InfoComm Floor Shopper

This month in Orlando, FL, the A/V industry's largest trade show showcases everything from projectors and displays to digital signage and video streaming. Here are 20 must-see products.

• By Rhea Kelly
• 06/01/11

Note: InfoComm booth numbers were confirmed at press time but are subject to change.

Ultra-narrow Display
The new 55-inch X551UN ultra-narrow display from NEC Display Solutions is a professional-grade, large-format display designed for the rigors of 24/7 operation. Features include LED backlighting, full high-definition resolution (1,920 x 1,080), and a 5.5 mm distance between active screen areas. The X551UN can be deployed in video walls of up to 100 displays (10 x 10), and offers Intel's Open Pluggable Specification (OPS), the first industry-wide standardization in option slots that facilitates installation, use, and maintenance of digital signage. Estimated street price: $7,799. Booth 1901

Washable Headphones and Headsets
Califone International's new Titanium Series line of headphones and headsets can be completely immersed in soap and water (after the cord has been detached) for easy cleaning. To maintain safe hearing levels, the playback volume is restricted to the ASHA-recommended maximum of 85 decibels (this feature can be disarmed for hearing-impaired students). In addition, the devices' ear cups provide passive ambient-noise rejection to block external distractions. A variety of cord options are available, including USB, 3.5 mm, and dual 3.5 mm plugs. Headset prices range from $52 to $92; headphone prices, from $36 to $76. Booth 4117

Widescreen Interactive Pen Display
The DTU-2231 HD interactive pen display from Wacom features a 21.5-inch, 16:9 widescreen LCD screen and a cordless, battery-free pen that allows users to annotate presentations, create hand-drawn images, capture handwritten notes, and more. A new, customizable radial menu provides on-screen access to PowerPoint tools, eliminating the need to memorize keyboard shortcuts or search for PowerPoint menus in the middle of a presentation. Other features include a built-in DVI-I pass-through connector that handles digital or analog input and allows mirroring directly to a projector or other display; an internal scaler that can take video-input signals in different resolutions and display them in their native resolution and aspect ratio; two USB ports; anti-glare surface; and an adjustable stand that allows for 15 to 72 degrees of incline. MSRP: $1,899. Booth 2447

Capturing Class Content
Mediasite by Sonic Foundry automatically records classroom instruction and other campus events as interactive multimedia presentations that combine video and audio with any visual materials shown by the presenter (such as material from a laptop, tablet PC, interactive whiteboard, or document camera). Mediasite Recorders can be prescheduled to automatically start and stop recording, or presenters can control their own recordings from a classroom control panel. Presentations can be streamed live or on demand, and can be automatically published to searchable online Mediasite Catalogs, a learning management system, or any web portal for anytime/anywhere access. Users can also create podcasts for on-the-go playback. Contact vendor for pricing. Booth 3365

Group Collaboration Tool
Tidebreak's ClassSpot PBL software combines the interactive presentation abilities of the company's ClassSpot product with the small-team collaboration abilities of TeamSpot, providing an interactive teaching wall for guided instruction and separate areas for small-group work. As students develop material in their group environments, they can send their results to the teaching wall for group presentation and critique; others in the class are able to manipulate shared information from their seats by moving their computer cursor up to the front screen. Faculty can distribute documents to student teams with a simple drag-and-drop gesture. Contact vendor for pricing. Booth 1690

High-resolution Touchpanels
Extron's TLP 1000TV (tabletop) and TLP 1000MV (wall mount) TouchLink Touchpanels feature a 10-inch color touchscreen, 1,024 x 600 resolution, and a thin-bezel design. They also incorporate power over Ethernet, allowing the devices to receive power via the Ethernet connector. To provide integration flexibility and better cable management, an integrated MTP twisted-pair receiver accepts S-video or composite video and audio input signals over standard CAT 5 cable, minimizing the number of connections at the touchpanel. The full-motion video display supports preview and monitoring applications. Contact vendor for pricing. Booth 1501

Entry-level Visualizer
The WolfVision VZ-3 Visualizer is a live-camera system that can display two- and three-dimensional objects on any computer, monitor, projector, or videoconferencing system. The device features a 1-CCD camera boasting 30 frames per second and sRGB color, with SXGA, WXGA, and 720p native output resolutions. The VZ-3's 12x optical zoom enables it to display objects as small as a postage stamp at full-screen size. Other features include a high-brightness LED light system, auto-focus and iris, low power consumption, reflection-free working surface, flexible mounting options, and anti-theft device. Contact vendor for pricing. Booth 3611

Extra-large Screens
Draper has expanded the company's Access line of motorized, ceiling-recessed projection screens with the Access XL. Available in nontensioned sizes up to 20 feet wide and tab-tensioned sizes up to 18 feet wide, the Access XL uses the same sliding adjustable mounting brackets as other Access screens, and includes the company's "case first, screen later" feature: The screen case can be installed first to avoid screen damage during construction. The Access XL conceals the screen surface completely when not in use, and its motor-in-roller assures quiet and smooth operation. Contact vendor for pricing. Booth 3230

Greener Lamp Replacement
Projector Lamp Services' RelampIt service provides an economical and environmentally friendly lamp-replacement option: The company takes an existing projector lamp, reuses the housing, installs a new bulb, and recycles the spent bulb—ensuring that the refurbished lamp is an exact fit for the projector and reducing replacement cost and waste. The refurbished lamps are covered by a full 90-day warranty. Cost varies by lamp make and model; the average relamping cost for a front projector is $250 to $300. Booth 2449

Video Streamer/Recorder
Launching at InfoComm, the Haivision Viper Multi-Stream IP Video Streamer/Recorder is a compact, integrated appliance for capturing, streaming, reviewing, distributing, and publishing multistream video content. The device can capture and distribute multiple HD video sources or HD video and computer display sources simultaneously, and supports record/review/publish and live-streaming applications. A touchscreen provides a simple user interface programmed to serve an institution's particular publishing needs. The Viper can be integrated as a remote contributor to Haivision's Furnace IP video system, enabling a distributed recording architecture without relying on central network video recording capacity to accommodate every user. Contact vendor for pricing. Booth 4747

Switcher for Multiple Displays
The AT-HD-V1616M from Atlona is a 16 x 16 HDMI matrix switcher with RS-232 and IR remote. Designed to work as a switcher for multiple sources and displays, the device has a maximum bandwidth of 6.75 Gbps and will support video in multiple resolutions of up to 1080p. It allows any video input to be routed to any output, the same input to be routed to all outputs, or any combination thereof—eliminating the need to constantly move around video input and output cables. Other features include full 3D support, a redundant power supply, and equalized inputs/outputs. RS-232 control allows the switcher to be managed by third-party control systems such as Crestron, AMX, and Control4, or any computerized software/hardware control systems. MSRP: $12,999. Booth 3671

In-wall Touchpanel Controller
The RK10 in-wall touchpanel controller from RTI can take full command of a room's electronics, lighting, HVAC, security, and more. The device features a 10.2-inch TFT widescreen LCD touchscreen, fully customizable interface, and Intel Atom processor. Communications options include a built-in wired and wireless (802.11b/g) Ethernet connection for easy access to network security cameras, web browsing, convenient programming, and full two-way communication with RTI XP series control processors. Flexible mounting options allow the RK10 to be flush- or surface-mounted on a wall, as well as attached to standard VESA-style display mounts. MSRP: $3,499. Booth 3163

Dynamic Digital Signage Platform
X2O Media's next-generation Nitro graphics platform provides new display possibilities for any kind of dynamic digital signage content. Nitro combines graphics and real-time animations with features such as "Channel-in-Channel" capability (for overlapping channel layers) and integrated 3D support for the creation of 3D objects and tickers. The platform supports multitouch touchscreens and any-resolution output, from single screens to multiscreen command centers and video walls. X2O will be introducing products powered by Nitro throughout 2011. Contact vendor for pricing. Booth 4983

Multimedia Management
The Epson PowerLite Pilot Connection and Control Box provides centralized multimedia management for the company's wall-mounted short-throw and ultra-short-throw projectors. The device can connect and manage audio and video sources such as computers, DVD players, iPods, and more, simplifying projector operation and cable management. The control box is designed to mount on a wall next to the projected image, allowing instructors to change sources or adjust volume with the press of a button—eliminating the need for a projector remote control. Optional accessories include a set of two speakers with built-in amplifier, and a wireless pendant microphone. Estimated street price: $249. Booth 1942

Widescreen Portable Projector
The LV-8225 LCD portable projector from Canon offers native WXGA resolution for 16:10 widescreen images and 2,500 lumens of brightness. With the push of a button, the device automatically identifies the type of input signal (video or computer) and synchronizes the projector's display with the computer screen's pixel configuration. An auto vertical keystone feature adjusts the projected image when the projector is facing the screen at an angle. Other features include an extended lamp life of up to 6,000 hours in quiet mode; air filter life of up to 5,500 hours in eco mode; wide-angle 1.2x zoom lens; operation noise of only 29 decibels (in quiet mode); multiple inputs; and RJ-45 and RS-232C connections for full LAN control and remote PC control. MSRP: $799. Booth 3628

Digital Signage With Dynamic Wayfinding
Omnivex's Moxie 6.08, the latest version of the company's digital signage software, includes dynamic wayfinding with dynamic path rendering and flexible metadata that allows any content to be displayed when an interest point is selected. Other improvements include unlimited levels of undo and redo; enhanced playlist capabilities; usability changes to make everyday activities quicker and easier; integrated remote deployment; Windows log on integration; encryption control; and communications optimization for faster updates using less bandwidth. Contact vendor for pricing. Booth 4549

Portable Live Streaming Appliance
Digital Rapids is showcasing the new 2.0 version of its TouchStream portable encoding and live-streaming appliance. New support for Digital Rapids' Broadcast Manager multi-encoder management software enables comprehensive management and control of multiple TouchStream units remotely, from a centralized location. Features include scheduling, "failover" (automatic switching to a backup encoder) for fault tolerance, and a "control room" view with mosaic-style, multichannel confidence monitoring (to allow users to check that material is being recorded correctly). TouchStream 2.0 also includes adaptive streaming for Apple iPhone/iPad and expanded Microsoft IIS Smooth Streaming capabilities for Silverlight-powered content. Pricing ranges from $3,995 (standard definition, analog video input) to $10,000 (high definition). Booth 2378

Rack-Mounted Equipment Storage
Da-Lite's Dual 14 Space Equipment Rack Cart features two 14-rack cabinets to accommodate storage of rack-mounted equipment while maintaining a standard furniture height of 32 inches. Locking smoked acrylic front doors enable easy transmission of infrared signals, and a removable rear-access panel facilitates equipment installation and maintenance. Other features include two six-outlet electrical strips, dual cooling fans, top and bottom grommet holes for easy cable pass-through, and six 3-inch casters. The cart is available in seven hand-rubbed veneer finishes, four laminate finishes, or any custom finish. MSRP: $2,008 with standard veneer finish; $1,872 with laminate finish. Booth 2501

High-Brightness Projector
The SH960 DLP projector from BenQ features 1080p native resolution, BrilliantColor technology, and a brightness of 5,500 ANSI lumens, allowing the device to project brilliant images even in ambient light. The SH960 is equipped with a 3,000:1 contrast ratio and native 16:9 aspect ratio with a 1.07 billion-color palette. Its dual-lamp design allows users to opt for maximum brightness or an eco mode that extends lamp life by 50 percent. Horizontal and vertical lens shift technology gives users flexibility in projector placement, allowing the focal point of the lens to be adjusted in venues where dead-center placement isn't possible. And the company's proprietary Wall Color Correction feature allows users to adjust the projector's output for natural-looking color even on tinted walls. MSRP: $6,999. Booth 943

Extreme Short-Throw Projection
Mitsubishi's EST (extreme short-throw) line of ultra-short-throw DLP projectors uses a specially crafted lens (rather than mirrors) that can project a 70-inch image from less than 23 inches away. The widescreen format WD380U-EST and XGA-resolution XD360U-EST boast 2,800 and 2,500 lumens of brightness respectively, 3,000:1 contrast ratio, 6,000-hour lamp life (in low mode), and a noise level of 28 decibels. The models weigh just 9 pounds, making them easy to carry or place on an AV cart. A built-in 10-watt speaker with variable audio output eliminates the need for external amplifiers and speakers. MSRP: $1,299 for the WD380U-EST; $1,199 for the XD360U-EST. Booth 3400