Archive for November, 2011

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HARMAN Now Offers Public Beta Version of Its JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™ Sound Reinforcement System Design Software

by Definition Branding & Marketing Posted: Tuesday, 11/29/2011

NORTHRIDGE, California – HARMAN Professional today announced that its JBL HiQnet Performance Manager™ sound reinforcement system design software is now available to users as a public beta version. JBL HiQnet Performance Manager had been previously available to a closed group of 60 worldwide beta testers.

JBL HiQnet Performance Manager is a highly refined user interface that facilitates the design of touring and live performance venue sound reinforcement systems. Created especially for touring and theatrical sound engineering, Performance Manager is an application-specific iteration of the category-leading HARMAN HiQnet System Architect™ configuration and control software application for professional-grade audio system integration.

“JBL HiQnet Performance Manager is a powerful tool that makes the design, setup and tuning of a JBL VERTEC loudspeaker system a lot faster and more efficient,” noted Adam Holladay, Market Manager, HARMAN System Development and Integration Group.

“The response from our beta testers has been extremely positive,” continued Holladay. “In venue after venue, JBL VERTEC system engineers have been able to achieve consistently higher levels of performance than before. They note that they are also able to set up a system more quickly, saving time and money. Now that we are making it available in a public beta version, many more users will have the opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of Performance Manager as a free download.”

The public beta version of Performance Manager is available at http://hiqnet.harmanpro.com. The beta version is functional except that users will need to apply for a license key in order to go online and access the online operate modes of certain system devices. An in-depth series of training videos can be viewed at http://hiqnet.harmanpro.com/training/. The full version of JBL HiQnet Performance Manager will be available in early 2012 at a suggested retail price of $399.

Winner of a 2011 PLASA Innovation Award and a finalist for the upcoming EMEA 2012 InAVation awards for which voting is currently open, JBL HiQnet Performance Manager provides a comprehensive, step-by-step workflow that directly corresponds to real-world system configuration, taking the workflow paradigm introduced in System Architect 2 to a higher level of functionality for any live performance audio application. It is fully integrated with JBL’s Line Array Calculator II loudspeaker configuration and acoustic modeling software.

The user begins by loading templates of the speaker arrays used in the system, and then runs Line Array Calculator II for each array as part of the initial sound design task of determining how many and which type of loudspeakers are required to cover a given venue. For each array, Performance Manager automatically loads the passive VERTEC or powered VERTEC DrivePack DPDA line array configuration into the main application workspace – the first of many automated design processes native to the software application. Loudspeakers can also be manually loaded into the templates if desired.

Once the user defines the required amplifier parameters for the passive loudspeakers within the arrays, Performance Manager automatically loads the correct number of Crown Audio VRACK or other user-determined amplifier racks into the audio system. The software then associates the amplifier outputs with the bandpass crossover inputs for the selected array and programs the amplifiers with the correct JBL preset data, as well as gain shading and JBL Line Array Control Panel equalization parameters that are determined in JBL’s Line Array Calculator II as part of the modeling process to optimize sound pressure level and frequency response over the defined audience geometry.

Representations of the bandpass inputs for each loudspeaker section are overlaid onto the arrays, enabling the user to easily visualize the array configuration, whether JBL DrivePack-powered or driven by external Crown power amplifiers.  Performance Manager software also significantly simplifies system-networking configuration – the user can simply drag and drop devices discovered on the network onto the pre-configured devices within the Performance Manager workspace to synchronize all addressing and parameter values.

In addition, the Performance Manager graphical interface provides embedded control panels for array calibration, time alignment and system EQ which utilize input section digital signal processing resources available in either Crown I-Tech HD power amplifiers or JBL DrivePack-powered loudspeakers with DPDA digital audio input modules. Input attenuation, equalization, delay settings and bandpass controls are all readily accessible directly within the main application workspace along with flexible grouping and comprehensive solo/mute functionality for system testing.

Once system tuning is complete, Performance Manager’s Show Mode display is optimized for the actual live performance, offering appropriate adjustment control ballistics for equalization and dedicated monitoring interfaces for levels, speaker loads, thermal conditions and AC power requirements. The workspace for all stages of Performance Manager’s workflow has a common design motif, with monitoring functions overlaid on top of the same loudspeaker bandpass representations within the workspace, making visualization easier and more consistent across various workflow screens.

HARMAN HiQnet™ is the world’s first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. HARMAN HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across HARMAN’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

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Hitachi Introduces the CP-RX94 Ultra-Portable 3LCD Projector

by Definition Branding & Marketing Posted: Tuesday, 11/29/2011

CHULA VISTA, California, November 29, 2011 — Hitachi America, Ltd., Digital Media Division, Business Solutions Group today introduced its CP-RX94 3LCD projector. Weighing just five pounds and measuring 12 x 8.7 x 3 inches, the new CP-RX94 is ideal for business, educational and on-the-go applications and combines ease of operation with a host of useful features including HDMI connectivity.

The CP-RX94 includes Hitachi’s exclusive Intelligent Eco feature, which automatically changes the brightness of the lamp according to the brightness level of the image. The lamp becomes brighter when the input signal is high and dimmer when the input signal is low, saving lamp life and energy. The CP-RX94 delivers 2,600 ANSI lumens brightness with XGA resolution. Though highly compact, the CP-RX94 can project images up to 300 inches (diagonal measurement).

The Hitachi CP-RX94 provides a wealth of convenience features. Its exclusive Input Source Naming allows users to name their input sources as they choose, instead of being restricted to factory default settings. A Template function can project four different types of line templates that make it easier to write on a whiteboard. In addition, the projector’s Whiteboard Mode limits the peak white output when used with a whiteboard, to help reduce eyestrain.

Two customizable MyButton/MySource buttons on the remote control let users create shortcuts for any projector command. For connection to a document camera, MySource allows users to add a third Document Camera source button. The remote offers selectable IR frequency operation to avoid interference.

Additional features include a built-in speaker, closed captioning capability, a security sensor that recognizes when the projector has been moved and disables it until its PIN Lock code is entered and more. The CP-RX94 includes an HDMI® input, an RGB computer input, an RGB input/monitor output, S-Video and composite video inputs as well as RCA audio inputs and outputs. The CP-RX94 also has built-in front air exhaust, designed to direct warm air away from the audience.

For more information on Hitachi visit www.hitachi-america.us/digitalmedia

ABOUT HITACHI

Hitachi America, Ltd., headquartered in Tarrytown, New York, a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., and its subsidiary companies offer a broad range of electronics, power and industrial equipment and services, automotive products and consumer electronics with operations throughout the Americas. For more information, visit www.hitachi-america.us. For information on other Hitachi Group companies in the United States, please visit www.hitachi.us.

Hitachi America, Ltd., Digital Media Division, Business Solutions Group markets LCD projectors, interactive panels and whiteboards and security and observation system products through value added resellers, system integrators, distributors and OEMs.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 360,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2010 (ended March 31, 2011) consolidated revenues totaled 9,315 billion yen ($112.2 billion). Hitachi will focus more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes information and telecommunication systems, power systems, environmental, industrial and transportation systems, and social and urban systems, as well as the sophisticated materials and key devices that support them. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at http://www.hitachi.com

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OpenJaw Technologies announces partnership with VAYANT

by Definition Branding & Marketing Posted: Tuesday, 11/29/2011

Miami, FLORIDA -29 November 2011 – OpenJaw Technologies, a global leader in delivering online retail technology and services to the travel industry, today announced extensive new flight shopping capabilities of the xDistributor Platform Internet Booking Engine (IBE).  Unlike other vendor offerings, all aspects of flight shopping (i.e. calendar/flexible search, fares pricing, availability, taxes, surcharges, schedules, branded Fare Families and up sell) are fully supported without sending a single message to a Global Distribution System (GDS).  This advanced IBE is aimed at providing airlines with full control, major cost reductions, improved yield and effective brand promotion. The advanced flight shopping capabilities have been enabled by VAYANT Travel Technologies OneSearchTM fares pricing and shopping engine.

The xDistributor IBE seamlessly handles the complexities of airfare search and shopping, and delivers unrivalled levels of retail channel control and flexibility to the business. A comprehensive set of capabilities are independently delivered without expensive calls to a GDS, thereby greatly reducing the cost of flight shopping.

Access to worldwide multi-carrier inventory facilitates faster calendar searches and minimizes pre-booking stage failures, thereby improving conversion and customer satisfaction. This also enables airlines to effectively sell flights of code share, interline and alliance partners.

The xDistributor Platform flight shopping capabilities include:

  • Fast and accurate “flexible dates” search with branded (Fare Family) calendar and other displays
  • Fares pricing – full Fares and Rules implementation (ATPCO)
  • Worldwide, multi-carrier availability
  • Taxes (IATA) and surcharge calculation, schedule updates (OAG)
  • Branded Fare Family offering without a need to update millions of fares
  • Flight Up Sell (Fare Family and Cabin)
  • Multiple flight display options

The xDistributor Platform is now the most advanced single retail platform for all flight, hotel, car rental, dynamic packages, redemption and other ancillary selling.  As a comprehensive retail platform, xDistributor enables customers to introduce new functionality allowing them to effectively address key business problems, unlock additional opportunities and stay ahead of the competition.

“Flight shopping solutions provided by legacy players have cornered the flight shopping market for some time. With the world of airline distribution rapidly evolving there is now an economic imperative to decouple fare shopping from the traditional GDS model,” said Kieron Branagan, CEO, OpenJaw Technologies. “Our agreement with VAYANT demonstrates our commitment to advancing in this market and delivering more choice and better value to airlines”.

“We are extremely pleased to be working with OpenJaw, a global leader in travel distribution technology,” said Brian Clark, VAYANT’s CEO. “With the latest xDistributor IBE including VAYANT’s OneSearch airfare shopping engine, two great technologies are now integrated to bring online travel retailers unrivalled search results and revenue capture capabilities, at a lower distribution expense.”

For more information on flight shopping with the xDistributor Platform email sales@openjawtech.com.

About OpenJaw Technologies

OpenJaw Technologies is a global leader in delivering online retail technology and services to the travel industry.  OpenJaw enables Airlines, Hotels, Online (OTAs) and Retail Travel Agencies, and Loyalty Programs to easily market, promote and sell their products online – in ways that enhance the brand experience.

The xDistributor Platform powers all OpenJaw’s solutions, delivering unrivalled levels of business control, supplier connectivity and flexibility. OpenJaw’s solutions unlock benefits such as market differentiation, increased profitability and greater customer engagement.

Some of the world’s leading travel companies number among OpenJaw’s customers, including: British Airways, Etihad, KLM, Air Miles, Hyatt, Aeroplan and SAS.  Headquartered in Dublin Ireland, OpenJaw has regional offices in Galway, Madrid, Frankfurt and Dallas – in addition to representation in Moscow.  OpenJaw Technologies is a member and active participant of the Open Travel™ Alliance, CASMA, TTI and HTNG.

Amanda Campbell
Marketing Manager
+353-1-882-5444

Amanda.campbell@openjawtech.com

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HARMAN’s Soundcraft® Si Compact 32 Console Allows Students To Take Control At Fort Zumwalt West High School

by Definition Branding & Marketing Posted: Monday, 11/28/2011

O’FALLON, Missouri — In order to accommodate the musicals, concerts, dance recitals, talent shows and much more that it holds throughout the academic year, Fort Zumwalt West High School in Missouri recently purchased a HARMAN Soundcraft Si Compact 32 audio mixing console.

Tim Croghan, Auditorium Manager for the school, has been working with the Fort Zumwalt School District for 20 years and helped design and build the auditorium and sound system, and was looking to upgrade from the original analog sound board the school was using. Based on his positive experience with previous Soundcraft products, Croghan decided the Si Compact 32 was an ideal fit.

Croghan chose the Si Compact 32 for many reasons, including the console’s flexibility for the variety of school events. “We like to do production work, mix our own sound effects and record the chorus and bands for live CD’s. Another great use is to mix songs together for football games and sporting events. We simply have an endless amount of options,” he said.

Most of the time, however, the students are the ones operating the console. “It’s the perfect machine to teach to the students. When we got it, the kids were learning faster than I could and ended up teaching me a few things,” Croghan said with a laugh. The students, usually around 15 or 16 years old, enjoy working directly with the console and immediately seeing the results of their work. “It’s great because you don’t need a real in-depth concept of audio production; for a student, to be able to move the fader up and down, gives them the feeling of control we want them to have.”

When working on production for different events, Croghan mentioned that they use the Si Compact as a creative tool as well. “We can have sound effects called by the director just like a lighting effect. Everything that we do can be tied into the script, and we can create actual cues and microphone levels based on what the director wants,” he said.

“Everything about the board is perfect for what we need,” Croghan added. “It allows the kids to have the freedom to operate, and Soundcraft gives us the security of having a reliable console that doesn’t wear or break down. There are so many more outputs than we’re used to, and we are still exploring the ways that we can do more. Overall the board is so much cleaner and crisper.”

Croghan is thrilled the students have the chance to use such a high-end product in a school setting. During a recent Battle of the Bands event, Croghan was shocked to see the ability of the groups to manipulate the settings to find the sound they wanted to achieve, and how they were able to make it happen with very little help.

“Having the Si Compact allows our program to keep growing and expanding not only physically but through music education as well. The console gives us so much opportunity and we are all excited to see the students continue to explore and continue to thrive through the opportunities we give them,” Croghan summed up.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

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HARMAN’s Studer Announces More Studer Broadcast Academy Training for Freelance and In-House Engineers

by Definition Branding & Marketing Posted: Monday, 11/28/2011

POTTERS BAR, United Kingdom — Building on its overwhelmingly successful Broadcast Academy program, HARMAN’s Studer has announced additional free half-day Studer Broadcast Academy introductory training sessions on its Vista and OnAir digital consoles. The sessions will be held at the Soundcraft Studer premises in Hertfordshire, and will include instruction on the new Vista 9, Vista 5 M2, OnAir 1500 and OnAir 3000 desks.

Planned for December 9, January 26 and March 15, 2012, the courses are conducted by independent ex-BBC sound engineer Micky Curling in Studer’s purpose-built studios providing the perfect opportunity for freelance and in-house engineers to get hands-on experience with Studer consoles.

All attendees will be offered lunch, as well as morning and afternoon refreshments, and will also be given a tour of the impressive Soundcraft and Studer manufacturing facility. In the adjoining museum attendees are able to view consoles and tape machines from both Studer and Soundcraft’s past, dating back to the 1950’s.

For those interested in detailed training and factory certification, Studer also offers full-day courses on the Vista series: “Vista Foundation” includes product overview, Vistonics™ U/I and general operation, connection with third-party networks including Optocore and Aviom, and integration with Riedel’s RockNet and MediaNet. “Vista Intermediate” includes more advanced topics such as detailed presentation of the DSP, I/O formats, Virtual Vista remote control and system redundancy.

To apply for a place on the course or register for interest in future courses, please visit our training registration page, http://www.studer.ch/support/training_UK_intro.aspx

For US training visit http://usa.studer.ch/support/us_truck_tour.aspx, where you can enroll on the mobile Studer Broadcast Academy in the custom-built 73-foot truck.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

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