD information
altogether. Such inconsistencies can
cause operational issues ranging from
overscan and resolution problems, to the
source device not outputting any signal,
or the display device not displaying the
source content at all.
Matrix switching environments
represent the most difficult EDiD
management situation, with simultaneous
EDiD communications required for
multiple inputs and outputs. The
displays connected to the outputs are
very likely to be of different models and
native resolutions. The EDiD information
between them is different and needs
to be conveyed to the source devices.
proper EDiD management within the
system is crucial to consistent and
reliable operation.
what it Does
EDiD Minder is an Extron-exclusive
technology designed to provide
continuous EDiD management with DVi
or VgA source devices. its a feature
in all EDiD 101 series products and
most Extron DVi and HDMi extenders,
switchers, distribution amplifiers, signal
processors, and matrix switchers. EDiD
Minder simplifies system setup and makes
system operation virtually transparent to
the end user. Constant presence of EDiD
information made available at a source
location ensures that the source powers
up properly and reliably outputs content,
even in switching scenarios where an
input is not actively selected. in the
EDiD 101 products, pre-stored EDiD is
communicated to the source based on a
user-selected resolution and refresh rate.
or, it can be set to capture and store
EDiD information from the display itself.
EDiD 101 is available in two
models, one for DVi and one for VgA
connections. The DVi version supports
both dual and single link DVi-D as well
as DVi-A. The products are especially
useful when a device in a system doesnt
provide EDiD or doesnt allow it to be
passed from display to source.
Jim Scrivner is Manager of product Marketing at Extron
Electronics for signal processing and twisted pair
transmission, and has been with the company for 18 years.
EDID 101
eDiD 101V for VgA with 15-pin HD
in/out: part #60-991-01
eDiD 101D for DVi with DVi-i
in/out: part #60-990-01
Can be powered directly from
the source.
1" (2.5 cm) high, one-eighth rack
width metal enclosure.
optional power supply:
part #70-775-01.
www.extron.com/edid101d and
www.extron.com/edid101v for more info.
HiDDEn gEMS 57
MArKET
FoCUS
Courtroom technology
Courtroom AV is an area of opportunity for many AV providers.
by mitch Kenison
S ince 1985, the American Bar
Associations Legal Technology
resource Center has been providing
practice technology services to
its more than 400,000 members.
Among the resources that the LTrC
provides are publications, electronic
discussion forums, comparative
studies, surveys, and more. Anticipating
the increasing role of courtroom
and legal technology, the group has
conducted an annual technology
survey since 1990, tracking usage
and trends.
results from the 2010 ABA Legal
Technology Survey report were
released on September 28, 2010.
The 144-question online survey was
completed by 747 ABA members.
Among many areas explored by the
survey, responding firms report on
their experience with technology in the
courtroom. Complete results of the
survey can be obtained by visiting the
American Bar Association website at
www.abanet.org/tech.
For AV professionals, two areas of the
research highlight potential opportunities
for business. if theres one conclusion
to be drawn from the survey, its that
courtroom AV is far from a saturated
market. According to the observations
of survey respondents who practice in
courtrooms, not every room is equipped
with even the most basic AV technology
that wed expect to see in almost any
other commercial AV environment. And,
even when it is available in the courtroom,
many attorneys may not be aware that
its there, or simply dont use it. Clearly,
there is an opportunity to educate
attorneys and judges about some of the
AV hardware devices that could make
their jobs simpler and enhance their
effectiveness in the courtroom. While the
exact numbers are difficult to determine,
there are approximately 30,000 judges
in the U.S., serving in over 16,000
courthouses, according to the national
Center for State Courts.
According to the ABA survey, the
type of technology most often reported
as being provided or supported in
CoUrTESy oF AVi-SpL
 MArKET FoCUS

courtrooms visited by the respondents still competes with many older analog than twice as many respondents report
were overhead projectors; but only just devices. Surprisingly, VCrs, while nearly that they dont know whether slide
over half of the courtrooms were so extinct most other AV markets, still projectors, evidence cameras, or digital
equipped. VCrs and DVD players are appear in 22% of courtrooms. still cameras are available. There could
present in about half of the courtrooms, The use of laptops in the courtroom be many reasons for this. its possible
according to survey respondents. had increased significantly from 2007 to that many attorneys might not recognize
2008 when only 37% of respondents the equipment, or the gear might not be
used them, but has remained fairly present or visible in the courtroom unless
consistent over the last several years. in specifically requested.
AV Technology 2009 and 2010, forty-seven percent of Another factor that could account
in Courtrooms respondents said they use a laptop in for technology usage rates could be
Overhead the courtroom for various tasks. As might the availability of technical support to
projector 57%
be expected, larger firms, with more train users and maintain the equipment.
VCR 54%
than 100 attorneys, are significantly more Thirty-three percent of responding firms
DVD Player 50%
likely to use laptops in the courtroom; claimed they have no technical support
Flat panel display 43%
nearly 60% of these attorneys reported staff at all. But this varies greatly by
Television 41% using them. firm size. About 60% of firms with less
Digital projector 39% than 9 lawyers report no technical staff.
CRT monitor 31% But, only 20% of respondents from

Closed-circuit TV 22% firms of 10 to 49 attorneys report no

Use of Laptops technical staff; this drops to less than
Slide projector 19%
in Courtrooms 1% of respondents from firms of 100 or
Electronic
Whiteboard 14%
more attorneys.
Dont use them 53%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Low adoption may also be due to a
Litigation support 31% lack of training. Less than one-third of

30%
respondents report having had training
Presentation
in courtroom technologies. When
Online research 21%
usage of technology in non-technical users arent trained on
the Courtroom Check e-mail 20% specific devices, they are much less
As expected, the most used technology likely to use it. The types of training
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
remains a laptop equipped with reported varies considerably:
presentation software, like powerpoint.
But digital presentation technology 68% Trained by practicing using
technology before using it live
Possible reasons for low in court
technology Adoption 54% Attended a court-sponsored
Most Used Technologies There could be many reasons why training course
technology usage among lawyers in the 50% Used training materials
Laptop/
presentation 39% courtroom remains low relative to other provided by the court
software
Overhead
32%
markets in commercial AV. 43% received training from
Projector
one of the reasons may simply in-house staff
DVD Player 32%
be a result of not knowing whether

Digital projector 29% the technology was available to them. Mitch Kenison is national Consultant Liaison Manager at
Extron Electronics. His team provides design engineering
Awareness among respondents of the
support and product application clarification to consultants.
Flat panel display 27%
hardware provided or supported in the
All survey results 2010 American Bar Association. reprinted with
VCRs 22% courtrooms varies: for example, 24% permission. This information or any or portion thereof may not be
copied or disseminated in any form or by any means or stored in an
of respondents report that they dont electronic database or retrieval system without the express written
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
know whether overhead projectors are consent of the American Bar Association. Copies of the complete
American Bar Associations 2010 Legal Technology Survey may be
provided or supported, while more purchased from www.abanet.org.

www.avsystemsdesign.com MArKET FoCUS 59

 Live Annotation, Switching, and Scaling
in a Single Enclosure
24 on-screen tools
with Preview and
Pencil tool Program outputs

Arrow tools

Highlight tool

Hand drawing tool

Extron Annotator

The Extron Annotator is a high performance, hardware-based Key Features:

annotation processor that offers live annotation capabilities plus Real time annotations over high resolution PC and video
high performance scaling and switching on any type of display. graphics
With an intuitive graphical user interface, a presenter can easily Independent Preview and Program outputs
draw, point, or add text to motion video or still images using Hardware-based graphics and video processing
a touch screen display and/or a Intuitive graphical user interface
keyboard and mouse. The Annotators Integrated seven-input presentation switcher
seven-input switcher supports analog DVI and HD-SDI digital video inputs and outputs - various
and digital video formats including models are available to support DVI and HD-SDI signals
RGB, DVI, and HD-SDI, simplifying RGB, HDTV, and video scaling with 72 selectable output rates
up to 2048x1080 and HDTV 1080p/60
system design and significantly
Four simultaneous outputs including Extron MTP - Mini Twisted
reducing overall system cost. Supports popular touch screens
Pair
Supports popular touch screen displays, keyboard, and mouse
The Annotator is ideal for applications that require the overlay via multiple USB and PS/2 connections
of graphics and text within AV presentations, including law
enforcement, medicine, education, telepresence, and live events.

www.extron.com/draw
EDUCATion
CEnTrAL
new School of
emerging technologies
E xtron institute has added a new
offering to the curriculum for 2011,
the School of Emerging Technologies.
This school provides in-depth instruction
on new and evolving technologies,
focusing on the core topics of AV
Streaming Technology, Digital Systems,
and Fiber optic Design.
Scheduled for three full days,
Emerging Technologies allows ample
time to explore each topic, ensuring
students are thoroughly exposed
to each technology. information is
School of emerging technologies a new three day school that provides in-depth instruction on new and emerging AV technologies.
www.avsystemsdesign.com
presented through instructor-led
training, demonstrations, and hands-on
experiences in real-world scenarios
to reinforce understanding of the
technologies. To benefit from this level
of training, attendees should have a
basic understanding of system design
prior to enrollment.
The new school will be offered at
multiple locations throughout the United
States. Attendees can earn certification
or renewal units for infoComm, BiCSi
and nSCA.
extron institute
expands Facilities
and offerings
S ince 1994, Extron institute has been
providing instructor-led training on
AV technologies and product solutions
to enhance understanding throughout
the professional AV industry. The Extron
institute training program exemplifies
our commitment to the S3 concepts of
Service, Support and Solutions. The
beauty of Extron training is that we
teach the technology and provide a
solution. Then we show you how to
use that solution, says Jim Clements,
director of Education Development at
Extron. We are committed to providing
AV training, where and when our resellers
and customers need it. For 2011, Extron
institute has been expanded with new
locations, additional instructor-led training,
and revised course offerings.
EDUCATion CEnTrAL 61
 EDUCATion CEnTrAL

where is
extron institute

E xtron institute is establishing new,

permanent training facilities around
the world, the most extensive being
the Extron West S3 Training Facility
that will be located in a new, six-story
Corporate Headquarters being built
in Anaheim, CA. its 6,600 square foot
floorplan features a flexible design with
air walls that allow the training rooms
to be reconfigured for various training
activities, a product showcase room, Washington DC, London, Frankfurt, paris which brings Extron institute training
and an audio demonstration room. For and Bangalore. These will join the current to many more locations.
the convenience of US students on training facilities located in Anaheim, CA, For resellers that are unable to
the East coast, a new larger training raleigh, north Carolina, the netherlands, attend instructor-led training, Extron
facility is also under construction in the Tokyo, Shanghai, Dubai, and Singapore. offers a wide variety of training
new Extron building in raleigh, north in Australia, an Extron-exclusive courses, videos, and tools on their
Carolina. The raleigh location offers the distributor provides training, using Web site, www.extron.com/training.
full complement of instructor-led training supplied curriculum and products. For more information about training
and certification programs. For training beyond the areas served and certification opportunities,
in 2011, several additional Extron by a regional training facility, Extron please contact your Extron S3
training facilities will be opening in provides training through the Extron Customer Support representative
locations worldwide including Dallas, institute on-The-road EioTr program, at (800) 633-9876.

Extron Training Locations

Extron Europe
The Netherlands
London, UK
Extron HQ Extron China
Anaheim, CA Shanghai
Frankfurt, Germany
Paris, France
Washington, DC

Extron Japan
Extron East Tokyo
Dallas, TX Raleigh, NC
Extron Middle East
Dubai
Bangalore, India

Extron Asia
Singapore

Current Extron Training Facilities

New Extron Training Facilities

Opening in 2011

Extron Institute on the Road

62 EDUCATion CEnTrAL AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011

 N
O
W
H
Extron has great IR

CoMpAny
IN
G
career opportunities!

EVEnTS
Extron USA and EMEA are seeking qualified
applicants for a variety of career opportunities in
Sales, Technical Support, and product Support.
As an industry leader, Extron is committed
to maintaining the outstanding level of quality
services our customers expect. We strive to
continually provide Service, Support, and Solutions
to our customers: dealers, consultants, and
AV professionals. our customers are our most
important asset, and our employees are essential
2011 Extron Institute to maintaining that asset. We seek individuals who
can help us grow and who desire to achieve a
SChool loCAtion DAte rewarding career in a technical environment.

Configurable Control Systems for Higher Education Anaheim, CA Mar. 16 Sales & marketing
Applications Engineer - CA, NC
AV Technologies for Higher Education Anaheim, CA Mar. 17-18 Consultant Applications Engineer
Engineered System Technologies - Consultants raleigh, nC Mar. 17-18 Director of Marketing
Educational Market Developer
School of Emerging Technologies Seattle, WA Mar. 28-30 integration Support Specialist - CA, NC, Texas
Configurable Control Systems Seattle, WA Mar. 31 Marketing Communications Manager
Marketing Communications Writer
Configurable Control Systems for Higher Education Seattle, WA Apr. 1 product Marketing Manager
Software Applications Engineer - CA, NC
Extron Control Associate Exam Seattle, WA Apr. 1 Tradeshow Logistics Manager
Configurable Control Systems for Higher Education raleigh, nC Apr. 12
Engineering
School of Emerging Technologies raleigh, nC Apr. 13-15 AC - DC power Electronics Design Engineer
School of Emerging Technologies Dallas, TX Apr. 18-20 Applications Developer
Audio power Electronics Technician
School of Emerging Technologies Denver, Co May 2-4 Audio repair Technician
Configurable Control Systems Denver, Co May 5 Battery-powered Systems Design Engineer
Compiler Developer
Configurable Control Systems for Higher Education Denver, Co May 6 DC - DC power Electronics Design Engineer
Design Engineer
Configurable Control Systems Anaheim, CA May 11 Digital Hardware Design Engineer - CA, NC
School of Emerging Technologies Anaheim, CA May 11-13 DSp Engineer
Embedded Linux Engineer, Jr - CA, NC, NJ
School of AV Technologies for System Designers Anaheim, CA May 12-13 Embedded Linux Engineer, Sr - CA, NC, NJ
School of AV Technologies for Higher Education Anaheim, CA May 16-17 Embedded Software Engineer
Engineering project Manager - CA, NC
Configurable Control Systems for Higher Education Anaheim, CA May 18 Engineering Trainer
AV Technologies for Higher Education orlando, FL June 14 product Support Engineer
Software Build Engineer
Software Development Manager
Software Engineering project Lead
2011 Tradeshows Video Hardware Engineer
Video processing Algorithm Engineer
Show loCAtion DAte
Product Development
pro Light & Sound Frankfurt, germany Apr. 6-9 Applications Engineer - Audio
Applications Engineer - Mechanical
nAB Las Vegas, nV Apr. 11-14 Applications Engineer - Software Interaction
infoComm China 2011 Beijing, China Apr. 13-15 Designer
Applications Engineer - Software Products
palme Middle East Dubai, UAE Apr. 26-28 Applications Engineer - Software Project
LLB Expo Stockholm, Sweden May 18-20 Management
Software Applications Engineer
KoBA Seoul, South Korea June 14-17
Sales - EmEA
infoComm orlando, FL June 15-17 Account Manager - Scandinavia
integrate Expo Sydney, Australia Aug. 30-Sep. 1 Account Manager - Spain and Portugal
Technical Account Manager - Switzerland
iBC Amsterdam, netherlands Sep. 9-13 Technical Account Manager - Scandinavia
gitex Dubai, UAE oct. 9-13 Technical Account Manager - Russia
Technical Account Manager - France, Belgium
integrated Systems russia Moscow, russia nov. 8-10 and Luxembourg
inter BEE Tokyo, Japan nov. 16-18 Technical Account Manager - Northern Europe
Control Applications Engineer
Customer Support
Applications Engineer

marketing - EmEA
Technical Trainer
Marketing project Manager

Engineering - EmEA
Software Development Engineer - UK (Dartford)
Hardware Development Engineer - UK (Dartford)

For a complete list of current career opportunities

worldwide, please see our Web site at
http://www.extron.com/jobs

Extron, AVTrac, Cable Cubby, EDiD Minder, Flat Field, globalViewer, ip Link, Medialink, and System integrator are registered trademarks of extron uSA
rgB Systems, incorporated. 1230 South Lewis Street
S3 Service Support Solutions is a registered service mark of rgB Systems, incorporated. Anaheim, CA 92805
AAp, Auto-image, CDrS - Class D ripple Suppression, EDiD Manager, SiS - Simple instruction Set, TouchLink, Quantum, Vn-Matrix and EMAiL: jobs@extron.com
XTrA are trademarks of Extron Electronics.
EoE M/F/V/D
All other trademarks and copyrights mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
2011 Extron Electronics.

www.avsystemsdesign.com CoMpAny EVEnTS 63

 THE LAST WorD
our Power Supplies
Are efficient
Even Without the ENERgY STAR Logo
by Dave Pincek
T he pro AV industry thrives on
standards. in the last couple of
years, standards related to energy
efficiency have begun to emerge, but they
havent yet crystallized into a cohesive
set. Theres so much shifting going
on, its understandable that some have
found it challenging to keep up with the
changes. Take the EpAs EnErgy STAr
standard, for instance. its been well
established on consumer products for
years, but didnt cover pro AV products
until the recent release of EnErgy STAr
2.0. Then at the end of last year, one type
of product that was previously covered by
EnErgy STAr ceased to be part of the
program. This is a small sample which
shows that energy efficiency certifications
are still in a state of flux.
wheres the energy StAr logo?
This flux hasnt reduced the efficiency of
our external power supplies, but it has
had an impact on how they are labeled.
if you examine an Extron pS Series
external power supply manufactured after
December 31, 2010 you will notice that
the EnErgy STAr logo is gone and a
new Level V logo has appeared on the
label. So, whats up with that? What
happened is that the EpA recently decided
to phase out the EnErgy STAr program
covering external power supplies. There
are several reasons for the decision, but
chief among them was the fact that other
federal minimum efficiency standards for
external power supplies already meet or
exceed current EnErgy STAr standards.
64 THE LAST WorD
how to Determine efficiency
So, with the EnErgy STAr logo no
longer appearing on an external power
supply, how can you be sure that its
energy efficient? There are standards of
efficiency for power supplies created by
the California Energy Commission that
have been adopted by the Environmental
protection Agency the EpA. Five levels
were created. Level V, currently the most
efficient level, was used by EnErgy
STAr for their final testing, and is the
rating that is carried by all external
supplies currently manufactured and
supplied by Extron.
Level V requires the supply to be
tested at both 115 VAC and 230 VAC line
voltages, and with specific loads ranging
from 0% with no output or product
load to maximum output. At 0% output
or no load, the power supply must
consume less than 0.3W. That rating
is intended for all those cell phone and
pDA chargers plugged in at home with
no device connected. power efficiency is
measured at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%
loads, and the resulting efficiency factors
are averaged. To earn a Level V rating,
the average efficiency for an Extron
external power supply with an output
power rating of 12 watts must be 77%
or greater. For 36 watt supplies, it must
be 86% or greater.
This rating system is now part of the
international energy efficiency marking
protocol being implemented worldwide.
it provides a system for external power
supply manufacturers to designate a
minimum efficiency so that customers
can quickly and easily determine the
efficiency of an external power supply.
We will continue to manufacture and
design our external power supplies to
meet or exceed the international Level V
standard. you may still receive external
power supplies from Extron with the
EnErgy STAr logo, but those products
were manufactured before December
31st, 2010.
our Commitment to energy efficiency
Extron is more committed than ever
to helping consultants and integrators
deliver energy efficient solutions. Thats
why well continue to work diligently with
standards organizations to develop and
adopt standards that everyone can rely
on; while still maintaining our focus on
designing and manufacturing products
for maximum performance, reliability
and efficiency.
Dave pincek is Vice president of product Development at
Extron Electronics.
AV SyStemS DeSign Spring 2011
 A Family of Energy Efficient,
High Performance Power Amplifiers

200 Watts: 400 to 800 Watts:

XPA 1002
Stereo Power Amplifier - 100 Watts Per Channel
XPA 2001-70V
70 V Mono Power Amplifier - 200 Watts
XPA 2001-100V
100 V Mono Power Amplifier - 200 Watts
XPA 2002
40 Watts: Two Channel Power Amplifier - 200 Watts Per Channel
MPA 401-70V XPA 2002-70V & XPA 2002-100V
70 V Mono Power Amplifier - 40 Watts Two Channel Power Amplifier - 200 Watts Per Channel
MPA 401-100V XPA 2003C-70V & XPA 2003C-100V
100 V Mono Power Amplifier - 40 Watts Three Channel Combo Power Amplifier - 200 Watts Per Channel
XPA 2004
Four Channel Power Amplifier - 200 Watts Per Channel

MPA 401 & XTRA Series

Extron is pleased to offer a complete family of mono, stereo, and Key Features:
multi-channel power amplifiers for a wide range of applications ENERGY STAR 2.0 qualified and UL verified
from classrooms and boardrooms to multi-purpose rooms, Draws less than 1 watt in standby mode
auditoriums, and open spaces. The MPA 401 and the XTRA Series High performance signal-to-noise and
THD performance
of amplifiers are ENERGY STAR qualified and UL verified to meet

Extron Patented CDRS - Class D
the new Version 2.0 Audio/Video specification. These amplifiers all Ripple Suppression
draw less than 1 watt while in standby mode. Auto power-down with fast power-up
Convection cooled, fanless operation
All our amplifiers feature an Extron exclusive, highly efficient, Compact, space efficient enclosures
advanced Class D design with patented CDRS - Class D Ripple

Suppression technology that provides a smooth, clean audio

waveform and an improvement in signal fidelity over conventional
Class D amplifier designs. With compact, space efficient
Learn More About Extrons
enclosures, Extron power amplifiers are ideal for installation in Energy Efficient Amplifiers
racks and lecterns, and do not require fans for cooling. www.extron.com/amplifiers

www.extron.com
HDCP compliant Fiber Optic Extender
for HDMI, Audio, and RS-232

FOXBOX Tx HDMI
Transmitter

FOXBOX Rx HDMI
Receiver

FOXBOX HDMI
A new member of the comprehensive FOX Series of fiber optic products from Extron, the FOXBOX HDMI Fiber Optic Extender is a
transmitter and receiver set for long haul transmission of HDCP-compliant HDMI video, audio, and RS-232 control over fiber optic cable.
Engineered for reliability and exceptional high resolution image performance, it uses the Extron-exclusive all digital, zero compression
technology, to deliver perfect pixel-for-pixel transmission of HDMI video up to 1920x1200 resolution, including HDTV 1080p/60. Compact,
low profile enclosures allow for discreet installation behind a flat-panel display.

Key Features:
Sends HDMI, stereo audio, and RS-232 control
over fiber optic cable
HDMI 1.3 compatible and HDCP compliant
EDID Minder ensures proper and consistent
video from the source device
Audio embedding with gain, attenuation, and
muting control
HDMI audio de-embedding with analog Stereo
outputs
Real time monitoring of AV signals and fiber
link conditions
HDMI output delivers high resolution video,
pixel-for-pixel up to 1920x1200, including HDTV
1080p/60
One-inch high, low-profile enclosure allows for
discreet installation
For simple point-to-point applications or in
combination with FOX Series matrix switchers
for enterprise-wide distribution
Available in multimode for moderate-range
transmissions and singlemode for extreme Works with FOX Matrix Switchers for
distances up to 30 km (18.75 miles) Enterprise-wide HDCP compliant video distribution

www.extron.com/foxboxhdmi
DESIgNINg FOR DIgITAL Spring 2011