LEDMAN, a manufacturer of low cost/high quality LED screens is releasing a system designed for interactive classrooms. One of the interesting features is they have what looks to be a chalk board but it is a screen that is capturing and displaying on the video screen.
Please email me if you’d be interested in a remote demo and we’ll schedule something.
In today’s world, wireless presentation systems are becoming increasingly popular. They offer several advantages over traditional wired presentation systems, including ease of use, flexibility, and reliability.
One of the biggest advantages of wireless presentation systems is their ease of use. With a wireless presentation system, there is no need to connect any cables between your computer and the display. This makes it much easier to set up and use your presentation, especially in large or crowded rooms.
Wireless presentation systems also offer a great deal of flexibility. With a wireless presentation system, you can present from anywhere in the room. This is ideal for presentations where you need to move around and interact with your audience.
Finally, wireless presentation systems are very reliable. They are less likely to experience interference or signal loss than traditional wired presentation systems. This means that you can be confident that your presentation will go off without a hitch.
If you are looking for a wireless presentation system that is easy to use, flexible, and reliable, then the Panasonic PressIT Wireless Presentation System is a great option. It is a high-quality system that offers a few features that make it ideal for both business and personal use.
Features of the Panasonic PressIT Wireless Presentation System
The Panasonic PressIT Wireless Presentation System offers several features that make it a great choice for both business and personal use. These features include:
There are many benefits to using the Panasonic PressIT Wireless Presentation System. These benefits include:
Conclusion
The Panasonic PressIT Wireless Presentation System is a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable and easy-to-use wireless presentation system. It offers several features that make it ideal for both business and personal use. If you are looking for a wireless presentation system that can help you to increase your productivity, improve collaboration, and enhance engagement, then the Panasonic PressIT Wireless Presentation System is a great option.
Creating a well-designed, resilient, and secure AV over IP network that is integrated into the overall technology infrastructure of a university campus requires funding for equipment, training for staff and faculty, and the creation of a diverse and dedicated AV support teams to ensure proper maintenance and operation of the AV systems. All this adds up to a seemingly unsurmountable series of tasks.
In a session of the DDMC, Dr. Joe Way, the Director of Learning Environments at the University of Southern California, along with his senior team of Raj Singh and Chi Lo, discussed the challenges they faced and their approach to resolving them in their own AV network.
Raj Singh kicked off our session with pointing out initial challenges of managing multicast traffic and traversing between different switches and VLANs for the AV system in USC. They performed a stress test with about 40 rooms to create a playbook for replication and put network and security team guardrails to contain the multicast traffic. Challenges also include securing IP traffic, issues with bandwidth, multicast routing, and multi-MAC exemptions. USC’s approach to network AV is a top-down approach, designing rules and systems first and then propagating down to individual rooms. Data hygiene is important in network-based AV environments, unlike traditional AV where devices can be easily connected and swapped out.
Chi Lo further discussed stress testing a network to ensure it can handle high bandwidth traffic, such as 4K video. Recommend testing all scenarios and maximizing bandwidth to guarantee network readiness for future needs. The importance of direct connection of encoders and decoders to the distribution switcher is emphasized. Firmware updates that allow traversing across multiple fabrics and implementing software based VLAN separation.
The conversation continued with a question about USCs networking approach for distributing AV over IP system. Layer 2 or 3 and why? With a flat layer 2 network and the need for a layer 3 model with edge routing to avoid the whole system going down if a point in the network fails. Raj spoke to the use of router stacks on each floor of the building and keeping the AV system separate to that floor. The approach includes a mix of layer 2 and layer 3 with direct connections to network switches for multicast devices, and a registration and monitoring system for security.
The importance of security measures in the network and how USC went through an approval process with its own network security team to ensure the firewall rules and ports were secured was also discussed in detail. They partnered with the CEO’s office and IT infrastructure early on to get their approval and blessing, which slowed down the process initially but ultimately fast-tracked everything else. They were able to develop policies and tools to monitor the system and detect anomalies. They also used software-based tools to see what type of process is causing issues in the network.
Tracking metrics becomes the priority once an AV over IP network is in place, one on the engineering side and the other on the IT side. They are looking at things like network bandwidth, CPU cycles, packet loss, latency, and connectivity. Exploration of self-healing solutions for issues like cameras going offline, which can be fixed by power cycling. The team is also focused on ensuring that all their devices are running the latest software to enable them to connect to different platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom,and Webex. Compliance and security risks are also taken seriously, and upgrades are made promptly when necessary.
In conclusion, the DDMC session featuring Dr. Joe Way, Raj Singh, and Chi Lo provided valuable insights into the challenges faced and solutions implemented in the AV network at the University of Southern California. From network security and software updates to equipment maintenance and user support, the USC team demonstrated a comprehensive approach to managing a complex AV infrastructure.
While we have summarized some key points from the session, there are many more details to be learned from watching the recorded video. Overall, this session serves as a valuable resource for anyone involved in AV network management, particularly in an educational or large organizational setting.
The use of technology in the classroom is becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s educational landscape. As schools and universities adopt new and innovative solutions to enhance the learning experience for students, one area of focus has been improving the quality of audio in the classroom. The DDMC recently sat down with Steven Pretzer, an AV support tech at Fuqua School of Business, to discuss the installation of three new microphone arrays in the McClendon and HCA classrooms. In this article, we will explore the benefits of microphone arrays over traditional tabletop microphones, the challenges of implementing them in a classroom setting, and best practices for their use.
A microphone array is a microphone system that uses multiple microphones arranged in a specific pattern to capture audio in challenging acoustic environments. It uses beamforming technology to enhance sound coming from specific directions while reducing unwanted background noise and reverberation. The microphones are combined to create a virtual microphone that can be aimed and steered to capture audio from a particular area. It is often used in situations where multiple speakers are present, such as in a panel discussion or a classroom lecture and can provide high-quality audio for remote participants in video conferencing systems.
A microphone array differs from a tabletop microphone in several ways. First, a microphone array is typically mounted on the ceiling or wall and can capture audio from multiple directions simultaneously, while a tabletop microphone only captures audio from a single direction. This allows microphone arrays to pick up a wider range of sounds and voices in a classroom setting, improving the overall quality of audio.
Using microphone arrays instead of tabletop microphones in a classroom setting offers several benefits, including the ability to capture sound from a wider area, reducing background noise and reverberation, being more discreet, and being more cost-effective in the long run. This enhances the learning experience for students and teachers alike by providing clear and intelligible audio in a range of challenging acoustic environments.
Microphone arrays improve the quality of audio in a classroom environment by providing clear and intelligible audio that can be easily understood by students and teachers. This is achieved through a combination of features, including the ability to capture sound from a wider area, reducing background noise and reverberation, and the ability to steer and focus the audio in real-time towards the person speaking. In contrast, traditional tabletop microphones can often be garbled and difficult to distinguish between speakers, particularly in larger classrooms or lecture halls. By using microphone arrays, the need for additional equipment, such as lavaliere microphones, can also be reduced, resulting in a simpler and more streamlined audio setup that is easier to manage and maintain. Overall, the use of microphone arrays can significantly enhance the quality of audio in a classroom environment, improving the learning experience for students and teachers alike.
Implementing microphone arrays in a classroom can present several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure optimal performance. One of the main challenges is the complex acoustic environment of a classroom, which can include a variety of sound sources, such as students talking, moving around, and rustling papers. In addition, the shape and size of the classroom, as well as the placement of the microphones, can also affect the quality of the audio captured.
To address these challenges, it is important to carefully plan the installation and setup of the microphone array system. This may involve using specialized software to analyze the acoustic environment and optimize the placement and configuration of the microphones. It may also involve walking the room and testing the system to ensure that it is capturing clear and intelligible audio from all areas of the classroom.
Installation type and location, backend interface. All play into the choice.
When selecting a microphone array for a classroom, factors such as installation type and location, backend interface, size and shape of the room, number of students and teachers, and the acoustic environment of the room should be considered. Ceiling-mounted microphones may offer wider coverage and be more discreet, while wall-mounted microphones can provide better directionality and control. The interface should be compatible with the existing audio system and any additional equipment that may be needed. Advanced noise reduction capabilities may be necessary for classrooms with high levels of ambient noise. By carefully considering the specific needs of the classroom and the capabilities of different microphone array systems, schools and universities can select a system that provides clear and intelligible audio for students and teachers.
Clarity, Clarity, Clarity!
Microphone arrays can greatly enhance the learning experience for both students and teachers in the classroom. They improve the clarity of audio, reduce the need for repeating questions, and help the classroom flow more smoothly. Microphone arrays can create a more inclusive learning environment, making it easier for all students to hear and understand what is being said. This is particularly beneficial for students with hearing impairments or those who may struggle to hear in a crowded or noisy classroom. Overall, microphone arrays can greatly enhance the learning experience in the classroom by improving audio quality and creating a more inclusive environment.
Ceiling-mounted microphone arrays can offer superior audio quality compared to other types of microphones, thanks to their advanced beamforming technology. This technology allows the microphones to focus on the speaker and filter out unwanted background noise, resulting in clear and intelligible audio for all students. While other types of microphones, such as wall-mounted or portable microphone arrays, may be suitable for certain classrooms, ceiling-mounted microphone arrays offer several key advantages that make them a superior solution for most classroom environments. By providing wide coverage, reducing disruptions, and delivering high-quality audio, ceiling-mounted microphone arrays can greatly enhance the learning experience for both students and teachers.
A In line ducker in the DSP. Gain Structure. Focused on speech. High Pass filters. NOM limit of 1 with the ceiling arrays to keep the noise floor low and a lower hold time on the gating auto mixer to ease the transition between open mics.
If something you’re doing is not making it better? Don’t do it!
To optimize the use of microphone arrays in a classroom setting, there are some best practices that should be followed. Firstly, it is important to use an in-line ducker in the DSP, which will automatically lower the volume ofany background noise when someone is speaking. This can greatly improve the overall audio quality and intelligibility.
Secondly, attention should be paid to gain structure, ensuring that the microphones are set at the appropriate level to capture speech without picking up unwanted noise. Additionally, the microphones should be focused on speech, with any background noise or reverberation minimized using high-pass filters.
Finally, it is important to remember that if a certain adjustment or change is not making the audio quality better, it is better not to do it. This can prevent unnecessary tinkering and ensure that the microphone arrays are being used in the most effective and efficient way possible. By following these best practices, the use of microphone arrays in a classroom setting can be optimized, resulting in improved audio quality and a more effective learning environment.
Additionally, the advanced beamforming technology of microphone arrays allows them to filter out unwanted background noise, resulting in clear and intelligible audio.
When selecting a microphone array for a classroom setting, factors such as installation type, location, and backend interface should be considered. Ceiling-mounted microphone arrays are often a superior solution, thanks to their wider coverage and advanced beamforming technology, but other types of microphones may be suitable for certain classrooms.
To optimize the use of microphone arrays in a classroom setting, best practices such as using an in-line ducker in the DSP, paying attention to gain structure, and minimizing background noise using high-pass filters should be followed. By following these best practices, the use of microphone arrays can be optimized, resulting in improved audio quality and a more effective learning environment.
The use of microphone arrays in a classroom setting can greatly enhance the learning experience for both students and teachers. By providing wider coverage, reducing disruptions, and delivering high-quality audio, microphone arrays can ensure that everyone in the classroom can be heard clearly without the need for passing microphones around.
Meet Steven Pretzer
A skilled audio engineer and AV support tech at Fuqua School of Business. With a degree in Recording Industry Production and Technology and a minor in Mass Communication, Steven’s passion for audio began at an early age. After working as a freelance audio engineer in Nashville for several years, Steven moved to Chapel Hill in 2008 where he focused on playing bass in several bands and continued to do independent recordings from his home studio.
In 2017, Steven became a contractor at Fuqua through Duke temporary services and in 2019, he was hired in the position of AV support tech at Fuqua. As an AV support tech, Steven’s primary job is to support faculty, staff, and students regarding classroom technology. Utilizing his background in audio engineering, Steven has been able to focus on and improve communication in Fuqua classrooms.
In addition to his experience, Steven has received several Biamp certifications including Tesira Forte and Tesira Servers as well as Dante level 1. With his expertise in audio and classroom technology, Steven has been able to implement microphone arrays in Fuqua classrooms, greatly enhancing the learning experience for both students and teachers.
We’ve been discussing planning an AI based project for students this summer. One of the things we discussed was using AI to create a natural language interface to Duke’s knowledge base of technical information. As a test, I wanted to see what information already existed based on ChatGPT “scraping” the internet for public info.
I asked ChatGPT what media production services exist at Duke University.
The response provided several outdated and no longer accurate information. Duke Studios ceased operation in 2020, DDI no longer exists and Duke Photography also no longer operates.
We know that ChatGPT-3 is based on old information and is not connected to the internet so this was not unexpected.
I then thought to try to ask the same question to Bing. I’m not clear if Bing is using ChatGPT-4 and/or how the whole “connection to the internet” works, but I expected a better answer. Unfortunately, I got less of an answer and still outdated info.
The cool thing about Bing was that it provided sources of information leading me to believe it WAS connected to the internet. So why was the information still incorrect? Well, it kinda wasn’t. I clicked on the first link and found this page still exists on the internet:
The AI couldn’t understand that while the information is still there, there’s also a disclaimer saying the service is now closed. Pretty clearly indicates a limitation of the technology.
For our project, we’d like to be able to control the corpus of information that feeds the AI engine to make sure it is all accurate. It’s my thought that businesses would be more interested in using this type of interface against a specific set of data, that is perhaps secure, rather than adding it to all the data on the internet and hoping it finds the most accurate and up to date info. Stay tuned.
Welcome to today’s presentation! Here we have WolfVision Cynap Pro! This wireless presentation and collaboration system is available worldwide with an output resolution of up to 4K UHD. It has a Linux operating system and supports devices for wireless mirroring such as iOS, iPadOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Chrome OS and more.
Cynap Pro plays, displays, records and streams all commonly used media at the same time giving you unlimited choice of materials during presentations, lectures, and active learning classes. You can access your data easily via cloud, network drive or from mobile devices – even your laptop is no longer essential – you can simply bring your content on a USB stick.
It also lets you record all your multi-window multimedia content. Everything is captured in high definition and saved internally – perfect for use as part of your online educational program. The included Capture feature pack enables operation as capture agent for Panopto and other compatible video management platforms.
In common with other Cynap systems, the Cynap Pure Pro comes with 4K output resolution, up to 4 window on-screen display and free-of-charge firmware updates and remote management tools. Both customizable and prepared API modules are also available enabling easy room control system integration.
The DDMC had a great turn out for the in-person presentation of WolfVision Cynap Pro. The attendees were impressed by its features such as recording all multi-window multimedia content in high definition which can be saved internally for use in online educational programs.
We were joined by WolfVision’s Innovation and Product Managers Andreas Ganahl and Fabian Hirschauer for presentation of WolfVision solutions and sneak-peak at upcoming roadmap! They presented WolfVision solutions that are designed to enhance collaboration in meeting rooms, classrooms or lecture halls.
I would like to extend a big THANK YOU to the Multimedia Team at the Fuqua School of Business for their hospitality!
That’s it folks! Check out our Panopto recording for more details!
AV Meta Control is a centralized platform for controlling and monitoring AV devices across a campus. With this technology, IT administrators can easily manage and automate the control of all AV devices, including projectors, speakers, and displays, from a single location. The benefits of AV Meta Control on campus are many. Firstly, it allows for easier and faster setup of AV devices, resulting in a more streamlined and efficient process for instructors and staff. Additionally, it enables IT staff to troubleshoot issues with AV devices remotely, reducing the need for on-site support, and increasing uptime for classrooms and other spaces.
Another significant benefit of AV Meta Control on campus is the ability to gather data on how AV devices are being used across the campus. This information can be used to optimize the usage of these devices, as well as to identify areas where there may be a need for additional resources. With the use of AV Meta Control, IT administrators can create reports and analyze data on usage patterns, allowing for better planning and allocation of resources. This can result in cost savings for the institution, as well as an improved overall learning experience for students and staff. Overall, the implementation of AV Meta Control on campus can lead to a more efficient and effective use of AV resources, resulting in a better experience for all users.
For todays edition of the DDMC, Dr. Joe Way spoke about the benefits of AV Control and Meta Control that included easier and faster setup of AV devices, remote troubleshooting, and the gathering of data to optimize usage and identify areas for additional resources. It could lead to cost savings for the institution and an improved learning experience for students and staff by streamlining AV device management and creating more efficient resource allocation.
Check out our Panopto recording for more details!
With our team due for an upgrade to our video editing workstations, we decided to try out the new MacBook Pro and compare it to our current ~2019 iMacs. Individual specs on each tested computer are listed below:
MacBook Pro Premiere/Final Cut exports tested with
MacBook Pro with M2 Max Chip
Base CPU clock speed – 3.5 GHz
12-Core CPU
38-Core GPU
96GB Unified Memory
16-core Neural Engine
iMac Premiere exports tested with:
iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch 2019)
Processor – 3.6 GHz 8-Core Intel Core i9
Memory – 64GB 2667 MHz DDR4
Graphics – Radeon Pro 580X 8 GB
iMac Final Cut exports tested with:
iMac (Retina 5k< 27-inch, 2020)
Processor – 3.6 GHz 10-core Intel Core i9
Memory – 64GB 2667 MHz DDR4
Graphics – AMD Radeon Pro 5700 8 GB
Though the difference in RAM makes the comparison a bit apples and oranges, we found the overall performance to be a significant improvement above that caveat. Our primary evaluation criteria was through render times from both Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere Pro..
In each scenario, we exported the same 10-minute long 4K clip to a 1080p file with H.264 codec.
Project file is on an external hard drive
Exporting from FCPX to Desktop
MacBook – 3:23
iMac – 7:12
Exporting from Premiere to Hard Drive
MacBook – 1:31
iMac – 5:25
Project is on the network attached storage
Exporting from FCPX to Desktop
MacBook – 5:57
iMac – 7:12
Exporting from Premiere to NAS
MacBook – 2:10
iMac – 4:04
Taking a look at the Activity Monitor. We found the following difference in CPU/GPU performance while exporting from Premiere on network attached storage:
MacBook
CPU% average was around 145%
GPU% average was around 85%
iMac
CPU% average was around 190%
GPU% average was around 98%
Duke University is evaluating the new whiteboard feature offered by Zoom, and already recommending it to faculty members. I received great insight from DLI about the new feature, and the university is optimistic about its potential. The new feature includes templates that aim to recreate real-life use cases, such as project management and agile methodologies. The whiteboard feature offers an interesting step forward, however the implementation may work better with standalone PM tools. Duke University is also looking into creating custom templates that would be more suited to their specific needs.
The integration of the whiteboard feature with Canvas and LTI Pro is being closely monitored, as the university is in the process of migrating to Canvas. The integration is slightly more robust in Canvas and includes a new whiteboard tab. The university is also evaluating Padlet, a faculty-preferred teaching tool, as a complementary tool to the Zoom whiteboard. There is a wide variety of use cases for virtual bulletin boards, and research has already been published on the topic. With the great insight from Chris Lorch at DLI, Duke University is optimistic about the new whiteboard feature from Zoom.
AI Tools
In the world of audio and video production, having the right tools can make a huge difference in the quality and efficiency of your work. In this article, we will be discussing three powerful applications that can help you take your audio and video production to the next level: Fliki, Dall-E2, and Descript AI. Each of these tools offers unique features and capabilities that can be used to create high-quality content quickly and easily.
Stephen Toback, does caution the use of the tools in a responsible and safe way before unleashing the magic of what these tools will do, and not putting Duke at risk. He highlights that the tools require users to give some information to it, and it’s important not to put any data into any of these applications that Duke hasn’t approved as public data. He also advises users to create accounts on the sites with alternate IDs, not Duke email address, and not to use the same net ID password. Additionally, he mentions that these tools are changing rapidly and should not be built into critical business applications yet. He encourages users to join an ongoing conversation about the tools in a Microsoft teams chat (Staff AI).
David Stein presented several AI tools such as Fliki a text-to-audio application that allows users to create high-quality audio recordings with a wide range of voices and emotions. Dall-E2 is a powerful application that has a wide range of potential uses, including the ability to generate detailed prompts for video and audio production. Descript AI is a web-based, collaborative system for video and audio editing that includes built-in capture from Zoom, green screen function, and stock images, music, video and sound effects. Together, these tools make it possible to generate high-quality content quickly and efficiently, with the added bonus of using ChatGPT for script and dialogue generation.
For More Details Please Review our Recorded Discussion Here
