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.
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!
Descript, a new video and audio creation and editing tool, has been making waves recently on campus with its ability to generate a script file for your project, and allowing you to edit the video simply by making changes to the script. One of the more useful things you can do with this approach is to automate the elimination of awkward “um’s” and pauses, adjust the speed and pacing of your project, and tighten things up quickly in other ways to make your media more listenable.
Some of you might not know, however, that there is a similar approach for those who already use Camtasia. Like Descript, Techsmith’s Audiate utilizes cloud-based speech-to-text technology to generate a script for your audio project. And like Descript, the changes you can make in Audiate, which include many of the things you can do in Descript, get exported back to your audio file without your having to touch that file in a timeline based editor. While Audiate in itself is geared for podcasters, those who are working with video or screen animation can get the full package via Techsmith’s roundtrip integration between Camtasia and Audiate. One cool feature of this integration we wanted to point out is that if you are working with a screen animation where you are using a cursor, Camtasia/ Audiate animates the movement of the cursor between cut points so your viewers don’t see it randomly jumping around on the screen. See below for a demo of Camtasia/ Audiate in action.
Pricing for Audiate at first glance seems to be about the same for Descript, so if you are working with video and are not already a Camtasia user, it probably makes the most sense to use Descript. However, there are discounts available for the Camtasia/ Audiate package.
Since interest seems to be growing in these types of tools and workflows, we would love to hear from you if you’ve tried either of them, and would especially be interested to hear how you think Camtasia/ Audiate stacks up to Descript for your use cases.
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:
Access the entire video here: Sony 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.
AES New York 2022
What is three days in a crowded convention hall full of audio engineers like?
It’s a completely immersive experience!
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 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!
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.
With 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.
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