Panasonic PressIT Wireless Presentation System

 

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:

  • Easy to use: The PressIT system is very easy to use. Simply connect the transmitter to your computer and press the button to start presenting.
  • Flexible: The PressIT system is very flexible. You can present from anywhere in the room, and you can connect to four devices at the same time.
  • Reliable: The PressIT system is very reliable. It is less likely to experience interference or signal loss than traditional wired presentation systems.

There are many benefits to using the Panasonic PressIT Wireless Presentation System. These benefits include:

  • Increased productivity: The PressIT system can help you to increase your productivity by making it easier to set up and use your presentations.
  • Improved collaboration: The PressIT system can help you to improve collaboration by making it easy for multiple people to share content during a presentation.
  • Enhanced engagement: The PressIT system can help you to enhance engagement by making your presentations more interactive and engaging.

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.

What Is A Microphone Array?

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.

  • What is a microphone array, and how does it differ from traditional table microphones?

 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.

  • What are the benefits of using microphone arrays in a classroom setting?

 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.

  • How do microphone arrays improve the quality of audio in a classroom environment?

 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.

  • What are some of the challenges associated with implementing microphone arrays in a classroom, and how can they be addressed?

 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.

  • What factors should be considered when selecting a microphone array for a classroom setting?

 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.

  • How do microphone arrays improve the learning experience 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.

  • Why use ceiling mounted microphone arrays in a classroom?

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.

  • What are some best practices for using microphone arrays in a classroom setting?

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.

Wolfvision and The DDMC

 

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!

Zoom White Board

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.

 

Sony Electronics

Sony brought some of the industry’s leading technology to Duke for members of the Duke community to view, touch and explore at the Bryan Center Studios for a limited time.

The event was open to all faculty and staff at Duke University, Duke Health and members of the Durham community.

Electronics include:

  • Crystal C-Series LED Video Wall — Micro LED display and video wall that uses cutting-edge picture-processing technologies to allow you to create extraordinary, large-scale, “ultra-real” visual experiences with clarity, contrast, and color.
    • Follow this link to the start of the CLED Demo
  • Sony FX9 video camera – A full-frame 6K sensor camera with Fast Hybrid AF, Dual Base ISO, and S-Cinetone™ color science, produces cinematic picture quality.
  • PTZ and Remote Cameras – Built for any space, these cameras and accessories use advanced technologies for remote lectures, meetings and presentations and can integrate easily into most standard systems with simple installation.
  • NUCLeUS – A scalable digital imaging platform for hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers, it streamlines the management and distribution of video content – plus still images and patient data.

Access the entire video here: Sony DDMC

Wolfvision CYNAP Pro

App-free dongle-free screen sharing!

Connect and share your screen using the wireless technology that’s built into your own mobile device. Our wireless BYOD solutions suit all iOS, iPadOS, Android, Chrome OS, Windows and Mac devices – with full support for AirPlay, Chromecast, and Miracast screen mirroring.

Record your content

Cynap Pro 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.

Multi-platform web conferencing

Cynap Pro‘s multi-platform web conferencing solution runs directly on the device itself, and is designed to solve many of the issues most commonly experienced with BYOM web conferencing systems.

Complex multi-step setup, and bandwidth issues are eliminated, and Zoom, MS Teams or WebRTC-based wireless conferencing sessions are easily started and controlled, using a simple workflow, from a touchscreen, or any laptop, smartphone, or tablet.

Stream & record to mobile

Our unique vSolution App for iOS, iPadOS, Android, and Windows lets your audiences receive and record a live stream of presentation or lecture content from Cynap Pro onto their own smartphones and tablets.

Freedom to present

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.

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, or download it directly from the cloud!

Annotate over any open window

Add to your content material using our built-in annotation features – or note down your ideas using the digital whiteboard, and save the output of both for future use.

If you are looking for an all-in-one with only needing to add audio processing? The CYNAP line of products is a good way to go.

A New Kind of DDMC

Bryan Center Studio 1

We had great attendance for this DDMC meeting! Featuring a lineup of big hitters and an all-star cast in the gallery at Studio 1 made for a great event. A big thanks to everyone for your support!

Richard Mitchell made his return to the DDMC, wearing a well fitted Biamp Vest, to give us a rundown of the new Parle’ VCB2500 video bar that is shipping! He also provided overviews of Biamp’s new AV control product line, Video conference cameras, Devio conferencing, and an easy to use classroom designer. The Biamp product line does an excellent job of covering all of your educational technology needs.

Michael Greene and Chris Lorch from Duke Learning Innovation discussed the impact of digital learning technologies on the classroom and other learning environments and showed how active learning helps students think, create, discuss and solve problems rather than passively sitting in a class receiving information. They highlighted the use of whiteboarding to promote brainstorming and group work. Reducing the need for podiums, providing good sound and visuals, and promoting more instructor interaction with online students are all components that should be considered in this new landscape of HyFlex teaching at Duke University. DLI is Duke’s resource for faculty and staff to tap into the opportunities that hybrid teaching tools can provide.

John Ballinger and Tim Hunnicutt with Panasonic brought an impressive array of PTZ cameras, video switchers and auto-tracking technologies to studio 1. John spent some time featuring Panasonic’s auto-tracking, which uses high-performance motion detection and high-accuracy facial recognition. These features allow precise tracking of the subject with minimal tracking errors, regardless of the direction the person is facing, even when the lecturer has his/her back to the camera. In addition, since this function provides detection/tracking with streaming video from the camera, the video capture board typically needed for capture on a PC is no longer required. This reduces the processing load for video capture, thereby eliminating the need for a high-performance PC. I also want to note the new PressIT 360, an easy to use plug and play conferencing camera ideally suited for small collaboration spaces.

Finally, our own Stephen Toback presented a topic near and dear to his heart: How to build a 4k studio for under $4,000. Knowing that the Bryan Center Studios will not always be convenient or the right place to shoot your video, Stephen put together a concise list of features your 4k studio should have in order to be successful. Room size, shape, acoustics, and lighting should all be considered before purchasing cameras and microphones. Stephen’s 4k studio equipment list details everything you need to outfit a studio of your own.

 

For more detailed information, please check out our Panopto recording of this event.

 

Audio Engineering Society

The Audio Engineering Society Convention

AES New York 2022

What is three days in a crowded convention hall full of audio engineers like?

It’s a completely immersive experience!

Mic Placement

Abbey Road Studio 2

 

The theme of this years edition of the AES convention was clear. Immersive and spatial audio is going to be the wave that propels the future of audio industry.  The range classes covered the entire work flow of how to plan, set up, record, mix, binauralize and distribute audio for the masses. Middleware like Wwise, Dolby Atmos and game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine will give audio engineers the tools they need to transition their audio tracks from stereo to an immersive aural experience.

 

 

Some of the highlights of the show floor that will be of interest include a sit-stand ready made podcast table and Ultra Low Profile Adjustable Mic Boom from Forecast and  O.C.White Co.

Magewell Capture & Combine USB Fusion is a multi-input USB video capture devise with integrated sourse switching and layout control. Offering two HDMI inputs and one USB webcam input, USB fusion can switch between sources or combine two inputs simultaneously into one output (picture-in-picture or side-by-side) for capturing into popular software via its USB 3.0 interface.

Magewell

Magewell Fusion

The Klover Mik 09 parabolic microphone is by far one of my favorites of the show! Engineered for the modern videographer, the KLOVER MiK 09 parabolic microphone is known as our “shotgun killer.” Attach it to the camera’s shoe mount, mount it to a light pole, attach a pistol grip, or even hang it from the ceiling, for long-range audio that’s always ready. By far the most comprehensive and effective demonstration I have ever been apart of!

This mic rig deserves an award all by it self!

Mi Demo

KLOVER MiK 09

Over the years I found that going to gathering like this often reward us with information that you never knew you needed or simply not aware of. Conversations with peers lead to things you simply cannot live without.

Like Krisp’s AI-powered, bi-directional Noise Cancellation eliminates background noise from your microphone and your speaker.

krispWith Krisp toggled “on,” you can rest easy knowing that your voice—and your voice only—is heard clearly. But Krisp doesn’t stop there. Sounds on the other end of the line are identified and eliminated, so there are no distractions to break your focus during that important meeting.

For more information about these products and more.

Please contact me via Teams

Crestron

We had great turnout for our July 27th DDMC presentation with the kind folks at Crestron Electronics. Representatives Ryan Bernt and Greg Coddington showed up with a wealth of information. New and improved online and in person training, camera tracking, BYOD product updates, and cloud based control platforms.

 

Be sure to check out the recording for more details!

Crestron at the DDMC

Extron Electronics

Mark Bednarcik & Don Mitchell with Extron Electronics dropped into the DDMC and gave us a run down on some of the powerful tools that Extron has available for Collaboration spaces, Conference Rooms, and Lecture Halls. Also highlighting control and their new Virtual Control platform that will allow control of up to 50 rooms on one box.

Mark and Don pointed out the expansive online and in-person training that Extron offers. Worth checking out! Especially if your are in need of CTS or BICSI continuing education credits.

If you would like to review the meeting please follow this link to the DDMC Panopto to this video!