CT Solutions
Fast, Economical Color
Epson America has announced the B-500DN color printer, designed to print
at economically high speeds while maintaining reliability and a high
ink cartridge yield. Ink costs come in at less than 1 cent per
page for black and 3 cents per page for color. Features
include Ethernet connectivity, print speed of up to 37 pages
per minute in draft mode, two paper sources with a combined
capacity of 650 sheets, duplex printing, and an advanced
auto nozzle check system to automatically minimize nozzle
clogging. Estimated street price: $549.
High-Performance Digital Recorder
Security solution manufacturer Bosch Security Systems has introduced the Divar XF digital recorder, providing
real-time viewing, recording, and playback in 4CIF resolution, as well as synchronous
audio support on every channel. The machine’s design incorporates
H.264 compression technology, allowing the Divar XF to
deliver high-resolution images while reducing storage costs by as
much as 30 percent, compared to traditional MPEG-4 encoding. Its four hard disk drives
are accessible from the front of the unit, for easy servicing. Contact vendor for pricing.
Hard to Steal
Steal Security has unveiled the AV Cage rev. 2 anti-theft projector mount. Designed to fit a wide range of
projectors, the mount features fully perforated interlocking top plates, allowing up to 180 possible mounting positions for
the ball and collar, while also enhancing airflow around the projector. Other features
include full wrap wings; lock tab with a 2.5-inch range of adjustment; and five possible
mounting positions for each of the movable left and right arms. The AV Cage rev. 2 is manufactured from heavy gauge cold-rolled steel, finished in a durable industrial
powder coat. MSRP: $425.
Personal Telepresence
Cisco Systems has unveiled the Cisco TelePresence System 500, a
personal telepresence system designed for use in individual offices. The
smaller form factor retains Cisco’s life-size, face-to-face telepresence
interaction while providing the flexibility to support one-on-one meetings
or allow individuals to participate in larger group meetings from their personal
workspaces. The Cisco TelePresence System 500 integrates a 37-inch display, camera, microphone array, speakers,
and specially designed lighting in a complete solution that can be placed on a desk or pedestal, or mounted on the
wall in a private office. List price: $33,900.
Web-Based Help Desk
Software management solution provider CrossTec has released CrossTec
ResQDesk, web-based help desk software aimed at minimizing system downtime
while providing support for all users of IT assets. With ResQDesk, a help
desk can be consolidated into one location, while still generating detailed
recording and tracking of enterprise-wide support requests. The system can
operate as a standalone module, or in conjunction with CrossTec EMS (IT asset management software) and CrossTec
Remote Control. Pricing starts at $1,800.
Open E-Mail
AtMail, a provider of Linux-based e-mail management appliances and software, has introduced AtMail Open, a new open source webmail offering based on the company’s flagship messaging platform. The solution’s AJAX
interface capabilities provide for a quick, stable, intuitive e-mail experience. Advanced features include inline spell check,
address book, and video mail (enabling users to record streaming videos
and send e-mail messages with video clips embedded, rather than as
bulky attachments). All source code is available (even for commercial
versions), allowing for easy customization and integration with other
tools. Free download is available here.
Organize and Collaborate
Mead (maker of school supplies like the Trapper Keeper and Five Star)
has introduced Mead Map, a Web 2.0 application designed to help
students take notes and more effectively manage group projects. The
flash-based mind-mapping app allows users to instantly access notes
and group projects from any computer with an internet connection,
with no download required. Mead Map supports real-time collaboration for up to 20 users through share, publish, and
chat functions. Individual subscriptions are $15 for six months or $25 for a year.
Multimedia, HD-Ready Visual Presenter
Visual presentation solution provider Lumens has unveiled the DC260, a multimedia, HDready,
portable visual presenter with a dedicated, high-performance application processor
designed for high-quality video, image, and graphics processing. Features include 1080p
HDMI output for a large-screen, flat-panel, high-definition display; full-frame video recording;
built-in microphone; 3x optical zoom; SXGA output with extended gooseneck; and a
double lamp design for optimal lighting. Presentations can be recorded and stored on an
external SD memory card that supports up to 32GB of memory, plus the DC260 can hold up to 240 JPEG images internally.
List price: $999.
Next-Gen High Resolution
Digital imaging vendor Canon has added the WUX10 WUXGA-resolution (1920x1200) widescreen LCOS projector to its
REALiS multimedia projector line. The WUX10 delivers the highest resolution of any Canon projector, 3,200 lumens of brightness,
and a contrast ratio of 1,000:1. A newly developed 1.5x powered zoom/focus lens provides increased resolution and
suppression of lens aberrations, as well as improved 10:0 lens offset, reducing the
need for tilting and/or keystone correction. The 16:10-ratio display area
enables a user to project his computer’s entire screen in its true proportions,
just as it appears on a widescreen monitor. Ships in October at
a suggested list price of $12,999.
